2024 has been an incredible year for Imagine THAT Event Designs! It’s been my busiest year yet, filled with creative challenges, immersive designs, and meaningful client relationships. This year, I’ve grown both as a designer and a business owner, pushing my creative boundaries and delivering unforgettable experiences. To celebrate, I’m sharing my top five favorite event designs from this year and the lessons they’ve taught me along the way.
5. Giselle’s Enchanted Chapter 3 (A Beauty and the Beast 3rd Birthday)
For this enchanting celebration, I wanted to approach the Beauty and the Beast theme from a fresh perspective, focusing on an element that hasn’t been fully explored: Beast’s library. Beast was Giselle’s favorite character from the movie, so instead of recreating the library he gifted to Belle in the movie, I imagined and designed what his own private library might look like, blending a rich, storybook aesthetic with magical details.
Why It’s a Favorite:
• Standout Moment: Seeing so many people gather outside the party room to watch us set up was incredibly rewarding. The excitement and attention the setup generated showed us that we had created something truly special.
• Creative Details: I brought two of my favorite childhood elements of the movie into the design: the stained glass motif, which I loved as a kid, and the concept of Beast’s library, which I created entirely from my imagination. This unique approach gave the event a timeless yet personal feel.
Biggest Lesson: This event reinforced the importance of approaching popular themes from a fresh perspective. Finding a unique angle not only guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience for the client but also draws attention and admiration from everyone who sees it.
4. Kyrie’s Jurassic Journey to Three
This dinosaur-themed party was all about standing out from the crowd. Having done several dinosaur parties before, I knew I had to bring something fresh to the table. The giant rock arch entryway and bold, earthy color palette with pops of teal and orange made this event unforgettable.
Why It’s a Favorite:
• Unique Challenges: Limited setup time pushed me to design impactful decor pieces that were quick to assemble.
• Creative Twist: Blending traditional dinosaur elements with unexpected color schemes elevated the theme.
Biggest Lesson: Even with a familiar theme, there’s always a way to innovate and leave a lasting impression.
3. Alfonzo's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 5th Birthday
As a lifelong TMNT fan, this party was a nostalgic dream come true. I incorporated details like TGRI ooze canister drinks, graffiti-inspired backdrops, and a dessert area that celebrated the Turtles’ love of pizza and their New York roots.
Why It’s a Favorite:
• Personal Connection: My passion for the theme made every detail meaningful.
• Creative Breakthrough: Adding wall cutouts to the backdrop gave the design a dimensional, immersive feel I hadn’t tried before.
Biggest Lesson: When you’re truly connected to a theme, your enthusiasm shines through in the details, and the results speak for themselves.
2. Jacob’s Waterpark Party
What started as a request for water activities transformed into a full-fledged waterpark experience. From slip-and-slide Connect Four to a water balloon battleship, this party was all about creating unique attractions that delighted kids and adults alike.
Why It’s a Favorite:
• Immersive Fun: This wasn’t just a party—it was an unforgettable experience that guests called “once-in-a-lifetime.”
• Creative Freedom: The concept, design, and execution were 100% original, making it a standout project from this year.
Biggest Lesson: Pushing beyond traditional party themes to create something entirely new can elevate an event into a memory guests will cherish forever.
1. Harlow's Barnyard Company: Cowboy Carter Style 5th Birthday
This event was a colorful fusion of barnyard charm and playful easter vibes. With a pastel color palette inspired by the birthday girl’s love of “rainbow,” it blended immersive design with bold creativity. From a petting zoo to Easter egg hunts and cowboy hats, every detail made this party magical.
Why It’s a Favorite:
• Beyoncé Vibes: Inspired by the birthday girl’s love for Beyoncé (the end of B's renaissance and the beginning of act 2), I added disco balls and glamorous details to the rustic barnyard theme.
• Stunning Table Settings: The estate table with pastel checkered tablecloths, horse-shaped cups, and colorful details was one of my favorite designs of the year.
Biggest Lesson: Combining unexpected elements—like barnyard animals and Beyoncé aesthetics—can result in a design that’s as bold as it is memorable.
What 2024 Taught Me
Looking back on this year, I’m filled with gratitude for the trust my clients have placed in me. Many of these events started with nothing more than a vague idea, and my clients gave me the freedom to turn those ideas into fully immersive experiences. This year, I pushed myself to experiment with new layouts, bold designs, and creative services, all while maintaining the exceptional level of customer service my clients deserve.
Looking Ahead to 2025
In 2025, I’m excited to take my designs even further. With the introduction of my new service, Creative Canvas, I hope to make magical moments accessible to more families while continuing to push the boundaries of immersive event design. I can’t wait to see what new challenges and opportunities the year will bring!
Conclusion: A Heartfelt Thank You
As I reflect on 2024, one of the things I’m most grateful for is the incredible network of people who have supported Imagine THAT Event Designs every step of the way.
To my clients: thank you for trusting me with your most precious moments. Your faith in my ability to bring your visions to life, often with minimal input or guidance, means the world to me. Knowing that you show up to your events with full confidence in my creativity and execution is the highest compliment I could ever receive. I don’t take that trust lightly, and it’s the driving force behind everything I do.
To my vendors: you are the backbone of my success. From the balloon artists to the cake designers, to the prop makers and rental companies—you bring my wildest ideas to life with precision and perfection. Every custom request, no matter how ambitious, is met with enthusiasm and incredible talent. Thank you for making my visions a reality and for your partnership in creating magic for my clients.
To my team—my “Imagineers”: you are my second set of hands, my creative collaborators, and an extension of my vision. Your hard work, attention to detail, and ability to adapt under pressure make every event run smoothly and bring joy to every guest. I’m endlessly grateful for the energy, passion, and dedication you bring to each project. You’re not just helpers—you’re dream makers, and I couldn’t do this without you.
Finally, to my family, friends, and everyone cheering me on behind the scenes: thank you for your constant encouragement and support. This year has been the busiest and most challenging yet, and knowing I have your love and belief in me keeps me grounded and motivated.
Here’s to everyone who played a part in making 2024 such a milestone year for Imagine THAT Event Designs. I am beyond excited to see what magic we’ll create together in 2025!
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