4 minute read
RUN OF THE ROSES BY EDITH DUARTE
Run of the Roses
• Hosted by Edith Duarte & Allison Mathers • Event Venue: Honaker House, (Farmersville, TX) • Event Photography: Abby Leary Photography
The day was cloudy and humid, the smell of fresh rain lingered in the air. I arrived at Honaker House about an hour early; already wearing my party dress, pink heels, and Texas-sized hair. When I walked around the corner, I gasped. Sitting regally before me was a large tent with floating white drapes and a table fit for a King decorated with white linen tablecloths and vintage Lenox dish ware. The sheer white curtains created an elegant floating prop that would later be used over and over again by our event photographer, Abby.
Maggie Brown, the florist and founder of Flora and Vine, had already began setting out her stunningly lush garden centerpieces that seemed to levitate over the tables. Each piece showcased the seasons prettiest white roses, eucalyptus leaves, and even a few pink ranunculus! Working nearby was Emilia; perfecting the most amazing circle display of pink, white, and gold balloons. She even added two large balloons in the shape of horses!
As I made my way into the kitchen to check on the food, I was greeted by Allison, my friend, client, and owner of the gorgeous venue, Honaker House. If you have not yet made your way to Farmersville, TX you’re missing out: This small town may appear quaint but it is already set to be one of fasted growing communities just outside of the Dallas metroplex. To know Farmersville is to love it; its welcoming downtown and historic homes is one of the many charms that make this place so special.
Photo by @abbyleary_photography
Derby Party 2021 (Honaker House)
Photo by @abbyleary_photography • Florals by @flora.and.vine
THE GARDEN PARTY OF THE SEASON
Honaker House is a gem and every guest can attest to its elegance and vintage beauty; made only more special by the loving care of its owners (and party-host-extraordinaries), Allison and Dwayne.
With its delicate frosting design in blush tones (made by the talented Ruthi Hutson) was sitting on the counter waiting to be admired. It was a white cake with a layer of strawberry and buttercream frosting inside which made it as tasty as it was lovely! The food boxes—containing traditional southern-style vegan sliders and brown bites inspired by Reese Witherspoon—were lovingly prepared by Elle, ELLA supporter and owner of McKinney-based Vegan Chick Bakery; her vegan cuisine is truly amazing and don’t get me started on her vegan strawberry cupcakes!
The truth is that many, many, MANY, women collaborated on the creation of our inaugural 2021 event that nearly did not happen!
Derby Party 2021 (Honaker House)
Photo by @abbyleary_photography • Florals by @flora.and.vine
Derby Party 2021 (Honaker House)
Photo by @abbyleary_photography • Florals by @flora.and.vine
Derby Party 2021 (Honaker House)
Photo by @abbyleary_photography • Florals by @flora.and.vine
Derby Party 2021 (Honaker House)
Photo by @abbyleary_photography • Florals by @flora.and.vine
We wanted to host an event that would entertain our guests but keep them safe: this meant an all outdoors event! With the announcement that all Texans would be eligible for a vaccine around the time of our event, we forged ahead and kept our plans in place. And are we ever happy that we did! While the heavy clouds threatened to rain on our parade, quite literally, we forged ahead with bated breaths. In time we would discover mother nature’s threats of rain were empty.
As final preparations were completed, drinks were mixed, and Frank Sinatra was called upon to croon his top hits over the speaker. I slipped on my high heels, it was time for our party to begin!
My husband was kind enough to handle check-ins; he even helped the women with their fascinators. Every struggle and every bump along the way was quickly forgotten as another guest came around the corner and gasped at the setup; just as I had done not one hour earlier.
We played games, explored the garden, sipped Mint Juleps, took selfies, and enjoyed the company of other humans in cute hats. For an afternoon, no one spoke of viruses infection rates, or vaccines. The past fourteen months of quarantine were forgotten as a couple of southern bells sipped mint juleps under the silver Texas clouds. And while we were not in Kentucky, our own run of the roses was underway.
Derby Party 2021 (Honaker House)
Photo by @abbyleary_photography • Florals by @flora.and.vine
Cake by @ruthihutsoncakes
Photo by @abbyleary_photography
About Edith
Edith Duarte is Founder & CEO of ELLA CREATIVE MEDIA, LLC and editor-in-chief of ELLA Inspires Magazine. The ELLA brand (and events like this one) focus on elevating female interests and entrepreneurship. The event was co-hosted by Allison Mathers and held at her BnB, Honaker House.
www.edithduarte.com | www.ellainspires.com
