As a pioneer in the local niche market, Owner Sara Garris had the vision, talent and drive to be the first to bring luxury picnics, bell tents and Kata Tipis to the KC area. Her design background, editing eye and creative gift for making spaces beautiful have all contributed to the elevated look at her events.
Established in 2018, Wonder & Whimsy Events in Parkville provides an “authentic and memorable experience” to commercial and residential events with unique rental tents, furnishings and decor to provide visually stunning surroundings.
“It began with a Tipi,” Sara says. “I fell madly in love with the impressive Tipis when I first laid eyes on them, and I knew other people would love them too.”
As a one-woman show with help from family and friends, Sara saw a need for going beyond the typical rental options and services. “Being in the Midwest we always seem to get anything fun or new dead last. I’m here to change that.”
From backyard parties to large-scale events at Union Station and at the Nelson, Wonder & Whimsy Events brings the bling, the rustic charm or the boho chic to wedding proposals, date nights, graduation picnics, kids’ events, charitable fundraisers or corporate events. Their biggest trend is luxury picnics.
“Luxury picnics are receiving the most buzz over anything that we do,” Sara says. “It was a trend in 2020-21 and is still going strong.”
Prior to starting her business, Sara worked as a director for an interior design showroom and was the lead designer for Pottery Barn on the Plaza. She’s also a wife to her husband, Ron, and a mom to their two kids Arrow, 6, and Feather, 3.
“The three of them are the loves of my life,” Sara says. “As a stay-at-home-mom, my mission is to find a healthy work/life balance to ensure I have quality time with my family.”
Sara says the Covid pandemic was oddly a boost to business as she shifted from large events to smaller, intimate ones.
“I had to pivot quickly, and that’s when the luxury picnic and bell tent business was born. It was wildly successful and has sustained itself.”
As a small event planner/liaison for clients, Sara loves collaborating with other local businesses, especially Jami and Laura of Good Stuff China. “Together we design amazing tablescapes, and I couldn’t do it without them!” She adds that she is always open to event ideas or collaborations, and her dream client would be the family of Patrick Mahomes.
Because Sara makes events look effortlessly beautiful, people sometimes assume it’s easy.
“The setup literally takes us hours and is physically demanding, but the hard work is always worth it when our clients are thrilled,” she says. “I love watching the look of awe on people’s faces. It’s so fun and fulfilling knowing they get to enjoy their beautiful surroundings, even for a short time.”
A favorite event was their open-air Tipi at Union Station and setups on the lawn at the Nelson, including a luxury picnic collaboration for the upcoming annual ShuttleCork event, as well as tent donations to charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs.
The company offers multiple packages to work within a variety of budgets. They book several months in advance, so schedule early by contacting wonderandwhimsyevents.com.
“Wonder & Whimsy is timeless. Tipis and picnics have been around for centuries, and I don’t see them going anywhere anytime soon.” – Sara Garris, Founder, Wonder & Whimsy Events.
