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Raise a Glass Cocktail Carriage LLC · Franklin, TN

Cocktail Carriage Brings the Bar to the Party

What if the bar wasn't just where you grabbed a drink, but one of the best parts of the party? That is exactly the idea behind Cocktail Carriage, a luxury mobile bartending service created by Matt Watson and Hannah Yaconis to bring elevated cocktails, beautiful bar setups, and genuine hospitality to celebrations throughout Middle Tennessee.

After years in the hospitality industry, the couple noticed something interesting. Hosts were putting enormous thought into their venues, florals, food, and decor, yet the bar was often treated as little more than a place to pour a drink. They saw an opportunity to turn it into something guests would actually notice, enjoy, and remember.

Cocktail Carriage combines custom mobile bars and carriage setups with professional bartenders, handcrafted cocktails, and menus designed specifically for each event. The result is a bar experience that feels less like an add-on and more like another carefully considered element of the celebration.

“What truly sets us apart is our relentless commitment to detail, aesthetic elegance, and flawless execution. When clients work with Cocktail Carriage, they aren't just hiring bartenders; they are bringing a polished, end-to-end luxury bar experience to their guests,” says Matt.

And yes, the drinks matter. Fresh-squeezed juices, artisanal syrups, and thoughtfully selected garnishes help create cocktails that feel worthy of the occasion. But the experience starts before the first pour. Cocktail Carriage works with clients to understand their tastes, favorite spirits, event style, and even the story they want their celebration to tell.

That might mean creating a signature cocktail for a bride and groom, designing a pair of "His & Hers" drinks, or building an entire mocktail menu for guests who prefer something alcohol-free. Custom printed bar menus and drink styling can also tie the experience into the larger event design.

In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all cocktail menu.

Hospitality is just as important. The team believes the best bartenders do more than make great drinks. They know how to read a room, keep the bar moving, stay organized, and make guests feel welcome. Because when the bar becomes the social hub of a party, the people behind it can set the tone for the entire evening.

“To us, exceptional service is the art of making every guest feel instantly welcomed, cared for, and valued. A great cocktail can start a conversation, but remarkable hospitality creates a core memory,” notes Hannah.

Cocktail Carriage is at home at just about any celebration. Weddings and engagement parties are a natural fit, especially because they allow the team to become part of such meaningful milestones. But they also love intimate dinner parties, milestone birthdays, corporate gatherings, community events, and celebrations with friends.

And now, the couple has another reason to appreciate the wedding world: They recently got engaged themselves. Experiencing the engagement process firsthand has given us an entirely new level of empathy and appreciation for our clients. Stepping into the shoes of a couple planning a major milestone deepens your understanding of just how meaningful every single vendor relationship is,” Matt notes.

As they look toward their own wedding and the future of Cocktail Carriage, they are excited about creating more celebrations that feel personal rather than cookie-cutter. Think elegant barn weddings, garden parties at private estates, rehearsal dinners under the stars, and sophisticated gatherings where every detail feels intentional.

They are also focused on building something special behind the scenes. When Watson and Yaconis onboard new bartenders, they emphasize teamwork and having one another's backs. Their goal is to create a team that speaks highly of each other even when no one else is listening and that treats clients and guests with the same sense of family.

That approach fits naturally into the Williamson County community they love. With its appreciation for entertaining, gathering, and supporting local businesses, Middle Tennessee provides plenty of opportunities for Cocktail Carriage to make an entrance.

“We hope Cocktail Carriage continues to bring a fresh level of refinement, craftsmanship, and joy to the local event scene, helping our neighbors celebrate their finest moments with unique style and genuine hospitality.”

Because sometimes the difference between a good party and an unforgettable one really does come down to what is happening behind the bar!

CocktailCarriageLLC.com

pull quote: “To us, exceptional service is the art of making every guest feel instantly welcomed, cared for, and valued. A great cocktail can start a conversation, but remarkable hospitality creates a core memory." Hannah Yaconis

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