It’s a weekend fit for royalty as one of the world’s most admired flower designers, Shane Connolly, joins with Australia’s foremost party and event planner Bruce Keebaugh for Stylish Celebrations, a weekend at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers from 10-12 August. Guests will hear from the experts as they showcase how grand life can be when lived to the fullest with beauty, style and above all, fun.
London-based Shane Connolly’s international reputation has taken him all over Europe and as far afield as USA, South Africa and India. In the UK, he’s decorated some of the country’s most prestigious venues for an eclectic and impressive range of private and corporate clients. Two of his most valued clients include London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and The Royal Academy of Arts.
Royalty took notice of Shane’s extraordinaire style in 2005, when he was honoured to be asked by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall to design the flowers, including her bouquet, for her marriage to HRH the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
In 2011, Shane was appointed artistic director for the wedding of TRH’s The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The incredible trees that lined the centre aisle of Westminster Abbey are a tribute to the natural genius of his creations.
Considering this royal repertoire, it is unsurprising that Shane’s client list has been described by UK Harpers & Queen’s magazine as “enviable”.
Closer to home, Australia’s Bruce Keebaugh’s client list for The Big Group is equally impressive in its international reaches. From Capri to Buenos Aires, Jaipur to Melbourne, The Big Group have distinguished their creative vision with an exceptional passion for exceeding expectations. Currently working extensively in the Middle East, The Big Group have become the hospitality agency of choice for the Royal Families of the United Arabs Emirates, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. “Happiness hunters” and “hospitalitarians extraordinaire” are certainly more apt descriptors for their craft and delivery than “caterers”.
Whether seeking inspiration for a celebration that marks one of life’s greatest moments, or simply looking for ways to add a touch of pizazz to everyday life, Stylish Celebrations’ weekend attendees are sure to find inspiration from Shane and Bruce’s combined talent and creativity.
Guests will be welcomed with cocktails and a relaxed dinner on Friday before an itinerary of inspired learning on Saturday.
On Saturday morning, Shane will host a two-hour floral design workshop, working with foraged flowers and greenery from around Hawke’s Bay and the Farm. This is an opportunity for guests to gain insight to the methods behind his organic and unpretentious style, which has been widely heralded for its elegance and originality.
A casual lunch follows, at which Shane and Bruce will share anecdotes of memorable events and the incredible experiences that have become part and parcel of their craft.
The afternoon shifts to all things party, as Bruce Keebaugh shares insights of the attention to detail and creativity behind some of the world’s most elaborate celebrations. From milestone birthdays to destination weddings, Bruce has done it all in some of the world’s most exclusive locations— though he’s not lost any of his humour and humility in the process, still referring to himself himself as a “sandwich maker” in tribute to his catering origins.
Saturday evening will be a night to remember, as The Farm at Cape Kidnappers dining loggia sets the backdrop for Shane’s floral designs and the fabulous cuisine of lodge chef James Honore’s tasting menu, matched to fine wines.
In addition to a unique opportunity to learn from two world experts, the weekend promises fine wine, food, and fun. Guests can also enjoy the lodge’s many leisure pursuits, including choosing either a day of unlimited green fees or a complimentary 50-minute spa treatment at the Spa at Cape Kidnappers.
Stylish Celebrations Weekend with Shane Connolly and Bruce Keebaugh weekend tariffs:
The Event Series weekends are available at special event rates offering great value and fun.
Event tariff for the Stylish Celebration Dinner is NZ$2550 + GST per person, based on double occupancy and includes:
Closer to home, Australia’s Bruce Keebaugh’s client list for The Big Group is equally impressive in its international reaches. From Capri to Buenos Aires, Jaipur to Melbourne, The Big Group have distinguished their creative vision with an exceptional passion for exceeding expectations. Currently working extensively in the Middle East, The Big Group have become the hospitality agency of choice for the Royal Families of the United Arabs Emirates, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. “Happiness hunters” and “hospitalitarians extraordinaire” are certainly more apt descriptors for their craft and delivery than “caterers”.
Whether seeking inspiration for a celebration that marks one of life’s greatest moments, or simply looking for ways to add a touch of pizazz to everyday life, Stylish Celebrations’ weekend attendees are sure to find inspiration from Shane and Bruce’s combined talent and creativity.
Guests will be welcomed with cocktails and a relaxed dinner on Friday before an itinerary of inspired learning on Saturday.
On Saturday morning, Shane will host a two-hour floral design workshop, working with foraged flowers and greenery from around Hawke’s Bay and the Farm. This is an opportunity for guests to gain insight to the methods behind his organic and unpretentious style, which has been widely heralded for its elegance and originality.
A casual lunch follows, at which Shane and Bruce will share anecdotes of memorable events and the incredible experiences that have become part and parcel of their craft.
The afternoon shifts to all things party, as Bruce Keebaugh shares insights of the attention to detail and creativity behind some of the world’s most elaborate celebrations. From milestone birthdays to destination weddings, Bruce has done it all in some of the world’s most exclusive locations— though he’s not lost any of his humour and humility in the process, still referring to himself himself as a “sandwich maker” in tribute to his catering origins.
Saturday evening will be a night to remember, as The Farm at Cape Kidnappers dining loggia sets the backdrop for Shane’s floral designs and the fabulous cuisine of lodge chef James Honore’s tasting menu, matched to fine wines.
In addition to a unique opportunity to learn from two world experts, the weekend promises fine wine, food, and fun. Guests can also enjoy the lodge’s many leisure pursuits, including choosing either a day of unlimited green fees or a complimentary 50-minute spa treatment at the Spa at Cape Kidnappers.
Stylish Celebrations Weekend with Shane Connolly and Bruce Keebaugh weekend tariffs:
The Event Series weekends are available at special event rates offering great value and fun.
Event tariff for the Stylish Celebration Dinner is NZ$2550 + GST per person, based on double occupancy and includes:
- Two nights’ suite accommodation at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
- Friday night welcome cocktail featuring a welcome by the weekend hosts Shane and Bruce
- Pre-dinner drinks and canapes, full daily breakfast and complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar
- A la carte gourmet dinner on Friday
- Floral design workshop on Saturday morning by Shane Connolly
- Party and events masterclass presentation/discussion by The Big Group’s Bruce Keebaugh
- Tasting menu dinner on Saturday night, with floral designs by Shane Connolly and wines to match
- Guest’s choice of a day of unlimited green fees or a 50-minute spa treatment per person per stay
You might also like
-
Cruise
Forbes Travel Guide to rate river cruises
-
Research
Abundance of booking systems are hurting agency operations
-
Hotels & Resorts, Ski
Rosewood sets sights on French Alps
-
Tours
A “Tea, Sea & Safari” journey in Sri Lanka
-
Hotels & Resorts
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli starts taking bookings
-
Cruise
New cruise operator Pearl Expeditions’ launches website
