It was such an honor and a joy to design the Zoofari Fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Zoo.  This spectacular event is for the Zoo’s main donors and was also celebrating their 60th Anniversary.  When the Zoo team approached me with the 2023 theme, “Sparkle and Shine,” I immediately knew we needed to design a glamorous, disco-filled night.  With 2,003 disco balls used in the design (from large ones over the dance floor to miniature ones at each place setting), the entire hilltop at the Santa Barbara Zoo sparkled in the sunlight and after the sun went down.

 

Contortionists and Dancers greeted the guests as they enjoyed glitter-infused signature cocktails from Rincon Catering.  After the auction and cocktail hour, guests were transported to the sparkle-filled hilltop through a black velvet  tunnel, featuring twinkle lights, hanging crystal, and miniature disco balls.

Once inside, the guests were greeted with a dazzling dance floor installation featuring oversized disco balls, tear-shaped disco balls, and tropical foliage.  We brought in full-sized pepper trees so that the lawn felt more intimate.  The lower lounge area near the bar was also such a fun design moment – guests entered between two large giraffe silhouettes to see an oversized bar with plush black and white furniture and disco accents. Collective Music Entertainment kept the guests on the dance floor (and the costumes worn by guests were so sparkly and fun!).

To all who attended Zoofari, thank you for being a part of this extraordinary evening. Your presence and support made a significant impact, and I am grateful for the love and generosity you shared.

Shop the decor on my Amazon Page: Metallic & Disco Decor

 

 

Planning, Design, & Florals: Tyler Speier Events, @tylerspeier

Venue: Santa Barbara Zoo, @santabarbarazoo

Photography: James and Jess, @jamesandjess

Rentals: The Tent Merchant, @thetentmerchant

Lighting & Draping: Bella Vista Designs, @bellavistadesigns

Catering: Events by Rincon, @eventsbyrincon

Olive Tree Installations: Jackson Shrub Supply, @jackson_shrub

Performers: Katelyn Carano, KitCat Presents, @kitcat_presents