From the bottom and top of my heart I want to thank each and every one of these ladies for being apart of the Harvest Feast. It was such a perfect night, an evening one could only dream of. I left there in pure bliss, unsure of if I just walked out of a day dream, because that couldn’t have been reality. The amount of raw emotion, pure community and utmost vulnerability overwhelmed me. This was the whole reason I wanted to host the event, this was the passion and driving force behind it all. I firmly believe that there is always time to rest, no matter how busy. Let it be cherished and sought after! We seem to be so busy with our lives, blogging, business’ and networking it’s hard to find these face to face times, and it needs to happen more!
Thankful. Thankful for a foundation of trust, community, leadership, guidance, perseverance and the love that embodied that Saturday night. The women who attended, the dreams that were dreamt and the goals that were set.
One evening I thought to myself, what brings me joy? Community. Getting to know people. Experiencing life together. This is how I chose to continue and build off leading and living a joy filled life.
The Harvest Feast has been a dream of mine that I didn’t think was attainable. I was nervous, I was a bit lost and frankly, I was scared. What if I do all this work, time in to contacting companies and they all say no, or it doesn’t work out, or no one wants to come. Stop it, I told myself. I want to do this, I need to do this and I am going to do this. And as I reached out, I found myself empowered with the encouragement and guidance from companies, partnerships, and many boss ladies out there, Saturday, October 7th, came.
We laughed, tears fell, and we dug deep into each other’s roots and grew so much closer because of it. I am BEYOND proud to say that this is just the beginning. Evenings like that need to happen more. I would be honoured to explore and conquer this journey of bringing the women we so often see on social media, up on the stage at events, and selling their pride and joy in their product at markets, together. To rest in community, be vulnerable in our fears and discomforts, and be strengthened in joy and love.
I could try for hours to put in to detail of how the evening went, what the vibe and overall feel in the room was, but I wouldn’t be able to bring it justice. How GOOD it felt to just rest and be with each other. To let all the walls of ‘looking our best’ and ‘best version of us’ in front of everyone, down, and to simply just BE. As the evening went on, I discovered that there were all sorts of women gathered at the table. There were Entrepreneurs, Mothers, Hikers, Artists, Photographers, Writers, Bakers, and so many more amazing qualities to discover, that you would never have stumbled upon if you hadn’t taken the time to sit and just be with each other. Face to face and heart on our sleeves. There was an overwhelming sense of comfort that embodied and surrounded the room that evening, whispering, it’s okay to share, it’s okay to let them in, it’s okay to feel sadness and joy. It’s okay.
“Eucharisteo: Thanksgiving, to be thankful. ⠀
I opened the door to the Secret Garden and my eyes were placed upon a setting that was delicately set up with love and passion. A passion for a night where women could gather together intimately and share our hearts. We were created for connection. That longing that you feel was put there on purpose. It was placed just as delicately, passionately and purposeful like that table before us. I didn’t want it to end. My soul thirsts for truer, deep-rooted connection. Sharing our hearts and our dreams, our struggles, and fears. How can we shift our priorities to ones that matter most without being deceived by the things that don’t? To be thankful right where we are but also with a vision of moving forward? ⠀
Refinement. Sanctification. This continuing of being molded by the potter’s hand and being thankful for the process. Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do, let go of my own fears. Let God blow His wind, His trails, oxygen for joy’s fire. Leave the hand open and be. Be at peace. Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whispers surprised thanks.“⠀- Shannon – Adventurous Mama
Here’s to the first annual Harvest Feast and the many more that are to come!
VENDOR/SHOP LIST
Styled & Curated – Stumbling Grace Blog
Photographer : Tallya D Photography
Decor
Autumn wispy wreath – Bloom Bloom Room
Letter Board – Letter Peddler
The Flores Towel/Blanket – Tofino Towel
Window Pane, Chalkboard, China Plates, Golden Frame – Stumbling Grace
Floral décor on golden frame – Vintage Meadows
Chalkboard lettering & Window Pane lettering – Hand Lettered by Bev
Decor & Furniture – Jubilee Collection
Dessert Table, Silver Platters, Copper stand, Copper Chandelier , Menu stand, Large gold chalkboard stand , Rugs , Tea light candle holders , Glass Terrariums (on dessert table)
HYGGE Wooden Cut – Paper Heart Calligraphy
Sweet
Salted Caramel Popcorn & Pretzels – Batch Sweets
Macaroon’s & Cake Pops – Cakes’nSweets
Earl Grey/Lavender Cookie & Blueberry Scone – Crème de la Crumb
Savoury
Mennonite Sausage Ring, Kolbassa Sausage Ring, Capicolla Toppers, Cervelat Toppers, Original Pepperoni Bites, Festive Ham – Grimm’s Fine Foods
Maple Smoked Indian Candy Salmon , Beef Jerky , Smoked Salmon Lox – West Coast Salmon
Bread & Dips – A Bread Affair
Sweetheart Loaf , Three’s Company Loaf , Marquee Loaf , Sourdough , Baguettes, Roasted Carrot Dip , Beet Dip , Cranberry & Pecan Dip, Chocolate Croissants
Sip
Fortunello & Oat Porter – Four Winds Brewery
Growlers of Cream Ale & Sour Weisse, MB glasses – Mariner Brewing
Homemade Apple Cider – Stumbling Grace
Table Setting
Invitations, Name Cards, Menus – AylaPena Calligraphy
Table Greenery & Greenery on dessert table – Maple Ridge Florist
Candles – Wood Lot
Live Edge Wooden Table – Gilbert Built (Jubilee Collection) Instagram : @gilbertbuilt
Stop Buggin’ Spray – K’Pure
Lavender Bouquets & Gather Tags – Grow & Gather Farms
Table Settings & Decor – Pretty Things Rentals
Wine Glasses , Moscow Mules , White Cloth Napkins , Curtain Backdrop , Eggplant Table Runner, Golden Candle Stick holders, String lights
Wooden cutlery – Joonie&Joe
Takeaway
Pumpkin spice cookie jars – Jars by Jodi
Woodlot Soap Bars – Wood Lot
If you yourself are looking to put together your own event or even would like to partner together in making something magical come together please send me a message, I would LOVE to create a unique space with you! Let’s chat! You can find my contact information above ^^
GUESTS
Cassandra – Stumbling Grace Blog
Chalie – GOLDNgrasses
Diana – Happy Bees Events
Jen – Little Sprout Creations
Kayla – The Jubilee Collection
Natalia – The Venture Creative
Samantha Lenz – Oh Samantha! Blog
Shannon – Shannon Lee Blog
Tallya – Tallya D Photography
If there was anything that was used in this party you fancy and would like to inquire for yourself, I have listed all the links you will need to find the local and creative community that poured in to this event.
Cheers loves! and here’s to many more.
XOX – Cass
Stumbling Grace 