Stepping Into a Secret Garden: My First WIPA Boston Event at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston, Massachusetts

thewanderingpour
Jun 17
4 min read

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of attending and contributing to my very first Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) Boston event, and let me just say, it was everything to me. Hosted at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Boston, the Q2 meeting felt like we were transported into a secret garden tucked right in the heart of the city.

As a proud owner of a Massachusetts mobile bar, I’ve worked with a lot of incredible planners and event professionals, but this experience was one for the books. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was humming with energy. Lantern lights twinkled above us, suspended between lush greenery and dreamy blooms. It was as if Boston itself decided to take a break and let us all breathe in something beautiful for a few hours.

The creative vision behind the event? That was all Marissa Pedone Events, and wow, did she show up for this one. Every detail was thoughtfully layered, from the soft, romantic lighting to the perfectly styled tablescapes. Speaking of which, nothing captures my attention faster than a big, bold floral installation with unique blooms perfectly positioned right into the middle of a table. I’m not even going to pretend I played it cool, I stared. A lot. And I loved every second of it.

Behind the bar, my team held it down like absolute pros. We served up two signature cocktails (both available as mocktails!) that were crafted to reflect the playful, garden-party vibe of the evening. Guests sipped and mingled, and it was so fun to watch the drinks become part of the experience, whether people were just coming in to the event or heading straight to the dance floor at the after party. As always, we brought a little sparkle and a lot of heart, which is exactly what we do best at The Wandering Pour.

One of the absolute highlights for me was meeting Sweet Talk Florals. I’ve been following her Instagram forever, so finally seeing her work in real life (and getting to meet her!) was a total fangirl moment. Her floral installations were whimsical, wild, and just the right amount of enchanting, like stepping into a real-life fairytale.

The Mandarin Oriental’s food and presentation? Just as delicious as it was beautiful. Every bite felt like a culinary work of art, and it perfectly complemented the elegance of the evening. And let’s talk about those intricate escort cards and place settings, they were a dream. So much thought went into the details, and they truly elevated the entire experience. (I wish I had remembered to take mine!)

We were also lucky enough to have the incredibly talented Lauren Killian and StopGoLove there to capture every moment. Having one of Boston’s top photography and videography teams on-site meant that not a single magical detail went unnoticed. I love reliving it all through their lens.

As a Massachusetts event bartender, I’m constantly on the move, shaking up signature cocktails, setting up tap towers, and making sure guests are having the best time. So being able to pause, connect, and just be with fellow creatives was really special. The room was filled with planners, florists, caterers, DJs, bar owners, photographers, you name it. We were all there with one goal in mind: to grow, connect, and support each other.

We even got expert insight from Kunbi, Esquire, who shared incredibly valuable advice on how to legally protect ourselves as wedding pros. It was equal parts empowering and eye-opening. Her session sparked some great conversations and reminded us all how important it is to build strong, protected businesses in this ever-changing industry.

Everyone I met was so welcoming, generous with their knowledge, and genuinely excited to be there. You could feel the passion in the air, like everyone had finally found a pocket of space where we could all exhale and say, “Yep. These are my people.”

And just when we thought the night couldn't get any better, King of Hearts Entertainment took over the afterparty and let me tell you, they lit it up. The energy they brought was next-level. The dance floor stayed packed, the vibes were high, and it was the perfect way to end such a heartfelt and inspiring evening. Absolute pros.

As both an attendee and a contributor to the bar experience, I’m already counting down the days to the next WIPA Boston gathering. Events like these are what fuel the heart of this industry. They remind us why we do what we do because creating unforgettable experiences is more than a job. It’s a calling. Whether it’s a Boston wedding, a Cape Cod rehearsal dinner, or a corporate event in Rhode Island, we’re here to make moments feel effortless, elevated, and entirely unforgettable. The Wandering Pour is proud to be a part of the incredible event community in New England and we’ll definitely be back for more WIPA magic.

If you’re planning your next celebration and looking for a mobile bar in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, we’d love to bring the experience to you, complete with signature cocktails, professional bartenders, and beautifully designed bar rentals that tie right into your aesthetic.

For now all I can say is until next time, WIPA! You absolutely blew me away!