Courtney SmithDuring the holiday season there are so many reasons to get dressed up in your festive gear. There are office parties, family gatherings and local events throughout the MOV. You may have read one of our previous articles or mentions of the Sparkly Ladies Night in Marietta, Ohio – but this year holds a few surprises for this year’s attendees, both rookies and veterans.
Nikki Butler of Nikki Butler Designs is known for putting on this epic party and has decided to pass the torch this year to the Hot Tomato Pin-up Academy. In previous years, Hot Tomato has been a sponsor for the party. It was this summer when they were taking Nikki’s headshots that a special opportunity would present itself.
Nikki Butler wearing a dress from Teri Ann’s.
I was able to chat with Andi Roberts of Hot Tomato about what this “opportunity” entailed.
“When Nikki stopped in for a headshot this summer naturally I asked her about her plans for 2016. She then said she was wondering if we would like to take it over. Honestly, I almost fainted. I mean the Sparkly Ladies Party is such a well done event, I panicked. Those were some pretty big sparkly shoes to fill! Nikki was ready to pass the torch because she has been extra busy around holidays. It is our busy season too, but it just seemed like such a natural fit for us. We throw a lot of small events and we had been tossing around some ideas for a bigger party. Once I got Nikki to agree to stay on as the Mistress of Ceremonies it seemed like we couldn’t go wrong.”
With what seemed like a big task at hand, it was clear that Hot Tomato needed and wanted something fun and festive. The party was typically held at Austyn’s but this year there’s a new venue in store. Over the years the party has grown so much and it was time to expand. This year the party is going to take place at River Town Grill on Tiber Way in Marietta. “The 20’s are just about to come back around – so we went with a speakeasy theme! The space really lends itself to a glamorous, secret hideout kind of feel. The building was built in the 1900’s so it has a very authentic feel. There will be more room and easier access to the bar, which of course is very important! We are bringing back the same DJ as last year, Boogie Shoes Productions. Oh yes! There will still be the fabulous swagg bags for everyone in attendance as well as a drawings for some really great prizes!
Jesse Hyde of Hot Tomato rockin’ her 20’s look.
Andi really enjoys orchestrating fun environments for women to relax and have fun in. “It’s like building a huge photo set for me. I love the design, gathering props and collaborating with other women to pull it all off. Gathering several women with amazing talents and allowing them to use their talents to their best ability always results in something amazing.”
During this event the attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, sweets, dance party, door prizes all with a prohibition era/speakeasy twist! Wear the fashions of the roaring 20’s or your best sparkly outfit!
“We are already planning for 2018. We would like to hear from the women attending the party what they would like to see happen with the Sparkly Ladies Night. One thing we love about Hot Tomato is that we aren’t just a portrait studio, but a community of women that love and support one another. We hope the Sparkly Ladies Night is the same way.”
If you want to attend this year’s Sparkly Ladies Night on Saturday, December 3rd you can purchase tickets online for $40.00 at www.hottomatopinupacademy or find Sparkly Ladies Night on Facebook! Tickets are extremely limited and have sold out the past two years. Must be 21 or over to attend and doors open at 8:00 p.m.
Hope to see you there!