Event Spotlight: AT&T Dolphin Tales Opening Reception

The Your Event Solution team celebrated the opening of Atlanta's newest attraction at the Georgia Aquarium.  The two-night event was attended by special guests in celebration of the opening of the AT&T Dolphin Tales.  Wednesday night's celebration was accompanied by Atlanta's top meeting planners who received a first glimpse of the new attraction.   Thursday's night reception was attended by 1200 VIP guests including Mayor Kasim Reed, major partners and clients,  and local area business professionals.  The ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted during the final night's celebration. 


“This is so unbelievable.  I’ve planned several events here and have never seen anything like this,” said a friend of the Georgia Aquarium family.   Another guest that I chatted with stated, “This is definitely more than I expected.”  The Y.E.S. team got creative and created eye-blowing decor and design that complimented the space.  And it worked!

The evening began as guests were guided by the blue carpet into the transformed Atrium.  Servers greeted guests with champagne on illuminated trays along the way. 

Guests entered into the neon illuminated space that had been transformed with pops of blue and orange decor. Flowing linens and sparkling orange curtains brought a lavish element to the space. 

Immediately grabbing the guests' attention was the ten feet custom created double sided bar with a flowing water wall where bartenders served the guests speciality beverages.

  

As appetizing scents filled the air, guests formed lines around the interactive pasta stations and buffets prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Pass h'orderves were also served on custom designed trays with a dancing dolphin figurine. 

The interactive stations were adorned with exquisite tropical floral arrangements that were fun and unique. 

Several buffet stations were positioned throughout the space to accommodate the guests flow. Surronding the stations, were statue dolphins designed by local artists that will later be placed around the city of Atlanta.  Miniature dolphin figurines were placed on the buffet stations, displaying the featured cuisines on menu cards.

After dinner, guests made their way into the theater to watch the much anticipated Dolphin Tales performance.  The show’s theatrical approach about Star Spinner’s journey to fight evil across the sea featured special effects and lighting. The stars of the show were no doubt the charismatic dolphins.  They entertained the guests with their personalities and hands-on interaction with talented professional trainers.  It was obvious by the standing ovation that everyone loved the show!

After the show, guests were guided out of the theater and towards the Oceans Ballroom.  As they entered through the doors, a dramatic design provided the guests with a pleasant surprise. The illuminated room featured tones of purple, lavender, white and silver with an abundance of glimmer, creating the perfect ambiance for the dessert reception.

The contemporary design included several unique features.  

The focal point of the room was the illuminated bar.  Over the bar hung a mirrored ball chandelier that reflected the light from around the room.   

Custom designed dessert stations were created between seventeen feet water tubes with dancing bubbles on an array of mutli-height columns featuring dolphin inspired desserts.  Another dessert station was placed on a table with a broken mirror top which complimented the mirror ball chandelier. 

Guests looking for a place to relax headed to the lounge style seating accessorized with custom designed pillows surrounding a statuesque lamp with hanging glass bubbles and sequins-like details.  Stylish white covered chairs accented the modern design.

A combination of estate tables with funky white bar stools and sleek decor completed the hip reception.  

The AT&T Dolphin Tales opened to the public on Saturday April 2, 2011.  To learn more, please visit here.