AK Events: Auntie Approved Vendor Spotlight — Banners by Tacia ✨

Some trends make you pause at first.

Paper bags? As signage?

Sure. Okay.

But then you see it done right — and suddenly it’s not just a trend. It’s an aesthetic.

For March, I’m highlighting one of the newer creatives on the scene who is absolutely worth watching: Banners by Tacia.

Where It Started

Tacia married a friend from school, so I was already aware of her. As I started seeing her banners pop up — especially with this growing minimalist, textured trend — I knew she was someone I needed to connect with.

Once I saw her mock-ups compared to the final product? Sold.

What Stood Out Immediately

She can post a mock-up… and the finished banner looks exactly the same.

The attention to detail is honestly bonkers.

In event planning, consistency matters. When you’re promising clients a look or feel, you need vendors who execute with precision — and she does.

What Makes Her Work Different

These aren’t generic print-and-go signs.

Tacia creates custom hand-painted banners for:

• Showers

• Bachelorette parties

• Grad parties

• Holidays

• Corporate events

• Fundraisers

• And everything in between

Her work brings personality and warmth. Even at corporate events, her signage adds humanity.

I hired her to create a space at a benefit where attendees could write words of encouragement — and it completely transformed the room. I also brought her in for our Chamber awards dinner, and it added just the right amount of character to accent everything else we had going on.

That’s the power of thoughtful signage.

The Process (Because Details Matter)

Working with Tacia is simple and clear — which I appreciate as a planner.

When you reach out, she’ll ask for:

• Size

• Date needed

• Name or saying

• Colors / theme

• Inspiration photos

From there, she draws up multiple mock-ups to choose from, and you can tweak anything before finalizing.

Payment is requested at order confirmation. She offers local pick-up and can ship if needed.

It’s organized. It’s professional. It’s stress-free.

Auntie Real Talk

Signage isn’t just decoration — it sets the tone.

It’s often the first thing guests see. It greets them before you do. It signals what kind of experience they’re about to have.

Why do I trust her to execute when the pressure is on?

Why wouldn’t I? She’s a mom to two little girls, married to someone I’ve known for years — she can absolutely handle anything thrown at her. And she does it with precision and care.

If you’re hesitant because it feels “trendy,” here’s what I’ll say:

Tacia provides affordable, on-trend product that elevates your event without blowing your budget.

And my clients? The fun ones? They LOVE this kind of detail.

Elegant simplicity. Personal touch. Thoughtful execution.

Officially Auntie Approved.

Where to Find Her

📍 Located in Roberts, WI

📦 Shipping available

💌 Instagram: @banners.by.tacia

💵 Payment due at confirmation

Custom sizes starting at:

• Mini (2.5’ x 2.5’) – $35

• 3x5 – $45

• 3x6 – $55

• Detailed borders & rush options available

AK Events: Auntie Approved Vendor Spotlight — Blooms for Happiness

Some vendors are talented. Some vendors are reliable. And then there are vendors who put their entire heart into what they do.

For February — and for Valentine’s season especially — I’m highlighting a florist who truly lives up to her name: Blooms for Happiness.

Where It Started

I first connected with Tiffany, owner of Blooms for Happiness, while searching for local florals for a gala. She happened to share a familiar name with a family friend, which instantly built trust — but it didn’t take long for her work to fully earn it.

Tiffany has an incredible ability to take an event’s theme, color palette, or vision and turn it into stunning, thoughtful arrangements. Truly — there is nothing she can’t do. If you’ve ever scrolled her Facebook albums, you know exactly what I mean.

What Clients Don’t Always See

Florals are one of those things people admire, but rarely see behind the scenes. And after assisting with Mother’s Day deliveries, I gained a whole new level of respect.

Tiffany is in her shop at 3:00 a.m., arranging florals with care and intention. Her husband is right there with her, helping plan delivery routes and making sure every arrangement arrives exactly where it needs to be. Her whole heart goes into each piece.

This isn’t just a job for her — it’s her passion. She is, quite literally, forever your flower girl.

Handling Emotion With Care

Florals are often tied to the most emotional moments in people’s lives — joyful ones, stressful ones, and deeply meaningful ones.

I’ve seen Tiffany go above and beyond for events that carry heavy emotion. One that stands out was an arrangement for a young military man. She made sure it was delivered early, incorporated flags, and was absolutely perfect — no shortcuts, no oversight.

I know she’s handled countless high-pressure moments I haven’t personally witnessed (hello, bridezillas ... I'm sure), but what I do know is this: when it matters most, she shows up with care and professionalism.

Where Blooms for Happiness Fits

Honestly? What event doesn’t need florals?

Blooms for Happiness is a beautiful fit for:

• Weddings

• Showers

• Galas & fundraisers

• Corporate events

• Celebrations of life

• And everything in between

Their arrangements don’t just decorate a space — they bring warmth, intention, and joy. They literally bring the happiness.

Auntie Real Talk

Why do I trust Tiffany when the pressure is on? Because she shows up — and then exceeds expectations.

What I wish more clients understood about florals:

• You truly get what you pay for

• These are not grocery-store arrangements

• Bridal florals especially take time, planning, and expertise

This is not a “day-of” or “day-before” task. The cost can feel like sticker shock, but the time saved, stress avoided, and experience created is absolutely worth it.

Good florals don’t just look pretty —they create an experience, set the tone, and make an event feel truly special. And Blooms for Happiness does exactly that.

Where to Find Them & What They Offer

Blooms for Happiness is a full-service florist proudly serving River Falls, WI and the surrounding communities — including Hudson, Roberts, Hammond, New Richmond, and more.

Whether you’re planning for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, just because, or emotional moments like sympathy arrangements, they have a wide variety of fresh floral designs for every occasion.

From modern bouquets and romantic roses to plants, gift baskets, and custom arrangements — everything is hand crafted with passion and personal attention.

They offer:

• Wedding and ceremony flowers

• Sympathy and funeral arrangements

• Seasonal bouquets (Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, etc.)

• Everyday blooms for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well wishes, and “just because” moments

• Plants and gift bundles to make your floral gift even more special

Delivery options include same-day local delivery around River Falls, plus nationwide delivery through their florist network — perfect for last-minute gifting or thoughtful gestures near or far.

📍 Visit them at:1674 Commerce Court, River Falls, WI 54022 

👉 Browse arrangements and order online at bloomsforhappiness.com.

AK Events: Auntie Approved Vendor Spotlight - Croix Coffee Co.

If there’s one thing Auntie Kailey takes seriously, it’s coffee that shows up and actually does its job.

January is full of planning meetings, early mornings, vendor walkthroughs, and let’s be honest—recovering from the holidays. That’s exactly why I’m kicking off my Auntie Approved (Chaos-Approved) Vendor Spotlight series with Croix Coffee Co.

Where It Started

I first connected with Croix Coffee Co. at a Central St. Croix Chamber Java Jumpstart, and they immediately stood out. Not just because coffee was present (which already earns points), but because they had cold brew, drip, and decaf.

That trifecta tells me everything I need to know: they care about everyone in the room.

Why Event Coffee Matters (More Than People Think)

Coffee at events isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about comfort.

It gives guests something warm to hold, something familiar to enjoy, and something that helps the whole room settle in. From a planning perspective, good coffee:

• keeps mornings running smoothly

• helps guests linger and connect

• supports emotional moments at more intimate events

And Croix Coffee Co. gets the logistics. If you’re brewing yourself, they make sure they know what equipment you’re using and even send instructions. If they’re handling the brew, they clarify cups, creamers, and details ahead of time—which is planner gold.

Where They Shine

Croix Coffee Co. is truly a fit for any event, but I especially love them for:

• Brunch showers

• Celebrations of life

• Corporate meetings (automatic yes)

• Community events like Trunk or Treats ;)

• Weddings—especially those early bridal suite, behind-the-scene moments

What really sealed the deal, though, was their reliability. I trust Ben—full stop. He’s made sure my events were caffeinated whether he was heading into town or on his way out. That kind of follow-through matters when timelines are tight and expectations are high.

Auntie’s Honest Take

Off the record? Everyone should be drinking this coffee.

It’s roasted to perfection, incredibly fresh, and backed by people who understand both quality and execution. They’re based in Roberts, Wisconsin, and they’re exactly the kind of local business I’m proud to recommend.

Where to Find Them

• Roasted in Roberts, WI

• Beans, cold brew, and event support available

• Learn more at croixcoffeeco.com

This is the first of many Auntie Approved spotlights—vendors I trust when the pressure is on and the details matter.