A pilgrimage into the world of Ari Aster’s Midsommar, reimagined as a daylight dance party in a garden of resplendent blooms. Guests arrived clad in white, signed their “blood oath” in the prophetic ledger, and crossed into a world of midsommar rites and ecstatic communal energy. A custom-built, hand-raised 30-foot Maypole anchored the celebration, surrounded by installations alluding the the shadow side of ancient tradition. The event also featured a Nordic Smörgåsbord, and a secret bar concealed inside the outdoor shower hosted by skeleton bartender presiding over sacred psychedelic tea. As the sun moved across the sky, the mood shifted, drawing guests deeper into a dark ceremony in the light of day.
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90 guests
All white dress code
Custom Maypole, tapestry, and drink dispenser fabrication
Cult induction entrance ritual
Authentic Nordic Midsommar Smörgåsbord
Private home in Oakland, CA
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CREATIVE DIRECTORS, Alessandra Wollner + Emily Parkinson
BUILD LEAD, Emily Parkinson
INVITATION DESIGN, Emily Parkinson
TAPESTRY PAINTERS, Alessandra Wollner, Emily Parkinson, Mira Cho, Melissa Cetlin
MAYPOLE DESIGN + FABRICATION, Alessandra Wollner + Emily Parkinson
MAYPOLE RAISERS, Alessandra Wollner, Graham Barnhart, Michaela Florio, Casey Griffith, Ian Morales
CUSTOM DRINK DISPENSER DESIGN + FABRICATION, Emily Parkinson
FOOD, Alessandra Wollner + Emily Parkinson
MIXOLOGIST, Emily Parkinson
GATEKEEPER, Melissa Cetlin
DJ, Mike Frederickson
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Concept development
Creative direction
Event design + styling
Spatial + experiential design
Custom scenic fabrication (maypole, tapestries, drink dispensers)
Entrance ritual design
Culinary production + menu development (house-cured fish, six varieties of pickled vegetables, handmade Nordic dishes)
Batch cocktail development + small-batch bottling
Guest flow
Install/de-install
