THE TIPSY PENGUIN // VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
We believe that it’s the small details that make an event feel so big and nothing is more fitting than a specialty bar! Today we are chatting with our newest Swish List member, The Tipsy Penguin!
A short description of what you do: Taking a nod from the trend sweeping Europe, we imported ‘Percy’ the first of what we hope will be a growing fleet at The Tipsy Penguin. We offer couples a stylish and unique way to impress their guests and set the tone for an unforgettable event. Our mobile tap truck has vintage vibes, is small and completely self-contained, and can go almost anywhere. From it, we have the ability to serve sparkling wine, beer, white wines and sangria but we have a special place in our hearts for the Italian sparkling. We truly do believe that ‘Life is Better with Bubbles!”
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? The Tipsy Penguin launched in the summer of 2021, however, together we have over 30 years of experience in event planning and working in the hospitality industry.
What makes your business unique? While there are a handful of other mobile bars in Ontario, none had the vintage Italian-style we were looking for, so we knew that there was a gap in the market. Our truck is the first of its kind which makes it very unique! But it’s also about the experience. Our friendly staff are not only there to serve your guests with style but also to take all those Instagram worthy photos of you and your guests – it will be something they’ll never forget!
Favourite part of your business? We love when we get messages from brides that start out “OMG, this is so cute! I have to have it!” But what we love even more is when couples reach out afterwards to tell us how much their guests loved our service and how wonderful our staff are. It’s great to know that we’re elevating events and adding a little extra panache with every pour!
What inspires you? Being able to get to do something we love everyday. We often joke that we are lovers of pretty things, which can be interpreted in so many different ways. We love creating together and bringing a visualization to life. We are both hugely inspired by design in so many different formats and we are constantly saving images online and sending them back and forth to each other.
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? We really feel a connection to Minibar Mobile out of Western NY because the comparison runs deep – they also launched earlier in 2021, are co-owned by sisters (one of whom is also an event planner) and there is also a shared love when it comes to our outside interests (fashion, interior design and entertaining). Locally, we have a deep love for Angelica and her team from Simply Beautiful Décor and Danielle from Shaw Events. We love the fabulous design aesthetic of each of these women but also their warmth and authenticity – we love when we have the opportunity to collaborate together!
On your day off...where would we find you? Homesense would be a good guess. Or possibly poolside with a glass of wine.
If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? Each of us would still be doing something creative for sure. For Shannon it would probably be something stemming around interior design and Deborah would likely be an author. The great thing with being entrepreneurs is that our future plans are always evolving, so it’s very likely that at some point we’ll dip our toes into these dream jobs too - when the time or opportunities present themselves!
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? The past two wedding seasons have definitely looked different because of COVID-19 and it has left us all with a real craving for human connection. As we emerge into life with a greater sense of normalcy, there is a desire to celebrate with the people that we love the most. We think that weddings will continue to be intimate and couples will really hone in on making the celebration a reflection of them and having a day filled with their favourite people and things.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? With her planning background, Deborah could go on for ages! But if we were to try and boil it down to just one piece of advice it would be to hire a great photographer. Sure, your cousin Marco’s girlfriend’s brother has a camera and loves to take photos but that’s not who you want to trust to capture your wedding day. These are the images that you will look back on weeks, months and years down the road. Splurge for the extra hours of coverage at your reception and a second shooter. When you get your proofing gallery, you will be amazed to see the moments that your photography team captured that you weren’t even aware happened! Not only that, they can capture detail shots of all of the elements that you and your fiancé put so much time and effort in to arranging – like that really cute Prosecco truck you had at your cocktail hour!!
Photography Credits:
Image 1: The Tipsy Penguin | Images 2+3: Amber Nicole Portraits | Images 4-7: Love Always Photography
