JOY ON TAP

Bringing the life to a party has always come naturally for Kelsey Stewart, owner of Tap and Pour, a company that specializes in bringing the fun to you through their uber adorable and totally Instagramable party rentals including their mobile bars: the Tap & Trike and the Piaggio Truck, plus their super sweet Candy Bar and Snowcone Trike, and our personal favorite, the Cotton Candy Cart. Kelsey, along with her husband, Casey, are making a huge splash in the Gulf Coast’s party scene. 

By Caroline Edmondson Photos Stevye Photography Hair Jason Chambers, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427. Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry

Born and raised right here on the Gulf Coast along the banks of Dog River, Kelsey’s love of party planning comes from growing up with her fun-loving, creative Mama, Kassy Wooley. For Kelsey and her mother, planning extravagant birthday parties became an annual production each year. “From the plates, napkins, balloons, favors, drink labels, menu, outfits—the whole nine yards. We planned birthdays, holidays, family events, my wedding, baby showers.... you name it! If there was a party, we threw it,” laughs Kelsey. 

Kelsey soon developed her mother’s same love for planning and throwing unforgettable parties and events, and continued that love well after graduating high school. While attending school for graphic design, Kelsey party planned for friends, family, and church events every chance she could. “I never really viewed it as a job, rather a passion that I just really enjoyed,” she tells us.  “Out of design school I started an embroidery/vinyl online shop called Stewart Avenue, and it became very successful!” Along with her husband, Casey, Stewart Avenue continued its success for three years, but with the birth of their son, Dean, 1, Kelsey decided to dive head first into the party world. “I was constantly scrolling Pinterest, following party accounts, and saving themes for events I hoped to one day throw. I purchased a white bounce house on a whim and that’s what started it all,” recalls Kelsey. “I love that there’s a world where plate shapes, napkin colors and signature drinks are important because to me, they always were! It brings me so much joy to create a beautiful atmosphere where you and your guests can gather to fellowship, laugh, and make memories that last a lifetime.”

Starting with their white bounce house, which they fondly call June, Kelsey and Casey started a little rental company called Scotty and June, offering party rentals and planning. With just two events under their belt, they received a message from Lesley Hendon, the previous owner of Tap and Pour, stating that if she didn’t sell the business to Kelsey, she would become her biggest competition! Highly flattered and pinching herself, the couple officially purchased Tap and Pour in January of this year. “It was everything we had planned for Scotty and June, turn key! I love that Tap and Pour is a business that can really cater to any type of event!”

Tap and Pour is easily recognizable at any event thanks to their unique mobile bars and party rentals. We absolutely love their custom built, vintage Piaggio truck that can serve anything cold on tap. Cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, juices…you name it, they can pour it! “Our Piaggio will definitely be the talk of your event!” says Kelsey. In addition, they also have the Ferla Tap Trike, which can hold 2 taps along with custom printed drink menus, drink labels, décor and even a retro cooler to match your theme! But the fun doesn’t stop there. They even have a Cotton Candy Cart spun fresh on site with gourmet custom flavors, and a Snow Cone Cart to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. Other rentals include: a champagne wall, fringe walls, white bounce houses and ball pits, balloon garland, and even a movie screen for a viewing under the stars!

When it comes to today’s popular party trends, Kelsey says they’ve seen an astounding theme of creating a fun experience based on atmosphere. “We’ve also seen a emphasis on ensuring there is something for guests of all ages to partake in,” shares Kelsey. “Bounce Houses and Ball Pits for the littles, Signature Cocktails on the Tap Truck for the parents, and cotton candy for everyone! We often have clients that want to throw an event but are unsure of a theme or entertainment, and we are happy to walk them through that process to create the perfect party! We love dealing with clients that want a hand in every detail and help bring their vision to life while also working with clients that give us an idea and let us run with it! Every event is unique and there are never two exactly alike, and that’s what I like most in this business. It fuels me!”

And behind all of the extravagant rentals is a company whose belief is that special occasions deserve something beyond the ordinary and familiar. “We’re not just a mobile service; we’re also committed to creating an atmosphere where fun and conversation can flourish. We have a passion for great occasions and memorable moments, and want to do our part to help make your event an event unlike any other,” shares Kelsey. “What’s that saying? People will forget what you said or what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel. -Maya Angelou.”

Having spent the day with these two, we’re in awe of how seamlessly they run as a team.  “I couldn’t do this without the help of my husband and the rest of our family. Casey does the mechanical, maintenance, construction, transportation, and logistics of the business while I lean towards the creative, customer service, and social media aspect of the business—together it just works,” Kelsey foldly shares. “Our families play a huge role in Tap and Pour and are always lending a hand, dropping deliveries, building sets, and watching Dean. You’ll often see my Mama, Daddy, sister or brother at community events helping with setup and take down! As the company grows we’ve come to rely more on family support!”

In reality, Kelsey works two full-time jobs: Tap and Pour, and Mama to her little boy, Dean. “Being a businesswoman and mama at the same time is no walk in the park and forever changing. However, being a businesswoman and mama simultaneously is so rewarding! You’ll often see our son at set up or take down lending a little hand, and to see his eagerness to help is the best thing as a parent! We like to add a ‘spoon full of sugar’, as we call it, to work days and bring bikes or grab ice cream and make memories in the process!”

Since purchasing Tap and Pour at the start of this year, Kelsey and Casey have been nonstop working events and parties along the Gulf Coast, and with summer quickly approaching, the fun has only just begun! “We have a busy calendar this summer, Kelsey tells us. “We are looking forward to all of the summer kick off parties with snow cones and ice cold drinks on tap. If you’re looking at hosting a party, we have a few ideas for your summer of FUN: ‘One in the Sun,” complete with our ball pit bounce house and cotton candy, ‘Dive into Summer,’ with all the snow cone flavors, ‘Oh my Stars,’ backyard BBQ with cocktails on tap, and movie nights on the big screen with popcorn and a soda trike!”

Needless to say, if you’re planning a special event, whether a birthday party, family get together, or even a corporate gathering, let Kelsey and Casey of Tap & Pour help bring your vision to life. With their arsenal of exciting rentals, they will surely leave your guests speechless and help create memories to last a lifetime. 

Tap and Pour 

@thetapandpour

 www.thetapandpour.com

 thetapandpour@gmail.com