Side of Stef’s December Meetup at The Guardsmen Tree Lot: A Festival of Giving and Connection
stef (side of stef) and alex kranenburg (the guardsmen)
This holiday season, Side of Stef’s December Meetup turned into an unforgettable celebration at The Guardsmen Tree Lot in San Francisco. Co-hosted with The Guardsmen, the event brought together 1,400+ amazing women for a night of giving, community, and inspiration, raising funds to support at-risk youth with vital resources. The event combined the festive spirit of the holidays with a unique craft market, showcasing local vendors and influencers from all over the Bay Area.
Craft Market, Festival Vibes, and Local Influence
At its core, this event was not just a meetup—it was a festival experience featuring a craft market filled with talented local vendors and artisans. Guests had the opportunity to shop handmade jewelry from Beads by Tara, sip on artisanal beverages from koast kombucha and drink dappy, indulge in delicious Spices and baked goods from flor de chile and la routine bakery, and discover unique finds from shop wild rina and pickle. The market was filled with incredible, one-of-a-kind items, making it the perfect holiday shopping experience, while supporting small businesses and local makers.
Building Community and Genuine Connections for Young Women in the Bay Area
Stef’s events are all about cultivating community and fostering genuine connections, especially for young women in the Bay Area. Through her thoughtful and inclusive gatherings, Stef creates spaces where attendees can connect, network, and build lasting relationships. Each event is designed to bring like-minded individuals together—offering opportunities for personal growth, collaboration, and support. By offering these spaces for real connections, Stef’s mission is to empower women, build a strong sense of community, and ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s through fun, social events or purposeful networking, Stef provides the foundation for young people to truly thrive in a supportive, welcoming environment.
A Large-Scale Event with a Big Heart
Lo & Behold Events was honored to play a role in organizing and coordinating this large-scale event. The event spanned across multiple areas of the Guardsmen Tree Lot, with designated spaces for shopping, socializing, enjoying signature cocktails, and making lasting memories. Inside, the Christmas tree + wreath raffle and Open Bar fundraising efforts helped us exceed our goal, raising significant funds for at-risk youth programs.
As a full-service event planner, we thrive on executing large, multi-faceted events like these. From coordinating multiple vendors to designing the layout and ensuring everything flows smoothly, our goal is to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for both attendees and vendors alike. This event was a true testament to the power of community and the importance of coming together for a shared cause.
Stef (Side of stef) and lo (lo & behold events)
Collaborating with Local Influencers and Businesses
As event planners with a focus on influencer collaborations and local business partnerships, this event truly exemplified the magic that happens when creatives and entrepreneurs join forces. Whether it’s a craft market that supports local makers or partnering with influencers like Side of Stef, we love working with those who understand the value of community and creative partnerships.
We are incredibly grateful to all the vendors, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a huge success. Special thanks to:
• Cohost: the guardsmen
• Event Planning: lo and behold events
• Photography: Maxine Taylor Photo
• Content Capture: content by teryn
And a huge shout-out to our amazing vendors:
• milkish
• pickle
The event was further elevated by glam hair styling from glamsquad and fabulous footwear by justfab. We also appreciate our sponsors and community partners for supporting the fundraiser and creating a space for all attendees to engage, connect, and have fun.
if you are interested in participating in a future side of stef meet up event, please send your business information to us at lo@loandbehold.events.
Looking Ahead to More Collaborations in 2025
This year’s December meetup was a huge success, and we’re already excited about what’s to come in 2025! We continue to be inspired by the way local businesses, influencers, and community members come together to create unforgettable experiences. We look forward to many more collaborations, events, and opportunities to support local talent and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.
At Lo & Behold Events, we specialize in curating large-scale events that are as unique as they are impactful. Whether it’s a festival-style celebration, a craft market, or a holiday event, we’re here to help businesses, influencers, and brands elevate their events and reach their audiences with flair.
Let’s Make Your Next Event Unforgettable!
If you’re an influencer, local business, or community leader looking to collaborate, host a dynamic event, or elevate your next celebration, reach out to us today! Let’s create an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact.
Book a consultation now to start planning!