About Us
Passion drives us

Born and raised in Dallas,Texas Cory has always had a passion for art, flowers, nature, design, and especially entertaining. After completing design school in the early 80's, he joined the creative team of the internationally renowned Stark Club, where he aided in the development of many of the club's most unique and successful events.

Towards the end of the same decade, Cory relocated to New York City, where he began working with Madelyn Simon, assisting with the installation of interior plant and floral displays along with seasonal holiday décor for several large accounts, including the national headquarters for Ralph Lauren, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the World Trade Center.

In 1992, Orkin Plantscaping relocated Cory to Austin where he began designing interior landscapes as well as seasonal holiday décor for several major hotels, including the Four Seasons and the Hyatt Regency - Town Lake. He was also fortunate enough to do the same for the Governor's Mansion as well as the State Capitol.

>After designing and producing numerous special events for friends and associates, Cory was encouraged to create his own special events company. However, in 2002, family brought him home to Dallas where he began to contract with several of Dallas' leading event designers, including W. Donnie Brown and Harold Hand.

In December of 2004, after successfully designing and producing several of Harold Hand Creative's largest events to date, Cory felt it was time to establish a new name in the industry, an event design company that provides a fresh approach to designing life's special events. Offering each client a uniquely creative and professional experience.

During his time with Harold Hand Creative, Cory discovered one of the most wonderfully natural floral designers he'd ever met. "It was as if we'd known each other for ever!", he'll tell you. He knew that she would be a perfect compliment to his vision of this new design company. Her name is Jay-Anda Dargen. One of the most creative and amazing individuals that brings a light into everything she does." Finally, someone to share and nurture the dream."

Jay was born in Washington DC and was raised in the metropolitan area. She will tell you, her creative energy was first nurtured by weekend trips to the Smithsonian with her mother. She loved wandering the halls of this great institution, wondering how'd they do this or that. One of her favorite exhibits was the dolls and dollhouses. It was no surprise to her mother when she requested her first sewing machine and began creating her very own doll clothes. She will tell you this was the beginning of her creative life.

Through out her schooling, Jay focused on art course of all sorts eventually receiving her Fine Arts degree in 1986. Working her way through school, she quickly realized her love for working with the public. In 1997, she decided to relocate to New York City and was asked to join the team of 1-800-Flowers, where she had the opportunity to attend Floraversity and eventually managing one of their retail shops for five years.

In 2002, Jay and her family, relocated back to Washington DC where she landed a coveted position with one the oldest and most prestigious flower shops in the city, Johnson's Floral and Garden Center. The very shop her mother would take her to as a child. Here, she honed her craft as a master florist and designer.

In June of 2004, Jay's husband was asked to relocate to Dallas. Jay will tell you, she felt this move would lead to something big. Immediately after arriving, she was asked to contract with Harold Hand Creative, where she met Cory and was introduced to the exciting world of special events and holiday décor. She jumped right in and produced some amazing florals and décor for several large events as well as some exquisite holiday décor for several of Dallas' most prominent homes.

Cory shared with Jaye his vision of Cocktails and Caviar. Finally, she found what she had been preparing for and it was a perfect fit!