I'm Deborah, a southern girl, with a passion for interior design, cooking and event planning. I found my passion for event planning more than 25 years ago when I hosted a couple’s shower in my home in Guthrie, Oklahoma. After moving to Kansas City, I continued my passion for event planning (weddings are my favorite). I love staying in step with design trends, seeing what is coming and what will stand the test of time. I was fortunate to design our low country-style home, which has been featured in several local magazines. My vision for our event spaces has been to create backdrops that have their own design styles, but also allow each client to inject their own personal touches. My motto has always been “Life is too short to be like everyone else; each one of us is unique in our own way — why not make your event match who you are or who you want to be?”
 
Clients often ask about the venue name and how it came to be. While living in Oklahoma, a 40-year-old magnolia tree sat next to my front porch. Each day started and ended on my porch watching the magnolia tree change. The magnolia is a strong and beautiful tree, but it takes time to grow. I believe that everything comes in its own time, and we must be patient as there is a plan for each one of us. I always knew I would use magnolia as my business name; it just took a few years to make it happen. Never give up on your dreams, and always have a grateful heart.
 
I’m a proud American Indian from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. I believe I get my creativity and love for design from my family. Many of my family members are talented painters, jewelers, dancers and beadwork artists.

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Deborah Whitebird-Griffith

Owner of Magnolia Events