Sisters celebrate milestone birthdays in style

Sarah Hall’s daughters Bronwen and Emma were born in late June and early July back in 1997 and 2000 respectively, but it was only a couple of years ago that it dawned on Sarah the girls would be celebrating their milestone 21st and 18th birthdays together in 2018.

“Their birthdays have always been close of course but I only realised relatively recently that they’d be hitting the really big ones at the same time,” Sarah said. “So I knew then that we’d have to plan a huge party!”

Getting the party started

The date was set for Saturday June 30, and there was only ever going to be one place on the list of potential venues – the family’s farm at Bennetland, near Gilberdyke in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It made perfect sense to host the party in a marquee in their own gardens, and Sarah was able to get things moving quickly thanks to a recommendation for our marquee company from wedding-venue owner Caroline Maltas, who runs West Carlton Country Guest House in Aldbrough (read our blog about this lovely venue).

Sarah said: “I was right to trust Caroline’s recommendation, Village Farm Marquees were great. It was so straightforward, just a meeting and a few emails, then the final plan. We had one small hitch with some lights but they sorted it out really quickly, it was an excellent service.

“Chrysta also connected us to suppliers for things such as toilets and refrigeration units, which was a huge help.”

Bronwen and Emma brought some of their own ideas to the table, such as the eye-catching decorative ‘hanging shelf’ suspended above the tables, but mum Sarah took on the lion’s share of the responsibilities for creating an occasion that would linger long in everyone’s memories.

“We agreed we wanted a rustic theme, and the sturdy trestle tables and crossback chairs worked so well,” Sarah added. “We chose simple décor with flowers on the tables and a few balloons, with a deep olive green carpet. We also opted for the gorgeous ‘starlight roof’ lighting above the dancefloor, and it all just looked absolutely stunning.”

Dressed to impress

Little touches such as a red carpet leading guests into the marquee helped create a sense of occasion, and a ‘dress to impress’ dress code ensured the 120 party-goers were all looking their best. Much of the celebration was captured in super photographs by Clique Visuals as well as a short film (available to view on YouTube ). Sarah said: “The film includes some drone footage and the red carpet looks fantastic from the air!”

The party started at 7pm on the balmy summer’s evening with canapes and fizz, followed by speeches and dinner, then dancing to live music from The Supermodels as well as a DJ. The celebration continued long into the night, with Bronwen and Emma finally retiring to bed around 3am while mum Sarah outpartied everyone by staying up until 5am!

“It was such a great night,” said Sarah. “The atmosphere was amazing, everyone was on brilliant form. There was a lovely speech by Bronwen’s godmother, who wrote a poem for them, and my husband got choked up giving his speech so it was quite emotional too. It was just a proper party, everyone was there to have a good time.”

A night to remember

The two girls lead busy lives, with Bronwen studying a degree in art and design at Sheffield Hallam University while working part-time in a Sheffield coffee shop, and Emma living with her parents at the farm and working as an ICT admin apprentice for a medical recruitment company in Hessle. Both made last-minute outfit choices, with Emma plumping for a black jumpsuit and Bronwen choosing a long blue dress.

“I think the girls might have felt a little overwhelmed but they really loved it, it was definitely a night they’ll always remember,” said Sarah.

Chrysta Newman, Co-director of Village Farm Marquees, said: “Sarah chose a truly lovely combination of furniture, accessories and styling for Bronwen and Emma’s celebration, the marquee looked fabulous. I’m so glad they all enjoyed such a special night.”

Photos courtesy of Clique Visuals.

To talk to Village Farm Marquees about your marquee needs, email info@villagfarmmarquees.co.uk or ring 01262 468160.