Isabel’s 21st

Transforming a private property into a 150-guest garden party in regional Victoria: Inside Isabel’s 21st

At JL Productions and Hire, it feels truly special to be trusted with life’s big milestones. Isabel’s 21st was one of those.

The brief? A full-scale garden party on a stunning private property in regional Victoria, surrounded by her favourite people.

We took care of the whole thing from start to finish: event planning, styling, logistics, delivery and pack-down. And loved every second.

Read on to see how we turned a backyard into a party worth writing home about.

It all started with an idea

Isabel always wanted a big 21st.

In her friendship group, going all out on a theme is kind of tradition.

‘My friends get very creative on themes, so I really wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before,’ she said.

After a bit of back and forth, Isabel landed on a Kentucky Derby theme - the idea of summery dresses and a classy spring racing vibe smack bang in the middle of summer.

But more than anything, the vision was simple: to get all her favourite people together in one place to celebrate.

‘I always wanted a big 21st,’ she said. ‘And it meant so much to have all the people that I love in one spot.’

Of course, bringing 150 people onto a private property and turning it into a full-blown event is no simple task – especially when you’re creating a large-scale party from scratch.

But JL Productions & Hire was up for the task.

Bringing it to life with event planning and styling

Once the vision was locked in, it was time to figure out how to actually make it happen

From the early planning stages, JLP worked closely with Isabel and her mum Jeannie to map everything out – from big picture to the finer details.

“We looked at everything from layout and logistics to suppliers, styling, drinks and guest flow,” JLP founder Jamie Lea said.

‘Basically, all of the moving parts that are involved in turning an idea into a solid event.’

And with Isabel overseas for part of the planning, having someone experienced to steer the ship made all the difference.

“JL has great ideas and allowed me to relax knowing the party was in good hands,” she said. “She suggested things we wouldn’t have even thought of.”

For Jeannie, it was about more than just pulling together a party.

‘I’ve done events myself before and I never really relax on the night,’ she said. ‘I wanted this time to be different – and it was.’

Behind the scenes the JLP team juggled suppliers, timelines and logistics, making sure everything landed exactly where it needed to.

‘Nothing was an issue, every idea was taken on board,’ Jeannie said. ‘Jamie dealt directly with all the suppliers, and it was clear they all love working with her.’

Transforming a backyard into a private event venue

In the lead-up to the party, it was all hands on deck.

Bump-in started earlier in the week, with the JLP team slowly bringing the bones of the party to life, piece by piece – transforming a private property into a fully equipped event space.

And it was a big build that needed a big team: Aveonlea Flowers, The Little Gourmet Food Company, One Sweet Baker, GV Party Hire, GV Generator Hire, HD Productions and Foote Waste. To name a few!

As the week went on, the marquee went up, power and lighting were locked in, and Grandpa Charlie’s bar rolled into place. Bespoke furniture was set up across the property for guests, while bathrooms and styling slowly came together across the space.

And like any outdoor event, there were moments of stress in the lead-up.

For Isabel, having JLP there made all the difference.

‘When I first saw everything set up, I was very relieved she said. ‘It looked incredible.’

And the party begins!

From there, the space did what it was designed to do.

Guests were welcomed with a drink on arrival, before moving through the garden as the night unfolded.

As the night went on, the dance floor became full, and people lingered in the garden.

Grandpa Charlie’s bar became a natural meeting point, serving Pimm’s and Mojitos for happy guests.

‘I loved Grandpa Charlie’s and how it became a focal point for the party,’ Isabel said. ‘It gave people somewhere to gather and really elevated the whole experience.’

Behind the scenes, JL kept everything ticking along.

‘It was phenomenal to have Jamie manage the process,’ Jeannie said. ‘Everything was delivered, and nothing was difficult.’

After the party

With the party now tucked sweetly in their memories, Isabel and Jeannie have reflected on what made the night so special.

‘I had so many friends say how much they loved it,’ Isabel said. ‘The DJ, the garden, the decorations, the drinks – everyone had the best time.’

For Jeannie, it was everything she’d hoped for.

‘(My husband) Adam has used JLP for events before and would not do one without her,’ she said. ‘Jamie’s attention to detail is exceptional, nothing was an issue, and every query received a considered response.

‘JL knows what goes into making a party successful, and just as importantly, how to put out fires.’

Thinking of throwing a big bash in Victoria? From event management and planning through to hire, styling and delivery, JL Productions & hire does the lot. Reach out to book a consultation.