Melbourne Event Styling – Holly’s 21st

 

A 21st is a right of passage, and for most an excuse to get your friends and family in one place to share some special words, dance the night away and share the love. And… Let’s face it, get drunk.

For us, my little Sister’s 21st was so much more.

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When my baby Sister, Holly came to me asking me for some styling help for her party – I had an overwhelming urge to go BIG. You see, the last few years for our family have been really shit. Especially for Holly (and my other younger siblings). And as superficial as it sounds, I really wanted to make this night so so special for her, as a way of saying “You’ve done good, kid!” – So I put a call out to my inner circle of creative geniuses, and we came up with the most amazing styled party I have seen for a 21st.

Holly is 11 years my junior. She was my 4th sibling, and my 2nd sister (born through my Dad’s second marriage) – The baby of the family. Like me (and so many), Hols was a child of divorce, but the difference for her was that her Mum left Australia and was raised solely by our amazing Dad. She has had a good life, Dad raised her so well. Life became extremely hard for us in 2014, when after only 7 months of being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, our Dad passed away. Hols was only 17. One of the proudest moments in my life, was when Dad appointed me Holly’s legal guardian after he passed. Although it was for less than a year – It is a role I will cherish forever, and one I have/will always take very seriously.

The last 3 years have been extremely hard for Holly (and the sibs) – They went from teenagers who only had to worry about their social lives and part-time jobs, to adults who had to learn about rates, bills and maintaining a home by themselves. It has been incredibly hard for me to be so far away from them, when I am constantly feeling pulled in their direction. But despite the odds being stacked against her, Holly has landed on her feet to become a successful, smart, wonderful human being. And that my friends, is why I wanted to share a little bit about WHY I made such a big deal of this girl’s 21st birthday!

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I want to thank some really massive legends, who are so friggen talented in their own rights – for coming on board to help me create something so very special for my littlest Sister! Every one of them said yes, before I even told them any of the back story, and some… will be finding out tonight for the first time, why I went a little OTT with this event!

Selina (aka Vogue Nature Florist) – From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank you enough for putting everything into this for me. Anything I asked, you immediately said yes. Your creative talent when it comes to floristry and styling is better than anyone I’ve ever seen, and I am just so damn grateful I met you. Your heart is so so big, and you make people so happy with your beautiful smile and generosity. Honestly, if you need any event styling… Be it wedding, engagement party, 21st, work function – There is no better person to ask than Selina.

Chantae (aka Lecky Studio) – You! Where do I even start? You are so generous with your time, and your skills – Not only for this event, but for all my business needs as well. I am so so grateful for your friendship. Even though you live in QLD, the amount of DM’s we send each other makes you feel so much closer! You are such a delight – And I will shout it from the rooftops how crazy talented you are with anything to do with laser cutting!

Nicci (aka Frosted by Nicci) – We have never spoken before my rushed message to you a few weeks ago. And you DEE-LIVERED! Not only did this wonderful woman bake the most exquisite cake, she delivered it to Lygon Street, all the way from Lynbrook to help me out. I am in awe of your generosity and willingness to help me create this vision I had for this event styling. Melbourne peeps – I don’t care if you don’t have an event – Order a cake from this amazing baker! You will NOT regret it!

And lastly, Jess… (aka Cookee Co) for the personalised cookies! You too, never hesitated one bit when I asked if you would like to collaborate with me on this special project so close to my heart. I never once told you the back story of why I was doing this, but that didn’t matter. Your cookie’s are as good as you = EXCELLENT!

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What a bloody lucky life I live.

That I can call on friends (and strangers!) to help  me achieve this vision I had to celebrate my beautiful Sister’s birthday.

I will NEVER become complacent with this beautiful tribe I have. Seriously, forever grateful of all the beautiful relationships I have made with other business owners.

So, to you Hols. My little Sissy. Happy 21st. I know your future is bright. You have faced so many obstacles in your life, yet you stand here today with a smile on your beautiful face. I love you more than words can describe, I will always be fiercely protective of you, and I will have your back forever.

ILY, Le Le

~ xoxo ~