NADIA DURAN'S “LIFE BEGINS AT 40” AT TERRARA HOUSE
There is nothing we love more than curating perfect unforgettable experiences for our clients, but the process is even sweeter when it is one of our own. Nadia is a leader in the events industry so taking on the curation of her 40th celebration was no mean feat!
When celebrating such a milestone, why only celebrate on one night? Nadia’s 40th celebrations went over the weekend with a range of bespoke experiences curated for Nadia and her guests to celebrate “Life Begins at 40!”.
The theme for the weekend was ‘Classic & Elegantly 40’s’ which married perfectly with Terrara House, the venue of choice for the weekend. It was an action packed weekend, filled with glamour, luxury and friends. Take a further look into the experience Mills + Franks curated for Nadia and her guests below:
Friday
WELCOME NIGHT - “You had a long drive, let’s chill!”
Guests were greeted by their host (Nadia) on arrival, checked into their rooms and requested to prepare for a relaxed welcome evening to settle into the weekend. A cocktail reception was created in Chesters where guests enjoyed delicious homemade wood-fired pizzas, Jim Wild’s oysters and a line up of premium bubbles, wine and beers.
Saturday
MINDFUL MEDITATION - “Every day is a chance to begin again”
Nadia promotes a life of balance and after dusting off the night before, guests were invited to join her in an (optional) powerful and mindful meditation session to welcome the new beginnings in her life. The pool and tennis court were also on offer for those that chose to skip the meditation.
Saturday Lunch
LUNCH WITH A TWIST - “Every moment is an experience”
Surprise and delight is always a theme for Nadia (and Mills + Franks!), with an experience that had been planned for guests to enjoy over a long lunch by the gardens. We teamed up with local South Coast experience provider Jo Roberston from Barefoot Five Tribe where guests had a hands on activity creating ceramic pieces using organic clay that was then personalised for guests to take home. Compliment this with “A Taste of South Coast” Grazing Boards by our friends at Flavours Shoalhaven and a bottomless supply of Robert Stein Rose, it made for an indulgent and perfect interactive long-lunch experience.
Saturday Afternoon
GLAMS & CHAMPS - “Be as radiant as the Sun”
Once lunch had concluded, ladies were requested to “get more beautiful” and given the opportunity to freshen up and glammed for the gala event ahead. Nadia organised for all ladies to join her in the Wellness Salon, with each person gifted a personalised box of robes, slippers, chocolates and wine. Guests were greeted in the Salon indulging in Champagne Taittinger while they took turns with talented local makeup artist, Megan Vaughan (Make up by Megan).
What about the boys? Don’t worry, we had them covered too - a Jim Wild’s Oyster Bar with bottomless beers were set up to be indulged in the Mirror Gardens.
Saturday Dinner
GALA DINNER CELEBRATION - “Life Begins at 40’s”
The brief? An evening of entertainment, celebration and fun - “because life begins at 40 and we need to welcome the 40’s in style!” - quoted Nadia Duran…
And welcomed in style we did….Coming dressed in custom gowns by Nicky Velani, Nadia commenced the evening with champagne on the open deck of the front lawn marquee. A table plan that included handcrafted personalised maracas handmade in Mexico for each guest to take as their place card also saw as a prop for entertainment later in the evening . Styled to perfection by Nadia herself, the marquee was dosed in luxury linens, extravagant centrepieces and Terrara’s historic House and prestigious Estate as the backdrop. The party was kicked off by world leading salsa band “Salsa Kings” - one of Nadia’s all time favourite artists who also brought in her 30’s . Guests indulged in a seated 3 course menu curated by a private chef paired with a premium line up of wines by Sommelier Matt Dunne. Keeping it “COVID friendly”, guests ‘chair danced’ the night away under the stars, with the highlight of a seated Macarena.
Sunday
RECOVERY POOL PARTY - “Peace, Love and Pool Floats”
The weather gods turned on a stunning 28 degree day which made for a perfect setting for a pool side recovery. Travelling in from Italy, our favourite DJ artist (& QCE Director) Levi Foster kicked off the session playing favourite 80’s, 90’s and RnB tracks. Trust Nadia to add another element of surprise as each guest sat down with Sydney Cartoonist - Lord Brett Bower to have their portrait sketched with their partner to take home. Sipping on G&T’s and Aperol Spritz, guests also indulged in a Carvery BBQ with an added touch of ‘Mexican recovery nachos”. The day wound up with guests enjoying a pre-pared chef menu self served by guests for a home style ‘last supper’ dinner.
Monday
ADIOS AMIGOS - “This is not goodbye, my darling, this is a thank you”
Guests checked out and it was certainly a bitter sweet departure. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Thank you for being part of this incredible celebration. Muchas gracias” - Nadia Duran.
THE DREAM TEAM THAT BROUGHT THE VISION TO LIFE:
Venue & Luxury Stay: Terrara House Weddings and Events @terrarahouse
Experience Curator: Mills + Franks @millsfranks
Event Planner & Designer: Nadia Duran @nadiaduran
Photography: Inlighten Photography @inlightenphotography
Gala Gowns: Velani by Nicky @velani
Gala Entertainment: Salsa Kingz @salsakingz
Birthday Cake: Jabelles Cakes @jabellesc
Personalised Handmade Maracas: The Perfect Gift & Decor @theperfectgiftdecor
Personalised Menus: Natalie by Design @nataliebydesign
Hair & Makeup: Megan Vaughan @makeupbymegan
Jewels: House of K’Dor @houseofkdor And Roman and French @romanandfrench
Luxury Clay Guests Experience: Earth by Barefootfivetribe @barefootfivetribe
Ladies Personalised Robes: Peekaboo Designs @peek_a_boo_designs
After Party Silence Disco Entertainment: One Round Entertainment @oneroundentertainmen
Pool Party Entertainment: Levi Foster @dj_levif
Pool Party Cartoonist: Lord Brett Bower @sydneycartoonist
Need support in curating your upcoming celebration that is personalised, adventurous and most importantly fun!? Contact our team at Mills + Franks and let us work with you to bring your vision to life.
