African Soirée

Location: The Grove, Hertfordshire

Photography: Paul Toeman Photography and Mark Seymour Photography

A Bar Mitzvah built to move every guest to Africa for the night. The Grove's ballroom became an authentic safari lodge. Hessian ran floor to ceiling. The structural columns were disguised as trees with real canopies and lanterns hung from them. Billowing sails across the ceiling softened the room into something closer to a tent deep in the Savanna.

Much of the detail came from African-patterned fabric, sourced specifically and used on napkins, the stage and the bar backdrops. Every child's place setting carried a beaded friendship bracelet with their name on it. Each table had its own centrepiece, built from weeks of sourcing and combined with grasses and wooden candles. The evening ran on an energetic show band, an appearance from live African animals, and a Hollywood actor hosting in character as a safari ranger.

A decorated event space with round tables set for a banquet, illuminated by warm orange lighting, with green foliage and hanging decorations on the ceiling, and large screens displaying the logo 'ES'.
Decorated event space with a long round table, surrounded by chairs, decorated with plants and candles. The ceiling has colored lighting, a chandelier with hanging cylindrical lights, and draped fabric with hanging baskets of flowers and greenery.
Group of nine people in colorful African animal costumes with animal headpieces standing together in front of a textured wall with animal sculptures, smiling at the camera.
Elegant event space decorated with warm orange lighting, colorful artwork on the walls, and ceiling drapery. Round tables with white tablecloths and chairs are set up for a celebration, with floral centerpieces and place settings. There are also shel
Elegant banquet hall decorated with warm lighting, round tables with white tablecloths, colorful centerpieces, and place settings, with a stage and projection screen in the background.
A banquet hall decorated with plants and candles, featuring round tables set with glassware, colorful napkins, and a central floral arrangement in front of two large screens displaying a logo with the letters 'ES' and a circular design.
Elegant banquet hall decorated with floral centerpieces, candles, and set tables, prepared for an event or dinner with dim lighting and warm ambiance.
Indoor event space with colorful lighting and beams, decorated tables, surrounded by chairs, and a canopy with draped fabric.
A dimly lit event space with colorful lighting, hanging lanterns, and decorative greenery, set up for a celebration or wedding reception.
A large group of musicians and singers on a stage with colorful lighting. There are men and women dressed in formal attire, some holding musical instruments, with microphones in front.
A table decorated with colorful flowers, wrapped gifts, and tableware. A black and white striped toy tiger sits on the table. The background features dim lighting with purple and red hues, indicating a festive or party setting.
Indoor event space with a round dining table set with glassware, silverware, and colorful napkins, decorated with a large floral centerpiece. The background features ambient lighting, screens displaying the logo 'ES', and blue stage lights, creating
Elegant banquet table in a dimly lit event hall with floral centerpieces, candles, and place settings for a formal dinner.
An elegant event venue with round tables decorated with floral centerpieces and candles, colorful stage lights, and a dance floor with beam lighting, set up for a celebration or party.
Decorated banquet hall with round tables, floral centerpieces, and colorful lighting with starburst effects.
Colorful interior of a decorated event hall with string lights, spotlights, and tables set for a celebration or gathering.