Photography by Leslie Gilbert Photography
On a warm April evening Julia Hollinger discovered that dreams really do come true. This magical night celebrated not only her sixteenth birthday, but also her passions, wishes, and innerself. To represent her love for theater and zealous character, The JDK Group created a The Great Gatsby meets funk-punk Vegas bash. Imagine 1920s Hollywood sparkled with modern imagination. David Everett, event producer with The JDK Group, said that he wanted guests to experience exhilaration with each sense and to be constantly visually stimulated.
Julia was escorted into her night with the sounding off of confetti cans. She and her guests embarked on a fantastical journey from being greeted by ornately-dressed stilt walkers to a floating orb performer to an intimate concert by Adam Lambert. Even the food display seemed to come from a contemporary fairy tale. Strolling carts carried hors d’oeuvres, a raw bar held sushi pops and ice sculptures, the show stopping birthday cake was suspended in the air. Guests also noshed on tangerine-lavender cotton candy, braised beef short ribs, and sliders and fries. Everett created an interactive eating experience by displaying iPads from which guests ordered their food, a made-to-order tapas bar, and a custom cocktail station. The highlight of the evening, however, was Adam Lambert’s performance. Julia’s long-time dream of meeting the singer was fulfilled as he serenaded the crowd.
In preparation for the event, Julia’s parents transformed their private residence in Mechanicsburg into the perfect party-hosting space. Custer Homes constructed an outdoor paradise with Mediterranean flair. The swimming pool was replaced with a quartz pool, a raised spa, and fire features. Pavilions and pergolas equipped for outdoor cooking and dining were built. A natural pond with a water feature and an adjacent screened porch was added. These renovations created a wonderland for relaxing and entertaining, the perfect outdoor living style.
Many guests have said that Julia’s sweet sixteen was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and simply unforgettable. The JDK Group, along with planner Jonnaysa Kirkham, ensured that each detail was carefully crafted to reflect the party’s theme and Julia as a person. They relied on remarkable creativity and local as well as national vendors to produce the sensational evening. Classic glamour was spiked with edginess to create this night of treasured luxury.
Vendors
Event Producer & Designer: David Everett, The JDK Group, Camp Hill, www.thejdkgroup.com
Caterering & Floral Design: The JDK Group, Camp Hill, www.thejdkgroup.com
Event Planner: Jonnaysa Kirkham, Planned Perfection, Lancaster, www.plannedperfectionpa.com
Décor, Lighting, and Design: Rodney Shumaker, Shumaker PDT, Lancaster, www.shumakerpdt.com
Rentals, Tenting, and Flooring: Channon Allen, Event Central, Mechanicsburg, www.eventcentralpa.com
Cake: Martine Cajas, House of Clarendon, Lancaster, www.houseofclarendon.com
Booking Agency for Concert Entertainer (Adam Lambert): Lisa Stokes and Sarah Marencic, B.R.P Entertainment, Hershey, www.brpentertainment.com
Videographer: Derek and Aaron Dienner, LaVon Films, Lancaster, www.lavonfilms.com
Save the Dates, Invitations, Paper Products, and Favors: Melissa Weiler, Persnickety Invitations, York, www.pernicketyinc.com
Guest Luxury Shuttles: Premiere 1 Limousine, Middletown, www.premiere1limousine.com
Valet Parking: Prk-Mor, Inc., Harrisburg, www.prk-mor.com
Photographer: Leslie Gilbert, Leslie Gilbert Photography, Marietta, www.lesliegilbertphotography.com
DJ: Mike Miller and Seth Gantz, Mixed Up Productions, Harrisburg, www.mixedupproductions.com
Caricature Artist: Angie Jordan, Angie Jordan Live Digital Caricatures, Lancaster, www.angiejordan.com
Photo Booth: Mari Killian, TapSnap PhotoBooth, Carlisle, www.tapsnap.net
Restroom Trailer: Walters Services Inc., www.waltersservicesinc.com
Hair For Julia: Shelbi Harmes, Shelbi Harmes Expressions, Lancaster
Make Up for Julia: Carmina Cristina, Camp Hill, www.carminacristina.com
Custom Dress for Julia and her Mother: Janell Berte, Posh Bridal, Lancaster, www.poshbridal.com
Ice Sculptures: Ice Concepts, Hatfield, www.iceconceptsinc.com
Display Vintage Cars: Michael’s Motor Cars, Lancaster, www.michaelsmotorcars.com
Custom Linens: Claudia Himes, Special Occasions and Queen Street Linens, Lancaster, www.specialo.com
