Fuchsia-Infused 50th Birthday Party at The Joule

We had the best time working with Lisa Spraggins to plan her husband’s classic car themed 50th birthday party, so imagine our excitement when we got the chance to team up again—this time to plan Lisa’s own 50th fête! If you thought 50th birthday parties meant black-on-black decor and “Over the Hill” signs, think again. Lisa wanted her soirée to reflect her favorite things, so incorporating plenty of fuchsia design elements and serving up French-inspired cuisine were absolute musts. The result? A hip, club-like atmosphere that was as vibrant and fun as the birthday girl herself!

photos: Jason Kindig Photography

When it came to choosing a venue, The Joule proved to be the perfect setting for several reasons. “It’s such a great, chic hotel and the rooftop terrace with the private elevator entrance was perfect for the type of party I wanted,” says Lisa. “So many of my friends said that the walk-up had my name written all over it, which I loved!”

Bordered silk drapes washed in bright pink lights marked the party entrance, where guests were greeted by a champagne tower and given the opportunity to sign their names in Lisa’s guest book. In addition to including a book about the “City of Light” on the sign-in table, nods to Lisa’s favorite city, Paris, were incorporated via the menu—pomme frites, chocolate and vanilla bean macarons dusted in gold flakes, and a St. Germain infused signature cocktail dubbed the “French Blonde” were all on offer.

And speaking of drinks…they were served at the coolest custom bars! Glowing white facades were embellished with Lisa’s couture monogram from Paradise Design Co., and the design was also printed on cocktail napkins accented by gold foil. White banquettes overflowing with sequined pillows, a chic runway leading to the dance floor, cocktail tables covered in pink paisley linens, and floral arrangements composed of hydrangeas, roses, and orchid blooms completed the event environment. “Cesar at Bella Flora did an amazing job designing our event décor,” shares Lisa. “He got exactly who I was and understood everything I love about an event space.”

In keeping with the party’s club-like look and feel, DJ Andy Austin kept the dance floor full by spinning hits from behind a sleek white booth. A prop-filled photo booth provided an added dose of entertainment when a break from the dance floor was in order, and a surprise balloon drop proved to be the pièce de résistance that ended the evening in style!