Nadia Duran's "Life Begins at 40" Event
Our House and Estate is perfect for friends and families, being able to accommodate all your guests in one place with plenty of areas for entertaining and special occasions.
When international wedding and event producer Nadia Duran came to our team looking to host a “Classic & Elegantly 40’s” event, Terrara House married perfectly for a weekend long intimate celebration with friends for “Life Begins at 40”.
Take a look into the action-packed weekend, filled with glamour, luxury and tailored experiences working with some of our favourite South Coast vendors, suppliers and producers who together brought Nadia’s vision to life…
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, 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.
DETAILS
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
To create your next destination experience contact our team today who looks forward to connecting you to the best of what the South Coast has to offer.