How did you get started in your field?

When I was a small child I spent weekends and holidays antiquing with my Grandmother where I developed an eye for unique vintage pieces. She regularly made elegant tea parties with fine bone china, beautiful linens and homemade desserts. I came to appreciate the ritual and comfort of sharing this time together over afternoon tea. It wasn’t until after I had my own children that I realised I could turn these early experiences into a career. I turned formal tea parties with friends into bridal and baby showers and now elegant wedding parties.

How do you define your style?

Romantic and elegant. And always bespoke.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My favourite clients are the ones who have complete faith and trust in the creative process. When someone allows me to get to know them, to understand their needs and their style and then let me wave my magic wand to create it – they are my favourite clients. Also because they are often surprised what I come up with…and I LOVE surprises!

What is the best part of a wedding day to you?

The very first time the couple set eyes on each other on the wedding day. Without a doubt the time I need a tissue. The décor, the florals, the catering – all the little details we work so hard to bring together actually fade away in that moment – because it is all just background to bringing together people who love each other. We are just midwives to that moment.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I have a background also in interior design so my events draw from those principles. Styling an event no matter what it is requires you to imagine how someone will feel when they walk into a room. Scale, color and balance underpin any design project – whether developing a design for a lounge room or considering the floral design for a reception. 

But my biggest inspiration always comes from the clients themselves. Their story is the heart of the design. I bring in elements that have meaning to them. For a recent wedding reception I sourced vintage cameras to form table center vignettes. The bride is a photographer and the groom is a film maker – a shared career and love that brought them together. For a vow renewal ceremony, we sourced all the original flowers to make up the floral design for the alter. For a bridal shower for a bride who loved plants we made botanical tea cups as favors. A wedding or a bridal shower is a celebration of the union of two people – it should be unique to them and reflect their story.

Whats something unique about your brand?

I plan events in a variety of styles but I’ve become known for my tea parties! I have always gravitated towards feminine, vintage, elegant styles and it evolved from there. While they can be vintage they are not outdated parties – I bring in bohemian and modern elements for the current client. Sharing afternoon tea is such a soothing and yet luxurious thing to do so it is particularly fitting for bridal showers or wedding parties. It encourages conversation, a time to slow down, dress up and enjoy the company of others.

Give us a fun fact about you!

I was originally a college professor in ethics and education where I earned my doctorate. I feel like this was the perfect foundation for a life of design as obscure as it seems. Because of my background I am an avid researcher so I always work hard to source unique pieces and uncover new styles. Because ethics and education are about understanding people and unique perspectives, my designs are always completely bespoke. I am also one of the most ethical designers in New York. I try to adhere to high ethical standards- I once created a whole room filled with vintage pieces sourced only from charity shops. At the conclusion of the event, all the pieces were donated back to alternative charity shops which ended up being a win for everyone involved!

Follow along with Sarah’s adventures at @sarahchestersevents on Instagram.