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20 August 2025Ovayo’s 30th Luxury Birthday: A Night of Beauty and Unexpected Challenges
Ovayo’s 30th luxury birthday celebration was nothing short of spectacular! From the very start, we worked closely with her to source the perfect venue, and she ultimately chose a luxurious penthouse in Johannesburg—an intimate and cozy setting ideal for her friends and family. Given my experience with this venue, I was confident in delivering a seamless event, and my team and I were excited to bring the vision to life.
However, what was meant to be a smooth setup quickly turned into a logistical nightmare.
My client is an absolute vision, and I simply can’t resist sharing these breathtaking photos of her! ✨
Unexpected Delays & Setbacks
On the day of the event, we arrived bright and early, ready to begin setup—only to be told by the hotel staff that we were not permitted to access the penthouse until much later. With the event scheduled for 4 PM, we needed ample time to execute our signature high-end setup, yet we were met with resistance at every turn.
Despite repeated discussions and prior arrangements for Ovayo’s 30th Luxury Birthday Celebration, the hotel refused to grant us access. My team and I waited four hours for a resolution, facing constant back-and-forth and unfulfilled promises. Meanwhile, our suppliers were on-site, also left in limbo. Eventually, after much discussion between the hotel and the client, we were given a completely different penthouse—something that could have been arranged earlier, saving us valuable time.
A Race Against Time
Already four hours behind schedule, we worked tirelessly to pull everything together. Given the delay, Ovayo made the decision to push the event to 6 PM, allowing us an extra two hours to work our magic.
Just as we got into full swing, another hurdle arose—the selected backdrops did not fit up the penthouse stairs. With no other option, we had to improvise on-site, swapping out backdrops and rethinking elements of the setup on the spot. Despite the last-minute adjustments, the end result was still breathtaking, and guests were in awe of the transformed space.
Yet Another Obstacle…
As we caught our breath, thinking the worst was behind us, the hotel delivered another bombshell—no parties were allowed in the penthouse.
Wait, what? Since when?
Having hosted multiple events at this very location, I knew this rule had never been enforced before. The client had even confirmed party arrangements during the booking process. If this was an issue, why weren’t we informed before arriving for setup? The hotel then went as far as threatening to shut the event down, insisting that no music was allowed—even though it was contained within the penthouse and not disruptive to anyone.
At this point, frustration levels were at an all-time high. Being pregnant at the time, I was physically and mentally exhausted from the unnecessary battles we had to fight just to do our job.
A Stunning Celebration Despite It All
After much back and forth, an agreement was finally reached, and the event proceeded as planned.
The design was nothing short of exquisite, embodying pure sophistication in a white and gold theme that exuded elegance. A breathtaking flower wall served as a statement backdrop, adorned with delicate butterflies that added a whimsical touch. A luxurious bathtub, overflowing with balloons, became an interactive focal point, creating the perfect setting for fun, opulent photo moments.
Lush floral arrangements, in rich textures and layers, were meticulously placed on the table, transforming the penthouse into an intimate, dreamy escape. The tablescapes featured gold-rimmed glassware, high-gloss charger plates, and crystal candleholders, casting a warm glow that elevated the ambiance. Every detail was curated to perfection—from the custom-designed seating area, which offered an inviting space for guests to mingle, to the subtle yet striking gold accents woven into every design element, adding depth and grandeur to the celebration.
Adding to the decadence, we had a stunning champagne wall beautifully set up outside on the penthouse balcony, offering guests a lavish welcome as they sipped on perfectly chilled bubbly while taking in the breathtaking city skyline. This elegant feature not only added a touch of glamour but also created a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces, making the entire experience feel effortlessly luxurious.
As they arrived, they were greeted by the enchanting sounds of a live violinist, setting the tone for an evening of sophistication and celebration. The soft, melodic notes filled the air, creating an ethereal atmosphere that felt straight out of a dream.
As guests ascended toward the dinner area, they were greeted by a dramatic staircase adorned with balloons, adding an extra layer of glamour and visual impact as they made their way up to the dining space. It was a stunning visual moment that captured the essence of the event, drawing everyone’s attention to the grand dinner setting that awaited.
But despite the breathtaking final result, I cannot ignore how frustrating and unnecessary the challenges were leading up to it. I absolutely hate seeing my clients stressed out. Outlandish is all about providing a hassle-free, stress-free experience, ensuring our clients can truly enjoy their celebration without a single worry. When I see a venue causing unnecessary anxiety, it makes me so mad, and I feel terrible for my clients—because this is the last thing they should be dealing with on their special day. A luxury event should be seamless, effortless, and joyful, and that is exactly what we at Outlandish stand for.
Despite the numerous setbacks, the final outcome was nothing short of magical. The transformation of the space left guests in awe, proving once again that even amidst unexpected challenges, luxury and beauty always prevail. Take a look at the photos—you’d never guess the chaos behind the scenes!
Ovayo
Client Testimonial
Everyone is talking about the decor and how beautiful it was. I am very happy with your service ,
money well spent! Everyone was professional!
