Ella’s 5th Fairy Party at Hotel Bel-Air
Some celebrations carry deeper meaning, and Ella’s 5th Fairy Party was one of those moments. It was a tender experience for our team as the party was rooted in resilience, love, and the quiet magic of seeing a long-awaited birthday dream finally come to life.
Originally planned as an intimate fairy garden gathering, the celebration had to be postponed following the tragic Pacific Palisades fire that impacted so many families, including Summer Friday’s co-founder Lauren Ireland and her family, who lost their home. In the wake of such loss, the priority shifted to safety, healing, and togetherness. When the time was right to reimagine Ella’s party, the goal wasn’t simply to recreate what had been planned, but to create something even more meaningful: a moment of joy and wonder for a little girl who deserved nothing less.
Set within the lush gardens of Hotel Bel-Air, the celebration unfolded like a storybook scene. Long white children’s tables were dressed with delicate bud vases filled with soft pinks, blush, pale lavender, and buttery creams with each floral arrangement intentionally mismatched to feel collected and charming. Petite white chairs with bow backs were adorned with trailing greenery and lined the tables, creating a garden fairy-village aesthetic that felt both whimsical and refined.
Towering oversized florals rose from the garden beds and were met with glee as loved ones trailed in to the alfresco party area of Swan Lake. These statement pieces anchored the space, transforming the grounds into a true fairy wonderland without overwhelming the natural beauty of the surroundings. Every detail was designed to feel magical yet effortless, as if the fairies had arrived overnight and gently set the scene.
Sweet moments were woven throughout the day. From fairy-inspired desserts and woodland treats to face painting that turned little guests into fluttering butterflies, the celebration embraced childhood wonder at every turn. Ella’s custom cake was as charming as it was delicious, highlighting soft blush tones, floral details, and fairy accents which made it feel like the perfect finale.
At its heart, this celebration was about more than décor or design. It was about honoring a family’s journey, acknowledging the weight of what had been lost, and celebrating the beauty in what remains. Watching Ella and her friends laugh, play, and fully immerse themselves in the magic was a powerful reminder of why moments like these matter so much.
We were honored to bring this fairy tale to life for such a deserving fairy birthday girl. Sometimes the most meaningful events aren’t just about the way they look —but about what they represent.