Forty and Fabulous: Inside Aventer Gray’s 40th Birthday Black-Tie Event

When you stepped onto the lavish purple carpet at Aventer Gray’s 40th birthday celebration, you instantly knew this was going to be an event like no other! 

It was hosted at the upscale The Starling Atlanta Midtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, previously known as W Midtown Atlanta. The night was a breathtaking blend of elegance and whimsy, with a color palette that boldly declared black, purple, pink, and gold as the vibe for the night.

The guests’ eyes were drawn to the grand staircase from the very first moment. It mesmerized everyone with matte black balloons flowing downward like a cascade of stylish exuberance. And just steps away was a photo backdrop that begged to be Instagrammed! Adorned with lyrics from a popular Beyonce song – It was a scene that announced, “This is only the beginning.” As a team of event planners in Atlanta, we truly take pride in how masterfully we’ve designed the space!

After this photogenic entrance, guests were directed to a four-sided wall that served a dual purpose. It not only held escort cards to guide you to your table. It was also adorned with pictures from different phases of Aventer’s life to mark the milestone seamlessly. A subtle yet impactful touch set the stage for the intimate birthday celebration ahead.

Entering the Sequoia ballroom felt like stepping into a realm of modern-day royalty! Tables swathed in black and gold shone under the warm glow of ambient lighting. Purple velvet napkins contrasted beautifully with the gold-rimmed chargers. The custom menus promised a feast worthy of the occasion. But it was Aventer’s table that took center stage! There, floral arrangements exploded in a riot of colors, creating a regal backdrop for a magnificent birthday celebration.

As if the ambience weren’t enough to make the evening unforgettable, a ceremony of heartfelt awards lifted this black-tie event! Aventer’s friends and family presented her with accolades for being the Best Friend, Best Daughter, Best Mother, and Best Wife. The sincerity of the moment — complete with spoken tributes — turned the glamorous event into an intimate family affair.

Just when you thought the evening couldn’t get any better, the live band kicked off the night’s musical journey. And were these tunes not thrilling enough? No! The surprise performances by Montell Jordan, Musiq Soulchild, Case, and Jason Nelson were explosive! These were some of the hight points of the evening!

The party was far from over. For the after-hours fun, guests were led to Altair, the Starling Hotel’s rooftop ballroom on the 27th floor. There, against the backdrop of the city’s skyline, a dance floor wrapped in Aventer’s monogram and the lyrics of her favorite songs beckoned everyone to let loose. Purple balloons floated overhead, casting a whimsical glow, while chic lounges offered a more laid-back vibe for those who wanted to chat or enjoy the branded dessert station.

Milanes Photography masterfully captured every moment, ensuring that the memories of this extraordinary evening would never fade.

So, what’s next for the Gray family, for whom we’ve had the honor of working as event planners in Atlanta through the years? One thing’s for sure: it will be another event that creates unforgettable memories. Because when it comes to birthday celebrations that not only meet but exceed expectations, this family knows how to make it happen!

To discover more iconic events, make sure to read our other blogs, sharing our bespoke curations as an ode to our remarkable clients. If our artistry has tickled your curiosity, we are here for you to create a one-of-a-kind event that will be remembered for decades! Get in touch to start planning the magic!

Photos by Milanes Photography