I honestly think that Julie and Mark must be the coolest parents ever to throw a spectacular Lord of the Rings costumed party for their daughter Sophie’s 21st birthday!
Some 120 guests who were invited to the party shire donned their pointy ears, put on their furry hobbit feet and dug out their old Celtic cloaks for Sophie’s special day. A crowd of Gandalfs, Saurons, Frodos and Galadriels were warmly and gracefully greeted by Sophie, dressed in a gorgeous full length jewel-encrusted ballgown and Lord of the Rings elven diadem, and her parents.
Sophie’s girlfriends channelled princess’s attendants. The lawn with the festive maypole became the arena for swordsmen(women) and archers who tested their valour on the battleground. Giant flowers and sacks of King Elfward potatoes with added pixie dust decorated the hobbit hole marquee with the famous sign “No admittance except on party business”.
The ale was flowing into earthenware goblets as freely as were the conversations at the tables. An impressive feast of oysters, lobsters, giant ham and other treats waited to be consumed. What a party!
Sophie cut a cute hobbit hole birthday cake custom made by Liggy’s Cakes. The cake cutting was followed by lots of energetic Ceilidh dancing and a great sounding Scottish band led by Grant Dinwoodie whom I photographed earlier in his Le Haggis cabaret act at Big Burns Supper.
I enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere, vibrant mood and feeling created by everyone and felt privileged to photograph this party. As I was leaving the action was in full swing, Sophie and her guests dancing their feet off!
Many thanks to the creative suppliers who managed to brings Middle Earth to Rushwell:
Alan and Lorna at Lowland Marquees
Peter and his catering team at Caterbirds
Liggy’s Cake Company in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Singer Grant Dinwoodie and his band Single Malt
At the beginning of the party we went to the bank of a little lake at the back of the house for family portraits and some photos of the birthday girl.
Outside the hobbit hole afterwards:
Inside the hobbit hole:
Middle Earth feast prepared by Caterbirds:
During the feast:
The band went on stage and the dancing floor got crowded immediately:
To view more of Sophie’s Lord of the Rings birthday party please feel free to click here for a slideshow!