We have a major #WCW (woman crush Wednesday) happening over here at Bert’s Big Adventure (BBA)! Every year, we are reminded how truly amazing our send-off party design and décor team is. Jennifer Shields, owner and event stylist at The Gilbert House, and Holland Muscio, owner of Balloonacy, make the first big bash of the BBA trip week look beautiful and feel like a real party. Their hard work contributes in a big way to the incredible excitement the BBA kiddos feel before boarding the plane to Disney.
Meet Jennifer
An event stylist extraordinaire, Jennifer specializes in custom themes for elaborate children’s parties, baby showers, bridal showers and bar/bat mitzvahs. She began working with BBA in 2009 after hearing about our organization through our founders. “Stacey and Bert were clients of mine and they got me involved to help bring the send-off party to the next level. As a parent myself, I was touched by the work they do,” says Jennifer.
Each year, Jennifer comes up with a different theme and colors for the send-off event, making it special for a new group of families. She crafts a fun, VIP-style atmosphere for BBA families and coordinates everything from linens to entertainment. There is always plenty of entertainment! In the past, Jennifer arranges for jump houses and dress up and craft stations as well as coordinates plenty of food with the Renaissance for all to enjoy.
Meet Holland
In 2010, Jennifer brought Holland and her custom balloon décor prowess on board to amp up 
decorations for the BBA trip send-off celebration. She works her magic spending hours on end designing hundreds of balloons across the send-off event space that tie the whole motif together.
Holland typically designs an entrance piece, such as a set of columns or an arch in the shape of mouse ears (an ode to Mickey!). Plus, she provides themed centerpieces and other items around the room, such as a Magic Wand creation station with mini foil star balloons that the children can decorate and bring with them on the trip.
Their favorite part?
Both women say they can’t get enough of the smiles on the faces of BBA families when they enter the room for the first time. “They are so excited about the upcoming day. For many, it’s their first plane ride! So we love being able to be a part of that amazing day in some small way,” says Holland.
We understand the feeling—it doesn’t get much better than that!
