Specialising in bespoke celebrations fuelled by creativity and focused on attention to detail, our services reflect the ethos of our founder and director, Sarah Balfour. 

Having worked in Israel from an early age, and taken her first steps in her musical career in Jerusalem, Sarah has developed an in-depth knowledge of the Israeli events industry and produced spectacular celebrations throughout the country. 

From The Times to The Wedding Channel, Harper’s Bazaar to Sky News, Sarah’s work and event planning expertise also sees her regularly featured in the press, both as an expert commentator and in recognition of her achievements. 

Israeli Roots 

It was at just 19 years of age that Sarah first brought her musical talents to Israel. Spending a gap year in Jerusalem, the young musician and entrepreneur became the resident pianist at the five-star Hyatt Hotel in Jerusalem and renowned Café Rimon, as well as for the popular production of Blood Brothers. Within months she was touring the country, giving concert performances all across Israel.  

The zest for life, energy and passion of the country would forever leave its mark on Sarah, who, despite returning to the UK to continue her music scholarship at Leeds University, found herself continually drawn to life in Israel. 

Several years of prominence in the UK followed, including television appearances on shows such as Top of the Pops, CDUk, The National Lottery and GMTV and competition and awards success which included being named as the UK’s Leading Wedding Planner by Wedding TV. Beyond this Sarah appeared on TV with Channel Five to cast an expert eye over the Robbie Williams wedding while also featuring in a six-part series for Renegade pictures about the recent royal wedding of William and Kate, which aired across the globe. 

Sarah’s considerable experience often took her further afield, with a number of international television performances. She has performed alongside renowned singers such as Seal and Charlotte Church while also playing at exclusive events for leading Hollywood stars such as Hugh Grant and Tom Cruise. Throughout this time she remained on the committee for Breast Cancer Haven, putting together their annual gala.

Yet even this variety of success and high-profile appearances did little to quash her ambitions to bring her unique talents to the Israeli events industry and to undertake new challenges once again.

Founding Orchid Israel

For Sarah, launching Orchid Israel was the perfect way to fuse her affection for the country with the opportunity to meet an increasing demand for events in Israel with a British or US twist:

“So many people dream of celebrating events in Israel, particularly for weddings and Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, yet they want to retain some traditions and sensibilities from home. Orchid Israel not only fulfils that niche but allows them to oversee the planning of their event from abroad, to really make it a stress-free experience.”

Building on her considerable background in the music industry and her experience as a leading events planner, Sarah has been able to fuse her musical expertise with the detail and innovation of her events planning service to bring something totally unique to the Israeli market.

Musical Entrepreneur

Before Orchid Israel, Sarah had already developed two successful brands, beginning with Music By Arrangement (MBA) in 2003. Inspired by Sarah’s career as a concert pianist, this music and entertainment agency now has over seven hundred artists on its books and benefits from a consistent flow of prestigious clients throughout London and the UK, among them major names such as the V&A and Madame Tussauds, who have selected MBA as their preferred music and entertainment supplier. MBA has also developed exclusive industry-leading acts, such as the renowned party band Xtatic.

Sarah continued this success with Orchid Events, an event planning company with an established reputation for inspired, one-of-a-kind events around the globe and over 2,000 cherry-picked suppliers. 

Award Winning Businesswoman

Throughout her career, Sarah has always strived for perfection, something which has gained her recognition in various guises. Amongst her accolades, she has won several awards such as the Young Musician of the Year at the age of just 14, the Watford Music Festival grand winner and the Eve Inspirational Businesswoman Award 2008. She was selected as best wedding planner by The Wedding Channel and was also recently nominated for Business Woman of the Year 2011, one of just seven women on the shortlist.

Sarah is also a frequently featured in the international media, including in The Times, Harper’s Bazaar and Sky News. 

You can read more about Sarah Balfour’s story in our press section. You can also call us on +44 (0)208 209 3248 or email us to learn more.