Just when you thought picnics couldn’t get any more romantic, imagine how in love you would be with casual outdoor dining if the setup, seasonal spread and clean up were all taken care of—by someone else. Twin sisters Abbey and Hayley Hester know the feeling and have capitalized on the trend—and their passion for decorating and hosting parties—by opening VB Picnic Co. in September.
The duo traded “full-time, big-girl careers” in IT for the business, and the leap has paid off as they now expertly curate an average of six luxury pop-up picnics per day on the beach, in backyards or basically anywhere locally with a beautiful backdrop.
Abbey says the one-of-a-kind, intimate event concept has been popular during COVID, especially for proposals and bridal showers. In fact, three recent proposal clients have requested that the sisters design their weddings.
“We love our brides and have the unique experience of helping them celebrate, from their proposal to their bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and even their wedding,” Abbey says. “We are so grateful to have been a part of so many special moments.”
Hayley adds that they have already done a few micro weddings and elopements, and though they can make any vision come true, most brides are interested in their popular boho theme, including pampas grass, muted colors, and wicker furniture and props.
Picnic packages start at $200 for two guests and include the complete design and décor of the tablescape, custom welcome sign, charcuterie board from Long Board Charcuterie and more. All other showers, weddings, and larger events are offered custom pricing and planning via email to Info@TheVBPicnicCo.com
“The excitement we feel when a proposal booking comes through never gets old,” says Abbey. “We know it is just the beginning of a great relationship with so many local couples.
Learn more at TheVBPicnicCo.com
Melissa M. Stewart
Melissa M. Stewart was the former editor of Savor Virginia and Coastal Virginia Magazine. After she got her first story published in the second-grade school newsletter, she has since been an avid writer and word nerd for 20 years. She has served as production editor for AmeriForce Media and marketing communications manager for Volvo Penta. When she is not working, Melissa spends her time in Virginia Beach keeping up with her two spunky daughters, planning beach days, creating craft cocktails with garden ingredients and running to make up for all the wonderful food she discovers around Virginia.
