Session musician turned entrepreneur Sarah Balfour is taking the world of event planning by storm. Director of Music by Arrangement and Orchid Events from bar/batmitzvahs to weddings, music festivals, street parties, award shows, charity galas and special birthdays, no event is too large or small.Orchid Events has opened a Tel Aviv office combining support at home and a team on location in Israel. “We provide that local know-how, supplier relationships and eyes and ears on the ground, all vital towards securing top suppliers and venues at the best rates,”Sarah said. “British events in Israel are infused with a blend of the two cultures. It’s an intoxicating mix of a traditional British wedding with a splash of Israeli vibrancy and energy. “A barmitzvah at the Western Wall or a beautiful old synagogue at the peak of Masada is a magical and uplifting experience. “Having local experts on the ground means we’re always at the cutting edge of what’s on offer. “It’s not all just about that one day or occasion, whether it’s arranging airport transfers, producing welcoming packages, tour itineraries, babysitting or ensuring that medical assistance is on hand.” Sarah’s career started as a session pianist working with stars like Seal, Mandy Moore and Charlotte Church but “greed and ruthlessness” of agents spoiled a wonderful job over a six year period.Sarah set up her own agency, Music By Arrangement, in 2003. “If I treated musicians fairly, great artists would flock to work for me,” she said. Today, MBA has 700 artists on its books. Sarah continued to play piano. And it was at a 1940s film-themed party for a Hugh Grant film her ‘eureka’ moment arrived.“Every detail was so authentic from props and decorations to presentation of the food stations and canapés, even me.”she recalled. “I was dressed to the nines, blonde wig, 40’s attire and all to the point of being unrecognisable. Looking around at the incredible scene created, this was something I wanted to do and was certain I could do well.” Sarah’s success has seen her present programmes on Wedding TV. And she is the only UK wedding planner selected by Renegade Pictures to feature in a six-part American cable TV documentary about the Royal wedding. “I hope to gain more television exposure in the future,” she noted.