When a young man recently decided it was time to pop the question to his girlfriend, he wanted to make the marriage proposal one she would never forget. Enter Jumana Abboud, founder and owner of Pearl Picnics, an experienced-based picnic pop-up business based in Barboursville, WV. Together, Jumana and the young man planned a proposal like no other. Jumana scouted a location off a trail in New River Gorge and prepped the area with her unique mobile picnic set-up. The young couple ended their ordinary hike at an extraordinary scene, a surprise picnic in the forest complete with hand-crafted tables, comfy cushions, and a curated menu of celebratory spirits. 

“His girlfriend didn't suspect a thing,” Jumana said with a smile. “I even got them a photographer. It was a total surprise.”

This adventurous, one-of-a-kind experience is the driving force behind Pearl Picnics. Since founding the company, Jumana has curated picnics for events like wedding anniversaries, Sweet 16 birthdays, garden tea parties, multiple marriage proposals, and numerous parties for friend groups. Whatever the occasion, Pearl Picnics can offer a luxury pop-up picnic experience.  

“I think the biggest feedback I’ve received is that it's such a unique idea, especially for the area, and clients love how customized and personalized you can make it.”

To make every client feel special, Pearl Picnics is equipped with numerous mobile setups and customizable options for various party sizes and themes. The “Signature Package” can accommodate up to 12 guests and includes amenities like tableware, decor, LED candles, and a Bluetooth speaker. An intimate “Date Night” package designed specifically for couples looking to date outside the box includes options like a bottle of champagne and a charcuterie board for two. Regardless of the request, Jumana gives every client and experience an unwavering attention to detail.  

“I really think my favorite part is the planning,” she said. “It's kind of like me and the client become best friends for weeks.”

Since its inception, Pearl Picnics has partnered with local businesses like Boujee Boards by Roz, Nomada Bakery, and Sip Downtown Brasserie to offer various levels of amenities and add-ons to her picnic services. 

“I’ve collaborated with so many local vendors. It's actually been such an amazing door to the community. My husband and I, we originally moved from Tampa, so that was a big culture shock for me. But once I started Pearl Picnics, the people that I’ve met just through networking in the community, the support and encouragement, the people that are willing to work with me, they have all been so amazing.”

Jumana, a former healthcare professional with a master’s degree in healthcare administration, moved to the area with her husband 12 years ago. Since trading the beaches for the mountains, she has fully embraced the wild and wonderful spirit of West Virginia. It was her adventurous nature and inspiration from close friends that led her to start Pearl Picnics in April of 2024. 

“I just thought, you know, what? Take a leap of faith! I am that kind of person that loves to learn more and try new things. I moved from Florida to West Virginia, and I'm very outdoorsy right now. Everybody is kind of comfortable in their ways. It's hard sometimes to get them to just try something new. But the people that do, they end up loving it!”

For friend groups, couples, and parties that want something different on their calendar, an evening curated by Pearl Picnics is the perfect way to change things up. Beyond group rates and date night packages, Pearl Picnic offers themed “Sleepover Tent Parties” designed for kids, and even an “Igloo Picnic” package specifically for unique winter picnics. The weather proof, cold-protected bubble tent is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for the most daring couples. 

“A client couple, when I first started, had a Valentine's date night by the lake in Barboursville in the igloo and it was great,” Jumana said. “The tent keeps in a lot of warmth. They just kind of zipped it all in, they got themselves drinks and food, and had a great time.”

As Pearl Picnics enters its third year in business, Jumana hopes to meet more people in the Huntington and Barboursville areas that are looking for new, unique experiences. 

“I've had some contacts in Teays Valley and Charleston. I would love to get up there too, but I honestly think that there's a bigger clientele in Huntington that I haven't reached yet, so I'm trying to focus on here. A lot of people don't know the concept of a pop-up picnic. But once I explain it, everyone's like, ‘this is such a great idea!’ I think it just takes a minute to find the right people that do want to get this creative and want to celebrate a little differently than just going to a restaurant and having some food.”

Amid expanding her reach and event capabilities, Jumana hopes to venture into markets like bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers and even rehearsal dinners. And of course, more marriage proposals. 

“I really do understand that it's natural to just be taking a stroll with your partner, and then they get on one knee. You know, like, nothing planned. But, I also love big gestures, you know, the ones that give me butterflies in my stomach. Walking up to a beautiful, decorated setup with my big neon ‘Will you marry me?’ sign has a completely different effect on the proposal.”

By the way...his girlfriend say yes.

To learn more about Pearl Picnics visit https://www.pearlpicnicswv.com/ and be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook.