Real Events: colorful vintage 1st birthday party

When I considered the possibility of a large party, I thought of what would be the most enjoyable for my baby girl. I decided that she would rather enjoy bright colors, balloons, cake & ice cream while her mommy and daddy aren't too busy running a party to cuddle her up if she feels overwhelmed. We decided to hire our wedding photographer, Annie Hosfeld, to capture her smashing her first cake (a homemade 4 layer, rainbow cake, with dum dum lollipops to resemble balloons) and eating her first bites of sugar (ok maybe not the first bites- she does have a big sister after all). We invited our immediate families and blew-up more than 60 Dollartree punching balls with helium to fill the house. We kept it super simple with food by serving cupcakes & setting-up a little ice cream station on the girls' play kitchen. It turned out to be a ton of fun & we now have amazing photos to share with her as she gets older.

here are some of my favorite images of the day...

Thanks to the blogs that have featured this first birthday celebration.
Kara's Party Ideas












Half Baked-the cake blog

Paiges of Style

Hip Hip Hooray!

Indigo Prints

and last by certainly not least our photographer
Annie Hosfeld

Our stationery is featured in a book!

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Lookbook has a program that we created a few years ago for Kelly & Ryan!  Laurie did a beautiful job with the wedding photos & submitted this image for the tangerine & celery inspiration board.  Thanks to Laurie for submitting it!

ps-it is the white program wrapped in a striped orange & green paper

round-up: gift wrap ideas

With the first night of Hanukkah upon us and Christmas right around the corner, I thought I better share these great gift wrap ideas that I have been collecting...

This first group is from Amanda Rae. I can't believe the beauty she created by combining simple materials of lace, craft paper and burlap- amazing!

This next group is from one of my favorite blogs- Under the Sycamore.  Such an inventive use of dollar store paper doilies, scrap fabric and of course the simple, but beautiful baker's twine.

I also found this recycled paper garland from Terrain, which could really be a a fun DIY project if you can sew....

Lastly, I am always drawn to the classic silhouette and these little creations from designs by thoughts are just adorable!

So what is your favorite gift wrap?  I would love to hear any ideas.

Happy Holidays!

fabric flower bouquet

this fabric bouquet "how-to" from rock-n-roll bride rocks!

Haru- I am crazy about this stuff!

texture (check), color (check), paper (check)- Haru

I just had to share their gorgeous work- this lady is a paper genius!

child's birthday party

i just love everything about this little party from bichos y mariposas that I saw on Party Perfect!

woodsy casual wedding

love this wedding from 100 layer cake

the bride printed these invitations herself on wood!

Pumpkin Pie in a jar

I have been gathering Thanksgiving decor & recipes and just stumbled across this cute and yummy idea at Inchmark.

DIY: holiday branch decor

spotted this great table in the CB2 catalog a few weeks ago & just saw the diy instructions on their blog. fun idea - i could see this adapted for a fall or winter wedding- would be lovely for an escort card table!

eco-friendly party in a box

Zulily, a great online discounter for hip children's products is featuring Acme Party Box Co at 40% discount until 11/5. I love this innovative, environmentally conscious business concept, which sells stylish goods for kids & adult parties. They make it so easy for you by grouping the goods by party concept such as the Fall Harvest or the circus party.  Their complete packages include everything from letterpress invitations to reusable favor bags.

Here are some of of my favorites-

Real Wedding: Old Hollywood Glam at Loews Philadelphia

Just got some great photos from Suzanne Tenuto.   It was our first time working together, and I am impressed with her work- not to mention her pleasant personality all day!   Phyllis and her team at Eventricity did a great job achieving the "sultry" look the bride was hoping for...

amazing view from the cocktail hour on the 33rd floor at the Loews