Blue & Brown Baptism & 1st Birthday Party

Last week, I had the privilege of putting together a baptism/birthday party for an adorable baby boy named James! It was my very first gig. I think it went exceptionally well, but there was one minor hiccup, and a few small things I would have changed.
The party was given by the God parents, and they gave me full reign over the decor. I had no idea what I wanted to do until I saw the invite. It was very simple, perfect for a baptism, and was blue & brown. So, I decided to do a color themed party. Colors were white with blue & brown accents. I also didn't want it to be too first birthday cheesy so I used his name throughout, and I wanted to keep the purity of the baptism with white.
The candy table was made up of candies in blue and brown with matching cupcakes and an adorable yummy cake to match. I was in charge of picking those out too.
I had a lot of fun doing this party and it was so easy since I was given the opportunity to pick what I thought would work. And since it was a success, I already have second gig lined up. Yay! A baby shower.

Jacob's Cars Birthday Party!

A couple of weeks ago, on Jacob's actual birthday, we celebrated with a Cars party. A couple months before the party, when Cars 2 came out, I asked him what kind of party he wanted, and he said Cars. Thing is, the week of his party he had become utterly obsessed with Captain Hook and pirates. So, when I asked him again what kind of party he wanted, he said...Pirates! Ugh. But despite being a Cars party, he still loved it!

For his special day, we got Jacob a Cars jumper. He absolutely loves these things. Anytime he sees one he has to go in it and jump to his heart's desire. But, trying to get him out was always a hassle. So, we got one he could jump in all day long. And he did, as soon as the jumper arrived, Jacob jumped right in. It was also a pool party, so the kids had a great time. Well, I think so, at least. Favors were Cars paper lunch bags filled with candy, a water gun, a Cars Pez dispenser, Cars sticker, and Cars bubbles. The kids' eyes were buggin' when they saw the bag was stuffed.

For dinner, we served up Hawaiian food. Chicken Katsu, BBQ beef, macaroni salad, green salad, and white rice. We ordered it from a local place and it was a big hit. The cake was from Sam's Club and was really moist and delicious...and cheap!

We all had a 'rip racing' good time! And I know Jacob had a fun and memorable birthday. He's still talking about it!

The ONE that started it all!

A little over three years ago, I got married, and that's where my creativity started to flow. I planned and designed my own wedding from top to bottom. Knowing what I know now, I'm sure I could do it ten times better. But, I still love it, and it was exactly us: simple. My colors were white and pink with chocolate brown accents. I was flip flopping on the brown for the longest. But in the end, because it was fall, I decided to bring it in. I think if I were to do it today, I'd bring in gray instead of brown. I have a thing for gray at the moment. Anywho, I made my own table runners for the head table and cake table, I made my own Swarovski cake topper, and I picked and designed the flowers I wanted for the bouquets and the centerpieces. I found and put together my favors, and I personalized my wedding candle. I did my wedding on a really tight budget. I had just graduated from college and I was going back to get my Master's. Jess had just started a new job, and money was a little tight. I was happy the way everything came together, and the best money spent was on a day-of wedding coordinator. She was the best! And here's a tip, find one that's just starting out! I saved thousands by doing this. I did the same with my photographer. I saved thousands here too. But I also did my homework and research on both. I'm happy to say that both are really big professionals in their industry now. So, looking back, this is THE party that started it all.