sarah showered with love

This is Sarah, and she is getting married next month!

The bridal shower was hosted by Sarah's mom and Miriã, who is also the maid of honor. Lively, bright colored flowers were scattered around and inside the house. Hints of mint and fuschia were fused into the decor. Family and friends from near and far gathered Saturday afternoon to celebrate the bride-to-be, and it was memorable and fun for all. 

For the photo booth, guests struck a pose in front of colored-paper raindrops hung from white pom-pom clouds ... of course, while holding props such as glasses and chalkboard signs. Games included Celebrity Couples, Bingo during the opening of the presents, and the Underwear Game, where Sarah had to guess which underwear was given to her from whom. And throughout the shower, guests went back and forth from the kitchen tasting all of the delectable treats that were made. At the end of the day, guests went home with small little boxes filled with sweet treats from the candy bar!

a snippet: sarah showered with love

'Tis the season to get married ... or at least it is for our friends. Next month, Brian & I will be going to two weddings! Two! Both a week apart to top it off. We couldn't be more excited for our two friends that are going to marry to their best friends so soon, and we feel so blessed to be a part of this season in their lives.

This past Sunday, I was invited to Sarah's bridal shower, a friend whom I've gotten to know through my friend, Miriã (MOH and the creative mind behind the bridal shower). The shower was a success, and the bride-to-be was definitely showered with love. I had the opportunity to photograph the event (I'm not great, but good enough, ha!), which was a lot of fun, capturing candids, decor details, and photo booth moments.

Here is just a preview of Sarah's bridal shower:

[Credits: Decor, Miriã. Cake: Krystle Hernandez]

More to come soon!

peter rabbit

My friend, Liz, asked me to help out with her baby shower last November.

It was a lot of fun putting it together, but it was definitely a lot of work. Luckily I was smart enough to start researching and gathering stuff in the summer. But since I suffer from a disease known as "perfectionism," I had to make sure everything looked right, even if it meant staying up really late the week before the shower.

I've always admired the jobs of event planners, and always thought if I would like that job or not. In the past, I've helped with friends and family members put on parties; my forte was decorations (I'm still working on food ... thank you Pinterest!). I've always enjoyed just helping out with that; but this time I was given the bigger duty of taking care of ALL DECOR.

Despite the amount of work that went into it (and money), I really enjoyed planning some of the shower alongside her mom, Maria, and my good friend Megan. Perhaps I'll do more event planning in the future...

Here are some pictures from that day.

Her baby shower is also featured in Mingle.

never too old for cookies & milk

This past Sunday, we celebrated my brother-in-law's 40th birthday. The theme was a rustic, classy southern feel. My sister-in-law, Christin, wanted to throw him a memorable party to celebrate this milestone with family and close friends. The party was filled with childhood photos, roast n' toasts, and children running all around in the backyard. 

When it came to planning this party, details meant everything to Christin. From centerpieces to table set up to even party favors, she wanted everything to be perfect. And perfect it was. She surpassed everyone's expectations, even her own at times as she was setting up the party.

    

   Top&Bottom: Banners made from burlap.
Collage: Pictures from childhood to present.

Centerpieces



Kid's Table

Refreshments

Sweet Potato Fries, BBQ Pulled Pork, Mac N' Cheese, Salad

I like LOVE food.

Dessert Table: German Chocolate Cake, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies

My favorite part of the evening was the roast n' toasts. It was a chance for everyone to share a story (most of which were embarrassing, of course) about Todd. Since his family couldn't fly out from Tennessee to celebrate his birthday, Christin emailed them ahead of time to share some stories about him. People around the table read the emails that his family wrote (Guess he's a fan of the song Crazy Train, who knew?) Afterwards, it was open to everyone to chime in. Although there were many laughs (and a few tears as well), it was obvious that Todd is loved by his wife, family, and friends.

Turning 40 may seem scary. A lot of times, we're not prepared for that milestone. But when you're surrounded by family and friends who you love and love you even more, you realize that being 40 doesn't define you. It's just another number. What defines you is the imprint you leave on the people in your life.

Christen+Todd

Happy Birthday Todd!