Graduation season is here and I can’t wait to see all the celebrations. I am one of those people who will tell graduates in restaurants “Congrats” when I see them still in their cap and/or gown. I remember that immense feeling of pride and accomplishment and I am so excited to see others reach that space too.

Last year, we got to help our dear friends celebrate their daughter’s college graduation. I feel bad that so many of these students had such drastically different college experiences these last two years than they probably expected. I give them all the kudos for sticking through it and reaching their goals.

Emily graduated from UCI with a degree in Biology. She’s a lucky girl since her mom is also just as amazing and owns a gorgeous venue in Fullerton, RSVP Event Space and is an event designer and coordinator, Pleasant Surprise Events. We’ve worked with Nellie on a bunch of different events, but this one of course was extra special.

Despite an incredibly challenging year, full of changes in her plans, Emily graduated. Nellie was beaming with pride and she pulled out all of the stops for her. I think for those of us who are lucky enough, a college graduation can be a family accomplishment. Our families can help support us, mentally and financially, they can encourage us, pick us up when we are down, and sometimes even help with those big and scary adult decisions. Emily is incredibly fortunate with an amazing support system in her parents. I’m so glad Nellie had Per Pixel Photography capture all these gorgeous moments.

After your child gets through some of the toughest years our generation has experienced, you gotta go big! Nellie got these stunning balloon garlands form Michelle Rodgers Styling, and they adorned the stage and marquee letters from Create-a-Party Rentals. This beautiful little spot makes the perfect photo booth for everyone to commemorate the special celebration!

From the blooms nestled within the balloon garlands, to the giant luscious arrangements around the stage, to the tiny bud vases are all from Lovestruck Blooms. They really feminize the party and you can pretty much smell them in these pictures.

RSVP is such a gorgeous venue that is the perfect size for an intimate wedding or graduation party. I’ve been super lucky to see it set up for all the different type of events they can host, it’s so versatile. It’s also immaculately clean. Nellie and her team go above and beyond to make sure the space is in the best shape ever!

We were so excited to be able to help with the celebration. Nellie asked us for some signage, stir sticks, and cake toppers. I gotta say, the mimosa bar sign we did is my absolute favorite. I prefer my mimosa the “graduate way”.

The UCI cake topper was also a favorite. Like I said, I’m a sap for graduations. I know how much hard work and sacrifice it can take to get to this point for a lot of people and families. It is one of my absolute favorite reasons to celebrate someone.

The cakes were from Hapa Cupcakes, follow them on Instagram if you want to torture yourself with delicious yummy pictures of sweets daily. They make the most amazing cupcake combos ever and I love their specialty themed cupcakes and cookies for whatever season or holiday that’s coming up.

Crepes Bonaparte offered sweet and savory crepes for the guests and I mean…I’ll take one of each right? They all look and sound so good! Crepes are perfect for a party, they are made to order, lots of varieties, easy to eat, it’s a great idea! And now I want one…

The graduate also had 7 Leaves Boba there to have a self serve boba bar for her guests. Yummy!

Graduation season is coming to a close around here and soon school will be back in session, however for those graduates who have just celebrated, their lives are really just beginning. My advice is always to never stop being a student. Always be open minded to learning new things and new ways. Take the risks, and don’t settle.