Stars and Stripes

I’m not sure about the rest of you but I am so excited for summer this year. Summer is already my favorite season but this summer has me so pumped! For most people, summer starts at one of two holidays. For some it starts Memorial Day weekend and for others it starts on Fourth of July. Either way, most of us kick off the sunny season with a patriotic bash!

A couple of years ago, we did this adorable shoot with Deets and Things and I hope it inspires you as much as it inspires me for this year’s holiday celebrations!

With parties and gatherings coming back in full swing, planners are kicking things up a notch from your average cookout. I love a gorgeous invitation suite, even for a backyard get together! Pigment and Parchment knocked it out of the park with this fun, casual, and gorgeous invitation. I love the lighter hues of that traditional red, white and, blue.

We loved working with this amazing group of vendors to help celebrate this pretty little girl and wish her all the best in her life. There are those who say a first birthday is a waste of time, money, and energy…however I see absolutely no waste in celebrating a beautiful soul and getting together to wish them all the best in life.

Jacqui painted attention to every single detail and the tablescape was no exception. I am just obsessed with all these floral arrangements by the talented Krista, from Not Just in Novels Florals. I haven’t seen prettier red, white, and blue florals ever! It really kicks up this party a few notches and brings it into a level that I think we are all aiming for our parties this summer. We were able to do some fun patriotic stir sticks for the party and we love how they turned out. They are always such a fun addition to a table, elevating the theme to a new level.

No backyard party is complete without some epic desserts and these desserts really steal the show here! Suburban Pies and Pacific Organic Pops just shined through this shoot with all their yummy goodies.

I love when parties consider guests of all ages. This summer, I think everyone is anxious to include their kids in some much deserved fun and games. I love this idea of creating a scavenger hunt for them! Not only are planned games for the kiddos a nice gesture as a host to their guests, but it also keeps them busy! Make sure you have treats and prizes for participants.

We hope that no matter how you chose to celebrate the kick off to summer, you enjoy yourself. Feel blessed to have another season on this beautiful planet and make some memories. Don’t forget to take pictures! Caitlin from Caitlin Alohilani did a fantastic job capturing all the details and fun that this party was. We haven’t been taking as many pictures this past year and this shoot reminds me of why it’s so important to try and capture these special moments.