You know those people that you call your family but they aren't technically family, well that's who just turned one, Rylee. So when the mommy, my "cousin" Jacy, called 6 months ago and asked if I would help bring her vision of a "whimsical princess once upon a time" theme for her daughter's first birthday to life of course I was all in! Yesterday's party was simply magical! Here are some of the highlights.

The party was held at the grandparents home out in the country on a ranch with a long winding road up to the house. We put tassels at the entrance with some tutu lantern then lined the drive way with inspirational girl magic wishes quotes. We thought long and hard selecting the most impactful 8 that told the story and set the tone of the party then got busy designing the perfect layout for each quote. I'm quite pleased with the final result. 

We directed everyone for drop off and parking by making the walkway the perfect beginning to our story like all princess stories begin, with "Once Upon A Time."

Once people entered there was no doubting they had walked into a castle. We had magic wand, swords, and shields for all the kids.

As guests moved further into "the castle" they walked past pictures of Princess Rylee from new born through today.

We set up a foryer type area so guests could see where to go for everything.

Rylee's nanie (grandmother) has a catering business, The Southern Spoon, so we were all treated with tons of amazing food! Side note, the enchanted punch was the best party punch I've ever had!!!! I will share the recipe once I get my hands on it.

We tucked the gifts into a corner and didn't open them until after the party technically ended so Rylee could actually spend as much time with everyone who came as possible.

We set all of the desserts and a gourmet hot cocoa bar outside with the bounce house and picnic tables so the kids  and parents could enjoy the beautiful southern country winter weather at 70 degrees. I highly suggest these tiara cookies, they were both cute and delicious. When we picked out the cake flavor with The Cocoa Bean Bakery we couldn't settle on just one filling so we commissioned 4 different flavors of filled cupcakes because why not have some options. One of the first things Jacy and I had spotted when we started planning was a picture on The Knot of a wedding with a popsicle station for their August wedding. I had no idea at the time how we were going to replicate the popsicle backdrop they had behind the table much less incorporate a giant ombré thing of popsicle sticks but we had to have it. Then it hit us, use the popsicle sticks to dip the speciality marshmallows next to a hot cocoa bar! I love hot chhocolate, I'm pretty sure this was my favorite part of planning because I've had flavored chocolate dipped treats to add to my morning coffee for weeks now, obviously for quality control purposes.

We brought the smash cake back inside so the grandparents and great-grandparents didn't have to walk outside to see the smashing mess.

I had so much fun planning this party over the last 6 months with my cousin. She truly brought out some skills I didn't think I had by challenging me with her amazing ideas and imagination! She is going to be my go to for inspiration and design approval for stuff from now on! Seriously she has an eye and imagination that combined with my personality is unstoppable! 

More pictures to come from the photographer and details about everything else but I was too excited to even wait a full 24 hours before sharing the pictures I had from Rylee's "whimsical princess once upon a time" first birthday party. 

How do you think we did accomplishing the theme of "whimsical princess once upon a time" first birthday party?

XOXO

The Mr. & Amanda

Vendor Details:

*If a specific vendor isn't listed for something you want to buy/use, shoot us a message and we will tell you how Jacy and I made it.

Event Coordinator: Engineered Experiences

Invitation and Information Design: Elise Apffel

Catering: The Southern Spoon

Tiered Cake: The Cocoa Bean Bakery

Smash Cake: Piece of Lagniappe

Cupcakes, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, & Tiara Cookies: Kim McDonald

Quote Signs: The Lagniappe Life (manufactured by our favorited metalworks partner)

Welcome Door Hangers: The Lagniappe Life (manufactured by our favorited metalworks partner)

"Once Upon a Time" Banner: The Lagniappe Life