Poet James, I probably baby you too much, and probably always will, but you have made me feel so deserving and gracious to hold the title of Mama. Your first year of life slowed down mine. But now, somehow, you’re two. I feel like I blinked, and you’re not a baby anymore. If I hold on too tight, it’s because I’m just trying to stay with you awhile.
2.22.2023
We throw big first birthday parties, so we weren’t going to let Poet down.
And now one year later, it deserves a spot on the blog.
Here’s a run down on the planning, decor, details, and all the things!
VENUE FIRST
The 1912 in Downtown Santa Ana
It was beautiful and reasonably priced in their wedding offseason.
The 1912 included tables, chairs, linens, staff members and a bartender.
They worked with me on a layout and even let us in the day before the party to set-up.
THEME
I love a theme. But I also really wanted to be original.
Her name is POET LOVE, so we went with a LOVE theme, which meant lots of red, pink, white.
And this gave us an excuse for a Bridgerton playlist!
VENDORS
If you’re ever in the Santa Ana area, I would recommend all of these.
Bounce House: What’s Bouncing
Soft Play: @tinycuties_softplay
Balloon Artist: Twist and Shout Events
Popsicle Cart: The Frozen Cart
Pizza Catering: Pizzarageous
Rentals: Sweet Salvage Rentals
Balloon Arch: Mother-in-law’s labor of love!
The vendors made it possible for us to enjoy the party and have less responsibility on the day of, so I was willing to book them all. But so much of the love came in DIY. I did a lot of prep with signs, canvases, pictures, and other small touches, which you can see more of in the videos below. And of course, the wheels behind hosting a party so big, are the friends and family who help.
My mother-in-law made a beautiful balloon arch!
All of the signage is Etsy.
I bought the pencil boxes, colored pencils, jars, and white books all from Amazon.
