It's a Wonderful Life: Photo Booth

I can't believe I forgot to include these pictures in the party post!! Instead of having our guests write their names on a sign-in sheet, I had each child or family pose for a photo. I'm going to order an album with everyones picture and have that serve as the sign-in/guest book. Here are a few snap shots from the party...

I searched everywhere for a vintage looking frame and just happened to stumble across this one at Ikea.

It's a Wonderful Life: The Party!

Conrad's first birthday celebration was a little over a week ago and I am so excited to share the photos with you!

The color scheme came from our Christmas tree and other seasonal decor around the house...gold, copper & ivory.

We often call Conrad, "C", so when we were designing the invitation, I wanted to use the initial instead of his full monogram. The "C" was present throughout many party elements. I was very tempted to have my favorite florist make a "C" wreath that matched the exact font, but instead of paying $300, I decided to give it a shot myself. It turned out okay.

On the kids tables, I set out gift centerpieces instead of using vases because inevitably, they would be knocked down by one of the little ones (probably my 2 year old!).

Jingle bell wreath ornaments served as favors which helped tie in the theme of the party.

Cinnamon hot chocolate...so yummy!

We had a make-your-own parfait station along with other breakfast goodies.

One of the party activities was a pull string pinata that matched the color scheme as well.

Face first!

The three of us...Nicklaus would not stand still long enough to join us!

All photography by Angela from Bella Smile.

A few party details you might be interested in:

* Invitation, favor sign, hot chocolate sign, napkins & cup stickers were all designed by my talented friend Hayley Hardcastle.

* Tiered cake & smash cake from Ooh La La.

* Custom bib designed by another talented friend, Amanda Skelton Yocum. Find her Etsy store here!

* The pinata came from Birchangel Pinatas through Etsy. Joylyn was so great to work with! She customized the pinata with the party colors and even took my order at the last minute.

* Linens were from Distinctive Details here in Houston and the table and chairs came from another Houston firm, A Finer Event.

* Caspari wrapping paper found at The Container Store.

* Apothecary jars came from Pottery Barn.

It's a Wonderful Life: The Invitation

I am thrilled with how the invitation turned out! My friend Hayley created yet another amazing invitation for me...thank you Hayley! I had tears in my eyes when I saw the final copy.

The invitation is an accordion card and the first picture you see is Conrad's silhouette. The inside features a few of my favorite pictures along with quotes from It's a Wonderful Life. The back of the card contains a collage of pictures throughout his first year and more quotes from the movie.

I have been dying to send out a boxed invitation, so I thought this was the perfect celebration to do so! The invitation sat on top of "snow" and bells ("everytime a bell rings an angel gets its wings") were tied around the card.

Conrad's First Birthday: It's a Wonderful Life

I cannot believe that my baby boy will be turning 1 in just a few weeks! Time has FLOWN by. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time, so he will always be itty bitty. But on the other hand, I'm so excited for him to reach this milestone.

I thought long and hard about what "theme" I wanted to go with to help celebrate this special boy. I love that he is a December baby which means his birthday is during my absolute favorite time of year! It's a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite movies and I watch it year round, not just during Christmas. It always takes me to a happy place and makes me feel warm and cozy.

When I was thinking about the movie a few months ago, the idea of planning his party around the film popped into my head. It's been a special year and so many wonderful things have happened...It's a Wonderful Life.

Lots of party details to come!

Photography by Candid Chic