Sunday, June 21, 2009

Shock 'N Awe

So I've been back from the Keys since Wednesday, but I've yet to return to work. I took Thursday and Friday off to prepare for a ginormous surprise! On Saturday, Baby Sis and I threw an epic joint 50th surprise birthday party for Daddy and Little. The fete was about a year in the making, and how they didn't find about it is truly a miracle. In fact, several months ago I posted the invitation on this humble little blog and asked for printing suggestions (thank you, Stephanie, for telling me about VistaPrint), but removed the post a short hour later when I realized that Little may sneak a peek (we're still unsure whether she reads this or not!).

We held the party Madame P's Lake Norman home and hosted 30 of my parents' closest friends. Daddy's actual birthday was June 16, while Little's isn't until August 2. They thought that Madame P had invited them for a cookout with her family to celebrate my promotion. Little had even prepared a lovely hostess gift and several divine dishes for the function. I was truly afraid that she was going to pass out when she realized the home was full of her loved ones, including her oldest friend who drove in from Knoxville just for the event.

Unfortunately, in all the hubbub, we forgot to document all of the decorative details and such, but the highlights included:
- Martha Stewart-esque tissue paper pom-poms
- Beverage labels featuring pictures of my parents through the years
- Apothecary jars with floating pink and orange gerber daisies

- A gorgeous (and utterly delicious) cake decorated in Tennessee and LSU colors
- And a new dress that I sewed (my first!) in honor of the big day

Even though I've had a whole week off of work, I'm utterly exhausted and wishing for a few more days! Isn't that always the way, though? Here is a small handful of the pictures we did manage to capture...



16 comments:

ashley said...

awww ya'll did such a good job!!! (ps are your parents from tn? just curious since used tn colors and friend from knoxville)

~M~ said...

Looks like a great party!!

Unknown said...

You are amazing. I love you!

Elizabeth said...

Fabulous details! Your dress is adorable!!!

Lis said...

What a great party!! You did an amazing job - the decorations and details look awesome!!

And I am LOVING your dress - you look so cute!!

Paisley & Pearls said...

LOVE your dress! Where is it from?!

Angela said...

You did an awesome job... love all the little details!

AEOT said...

You and your sis are too cute! I'm quite impressed with your dress making skills, dearie! I am so glad your parents were surprised and that everything went so well. They'll remember this forever!

Rachel H. said...

You guys look like you had such a great time and what an awesome party!

CTB said...

That looks like so much fun! I love all of the old pictures. Your dress looks great!

Children of the 90s said...

This is so cute! I LOVE the cake! I'm very impressed with your sewing, I've always wanted to learn. Also, I have that same swimsuit from VS :)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the invitations you made! And the labels on all the drinks and bottles of wine are precious. I just threw a 25th anniversary party for my parents.

USCEmily said...

Looks like a fun party- you did a great job!
And your dresses are adorable!

THE Stephanie said...

OMGoodness it looks like it turned out great!! I'm sure your parents were ecstatic!! What a wonderful gift from wonderful daughters! :)

QueenBeeSwain said...

you and your sis are so lovely- what a great party you threw- such a sweet thing to do for the p-rents- plus you two looked totally gorgie :)

kHm

DSS said...

The pictures are fabulous!!! I know that meant the world to them :) You did a wonderful job!