Caris' Swanky Birthday Soirée

How is it that in a blink of an eye, our rainbow baby Caris is turning three next month?! I still remember the day when I found out we were pregnant with her, and how my excitement turned into anxiety of possibly losing this baby, after four difficult losses prior. She has been nothing but a light and joy in our lives, and her hilarious ways make us all laugh from our bellies!  



Since THREE is a kind of big deal around here, and for Caris' second birthday, I realize I never even got around to blogging her cute little "TWO the moon" birthday shoot at home (oops!! I promise I will do that soon...), I wanted to do a little party set up at the garden/orchard where big sister June celebrated her 8th birthday 3 years ago (HERE but in a slightly different part of the garden since they have changed up the place). It was also where we shot our baby announcement at the same time. It was really meaningful to us that the sisters shared this space. 



I, of course, just happened to be designing this fun little collection that launches September 1st -- our Swan Ballerina dresses, cute matching play crowns, and matching skirts for women, which gave me the idea for Caris' party theme: "Swanky Birthday Soirée" (with an obscure pun in "SWANky" heheh). I also enlisted the help of my favorite doll-maker, Chrissy @daintycheeks, to make an exclusive swan doll to match our Ballerina collection! And she, of course, delivered the most darling little swan dolls that are very much loved by the girls!

Here's a little closer look. These darling Swan Ballerina dolls will be available only on our website from September 1st through September 25th! 

We invited a few of our old friends - my friend Vanessa and her girls, and new friends -- little Chloe and her mama Winny -- got dressed up in my designs, and went to party!! 

While planning for this party, it had been on my heart to help other fellow small businesses like ours. This past year has easily been the most difficult year for our business financially, and I know many other small businesses are especially struggling -- many of my own friends had, in fact, had to close their doors in the last couple of years. So, with two weeks to plan (I almost always plan last minute since I wear many hats around here and have no marketing team), I reached out to many shops local and afar, and am so grateful that every business owner came together to make Caris' Swanky birthday soirée possible. I hope that by hilighting everyone's hard work, that as consumers, we can be more intentional in our spending habits this season and support small businesses.

My friend Nasaa @hellobirdiebirdie, who carries beautiful children's nursery decor and toys, kindly made me a swan garland out of the swans of her swan mobile. And literally just a few days before the shoot, I connected with old friend and former co-worker, Vic @oliveandgracestems, who graciously donated her time and talent to make the most beautiful floral arrangements I've seen (since my wedding!). Pauleen @2create4love is my favorite local cookie maker (her side gig!) - she has made cookies for all my parties. 





Tina @ellieandpiperco has some of the most amazing selection of party decor and tablewares, and I couldn't resist choosing these rose gold-foiled cups, ombre pink speckled gold plates, with striking black/white accent plates and straws. It seemed appropriate for our Swan in three lovely colors. They also provided the pink star and star/moon garlands that we decorated the gold tea cart with, and the gold "3" sparkler candle on the cake.



Speaking of which...this swoon-worthy cake is made by a local baker Miley @Birdiebakery. She is known locally for her oh-so-perfect and creative cakes. The signage next to the cake is made by my other friend Tutram @tutramcreates!

Of course, none of these beautiful images would have ever been possible without the talented @lindatranphotography. We had never met prior to the shoot, but I'm forever grateful to her for capturing our little girl's party so beautifully.
And, I thought I should note that this is actually the first time that Caris ever smiled for a photographer! 

Happy birthday, sweet Caris! Three years with you have been the most incredible years of our lives as a family. You are "swan" in a million, and we LOVE you more than you will ever know.

And I thought I would leave you with this happy dance from these silly sisters!

xoxo, Judy (designer/co-founder)

 

Here's the list of small businesses/makers that made this shoot possible:

@lindatranphotography  
@saltwatersandals (June & Caris’ shoes)
@daintycheeks (swan dolls)
@bushacres (picnic table)
@oliveandgrace (flowers)
@ellieandpiperco (tablewares + decoration)
@hellobirdiebirdie (swan garland)
@minicamp.lt (teepee)
@birdiebakery (cake)
@tutramcreates (signage)
@2create4love (cookies)