Fawn Over Baby: Malia's Rustic Glam 1st Birthday Party By Melissa Oholendt Photography

8/9/13

Malia's Rustic Glam 1st Birthday Party By Melissa Oholendt Photography

Happy Friday Fawn Fans! Do I have a dandy of a first birthday party for you! Today's party theme is all about the LOVE and talented photographer, Melissa Oholendt captured the lovely details perfectly. As family and friends gathered to together to celebrate the adorable Malia turning one, you can feel the love and joy that went into celebrating this special birthday girl on her big day! With peach, silver, gold and grey mixed with a little bit of rustic flare, Malia's mother went all out to design the perfect party that represented her trendy tot to a tee. There are so many wonderful elements displayed throughout, you will be left feeling incredibly inspired. As you scroll through Melissa Oholendt's flawless photos of all the stunning details, Malia's mom is here to walk us through her impeccably realized birthday party vision.

The inspiration for our sweet little Malia's first birthday party was LOVE. Although we were celebrating Malia's epic milestone, we also celebrated our family and friends who enrich our lives, make us laugh and love our babies. For any get together we host, it is so important for us to make all of our guests feel the love. With Malia's birthday being so close to Valentine's day, I used hearts and arrows as inspiration and incorporated organic elements with a touch of glam (i.e the beautiful tassel garland from confetti systems). The result was a cool girly chic sweet party that perfectly captured her spirit. I pulled much of the inspiration for the party from blogs and party planners I admire, and I also found inspiration in an unexpected place - instagram. Through instagram, I find inspiration and art in everyday living. I am currently obsessed.

As guests entered our home, we asked they write love notes to little Malia. Malia gifted each of the guests, littles and adults, a sparkly mini sequin bando heart pin to wear in gold, silver or red. And additionally, the littles received one of Malia's favorite book, Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You. We always try to use books as favors, because the kids love them and it is something that will be kept forever.

Hearts and arrows were found throughout - from the art we washi taped above the party tables, party signage to the cupcake toppers. The tables were filled with Wood bowls and platter as well as succulents and plants to bring the outside in especially because our freezing cold temps in Minnesota keep us indoors most of the winter. And cream roses in simple jars added just the right touch of girly chic. I wish I was crafty and love the handmade look but since I am NOT, I turned to the next best thing -- Etsy! I worked with so many great vendors to create the look.

We served many filipino and indian dishes half home cooked by my mother and the other half catered. Salty Bird (chocolate cake, buttercream, toffee pieces and coarse sea salt) and Vanilla Bean cake pops and White chocolate raspberry and gluten free snickerdoodle cupcakes filled the dessert table.

Malia wore the cutest little crewcuts navy polka dot bubble skirt with a chambray shirt. The red bando pin made the outfit.

For the kids acitivity, we kept it really simple by incorporating one of our kids favorite activities....dance party! We set out loads of musical instruments and turned on Phoenix radio station on Pandora. What is better than a music and dance party for busy littles to let loose and release some energy?!?!

Big Brother helped birthday girl blow out her candle :)

Love filled the air and the vibe was magical. We feel so lucky to have the best friends and family who care for us and love our children like their own.