Professional photo credit goes to the lovely Karen from K. Fenton Photography on all images except for the ladybug on a stem, which was taken on our wedding day by About the Day, and the smash cake photo which was taken by the wonderful Jessica Peterson of One Tree Photography. All other photos were taken by me after the event.

Having a January baby means getting creative. Outdoor parties in the middle of winter  just aren’t an option in the Seattle area. And between us, Emmeline has four sets of grandparents and scores of family and friends that love her. Our place, while lovely, wasn’t going to hold more than 16. Our initial guest list was a whopping 60. There’s also a matter of cleanup. Having that many people in our home meant that it A) had to be spotless beforehand and B) was going to be a disaster afterwards. So decided to combine a family vacation at the resort with a first birthday party and a family reunion of sorts.

The vendors I used and helped me make this awesome:

One Tree Photography – milestone photography | Tulalip Resort – Evergreen Room, catering, smash cakes | K Fenton Photography – photo booth and event photography | Barbara Neely Designs – paper goods | A Cupcake Named Desire – mini cupcakes | Ruby Jewel Treats – mini ice cream sandwiches, variety | Pom Love – 24 paper poms in gray area, smoke, slate, white & black – and scarlet and true red | Cosa Bello – felt party hat | Heidi and Finn – Pinafore pattern | Ikea Seattle – grey daisy fabric | Crafty Planet – Echino raspberry ladybug fabric | Goose Grease – little ladybug figurine | Paisley in Paris – satin flower hair pin |Twig and Thistle – green li’l tweet baby quiz and red pencils | Lil boo & co - ladybug scribblers | Say Oh Happy Day - felt ladybug invitations | Wusketeer – ladybug pouch | Airport Love Story – lady the bug ring | Hair Swirls 1 – ladybug hair swirls | HeyYoYo – grey stripe paper straws | Amazon/WeddingStar – classic round place card holders

Update: I was on the front pages of Catch My Party!

So when it came time to design my daughter’s first birthday, I knew a board would be a must. Oh if I was simply having cake and a few people, I might not think much of putting one together, but as an event coordinator (and more recently, professional bridal consultant) this first birthday party would be no small thing.

Interestingly enough, inspiration boards for non-wedding events are hard to come by. So I contacted Kim Vallee of At Home with Kim Vallee. She’s known for her great finds and inspirations, and I definitely need some of that when it came to putting together a sophisticated ladybug theme.

Click here to read and see more. Thank you so much Kim!

And for other great children’s events and ideas from Kim, click here.