Ellysz in Wonderland Party...

When I first got a call from Kathy Dalimot, I had two pending inquiries for a wedding. But since she was more steadfast in reserving our date, she got the slot that very day she confirmed her reservation. And truthfully, I'm grateful she did because her daughter's birthday party was one SLAMMING event I will always be proud to have handled..

This special  celebration is to mark the very first birthday of Kathryn Ellysz Dalimot, the firstborn  of Eric & Kathy, a preemie by birth but a wonderchild nonetheless. Kathy & Eric had to undergo a lot to bring this beautiful angel into this world, as the mom's pregnancy was comparably difficult to most pregnancies we know. But as Kathy relates, no pain is unbearable for her little girl.

For her very first birthday, the couple decided to throw her a big, (nope, let me reiterate) a LAVISH Alice in Wonderland party. Believe me when I say LAVISH, I mean the exact word.

It was a first "Alice" party for me though I had "tea & princesses parties" in the past but this was more elaborate so I had to see Johnny Depp's version. I remember watching Alice way back when I was a kid and I must admit, I didn't like it much back then. The latest movie however gave me a change of heart. As soon as I finished the movie, ideas starting pouring in, my mind was flooded with things to incorporate.

That's when I started working on the floor plan. Just like most of the parties we coordinate, I try to provide customized floor plans and since Kathy had my good friend Bernadette (of Andre & Kurts) was doing  the balloons, I decided to make a mean floor plan. With mean, let me tell you why.

My original plan was to fill the aisle with giant mushrooms, colorful centerpieces with cards, butterflies, feathers, trees and grasslands with colorful flowers all made of balloons. There will be matching table centerpieces with playing cards, butterflies, trees and grass with colorful flowers all made of balloons...  We're talking about turning Antel into a giant balloon forest.
 
 I  suggested candy buffets with "Eat Me" and "Drink Me" logos, wooden signages, cards , hats for the kids and more. We all fell in love with the floor plan but I knew I hit the motherload when I suggested giant balloon mushrooms to fill the aisle as it was impossible to finish in just 6 days or less.

 Kathy opted for pink trees instead which I thought was equally gorgeous. At the back of my mind, Adette would have strangled me for pushing her a little too far as she was s clueless on how to go about with the mushrooms  but knowing how creative she can be, I insisted she do it.    A series of trials and swollen fingers after, Adette managed to pull of her very first red polkadot  mushroom. I was instantly won over. Kathy loved it too so she swayed  Adette to incorporate at least two mushrooms inside a fence. In short, there had to be mushroom balloons and wood  was not an option. Hence the final product.

 Personally, if I had my way, I would have forced Adette to make me a farm full of mushroom balloons, but that's me.. ( that is if she doesn't wring my neck afterwards, nyahaha)

the aisle filled with pink-colored trees..

Antel Grand Ballroom was literally transformed into a beautiful magical Wonderland that day, full of lush pink trees, polkadot mushrooms, grass and flowers, all made of balloons. You'd  think you got lost in a balloon forest once you step in. Everything was so colorful and grand, even the standees. Everyone who came in was caught in awe. This is definitely one  of the most  beautiful events I've been into. Adette has again outdone herself with this one.

the candy buffet..

Let me add how all the details of this party had been  intricately prepared. From the name tags, giveaways and stickers (a labor of love by Kathy's sister Kay), to the beautiful invitations from Adworks, Ellysz's cute  Alice costumes from Baby Fashionistas, sand of course, the food and set up by Ricci Co of Lynagails.

 For the host, Jay Kristofferson Guillare came in, complete with his spade costume. And then there's the magic show which the kids loved... For that, Karl Matrix had his awesome 40 minutes on the stage... There was also a caricaturist, face painters & the local "sorbetero". Kathy had her mind set on what she wanted for her baby's party  and she achieved that goal very well.

Karl Matrix doing his magic moves..

 The enormous backdrop was also in theme, with letter balloons on top serving as the focal poin tof the stage. The vibrant  centerpieces on each  table however exceeded what was expected as in incorporated everything Alice ~ playing cards, butterflies, flowers, feathers... It was just so beautiful to look at, and unusually taller than usual. Comparably richer in charm and flare, (in layman's term, it had more ARTE in it, I Loooove it!!)

beautiful table- centerpieces...

 Of course, we also had our gift to Ellysz, the famous pastillas lollipops which was an instant hit to the guest. We prepared two candy buffets, an ice  cream cart, activities and everything fun you can think of. It was evident on the kids' faces how well they enjoyed the party.  This Wonderland had been filled with family and friends, laughter and chit-chats were aplenty.

cake pops...

     When it was time to introduce the celebrant, I felt a familiar tinge of pride as Kathy and Eric proudly walked to the stage with their pretty little Ellysz.  Just seeing their smiles, I knew we did good. From how most guests would approach us and tell us how beautiful theevent  had become was enough to wipe away the exhaustion we felt. I forgot how painful my feet hurt from all the running and rushing but it never seemed to matter anymore.

This occassion was indeed a very happy & successful one. The food was great, the catering staff were all so courteous and prompt, we had no complaints whatsoever. We even had a raffle contest where the winners got to bring home egg-lamps, donut fans, clocks, fruit notes and so much more. (I'd say, Kathy got a little carried away with the prizes)

From the tiniest detail, my staff and I made sure everything was crisp and perfect before the guests started arriving. Supervising and helping with the set up wasn't as easy as it looked, but it was definitely one of the highlights for me as it was so rewarding.

Everything perfectly meshed well in the end. Tiresome but overwhelming indeed. I wouldn't monopolize the recognition though since this was a team effort and all the other major suppliers made this sucess possible. 
  
The last contest was the balloon burst where Ellysz herself popped the huge balloon. And then everyone started collecting their loots and take-home balloons on their way out.. So far, the party was a huge success. Save for the little "riot" the kids created out of sheer excitement for the prizes (which is an ordinary scene in kiddie events), I would say, the party was perfect.

Little Ellysz might still not have any clue as to what happened today, but when the time comes that she is old enough to understand, I'm sure she'll be very grateful to look back at the beautiful memories of how she turned one and how wonderful she is loved by her family..

From the bottom of my heart and all those from the Wedding Village, Ellysz will always be our most favorite and cutest Alice... Happy Birthday little girl!!!