Tara's Paper-Themed 1st Birthday

Firsts are always special. Ask any mother who didn't go cramming over their kid's first-ever birthday party.  Some choose it  simple, some splurge on it, but  one thing's for sure, we parents will celebrate it either way.

I'll let you in on a secret. You may not believe it but Aann and I  started conceptualizing Tara's first birthday  a few months after we confirmed she was conceiving.. Can you say, early??? Hah!  Talk about an excited mom who runs an events planning business with a tough OC partner in crime.  What more could you expect?

Initially, the plan was to give Tara  this "very detailed"  party of which theme I choose not to  disclose (as we are thinking of pushing thru with it on her 5th or  7th birthday).  Aann knew exactly how she wanted the decors to look like, the backdrop, the stage, the give aways,even the chairs and tables for the kids would all be personalized to her taste, and she had the people to do the job for her. That is how amazing a mind of a planner works.

Mommy Aann with Tara

It wasn't that she changed her mind about it, only, a few more important matters had to be financially prioritized and Aann had to rethink of another theme without denting the budget she allotted for the
celebration. After all. it is still just  a one-day affair.  But being in this business for so long, we knew we could still pull off a memorable party even if we deviated from the original theme. And that's when she decided to have a paper-themed birthday party instead, with pastel colors dominating the occasion. After researching for decorations and party ideas, we started scouting for suppliers.

Aann chose to ' DIY' (Do-It-Yourself) the party decors with the help of some crafty friends from work. Paper cups with different colored butterfly cut outs, paper boats, flaglettes & bouquets of pastel-colored pencils served as our centerpieces adorning the beautiful pastel linens of the tables and chairs.  Different paper lanterns & hot air balloons hung from the ceiling.  It was a magnificent explosion of colors, a vibrant happy one that filled the entire Pacific Ace Clubhouse.

We had two white carts built and personalized by Aann's ever-trusted productions handyman. Blue linen was draped over the roof to match the motif.
 
The first cart served as the candy buffet as jars lined up filled with different kinds of sweets for the kids, there were jelly beans, marshmallows, gummy candies, Stick-O's, fruit jellos and so much more..

 The second cart was specially made for the cake, cupcakes & cake pops. Of course, a birthday party wouldn't be complete without a cake.  It is after all one of the most significant things in a birthday party so we had to find the best baker in town. 

the second cart...

Tara's special frills cake, courtesy of The Cake Fairy

Aann was dead-set on a pastel colored frills-cake  so I had my best friend Jerrielyn  Albay a.k.a. The Cake Fairy design it for Tara.  It came out so beautiful, even the  moist sponge cake inside had different colored layers. Aann was still raving about  how utterly divine it was, every slice was deliciously creamy. ( I have a hint I'll be getting my share this afternoon).. Teehee!!!


Violet and pink cake pops  lined up the front side together with chocolate cupcakes filled with candy sprinkles & flowers.. I caught myself  staring at it for minutes after we've arranged everything.

chocolate cupcakes & cake pops...

To add more  color to the dessert table, I made  cream pineapple jellos in pink for the kids which I placed in small shot glasses. We placed it beside  the caramel pop corns on the other table, near the gifts area. Together, they were an instant hit. The first ones to go were the pop corns and the jellos, Leih didn't get to taste it anymore. Good thing I left a small serving at home.

The  program  that followed, led by Richard   had been a lively one, with almost everyone participating in each game. Prizes were as plenty as  the kids who lined up seated on the colored mats in front.

 My little girl had a wonderful time mingling with some of the kids at the party. The children were all in awe as the magic act & ventriloquism started, courtesy of  the famous Ruther from PGT (Pilipinas Got Talent). Everyone was all eyes on the magician as he worked his charm to entertain the crowd. 

Let us not forget how wonderful the food was... A good friend from production referred this amazing chef  from "From the Kitchen of Liz" and  after our short food tasting in October, Aann booked them in a heartbeat.

before picture...

 We  both hoped they'd deliver the same quality we experienced  at the food tasting and they didn't fail us. I was literally salivating over their Hawaiian Pork Loin days after that food tasting and my wait had been well-rewarded. It isn't common to see my plate wiped out clean during parties as I am one of the worst critics you could find,

after picture

but today, I sheepishly admit to leaving the table with a barely-there morsel of left over. I loooooved the food!!!! And from how I heard people rave about it, I'd say Liz did one hell of a job!!! Bravo!! Delicioso!!! ( It was just unfortunate that I didn't get enough coffee jelly to satiate my incredulous craving. Oh well, there is always a next time...)

At the end of the party, after our birthday girl got her turn to blow the candle,  Mommy Aann  bravely gave out a short message to her little girl, a tear-jerker at that. I could feel the lump in her throat as she tried her best to control her tears. It had been a struggle for Mel and Aann having to wait so patiently  to be blessed with an angel of their own, needless to say,  that long wait was  truly  worth it.

Aann had to go through so many challenges before Tara was born, but she graciously welcomed  every sacrifice. To be given the opportunity to become a mother was more than she could ever wish for in her life.   I saw how Aann became a changed woman after having Tara.

Life can get pretty difficult especially for working moms like her but the fact that when you get home,a  familiar smile greets you from your doorstep, patiently waiting for you, with eyes instantly lighting up with happiness for the fact alone that you're finally home, it more than pays for all the hardships a mother goes through everyday.. I  should know, because like Aann, I share the same story, and the same  beautiful  blessing... (sniff... sniff)..

It was an unforgettable first birthday for Tara. Simple, yet very nicely done.. She may not remember any of it happening, but in the coming years when she's old enough to understand, these beautiful  pictures   will  show how  memorable  her 1st special day went by, a reminder  how lucky she is for having the most loving pair of parents one could ever find.

Happy Happy Birthday to you,  our pretty Smurfette.. .We love you Tara...