Modern Safari First Birthday

When it came time for us to start thinking about a theme for Merritt's first birthday, I knew I wanted it to match his nursery and baby shower theme.

I started with the color palette and style of white, gold, wood and greenery to build out the branding and design. I designed all of the signage and overall look of the party. We also crafted the thank you favors, blew up all 350 white balloons and spray painted tiny zoo animals to pull it all together.

It was a day of pure bliss being able to watch Merritt dive into his cake and seeing his loved ones there. Merritt is our rainbow baby so this was such a special event for our family.

Merritt's Safari First Birthday party all started around the idea of balloons coming out of the fireplace like bubbles. I publish Bliss Bridal Magazine and for our summer issue I had been designing a photoshoot around balloons. At the same time I started planning Merritt's first birthday party. Soon enough I shifted the balloon idea and the entire party then became centered around this idea of balloons being the main focal point.

• What People Ate

  Pinwheels, pigs in a blanket, fruit, veggies, popcorn, chips, dips and other small finger food

• What People Drank

  Water, tea, soda, honest drink pouches

• Desserts

  The cake was designed by Suregood Sweets which consisted of a two tier white semi naked cake, cupcakes and sugar cookies. Dad also made banana pudding and bought powdered doughnuts - Merritts favorite!

• Party Favors

  Sugars by Leah created cookies (not shown) and mom made little jars with spray painted animals on top with animal crackers inside

• Activities / Games

  Doljabi is a Korean tradition. Merritt's family hosts foreign exchange students so his mom thought it would be fun to incorporate new traditions. Doljabi is a tradition where the child is placed in front of various items or objects (Usually 6 – 8 items). Then, the child is encouraged to grab one or two items from the set of objects where each choice represents a certain future of the child with respect to his or her career or a lifestyle. Merritt chose Technology and wealth.

• Creative Innovations

  Florist

  Ginny with Creative Innovations created all of the greenery around the event and flowers for the cake.

• Suregood Sweets

  Cake, Cupcakes, Cookies

• Confetti Rentals

  Party Rentals

• Sugars By Leah

  Cookie favors

• Sierra Jade Photography

  Photographer