Have you tried throwing two parties in one day? That’s what Fashionista and Blogger Chriselle Lim did with the help of her team for Chloe’s 4th birthday and Colette’s 100th day bash. That’s right. Two cakes, two dessert tables, two name signs, and one amazing time!

This unicorn themed party had blush pink, purple and blue hues sprinkled everywhere with balloons and colored bunches of baby’s breath that reminded me a magical fairy dust. There was plenty of entertainment for the kiddos with face painting, petting zoo, ball pit, and yes, unicorn themed bounce house. Everyone seemed to have a great time, especially the birthday girl.

So much so, that I could barely keep up with her. Background info: Chriselle’s team warned me that Chloe “hates taking pictures.” I’ve worked with a fair share of uncooperative kids, so how hard could it be, right? Let’s just say … they were not exaggerating. And when I realized this isn’t going to be easy trying to capture the birthday girl, I’ll admit, I wondered if I could do my job as the official photographer. Thankfully, we were able to get a few shots. Phew!

But I think what quickly put me at ease was seeing how Chriselle had realistic expectations. She was also… normal. Don’t get me wrong. She’s freakin’ exceptional at running multiple successful businesses and projects. When I say normal, I mean she’s down-to-earth, approachable, and lovely.

I caught some honest, real motherhood moments when we were trying to get some photos with Chloe. I freely share these pictures in this post because I think Chloe’s mother is not afraid to embrace and laugh at these honest captures, where she can look at the photo and say, “This is how I felt at that exact moment.”

[Side note: One of my mottos in photographing kids is: “Let the kids guide the shoot.” Whatever they do, go with the flow and engage with them for the best candids.]

They say that parenthood is the great equalizer. Those in the Parenthood Club can totally relate to the struggles that we all go through. Sometimes, our kids will be utterly exasperating. There are times when we reach a point when we say, “Ok. Really? That’s it!” We throw our hands in the air and say, “I’m done.” Our kids stretch our limits. They also teach us to love fiercely. And that is what I witnessed that day: A Boss Lady mom who works extremely hard and fiercely loves her children … AND hosts a party gracefully without a hair out of place. Maybe parenthood IS the great equalizer after all. :)

Design + Coordination: @sincerelyusevents
Photographer: @joytheoryco
Venue: @smokyhollowstudios
Florals: @scarlet_blushes
Custom Wooden Backdrop: @glameventstylist
Paper plates, cups & napkins: @harlowandgrey
Pipe + Drape and Table Linens: @mtb_event_rentals
Cake and Desserts: @sweetnothingscakeshop
Rice Cakes: @designbyeunice
Bar: @martinigirls
Custom Ball Pit: @meshkidsco
Custom Illustrated Name Sign: @logos_calligraphy
Custom Gold Name Sign: @letterstou
Face Painting + Chalk Wall: @evelinejho
Catering: Barbosa Tacos
Petting Zoo: Parties Fantastic
Jumphouse: Jump For Joy