Colette's 1st Birthday (Dohl) {Chriselle Lim's Studio | Event Photography]

In downtown LA, a studio was transformed into a traditional Korean market, reimagined with a modern touch. Soft florals and hints of blush pink gave a feminine feel to the occasion. A variety of mini baked goods on traditional woven baskets lined the head table.

Colette’s Korean name “Sarang,” means love. May you be abundant in love!
Happy Birthday beautiful Colette!!

Event Styling + Planning | Made and Co. Designs
Custom Backdrop | Iron Grace Rentals
Basic Rentals | MTB Rentals
Bounce House | Party On Rentals
Catering | ShinMi Catering
Florals | Milieu Floral
Cake + Desserts | Sweetleemade
Rice Cakes | Design by Eunice
Photography | Joy Theory Co
Face Painting + Balloons | Simply Wild Party
Kids Play Area | Little Elephant
Cotton Candy: | Skinny Puf
Live Watercolor | Chasing Linen

Olivia's First Birthday Dohl {Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey, CA}

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First Birthday Luau for Elijah

Aloha! This backyard birthday party transplanted Orange County residents to the islands with this first birthday Luau for Elijah. This party focused on the children, providing multiple entertainment and activity stations from face painting, sand art, caricature, ball pit, snow cones, balloon artist, and Polynesian dancers! It was a full-blown carnival in the backyard! With a baby-sitting service on site, parents were able to enjoy a few moments of themselves as well!

Fun in the sun! Happy birthday little prince!

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Planning, Design + Styling: @simplyseraevents + @ngomichelle
Photography: Joy Theory Co
Backdrop: @irongracerentals
General Rental: @createaparty
Palm Trees + Plant Wall Rental: @platinumproprentals
Catering: Iwalanis Catering
Bartending: @sunerisbar
Cake, desserts: @sweetnsaucyshop
Lasercut Signage + Cake Toppers: @letterstou
Ball Pit: @meshkidsco
Floral: @irenelpark
Facepaint + caricature: @taylorentertainmentinc
Balloon artist: @ballusionist
Shaved Ice: @wikiwikishavedice
Polynesian Musician + Dancers: @polynesianentertainment
Cake Stands: @mintedandvintage

Colette + Chloe's Magical Fantastical Unicorn Party {Smoky Hollow Studios | Los Angeles, CA}

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

Ice Cream Themed 1st Birthday (Dohl) {Twenty Eight Restaurant | Orange County Events Photography}

Romantic and sweet ice-cream themed party for baby Everly! From the mastermind of even planner Made by Davina came this amazing set for a birthday at Twenty Eight Bar and Lounge. The backdrop resembled the storefront of the ice-cream store Everly Co. :)

The first birthday is a big deal. As a parent, I know how hard that first few years are, but I know that the sleepless nights and throw ups and meltdowns are worth it for this family. All the family members were gushing over Everly! There is so much love poured out at these gathering. Everly, I hope you grow up to share the immeasurable love you will receive from your family and friends!

Event Planner: Made by Davina Kim
Desserts: Sweetleemade
Backdrop: Iron Grace Rentals
Venue: Twenty Eight Restaurant

Joshua's Dohl - Braving the Wild {La Habra, CA}

Here are some comments that Joshua's mother noted for her son's first birthday celebration!

* Joshua wore the same hanbok that his dad wore at his dohl! My MIL carefully saved it in hopes that her grandson would be able to wear it. So sweet :) 

* I was inspired to do a camping theme for Joshua because he is a typical boy in many ways - SO incredibly curious, adventurous, experiential, and active. From the moment he wakes up in the morning, he does not sit still. He always has a sense of wonder and is busy touching and experiencing the world around him. It's hard to keep up with him sometimes but I love this about him and want to nurture and grow his curiosity. It goes hand in hand with our hopes for Joshua - we hope he can grow up to be strong and courageous and full of joy as he lives the adventure of his life just like the Joshua of the Bible. 

* As part of his dohljabi, two of the options were president and park ranger. When Mike was a kid he wanted to be a park ranger and I wanted to be president! :) 

* We were so grateful for Mike's parents who flew in from Philadelphia just to be part of the dohl.

Hair & Makeup - Genie from E2Beauty
Desserts - Cindy from sweetleemade 
Flowers - Monica from Twig and Vine Florals 
Tassie Favors - Angela Jeng
Signage - Jenny Hwang
Event Coordinator - Eunice Yum from Sensationes (IG)
Venue - California Country Club

Shinae's Dohl {1st Birthday}

Arthur's Dohl {First Birthday}

I can't get enough of this charming and stunning Le Petit Prince themed party!!! Happy First Birthday Little Prince! May you grow up to be a wise and brave King Arthur Solomon! Coordination by Amy by whiteblossomevents.com | Florals by milieuflorals.com | Cake + Macaroons by sweetleemadedesserts@gmail.com | Mini Banana Puddings by @sweetsbykeeks | Cake Topper + Name Sign by delovelydetails.com | Calligraphy Signs by susanchiang.com | Food by crepebonaparte.com | Silhouette Artist by SilhouettesbyNancie.com | Eugenia Chung aka Genie