If you asked me how Sutton is already one, I would say I blinked and it happened. This past year has been a crazy one, and I’ve learned a lot about myself as an individual, wife, team member, and of course, mama.
I’ve learned selflessness, extreme levels of patience, and how to be “ok” with the unknown. It’s taught Anthony and I how to communicate differently, and seeing each other as parents has been such a rewarding and truly special experience.
To celebrate one year of Sutton, we had a party.
The theme was “Sutton’s Groovy One”, and you know that bell bottoms were encouraged.
Planning & Idea Process
If you remember, I spent some time comparing event planning & design when it came to styling our wedding back in 2020. And now, for our baby’s first birthday – the planning process felt just the same.
I started with a mood board, to really narrow down the details of what we wanted to include. I knew that I wanted disco balls, pinks/beiges & chamomile flowers – and then I had the idea to try one of the viral DIY’s going around lately, the Chiara Arch Backdrop.
DIY Projects
Anthony helped me cut the arches out of the foam insulation board, and I used leftover paint from Sutton’s nursery to paint them. Overall, this project took 1 hour of prep and 2-3 coats of paint (about 15-20 minutes per round).
Also, I wanted to attempt more dimension in my balloon arch this time, so I added the disco ball and silver spiked balloons. The rest of the balloons came from an Amazon DIY kit, which you can find here.
I learned a lot through the process and am excited to level up my arch again at the next party!
Anthony cut me another small wooden piece of plywood into an arched board that I then used my Cricut to add the words “One year of Sutton.” I wanted a way to showcase each month of the past year with her milestone pictures, and this made it easy and looked aesthetic, tying in the arch backdrop as well.
I wanted to make the pictures/frames removable to use the board for future parties and gatherings, so I went with paper frames and used duct tape to tape them on.
Party Favors
I decided to do small favors for all the kiddos at the party, but I wanted it to be something they’d actually use. I knew I wanted to make a custom pair of floral sunnies for Sutton to wear, but then it hit me – why not make a small custom shade station for all the little ones?! It was a hit for both parents and kids!
Here’s a glimpse of Sutton modeling hers. The picture is blurry because this girl is on the MOVE these days.
Sweet Treats & Cake Smash
My mom was super helpful as she knew the month of June was a crazy one for us at c2s (hello, Arrowhead Artisan), so she helped me source & pick up the desserts for the party. The cookies and cake were so on par with the theme: perfection!
I found this cake topper on Etsy and it is so dang cute. It shipped quickly for those needing something quick but still custom!
The week of Sutton’s birthday party, I was browsing Facebook Marketplace (I am always searching for refurbished items) and came across this ADORABLE, already redone play house for outside. It came complete with a “babe cave” sign, and we added a small balloon arch for the festivities.
We were blessed with beautiful weather on the day of the party – and couldn’t have been more ecstatic to love on our girl surrounded by those who had supported us over the last year and then some.
When it came time to try her smash cake, Sutton was overwhelmed at all the people singing at her and lost it – but we did a little redo at her first birthday photoshoot and she seemed to enjoy the cake.
Looking Ahead
Our little “Rae” of sunshine has accomplished so much already in her one year. Does every end-of-year recap for your child become emotional?
I sometimes just like to watch her play, thinking about the way her brain is trying to solve problems or figure out what she’s thinking. From preemie to now, this little girl has us in awe of her each and every day. We love you! 
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