30th Birthday : Many Thanks

While the entire setting for my 30th birthday party was amazing and completely blew me away, a birthday would never be so incredible if not for great people to spend it with.Thanks so much Aletha and Lauryn for all the work you put into making this night happen! I'm so glad that Eric trusted your vision for the night, and know that we've heard nothing but rave reviews from everyone who attended. Aletha, it was so great to finally meet you face to face, and I hope our paths cross again soon!Thanks so much to all of our friends and family who came down to celebrate with us, we feel so blessed to have each of you in our lives!Eric, thank you so much for all the thought you put into this night and for wanting it to be exactly what I would want. (Not to mention, I'm so glad you really are listening to me when I'm going on about the blogs I read to know to hire Aletha to get the job done!) I got such a kick out of sensing your nervousness as we were approaching the party, and then seeing your excitement and relief once we arrived!I love your heart and wouldn't trade one minute of the last decade that we've spent together. Looking forward to the decades we have ahead of us and all they will bring!

30th Birthday : The Night

On my actual birthday (Tuesday), Eric handed me an itinerary for the upcoming Saturday that included a hair and nail appointment, dinner reservations at Tre Cugini, our favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids, and a stay downtown Grand Rapids at the Amway Hotel.
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Our babysitter arrived and we headed downtown to find the city completely hopping with ArtPrize taking place. We checked into the hotel, and since we were a little early for our dinner "reservation", Eric suggested we go across the street to the art museum first.from up above, everyone was watching us as we were coming in.

At this point, I was catching on that Eric was up to something!
friends & family waiting for our arrivalstepping off the elevator to everyone singing "Happy Birthday!"major surprise on my part,
major relief on Eric's!
after we had all settled in from the surprise, we headed to the outdoor terrace for appetizers and cocktails, yum! (We did lots of picture taking too!)
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Next, Aletha called us indoors for dinner. My friend Abi opened the meal with prayer which meant a lot to me, and Eric shared a toast. Thankfully I wasn't put on the spot to say something at that moment as this pregnant girl was feeling a bit overwhelmed!
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Lastly, we headed back to the outdoor terrace where a gelato sundae bar, as well as heat lamps and musician Brant Satala were waiting for us.What an amazing night!

(all photos by Obsessive Compulsive Photography)

30th Birthday : Still Floating

Wow, did I ever have a weekend! I'm still floating just thinking about it and looking at the pictures as they come in. Eric along with my favorite event planner, Aletha of Pearls Events, pulled off an amazing, totally me, unforgettable 30th birthday party.

It's so fun to be filled in on all the details of the planning now that the party is done. Apparently planning for this began a good six months ago, and started with selecting the location, The Grand Rapids Art Museum (perfect!) From there, they moved on to selecting invitations by 6.25 Paper Studio here in Grand Rapids with my blog being the inspiration, and from there it took off into a full-on blue and red, chevron striped occasion that could not have been more "me".
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My brother-in-law was on hand to capture the event as it happened. Here's a few preview pictures of the set-up, and I'll share more details throughout the week!Be sure to take a peek at the Pearls Events blog for Aletha's recap including pictures from photographer Mindy Leigh as well!