Aaron & Nikki SAY YES!

When Aaron and Nikki asked if I would be willing to shoot some engagement photos for them, I was so flattered! We had a wonderful time on this perfect-for-photos overcast day :)

Aaron and Nikki are such dear friends to us - Aaron and my hubby David have known each other for years. And, when he and Nikki got together, we knew it was true love! And, I think it CLEARLY shows ;)

Special Time with Kate and Liz

Katelyn and Elizabeth Downing have been a special part of our lives since the moment they were born (actually...even before that!) I've had the privilege of watching them grow from babies, to little girls, to teens...

However, because we've lived away over the last few years, I've missed a lot of growing up! I've missed that transition phase that's now referred to as "tween." From 11-14 a LOT happens to a little girl! And, in my mind, until recently, Kate and Liz were still "little."

I'd often be walking by the girls' clothing section and think, "Oh, that would look so cute on Liz or Kate!" But, then I would realize that I actually don't know what size they are anymore...I don't know what would fit them...I don't know what they're "in" to...

Sad.

So, I threw it out there to their mom that maybe she should let them take the train up here from Vancouver Washington to Canada to let them spend some time with us. She agreed! WAHOO!!! I got to enjoy a whole 5 days with "my girls." Our evening ritual included cups of tea and long conversations...lots of laughter, lots of connecting, lots of learning who these wonderful girls are.

And, what I learned is that Kate and Liz are young women who desire to be like Christ...they want to love others, be pure and holy and set apart. They're young academics preparing for university and successful careers. They're AMAZING girls, and I am honoured to call them MINE! love you little ladies :)

Thank You Party Guests!

Watching our baby turn one was surreal, as I think it is for most parents. The usual thoughts went through our minds: "Where did the time go? They grow up so fast!" I knew that celebrating this monumental time with all our family and friends would make the reality of having a one year old much easier to handle :)

But, what was truly amazing was how many people were able to come and make this party such a special occasion. My mom, sister, and brother in law drove up from Oregon late the night before the party. My dear cousin from ontario, Katy, flew all the way! Even my sister in law and niece from Ft MacMurray were there for the event. Almost no one was missing!!! It was incredible :)

Granny Bev with the Birthday Girl and me:

Evalie's babysitters Claire and Shannon:

Auntie Lindsay and Cousin Isabella from Mt Mac:

Proud Auntie Krystal and Dear Katy:

Uncle Eric and Auntie Krystal, God Parents, along with "cousin" Gabe:

Dear Friends Aarabella, Dalores, and Alyssa:

Dear Friend Josh with the Birthday Daddy:

Dear Friend Laura and me:

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making Evalie's birthday a wonderful, momentous, fabulous party! It's the people who made the day :)

Vintage Rose Party Details

We chose a Vintage Rose theme since Evalie's middle name is Rose...after all, once she's old enough to realize this, she likely won't ever let me host a rose party for her again ;) Behold: the party details...

Drink Station: Dispensers from Walmart actually didn't work well - don't recommend buying them (I had to return them after the party)...

Thank you to my stampin up pal Amy for helping me decorate the mason jars!

Handrolled paper straws from HeyYoYo on Etsy.com:

Most of the food spread:

Yes, I made the cake! Super easy - learned how to do it from a tutorial I watched from Pinterest...

The Birthday Girl's Throne:

Perfectly decorated rice crispy pops made by my neighbour Alisa:

Wreath for the front door - looks like roses right? Actually it's made of died coffee filters! Ordered from TatteredRoseArt on Etsy.com

Favours were Roses in little decorated glass baby food jars:

Or, guests could also choose a boxed cupcake instead:

Decorated formula tins full of vintage rose gifts were the game prizes:

I made yards and yards of banners out of fabric doilies and die-cut triangles to hang from the ceiling...Completed the focal point on the mantel with silk flowers:

Also had a mini banner strung around the round food table:

Handmade birthday hats were a big hit!

thanks to all who made these details happen!