Florals by Query Events, Cake by A Slice of Life Cakes, Macarons by Laura Macarena

Since I was a child, I've always celebrated my birthday one way or another. From hotel sleepovers, to tea parties, from wedding inspired large gatherings, to dinners with my closest friends. As I've gotten older and parties have undoubtedly come to look very different, I found myself retreating to the things I enjoyed most growing up. My mind landed upon forts. Whether it be with my parents or my cousin or my best friends, building "forts" were always my favorite. For a great part of my childhood I had various canopies hanging above my bed because I always loved the secluded and whimsical look and feel of being surrounded by a light, ethereal fabric.

So I decided to retreat back to this thought process. Keeping the idea nearly completely a secret, I invited a few of my closest friends over for dinner at my house. We sat under the stringed lights and drank cider and wine, listening to 1989 - sidenote: can we have a discussion in the comment section about how good this album is please, and being ridiculous as usual. I even got my friends to call me SeySey, a nickname I've always desired that never took root. I loved being able to be surrounded by some of the people who know me best and was so grateful for each person's presence. My parents helped me create this mini haven and it was so neat to see my little dream that had been festering in my head come to life.

On my actual birthday, I was seriously overwhelmed with so much love, gratitude, and excitement. I was moved to tears throughout the day and was ugly laughing by the end of the night because I was so giddy. My best friend called me at midnight and we ended up talking for an hour, my office gave me cards and cupcakes, my phone flooded with sweet texts, calls, emails, and posts, another sweet friend surprised me at my office with lunch, and a few friends even surprised me with a dinner, gifts, and a chantilly cake adorned with the most beautiful sparklers. I ended the night dancing to the music in our heads with one of my besties & even getting a little birthday shoutout from Zooey Magazine. And of course, resided one last time for the night in my wonderland of a fort. 22 was a really, really good year.  I have been SOOOOO incredibly blessed, and believe me, I know how undeserving I am. God has given me opportunities greater than I've even imagined at this stage in my life and love and relationships there's no way I could've ever earned. This year... I learned, I grew, I acquired new friendships that I cherish so dearly, I had heartbreaks and new experiences and faced challenges head-on. As disappointment was felt even more dreams came true and I honestly believe 22 may have been the best year of my life. But there's a little voice in my head, and yes, that voice very well may be MJ himself, that says 23 is going to be even better.

Thank you guys for sticking along for the ride.

xx, SeySey

(click below to see photobooth & cake-cutting photos!)

d e s i g n r o o t s w o r k s h o p

This past month, I had the opportunity to attend another class at the beautiful Grit + Gold Studio. This time it was held by the incredibly sweet and talented Heather Bloem of Design Roots. It was my first calligraphy class, and I've been itching to take one. When I heard this one was taking place at this beautiful studio with amazing natural light, I knew I had to sign up!

> >  d e s i g n  r o o t s  w o r k s h o p  < <

I had such a lovely time meeting the girls at the event, practicing calligraphy, and sipping mimosas, that I wanted to document this experience! So I ended up taking video and a few photos throughout the event. (Be sure to keep up with the sweet Charla Storey, the event photographer, to see images she captured from the event as well!) Heather and her creative assistant Chelsee were so nice and encouraging, as well as my sweet table mates. I'm loving getting to indulge in this creative classes. They even inspire me to get back into blogging and documenting some of life's little joys.

I hope you enjoyed!

xoxo.

Kelsey

# c h a m p a g n e a n d c r o w n s

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a beautiful floral crown making workshop. I sincerely love being able to attend events where I'm able to meet other creatives -- whether it's in photography, the wedding industry, or artists of any sense. It makes me so excited and there's really this strange type of instant connection that's formed, as if we're all old friends. My experience at the Floral Crown Workshop by Raquel Lovern of R Love Floral at Grit + Gold Studio spurred that same chemical reaction! Plus the studio, and all of the attendees, were just the cutest.

I love being able to expand my creativity and try new mediums. Even though I often put pressure on myself to try to make everything look perfect, I like to be able to take a step back and smell the figurative (and literal, in this case) roses.

After the workshop, I came home to find my best friend sitting on my couch, patiently awaiting me -- ready for a night out on the town! Haha, but of course I had to make this porcelain skinned beauty model my flower crown a bit for me before we got ready.

And then finally, once I got home from a crazy but wonderful day, I found my mother cooking in the middle of the night like the amazing and interesting woman she is and requested her hand at taking a photo of me. Hahaha my mom and cameras do not mix, at all. But after a lot of instruction and strategic placing, she finally got what ended up being one of my favorite photos! The things this woman does for me! 

Lastly, I just wanted to thank you all for reading and/or keeping up with my blog. It means a lot to me and all of the encouragement and feedback I receive from friends, new and old, really warms my heart and pushes me to continue pursuing creative outlets. Your encouragement is invaluable to me.

xoxo, Kelsey