A heart-filled first birthday

We celebrated God's loving faithfulness in our littlest one's life over the weekend with a heart-themed party as a tribute to her name, Verity Heart. We held the small gathering at a local indoor playground, where the kids roamed freely to play to their heart's content. We catered fresh croissant, pastrami, and Italian sandwiches, assorted fruit, tasty pastries, and other brunch items from a local bakery.

For the focal decor, I envisioned a white heart superimposed on a white backdrop framed with seasonal, fresh flowers in whites and neutral pinks, the colors that pop into my head when I ponder upon truth and love. I cut out a heart out of a white foam board from the dollar store, attached a decal with Verity's name onto it, and hung it with fishing wire. A dear friend created lavish floral pieces for the party, which accentuated the minimal, modern environment well. Hearts were incorporated in various places, from the heart-bedecked cake pops, to the kid place settings (be still my heart with the blinking heart plates!), to the heart-centered favors, to the heart-shaped snacks for little ones. My friend's talented daughters baked an amazing lavender vanilla cake to go along with the cake pops and rock candy. I incorporated a pair of white candlesticks and floral centerpieces in pedestal vases to evoke a sweet, feminine vibe. A white and clear balloon garland ran down the kid's table as a centerpiece. It was so fun to have a long, communal table at which all the kids sat together.

It was a simple, small, love-filled celebration that many hands made happen. We're so thankful Verity made it to one year. It has been one year of God's overwhelming kindness. Alex read Psalm 103 before praying in thanksgiving to the Lord during the party. Verity had no idea what was going on the whole time, though she enjoyed being held and fed many a treat. Reverie gladly stepped into her little sister's role and blew out the birthday candle exuberantly. The big kids adore their baby sister so and celebrated with much enthusiasm. What a joy to celebrate Verity's first year of life together with dearly loved family and friends.

P.S. Serene's, Valor's, and Reverie's first birthday parties:
A birthday reverie
Valorous knights
Serene's woodsy one-derland