a sip & see on cloud 9

when I was approached by my lovely friend/client, Ms. V., about planning a sip & see for a baby born during Hurricane Irene, my wheels started spinning. What a wonderful thing to happen on such a tumultuous day! Something truly to be celebrated.
The song 'you are my sunshine' was my inspiration - in particular the line 'you make me happy, when skies are gray'. we chose a sunny orange and aqua color scheme {lil hoot colors- yay!}
I contacted Jayme Marie Designs about designing a unique sun and cloud graphic for the paper goods. Baby jasper's parents - they are under-stated, fun, and just flat-out "cool". So we wanted something a bit funky and not so much preppy and cutesy. i knew jayme wouldn't let me down.
We started with the invite explaining that the family 'weathered the storm and landed on Cloud 9'. {had to get plenty of puns involved. obvs} I also wanted to create a keepsake for the family so Jayme designed a poster to serve as the backdrop for the dessert table, which also served as a gift for Jasper's family from their gracious hosts.
We used a glitter banner that said' shine on, jasper' for an extra eye-catching detail.

Sugar on Top created 'cloud 9' cookies with clouds mimicking the invite and the number 9. adorbs.

Pickwick Baking Co. made darling and delicious mint meringue "clouds", chocolate drop mini cupcakes and the yellow baby cake. The cake had a custom fondant sun and raindrops, also mimicking the invite. Pickwick Baking Company also created savory bites in sun-shaped little tarts which matched our color scheme, a harvest butternut squash and maple glazed carrots with spiced crème fresh. Also on the menu stacked caramelized onion, baked apple and camembert napoleons.

Dark & Stormys were served as the signature drink {this was Ms. V's brainchild}, as well as 'Clear & Sunnys' {champagne and orange juice} in 'cloudy' highball glasses and aqua champagne flutes.. . {i heart ikea}. coincidence that veuve has an orange label- i think not.

Delicate sun and cloud garlands were hung throughout the space.

Inside, multiple grey and aqua lanterns with ribbon were hung to simulate rain clouds and then one giant yellow lantern to represent the sun.

It was an unseasonably warm day {jasper = extreme weather baby!} so guests mingled outside and enjoyed the sunshine & cocktails among orange and aqua lanterns.

The name Jasper means 'treasurer' and is also 'a semi-precious stone', so guests were prompted to write a message for Jasper on wishing stones to treasure in the family garden.

my fave part of the entire event was when host with most, mr. v, wrote an excerpt from the following poem on japser's wishing stone. it's one of the proud papa's faves. this spoke to me on many levels, mainly the depth of the friendship the hosts have with jasper's parents. jasper is lucky to be born to such a special family and friends.

Stone
BY CHARLES SIMIC
Go inside a stone
That would be my way.
Let somebody else become a dove
Or gnash with a tiger's tooth.
I am happy to be a stone.

From the outside the stone is a riddle:
No one knows how to answer it.
Yet within, it must be cool and quiet
Even though a cow steps on it full weight,
Even though a child throws it in a river;
The stone sinks, slow, unperturbed
To the river bottom
Where the fishes come to knock on it
And listen.

I have seen sparks fly out
When two stones are rubbed,
So perhaps it is not dark inside after all;
Perhaps there is a moon shining
From somewhere, as though behind a hill—
Just enough light to make out
The strange writings, the star-charts
On the inner walls.

a true party with heart.
And how fortunate that White Loft Studio was there to capture the details on film. If I had to describe working with Heidi in one word - effortless. She's brilliant in every way possible.

Thank you, mr. and ms. V. for allowing me be a part of such a momentous occasion and shine on, baby jasper!

vendor love -

Photography - White Loft Studio head on over to ms. whiteloft's stunning website if you are in the mood for some serious eye-candy.
Paper Goods - Jayme Marie Designs
Cake, Meringue, cupcakes and savory bites - Pickwick Baking Co.
Cloud 9 Cookies - Sugar On Top
Glitter banner - unicorn parade
Garlands - Art's Delight
Fondant toppers - Sweet Thing Topper Shop