ACTION-PACKED NINJA PARTY FORM CELEBRITY EVENT PLANNER SIMPLY TROY

When your dad is event planner Troy of Simply Troy you know it's going to be an amazing party! His son's love of Kuba inspired Troy to design a Ninja and Japanese themed party for his fifth birthday. And he delivered big! Complete with ninjas, candy artists, a stilt walker, and more – all surrounded by amazing backdrops – Finnley and guests had the time of their lives! Thank you to photographer Phillip Van Nostrand for helping to capture and submitting this action-packed event. (Please look for the complete list of participating vendors after the photos.)

Design and Decor: Elite Balloon Design // Lighting: Freestyle Event Services // Floral Designer: Maggie Jensen Floral // Equipment Rentals: 204 Events // Event Venue: The Garage // Second Shooter: Rebecca Yale Photography // Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand // Catering: Made by Meg Catering // Kubo Stilt Walker: Brett Horn // Ninjas: Zebra Entertainment & Events // Additional Decor: SYED // Backdrops: Backdrops Beautiful // Cake: Sweet E's Bake Shop // DJ: DJ Derek // Pizza: The Urban Oven // Poke: Mainland Poke // Gastro Treats: Gastro Garage // Graphic Designer: Katie Cozzi Graphic Arts // Artist: Steve Thompson // Fruit Ninja FX Touchscreen Video Game: Partyworks Interactive // Origami Making Station: Vita Perfetta // Japanese Candy Artist: Shan //

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

CIRCUS THEMED PARTY AND SMASH!

This little boy turned one in February. Mom took advantage of their local library to throw a party there, complete with an entertaining puppet show. (I wonder if our library hosts parties?!) When mom was asked why she wanted a photographer to capture the event, she said, "The first-year milestone represents more than just a celebration...(but) the village it takes to bring up a child. A range of emotions are experienced in a child's first year; the deepest joy, sadness, fear, anxiety, and triumph. Through this emotional journey, you become the parent your child needs along the way. Why not celebrate?" I could not agree more! Thank you to Washington photographer, Lavender Bouquet, for capturing and submitting the colorful details.

Photographer:   Lavender Bouquet Photography // Event Venue:Des Moines Public Library // Other: Giraffe and Staff Puppet Company//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

BOY'S STAR WARS BIRTHDAY PARTY!

This little boy got a birthday party that was out of this world! A Star Wars themed birthday party filled with banners, balloons and pun-filled snacks. Using yellow, black and an accent of blue, it was the perfect setting for adults and young ones to celebrate. Thanks to South Carolina photographer, Kate Timbers, for sharing the photos with us.

Photographer:   Kate Timbers Photography // Event Venue: Gage Hall - Unitarian Church//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

SMASHIN' CIRCUS BIRTHDAY PARTY

Today I'm bringing you twice the fun with an adorable vintage circus birthday party and smash cake session all for this special little one year old! This theme is always a good one because you can find decorative and food items all year long. Plus you can dictate how much you want to spend. Items like balloons and circus themed candy can easily be found at dollar stores. You might even have items like stuffed animals and clown toys that you can use to enhance the party. Items like custom cookies bring your decor to the next level. There are many details in this colorful celebration.  Thanks to mom and photographer, Tara Thackeray, in Washington for sharing the day.

Photographer:   Tara Thackeray Photography // Event Designer: DIY // Cake Designer: Kelly Conover // Bakery: Tes Belle Cookies//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

SUPER MARIO BROTHERS PARTY POWERED BY COLOR!

This DIY talented mom used color and a fun vision to keep game players entertained for this party. How cute are those Toad Treats and mustaches as photo props? This party is filled with budget-friendly ideas and inspiration. Thanks to Washington's Tara Thackeray Photography for sharing the photos with us.

LUMBERJACK THEMED SMASH CAKE SESSION

Your party decor can play double duty! This DIY mama had a lumberjack themed birthday party for her son's first year birthday and used some of the decor for a pre-party photo shoot. She actually made the fabric banner, as well as many of the other props. Apart from the great decor, I really love the idea of the one year old holding an infant picture of himself. Such a sweet sentiment! Plus, the setting Texas photographer, Jessica Pledger, chose was the perfect backdrop, enhancing the props and shoot overall. Check out how much fun this one year old had smashing his cake!