Duke’s Smiley Face First Birthday Party

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We got the chance to celebrate sweet Duke’s first birthday party a few weeks ago. The 1st Birthday party is such a milestone for us to celebrate our year with our miracle baby. If you are new here, you can read about our lengthy IVF journey to get to both Otis and Duke so this first birthday is another one to celebrate. Something really special about this party is that it was the first birthday party for our kids in our new home, surrounded by our families. Our families have previously not been there for birthdays because we lived so far so that made this one that much more magical.

Since we always call Duke “Mr. Smiles” I knew the theme for his birthday party instantly: Smiley Face Theme. Sweet just like him! Smiley face accessories are pretty easy to come by so I knew it would be a breeze to get everything together for it. You know how much we love a balloon arch in this house and Blake is basically an expert at balloon arches now. I think he might actually enjoy it dare I say!!

We ordered bbq and I made a cheese and veggie board to munch on. I was originally going to make the cakes but I ran out of time and decided to order them from a local bakery. Luckily, I talked to the sweetest lady who mixed some blueberries into the vanilla batter because Duke LOVES blueberries.

Duke ate HIS WHOLE SMASH CAKE. He loves to eat so so much and I don’t think I have ever seen a baby eat a smash cake like Duke has. After his cake, he moved onto round 2 or BBQ. I just love his pure joy and what I love is that while 1st birthday parties are more for the parents, I KNOW FOR A FACT that Duke enjoyed it so much. We love you endlessly sweet Dukey. See all the sources below for the party!

Cake: Alice Bakery and Confectionary // cake toppers word: poppy jack shop // cake topper smiley face: poppy jack shop (I had these custom made) // platters for cakes: homegoods // 12 months sign + stand: poppy jack shop // flowers: I arranged a mix from trader joes in a CB2 vase // highchair: stokke tripp trapp // cup: lollaland

Balloons Arch kits: Popfestco Color Banana Cream Collection in Luxury size for behind highchair and Petite Size on stairs // Smiley Face Balloons: amazon // happy birthday banner, mini party hats, large party hats, blowers, confetti balloons, stripe napkins, yellow napkins, stripe yellow plates, yellow cups: meri meri party

Duke Outfit: childhoods clothing shorts and tank

Photos: tori lauren photography
*photos 7, 9, 10, 20, 21 + 27 my own*