Ben's Wild Rumpus :: Korean First Birthday Party

Words and Photos by Jackie Culmer of Jackie Culmer Photography

I'm so happy to share this first birthday party with you. This is my first full party production as Jackie Culmer Photography and Design! Ben's mom, Judy, chose my full party package which included design and consulting on concept, invitation, custom party signs and tags, decor and styling, shooting the event, and finally, a mini share site of the party's slideshow, and album design. When Judy first met with me for her consultation, she wasn't sure what sort of theme she wanted; she just knew she wanted it to be fresh, unique, and modern. I came up with the idea to center the theme around the classic children's book, and now movie, Where the Wild Things Are.

The decor took cues from the movie with natural wood elements, moss, and twigs. We didn't want it to look too wintery as this should be a fun occasion in the spring, so I chose to pop in yellow as a throwback to the monsters' yellow eyes in the book. This turned out to be a perfect fit for the venue, The Little Prince Kid's Cafe, which had multi colored wood floors and nice, bright white walls and furniture. The cake table I styled served as the main focal point for the party. The cake was created using the invitation I designed for Judy, and elevated on a "tree stump" riser to bring in more of the woodsy feel.

I incorporated a few sayings from the book and movie to create custom signs to display around the event, including "We'll eat you up, we love you so!" around the cookie favors and buffet table, and a custom buffet menu that had the quote, "...from far away across the world he smelled good things to eat." On the invitation, we used "Let the Wild Rumpus Start" on the front, and "he sailed off through night in day in and out of weeks and almost over a year to where the wild things are" on the back which included directions to the venue.

As part of Korean tradition, Ben was given five different objects to choose from (a stethoscope, microphone, money, golf ball, and book) to predict his future. I created a sign incorporating a phrase from the movie and tags to customize this special event. Guests were given a raffle ticket and invited to place their ticket in whichever jar/object Ben might choose. Ben chose the golf ball (which I'm sure made his father VERY happy!) and a winner was chosen from the corresponding jar to receive a copy of Where the Wild Things Are and two plush dolls.

It was a fun day full of loving family and friends. I was honored to be a part of it! Happy Birthday Ben! If you are interested in the party package or just photography for your small event, please contact me at [email protected] or visit http://www.jackieculmer.com/.

Comments

[Sspark7413]

Love your decorations! I have seen Where the wild things are parties before, but I think yours is definately one of the top ones! Gorgeous pictures! Happy Birthday Ben and good job mama!

[Connie Chung Cromartie]

What a great theme. I was considering this for my son's 1st Birthday as well and love all the creative ideas you incorporated.
Thanks for sharing.

[Lee Marc]

Wow! This is so cute! You made the kids more adorable and of course, they are enjoying. Happy birthday Ben! Your parents are superb birthday creators! :)