Words by Eleni's mom Sue Moon | Photos by: Min Mi Photography
Eleni's First birthday party was amazing event. Like many of us
believe to be like a mini wedding, it is totally like it. A perfect
reason to get together with far away family and friends to celebrate.
My mother-in law drove in that morning from Vegas just to be part of
Eleni's special day. What mattered most was that our close family and
friends were all under one roof to be part of this happy day.
WHAT IS DOL?
Many of my non-korean friends didn't really understand of why I was
planning a "mini wedding." In our Korean tradition it is a celebration
of survival of the first year. This ceremony blesses the child with a
prosperous future and has taken on great significance in Korea. The
birthday babies wear a
hanbok and a traditional hat;
jobawi or
gulle for baby girls and
bokgeon or
hogeon (호건) for baby boys. In this case Eleni choose the stethoscope, so she will become a doctor.
The highlight of the dol is a ritual where the child is placed in front
of a table of foods and objects such as string, books, brushes, ink and
money. The child is then urged to pick up an object from the table,
where it is believed the one selected will foretell the child's future.
For example, if the child picks up a brush or book, he is destined to
be a scholar. If he picks up money or rice, he will be wealthy; cakes
or other food, a government official; a sword or bow, a military
commander. If the child picks up the thread, it is believed he will
live a long life. This is followed by feasting, singing and playing
with the toddler.
Venue
We decided on the venue to be Lawry's because we wanted to provide a
filling hearty meal. Who doesn't love the spinning salad and the
Lawry's cut prime rib? We wanted to make sure each and everyone left
the party very full. We believe we succeeded in hosting a party if we
made sure you enjoyed the food. At least that is 50% of the time is
all about the food.
Colors and ThemeI wanted to give a light, whimsy, magical, feminine feel. It was
funny, but before the Alice in Wonderland movie came out, i always
wanted to do mad hatter tea party. I didn't quite follow the exact
"alice in wonderland" theme since the new movie made it seem to be so
dark...i decided to make my own versions of it.
In order to compliment the venue, I used yellow, white and pink.
Yellow to brighten out the room, pink & white for the girly girl
combo.
KiKi Events did a wonderful job putting this together.
Decorations
I've gotten my inspirations from everything. I used few key pieces
from the movie "alice in wonderland." I piled up coffee cups and added
yellow and pink ribbons then topping with fresh hydrangea flowers.
Used rabbits throughout the decoration tables. Not to mention Eleni
favorite stuff animal is a bunny. Cookies were labeled as "eat me" and
potion drinks as " drink me.
Candybar and CupcakesWith the help of my girlfriend Helen from
Guestbookevents, she set up a beautiful candy bar and added my cupcakes that were baked the night before the event.
I've
ordered yummy cookies from Eleni's cookies from NYC. These cookies
were actually flown overnight from NYC to make it to the party.
Dol poster
My talented friend Sooki from
Dohl Posters & More helped me design the best and perfect fitting of the theme.
All photography taken by the wonderful mnm photography. She is awesome, has been there to capture every beautiful moment from the start.
Entertaintment
Magician was awesome, even kept the adults entertain. Live bunnies and birds coming from where?????
The
party planning was all in all an experience. There were times where i
would be stressed out, but luckily to my wonderful friends that helped
me from point A to Z, I was able to pull through and make the event as
special as possible. Thank you!!!!
