Rock Star 6th Birthday Party – We Cranked It Up to 11 { Paint the Moon Photoshop Actions }
Posted on January 14, 2012
Miss Adeline Brett’s rock star 6th birthday party was a super blast to plan and even more fun getting to play there! Our kiddo parties are usually more along the lines of some pizza and friends in the backyard garden … but this year she asked for a punk rock star theme and we had so much fun planning and ended up getting a little carried away with the fun of it all.
Keep in mind that all this wasn’t *just* for Adeline (we’re not into the spoiled kid parties or getting so wrapped up in making things “pretty” that we forget to enjoy the important things and have fun) … it was for us, for her sister, for all Addie’s friends and all our friends and family to come and be silly and have fun! Apologies for the photo overload … this post is very image heavy (and all processed with Paint the Moon actions that are coming soon)! :)
The party was as surprise … the first surprise party Addie’s had, so there was extra excitement in the preparations. The awesome part was that I did all the planning and preparing while the kids were sleeping, and when it was party time I had most of the photos out of the way so I could put the camera down and not miss out on any of the fun!
It was bone chilling cold outside … the poor girls were troopers and we just took ten minutes to take a few shots of all of us decked out. I very rarely wear make up and felt SO weird with so much piled on. Both Scott and I agreed it just emphasized how dang old we are (he was the proud recipient of heavy black eyeliner errr… GUYliner, ha!). We looked like washed up oldsters who’ve seen too much rock and roll, drugs and alcohol and were refusing to admit we were washed up. LOL!
Getting ready Miss Eliza loved the boots and leg warmers but wanted nothing to do with any stinkin’ clothes.
The invite, aka, Rock Concert Ticket. She had her own little site set up for the invite and RSVP as well … adelinebrett.com. The graphic designer in me took over with the design of everything … late at night as the girls slept is when I worked on all this. And, yep, the QR code worked to bring the guest to the invite/RSVP site. We also had QR codes set up on the back of the backstage passes … the kids were met at the velvet rope out front to be given their exclusive, personalized Backstage All Access Pass and their pass code was scanned – on the screen they would see this pop up: backstage pass code, so we “knew” they were cleared for access. ;)
After photos outside, as far as Addie knew, I was going to go run errands downtown after they dropped me and Eliza off. I was actually setting up the party while they picked up some cupcakes … and then they came back downtown to “pick mommy up.” She walked in and still didn’t understand it was HER party. She was going to beg her daddy to just bounce one time on the bounce castle before she had to leave to go home to the tiny family get together she thought we had planned. :) Imagine her surprise when we told her THAT was her party … and the bouncy castle was her birthday gift! Okay, you don’t have to imagine it because I snapped a picture!
The very moment of surprise when she walked in, saw everything and realized it was all for her!! Also note that all these indoor shots were taken in a dark ballroom at night with no flash … so we are talking an average of 2500 for ISO.
The band invited ALL the kids up on stage with their little inflatable guitars from their swag bags to “play” guitar. It was quite a sight seeing 25 kids lined up rocking out together … the guitarist stood in the back playing so they all felt like they were the ones making the amazing music.
This is Adeline and her best friend, crazy Miss M.
The band played Happy Birthday to her as we all sang along … it just happened to be the coolest and the LONGEST rendition I’ve ever heard. She was *dying* to eat that cupcake and blow out those candles and kept a smile glued to her face the whole time, but it lost it’s luster about two minutes in. You could see the “Come on, already, there is cake to be eaten!!!” written all over her face!
We were so excited to have the amazing artist Miranda Vettrus play for us all night. We have friends of ours to thank for hooking us up with them (and for helping manage all the music and sound that night – Jason is an awesome friend and massively talented in numerous areas). Adeline had heard her music before and actually asked if she could come to her birthday party … I explained famous musicians were very busy, so I didn’t think so, but I would sure check. Imagine her surprise! And she played all of Addie’s favorites for her … a little Johnny Cash and the Bright Eyes song that was playing when she was born. This mama was a bit teary eyed throughout the night. Our good friends are up there playing too (Jason on drums and Silver on bass guitar) … take a look at their sweet little girl, Echo, rocking out with them!
I took a super simple light set up down with me so I could get mug shot style photos of any guests who wanted to jump in before leaving the party. Should have taken a seamless paper backdrop with me (the brown carpet and walls are not so punk rock), but in the end I poo poo’d the idea of dragging down the softbox, light and a giant 107″ roll of paper plus stand. :)
And here are some of the party details. I went a little overboard and designed a whole “brand” for Adeline’s party, right down to the little punk girl graphic that looked just like Addie and her own site (adelinebrett.com) was transformed for the party! I got so involved in the festivities and just enjoying watching my little girl have fun and be a total crazy girl that I never got to snap photos of the set up all complete, which was a bit of a bummer, but I don’t regret missing some silly photos in exchange for playing with my girls and being totally present in the moment. As many photos as you see here (and, yes indeed, there are a lot), they were taken very quickly so I could just enjoy the party and special moments without the camera in front of my face.
And in response to some of the nasty comments I received yesterday that I had to hide …
Note: There was no elaborate spending being done here, just the combination of lots of hard work and creativity as well as being lucky to pull some strings including being blessed with friends in the music industry, finding a space where the rental fee was going to a good cause to help teens in need, taking advantage of this mommy’s graphic design skills and making it all come together. This was a super fun gathering of family and friends in the middle of the holiday season and I really don’t see why I’ve heard so many negative comments about throwing a fun party for our loved ones to enjoy. Everyone had a blast, and we don’t regret it for a second. For her party next year she has asked for her friends to come over to our place in the country and pet her animals – that’s it. :) She’s definitely not suffering from spoiled kid syndrome. And I suppose I have to be a little snotty and say, even if I did decide to spend a lot of money on my kid’s party and could afford to do so, ummmmm … who cares!? :P
And while I realize the punk rock theme may not be for everyone, the party was for a little girl who absolutely adores music (and, yes, she loves some authentic but kid appropriate punk music in there as well). We have many friends in the music industry and who are musicians themselves (half the band are close friends of ours). She loves dance, music and art. Her mommy and daddy and all her friends also love music and everything creative … so it was a natural pick for her to have a party celebrating those loves. To each their own! I know that all her friends and our friends and family all LOVED it, so we’re good with it! I’d also like to say that our usual party is somewhere along the lines of pizza and friends in the backyard … but this was a unique and fun experience too. :P
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Tags: Birthday Party Photos, children's photographer, Photoshop Actions for Photographers, Rock Star Party
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Can’t believe some wouldn’t like this!! I am sure you all had a great time-I was never much of a “Punk Rocker”-but what fun!! Great you could also help out a good cause while making your girls birthday party a great success-great pictures-thanks for sharing!!
WOW!!! That is awesome and I am sure will leave memories for life with your gorgeous daughter and all your family. Ignore the nasty comments and take pride in what you have achieved! I love the idea and may even incorporate it into my daughters next birthday (shes NOT spoilt either LOL)! GO YOU!
This is a hoot! Looks like a lot of fun was had by all.
You bring a smile to my face whenever I visit your site. My girls were 3 and 8 when we lost their dad, but before that our families shared a lot of similarities. I often play the “I wonder if” game, and live vicariously through your photos. The one thing I have learned is that we do not know what tomorrow holds, so we must live each day and rock it out to the fullest!!!
This is AMAZING and before you know it, these pics will be on Pinterest when people search for a rock star party! I can’t believe anyone would post negative comments…they must be jealous! What a FUN night for your girl and all her friends. :)
Annie! You’re amazing and your creative skills are amazing! I have a six year old to and I know he would have totally loved to be a punk rock superstar for his birthday! You go girl!
Annie, please please do not take into considaration what some people say. They are just sad creatures with no imagination. I wish I were myself so creative and talented mom as you are. You are so wonderful person and so great family! You are inspiration to many people! Thank you.
I am sorry you have had to deal with negativity when you were just doing something so nice and creatively wonderful for your daughter’s birthday. Since she loves music, why not a rock theme? I happen to love Christian rock myself, and what greater message could some of those critics be wanting for a child than the words of that rock music? There’s lots of great music out there with other great messages. So I would say don’t be too quick to judge. You were being nice to share all these lovely photos with us and didn’t have to do that at all. I sure am glad you did, though. They are wonderful and you can tell you helped to create some memories for your child that will last her whole life. (And I think the low light photos look pretty awesome for shooting around 2500!)
I want to add that I am coming from the perspective of a parent that has 3 children in their twenties and a “bonus” who is 7 years old. And they are some pretty terrific people in spite of my efforts. I looked at things a lot differently years ago, some were right, some were wrong. But even back then, I would have thought this was a great party and a true labor of love. I wish I had the knack you have for design and I might even have one for my own daughter. Having been around the block a time or two, the best advice I can give some people is to chill out a little. Like Herman Cain said “America just needs to learn to have a little sense of humor”. Don’t judge everyone. Don’t be so critical. Throw the first stone only after you have made sure you are perfect in every way. Don’t miss the real message. This wasn’t a party about scantily clad people doing alcohol and drugs with their children. This was a birthday party that took a LOT of planning and a LOT of love to pull it off for their child. And THAT is what will be learned by this child. She is loved.
So, Annie, let that junk roll right off your back and don’t feel like you have to explain a thing. Just love your children the way you feel is best for them and it will all turn out ok.
And I would suggest praying for them every single day.
Well, guess it’s my turn to jump off the soap box. Keep up the good work!
I have loved looking at your pictures, what an awesome party! I had to show my husband when he got home from work as I just didn’t have the words to describe it! I think you are very talented and I love your website and your photos. Hubby and I are disgusted that you recieved negative comments, unfortunately there are some twisted people out there! But what you do brings happiness to many! So keep it up and keep being an amazing mum! Your girls are very lucky!
Um…. You are sweet for sharing the “how” explanation, but it truly is not necessary!! Clearly, Addie is one of your best friends & a mature 6 year old who will remember this party & mommy effort. Who cares if you DID “overspend?” we all spend $ on things that are important to us…some people it’s a trip to Belize without their kids, a $500 per month car payment, a flat screen tv, 15 trips to TJ max per month, a motorcycle…or in your case some memories withyour best friend & some creative release :) you “rock” and are using your gifts God gave you to make others feel special. Great job on it all, even the gracious responses. :) xo
LOVE!!!! Can’t say much more than that! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Oh girl I cannot believe people have the nerve to voice an opinion of what type of party or even how much you spent on your own child. That person obviously wasn’t a parent maybe? Because as a mother of 4….we do EVERYTHING we possibly can to make them enjoy life to the fullest. I applaud you for being such a close family. The love you show daily for your family is awesome!
Looks like so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome party theme, it looks like a great time was had by all, especially the birthday girl. So many creative ideas, too – thanks so much for sharing them. The ice cream cone cupcake microphones are a so cute. I am disappointed to hear that some sourpusses felt they had to put their two cents in. Pay them no mind. Your daughter is going to have a lifetime of happy memories of this event and that is all that matters.
Annie….you girl are a ROCK STAR mom for throwing an awesome party. We as mothers want nothing but for our children to be children! Let’s let them have a wonderful imagination and PLAY. I commend you for going ALL out and making Addie’s birthday something very special for HER. You can see the light in her eyes(and I’m not just talking about catch lights!). I didn’t see the negative comments(can’t image anyone would find anything negative to say)but I say ROCK ON and keep on keeping on! :)
I don’t understand why there would be any negative comments against this post other than pure jealousy. This post has been an inspiration for our sons fourth birthday party who loves nothing more than to ‘rock out’ all day long.
Love it! You are amazing – I can tell you put a lot of heart and time into it!
What an incredible party! You did an amazing job! And I can’t believe you are getting mean comments! People need to mind their own business!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Love it all! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I can;t believe there was any negativity from sharing that! What a GREAT birthday party!! So special!
wow!! these pics are AMAZING and id love to get pics like this done of my kids!! the party looked awesome too, i cant believe someone would make hateful comments, but the haters gonna hate!
Cutest party I have ever seen!! I also did elaborate parties for my children that did not cost much. A little creativity goes a long way and my kids have wonderful memories!!
It makes me sad that you’ve had to defend yourself at the end of this post. This was amazing!!!!! Who is anyone else to tell you that anything you do with *your* time, *your* money and *your* love of *your* family should be something different. I’m seriously in awe of your talent. I only hope to have something as incredible as this for my kids someday :) I think you’re just great and, from following you for a little while now, a truly amazing mother. Rock on sista ;)
These are absolutely amazing!!!! I wish I could be this creative! I love how you captured all the details as well! you rock! :)
I think the party looked so awesome! I am a crafty person too, so you save tons when you do things yourself. I am a 41 year old metal head. I also like punk. I love it when kids are different, even for one day. Thank you for sharing the great pictures.
Who would seriously take time to write ugly comments on paint the moons blog. If you don’t like what is put up here and you read or look at the posts then just be respectful and don’t comment at all!! Don’t discourage the author because she does so much for her fans and Alot of us adore this blog and love the beautiful art we see here. I absolutely loved the party theme and as a mother myself I definitely would do something like this for my daughter. You are amazing Annie and a fantastic mother/photographer/Party planner. But I’m sure you already knew that =). Look forward to your next post.
Oh my gosh….I can’t believe people have left nasty comments….the word “jealousy” comes to mind! I have never got the impression that your girls are spoilt & if even if they were – it would be none of our business!!! I think that you’re family is wonderful & you are a fantastic mummy & daddy. The party looked amazing & the pictures, as always, are fabulous. A belated happy birthday to Adeline & keep up the amazing work mummy! xxx
So disappointing that you received negative comments!! Very! I’m just here to say wow, and I’m envious of your creativity and skill! I always love to see what you’ve done, you just amaze me :)
Happy Birthday Addie…and wow, how you fit this stuff in is beyond me…I have to say that Miss M just loves to get down and rock doesn’t she? :) gorgeous!
Your creativity is amazing! What an awesome party. Who cares what others think! :-) You live your life and love your family, that’s it!
I loved looking at each and every photo.
Thanks for sharing!
Hate that you even had nasty comments! You threw an awesome birthday bash utilizing your talents! I loved the theme- good job Momma!
I know I’m 51 but……. will you be my mommy? <3 the inventiveness of this. GO GIRL!!!!
I just wish I was this creative Annie lol. I think I’ve come back and looked at the pictures about 10 times now…each time I see something new..like the cake stands made from records – how very cool! It’s clear from the photos that this party was a party for EVERYONE, not just Addie, and EVERYONE looked like they just loved it. The look on those children’s faces up on the stage playing their blow up guitars is priceless. Ignore the negative people Annie, you shouldn’t have to defend yourself to anyone when it comes to what you do for your friends and family. A wonderful party and wonderful photos!
Oh my goodness Annie! You are so talented in so many ways! What a fun fun party and this pictures are awesome. You made some wonderful lifelong memories at this party. Looks like everyone, young and old had a blast!
Oh how I adore an love this!! Just wish I saw it a couple weeks ago when I was party planning! My daughter is named Hendrix and would have loved a rock star party! Bravo! Well done! Will have to borrow this idea for next year!!
OMG… I absolutely LOVE this party!!!! My nieces would have been so floored if I had given them something like this… THEY LOVE music and this would have been the party of a lifetime. Thanks Annie for sharing your life and your creativity with this world! AWESOME JOB!!!
Annie – this party looks amazing and like an absolute blast!!! It’s very sad that you had to explain yourself to some individuals who apparently had nothing better to do than bash someone’s brilliant party planning and graphic design ability, not to mention how much love obviously went into the planning! Rock on!!!!
Love the party theme. I love to throw our kids fun, but creative parties. Some of the best parties are not a lot of money spent, but the inexpensive creativity that goes into the theme. This was a great theme. Hope she had a wonderful party and enjoys being a year older!
I think you guys are amazing parents!! You’re girls are so very loved and blessed. You inspire me with your photography and creativity. I’m using some of your party ideas for my own little Adeline. :) People who leave nasty comments are people who are always on the lookout for ways to be small and petty, because they are not content with their own lives.
So much fun Annie
Annie you did an amazing job with her party! She is lucky to have such an amazing mom. I don’t know where you find the time and energy to do all that you do! You truly are an inspiration :)
LOVE this party idea and all of the awesome details! I LIVE for the details. :-) These are the parties they’ll remember for a life time! Reading your note at the bottom of this entry made me a little glad the internet wasn’t around when I turned 6…who knows what people would have thought about my mom giving me a Daisy themed Dukes of Hazzard party equipped with short shorts, makeup, and pretending to ride (our bikes) with Bo and Luke. Out of all of my parties…that was my favorite! :-) Keep up the creativity and fun, please!!! Love living vicariously through you and your family! :-)
I just love love love this whole party and photos. Look at the little peoples faces -says everything. What alot of love, thought and hard work has been put into what is a party little Adeline will never forget. Well done xx And Happy Birthday little Rockstar xx
How awesome for your little girl to get such a great surprise! I think my teenage boys would even love something like this…haha Love all the detail! Something I am sure she will never forget. Thanks so much for sharing…as always love your work :)
LOVE the party photos! THAT is GREAT-right up my alley with designing and creating a fun party…don’t understand the negative comments – be quiet if you can’t say something nice I say! Shouldn’t have to explain yourself for doing anything that makes you and your family happy…ROCK ON, ANNIE! :)
We did the same type of party for our daughter when she turned six. Skull and crossbones cake, bounce house, fashion show all the kids came dressed as rock stars and it was a blast! It is so funny that anybody would get crazy about something like that. Makes me wonder if some of the mom’s thought I was crazy too! It was blast and if we could have had a live band there you bet we would have too!! Rock on!
Too fabulous for words!! This is just great – I love the costuming, outfits and can certainly see how you would have had so much fun organising all this. My little poppet is only 2, but I am now inspired to make her parties in the future fun, fun, fun.
I think Addie & Miss M definitely have an inner rock-star! :D
Love love love the party, and whoever is telling you that you spoiled your kid and spent a ton of money. even if you didn’t its your right who cares! I would do it for my kids too!
You have so many talents – now party planner! Incredible, swoon-worthy party that any little girl would LOVE. Sure it’s over-the-top, but why not? You only turn 6 once :) Fab, fab, fab!
You know who rocks? Annie Manning rocks! Anyone who says other wise is just plain crazy. You’re creativity is an inspiration to me! It looks like it was a fabulous party!
Hi Annie,
First of all, what awesome photos!!!! I absolutely love them and it looks like a fabulous time was had by all!! You are so right – you are completely entitled to do what you like. I cannot believe you received nasty comments about this party. You are a wonderful Mom and an inspiration to everyone:) xoxo
[...] who were so nice to take time out of your busy days to leave such warm and kind comments on my Punk Rock Star Party photos and post – I really appreciate all of you so [...]