Rock Star 6th Birthday Party – We Cranked It Up to 11
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!
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!? 😛
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. 😛
You have taken home “mommy of the year” award! What a brilliant birthday party theme. These memories you all share stand right next to the word “priceless”. Fabulous work, Annie and friends!
Dear Annie,
your daughters ( and hubby of course) are so so so lucky to have you. This birthday party looks beyond amazing!!!! My mind is blown away by the creativity, design and hard work you put for this birthday. You will always inspire me, and many others I am sure! You truly deserve a medal !!! Congratulations and to many many many more happy birthdays!
Holy mackrel! What an epic party! I guess I need to step it up with my 6-year-old son this year. 🙂
Annie love, you hit the nail on the head. To each his own. The world would be so much more peaceful if people would only practice some tolerance, a “live and let live” philosophy and quit playing judge. I came out of that (due to my upbringing) and ever so thankful that I am free to be me!
You are PURE “awesome sauce” girl and I will say this – neither one of your daughters is ever going to feel unloved or not accepted for who they are. Talk about some amazingly healthy self-esteems! WOW! You fulfilled the desires of Addie’s heart! Can it get any better than that? And, you included the most important people in her life, family AND friends!
Is not our childhood a training ground of sorts for who we are to become as adults and prospective parents? If parents would spend more time allowing their children to be themselves (of course, we all need some guidelines;)and quit trying to mold them into mini-mes, we would certainly have fewer people with identity crises mid-life because our own thoughts, imaginations and desires have been stifled and/or jaded.
Oops. Sorry. I got on my soap box, didn’t I? I digress. I’ve stepped off.
Love you girlie and your precious, wonderfully amazingly and delightfully talented, creative and entertaining family that always put a HUGE smile on my face and laughter in my heart! Just as it should be!
Y’all ROCK! “Punk” rock that is! XOXO
You are amazing! Very cool party and photos!
THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE BEST PARTY EVER AND SOME REALLY AMAZING SHOTS! YOU TRULY KNOW HOW TO CAPTURE THE MOMENT!!!!! I am really still learning the art of photography and I am in AWE of your work! Would it be too much to ask what you shoot with, what lens you were using, and you considered “simple lighting” for this event? I find myself being asked to do parties, but I don’t necessarily like using flash, but because I am shooting with a NIkon D7000 boosting my ISO to 2500 causes so much NOISE (I hate it)! Could you maybe offer some tips on this? I would greatly appreciate it!
AWESOME PHOTOS!!!!! And definitely for an awesome, fun party! LOVE the pic of my baby! 🙂
utterly awesome!
This totally Rocks! Best little girl party and photo shoot!!
Wow, I am speechless! What an amazing memory for Adeline to treasure forever!
Absolutely wonderful 🙂
I think you are so awesome and I don’t understand how people can be nasty towards a mother and business woman who obviously gives her family 200% of herself! I was sad to hear you had to remove bad comments. This is personal as well as your business and there is a comment etiquette that we should all follow and its pretty common sense…if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all! Thank you soooo much for sharing all you do!! 🙂
Annie, don’t let anyone get you down. The internet is full of jealous ‘trolls’ as they are called and they are looking to annoy. Don’t let ’em get to you! This was an awesome party, a memory Addie will have forever and I’m sure everyone in attendance had a blast!
I know that you received some negative comments regarding this post. I just wanted to let you know that my heart was so warmed by this post. All I saw here was a wonderful creative Mama that wanted to give her Daughter a one of kind experience. That is not spoiling a child, that is LOVE!!! These pictures showed so much emotion and the delight in your Daughter’s eyes to me is PRICELESS!!! You have a beautiful family. Enjoy these moments. It goes by too fast!
Hi Annie,
I looked at Addie’s rock party both yest & today & can not believe you’ve had nasty comments about it!!! I think you’ll find those are just jealous people with no imagination!
As always fantastic images!! Your so inspirational & if others were as generous as you in all their endeavours the world would be a much better place!
Smiles across the miles
<3 Ashleigh – UK
I am in shock of how creative you are.please adopt me!!!
Rant alert! I dont normally post but i do follow your posts for the smile factor so here goes….
Having just read this post I was sat in total admiration & awe! I was totally thinking… Seriously this lady needs to go into party planning!!!Â
The party looked absolutely fantastic and the kids looked like they couldn’t have partied any harder lol…The smiles, the laughter, the ecstatic mood that radiates off the photos… then I read your last statement!
Not once throughout your post did I consider money in any of it!!?? I mean why would you??!!
You stated not a lot of money was spent a few times at the end like you felt the need to justify it… SO WHAT IF YOU SPENT IT OR NOT!?! Lady you truly are a major inspiration both in photography and the person you are.. I am actually saddened that people would criticise you for giving your girls an awesome day to remember! You can see from the photos & the gushing status’s about those 2little ladies that you post, that those girls are in no way ‘spoilt’ with anything other than love yet want for nothing! Your posts amaze me every day and I am angry that you had to be subjected to nasty comments!
 I for one as im sure many others are too am thankful for each post you make, you inspire me daily and so wish I could have someone like you around me.. I smile every time I read your posts!
You stick to your guns lady and don’t let anyone tell you that you or your beautiful family are anything less than amazing! Rant over hehe.. Big love Annie xx
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 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! 🙂