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. 😛
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
Great job, what amazing detail you put into everything:) I loved the lemonade jars :). I was reading the comments and the one about something like “I can see rock but not the ‘punk’ part” or something like that…. My thought is you have no idea and have never talked to a “punk”. I find people like that to be offensive. I hope YOUR children don’t grow upto be as close minded as you have become. There are bad apples in every circle and group, my son has had his Mohawk his whole life, he can keep it or change it, but who cares? I would imagine this lady would, my son is also 6 years old, plays drums and started his band called Spider Eats Eye. He is also in science school at the top of his class excels I mathematics and reading, and has a lot of friends, accepts anyone for who they are, not what they look like. Grab a brain.
Sorry to bitch but some people’s kids.
I love what you did, what an amazing experience! You can tell it wasn’t bought but rather a LOT of hard work was put into it.
I can’t believe people took the time to say nasty things. All I can say is…haters gonna hate. The party rocked, and you inspire me to step it up a little for my kids’ birthday parties. Thanks for sharing!
Your family looks precious! I think the hard work you did for your family is wonderful!
These shots are great!! I will be shooting a party in a dark ballroom next week and I was wondering what settings you used on your camera when you were taking pics of the kids dancing and moving around? Thank you for all your wonderful insight and inspiration Annie!!
amazing party! I kept thinking I wish I were there! I can’t believe people leaving negative comments – WhatEver! what ever happen to, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything” At first I thought you had just done a photo shoot but then realized it was a party! Happy bday to your little one, they are both darling. Thanks for all the inspiring photos… got any ideas for a little boy turning 10 this summer ;D
I am planning a rock star party for my baby girl who is turning 5 next week and stumbled upon your site. Love the pics and ideas, thank you for sharing! When I saw your comments at the bottom it made me so sad that you had to defend your post. If people don’t like what you post on your own blog then they don’t have to visit anymore. That’s so stupid. Anyway, rock on sister, and keep the creativity flowin. I’m gonna have to explore the rest of your site just to wake up my own creativity!
I think what you did was absolutely OUTSTANDING!!!! I drooled over every image & could only think happy thoughts. What an amazing memory you have created for not only your girl & your family but her friends too. I couldn’t believe when I read down the bottom that you received negative comments. What the!!! Maybe they let the little JEALOUS monster get the better of them & they couldn’t help but put their 2 cents in. Just haters with nothing better to do so you keep doing what you do best & I say “Keep on rockin in the free world!” xx
Im blown away that anyone would have something negative to say! Jealousy is never flattering, people! Love everything you do!
This is the.coolest.thing I have EVER seen! My daughter is nearly 3 years old, but boy, when she’s old enough I hope to throw something just as rad as this amazing party! And your shots are, as always, perfect. 🙂
And haters be damned. You and you’re family rock, and I see it as a privilege that you share these sorts of things with the internet world. So those snobby snobs can go…you know what. 😉
Yep. This post is fantastically awesome…loved it so much!
Your photos are amazing, Annie! What a cool party!!!
I honestly think this is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! I’m sorry that anyone had anything negative to say about it because, honestly, what does it matter to them!? You were able to give your daughter and your family and friends memories that they will cherish forever. I wish I could have gone! Haha!
This party ROCKS!! From the make-up to the record cake stands – everything was amazing! My daughter is going to be three and I can’t wait to give her a rocker party. It’s unreal that people actually made negative comments. What happened to “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all”? Poo Poo on them! Continue doing what your doing! And I can’t wait to see what you come up with for Miss Eliza’s birthday! Love it! God Bless your beautiful family!
You are THE BEST mom ever! This party looks fabulous and oh so much fun! You are a true inspiration. Thanks for sharing your awesome work as a photographer, graphic designer and most importantly a Mom who wants the very best for her children. If you can do it, why not??? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
Oh Annie I don’t know why people are so dumb. When I see a lot of creativity and hard work organizing the whole party and keep it secret they see what shouldn’t be their bussiness. As long as they don’t pay your bills they mat butt off. And I have to say what I think from the first sec I saw this post. I’m so terribly yealous You’re not my mom 😉 So creative and full of wonderful ideas. Your party trem? gave me some cool idea for your birthday party.
This looks like so much fun and the images are so amazing!! Makes me wish I had an invite! My 9 year old loves the photos, said they are so cool and wants to have a bday like this one of these years!! Most importantly, Ms. Addie looks like she had a rockin’ blast:)
That is the COOLEST idea ever, and I only wish I could be that creative to come up with it and have it be so visually stunning! I am shocked you received negativity, but I suppose not everyone will agree. However if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all! 😉
Awesome!!! Loved all the details! What a fantastic party!
I loved this party! You are an amazing photographer, mom, and party designer! I stumbled across your site from a FB ad and am now a blog follower. I love your style of photography. And I can totally relate to the negative comments that you referred to. Last year, when my daughter turned 3, I threw her a completely appropriate “Princess Party” like a million other moms for daughters that age. I enjoyed every second planning every last tiny detail. People told me I was going to train her to want something bigger and better every year and that I better be careful and watch myself. This is such silly logic in the grand scheme of life. Enjoy every moment, make the most of every opportunity, and do everything 100%. It looks like that’s exactly what you do! Beautiful party and beautiful family!
Thank you!
Hey annie, this is my first time commenting and how could I NOT comment on this amazing post. YOu are such a rockstar mom and photographer and obviously your daughters are too!! So naturally this party theme would be so fitting. I completely appreciate all your tutorials and have learned so much from each one, dear teacher. Thank you thank you and keep them coming!!
xoxo
maria
Thank you so much for the kind message!
Annie, I absolutely adored this idea!!!! So sorry you have had bad comments:( I am going to do my own version for my daughters 6th birthday. She is also very into music, has her own electric guitar and my sister has a band…a Christian Rock band! So it works out perfect! lol! Thank you so much for the inspiration! I think you are amazingly talented and love seeing everything you post!
Much love from Texas…Rachel
I bow to the queen of Tour planning 🙂 So many great details and I love love love the family photos.
Just gobsmacked at your creativity, seriously Annie. So delighted I got to see these and have an inkling of what goes on in your life behind the scenes.
AMAZING party I thought all the details were perfect! One question where did you find those AWSOME ice cream cones on the cupcake microphones?! I would love to find them 🙂 Thank you!!!
Thank you! I made them! 🙂 Super easy with paint on edible metallic paint on ice cream cones (it’s made for airbrushing cakes, etc, but I just used a paint brush) … then the tops were chocolate cupcakes, smothered in chocolate frosting and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. I stuck a bit of frosting to the bottom of the cupcake to help keep them inside the cones. 🙂
FANTASTIC JOB!!!!! What amazing ideas! and Creativity. I am planning my son’s 1st birthday which happens to be Rockstar theme as is his room aswell. And like you i’ve been trying to keep it low cost and put some creativity into it. I stumbled across your page as i was looking for “rockstar” themed candy ideas.. but I Love your microphone idea.
Keep up the creative gift you were blessed with 🙂
This is amazing! I think it is awesome to show your child how special they are and how glad you are that they were born with a great party. Also, thank you so much for sharing so I could get great ideas for my daughter’s birthday party.
I loved this and was so excited when my little man asked for a rock star party this year! Thanks for the oodles of inspiration!!!