Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Today is my parent's 26th anniversary.
Last year, we celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal in the church where they were married, and then cocktail party at our apartment.

The event took months and months of planning. My sister and I were in charge of the Party Planning Committee or the PPC (The Office reference, anyone?). Also part of the PPC were my amazing aunts, our brothers, and my very talented cousin, Erin. I am so fortunate to be part of a family that is so creative; we were able to do everything for the party ourselves. My sister handmade the invitations, in the midst of her midterm craziness:

[Don't mind the blurred-out address; you can never be too careful!]

Our color theme was white, evergreen, and navy. My Aunt Allora, a former florist, created tons of beautiful floral arrangements for every table in the house.

 We hung about 70 million snowflakes from our ceiling, along with yards and yards of glittered tulle (which we hand-glittered, meaning I was still cleaning up glitter in May), and at least 20 strands of white lights.

 All in all, it was a beautiful event, and exactly what my siblings and I wanted to do to honor my parents and their 25 years of marriage. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

 Everyone in my family also happen to be excellent cooks. We served a variety of appetizers that satisfied even my hungriest rugby-playing cousins!

I handmade all the food labels and the bar menu, using craft paper and calligraphy pens. 

As the oldest, I gave the toast. I know I look awkward and nervous here...I have extreme anxiety about public speaking to anyone over the age of five! We also made a video of their 25 years together.

My wonderful parents also had kind words to say.

My Aunt Allora handmade commemorative ornaments for everyone to take home as party favors. We attached each ornament to a bag of homemade hazelnut bark.

I'm so blessed to be part of this amazing family and to have such wonderful parents. Happy 26th Anniversary Mom and Dad! (Don't expect a party this year....)