Luau

Well, I've been planning the wedding for four months now. The more I think about it, the more it is just Event Planning. I like to get things done - make the plan and execute it. So it was bothering me that the ultimate plan could not be executed on for so very long. My birthday was coming up, so I decided to focus my creative efforts (read: taskmaster) into throwing myself a birthday party! A luau was the logical choice since my fiance and I had never had any sort of themed party in the three plus years we've lived together.

Oddly enough, my inspiration came from WallyWorld. They had some cheap Hawaiian decorations on the shelf, so I developed a project for myself. I researched luau decorations, cocktails, food, music, games, flowers, .... I browsed countless websites and several stores to find the perfect accoutrements. I set up a very creative and festive evite for all of my friends (if I do say so myself) and set out for (lots of) shopping.

Yum! The best part! I made Sangria and Midori Mai Tais for everyone. We also had stuff for margs, pina coladas, and more!

Here is our sweet little mascot - and Ringbearer! I think this was the high point of his evening. He spent most of the party alternately hiding in the bathroom and the office.

Part of the setup before the party - and the thunderstorm started.

Here's the birthday girl, the big Kahuna, and Don Johnson!

The party inevitably moved indoors as soon as the cloudburst occurred. Not quite as festive indoors...but it was still wonderful to have so many people to celebrate with me!

My old friend Cory and his new roomie being very festive.
My lovely Maid of Honor and our talented Photographer/Best Man are above in the blue. Love them!

Yum, yum! My "birthday candles" were citronella from our deck!

Not much of a luau at this point, huh?!?