It’s not everyday that you spend an entire glorious weekend celebrating the achievements of one very special girl, but Dara’s family did it up in style, with a weekend long celebration! It kicked off with a really fun hospitality suite next to the pool for the weekend.
The weekend started with a Friday night dinner. Let’s Celebrate did a wonderful job on the décor, and designed each table with a different city or place that Dara loves.
The Hilton Garden Inn did a fantastic job throughout the entire weekend with delectable choices for both the kids and adults. Friday night’s adult plated dinner boasted grilled Lillian chicken and grilled salmon, a spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a delicious cheesecake for dessert. The kids’ dinner featured chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and cookies and brownies; what’s not to love?!
A cake for all of this month’s birthdays was also featured, and Dara did a candle lighting to recognize all of the special people that made her weekend so incredible.
Once the Temple service was complete, a delicious lunch followed. Caterer Lynn Ranew Mertins did not disappoint, and featured an assortment of bagels with cream cheese and lox, fruit, pasta salad, and tea sandwiches.
Additionally, there was a Caesar salad, cheese tray, chicken and broccoli salad, and mini desserts; brownies, lemon squares, and pretzel rods. The décor was done by Renterpieces, an organization that helps support the JF & CS Kosher Food Pantry by donating a portion of it’s earnings to those in need.
The party continued that evening at the Hilton Garden Inn, and featured, you guessed it; more delicious food! The food list is so extensive that we will spare you all of the glorious details, but some of the highlights included: a Mediterranean appetizer display, tomato soup with grilled cheese in a shot glass, a carving station, a stir fry station, a slider station, and an ice cream station. One thing is for sure; nobody left this weekend celebration hungry!
Keisha with Cake-A-Licious did an amazing job with a custom cake featuring flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and red velvet.
Since Dara is a huge fan of sewing and fashion, Let’s Celebrate Décor helped bring her colorful and creative vision to life. With colors of lavender and turquoise with pops of lime and hot pink, the décor featured manikins with various outfit options, as well as oversized buttons, scissors and tape. So creative!
DJ Niko Chan did an amazing job, featuring a dancing girl on a sway pole as well as BadAss Ballerinas who did a cool dance number to kick off the party in style.
Memories in a Moment green screen set up shop during the party, so that all of the guests could take silly themed photos with various props and backgrounds.
James Futch Videography didn’t miss a beat, and captured all of the great moments on candid camera, while photographer Traci Henry took beautiful still shots throughout the evening as well.
Finally, to round out a great party, Georgia Airbrush sent all of the guests home with custom painted shirts and drawstring bags.
The weekend festivities concluded on Sunday morning with a beautiful brunch. Catered once again by Lynn, the cuisine included an omelet station, pancake station, muffins, fruit, and of course mimosas and Bloody Mary’s for the adult guests. The décor was soft and simple; all of the chefs wore monogrammed aprons in colors of lime green and purple. The tables featured flower displays alongside small pictures on sticks, of Dara cooking. Another one of her many interests! The flowerpots were provided by Lynn as well.
What a whirlwind of a weekend! Congratulations, Dara on your accomplishments; we had a wonderful time making your special weekend….so…well….special!
