My friend, Vanessa, and fellow photographer’s son turned 2 this weekend and she asked me to come take part in his party.  She had the cutest Julius the Monkey themed party for him.  Complete with monkey decorations, banana tree, and a banana split bar!  Yum!

And the super adorable birthday boy!

The birthday boy and his dad.

Jayden with Vanessa and Grandma.

Jayden got a lesson in how to blow out his candles via his mom.  Too cute.

Time to open presents!

I just loved how excited he got about everything.  Even the clothes and birthday cards!  Although Vanessa took the liberty of modeling them for us.

Of course Jayden couldn’t wait to play with all his new toys!

Aren’t they such a cute family?

Last night I went to a fabulous party hosted by none other than Utterly Engaged.  It was fantastic fun.  So many good friends and meeting new ones too!

Who would think of making candy bacon?  This lady!  The Sticky Pig.

There were tons of other great vendors there too.

The Fry Girl, Yes Please Design, Tasty Clouds, Jay’s Catering …

And last, but certainly NOT least, Mint Photo Lounge, run two of my favorite photo people around.

And of course us all giddy in the photobooth, provided by my lovely, Holly, of Cakes and Kisses.  Check out her blog post about this event here.

Me and two fabulous photographers!  Sarah K Chen and Caroline Tran.

There was cotton candy AND beauty services.  Nails by The Nail Lounge and false eyelashes by Flawless Faces.  Holly insisted we get them.  I was a false eyelash virgin but not anymore! Once I got over worrying about if everyone could tell I was wearing them, I can see how it could be addicting.

This event also had a contest going.  Wedding designers signed up to create table settings and all the guests got to vote on which they liked best.  All the tables were fantastic!  We’re not allowed to show the photos of them just yet but I can tell you my girls of Just Wenderful, Katy Carrier Events and Cake Goodness won!!!  Holly and I were so proud we screamed and there were tears (Holly’s, not mine) The prize?  $1500!!

Tweeting the big news of course!!

I love these girls.  SO much talent in the room it was truly a sight.  I can’t wait to share all the photos of the table designs.  They were all truly amazing and unique!

A BIG thank you to Utterly Engaged for throwing and hosting this elaborate affair!!  You girls are just too much.

Other vendors that participated to make this night amazing ::  Jasmine Star, DJ Flashdance, dvArtistry, Heavenly Blooms, Black Tie Events, Persiano Events & Rentals, Signature Party Rentals, and Pacific Coast Bar & Beverage (yum!)

If you’re a vendor and you want some of these photos, email shannon@shannonleeimages.com or comment on the blog to let me know.  If you’re a vendor and I missed you, please let me know!

If you’re a table designer and want any photos of your tables I’ll be happy to send them to you.  Comment on the blog and I’ll email you about it!

I had the pleasure of not only attending but shooting little Grant’s 2nd birthday last weekend.  It was held at Joey’s Gym in Beverly Hills.  It is a GREAT spot for a little tyke’s birthday bash.  There was jumping, tumbling, sliding, flips and fun!  I don’t think there was one kid there who didn’t have a fantastic time.  Including the adorable birthday boy.

The birthday boy!  Isn’t he a cutie?

And his beautiful big sister.  She had her first pedicure for the party and requested a photo of it.

Time for cake!!  Grant got SO excited when he saw this amazing cake.

And he couldn’t wait to get into it!  I don’t blame him, cake is always my favorite part too.

This is maybe my favorite photo from the whole day.  We were trying so hard to get them both to smile and look at the camera and they just weren’t having it.  I just love both them covered in cake.

Such a cute family aren’t they?? Can’t you tell how silly they are and how much fun they have?

Thanks again for letting me be a part of Grant’s birthday fun!  Can’t wait for the next one!

Wendy’s trash the dress got featured on Rock and Roll Bride!!  Click the image to see our post!

Thanks to Kat for posting us.  Not familiar with Rock and Roll Bride?  She’s pretty rad.  Go check her out.

When a friend of mine called asking if I would donate a package for a Mom’s Club fundraiser of course I agreed.  Katy Carrier of Katy Carrier Events, helped me design a super cute card for the package.

Isn’t it cute??  The moms also gave me the honor of participating on the day by documenting it for them.  It was such a great idea for an event.  While the Mom’s Club set up a silent auction and raffle fundraisers, the local area preschools had their schools on display for all the mom’s to figure out which school was best for their little tykes.

Seriously, he rabbit on the right was the largest rabbit I’ve ever seen in my life.  I was surprised children weren’t running and screaming.  I know I was quite frightened upon seeing him, but he turned out to be pretty friendly.

Thanks Moms!!  (and kids and teachers, too!) You were awesome!