When I had the idea to rebrand my photography business, I knew I had to come up with a way to celebrate after it launched. A way that my friends and family could gather around me and support my journey I had ahead of me. Then I thought, there was no way I was NOT going to have a launch party! After I decided on the date of September 15th to announce my new website and social media links, I chose that next Sunday afternoon for the event. Now, the party planning has begun! I absolutely LOVE planning events and parties and making sure everything down to every detail matches the theme. I needed to decide what MY theme was going to be. With many long text conversations with my BFF Courtney, she thought it would be awesome if it was fall themed. Since that is actually my favorite season + we are slowly approaching fall, I said, that is a genius idea! Everything had to be full of leaves, apples, plaid, and sunflowers! I even told all of the invites that I wanted them to wear a fall colored dress with accessories.
Now that the theme was set, I needed a place to have the party at. I am originally from Beecher, IL so most of the people I invited are from that area. I knew that I wanted it at a pretty outside setting and the first place that came to mind was Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. One weekend we were in town I wanted to stop by and see if that would work, and oh man did I fall in love. One of the pavilions was right next to an open field that was full of yellow flowers. It was beautiful and perfect! There were also a couple of trees that I could picture having my tables set up under. The location was set. Now to plan the small details... What are we going to eat? What are we going to do?
I started writing down all of my ideas and came up with a treats table. I wanted lots of fall themed snacks. Of course I needed to have macarons at this party 'cause, it's not a party hosted by Megan McKenna without macarons. I chose red velvet and chocolate flavored macarons from a bakery by my house called My Sweet Kake. Another bakery by me (I live in Schaumburg, IL where there are 10 of everything within a 15 minute radius, no joke) is Cookies By Design and I found these bite sized cookies called "sweet spots" and mannn were they delicious. The lady even added leaf sprinkles to them! I chose shortbread and cinnamon to fit right in with the theme, once again, it's all about the theme! Haha. Let's also talk about how amazing those new S'mores M&M's are that are out right now! Definitely a handful of heaven.
For a beverage, what better drink is there to have at a fall party than APPLE CIDER! I cut up apples and threw in cinnamon sticks in the dispenser and put a stick in each cup, for more added flavor. YUM! Just look at those mason jar cups, how perfect, right?! Usually I always have warm apple cider and wasn't sure how it would taste cold. It was actually one of the tastiest things ever!
I had the most perfect idea for what an activity would be during the party. I wanted everyone to make something that could be incorporated in the pictures. What if it was something they could wear?! AHAA! Flower crowns! I could set up a flower crown making station! I loved this idea and ran full speed with it. The only question was, real flowers or fake? I've seen pictures of crowns made with real flowers and they look absolutely beautiful but, I wanted everyone to be able to take these home and can save them! If these were made with real flowers, they probably wouldn't last the next day. So fake flowers it is!
It was so fun to see how everyone's crowns turned out so differently! Everyone is unique and it definitely showed. Once they were finished creating, it was photo time! I gave everyone new portraits for them to share and spread the love about my new photography business! These girls are amazing and I'm so thankful that they all attended my party!
The beautiful Alyssa and Veronica!
The super giggly Jennifer. This girl has such a contagious smile! If only I could remember what she was laughing at! Haha.
Of course, Jen's hubby Dan came along too & hung out with Brian while the girls made their flower crowns! Aren't these two just adorable! Jen is Brian's sister and I was honored to be their photographer at their wedding this summer!
My step-sister Meghan and my little brother's girlfriend Taylor!
My mom, step-dad Joe, and mine and Brian's pup Zoey even attended the party! Love you guys!
Here's a little behind the scenes of my wonderful helper who made sure I was getting the best lighting for the portraits! Haha!
My helper who is actually my best friend. This is Courtney! She has been by my side, since 7th grade, through whatever life has thrown at me and supported all of my crazy dreams. I don't know where I would be today if I didn't have her in my life. She truly is the definition of a best friend and I'm so thankful for her! Love yah girl!
Annnnd of course, my amazing boyfriend Brian. This is him! My person. I can't even thank you enough for everything you've done for me to help my dreams come to life. You mean more than the world to me and I am so appreciative of you! Love you Brian!
I want to thank you girls for coming out and joining me at my launch party! It means so much that you were there!
