A few weeks ago we celebrated my husband’s 40th birthday with a grand bash on the beach.. vintage surf style. My mister loves the ocean and California surf culture so this seemed like the perfect theme. So many of our local and far-away friends and family came out to celebrate. We ate tacos, flied kites, played games and lazed around in the sun. A most wonderful day!
I enlisted the help of Aaron Hartselle to bring the surf concept to life, and that he did! Take a peek below at all the fun details, as shown through the lens of Laura Goldenberger…
Aaron’s take on the party design:
It can be a challenge to create a cohesive visual experience on the beach, where things can easily get lost amongst a sea of beachgoers, so I grounded the design with a large canopy structure. My inspiration for the décor came from the rustic feel of Tulum’s beaches and the bohemian details of Montauk’s surf cottages. I integrated tropical details, such as fruit on the aqua fresca bar, palapa umbrellas over the lounge areas, and rattan furniture.
Tim’s brother John is an amazing illustrator, so I had him draw up the lettering for the invitation and I put it all together. I think it turned out pretty cute, aye?
Pow Wow supplied all of the furniture rentals.. wicker furniture, poufs, crates, and pillows for lounging. It all made for a super relaxing and bohemian vibe. We felt like we had been transported to an island in Hawaii!
The man of the hour…I love him so.
It isn’t a tropical party without juice bar, complete with pineapple and watermelon agua frescas made by Heirloom LA. Those little cups you see above? Artisanal jello shots in flavors of Island Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Watermelon Tangerita to whet our whistle. Mmmm.
How ’bout these cute coconut and tiki cups?
The food.. oh my the food. Heirloom LA cooked up a rather amazing taco bar complete with all the fixin’s. Carne asada, achiote chicken, cauliflower caponata, fresh shrimp ceviche, roasted corn, and the best beans and chips I’ve ever had. We’re still dreaming about that meal.
My friend Kristina sells gourmet popsicles and brought some along in flavors of horchata, cucumber margarita and strawberry. Boy were they good!
Loved having littles at the party.
Cornhole is such a popular game in our group, so Beach Cities Bag Toss made this awesome custom game for our party. You send them artwork and they put it on their boards. It was a big hit!
Quality summer time with good friends and family.. that’s what it’s all about.
Mini serapes were rolled up as parting gifts for our guests. I purchased these cuties on Olvera Street in LA.
Happy birthday, my love!!
xoxo, Amanda
Planning and design: Aaron Hartselle Creative | Photography: Laura Goldenberger | Rentals: Pow Wow Vintage Rentals | Catering: Heirloom LA | Custom cornhole game: Beach Cities Bag Toss | Invite lettering: John Dawbarn | Invite printing: Printup Graphics | Surfboard rentals: Greg Ainsley
