
Photos by Maddie Morris Photography
It has officially been six months since I celebrated my birthday with my closest friends. Life came at me soon after this night so I haven’t had a chance to share it.

Handbag: The Attico
To know me is to know that I don’t really like parties for myself, I much rather travel for my birthdays so I have been out of town for each birthday since I can remember, that is, before the pandemic hit — Even then, I had a mini staycation just to feel like I was somewhere else.
This year was the year I was finally going to go back to Miami to celebrate. I was looking forward to the cuban cafecito every morning, the ropa vieja platters, and all the tostones to snack on. It’s been such a long time since I last visited. I used to visit very often when I was interviewing for reporter jobs and it’s crazy to think that I almost made it my home.
Steven had booked a beachfront hotel and as we were booking flights I noticed that my driver’s license was about to expire and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to fly out since not even the paper one would come in time. I was bummed.

Feather top: Revolve
I was stuck in Utah, yet once again. So I figured, if I was going to be stuck here, I might as well make the best of it.
I called my girl Mara at Fuse Weddings and Events. She’s the same powerhouse that made my wedding dreams come true. I asked her on the shortest notice possible if she could put something together for my friends and I. I don’t think it was even a week’s notice since I was sure I wasn’t going to celebrate in boring ol’ Utah.

Trying not cry as I walked in. Steven’s face says it all!
When I tell you I walked into the most gorgeous room, I can’t tell you how special it made me feel. I chose to celebrate it in a private room inside of Ruth’s Chris because of their sweet potato casserole. I know it’s a silly reason but you don’t know how much my mouth waters for that side dish.
Fuchsia pink was having a big moment last year so I knew I wanted to incorporate it into the decor.
Pop Park City made a balloon garland that incorporated a few different tones of pink to surround the marquee letters that I asked for.
There’s just something about marquee letters that really make a room pop so they are always a must-have for me. We chose to do two simple letters for my initials since the space was a little tight.
There are two things you can never have enough of for an intimate setting — candles and flowers.
The pink florals against the black linens really made the flowers the focal point and the candles took fancy to another level.
And because no formal dining experience is complete without name cards, they made the seating arrangement easier and made my friends feel special.
The fact that my bestie moved back just in time made it that much more special.
I’m actually really glad I ended up celebrating my birthday in Utah since it will most likely be my last year here; and it’s the first time in years that I get to bring in a new chapter with my closest friends.
When planning my guest list, I only wanted the people that are the closest to me. I’m not one of those people that needs to feed their ego with a room full of people to celebrate or feel loved. I prefer to make memories with my closest friends, who happen to be more like family, and my village. Like Steven reminds me all of the time, “Not everyone should have access to you”. For the past couple of years I have been picky the with the people that I let into my inner circle.
They aren’t just there for me, they are there for my kids, and for my husband. I know that I can be completely vulnerable with them and trust them with my feelings. There’s no competitiveness, no jealousy, no hidden agendas. Women, like that are especially hard to come by and I am thankful that I have a few in my corner.
So cheers! To another year of creating experiences with the people that I love. Thank you all for celebrating with me. I couldn’t have made it through this year without y’all!
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