North Ridge Pavilion Korean First Birthday Dol Party and Cake Smash
A year ago, I had the privilege of taking Baby Aria’s newborn photos. Now, I’m thrilled to have the chance to take her first birthday pictures at the North Ridge Pavillion!
About an hour and a half before Aria’s birthday party, I came to help set up. While Elizabeth and I worked on the balloon arch, Florals by April stunned us with the bouquet arrangements!
I’m good friends with Aria’s parents, Eunice and Timmy. They’re both amazingly talented people. Eunice and her mom made the rice cakes, and Timmy made the “Aria” sign under the balloon arch!
Even at just a year old, Aria’s sassy personality shines. When you ask her to feed you, she’ll perform a classic fake-out. She’ll pretend to feed you, but then take it back at the last second with a giant smile on her face when you pretend to be shocked.
As a fast learner, Aria was curious about everything. Her mom doesn’t hold the phone up to her ear very often, but Aria saw it once and mimicked her when she got a hold of the phone herself!
During the party, Eunice and Timmy wore traditional Korean hanboks. Aria wore one too for the majority of the party, but she changed right before the cake smash so she didn’t soil the beautiful silk.
Aria also participated in a doljabi ceremony, which is a Korean tradition where items representing various careers are placed in front of the child for him or her to choose from.
Aria could have chosen a pen, which means that she would become a writer, or a paintbrush, which would predict her to become an artist.
Much to Eunice’s delight and Timmy’s disappointment, Aria picked the calculator! Eunice was an actuary before becoming a stay at home mom, so a future in actuarial science might not be so far-fetched.
The party was a small affair with close friends and family, but the entire room had the atmosphere of a big hug. Everyone showed immense love and support towards Aria and her parents.
I had so much fun taking Aria’s first birthday pictures! Despite all the new faces, she did so well, and it was a joy to be there. Happy birthday, Aria!