Theme: Vintage Cabana
STYLED BY: Illumination Events Studio
Occasion: 30th birthday
Location: Bandit’s Ridge (Virginia)
Photography: Amber Kay Photography

(as selected & edited by HWTM)

#1 – AH-mazing Geometric Fruit Cake

It’s good vibes all around with this gorgeous, fruit-bedecked cake! Dessert First Custom Cakes managed to wrap the feel of summer, retro-mod patterns, and tropical vacays into this 2-tiered work of (edible) art.

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#2 – Fruit and Flower Crowns

As described by the designers: “Our birthday girl welcomed her friends on the scene of her pool-side cocktail soiree with gorgeous fruit and flower crowns as festive favors. Borrow this idea by creating crowns for your guests in your party’s color scheme. It’s so easy, and gorgeous.”

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#3 – Colorful & Creative Fruit Bar

There are so many things to love about this colorful display… starting with the name! Playfully dubbed the “Fruit Bar for the Birthday Star”, it’s filled with a gorgeous assortment of vibrant fruits that also happen to don clever names like “Banana for Bliss”, “Watermelon for Well-Being”, and “Pineapple for Prosperity”.

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#4 – Themed Photo Opps

What girl wouldn’t love to feel like a fashion model for a day, and let’s face it… playing dress up is the PERFECT activity for a girls-only soirée. ;) I’m loving the fun looks that Sweet Sauce Blog (stylist) and Elle Style Studio (hair & makeup) put together for this theme. Plus, styled photos double as fantastic keepsakes that live on long after the party. Note: Apparel from Fab’rik Carytown

P.S. They also had a bright red Vespa! *click, click* (Check it out below.)

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#5 – Retro-Mod Paper Details

As a graphic designer myself, I’m always a sucker for the paper details – and Riot + Revel knocked this event collection outta the park yard! ;) From the invitation to the gift tags and signage, the paper details added a perfect splash of retro-mod flair. My favorite element, though, is the pineapple shaped “Bucket list for the next thirty” place setting card… such a thoughtful way to personalize the party, not to mention a great conversation starter for the table!

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More Photos from this Party:

MORE PARTY DETAILS from Illumination Events Studio:

The bold stripes of a vintage beach cabana sparked the inspiration for this styled 30th birthday celebration at Bandit’s Ridge, a venue located thirty minutes outside Richmond, Virginia. Using elements like bright prints, rich woven textures, and bold color, the design for this gathering was both elegant and playful. The DIY elements of the cabanas, fruit headpieces, fruit bar, and pineapple piñata perfectly complemented the work of all the amazing pros that were involved!

DIY Elements:

• Cabanas
• Fruit Headpiece
• Pineapple Piñata

Cocktail Recipes:

• Watermelon Mojitos
• Sparkling Spritzers
• Lushy Slushies

This shoot was meant to celebrate all those women out there turning 30 years young. The invitation set the tone with its flirty, retro, and colorful composition, making sure the guests knew to arrive ready to let their hair down!

After guests were greeted with gorgeous fruit and flower crowns, they hopped on a cherry-red vespa for a joy ride, offering both entertainment and adornment. Next, they sipped yummy cocktails and played a quick game of banana-grams. Consider having games stations with quick card or dice games at your party to add a casual and relaxed atmosphere!

The rainbow of delicious and summery fruits at the fruit bar was a show-stopper, and is so simple to recreate. Following a light and bright lunch, a dress change into vintage suits, and breaking the pineapple piñata, it was finally time for the pool. What a way to mark the start of a new decade of friends, family, and future celebrations!