How can you take your best friend’s thirtieth birthday and The Greatest Showman and make them EVEN better? You combine them! I threw my best friend Paige a Greatest Showman birthday party, and it was SO MUCH FUN! Check out these photos and enjoy the “greatest show!”

So, if you know me at all, you know that I have a tendency to go above and beyond when it comes to parties and, lately, mini sessions! Well, this party was no different. Pinterest was my best friend and my enemy all at the same time! You can relate, right? If I wasn’t a photographer, I think I would want to plan parties, right down to the favors and all the little details! It is a TON of work, but it makes me happy. Mad props to all the party planners out there. Paige, my best friend, was turning 30, and for the last 7 years I really haven’t been very keen on doing much besides going to dinner at Red Lobster for her birthday. So for her 30th, I figured why not make up for it with a Greatest Showman birthday party?

Not only was this a huge undertaking, but it was a surprise! Keeping the secret from Paige was really hard for me, because I made a book of the pictures from the photoshoot and I wanted everyone, family and friends who couldn’t be there, etc. to sign it before the party! Talk about stressful. However, the payoff was great…she had no idea!

One of my most brilliant ideas (take a bow) was hiring a caricaturist, Cedric Taylor, who was beyond awesome and truly talented. He did pictures for every guest and made them each so personalized. It was AMAZING!

Lucky for us, it started to snow, and we had the grill going outside. Our grill artist, my husband, was awesome, and was out there freezing and grilling hot dogs! He was such a trooper. I had been planning this for 7 months. Every week I would get a little more for the party so I wasn’t as overwhelmed at the end. It was a great plan to space it out. I had so many things specially made and personalized for this Greatest Showman birthday party! I even had this secret folder, and Paige was not allowed to ask questions! Here are a few of the fun details that I loved so much!

Check out the amazing cake made by Colorado’s own Jen, of Sugar Buzz Cakes!

Why The Greatest Showman, you ask? I mean…have you seen it? Paige and I drive to Denver a lot, and we have sing-alongs in the car. The Greatest Showman is one of our favorites! So I could not think of a better theme than a Greatest Showman birthday party! I would say it was quite a success, and I could not have been happier with the turnout!

Shoutout to the shops and stores that made this possible!

GREATEST SHOWMAN PARTY PACK: Killerwebs Designs

VINTAGE POPCORN BAGS: Every Day Inspired

GREATEST SHOWMAN POSTERS: A Pretty Little Party

COTTON CANDY BAGS: Amazon

Dollar Store, Target and Hobby Lobby were my go-to’s for most of the rest of the decorations!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read about my crazy life as a party planner! I had a blast and hope you find inspiration from this to do something fun for your next party! Want a fun themed photo shoot for your newborn or your family? I’ve got you covered! Book your free on-on-one consultation now! Do you have more questions? Let’s chat! I can’t wait to work with you!

LOVE,

Mandy Penn