I cannot help but smile whenever I see this photo. With best friend Emma Cate here for the weekend, Mary Ashley said she has never felt so happy. Instead of having a traditional party for her 11th birthday, we planned a low-key extended visit for these gal pals.
The highlight of the weekend was a trip to downtown Birmingham to watch Swan Lake. This Fitz and Floyd teapot made an easy centerpiece for lunch before the ballet.
Here is the birthday girl, pausing for a portrait.
Before lunch, I took some pictures of the girls. So along with photos of our festive tablescape, here are some favorite images of these besties.
Mary Ashley and Emma Cate have been the best of friends since kindergarten.
Fresh-cut hydrangeas and feather boas enhanced the softness of this sea of pastels.
These girls haven't seen each other in person since we moved 18 months ago, but they picked back up as if no time had passed. That's a blessing of true friendship!
Make a wish, sweet girl!
The girls wanted to be as fancy as could be for our trip to the ballet. Their shimmering dresses were not expensive, but the girls felt like princesses during their afternoon on the town. (Emma's dress, left, and Mary Ashley's dress, right.)
Mary Ashley's favorite menu of poppy seed chicken, rice, green beans, crescent rolls and cupcakes was easy to prepare between church and showtime.
One of my favorite shots!
Swan Lake place cards, adorned with a feather.
The girls were so enamored with the feather boas we used on the table, they asked to wear them to the performance.
Monogrammed acrylic cupcake toppers from Viv&Lou are sure to get repeated use.
It was such fun watching these two catch up. Friendship is such a gift, and it is worth the investment to ensure that precious relationships endure. We can't wait to get together again!
"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." ~ Douglas Pagels
