A birthday party to share the cheer!

Little Maeve’s birthday party spread light and cheer to more than just the invited guests.

Giving back to the community is something Dr Morgan Edwards strongly believes in.

For daughter Maeve’s first birthday, Morgan and her husband, Ryan, asked party guests to bring an item from a list given to them by charitable group The Aunties. The Aunties, who look after women and children who are victims of domestic violence, would then distribute the items to families in need. “We were overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and family, and feel very lucky to have been able to celebrate Maeve’s first year in such a lovely way,” says Morgan.

About 40 guests gathered to help little Maeve celebrate her first birthday. Morgan hired a hall as the venue, and Maeve, her six-year-old brother Henry and various other small fry enjoyed leaping around in the hired ball pit and playing with the family’s Duplo collection which Morgan brought along for the party. The cushion-filled kids’ tent was a cosy nest for the smallest guests and their hostess.

A gorgeous floral number ‘1’, made by Catherine from The Pretty Collective, provided a splash of colour, while the eucalyptus leaves were a nod to Ryan’s Australian roots. Guests enjoyed the delicious cake made by Sweet Bites Cakes, and finger food prepared by Morgan.

“Cheeky, bubbly, passionate and engaging” is how Morgan describes Maeve. Now two years old, and nicknamed Beanie, Maeve is the “shining light of the family”. 

Morgan says she was lucky to have a “beautiful” first year with her little girl. “I met the most inspirational women and really found my groove with eco-conscious parenting. I wanted to celebrate the village that Beanie and I found ourselves in.”

Morgan’s tips for a successful party include simply enjoying the experience and making sure to balance potential stress with the outcome – fun!

“Whether that means you downsize, outsource, or something else – having fun and creating special memories is far more important than achieving perfection.”

Morgan also strongly advocates having someone other than the parents taking photos. “Photography is hugely important to me, and I’m usually the one behind the lens – which means I’m rarely in photos. Having a photographer meant I now have some gorgeous snaps to treasure forever.”

MyGift Vintage Whitewash Wooden Nesting Storage & Accent Crates set of 2, NZD$59, amazon.com; Jamie Kay Organic Cotton Muslin Luna Playsuit in sweetpea, $50, jamiekay.co.nz; Anko Artificial Eucalyptus Garland 1m, $4, kmart.co.nz; Burrow & Be Star Cushion in mist, $29.90, burrowandbe.co.nz; Lion + Lamb Wheat Straw Sippy Cup, $33, nakedbaby.co.nz; Cattywampus Kids Tent in lace ivory mist, NZD$273, cattywampus.com.au; Flower Wreath Cake Topper – classic neutral, $39, kireihandmade.com; Living & Co Faux Fur Channel Throw in charcoal, $35, thewarehouse.co.nz; Grace Round Cushion in pink, $8, kmart.co.nz.

SHOUT OUT TO THE PARTY PEOPLE:

Photography Ses + Jen Captures
Cake: sweetbitescakes.co.nz
To donate to The Aunties, visit aunties.co.nz.