zachary turns 28 :: nashville event photographer

september 9

that date has held importance for the last 11 years of my life. why? you ask? well,  z's birthday! and yes, even when we weren't talking for 4 years, i made a mental note on september 9 that it was z's bday. kinda crazy! i can't believe we've been together for 4 years already! this year, i wanted to do something a little different for his birthday. 

our life in nashville would not be nearly as amazing without a few close friends, so of course my plan had to include them! jason & miranda, david and carey, and jarrod & laura . 

ever since we've been here we have heard about kix brooks' (of brooks & dunn) vineyard out in the country. it's about a 30 min drive from nashville, and incredibly beautiful, or so i'd heard!  they have "music in the vines" on friday nights, free wine tasting, and a bunch of picnic tables where you can bring food to enjoy the atmosphere.

so, unbeknownst to z, i raided trader joe's cheese department, put together a bag of supplies and dropped it off at miranda's a couple days before the big event. i really wanted to pull this off without him knowing!  

we spent the morning lazily, in the early afternoon we went the mall, and z bought himself a few birthday presents (he's far too picky these days for me to try to pick out clothes for him...so he gets his own). then we meandered through the farms bewteen franklin and arrington, as we headed toward the vineyard.

these are just a few iphone photos along the way

         

                                                               

              

 here's the spread, the crew, and the memories! enjoy!

...31 bits : nashville philanthropy

"31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity."

                                                                 ~ from the 31 Bits website

 Ugandan women craft beads out of recycled paper from posters, magazines, flyers, and anything with color! this incredible company has helped create a purpose for these women, who may have had no hope before partnering with 31 bits.

 the knowledge that buying a piece of jewelry through them could be putting food on someone's table is cause enough for me to get excited...not to mention how intricate, beautiful, and incredibly unique the jewelry is! the company has provided a way for people to host a "party." much like a Mary Kay party, or a Scentsy Party, someone can host a 31 bits party! You simply fill out an application, return it, the company sends you a box of jewelry, you host your party, then return money and the remaining jewelry! it couldn't be easier! it's a wonderful to share community, and fellowship while coming around a fabulous cause. check out this cool video to see some of the women who benefit from this!

i LOVE to entertain. i love to decorate. i love to cook. i love to bake. and i really love to have people over with whom i can just share life. the other night, was one such evening! early in the week i created a menu. i visualized where i could display the jewelry. i set the table. i cooked. i baked. finally, the day of the party, my amazing hubby helped me clean the whole house! (not only were friends coming over, but my parents were coming in from the OC very late the night of the party...and everyone knows you HAVE to have a clean house when mom is in town!)

the menu for the evening was:

~ brie en croute: brie with brown sugar, walnuts, and currants wrapped in puff pastry

~ spinach salad : with homemade balsmic, orange, honey and shallot vinaigrette

~ homemade spinach & artichoke dip

~ homemade pita chips

~ small chicken bites sauteed in a little EVOO and seasoned 

(these were really just for some protein on the table!)

~ pesto & parmesean pinwheels

~ pesto, proscuitto & parmesean pinwheels

~ mini nutella pinwheels

~ mini cheesecakes with Lemon curd, 

raspberry preserves, or blackberry preserves

a HUGE thanks goes to 31 bits for creating such a wonderful marketing plan for these Ugandan women! we sold lots of fabulous pieces, and i cannot wait to get the money back to them!

follow their blog here: 31 bits blog

here are a few fun images that catch the spirit of the evening!  and a peek into my living room!
**(please forgive the dreadful lighting! i forget how dark and tungsten-y my house gets at night!)