As far back as I can remember, I've had a soft spot for the 70’s. I remember my father playing the Stooges, the Kinks, and Santana; and through him I was discovering what Rock n Roll meant. I didn’t speak English, but music like love, transcends language (and countries and generations too). In high school, I learned about the Parisian Cultural Revolution of May 68 and was amazed to understand the Grand historical and cultural consequences it had directly on our life. Watching movies and documentaries about the 70’s, I idealized this revolutionary generation, fighting for equality and freedom, breaking taboos, rethinking society, and questing for a new spirituality. Needless to say, a Flower Power Party of some kind was on my bucket list of events to capture as a photographer.

Muneera contacted me to take photos of her daughter and niece's double 1st Birthday Party at her Los Angeles residence. We discussed the vibes of the party, the theme and all the little details a good photographer sniffs out before showing up and clicking away. I had a feeling it would look fantastic and upon arrival, I was wowed by every little detail: the garden decor, matching outfits, and the groovy 70's touches.

I loved this double first party so much that I wanted to share my favorite photos and memories. Keep reading to get more inspiration for your next flower power birthday party!

Photographer: @lapetitephoto.la⁠
Moms: @sairas86 @muneeragardezi⁠
Decor and design: @hellokismet⁠
Desserts: @sweetdeetails⁠
Coffee: @bloom.espresso⁠
Entertainment: @bestbubbleparties⁠
Balloons: @streamersnballoons ⁠
Charcuterie eBoards: @honeyandhiveboards ⁠

1. The decor

Upon arrival I was welcomed by Saira and Muneera’s Mother who led me into the backyard. It was everything. Needless to say I fell hard for the decor. A beautiful rustic table under the shade of old growth trees. Dark brown tabletops, garnished with peach, pink and faded yellow flowers. Vases of different shapes and colors, created interesting and joyful accents. Peace loving plates (flower shaped of course) and little napkins. Vintage vibes were all around in gold, terra cotta, baby pink, pale yellow and orange.

On one side of the lawn, a gigantic backdrop with balloons, wooden cutouts, and the two baby girls’s name was the perfect place for taking family photos.

In the tree, two macrame swings were hanging side by side, between twinkle lights and daisy garlands.

2. The coffee

Hot drinks were served by Bloom Espresso. Kids had hot chocolate, and parents chose between black coffee and delicious drinks crafted by Amana, the owner. We chatted about her signature cocktail with homemade rose cardamom syrup. I had to try it for research purposes - honestly, I can't say no to a drink with rose petals in it. Of course it was delicious; and like everything in Amana's orbit, it was crafted with love and care.

3. The vegan board + the party favors

With a recent change in my own diet, I'm gravitating more and more towards vegan food. So when I would normally be shooting the little details like cheese and charcutery boards, I was amazed to see that the boards were vegan! Not only healthy, they looked delicious and so precious!

And I have to mention, finding party favors that will actually get used, won't create waste, and match the theme of the party is a tall order. But a they took this Flower Power 1st Birthday Party as a chance to invite guests to plant some flowers - the party favors include wildflower seeds!

4. The family matching outfits

Can we just pause for a minute, and acknowledge the two cutest matching dresses of all time? Quratulain and Mina look so "far out". One of my fondest memories as a kiddo was wearing matching dresses with my best friend. We were so excited about it! I’m sure Quratulain and Mina will love these photos when they grow up to be the bestest friends in the whole wide world.

The two moms opted for long maxi dresses with terra cotta vintage lace, and floral patterns that matched their daughters. The dads focused on classic polo shirts in 70's tones: mustard and pale yellow. Quratulain’s big brother was wearing vintage cream overalls (gorgeous) with a mustard striped long sleeve. These families struck a perfect balance between casual and elevated boho 70's vibes.

5. The garden and the macrame swings

When organizing a party for the win, every detail counts. The garden was meticulously manicured, with a garland of daisies hanging in an old growth tree, lending an enchanted look. The piece de resistance was certainly the two beautiful boho thrones for the girls, made with macrame, wooden beads and adorned with flowers. My 5 year old self was suffering serious fomo.

6. The Bubbles

The following is not an exaggeration: kids are obsessed with bubbles. What better way to entertain them, than to have maxi bubbles at their birthday party?

7. The Cakes

Every amazing event has at least a few of those celebratory traitions that we all love. One of my favorites is the smash cake at baby’s 1st Birthday party! Trust, this may be a new American tradition, but I'm passing this gem along to all my French friends.

The Smash Cake is usually the first time little ones taste the delightful sweetness of sugar, and for most of them it's love at first bite. The sugar rush that follows is undeniably cute! Capturing these little face's the first time sugar touches their taste buds is so precious. But what will they do after that first taste? Hard to say. Some go plunging into the cake! But not always! You can see Mina covering herself with it but Quratulain is simply dipping her biscuit in it.

The look of the three cakes perfectly matched the theme of the birthday party. One large for the family, two small for the girls!