Shhhhh....Katey's Graduating | Surprise Party!

Way back in May I got a call from one of my girlfriends' moms, Cheryl. Her daughter, Katey would be graduating from Portland's Linfield Nursing School in December '09 and she wanted to throw her a surprise graduation party. A party always makes for lots of planning, but a surprise party....well, that requires even more. I offered to help with what I know best: design.

For the invite we wanted to go with a festive holiday-esque design. We chose a classic cranberry red and infused the layouts with pretty, luxurious patterns and scrolls. Katey is a big fan of Anthropologie, so they were definitely a source of inspiration. We slipped all the invite pieces (invitation, RSVP card and a pre-printed RSVP return envelope) into a metallic pearl envelope and "Wa-lah!" Gorgeous and complete. I couldn't wait to show the piece off, but had to wait almost 8 months to do so or I would have spoiled the surprise.

While I was designing an invite and helping to compile a guest list, Cheryl booked the venue and caterer and we both schemed with Kyle, Katey's husband, how to do it all without Katey catching on. Tons of planning and thousands of lies later, the evening of the event finally came. The graduate was truly surprised....not a small feat! Congrats, Katey. We're all so proud of you!

Hugs and tears all around.

The event planners thought of everything!

Kyle's toast to the graduate.

Amy, Katey, Brittany, Myself and Tiffany
College Housemates Reunited

Our little college family.

The event was held at the Marriott Residence Inn at Downtown RiverPlace in Portland.