Kids Barbie Party!

There’s something extra magical about turning six—and this Barbie-themed birthday party for Harwell in Orange County, captured every bit of that joy. From the first pop of pink to the final slice of cake, the entire celebration designed and planned by Beijos Events and photographed by me ( Alison Bernier ! ) felt like stepping into a real-life Barbie dream.

Lush floral arrangements by Earth and Grace Co in soft pinks and pastels were paired with lots of fun balloon installations by Balloon Works that framed the space perfectly. Every corner felt thoughtfully styled, creating the ultimate backdrop for both play and picture-perfect moments. With rentals by Sweet Salvage, back drops by Goldie Crew Creative, signage by Chelcea Creative and Creative Amme .

The pool party vibe brought the energy. Bright, colorful floats filled the water, inviting kids to jump in, splash around, and soak up the sunshine. Between swims, little guests bounced their way through the bounce house and tumbled into the ball pit by Play Play Zone.

One of the standout features of the day was the glam squad station by The Tangled Braid Bar. Here, Harwell’s friends and family were treated to Barbie-worthy makeovers with colorful braided extensions and sparkles!

For a quieter creative moment, the craft and bracelet station by Create and Celebrate gave everyone a chance to design their own accessories. Bright beads, playful charms, and lots of imagination turned into sweet keepsakes to take home.

Of course, no party is complete without a little hands-on fun—and the slime-making station delivered just that. With vibrant colors and stretchy textures, it added the perfect mix of sensory play and excitement.

When it was time to sing happy birthday, Harwell’s giant pink birthday cake ( made by Sugar From the Heart Bake Shop ) got all the kids out of the pool looking for a slice.

Every detail of this party—from the flowers and balloons to the laughter and tiny glitter-covered hands—came together to create a day full of lots of giggles, creativity, and unforgettable memories. It was the kind of celebration that will be cherished for years to come big little and big kids alike!

Bella's First Fairytale Birthday Party

A first birthday is less about the little one remembering it and more about creating something meaningful for the family—and this celebration did exactly that, without going over the top.

This small intimate first birthday felt like stepping into a soft, modern fairytale. Designed by Dolce Picnics for the client’s close family only, the gathering focused on connection, beauty, and thoughtful details rather than a large guest list.

The birthday girl, dressed in her adorable fluffy outfit, fit seamlessly into the setting—like she belonged right in the middle of the fairytale! There was no rush to the day. Moments unfolded slowly: quiet cuddles with parents, laughter between grandparents, and that sweet in-between stage of curiosity and wonder that only a one-year-old brings.

A petite cake added a charming focal point, decorated to match the overall aesthetic—simple, elegant, and just the right amount of whimsy. The cake smash was gentle and unhurried, more about exploration than mess, and perfectly in line with the calm, intimate tone of the celebration.

What made this day stand out wasn’t just the design—it was the intention behind it. By keeping the guest list small, every moment felt personal. Every detail, from the florals to the setting, reflected a desire to create something timeless rather than trendy.

This Newport Beach first birthday was a reminder that celebrations don’t need to be large to feel special. With thoughtful styling, meaningful details, and the people who matter most, even the smallest gathering can feel like something straight out of a fairytale.

Examples on what to wear for Family Portraits

I always recommend to wear clothing you’re comfortable in. Clothing that you can move and play in! That goes for the parents as much as the kiddos. The idea of having a Mama not be able to play with her kids because her dress is too restrictive or precious makes me sad! If your little girl is in a dress make sure you have cutie bloomers or shorts underneath so she can twirl and spin and jump without the worry of underwear or diapers showing.

One good rule to follow is to have Mama in something flowy and patterned ( fabric and clothing styles with movement can add a fun element to photos ) then kids in either solid colors or simple patterns like stripes and spots and Dad in solid neutrals.

Make note of the different patterns in your outfits and make sure they compliment each other rather than create visual chaos! Of course if you prefer to have your partner or kids in patterns that works too! Often Mother’s have the hardest time finding something they like for themselves so start there and build everyone else around that.

In regard to color palette generally lighter more pastel colors work in most locations. Light colored snuggly cozy fabrics are always great for newborn sessions and black sometimes doesn’t photograph well when indoors.

I'm also a big believer in the idea that rules are meant to be broken. If you want to wear a bright pink fluffy dress to your beach session do it!

Lastly try to avoid shirts with graphic logos or text as it can become distracting and can pull focus away from faces.

Feel free to email me with your ideas if you are looking for a second opinion when it comes to putting outfits together.