Emma’s 1st Birthday // Mints + Honey

My first birthday design for my first birthday for my first (and only) daughter! I was inspired by the colors of her hanbok, and used the painted motif throughout. Skeins of yarn are used in a traditional Korean first birthday as a symbol of long life, so I used yarn-wrapped letters, and wrapped jars in yarn for use as vases. For the food, we chose brunch menu from our three different cultures: Korean (pastries from Paris Baguette), Chinese (dim sum from Lee’s Deli, and HK style milk tea from Boba Guys), and American (a homemade waffle bar). Favors were individually packaged rice cakes, another Korean first birthday tradition.

Doljabi is another Korean tradition, where several items are placed in front of the child and whatever item they select dictates their future. Emma chose to cry instead of going for any of the items, but once we calmed her down, she selected the ball - which means she has a career as an athlete ahead of her! For guests’ entertainment and favors, I hired Jon Casey to do custom caricatures, which were amazing.

Photography: Jerry Yoon Photographers | Venue: Mints & Honey | Paper Goods & Signage: JK Design | Caricatures: Jon Casey | Catering: Boba Guys / Lee’s Deli