16 balloons, representing 16 years of her life. We knew we wanted to make Gwyn’s 16th birthday special, and the way this all came together was something we think she will remember forever. Completely unexpected, Gwyn walked in to see a photo of each year of her life attached to a balloon with a memory from that year shared on the back. Some memories big life milestones, some fun experiences, some even life lessons that have helped shape who she is today. She walked the path of her life, carefully reading each one until she got to her 16th year.
Attached to the 16th balloon was a box filled with photos taken throughout her last year as she reached this milestone. In that box she also found her birthday gift, which is something we have been keeping a secret about for the last 5 or so months.
If you know Gwyn well, you know music is a BIG part of her life. She can name just about every Christian artist and for quite a while now we have known that her favorite artist is Josiah Queen. I just happened to catch wind that he is coming to our town at the end of April, so I quickly bought tickets back in November before they sold out for her 16th birthday (which is in early May.) Being at a small venue, tickets went pretty quickly, and when Gwyn discovered that not only was Josiah Queen coming to our city, but that tickets were already sold out, she was crushed! Keeping in good spirits, she and her friends still planned to go to the venue on the night of the concert with the possibility of being able to hear from outside. Hearing about this, we decided to give Gwyn the tickets a little early so that she and her friends could fully get excited, and it all turned out so perfectly.
To see the big gift reveal, you can watch the video HERE, and below I’ll do my best to share how I put everything together.
Materials (all linked below:)
Balloon Setup:
Start by unwrapping the string lights and inserting the 2 AA batteries in each one. To ensure the balloon fills properly, stretch the balloon from all directions to make for easier inflation. Inflate the balloon with helium and tie it off. Then, take the end of the string lights and wrap it around the base of the balloon, then circle it once around the widest part of the balloon, and wrap it back around the base again to secure. This allows for not only the string of the balloon to be lit, but the balloon as well.
Next, wrap tissue paper around the battery pack and tie it with a ribbon, leaving the top accessible so you can still turn the lights on and off. This just hides the battery pack so it looks a little nicer. Attach a photo to the string lights using tape, then place the number stickers on the front of the photo. I then attached a note on the back of each one sharing something memorable that happened that year.
To save money, you can skip the helium and simply blow up the balloons with air, attaching them to the ceiling with painter’s tape. If you do this, make sure the battery packs have a place to rest, like a countertop or the floor, especially if you have lower ceilings.
With the concert being this weekend the outfits have been chosen, plans have been made, and I cannot wait for her to experience one of the best nights of her life.
As always, I am so glad you’re here!
<3 Shannon
Happy Early Birthday Gwyn! I hope you have a wonderful time your friends. It’s been a joy watching you grow up on your mom’s IG page. Keep being the phenomenal young lady that you are!
Happy 16th Gwyn. Wishing you a Special night with all your favorite people celebrating you at the concert of your dreams. Your parents are so sweet and you are a reflection of them both. Take lots of pictures, have many laughs and enjoy your Birthday🎊🎉🎁