Shavonn's 40th Birthday Celebration: A Night of Joy, Memories, and Grown & Sexy Fun

Welcome to the captivating tale of Shavonn's unforgettable 40th birthday celebration. As a longtime friend and a client of Celebrations Remembered, Shavonn's milestone event was filled with meticulous planning and heartfelt moments. Join us as we take you through the journey of creating a grown and sexy affair, adorned with black, gold, and touches of red.

Setting the Stage

Shavonn and I share a unique bond, hailing from the same hometown in Cape Coral, Florida. Our paths crossed while working at an answering service during the era of alpha-numeric pagers. Those memories of taking calls and sharing laughs formed the foundation of our enduring friendship. Shavonn's zest for life and love for celebrating special moments made her 40th birthday a true reflection of her vibrant spirit. Additionally, this celebration held a bittersweet significance as we honored the memory of her beloved mother, who had passed away two years prior.

Planning and Preparations

​We embarked on the planning process in early 2022 when Shavonn expressed her desire for Celebrations Remembered to orchestrate her 40th birthday extravaganza. We marked the date on our calendars, and during a consultation held at my home, we delved into the details. Shavonn envisioned a glamorous and adult-only celebration, bathed in the elegance of black and gold, accented by pops of red. With a maximum guest count of 100, we decided to send out save-the-dates for the 2023 Memorial weekend, ensuring convenience for out-of-town guests.

Venue Selection: A Stroke of Luck

Selecting the perfect venue is crucial to match the celebratory vibe and reflect Shavonn's personality. Our search led us to the Red Fez Shrine Club in Charlotte, a picturesque location boasting stunning views of Lake Wylie and the venue we had previously tried to book for her mom's repass but they were unavailable. Serendipitously, during a site visit, we discovered that the venue had an open slot for the Memorial weekend, as they had not yet booked their 2023 events. Enthused, I immediately contacted Shavonn, and through a video chat, showcased the breathtaking scenery and facilities. Without hesitation, we secured the venue, ensuring a memorable backdrop for the festivities.

Creating a Memorable Atmosphere

While we didn't have a specific theme, we immersed ourselves in the chosen color scheme. Black table linens, fishbowl vases adorned with faux red roses and tea light candles, and elegant place settings featuring gold chargers, clear red plates with gold rims, black disposable hand towel napkins and gold utensils set the scene. A special head table, reserved for Shavonn and her loved ones, held real red roses, glass cylinder vases with floating candles, and a heartfelt memorial seat for her late mother.

Seamless Execution

​Despite the uncooperative weather, with rain and cold prevailing throughout the day, our team at Celebrations Remembered was determined to ensure a seamless execution of Shavonn's 40th birthday celebration, but we could not have done it without the amazing vendors we brought together for this celebration.

The Red Fez Shrine Club, the chosen venue, played a crucial role in accommodating us and providing the necessary tables and chairs to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for the guests.  Thanks to the valuable support of Darby Décor and Rentals, our teams effortlessly transformed the venue. By entrusting them with the setup, it ensured that every single detail was flawlessly arranged before our arrival.

This allowed our team to devote attention to organizing the tableware and crafting an alluring dessert table, graciously provided by Milan Empower. The delectable assortment boasted a two-tier cake, cupcakes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and an enticing variety of nostalgic candies.
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All the while, the Moonlight Catering team worked to set up a delightful meal. This mouthwatering feast included honey-glazed meatballs, egg rolls, pasta salad, yellow rice with veggies, chicken stir fry, and delectable fried chicken wings. 

In addition to creating a visually stunning and delectable experience, our top priority at Shavonn's 40th birthday celebration was to ensure a wonderful guest experience from start to finish. Despite the challenges presented by the weather, we were determined to make every guest feel welcomed, comfortable, and thoroughly entertained.

Entertainment and Photobooth Fun

No grown and sexy party is truly complete without the beats and melodies that get everyone on their feet. Shavonn personally hired a the DJ based on family recommendations. From old-school classics to the latest hits, the dance floor was always packed with guests grooving to the rhythm and creating unforgettable memories.

To enhance the festivities, we set up a DIY photobooth complete with a dazzling gold shimmer wall backdrop, adorned with black and gold balloons, a "Happy Birthday" sign, and a #40 light-up marquee. 

To ensure that none of these precious moments went uncaptured, we arranged for an onsite photographer, Ada with Snap Happy Photo, to be present throughout the evening. She skillfully captured not only the guests in front of the photo booth, but also the candid, heartfelt interactions that took place throughout the celebration. From the joyous laughter shared among friends to the heartfelt toasts and embraces, every special moment was immortalized through the lens of the photographer.
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With these professionally captured photos, Shavonn would be able to revisit and cherish the memories made with each and every guest. It's the kind of keepsake that transports you back in time, evoking the emotions and happiness of that remarkable evening.

Details and Personal Touches

To ensure that Shavonn's birthday celebration was an unforgettable experience, we paid careful attention to every detail and added personal touches. Given that most of the guests were from out of town, we sent digital save-the-date notifications in August 2022, followed by official invitations in March 2023. This allowed everyone ample time to make travel arrangements and clear their schedules.

During the event, a heartfelt moment was dedicated to Shavonn's late mother. Gathered around the dessert table, we displayed a cherished image of her mom and honored her presence with a moment of silence. Shavonn's grandmother also had the opportunity to speak, sharing her joy at having prayed to witness this day—a testament to the strength of family bonds.
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We also ensured that Shavonn and her guests could fully enjoy the celebration without any worries. One of our team members served as an offsite babysitter, allowing parents to relax, indulge in delicious food and drinks, hit the dance floor, and shower Shavonn with love and affection.

Transforming from Planner to Guest

After meticulously planning the event and assisting my team with setup, I had the pleasure of transforming into a guest for the evening. It was a joyous occasion to celebrate my longtime friend's milestone birthday while Nesha and Jessi, my amazing assistants, took the reins to ensure the rest of the evening ran smoothly. It was a testament to the trust we had built and the seamless teamwork that defines Celebrations Remembered.

Client Testimonial

But don't just take our word for it. Here's what Shavonn had to say about her experience:
"I can't say enough about Celebrations Remembered.  Wakena and her entire team made my 40th birthday party an unforgettable experience.  From Planning stages to full-execution, all I had to do on my special day was show up.  I am Grateful for the team and their dedication.
I didn't need or want for anything on my night.  I was catered to and taken care of the entire time.  I cannot wait to plan more celebrations with this group of women!"

At Celebrations Remembered, we take pride in turning dreams into reality. We were honored to be a part of Shavonn's milestone celebration and create an evening that reflected her unique style and personality. Our team of dedicated professionals worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the event exceeded expectations.

Are you planning a special event and looking for a dedicated and creative team to bring your vision to life? Contact Celebrations Remembered today! We specialize in turning dreams into reality, ensuring that your celebration is filled with joy, personal touches, and indulgent delights. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
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Shavonn's 40th birthday celebration was a night to remember, a testament to the power of friendship, love, and the art of celebration. As we reflected on the joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments shared, we couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. At Celebrations Remembered, we are committed to creating unforgettable experiences, and Shavonn's birthday celebration was truly one for the books.