60th Wedding Anniversary

It was a last minute call from a client from another fabulous wedding planner that I couldn't pass up...a 60th Wedding Anniversary Party for nearly 200 guests. I have never planned an anniversary party, let alone find a cater with only 8 days until the party, but I took on the challenge. Walter and Ginger Hart, who were married August 26, 1950 were being celebrated by their family and friends and hosted by their children.

The first issue was to find a caterer in such a short time frame...not to mention that the party was during the Labor Day weekend. Luckily, I was able to find a great caterer in "The Upper Crust," based in Seattle. Working with Jim and my client Denise, we were able to create a great menu that really worked for the clients and a large number of their guests that required low sodium, low fat and gluten free.

When the major hurdle was tackled, the next step was helping Denise finalize table decor and the programs for the event. Since it was the couple's 60th anniversary... the diamond anniversary, we really took that theme to heart by having diamonds on the tables and bringing in flameless candles and frames that showcased the images of this couple over the past 60 years.

One special touch was the cake by Haggens in Bellingham. They created a three-tier marble cake followed up with four smaller cakes that represented all of their other anniversary parties and their wedding topped off with their actual cake toppers from their wedding day and anniversary parties.

Then on Thursday, I got the call that the guest of honor was rushed to the hospital and there was a chance that she may not survive the night. Keeping my thoughts and prayers that Ginger was going to recover, the plan was to still have the party since Ginger was looking forward to her party and thankfully it was this party that helped her recover enough to be able to attend the party. The morning of her party, Denise picked her mother up from the hospital since she told me later that there was nothing that was going to stop her from coming to her party.

The party was amazing and truly a marvelous occasion to celebrate since not many couples make it to 60 years. The day was a true testament to the love Walter and Ginger have for each other and all of the love and support they have received over the years from their friends and family.