NJ First Birthday Party: A Korean Doljabi
Chloe’s First Birthday Party
You know when the planner contacts you about photographing a first birthday party its going to be amazing! Marie from Angi and Co designed a beautiful modern take on a traditional Korean Doljabi. And you are not going to believe the venue! Chloe’s first birthday was held at the Maggiano’s in the Riverside Square Mall in Hackensack. I love Maggiano’s. The food is great and I love the intimate atmosphere. I consider myself pretty good about leveraging what little light there is and creating my soft & bright style wherever I go. But- when I arrived and realized the room for the party had no windows and black trim, I’ll admit even I was a bit worried.
But, I should have known that Angie and Marie had it covered. I worked with Angi last summer on Kaitlin’s Madison Hotel Baby Shower. So, I know they have impeccable style. But the way they transformed this windowless room in Maggiano’s was nothing short of magical.
Lavender Modern NJ Doljabi: Notable Details
Traditionally, a Korean “Dol” as it is affectionately referred to would feature predominantly primary colors. I love how Marie incorporated a lavender color scheme while still preserving many of the traditional elements.
Pastel Colors: Shades of purple- lavender through violet
I love the Tassels on the Cake Pops!
Custom Banner designed and executed by Marie & Angie
Chloe wore 2 birthday outfits- a traditional Korean dress that perfectly matched the decor and a white dress to match her mama.
Related Read: Secret Garden First Birthday Party
Ombre Flowers Perfectly Complimented the Colored Bands Theme
Related Read: First Birthday Ideas for a Girl
Family Fruit Favs added a personal touch: Asian Pear for the birthday girl and Mandarins for her big sister.
Doljabi Ceremony
What is a Doljabi?
You probably want to know what a Doljabi or Doljanchi is. A doljabi is a Korean tradition to celebrate a baby’s first birthday. It is intended to bless the baby with a prosperous future.
The main event of the party is the Doljabi. While you know I love a gorgeous dessert table, I really love the tradition and significance of the party.
During dinner, guests predict which item the birthday girl will choose by placing their raffle ticket into the corresponding container.
After the guests eat, a mat is rolled out featuring 6 items. Each item represents the baby’s potential future. The items Chloe had to choose from were: ball (athlete), pencil (scholar), gavel (lawyer), money (wealth), and stethoscope (doctor).
Before the cake is cut and the birthday song is sung, Chloe crawled toward her future. Everyone cheered as Chloe chose her item. She chose the pencil, which is fitting as her mom is a teacher!
It was such a fun day! I love Chloe’s traditional Korean outfit and how it perfectly matches the pastel and lavender color scheme of the day.
Family Photos
Finally, if you liked this modern lavender NJ doljabi, make sure you check out more NJ First Birthday Parties.
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Vendors: Photography: Keri Calabrese Photography / Planning, Design, Florals, Printed Pieces, Custom Banner and Backdrop: Marie & Angi from Angi & Co / Venue: Maggiano’s Little Italy, Riverside Square Mall / Cake: All About Cooper / Cake Topper: Sohn Made / Cookies & Cake Pops: The Cookie Press / Korean Rice Cakes: Yedang / Balloon Artist: Clown’s and Gowns
