When you think of a backyard engagement party, what comes to mind?

Maybe a dusty red grill being operated by Dad in his infamous “Kiss the Chef ” apron?

Maybe you even think of large white laminate tables covered in leaves from last autumn, a few streamers, and ketchup from your last family reunion? Maybe you think of mom running around picking up red plastic cups and opening big brown trash bags.

I can attest, this was not that type of event.

When my client contacted me to tell me she was throwing a backyard engagement family, I thought, “hmmmm, well this should be interesting!” As a custom, I always ask for details about the decorations, lighting, etc. But, I could have never imagined that what I was entering was an engagement wonderland.

The bride-to-be’s father built a deck specifically for this event complete with steps. A private bartender was brought in to liven up the adults. Tables were not adorned with streamers, but with beautiful purple orchids. The father wasn’t sweating away in front of a dusty grill, but dressed in a stylish blue suit greeting the guests.

The mother wasn’t walking around feverishly looking for plastic cups. Instead, entered a Iranian queen decked in a smart purple cocktail lacy dress and magnetic smile. You would have thought she was the bride by the cheers and ululation of the relatives. Yet, in the midst of her celebrity, she sought me out, grabbed my hand, and asked me a laundry list of rapid fire questions: “Have you eaten? Are you satisfied? You must eat!!” After she affirmed my well-being and that I was in fact not a starving artist, she proceeded to make the rounds as “Mother of the Bride.”

Never had I been treated so well at an event.

I could sit here all day and describe the event. But let’s let the 1000 words do the trick!