Ahoy-hoy, friends! I hope you all had a MAGICAL weekend, because I know I sure did! My 24th birthday party took place on Saturday and as you are all more than aware, it was Harry Potter-themed! Since I’d been touting my excitement for this party for far too long, there was always a chance that the build-up would outdo the actual party itself. Luckily, I’m glad to report that I had a smashing time! And hopefully my party guests — Muggles and Wizards and House Elves alike — did as well.

An amazing shot that Ben got of Dobby/Taylor and Harry/me before the party.
My wonderful brother graciously played the role of photographer for most of the night, so you’ll have to wait just a little longer for photos from the party itself (the costumes that some people came up with were amazing!). Before things got kicking, however, I did make sure to capture detail shots of the decorations, food, drinks, and whatnot. Prepare yourselves for a photo schmorgasbord of Potteriffic proportions! (Consider this your official nerd alert!)



The foyer, all done up.


Dumbledax!

Order of Merlin: First Class & Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot

Harry the Gryffindor Lion!


Stanley the Pygmy Puff kept watch over the Common Room.

The basement became the Dungeons, naturally!

While Hedwig guarded the entrance to the Astronomy Tower upstairs.


Guests who dared enter the Chamber of Secrets had to avoid the stare of our baby basilisk…

… if they hoped to make it to the Potions Lab, where the real fun began!


There was a Butterbeer station as well as a batch of Polyjuice Potion (Vodka Lemonade + Blue Curacao) all brewed up!


The Felix Felicis (Goldschlager) and Veritaserum (Pinnacle Whipped) shots ended up being quite popular!



As were these DELICIOUS Butterbeer Jelly Shots (thanks for the tip, Dani!!)

Can you spot the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw?


And of course, we can’t forget about the food…!

Chocolate Frogs I made using this mold, some stuffed with Maple Almond Butter, some with cookie dough!

Golden Snitch cakepops


Muggle Munchies, Mandrake Roots, and the piece de resistance…

Georgetown, I mean, Hogwarts Cupcakes!!




Ravenclaw: Coconut; Gryffindor: Red Velvet; Slytherin: Key Lime; Hufflepuff: Vanilla with Chocolate Frosting
So yes, maybe to some this seems like a dork gone overboard. But to me, it was the makings of an awesome party atmosphere! And judging by the way I felt Sunday morning, it was a rockin’ party, too. Stay tuned for Part 2!
Happy Monday!