Happy Birthday to me!! I recently celebrated my 29th birthday with a dinner at Ventanas at the Modern . Almost every year if it’s not a milestone year, I’m like I don’t need to do anything, then two weeks before my birthday my friends/family will get a last minute text from me with details on what my plans are for my birthday. #Badhabit lol I know.
Being the creative that I am, I created a dope invitation to get their excitement up for the celebration because although it’s my birthday, I want whatever I do to be an experience for all in attendance. Time is valuable, so I want to make it worthwhile especially when someone is giving me a portion of theirs regardless if I’m the one being celebrated. The invitation was received well. They all loved it and just about immediately let me know they would be there. I have amazing friends.
Prior to even fully committing to doing anything for my birthday I had already purchased a dope pink metallic strapless dress. I never ordered from this site before, but they were the only ones who had a dress that I liked. Being that I ordered it so early if I didn’t like it, I could always return it and prayerfully find something else. The dress arrived quick (I paid express just in case which wasn’t too bad) and the dress fit perfectly, literally like a glove. I made it my mission after that to find the perfect accessories which I did. Mostly from Amazon with the exception of my earrings which were from Aldo and an old gold quilted bag that I had for years from Forever 21.
Now because I’m natural and didn’t want to spend much on hair styling I decided to purchase a wig. I went to two different wig stores before I found the one in the second of the two. I saw it and fell in love. It looked the best with the effortless old Hollywood glam waves and it was just the right length and perfect ombré shade.
Finally, the day had arrived and everything leading up to my dinner was going perfect, from hair, makeup etc but it wasn’t until we were on our way there like literally close to the restaurant that our car broke down. I was like this can’t be happening not right now and I have a reservation! I hate being late even if I know things and people won’t be prompt. So my best friend and I had to get in an Uber to make it the rest of the way there which wasn’t planned, but fine. We were picked up in a Mercedes Benz which was a nice surprise, but then we arrived and as we were getting out the car, the box of decorations I bought for the table collapsed out of my best friend’s hands in the middle of the street and I couldn’t believe it. At that point I was just about done. I didn’t even want to decorate the table anymore, but thank God for his still voice and peace to calm me down through the Holy Spirit and my amazing friends who arrived on time.
Before everyone arrived my two best friends and my brother’s girlfriend helped me to muster the original energy I had to set the table not exactly as I intended but close enough, reason being the table and ambiance had its own magic touch without my extra-ness. Once done to my liking, we ordered drinks and one after the other my guest began to arrive. I was excited again, but most excited when my sister finally arrived because I left her to deal with the car (sorry sis, love ya). After everyone arrived and got settled, the dinner really got started and the mixing and mingling began, photos taken, food eaten, drinks and shots were flowing (the proof was in the bill lol). I truly couldn’t ask for a more beautiful evening than I had with my friends/family. Though some were missing you weren’t forgotten. It was a lovely and memorable dinner. I attached a reels below along with other photos and outfit deets to help further capture my bday experience. Hope you all enjoy.
Love, Steph xoxoxo
My birthday invitation with the ambiance of Ventanas as inspiration.
Ventanas at the Modern
https://ventanasatthemodern.com/
Entrance 
Bar 
Bar facing the outdoor area 
My dinner party seating area
My friends and I
Me just enjoying the toasty fire pit setting behind me as the perfect photo backdrop.
My accessories were to die for, complementing my dress so beautifully. The gold quilted bag was from Forever21. The shoes, necklace ring and bracelets all were from Amazon. Lastly my earrings which I purchased before my dress are from Aldo.