Over a year ago Lynch and I decided we wanted to throw a big old country party at our farm in Fairfield Iowa to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We wanted a multi generational shin-dig, that friends would fly in for and most of the town was invited to. We wanted to spend  a day eating, drinking, dancing, and being merry under the sun and into the night.  Something reminiscent of the Party at Twelve Oaks in “Gone With the Wind,” meets a fete Jay Gatsby might have thrown meets the barn raising in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Basically the kind of part I have wanted to attend since I was 12.

It ended up being such a magical day. So many people traveled to come and celebrate with us. Everyone fully embraced the spirit of the party. The judges of the pie baking contest were the epitome of professionalism as they chose the wining pie. Everyone donned white dresses and seersucker suits while babies were stripped naked to run and play. Barbecue was eaten and servers passed around trays of margaritas while wearing vintage aprons over their white dresses. People played horseshoes and croquet with gusto. A country band sang in the twilight and and the amazing Human Jukebox, Michael Antonia, spun records as the stars crept out. Everyone danced into the tender hours of the morning, which is an impressive display of energy after a 12 hour party.

The highlight for me was a late afternoon hay ride through the surrounding countryside. It was during that magical hour of day that photographers covet, when the light makes everything glow as if internally lit. I was looking around at all or our loved ones, everyones faces rosey with excitement and hair rustling in the wind. Jack was nestled in my lap and Lynch was sitting next to me, arm around us both. I will never forget that moment. I felt so overwhelmed with love as the perfect tangerine sun set over the rolling emerald hills punctuating my light heart.

large parties are always a bit of a beast to accomplish, especially if you happen to have a slight perfectionist streak. But sometimes they exceed your expectations and turn into the backdrop for so much fun and revelry that you start eagerly planning the next one before the last cup is cleaned up. I’m thinking “Midsummer Nights Dream” meets Dianas wedding from “Anne of Green Gabbles” for the next one.

P.S I was so busy being a dutiful hostess and Mama that I was errant in my photo taking. Lucky for me the talented Jennifer Emerling documented the day. Here is a little taste of Jens photos to come.