What do Winnie the Pooh, Michael Jackson and Stan’s Donuts all have in common? Sally’s 30th birthday bash at Cindy’s Rooftop at the Chicago Athletic Association!

If there is one thing the Rose family excels at, it’s throwing a great party! Sally’s mom, Mimi, and I connected ONE WEEK before the big bash – the current record holder for shortest project! I quickly got to work finding Mimi a photographer, DJ and photo booth- we were even considering hiring belly dancers at one point!

The party vibe was very girly and fun- guest tables were decked out in hot pink linens with bright florals, greenery and touches of gold, while the lounge settings featured fur throws and sequin pillows!

Unlimited Events brought feathered tiaras, t-shirts, custom chocolate bars, jumbo playing cards and cardboard cutouts featuring photos from Sally’s childhood: dance recitals, school photos, even Halloween throwbacks!

Outside on Cindy’s terrace, marquee lights spelled #SALBABE (Sally’s childhood nickname), illuminating the lounge setting near the fire pit overlooking Michigan Avenue and the Lake.

Greeted with Sally’s signature drink, a pink cotton candy François Montand cocktail, 110 of Sally’s closest family and friends arrived at Cindy’s, filling out name tags listing how they knew the birthday girl.

Guests noshed on food stations in the Library, including charcuterie, shellfish, salad, and prime rib, plus yummy passed canapés.

Everyone had fun taking photos (and using Sally- themed props!) in the hot pink sequin photo booth!

After listening to toasts from Sally’s stepdad, mom and sister, guests joined Sally on the dance floor and sang happy birthday to her as she blew out the candles on her cake.

Going all out on dessert – my kind of people! -, guests were also treated to an ice cream station and lit donut wall!

But Mimi didn’t stop there! As a surprise for Sally, Mimi hired two special guests: to get the dance party started, Mimi hired a Michael Jackson impersonator, all the way from New Jersey! After teaching guests a few choreographed Michael moves, the dance floor was packed for the rest of the night!

Even Sally’s grandma, “Mamaw” Carolyn, had some fun dancing with one of the bartenders!

The final surprise guest was Winnie the Pooh, one of Sally’s favorite childhood characters!

Cheers to another year of fun, Sally!

Vendors:

Photography: Carasco Photo

Floral/Decor: Hello Darling

DJ: Okyne Medialab

Cake: Cake Chicago

Donuts: Stan’s Donuts

Photo Booth: Shutterbooth

Michael Jackson: MJXpressions

Winnie the Pooh: Absolutely Entertainment