The Renfros: Matthew's Dirty 30 Weekend...

Now that Matthew's birthday has come and gone, I can finally relax! I started planning a surprise party for him last year and I am amazed he still had no clue when we walked in the door.

It all started with the idea of a Mad Men themed party. After collecting ideas on Pinterest, plotting where it would all take place, and making invitations the theme started coming together!

Being the crafty person I am, I decided it was much cheaper to make my own invitations. I found an example I really liked and the put my graphic design skills to use recreating them. I also found adorable miniature Manila file folders at Hobby Lobby and began stocking up!

I sent out the invites about a month in advance because some people invited lived out of state so I wanted to make sure everyone had time to make travel arrangements. After those went out it was a waiting game until the party!

The week of the party, I told Matthew I'd be unavailable until 6 pm due to our office moving and that I was the point of contact. Not entirely true ;) but it bought me the time I needed to get ready! The day of the party, Matthew decided to take work off (ie: home all day). This threw a slight wrench in my plans but I was able to pull everything off. I had packed a suitcase a couple days prior just in case! I left him a card explaining that he would be picked up around 6pm and I would be there at his final location. Then I left for work and the madness began!

I worked for a few hours, went the the gym, got my nails done, and bought alcohol for the evening. After doing all of that it was almost 4 pm and I still had to check in to the hotel, shower, and get ready! I was running a bit behind schedule and my stress levels were pretty high. Not to mention I hadn't slept well for a couple of weeks leading up to it from all the stress! Haha! Luckily I have some pretty great friends and family that were there early to help me set up and get ready!

I sent an Uber to pick Matthew up at our house and tracked it all the way to the hotel. When he arrived, I told him to wait in the lobby and I'd be there in a minute. I quickly got dressed, finished my make up , and ran up to the elevator. When I saw him in the lobby he was still surprised and kept asking what the plan was! After dropping his bag in the suite (I made him stay outside the hotel entrance while I went to the room) we made our way up to have drinks and a fancy dinner.

During dinner, I was pretty sure he had figured out something else was afoot. I'd later find out he was still completely clueless. After our fancy dinner, we made our way down to the room where everyone was waiting to surprise him. When we opened the door, he was completely overwhelmed and shocked at the 50+ family and friends that were there!

Group Picture

After mingling and thanking everyone for showing up, we made our way to the casino floor for a night of fun! I'm so grateful for all those who were able to make it and help me pull off the surprise of a lifetime! I don't think I'll ever plan another surprise party, too much stress!!! Haha!