This hot air balloon theme came entirely from the client. She had the idea, brought the basket, the balloons, and the little paper balloon-shaped lanterns, and we worked out the rest together.
The lanterns were the one tricky element. Getting them to hang at the right height took a bit of problem solving involving a tripod, a bar, and some invisible thread, but it was worth it. They look really good in the photos.
Little Callie, who was celebrating her first birthday, seemed entirely unbothered about being put in a basket. Which is exactly the energy you want.
