Every parent wants their child’s birthday party to be something special, something that makes their kid feel like a million bucks, something memorable and meaningful. It’s a lofty goal, but one couple actually managed to pull it off. Will Gill, who appeared on The Real World: Hollywood and has DJed for The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Voice, along with his wife Victoria Petrovsky, threw a birthday party with a ton of meaning for their little boy Lennon’s second birthday, making the theme his (and one of ours) favorite children’s book about Black history.
“I wanted to do something at home for Lennon’s birthday to honor his heritage,” Petrovsky, who manages an entertainment company, told SheKnows. “Ever since he was a baby, we’ve been reading a page of Vashti Harrison’s Little Legends, Exceptional Men in Black History to him every night. Every night we focus on one individual and their accomplishments. As he’s getting older, he’s starting to look forward to this. When I had the idea to make this book a birthday theme for him, I wanted him to feel represented in a beautiful light. Representation is important. Images help shape our identity.”
The party, which was gorgeous by the way, featured design elements based on the book. Petrovsky said she collaborated with a designer to put Lennon in the spotlight on his big day. “I worked with Moon Rising, an incredible designer that helped me re-create Lennon in the same style as the characters in the book. He was now front and center as he is an exceptional black boy, soon to be man.”
Read on to see how every detail of this birthday party made that happen.
Celebrating Exceptional Black Men Throughout History
Lennon celebrating the life of painter Aaron Douglas, one of the key figures in the Harlem Renaissance. (All photos by Kara Coleen.)
A Sweet Father Son Moment on the Big Day
Lennon’s dad Will Gill flips through Little Legends with his own little legend.
Passing Down Black Excellence
“The star of the show was the incredible backdrop provided by Modest Peach,” Petrovsky told SheKnows. “They recreated the cover and had each character life size standing on podiums. I want Lennon to always remember this day. How special he is. How exceptional he is and to shoot for the stars.”
A Beautiful Moment in a Beautiful Room
Victoria says she kept the party decor reminiscent of the book cover, focusing on black, white, mint, and yellow stars, for a stunning visual.
Fit For a King
The party was catered by Active Palate. The kids nibbled on mac and cheese cups and fried chicken sliders, while the adults noshed on BBQ. There was also a grazing table from Cheese Pretty Please.
Lennon’s Little Legends
The stunning birthday cake by Janice Wong features handpainted characters from the book. They also served cookies with characters’ faces and cakepops printed with an image of the book cover.
Every Detail Was Important
They also served cookies with characters’ faces and cakepops printed with an image of the book cover by Janice Wong.
Personalized Treats for the Guests
Gill and Petrovsky also had personalized bookmarks and library cards made for the children, so they could continue to explore Vashti Harrison’s work.
For Trips to the Library
And to accompany the guests on those library trips, Lennon’s Little Legends canvas totes.
A Stunning Aesthetic
We are in love with the colors and look of Lennon’s party. Petrovsky said, “Working with Pavan Floral is always a pleasure. The florals she creates are stunning. They always fit perfectly with my aesthetic.”
A Perfect Day
From the decor to the place settings, Lennon’s second birthday won’t soon be forgotten. “I wanted him to feel represented in a beautiful light. Representation is important. Images help shape our identity,” said Petrovsky.
A Beautiful Party With an Important Meaning
Lennon’s second birthday was absolutely stunning and we’re sure the memories made will be cherished for a lifetime.
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