Brunch at Tiffany's: A Celebration of Love & Laughter at 50

Tiffany Smith
Jul 24, 2024
2 min read

This past weekend was simply amazing! Saturday, I celebrated my milestone 50th birthday, and it was an unforgettable day filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of Tiffany Blue! I gathered with my closest family and friends at the Fred Huette Center for a fabulous “Brunch at Tiffany’s” themed celebration. Here are a few highlights of my day!

Venue and Setting:

We couldn't have picked a more fitting location than the Fred Huette Center. Did you know Fred Huette started his horticultural journey in 1917 in New York and later became the head of Parks & Recreation for Norfolk in 1937? He was a pioneer in urban beautification and played a key role in creating the Norfolk Botanical Gardens with the help of over 200 African-American women and men. The center, surrounded by beautiful display gardens, was the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration and love.

The decorations were on point with Tiffany Blue, diamonds, and pearls. My amazing decorator captured the “Brunch at Tiffany’s” theme flawlessly, complete with a portrait of Audrey Hepburn, sunglasses, and Tiffany Blue gift bags for my guests containing a donut and a cup of coffee. My decorated outdid herself!

Guest List:

I wanted to keep it intimate, so we had 25 of my local family and closest friends. The highlight? Reuniting with my “Sister in Heart,” Jamie after years of separation due to the pandemic. Her presence truly made my day complete.

(pictured: Jamie, Me & Yasako. Besties Reunited.)

Activities and Highlights:

We kept the program short and sweet. My four amazing daughters were the stars of the show. My oldest, MiniMe, sang a soul-stirring rendition of “The Battle Is Not Yours, It’s the Lord’s.” Then, my second oldest, The Genius, read a powerful piece she wrote, highlighting our parallel journeys of resilience and love. And to top it off, my best friend Yasako surprised me with “Lovely Baby,” a $1 doll we've been gifting back and forth for over 30 years. Now, I have to up the ante to get her back!

Food and Drinks:

Shoutout to Pat’s Katerin for the mouth-watering spread! We enjoyed chicken & waffles, bacon, sausage, grits, and a delicious fruit tray. Ms. Pat Hemingway, who I’ve known for over 20 years, showed up and showed out for my birthday, making sure everyone left with full bellies and happy hearts.

Personal Touches:

The day culminated with my three girls performing their updated version of “Because We Love You So Much,” a song they originally wrote for my birthday in 2020. Each verse showcased their unique personalities, leaving my guests entertained and touched.

Emotions and Reflections:

Turning 50 has been such a blessing. It feels like it came quickly, but looking back, I can say I’ve lived a great life despite the obstacles and challenges. Being surrounded by so much love and support was amazing, and I’m looking forward to 50+ more years of joy and adventure!

Stay tuned for photos and a special clip of the birthday song! 🥳🎉

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday unforgettable. Here’s to many more celebrations and memories together.

Happy Travels!