A “Wild One” to Remember: 1st Birthday @ Hillsboro Old Stone School
I was hired to photograph my very first official 1st birthday party — though let’s be honest, I’ve been unofficially documenting frosting-smeared cheeks and chaotic candle moments at my own kids’ birthdays for years. This time, however, I got to do it without worrying about refilling the juice boxes or cutting cake with one hand while holding a camera in the other. You won’t see this little Wild One himself (or his zoo crew) in this post — they prefer to stay off the grid. However, the details are definitely documented!
And what a perfect day for it. The weather gifted us a 70-degree afternoon in mid-October — sunshine abound. The celebration took place at the Hillsboro Old Stone School, a historic gem in Hillsboro, Virginia’s ‘The Gap’. Built in 1874, this charming venue has stood for generations as a gathering spot for the community — and on this day, it transformed into a Wild One jungle wonderland fit for the most adorable little explorer.
The parents went all out with a Wild One theme that was the perfect mix of earthy, playful, and stylish. Think soft tans, warm browns, animal prints, and little safari details tucked everywhere you looked. Stuffed giraffes, tigers, and monkeys peeked out from corners as if they were guests of honor themselves.
Something I immediately loved about Mom — she made it a point to keep every vendor local. From the decor to the cake, every element was crafted by small businesses in our community, and it gave the whole event such a personal touch. The birthday backdrop featured an incredible balloon arch and step-and-repeat display by Balloon Queens LLC. The food spread was equally impressive — catered by Zaika Ka Ghar, who kept everyone fueled by serving authentic Indian/Pakistani cuisine. Last but certainly not least, the sweet treats whipped up by Baked Dil Se.
From the gorgeous setup to the smallest decorative touches, every detail reflected so much thought, love, and local pride. The golden light, the earthy tones, and that joyful energy all came together perfectly. Here’s to the birthday boy — and to his parents for creating a celebration that was every bit as wonderful as their little boy.
