When we were developing this shoot, we knew that we wanted to highlight an intimate gathering between friends on a cool fall evening. We are on a mission to bring men back into the marriage and wedding conversation, so we made this shoot a birthday for "him." Complete with a masculine and delicious apple cider spritzer, courtesy of Le Grand Courtage and smoke artisan cheeses served on a handcrafted Linwood Co. cutting board.

You know the saying "less is more?" Well, we agree. We want to encourage more backyard parties, grabbing whatever you have, throwing on your favorite Ice Milk apron and baking something a little extra special to share. Special evenings don't always have to mean complicated and fancy. And trust me, by the end of the shoot, everyone involved wanted to pull up a chair, eat a slice of cake, and talk until the sun went down.

Creative Direction by Cottage Hill :: Story by Katie Selvidge :: Design by Kaitlin Holland :: Photography by Jodi Miller Photography :: Cake by Sugar Euphoria :: Hair + Makeup by Adonia by Jen +  Hannah Bolton :: Women's Clothing + Accessories by Vestique :: Sponsors: La Grande Courtage :: Ice Milk Aprons :: Linwood Co