The first birthday is a huge milestone celebrated by Koreans. As I mentioned about how much of a big deal the 100th day is, imagine how much more the 365th day would be cherished and celebrated!
Evan’s dohl was bigger than our own wedding! Granted ours was a COVID wedding, but we had talked about a smaller wedding. With Evan, the calculation changed with my mom being gone, I wanted him to receive all the love from family and friends that know him, in lieu of the immense love he never got to experience from Heaven Halmuhnee (Grandma).
The entire event could not have happened without Marie from Angi & Co who helped us every step of the way. I usually look for the best deals, but when it came down to it, I just wanted to work with someone we trusted and knew our story. Marie even suggested ways to incorporate elements of my mom and heaven into the event, which was so deeply appreciated. We placed the backdrop from the dohl in Evan’s room. I love that we can look at it every day! Evan likes to point to his Korean name.
Handmade by my Mom: a traditional Korean embroidered folding screen, known as a byeongpung. These screens have historically been used for both decorative purposes and as backdrops for special events like weddings and birthdays. The embroidered panels often depict symbolic images with auspicious meanings, such as longevity or fortune. The scenes shown are characteristic of traditional Korean art and daily life.
Doljabi: The central ritual of the celebration, where various items are placed before the baby, and the item they grab is said to predict their future career or lifestyle.
Evan chose the golf ball (we knew because he loves balls) and a pencil!
Our Trusted Vendors:
- Event planning & Design @angiandco_marie @angiandco
- Venue: @maggianoslittleitaly
- Rentals: @lxpartyrentals
- Laser cutouts: @athenaprojects.co
- Cake: @ivorybaking.co
- Cookies: @thecookiepress
- Photographers
- Julie Kim Jang Photography
Other Popular Vendors:
Venue Research
- Venue ideas can be found at the Moim Photography website: https://www.moimphoto.com/dol-party-event
- I’ve been at an event at most of these locations (e.g. Fleming’s, Sheeroo, Le Jardin, Lefkes, Maggiano’s)
- We had Evan’s at Maggiano’s for the solid food options and affordability
Some photos of the items:
Final Thoughts on the Dohl
Planning a first birthday celebration, especially one with personal meaning, can be exhausting but is ultimately so rewarding. Surrounded by family and friends who truly love Evan was something irreplaceable. Personally, it was the perfect way to honor Evan’s milestone and remember his Heaven Halmuhnee. Using a planner is highly recommended!
Hey, New Mom! 