My favorite HGTV show Fixer Upper is such an inspiration to my husband and I as we make our new house a home. But when season three kicked off this month, it also delivered the sweetest dose of love in the form of this surprise 12th anniversary brunch Chip threw for Joanna. From the blooms hand-picked by their adorable kiddos to Chip’s heart-melting speech, it was a day that embraced the true meaning of marriage. Thanks to our darling friend Rachel Whyte who captured it all so beautifully, this inspiring duo is pulling at our heartstrings today. See more in THE VAULT and head to SMP Living for our most-loved Fixer Upper home designs!
From Joanna Gaines… My husband, Chip, never gets away with pulling off surprising me. Ever. He always puts in a valiant effort only for me to catch on and unintentionally squash his fun. For our twelfth anniversary, Chip wanted to change that once and for all, so he orchestrated this entire beautiful, thoughtful and well put-together surprise party. When asked if I was “actually surprised” I simply point out my outfit (a t-shirt and jeans) to prove that I was most definitely surprised!
The setting was perfect—an unfinished barn on our farm, which happened to be right in the middle of being transformed into a garage and storage space. It was special because, though the space was unfinished, it was a perfect representation of the two of us and the work we love doing together: construction and renovating homes.
Chip had a local caterer and friend come in and curate a brunch menu of homemade biscuits and jam, frittatas, a parfait bar and fresh coffee and juices. A close friend of mine took care of the table settings, opting to use mismatched flatware, chairs, dishes and linen napkins. The simple fresh flowers arrangements were made (with some help) by my kiddos, using various vases from my kitchen cupboard. The flowers themselves were actually picked from my garden, and supplemented with flowers and greenery from a local florist.
Chip really did his research in finding out that the three symbols for a 12th anniversary are linen, silk and pearls. He wanted these symbols to really be represented in our celebration, so he had cards made explaining the symbols at each place setting; where each napkin was linen and each card was tied with silk string. To represent pearls, he surprised me with a beautiful pearl necklace made by the same jeweler who crafted my wedding ring on our engagement 13 years ago. It was such a special and meaningful gift.
The party itself was so intimate with just family and close friends in attendance. Chip stood up and read the sweetest speech and there was also live music played by a dear friend of ours. I tried to book him 12 years ago for our wedding, but he wasn’t available on our date, so it made this detail even more meaningful. He sang some of our favorite songs including the song I walked down the aisle to in our wedding. Everyone enjoyed the food, fellowship and music together. All the details and meaning behind this party really touched me, and when I think back to that sweet day Chip surprised me I feel so loved and honored to be his!
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Photography: Rachel Whyte Photography | Styling: Alissa Neely | Catering: Milo Waco | Vendor: HGTV Fixer Upper