This just might be the most GENIUS idea in the history of party planning. One who’s bandwagon I so need to jump on and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. This goes out to all you married ladies who have yet to change your name. Why not go big and make an event of it? Crafted by Hi, Friend Design with the perfect photography by Lisa Teso to accompany all the fabulous details, this is such a lovely way to take the plunge into moniker changing. Friends, family, a backyard shindig and a ceremony to make it official.  See it all here!

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From Lisa Teso Photography…Two creative girls and one problem – Finding a special way to change their last names.

A few months ago, Jennifer Mele, co-owner of Hi, Friend Design in Portland, Ore. found herself in a pickle  - following her wedding in 2009 she still hadn’t found the time to change her name. That night a plot was hatched with a fellow co-worker who was also facing the same predicament. Looking for a meaningful way to officially change their last names and also a reason to throw a fabulous party, the two decided to surprise their husbands with a fun summer ceremony. With the help of friends, family and local event vendors, the Maiden Voyage was born and two unsuspecting husbands had the surprise of the summer as their wives finally took the plunge at a summer backyard ceremony.

A few details to help you follow along…When the husbands returned home from golfing they were met with glasses of their favorite whiskey and outfits for the night ahead. The nautical theme (Maiden Voyage, get it?!) could be seen throughout the event – from the music, to the ceremony, to the yellow/blue color motif. Small detailed touches were everywhere including: Customized wine labels on the wine bottles and mini bottles of champagne, cupcakes baked by Jennifer herself in husbands’ two favorite flavors, black and white photos of the two couples from their wedding days, a photo booth with nautical themed props, Enlarged copies of their new licenses for guests to sign with their well-wishes, the officiant was the same gentleman that married Jennifer to her husband Steve in 2009 – he focused on the meaning of a name and the importance of taking on someone else’s name for your life. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the girls grabbing iPads from their “maids of honor” and officially changing their names on Facebook.

Invitations: Hi, Friend Design / Photography: Lisa Teso Photography / Photo Stylist: Kimberly Brandt of Billede Design / Wives’  Attire: BCBG / Husbands’ Shirts: Banana Republic