If you hear someone say they are looking to celebrate their 70th birthday. One thing is what we know for sure: celebrating a 70th birthday looks like going out for lunch or dinner and spending time with family. It isn’t the same for everyone! Those who know they will not get to live these moments again will always come up with unique ideas, as with a 70-year-old. He is an Orange County dad who knows exactly what a moment needs to fill empty spaces, to make the occasions or the day special.
For his 70th, he opted for a cake smash. Where? On the beach! The theme was also pre-decided: a Jimmy Buffett-themed birthday at the beach. While the concept may seem best for newborn baby photoshoots, this isn’t the thing. It was probably the most fun-filled and hilarious celebration he had in his life, and gladly, it was for himself.
His daughter, Duffi Crowson, seized the opportunity to picture all the special moments from the day. She also stated how her dad did not have an easy life, as at a very young age, he went through the heartbreak of losing his mother to breast cancer. It breaks her heart thinking about the 15-year-old boy bidding goodbye to her mother.
Duffi continues sharing how, after his mother’s death, because his bond with his father was not too strong, Dad lived with his friend’s family. His presence was loved and treasured in the family. However, when he turned 20, the Vietnam War broke out, displacing many homes and people. He was one of the survivors. This was when he decided to live a life where he worked hard and selflessly.
He didn’t work hard to give himself comfort later in life. But to raise Duffi and her sister. More than a fantastic father, he also played the role of a perfect friend, a great listener, and a source of support in the girls’ lives.
Duffi recalls feeling the inclusiveness and comfort of their home environment. While she posted pictures of her father’s birthday, she penned down the golden memories of the actions that defined his dad from the notes he tucked into their school lunchboxes, cheering out loud at the swim meets he never failed to attend despite his busy schedule, and driving his little girls everywhere they wanted to go. He had always been the definition of a perfect dad! No matter how tough the road got for him, he stood firm, and the girls never had to worry knowing Daddy always had their back!
When his 70th birthday approached, he proposed a cake smash photoshoot. Donnie was a professional photographer who had photographed the most beautiful moments for hundreds of strangers, so instantly, she knew she wanted to bring the idea to life. Turning 70 was undoubtedly a milestone, as it meant you successfully made it through all that life threw your way.
When the photoshoot was planned, it was sunny at the beach. Donni perfectly arranged everything, from the overall Jimmy Buffett vibe to the tropical props that would make the pictures much more vibrant. On the day, Dad opted to wear a party hat and played ukulele before he smashed his face into the cake. The cake was rose-covered in blue, and seeing all the cream on his face and his huge smile made her daughter tear with joy and laughter.
Duffi’s photographs that day were not just ordinary pictures of a man celebrating his birthday, but demonstrated how good it is to live a life free of worries. Putting cake on your face and all over the ground was a silly yet perfect idea. It shows how you are not supposed to take life seriously all the time, and a little laughter is always great!
Laughing at yourself after covering such a long journey is the perfect relief everyone should opt for. Duffi was glad to capture the most perfect day and moments, as there would be no better beginning than to start a new chapter this way!
