THE SMILEY BLOG

When you are working to land your dream college, you spend a lot of time polishing your application. You study hard for every test and devote hours to extracurriculars. If you are looking for another way to make your application stand out, you might want to consider volunteering. Not only will it look fabulous on […]

As a Seattle-area senior photographer, I get the chance to chat a lot with students perfecting their college applications. Most kids are looking for a way to really help them stand apart from the competition. One of my top suggestions? Find a local way to volunteer with the community! Not only is this going to […]

Mitzvahs are such a huge milestone in your child’s life. This is a celebration they are going to remember for years to come. So, when you are planning the day, you are probably balancing a million little details from the venue to the entertainment. If you could use some help with the desserts, I have […]

Desserts tend to be the magical thing that really pulls an event together. There is a reason why birthday and wedding cakes are so central to a celebration! If you are in the midst of planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you need to find a bakery with desserts that will make sure they […]

Balloons have the ability to completely transform your event space. They add rich colors and unique textures. From entryways to photo backdrops, they are there for it all! If you don’t feel like devoting the next week of your life to figuring out balloon design for your child’s Mitzvah, it’s time to call in an […]

Volunteering can be such an important experience. Yes, of course, it’s going to look amazing on your college application, but it’s also going to help you build empathy and understanding for the different people within your community. You are going to walk away with a brand new outlook that will benefit you for years to […]

Invitations set the tone for your event. They feel like such a small detail, but the right choice can completely prepare your guests for your child’s celebration. Like most things in life, this is not a situation where you want to take the George Costanza route! If you have been considering booking custom invitations for […]

Dessert has a tendency to take an event over the top. It makes everything way more festive and marks the true beginning of your celebration. Just think about every unforgettable party you’ve ever attended, and there’s a good chance you can remember what you had for dessert! If you are currently planning your child’s Bar […]

Your child’s Mitzvah is a pretty sweet event. They have spent months diligently studying so they can be ready. Now comes the celebration they’ll remember for years to come. So, when you are planning, you are probably going all out to make it especially fabulous. And what better to celebrate than with dessert? As a […]

During the last years of high school, you need to constantly keep your eyes on the prize. College will be here before you know it, and it will be a major opportunity to get a headstart on your career. But before you can land your dream university, you first have to create the best application […]