This day was such a bittersweet day. It was the perfect way to say good bye to such a very special person that we already miss so much. The theme was very unique and represented Yousef's personality & favorite things. Of course we had to pack our bags and travel with him, so we added a traveling theme that matched the rest of the items (such as the favors shaped as suitcases). We even made the dessert table as a mini "duty free" that had all of Yousef's favorite things. Can't forget the hashtags because, well, you just can't #resist. There was just one small challenge we had to face... we only had four days to prepare the party! Yes it was tiring and yes my body is still sore, but it was so worth it and Yousef deserves so much more. The best part of this whole event is the fact that around fifty people were able to keep it a secret. I love surprises, and I loved Yousef's reaction when he saw every one.
Thanks to every one that was able to attend, participated in the activities, contributed in the $pecial video made for Yousef (by Creative), helped before and during the event, helped out with Yousef's gift, and helped me finish everything for the party on time. This party wouldn't have been complete without you all. I will be uploading more videos from the party really soon, so make sure to come back and check those out.
The "Duty Free" sweets table. I added everything I could that represented Yousef to this little sweet shop. Each item had a #hashtag to explain the item.
I made a background that had Yousef's "logo", and added the words "Duty Free... Money Free". Each item on the table had a meaning (and a #hashtag) that represents Yousef. Thanks to my brother and husband that helped me out before and during the party. You guys are the best!
#ThankYousef to every one that packed their bags with Yousef's favorite items! We also made vintage "stamps" that had pictures of the places he is traveling to and from.
I added popcorn since Yousef loves to watch #movies, M&Ms since his #blog is filled with M&Ms pictures, and string shaped candy to represent his #necklace. I also added candy shaped as eggs to represent #fitness, and gummy worms since he's a #bookworm.
Also at the Duty Free were these homemade cupcakes with toppers that represent Yousef. I designed toppers that had images of #laptops since he always uses his laptop. I also added #RippedJeans and and #backpacks because he wears them all the time.
There was a instruction frame at the duty free that said "Please pack your bags with Yousef's favorite items. #ThankYousef".
We were able to invite one of his favorite actresses to the party, Megan Fox!
I added this to the duty free because, well, #girls.
The cupcakes were a perfect addition to the duty free table, and represented Yousef's love for #sweets.
We designed these labels and added them to our homemade chocolate lollipops. I added a clock to each label, and wrote the hashtags #busy #g2g and #meeting. This is because Yousef is always in a rush to go to a meeting.
He also loves cars, so I added these Oreos to represent car tires.
The silverware table had to be special too. So I added these "We Will Miss Yousef" letters on the tissue boxes to let the guests know where the napkins are to wipe their tears.
I added some black, red, and white paper lanterns around the hall.
Thanks to every one who took the time to record a short video message for Yousef and to those who contributed financially. Thanks Yazeed and
Creative for spending so much time and effort on this video. This was such a great surprise and made us laugh and cry all at the same time. You can watch the video on Yousef's site (the link below) or on Creative's Facebook page. You won't regret it.
The guests watching the video. Thanks Reeham, Yazeed, and Yazan for inviting every one to the party.
Their reactions were priceless.
Check out the slideshow below for more pictures of the activities we did during the party. Thank you Saleh for helping out. You were a great "speaker" and the guests loved the positive energy you brought to the room.
This activity was one of the funniest activities we played during the event. They were supposed to act like Yousef, and the guests were the judges. Watch the video below and vote for your favorite!
We added this table that contained the photo booth props, caps for the guests to wear, and the Instagram instructions frame.
These caps were for all of the guests to wear and take home. These also represented Yousef and his addiction to caps. Thanks Creative!
We designed the hats with a "#Yousef "in the front, and his logo in the back.
Each guest was able to post their pictures on Instagram and use the hashtag "#SeeYouSefLater".
Time to grab a prop and take the passport photo!
We added different props for the guests to wear for their passport photos.
This is the background I designed as the photo booth background. Each hashtag represents Yousef of course, I added his logo in the middle, and the main hashtag "#ThankYouForBeingYousef!". Check out the slideshow below for some crazy, funny, and memorable pictures we took by the photo booth.
This is the activities and favors table. I designed a background using a map with a heart that connects destinations. I also added the hashtag "#WeWillMissYousef".
The guest book instruction frame.
We designed a autograph "logo" that is Yousef's logo, and a "passport" book using his logo too. We also added the phrase "This is not goodbye, this is see Yousef later".
Each guest had to claim their baggage at the end of the party. This was a simple way to thank the guests for coming and making this party memorable.
We wrapped each favor as a suitcase. We also made these "vintage stamps" and added one to each bag. Thanks to my sister who came and helped me package these and finish other details.
The bags were filled with these personalized mini notepads. I designed each notepad using Yousef's logo and different hashtags that represent him. I also added "This is not goodbye, this is see yousef later" on each one with his website's url. Each pen also had the site url and his email address. These notepads and pens represent Yousef's love of reading books and writing blogs. I made sure the favors were very #youseful.
There's no way we would let you leave without having something your addicted to. Hope you bought your laptop already! Thanks to every one who contributed and made this possible!
#Speechless
Don't forget to watch this two minute video of Yousef's goodbye party. This video only shows some of the great moments, but it's definitely worth watching.
Yousef you deserve so much more. This is the least we could do for you. We really wish #yousef the best in everything you do. You are our role model. Your dedication and hard work is truly inspiring. Thank you for coming to the party, it was so hard to convince you to come without telling you what was going on (especially since it was the last day before you left). Thank you for being yousef! Love, your friends and family.
