Some graduation parties are a backyard cookout — and some are a full-blown colorful western bash. Ava’s was very much the latter. To celebrate her high school graduation, her family threw an unforgettable evening at Cullen Yards in Fort Worth, and we were so glad to be there for all of it.
The theme? Colorful western, done right. Bright, gorgeous linens filled the yard, and right in the middle stood a life-size horse statue surrounded by custom seating — the kind of centerpiece you can’t help but gather around. Drinks were poured out of a vintage horse trailer reimagined into a bar (a genuine showstopper), and the food leaned into playful, fair-inspired favorites: hotdog nachos, hamburgers, all the good stuff. The energy stayed high on the dance floor, and the whole night had that easy, celebratory hum of a family that knows how to throw a party. Our favorite detail? Every graduating teen wore a T-shirt repping the college they’re headed to next year — a heartfelt little nod to what’s ahead, even as they celebrated how far they’ve already come. Ava was surrounded by the friends and family who love her most, and it showed in every frame.
This wasn’t our first celebration with this family — we’ve had the joy of photographing their parties before, including Tiffany’s Gucci Blooms-inspired 60th birthday. Getting to document these milestones for the same families as the years go by is honestly one of our favorite things.
This event was photographed by Tracy Autem.
The Team
- Venue: Cullen Yards
- Planning: Sarah Garrett Events
- Florals: Coco Fleur Event Design
- DJ: Andy Austin
Dreaming up a celebration of your own? Learn more about our social celebration photography here — or reach out and let’s get started.
