Since I was little, I've always wanted to have a private little tea party, surrounded by rolling hills of green, good friends, and away from the crowds. It's also a good excuse to dress up and take some photos together. So for my birthday this year, we decided to celebrate early with a picnic and tea on Mt. Tam.

We lucked out on the warmer weather the entire day. My husband and I dropped by the farmer's market in the morning to pick up picnic ingredients and fresh flowers. Our friends brought some delicious cheeses, biscuits, baguettes (from our bread connoisseur), and assorted tea snacks. We brought hot water, tea selections, milk, and sugar cubes. It didn't hurt to bring a little wine as well. 

We started out our picnic in this open area below, overlooking the water and several more rolling hills below until the afternoon sun got too hot for us. 

My husband and I had fun setting up and taking photos. I was really touched by how open everyone was to letting me have time to setup, arrange, and take photos, but most of all, make the trek for our whimsical picnic. There are many things I've always wanted to do or often did alone because I was worried no one else would want to join me. It was a mini dream come true.

We found this shaded spot under a beautiful tree and remained here for the rest of the afternoon. My friends Alex and Aneesha surprised me with these mini cakes. Even though some of them melted in the heat, they were all my favorites and paired perfectly with tea.

Thank you everyone for coming and making this whimsical picnic & high tea on the mountain come true. Special thanks to my husband for helping me plan, for carrying more than his share of picnic items without a complaint up the mountain, and being my supportive photography partner throughout.