Storybook Princess Parties

13/08/2021

Hello everyone- I wanted to provide a quick update since I’ve been MIA the past several months while the business has remained temporarily closed.

I started graduate school at Simmons University in 2020 to pursue my masters degree in social work. I began my field placement internship this past May, which will continue through 2022. I am currently being supervised while conducting individual and group therapy with children and adolescents and I absolutely love my placement location and my role at this time.

Deciding to "press pause" on the company that I had built and the role that truly consumed every part of me for over 4 years was one of the scariest and most difficult decisions to make, and I went back and forth contemplating the pros and cons for months in preparation for my internship. I ultimately came to the conclusion that I would never be able to allow myself to carry on with business as usual if I could not continue to give 110% of myself to my company, my performance and my clients. If trying to juggle school, internship and running a business was going to come at the cost of sacrificing either the customer service or quality, I was not/am not willing to make that exchange. I expect the best, I hold myself to that standard and I truly believe that is what you all deserve when hiring a professional for these once in a lifetime moments. Although we are still closed for the time being, there are several other amazing local companies that are able to offer similar experiences at this time, and I hope the magic continues to spread while we are away. Especially in times like these.

While social work is my focus right now, I definitely won't say no to putting on a ballgown and glass slippers again one day. However, at this point in my life I am appreciating the current opportunity I have to spread magic through social work and the mental health field.

I appreciate your patience, understanding and continued support. Thank you all so much.

See you soon!

💙Ashley

20/04/2021

Update: Storybook Princess Parties will be temporarily closed until further notice. We hope everyone is staying healthy and well, and we hope to celebrate with you all again in the future! 🤍

23/12/2020

Apparently my cat has a favorite princess, too 👸🏼🐱

17/12/2020

Most people don't know this, but I actually got started doing princess parties back in 2013, when I saw a Facebook ad by a local company seeking princess performers. I interviewed, and although I had no experience in this type of thing, my wonderful boss at the time had faith in me.

The day of my first event I would describe myself as a deer in headlights. I spent the day as Tinkerbell and Aurora (file that under things you don't hear too often 😂). After 3 events that day, I remember calling my mom and saying "I don't know what I've gotten myself into..." but I wanted it so badly that I convinced myself to keep trying. A few parties later, I quickly fell in love with "princessing."

I worked with so many amazing performers and families, and made so many memories with that company for over 2 years. Soon after, I auditioned and was accepted to be a character performer in Walt Disney World. When it was time to come home from Florida, my (now husband) was living in New York due to the military- which is where I ended up as well and where Storybook Princess Parties first started.

It's been 4 years of hard work and pure dedication- and I'm still learning how to become the business owner I want to be and how to grow my business into everything it can be. I am thankful for the years I've been able to spend doing what I love, and thankful for all of you who have invited me into your lives and your special moments. Thank you to all who have had faith in me over the years. I hope you all have the courage to do something that scares you- it's worth it 💗

15/12/2020

So, what is a character meet and greet?

This may sound obvious. A meet and greet is intended for you to meet someone special for a photo, or even just to say hello! But, character meet and greet's are so much more than that.

All of our performers are trained to theme park standards. As a former performer of Walt Disney World and a party performer for nearly 10 years, I see the value in holding myself and each of my performers to the highest standard.

While training SPP performers, I like to say that when you meet our characters, you should know who you're talking to- even with eyes closed! Each character has her own specific greeting, farewell, tone of voice, list of sidekicks, locations and world of their own. No two characters are truly the same, and your interaction with them shouldn't be either. Otherwise, what would the excitement be of meeting different characters?

In training, our performers study each individual character carefully, from mannerisms, poses, dialect, makeup application, signature and so much more. When you meet our characters, you're not meeting a woman in a costume, you're meeting a princess!

Here is an adorable photo from our public meet and greet with Cinderella this past October! Every age is the perfect age to meet a princess 💙

14/12/2020

I wish it wasn't true 🙈 From ballgowns to sweats.

11/12/2020

Post a GIF below of your typical Friday night

11/12/2020

Happy Anniversary, Princess and the Frog 💚🐸

We miss celebrating with this princess. If you are in RI and know of the perfect princess Tiana please send her our way!

09/12/2020

After taking some time to review emails and reviews from over the years, I've come to realize that the top reasons clients choose to book with us is because of the authenticity of our characters and costumes, open communication and simple booking process.

I started this business because I was passionate about performing, and equally as passionate about the characters I was portraying. After leaving Disney, I wanted to find a way to bring the same magic to children who may not have the opportunity to visit a theme park, but who still deserve to experience magic and meet their favorite characters face to face. For me and for the performers I work with, it's so much more than just buying a halloween costume and showing up. We're in this industry because we want to make and spread MAGIC.

So, if you're looking for authentic character performers who put everything they have to offer into each of their roles, stunning costumes, and a stress-free seamless event- reach out to us! I'd love to tell you more about the process of our hiring, training, and ex*****on of events so you can feel confident in your decision in choosing the right service for your child's special day!

To our past and current clients, thank you for your support and your business! And to our future clients- I hope to talk to you soon!

08/12/2020

On this day last year, our New York cast was getting ready for our Princess Holiday Ball at Revel 22. There was so much hard work, practice, trial and error, STRESS and love that went into this event. I was completely overwhelmed from start to finish, and petrified that it wouldn't run smoothly and that I would disappoint our guests. But it was wonderful. And to this day, this event is one that I'm most proud of. If nothing else, it's a reminder for me to trust the process- even when things are unsure or messy.

2020 has been much different in many ways. No big holiday balls, meet and greets, celebrations and much fewer large birthday parties. But if nothing else, this year has me incredibly thankful for these sweet memories to look back on and hopeful and excited for the memories to come ❤️🎄💚

04/12/2020

Does anyone else use WetBrushes? They're the only brushes I'll use on my hair anymore. If you haven't tried them yet, or if you have a little one who hates to brush her hair (this was me as a child 😅) I highly recommend trying them- they even have a Disney line now 😍

03/12/2020

😍

The best Christmas tree ever! 👌🏻💓🎄

01/12/2020

Burrrr. Anyone else ready for sundress (or leaf-dress) weather? 😅🍃

30/11/2020

29/11/2020

I love to shop small and support local businesses, especially this year!

Do you own a small business or have a favorite place to shop? Links or comments are appreciated 🥰

26/11/2020

So many magical memories to be thankful for 💚✨ Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!