DIY

A Vintage Farmhouse Party

Angelique Goulet

In June 2017, we met with Angelique Goulet who put together a vintage farmhouse grad party that her daughter would never forget.

PHOTOS by Ray J. Nelson

The Red River Valley has a thriving repurposed community. Here in Fargo, we are blessed with stores like Burlap Rustic Chic Boutique and Grace 1972 who feature the work of local vendors. In June 2017, we met with one of the personalities behind the distressed paint who put together a vintage farmhouse grad party that her daughter would never forget. Now, you too can visit Angelique Goulet’s backyard and see how she, her son, Jack Newcomb, and her friends had it set up for Sophie Newcomb’s graduation celebration.

Mother-Daughter DIYers

Angelique Goulet

Angelique Goulet is originally from Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and is the mother of two-daughter Sophie (18) and son Jack Newcomb (15). In her spare time, Goulet makes repurposed furniture and decor. She consigns with Burlap Rustic Chic Boutique and is a vendor for Grace 1972. Her daughter, Sophie Newcomb, is a Moorhead High graduate and first-year student at Concordia College who also has an interest in all things vintage. The mother-daughter DIYers graduated from high school 23 years apart to the day.

Angelique Goulet

Angelique Goulet

Angelique Goulet

A Little Help from their Friends

“I’ve met a lot of people through furniture,” Goulet said. When it was finally time to plan her daughter’s graduation party, many of those people were eager to help. Some friends that were involved included Carrie and Scott Brusven of Gathered. Boutique Rentals and Events, Audra Mehl of Grace 1972 and local DIYer Kelly Binfet. The day before the event, Goulet expressed her appreciation for her wonderful support system. “Especially as a single parent, you appreciate everybody who offers to help,” she said.

Angelique Goulet

Carrie and Scott Brusven of Gathered. Boutique Rentals and Events helped Goulet and Newcomb stage this outdoor seating area.

A Celebration of Her

Though vintage farmhouse design speaks to both Goulet and Newcomb, the party was truly a reflection of Newcomb’s style. “This really captures her personality,” Goulet said. In addition to planning the party together with her daughter, Goulet kept a few surprises to herself until the day of, including an acoustic duo from their church who performed live music at the graduation party.

Angelique Goulet

Angelique Goulet

Because it was an outdoor party, one of Goulet’s biggest concerns was the weather. “At some point, whatever is going to happen is going to happen. As long as Sophie enjoys the party and people are celebrating, that’s what I’m here for. Ultimately, there’s only so much you can control,” she said. However, the graduation party came and went without any incidents and it was a day that Newcomb will never forget.

The Planning

“As long as Sophie enjoys the party and people are celebrating, that’s what I’m here for.” – Angelique Goulet

Though Newcomb started pinning ideas almost one year in advance, she and Goulet were busy planning up until the event. They decided to host the party in Goulet’s backyard and as a family, they refinished 70 chairs and 15 tables for seating. Goulet’s neighbors were kind enough to store these pieces in their garage up until the designated weekend. Prior to the event, Goulet wasn’t quite sure how many people were going to attend because after mailing physical invitations, Newcomb sent out invites via social media. However, she was looking forward to spending time with their extensive extended family, who flew in from all over to celebrate Newcomb’s graduation.

 

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