On a vibrant Friday, May evening in Birmingham, HGD Law Firm celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a night that felt larger than a milestone. It was a reflection of the people, relationships, culture, and shared experiences that have shaped the firm over the last two decades.
Hosted at the Country Club of Birmingham and attended by approximately 150 guests, the evening blended elevated design, immersive entertainment, meaningful storytelling, and philanthropy into an unforgettable experience rooted in the spirit of HGD.
A Celebration Designed by the People of HGD
From the moment guests arrived in stunning 70s formal attire, the energy in the room was undeniable. Velvet textures, disco-inspired lounges, dramatic floral installations, glowing lamps, disco ball columns, and layered details transformed the venue into a celebration that felt both nostalgic and deeply personal. Guests fully embraced the theme, adding their own personality and style to the atmosphere and making the entire evening feel alive.
The event was planned by Mary Ashton Byrd alongside co-planners Tzena Gauldin and Catherine Davis, whose creativity, vision, and leadership helped bring the celebration to life. One of the evening’s standout themes was that it was not simply produced for HGD — it was created by the people of HGD.
Multiple team members across the firm played a role in pulling the event together during the final stretch leading into that Friday and Saturday. From setup and styling to staging, florals, logistics, and details large and small, the celebration became a collective labor of love created by people who genuinely care about one another and the culture they have built together over the last 20 years.
“Brava to Mary Ashton,” one team member shared afterward. “She led the charge to make sure the event was worthy of the excellence that is HGD, and she did it with creativity and passion. She is the absolute best.”
Thoughtful Details and Meaningful Moments
Throughout the evening, every detail reflected intentionality and care — from custom décor installations to entertainment and culinary experiences designed to surprise guests at every turn.
A dramatic custom ice sculpture became an instant focal point and one of the most photographed moments of the evening. Nearby, nine custom cakes from Olexa’s created a stunning visual display that doubled as edible art, while cookies from Savage’s Bakery added another beloved Birmingham touch that guests gravitated toward throughout the night.
As guests settled into the Band Room, Lee shared remarks centered on the past, present, and future of HGD. The message reflected on the firm’s 20-year journey — not just professionally, but personally — acknowledging the people who helped shape the culture and legacy of the firm along the way.
The emotional heartbeat of the evening was not tied to one speech or one moment, but rather to the overall feeling shared throughout the celebration: gratitude, connection, pride, and hope for what lies ahead. Conversations throughout the evening reflected on the relationships built over the years, the challenges overcome together, and the sense that HGD has become something larger than a law firm alone.
Giving Back Through Community and Philanthropy
That spirit carried seamlessly into the evening’s charitable focus. As part of the anniversary celebration, HGD proudly raised $6,600 for College Choice Foundation, supporting students pursuing opportunities through education and mentorship.
The partnership with College Choice Foundation added a meaningful layer to the night. Many students and community members connected to the organization attended the event, making the celebration feel even more impactful.
“How fitting that we shared the joy of our journey with those who are just beginning theirs,” one reflection shared after the event.
The symbolism woven throughout the evening resonated deeply with many attendees. One keepsake gifted during the event — a handcrafted iron bottle opener from Sloss — became a metaphor for growth, resilience, and transformation.
“Iron is forged through intense heat and intense shaping,” one reflection shared afterward. “What begins as something rough turns into something stronger, beautiful, and enduring.”
Another metaphor centered around pearls — the idea that life’s challenges and discomforts can create something rare and valuable over time.
“My hope for all of us is that through our journey with HGD, we are all a part of something greater than ourselves and that on this journey we have each collected a pearl to carry with us into the future.”
An Unforgettable Night Looking Toward the Future
As the formal program concluded, the celebration shifted into full entertainment mode. Guests packed the dance floor as Lisa Perkins and the E-Lusion Band delivered a live performance that energized the room and carried the celebration late into the evening. Their music, combined with appearances from Magic City Disco performers, transformed the event into a true immersive disco-era experience.
The performers quickly became one of the highlights of the night. In fact, HGD’s Hona guests visiting from Utah were so impressed by the energy and choreography that they jokingly believed the Magic City Disco dancers were actual HGD employees.
“I cannot stop laughing about that,” one attendee joked afterward. “New challenge unlocked.”
As the evening came to a close, what remained most memorable was not just the décor, entertainment, or milestone itself. It was the feeling in the room — a sense of gratitude, shared history, and excitement for what comes next.
“Having you all there was the magic ingredient,” one reflection shared after the celebration. “Together, we created a beautiful memory that represents the 20-year legacy of HGD and the beginning of the next 20.”
For HGD, the anniversary celebration was more than a party. It was a celebration of the people who shaped the firm, the community that supported it, and the future still waiting to be built together.
