Tyrese Gibsoncelebrated his 41st birthday at home in pajamas Monday — but despite the dress code, the event was anything but sleepy.
Instead, it was an evening filled with poetry, laughs and fireworks with his closest friends and family, held at theGibson Estatelocated in Atlanta.
“[His wife] Sam wanted to do something extraordinary for Tyrese,” event designer Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events tells PEOPLE exclusively. Gainey previously worked with theTransformersactor to planSamantha Gibson’s surprise party in October.
Tyrese Gibson.Cat Harper and Catt Hamlin/Cat Harper Photography
“He wanted a vibe where everyone was comfortable and cozy,” says Gainey.
And that is what she gave him. Guests arrived in pajamas of all varieties as servers passed around champagne and various bites.
Tyrese Gibson.Cat Harper and Catt Hamlin of Cat Harper Photography
Poets took to the stage for live readings and a pastor said blessings for Gibson’s birthday and blessed the new year.
Tyrese Gibson.
Then partygoers played the game “Men vs. Women.”
The discussions got passionate and thought-provoking with deep conversations that broached topics of marriage and multi-racial relationships.
Gibson was especially thankful for one guest in particular: Joan Pendergrass, wife of late R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass, whoGibson will playin an upcomingLee Danielsbiopic, scheduled for a 2020 release.
She brought along six presents for the star, all belonging to her late husband, one of which was a pair of slippers that happened to be Gibson’s size.
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“It means everything to me that you flew in town and showed UP for me,” Gibsonwroteon Instagram. “When she walked IN my front door she hugged me and I said look up!! … she started crying when she saw her husband on this powerful painting!!!”
Although the actor said no social media was allowed, he couldn’t help himself fromposting: “It was my party and I can break whatever rules I want!!!!!”
The party went into the wee hours of the morning with guests dancing and enjoying late-night tacos.
“Thank you for the best night ever!!!” he wrote in a post to his wife. “And the best years of my LIFE.”
source: people.com
