Beyoncé, showing up just after midnight for a joint post-VMA bash and birthday celebration at boyfriend Jay-Z's club 40/40. The lavish affair featured glass-encased honeycombs filled with live bees (B for Beyoncé) and flat projection screens playing a montage of the b-day girl's performances and music videos. The Versace-wearing singer (who won best R&B video for "Check On It") got hugs and well wishes from her family – parents Tina and Mathew Knowles, sister Solange – and celeb pals including former Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, plus Usher, Ludacris, Andy Roddick and Rihanna.
But Beyoncé (who marks her 25th on Sept. 4, the same day her B'Day album is released internationally) also made time to cuddle with her man. She draped her arms over Jay-Z's shoulders and at one point he leaned over and gave her a sweet kiss.
How the Stars Partied Before the VMAs
With the MTV Video Music Awards on Thursday night, stars including Jessica Simpson, Vanessa Minnillo and Justin Timberlake have been in New York City all week to host parties, hit the clubs and collect swag from celebrity suites.
Though the awards will be at Radio City Music Hall (check out the nominees here), PEOPLE hit all the hot pre-VMA events – which are sometimes as memorable as the show itself:
During the day on Tuesday at Marquee, celebs swarmed the Polaroid Lounge, cruising for the perfect freebee:Vanessa Minnillo sipped champagne while booking through the suite in a mere 15 minutes. Why? She was late for work. Still, she collected gear including a camera and a Sidekick, which may come in handy for keeping in touch with Nick Lachey when he's on the road.