Category Archives: Real Parties

A Bachelorette Weekend in Snowshoe, West Virginia

This January, we celebrated my friend Lexy’s bachelorette weekend at the Snowshoe ski resort in West Virginia. We rented an adorable cabin in the Treetops section of the resort. The cabin was absolutely perfect, with rustic ski decor, cute bunk rooms, and a cozy fireplace. Our first night there, we made dinner together, had a lingerie shower, and played a ton of bachelorette games created by my talented friend Jae. She delivered the most impressive game ever, based on an episode of FRIENDS (one of Lexy’s favorite shows). In the episode (The One with the Embryos), the girls and guys play a Jeopardy-style game about how well they know each other. Jae re-imagined the game, complete with all the same categories as seen on the show, with all the questions focused on Lexy. It was super fun and so creative!

The next day, we went snow tubing, a winter activity that anyone can participate in. Snowshoe also has tons of skiing and snowboarding, but tubing was perfect for our group since not everyone knew how to ski. We ended the weekend with an amazing backcountry adventure dinner trek. We drove Polaris RZRs down a forest path to a cabin in the woods, where we were served an amazing gourmet dinner. We were all a little unprepared for how muddy the drive would be—definitely wear clothes that you are OK getting a bit dirty in because you will even get mud on you inside the cars! But once we reached the cabin, we were blown away with how beautiful it was and how great the dinner was—I had a delicious roast duck.

Know before you go: Driving to Snowshoe is a little like going back in time 10 years…because there is no cell phone service for about two hours surrounding the resort and at the resort itself! A local explained that the nearby Greenbank Observatory creates a silent bubble for miles around to allow it to listen to and broadcast signals into space. Yep, they’re looking for aliens! The result: no cell service! Once you reach the resort, you’ll be able to log onto Wi-Fi and can text and FaceTime while on the Wi-Fi network. But be sure to print out directions before you go just in case your GPS doesn’t make it all the way!

We had such a great time and I’d highly recommend Snowshoe for a laid-back winter bachelorette weekend!

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A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower

One way to know you’ve found your perfect match? You are both totally down with being photographed in onesies! Bride Kulsoom chose to have a laid-back Netflix and Chill bridal shower and showed up in the most perfect purple unicorn onesie. Her friends were totally onboard as well, arriving as dragons, superheroes and more. One of the highlights? Kulsoom’s finance Mehdi arriving in his own matching shark onesie! From a popcorn bar to personalized Netflix and Chill signs to a cute photo booth with a metallic WIFEY balloon wall, these bridesmaids went all out to make Kulsoom feel special and celebrate her upcoming marriage. We love unique bridal shower themes that are inspired by the bride’s personality, and we can’t stop smiling at this fun-filled shower. A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraThis bride chose to relax with her friends at a Netflix and Chill bridal shower and showed up in this fun purple unicorn onesie! A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraPopcorn bar. A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra All the guests showed up in pajamas and onesies for this fun Netflix and Chill bridal shower. A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by AzraA Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra Everyone wore onesies and pajamas to this fun Netflix and Chill bridal shower, like the bride and groom seen here in a shark onesie and unicorn onesie. A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra A Netflix and Chill Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Photography by Azra

Photography: Photography by Azra | Hair and Makeup: Seema Janjua | Wifey photo wall: Fuchsia Decor | Popcorn bar: Poppa Corn Corp

A Donut Wall Bachelorette by the Sea

For bride Morgan’s bachelorette party, her friends decked out a house by the sea in beachy peach and turquoise shades. The star of the party was the custom donut wall, decorated with peonies, greenery, balloons and, of course, donuts, each topped with a diamond cutout to look like an engagement ring. Mini bottles of champagne added to the festive atmosphere, along with seaside accents like pineapple drink stirrers and starfish decor. Sidney Leigh Photography was there to capture this gorgeous DIY bachelorette party.

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A Bohemian Bridal Shower in the Garden

For bride Alyssa’s bohemian bridal shower, her friends transformed a shady backyard into an idyllic retreat, complete with a teepee hideaway. Guests picnicked on the lawn, enjoying fresh summer salads and a naked cake bursting with berries and cream. The simple photo booth DIY came together by draping neutral ribbons from a clothesline—add a handy Fujifilm Instax camera and you’re set! As an extra-special touch, all of the guests dressed in neutral shades ranging from white and taupe to soft pinks and greens, which resulted in some stunning group pictures that make this look like the most sophisticated garden party ever. While Alyssa is usually the photographer in the group (see her work here at Alyssa Wilcox Photography), her sister stepped in to capture the special moments of the day.

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A Summer Picnic Bridal Shower

Olivia’s beautiful, simple summer picnic bridal shower was held on the back patio of a local restaurant, where guests enjoyed al fresco dining in a secluded back garden decorated with roses, hydrangeas, hand-lettered signs and cream and navy linens. Keeping with the sweet and simple picnic theme, each guest received a jar of homemade jam as a party favor, and cobblers made by the groom’s mother were served in adorable mini-mason jars. Olivia exuded sweetness the whole day long as her guests showered her with love and attention and some unique bridal shower gifts, like an umbrella (for the SHOWER, get it?) with a surprise inside: cash tied to the spokes of the umbrella!

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Photography:  Jill Gearhart Photography | Venue: Benjamin’s

A Lingerie & Painting Party Bridal Shower

For this unique painting party bridal shower, bride Jordynne and her guests started the day off with a painting class at Olive’s Mud Puddle, a sip and paint shop in South Carolina, where they each created a personal “Tree of Love” paintings. When Jordynne got home, she found a secret shower set up for her—Victoria’s Secret, that is! The house was decorated in pink and black everything, including plenty of bags filled with lingerie and a stunning custom cake topped with a stiletto. Phylicia of Posh Moments Photography was there to capture every special moment of the day.

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An Antiques and Ivory Rustic Bridal Shower

The theme for this rustic bridal shower was antiques and ivory, incorporating lots of vintage pieces like typewriters and hat boxes with ivory letters, flowers and a stunning white cake. Bride Ali’s bridesmaids went above and beyond with their DIY decorations—her bridesmaid Nicole created all of the calligraphy chalkboard signs for the party, including a welcome board and a sign on the succulent favor table. My favorite special touch is the white roses Ali’s fiancé sent her, each with a tag on it sharing one thing he loves about Ali! Avonne Photography was there to capture this stunning rustic bridal shower.

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Photography:  Avonne Photography | Makeup: Nicole Padgett | Cake: Suárez Bakery | Chalkboard calligraphy signs: Joely Lane Lettering