Category Archives: Real Parties

A French Country Garden Bridal Shower in British Columbia

Rustic meets chic at the Little White House in Fort Langley, Canada, for this garden bridal shower with a Parisian twist. The intimate cafe vibe mixes high and low with rough barnwood walls contrasting the sparkling chandeliers. Gorgeous florals by Alice at Floralista added an simple freshness to the space. Bride Paula entered through the secret garden in back to find her friends and family gathered for her tea luncheon, beautifully captured by photographer Mikaela Ruth.

Photography: Mikaela Ruth Photography | Venue: Little White House in Fort Langley | Florals: Floralista

A Victorian Romance Bridal Luncheon Beneath the Oaks

Channeling Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, this romantic bridesmaid luncheon almost seems ripped from the pages of a gothic novel set beneath the moss-draped oaks. Photographer
Emily Gilbert and Très Chic Southern Weddings dreamed up this styled shoot for the 2nd Orlando NotWedding, choosing deep colors and vintage props—like the old-fashioned clock and globe—that created a Victorian vibe. The warm color palette—perfect for a fall bridal shower—of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows is highlighted in almost every aspect of the event, from the mimosa bar to the bicolor roses. A decadent candy bar adds a modern touch with neon orange rock candy and jewel-tone macarons. It’s Southern gothic gone glam!

Photography: e. gilbert photography  | Coordination and design: Très Chic Southern Weddings |  Venue: Orlando Science Center | Hair and makeup: Luma Bridal | Wardrobe: Bloomingdales | Rentals: Orlando Wedding & Party Rentals | Tableware: Dishie Rentals | Linens: Over the Top | Stationery: Sprinkles | Candy Buffet: Florida Candy Buffets

An Adventure Awaits Travel Bridal Shower

One of the defining moments in my relationship with my boyfriend, Andrew, was a trip we took to Iceland after only a few months of dating. From exploring glaciers and hiking by waterfalls to almost stranding our rental car on the black sand beach, the adventure brought us close together. So when I saw this Adventure Awaits travel bridal shower captured by photographer and the bride’s future sister-in-law Aly Carroll, I was immediately smitten. Bride Natalie’s bridesmaids and family rummaged through their houses for vintage suitcases, cameras and globes to set the world-traveling mood. Each table centerpiece included a tag marking a milestone or special memory in the couple’s relationship, from their first date to running a triathlon together in Lima, Peru. Guests enjoyed a yogurt and treat bar complete with berry baskets and a nude cake from The Bake Shoppe (love this trend, by the way—down with fondant!). Even the games had an international theme, as guests were challenged to translate different words and phrases based on the theme of “love.” Me encanta!

Photography: Aly Carroll Photography | Invitations: BeyondDigital | Florals and Event Design: Shelly Sarver Designs | Cupcakes: Mama CT’s Cupcakes | Cake: The Bake Shoppe | Venue: Evangelical Covenant Church, Des Moines | Decor: Target, Hobby Lobby, vintage items from family and friends

A Breezy, Beachy Bachelorette in Provence

This breezy bachelorette weekend shot by Studio A+Q has me dreaming about a getaway to the South of France. Bridesmaids Zoé and Dorothée planned this serene weekend in Provence, filled with laughter and a few surprises for bride Eugénie. The fun started at the gorgeous Maison de Justine, a quiet maison d’hôte situated in the midst of a vineyard and overlooking a castle in the nearby village of Grimaud. The girls enjoyed a rustic breakfast in the garden and plenty of sunshine while strolling the grounds (neon shades required). Later, a decorated minivan arrived to shuttle them to nearby Pampelonne Beach for a relaxing day at the shore. The perfect ending? Releasing glowing paper lanterns into the night sky.
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A Heartfelt Blushing Bridal Shower in New Jersey

Say hello to my new favorite bridal shower cocktail: blushing bride sangria! But while I’m totally crushing on the blush and metallic color palette at this sweet bridal shower luncheon, the true beauty of this event is that each element was personal to the bride and used to honor and remember important people in her life. Along with shower games like “He Said/She Said,” guests participated in a cake pull, a growing shower tradition that can include the bridesmaids, friends of the bride and even your mother and future mother-in-law. Two of Samm’s grandparents were also remembered through special touches. Samm received her gorgeous peach tulle dress almost ten years ago as a gift from her grandmother, who was an avid vintage shopper. The bride’s grandfather was also reflected through a gift of framed animal stamps from his collection, specially chosen by Samm’s aunt as a nod to the bride’s pets. Each guest took home a potted succulent as a rememberance of the day. Photography: Lily Szabo Photography | Venue: Brio Tuscan Grille

A Winter in Florida Bridal Shower

As a one-time Floridian, I can tell you that “Florida winter” is an oxymoron—so I’m not surprised that Alaskan bride Katie returned to her family home in the Sunshine State for a winter bridal shower. Photographer Elise Giordano, who became friends with Katie during a summer up north, perfectly captures the fun of the day in snaps of the guests enjoying drinks and sharing memories on the sun-drenched porch. Little nods to Katie’s career as a journalist for The Skagway News can be found in details like the bunting banner made of book pages. I love the personal, thoughtful touches added to every aspect of the party, from the thumbprint balloons stamped on the whimsical bicycle illustration (such a unique guest book!) to the petal blue cake with perfect peach rosettes created by a family friend (I can’t believe cake decorating is just her hobby!).

Photography: Elise Giordano | Bunting banner, bicycle thumbprint guestbook: That’s Sew Liz | Soap party favors: Pizzazz | Cake: Heidie Kohl, a family friend

A Vintage Cocktail Hour Bridal Shower

Channeling a time when cocktails and fancy dress went hand in hand, this happy hour shower is both glamorous and intimate all at once. The inspiration for this vintage bridal shower’s blush and metallic color palette and midcentury vibe came from bride Lauren’s collection of gilded vintage glassware, as well as her striking vintage V-back dress. Lauren’s business partner and friend, Rachel of Sweet Root Village, lined the fireplace with tall mirrored vases overstuffed with soft coral, pale pink and fuchsia roses. Guests at this “little black dress gathering” were greeted with a hand-lettered name tag for their glass of honey green tea fizz or raspberry wine zinger. Rachel explains how the shower’s showstopper—Lauren’s stunning oversized corsage—came to be.

“Lauren bought this beautiful vintage dress that for a time she planned to use as her wedding gown. She had it altered to have more of a cap sleeve, with a low back and a pencil-skirt bottom. The style was very old-fashioned and classy and corsages were all the rage back in the day. Corsages were definitely a bit larger in the past, so we tried to go in that direction but even more so, creating a cross between a typical corsage and a flower crown. Lauren built it herself and we attached it carefully to her dress.”
–Rachel, Sweet Root Village

Venue: Sweet Root Village Studio | Flowers, Photography, Styling, Invitation and Paper Products: Sweet Root Village | Photography Assistance: Rebekah Murray | Dress: Vintage Mirage | Hair: Sugar House | Makeup: Sarah Patch | Vintage Glassware: The bride’s personal collection