Category Archives: Real Parties

A Vineyard Bridal Shower in South Africa

A bridal shower is above all about celebrating with the women in your life, and what better place to raise a glass to a future bride than a gorgeous vineyard in South Africa? Nitidia Wine Estate was the perfect setting for this intimate shower for bride Natasha. Her friends shared their best wishes for her on her upcoming wedding day and enjoyed sparkling wine and some sweet treats. They saved a few sweet surprises for Natasha as well—especially when she cut into her candy-filled cake! (Why aren’t all cakes magically filled with candy?!) The emotion of the day shines through in the photos captured by Crazy Little Thing, from Natasha’s beaming smile to the girls’ heartfelt toasts. Cheers!

Photography: Crazy Little Thing… | Venue: Nitidia Wine Estate

A Key West Bachelorette Weekend Guide

Virginia wedding photographer Kim Stockwell is used to being behind the lens rather than at the center of the action. But for her bachelorette bash in Key West, Kim was blown away by the action-packed weekend planned by her closest friends. “Nine very important people in my life made me feel insanely loved and I am beyond grateful,” said Kim. Kim took a few moments to snap pictures of the gorgeous Florida beaches and their cute beach bungalow close to party-central Duval Street, as well as a group shot or two, which made the perfect thank-you gift to remind the girls of their weekend in the sun.

Check out Kim’s Key West bachelorette weekend agenda below to help plan your own trip to the southernmost city in the continental USA.

Check in to your house on Louisa Street, just a block off of Duval Street, the hub of nightlife and general revelry in Key West. This adorable cigar cottage is decorated in the quirky tropical patterns and bright colors typical of the Key West style, but the real draw is the backyard, complete with plunge pool, grill and patio setup perfect for a casual dinner. Serve drinks and dinner in the backyard one night, or for a casual dinner out, try Willie T’s.

No trip to Key West is complete without a Duval Street bar crawl. Sloppy Joe’s has a huge dance floor and Irish Kevin‘s in known for the great live music, friendly bartenders and generally fun and laid-back atmosphere. The rotating roster of performers are top notch, creating a nightly dance party. (Make sure to try the cinnamon toast crunch shooter.)

Sign up for the Fury’s Ultimate Adventure, an all-day boat trip that includes snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking and more. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon drinks are included in the price of the tour (and the cute crewmembers are an added bonus). A great deal for everything you get!

After a day on the water, head to dinner at the Conch Republic Key West, a beautiful open-air restaurant overlooking the marina (which happens to be right next to the dock you board for the Fury tour). Be sure to try Key West specialties here, like conch fritters, mahi mahi and key lime pie.

If you’re hoping to model your Key West adventure on that season of The Real World, try Dante’s, a giant pool party complete with floating beer pong and shot skis.

Head to 801 Bourbon Bar for their world-famous drag show (it’s been running for 25 years!). This raunchy, racy show isn’t for everyone, but the right bride will have a blast. Call ahead to book a table in front and to the left of the stage, where there’s plenty of room for a large group. The bride gets in free, but the $10/person cover for the other members of your party is well worth it.

After your night out, you’ll be in need of a restorative brunch at Louie’s Backyard Afterdeck. Enjoy a mimosa and tres leches French toast on the multi-level deck overlooking the ocean.

A Fresh Floral Backyard Tea Party Shower

This tea party shower was a true work of love by matron of honor Ashley and maid of honor Christianne. The two carefully planned every detail, from the floral arrangements designed by Christianne to the tea bag–shaped cookies monogrammed with bride Holly’s future last initial. The backyard was transformed with elegant tables set with gold chargers and purple linens. The effect is regal yet relaxed, as the guests sipped sparkling wine and mingled in the Houston sunshine. After tea, treats and a few shower games, the guests gathered in a circle around Holly and each shared what they love most about the bride-to-be. A few of the memories (especially the words from Holly’s mother) led to tearful hugs. Finally, the women prayed over Holly, sending their love and best wishes for her upcoming marriage and new life. What a perfect, beautiful way to share support and love for the bride before her big day!

Photography: Michelle Able Photography | Event Planning: Ashley Appling, Matron of Honor | Florals: Christianne Taylor, Maid of Honor | Catering: Swift + Company | Linens: What’s the Occassion Linens and Decor

A Lovely Peacock Blue Bridal Shower

Sometimes you have to take a moment to honor style—and this bride has it in spades. At first, you’re smitten with the floaty tulle skirt of her dress, accented with vibrant peacock feathers…and then she turns around and you’re like oooohh, lace back with buttons! And though her cobalt blue suede pumps might threaten to steal the show, it’s bride Rekha’s absolutely radiant energy that makes these snaps by Kimberly Photography so special. In every photo you see beaming faces—in fact, the theme of the shower could be love. Well, love and peacock feathers, of course. The vibrant blues, greens and purples used throughout the decor give an almost royal vibe to this beachfront shower in sunny Brandenton, FL.

Photography: Kimberly Photography | Gown: Olga’s Bridal | Hair and Makeup: Jessica Harjani with Michele Renee the Studio | Cake: Cakes by Ron

A Belly Dancing Hen Night in Zurich

Engaged and pregnant? Don’t skip your bachelorette night! The bachelorette party is about celebrating friendships and that certainly doesn’t require alcohol. Pregnant bride Justyna’s friends organized a surprise hen night for her, and asked photographer Nadine Jayaraj to tag along. After a quick photo session with the bride, the ladies headed to a belly dancing class (what a perfect way for pregnant Justyna to get in touch with her belly and what’s inside!). The group ended the night with dinner at Zurich’s Maison Blunt and toasted the bride with a touching video tribute. I’m so inspired by Justyna’s choice to celebrate and fully embrace two life-changing experiences at once—marriage and the arrival of her baby!

Photographer: Nadine Jayaraj | Belly Dance Instructor: Julie | Restaurant: Maison Blunt

An Urban Chic Same-Sex Bridal Shower

I cannot tell you how long I’ve been looking for a same-sex bridal shower to feature here. I try to show all different kinds of parties and people, so finding a shower for two brides has been on my list for some time. So when this gorgeous styled shoot by Laura Dee Photography hit my inbox, I maybe freaked out a litttttle bit. Inspired by the idea that “Carrie Bradshaw fell in love with Charlotte York,” this shower is a dream come true of urban chic styling with pops of color and plenty of fun. Just check out the stylish ombre pink and purple hair, stunning jewelry from TheNOTCH, moonshine mixology bar by Onyx and the one-eyed pug named Tater Tot. But what really stopped me in my tracks? The stunning portraits of the couple sharing a few quiet moments together. So perfect and sweet.

In terms of the etiquette behind throwing a gay wedding shower, the “rules” are still very fluid (i.e., who needs rules?). Many gay couples may choose to have a joint couples shower and may even celebrate their bachelorette party together. Others will want separate parties, especially if they have different groups of close friends or family in far-flung parts of the country. Follow the brides’ leads—they will discuss what they want and then share the plan with their bridesmaids and friends.

A London Garden Tea Party Shower

Bright colors, a pretty garden setting, lots of laughter, a candy-covered cake…what’s not to love about this thoroughly modern London tea party shower, captured by Ronnie and Rose Photography? The formal table set in the vibrant green back garden gave the occasion a Mad Hatter feel, as the ladies enjoyed tea and cake and mugged it up a bit with tiny hats and neon sunglasses. And though the toilet paper wedding dress tradition can be a bit silly, sometimes silliness must be embraced! Bride Nicky and her friends took paper fashion to a whole new level, creating flowy designs to model on their makeshift runway.