Eek! Can one of my friends please, please, please get engaged stat so I can throw them a bridal shower as super cute as this one from Olivia Leigh Photographie??? Hello Darling+ Clementine Custom Events styled and planned a fun-lovin', colorful, detail-filled soiree. I love the bright and bold color palette which brings me back to roller rink birthday parties in the '80s and summertime sleepovers with my best friends. This is the perfect party for those of us who grew up on 90210 and Debbie Gibson with a little bit of retro goodness thrown in. Check out the full gallery to see the whole bash!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From Hello Darling... A few months back during “coffee talk”, we all got to chatting about some fun and unusual ideas for a bridal shower shoot. Trying to stray away from an ultra feminine and popular palette of pale peach, buttercream, and gold, we mused over the endlessly stylish “For Like Ever” poster with contrasting colors of bubblegum pink and cherry red and everything began to fall into place. We fell in love with a stunning Graham Atkins Hughes photograph of a woman donning a knee-length, Emerald green dress with colorful balloons spilling out from underneath it, and other blissfully bright textural images from doughnuts to décor. Our inspiration board grew into a playful story of two bridesmaids and a glowingly glam bride.
Take one part 1980’s slumber party, one part Lilly Pulitzer dress and you have our recipe for a stylish and celebratory bridal shower. Bridesmaids, Gwen and Quinn, arrived at Jane’s Restaurant in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood for a bridal brunch greeted by bride-to-be Mimi. The ladies wasted no time toasting to their gal pal at the customizable Bellini Bar. After the clink of a glass, and a few words to honor the blushing bride, the gals grabbed their personalized rainbow lollipops and cozied up in the mod white booth.
Strawberry garnished cocktails, fresh fruit, and scones atop vintage white scalloped gateau pedestals framed color blocked bouquets. Lemon yellow garden roses, tulips, spider mums, and craspedia in white boxes were tucked between mod turquoise vases highlighting luscious pink peonies and oh-so-hot lily of the valley. Without a doubt, these beauties brought the something old and something blue to this celebration. White eyelet-bordered plates wrapped in alternating shades of magenta and tangerine linen napkins held retro-prep, powder blue striped menu cards which tied together the boldly patterned sweets display and centerpieces in a pretty little package. Layers of glittery polka dot inspired décor hung above the table popping off the crisp white walls turning the modern soda shop into a whimsical oasis in the heart of this windy city. Jane’s first course of quiche and mixed greens was followed by a second course of beautiful strawberry crepes. The girls made sure to save room for the indulgent mini sweets buffet complete with classics like chocolate doughnuts with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate and red velvet whoopee pies, key lime and lemon pies with sugared citrus garnish, pastel pink cake pops and adorable umbrella cookies. The desserts were displayed atop custom fabric-wrapped pedestals and labeled with petite flags which complimented the paper suite.
After opening her brightly wrapped packages and reciting from the pages of her poetic Pablo Neruda paperback, Mimi presented each of her honorable bridesmaids with their own girly gifts. Chic costume jewelry nestled into blush pink peonies filled each of the Lucite favor boxes. The bridal party made their final toast and grabbing a few pretty blooms and sweets, they waved goodbye to their friend and the enchanted afternoon they all shared together.
Photography: Olivia Leigh Photographie / Floral + Décor Styling: Natalie Walsh of Hello Darling / Planning: Kelly Cavanaugh and Melissa Samek of Clementine Custom Events / Paper Goods: Kara Gordon of Magnificent Milestones / Desserts: Jewell Catering / Place Settings: Tablescapes / Linens: BBJ Linen / Hair + Make-up: Nika Vaughan / Wardrobe + Accessories: Anthropologie + Photographer's Own (Vintage) / Venue: Jane’s Restaurant / Models: Corey Doyle and Megan Klehr; Grossman and Jack; Sarah Stark