Don’t you love when you work on something over a period of time and it all comes together seamlessly?! This weekend was one of those weekends. Over the summer, I decided I wanted to throw a hometown shower for one my oldest and dearest friends, Anne Marie. We have such a long history together with our families, that it only felt fitting to throw her a party to remember. I knew it had to reflect her vibrant and colorful style. She has a Kate Spade decorum that truly embodies her vivacious and bold personality. If you truly know someone well, it is easy to find the perfect palette to celebrate them.
The shower was held at The Birchwood Hotel in our hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida. I was having lunch there with my mom and grandmother this summer, when we looked out at the boxwood walled courtyard and knew immediately that it was the perfect place for the luncheon. I teamed up with Anne Marie’s Maid of Honor, and together we worked back and forth to make this a truly special Saturday in January. We decided to go for black and white stripes mixed with pops of pink and gold. It had such a fun and flirty feel. Everyone felt right at ease in this enchanting courtyard setting, with the effortless excitement of constantly passed mimosas and always flowing Chardonnay.
I have always been a big believer that if you are going to do something, do it right. No one likes a boring party, and a bridal luncheon is hopefully a once in a lifetime party! It is a great way to celebrate a friendship, a bride, and an upcoming marriage that is surely one for the story books. #OnceUponATimm
Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood
Venue: The Birchwood Hotel
Flowers: Braun’s Fine Flowers
Napkins: LB Originals
Cake: Sweet Divas Chocolates
Place Cards and Serving Tray: Kate Spade
Walls of boxwood make the ideal backdrop for any party! I knew the gold chivari chairs were a necessity for this intimate courtyard space.
Tiered levels of flowers in gold mercury vases gave a nice shine and reflective quality to the table.
A mimosa bar with the wedding hashtag monogrammed on the napkins created by Memorable Wedding on Etsy. The server also put strawberry in the champagne for a nice touch!
I came across this Kate Spade tray that has “Fancy Another ?” written on the inside. We used some of the extra party favors of personalized champagne bottles in the background.
The bride! Could she be more Town & Country worthy in this moment. Playful, preppy, and totally embracing this feminine moment to shine as the bride to be!
Do you love the napkins!?! I mean how can you not! They allow for any party to become personal. I knew I wanted these to be my gift to the bride, so I didn’t hesitate to contact my favorite monogram instagram friend LB Originals. She did a superb job creating a 4 letter monogram!!! The best!!
The present table was shared with the game table. That glittered gold fish bowl was created by the Maid of Honor to house everyone’s favorite memory of the bride. It also makes a huge difference to frame any game instructions. Much more polished and put together!
The cake was simple, yet detailed with fresh roses and gold foil dots. Sweet Divas Chocolates absolutely blew away every guest’s tastebuds with this vanilla and fresh strawberry cake. Sadly, I only had a bite of my friend’s cake in the chaos of the party. My biggest regret of the day!
These notecards were another great find by the Maid of Honor. She had guests write down their favorite Date Night ideas and Words of Wisdom. These were then put into a photo album and given to the Bride at the end of the event.
I insisted on printing my own menus for the party. I found this great template by Grace Designs on Etsy. The header was ideal for my theme. I was able to download the menu straight into Word and play with the other fonts and colors on the menu. 
Could you ask for a more perfect bride!! 
Pretty and playful tablescape!
Flowing wine and conversation. It is always great to mix people up and keep some familiar faces together. Showers are a great time to mix extended family and likewise groups of friends. 
The bride’s seat! I think it is always important to dedicate a seat just for her!
Such an adored bride-to-be!
Personalized freixenet champagne bottles as party favors! Kate Spade place cards made for an ideal addition to every seat. Like any good hostess knows, place cards are very important!
Black and White, Pink and Gold. 
A perfect bridal shower for a perfect friend.