Wedding Photographer + MOH = Styled Bridal Shower

Today I am really excited to share a project that I’ve pretty much been working on for the last two months straight… my sister’s bridal shower! So, what do you get when your MOH is a wedding photographer and planning your event? An overly detailed, whimsical styled shoot!

I definitely took the opportunity to go all out for Beth’s shower and bring my “ultimate bridal shower fantasy party” to life. Yes, cue the confetti and balloons flying in the air! This shower was full of warm copper and blush tones with accents of sage green and lace, inspired from her wedding details. Of course there was cake and flowers, macarons and sequin runners… anything fun, flirty and sophisticated.

Every detail was accounted for during the day. We had a eucalyptus and baby’s breath wreath with flowing tulle hung on the door to welcome guests inside. They were then greeted with the aromas of grapefruit and sugar from dessert table and essential oil diffuser in the main living room. There were decorated activity stations for guests to read bios about each bridesmaid in Beth’s bridal party, as well as a dating and marriage advice station, “guess the corks” station and recipe card station. I also designed a custom MadLibs card for guests to have some fun giving Beth and Steve some “advice” for wedded bliss. My goal was to create unique and fun opportunities for the women to engage with Beth and all have the chance to offer her their own advice as a wife, mother, etc.

We decided to offer a full “cocktail hour” inspired lunch menu including dishes like grilled balsamic chicken breast, cashew, craisin and cucumber quinoa, shrimp cocktail, loaded sliders, cheese and olive spread with crackers, hummus and pita, grilled vegetables, beet and feta salad, caesar salad, rigatoni vodka, orecchiette mozzarella and basil, vegetable cups and pesto with mozzarella and tomato. We also had a mimosa bar, white and blush chilled wines, sangria and colorful assorted juices to choose from to drink as well.

Our dessert table was equally extensive including a rosette piped buttercream cake, red velvet cupcakes, Ferraro Rocher chocolates, truffles, assorted wafers, cake pops, raspberry and key lime macarons, fruit skewers, chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels and chocolate dipped rice krispie treats.

Our guests (and Beth!) were surprised with a special video presentation – a docu-parody video prepared by me, my husband and Beth’s Fiance, Steve. The video showcased interviews of some of Beth’s closest “family and mentors”… all impersonated by her hilarious Fiance. The video was a HIT and had everyone belly laughing for its full 20 minutes. It ended with a blooper reel to Katy Perry’s hit song, “Roar,” (which everyone was doing by the end of the show).

Beth then opened gifts while we offered dessert. She sat among some of my favorite features of the shower – a floral decorated mantle with green and white hanging wisteria, ivy vines and hydrangeas, and a floral grapevine wreath wrapped in chiffon and accented with blush peonies and ranunculus. Remember that trending photo on Insta with the bride sitting on the floral wreath swing!? Mini version, right here… Check. Guests sat in silver chiavari chairs during the gift opening while crossing off their bridal bingo as cards as Beth opened each gift.

At the close of the event, each guest departed with a handmade Himalayan grapefruit infused salt scrub and a grapefruit-aloe lotion favor. Overall, the event was beautiful and truly an “experience” for our guests, which was the gift we wanted to give each of them.

Enjoy!

SHOOT LOCATION: BASKING RIDGE, NJ

FLORAL WREATH & MANTLE: DIY FROM MICHAEL’S • LACE DRESS: ADRIANNA PAPELL • CHAIR RENTALS: TAYLOR RENTAL • SERVING DECOR: HOMEGOODS • PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNE MOLNAR PHOTOGRAPHY