My cousins and I are so close, we’re more like sisters. Our sweet friend Sheila even coined us the “sister-cousins” and I think that’s the best way to put it. I was the first of the four to get married and Nikki, the second oldest, is now next up (just a few weeks away!)! So when it came to Nikki’s bridal shower I quickly volunteered to help my mom host as I wanted to make it extra special. Although somewhere in the mix of the planning stages I kicked mom out and went running with the details myself–it was just too much fun! In fact, I’m ready for the next two to get hitched just so I can help with the party planning all over again. Just sayin’ ladies!
Finding the perfect location is always the most difficult step out of any party planning process, in my opinion. I knew Nikki wouldn’t want anything overly stuffy and so I asked around and did a little location scouting throughout San Francisco. Once I discovered Stable Cafe’s back patio I knew the coffee shop garden was just the tucked away gem of a setting I had been looking for. It’s located in the Mission, just doors down from Everlane actually, which adds to the cafe’s low-key and cool vibe. By early evening we basically had the entire place to ourselves!
As for the details–I knew Nikki would be up for wearing a floral crown (what bride isn’t really?) and so I had my new favorite Sacramentan florist (Thistle and Honey) make her a white crown and the rest of the guests floral barrettes which they were given (along with a glass of champagne) upon arrival.
Nikki will be moving to China after her August wedding as her husband-to-be, Matt, has been relocated to work with Apple abroad. I thought it would be fun to tie in the China-theme somehow (in as non-cheesy of a way as possible) and included the symbol of love and happiness on the guest’s name cards.
And for the best part! A dessert and coffee bar. The chocolate raspberry and carrot cakes were from my personal favorite, Miette. My aunt brought an assortment of homemade cookies and my mom brought a variety of summer berries. Everything was served on mix-matched china that belonged to our grandmother and great-grandmother. Such a sweet touch as they would be so happy their china was used on this special day!
And now it’s just count down until the big day! Love you Nikki!
* You can find details about my look as well as my tips for what to wear to a bridal shower here. And as a little reminder, if interested I’m hosting a Twitter chat with PayPal today from 12pm-1pm PT. Tweet at me with any wedding style q’s using #PPstylecouncil and I’ll do my best to answer! xx
Photography by Michelle Drewes
