REAL PARTIES: Under the Tuscan Sun Bridal Shower

I’m so excited to share this latest “Real Party” feature with you… it’s a gorgeous ‘Under the Tuscan Sun” bridal shower featuring vibrant sunflowers and the rich colors of Tuscany. The hostess behind the party – Lina Wallace from A Stunning Affair - created this for shower for her sister-in-law and she did such a fantastic job…here are all the details on how she pulled everything together, as told by Lina herself:

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Laura’s Bridal Shower
When my sister-in-law, Laura got engaged, I immediately started thinking about ideas for her bridal shower. I felt so honored when her bridesmaids asked me to create something that would be not only unique, but also a reflection of the bride. When compiling ideas for a theme I thought of all of Laura’s favorite things:

• Favorite Color: Yellow
• Favorite Food: Pizza or anything Italian
• Favorite Flowers: sunflowers
• Favorite Dessert: Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
• Favorite drink: Anything with champagne =)

After much thought, I ended up with an “Under the Tuscan Sun” theme for the Bridal Shower. The color scheme was based on patterned ribbon, which was purchased from The Floral Supply Syndicate. Decorative candles and containers were all bought from Moskatels in Los Angeles.

The Bridal Shower was held at the Jerzy Residence (the home of her maid of honor). Upon arrival, guests walked down a pathway of sunflowers leading them to her backyard. Each place setting was topped with a sunflower that doubled as a bridal favor. All centerpieces had a Tuscan flare and also included lemons from the maid of honor’s garden.

The children sat at a separate table decorated with a centerpiece of flowers and lollipops, which they took home as party favors.

Guests’ first stop was at a table where they wrote “Words of Wisdom” for the bride to be. Laura is still talking about some of the comments written by her family and friends.

Invitees were then greeted by hosts, (Laura’s bridesmaids) and sipped on Peach Bellinis while listening to music by Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Louis Prima.

To continue with the Tuscan theme, lunch included some of the bride’s favorites: pizza, antipasto salad and garlic rolls. Yum, yum!

After lunch guests participated in a “Bridal Shower Jeopardy”. To familiarize themselves with the trivia, information cards were provided for anyone to review. Cards were discretely removed just before the game.

Laura then opened oodles of presents. My favorite was a “lady” given by the bride’s Aunt. The lady was made up of an iron for the body, a mop for the hair and an apron for her dress: practical items to be used for the home. Too cute!

The delightful afternoon ended with the bride’s favorite dessert: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting topped with a sunflower design created by Joeleen of A Sweet Design.

The bride’s mother also brought strawberries dipped in a yummy cream dip, which everyone loved!

Vendor Info:

• Photography: Christine Haws Photography
• Flowers, Planning and Décor: A Stunning Affair
• Linens and Rentals: AAA Rents and Events
• Cupcakes: A Sweet Design
• Invitations: Cards and Pockets

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Thanks for the inspiration, Lina! The shower truly was “a stunning affair”! ;)