garden patio bridal shower

Garden Patio Bridal Shower

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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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


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