Happily Ever After

My sister Mandi's bridal shower was a huge success! I think everyone had a lovely time, especially the bride. :) This is a picture heavy post and I hope you enjoy! We did a "Happily Ever After" theme in Cinderella colors of pale blue, white, silver and black. My mother made the gorgeous wreath above.



I made Mandi a banner that we hung over the main table.



We decorated with white pumpkins and black leaves on cake stands and lots of silver serving dishes.



We even used "fancy" paper goods including plastic cutlery that looks like real silver flat ware! All that white milk glass was a really lucky thrift store find on Friday morning. Oh and check out the cute rings tied to the napkins . . .



My cousin Lisa made this gorgeous cake:



It's based on this cake from Martha Stewart Weddings. Isn't it amazing?

The favors were Italian inspired:



The boxes are called Italian favor boxes and inside are the traditional five Jordan almonds. In traditional Italian weddings, five almonds signify five wishes for the bride and groom: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.

Speaking of tradition, in 1970 my great-grandmother Mary Fiore made a shower umbrella to use for my Aunt Pam's bridal shower. That umbrella has now been used for every family and close friends shower ever since.

We decorated Mandi's umbrella with blue bows, blue tissue flowers and a glass star to wish upon. :) You can see a better picture here. Blogger wouldn't let me upload this one for some reason.

We also left this little guy on Mandi's chair:

He was one of my favorite decorative elements!

And just to show you that craftiness runs in the family, this chest was made by my Dad:

Isn't it wonderful? Instead of the traditional bridal shower wishing well we decided to have a "Princess Dowry" and ask each guest to bring a little something for Mandi's treasure chest.

And here is the bride to be checking out her booty!

Congratulations Mandi! Ryan is one lucky guy.

Cheers,

Rebecca