Event Planning: Southern Fete
Catering: Sam Trahan
Cake: Katie Bakes
Dessert: Gambino’s
Cake Pulls: Piperfields
Stationery: Inkling Design Studio
Florals: Flowers by Rodney
At the start of Anne’s wedding week, I participated by photographing her bridal luncheon. After being hired by Southern Fete I couldn’t have been more excited about working with Cassie again and photographing this lavish event for such a special bride.
Not only was the luncheon decor absolutely beautiful but I have to give major props to Cassie. She is SO organized and really knows how to efficiently get things done. The morning of the event I arrived to what was a torrential downpour outside the luncheon location. And despite that added stress (including having to move cars and carry decor in the pouring rain) Cassie kept her cool. She continued to attend to all matters at hand and create what was obviously a lovely, successful day. There were even a few unexpected challenges just before the guests arrived, but she always found a way to smooth things out.
Cassie gave the most eloquent and detailed description below of the luncheon:
“To know Anne is to know one of the most kindhearted and gentle spirited people. When working to create the design for Anne’s luncheon, we wanted every detail – from the wreaths on the front doors to the pink champagne – to highlight and reflect the qualities of Anne’s personality that everyone loves.
It all started with the invitation. I worked with Inkling Design Studio to create an invitation that inspired the remaining elements of the luncheon. Printed on the softest pink stock and sealed in a gold-lined ivory envelope, the laurel wreath invitation inspired the femininity that was carried through the remaining elements of the luncheon.The china, crystal, and flatware used on the guest tables belonged to one of the hostesses who was delighted to use it at this special event. The table centerpieces and crystal vases were also the hostess’ and included ivory and pink flowers including: hydrangea, garden roses, lisanthus,and Queen Anne’s lace (fitting right?).
The menu was another aspect that we wanted to capture Anne’s femininity and be aesthetically beautiful but equally delicious. Sam Trahan did an amazing job (as usual) with a potato and leek vichyssoise (a soup served at room temperature) with roasted prosciutto served in coffee cups and a jumbo crab Abbeville salad atop homegrown heirloom tomatoes finished with a Vidalia onion poppyseed dressing. The little ladies were served mac and cheese souffles! Are you jealous?
When Anne mentioned that she would like for her bridesmaids to participate in the Southern tradition of cake pulls, it was obvious to me to include a soft pink cake with combed butter cream icing! Anne’s charms from Piperfields all included bible verses related to the charm – some of which included a watering can, clock, bible, teapot, and bee. The dessert table also included custom sugar cookies embellished with Anne’s future monogram, petit fours, and a classic Southern punch – served in a beautiful Fostoria punch bowl one of the hostesses inherited from her mother.
One of my favorite details from the luncheon was the “Sweet Words” guests were asked to leave on the back of the RSVP cards, which was complied into a book and gifted to Anne by the hostesses. Tears flowed as Anne read the first card and decided to save the rest for after her luncheon! 🙂
Despite the rain that welcomed the luncheon guests, excitement resonated throughout the luncheon! It was truly a pleasure to be able to work alongside the three hostesses to create such a memorable event and one I won’t soon forget.”
