Bella Sposa

Ti Amero per Sempre

Celebrating the glorious occasion of getting married is equally a gift for the bride and groom as it is for the family and friends that are blessed to witness them basque in their magnificence at the altar. 

This past year, I had the pleasure of supporting my dear friend, Rachel Roff, soon-to-be Mrs. Rachel Daniels, while she planned her upcoming breathtaking wedding ceremony in Lake Como, Italy.

Rachel and her husband, Javin Daniels, owner, and Lead Broker of one of Charlotte's premiere real estate firms, Daniels Real Estate Group, are amazing people who deserve all the pomp and circumstance. 

I was honored when Rachel asked me to be at her bridal party. Not only was I excited to travel to Lake Como, Italy, to watch her in real time float down the altar like a goddess and celebrate her big day. I was equally elated to plan her an exquisite bridal shower fit for a Capo Donna Bella Sposa. 

As this piece is published, I am 6 months post-pardon with my fourth baby in 6 years. You read that correctly; the translation is "Mama is tired." So to curate the vibe necessary to celebrate Rachel properly, I contacted one of the best event planners in Charlotte. 

Meet the team that successfully executed the ultimate bridal shower bliss.

Our photographer and videographer, Kristen Agee @agee_k, did a fantastic job capturing the moment. 

Robbie McNair, Founder and Creative Director of Babes on the Run @babesontheruntour is the Olivia Pope of successfully executing an event. EVERY SINGLE DETAIL was handled. She is equally fierce as she is creative. We collectively decided a bridal shower brunch would be a great way to celebrate the bride-to-be and her guest. I agreed that a bridal shower brunch would be 

“in tutto il mondo non ci sono mai abbastanza bei fiori”

One of the most breathtaking elements of the bridal shower was the flowers. 

Flowers are God's gift to us. They are visually stimulating and reinforce a sense of serenity and elegance in any environment. Rachel and I love beautiful flowers as decor for special occasions and for everyday comfort to arrange within our home or workspaces.

I knew florals were one element that we had to deliver. Valerie, Owner, and Lead Creative of Xpressions Floral & Design @xpressions_floraldesigns, did not disappoint. Val created whimsical yet stunning floral arrangements for the tablescape, consisting of beauties like peonies, roses, and Italian ruscus. She and Robbie also went the extra mile and curated a custom floral arranging class for the bridal shower guest. This was such a treat.

We learned from the expert herself on many essential topics like how to care for our florals, proper tools for curating beautiful arrangements, select florals based on the occasion and temperament of the flowers, and insider florist secrets on how to make luxurious, delicate arrangements. This class was not only informative for participants, it was also peaceful and fun. 

Nothing screams "it's a celebration" like balloons. Sharelle Harlan, owner and lead Creative Director for Harlan Hause of Design @harlan_haus, is a balloon art genius. Her ability to make large-scale balloon masterpieces is mind-blowing. She is the exceptional mind behind the giant Barbie Box from Journei's Epic 3rd Birthday party, as seen HERE

A party is not a party without a custom-curated cocktail list. The resident mixologist for Babes on the Run Tour, @allthingsprettylit, and her crafted cocktails were immaculate. Full transparency, my rule of thumb for any event serving food and beverage is this, if the food is good, that's great, but if the cocktails are equally exceptional, you are stepping into another realm of excellence. Watching our mixologist construct a cocktail was like witnessing a liquid masterpiece formed in real time. 

We named the cocktails with an Italian motif to honor the bride's big day in Italy. 

BELLA SPOSA "The Beautiful Bride"

FIG WHISKEY SOUR: Traditional whiskey sour went to Italy and grew up.

Whiskey Bourbon, lemon, fig syrup, egg white, and orange bitters.

CAPO DONO "The CEO"

LIMONCELLO MARTINI

Can't have an Italy themed party without a limoncello martini -

Homemade limoncello, vodka, and fresh citrus.

AMORE MERAVIGLIOSO “Beautiful Love”

HONEY BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITA

Reposado Margarita, but make it Milan.

Reposado Tequila, blood orange syrup, honey, and lime.

BELLA ROSA (MOCKTAIL) "Beautiful Rose"

CUCUMBER MINT FIZZ (MOCKTAIL)

Fresh mint and cucumber with lime and ginger beer.

Lime juice, cucumber, and mint topped with ginger beer.

SPRITZ "BAR"

Assortment of fresh and dried fruits, herb, club soda, traditional white, and alcohol-free wine.

One thing you will do in Italy is eat fantastic food, and an Italian-themed bridal shower deserves a delicious spread, so we hired Chef Fran @franij  of Made from  @madefromscratchnyc to recreate an epic culinary experience that delighted her guest. 

Her decadent menu included:

Lobster Scampi (Claw/Knuckle meat) & Creamy Grits, 

Garlic & Herb Crusted Lamb Pops w/Balsamic Glaze over Gold & Sweet Potato Hash, 

Thick Sliced French Toast w/Fruit Compote,

Made to order Omelet Station 

Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Bruschetta,

Mini Avocado Croissant Toast w/Seasoned Tomato,

Balsamic Glaze & Crumbled Feta

Mini Chili Lime Chicken Skewers w/mango salsa

Cinnamon Roll Waffles w/Cream Cheese Icing

Fresh Berries, Fresh Fruit Platter & Assorted Pastries (Orange, Pineapple & Strawberry), Spring Mix Salad (Spring Mix, Blueberries, Craisins, Cucumber, Feta, Glazed Pecans & Red Onion)

Because Rachel loves decor and celebrations, for this shower, I asked myself, what element can we add to her special day that would elevate this celebration even more? The answer is a bridal shower-themed bubble house, and Bitty Bounce House, @bittybounceclt of Charlotte, did not disappoint. It was so fun to watch her dance inside the bubble house. I firmly believe adults love celebrating in a bounce house just as much as kids do. 

When hosting a dinner party or brunch soirée in your home, add a layer of personalization to the tablescape if you want your guest to feel extra exceptional. Robbie used beautiful personalized acrylic name place cards from @nchootandholler to elevate the exquisite tablescape. 

What's a party without dessert? @qtoure never disappoints with her sweet treats and dessert. For this shower, she created custom treat boxes for the guest, which were beautiful and delicious.

For more information about each of the phenomenal vendors used to execute this celebration, follow them below:

@xpressions_floraldesigns

@agee_k

@babesontheruntour

@harlan_haus 

@allthingsprettylit

@franij   @madefromscratchnyc

@bittybounceclt

@nchootandholler

@qtoure