Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS

    25 Heart-Shaped Treats to Send to Your Valentine

    Sure, flowers are nice, but homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when they're heart-shaped.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Showers & Parties
  4. Bridal Shower
  5. A Tropical-Themed Surprise Bridal Shower in Laguna Beach, California
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Tropical-Themed Surprise Bridal Shower in Laguna Beach, California

By Amanda Reed
September 19, 2017
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

This bride's pre-wedding party was filled with florals, friends, and lots of DIY projects.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kara's Bridal Shower

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Kara met Kevin in high school, where they both spent many afternoons waiting for their rides after rehearsal for the big musical. They took each other to dances, went to see movies, and often ate lunch together. And then, on Kevin's 16th birthday, they realized they had fallen in like. Eight years later, the high school sweethearts became fiancés when Kevin proposed in a beautifully-lit gazebo nestled in a garden.

While the California couple was dreaming up their wedding, Kara's maid of honor, Hayden Crosby, was busy working with her mom, Regina of Crosby+Jon Design, on planning a bridal shower to remember. One month before the wedding, on April 2, 2017, Hayden surprised Kara with a modern and rustic soirée with 30 of her friends and family members at Sourced., a work and event space in Laguna Beach.

According to the bride-to-be, the day was a success. "I have been so engaged in planning my wedding, that it feels wonderful to just arrive at this beautiful shower that I didn't even have to think about," Kara says.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Stationery

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography
10 Affordable Bridal Shower Invitations You Can Print at Home

Megan Moe of Moe Paper Co. created invites with coordinating envelopes that matched the day's vibrant pink, citrus yellow, and juicy orange palette. "She even gifted me matching thank-you cards that I opened at the shower with the matching wrapping paper on the package," the bride-to-be says.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dressed to the Nines

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Kara was dressed head-to-toe in Free People, wearing a strappy maxi frock with lace and gold details. The morning of, she got a beachy blowout at DryBar.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Location

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

The shower took place at Sourced., where the celebration started at noon and ended in the late afternoon. "It's the bungalow of my dreams. If I cannot live there, I must at least plan parties there!" says Krista of Crosby+Jon.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chalking it Up

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Moe Paper Co. also drew this chalkboard sign for the shower, which gave a nod to Kara's wedding the following month.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

BFFL

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Kara's favorite moment of the day was having all of her favorite ladies together in one place. "There was a moment when I was up in the exposed attic looking down at everyone and feeling so lucky to have such kind, supportive, and loving people in my life," she says.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Amazing Art

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

The day featured artwork by Ali Rybczyk, who created palette-friendly paintings specifically for the event. Afterwards, Sourced. displayed the pieces in their show space.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

What's to Come

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Mannequins accessorized with a flower corsage and belt by Floral Fête previewed what guests would be making for the day. The brainchild of the maid-of-honor, the activity was inspired by the phrase, "April showers bring Kara's bridal flowers" and the bride-to-be's creative, crafty nature. "It was the perfect combination of something I love and something that fit perfectly with the vibe of the party," the bride says of the craft. "It was so meaningful to have her think up an activity that was so unique and specific to me!"

8 of 19

9 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Darling DIY

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

A flower necklace making station was set up outside, where guests could make their own living choker. A big sheet of paper saying, "Write a Wish to Kara" hung nearby, where everyone could give the bride-to-be a meaningful message. "It's something I will hold onto forever," she says.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Read All About It

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Attendees could also get group tarot card readings by Ali Rybczyk in the exposed attic.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fine Farm Fare

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Babette's prepared this farm-to-table inspired spread with chickpea hummus with farmer's market crudité, yogurt parfaits with mixed berries and granola, chickpea shawarma wraps, a signature salad, and a raw-pressed juice station.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

In Living Color

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography
How To Create a Faux Flower Wall for Your Wedding

Floral Fête made this living flower wall located behind the buffet table that gave a springtime vibe.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Just Desserts

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

For something sweet, scones, chocolate chip cookies, and vegan carrot muffins were set out on this dessert tower by Babette's.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turning Tables

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

All décor was provided by Archive Rentals, and was styled by Crosby+Jon Design. The white tables were set with a mix of chairs, including one coral seat for a pop of color.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pristine Place Settings

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography
The Prettiest Place Settings from Real Celebrations

Gold flatware and clear glass plates, plus different shades of green-and-yellow goblets, were placed at each seat. Centerpieces of roses, ranunculus, and baronia in a gold vases and small springs finished the scene.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wine About It

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

While sipping on sangria, guests could take a gander at these bottles from Speak Wines, which featured quirky labels with fun sayings like, "You're a Fox" and "And So the Adventure Begins."

16 of 19

17 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Cake

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

"My sweet grandma brought it, and it was such a cute surprise!" Kara says of the confection from French's Pastry in her favorite flavor, strawberry. "She had my husband and I drawn on it."

That wasn't the only surprise of the day—Kevin surprised her with a bouquet of flowers just as she was about to open gifts.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fine Favors

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Guests left with these White Volcano-scented Anthropologie candles, featuring a blend of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes, and redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens that matched the party theme. They were wrapped in twine and given out as a warm reminder of the cool, sunny Orange County day.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

Photography, Stewart Uy Photography

Location, Sourced.

Event Planning, Crosby+Jon Design

Catering, Babette's

Flowers, Floral Fête

Stationery, Moe Paper Co.

Cake, French's Pastry

Rentals, Archive Rentals

Bride's dress and accessories, Free People

Hair, DryBar

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Amanda Reed

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Martha Stewart Weddings
View All
  • Could Ditching Caffeine Be the Secret to Your Most Beautiful Wedding-Day Skin?
  • A Southeast Asian-Inspired Wedding in a Former Brooklyn Warehouse
  • Amal Clooney Just Revealed Her Favorite George Clooney Rom-Com—and It's Not What You Would Expect
  • Queen Elizabeth Is Planning a Surprise for Kate Middleton Ahead of Her and Prince William's 10th Anniversary
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 19 Kara's Bridal Shower
2 of 19 The Stationery
3 of 19 Dressed to the Nines
4 of 19 The Location
5 of 19 Chalking it Up
6 of 19 BFFL
7 of 19 Amazing Art
8 of 19 What's to Come
9 of 19 Darling DIY
10 of 19 Read All About It
11 of 19 Fine Farm Fare
12 of 19 In Living Color
13 of 19 Just Desserts
14 of 19 Turning Tables
15 of 19 Pristine Place Settings
16 of 19 Wine About It
17 of 19 The Cake
18 of 19 Fine Favors
19 of 19 Sources

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service
  • Media Kit
  • Sitemap
  • Martha's Blog
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • FAQ
  • Corporate
  • International

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

A Tropical-Themed Surprise Bridal Shower in Laguna Beach, California
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.