Martha Stewart Weddings

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

By Amanda Reed
September 19, 2017
Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!"

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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.

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Read All About It

Credit: Stewart Uy Photography

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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

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