Cocktails, Canapes and a Couples Shower

When a very good friend Dorie came to me and said she needed help planning her shower, I immediately knew she would not be having the traditional women only daytime event. Instead, I suggested she throw a couple's shower - and make it a cocktail party. No cheesy gift opening, no games, no women-only crustless sandwiches...instead we threw the coolest cocktail party Soho has ever seen.Chic and sophisticated was my goal when designing this event, which was held at a loft on Crosby Street. The loft decor has very bold purple couches and deep wood and metal accents, so I had to be careful when choosing a color scheme. I stuck with silver, white & gold and added in bright pops of purple and deep pink flowers to compliment the space. At the entrance, I placed a small marble pedestal table. On top sat mercury glass vases filled with bright blooms and a gorgeous cluster of silver, white and marbled balloons. To the string, I tied a black and white couple of the photo taken during their engagement. A simple statement that set the tone for the event to come. I placed a few more monochromatic balloons clusters throughout the space, and used the strings to clip many photos of the couple and their family/friends throughout the years. This was the perfect way to showcase their love story that spanned over a decade.

Custom cocktail napkins and coasters are always a fun way to add a little personalization to an event. It happened to be the Groom's birthday that week, so Dorie wanted to surprise him with a cake. I reached out to our girl Angela at Making that Cake and we came up with this amazing design. This is the ultimate cake for a die-hard Michigan fan marrying a die-hard Maryland fan! I was obsessed with this topper I found on Etsy! When we started discussing food and catering, it was evident that Dorie wanted something different, out of the ordinary; Pinch Food Design is just that. Not only is the food mouthwateringly good, but their presentation is unlike anything I have seen before. Have you ever seen crudite look so amazing? This is their hedge bar which was set along the kitchen island for guests to nibble on when they first arrived.What followed was equally as amazing. In-between rounds of passed small bites and plates were "interactions" where guests were dazzled by the unique presentations. Here are homemade flatbreads hanging from a copper rod! Leave it to Pinch to making eating and drinking easy to do at the same time. When serving small plates, they use dishes that have a ridge underneath so you can rest them on top of your water or wine glass. The dishes also have a place for your fork prongs so no forks accidentally fall to the floor. Genius! We drank a ton that night, but my favorite part was the beverage cooler - guests were able to help themselves...and boy did they ever! It was a great night with family and friends - the best kind of party. Congrats to these two love birds!

Images by: Stephanie Mann