Black and Gold Bridal Brunch

This black and gold bridal brunch that my friend Hannah hosted for her friend is full of sweet details. My little spray painted alphabet signs were just the tip of the black and gold iceberg.

The bride, Karen, had planned lots of soft colors for her wedding reception, so Hannah wanted to do something totally different and use bold gem tones and gold for this intimate event. When we first started planning, we knew a mimosas and a waffle bar were on the “must-do” list and started from there.

I showed Hannah a picture of this floral arrangement on a black and white striped runner with kumquats, thinking it would be cute to use some citrus in the flower arrangements. While that didn’t happen (kumquats are a little hard to come by in the Midwest), she made a gorgeous striped table runner to serve as the jumping off point for the decor.

Gold, black stripes, and gem tones. There was nothing subtle about this decor, but it all played so well together that the overall effect was stunning and almost felt French.

I found the little gold frame for $2 at the dollar store. Two dollars!!! You know I stocked up on a couple five of those puppies. Please don’t look too closely at my crooked handwriting…I made the menu sign about 20 minutes before guests arrived.

Hannah made honey butter in the shape of a heart using candy molds. Such a personal touch, and it’s easy for guest to add to their plate when you’re serving food buffet style.
You could be proper and say “scones”, but sometimes Hannah likes to call them “sconies”…kind of like scones that are your homies. I know. I’m ridiculous, but I will hang with some scones any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Party casualty of the morning was one of those adorable cream bottles. As I was arranging something on the food bar, I felt the strap break and my camera start sliding down my back. It was either the camera or Hannah’s ceramic creamer. I went with instinct, and caught the camera from crashing on the tile, but the creamer shattered into a hundred beautiful little pieces. So sad! (There’s a reason that photographers aren’t supposed to have a hand in the event set up; they do too much at once and end up breaking things.)

The bridesmaids’ gift to Karen was a scrapbook full of memories. Each of them made two pages with pictures and trinkets that represented their friendship over the years.

In turn, Karen bought each of her bridesmaids a purse that she thought represented their personality. This was such a thoughtful and personalized gift idea. Each girl opened up their bag to find a unique-to-them purse. (Note to my bridesmaids: I apologize for the hideous Target earrings I got you. Forgive me. It was pre-Pinterest.)It’s obvious how much Hannah values her friendship with Karen…She not only helped to plan her wedding, but threw her this gorgeous brunch (while pregnant, no less). It’s always such a treat to share such special moments in people’s lives as they celebrate with their “kindred”.

…and ONE last look at the table because, c’mon, it’s just too gorgeous.