Up, Up & Away {Stephanie's Baby Shower}

Hosting this shower for my sweet friend Stephanie was the MOST fun & excitement I've ever had planning a party. Not only because she is one of my dearest friends in the world, but because this journey to pregnancy has been a long and difficult road. There were many prayers sent up to heaven for this sweet baby girl to come down to my wonderful friends. The joy of this event was so much more than gifts and dessert--It was a celebration of Stephanie. I cried many happy tears in anticipation, for now it was her turn to be showered with love. After all the love and support we've received from her, we finally were able to give that back, and oh how happy that made my heart. 

The theme of Stephanie's shower was decided long before we knew what she was even having. Elizabeth, Kristi and I decided on whimsical hot air balloons and colors of peachy pinks & shimmery golds. I loved it all so much! Especially because I felt like it was SO Stephanie. Liz designed this invitation and I squealed when I saw it. Don't you just love it?!?! Me too!!

As part of the party decor and as a gift to Stephanie for her nursery, I painted these canvases with hot air balloons. I mimicked Liz's invite design with the balloon carrying a baby, as if delivered from above. 

I made all of the decorations for the shower and our friend Meg made a comment that I'm like Elf (ya know, from the movie Elf) when he stays up decorating the mall. I laughed so hard because I truly felt like that while staying up cutting and gluing night after night. Hilar, right? 

Cutting and sewing these garlands was probably the most time extensive decoration, but was my very favorite! I wish I had a daughter--I would totally hang them in her room. 

Elizabeth came to town and stayed the night with me on Friday. We stayed up setting the table and working on food together. It was a brunch shower so we planned the menu around brunch foods and did most of the prep ahead of time. We served mini coconut cream pies, mini pancake stacks, phyllo egg cups, melon + prosciutto bites, scones, spinach puffs and coconut granola parfaits. Thank goodness Stephanie is so loved because three of our girlfriends offered to help with the menu. Terena made pancakes and spinach puffs and Chrissie and Janine made scones--Thank you, girls!!! Elizabeth crafted up the little food name tags for the display table. They were perfect. 

We set up the buffet with plates, cups, napkins and drinks. 

Kristi was in charge of the party favors and she did such an amazing job! She planted succulents in these tiny pails and added gold and peach details with tiny thank you flags. I have the most creative friends. They were by far the cutest party favors I've ever seen. 

There were almost 50 girls at Stephanie's shower so luckily we had some seating outside to help accommodate. I threw a runner and some lace on the patio table and called it a day. 

Stephanie looked radiant all day. I love my girls! 

I was beyond excited when I found this dress and tiny bows for Stephanie. I can't wait to see baby girl in it!

Several girls had to skip out before our group photo but you can see how very loved she is. Thank you to all who helped with and attended Stephanie's shower!

Hugs to you all!