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Nautical Bridal Shower - In Real Life

Our nautical bridal shower for my sister-in-law was a success (aside from the power in the loft going out, and it being 90 degrees in there!).  I've been posting crafting projects along the way, but I thought it would be nice to see it all come together.  I really enjoy doing these sorts of things!

Here is the room all finished, VERY rustic am-I-right?!

Thank goodness for those paper poms, they added little bright spots to the ceiling!

I was lucky enough to have DeLynn do the flowers for a crazy low price, her work over at Bella Fiori never diappoints!

I made the flags entirely out of paper products - stamps
came in handy for the "ahoy" typeface.


Favors were at each place setting - made out of corrugated kraft paper pillow boxes (via Paper Mart), paper lace (using a Martha hole punch), an anchor stamp (via Paper Source) and filled with gooey passion fruit flavored salt water taffy (via Candy Warehouse):

It was easy to transport them in my galvanized tray!


I did berry baskets at each centerpiece filled with custom made nautical-style buttons (why yes, of course I have a button maker):



I embellished ordinary pencils with printed masking tape and placed one at each seat along with our crossword puzzle about the bride:

The crossword was all questions the groom answered about
his bride - it was really hard actually!

With the help of Maria Pelley from Swell Ink, I had crosswords and cute litte anchor coasters at each setting.  I managed to pick up a pile of paper straws for the water glasses and I made drink flags for the guests' mimosas:

A bit blurry, but you can see the crossword under the plate
and the coaster under the glass.  Thanks Mia!

The tables came together nicely!

Rattan placemat via World Market (old) and mercury glass candle holder via Luna Bazaar.

At the welcome table we set up the bride's custom playlist (guests chose songs on their RSVP cards, and wrote out their good memories for our bride) and a tiny portable speaker playing her music:



Guests claimed prizes (nautical mugs from Anthropologie) for choosing a song she really adored!


We had to spruce up the room a bit, so I made my own garlands and bunting out of paper:

THANKS! (placed on the front of the gift table)

Navy and white garland wrapped around the railing.


The gift table always needs some love, so we grabbed yellow and white polka-dotted balloons and tied them to a giant monkey knot.  The striped box was for cards and the lovely fishing net style tablecloth was borrowed from a gracious cousin:

The kraft paper monogram letters were embellished with hand-drawn polka-dots.

Can't forget a welcome sign!



I had a wonderful group of people helping with set up - I could not have done it without them.  My mother-in-law was the bank roll (which was very trusting of her), so I ended up feeling like I was in Ocean's Eleven a little bit.  Thank Jesus for my mom - she picked up the flowers and let me boss her around for an hour...

This just goes to show you can do an awful lot with paper!

John and I - before the power shut off, haha!

I will update when I steal a picture of the bride and groom opening gifts!  They looked so cute!

HUGS!

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BHLDN Chicago

Friday I made a quick trip to the BHLDN store in Chicago to pick up a pair of sale shoes and a bridal shower gift.  I thought I'd share some of my photos with you guys so you could see how creative and lux their displays are (someone at that place gets it).  Enjoy!

The boutique has two floors (with a really lovely staircase) - I spent my time on the second floor trying on shoes and browsing decor.


An alcove full of wedding dresses - look at that wood floor!


Sale rack, seriously, that beauty in the front is tea-length and on sale for $250!




Don't worry, the fitting room has comfy seating (and a really cool paper backdrop).
 


This is accessory heaven - a partial photo of the wall of hats.


Shoes that I would steal...


Need to embellish your waist? Not a problem.



You can also try a buttery silk sash.


An array of glittery clutches.


The room full of decorations is sensory overload, these people have everything from striped straws to cocktail napkins in a variety of drool-worthy motifs:

Decor display - everything is for sale except the cake.


More decor with splashes of color - love the bride & groom glitter signs.



This store is a real work of art, it's right down the street from 900 N. Michigan & Water Tower - come check it out!

Image via BHLDN
 

HUGS!





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Buy These



Mason Jar Lids via Shop Sweet Lulu
 
...because they would be great for your summer party!


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This Makes Me Happy



Pretzel Pool Floaty

....my MIL should get this guy for her new pool.


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More Bridal Shower Prep

Let the crafting continue!


"AHOY" flags to nestle into the centerpieces



Bride and Groom signs for a bit of embellishment

I still have more to go!



HUGS!


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