A luxurious French royal theme gives that je ne sais quoi to the traditional bridal luncheon. Usually hosted by a woman in the bride’s family on the morning of the rehearsal dinner, the event is an opulent way to honor the mothers, aunts and bridesmaids – and the perfect time to present maids with their gifts.
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ABOVE LEFT A stunning menu card (It’s Inviting) with a monogram detail gives guests a taste of what’s to come. ABOVE RIGHT A mid-morning menu could include a strawberry salad, summer garden quiche and strawberry cinnamon tea bread (Shamrock Rose & Thistle).
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Layers of tulle and tablecloths (Miller’s Grand Events) create a magnificent foundation for a lush flower runner (Dennis Harris, Zimlich the Florist) and sparkling crystal candlesticks (Antiques at the Loop). Très elegante! Metallic fascinators (Debra’s) double as sparkling clips to pull the layers together. Guests will feel royal sipping champagne with raspberries from elegant crystal flutes (Claude Moore).
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ABOVE LEFT To set a table par excellence, place Royal Crown Derby’s Arboretum behind Gold Aves (Claude Moore) and accompany with Francis I (Expressions Select Accessories). ABOVE RIGHT Garden roses and hydrangeas are standouts in an exquisite long, shallow floral centerpiece (Dennis Harris, Zimlich the Florist).
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ABOVE LEFT Dripping in jewels, Madelyn, Christy and Mollie wear blush and floral ensembles, ideal for a luncheon. On Madelyn Flutter-sleeve top and ivory skirt (Debra’s). On Christy Cream, lavender and chartreuse dress (Debra’s). On Mollie Pink printed dress (Debra’s). White chair (Five Gold Monkeys). ABOVE RIGHT An extravagant three-tiered cake (The Little Cake Shop) is a statement centerpiece and dessert in one.
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ABOVE LEFT Très petit sweets are the order of the day. No spread is complete without French macaroons (Flour Girls), petit fours (Pollman’s Bake Shop) and a powdered doughnut tree, reminiscent of the manicured gardens of Versailles. Accessories (Claude Moore, Antiques at the Loop). Bookcase (Five Gold Monkeys). ABOVE RIGHT Even at a decidedly Francophile event, you can honor Southern tradition with a “cake pull” by baking silver charms (Gold Art) between layers of the cake, and leaving the ribbon dangling outside. Before the cake is cut, the bridesmaids each pull a charm – here, a claddagh, for friendship and loyalty; an Eiffel Tower, for love of travel; and a carriage, for the next to have a baby.
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ABOVE LEFT Rose, robin’s egg blue and mint green French macaroons (Flour Girls) are light, airy and extra sweet. ABOVE MIDDLE Miniature cakes (Pollman’s Bake Shop) dressed up like little packages with white fondant bows are pretty finales. ABOVE RIGHT Loads of gold bangles (Lamberth Lyle Fine Jewelry, Five Gold Monkeys) are a necessary extravagance.
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ABOVE LEFT Feather and brooch embellished silk peep-toes (Gianni Bini, Dillard’s) are the icing on the cake. ABOVE RIGHT Sheree’s shimmering silk and lace suit (Debra’s) is a perfect complement to Christy’s splendid floral dress (Debra’s). China teacups (Claude Moore.)
HAIR by Jennifer Savell
MODELS Sheree Legg, Madelyn King, Mollie Moss and Christy Self
PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE by Allison Woodham
RESOURCES
Antiques at the Loop • 2103 Airport Blvd. 476-0309. antiquesatloop.com
Claude Moore • 3700 Dauphin St. 380-9400. claudemoorejeweler.com
Debra’s • 4068 Old Shell Road. 343-7463.
Dillard’s Bel Air • 3300 Bel Air Mall. 471-1551. dillards.com
Expressions Select Accessories • 1854 Airport Blvd. 473-4948.
Five Gold Monkeys • 4350 Old Shell Road. 344-4051. fivegoldmonkeys.com
Flour Girls Bakery • 740 Hillcrest Road. 634-2285. flourgirlsbakery.net
Gold Art • 4305 Old Shell Road. 342-6303. goldartjeweler.com
It’s Inviting • 5550 Old Shell Road, Suite A. 460-0738.
The Little Cake Shop • 10198 Hwy 31, Spanish Fort. 621-9097.
Miller’s Grand Events • 25341 Hwy 181, Daphne. 625-4910. millersgrandevents.com
Pollman’s Bake Shop • 750 S. Broad St. 438-1511.
Zimlich the Florist, Dennis Harris • 95 N. Sage Ave. 473-3501. zimlichtheflorist.com
text and production by Margaret McCrummen, photos by Matthew Wood
