Jazziest of Fourths

I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend!  Mine was absolutely perfect – packed with family, friends, fireworks and so so SO much fun!
I’m excited to share some photos from our Bliss 4th of July Celebration!  All of the photos [shot by the adorable Katie from Studio This Is] are featured  here, where you can also read a bit more about our inspiration…but I wanted to share a few of my personal favorites:
As I described in the feature on Strictly Weddings, we wanted our 4th of July celebration to ooze with glamour and have an ultra fancypants feel.  Sequins [along with our stripes]!!  So we decided to host the evening on the rooftop of Katie’s home – under the stars, with jazz in the background, the skyline in the foreground and plenty of fun – all loosely inspired by the allure of the Golden Twenties.
Our single dining table was dressed in a dazzling rose gold sequin linen, layered with place-settings of gold, personalized placards featured each guests’ silhouette in gold foil and a rich navy box was  mounded with dozens of the most beautiful Red Charm peonies I could have ever daydreamt of. 
Martini’s and bubbly, for the most indecisive guest!
 Cheers!
The most richly-hued [and deliciously-tart] cherries, ever!
A sparkler bar to illuminate the night after the golden sun melted past the horizon.
Katie and I can never. shut. up.
We Bliss Belles and Beau always love a fun party game!  Here we tried to match the preferred cocktail to each appropriate person.
Dinnertime!
And the evening continued waay past all of our bedtimes…but we simply couldn’t have it any other way!

Real Celebration! Kara’s Baby Shower

Although my sweet little prince is over eight months old, yesterday’s lovely Chicago weather reminded me of the day that Renny, Katie and Jesse hosted my baby shower last year.

I have yet to post any the beautiful photos, and while I honestly can’t quite remember what life was like before Carter Jackson stole my heart, I do vividly recall just how many special and stunning details The Gang put into my special day.  
In a surprising turn of events, Renny, Katie and Jesse decided on a nautical-themed baby shower of Navy, White and Yellow for me.  I honestly giggled with glee and shouted my adoration as tears of appreciation and joy trickled down my face.  
And here’s why:
A custom navy and white cabana was erected on Renny’s lawn, providing a luxurious backdrop for the single, long dining table contained within.  A perfect lunch was put together by Renny, Katie and the help of Nicole of longtime favorite, Blue Plate Catering.
Jesse designed all of the flowers – an undulating collection of perfection in whites, yellows, navy and green.  Jesse used milk glass, crystal and hammered gold for all of the pieces and knew precisely what flowers would make me nutty with love:  Ranunculus, fluffy roses, hydrangea, whimsical chamomile, privet berry and velvety geranium foliage.
A darling beverage station was set-up in front of the hedges and included mango mimosas, wine, blueberry lemonade and sparkling water.
Guests were encouraged to fill out cards of advice for me.  [HELP!]
Even the area to collect gifts was perfectly staged!

The day was nearly as special as my wedding day – knowing how Joel and I had deeply longed for a child.  Renny, Katie and Jesse put on the most beautiful and spectacular shower a gal could ever dream of!

SO much love and appreciation to my dear, dear friends!

Xx.