I’ve realized over the last few years of hostessing that it can be surprisingly tough to throw parties for people I know the best. While I may have an idea of what they like and dislike better than most, there’s always that feeling in the back of my mind, “Is it enough? Will they feel as known and loved as they should?” Those same doubts crept into my mind as we began planning a bridal shower for my sister, Dana, one of the people I’m closest to in the world. But, teamed up with my mom and sister Kristen and with the help of my wonderful aunt and cousins who hosted us in their home, I think we pulled it off–a bridal shower brunch that was totally Dana, through and through.

After planning so much of the wedding solo while Ian was deployed, Dana wanted nothing to do with the shower plans. I sent her a few different inspiration boards early on so she could at least choose the direction, which is how we landed on a “jewel-toned brunch,” with a design largely inspired by this wedding from the Southern Weddings archives that Dana has always loved. From there, we tried to fill the morning with things Dana loves: gorgeous flowers, flower crowns (when she decided not to wear one for her wedding, I knew I wanted to include them in the shower!), mimosas, chicken and waffles, my mom’s pecan tarts, and the blueberry maple cake that Ian had vetoed as a wedding cake flavor, ha! We were so happy with how it all came together, and most of all, that Dana had her signature smile on her face the entire time :)

Dana’s dress: Eternal Ivory (also seen in this post) | Flowers and crowns: Ten Fold Floral | Calligraphy: Kristen Olson | Bagels: Nervous Charlie’s | Cake: Capital City Bakery | Napkins: Paper Source | Picture frames: Target | My dress: Gal Meets Glam Collection | The real MVP who held down the fort at home while I flew to Austin for the weekend: Dave Kirk ;)