The Engagement Party of My Dreams
This past weekend, we hosted the engagement party of our dreams, and I truly mean that. Every detail came together more beautifully than we ever imagined, and being surrounded by our favorite people in such a magical setting made it all the more special. It was romantic, relaxed, and elegant, and the fact that it happened right in our own backyard made it feel even more meaningful.
The Setting
Our backyard was completely transformed into the garden party of our dreams. We rented long tables, draped them in soft ivory linens, and hung crystal chandeliers over the dinner area for the most magical, ethereal vibe. The contrast of formal chandeliers with the wild greenery surrounding us made everything feel whimsical and elevated.
Fresh flowers were everywhere- on the tables, hanging from twine in the trees, and tucked into mason jars on cocktail tables. The tablescape featured woven chargers, gauzy runners, brass candlesticks, and bud vases filled with colorful, just-picked blooms. It felt thoughtful but effortless.
The Food & Drinks
We served a buffet of summer favorites, keeping everything fresh and laid-back. Guests helped themselves to:
Burgers grilled fresh on site (a major hit!)
Peach burrata arugula salad with pistachios
Lemon basil pasta with arugula
Bruschetta
Street corn salad
Creamy coleslaw
Fresh fruit salad loaded with watermelon, grapes, berries, and more
The drink station might have been my favorite part of the whole party. My sister and her boyfriend Jeff bartended (so cute and helpful!) and made custom spritzes for everyone throughout the afternoon. We served:
Hugo Spritz
Aperol Spritz
Limoncello Spritz
Each one was refreshing, bubbly, and perfectly on theme with the garden party vibe.
The Cake
Our lemon chantilly cake was as beautiful as it was delicious. Decorated with lemon slices, soft rosettes of frosting, and tiny white wildflowers, it felt like a ray of sunshine on a plate. Light, fluffy, and just tart enough - it was gone in minutes. We also served macarons but they were eaten so fast I didn’t even grab a photo!
Special Touches
We added a few personal details that really brought everything to life:
A custom cornhole board with our names and wedding date (such a fun way to entertain guests)
A welcome sign next to a basket of parasols to keep guests cool and shaded
A champagne tower moment that made for the prettiest photos
Thank goodness for Trader Joe’s flowers, they really came through with assortment and price!
Disposable cameras scattered throughout the tables for guests to use
And of course, the chandeliers, they made the entire tablescape feel straight out of a fairytale
Shop Our Party Decor!
I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who helped bring this day to life. From my sister and her boyfriend running the bar, to our families helping with setup and décor, my mom for doing a lot of the heavy lifting in the kitchen, and our friends showing up with so much love. It truly felt like the most amazing way to kick off this next chapter. This day was a dream, and I’ll be reliving it forever.
