Life is Peachy with Gabriella in it….

I celebrated Gabriella's christening with a small family gathering a few weeks ago. Really I don't even know how I pulled this off because we were smack in the middle of Hurricane Isaac's winds and heavy rain storms. Luckily, the rain cleared and we had sunshine for a few hours during the christening and  the lunch to follow. 

Here is the sweet table I styled for my beautiful baby girl. 

We baptized Gabriella at St Patricks Church in Miami Beach, Florida. Sabrina was also baptized there so I felt I wanted to stick with tradition in doing Gabriella's there as well.

It was truly terrible weather (scary to drive in) up until we arrived at the church. It was as if someone up there decided to shed some sunshine on us on this very special occasion. As soon as we parked the car, the sky seemed to clear, the clouds moved and the sun came shinning down on us.

The christening was private and beautiful, it was a very special day for us. 

In choosing a "theme" or "look" for the celebration, I designed a beautiful collection (new to the shop) with soft touches of peach, ivory and a crisp clean white. I used a beautiful font to create the letter "G" which would be the main focus of the collection and table set up. I wanted something delicate and dainty and I think I was able to achieve just that. Gabriella's cheeks remind me of two peaches, always so blushed and beautiful, she is soft and dainty, very fair skinned and has a rosy complexion (like daddy, shhh don't tell him I called his complexion rosy). =)

Immediately to follow, we gathered at my sister's house for a yummy lunch. My mom and I are huge pier one import fans and between the two of us, we have quite the collection of entertaining serve ware. If you look closely, you are sure to find at least one pier one imports piece in mostly all the tables I style. We used their adorable ruffled bowls and floral plates to display the most beautiful peaches which I picked up days before at whole foods. They were not only beautiful but my husband and I agreed that they were the most delicious peaches we had ever had. As we were setting up, my mom suggested I add a little silk leaf to the peaches and it was the perfect touch, thanks mom!!!

I emailed Lilly from I heart Sugar Sugar the letter G I designed for The Gabriella Collection and she was able to provide a large cut out of the letter to match exactly with the font I had picked out.  I painted the letter, embellished with lace and a flower and it was the perfect piece to use as a backdrop. =)

In place of a paper banner I created a gorgeous banner with crepe rosettes, (coming soon to the shop)

Big sister, Sabrina was happy to pose for a few pictures on this special day. =) For drinks,  I served a yummy peach tea in the famous trendy mason jars with striped straws that were prettied up with paper details. 

We also served a yummy champagne and wine. How gorgeous is my sister, Vanessa, she is Gabriella's proud godmother….

The food was mouth watering and I really had no idea what my brother in law, Freddie (Vanessa's husband) had up his sleeve. He served

delicious sandwiches, a gourmet salad, quiche and almond croissants. 

I reached out to my brother in law (my husbands brother) and Gabriella's godfather, Johnny in looking for the perfect bible phrase. He suggested this one below and it went perfect with the theme and feel of the collection. The girls are crazy over their dad but next in line is definitely their uncle, he deserves every bit of love because he is truly so wonderful. 

The cake was amazing and delicious. Of course, Yorlady from My sweet Lady did such a fabulous job as always. She created exactly what I envisioned and even surprised me with these little cupcakes… yes please!!!! I made a darling little banner and it fit perfectly on the cake.  

The day before the christening it was pouring, literally you couldn't leave your house of how bad the weather was. Nancy from Viva Verde stopped by and dropped off the most gorgeous and delicate florals I have ever worked with. I was beaming and certain that they would add the perfect touch to my set up.

Cake… check, surprise cupcakes….check, gorgeous flowers….check…. OKAY, so now you see how I pulled this off so last minute and in such terrible weather! I am one lucky girl to have such great friends. 

As a meaningful and sweet favor, I gave all the kids a guardian angel and prayer for them to keep under their pillows or to take with them if they are ever scared or nervous or away from home.

I printed the little prayer and added the angel charm, I then placed them in little burlap bags from my local Michaels store. I was thrilled to see how many wonderful prodcuts they now carry under their Brides line. 

I personalized all the favors and separated the boys and girls favor bags. I used peach lace to decorate the girls bags. 

The boys I kept simple by adding a white bow. 

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I also made these darling little fans so we can fan ourselves outside of the church and stay cool. We really didn't get to use them because of all the weather drama but it's a nice memory and favor of the occasion. 

Lastly here is one of my favorite pictures of my beautiful, blessed family. 

 

xoxo, 

Andrea

 

Wonderful Vendors: 

Styling and Paper Goods, Invitations, favor tags, food labels, banner: Dollhouse Paperie

Cake: My Sweet lady 

Letter G on backdrop: I heart Sugar Sugar

Flowers: Viva Verde

Thanks to my little niece, Megan for taking pictures for me. I love you squirt!

 

Thank you again ladies for being so wonderful and all your help with this special event.