Black and White Rehearsal Dinner

Over the past few months, I have been planning a rehearsal dinner with the mother of the groom. She happens to be my "aunt" Vicky. She's actually David's aunt, but we're pretty tight! I was tickled that she called on me to assist, and can confidently say that we were both so happy with the way the event turned out. 

Earlier in the summer, we met at the chosen venue, Endive, for a tasting and planning session. 

Just the right mix of intimate, modern, and a little industrial - it would be perfect for the rehearsal dinner she and her husband would be hosting for their youngest son and his bride to be. 

We envisioned round tables with black chiavari chairs. Tables covered in crisp black and white table cloths would set the tone for the black and white themed event. Even the guests would be asked to wear the chosen colors! 

On Friday morning before the event, we met there to set up for the evening's festivities. I had scooped up yellow daisies, red anemones, and green mums for the mercury vases to be placed in the cocktail tent. 

Our centerpieces were boxwoods and moss in concrete urns. Tres chic! Ambient lighting was supplied in milk glass, mercury, and turquoise glass votive holders. The table numbers were part of our paper suite designed by my friend Lauren Cook of Parkway Press. 

Our family crest consists of a Griffin coat of armor, which I hand painted in watercolor and gave to Lauren to design our paper goods - the gorgeous invitation, the menu cards, the stickers, the table numbers, and the place cards. She did a beautiful job! 

The entrance to the venue was lined with shepherd hooks and lanterns. Black and white chevron ribbon hanged from the hooks. 

Pillar candles in glass containers were placed just outside of the venue doors. 

When guests arrived at 7:30pm, the place settings were already laid, the candles lit, and the party under way. 

White hydrangea blooms and greenery were stuffed into large white distressed urns atop the bar.

The mercury vases added color and panache to the pretty white cocktail tent.

A signature drink of white wine sangria was offered to guests.

I made our table assignments in the event's colors with a pop of gold.

'Twas a lovely night! And I had a ball planning this fun event!