Both girls graduated in the year 2000, the same year that TC was born. It's hard to believe that 14 years have gone by so quickly and now these young ladies whom I knew as teenagers are now young adults and ready to tie the knot...
The first party was in early July and held at her mother's home. Her mother and her aunts along with her maid of honor did a great job putting everything together. There was a festive juice and tea bar, along with a wonderful spread of mini sandwiches, crudites, hors d'oevres, a mix of Filipino, Chinese and American food (lumpia, wings, steamed buns, empanadas, rolled sandwiches), plus fruits, mini cakes and macarons (from Paris Baguette!) and other delicious desserts like hopia (flaky mini cakes filled with mung bean, ube and pandan), and turon (banana fritters)...
Every guest was instructed per the Evite to come wearing a hat for the tea party. I ended up buying a feather fascinator headband (seen at end of the post) on Amazon.com; TC ended up making her own headband covered with daisies and leaves. For the women who did not have a hat or fascinator, they had extra mini feathered hat clips (which were very cute). The color theme of her upcoming wedding was inspired by the regal plumage of peacock birds, so there was a lot of blues, greens, and teals. The wishing tree was also a nice touch. The mini favors were potted succulents (no two were alike) made by her mother with the clippings taken from her own garden.
Entertainment was provided by the bride to be and her college friends. My former student leads her own band, a multitalented duo whose music can be classified as "indie soul" (with jazz, hip hop and blues influences). In high school, she was a budding singer and guitarist Now she is a multi instrumentalist (bass, keyboards/piano, guitar) and I'm happy to see that she chose music as her career. Her lyrics are socially conscious and it made me a bit emotional to see her so happy and ready for this new phase in her life. It is quite fitting then that she will be marrying another musician, a dj and producer (whose mom and aunts I met and were quite the conversationalists!). Together they are a perfect couple and we cannot wait to attend their wedding in SF at the end of this month!
(photo taken with some filter I was playing around with)
The more recent tea party bridal shower was just yesterday at my hair stylist's home. Her daughter, also a former student (and also class of 2000) is getting married at the end of September. Alas, unlike the previous party where I was accompanied by TC, I had to go solo. MFH was in LA for a wedding and TC was MIA due to dance practice. Luckily, I was seated at a table with a few former students as well as the neighbors and some visiting friends from Canada. I had to put on my "social" persona and initially thought it would be torture to sit at a table where I hardly knew anyone, but luckily, we had enough interesting topics to discuss.
There were fresh flowers, real China and stemware on each table. Almost every guest was decked out in a pretty dress and/or a hat. Inside the house, there was a small table with desserts (cupcakes, cookies, and chocolates). The kitchen island (and it is huge!) was covered with so many platters of tea sandwiches (egg salad, chicken, ham/cheese, cucumber, tuna), fruits, tarts, scones with jam, macarons, a pink whoopie pie like cookie, mini cookies, and so on...
As you can see, I got mostly savory stuff (the sandwiches). The waffle with blueberries looked pretty but was awkward to eat because it didn't cut easily.
Here's the headband flower fascinator with netting that I got online ($14 bones yo'). It can be adjusted if you want to wear it on either the left or right side. I part my hair on the left and wore it with the frou frou thing on the right side of my head.
Hmmm...
Hey, at least I got two uses out of this thing, haha!
For the record, I wore a back and white printed mini shift dress with red peep toe slingback heels for the first party. For the second, a black and white printed mini with a sleeveless black top and same shoes. Cruela de Ville colors.
Seriously, both bridal showers were lovely occasions and I was so happy to have been invited to share in the festivities. I loved seeing how happy both mothers were. I hadn't seen the first mom since her daughter graduated high school but my former student and I kept in contact over the years. I was touched that she considered me a mentor that continues to inspire her (sniff sniff). I'm so proud that she showcases her musical talents in her local community (in SF) as well as for Filipino American social causes in the Bay Area. It was also quite fun seeing other former students at the party and I'm sure I will see more at the wedding later this month. My other student is a sweetheart and I'm thrilled that she will be getting married as well. Her fiance certainly went all out when he proposed, taking her on a helicopter ride over San Diego!
Gawd, I totally feel old going to these bridal showers and future weddings!
2 comments:
What nice, classy parties! I think we should all have 'tea' meals, even at home. It's so satisfying to know you have been a good influence on someone (in your case, many, many someones).
hi cathy - yes, both parties were quite classy. the moms of both girls really took their time to make this a special occasion - every detail was just perfect.
it's nice to know that the work i do is appreciated. sometimes i don't even know until years later.
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