Southern Peach Inspired Baby Shower... for me!

As an event designer, I am perpetually creating designs for other people. I'm following their preferences and styles, and creating designs that have been totally customized to them. So when I found out that I was pregnant, it meant I finally had an opportunity to create something just for me! I had marvelous friends who offered to put together my baby shower, but the creative side of me was just dying to design something that was 100% Cait O'Malley.

We had already found out we were having a girl, so I wanted to incorporate that into the design a bit. But I didn't want any over the top, old school, traditional 'girly' stuff. Instead, I leaned more into the soft pastel shades of peach and not-quite-pinks... which would eventually become the Southern inspired, Baby You're a Peach, themed baby shower.

Of course, every gorgeous event starts with a gorgeous invitation. My wonderful friend, and talented stationery artist, Krista, of Wishtree Invitations and Design, created a stunning suite, that was all kinds of modern meets Southern-sweet.

I didn't want any of the baby games, which felt a bit... un-classy to me. All I wanted was amazing food (hello pregnancy cravings), a cool venue, beautiful flowers, and my wonderful friends. Andaz Ottawa had just started do their super cool rooftop brunch and beats on Sunday's so I rented out a section of their Copper Spirits & Sights Lounge and had them put together a custom, southern peach inspired menu.

Guys, you need to try out their Sunday brunch. It is not your average eggs on toast, people. I cannot even describe to you the epic-ness of this meal. Just promise me you'll go - and invite me! In the meantime, drool over these mac n cheese bites, pork belly sliders, fried chicken waffles and so so so much more.

So we had a super unique Ottawa venue, a beautiful southern-inspired theme, a mouth-watering brunch menu, and an awesome DJ pumpin' out the beats. All we had left to do was make a gorgeous tablescape! This is where my mom and I got a little crafty. My mom found three of the most perfect fabrics and hand-sewed napkins for each place setting. You better believe I did not let people use these darlings once the photo opp was over! We also used styrofoam balls to make peaches that served as everyone's place cards.

Another one of my industry faves-turned friends, Katherine, from Pollen Nation, filled the tables with jaw-dropping, flower heaven arrangements. Not just on the tables, friends. She built me a mosaic, out of flower petals, on the window, overlooking the Ottawa skyline. And yet another industry bestie, Emma, from Photography By Emma, captured the entire day for me as a special gift.

Y'all (you have to say y'all when you're talking about a southern inspired event), this baby shower was EVERYTHING.