Q&A: Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi and Maggie Wilson-Consunji Throw the Best Bridal Showers
Culture / February 12, 2017
Blue was definitely the coolest color, especially at the bridal shower of the gorgeous Rocio Olbes, who’s getting married to her fiancé Antonio. Recently, the blushing bride-to-be was thrown an outdoor bash hosted by Maggie Wilson-Consunji and Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi. From the venue’s color palette down to the luxurious table setting, (possibly) fifty shades of blue painted this poolside party to become the blast it came to be.
So how did they do it? Stephy spills the details for all of us planning to throw one for a friend soon!
Could you tell us about the concept and how you went about executing it–from venue to food to invitations, etc?
It was a tropical-resort-themed bridal shower that we hosted poolside in Maggie’s gorgeous home. We wanted to keep it simple, personal, and fuss-free! People tend to overthink these things. We had no formal invitations. We just sent a text message to all the ladies invited, and that was more than enough. We wanted to keep it as easy and effortless as possible! The venue being set in a private residence made the shower even more personal, as well as most of the food from the menu being homemade. Everyone contributed to the menu, which was tailored to be light and fresh!
What are the most important elements in throwing a DYI bridal shower?
Not to think too much about it and remember that everyone just wants to have a relaxed time making beautiful memories. Concentrate on a specific theme and incorporate existing elements you already have to achieve the look without much cost or effort.
When doing things DIY, delegate tasks to your friends and other bridesmaids and tailor them to the things they are good at or the things they like to do. This keeps the stress levels at bay. Bridesmaid, Aziza Mondoñedo was nominated game master and she did such an incredible job. She chose games that were funny and could easily bring out the competitive side of the girls. We also finished on a sweet note with a “He Said, She Said” game just for Rocio, where Antonio had revealed that he knew she was the one the first time they met.
What was the hardest part about holding a DYI bridal shower, let alone planning it?
The most difficult thing was finding a day where everyone was free! We are all such busy ladies with jam-packed schedules. Even then, some of our closest friends were not able to make it. The best thing is to choose a date where most of the bride’s closest and bridesmaids are free, and build from there.
What’s on the menu?
Maggie had ordered a cheese and charcuterie platter from her neighborhood deli, Brera, as well as some hummus and baba ganoush. [I] picked up on the fresh Mediterranean theme with her homemade dishes: Pomelo and Mint Couscous Tabbouleh and Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with a lemony, cilantro and ginger yogurt sauce. I know Rocio and the girls love caviar pie, so I made my caviar terrine with some chopped dill for added freshness. No party is complete without sweet treats, which were a combination of store-bought favorites like crinkles, lemon squares, banana muffins, brownies and a strawberry cream cake. Mimosas and cold rosé made the afternoon extra giddy.
Let’s talk about the favors. What did you have then and what do you think makes for a memorable giveaway?
We did not give any favors! We had tons of beautiful multi colored polvarons (provided by Sandra Pena-Paradies) and most of the girls brought these home. I don’t think it is too important to have favors, as the memories are more than enough to go home with!
And of course, I can’t skip asking Rocio about her look that time.
Let’s talk about your beauty look that time. What were you wearing and what beauty products and rituals did you do before the big day?
I was wearing a short beaded and printed kaftan from an Australian designer named Kamilee and a one piece halter swimsuit from BeMyWanderlust. It was a poolside fun shower, so my look was as natural as possible. I had wet hair and no make up on. Beauty starts from within and I have been on a strict work out and diet regime to get stronger and healthier and as a result my skin and hair have never been better! Natural is always best!
Photo credits: Rocio Olbes, Maggie Wilson-Consunji, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi
