This Romantic Rooftop Bridal Shower Was Inspired by Marie Antoinette

The Location

This idea translated into a "Rococo explosion garden party" held at the private rooftop of Annie and her fiancé's West Village apartment in New York City, overlooking Washington Square Park with views of the Empire State Building. "I knew that I wanted that party to be at home, because it would feel so much more personal and intimate that way," Annie said. "And this way, the party could linger on well into the evening—which it did!"

For the fête, the venue was decked out in lanterns, lights, and "an explosion of flowers"—all perfectly in-palette for the whimsical theme.

The Flower Crowns

In honor of the garden party atmosphere, the bride-to-be and the guests wore floral accessories by Crowns by Christy. "I think that floral crowns and appliqués in a garden setting are so classic," Annie said.

The Décor

Pastel fans and custom napkins and a mix of flower crowns and fascinators doubled as table décor and reiterated the theme.

The Guests

The guests, including Annie's mom, sister, bridesmaids, friends, and mother-in-law (who came all the way from Zurich!) were told to wear spring pastels. "The whole day I was surrounded by all the women who love me the most," Annie said. "It felt so special that way. A few hours into the party, Henry, my fiancé, and some of the other husbands and boyfriends surprised us and joined in on the festivities."

Selfie Time

Naturally, the flower crowns, fans, and parasols encouraged photo snapping—both by guests and by the event photographer, Annie's friend Madeline Wolf, who takes photos for Annie's blog.

Custom Snapchat Filter

A friend of the bride's even designed a Marie Antoinette-themed Snapchat geofilter specifically for the bridal shower. "We all happen to really be into Snapchat at the moment, so this was something that all of us used nonstop throughout the event," Annie said.

The Music

"My sister, Kate Jennemann, hired Gabriel Royal, who is the most talented Brooklyn-based cello player," Annie said. "He played and sang modern music, and it was the most beautiful and unique thing ever. It really set the tone for the afternoon and played into the romantic and ethereal theme."

The Cake

Annie's friend Amirah Kassem of Flour Shop surprised her with a four-tiered "Marie Antoinette-esque cake." "She's a sugar genius and has created something magical for many of the important occasions in my life," Annie said. "She even created a diamond cake when Henry proposed to me. This particular cake was the most insanely delicious thing ever, and even the cake inside was blue, purple, and pink ombré pastel." Also on offer were strawberry and coconut chocolate vegan cupcakes from The Little Cupcake Bakeshop to satisfy the bride's health-nut side ("My hosts wanted to make sure that there was something "healthy" amongst the sugar explosion.") and Momofuku Milk Bar cake balls, "because they are the best."

Custom Chocolates

The groom's mother surprised the bride-to-be with chocolates from Switzerland that were custom-printed with the happy couple's photos. "She knows that Swiss chocolates are my favorites but these were something special," Annie said. "Yummy and hilarious."

The Drinks

The shower's signature drink? McFadden organic sparkling wine from Annie's friend's vineyard in California ("It just won Best in Show at the California State Fair," Annie said. "I basically drink this stuff like water all year round.") and Miraval rosé (pictured).

The Favors

Guests left with something sweet: sugar cookies from Sogi's Honey Bakeshop in Brooklyn. Annie's hosts even had the bakery re-create the same monogrammed design found on Annie and Henry's wedding stationery suite by Happy Menocal.

The Memories

Annie's favorite part of the day, though, were the details. "I loved the heart and love that went into the planning, and all the little details from the cello players to the parasols," she said. "The whole vibe was about love and friendship, and although the party officially started at 3, it lasted until almost midnight. We didn't want the night to end. There's nothing better than feeling the love being surrounded by all the friends and family who love you most in this world."