Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings This Stylish Blue-and-White Bridal Shower in Ontario Was Inspired by a China Pattern By Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland Blythe Copeland is a contributing writer with more than a decade of experience as a freelance lifestyle writer. Editorial Guidelines Published on September 5, 2019 Trending Videos Close this video player Vicki Bartel On a 2013 holiday visit to her hometown in Ontario, Canada, Megan Whittle ran into an old acquaintance, Shane, during a Boxing Day bar stop at the Seacliffe Inn. After "a nice chat," he gave her his number and suggested they get together again. "Shane likes to call it a story of perseverance, because I never called or texted him back!" says Megan. "In my defense, I was living a long distance from our hometown and was not intending on returning home in the near future." But two years later to the day, they ran into each other at a different bar on Boxing Day, "like something out of a Hallmark movie," says Megan. They began a three-year-long relationship that culminated in Shane dropping to one knee to propose at Megan's family's farm. While the couple planned their wedding, Megan also turned her attention toward her bridal shower, working with Katie Gregg Events to put together an elegant luncheon for 60 guests at Oxley Estate Winery in Harrow, Ontario; the event took place on June 23, 2019. "I was involved throughout the planning process, as I truly enjoy the research and detail that goes into hosting these events, as they are so meaningful and symbolic in a relationship," says Megan. She chose a color palette of muted blues and white, added memorable details—like custom geode macarons and hand-painted cookies—and welcomed a bevy of friends and family to celebrate. "As a whole," she says, "the opportunity to celebrate with so many of my favorite people was something I will cherish forever." 01 of 16 Feeling Blue Vicki Bartel Megan drew inspiration for the shower's design from her favorite blue-and-white china pattern. "I thought this would be a great opportunity," she says, "to create an aesthetic that reflected my personal style while creating a clean, chic, and elegant event." The custom invitation suite from Kat Bering Design Studio included a one-of-a-kind floral sketch on the envelope liners (a detail that reappeared at the event on the seating chart and cookies); a sophisticated floral monogram at the top of the invitation; and the blue-and-white color palette that defined the rest of the décor. More Bridal Shower Invitations We Absolutely Love 02 of 16 On Location Vicki Bartel The shower took place at Oxley Estate Winery in Harrow, Ontario; the rustic exterior brought a fun contrast to the elegant event that would unfold inside. 03 of 16 Her Dreamy Dress Vicki Bartel Megan's Needle & Thread dress—a semi-sheer, midi-length lace frock—was, she says, "the perfect ensemble for my dreamy bridal shower." She was charmed by the bow detailing and tiered ruffle trim. "The off-the-shoulder and velvet-tie neckline were also some of my favorite features of the dress!" The Best Dresses to Wear to Your Spring Bridal Shower 04 of 16 A Low Updo Vicki Bartel Ashley Amlin of Hairchella styled the bride's hair into a low, twisted updo for the occasion. Megan accented her look with a pair of pearl drop earrings. 05 of 16 A Bouquet to Pose With Vicki Bartel Megan posed with a long-stemmed bouquet (designed by Stefanie Bezaire from The Bourbon Rose), comprised of delphinium blooms that played right into the event's color scheme. 06 of 16 Mother Knows Best Vicki Bartel The bride-to-be's mother, Sandra, hosted the shower (though Megan dreamed up many of the details). "My mom and I have always had a special bond, and her support and generosity is a constant in my life," says Megan. "My mom shared two valuable pieces of advice about marriage: Don't delay joy and never go to bed angry. These are things we've tried to practice in our relationship from the onset and they continue to hold true." Who's Responsible for Throwing the Bridal Shower? 07 of 16 Clear Winner Vicki Bartel Acrylic chairs and white cushions paired with white linens on long dining tables set a porcelain-inspired backdrop for the floral centerpieces and candles; natural wood floors and light-filled windows in the venue added warmth. 08 of 16 Flower Power Vicki Bartel Low white French vessels held petite arrangements of creamy roses and vibrant foliage from The Bourbon Rose. Blue pillar candles introduced the party's other signature color, while acrylic table numbers from Kat Bering Design Studio added a modern element. More Bridal Shower Centerpieces the Bride-to-Be Will Love 09 of 16 A Sweet Favor Vicki Bartel At each place setting, guests found an iced cookie from Kings Bake Shop; they featured the same design seen on the invitation envelope liner. "I was inspired by a cookie favor that I had found on Martha Stewart Weddings' Instagram account," says Megan, "and I also wanted to incorporate more of the blue china pattern." Bridal Shower Favors Your Guests Will Love 10 of 16 Welcoming Words Vicki Bartel Before a lunch of perch and salad, accompanied by the winery's rosé and pinot grigio, Megan gave a brief toast thanking her guests for attending. The head table was placed at the front of the room, facing guests, and was decorated with delicate garlands that accented the florals and candles. Everyone Who Should Consider Making a Speech at the Bridal Shower 11 of 16 Toast to the Bride Vicki Bartel Though Megan's was the only toast of the day, she and her best friends clinked glasses all day long. 12 of 16 Out of the Blue Vicki Bartel On the dessert table, blue-and-white patterned tablecloths complemented white bud vases holding ivory roses and an on-palette vase that held Megan's delphinium bouquet. The deckled-edge cake from Kings Bake Shop offered an elegant contrast to the bright tablescape. The Sweetest Bridal Shower Cakes 13 of 16 Rock Steady Vicki Bartel In addition to the cake, other dessert options included iced heart-shaped rice cereal treats and mini edible works of art: blue-and-white geode macarons. 30 Dessert Ideas for Your Bridal Shower 14 of 16 A Fun Game Vicki Bartel "As guests sat and enjoyed a glass of wine before lunch, games were passed out, such as 'How Well Do You Know the Bride?" We also hid a few printed versions of Shane's face below some of the plates, and in turn gave a prize (an orchid) to the ladies who found them," Megan says of the day's activities. More Bridal Shower Games and Activities That Are Actually Fun 15 of 16 So Happy Together Vicki Bartel Though celebrating her upcoming nuptials with her favorite women turned out even better than she'd envisioned, Megan says seeing Shane topped the list of memorable moments. "My favorite moment had to have been when Shane joined me," she says. Shane brought his bride-to-be a bouquet of peonies as a gift. What's My Fiancé's Role in the Bridal Shower? 16 of 16 Sources Vicki Bartel Photography, Vicki Bartel Photography Location and catering, Oxley Estate Winery Event planning, Katie Gregg Events & Co. Flowers, The Bourbon Rose Stationery, Kat Bering Design Studio Cake and Cookies, King's Bake Shop Rentals, Gails Flowers and Event Decor Bride's dress, Needle & Thread Hair, Ashley Amlin of Hairchella Makeup, Bridgette Fernandes of JEM Aesthetics Candles, Yummi Candles Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit