A Day At The Races Inspired Bridal Shower - The Wedding Chicks
A Day At The Races Inspired Bridal Shower - The Wedding Chicks
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Do you love watching the derby races? If so, this Kentucky Derby bridal shower in Southern New Jersey is right up your alley. When it comes to the derby there are always four things in abundance: horses, food, crazy hats, and friendship.
Horseshoes pop up everywhere from the bride's nails to the top of the cake. The brunch menu is nostalgic of classic derby fare, topped of course with derby pies and mint julep cocktails. Derby attire was mandatory and brought smiles to all. View the full gallery here, photographed so wonderfully by Bri Morse Imagery, to get your fill of a day at the races inspired bridal shower.
The color palette of the day suggests fresh mint grass, saffron yellow, and flannel grey. It set the tone for this bridal shower on a gorgeous Sunday spring afternoon. Horseshoe wreaths covered in moss adorned the entrance. Derby hat attire a must. It was the final detail that made this soiree even more fun to attend. 
Create this drink from the official Kentucky Derby Recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups of Water
2 cups of Sugar
Ample fresh Mint sprigs
Crushed Ice
Whiskey
Directions:
1. Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes.
2. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.
3. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup.
4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Beautifully dressed tables greeted guests both on the outdoor patio, and inside dining room. Oversized, modern grey and yellow floral tablecloths and grey napkins embellished with fresh mint sprigs were set. Yellow tulips, buttery garden roses, green and white hydrangea, white stock, and baby's breath were arranged in vintage inspired trophies. 
A Kentucky Derby Soiree was hosted at a private residence in the quaint village of Mauricetown, New Jersey, which is located along the Maurice River. The village is an old fisherman's wharf of historic Victorian homes. True to Southern Fare, a delicious menu of Baked Country Ham, Barbecued Pulled Pork Sliders, Mini Tea Sandwiches and the famous traditional Derby "Hot Brown Sandwich" with a twist, served bite size and opened faced. Classic sides of Potato Salad, coleslaw and cucumber salad finished the plate. Sliced Watermelon dressed with Feta and a Honey Drizzle was also plated, just to name a few. Classic Mint Juleps were poured in sweet mason jars (the bourbon, mint, and sugar concoctions) were the featured drink, along with a bar of Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and Sweet Orange Tea. 
The cake design was a play off the invitation. A three tier vanilla cake with an orange infused icing, took center stage to assorted mini pastries, kiwi & raspberries soaked in champagne and a collection of chocolate covered strawberries. Old fashion Mini Derby Pies politely boxed were the take home favor for the guests (of course). 
Photography: Bri Morse Imagery
Flowers & Prop/Furniture Rentals: Primrose and Company
Stationery: Just Be. Studio
Cake: Cake Doodles
Caterer: Cj's Corner Grill
Favors & Desserts: Wards Pastry
