A Bridal Brunch: Celebrating Family

Yogurt, Granola & Fruit Trifle

Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea (linked)

Carved Watermelon Turtle

Scones with Hibiscus Butter (linked)

Basil, Mozzerella, Tomatoes & Olive Oil

Vegetarian Zucchini Squash Casserole

Granola Trifle Garnish

Angel Food Cake with Berries & Cream

       One of the most beautiful aspects of family is that whatever is defined as "family" is constantly being altered, changed, and (my personal favorite) grown. Today we celebrated the recent official addition of my cousin's wife, Portia, to the family! Since they married in an extremely private ceremony, before announcing their "secret" and stuff-of-love-stories engagement to the rest of us, we had the opportunity to celebrate Portia as a new bride instead of the typical bride-to-be at our Bridal Brunch this morning.
        The most enjoyable facet of expanding a family, other than the obvious joy of deeper dialogue with a new friend, is the celebration(s) that accompany that growth: whether it be baby showers, weddings, or in this case, a Bridal Brunch centered around tea and utilizing all the information that I could possibly glean from Portia's Pinterest account (favorite foods, hobbies, etc from her boards). I adore planning, researching, shopping, decorating, and baking for a family party, especially since it involves dialoguing with my family members as we scheme and plan the event. An excellent-- perhaps perfect--day is a day filled with cookbook/magazine/internet scouring for satisfying event ideas.  And the fun triples once menu drafting with a cousin, baking with my mom, and attending the actual event with my daughters and family. 
       Thank you Portia, for joining our family, and for giving us a reason to celebrate you. We wish you and Philip a loving and joyous life together!

Menu:

Scones with Hibiscus Tea Butter

Basil Tomatoes with Mozzarella

Watermelon Balls in Carved Watermelon Turtle

Goat Cheese Grits with Corn

Spinach Salad with Apples

Quiche

Peach & Berry Tarts

Hibiscus Poppy Seed Shortbread Cookies

Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Buttercream Roses Topped Cupcakes

Hibiscus Mint Iced Tea

 Blooming Jasmine Flower Silver Needle Teas