Over the summer, I had the privilege of hosting an engagement party for two of my favorite people.  The “host committee” nominated me to design the invitation and make cupcakes.  The couple could easily win a competition for the preppiest duo in the entire world, prompting my choice of a Lilly Pulitzer-esque pink and green palette for both the invite and the dessert.

For the invitation, I borrowed an image from iomoi (if you haven’t yet perused the company’s outrageously charming line, you’re in for a treat).  The sketch that I picked captured the couple perfectly – elegant, playful, and a little over the top.  Using Microsoft Paint (real fancy) I expanded the green background, created a pink border, and added the written portion of the invitation.

After sending the design to a company that turns images into postcards, I turned my attention to the cupcakes.  Rather than serve an artificial pink and green cupcake, I opted for two flavors.  Inspired by Andes mint chocolate candy toppings, I created chocolate cupcakes with mint frosting for the green flavor.  

For pink, I knew that I wanted to incorporate fresh raspberry buttercream frosting, but was less confident about the cake.  I was already using chocolate, and raspberry cake sounded too saccharine.  While vanilla doesn't typically elicit much excitement, vanilla filled with raspberry jam sounded to die for!  The resulting cupcake was akin to an extravagant version of a delicious jelly doughnut. 

Both flavors were a hit at the party, which took place at a breathtaking winery in St. Helena.   My biggest fan was an adorable toddler named Ellie who insisted on having one of each, despite her mother’s best efforts.  The couple loved the affair in their honor, and everyone left the dreamy summer celebration feeling even more excited for the wedding!!  xx tt

FINISHING TOUCHES…

t+tSTYLE: with Valentine’s looming, it’s the perfect occasion to imbue your wardrobe with a raspberry hued frock.  I’m currently coveting this one from RED Valentino.