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Domino Kirke—birth doula, director of Carriage House Birth, and musician (check out her new song “Beyond Waves” here)—has lived in Brooklyn for almost 20 years. It’s fitting, then, that her friends chose to honor her upcoming wedding reception in Williamsburg, with an intimate party on my McCarren Park-facing patio (even the actual ceremony, which happened in February, showcased her Brooklyn ties: She and actor Penn Badgley of Gossip Girl fame made things official at the borough courthouse).

Amidst hibiscus flowers, sage plants, and raspberry bushes planted by Jake Hawvermale of Urban Roots NYC, guests sipped blueberry mocktails and matcha lattes, and nibbled on platters of local fruits and cheese while chatting all things wedding and motherhood. Featuring an intuitive ceremony by reiki master Rebecca McKeever, it was an afternoon soiree to remember. Details below, with tips on how to DIY an idyllic

bohemian bridal shower

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That morning, Chef Deena (while in active labor, no less! Her firstborn son arrived later that evening) prepared abundant platters of nature’s bounty: pomegranates, grapes, peaches, plums, nectarines, raw cashews, pine nuts, and more. A heaping vegetable platter of steamed greens, asparagus, broccoli, burdocks, and haricot verts was served alongside with horseradish beet spread and vegan green goddess dressing.

Florals and flower crowns were made with love by Carly Ragosta of Bloom Bar. “My goal was to create a romantic, meadow-fresh vibe with a soft color palette,” she says. “Peonies, garden roses, snapdragon, knife blade eucalyptus, lisianthus and lilac lent beautiful colors and soft texture. I placed them all in ribbed aluminum cylinders which created a cool contrast.”

At the last minute, guest Taylor Patterson, unable to attend, sent over a wild pink and yellow arrangement featuring local peonies, wild buttercups, local poppies, and Japanese painted ferns. “I wanted to create something wild!” she says.

Guests sipped homemade iced almond milk matcha lattes and wild blueberry mocktails with fresh mint and homemade selzer. Local baker Emily Lael Aumiller of Lael Cakes created a gluten free vegan chocolate mango curd cake adorned with lush flowers and limes.

After a couple hours, guests convened in my living room for a meditation and blessingway ritual by reiki master Rebecca McKeever. She passed out river rocks and pink roses and encouraged everyone to place them close to their hearts and send warm wishes Domino’s way. Then, one by one, each woman showered the blushing bride with rose petals and enveloped her in a huge group hug.

 

Outside, guests reclined on a Pottery Barn sectional sofa adorned with vintage Indian tapestries—and sat cross legged, indoors, on Moroccan rugs, makeshift floor pillows created from Rajasthani wall hangings and a custom Martyn Thompson Studio Drop Cloth couch. Kantha quilts were draped over tables and chairs. Patio table and chairs belonged to my grandmother.

 

Related reading: 

The Floral Wedding Trend You Should Know About  Behind the Lens: A Wedding Photographer’s Favorite Moments How to DIY the Summer Wedding Of Your Dreams