It began with a desire to have afternoon tea on my mother’s wedding china. Growing up, Momma’s precious china was one of her most prized possessions. Decorated with tiny, pastel florals and a delicate pattern around the rim of each piece, Momma’s china was something I always admired.
About a year ago, when I was in conversation with one of my dearest friends, Jordan, I vocalized my love for my mother’s china and how I had always dreamed to have a Southern Bridal Tea with them. Jordan never forgot that conversation. Partnering with one of my childhood mentors, Kendall, and our mutual best friend, Jessie, these three ladies put together the sweetest and most Southern Bridal Tea in my honor!
The day of the Bridal Tea, I entered Kendall’s House, Chapel Hill, and made my way into the dining room. Smiles greeted me around the table, as my eyes fell over the room. A piece of Momma’s china had been placed at each place setting, along with a piece of Jessie’s and Jordan’s mother’s china as well. Florals in a variety of glass vases filled the room with a sweet perfume, and gave life to the table. Desserts, and tea sized sandwiches were plated and displayed with such attention to detail. My eyes scanned the room, and connected with each of the women in it.
I was absolutely amazed.
The afternoon was filled with games, conversation, laughter, and all of the fun festivities that come with a Southern Bridal Tea. Each of the guests received a monogramed hat, as well as a fake string of pearls, and a pair of lace gloves. The greatest gift that I received that day were these images, and the ability to remember each moment ever so vividly as it occurred because of them. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this day meant to me. Some of the most incredible women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing were in that room, and it’s because of them and their influence, that I am who I am today. My heart is abundantly grateful!!
Isn’t this sign the cutest?!
My mom and my sister are such a pair! 
Karley and Jessie– two of my best friends since I was little! 
These group photos were so much fun– look at how cute this group is!!
These girls are my heart. As 12 year olds, we named ourselves “The Original Four” and that name stuck ever since. Our (over) 14 year friendship is a direct gift from Jesus. I told this little story at the Bridal Tea, and I also want to share it with you, here : When I was 10 & in 5th grade, I came home crying. The school year was ending & I was about to go to middle school, but I didn’t have a single friend. Feeling like I didn’t fit in anywhere, I ran into my momma’s arms with tears streaming down my face, my heart absolutely broken. Momma held me & asked me if I wanted to pray that I’d find friends when I went to middle school. I nodded my head, and together we prayed. My 10 year old self asked God for forever friends, best friends…. and it was in 6th grade that these three and I became inseparable. I look back at all we’ve been through- heart break, boys, cancer, college, mess ups, distance, divorce, big girl jobs, and I’m amazed at how these three are never too far for a phone call, never too distant for a hug, & never too busy to spend time with. I am forever grateful for my best friends. I am eternally grateful to God for hearing the prayers of my 10 year old self. 
The “Original Four” and our Mommas! 
Sweet Filly Girls <3 
Kendall <3 Goodness gracious this woman has the biggest and most beautiful heart. She’s been a mentor to me since I was EIGHT and had never stopped pouring into my life. 
Like mother, like daughter! haha We laugh the same.
Aren’t these invites ADORABLE?! 
xoxoxo
Anna Filly
PS Thank you SO much to Emily, for taking my camera for the afternoon and capturing all of these images!! I am SO grateful!
Leave a Reply