Well, we all know the phrase “When life gives you lemons…” and these two sure did make lemonade! Though their Capri, Italy-inspired anniversary party fell in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, lovebirds Durrell “Tank” Babbs and wife Zena Foster still allowed us to come into their home to create magic for an intimate soiree with friends and family to celebrate their second wedding anniversary. Zena shared with me that she and Tank spent their first wedding anniversary on the isle of Capri and many of their loved ones had not yet been, so they figured they’d bring Capri to them! I adored the idea and the two of us milled over photos and ideas until we devised the perfect plan.  

Daytime festivities were held in the backyard where guests swam and lounged by the pool, played games, ate gourmet finger foods, enjoyed cocktails or frosé, and listened to music. Zena and I both pay close attention to detail, so it’s always fun when we work together! We added in bright-yellow lemon rafts to the pool, sunny drinkware, and oversized yellow-and-white striped towels. Rendezvous Flowers created an eye-catching lemon and floral wall to help introduce the concept for the dinner party and also serve as a great photo opportunity. The wall was amazing! Zena even playfully posed in front of it with loose lemons, and she looked gorgeous! Additional arrangements of blooms, lemons, and greenery decorated the area to help complete the look.

As dinnertime quickly crept up on the partygoers, they freshened up and were led to the gated front yard where a beautiful long table was set surrounded with wooden X-back chairs. Long garlands of greenery and lemons created runners down the entire length, spilling out over the ends of the table. Tall shepherds’ hooks held chandeliers that curved over the dinner table, complemented with strands of Edison lights. A romantic Italian dinner service began, including paired Champagne and wine.

Zena was thrilled that her vision came to fruition in such spectacular fashion, and I couldn’t have been happier. She had even created thoughtful gift bags for their guests with citrus thank-you cards tied to each. Goodies included everything from baked items to bath products – all from up-and-coming businesses.

Following the delicious supper, revelers got up and danced. I don’t think they ever sat back down, to be honest! The love within the group was palpable. It was such a refreshing feeling to be on the isle of Capri with the Babbs family, where everyone danced into the wee hours of morning beneath the starry island sky.