As Hilary put on her Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress and assortment of vintage accessories – a pearl necklace, Christian Dior pumps, and Chanel earrings – before heading to a luxury Beverly Hills hotel for her bridal shower, her groom-to-be surprised her with a jewelry box. Inside were his grandmother’s wedding band and engagement ring. “Before she passed, she told Max to give them to his wife on a special occasion,” explains Hilary. “They are beyond beautiful and even now I wear the wedding band with my own.”

Upon the arrival of Hilary and her guests to the high-tea afternoon event planned by her mother and sister, they received Bellinis and glasses of Sancerre. A harpist played classics from Fiddler on the Roof and pop songs by Sia and Adele to set the tone for the classic tea party. Tables were decorated with floral arrangements in shades of pink and ivory to create a warm and inviting ambience. In addition to the luxury hotel tea service, which included assorted tea sandwiches, scones, and caviar cake, the bride-to-be’s favorite small bites were also served. “Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love Chinese dim sum, so most of the hors d’oeuvres were in fact that – mixed in with some of my childhood favorites like pigs in a blanket and sliders,” she shares.

Although no bridal shower games were played, Hilary did open gifts in front of her loved ones while one of her bridesmaids made a bouquet out of all the ribbons and wrapping paper. “I still have it saved in my house!” she adds. In sophisticated taste, Hilary’s mother also arranged for guests to take home something special: custom gift bags filled with splits of Moët & Chandon Champagne, tins of Harney & Sons wedding tea, and French macarons. “Everyone loved them!” exclaims Hilary. “My mother is an exquisite hostess and truly made the shower an exceptional party, not just for me, but for all of the guests.”

Towards the end of the exquisite bridal shower, Max surprised Hilary with flowers. “I felt so blessed and unbelievably loved. There were so many great moments – from my mom’s incredibly emotional and beautiful toast, to getting a cookbook from my mother-in-law with my husband’s childhood favorites, to seeing everyone I love in one room… The whole day was amazingly special.”