A Bridal Shower for Shqipe

March 23, 2018

In less than three weeks, my personal executive assistant, Shqipe Berisha, and her fiancé, Zenel Lulanaj, will be married - we’re all so thrilled for the happy couple.

Last weekend, I attended Shqipe’s bridal shower at the Eastwood Manor in New York City. The celebratory gathering included 60 of Shqipe’s closest family and friends, some of whom traveled all the way from Kosovo in southeastern Europe. The event was steeped in Albanian tradition, showing Shqipe in several costume changes that displayed elaborate gold covered vests, skirts and pants as well as customary handmade handkerchiefs and jewelry. It was a very special day - everyone, especially Shqipe, had a wonderful time.

Enjoy these photos.

: The bridal shower colors included shades of salmon pink and gold. Shqipe arrived at the venue at 7am the morning of the shower to set up the room. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli, @eyeresphoto)

: Shqipe made this sign. She used cardboard and self-adhesive moss for the background, with natural twigs bunched together and sewn through the cardboard for the edging detail. Silk flowers were cut and then adhered to the board using a hot glue gun. The wooden name plate was carved by a vendor on Etsy and then Shqipe spray-painted it gold and added different sized gold glitter as the final embellishment.

: Shqipe also made many of the treats at this dessert table – everything looked so decadent.

: These are Rice Krispies shoes and cake pops decorated with 24-carat gold leaf. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: These are Rice Krispies hearts dipped in white chocolate.

: Shqipe also made these vanilla cupcakes with sugared butterflies.

: And red velvet cupcakes embellished with “diamond” shaped toppers and decorative white wrappers. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: Also displayed near the dessert table were gifts from Shqipe’s siblings – jewelry Shqipe will wear at the wedding.

: It is customary for Albanians to also carry a decorated handkerchief during special events – here are two that were made by Shqipe’s sister, Buqe, for the bridal shower. The blue bead signifies an “evil eye” to ward off any harm to the new couple. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: Buqe also made this handkerchief, specially packaged in a decorative box and displayed at the shower. Shqipe will carry this one during the wedding. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: Shqipe personally wanted to do as much as possible for this special day – she set each table with the help of her seven-year old niece, Ema. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: Each table centerpiece included a single lantern surrounded by flowers in cream and soft pastel peach. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: Shqipe had several costume changes. This was the first outfit, which included a special Dallam Me Shalvare, which is a vest with pants decorated with a gold band.

: Here is the back of the Dallam Me Shalvare. The intricate designs are all hand embroidered in gold thread.

: Shqipe entered the room and danced to traditional Albanian music – and gently waving her handkerchief.

: After dancing for a few minutes by herself to show her guests the beautiful black, white and gold costume, family and friends joined her on the dance floor.

: In between dances, Shqipe posed for many photos. Here she is with her sister, Buqe, her cousin Emine, and her cousin, Sherije, who came all the way from Kosovo for the festivities.

: Here is Shqipe with her niece, Liri, and mom, Hola.

: In keeping with Albanian tradition, other new brides can choose to wear their own Shelvare vest and costume to special events.

: Here I am greeting Shqipe for the first time at the shower. She looked so beautiful in her outfit – we were all eager to see every one.

: This was the next costume – a Dallama, which Shqipe is wearing with a matching skirt and the handmade handkerchief made by her sister.

: This costume has a different Shelvare to match the dark skirt. She is also wearing real and faux gold coins, or lira, around her neck.

: Shqipe and I posed for this snapshot – it was such a lovely event for everyone.

: I took this photo of Shqipe to show the lira around her neck. The costumes had such beautiful details – all hand made.

: The third costume was a white gown. Here is Shqipe holding her handkerchief before going out to present the gown to all her guests. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: The back of the gown was decorated in lace. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: These traditional Albanian costumes do not have to be worn in any order – that is decided by the bride-to-be. This white dress gown is also a very important part of the “adet” or tradition, and is displayed for all to see during the customary dances.

: Shqipe loves these vintage Chanel earings. In the center of each one is an Albanian eagle, making the pieces even more special to her. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: I joined Shqipe for this photo with her Aunt Sophia from Kosovo.

: Here is Shqipe’s cousin’s four-year daughter, Era, and her niece, Ema. (Photo by Joseph Shkreli)

: In this photo – Hola, myself, Shqipe’s best friend, Greta, my business manager, Maureen, and Shqipe’s other dear friend, Valentina.

: The fourth and last costume included this Dimije Me Jelek, a vest of beads sewn onto a lining.

: The pants are made with more than 17-yards of fabric and then tied together with rope around the waist and ankles. Handmade 24-carat gold thread and beading are used throughout. Shqipe is here with Valentina, and her sister-in-law to be, Adriana.

: Here is Shqipe with members of her fiance’s family – Zenel’s sister, Amber, his first cousin, Lilly, his mom, Nadziba, his first cousin, Aida, his first cousin, Rushe, Adriana, and his Aunt Naka.