The Best Shower Ever.

What makes pre-wedding festivities complete more than a shower and bachelorette party? Well, my absolutely wonderful MOH put together a beautiful shower and fabulous bachelorette. Words can't start to describe all the time, thought and love she put into this, of course with help from my other girls, but still! These events had Ms Stephanie Walsh written all over them!

With all the detail she put into the two parties I thought the least I can do is describe it all to you as a memento. I'm sure you'll find some inspiration for any future planning you may be involved with. :)

Two or three weeks ago I was told to clear Aug 15th in my calendar and up until roughly 6pm on Saturday the 15th I had no idea what was to ensue. I was pretty confident a bachelorette was involved and maybe dinner beforehand.

I couldn't have been more surprised and touched to see that there was a proper shower waiting for me upon arrival. The party was hosted on a beautiful deck at Steph's best friend Jeana's house. I welled up in tears as everything sank in.

Tables were draped in pink tablecloths with homemade vases (check out the idea from the knot - so cute) with colorful daisies in the center. Lady Gaga was playing in the background and butterfly lights were strung along the wall of the deck. Plates, napkins utensils were lime green. Scattered were pink and green balloons, as well. Perfect color combination!

At each seat there was a gift bag with a name tag indicating who should sit where.Steph demanded I open mine first so we could start drinking – oh man, I thought. :DInside each bag was an impeccably hand-decorated wine glass saying “Love is in Bloom” with flowers and butterflies.Can only imagine how long it took her to make these.So gorgeous.Mine also said “Bride to be” on it.Wish we got better pictures of these glasses!

Out came homemade sangria (absolutely delicious) and trays of cheese and crackers and hummus. Does this girl know her bride or what?!?! Then came dinner!!! Homemade meatballs, ziti, salad and lettuce wraps. YUM YUM YUM! Such good food. Steph is going to be quite the homemaker!

After eating everyone gave me presents – PRESENTS?! I was so pleasantly surprised and happy! My college girls gave me a themed gift of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. I may have said “something used” which got a laugh. My other girls treated me to pampering gifts and jokes, a perfect combination in each gift. I am so grateful!

After presents we went inside for Jill & Christian trivia. Three teams of two got competitive while I ate a massive amount of dessert in the background. Butterfly shaped iced sugar cookies, brownies, and a trifle – to.die.for. Sarah Root & Deanna Olenczuk ended up winning the game, I believe. Way to go girls. :D

We then left for the secret undisclosed location of my bachelorette which will have a separate post on O-M-G.

The shower was such a surprise and really better than I could have ever imagined having. My friends are the best there are and I can thank you all enough for your love, support, time, gifts and more. Stephanie Walsh, I love you!

one month away!

Today marks one month until our wedding! So much has gone into planning the last three weeks. I went home last weekend and accomplished in a 10 hour day on Saturday what usually takes brides and wedding planners months. No room for indecisiveness!

10 Hour Wedding Planning Saturday:

8:00am : Leave house with my aunt

8:45am : Buy coffee and a bagel

9:00am : Meet "Tom the tent guy" at his store in Media, pick out tables, linens, chairs, flatware and glassware. Rentals done. Check!

10:00am : Plowing through Joann Fabrics looking for material to make table runners. 60% off sale and we have found a gorgeous pattern for $8/yard.

10:45am : We're en route and I'm ordering the fabric sku over the phone with the Exton Joann Fabric. Fabric ordered. Check!

11:30am : Arrive early to our cupcake taste testing in Malvern

11:45am : We're eating DELICIOUS cupcakes and I eventually order 50 Triple Chocolate Ganache and 30 White Chocolate Vanilla Ganache. YUM. (Be excited) "Cake" done. Check.

12:30pm : We're in Downingtown at florist number one. Quote is ok but they won't do a ribbon tie on my bouquet

1:00pm : Florist number 2. Quote is high but I get them down a little and I get a ribbon tie. Chr's boutonniere and my bouquet done. Check!

1:30pm : Quick stop at the house and split a turkey sandwich as we're walking out the door. Protein for sustainability. Check.

2:00pm : Scoop up the children at the pool, Maya shows me how she can do a proper dive off the diving board. Love her.

2:45pm : Maya and I get dropped off at the salon for a trial run of my up-do

3:45pm : Up-do is done, I love it. My hair will be gorgeous. Check!

4:00pm : Go to Produce Junction in Exton, find that there are gorgeous bundles and bundles of flowers for under $5. They have bags of petals for Maya to use. Flowers for bridesmaids and decoration will definitely be bought here. Check!

4:30pm : Mens Wearhouse (or as Maya says – Mens Produce Wear) to pick out the tuxedos. Pick out the design and put together a group number. Boys have until 8/29 to be measured and ordered. Check!

5:00pm : Scoop up Jack from birthday party.

5:30pm : TJMaxx has apothecary jars on sale for $5 and $7 each. Buy three for our candy station. “Favors” will be a treat bag of candy – conceptualized by my wonderful and creative Aunt. Favors decided. Check!

6:00pm : Cracking open well deserved beers!

Sunday was productive as well. I met with our caterer who has a great vision – will turn out perfectly. Also had lunch with my cousin who is going to be our officiate. As always, more details to come!