I fought hard not to have a bridal shower or bachelorette party, but my friends found ways to spoil me rotten nonetheless.
I'm grateful for such outstanding women in my life. Girls who respect that I sometimes march to a different beat. Maybe I don't want to do everything by the book—or maybe it's that I want to do things by my own book. Just slightly different, just enough to annoy or cause a few eye rolls. You know what I'm saying? I just can't help it. I have two older sisters and a one-in-a-million mom. I want to be like each of them, independently, and then I want to be my own person, too. I digress…
Not only did I feel showered with love at the
Albany "gathering," the
cooking class with Allison (who, coincidentally is being induced with her baby girl tonight—prayers for the Vidourek family), and the
trip to see my sisters in LA and San Diego, but I was lucky enough to share some special memories with friends during my last few weeks as a single gal.
Among many other celebrations…my high school besties planned a day o' fun brunching, baking, and crafting—all in preparation for the wedding reception (more on that later). My running inspiration, Erin, prepared a delicious banquet of brunch and snack fare for us to feast on while watching Bridesmaids the week before my wedding. My co-workers pulled off an outrageously thoughtful and sincere "off-site meeting" surprise breakfast shower. And, my friend Leslee organized a special tae bo class for my sisters, workout buddies, and me to enjoy on the day of the wedding. Yes, I got up at 5 for workout class on my wedding day. It was the perfect de-stressor.
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| Starting the day off right with mims. |
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| Brunch and Mexican theme...with a "test" cake by Katie. |
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| Check out this test cake, perfect rendition of hobnail milkglass by the one and only Katie Elaine. |
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| Cake Brigade mem-orrr-eeeees. |
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| Barking orders at Kell...making escort cards. |
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| How I miss our baking and cooking extravaganzas at the Moon Tower! |
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| Love the bubbles in a can! With a straw! |
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| Not only did these gals whip out some serious baked goods on this sweet Saturday, but each of them made several other |
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| On to the work "shower," where my co-workers loved embarrassing me with the toilet paper wedding gown game. Seriously, I could not have been more surprised by this gesture. I honestly was so wrapped up in a freelance job and the craziness of checking lists, etc., for the wedding, that it didn't even dawn on me that my co-workers might want to celebrate, too. They even set up a fake calendar invite and told me we were following up on a "what's your work style" off-site meeting from a couple weeks prior. My work bestie, Yvonne, really helped pull off this number by telling me how much she was dreading this meeting...how much she didn't want to go. How she kept a straight face, I'll never know! |
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| One of my co-workers wrapped the lovely gifts (a very nice pajama set and some RL cocktail glasses) in my wedding colors, and the gals specifically planned a breakfast since they knew my affinity. Everyone brought a dish to share, or pretty bouquets of flowers, or champagne (naturally!). I was so touched. Beyond touched. I was just honored. It was a very special day for me. |
Thanks again to my dear friends from near and far. From the month-to-month "countdown till the wedding" texts to the phone calls and chats (or should I say "listening sessions"), the cards, and countless offers to help with any- and everything. Everyone was so kind and generous. I'm really fortunate...to say the very least.
