No secret that 2014 was (and will continue to be) one of the best eras of my life. It was just a whole lot of feeling special, seeing so many faces of people I hold dear and celebrating the importance of relationships, family and love in all its forms. Awww, how horrendously cheesy! But it's true: I loved the year (2014 highlights here). And a day that stands out in particular was my bridal shower, thrown in May 2014.
I know people often talk about how attending bridal/baby showers is largely a labor of forced love. However, I haven't ever felt that way when I've been in attendance. I like the fact that it's something new to do on the weekends. I like the set-up. I like the spirited food and drinks. I like the all the love raining down on the bride/mama-to-be. I've always enjoyed them. And though I was super awkward at first to have so much attention on me, I thoroughly loved all of this as the guest of honor. And all six of my Bridesmaids went above and beyond to ensure that I felt pretty dang loved that day (which is why I hosted a brunch when I first asked them! Seen here. It's a ton of work to be a bridesmaid!!). Let's get to the overflow of pictures (some real camera, some iPhone so varying levels of quality)...
^I had no idea what to wear for my shower and was actually out shopping the morning of in a state of panic. I tried on so many white dresses from various stores and purchased them as I went, never fully in love. Until, I came across this dress from Express and I was obsessed. It was a really nice cream color and reminded me of Priscilla Presley. So happy to have found it with no time to spare that day!
^The shower was held at my apartment complex, in the community room. About 30 minutes before the shower, the bridesmaids texted me and said it was ready. So I sauntered down the hall and was greeted with a drink and a hug before other guests arrived.
^All my bridesmaids before the shower. I love them so dearly.
^I was oooohing & ahhhing over the whole room all day! The decor was so, so, so cute.
^Guests arriving.
^Time for presents. See my awkward body language on right? ha.
^Received family heirlooms from Jay's Stepmom.
^Cutest little helper. I also had both my late Grandmas there in my own ways. I wore my Dad's Mom's bracelet on my wrist & I did my hair in a way that reminded me in color and style of my Nana's culture (my Mom's Mom). Just my own little way of bringing a bit of them into the room. Miss them.
^Jay's Mom used my shower invite to put on a bottle of wine made with grapes from her property (which is where the wedding was held). How special is that?
^All the women from Jay's family in attendance- Aunts, Mom & Stepmom.
^Elena, Me, Tracy
^Girlfriends make the world go round.
^One of my favorite pictures of my sister and me.
^The MOB & MOG. So lucky to have them both!
^Fam-damily. Love these spirited women!
^If you don't realize my friend on the left is pregnant, my pose looks quite weird.
^Hanging around after, chatting it up.
^My favorites.
^Blurry but so cute. My wonderful MIL and me.
And where was Chandler during all this? Thanks for asking! With Jay gone during this time in Vegas at his Bachelor party, my Dad came and grabbed Chandler for a puppy playdate with the family dog Maddie.
^Ummmmm, cutest picture ever that my Dad sent me during the shower.
^My Dad brought an exhausted Chandler back to my house after and we surveyed the 'damage' aka bounty of gifts that took over our small spot.
And in conclusion... it was all the love from all these amazing women that made that day so spectacular.
Even this amount of time later, I still feel so happy reflecting on it!
