A Rainy Bridal Shower: Thank You.

 

It's bridal shower week! And I've got a lot to share. But first, it's a thank you.

 A bridal shower is a bridal shower is just a bridal shower ... or so say they.

But after the wonderful celebration my very best threw for me this past weekend - my bridal shower was not just another. 

It was so special and so personalized. All the secrets of the shower were kept completely under wraps from me - besides some of the menu - and I was thrilled after scurrying around the entire space - seeing all the special touches. 

From the vintage books - to the paper hearts- to the umbrella guest book - it was all so perfectly "Grace" and all so perfectly themed around this blog, "Her Umbrella's Bridal Shower." I just melted. 

I cannot begin to thank everyone enough. I hope everyone knows how much I appreciate their involvement in the shower. And I truly cannot thank my best friend's mom, Mrs. Richardson, for being the surge behind the entire party. She was the force that kept things moving - helped me with my nervous gift-opening - cleaned-up and allowed my mom to chill out and just enjoy.

I hate to admit it - but now that it's over - I have to say that I was more nervous for my shower than excited even. I knew there were be quite a bit of people there and I just wanted to make sure I was as gracious and appreciative as possible. I didn't want anyone to feel like I didn't love having them there or I wasn't thankful for their gifts. 

I wanted to make sure I spent enough time with one of my best friends - Emily and her extremely sweet mom -  who took a bit of a journey to get here. I wanted to make sure Miss Betty - my kindergarten teacher - whom I've adored for almost 20 years - knew how much it meant to me for her to be there. I wanted to make sure Justin's family knew how happy I was that they all took the trip to be there and celebrate too. 

But when my nerves engulf me, I tend to find solace in my Mom. My eyes drifted to her a lot throughout the course of the evening. Involuntarily.  When I'm sitting in the center of the room, with 30-ish pairs of eyes on me, opening up presents trying to thank them in the most personal way I could - there's definitely some anxiety.

And my wonderful girlfriends. Rachel has done so much for me and Justin - even before we got engaged. This shower was just above and beyond her call of duty. She even had a curling wad plugged in for me in the back if there was any need to "spruce" up the hair. Sam sent me telepathic happy thoughts to keep me laughing. Nicole always makes me feel special. And Brooke is just so homey. I really love when they're around.

Like I said - a bridal shower is a bridal shower is just a bridal shower - or so say they. But mine wasn't.

Gifts aside - just like the wedding - I'll only have one bridal shower. One chance to pre-celebrate with all the women who mean something to me. And it was perfect. 

It rained too. And it was cloudy. And it was kind of chilly.