Kristen's Bridal Shower

I was beyond honored when Kristen asked me to be her Maid of Honor. (Notice I did not say matron) I would go on about how wonderful she is and how much I love her, but then I wouldn't have any material left for my speech. ;) Kristen has fabulous taste and, like me, is very particular. So I had dreams of throwing her the most amazing bridal shower ever. Especially since she was just having one HUGE shower for both her and Matt's families. The guest list was about 50 people. eek! It was a Tea Party Bridal Shower, and sooo much fun to plan! Although I always try to do too much and it may or may not have consumed my life for a few weeks. Sometimes I think I would like to be a party planner, but I think Adam might veto that idea pretty quick. ha! And can I just say...what did people do before Pinterest!?!? I'll tell you what they didn't do - throw awesome bridal showers!

I did a ton of prep the weeks before, and thought it would be an easy set-up the day of. Let's just say, that didn't quite work out. I was running sooooo late. I felt like I was on Chopped running around the kitchen chopping fruit, assembling tarts and throwing them on platters! It wasn't "perfect" but Kristen seemed happy and that's what counts, right? It was a great day celebrating my sweet sister and I can't wait for the big day in less than two months! Plus, she got a ton of gifts!



From top left: homemade cream cheese mints; dessert spread of fruit tarts, hummingbird cupcakes and chocolate dipped marshmallows; welcome table with coloring books and crayons for the kiddos, an advice journal for Kristen and some fun games; food table with chicken salad croissants, cucumber sandwiches, birdseed pasta salad, and cranberry cashew salad; a sign next to the front door; drink table with wine punch and hot tea



the goods!




opening gifts



1. the bride & goofy groom 2. Kristen with Dodie and Cassisdy 3. Kristen & Grandma Darlene
4. Kristen & Kat: the red-headed cousins 5. Kristen and some of her sweet friends 6. Kristen and her soon-to-be in-laws



Kristen and Great-Grandma Jean. We all wore fancy hats for the tea party. I wish you could see Grandma's hat better, it was so pretty. It was "vintage" from her own closet. She used to wear hats all the time years ago. This one she wore to one of her daughters' weddings. She couldn't remember which one, but about 50 years ago!



the girlies



Cassidy & Madi



And this is what happens when you try to take pictures with my family. Confusion, chaos and ridiculousness.
Love them!



Abi and Uncle Matt. She's been calling him Uncle Matt her whole life
and obviously she adores him.



I just had to include this hilarious picture. Abi gets really weird when she's overly
tired and missed her nap plus had lots of sugar....she had just licked Kristen's neck.
Who knows why. Like I said, weird.




And that's how you know it was a good party. This was 15 minutes into clean-up.