I don’t know how to write this post without being overly cheesy and sappy and gushy. If you are having an “I’m angry and I want to stay that way” kind of day, I suggest proceeding with caution.
My whole life, I insisted I wouldn’t have a bridal shower.
But my mom was always like, “You have to have a bridal shower!” (In a loving way, not a “You have to take a shower today, Alison, it’s been a week” way.) Something about sitting in a room opening gifts (that Brian and I had registered for…) while my loved ones watched me seemed like it would be awkward and uncomfortable.
And yet, my bridal shower was this past Saturday, and I did, in fact, sit and open gifts while the best women in the world watched me and everyone “ooh-ed” and “aah-ed” as if on cue.
It was one of my favorite days of my whole life.
Not because of the attention, and not at all because of the gifts.
But because for many hours on Saturday, I got to be in a beautiful room (at my bridesmaid Lauren’s mom’s innnncredible house in Westchester) surrounded by the most kind, wonderful, gracious women in my life. They came from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Long Island, Boston, Connecticut, and Los Angeles. For me.
Within the first hour, my cheeks already hurt from smiling so much.
I got to watch as my grandmother and Brian’s met for the first time and helped each other navigate an iPad. They held hands on their way to get dessert, telling everyone they were “best friends.”
I got to watch my college girlfriends reenact my old Kickline routines (eight years later and they still know all the moves; no, they weren’t on the team).
I got to eat macaroni and cheese, my mom’s Death by Chocolate, and BFF Michael’s mint chocolate brownies.
I got to watch my mom and Brian’s bond over how they have absolutely everything in common.
Everyone shared “a memory of the bride,” and Brian showed up at the end (well, what was supposed to be the end — the party kept going for many hours longer) and everyone “ooh-ed” and “aah-ed” over him, too.
We had a “Cupid Shuffle” dance party and a “Glee” singalong.
It was such a perfect pre-wedding celebration and the most exciting way to kick off the final month of wedding preparations.
All this gushing to say it’s OK if you don’t want to have a bridal shower. But if you let your very best friends and family members throw one for you, your heart might explode from happiness because it’s kind of an amazing thing.
A few more photos from the day…
Huuuuugest shout-out to my college roommate/bridesmaid Lauren/Lone/Pan, who works in finance as a Wolf of Wall Street or something, but really should be a full-time wedding and party planner. She had me at “gold sequin table runners.” And “do you need more champagne?”
And to her mother, Megan, who graciously let us take over her home for the party. And to my mom, who resurrected my old Glamour Shots among other childhood photos to use as decorations. And to all my bridesmaids and all the people who came and have kept me smiling since Saturday.
The next party is the big one — coming in hot!
22 Responses
That is SUCH a lovely looking home and makes me want to live in Westchester! You look great and super tan in white!
I love your dress and hair! Those custom napkins are pretty baller as well (making mental note for parties).
Excuse me while I go pin this entire shower. I LOVE the napkins – any idea where they got them???
xo Marie
Here you go! https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1049997528
Ali! I love this for you! So happy! You deserve a weekend (or a lifetime) away from Crohn’s stress! And before I even got down to the picture of your hair I already thought to myself, “oh, I like her hair!” Happy Wedding Shower!
How’s your tummy doing? I feel your Crohn’s pain! What do you take for it
Xs & Os
“The final month!” I can’t believe your wedding is so soon, I’m so excited for you!
I also didn’t think I wanted a bridal shower, but my friends/family surprised me and it was so amazing. I’m so glad they didn’t listen to me, haha. Anytime you get together to celebrate something positive with all the people you love and who make you happy, it’s perfect. For me, it was so nice to celebrate our marriage this way because I actually got to sit and talk to people and see all the little interactions (like my favorite people meeting for the first time) and it made my heart so happy. I didn’t get much time to chat with people at our actual wedding. Anyway, congrats again!
Absolutely gorgeous! From the bride-to-be, family, friends, venue, food…
That sounds like an awesome bridal shower! I was vehemently against having a bridal shower as well but my mom insisted so that it would give my mother in law and her daughters a chance to meet the rest of my friends at least once before the wedding. They ended up tailoring it for me – no silly games, no toilet paper brides or bingo or anything like that – and actually held a cupping (coffee tasting) in a room with some wickedly delicious treats and drinks. It was amazing and I was so glad that I had one in the end. 🙂
Glad you had a blast–you deserve it!
And your dress is AMAZING!
looks amazing and your hair..so cute
I need some gold sequin table runners in my life stat! Also – so mean to reference the Glamour Shots but not show them! Glad you had such an awesome time at your shower. 🙂
As a fellow dread-er of showers, I certainly appreciate your hesitation. My mom told me the same thing. But! Looks like a great gathering of great people. And if you think you smiled a lot at your shower, just wait until your wedding day!
I can’t believe I totally teared up at “It was one of my favorite days of my whole life.” and kept the sappy feelings coming all the way to the end.
I love to hear you so happy and your friends rocked it hardcore for your shower! Such a gorgeous set up and you can tell from the pictures it was a day filled with love and celebration for you!
Such a great party & also – those napkins are legit.
Ali I adore your dress! Where did you find it?
Those napkins are EVERYTHING. Also – I totally rejected the shower thing at first too. It’s awkwardddddd having people (however well meaning) stare at you while you open things like BLENDER, POT HOLDERS, WHOO! But it really is so special to sit in a room full of people who love and support the hell out of you!
TOO CUTE! Love this so much!! That champagne bar? On point.
Looks like a great party! Congratulations!
What great memories being made! You are going to be a gorgeous bride!! I can’t wait for the recap of the wedding!!! Enjoy this last month!!
Cheers to the new BFF grandmas!!!!
Glad it was one of your most favorite days. Now make sure to work out those cheek muscles. Lots of smiling is coming your way for the big day.
How awesome – you deserve every second of happiness! So glad you had a good time
I love those napkins! Your day looks perfect. Great friends, great food, and a whole lot of laughing. Just perfect! Glad you enjoyed it all.
Those gold sequin table runners are everything. Aso, do you have a recipe for those mint chocolate brownies?? Are there leftovers you can express ship to Boston?! They sound and look amazing!