girly time

so this past week was once again madness at work. But I absolutely have to recap my wonderfully lovely bridal shower from last weekend!

My dear cousin/maid of honor totally outdid herself. It was beautiful, laid back and simple. My aunt and uncle rented out a clubhouse in their neighborhood so we had tons of space to lounge and mingle. Where do I start?! My cousin had one of our engagement photos printed in black and white and matted so the girls could sign it. We started with drinks as the girls arrived, delicious strawberry margaritas with lime slices, pink lemonades from trader joes and lots of agua. After everyone met we grabbed some food and ate outside. It must have been 80 degrees! (welcome to southern california!) She had the party catered by Wood Ranch, super yummy barbecue restaurant. We had BBQ chicken breasts, garlic dinner rolls and 2 delicious salads, one caeser and one had walnuts, avocado and feta with a vinaigrette dressing. The tables were decorated with adorable arrangements. She found the most gorgeous and realistic looking silk flowers in shades of purple and hid little artificial diamond rings.

{stolen from cousin's blog}

For dessert we had to-die-for red velvet cupcakes, french macarons (from trader joe's!!) and ring pops! hehe!

After eating we meandered back into the living room area to open presents! All the ladies were so generous and thoughtful. Lots of items of the registry, which are much needed! And lots of cookbooks! I suppose people know pretty well by now that I love to cook! (And eat!) One of my bridesmaids purchased a recipe box off my registry but then added some of her own personal favorite recipes to get me started. So sweet! Another of my bridesmaids, you remember miss shawnie sherie, gave me the most beautiful gift. A watercolor fashion illustration she drew of me in my dress with my veil (that she is fixing up for me). She had it framed and matted, it is so amazing! I'll post it after the wedding since fiance reads this and he's not allowed to see my dress yet. But here's a link to an example of an illustration she has done for another bride.

It was such a lovely day. The guests consisted of cousins, aunts, grandma, bridesmaids and dear friends. Surprisingly most of my closest girlfriends have never met each other! Yet everyone got along so well. It was so relaxing just getting to see all my favorite people and chat and catch up and giggle. This wedding is beginning to feel very very real (4 more weeks!!) Bridal shower #2 is coming up in 2 weeks, thrown by my mother up in northern california. I can't wait to see more friends and family!