there’s underwhelemed, overwhelmed, and what i’m currently feeling. beyondwhelmed. i am beyondwhelmed by the love i experienced on sunday at my bridal shower. it was truly a magical event filled with some of my favorite people on the planet and i wish i could package the whole thing up inside a snow globe so i could shake it up and relive it everyday.

the affair took place at the brigantine del mar on the patio overlooking dog beach and the del mar racetrack. despite the early morning fog, by 11 a.m., the sun had peeked out through the clouds offering up the perfect backdrop for our day. when i arrived, i was greeted with the above sign and this view:

 

 

i don’t know if any other brides felt like this at their shower, but kind of like how the entire wedding planning process has been, it felt pretty surreal walking into the event. i kept looking over my shoulder half-expecting another bride to show up until i finally realized the bride was ME!

 

 

every detail was simply stunning. from the oversized dahlias in mason jars lining the tables and succulents wearing lace tutus (which ended up being party favors!) to the (to quote my amazing hostesses) “chip and jojo-inspired” floral wreath that adorned my chair at the head of the table, i couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful spread.

with just over 25 guests to accommodate (a perfect mix of family and friends), we were seated at two long tables, nestled beneath giant umbrellas to keep the surprisingly warm temperatures at bay. champagne made the rounds as did fresh pastries and crudite. for lunch, guests were provided the option of a salad or clam chowder to start and the choice of three entrees for their main meal -a steak cobb salad, grilled chicken, or the coconut-macadamia nut crusted shrimp. i chose the latter and it was insanely delicious. i was too busy opening presents to enjoy mine, but for dessert individual mud pies rounded out the meal and ensured no one went home with an unsatisfied sweet tooth.

 

 

which leads me to this girl. my matron of honor, the co-hostess of the occasion, best friend, and basically my hero. in addition to running her own lula roe business and raising two tiny humans, she, along with my aunt and grandmother, planned, prepped, and executed the shower of my dreams. and if that wasn’t enough, she gave a speech that had me and almost all of our guests wavering between total composure and the full-on ugly cry.

 

 

to everyone who drove across town and across counties, and especially to those who braved the horror that is traffic on the 405, i cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your weekend to celebrate in this sweet season with me. i am continually in awe of the outpouring of love and support both S and i have received throughout our entire relationship -but most specifically since our engagement in april. to say we are blessed beyond measure would be an understatement.

it’s appropriate that i would post this recap today because it marks exactly three months until S and i say i do. with most of the planning done (type A bride, ftw), i am looking forward to soaking up these last weeks with my fiance, our family, and friends. on sunday i’ll pick up my wedding dress (!!!) and in two weeks enjoy probably the tamest bachelorette party in history. to quote myself during the actual proposal, “oh gosh, it’s happening.”

it’s happening, you guys and i’m so happy to have you be a part of it. as always, thanks for reading.

xo

p.s. details on my outfit can be found here.

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