It wasn't a surprise because of my medical stuff (they wanted to make sure I didn't go out the night before/was able to get dressed up), but they did make sure everyone was there before I could walk in. They held it at my church (no charge, best it can get!).
It was fabulous and fun! I had about 25 people there- close family and friends. Unfortunately, my grandmother, aunts, and cousins from my dad's side weren't able to make it, but my sister volunteered to drive down and pick up the gifts they got us (they live down at the beach and beyond). My stepmom and her girls were not able to make it either, but they also sent very generous gifts. Finally, FI's family, being from OH and beyond, weren't able to make it, but they also sent along gifts.
I talked to everyone, then ate. We played the "don't cross your legs or arms" game, where you have beads or clothespins and if you catch someone who is, they give their beads to you. It's a nice ice breaker but isn't intensive like some other shower games. My niece ended up winning!
Then we did presents. There were so many, and our family and friends were so generous. I truly understand the meaning of being blessed and loved right now, and no, it's not because of the cost or amount of gifts. They have all invested in my and FI's life, and reading the cards and seeing some of the thoughtful gifts was so touching.
We got our Keurig, my KitchenAid mixer, gift cards, my pink kitchen items (yes, FI puts up with it), our cake topper and cake cutting set, as well as our Unity Candle set. The two most touching gifts were the two that were done by hand: FI's adoptive grandmother knit us an afghan, and FMIL, who does tons of cross stitch and embroidery, embroidered our wedding monogram with our names and wedding date. I wasn't expecting it til the wedding, and was moved to tears by it; My older sister is doing a scrapbook of all wedding activities for me after the wedding, and my two honorary bridesmaids are also cross-stitching/framing us something to hang. These two gifts will bring tears for sure as well; these are the types of gifts that FI and I cherish, and will pass down for years to come. My other sister got me my Bridal Hoodie, and the coolest/most interesting gift was the Williams-Sonoma Ebelskiver maker and cookbook from my ringbearer's family (go search it, they are awesome!). We were blessed in so many, many ways.
After gifts, my sister and a family friend Mrs. Potter had been paying attention during the gifts, and writing down things I was saying during gift opening that I would say on our wedding night. We all had a good laugh out of that one, and I recommend that as another "game" to be played at any bridal shower you plan. They also started an impromptu "game" that was really fun: how many gifts can we involve in a setting game- they started with "using the cake stand to hold the cheesecake and cupcakes while drinking margharitas under the afghan wearing the negligee sitting on the sheets at the hotel" and so on. It was actually really, really funny!
The final thing that was really touching was the Blessing Ring that was given to me. It's a ring that holds cards with tidbits of knowledge, advice, Scripture, whatever you want. You hang it on your door handle, and remember it everytime you go in and out of your home. You can add to it whenever; everyone gave us wise advice and fun memories. Here is the link:
http://www.brownlowgift.com/Scripts/PublicSite/?template=ShowCatPublic&cat=171731I can't thank the lovely ladies who planned my shower enough; I know there were some ups and downs leading up to it, but it went off smoothly. Thank you so much for being amazing friends and for all you do!
Anyway, here are some prelim pics, taken by Knottie Mrs.Lura (many other people took pics, but hers were the ones up on FB first lol). Click them to see bigger versions.
MOB, me, MOG
Cupcake Cake from Serpe's (yum!)
The Negligee from FI's aunt (awwww yeah!)
The embroidered monogram from FMIL
My sister/Matron (and niece) reading the "things she will say on her wedding night"
The pastor's wife and my sister (my mom is on the other side you can't see her) playing the "how many gifts in one scenario" game
Reading the cards on the Blessing Ring
The lovely "Bow-quet hat"
Older sister/Matron, me, younger sister/Maid
My honorary bridesmaids/bridal shower planners/Knotties and me
FI and I afterwards, posing for pictures
The sign outside my church; they always have great signs!!