Pink and Pearls: Bridal shower frenzy! {I love these moments!}

I've really been lagging on the posting! My sincerest apologies!

Life has been crazy again, still, however you want to put it. This past weekend I was in Reston, Virginia for my bridal shower that was hosted by my mom, her friend Joanie, my Aunt Amy, my Maid of Honor Karishma, and two of my bridesmaids: Rachel and Jordanna. The theme was "high tea" and, even now as I try to explain, it I have a huge smile across my face, and I am speechless! It was beautiful, marvelous, elegant, blissful!

The bridal tea party was hosted at Rachel's parents' home, which is beautiful. I loved that it was there because I have known Rachel since early childhood, and we have many happy memories playing in that house.

They set up little tables around the front room of the house. The tables, each sitting three or four people, were adorned with beautiful tableclothes, some with crochet overlay, and the most beautiful, delicate eclectic mix of tea sets. There was beautiful china with pink, floral and other prints. And the food! My aunt made chocolate and red velvet cupcakes with pink frosting and little pink edible "pearls" on top. There were mini sandwiches: cucumer, tuna and eggsalad. There were chocoate hearts, eclairs and Napolitan treats. And Jordanna made these scones (chocolate chip and cranberry), that literally melted in your mouth.

After I finally took in the beauty of the room, and perused all the treats atop the piano, we took our seats. Karishma gave a little welcome speech, and then Rachel described the tea. Little bowls of different flavors of loose leaf tea lined the front of the piano, and guests could mix and match their flavors, and create their own tea bags. I chose the green tea mint, but there was also a variety of other flavors, including chai.

We sat and talked over sandwiches and scones that were served to us. I was so excited to be amongst my family and friends. There were about 15 or 20 of us women, and it felt intimate and nice. The favors were beautiful printed (in different patterns) tea caddies with personalized tea, wrapped in a pink ribbon. The tea bag said "Tea-riffic coupe" at the top, and then: Marjorie and Sean, March 31, 2012 (for our wedding date, of course.)

As soon as tea was over, some of them ladies took turns going into the other room and working on a scrapbook. They were told to bring pictures to the tea, so they could add them to the book, which I am told will be given to us at the wedding. I have never been so amazed with the amount of pictures I saw! Pictures, stickers, ribbon and glitter covered the table, and everyone worked hard to make personalized pages for me and Sean. Even I made a page!

After the scrapbooking portion of the party, we moved to the living room and I began opening gifts. (That part's always fun!)

There was lots of laughter and ribbons. My friend Lauri made me a beautiful ribbon hat with the ribbons and bows from the presents.

Again, I felt like a bridal queen, atop my throne. I was all smiles the rest of the day and the weekend, and still even today. I can't describe the feeling of the party. It was lovely. It was very me. I felt loved, so much, and that every single little detail, from the pink cupcakes to the beautiful china to the scrapbook, was me, all me, in every single way.

To get sappy for a moment here (which, you shouldn't be surprised, because I'm sappy in almost every post!) these bridal showers I have had are MORE THAN I COULD HAVE EVER IMAGINED, HOPED FOR, DREAMED OF. Before I got engaged, and then even after I got engaged, I tried to picture my bridal shower. (Of course, I only thought I was going to have one!) But I could have never, EVER, pictured how amazing and beautiful both of my showers would be! Both the shower in Philadelphia at the beautiful Cafe La Fontana. With the bridal shower bingo and famous couples in history games. The magnificent, personalized menu of the most delectable foods. A room full (about 60?) of people, all there just for me. Pink flowers and pink gift bags filled with candles and picture coasters.

And my bridal tea party in Virginia. The most elegant, classy, intimate high tea. Beautiful, thoughtful details.

Each shower was amazing and different in its own way, and I could have never pictured such amazing parties for me. Truly amazing. I'm truly blessed with marvelous people in my life. I am so thankful. I am so lucky. These showers were above and beyond my wildest expectations, and they will forever remain in my mind, heart and soul. I feel like the luckiest, most beautiful bride in the world. And I owe that feeling to my fiancee (who brought me red roses and helped carry presents to the car at both showers!) and my family and friends. Too many to name, but each of them have helped make these moments memorable and special. Words would never be enough.

And now....some pictures!

I am awaiting a picture cd from Karishma from the bridal tea party, but until then, here are some pictures Jordanna took at the party. Thank you, Jordanna!

And mixed in with those those: pictures from my amazing surprise bridal shower in Philadelphia last month (which I promised I would post but never did. They are from my camera)

So, this blog post is ALL about my bridal shower mania, because it is the best feeling right now, to be in this pretty, lovely, loved, happy, bridal, moment.