A Shower for Cris

Our shower was today and it was quite nice. We rented out the Club House at my place, and had a few of Cris' family and friends over to celebrate! The theme, not really publicized, was "pink" - we kind of picked it because Cris is very feminine and it seems to match her personality and style. The hostesses served champagne when guests arrived, and then we took some time to check out the "Memory Tree."

The Memory Tree was something inspired by a post over at That Bride, but then I made it something special for Cris' shower. Before the shower, I emailed everyone and asked them to please send pictures of Cris, through the years. If they had a memory of Cris they wanted to share, I asked that they send that, too. What poured in was a set of amazing memories and photos. Some from her mother in law to be, some from friends, and lastly, her own mother was kind enough to pick out pictures from throughout Cris' childhood.

Next, I needed to find a branch from a real tree, and my friend Marc was kind enough to help out. After that, I color copied all of the original photos I got from people, and started printing out the digital ones. I glued each photo to a colorful (pink-centric) paper, and punched two holes in the top. Using purple, blue and pink ribbon, I made a hanger for each one. When each had a ribbon, I hung all of the photos on the tree, and it stood in the room with us for the shower.

It was kind of cool because it let us all check out fun pictures of Cris from throughout her life. People who didn't know her earlier in life could relive fun memories with us. And, we got to put some very funny photos up from college.

Lunch was salad, pinwheel sandwiches, and mini quiches. Matron of Honor, Lena, brought two games (purse scavenger hunt and "how well do you know Cris" trivia game), and they were good fun. Dessert was mini cupcakes from Sibby's (where Cris is getting her wedding cupcakes, too!), mini bite sized cheesecakes and home made chocolate chip cookies from her niece.

It was a nice afternoon, and a lovely way to celebrate with our bride to be!

Bridesmaid Chronicles

My friend Cris is getting married in October and she has asked me to be a bridesmaid. Of course I said yes! We have known each other since freshman year in college, which means ohhhh 18 years. Cris would come over to visit the girls who lived across the hall, and since we'd all lounge about with our doors open, she and I got to know each other too. After that we lived together (with 6 others) sophomore year, and we've remained friends ever since.

Cris has selected a fashionable palate for her wedding of brown, gold and green, which will be just lovely in fall. She was kind enough to allow the three bridesmaids the choice of what dresses we wanted to wear. As long as they are brown and match the swatch she gave us. So, mine is from David's Bridal and I'm sure it will be just fabulous (once it is altered for my 4'10" frame).

Stephanie and I met up today and got shoes ... they will be matching, even though that is not a requirement. We lucked out and both found ones that we loved. We also did some shopping for the shower we're having in a couple weeks. It should be great fun, and we have some exciting gifts planned. heehee.

Lastly, Cris did not want to have a formal bachelorette party. That's cool, but I think we've come up with an alternate plan that may be as fun (if not goofy) as any bachelorette party ever: The Golden Girls Party. There are four of us, and yes we each match to a "Girl." I won't admit which one I'll be, but in real life the actress was my same height. We're thinking a "formal" section for the dinner, and then a costume change to well, house coats for dessert. Complete with wigs and probably some of our favorite episodes. Awesome! And no, no stripper. No one needs to see "Stan" show up and dance. Honestly...