What do you do with a bride who wants a very, very small wedding??  A bride who doesn’t want to be the center of attention, who prefers an intimate family luncheon at her favorite restaurant?

Why, you throw her an enormous bridal shower, of course!  SURPRISE!!!!!! 

As Mother-of-the-Bride and Matron-of-Honor (and what an honor it is!), I knew what I had to do: invite everyone I know, organize tons of food and wine and iced tea and figure out a story to get the bride in the right place at the right time while wearing the right outfit.

Her grandmother hosted the shower, planned the menu and cleaned like crazy; Grandma’s house was the perfect setting for twenty-two women to party.  The bride’s future mother-in-law made the special favors.  Harley Chick and her daughter Jackie took over the kitchen (bless their hearts) and Ellie (aka Dancing Mandolin Player) spent days decorating.  Lillian created a flower centerpiece to match the napkins.

Leah’s party favors

Chandelier by Dancing Mandolin Player

Flowers by Lillian

 Banjo Man valet-parked everyone’s cars so there would be no trace of visitors in Grandma’s driveway.  He hauled tables and chairs and punch bowls and food all afternoon.   The man deserves a special place in heaven.

I made the women play the what’s in your purse game (Angela won with 89 points, far and away the top score, with a key to a Tuscany rental in her possession).   We signed quilt squares (yes, I had to stick a quilt in there somehow) and ate a lot of cupcakes and chocolates.

Chocolates by Sweenors

 And the gifts were amazing.  Handmade photo albums.  Purple nightgowns.  Knives.  A red blender to lust over.  A Betty Crocker cookbook  (raise your hand if you got one at your bridal shower a zillion years ago!).  Glassware.  Cookware.  Blankets.  Dish towels!!!!

Harley Chick Karen, Mary and Grandma

And here are more pics, thanks to Harley Chick:

Thank you so much, everyone.  You made it such a special day.