A Special Maine Bridal Shower

I can count on one hand the number of bridal showers I’ve ever attended. Scratch that. I can count on one finger the number of bridal showers I’ve attended and that was my own. I hadn’t a clue what was supposed to happen at them when I had my own, and I had barely more of a clue when I teamed up with my friend (also named Emily) to throw my sister, Carolyn, a bridal shower this weekend.

There were no games, it wasn’t fussy, it was just a chance to get together with family and friends, chat, and celebrate the beautiful bride! Thanks to another friend of ours, she ended up with the floopiest bow bouquet to carry down the aisle at her rehearsal in less than three weeks, and we enjoyed the less than seasonal temperatures out on Emily’s deck, chatting and enjoying a little Maine lunch.  We had peach-blood orange mimosas with straws that were more decorative than functional, as well as lots of quintessentially Maine food like my mom’s famous blueberry muffins (in mini form), and lobster rolls.  My multi-talented grandmother (who happens to be 87 but doesn’t look or act a day over 70) made flower arrangements with blooms from her garden. Carolyn and her fiance, Adam (whom we love like family already), are going to Paris on their honeymoon. So we ordered mini pastries from the European Bakery in Falmouth, some French and some not, and I made little flags with French words attached with washi tape (authentically from Japan from my friend Anne!), to kebab skewers. With a little ribbon they added a festive element!  The bride and our gorgeous mom! Goofy smiling cousins! And coincidentally the colors of the French flag!  For a special gift, I solicited “words of wisdom” from Carolyn’s friends and family to compile into a book. My dad made me two little sticks with holes drilled in so I could string a ribbon through. I was so pleased with how it turned out – and since I hold the original I get to take advantage of the advice as well!  My grandmother made me aprons for my own shower and I love using them. Carolyn got a few of her own and gave a silly fashion show. She makes goofy faces when I get my camera out but someday she will appreciate it!   The photo below is an Emily sandwich! Emily and I have been friends since college (she’s so warm and friendly that everyone called her “Friendly Emily” and they called me “Other Emily” and I didn’t even disagree with them!), and at my bridal shower seven years ago, she and Carolyn decided to become roommates in the same building I used to live in! When Emily and her husband had their first apartment together, they introduced Carolyn to their neighbor across the hall, who turned out to be Adam! Carolyn’s fiance! I love that story. The perfect celebration for a beautiful bride. I’m so excited to finally be around for all of the wedding excitement! And have I mentioned it’s the first time I’ll get to be in a wedding and I’m the maid of honor (technically matron, but no one likes to be a matron)! Just a few more weeks!