It's Showering Kitchen Gifts

This past March my cousin and Maid of Honor, Ann, hosted my Bridal Shower for my family. It was a whirlwind weekend, but a fabulous one. It may come as a surprise to many that I do not enjoy being the center of attention. Boy was I the center. You could hear crickets as everyone's eyes were on me as they anxiously awaited me to open my presents. It was a little nerve wracking.

My favorite part–besides opening the presents that we spent hours registering for–was seeing my family. Especially the LaRoches(my mom's side). It has been such a long time since we have all gotten together.

We (Aunt Sally, my cousin Heidi, my Mom and I) started the weekend of festivities by shopping for my Mom's dress on Friday. I was a little nervous how it would go. After trying on only 3 dresses and visiting 3 more stores, we ended up back where we started and made the final decision. We celebrated with a delicious meal at Grand Finale in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Of course, we had to have dessert. Yes, that is a chocolate mousse the size of my head. (I was off my wedding "diet" for the weekend.)

My cousin Ann (MoH) joined us that evening and we started getting ready for the big Part-Tay. Ann shipped all of the Bridal Shower essentials in a box from South Carolina. That's right . . . it was a Bridal Shower in a box!

The two of us made a great team making the Mint Chocolate Brownies. Yummy!

My cousin Heidi (aka Martha Stewart) did a fabulous job setting up the table of desserts. As well as a million other odds and ends to help get ready. She really should get into the business of party planning.

I was very fortunate to have all of my LaRoche Aunts at the party. (L-R: Aunt Jean, Aunt Becky, Me, my Mom, and Aunt Sally)

The Ohio Hallinans were also in attendance. (L-R: Me, Aunt Mary, Aunt Linda and my cousin Maggie)

My mom was very gracious to host the entire shower at her home in Dayton. I couldn't think of a better place to celebrate with my family.

I am very honored to have my cousin Ann stand up for me at our wedding. She has been like a sister to me and a great friend. She is the best MoH ever! She also threw one heck of a Bridal Shower. THANK YOU Annie!