Bridal shower

This post is long overdue! My bridesmaids, Jenny, Olivia and Sarah, threw me the greatest bridal shower - way more awesome than I could've imagined!

They put so much thought into every detail, and made sure to incorporate elements that they thought I would love. For example, a lot of it took place outside (I looove eating outside and doing things outside), seafood (the mussels & clams in that broth was amazing!), etc., etc.!

Check it out...

The party favors were so cute. I especially LOVE the "hello" stamp! I'm thinking about using these bags as inspiration for the welcome packages in our guests' hotel rooms...


They strung pictures all around like a clothesline - so cute!


I have to say, the gift opening part was my favorite! :)


Here we are a little later in the evening at the Westin Hotel in the National Harbor. We had two adjoining rooms with harbor views, and it was awesome! The beds were so comfortable and the DOUBLE shower heads were to die for! (Please excuse my fobbiness...)


We braved the pouring rain to walk up the block to Bobby McKey's piano bar! The guy on the left was probably the best singer out of all of them. He was amazing. The best songs of the night had to be Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" and Bryan Adams' "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)." Please do not post videos, ladies... :)


Here are the girls that stuck with us all evening long!


Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable celebration! You guys are so amazing!!

All pictures by Olivia.

Party planning

I started planning my own birthdays after my 24th. My good friends were planning my 24th birthday and asked where I wanted to go. I'd heard a lot about Makoto, but I had no idea that it was THE Japanese restaurant in DC or, more importantly, that it was $80/person! So in we went, the 10 of us in this tiny narrow strip of a restaurant. Of course they didn't let me pay, and of course I felt awwwful.

Some pictures from that very expensive (but fun!) evening...

High rollers at Makoto

Later that evening at Eyebar. Look! My maid of honor and future boyfriend/fiance! Who knew??

So for my following birthday, I decided - no inconvenience, no hassle.

I paid for the food for my 25th birthday and had friends over at our house for an evening under the stars. For my 26th, we went to a National's baseball game, courtesy of Aaron's season tickets. For my 27th, we kept it dirty and went to Paul Kee's Chinese restaurant! Mmm!

Long intro, I know, but my point is that I liked being in control of my parties so that I wouldn't risk putting anyone in an uncomfortable situation, like paying...a LOT.

So when it comes to my bachelorette party, it makes me nervous and excited at the same time that my bridesmaids are in charge. I told the girls my concerns and priorities, and I know and trust that they know what they're doing. It's just an unfamiliar feeling - not knowing.

Ladies, I am truly honored that you've put so much time and thought into this! I'm so excited to see what happens!