Last weekend officially kicked off our wedding festivities when I flew home to Chicago for a bridal shower. Cam and I have been engaged since May, and while we’ve been planful and on top of our wedding to-do list for a while now, it often feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to work through all the items on our ever-growing agenda. Last year felt especially spacious, particularly in the months leading up to August where I experienced the mental wiggle room that came with the ability to respond “next August” whenever someone asked us about our wedding date. And yet quickly my “next August” turned into “this August” before my very eyes. I experienced a similar phenomenon on New Year’s Eve when the clock struck midnight and the calendar transitioned from 2021 to 2022. Suddenly we weren’t getting married next year but this year: The countdown had officially begun.
Now, five months out from our big day, that countdown feels even more real, exciting, and logistically intimidating as we begin the festivities leading up to our nuptials. My mom, her friends, and my aunts have been gleefully planning my bridal shower for several months now, and as I packed my bags and made my way to the airport, I couldn’t believe the day had actually arrived. For weeks I had been thinking about my outfit, prepping our wedding registry, and moving through all the items on our larger to-do list, but as I sat on the plane it suddenly hit me that this shower signified a different kind of moment. Now, we were no longer merely planning our wedding, but we were also starting to celebrate our future marriage and all the joy, love, and excitement it would bring. That really struck me: Despite the rigors of wedding planning, the ability to slow down, soak it all in, and truly be in the moment left me on a whole new level of euphoria and brimming anticipation.
When my mom and I arrived at the venue early to start setting up, her best friends were already there chatting in the parking lot, ready and eager to get started. All the women greeted me with warm hugs and overflowing smiles, their enthusiasm palpable and their unwavering support readily made known. As we made our way into the reserved barrel room, I couldn’t believe the efficiency as these ladies skillfully unboxed supplies, set up decorations, and transformed an already beautiful space into a world so thoughtfully reflective of my relationship with Cam. From the tastefully-placed watermelon accents to the whimsical bicycle cutouts to the animal-themed touches I was blown away by the careful thought and attention to detail that went into making this shower a reality. And shamrocks were everywhere you looked – from the centerpieces to the takeaway bags to the ribbon on the gifts – paying homage to where Cam and I met, Notre Dame, the place that started it all.
As the clock struck eleven thirty guests began to stream in, arms filled with tastefully wrapped gifts and faces beaming with joyful smiles. Because of the pandemic I hadn’t seen some of these ladies in ages, and it was so, so lovely to have everyone gathered together in one room. As we connected, fervently mingling and sipping sangria, I couldn’t help but get goosebumps thinking all these women were here to celebrate me, Cam, and our beautiful nine-year relationship. The support was tangible, and the energy was electric.
As everyone transitioned to sit down and begin introductions, I was utterly blown away with not one, but two fantastically impossible surprises: Unbeknownst to me, two of my best friends (and bridesmaids!), Maddie and Susan, had driven in from South Bend to partake in the festivities. As each of them walked through the door I nearly fell out of my chair with excitement. For as special as this moment already was, somehow it had just become even more perfect.
It would be a grave understatement to say my shower was lovely: The games were witty and engaging, and the gifts were thoughtful and generous, and all of the guests were brimming with energy and buzzing with excitement. Despite how quickly the afternoon seemed to pass I was struck with a clear sense of grounding and keen awareness of the beauty of the present moment. As the shower unfolded, exquisitely taking on a life of its own, I realized that love pervades everything around us. It shouldn’t necessitate a major life event or a year and a half of wedding planning to recognize; rather, it is always present, and it is our responsibility to pause, notice, and truly appreciate it.
So, mom, Lori, Space, Becky, Maggie, Stacy, and Olivia, thank you from the bottom of my heart for planning such a thoughtful, personal, and insanely special shower: Your love and friendship is deeply known and appreciated. I was blown away by your great care and attention to detail, and I feel truly honored to have so many special, supportive women in my life. As “lucky in love” as I am to be marrying my best friend in a few short months, I feel equally fortunate to feel seen, supported, and celebrated by such a fantastic squad of given and chosen family.
Lucky in love, indeed.
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