No more secrets!

 I feel like a huge weight has been lifted!  I don't have to keep my sister's bridal shower a secret any longer.  Here are some highlights.  Some of you looking at this might recognize a few things.  I definitely borrowed the best ideas from all of the showers that I have been to...thanks for the inspiration!

We hosted a brunch at Pagano's Uva Restaurant & Wine Bar in Bradley Beach, NJ.  The staff was unbelievable!  They were so accommodating and the food was amazing.  I found out about this place when I was a guest here for a friend's shower.  As Jessie's shower took on a wine-theme, I knew this would be the perfect location. 

A big thank you to Michelle for making these!  We filled the bottom of each wine glass with amorini hearts and tied a ribbon around the bottom of the glass.  I looked great.  We also had Eiffel Tower wine stoppers as favors because that is where Brian popped the big question.

The centerpieces were so simple and beautiful.  Just a few roses in empty wine bottles.  Perfect.  To fill it in, we added some candles and chocolates.

I love the way the tables turned out!

In the back of the room, above the presents, was a screen and a mounted projector.  My mom put together a wonderful slideshow that looped throughout the shower.  It was nice to give guests something to talk about and it brought back some great memories for everyone.

The bridal party bought Jessie all of the serving dishes on her registry.  I saw this great gift-wrap idea on The Gifted Blog.  This paper garland that I made came in handy all over the place.  I've been seeing it all over the crafty blogs that I read but when I saw The Gifted Blog use it on gifts, I knew I had to try it.  I'll show how I made this garland soon.

At another friend's shower, they had a wine wishing well.  I loved this idea!  Each guest was told bring a bottle of wine for the bride and the groom, instead of the traditional kitchen gadget.  On the back of each invitation, I wrote a little poem that basically asked the guests to use the provided labels that I had printed  to write when they would like the bride and groom to drink the wine.  (I love Vista Print for this kind of stuff...great low prices and there are always additonal promo codes online!) 

The idea was a big hit!   So many people told me they are going to take the idea and do the same thing at showers that they are planning.  I like when ideas are borrowed and spread.  The wine cooler wishing well was a housewarming gift from me and Ian.  ...and the bottle cap collector made a great spot for cards from guests!

The guest book was a big hit!  I always wanted to make one of these so this was a perfect opportunity.  I scrapbooked each page and glued small envelopes where guests could write a little note and seal it with a sticker.  I thought it would be so special for Jessie to open and read each one.  I'll show how I put this together soon!

It was a beautiful day and Jessie was genuinely suprised...we know this because she did not think to wear her "shower dress" that she has been wearing every weekend just in case.  Great day with family and friends!