Stephanie and Ben's Wedding

Sunday, August 31, my aunts Kathie, Peggy, and Sarah threw a bridal shower for me. My cousin-in-law Tamara designed the invitations (she's a graphic designer by trade) and all invitees were encouraged to dress for a tropical theme. I wore pedal pushers and a very loud blue Hawaiian shirt with alcoholic beverages on it that I liberated from my father; previously it had belonged to my brother, who then felt he had a right to laugh at me. When I got there (with three friends from out of town and my mother in tow), my aunt Peggy gave me a 'crown' for the day -- a short lei with blue and green flowers -- and a pair of bright pink flip-flops with flowers on them. (They clashed perfectly with the red tank top I wore under the Hawaiian shirt.)

There was food (a lovely salad, fruit salad, and rolls), gifts (including seven cutting boards and thirteen wooden spoons), dessert (lime squares and a lemon cake), and a contest (thirteen questions about Ben and me). My mother did not, surprisingly, win the contest; my friends from out of town did the best. No one knew Ben's favorite movie, but Kate (one of the out-of-town friends and the answer to one of the questions on the list) accidentally guessed his favorite kind of cheese -- Gouda.

I don't have any pictures, unfortunately, as I was too busy being the guest of honor, but my friends and relatives all got snapshots. Anyone reading this who happens to have pictures, please feel free to send copies to me at whatever email address you normally use for me.

Thanks again to Aunts Kathie, Peggy, and Sarah for throwing the party; more thanks to Uncle Joe for being relegated to the bedroom for the duration of it. And, of course, thanks to everyone who showed up and made it a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing most of you again at the reception!