On a Sunday in March...

As I informed you guys last week, I attended my Future Sister in Law's Bridal Shower on Sunday. It was actually much more enjoyable than I expected it to be. I say this because being that I am one of 11[i think?] bride's maids, I thought the day was going to be very chaotic. But it was the opposite.. I got to see all my relatives from my mom and dad's sides of the family and also meet some new faces from the Bride's side of the family. It was a lovely way to spend my Sunday and I am so happy to be apart of my only older brother's wedding and sharing in their very special day. Their wedding is in just under a month, April 7th. I'm very excited for their big day as well. They've been together since their sophomore year of high school..that's 7 years!! I'm so happy for them and I can't wait for Florina [Bride to be] to become an official member of the family and my sister in law.

The Bride's maids + MOB and MOG

The day was perfect. The weather cooperated nicely and all our family and friends were together to celebrate. We spent the day dancing to traditional Albanian music, which I am starting to really enjoy, laughing with relatives, meeting new soon-to-be family members and simply enjoying the fact that very soon to families will be one at the wedding of my brother, Artan and his fiance, Florina. 

 Above: myself, the bride-to-be, my mom, 

my grandmother, and my two sisters

Below: The Bride-to-be, my sisters and my self.

The theme for the Shower was 'Fashionista,' as the bride-to-be went to LIM in New York City and graduated last spring with a degree in Fashion Marketing..[she's now the manager of Bare Essentials..] The color scheme was black, hot pink, and light pink. Her center pieces contained three key items, which two of the three were used for prizes for the games we played, Hat Boxes with well-known fashion brands on them, martini glasses filled with cosmetic goodies, and dress form shaped jewelry holders. The games we played were 'Purse Scavenger Hunt' and 'Gift Bingo.' It was a great laugh watching the older guests play these games. The hat boxes were used to hold recipe cards that each guest was asked to bring, containing a recipe they wanted to share with the Bride and Groom. The cake was actually made by one of the Bride's old high school friends, themed to match the center pieces..[it was the baker's first cake since graduating from culinary school just recently]

 [Pretty good for her first cake in my opinion.]

And then the groom arrived! Such a sweet surprise, even though most of us knew, including the bride lol. He came in with the biggest smile on his face I'd ever seen! I was soo happy to see my brother soo happy!! He came baring a bouquet of beautiful flowers for his fiance and they matched her gorgeous pink dress perfectly. They danced to traditional Albanian music, as friends and family gathered 'round the dance floor to celebrate the two of them together.. although this wasn't their actual wedding, it made the reality of the two of them getting married even more real and I can't wait to see them on their Wedding Day!

 Congratulations to the two most amazing, loving, special people I know, Artan & Florina! I love you both to the moon and back!! I hope you have an a marriage full of as much love, success and happiness as you've had so far! love you guys!! xxoo, Ana

Notes about the day:

Venue- The Brownstone

Cake- Also by The Brownstone

Bride's Dress- unknown, sorry guys!

DJ- Family Friend