"Final Fling Before the Ring" & Bridal Shower

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014

When my Maid and Matron of Honor approached me for Bachelorette party ideas, I suggested a laid back, fun atmosphere that was unlike any other Bachelorette Party we had ever been to. I wanted to spend the evening with all my dearest friends, sipping some cocktails and enjoying some delicious food at one of my favorite Chicago venues - Ravinia. Plans fell into place when Ravinia's schedule was posted in the spring and we saw Train was going to be the headliner for the weekend of the Bachelorette party. It couldn't have been planned any better.

One of the fun aspects of Ravinia is that you get to bring your own food, beverage and lawn chairs. You try to arrive early enough to secure a perfect (and large) spot on the lawn so you and your friends can spread out. For my Bachelorette Party, my Maid and Matron of Honor made it easy for everyone and designed a group package that included all of our food and lawn chair set up so everything would be raring to go once the ladies arrived. The only thing the ladies were responsible for was bringing their beverage of choice.

While the weather was a bit iffy (aka torrential downpour, thunder and lightening) earlier in the day, it started to slowly clear up as we pulled up to Ravinia. By the time all the ladies arrived, the skies had cleared and it was a perfect night for an outdoor concert. Upon arrival my Maid and Matron of Honor surprised me with - what I believe to be - the best veil and sash EVER!!! My veil had  "Future Mrs. Moore" in silver and my sash was gold with "Bride to Be". They matched our wedding colors perfectly.

The rest of the evening consisted of champagne toasts, DELICIOUS food, hysterical games that shared way too much information, amazing desserts, glow sticks and glow in the dark rings, shots (but not too many), lingerie (of course) and lots and lots of random dancing. Oh, and there was a concert going on during all of this.

The evening was beyond anything I could have ever hoped for and I thoroughly enjoyed spending my "Final Fling Before the Ring" with all the fantastic ladies in my life.

The proposal! July 4, 2013

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 2014

I thought I had a pretty good idea of what my bridal shower "theme" would be but boy was a I wrong. I thought for sure the bridesmaids and moms were going to go with a fall theme given the date of our wedding and my serious obsession with the season. However, they came up with a BRILLIANT idea that fit mine and Ron's relationship perfectly.

On July 4, 2013, Ron proposed to me at one of his FAVORITE spots - on the beach in South Carolina. Having expected him to proposal that following fall in one of my favorite locations (Long Grove) I was completely taken off guard and shocked that he was down on one knee. (Hence the surprised look on my face and the butt sticking out.)

So my bridesmaids and moms decided to incorporate that special moment and have a beach theme for the shower. Decor included a beach photo booth with all the necessary props, beach signage and photos from the proposal, burlap runners and babys breath in wine bottles, tropical themed drinks and all my favorite food from when I was little until now.

I know this may come as a surprise but I've had my wedding planned since I was VERY young. Essentially since I saw Father of the Bride when I was 5 years old. Since then, my mom and I have had a running joke about the list of foods I've said I wanted to eat at my wedding. The list may or may not include a plethora of food that does not at ALL go together....cantaloupe, cottage cheese, olives, hot dogs, taco roll ups, spinach artichoke dip, taffy apple salad, etc. Since Ron and I were not able to incorporate all those foods into our catering for the wedding (except for the olives), they decided to have all my favorite foods out for a buffet at the bridal shower. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Other people may have found it very strange but I was in heaven and went up for seconds and thirds.

After lunch we played some fun games and opened the very generous amount of gifts from all our friends and family. Ron quite excited to see the deep fryer he put on the registry and I was beyond thrilled to receive our Kitchenaid mixer from the bridesmaids and our moms.

The weekend was filled with lots of laughter and hugs, a few joyful tears and wonderful ladies. I (We) could not have asked for a better group of friends or family. I cannot wait to celebrate with all of them and so many more next month at our wedding!!!

50 Days To Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!