This past weekend was the bridal shower in NJ, hosted by Karen's bridesmaids - Aimee, Janine and Etta. Karen did not know anything about the weekend other than there was a shower in NJ at some point in the weekend. Michael had arranged everything with the girls and the families, while keeping it all a secret from Karen!
We drove up on Friday morning and got to NJ earlier than expected. We checked in and bought a few of Karen's favorite cookies at Calandras in Fairfield. Then we picked up Nina and Cindy at the airport. Dinner on Friday was with a small family crowd - Beth and Michael, Nina and Cindy, Grandma Eve and the happy couple. We had good Italian food, which we can't find in NC.
On Saturday, Karen had some time with the girls. Aimee, Janine and Karen got their nails done, had lunch and walked around Montclair while Michael drove Nina and Cindy to shopping and picked up good friends from NC, Landa and Missy, at the airport. Karen thought the shower was on Saturday and spent most of the day thinking it was coming next. When Aimee and Janine dropped Karen off at 3 and said be dressed up and ready to leave with Michael at 4, Karen thought the shower was coming next. Nope!
So for dinner on Saturday a small group of adventurous eaters (Nina, Cindy, Karen and Michael) went into the city (Manhattan) to have dinner at Tau, which was amazing. It's an Asian fusion place on 58th, near the Plaza and 4Seasons. The food and mixed drinks were spectactular and we had to be rolled out the door!! Unfortunately there were no sightings of Beyonce or Jay-Z, who have been known to frequent Tau.
Saturday evening, Aimee, Janine, Etta and Karen had drinks together. This meant there was drinking Friday with dinner, Saturday with lunch, Saturday before dinner and at dinner, and Saturday evening after dinner!!! Yikes!
Sunday morning we got bagels because Karen can't go to NJ and NOT get a bagel. Then Michael and Karen hung out a bit before Karen ended up taking a nap. Of course, during this time Michael was shuttling guests from the hotel to the shower! At about noon, Michael woke up Karen and brought her to the shower, which was in a Chinese restaurant in Denville. There was a dining room that was closed off for just our group. Michael went bowling with his Uncle Joel and cousin Paul during the shower.
The shower provided an opportunity for all friends and family to meet and mingle. We had guests from CT, FL, NY, VA, MA and of course NJ. The shower was run perfectly! Guests ate great food and then participated in party games. The first game was a Q&A. Karen had to answer questions about Michael and she knew most of the answers! For each correct answer, Karen got a gift card to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Michael and Aimee had previously met up and recorded video responses of Michael's answers, which were played one at a time as Karen answered each question.
The second game was a team effort. Karen's 3 mother figures in the room (Beth, Nina and Landa) had to choose teams and build a dream wedding dress using just toilet paper. Everyone had a good time with this. After the games, Karen opened gifts. Thank you so much to everyone who planned or attended the event. It was absolutely spectacular! We look forward to seeing friends and family in 39 days in Asheville.
No comments:
Post a Comment