Fourteenth: Showers of Happiness
Brielle will become Mrs. Maffett in just two short months. Her friends and family showered her with love in Virginia and New Jersey. I always say the best gifts are handmade and don't always come wrapped. Time, talent, and ideas from the heart are the gifts that will last a lifetime.
It was time for me and my assistant designer, Chappy, to get started on the gift we wanted to make for Brielle and Alex.
Many who know my assistant often find her sleeping on the job. Chappy couldn't resist stretching out on the handmade beach blanket we were in the process of making for the "couples shower" to be held at their new home in Richmond, hosted by Brielle's bridesmaid, Irina.
My children grew up enjoying many days on the beaches of Martha's Vineyard on an oversized and very comfortable reversible beach blanket. The first one I made for our family lasted thirty years. I thought this would be the perfect gift for Brielle and Alex. I sewed embroidered patches on one side (including one for Paisley) leaving room on both sides for any future additions to their family.
Brielle and Alex bought a beautiful home in Richmond in the spring to begin their married life together. Brielle's dear friend, Irina, decided to throw them a small shower and housewarming party a few weeks after they moved in.
Brielle has a flair for decorating and making a home feel warm and cozy.
Brielle has become great at entertaining guests. You always leave a gathering at their home feeling completely satisfied with the food, drink, and conversation.
I have mentioned on previous blog posts how amazing it is to meet other creatives in the world of art and design. Somehow, I continue to cross paths with incredibly talented people. Meet Tina Gilland--she is a wife and mommy, and works full time while also pursuing her other career and passion as a paper florist. I met her three years ago when she came into my shop to buy a baptism outfit for her baby boy, Tyler. Recently she contacted me and asked if she could share her love of paper flower design with our small town by decorating our store window displays at Headpiece.com.
Brielle's shower wasn't a surprise having to travel from Virginia... but the decorations and some of the guests were. We kept Brielle cooped up inside while we prepared. She couldn't wait to see who and what was in store on this very special day!
This gift wasn't just a gift for Brielle and Alex. It was a gift for those who traveled from afar to be with Brielle, and for those who couldn't be here on this special day. It was a gift for Jeff and me. It made us think of the nest of family and how life begins and ends. It was special, emotional, and appreciated more than ever. It was handmade by our neighbor...Roy's neighbor, Leslie Leonard.
The final surprise for Brielle was to see Alex on the big screen. The pressure was on! How well do they know each other? Those who witnessed this event will surely agree they are a good match for each other.
When it comes to uniquely delectable desserts we are connected! My sisters are gifted in the creation of specialty desserts such as home-made artisan ice-creams and hand decorated cookies. We can always call on my sis-in-law's niece, Kara Schnaidt, the owner Kara Kakes in Franklin Lakes to create something delicious and different for any event. My dear friend, Dolores Nagle, a.k.a The Baking Diva on Youtube makes desserts that are not only delicious, but also very entertaining! All contributed to the beautiful potpourri of desserts for Brielle's bridal shower.
So much love and thought was put into Brielle's bridal shower day! I can't believe we are just eight weeks away from celebrating their wedding day. A year of thought and ideas have been compiled to make their wedding day full, unique, bright, and happy. That is all a mother... and a designer could wish for. See you next month! <3
Next month on the Fourteenth:
Wedding Details