They picked me up at 9:00 am Friday morning and after a quick trip to Starbucks, we were on the road. Our plan was to arrive at the home of Breezy’s Aunt Kristin in Columbus (on the way) for lunch. It normally takes about two hours to get there, but due to heavy construction and an overturned semi, it took almost four. We finally arrived at Kristin’s home, and after a warm welcome by her and her husband, Andy, we were ushered inside to enjoy the wonderful lunch she had prepared for us. Oven Fried chicken, Caesar salad and fruit. Delicious! And then…Kristin’s specialty, “Kolache” (an Italian nut roll) for dessert . (It was simply amazing!)
After lunch, we were back on the road, this time we followed Kristin, who had kidnapped Breezy for the ride. = ) More construction, a missed exit, more traffic and we finally arrived in Youngstown and got checked into our hotel around 7. Breezy’s Dad, John (Kristin’s brother) had come into town to surprise her. = )
I knew Breezy’s family was Italian. What I didn’t know was that Youngstown, Ohio was known as “little Italy.” There are Italian restaurants everywhere. We ate dinner that night at a pizzeria called “Inner Circle.” We tried an assortment of different menu items, all of which were very good. We had a great time, chatting and hearing stories from Kristin and John.
After a relaxing Saturday morning, we got ready for the bridal shower. It was a luncheon at a wonderful (of course, Italian) restaurant called Caffe Capri in the absolutely beautiful “Mama Q Room.”
The host & the guest of honor. = )The tables looked lovely! Breezy’s love of coffee inspired Kristin’s choices for decor and favors...
Each table had a centerpiece containing various kinds of coffee. There were coffee beans scattered all around, then iced coffee and three different types of flavored coffees from which to choose. Each place setting had a chocolate spoon, a coffee scented candle, chocolate covered coffee beans as well as a darling pen that was personalized with a tiny little coffee cup!
Breezy's Mom, Lisa and her Aunt Shawn playing Bridal Bingo.
When it was time for lunch, we first enjoyed a wonderful salad, followed by the delicious entree, Chicken Marsala. The side dishes (green beans with almonds and gnocchi) were served family style. (It was the first time I'd ever tried gnocchi and I thought it was terrific!) My absolute favorite part of the meal, however was dessert...tiramisu. The portions were huge and I unapologetically ate every bite. = )
Is that not just a thing of beauty!? ; )
And now...gifts!
The shower was a wonderful & joy-filled occasion, with two especially touching moments. First, at the start of the shower, Kristin asked Breezy to share the story of how Brennan proposed. As she told the story, she got a bit emotional, which resulted in many teary eyes. (I especially enjoyed hearing this sweet story from her perspective.)
Later, when only one gift remained, Kristin explained that though it was from her, it was being given in honor of Breezy's Grandma, who passed away last year. "Grandma Sandy" had always loved buying snowglobes for Breezy. Needless to say, as she opened this, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. It's a bride and groom and the inscription reads, "Love is not about who you live with... it's about who you can't live without." What a fitting end to a very special occasion.
We so enjoyed the remainder of our weekend (even that long drive home!) Great memories that will last a lifetime. How I love this precious girl and her dear family!
9 comments:
What a precious tribute to your future "daughter" and her family. It was certainly worth your long trip, having such a special bridal shower happening. The food looked amazing! I liked the coffee theme, and how they did it. Breezy is adorable! And, I can't help but think, that you will be a wonderful mother-in-law! Thanks for sharing this event with us.
Sounds - and looks like - a wonderful trip!! Such a special shower - I love all the detailed decorations! And that snowglobe is so sweet! :)
Glad you had a great trip..isn't it funny how all great road trips start off with "a stop at Starbucks"!! :)
Thanks for getting all those great pictures.
Tracy,
I have a feeling there may not be a dry eye that leave here as well.
That meal would have been right up my alley, the very last bite. I, too, would have loved that desert. I made it once, and decided it was a ton of work, but so delicious.
Love to you!
Oh, Tracy... the shower looks just lovely! Looks like a great time!
It sounds like you had a wonderful weekend despite the delays in getting there. Your future daughter-in-law is lovely and has such a cute name.
When I was growing up we had a lot of Italian neighbors and I was lucky enough to be invited to several of their showers and weddings. I always thought they really know how to put on wonderful parties with fabulous food. I can see that hasn't changed. :-)
The coffee theme was carried out beautifully and the meal looks scrumptious.
I'm in kind of a hurry today, so here is the abbreviated version of my usual comments:
Mmmmmm.
AWwwwwwww. So sweet. **tears up**
What a beautiful shower Tracy! Are you just enjoying every moment? I have so much enjoyed the showers, and meeting Andrew's relatives and family friends...
Loved reading this... I too am in the season of showers with my daughter. The 2nd one is coming up next Sunday... It's all so surreal... I still can't get it in my head that my child is moving on for good...starting her own life. I wonder how long it takes to sink in.
This was a beautiful story... Funny, my daughter's fiance is Italian too... lol...
When is the wedding... I can't remember the date.
Ours is 7 weeks away. Should I be this calm?
Boy, this post made me hungry and made me cry. Funny how they go together for me ... hunger and tears.
Thanks for sharing this precious remembrance with us. God has a beautiful future in store for these young adults!
peace~elaine
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