This is 30

When I was a kid I couldn't imagine turning 30. It seemed like it would never happen; like I would never live that long. Sometimes I think I haven't really "lived" and it's that thought that scares me most. So to really embrace 30 and not runaway from it or dwell on what I haven't accomplished yet, I decided to throw a big party. The soiree was everything I hoped it would be. I was surrounded by the people I am closest to from the past and present. We sipped champagne and caught up, which is all I could have asked for during this busy holiday season. 

I have been afraid to picture my life at 30, because I worried expectations would not align with reality. But what actually transpired was that I enjoyed myself, made memories, and got to be with the people who have become a part of my story. When I was younger I had a very concrete definition of family. Over the years that has really changed. I am so blessed to have friends who are like family to me, who I hope to know for the next 30 years. Thanks to them I am starting to be able to picture the future. 

Masquerade Bridal Shower

My first time throwing a bridal shower happened this past weekend. I spent months planning this with my mom and the bridesmaids. My sister decided early on that she wanted a masquerade theme (she has always liked peacocks, feathers, and Phantom of the Opera), so I got to Pinterest and Etsy and came up with some great finds that I had to share.

Masquerade engraved mint tins (that we later embellished) were the favors. They say "Katie and David" and their wedding date on the back. Bridesmaid Mayra used engagement ring ice molds to make ice for champagne and drinks. My sister bakes a lot so her cupcake standards are high. She is a fan of Dolcissimo, so we chose a dozen lemon and lavender and a dozen mini chocolates to adorn with mask rings. These cupcakes were absolutely amazing and I don't even like lemon flavored desserts that much! Purple crystals made the tables glisten while we toasted with purple champagne glasses. All purple items (my sister's wedding color and favorite color) and balloon bouquet came from Party City. I picked up the perfect gift for my sister on Black Friday when Kate Spade had a great sale on bridal accessories, including these bride and groom stud earrings. I then got a great last minute deal on this bridal hanger from Etsy. This seller is wonderful! I ordered last minute and she made sure my hanger reached me in time. The "Miss to Mrs." banner also came from Etsy in record time.  I then used my Polaroid camera  to take actual photos and put them in an album with messages for my sister. Lastly, we all decorated actual masks with crafting supplies my mom picked up from Hobby Lobby and Michaels. We even glued dowels to the masks for an authentic feel. Of course I had to include the quilt my great grandmother made that my grandma gave to my sister. It will look perfect in her new home!

This experience taught me that attention to detail is what counts the most. By listening to my sister's wants and needs and working together with friends and family we made it happen. While the shower did feature some crafts, we made up for the work by having the food catered. The only decoration we actually made were purple pouffs. Now that the shower is over I can appreciate how it all came together. While it seemed stressful at the time, I am sure that the lasting memories are better than any gift off of a registry.

Wedding season is here. Will you be throwing or attending any showers? Happy partying!