Bridal Shower at The Chart House

My friends and family are the best in the entire world. Hands down. No questions about it.

My bridesmaids hosted a brunch for my bridal shower at The Chart House, an AMAZING restaurant that sits on the pier in Old Town Alexandria and overlooks the Potomac River. The restaurant was beautiful and the views were incredible. It had been rainy all morning, but the sun came out just in time for my shower.

I was so lucky to have 5 of my 6 bridesmaids there to help me celebrate. Molly, my 6th bridesmaid, recently moved to Chicago and was unable to make it down. She was definitely missed but I know she will be there for the main events! Two of my former college roommates, Bethany and Carly, were able to make it. Bethany lives in Florida so it was a complete surprise to me for her to be there! Lucky for me, she was in town this weekend for another friend's wedding and she was able to make it! Carly lives in the area but has a beautiful little girl so I was afraid she wouldn't be able to make it because of her busy schedule. I was so touched and happy to see them both there!

My Aunt Anna, the aunt who co-hosted my bridal tea at the Ritz earlier in the month, traveled up from Waynesboro, VA to attend the shower. Andy's mom, his sister Robyn and his grandma came and gifted me some amazing presents! It is always nice to spend time with my *new family*! Of course my mom was there and my maid of honor Rachel's mom who helped plan the event. She is like a second mom to me so I was so happy she was there to enjoy the day!

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning you lose sight of the big picture. Now I know, this day is first and foremost about me and Andy and our future life together. But today once again reminded me of how lucky I am to already have soulmates who I will have the opportunity to share the future with. My friends are the most loyal, caring, funny, and beautiful people I know. I truly don't know where I'd be without them and I am so honored that they are standing up with me on my wedding day. There are no other people in the world I would want standing with me than them. My family, both old and new, is incredible. The support, love, and encourgament they have given me throughout my 26 years is unfathomable to me. These people are the core of my life, and today at my shower I was reminded how lucky I am to not only be marrying Andy in a short couple of months, but I am so lucky to have these wonderful women in my life forever. Thank you ALL for the life lasting memories and friendships! I love you all!