Alayna and Sean's Wedding Shower

I'm honored to be the Matron of Honor in my cousin Alayna's wedding this October in Little Rock.

Alayna and I grew up together and have been best friends since as long as I can remember.

I just hope Baby 'S' is as close to her cousins as I have been.

It's something I will encourage.

When I offered to host a shower for Alayna and hubby to be, Sean, she mentioned she wanted the same kind of 'family shower' that she and my 2 cousins had hosted Brad and I back when we got married.

That's when the planning began!

I hosted along with my cousins Kendra and Karen.

The venue was Kendra's lovely lake front home.

Thanks goodness cousin Karen is obsessed with Pinterest and craftier than I am.

I came up with a vision and explained it to her and together we made it happen.

She made the poms, I came up with the idea of using the couple's new monogram as a centerpiece.

 The free monogram, A Liz featured on her blog.

I wanted a guest/entrance table and made it happen.

I ordered a Ted Gilmer leather photo album and journal that a friend gave us for one of our wedding showers.

I asked guests to leave the couple a message of marriage advice and/or best wishes.

Afterwards, they can put the shower pictures in the book and it's an instant scrapbook.

Cousin Karen made this ADORABLE bunting.

She bought the letters at the dollar store and cut the the other pieces out different papers, then tied up with ribbon.

Easy enough to where I think I might be able to make one.

Another view of it.

I think it added a lot of personality to the party.

We offered lemonade, ice tea, along with sodas and water for guests to drink.

His and Hers Tervis Tumblers for the happy couple alongside the framed invite.

The food was amazing, thanks again to ideas from cousin Karen and Pinterest.

Fruit cups in waffle cones.

 And, bride and groom cupcakes made by cousin Karen.

 How cute are these?

 The only part I would need help with - are the the top hats and fondant bow ties.

The theme of the party was a Sizzling Summer Cookout so the rest of the menu consisted of party food.

Chad, cousin Karen's fiancee, helped out by grilling all of the meat.

Overall, we were pleased with how everything turned out.

 There were over 30-family members in attendance.

Including my Mom, who traveled in with me.

Cousin Dana was also there.

 All of us, grew up together.

So fun to still be friends as adults.

 The bride's parents were all smiles!

 As was the entire 'family to be'!

(The happy couple with the bride's parents and younger brother.)

There was no shortage of gifts.

 In fact, I would say they racked up pretty good!

 Less than 60-days until the big day!!!

The Countdown is On!!!