This post is very special because I am sharing the story of my brother and his fiancée and the couple’s shower we threw for them in Maryland. Mike and Kristen will be getting married in California later this year, but we were able to get the whole family together for a wine and butterflies themed shower this summer!
My mom and I fancy ourselves to be quite crafty so we decided to make all of the decorations. Many trips to Michael’s later we made vases, banners and candles. Using simple wine bottles and corks made the DIY (do-it-yourself) shower very budget friendly, as well as super fun!
The candles were made by getting cheap coasters and placing them face side down, then centering a votive candle and gluing corks all the way around the side. Special thanks to Etsy’s Lizzie Joe Designs for the idea.
Mike and Kristen were traveling from far away and we didn’t have a lot of time with them, so it was important to make the celebration a couple’s shower so we could get everyone together. But how to plan it? My mom and I did a lot of research online trying to find fun and unique ways to celebrate without the toilet paper wedding dresses and cutesy games that guys would shy away from.
We decided to create a game! Based on the simple “guess how many” idea, we themed 5 jars with items that told Mike and Kristen’s story.
The game reads:
Cross Country with the Couple
A Counting Game with Prizes!
The winner for each state guesses the number closest to the actual amount.
Kristen was born in Ohio and loved gumdrops as a little girl.
Guess how many pretty pink drops are in this jar.
Mike was born in Virginia and lemon candies were one of his favorite treats growing up.
How many pieces do you think are in this jar?
Kristen and Mike met at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington just a few miles from the beach.
How many seashells do you see?
Kristen and Mike moved to Northern California—wine country—after graduation.
Guess how many corks fill this container.
Kristen and Mike are honeymooning in Hawaii.
How many flowers are on these leis?
The game was so much fun and the guys really enjoyed playing too. We gave bottles of wine as prizes and laughed as we announced the worst guesses along with the winners.
Cheers!
Such a very special time for all, I can tell 🙂 So happy to be joining families… you guys are the best :)!!!!! Counting the days :)!!!!
Beatiful pictures Jess. Wish I could have been there. Anxious to meet you!
this is soo fun and beautiful! i wanna eat all that candy and play games now! great job, jess!
Thanks everyone! It really was such a great day. I cannot wait to share a few photos from their wedding coming up very soon!
I totally love the candles!!!! How creative was that? Seems like you guys had a great time. I’m happy for your brother and his future wife. Love is in the air and it is WONDERFUL!
Viewing this blog is like opening a gift tied with ribbons of love. Even at a distance I can feel the spirit of the day
and enjoy the creativity of two special women who put it together. Thank you for sharing and allowing me to be
a part of your family’s happiness.
Great photos–And I can attest to what a nice shower it was. Thanks to your and your mom for giving me a great decorating idea for the next gourmet club dinner at our house. Andy and I will need to start drinking more wine so we have enough corks!