I posted some pictures on another blog page because I haven't figured out how to successfully mix text and photos, so read this and then enjoy the pictures.
It was a beautiful day for a shower...not too hot, no rain. The shower was at the Rose Cafe in Lorain, so we had a great view of the Lake and beach. Unfortunately, there was a volley ball tournament going on so parking was an absolute mess, but we all got through it and had a great time.
Marie's bridal party did a fantastic job of decorating and having all kinds of special details. The printed menu's had little sea shells on them and the entire shower kept to a beach get away theme.
We met Marie's entire family. I especially enjoyed meeting her brother, John. He was very nice and came over to talk to Tony (Sr) about sports and "guy stuff" in the midst of all of this "girly" stuff. Everyone was "Aunt" somebody and I teased Marie later about her gigantic family.
The cake turned out well. I carried it on my lap from Lakewood to Lorain. It had a sand castle on it with two flags--one said Swegle the other said Phillips. In front of the castle was a beach with sea shells (made of chocolate) and then water with a dolphin swimming by. The "cake lady" even drew a heart in the sand.
People were very generous and Tony and Marie got some great gifts.
The mothers were asked to speak. I was asked to give the opening toast. I have to say, most times I can come up with a theme or know exactly what I want to say. This time, I had trouble. Maybe because I wanted it to be nice, but as I approached the group, with Tony (Sr) at my side, I have to say, I had nothing. There are so many things you CAN say about Tony and Marie, I was lost in a million thoughts. But I got through it. I started talking about the cookbook and life lessons that Tony and I made the kids a few years ago. I referenced the lesson about when you get married, you don't just marry your spouse, you marry their entire family. I went on to talk about the qualities you hope your children find in their life partners and from there, it's a blank! But, I think I did OK. Tony (Sr) also did a wonderful toast, by adding "ditto" after I finished. Ha ha. Imagine how everyone laughed when all of the gifts were opened and Marie and Tony (Jr) stood up to thank everyone. Marie gave a wonderful speech about how they loved everyone and appreciated their support. She turned to Tony (Jr) so he could also add his thanks, and he said, "ditto" and later thanked Tony (Sr) for helping him with his speech!!
But I think the best toast came from Mona, Marie's mother. She read a bible verse and told Tony and Marie that she loved them. Then she told us that she tried to "talk Marie" out of it. We all laughed because what she meant was she tried to talk Marie out of moving to Charlotte, but was happy that Marie met Tony there.
I was pleased to see how well Tony fit in with Marie's family. He honored "the four most important women in his life" with beautiful flowers, so Marie's grandmother, mother, me and Marie were very surprised and touched. He gave me mine first, which made me cry.
And so, another milestone has passed and we are that much closer to the wedding. I can't wait.
It was a beautiful day for a shower...not too hot, no rain. The shower was at the Rose Cafe in Lorain, so we had a great view of the Lake and beach. Unfortunately, there was a volley ball tournament going on so parking was an absolute mess, but we all got through it and had a great time.
Marie's bridal party did a fantastic job of decorating and having all kinds of special details. The printed menu's had little sea shells on them and the entire shower kept to a beach get away theme.
We met Marie's entire family. I especially enjoyed meeting her brother, John. He was very nice and came over to talk to Tony (Sr) about sports and "guy stuff" in the midst of all of this "girly" stuff. Everyone was "Aunt" somebody and I teased Marie later about her gigantic family.
The cake turned out well. I carried it on my lap from Lakewood to Lorain. It had a sand castle on it with two flags--one said Swegle the other said Phillips. In front of the castle was a beach with sea shells (made of chocolate) and then water with a dolphin swimming by. The "cake lady" even drew a heart in the sand.
People were very generous and Tony and Marie got some great gifts.
The mothers were asked to speak. I was asked to give the opening toast. I have to say, most times I can come up with a theme or know exactly what I want to say. This time, I had trouble. Maybe because I wanted it to be nice, but as I approached the group, with Tony (Sr) at my side, I have to say, I had nothing. There are so many things you CAN say about Tony and Marie, I was lost in a million thoughts. But I got through it. I started talking about the cookbook and life lessons that Tony and I made the kids a few years ago. I referenced the lesson about when you get married, you don't just marry your spouse, you marry their entire family. I went on to talk about the qualities you hope your children find in their life partners and from there, it's a blank! But, I think I did OK. Tony (Sr) also did a wonderful toast, by adding "ditto" after I finished. Ha ha. Imagine how everyone laughed when all of the gifts were opened and Marie and Tony (Jr) stood up to thank everyone. Marie gave a wonderful speech about how they loved everyone and appreciated their support. She turned to Tony (Jr) so he could also add his thanks, and he said, "ditto" and later thanked Tony (Sr) for helping him with his speech!!
But I think the best toast came from Mona, Marie's mother. She read a bible verse and told Tony and Marie that she loved them. Then she told us that she tried to "talk Marie" out of it. We all laughed because what she meant was she tried to talk Marie out of moving to Charlotte, but was happy that Marie met Tony there.
I was pleased to see how well Tony fit in with Marie's family. He honored "the four most important women in his life" with beautiful flowers, so Marie's grandmother, mother, me and Marie were very surprised and touched. He gave me mine first, which made me cry.
And so, another milestone has passed and we are that much closer to the wedding. I can't wait.
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