The date was Saturday, July 21, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. and it was held at a Far Rockaway establishment called The Beach Club. It was a buffet brunch hosted by my bridal party (sisters Lauren and Michelle) and my mom.

The place was beautifully decorated with white and gold balloon centerpieces and a photo banner that read "Showers of Happiness Kristel and Kevin." The cake table featured a balloon arch. A lace umbrella, wicker peacock chair and wishing well completed the decor.

The menu featured an assortment of breakfast and lunch goodies that satisfied everyone's tastes: A fresh fruit display, smoked salmon, tortellini salad, bowtie pasta with pesto and sundried tomatoes, shrimp salad, scrambled eggs, potatoes, turkey sausage links, bacon, an omelette station, made-to-order pancakes and waffles, chicken marsala, mini quiche, swedish meatballs, grilled vegetables, a carving station featuring roast turkey, a variety of cakes & pastries, assorted rolls, croissants, bagels and a tray of decorative cookies on each guest table. There were fresh fruit juices, mimosas, bloody marys, champagne, wine, beer and sodas to enjoy as well.

There were about 35 people in total and everyone seemed to have a great time. Besides the traditional gift opening, there were games, raffles and prizes. One game that everyone found entertaining was the one where Kevin and I had to each answer a series of questions to see how well we know each other. Kevin and I sat back-to-back in chairs and each were given hand held signs featuring our childhood photos. For each question we each had to hold up the sign of the person to whom the answer corresponded to (For example - Who is more likely to cook a gourmet meal? We both held up my picture). The guest who guessed the number of answers that Kevin and I matched up won a prize. Well out of 20 questions, we matched up on 18 of them! Pretty good huh? Three of our guests said 18, so they all won a prize.

The shower cake was made by Michele Perez of Just In Cakes, the same Long Island baker who made our wedding cake. It was a lovely cake iced in a delicious buttercream and filled with chocolate cream. As an adorable addition to the cake table, there were two stand up teddy bear cakes decorated like a bride and groom. And they were totally edible! They were the talk of the shower.

As favors, each guest received a gift box shaped gel candle and personalized mini chocolate bars. They were the perfect touch to a perfect day. I was sorry when it ended, but I will always cherish the memories.