Showered in Grand Rapids

Saturday, July 23, Jessica was yet again showered with gifts of love from friends and family.  This time in the Michigan area.  Her Maid of Honor, Karley, and Karley's mom, Sharon, gave her a shower at their house in Ada.  We were so thankful that two aunts and three cousins were able to come from the East side of the state, along with my Mom, from Ludington, as well as friends from the surrounding area.  It was so nice to see family and friends that we hadn't seen in a while.  We were also so blessed to be able to have the Mother of the Groom, Barbara, from Saint Davids, Pennsylvania attend!  Also, one of Jess' bridesmaids, Courtney, from Valparaiso, Indiana, was able to attend as well!

Jessica, Grandma, (my Mom) and Me

Sarah, Wendy, Kim, Judy, Jessica, Marsha, Sue

Barbara, Mother of the Groom, and Jessica

Everyone enjoyed visiting along with some delicious light refreshments during the afternoon.  Karley had us play a game and then also had Courtney and Sharon share from their heart, words especially for the Bride-to-be, Jess.  When they were finished, I read a special letter from a dear friend, Judi.  Jess and I both met her at Taylor University during Jessica's years there.  The letter contained more wise words for a happy successful marriage.

The Bridal Hanky and the poem

 Following the reading of the letter, I presented Jessica with my bridal handkerchief.  This was hand-crocheted by Adella, one of the senior saints from my home church in Ludington.  She gave it to me for one of my bridal showers when I got married.  Along with the handkerchief, she had written the poem, The Bride Hanky.

The Bride Hanky

The Bride adorned for her husband

Is happy as can be.

No tears are shed at her wedding.

She carries a lace hanky.

When the ceremony is over

And the gown is laid away

The hanky too is put in the box

As an heirloom for Daughter's Day.

May the years ahead be filled with Joy

God's Grace be new each Day

May Love and Peace fill both your hearts

As together you walk Life's way.

~Adella J.

When finished, Jessica opened her gifts.  What lovely gifts!  Here are a few of them:

A cute apron from her friend, Courtney

Owl salt and pepper shakers (Andy has an owl collection)  ;)

Polka dot apron, from Darlene and Danielle

Everyday glasses

Barbara, had bought their silverware and had it sent to Andy's apartment.

Finally, her punch bowl!  (From Ilene)

8 place settings from Grandma, Aunt Lori, and Jennifer

Formal tablecloth

Roasting pan with spices, sauces and accessories from Aunt Sue, Aunt Judy, Vickie, Kim, and Wendy

 Below are some of the pretty decorations around the room.

Karley and Sharon (the hostesses) and Jess

 A special thanks to Karley and Sharon for a most special day for Jess and for us to celebrate with our friends and family.  It was such a lovely shower!

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Following the shower, Keith and I invited the ladies from out of town over to our home for a dinner.  When we arrived back at our house, Keith had everything ready and waiting.  He did a wonderful job getting it all together and had even picked up a bouquet of flowers for the table (which I didn't even get a picture of!).  Special thanks to Keith for getting everything ready for the nice dinner.

When dinner was over, Jess asked if the ladies would like to help assemble the wedding invitations.  They were all excited to be of help.  Here is a couple of pictures of them helping.

 Jess had everything organized and a process in mind, and it all went quickly and smoothly.  They weren't able to complete all of them, as Jess and Andy were going to have to process some of them when she arrived back to Virginia.

A very special thanks to everyone who helped make this day one we will always remember.