Alyssa insisted we do the shower today. I told her I wasn’t ready, but all the guests told me this was the only day that could work. So we approached the cafe that I had never seen yet booked, a dark building with hardly any windows. They didn’t close the cafe for us. Not only were we not alone, it was also the early bird special so the Q-Tip tour had packed it out. The walls and chairs were covered in deep dark hideous velvet. I began to sob. Uncontrollable sobbing. My best friend’s baby shower was ruined. I had no decorations, no menu, no gifts, just lots and lots of velvet and ladies in red hats who gave us more stink eyes than I could count.

That’s when I woke up and realized the shower was still days away. Wowsers, that was close.

That day was last Saturday, and it was perfect. I started my trip on Thursday evening after work and finally made it to Marion early Friday afternoon. I had roughly 24 hours to prepare for the shower, and because of the location I was able to spend those hours with my family. I mean, really. Look at this gorgeous venue! The Bridge took care of everything for us, providing beautiful centerpieces, delicious food, made-to-order drinks, and most importantly, a space for Alyssa’s friends to gather and celebrate her new adventure and her sweet baby girl!