Wedding Festivities Galore!

In continuing with my Thursday wedding posts leading up to August 14th...I thought I'd share some of the fun parties that were thrown for us before the big day.  

First things first, I'm sharing the little bridesmaid invitations I put together for my girls.  I mailed these out when I asked them to be in the wedding.

I got them fun books on what to prepare for.  Each of the bouquets had a personal message written inside about how special they were to me.  It was so fun to get the phone calls when the girls received these in the mail.  Here's a close up of the little poem I wrote:

My childhood friend and mom threw us a beautiful engagement party down in Newport Beach...of course, you know the drill with me, I am TOTALLY kicking myself for not taking more pictures.  But her mom's backyard is stunning...like something out of Homes & Garden magazine...and there were three areas set up...one for Newport, one for Tahoe, and one for San Luis Obispo {where we met!}...all with coordinating drinks and food.  It was awesome.  Here is the backyard during the day...stunning:

Here's a shot of us from that night:

My maid of honor threw me the perfect Bridal Shower for the moms and daughters down in Newport as well.  It was a luncheon at the yacht club and super chic and elegant.  You can't see it, but this is right on the water and really "the place" to get married in Newport.  Super fun!  :)

We also had a tea in San Francisco for my friends and family up north.  It was a teat at the Ritz and was truly fabulous!

Since Hubs and I met during college, most of our wedding party were already close friends, so we decided to have a joint bachelor/bachelorette party in Scottsdale.  It was a great opportunity to bond before the wedding and spend time together.

The first night, we all went to a cowboy bar...ate good grub and line danced all night!

The second night, the boys and girls went their own ways! 

I had to wear a shirt full of dares...oh boy!

Needless to say...it was a lot of fun!

To round out this post {have you had enough already?!}, I thought I would share some pictures from our rehearsal dinner.  It was held at my in-laws beautiful home...and it was very sentimental as it was the house my husband grew up in.  It was great to have our family and wedding party there the night before the wedding.

My dad and MOH.

Pretty centerpieces.

And we're ready!

Next Thursday...I'm planning to highlight the details from the big day!

Did you have any fun parties leading up to the big day?!

Speaking of parties...catch me over at Naptime is the New Happy Hour, where I'm dishing on the perfect outfit to wear to a kid's birthday party!  Lots of fun...don't miss it!  :)

xo natasha