Our First Wedding Shower in Powhatan, Virginia

The History Behind the Wedding Shower

They say that the first Bridal Shower occurred in the 1890’s, and evolved from an old dowry system.  The Old Farmer’s Almanac says the first Bridal Shower hostess filled a paper parasol with small presents and turned it over the head of the bride-to- be.  It didn’t take long for the concept to catch on.   Soon many other women began hosting parties in order to “shower” future brides with small gifts.  Suddenly, the Wedding Shower was born.  Over time, as gifts have become larger and heavier, the concept of physically “showering” the soon-to-be bride has died away but the name has stayed.  

I read the little plaque that explained the history of the Bridal shower and set it back down on the table by the cake.  Here, written clearly from a newspaper clipping, was the history of the first bridal shower.  Here, in my parent’s new home, David and I were about to have our first wedding shower.  Though no presents were going to spill over our heads, joy and gratitude seemed to spill from my heart through the mistiness of my eyes and through the smile that I simply couldn’t shake.  

My church family from my hometown in Powhatan, Virginia serves as my adopted family in countless ways.  Over the years they have interceded as grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and friends.  From teething on our wooden pews as a chunky three month old, through the growing pains of my adolescent years, and now as a soon to be wife, they have sharpened, guided, and grown me.

  I Grew Up As the Pastor’s Kid

Being a pastor’s kid has had it’s ups and downs.  But one of the biggest blessings about being a pastor’s kid, is that I have been treated as if I was each member’s own.  As if each member of our church believed they had every right to correct my misdirections, comfort my bleeding heart, and spoil me with their own unique love.  Growing up, I thought these things were sometimes invasive, but now, as I’ve grown older, I’ve been able to better understand the heart behind every correction, each lesson, and every embrace.

Grinning faces greeted mine as hugs were exchanged and congratulations were given. I introduced David a handful of times, my eyes twinkling as he remembered names and shared conversation.  This was about as close to a family reunion as I would ever have, and here, with my fiancé and the people that grew me, I was home.

 More times than I care to admit, I let the happy tears flow.  Emotion just sort of spill out like that when you realized just how blessed you are.  Every now and again my eyes would lock with someone else’s from across the room, and before I knew it the tears were falling all over again.  Sometimes one look just says it all, sometimes one glance is all you need.

  Intentionality and beautiful detail found their way through every aspect of our first wedding shower.  From the homemade cannoli’s (one of my most favorite desserts!), to the beautiful arrangement of crusty breads, meats and cheeses.  Handcrafted bouquets from the local florist made the room fresh and full of life.  I am still in awe of how thoughts and ideas came together to create such a beautiful day! 

My parents are just adorable– aren’t they?!  Jordan and Karley are two of my best friends!  We’ve known each other since we were 11 !! I just LOVE these two!!  They surprised me at the shower!!

The most beautiful thing of all, were the people in attendance.  Each time I looked over the room, I didn’t focus on the decor, the flowers or the food.  I focused on the faces, the stories, and the people that had taken the time to spend it with us.  Over the years, and on the afternoon of our wedding shower, time spent with my church family will always be the greatest gift of all.

xoxox

Anna Filly

Pictured below are Grandma Joan, and Pat.  Two of the loveliest ladies I know !! “Grandma” Joan, with her love for event planning and elegant eye.  Pat with her heart for community, and deep desire to love and grow…. ah!  Both of these women have poured into me over the years.  These two are the ones who brought this shower to life in the most beautiful way!