The Chicago Wedding Shower

Another busy weekend for us, but a very enjoyable one. Yesterday, Hemal and I had our very first wedding shower with our Chicago area friends, and this wasn't your traditional bridal shower with only females. The boys were present too, although they felt skeptical about their role at a wedding shower. Simply, we wanted to enjoy drinks, food and celebrate our future with our close friends; and can't forget the gifts too!

The wedding shower was organized by my sister, Sharada, and my future sister-in-law, Nisha, and held at Nirmal & Nisha's lovely home. As you can see, they had a very cute Asian theme. My sister had a custom Japanese style cherry blossom banner printed that was mounted on the front door to greet our friends.

Here is a pic of Hemal and I just before the party began. We were eager to start eating and drinking since everything looked soo good. The menu for the afternoon included sushi, edamame, Thai-style pizza, spring rolls, pad thai, and pineapple basil fried rice. And for dessert we had a mango tart, homemade vanilla bean cupcakes, and coconut ice cream in a crispy pastry cup with mango strawberry salsa. Also can't forget the freshly made sangria with an Asian twist– a white Shangri-La sangria with coconut milk & pineapple and a red sangria with a mix of mango & oranges. Everything was perfect and delicious!

To continue the Asian theme, the hostesses had "lucky bamboo" plants as "thank you" favors for our guests who attended. And red and yellow paper lanterns were hung throughout the home.

Here is Nirmal giving a toast to Hemal and I and to our future together. And he graciously said, "It's about time! It only took a decade for you guys to do it." (slightly paraphrased)

My sister and her boyfriend, Jason. You guys finally made it on my blog! They drove in from Indianapolis, IN.

All the boys congregating and enjoying their champagne and clueless to what is about to happen. It's a shower and aren't there games with a wedding shower? :) ... the tables were turned. Lucky Hemal was the target of the game vs. me. He became the center of attention by being the bride.

The huge group of boys were divided into four teams and were competing against each other to construct the perfect bridal gown on Hemal out of toilet paper.

Boy Team #1
There was some sort of weird extension to the bridal attire, maybe a veil?

Boy Team #2

The veil was much better here, and they gave Hemal some curves – breasts.

Boy Team #3
They were pretty conservative. No clear vision.

Boy Team #4

This last team was quite spunky with their gown. Bootylicious I think you call it.

I must say, all the boys really got into the game and were good sports about participating. When I had to announce the winner which was Team #2, the other teams were quite disappointed for bragging rights. :)

I want to thank everyone for coming to our shower and making it a memorable one. And thank you for all the wonderful gifts that will help get our future home started.