The bridal shower to beat all bridal showers

I'm sure everyone feels like their bridal shower was absolutely perfect, right? I mean, unless your aunt gets trashed on mimosas and reveals an embarrassing secret or something, it's probably one of the best days of your existence. So many loved ones gathered together to celebrate you marrying the love of your life? What can top that besides actually marrying the love of your life or welcoming a new addition to your family? I have honestly never felt so overwhelmed with love in my life.

In fact, I was so overwhelmed by all the attention that my blood pressure shot through the roof and I was in a constant cold sweat for most of the day. Anxiety through the roof for this usually-not-the-center-of-attention girl. I had dear friends travel from Chicago, St. Louis, Toledo, Atlanta, and even Tucson for my celebration and they all came bearing gifts. Cue the guilt. I'm not worthy.

But first, let me back up. My best friend (and co-maid of honor) planned every detail of the jam-packed day, from who was invited to what we did and when. With very little input from me, she absolutely nailed it. I think she knows me better than I know myself and if she's ever looking for a new career path, party planning should be at the top of the list. For the execution part, she enlisted the help of several important girls in my life, chief among them my beloved Mommles. It completely melts my heart to imagine my amazing mom staying up all hours of the night (which I know she did) to set up the brunch table, clean, make decorations, and prepare party favors. My sister (and other co-maid of honor) flew in for the weekend and spent most of the night before preparing the house for the event. How I was blessed enough to have not one, but all three of these incredible women placed in my life, I'll never know.

The decorations were flawless. Pretty colors, a banner that read 'Hotchkiss the Bride,' balloons that had various Instagram pictures of me and Wheat on them, bride and groom teddy bears, bride and groom rubber ducks, massive bride and groom balloons, and framed answers to questions that Jenn had secretly asked Wheat. Many, many tears.

The food was delicious. My mom woke up extra early to make waffles for everyone, which guests completed with syrup, whipped cream, fruit, and nuts at the Make Your Own Waffle station. Fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, bagels and various cream cheeses, delicious parfaits with precious mini spoons tied to them, and muffins filled the kitchen table. More than enough to feed an army. There was also a massive sheet cake which read 'Hotchkiss the Bride' (thanks to Mrs. Koenig) and my very own Pinterest dream come true, a mimosa bar. Champagne, tons of fruit, and several different flavors of juice and lemonade - I don't even drink and it was absolute heaven.

Once everyone had arrived, we stood in the kitchen and did introductions. In other words, I cried and felt so special while some of my very best friends talked about our relationships and what they like most about me. Like I said, overwhelming. We followed that up with a fun mustache game, where Jenn read questions that she had previously asked both me and Wheat and the girls had to decide who said which answer by holding up either a pink or black mustache. I was pleasantly surprised to see how tricky it was! Next, we indulged my superfan heart and played Brittany-and-Wheat-themed Jeopardy! My mom prepared the Jeopardy board on a dry erase board with question cards and answers written underneath. Of course, there were also prizes (lotions, candles, and wine) for the winners of all the games.

Next, we moved into the living room where I spent thirty minutes opening gifts, trying to express my gratitude, and feeling spoiled beyond belief. I really can't believe how kind and generous my friends are - their sweet words warmed my heart and they put a serious dent in our wedding registry. When gifts were over and I had somewhat regained my composure, we played another game, where everyone had written marriage advice on spoons (recipes for a good marriage) and I chose my two favorites. With the bridal shower portion of the day winding down and party favors distributed (a diamond ring key chain and a precious heart-shaped purse hook), I walked back to use the restroom and noticed a massive poster of Texans defensive lineman JJ Watt on the table...and an anatomically correct cake, courtesy of Tasha, TJ, and his parents, strategically positioned underneath. I may or may not have shrieked in shock/happiness.

I didn't know it at the time, but the cake served as the perfect segue from my calm, classy bridal shower to what was about to transpire at my bachelorette party...