Showering Richie & Gabriella

In August, our clan got together in Cleveland to throw a big ol' wedding shower for Richie and Gabo. (photos are wonky because they're from Estela's camera and were compressed in the sending)

My mother, the shower mastermind and hostess with the mostest.Richie carrying in the first of 231 gifts.

We were enjoying each other's company immensely. Loretta was enjoying that roll immensely. "I love brunch!!"
Tricia kept the troops entertained with a "relationship quiz" to see who knew the most about the engaged couple. I had no idea they had their first kiss in my parent's basement!!! In front of the stuffed deer head, no less! Scandalous.

Rosetta and Mary Lou sharing a laugh.

Lora holding little Miss Phoebe. Now what could this be? I gotta' say, these two were the most gracious, entertaining and poised couple I've ever seen at a shower. They hit just the right tone.
Stealing a smooch.

Not everyone found the shower enthralling. These pretty boxes contained the shower bonbonniere, a stainless steel toothpick dispenser, (toothpicks are oft-used tools in Italian homes). The line on the box reads "True Love Is Easy To Pick Out." Love that line. Go Trish!

The biggest surprise of the shower came at the very end when my father made an unannounced appearance. He was a week post knee-replacement surgery and until this moment had been horizontal. There was a great cheer and sustained applause when he walked into the reception hall. It really meant a lot to all of us that he made it there.