Wedding Rehearsal / Couple's Shower

Lots to write about today ... where do I start. To begin with, yesterday was a pretty busy day for me. Last night was my brother-in-law (Jay) and soon-to-be sister-in law's (Cha) wedding rehearsal. We also timed their his-and-hers bridal shower for the same night. We were extra busy pretty much all day setting up the backyard of my other sister-in-law's (Marik) place for the event. The theme was a Hawaiian Luau. We set up canopies in the yard, strung paper lanterns across, hung up hawaiian posters and festive streamers, taped tablecloths to the tables (it was so windy), had glass centerpieces filled with fresh lemons and candles, planted torches all around, and draped garlands of flowers on each guest's seat. We also had Hawaiian food - barbecued beef short ribs, chicken barbecue, pork katsu, macaroni salad and steamed rice. And lots of little fruit tarts and cheesecake for dessert.

During the event, my co-planners (Edel, Marik, Tracy and Len) and I had lots of activities planned. I served as the host for the evening which I was happy to do. There was a lot of good-natured fun and of course racy innuendos and games (we had to set up a video for the kids to watch inside so they wouldn't be exposed to the "action" outside!). We also had a presentation of gifts at the end of the night. Each guest had to bring a gift for Jay and Cha ... and it had to be something they could use on their wedding night. Of course, everyone was encouraged to "use their imagination" - well, you can just imagine the things people brought. Some were cute and sweet (like pajamas and chocolates) while others were just outright shocking (like edible underwear and sexual stimulants)! It was so funny though that each guest had to explain what they brought right in front of Cha's mom and Jay's parents!

All in all, it was a really great evening. All the guests (about 50-60 all in all) were actively participating. There was more than enough food and drinks (we were a bit worried for a while). We didn't serve alcohol (it was a weeknight after all) but everyone had a good time. The only downer was it was SOOO COOOLD! It's pretty hard to have an outdoor party when the temps are so low. We were decked out in Hawaiian attire but also wearing sweaters on top of them. =) I don't have any pictures to share since we were so busy that night. But I am sure there will be plenty that will surface on Facebook some time soon =)

Now, we are working on planning that their wedding (which is tomorrow!) goes just as well =)