Derby Shower

My Aunt Melanie, Uncle Andy and Mammaw threw Aaron and I an amazing Derby themed wedding shower this weekend. They worked extremely hard to make it perfect. The decorations and food were fabulous. They are all about the little details. We had a pretty big crowd with people coming from all over the state. We had an awesome time. There was a contest for the best hat and most original hat. I ended up winning "best in show" with a beautiful light blue hat decked out in rhinestones and feathers that my Mammaw made.  My sister, Kelsey, won "Most Original"  with her UK inspired hat.  We also bet on horses and I was surprised with how much people got into that.  Everyone had their own unique methods for picking their favorite horse.  Some people of course went with the best name, some just picked their favorite number, my aunt had to look at each of the horses right before the race before making her final selection and there was a table of men inside surrounding the newspaper with stats trying to decide. My aunt created a candy bar with all of mine and Aaron's favorite sweets. One of my aunt's best friends brought a collection of specialty popcorn flavors to set up a popcorn bar that even featured a Mint Julep flavor. The kids were entertained by a massive tunnel/tent system that Bryce and Tyler set up. It was so fun.

Thanks to all who came and enjoyed the day with us. We had a blast and hope you did too. My Aunt decided that the derby party might become an annual thing now since the theme and activities were such a hit.


  My grandmother made beautiful derby themed wreaths for the front door.

I couldn't get this picture to rotate. This was part of our betting display.

Hat decorations!



Relaxing right before the big race!

 

We had awesome food.... burger sliders, hot browns, corn dogs, banana pudding, cupcakes, etc.. My aunt also created a really cute popcorn bar and candy bar.  

Our jockey! (again, couldn't get this to rotate)

Most of the guests came decked out in their derby attire but they all came with beautiful gifts. Aaron and I were definitely "showered."

Aaron and I :)

My great grandmother, Mammaw and Aunt Kay.  (& little Z, of course)

Aaron was an excellent Vanna White during the gift opening.

The derby winners - my Aunt Melanie (hostess) and Tyler (my sister's boyfriend)! The guests bet on horses during the party. Half of the money went to Aaron and I while the other half of the money was divided up equally between the winners. These two were hilarious as their horse, I'll Have Another, crossed the finish line.  Tyler stood up and said "I just wont the Kentucky Derby!!!!"

Me and my little buds - Zachary and Bryce