Noah's Ark Themed Baby Shower | Staunton, Virginia | Mae's Baby Shower

You may have first noticed it in this post with our family portraits, but my family is growing a lot this year! Not only do I have a precious two-year-old niece, but my brother and his wife will be adding a nephew this fall just one month before my sister is adding her own little pretty lady to the mix! Being an aunt is one of the most wonderful things in the world, and I can't wait to share the love among a few more little ones.

A couple weeks ago, we got to celebrate my sister and the momma-to-be at an adorable Noah's Ark themed baby shower. I can't take credit for a lot of it - our wonderful sister-in-law planned out the decorative details, and my sister and mom helped with food and bringing the necessary supplies to make the day happen. We passed advice on that we have learned, played games (and even made the guys participate!), and watched Mae open gifts for this little girl who is already so dearly loved.

It truly hit me for the first time that my sister is having a baby when I visited her house and opened the closet, only to be greeted by the most adorable row of hangers filled with dresses, ruffled pants, and all kinds of pretty pink things. I'm so thankful for my family and the love we share, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that when we add our own little one we will be beyond blessed by the love given to us.

Congratulations, Mae (and Cory)! I love you so much and can't wait to meet little Baby Beasley!

Bacon was definitely the furriest guest at the party ;)

I can never decide...do we look alike or not?! Either way, we are the best of sisters and friends!

Mae's Bridal Shower // Downtown Staunton Photographer

What an incredible few days I had this past weekend! I drove up to Staunton on Friday night to celebrate my older sister's bridal shower on Saturday. When Mae got engaged just a few short weeks ago, I was so honored that she asked me to be her maid of honor (yes, I know I'm married. No, I'm not going to let anyone call me a matron). After some happy tears, my thoughts immediately turned to her bridal shower - I'd been waiting to plan this for so many years!

So, on a rainy Saturday in August, plans had been made and we arrived at The By and By coffeehouse in downtown Staunton. Friends and family came literally from all over the state to celebrate the love and joy Mae has brought into our lives, and the new life she is about to begin with Cory this fall.

We ate dainty ham and cheese sandwiches with salad, and drank tea and coffee to our hearts' content. While I generally avoid bridal shower 'games' at all costs (who likes to be covered in toilet paper?), I decided to make the guests work a little and play a Guess the Spice game. Besides that - and grilling Mae on the details of Cory's life publicly - everyone talked, laughed, and had the best times.

Before I share pictures, I owe so many thanks to the people that made this day possible. Many thanks to The By and By for being such gracious hosts - rest assured I will be back, only with fewer people next time! I am so grateful to everyone who drove from miles and miles away to make this day special - thank you! And most of all, thank you Mae, for being my best friend all these years. I love you, I'm so proud of the person you've become, and I can't wait for your wedding this fall.

These are the favors! Individual hot cocoa mix in mason jars.

We got asked this a lot, but our semi-coordinating outfits were completely on accident. That happens sometimes :)

And here are ALL the Pasquarell ladies (minus just one!), former, present, and soon-to-be former!