Celebrating Joanna

Last Weekend I, along with the help of my fellowship group, threw a brunch for our dear friend Joanna!  It was a sweet time of celebrating her upcoming marriage and new chapter of life

 Here is my question....how did people throw parties before pinterest?:-)  I feel like pinterest is a great tool for getting ideas on simple, yet cute parties.  The above picture was part of the table centerpiece.  I made goodie bags with candies and a magnet of Asa and Joanna, so that all the guest could put their picture on their fridge and remember to pray for this new couple.  

I made a banner with cute paper to decorate the living room

 We had blushing mimosas as the drink option.

 My mom and I got up early and went to the corner flower stand to purchase fresh flowers to fill the apt (I will have to do a whole other post on how helpful my mom was during this weekend).  I think fresh flowers might be one of my favorite things!

 Quiche from Trader Joes, homemade cinnamon cake, partfaits, jelly beans and Magnolia's Cupcake were the menu items

 My sweet friend Joanna and I.  I have known her from the beginning of my time in NYC. we've been in a fellowship group together for almost 4 years, worked together for 3, and lived together for almost 2 years.  Needless to say, I am going to miss her dearly when she leaves the city next month to begin a new chapter of life with Asa in Virginia

We played a fun game that ended in bows being placed all over Jo!

 Instead of a traditional gift shower we did a few sentimental things for her, including a signed copy of a NYC classic Children's Book, a signed mat with a group picture from the brunch, and a scrapbook with notes and pictures from friends and family!

 It was a great time of laughing, sharing, and praying for Joanna.  

 My sweet Fellowship group (minus Erin who we missed greatly!)  I do not feel like I talk about these girls enough on this blog.  They are my family here!  We have been meeting as a group every Tuesday night for a long time now.  We have seen the good and the hard in each other and walked alongside each through it all.  I really cannot imagine my life here without them. They are a refuge for my soul in a large and scary city.  

 The Group Picture!

It was a wonderful morning of celebrating such a neat relationship.  I must say that I think Joanna and Asa's relationship story is one of my favorites.  It is one of brokeness, surrender, restoration, and Christ Centeredness.  I have learned so much watching their  story unfold and I look forward to celebrating with them in San Antonio on June 2!