Where Everyone Knows Your Name
July 10th, 2008 @ 2:50 pm by Mrs. Shortcake
Do you know what is better than being able to accomplish all of the items on your to-do list during your only trip home before the wedding? Having friends help you to do so. 
We were pleasantly surprised when Mr. Shortcake’s best man informed us that our first Saturday back in B.C. would have to be booked off and vendor-free…he was, as he called it, throwing us a “Crazy Tropical Cheeseburger Liquor Engagement Party.”
(Energetic best man in question)
Mr. Shortcake and I were absolutely thrilled, as we had never had the chance to celebrate our engagement with friends before we had moved to Winnipeg.
So, on Saturday morning, we girls suited up in our best sun dresses and headed off for gorgeous Whiterock, B.C., where the BBQ was being held.
(Old family friend, Sister Shortcake/MOH, Youngest Sister Shortcake/bridesmaid, deranged-looking Miss Shortcake/bride)
After nine months of being away from our closest friends and family, it was so wonderful to see their smiling faces again. *sniff*
(Sister Shortcake, old family friend, bridesmaid)
(Most-Likely-Next-to-Be-Added-to-the-Family/ Youngest Sister Shortcake’s boyfriend, Crazy Tan Youngest Sister Shortcake)
Our videographer/old fraternity brother has a sweet, sweet, sense of style. Note the dollar store hair accessory .
Our best man also thoughtfully picked up a badminton/volleyball net and kit for the occasion. (Tip: If you’re having an outdoors engagement party, try including games and light sports - it’s a great way for strangers to become quick friends…or fast enemies 
)
(Assorted groomsmen, our videographer, band members)
Luckily for us, it was also the only hot and non-rainy day during our entire visit!
(Groomsman and Mr. Shortcake’s Sister/Bridesmaid)
We couldn’t have been any happier with our engagement party. It was hot and sunny, the food was delicious and plentiful, the drinks were cold and refreshing, and the company was ridiculously amazing. We really enjoyed having our two sets of friends meet and bond so quickly, and every time we imagined seeing all their loving faces around us at the wedding we got little thrills of excitement. Forgetting flowers and colour schemes, matching linens, and choreographed dances, there’s nothing like being surrounded by your family and friends to remind you how much fun your wedding will be!
(Disclaimer: I totally did not drink whatever was in that bottle.)
What was your engagement party like?
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8 Responses to “Where Everyone Knows Your Name”
This looked like tons of fun. Our engagement party was a destination engagement party. LOL. We had it at my parent’s timeshare resort in Orlando. We made a whole weekend of it and also went to Universal/Islands of Adventure the following day. It was very intimate - limited to Bridal party, their significant other, and our parents. The goal of the party was for everyone in the bridal party to get to know each other before the big day. We played a few games and had great prizes (i.e. SD memory cards, blank CD’s, rechargable batteries). It was also catered and we had enough food to feed 75 people although only 25 were expected to attend. We took pictures and videotaped the entire evening. We also had an after-party at a local club, but everyone was so tired from the party we didn’t stay long.
@MsKibibi: wow! That sounds amazing! What a great idea to have prizes for your games! If I lived in Orlando, I would probably force everyone to go to Disneyworld I’m glad your engagement party was a success!
Thanks MissShortcake! I was very excited about the prizes and insisted on picking them out myself. LOL. I wanted people to have practical prizes. Then one game had gag prizes (ex. plastic spoon wrapped in Victoria Secret’s box) that was rigged so that my Fiance won his graduation gift from me. He was shocked to find a wrapped up Tiffany box and had to fight back tears (which he did by turning around and surprising me with an early Birthday gift). I got him a sterling silver money clip from Tiffany with his initials engraved. He got me a portable DVD player. It was great all around.
The wine bottle that you are holding in the last picture is “Wild Bunch” wine from Montevina…it is Mr. Peng and my favorite winery (and right down the street from our venue)!!! How fun! We have a ton at home. Great everyday wine!
@Mrs. Penguin: it’s a wine? I completely did not look at the lable when I picked it up (staging pictures much? - Now I’m going to go find some and try it properly!
hey there,
I saw your make up and trial and I know this is totally off topic but I am dying to know which Mac Olga is from? I had the most terrible make up trial and need to find someone new.. i’m also from winnipeg.. please help.
Mrs. Shortcake, Vancouver
Age and Occupation: 24, Marketing Manager/Children's Lit Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Master's Student/Personal Trainer
Engagement Date: August 7, 2007
Wedding Date: October 2008
Blogging Since:
Venue: Ceremony in a historic church, tented lawn reception at a golf and country club
About Me: 1950's housewife sent to the future, reborn as crafting-obsessed, jill of all trades. I enjoy decorating, writing, baking sweet things, singing show tunes/dancing in public, wearing pearls, and knitting sweaters for my furbaby, Harvey, to chew upon. I heart pink, and believe that sparkles are the new black.
that last picture is great!