Fiesta For The Bride To Be

If you're from L.A., you know the term, "South of the Boulevard" means the upscale-ish or desirable neighborhoods just south of Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley.  My high school was "South of the Boulevard".  A large portion of the student body lives in that area as well.  I haven't thought much about it until I recently attended my co-worker's bridal shower.
Our Disney team, as I've said before, is more of a small, wonderful family, then of a place of cold laborers.  My co-worker and her fiance have been together a long time, so our store was overjoyed when they announced their engagement.  Her best friend, that she has known almost her whole life, was hosting her fiesta themed bridal shower, at her house, South of the Boulevard.  The guest list was all women, including the bride's family, childhood friends, co-workers from her other job, and the Disney Store family.  Our family took up two large tables, filled with the old and current teams that she has worked with.
In the backyard of this big, beautiful house, there was bold colored tablecloths, stunning floral centerpieces, a fun photo op spot with props, traditional paper banners, lots of delicious homemade food, and a margarita/sangria station.  The bridesmaids offered tropical Jell-o shots between courses while the guests fanned themselves with sequined folding fans.  The weather was perfect to be outdoors, laughing and eating.  As the sun set, we played some shower games.  One of the games gave some of the guests a chance to tell stories about the bride.  Another game found us decorating each other in toilet paper wedding gowns, complete with accessories.  Our bride even had a paper guarder and a paper diamond ring.  The last game was a version of musical chairs, but instead of moving chairs, the guests passed a bouquet of flowers around until the music stopped.  If they had the bouquet when the music ended, they were out.  Out of all the guests, it was down to two of our own girls.  The bride laughed as our 20-year Disney veteran waved the winning bouquet around and teased the other girls with it.
During and after the games was dessert and coffee.  Traditional Mexican candies and desserts were laid out buffet style.  The coffee was in a tall metal container and I was hoping that it too, would be traditional.  I was not disappointed.  Mexican coffee has spices, including cinnamon, that give it an almost soft, chai coffee taste.  If you have never tried it, I highly suggest you bring a big mug and dive right in.
The bride moved on to opening her shower presents.  Our big boss at work suggested that ever bag that came from our store include a sexy piece of lingerie.  "A little something for the honeymoon *wink*"  So along with a stack of cards wishing her and her fiance a lifetime of happiness, there was knife sets, mixing bowls, and tiny pieces of floss that is intended as underwear.  It was a blast!
The bride is ready for the big day and it's fast approaching.  Like myself, the bride had attended the same high school that was "South of the Boulevard".  Though she was a different year, she had a lot of the same teachers.  It's really awesome how our Disney family is so intertwined through many of life's paths.  She has worked with our team for many years and I know we all can not wait to see their happily ever after.