Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata

Several weekends ago I hosted a Bridal Shower at my home for a dear friend's daughter.

I figured a weekend in September in the SF Bay Area would grace us with a gorgeous day to celebrate her upcoming nuptials.

 And so with the help of the bride to be's mother who just happens to be the best floral designer in town and my co-hostess Maggy we decided to throw a luncheon in my back garden.

 This is my dear friend and co-hostess, Maggy.
Isn't she gorgeous! She was in charge of the food.

About an hour or so before the guests were due to arrive it started to sprinkle... 

which quickly turned to a hard, pounding rain,

and continued in a downpour which lasted for several hours.

All these pictures were taken just minutes
 before the weather turned.

Soon after, the guests began arriving exclaiming that the streets were flooded as they deposited their umbrellas on my doorstep.

Armed with a tray of champagne cocktails with blood orange bitters I immediately set out to keep the party atmosphere festive, after knocking back a couple myself!

My small house got cozy real quick!

 Fortunately there was a break in the weather just as we were about to serve lunch!

Thankfully my wonderful hubby had covered the outside table with plastic sheeting to try and 

protect it from the rain and it worked!

With the addition of an extra umbrella we were all able to sit down together to a delicious lunch.

The Bride to Be, Elizabeth, passed around a tray of gorgeous hand decorated cookies in the shape of a bridal gown!

 The father of the bride showed up to take photos of the occasion.

The mother of the bride, Molly, is on the right with her cousin and one of her sisters.

Afterwards we all gathered in the living room to open the gifts. I had hoped to do this in the tented pavilion but "man makes plans and God laughs."

Which brings us to the meaning of "Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata."

Which when translated literally means,
"Wet Bride, Lucky Bride." 

Rain signifies blessings. 

Blessings also connote prosperity, both in a material and physical sense.  It is therefore considered good luck if it rains on that special day, due to the hopeful expectations of a happy life.

Elizabeth, or Lizzie, as she is fondly called by her friends and family, was showered with blessings as she and her finace, Joe look forward to starting a new chapter in their lives...

one that should be blessed, blissful, and filled with good fortune.