After a year of crazy planning and celebrations leading up to my wedding last August, a long winter’s nap was calling my name. Aside from catching up on my Z’s, I went on many neighborhood walks with my husband, perfected some Ninja Creami recipes, binged 5 seasons of International House Hunters, gathered around with friends for homemade dinners and game nights, drew a little more, and generally just spent a lot of time unplugging from the internet.
Now that spring has sprung, I’ve been happily defrosting from my hibernation, reflecting on the many blessings from this past year.
In the midst of the chaos and choosing to live fully in the moment, I didn’t share much of anything online during the summer I turned 30. A lot of special things happened, and thankfully, I preciously documented it all.
I first would like to share about the farewell tour that I had for my beloved maiden name, McDonough, which influenced the theme for my ‘Forever Stunna’ bachelorette dinner parties.
(A little backstory— when I was in high school, my friends coined my nickname to be ‘Stunna’ because it rhymed with ‘McDonough’. Somehow it stuck and I’ve been Stunna ever since.)
Over the years, I’ve hit up both coasts, worn pink wigs and danced on party buses to celebrate my friends’ bachelorette parties but it took me a while to figure out how I wanted to celebrate mine.
Turns out, I didn’t need to travel far or rent out a club to find my perfect answer.
My sweet friend, Molly, hosted the most lovely dinner party on her charming back porch for me in the middle of June. My mom came to visit that weekend, which was so special. It was a night full of bottomless Dirty Shirlies, giggles, and candle-lit quality time with my Minneapolis girlies.
Of course we went all out on the details and decor. And one of my favorite parts… Molly made the most beautiful, yummy homemade cake and she read aloud a poem that she wrote for me.
A night for our Stunna, forever she’ll be
She’s found her other half, in love happily
He’s a minnesota boy so she’ll be sticking around
It’s a perfect match, both silly and profound
Watching you smile because of Mr. Jack
To sweet San Francisco it really takes me back
Slap happy times or big feelings with tears
If only I could whisper, my friend have no fears
It all will work out and your heart will be filled
A beautiful future Jackson and Katie will build
Intentional, creative, shimmery, and smart
All this and more, you’re a true work of art
One of a kind, with such vision and flare
It’s no wonder that Jackson wanted to pair
Enough about boys, sure we’re so glad you have him
Tonights about your girls, a soul sister’s synonym
We all love you dearly, even if we didn’t propose
We cheer for you now and each day your heart grows
From the city by the bay, to the one with a twin
What a whirlwind of a journey all this has been
I’m so thankful you’re here next to every one of these girlies
Each your own dear, and a glass full of shirleys
This is just the beginning of so much fun ahead
Even beyond the colorful dance floor, where you will be wed
Cheers to the thirties, festivities, and friends
My own vow to you, bffs to the end
Just one last rhyme, it’s a toast to the future Mrs. Moench
We admire you we love you, now time to get drunk
♡♡♡
The Dirty Shirley tower of my dreams!
I sourced a roll of white butcher paper and a pack of oil pastels for the base of the table scape. Everyone had a blast channeling their inner child, coloring at the table at restaurants.
I’m truly the luckiest girl in the world to have such wonderful friendships.
Fast forward to mid-August… my wonderful mom hosted another ‘Forever Stunna’ backyard dinner party for me in her backyard!
I stayed with my parents in Indy for the two weeks leading up to the wedding so I could be around for last-minute meetings with vendors and to soak up my last days as a bachelorette. I was extremely grateful to be able to take an entire month of paid-time off from work and this party was the official kick-off of that.
The ‘Stunna Stargirl’ — a refreshing glittery cosmo for our signature cocktail. (Are you kidding me with the star fruit garnish??) My friend, Brendy, was our bartender for the evening and he slayed it.
Soon after the party started, we had a rain shower. The table got a little wet but we were able to salvage it and spend the entire evening under this dreamy rainbow sky.
There’s nothing like quality time with my BFFs.
My friend, Katie, traveled all the way from San Francisco to be there for it!
We had the Parent Trap and 90’s music videos playing in the background on a projector while we yapped the night away.
I may have recieved some unmentionables. Hehehehehe.
Can you hear the giggles from the photo?
A few Stunna Stargirls later… and we were jumping in my parents’ pool with our clothes on!
Hahahahaha love you, Annie!
Let this be a sign to ditch the destination bachelorette party and dream up something magical in your own backyard. These summer nights under the stars will forever be a favorite memory with my besties.
Forever Stunna.