A Bridal Shower for Today's Woman

Chante, arrived on Friday, afternoon at the #DuPont Hotel located in downtown Wilmington, Delaware to initiate her bridal shower weekend celebration. Executive Suites within the hotel were reserved by Muhammad Bey, for the privacy of Chante and her guests. Kenitra, checked us in and made sure we were completely thrilled with our arrangements as well. The accommodations included two suites next door to each other and one two bedroom suite with living room area, two gorgeous baths which were perfect for a luxuriant shower or bath. Another suite also included a king size bed, sleeper sofa, pristine bath robes, slippers and a marble decked bath with an assimilating tub and shower. These accommodations were amazing and I appreciated the efforts put forth for our family's #bride of 2016, Chante. She is a determined, loving mother, loyal friend and hard working professional woman, who now in her early forties, will settle down and marry Stephen, a loving father, loyal friend and hard working professional musician and man of many talents. Chante and Stephen, both in their forties, have decided to make that lifetime commitment of #marriage which is a sterling example not only before Jehovah God but their children as well other family members and friends..

I, Paulette Blake and my husband Jerry Blake, along with Chante's father Sherman Darnell Munn, would like to formally announce the engagement of our daughter, Chante Coleman to Mr. Stephen Pratt. The wedding date is scheduled toward the end of May 2016. I will share with you some insights of the bridal shower weekend of elegance. A special thanks to the following loving people: Walker and his wife Claudette Carter, known as angelladywriter. They are the aunt and uncle of Chante, who generously helped financially to support the weekend's events. My nephew Muhammad Bey, works in management at DuPont Hotel. His wife Wanisha, worked hard to help organize this #bridal shower. I would like to thank these two individuals who accommodated Chante and our family with tremendous hospitality. We would also like to extend our love and genuine appreciation to my niece Jaleesa Carter, who worked so diligently with Wanisha and Muhammad. I would also like to thank my grand-daughter LeShae Dailie and Kasia Lester, my niece for all their love and support. Thanks again to all my sisters and other family members who shared this time with Chante, because you strengthened her with your love.

Family Support Is Critical For the Success of a Bridal Shower

The epicurean accommodations at DuPont Hotel, filled our hearts with joy. Although we realized quickly it was the genuine expression of love between cousins and other family members that caused this event to occur. Chante, Wanisha and Jaleesa are daughters of my identical twin sister Claudette and I. Obviously, they do share similar DNA because these women are ridiculously close and are always there for each other just as my #twin and I are. Last year when Wanisha, got married her bridal shower was held at Chante's house in Elkton, MD. We worked day and night to organize it. The shower for Wanisha, was absolutely beautiful. Now, my daughter's awesome cousins Wanisha and Jaleesa, reciprocated their love as they worked together along with Kasia and other family members to create this outstanding weekend.

On Friday evening after our arrival, these young women greeted Chante as she entered the suite. White rose petals were sprinkled generously for each step she encountered into her eloquent suite. She was overwhelmingly surprised but there was still more surprises yet to come.

The bridal shower games and gifts were already prepared and neatly secured in a storage area in the adjoining suite. Chante, was invited to be escorted to the only key accessed antique elevator. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she rode down on the elevator to the extravagant lobby and into an unforgettable dining experience, The Green Room Restaurant. Upon Chante's arrival, family members greeted and congratulated her with hugs and kisses. An elongated table, adorned with refined china and flatware, awaited her. The restaurant had created a table fit for a king or queen as the professional staff catered to our every needs.

The Green Room Restaurant, has been recognized with the AAA Four Diamond Award and the Forbes Four-Star Award. This restaurant fulfilled its award winning status as the staff served with perfection, some of the most mouth-watering dishes. The lavish designs of gold chandeliers, opulently designed draperies, high vaulted beam ceilings, Italian inlays and original oil paintings made our surroundings quite comfortable. The presence of family and rich environment of eloquence, assured Chante, of one on one love.

Chante's uncle Walker, initiated the unforgettable fine dining experience of ordering two bottles of their diverse wine selection. The bride-to-be made a first course selection of a succulent pan-seared Peking duck breast, savory duck confit bread pudding, fried duck egg, with blackberry demi. We all sampled each others' pleasing, yet savory cuisine. She concluded her dinner with a delectable chocolate cake. The extravagant Italian cuisine was enjoyed by all attendees. Each of the female family members retreated back to the suites for an after dinner pajama party where my nephew, Muhammad Bey, treated us with complementary bottles of champagne and hot buttered popcorn. We were not only full but over elated.

On Saturday, family members gathered to organize the bridal shower decorations, gifts and games. Chante, was secretly hidden away in her suite. Through the diligence of Wanisha, Jaleesa and LeShae, Chante's daughter, the first gift of the day was presented. She was surprised with a beautiful white satin robe, with the insignia of: "Bride" on its back. Chante, immediately began to shed tears of love and thankfulness. They created this distraction method to allow Croovy, the #Massage Therapist to set up in Chante's suite. She quickly changed and went back to her suite for an hour long massage. When she returned, there was another surprise of a decorated suite done by all of us-along with delicious catered food from #Olive Gardens. Chante, was filled with tears of gratitude once again. My niece, Jaleesa, prepared a visually recorded presentation of Chante, her fiancé Steve, their children, other family members and myself. It was awesome!

This was a heart-warning and encouraging celebration. Chante received words of wisdom from all her aunts and a few cousins. Fortunately, my sisters are the pinnacles of outstanding years of marriages. Aunt Janie, has been married for 57 years to her husband Henry. She expressed these words to Chante, "Keep loving your husband and your family and trust GOD, to guide and keep you." Aunt Lean, has been married to Alexander for 52 years. She sincerely stated that Chante, should honor and respect her husband and always say: "Goodnight." Aunt Lois has been married to her husband Boyd, for 52 years also. She encouraged the bride-to-be that it is vital to respect and support her husband. Aunt Linda, remarried after the death of her husband. Now she has been married 16 years to Randolph. She told Chante, "to be confident and know he is the right one." Aunt Doris, has been married 40 years to her husband, Chuckie. She did a special reading from one of her favorite books and then passed this compilation of wisdom onto the future bride. Aunt Tina, has been married 44 years to my brother Edward. She courageously supported him through cancer treatment. Tina, told Chante how special she always has been to her and how much she loves her. Auntie Claudette, has been married to Walker for 30 years and she summed it up by saying, "Chante is the bride-to-be for 2016 because she overcame so many obstacles as a single parent and Chante never gave up. She kept working and going to college and being there for her children. What an inspiration Chante, has been for so many women, to rely upon Almighty God, stay strong and never give up." My husband Jerry and I have been married for 29 years and we will continue to extend our love and prayers to Stephen and Chante.

On Sunday, morning each family member gathered their bags reluctantly. Our bridal shower weekend had ended. Now, it was up to each of us to return to our homes and be determined to show genuine love and be spiritually encouraging to as many people as we can. May each of us take something from this article that maybe an inspiration to each of us.