Earlier this month, I traveled to the East Coast to celebrate my amazing friend Marta’s bridal shower and bachelorette party. The weekend could not have gone better.
On Friday, we enjoyed a low-key dinner at Kyma in Annapolis. Marta, Kelyanne, Ginger and I picked up right where we left off while dining on several delicious tapas.
Saturday afternoon we headed down to the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. Jenni Bradley hosted a wonderful, Derby-themed, bridal shower tea at the hotel. Marta looked amazing (as always) as she opened up an array of gifts from several of her closest friends.
After the shower, we strolled over to the lounge where we found prime Derby-watching seats. After seveal glasses of champagne and a great horse race, we headed upstairs to prepare for the party. Little did Ginger (former Mac makeup pro) know she would be persuaded to make us all beautiful.
Around 8pm, we hopped in a cab and headed to Josh’s house for the festivities. The moment we arrived, it was apparent this was going to be a very special evening. There was a sign indicating where the celebrity limo (aka DC cab) parking was, along with a full-blown red carpet leading into the house. As we walked in, the paparazzi started snapping our pictures.
The Martawood theme was ingeniously carried throughout the house. From the palm trees to the 26 bottles of champagne, Josh and Jenni created the perfect atmosphere for the celebration. We laughed, danced and dined for several hours before heading out on the town.
From The Park to Lima to Tattoo, we never stopped smiling. We danced the night away and before we knew it, the evening came to an end. We headed back to the hotel, ate the remains of our bridal shower tea sandwiches, and quickly fell asleep.
Sunday we brunched at The Boatyard, napped at Gillian & Duvall’s and then said our goodbyes. What a wonderful weekend. Congratulations, Marta!
Ashley, Marta & Ginger at The Mayflower
Marta and I at her bridal shower
About to watch the Derby – Ginger, where are you??
The entrance to Martawood
The Star
The red carpet fun begins
Ginger = Hot!
Me 
Marta and her two amazing hosts – Jenni & Josh
Martawood!
Posing for the Paparazzi
Is that Ginger over there?
The bride modeling her beautiful crown made by Gillian
The ladies
Gillian, Marta and Me
Dance, Dance!
You captured the weekend perfectly! Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and for making the trip from Denver, it wouldnt have been the same without you there. Rest assured the Glods will be missed in St. John!
PS: I love how the last picture has me throwing up my sign to the better coast. Remember at the beginning of the weekend my implicit instructions? “Aubryn if you see me throwing up west coast signs, make me go home”? Mission unaccomplished.
Ha ha. That’s awesome. I thought the west coast sign was acceptable in Martawood
congrats Marta!!