Sometimes nothing can blow you away as much as your bridal shower. I had mine this past weekend.

It was a surprise shower. My bridesmaids decided on a luau theme and sent me an invitation to a luau at my friend’s house. When I arrived — 45 minutes late, thanks Kenny Chesney and fans (concert) — I was handed a lei and the party began.

Throwing a bridal shower is no easy task — especially if you’re trying to keep it a surprise. My mom and the bridesmaids cooked all the food, ordered a cake and had tents and chairs and tables set up around the yard. There were lots of thoughful little touches, like hula-girl salt-and-pepper shakers and Hawaiian-themed food. Even better, friends and family came from miles away to attend the shower — some even drove two hours to be there.

It’s amazing to see the lengths people will go to in the name of friendship. My bridemaids literally spent months planning and preparing for this shower and kep me in mind the whole time. I’m a casual person, so they put together a casual cookout. I also don’t like presents, so everyone was asked to send a recipe and bring canned goods for a local food pantry.

No time was spent opening presents — it was all just hanging out and having fun. For me at least. My bridesmaids worked pretty much the entire time. As did my mother, who put together a truly fantastic spread.

I can’t thank them enough. While most bridesmaids will have to throw a shower at some point, the fact that mine were so thoughtful and worked so hard made me glad I have such special people in my life.