Inside Pregnant Rachel Fuda's French-Themed Baby Shower: 'A Day I Will Remember Forever' (Exclusive)

Rachel Fuda is celebrating a major milestone!

The reality star is weeks away from welcoming a baby boy to join the kids she shares with husband John Fuda: daughters Gianella Jolie, 4, and Giuliana Rose, 2, as well as Jaiden — John’s 17-year-old son from a previous relationship, whom Rachel adopted.

But despite being pregnant before, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star had a first on Sunday, Jan. 5: her first-ever baby shower!

That's because the COVID-19 pandemic was raging when Rachel was pregnant with Gianella and Giuliana, which made in-person get-togethers like baby showers impossible. So to make up for the missed affairs, John pulled together what Rachel tells PEOPLE is "my first baby shower with my last baby!"

"It was a day I will remember forever and memories I will cherish for a lifetime," Rachel, 33, raves. "John went above and beyond to make sure this was a really special day, and he delivered, it was amazing!"

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Related: Rachel Fuda Is Pregnant! Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Expecting Baby with Husband John (Exclusive)

The affair, held in New Jersey, was attended by nearly 65 members of the Fuda's family and friendship circle — including her Real Housewives of New Jersey costars Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Danielle Cabral and Jenn Fessler.

Brittany Mattessich, Frank Catania's fiancée, was there, too.

"I can't tell you how nice it was to be in a room of loved ones who are truly happy for me and my growing family," says Rachel.

Related: RHONJ Star Rachel Fuda Says Husband John’s 50-Lb. Weight Loss 'Definitely Improved' Their Sex Life

Gorga, Josephs, and Josephs' longtime business partner Lexi Barbuto were all recruited by John to help with the planning.

The event, designed by Bubbly Blossom Co., had a French-theme with "Bonjour Bébé Fuda" written across a Parisian backdrop. The structure was covered in blue and white balloons of different sizes, and accented by bookshelves adorned with candles and vases of blue and white flowers. In front of it, a white bicycle overflowing with florals was placed to add texture to the design.

Tables in the room featured vases of blue and white hydrangeas and roses, too. Instead of table numbers, each seating was named after a city in France.

Related: 'RHONJ' Star Rachel Fuda Talks 'Lifelong Physical and Emotional Battle' of Having Arthritis (Exclusive)

A flower cart, from Petal & Pouf, not only worked with the theme but also allowed a perfect workstation station to provide partygoers with custom bouquets to take home.

Maria Rogers of Tiny Hearts Photography snapped photos of the event, shared exclusively with PEOPLE. There was also a TapSnap photo booth where attendees could pose for keepsakes.

Guests enjoyed a full catered meal, which was topped with a three-tiered chocolate and vanilla cake by JG Desserts.

Music by DJ Sal of Magic Moments Productions kept the energy up, while RuPaul's Drag Race star Crystal Envy provided entertainment in a hilarious set of lip-syncs (to songs like "Oops... I Did It Again" by Britney Spears). Crystal also hosted the afternoon's games, including "Oprah or Labor?" where guests had to guess if an audio clip was of Oprah yelling or (you guessed it), a woman in labor.

"We played the funniest games," Rachel says. "Everyone was laughing, it was such a blast. And Crystal was such a great surprise. Everyone enjoyed her performance so much."

Related: Melissa Gorga Says RHONJ Housewives 'Speculate' About Show's Return: 'All of Us Have Zero Control Over It' (Exclusive)

As for Rachel, she looked gorgeous in an off-the-shoulder, cream sequin LPA gown. Hairstylist Kevin Kelly and makeup guru Darian Marie Horn gave Rachel a glam look, her dark locks pulled back in a relaxed updo with flowing waves and her cheeks and lips kissed with the softest of pinks. She accessorized the look with dangling diamond earrings and — what else — French-tip nails.

"There isn't a thing I would change," she adds. "It was such a nice day."

Related: Lindsay Hubbard Shares First Photos of Baby Daughter Gemma’s Face and Hints She's Not Done Having Children

Rachel revealed news of her pregnancy exclusively with PEOPLE back in August. "We're so excited," she said of the happy news, which she shared with her RHONJ castmates while filming the season 14 "Off the Rails" special. "We're ready to be a party of six!"

"John and I always felt like our family wasn't complete," she explained at the time. "We actually have a table in my kitchen and when we sit down for dinner, there's one empty chair. And we always kind of looked at each other like, 'Oh, it'd be nice to fill that seat.' So we always had the room for one more in our home and in our hearts, and we're both just so happy to be welcoming another baby into the family. It felt like it was time."

And while it's no doubt been difficult at times to juggle pregnancy with raising a family and managing a chronic illness (she was diagnosed with arthritis at a young age), Rachel previously told PEOPLE she pushes through by embracing the happiness motherhood has brought to her life.

"There's truly no better feeling in the world than having kids," Rachel shared. "It's almost a type of love that you just can't explain. Like, these little people make me a better person. They teach me every day. I've learned to slow down and just enjoy the small moments in life, like cuddling on the couch and reading a book together. And it keeps me grounded, because they remind me of what actually matters. They are my peace in this world amid the craziness."

"I feel like my true purpose in life is being a mom," she added. "It fulfills me more than I ever thought possible. And I can't wait to do it again. I mean, what's better than to bring life into the world? How lucky am I?"

Previous seasons of The Real Housewives of New Jersey can be streamed on Peacock. The show remains on hiatus, with no filming date or cast yet set for season 15.

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