To Have and to hold

Friday September 6th, I had a wonderful time celebrating with family. My cousin Christy, who had been a flower girl at my own wedding was now getting married! When she told me last year, that they had picked a date I knew I wasn't going to miss it for the world!

One of the most common questions I get asked is if I'm able to enjoy a wedding without comparing or noticing every detail. My answer, yes... and no. I love to notice every detail - each couple is so different, so its easy not to compare. (now do I compare myself to other planners? that's a different story!)

 I really love this photo of Brad. I always like looking at the groom, as he looks at his bride. Even if they've been together for a really long time, this moment is one they've never had. And it shows all over their faces!

Christy & Brad's wedding was filled with greats... Great food (I had a very yummy smoked pork chop with a wonderful polenta!); Great people - loved catching up with her parents who are much more like my siblings than my aunt & uncle; and great music. Some of the great moments in the ceremony were when the groom pulled out his phone to read his vows (much more common these days than the index cards used just a few years ago), and when their 2 -1/2 year old son walked up the aisle with the ring pillow, only to walk back looking for his mom. Priceless!

lovely back!



The groom's grandmother was their officiant!

The favors were jars of salsa made by the mother of the bride.

Christy has a flare for the print! she will be starting her own business once back from their honeymoon.

I would have loved to post more photos, but I was having such a fun time that I didn't take too many more than this... sometimes you just have to be there  :-)

adding the finishing touch!

                This weekend I had a double header. And what was so amazing to me was that both weddings were at the same venue - one that I hadn't been to in a couple of years. The other thing that struck me, was that they both had me doing the same thing. I was detailing and setting up decor. But thats about all they had in common. Just like the couples were so different, so were their set ups.

Martha & Mike wanted a more vintage feel to their special day. I hung picture frames displaying their guest's escort cards, and their menu from a tree; added bunting to the front of the bridal suite; and created 14 different table scapes which included books, tea cups, mini vases, and figurines. I also had a vintage suitcase where guests could place their gift cards... Setting up, is a tough job. Not only do we have a limited amount of time, but we're also working on ideas based in conversation - and then we don't even get to see the guest's reactions. But at the end of the night, when I returned to pack it all up, Martha gave me the biggest hug and said it was just perfect! That was worth it. I just wish I could have taken more photos.

on Saturday, it was Jee & Derek's turn. For them I made programs which were placed in the great red vintage suitcase with the most beautiful red velvet lining. And baby's breath everywhere! We also covered mason jars, painted signs, and my favorite was writing the menu on a vintage mirror - which unfortunately the photo didn't come out - can't wait to see the photographer's!


a bistro table just outside the gate welcomed guests.

Programs next to the seating sign

music covered masons look amazing at night when the candle gets lit.



sweetheart table for the newlyweds

this glittery gold mail box is a cute place for cards, next to the lace runner

set on a 10ft plank and barrels, in place of a guest book, well wishes were left on cute little note cards.

this "after dinner sweets" table was a hit! Always wait until just a few days before to buy your candy so you know how much chocolate you should buy. this day was in the 90's so melting candies were limited.



I love this photo of the bride with her father