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Monday, November 17, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Do You Know How to Cut A Wedding Cake? Do You Need To??
Do you know how to cut a wedding cake? Do you need to know? Probably not…but one NEVER knows...It is quite an art. Even if you never have to cut your own wedding cake, or that of another bride's, it's interesting. The top layer of a wedding cake is never counted in the "number of pieces" that a cake will serve. At least in American, the top layer of the wedding cake is taken down as soon as the bridal couple "Cut the Cake" and feed each other a bite. It is then kept in a safe place until it can be preserved and stored for the newlyweds to enjoy on their first anniversary. I posted an earlier blog post: "Preserving the Top Layer of Your Wedding Cake" on the process. If you would like to read it, just click on the title. Wedding cake slices are much smaller portions that one would receive when ordering 'off the dessert menu' at a restaurant. It is more tradition and a work of art, than anything else. The wedding cake also ties in your color scheme, and can set the tone, or theme of your wedding, A scary story, and one to heed… The friend of an acquaintance recently got married in California. The brides' family chose to hire a wedding planner. When it was time to cut the cake, no one was doing it. The bride's mother approached the caterer and asked him to please get his team started on the process. "Well, the cutting of the cake was not in MY contract, so we are under no obligation to do it!" And he refused. (I'm thinking this would GREATLY affect his tip…) So the mother of the bride and the wedding planner, (who let this huge hole in the contact with the caterer be overlooked), cut the cake. According to a friend of friend who witnessed the massacre…it was NOT pretty…and as they didn't know proper portion size, they ran out of cake!
Top Photo: the knot.com
above diagram: www.artisancakecompany.com
chart below: above chart: www.inthenameofcake.blogspot.com
above photo: theknot.com
The following YouTube video is great! http://www.youtube.com/watch? It explains how to cut a wedding cake better than I. Click on the link to watch.
Please visit my website: http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best to read about my new cozy mystery, "Simply the Best" by Mary P Karnes. It's available on e-book format from amazon, Gardners, Barnes and Noble and Apple iBooks. Other venders offer it as well. It's all about a wedding planner in Santa Barbara, CA! (Just click on the link)
Monday, November 10, 2014
Wedding on a Time Budget??
You just got engaged! What's the date? People ask.
Well, if you want a big, grand affair, you better allow at least a year of preparation; if you want a Saturday night, at the venue of your choice, you should allow at least 18 months!
Some do not want to wait that long. That is one reason Maggie and Rob, KK and Tyler chose to be married on a Friday night. There are more options on Friday.
But what if you don't want to wait even a year?
Well, you don't have to…you just have to be flexible, open to compromise, and keep what's really important in perspective…joining for life the love of your life.
I was talking to a friend of long acquaintance the other day. She shared her wedding story, and what a story it was! The wedding was put together with a limited timeframe. An outdoor ceremony was presided over by a justice of the peace at a remodeled abbey. A family brunch followed. It was heart-felt and meaningful. It was not a matter of concern…at that moment in time... that the bride's condo had just burned down due to a neighbor's faulty fan hookup…or that the bride had to wedge her size "10's" into size nine shoes…or even that the bride, (a district sales rep for the famous West Coast candy company, "See's"), was robbed of her candy stock by her two dogs - who became sick, in a most undignified fashion, in front of visiting wedding guests… the important fact... the bride and groom's dearer friends and family were present, the focus on what was truly important - their joyful union.
I hope you enjoyed the painting/photos. A brief description is below.
Image #1 - Painting by Marcia Hackelman Van Dyke, Olympia, WA - an old college acquaintance.
Image #2 - Maggie and Rob's wedding with friends, photo creds, wedding guests
Image #3 - KK, the bride to be
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best My new e-book mystery!
Sunday, November 9, 2014
The Roman Catholic Wedding Ceremony
Our family is Roman Catholic. It is not easy to be married "in the church." There is more work involved than a protestant ceremony. I can speak from experience, as Kenny and I were married first in the Presbyterian Church, (my church growing up), then we had a second wedding in the Catholic Church after I converted to Roman Catholicism.
I think if religion is important to both the bride and groom, it is not to everyone, it's easier if a couple is untied. Kenny and I made the decision before we married that we would first get married in my "hometown church," then I would convert. I didn't realize, however, that it would take me TWO years to complete the process, and that it would require getting married all over again. I don't think any parish requires that today. This was 30 years ago, remember.
Maggie and Rob, KK and Tyler are lucky. All four are Roman Catholics. They didn't have to jump through the hoops that Kenny and I did. There is a lengthy process, though.
In order to be married in the Catholic Church, either the bride or the groom must be a confirmed Catholic. One can not become a confirmed Catholic unless he/she is baptized, attends 9 years of CCD - religious education, received his/her First Holy Communion, and First Reconciliation (you may think of this as "Confession"). Then the candidate is eligible to attend between one and two years of "Confirmation Classes." Finally after all this, the candidate is accepted into the Church as a full member.
Now you want to receive the Sacrament of marriage? One must be a registered member of a parish, or his/her parents are. All sacraments, (listed above), must be documented. Then the bride and groom meet, on average, three times with a priest, and attend a "pre-cana" marriage workshop. This is at least a five hour class. The class addresses everything from children, to in-laws to finance. A lot of work? You bet. But so is marriage. The Catholic Church has struggled in the recent past, but I think this is one thing they're doing right...
Image # 1 - abt-unk.blogspot.com
Image # 2 - www.oldsaintmarys.org
Image # 3 - alleneoccasions.com
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best My e-book mystery about a wedding planner!
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Did You Preserve Your Bridal Bouquet?
To the left, please see a picture of my actual bouquet.
But the good news is, I enjoyed it all these years (in January, we will celebrate 31 years of marriage)!
I did not professionally preserve Maggie's bouquet. Instead, I saved some blooms and dried them. I also saved some ribbon from her bouquet. I washed it, ironed it, but as of yet, I'm not sure how I will used it.
Will I have KK's professionally preserved? Well, maybe, now that I've done a little research. There are a few different ways to accomplish this.
According to theknot.com, (please click on the link below for greater detail), the two most common ways are "Press and Frame" which is exactly what it sounds like: press a few flowers between something heavy, and frame them... maybe with a wedding photo or two.
The second method is the "Glass Dome or Shadow Box" option. This is similar to what I had done. The bouquet is professionally saved by a preservationist company. One such company is
timelessmoments.com I have never used this company, so can not speak of their work. But with the internet, countess companies are at your fingertips. If you think you may want to go this route, plan ahead. You will need someone to send in your bouquet within a day or two of your wedding. He/she will need an address, and a box. Make it easy for them!
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-flowers/articles/how-to-preserve-your-bouquet.aspx
Image # 1 bellethemagazine.com
Image # 3 Brides.com
Image # 4 thepinkbride.com
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best
Sunday, October 26, 2014
How Did Tyler Ask HIS Attendants To Stand Up For Him?
We need to take a step back and realize the 'groom to be' has thoughts and aspirations to contribute. Many grooms just say, "Hey,wanna be in my wedding?" To which he gets the reply, "Sure." Done.
But not my 'son-in-law to be'. Tyler made his request to his groomsmen a fun thing, while still recognizing the seriousness of what he was asking. His method was truly unique. He sent all the men video clip, (a link is provided below), which he designed. I got a kick out of it, and hope you will too. He had fun, and so did his attendants. And by the way…they all said, "Sure!" to his request. :-)
Please enjoy the photos included. The top pic is of Tyler and his siblings, Amanda and Conner. The second is Conner, Tyler's best man, at Maggie and Rob's wedding; and the final shot is of Tyler and Amanda at one of Amanda's high school volleyball games. One of the things I love most about Tyler is his devotion to family. I look forward to being included in that soon…
Just click on the line below to check out Tyler's creation.
http://youtu.be/RQZV1Ph_kc4
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best
"Simply the Best" by Mary P. Karnes is a cozy mystery available on e-book format. Click on the link for more details.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
"How Will You Ask Your Attendants To Stand Up For You At Your Wedding?"
Then there's the financial strain. Those often hideous bridesmaids dresses are not cheap…and neither are the shoes. Your attendants' travel may be another expense if they're from out of town. Remember... the bride and her family are responsible for their lodging the night before the wedding and the night of.
Let's not forget the parties! Your bridesmaids will certainly be invited to a wedding shower or two, as well as your bachelorette. They may even be hosting one of those events.
So…how do you ask closest family and friends to "BE THERE" for you during the planning of your wedding and the big day?
My daughter, Kathleen who will be married July 3, 2015, made the most adorable notebooks and gave them to her bridesmaids when she officially asked them to be in her wedding. Inside, she wrote a personal letter to each, gave instruction as to their duties, (she is SUCH a big sister!), and then left space for their own personal planning pages. It's truly a wonderful keepsake.
Tomorrow…find out how Tyler asked his groomsmen to stand up for him.
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best Check out my cozy mystery's website. "Simply the Best" is an e-book about a wedding planner in Santa Barbara, CA. It's available from Barnes and Noble, amazon, Apple iBooks and other vendors. Next in the series is due out soon!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Once Again…Mother of the Bride Dress...
He thought the family wedding pictures would suffer…
One more thing to worry about. The pressure was on! A couple of weeks ago, I visited Maggie and Rob in Philly. They were the ultimate tour guides. We enjoyed a horse drawn carriage ride and took in the historical sights, visited Maggie's school, U Penn, Rob's Optometry School, had Philly Cheese Steaks, (I prefer Geno's), saw the Liberty Bell, and traveled the Main Line. But I didn't mention… we also went to the King of Prussia Mall - the biggest mall in America, measured by the most retail stores. Guess what?!?
I found a dress!
While I can not show you the dress…I CAN share with you a swatch. Yep, blue again! It's a loose weave with a matching under slip. And yes, it's sleeveless once more. Am I a masochist?!? But again, I love the dress. It's simple, but has a little more flair than what I'm wearing in the picture above. Can't wait! But of course if it's not KK's vision - it will be changed. It's her day!
You know this means I have to buy another tube of "Fat Girl Skinny Arm Candy" by Bliss, and start using my hand weights again…
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best
Saturday, October 11, 2014
KK and Tyler's Engagement Party!
Tyler's family included Tyler, his dad, David, mom, Janice, and step-dad, Patrick, brother Conner, sister Amanda, Godfather Jack, his daughter Alyssa, and her boyfriend Neal. Please see the picture to the right of Tyler and his siblings.
It was a relaxed evening, good food, (Kenny's famous "Irish" meatballs), sauce and pasta, other favorite dishes brought by family and of course... good wine. We had intended to get together for months, but with Maggie's wedding plans, school starting, it just didn't happen. But it was worth the wait. We all just clicked. Good times ahead…more family to celebrate with and enjoy.
Janice, Tyler's mom, continued the tradition Debbie started. She gave Tyler and KK a wedding topper to be used for their wedding cake. It is just gorgeous. I can't wait to see it on the cake. KK was thrilled. More to follow...
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best
My new mystery --- available on amazon, Barnes and Noble, apple iBooks and other vendors. Just visit my website for details!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
"Must Your Bridesmaids' Shoes Match?"
I have four daughters. When daughter number two became engaged, she of course asked her three sisters to be bridesmaids. Lots of drama in the house with a bride and three bridesmaids in residence. You may think the bridesmaids' dress was the main topic of conversation…well, you'd be wrong. It was the shoes! There were four very different ideas, well FIVE if you count mine… So I ask you, "Must The Bridesmaids Shoes Match?"
In the photo above, from the bridaldetective.com, all the bridesmaids are wearing different shoes, but they are the same shade of red. I happen to love this. It flows, but allows for individual tastes, comfort, and age appropriateness. The bridesmaids and shoes can also be a way for the bride to express her color scheme or theme. The picture below, from theweddingspecialist.net, shows how a bride used her attendants shoes to create a unique color scheme and tone for her wedding. I like how the bouquets match the maids' shoes. I'm guessing that this tone was carried throughout the decorating and floral arrangements. The black of the bridesmaids' dresses, (once a social taboo), provides the perfect backdrop for the vivid shoe and flower color.
The photo above, merle shop.com, takes shoe color in a whole different direction. It appears the dresses are the same style, but different colors with shoes to match. The bouquets are the same for each lady. The theme goes back to my era, where a "rainbow" color scheme was popular, and shoes were purchased in a stock white fabric and dyed to match the dresses.
And what did my daughters finally decide? Well, a gold tone was the color of choice, so half the girls wore flats, and the other half heels. Maggie left it to the desecration of her attendants. In the photo below, you can see that two of my daughters opted for heels, and the oldest, flats.
Please visit my website: http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best and check out my new mystery "Simply the Best" by Mary P. Karnes. It's about a wedding planner in Santa Barbara, California. It's available on e-book format from amazon, Garners, Barnes and Noble, Apple iBooks, and other vendors.
You can also follow me on Twitter @marypkarnes
KK's Wedding Site
www.staugustineglastonbury.com
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Where St. Paul's has a more formal air, (like Maggie and Rob's wedding), St. Augustine's has a more relaxed, quaint silhouette. It's going to be fun to decorate!
Please read below a brief description of St Augustine's form historicbuildingsct.com
"On April 7, 1878, Bishop Thomas Galberry blessed the cornerstone of a new Catholic chapel on Hopewell Road in South Glastonbury. It was a mission of St. Mary’s Church in East Hartford and was dedicated to St. Augustine on November 17, 1878. St. Augustine became a parish in March 1902."
Above is a picture of a boat dock on the Connecticut River in Glastonbury, CT
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Save The Date…Magnet, Postcard, Formal Card or Email?
etsy.com
The "Save the Date" card is now de rigor for the wedding ensemble. And when you think about it, it makes sense. As busy as everyone's lives are, the more advance notice a bride can give her guests, the better. Which reminds me…I need to get KK and Tyler's sent out…
So add one more decision to the bucket of "To Do's." You have to decide on which type of "Save the Date" you want to send. This sets the tone of your wedding, really. If you're planning a relaxed affair, your "Save the Date" should reflect that. If it will be formal, give your guests a heads up so they can plan proper attire.
Do you want to give your guests a chuckle, or do you want your "Save the Date" to be functional?
The top photo is from etsy.com. You can insert your photos into this calendar magnet.
If you want to take a more economical route, send a postcard like the one below. It's cute and gets all the info out, while saving on design and postage.
You may choose to be more formal like the "Save the Date" above. But be warned, cards such as these can be pricey, as well as labor intensive. Do you REALLY want to address invitations TWICE?
A final option, and a great one, I think, is the "e-Save-the-Date." paperlesspost.com is a wonderful site for e-invitations of all kind. You can be as fancy or as simple as you like. Maggie and Rob used it, and attached a picture taken by the talented Matt Stauble of mattstaublemedia.com
What I love about e-save the dates is that you know right away if the card made it to your guests via your on-line dashboard. No more wondering if it was accidentally stuck in a magazine via "snail mail." You can also request physical addresses at the time you send out your e-card for the wedding invitations. And don't forget, no postage, no addressing envelopes, and very competitive pricing. The photo below is from their e-save the date. mattstaublemedia.com
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Let’s face it…weddings are expensive, and they always seem to cost more than we expect, OR budget… One way to save is by making ‘Do it Yourself Centerpieces.’
In the top photo, the mother of the groom made these delightful centerpieces for the Rehearsal Dinner. She started with mason jars, then created a mercury glass mirror effect to give the jars an antique look and feel. If you’d like to have the recipe/directions, click on the following link: http://www.hgtv.com/handmade/easily-make-your-own-mercury-glass-votives/index.html, They were beautiful, and added a gently refined air to the tables…AND “It was a nice way to repurpose used glass jars, vases and volitives,” to quote Debbie, mother of the groom. The picture below showcases the finished product in more detail.
Consider using items you already have on hand at home. For my daughter’s bridal shower, the groom’s mother, the ever creative Debbie, used my collection of teapots as vases for our flower arrangements. Please note the photos below.
Our Bridal Shower buffet table also boasts some “teapot” arrangements. If you decide to use teapots, or other some such decorative containers, it’s advisable to use a floral frog to hold the blooms in place. Remember to keep plenty of water in the pots, and it’s not a bad idea to put a protective coaster on precious wood tables to avoid water stains.
Debbie also created this beautiful table using items we had around our homes. The white tablecloth is only paper, but she jazzed it up by covering it with white tulle. This made for easy clean up, and no worries if we had a spill. And of course the beautiful serving dishes and specialty china added an elegant flare.
Photo credits: Debbie Stauble Photos.
Please check out my new cozy mystery, “Simply the Best” by Mary P Karnes, about a wedding planner in sunny Santa Barbara, CA! Available on: amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com
For other available venders, please visit http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best
Friday, September 19, 2014
"Bachelorette in Ojai!"
Maggie did a lovely job on KK's bachelorette invitations.
Not only has she planned a wonderful day, it's also a day filled with Nostalgia. The girls have been to the spa countess times. It's usually as a gift from good ol' mom and dad, or to celebrate an event. "The Spa" holds many memories for all the girls.
It's history is very impressive. Please enjoy a few factoids from the spa's web site: www.ojairesort.com
1923
Edward D. Libbey's dream for his beloved Ojai Valley began to take shape as his private country club and golf course were built to harmonize with the unspoiled beauty of this rural paradise.
1925
Mr. Libbey died and never saw his hotel built; however, the architectural plans were safely archived.
1934
Architect Austin Pierpont added 22 guest rooms per the original drawings of architect Wallace Neff. These rooms are now known as the Wallace Neff Historical Rooms.
1942
A different kind of glory distinguished the Ojai Valley Country Club when it was transformed into Camp Oak for a military training center for a battalion of 1,000 Army troops.
1944
The Army turned the base over to the United States Navy for a rest and recuperation facility. When the government finally auctioned off the last of the Quonset huts and barracks, the property was returned to private ownership.
1947
Don Burger, along with some influential investors, purchased the Ojai Valley Country Club. The resort was reopened as Ojai Valley Inn and Country Club. This began the Glamour Era of the Inn, and Hollywood's brightest stars sought the tranquil pleasures of the resort.
1952
Starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, Pat and Mike is filmed at the Inn.
Mid 80s to Mid 90s
Seven Senior PGA Tournaments were held at the Inn.
1985
The Crown family of Chicago purchased the property and completed a $50 million dollar renovation.
1987
Golf course architect Jay Moorish was commissioned to renovate the golf course.
1997
Benchmark Spa Ojai was completed under the direction of architect Bill Mahan. The resort became known as Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.
2000
The 100th anniversary of the famed Ojai Tennis Tournament is celebrated, with some matches being played at the Inn.
2003
A $90 million dollar property-wide renovation was begun.
2006
Early 2006, with the opening of the Artist Cottage and Apothecary, this major renovation was completed. The legendary Ojai resort debuted 305 guest rooms and suites, a new lobby and entrance, new golf shop, new restaurants, and new ballrooms and meeting spaces, while preserving its original charming architecture and unique sense of place.
The resort was first awarded the coveted Five Diamond Award for excellence in the hospitality industry and has achieved this distinguished accolade annually since 2006.
Today
Throughout the years, hosting many celebrities, musicians, dignitaries and politicians, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa retains its sense of place staying true to the people who first built it. Amid an unsurpassed natural landscape with diverse appeal to families, couples, golf getaways, girlfriend getaways and multi-generational guests, the Inn remains one of the finest resorts in North America.
And yes…Ojai, where I grew up in California, is home to this beautiful resort!
Images 3 and 4: www.ojairesort.com
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
California
My children do as well. It is their constant, their second home. We moved a lot as they grew - obviously - but they always had "Grammie and Gramps' house", where all four girls shared one room. Bunk beds were de rigueur, and before that, cribs. I think it is where they are happiest - but who's NOT happiest on vacation? It's where KK went to college, and Tess is considering..
Christmas will be different this year, only three girls in the room - Maggie and Rob will have the downstairs bedroom. And the year after that, it will be just two in "the room."
That is why Maggie has organized KK's bachelourette party in Ojai. It's a beautiful little town, and I don't think I appreciated it when I grew up there-- isn't that ALWAYS the way??
Please enjoy the pictures, taken by my own, Maggie K Stauble. :-)
The first four pictures are of Ojai's adorable downtown. These shots were taken at Christmas - no wonder everyone loves California in the winter…look at those blue skies! The fifth picture was taken on a family hike in Ojai in the Los Pades National Forest. You can do it all in a day in California.
The last photo is of the beach in Santa Barbara, another family favorite. Next time, all the details of KK's last hurrah… Pictures included!
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