"The Flowers Have Arrived!"

I love the flowers that Maggie chose.   I love the creativity the florist used, and how she listened to Maggie's vision.  The top picture is an enlargement of an iPhone pic that I took of the bridesmaids bouquets.

To the left is the centerpiece at the head table.  Photo creds: the lovely Patty Cloherty.  Major thank you to Patty.  She is Rob's paternal aunt, and generously gave of her time and talent so we could have instant wedding pictures.  Seriously…did we even need a professional photographer?!?  Thank you, Patty!

What I didn't love… most of the boutonnières were not labeled.  I wasn't at the church to oversee the distribution.  The on-site wedding coordinator - a church employee - didn't know who's was who's…and he shouldn't have had to.  This is something I will improve upon next 'go round'.

Enter…my cousin Kim.  She took over, and made sure everyone had their flowers.  She took care of handing them out, to pinning them on!  Thanks, Kim!
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The Bracelet"

In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned that with the birth of each child, Kenny game me a piece of jewelry in the baby's birthstone.  It is my intention to give this jewelry to each girl on her wedding day.

Maggie was born in April.  Her birthstone is diamond.  My gift from her father on the day of her birth was the diamond tennis bracelet - lying on it's side in the picture to the left (wish Maggie had photographed it flat so the stones would sparkle…).

I really don't know what I envisioned when I thought of presenting it to her, but the way it happened was not on my radar…

Well --- let's go back a little.  There was that giltch I keep teasing you with, the morning of the wedding.  Although the wedding starting right on time, I was discombobulated from the unplanned event.  I had the bracelet in it's satin pouch ready on my desk to present to Maggie….and forgot it.  (Remember, the female bridal party is at the Hilton taking pictures.  Other family members were at our home).

I called Kenny, and asked him, ever so sweetly, to please bring the bracelet to St Paul's.  He did.

We, the six bridesmaid, the bride, and I, arrived at the church at 2:50 PM.  We had been instructed to wait inside the limo until 2:59 PM.  I dashed out of the limo, ran into the church, texted Kenny, hugged a few friends, and he met me with the bracelet.  I ran back to the limo, crawled in, duck walked in the low ceiling of the car to the back, and put the bracelet on Maggie's wrist without shedding a tear.  No…it was not my vision, but the joy of the moment was perfect…
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"On the Way to the Church, Part II"

We had a bit of a glitch the morning of the wedding.  I MAY be able to be tempted into telling the tale…but it just may be too soon… :-)

Anyway… this created a time crunch.  (Never fear, though, the wedding started EXACTLY at the appointed time of 3:00 PM.

But we WERE late for the pre wedding photos at the Hilton, and to receive the flower delivery from the florist. This is where the Hilton played such a crucial role.  We were toying with disaster, but the hotel front desk received the flowers, took them to Maggie's room, checked the ID of the photographer before sending him up, delivered welcome goodie bags to wedding guests, directed traffic through the lobby during the photo session, and always, always had a smile.  Thank you.

Please note the picture of the church St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church on Main Street.  Yes, the photo was taken in the fall.  I hope the Official Photographer got a shot of it on the wedding day - cause I didn't!

http:/my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"On the Way to the Church"

Hair done, make up done - check.  Dresses donned, pictures taken - check.  Bridesmaid's bows on the back of their dresses…fashioned taped - check.  Notice a "pre-taping" dress to the right.  The second ears of the bow are sagging in this picture.  Not to fear, I had fashion tape in my trusty "Mother of the Bride" backpack.  A word of warning, however.  The tape was very thin, as it should be, but very hard to separate from it's backing.   More time should have been designated to this task, or more hands needed.  But we got it done.  Kudos to Jill and Olivia for being diligent and patient.

And a BIG thank you to the Maid of Honor, my own KK.  She kept Maggie calm and happy as only a sister of 23 years could.  Not even I had the same tranquil effect as her sister.

Now it was time to get in the limo.  Shall I remind you that it was raining cats and dogs?  Luckily, the driver - a woman! - drove under the portico and we were spared damaging our hair dos to the punishing rain.

Tomorrow, an additional shout out to the Hilton.  I found out last night how even more 'above and beyond' they went.  There were things that went on that even I didn't know about…

And I'll tell you about the presentation of the bracelet to the bride that her father gave me the day she was born…not as I planned, but heartfelt none the less…

http:/my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best    - My new mystery!  And look for the second installment in the Grace Mc Kenna series in the fall!!

"Pre-Ceremony Primping"

Hair done, makeup done, check.

Now it was time to dress.  Maggie chose to get ready at the Hilton, as it was close to the church.  It was also raining outside, so we would make use of the generous lobby for pictures.  Many thanks to the Hilton and it's staff in Glastonbury.  They opened their doors and gave us free rein.  When I was  in desperate for a cup of coffee - no questions were asked, they just brought a cup at my request - and no, it wasn't offered in the lobby to one and all.  They must have seen the frantic look in my eye…for that was one plan I had not made.  I did not plan how to acquire my 2:00 PM cup of Joe…

Coffee secured, I was able to take a couple of candid photos on my iPhone.  Yes, the two pictures you see are the few I managed to take that day.

And as a teaser for the upcoming weeks…KK and Tyler are meeting with our priest this coming Monday to set a date… Oh my…. here we go….
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"At The Hair Salon"

 THE HAIR…oh, the hair…  Ask any woman, and she'll tell you, her hair for a big event makes or breaks how she feels about herself.

We had eight appointments at Shampoo One, and they were on time, and prompt   I think all the of the bridal party ladies were pleased with the results.

An additional shout out goes to Emily Rose Style Group in Glastonbury.  Many of the groom's side went there, and once again…they were prompt, professional, creative.  Kudos.

Please note Maggie's hair above, my three other daughter's to the left, and the flashy rhinestone comb below that I wore in my hair.  Not me at all…but I loved it!

http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Let's Get Started…"

So… we checked, (or should I say, I CHECKED!), the weather daily for over a week.  I finally accepted the fact that it was going to rain on the wedding day.
Problem solved, we ordered the specially designed tent to cover the beautiful patio --- then it looked like we may have sunshine -

"It better rain!" I ranted.  I had ordered the tent, and did not want that expense for nothing!

"Thank goodness it's going to rain!" I heard myself say to one of the kids.   - I really was getting a little crazy a few days before the big day…

As our out of town guests began to arrive, they were welcomed to their hotel room with a bountiful goodie bag.  Months ago, when Debbie had the great idea to provide snacks, drinks, coupons, maps and an "Interesting Things to Do" list, I was all in.  Then reality set in.  I just couldn't do it.  I just couldn't… But not Debbie.  We DID shop together for most of the items, but when it was time for the heavy lifting, it was all Debbie. She packaged, she delivered.  Thank you Debbie, from me, and I'm sure from the out of town wedding guests.  I don't think the woman sleeps!

Please note the two pictures of the front and back covers of the wedding program that Kenny designed.

Tomorrow, I'll start bright and early with a description of the start of the wedding day…
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"Last Post of the Rehearsal Dinner"

What made the Rehearsal Dinner such a success was the effort Debbie put into making it a multi-generational event.

We played the "Not So Newlywed Game."  All couples played, from Maggie and Rob to my parents, married 62 years.  It was a blast.  And sadly, Maggie and Rob scored better than her dear old Mom and Dad -- married over 30 years…

Everyone felt included, everyone had fun.  Can any hostess ask more than that?

Tomorrow…lead up to the wedding ceremony
.http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best  check out my new mystery!

"Rehearsal Dinner Part III"

A close second to Bob's speech, was the beautiful poem one of Rob's young cousins wrote and read to the assembled group.  It was a long standing family tradition for their grandfather to write a poem for the special events in the grandkids' lives.  Their grandfather was not able to write a poem for the wedding, so Rob's young, but wise cousin, picked up the standard and wrote the poem.  It was very touching.  It is not mine to share, but let me tell you, there was not a dry eye in the house.  Ok, maybe THIS was my favorite part of the dinner… More tomorrow.

Oh!  And the tip/confession… I love love love this product!  I used it for about a week and I really think I noticed a difference!
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best  check out my new mystery!

"Rehearsal Dinner Part II"

If I had to pick one thing that I liked most about the rehearsal dinner, I would have to pick Bob's, (the father of he groom), speech.  He's an excellent public speaker, and it was a sincere welcome to the family for all of us, as well as Maggie.

If I had to pick a second thing…well, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow to hear what THAT is…And I have one last confession to make, although you may find it a tip, more than a confession...
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"The Rehearsal Dinner"

I had been to the Rehearsal Dinner location, (the Gallery),  many times.  I knew we were in for a good meal and nice atmosphere.  What I DIDN'T know was that they had remodeled a lower venue.  We walked into a wonderland.  Because, of course, Debbie was the hostess.

Debbie organizes many charity events and has it down to a science.  But this was for her son's wedding - so it was done with extra loving care.  It was gorgeous.  We had the whole lower level to ourselves, with a full bar.  No need to worry about an early exit encouraged by restaurant staff, or concern about noise.  Hot and cold passed apps were served, good wine, and delicious food. The picture to the left is one of the many centerpieces.  All created and arranged by Debbie.

Tomorrow, I'll tell you about some of the entertainment, and loving sentiment.
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"Confessions from the Mother of the Bride - Part II"

Soooo…How to remove sunless tanner from your skin?  Apparently there is a product for just that purpose.  I tried to find it locally, and had no luck.  What worked best for me?  Make-up remover facial wipes.  Kind of gives me pause that I must be using a product that has rubbing alcohol in it…  I'm going to be more careful about reading labels from now on.  Other home remedies include hydrogen peroxide, and body scrub such as St Ives.

SHOES - When I initially went dress shopping, the personal stylist picked out navy blue patent leather pumps.  When I went back to the store to have the dress fitted, I had a female stylist help me.  She just shook her head "NO!" when she saw the pumps.  She ran down to the shoe department and came back with the flashy silver ones in the first picture.  I LOVED them!  She brought a 7 1/2, but decided there were too big.  I tried the size 7 and purchased them - being swayed by the stylist.

Then I began to worry.  "I'm going to be on my feet all day and night," I thought.  Better go with the 7 1/2.  They were out of stock!!  I had just enough time to order and receive them before the wedding, YEA!  Of course I tried them on and walked in them.  Everyone knows to do that…

But what I DIDN'T do… was try them on with the pantie hose I chose to wear to the wedding.  I opted to wear the hose as I was still so pale from the winter.  Enter potential disaster...

The shoes were now too big with my foot slipping around with the lack of friction.  "I'll just put some fashion tape on my heel and ball of my foot," I thought.  I had the tape too, but it never happened.  My walk down the isle was great - but when I was a few feet away from my seat, and after I genuflected, I ALMOST walked out of my shoes…rookie mistake to skip the tape.  :-)  But as a side note…my feet never hurt all night…maybe I DID get the right size...

The second picture is of Maggie's shoes.  They were gorgeous, and her something "Blue."

The last picture today, (of the groomsmen and the beautiful Amanda - sister of the groom),  is my promise to you to get back on track.  I have to tell you about the rehearsal dinner and then ALL ABOUT THE WEDDING - and I have a lot to share...

http:/my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Confessions from the Mother of the Bride"

Yes, Yes, I know that I have to get back on track, and report the wedding in a chronological order…but today I just felt like starting a series entitled, "Confessions of the Mother of the Bride."

Well, here it is, my "Mother of the Bride Dress".  No, it's not your conventional dress for such an occasion.  It's very simple, but I loved it on sight.  It's my favorite color and I liked how I looked in it.  If you like how it fits, that's half the battle, right?  I DID, however, promise myself that I would never wear a sleeveless dress as a 'woman of a certain age.'  But I couldn't resist!

So this much too expensive dress hung covered in my closet.  Because once this sleeveless wonder was altered, there was no returning it -- it was mine.  While I had been prompt and organized throughout the wedding  process, three weeks out, I STILL had yet to alter my dress.   I finally bit the bullet, and took the dress to get fitted.  Measurement were taken, pins went in.  I picked it up, the dress was mine. Now it was time to do something about those arms.

Growing up in CA, I always had a tan.  I was a kid, and sadly, we never even wore sunscreen.  Here in New England, I always wear sunscreen, but sit outside a lot at the younger girls' softball games -- so I have a farmers' tan.

I'll just use some "sunless tanner," I thought…Crazy as I have NEVER used the stuff...I generously wiped it over my arms.  "Huh!" I thought.  "Doesn't work very well."  ---Until the next morning.  I awoke to HUGE patches of tan arms, and huge patches of white!

You may hear a home remedy tomorrow -- as well as the "Mother of the Bride shoes disaster"…Keep scrolling for a nice ceremony picture of Maggie and Rob.  http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Wedding Pictures TWO!"

Never fear…there is a wedding photo at the end of today's blog…  But I felt that I have neglected the wonderful rehearsal and dinner that Debbie and Bob hosted.  So -- I'm going to do just a little backpedaling.

The wedding was held at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church on Main Street. It's a quintessential New England Church.  I really thought it would take at LEAST an hour and a half, but we were in and out within 45 minutes - with all concerned confident in their role.  Don't they look happy?

The Rehearsal Dinner was warm, relaxed -- the food, beverage, and entertainment excellent.  More dinner and WEDDING pictures tomorrow…   The third and last picture on today's blog is Maggie in her wedding finery.  It rained before the ceremony - good luck I hear - so pre-wedding pictures were held inside.
http:my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The Wedding!!!!!!"

Well…the day finally came, as we knew it would.  I told the kids, "Enjoy the anticipation the week before the wedding.  It's almost as good as the  day...

I commit to you, readers, that you will see at least one new picture  before the rest of the world, when you check here for my daily post.

Thank you to all my friends, family and NEW family for providing me with beautiful photos!!

That was my one regret, that I didn't get many pictures myself.  But thanks to the thoughtfulness and generosity of family and friends, I now have lots.

In today's blog, I'm going to paraphrase just one small part of my eloquent husband's toast.  "Love is a verb, remember that…"

Much, much more beginning tomorrow.  I still have lots to tell you about the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  And you just MAY get to see Maggie in her veil soon…and yes -- she wore my headpiece...
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"Rehearsal"

So much to say about the rehearsal!  I will give a detailed account of the event and the dinner later this weekend…  I'm a little busy this morning.

But my main takeaway from  it was…the groomsmen.

I am a typical obsessive mother of the bride.  I was worried about my guests coming early and not being attended to.  The groomsmen asked, "What time would you like us to be at the church, Mrs. Karnes?"

"Well…" I responded, "the ceremony coordinator said to be here at 2:30," cringing because this seemed early for these young men.

"We'll be here at 2:15," was the response.

"Oh, but I don't want to you be bored, and what if it rains?"

"We'll sit in our cars if we have to," another chimed in.

And you know what…???  With all the worrying I'll do today, cause you KNOW I will…the groomsmen will not be on that list.  They'll be there at 2:15, just to alleviate my anxiety --
In the grand scheme of things, it takes so little to be kind to another.  Thank you for your kindness, boys.  But hey, they're the best friends of the Great Rob Stauble, after all…
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"Wedding Day…"

Well, Maggie, your wedding day is almost here. My wedding gift to you, my beautiful grinning  baby - to strong lovely women, is this blog. I hope you've had a chuckle and a tear - I have. Today and for the past 23 years, you have been my treasure and my joy. Bless you.  Be determined, but always take a moment to smile like this...

My readers... Fear not... Wedding pictures will follow. And remember...  KK's getting married next year!
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 The most creative shower gift… but first…

The picture to the right shows the handiwork of my two youngest daughters.  They made 80 finger sandwiches -- tomato, chicken salad, and cucumber.  They loved sampling too…as they never get white bread…

The floral arrangement below was created by the talented Debbie.  Oldest daughter number one had the inspired idea to use my vast teapot collection as bouquet receptacles.  It turned out nicely, as we had a "Round the Clock" tea party shower theme.

Okay…who among you ladies has ever heard of a "Round the Clock" shower theme?  Apparently here in New England, it's not a thing.  It was in California.  Here's how it works… each guest is assigned a different hour of the day, and they are to bring a gift corresponding to that hour.  I think I confused some guests, but I thought it was rather a clever idea, and Maggie didn't get duplicate gifts!  Everyone was amazingly generous and creative.  I was awed, and Maggie so grateful.

And now, for the most creative gift…one of my good friends wrote a delightful poem to go along with her gift, and read it to the assemble crowed of 37.  It was cute, and gave everyone a good chuckle.  But I would expect nothing less from this kind, funny, beautiful friend.  More tomorrow…
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Shower Gifts"

Tomorrow, I will post about the most creative/unique shower gift, but today is the most sentimental.  

This is the final product of my mother's creation of the "Family Recipe Book."  All I can say is…I want one!  There are family recipes from my father's mother, (who if she were alive today would be 130! - so let's just say it's an OLD recipe), my mother's mother, my mother, father, Kenny, cousin, aunts, my mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, Maggie's cousins, Rob's mom, dad, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

There are recipes that I hadn't seen in years, and it took me back to my own childhood.  And the best thing…my mom , as much as possible, copied the recipes in the cook's own handwriting.  It's just beautiful - well done, Mom!

 http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"Maid of Honor Shower"

 KK, (Kathleen, Maggie's sister), and Debbie, (Rob's mom), hosted the most beautiful shower Sunday.

I can cook and clean with the best of them, but when it comes to creativity, KK and Debbie are outstandingly inventive and gracious.

The top picture shows my dining room table which Debbie made look like a confection.  Next is one of my old teapots which she used to hold a fragrant bouquet.

The last shot shows the tea sandwiches my younger daughters SLAVED over for hours, and which KK artfully arranged.  A good time was had by all - but the BEST was the gathering of multiple generations, the girl's friends, my friends, and Debbie's, and the celebration of a new start for a beautiful couple.  More tomorrow…and then, I'll tell you about some of the thoughtful, delightful gifts, and the gift that wins the prize for the most creative!
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"Let's Talk Ribbon..."

Ribbon can play an important role in special events.  It's used to tie gifts.  Little girls' hair can be tied with it for dress-up occasions.  Ribbons can even be implemented for formal attire - think the satin stripe running down the pant legs on a man's tux.

And what about ribbons on women's formal wear? - It may be on a bride's dress or that of her attendants'  Often it is used in some manner in the wedding bouquets.

"A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" denotes the beginning of something new or meaningful.  So would you agree that ribbons are symbolic of auspicious occasions?

Ribbon in our wedding is going to be used in at least two manners.  First, there will be a special treat for guests and tied with a lavender ribbon depicted in the first picture - note the gold lettering on both sides of the bow tails.

And the most unique use of "ribbon" in weddings was new to me -- that doesn't mean it's a new idea - I have just been out of the wedding scene for a very long time!

Honored guests, usually family, will have a reserved seat in front of the church at the ceremony, and will sit…"Within the Ribbon."  These guests will receive their "Within the Ribbon"card prior to the ceremony, and prior to being escorted to their seats, will hand the groomsmen's/ushers their card.  This way, the groomsman/usher will know where to seat the guest.
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The Wedding Ceremony Program"

 The wedding ceremony program…do you need one?  We said, "Yes, we do!  Then we said, "No, we don't."

Fact is, time got away from us.  We decided that it was extra fluff, and no program was required… "but there ARE many out-of-town guests, and it's nice to follow the order of the Mass"…we argued with ourselves.

 Many people may be interested to know officially who the attendants are, the names of the songs, the readings, the readers' names, the names of the bearer of the gifts.  And there were special 'thank yous' that could be included in the programs -- for example…my cousin Kim has graciously agreed the be the ceremony coordinator, i..e., she will be the one to make sure the attendants start the procession and then continue down the isle at regular intervals.  Debbie and I will already be seated.  This means Kim will not be able to view the procession from the comfort of her seat up front.  It's a sacrifice and I appreciate it.

So…my husband, and Father of the Bride to the rescue.  Ken, with a little help for a professional, created the most beautiful program.  I can't wait to share it…

Please see two photos from the website: magnetstreet.com for lovely choices.  I don't think Ken went this route, but it's an option.  They also allow you to order "Just One" to see if you like it…

http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The Pesky Details"

Ah…the reception…the ceremony is what the wedding is all about, right?!?  But the RECEPTION is the PARTY!  But a good party does not come about by chance.  There is much time invested, attention to detail, and hair pulling to bring it to a happy completion.

I'm fairly certain I have included these pictures of our reception site in my blog before, but I'm posting them today so you can get a visual as I write.

The top picture is of the vestibule were indoor dancing can take place in case of inclement weather, or extra tables set up for dining.  The second picture is of one of the two large rooms for either dining or a ceremony venue - if you have chosen to be married on site rather than in a church.

We have chosen to retain the entire mansion for the night, so we will have use of all spaces.  The final photo is of the front of the building - a good photo site!

But back to those pesky details…It is quite…okay, I'll say it…CHORE… to make the seating chart for dinner.  It's almost a clique how people struggle with this… and I wouldn't have believed it till I lived it.  I don't remember this angst when we got married.  I'm sure my mother organized it…  So what did I do?  Well, I did what any smart "Mother Of The Bride" would do… I turned it over to the groom (Rob).  I think that young man just may be a genius…

Now I've wasted all my space with this one aspect…you'll have to check back tomorrow for a continuation…  :-) http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best