"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

KK and Tyler have chosen St. Augustine Parish, South Glastonbury, CT for their wedding ceremony.  We have three Catholic Parishes in town, a community of just over 30,000.  The church were we attend is wonderful, St. Dunstan.  Our priest is almost perfect.  But the church building it a victim of the 1970's architecture.  Maybe one wedding a year is held there.  The priests in Glastonbury have a good working relationship, and as long as you are registered parishioners, you may be married in one of the three churches in town.  If you will remember, Maggie and Rob were married at St. Paul's on Main Street.  (see photo below.  Image results: ebay.com)

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."

marabethgildersleeve.point2agent.com

Above is a picture of a boat dock on the Connecticut River in Glastonbury, CT

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.

myinspiredwedding.com

weddbook.com

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

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

Do It Yourself Centerpieces – Shower to Wedding

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

"Bachelorette in Ojai!"

 SPOILER ALERT:

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

California

 I think most people who know me, know that I love New England.  We have lived in California, Utah, Texas, (twice!), Illinois, Kansas, and now Connecticut.  New England is where I feel the most at home.  But, in my heart, I am a Californian.  I am a fourth generation Californian.  My mother and father are there, my in-laws, my extended family.  I feel a kinship to it.

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!

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

"Meet KK's Groom!"

 I have known Tyler for almost ten years.  I thought I knew all about him… but apparently not…I just found out he's an Eagle Scout!  He's not one to brag…but when I found out he was part of this elite few, I had to do it for him.

I remember going to the celebration for one of my friend's Eagle Scout Investiture when I was in high school.  Even then, I know what a big deal it was.  Today, I recognize the hard work, dedication, and tenacity that goes into it. I'm so proud of my future son-in-law!

According to Wikipedia:

"A total of 2,209,000 Scouts had earned Eagle Scout by the end of 2012;^[11] out of 83,486,083 Scouts since 1911; this was just over two percent of the Boy Scouting membership.^[12] In 2012, 57,976 Eagle Scout awards were presented, about 7 percent of the 2012 membership. Four Nobel Prize laureates are known to be Eagle Scouts: Dudley R. Herschbach, Peter Agre, Robert Coleman Richardson, andFrederick Reines. 

Eagle Scout may be earned by a Boy Scout or (since 1984) Varsity Scout who has been a Life Scout for at least six months, earns a minimum of 21 merit badges, demonstrates Scout Spirit, and demonstrates leadership in the troop, team, crew or ship. He must plan, develop, and lead a service project — the Eagle Project —that demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty. He must then take part in a Scoutmaster conference. After all requirements are met, he must complete an Eagle Scout board of review. He can complete the board of review after his 18th birthday as long as all other requirements are completed before his 18th birthday."

Tyler's Eagle Scout project was to create a new ID system for the Glastonbury police, fire, and volunteer departments.  His project required over 100 hours of community service.

I love these pictures of him.  But I have so say, my favorite one is to the right.  Among his other wonderful attributes, he's a fantastic brother to his younger sister and brother.  Just look at Tyler's  pride as he holds his baby sister, and her joy at being with him.  Someday…you'll be a great dad, Tyler!

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

KK and Tyler's Reception

I know, I know, I promised to tell you about my future son-in-law and his Eagle Scout experience... and I really can't wait to - even as a kid, I was impressed with any young man who could achieve this loftily goal.  Now I'm going to have one in my family!  But I am waiting on some pictures.  I want to give you the whole package :-)

So today, I'll unveil KK and Tyler's wedding reception site.  They will be holding their wedding reception at the Pavilion on Crystal Lake in Middletown, CT.  It is absolutely perfect for them.  They wanted a outdoorsy, rustic feeling and this delivers.  Look at the lovely building, it almost looks like a log cabin.  And…it's on a lake with a tiny beach.  If you check out KK's wedding website, you can see how a lake ties into Tyler's proposal… I'm very excited, and will keep you posted on the menu, flower and entertainment.  Keep checking in !

Photo credits: ctweddinggoup.com

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

"Final Installment of the 'Camping Trip' "

As you recall… the car coming toward us was fishtailing first in our lane, then in his own, and back again to ours.

"What are you going to do?" I asked Kenny.  My voice filled with panic.

"Just hang on."  His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel.  He braked as much as the wet road would allow.  Then the out- of -control car was in our lane again, and we collided.  Kenny's airbag deployed.  This was 18 years ago… I had no air bag.

I've had never, nor have been since, in a car where an air bag went off.  The car filled with a powdery substance and I thought the car was going to blow.  I quickly got the little girls out on the 'cliff' side, and ran to get Kenny out as the air bag had not yet deflated, and he couldn't open his car door.

As I was getting him out, the driver of the other car approached us and asked if we were ok.  I said, "No."  I wasn't sure about my husband.  His arms were burned from the air bag exhaust, and I think the explosion of the bag knocked him out for a few moments.

The other driver said he was "going to get help."  I said, "We have a cell phone, don't go!"

He replied, "I need to get help." And he RAN!  Kenny got out of the car and dialed 911 on our cell phone, which measured 8" x 3" by 3 inches deep!  And we were PROUD of it!  :-)

The other car's passenger approached and said that the driver would be 'right back.'  HA!  He never returned.  The police appeared, and told my wise husband it was a good thing we collided in OUR lane, because if Kenny had tried to avoid him, but somehow hit the car in HIS lane, Kenny'd be at fault.  Makes sense, I guess.

Kenny waited for the tow truck, (our car was totaled), while the kindly officer took the girls and me back to our campsite.  Kenny came back four hours later, (as the sun was coming up), his burns dressed and with a rental car.

We were the talk of the campsite, but as a matter of interest, the people in the campsite next to us, 8 feet away, (I TOLD you we were in tight quarters!), WERE hit by lightning!

And FYI, the drier left the scene as he had been drinking.  Leaving the scene of an accident in Wisconsin, at that time, was a $ 200.00 ticket; but if he tested over the legal limit…DUI.

Tomorrow, I'll tell you about my future son-in-law, the EAGLE SCOUT!, and unveil KK and Tyler's reception venue!!
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best


 

"The Camping Trip - Part II"

Hummm…where did we last leave off???  Oh, yes…we were snug in our sleeping bags in our tent in Door County, Wisconsin.  And then the skies opened up.  It was deafening.  It was not a gentle pitter pat on the tent roof, but a torrential rainfall.  The girls, of course, slept through it.  It was ok at first, kind of exciting.  Then we began to float in the river our campsite was becoming.  To make matters worse, a thunder and lightning storm began along with the rain.  You know the old saying, "For every second between the lightning and the thunder, the strike is one mile away?  There was no lag time between the flash and the boom.

Yes, we were lying in water in a tent surrounded with metal poles in the middle of a lightning storm.  Not the safest place we've taken our children.

"I really think we should leave, Kenny," I told my patient husband.

"And go where?" he asked.

"A hotel," was my genius reply. So we grabbed the kids, and got even more soaked making our way to the car which was only feet away.

Guess what?!? EVERYONE else in our situation decided to get a hotel room too, but apparently they had started earlier.  "No Vacancy" signs everywhere.  And the roads…treacherous.  We had just about made up our minds to go back to the campsite, sit in the car and wait it out, when an out of control car came careening around the bend IN OUR LANE… There was a cliff to the right, and oncoming cars in the lane next to us…  Check back tomorrow, and I PROMISE I'll end the story.  Because, it's time to hear about KK and Tyler's reception venue site!

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

"The Journey Begins…KK and Tyler…"

I guess I should not have been surprised that KK and Tyler wanted a more "rustic" nature -type feeling to their wedding.  They love to hike, fish, camp, and well, just enjoy the outdoors.  I LOVE the venue they chose.  More about that tomorrow…

I think KK's love for camping began when she was just a little girl. Her father, Kenny, used to take KK and Maggie camping with Indian Princesses in the Chicago Area.  I cringe when I hear the stories of how they cavorted with no female supervision for long weekends with other "Chippewa Tribe" members…

Today's tale involves our family when we were just four…(we are seven, soon to be eight!)

The Year was 1995.  Maggie was 4, KK 7.  We lived in the Chicago area.  I DESPERATELY wanted to go "Tent Camping" in Door County, Wisconsin.  Why you ask?  I really don't know.  I had heard it was beautiful, it was the thing to do.  And I had my own good memories of camping with MY parents when I was little.  I wanted to share that with our girls.  So, months in advance, I made a tent camping site reservation.  I did not look at a 4 month extended forecast…. Yep, you can see where this is going…

It WAS beautiful.  The air was heavy, though.  I had not lived long enough in the midwest to have a clue…yet.

We went to a mom and pop grocery, loaded up our ice chest with steak, salad, french bread, a bottle of cheap red wine, smores makings for the girls, and breakfast supplies.  I was so excited.  We had a great evening, one of the best.  The bugs weren't too plentiful, the weather not too hot, the tent was raised without too much fuss…

We went to bed cozy and happy.  Then…the skies opened up.

Check back tomorrow, to see how the Karnes fared with a lightning strike, a drunk driver and a ride in a police car…  :-)

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

My Last "Maggie and Rob" Wedding Post...

My last blog about Maggie and Rob's wedding…  :-(  Today, I have posted random pictures that PROBABLY have not been shown before.

#1-  KK, Maid of Honor
#2 - Kenny and Maggie at rehearsal
#3 - The Dinner Table centerpiece
#4-  Bob and Kenny - fathers of the groom and bride
#5 - Julia and Tess - Sisters of the Bride
#6 - Maggie and Rob

#7- BOB WITH HIS SISTER, THE TALENTED PATTY CLOHERTY, THE GENEROUS PHOTOGRAPHER OF MY BLOG!!!  Thanks again, Patty

#8- Kenny and Maggie at Rehearsal
#9- Maggie with Stauble cousins
#10 Stauble Cousins

Thank you all for enjoying Maggie's wedding journey with me.  I loved sharing it.  Please keep reading as I venture out for KK's!

I have some new material surfacing on my "HELLO! Magazine" blog as well. http://weddinghub.hellomagazine.com/motherofthebride/2014/09/wedding-dress-trains/  I am "Mother of the Bride."

http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best    My new e-book mystery!