Maggie's Wedding, Second to Last Blog Post- Random Pictures

On this, my second to last blog post for Maggie's wedding, I thought I'd include some random pictures that Rob's Aunt Patty took - remember 99% of all pictures posted here were hers!!  Thanks again, Patty.

I may or may not have posted some of these.  A few of these pictures are "ALL NEW!!"

Picture #1 St. Paul's - empty before the wedding.
Picture #2 Rob's cousins
Picture #3 Bridesmaids at the Rehearsal
Picture #4 Guests having fun on the coach bus - which ran to and from the Reception
Picture #5 Dancing Guests
Picture #6 The lovely Horgan Family

Tomorrow is my very last "Maggie" Post - then it's all about KK!

"Family and Out-Of-Town Brunch"

The morning after the wedding, Debbie and I put on a brunch.  The invitees were family, out-of-town wedding guests, and the bridal party.  Ok…with all that was going on, I did nothing for the brunch but supply the venue.  Debbie and her lovely mom, the famous, "Grandma Jackie," did all the heavy lifting.  And Rob's aunts contributed as well. Please note the bounty on my dining room table!

Also of note is the GORGEOUS bowl of oranges shipped all the way form California by my dad.  They  sure were a hit.  We had more than just one full bowl.  When a few were eaten, we replenished them.  And as guests departed, they were given a "to go bag" full of oranges!

My family, all the way from California chipped in too. My mom, cousins Janet and Kim, all worked serving, heating dishes and keeping the table stocked.  Thank you, ladies!

The last picture is of one of the centerpieces from the reception.  They made lovely enhancements for our brunch.  As guests bid us farewell, we gifted our local female relatives with the blooms.  :-)

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

As always, please consider checking out my new cozy mystery about a wedding planner in sunny Santa Barbara, CA.  It's available on e-book format from amazon, Barnes and Noble and Apple iBooks.

"Their Grand Departure!"

The Departure!

The picture above and to the left are the happy couple getting ready to take their leave.  They stayed around far longer than they needed to, in order to help gather things up - Bless them!  We had to be packed up and out by 11:00 PM, or pay a hefty penalty.  This was a case when many hands made light work.  Thank you to all who stayed behind to lend a hand, AND a car trunk.  We had more to ferry back home than I anticipated.  Yes, the Wadsworth gives each event a "cage" to store valuables to use for parties, but no perishables are allowed.

KK's venue - July 3, 2015, allows the party to break up by a stipulated time, but the vendors and the hosts can tidy and disband at their leisure - much more relaxed!

I finally shooed Maggie and Rob out the door and into their town car - to take them to their hotel…Happiness and Joy...

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

Please visit my new blog for HELLO! Magazine
http://weddinghub.hellomagazine.com/motherofthebride/2014/08/preserving-top-layer-wedding-cake/

"One of My Happiest Things…"

As my blog for Maggie's nuptials comes to a end…(Never fear, I will continue my blog for KK's journey), I would like to share one of my favorite things about her wedding.

ONE of the happiest events for me personally was that my parents were able to attend.  For my Facebook family and friends…you may have seen these pictures. The first two are of my mom and dad at my own wedding almost 31 years ago - a most joyous day.

The last picture was taken on my iPhone at the reception, and YES, I realize my eyes are closed - it was either this picture or the one with my MOM's eyes closed…aren't I a good daughter?!?  But I cherish the picture non-the less.

A second favorite was the "Anniversary Dance."  I was unfamiliar with it, but this is how it works.   All married people were asked to dance at the reception.  Then the DJ, excuses couples that have been married, one year, then five, ten, fifteen and so on.  My parents won for being married 62!

 I'd like to thank my parents for being such good role models and loving mentors…AND for making the grueling trip form California.  I know I'm exhausted after the cross country flight.  I can only image the fatigue they must feel at almost 96 - Dad - and a MUCH younger mom…  :-)

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

Please visit my new blog on "HELLO Magazine's on-line Wedding Hub.http://weddinghub.hellomagazine.com/motherofthebride/category/wedding-veil/
Above is a link to one of my posts.

"The Bird Cage"

It is common knowledge that one should consider a house sitter for weddings and funerals especially in the age we live in of social media. Not only did all my friends and family know when and where the wedding would be held - but so did anyone who happened to read this public blog.

But not only could your home potentially be vulnerable, but your reception site as well. We had no " bouncers" at the door of the "Wadsworth Mandion," and anyone could have walked in off the street - think "Wedding Crashers."

Debbie had the very wise idea to personalize a borrowed decorative bird cage - see picture number  one to the right, and two, below. In the second photo, KK and Maggie are standing to either side of the birdcage, (this was stored in our dining room - they just happened to be standing next to it in the photo, it was not a focal point of the picture!).  Guests who brought cards for Rob and Maggie were encouraged insert them into the bird cage by Mansion staff.

It there were any shenanigans attempted by an "ubsub" at the reception, I'm sure someone would notice them walking off with the birdcage…  :-)

In picture number three, you can see gifts to the right, and the now infamous birdcage at the very left edge of the picture.

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

http://weddinghub.hellomagazine.com/motherofthebride/category/bachelorette-party/

Check out my new blog on HELLO! Magazine on-line for a glimpse into Maggie's Bachelorette Party in Boston!  Just clink on the link above!

Photo below: Patty  Cloherty

"Throwing of the Garter"

Photo: Patty Cloherty

Robert had the BEST idea for "Tossing the Garter."  He was going to stand on the balcony overlooking the massive brick patio, have the single men stand below, attach the grater to a football…and let it fly!  Sadly…it rained, and we had to set up one of those big white event tents over the patio - that is the "room" where you see much of the "goings on" in the posted photos.  The tent made it impossible to use the balcony.  Never fear, Rob put his plan into action, just inside the tent.  It was so fun. The DJ played the theme song to "Monday Night Football" as he threw a perfect spiral.

And guess who caught it?!?  --- The seventh grade younger brother of Tess and Julia's friends.  This young man had had a crush on the much older Maggie for about 2 years when he was 4 to 6 years old. We think now, though, that he more excited about the brand new football Rob had purchased for the event, than the honor of catching the garter -- but he still thinks Maggie's beautiful.  :-)

Please enjoy the pictures of the varied garters below.  I still maintain that a bride should wear two…one to wear and hand down to her daughters, and one to throw.

www.weddingbee.com

www.weddinghairstyleshq.com

www.atlantabridalweddings.com

http://weddinghub.hellomagazine.com/motherofthebride/2014/08/wedding-flowers-honored-ladies/

Please visit my new blog for HELLO! Magazine on-line atheist Wedding Hub.  I'm "The Mother of Bride"

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

"Tossing the Bouquet"

Time to toss the bouquet!  Our florist kindly offered to prepare - as a gift - a "Tossing Bouquet."  This way, Maggie could retain her bridal bouquet as a keepsake.
(The above picture, and picture to the left are our actual flowers).

But remember…I was not at the hotel when the flowers were delivered to Maggie -- there is still that, 'as yet not divulged situation that created havoc in our wedding day prep'…  so I did not realize until 3 minutes before Maggie was going to toss her bouquet that THERE WAS NOT A THROW AWAY BOUQUET!

What to do???  I ran - in those fancy shoes of mine :-) - to the head table, and started pulling flowers out of the arrangement.  Even in my haste, I tried to get a nice variety  :-)  But then I realized… when Maggie threw the flowers, they would go all over everywhere, as they were not tied together.  I glanced around and spied… bridesmaids' bouquets!  I grabbed one and began pulling off the satin ribbon which covered the flower stems.  My lovely sister-in-law, Teresa, helped me.  We quickly wound the ribbon around the "new" bouquet, inserted pearl headed pins to hold the ribbon, and DONE!  We had a bouquet.  (FYI, underneath the satin ribbon of the bridesmaid's bouquet was green florist tape holding the flowers together.  I'm not sure who's bouquet I robbed… but thank you!)

At this point, I calmly walked into the tent and handed Maggie her "Tossing Bouquet."  At least that's how I WANT to remember it.  Maybe I looked frazzled and haunted… but her Bridal bouquet was saved, and some lucky girl caught my creation.

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

http://weddinghub.hellomagazine.com/motherofthebride/2014/08/wedding-flowers-honored-ladies/   Please visit my new blog for HELLO! Magazine on-line (the Wedding Hub) I'm "Mother of the Bride"

My First Anniversary

Our first anniversary…January 24, 1985.  We lived in Simi Valley, California in a 3 bedroom apartment. No we didn't need three bedrooms, but that was all the complex had available.  We soon purchased our first home in Ventura, California, and left Simi.

The top picture is Mary Paredes Karnes' version of "Staging"  :-)  The tablecloth is hand crocheted by my Grandmother - whom our baby, Julia, is named after.  That is a full champagne bottle to the top right of the picture - left over from our wedding.  I'm going to make a note to tell Kenny tonight that he MUST keep a bottle from Maggie and Rob's wedding for them to share on THEIR first anniversary.

As our anniversary is in January…thus the Chrysanthemum in the photo.  Please note the candles, they are placed in candle sticks that my dear friend and bridesmaid, Yvonne, gave us for our wedding.  I continued the tradition that my parents started, and gave Maggie and Rob a special piece from our home.  This is what we gave them…And don't forget the champagne glasses - which were featured in an earlier blog...and the keynote piece - the top layer of our cake…just like I promised yesterday!

I'm sad to say I don't remember who froze the cake, where it was stored, or if it tasted good.  But it sure looked pretty!  I had saved our cake topper to place on it for the picture.  It looked OK after a year, but I recently ran across it - and it didn't travel well…  Maggie's and Rob's cake topper, on the other hand, being made our of porcelain, can be handed down for generations.  Thanks for that thoughtfulness, Debbie!
The above picture is about a year before we were married, but it dates us a little.  Not sure if I'm happy or sad that it's a little blurry…

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

"Preserving Your Wedding Cake"

The above photo, if this is your first time reading my blog, is of Maggie and Rob's wedding cake.

The photo to the left is a photo taken by my friend, Lisa.  She took it at a wedding she recently attended, and I lifted it as I thought it was so beautiful.  I am guessing the leaves and vines are fondant, but the flowers are real.  I'll ask her and get back to you…

Today I promised to tell you how I preserved Maggie and Rob's top wedding cake layer.

It was very easy, the only thing you should do in advance is make sure you have a very large Tupperware-type round bowl - about 18" across and 6" deep, a board of set the cake on, plastic wrap, foil ---- and this is the most important --- room in your freezer!

Step #1 - Choose someone reliable to commit to preserving your top layer.

Step #2 - Safely wrap and preserve any cake topper you may have used.  Hopefully, the future generations would like to use it.  I love how Debbie chose a porcelain ornament so it can be handed down.

Step #3 - The experts say to freeze the cake 30 minutes to 2 hours ahead of the process.  I think this was recommend because some cakes are frosted in butter cream and thus the frosting is not firm.  I did do this, but as Maggie's was covered in fondant, I don't think I needed to.

Step #4 - Whatever you choose to set the cake on, whether it be a plastic cutting board, a piece of wood, or cardboard, wrap it in foil to protect the cake from tasting like the platform.

Step #5 - Cover the cake in 2 layers of plastic wrap.

Step # 6 - Then cover the cake in 2 layers of foil.

Step #7 - Store the whole think in the Tupperware Bowl and freeze.  Don't forget to "burp" the Tupperware to get the air out!  This will preserved your cake for up to a year.

Most of this info was gleaned from: Susannah Chen - www.yumsugar.com

Tomorrow --- Pictures from my first anniversary, and our cake!

http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best - my new mystery!  (It's about a wedding planner!  :-)

"Cutting the Cake!"

It really was a beautiful cake…The picture to the left showcases well the spun sugar flowers.  My cousin, Kim, an amateur cake baker who could be professional, were she so inclined, did not even realize they were not fresh.  Kim said had she known, she would have gotten up close for a better look!

 Kenny decided last minute to order some macaroons to go with the wedding cake and coffee after dinner.  They are Rob's favorite cookie, and quite the hot dessert right now- and a true delicacy.

So we had some wedding cake left over - the top layer, of course, but that was planned.

 It was nice to have the extra cake.  Kenny didn't even get to have a piece at the wedding, so he enjoyed some the next day.  And Rob's Grandmother, who was unable to attend as Papa was ill, was able to celebrate in a small way, with some cake.

Tomorrow, I'll tell you how I preserved the top layer. I had a post earlier on how to accomplish this, but since I now have actually experienced it, I have tweaked the process a little.
Please enjoy the photos of Maggie and Rob cutting the cake.

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

"The Cake!"

 Look closely at the cake.  Those are not real peonies and delicate roses... but pink and lavender spun sugar confections!  Wasn't Lilly, our baker, an artist?

Maggie and Rob chose ivory for the cake color, as Maggie's dress and the table linens were not pure white.  In these lovely pictures, the cake looks more yellow than ivory, its actual color, but either way, it was just beautiful.  The sweet cake topper was Debbie and Bob's engagement gift to the bride and groom - as was the cake!

Much research and tasting was done to make the cake and frosting choices.  The ultimate decision...  a white chocolate 4 layer round cake, (15", 12", 9", and 6" layers), with white chocolate cream cheese, and French Mousseline filling - all covered with the preciously mentioned ivory frosting and fondant. The embroidery…Zotas.

The models in the cake pictures are the darling paternal cousins of the groom.  :-)

A word to the wise…when negotiating with your caterer, make sure you have it in writing that he/she will cut and serve the cake.  When were were signing the contract, our caterer made a point of stressing that she would do so.  I have never organized a wedding, other than my own 30 + years ago, and wondered why she was making such a big deal of it.

Then I heard from one of my California friends.  She had been to a wedding, with a wedding planner no less… and no one would cut and serve the cake.  When the caterer was approached about taking on the task, the mother of the bride was told, "That's not in our contract, so we're not doing it."  And she didn't.  The gorgeous wedding cake was butchered.  Had it been my job to cut the cake, the results would have been just as ugly….

Thanks again, for the beautiful pictures, Patty Cloherty!


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

"The Photo Booth"

The Photo Booth:  It was a last minute decision, but a good one.  It was just a little extra that we let slip through the cracks.  Maggie really wanted to do it, I think, but as everything started to add it, she just let it go...until Kenny and I went to a good friend's son's wedding.  They had a photo booth, and it was so much fun.  I know they are a regular on the party circuit, but I had only been in one as a teen.

After deciding we really DID want one...everyone was sold out.  The photo booth industry was good to us, however, and everyone I called kept recommending someone...they were all booked, though.  But Rob was tenacious, and found us "Justin."  He came early and stayed late.  I was very happy with his services, but I am not going to post his website as a reco, until he delivers they promised CD with all the guests pictures on them.

And yes...I had my picture taken, but will not post.  I am too shy to make silly faces, and my kids said I took all the fun out of my own photo booth experience.  I look the same in all of them - just a silly smile on my face...

Please enjoy these candids, and tomorrow...the CAKE!!!

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

"The Father/ Daughter Dance"

The Father - Daughter Dance...if nothing else will bring tears to your eyes, this may.  It did to mine.  As I watched my husband and our bride dance, all l could think of was that darling little girl who did, and still does, hero worship her dad. The first picture is of Maggie, age 3.  She desperately wanted her hair cut in a "bob" like her big sister KK, and I, with a heavy heart, let her cut her long hair.  I still have the envelope with her hair from that first major cut in my dresser...   She looks cute, though, doesn't she?

The next two pictures are of Maggie and Kenny dancing their dance.  Maggie chose James Taylor's
"Smiling Face" as their song.  Not necessarily designed as a slow song, but she insisted.  If I had to chose, I'd say James Taylor is Kenny's favorite artist, and he always told all the girls he thought of them when he heard it.  It was lovely.

Thanks, Patty C for the pics!

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

"Mother- Son Dance"

 The Mother of the Groom/Groom Dance is a tradition - lovely one.  You can look at the top picture and see the love and lifetime filled with devotion in both their faces.  The song they danced to was, "In My Life" by the Beetles.

And I can't leave Bob out... (Rob's Dad).  He is a prince among men.  To the left, Debbie and Bob and below, Bob and Rob.

And Debbie... I LOVED your dress.  If you're wiling to share, I'd like a reco on where you located your dress... KK's wedding date is July 3, 2015...and although I said I was wearing my blue dress to all four girls' weddings...I may not...   :-)

And once again, thank you Patty Cloherty for the beautiful pics.

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

"Their First Dance"

So it's finally time for Rob and Maggie's first dance as a married couple.  There was a wooden dance floor inside the mansion, in the central room in-between the two dining rooms. We chose to set up the dancing on the patio, however,  - complete with the DJ and one of the bars on site.  Had the weather been perfect, there would have been no need for the tent to cover the patio, and all could have danced under the stars... But a wedding is just like life - all can not be perfect.  And as I will show in future pictures, I don't think it interfered with any one's joy and good time!

The song of their first dance? - John Legend's "All of Me"

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