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

"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

"The New Wedding - Part III"

The second most noticeable thing about the wedding we attended Friday, not including the overall good feeling this wedding projected…(it was joyous and we all had a fabulous time!)…was the use of technology.

Technology is old enough that no one's cell phones went off… i.e., no one forgot to turn their ringers off.  But new enough that it's use was still amazing to me.

When the bride was walking down the isle during the procession, the man seated in front of me was blocking my view.  No problem for me.  I just watched the bride being escorted by her father on the  cell phone screen of the woman across the isle.  She was videoing it on her phone, and I was able to watch it.  Wow!  Never would have imagined it thirty years ago…

And don't forget the app, "wed pics", available on your smart phone.  You can download it and create an event.  Then ask your wedding guests to send you the pictures they take at the reception.  I don't know a lot about it yet, but I WILL…and when I do, I'll send it on to you!  :-)
http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best

"The New Wedding"

Yes, weddings have morphed over the years since Kenny and I were married almost 31 years ago.  I think the most striking change I noted was the number of female wedding guests wearing black.  And why not?  It's flattering, sliming, and a good color for most.  Men have been wearing black to weddings forever!  And let's just say…when MY husband noted so many women in black, and commented on it, then you KNOW it's an impressive change!

Why has this once social taboo been waived?  Well,maybe because the europeans follow their royal families, and we Americans  follow our "Royalty" - celebrities.  Note Avril Lavigne in the magazine cover below: (www.wedding-resource.com).  Could this be the driver, or are we women just smarting up, and wearing what looks good?

Some brides even take it to a higher level, note the entire wedding party, (except the bride), dressed in black in the photo after Avril, (www.theknot.com).  Everyone instead of the bride in black REALLY makes her dress pop.

I must comment... I have a dear friend/sorority sister who was on the cutting edge 25 years ago, and chose black for her bridesmaid dresses.  Who knew!?!  http://my.bookbaby.com/book/simply-the-best