An Enchanted Evening - Sara & Walt are Married

One of Adrienne’s closest friends from high school was married recently to her sweetheart, Walter in an enchanting, magical manner. The natural beauty of Lexington, KY, home of rolling hills, bluegrass and manicured horse farms, was the setting for the ceremony and reception. A beautiful day, a soft breeze and the amazing landscape made everyone feel truly blessed to be there.

As guests arrived they were directed through a large manor house to the backyard setting, where the ceremony chairs were set up under a huge draping tree from which were hung small origami birds, made by a friend of Sara’s. The breeze caught them and they swayed and added a special touch to the area. When the ceremony began, the bridesmaids, dressed in perfect pink dresses, carrying lovely bouquets of roses and greens in all the soft colors, pinks, peaches, creams and yellows came through the lawn, followed by the spectacular sight of Sara on her father’s arm beaming with happiness matching Walter’s waiting smile. Sara’s dress was a beaded, fitted top with a drop waist that went into the most lavish confection of tulle and satin roses beneath layers of lace and a train. To say she was beautiful simply doesn’t capture it properly.

The reception tent was adjacent and it was a truly magical sight. The entire ceiling of the tent was hung with giant paper lanterns and flower balls in the floral colors, made by the bride’s family. Martha Stewart should get this creative group on her team without a doubt.

The tables were draped in pale green silk with floral centerpieces that were garden fresh and included all the soft colors in roses and stock and lisianthus, hydrangeas and green bells of Ireland. Surrounding the main centerpiece were multiple tiny arrangements in silver julep cups (we’re in KY, remember) with smaller cut versions of the main flowers and twinkling votives. As the evening continued, the lanterns were lit, the delicious food was eaten and the cake presented. As a guest, you truly felt you had been part of a loving family event.

Sara and her family are so welcoming and everyone felt included – relatives, friends, children, horses and even a blind, deaf dog, their beloved family pet. It was a truly enchanted evening.

The Royal Wedding and Me

I looked each day in my mailbox for my invite to the royal wedding uniting Kate and William and alas, not even a “Save the Date” ever arrived. Well, never mind, I can attend in my own special way.

As with Princess Anne, (we share the same birthday don’t ya know), Fergie and Andrew and Diana and Charles, I get myself up at 4 a.m. to participate in all the pageantry. This year, I have requested the day off from work and have arranged all my wedding party supplies. I am having fresh cinnamon rolls (well, Pillsbury makes them but I am baking them), bloody mary’s, and a delicious brunch casserole with ham, olives, cheese and eggs.

My tiara is ready to go, my alarm is set and I may have on my PJs but I will be watching on my big screen as the queen and everyone else arrives. I can offer my own fashion critique (seriously, is that Princess Anne ever going to get any style?) and I cannot wait to see what my friend Kate is wearing. Will it be that rumpled tissue paper look that Diana chose, or will it be something fitted without all those bows and mutton sleeves? At least Kate won’t be as heavily corseted as Fergie, who looked so nice, then exploded after the wedding and became a Weight Watchers spokesperson. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I mean a princess has to make money too, right?

Kate is a lucky girl. She went to the same college a prince and future king attended and managed to not only snag him but to hold onto him for 7 years. He has a new bald spot on the top of his head that I am pretty sure he did not have when she met him so I guess she really is in love. All my best to the happy couple and I will forgive them for not inviting me as I am sure my invite was “lost in the mail.” I will be there in spirit anyway. And by the way, I have absolutely perfected my royal wave. I have practicing it all week!

Photos from Access Hollywood

Personal Wedding Gifts

Jen M. from Boston recently wrote in and wanted to know if I had any creative wedding gift ideas for a couple she is good friends with. She would prefer not to buy off the registry and wants to give something a little more personal – ideally, a gift that plays into the hobbies of the couple and their favorite things. She said they enjoy wine, the outdoors, and music.

Here are a few ideas – for the wine lover in them, what about a pair of stemless wine glasses, a great bottle of wine and a subscription to Wine Spectator magazine? Or buy four beautiful wineglasses and have them monogrammed or two glasses, wine and an insulated carrier. On top of the package tie a wonderful wine stopper – they will actually use it and there are some really great ones out now.

Stemless wine glass from Crate & Barrel

Wine tasting/pairing classes are a lot of fun too. We live near the NY Wine and Culinary Center and there are a ton of interesting things go on – there should be something similar in the Boston area.

For the outdoorsy ideas – what about a picnic blanket or quilt monogrammed with their combined initials? They can throw it in the trunk and will have it forever. My kids played on one I received at my wedding so long ago. There is also a new product out there for picnics called the Victory Backpack, by Picnic Time. It is an insulated backpack with four glasses, tons of room for food and a lot of little compartments for wine and cheese, napkins etc. It comes in a bunch of different colors and is a really different gift.

For the music lovers – what about tickets to the Boston Pops or Boston Symphony? Or combine all their favorite things – music tickets, wine and a blanket!

*Becky Knows Everything: Try not to buy one of those cutesy picnic basket things. They are overloaded with “stuff” and leave no room for the things you really need, like the food. Also, even if I don’t buy off the registry, I always take a look at it just to get a feel for the couple’s personal style and colors.

Elisabeth and Joe are Married

We spent a delightful weekend in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July celebrating the marriage of Elisabeth (Adie’s college roommate) and Joe (Jimmy’s childhood friend). Adie and Jim were both in the wedding party so it was extra special, especially since it got me out of Rochester and on a mini happy trip.

Saturday, July 4th was such a pretty day in Philly. I mean 80 degrees, bright sunshine and no humidity (my hair was thankful).

The marriage ceremony was held outside on a lovely trellised patio at a beautiful country club and was performed by Elisabeth’s grandfather.

Elisabeth, in a wonderful Priscilla of Boston draped gown looked so happy! She was preceded down the aisle by the bridesmaids, dressed in black halter style dresses. They carried a vibrant mix of oranges and pinks, including roses and peonies. The bride carried a lush bouquet of cream and blush peonies.

The sweetest part of the ceremony was when Elisabeth began to say her vows, but could not find the words through her tears. She finally stopped and asked her grandfather for a “do over” so she could recite them again. It was so endearing.

Joe looked very handsome in his classic tuxedo and pink tie.

The cocktail portion of the evening was so nice. A picturesque setting, an open bar, (oh, so important) and yummy cold and hot appetizers including an oyster bar. The most memorable appetizer was a mini philly cheese steak in a cream cheese tart.

For dinner and dancing we entered the ballroom. The bridal party and Elisabeth and Joe were introduced and danced. We were served a delicious dinner, topped with a tasty piece of cake.

What a happy event, and how nice we could all witness their vows and the beginning of their marriage. Congratulations, Joe and Elisabeth!

Sweetly Southern

Sarah Z. writes “Becky, I am doing the flowers for a friend's wedding in August and I could use your help. Have you any ideas for interesting, inexpensive and pretty floral arrangements? Her theme is 'Southern Belle Afternoon Affair' and her colors are purple and pink. She has purchased short vases."

I just love questions like these since I get to relive my bridal florist days and talk to my floral friends. If the theme is “Southern Belle” we need to go soft and pretty with a “fresh from the garden” look, as in loosely arranged. I wish Sarah had mentioned how wide the mouth of the vase is since that makes such an impact. If the vase has a wide mouth, it will of course take more flowers which means more $$. One way to combat this is to use one large anchor flower (like hydrangeas) cut close to the edge of the mouth, then fill in with less pricey flowers like lisianthus. Use a soft drapey green like plumose fern or fresh ivy. If hydrangeas are too pricey, use lilies. They are fragrant and each stem has two flowers and a bud so they can fill in a good sized space if used with enough nice support greenery.

For a nice fresh mixed look, use white daisies, pink tulips, a few lavender roses (Blue Bird are incredibly fragrant), and add some lisianthus for the sort of less structured look that is so pretty. Tulips are available year round at a reasonable price and the colors are so nice. Use a single pink color for greater impact, then add the purple touch with limonium and greenery and then tie or glue a beautiful purple ribbon around the vase and let it drape. Other pretty garden flowers are ranuculus, asters (beautiful rich colors), iris, snapdragons, and delphinium. Another purple flower is liatris, which stands straight and tall. Sarah, you have such a great theme to work with. Have fun!!

*Becky Knows Everything: If you are using short vases like Sarah Z., be sure not to make the centerpieces too tall - guests need to see each other across the table. Another thing to keep in mind that Sarah didn’t mention - the size of the tables. A too tiny arrangement will be lost on a table set for 10. Use candles or ivy or other greenery to help out.

Bridal Place Card Holder

As wedding season is upon us, I wanted to share with you the essentials of making a card holder to beautifully display table numbers at your reception. I highly recommend assigned seating so all of your guests have a place to go when the doors open. I have been to a few weddings where the only people I knew were the groom’s parents and without assigned seating you just sort of wander until someone looks welcoming. (Not all that different than the lunch room in junior high).

While looking for table card holders for my daughter’s wedding last year, I scoured the internet and searched the bridal magazines and never found anything unusual or that I had not seen a zillion times before. Creatively speaking, I wanted something pretty and useful and memorable. Inspiration hit me in T.J. Maxx of all places. I saw resin figures designed to be necklace holders in the home décor section. I am sure you have seen these. They are female figures, dressed in elaborate molded gowns in different colors and designs. I knew my designer’s imagination could use these figures as a starting point. I purchased 20 figures, one for each table, but figured I would start with one and see how it went.

First, I bent the 2 “arms” to the front, almost like clasped hands. Then I bent the 2 back spokes upward and the 2 front spokes down, forming a perfect spot for a card.

To begin the craft portion I sanded each figure with a fine grain sandpaper. The figures had been painted with an enamel paint – I knew another paint would not go on easily without first sanding the surface. Carefully, I removed all the dusty particles and began to paint the figures white. I used Delta Brand Ceramcoat, which is a water soluble acrylic paint (all that means is that it can be easily cleaned and mistakes have a better chance of being fixed). Using a decent small brush, the paint applied easily, except for the fact that I am a terrible detail painter and some of these figures had molded dresses that had one skinny strap and pearls around their necks or halter tops. I once had to pay a ceramic instructor to paint the eyes on a Thanksgiving figure I had made since I goofed it up so many times. She charged me $1.00 per eye (like I would only have her paint one eye).

Anyway, you will have to paint each figure twice or even three times if the gowns are dark in tone. Use a tiny brush for detail or even a toothpick. When they are completely dry, the real fun begins!! You get to decorate them and make them look like brides. Using tacky glue (the brand I like best is Aleene’s), pour some glue in a small bowl and pour water in another bowl. “Paint” the figures with a glue/water mix and do one side at a time. As you complete a side, quickly spread on white sparkly glitter. This is messy, so shake or pour on the glitter over a shoe box or it will still be on your kitchen floor at Christmas.

When the glitter is all on all the figures, decorate them with teensy white silk flowers. I bought these very cheaply at craft and dollar stores. You need flowers with flat backs and they need to be small. Using hot glue, attach the flowers wherever you want. Sometimes I had to glue them over painting mistakes but I am sure that won’t happen to you.

I glued a cluster of flowers to one of the “hands” to form a bridal bouquet and glued narrow white satin ribbon (NOW, you finally have a place to use that skinny, skinny ribbon that is 3 spools for $1.00 you never knew what to do with).

Let’s make the veil. I use the term lightly since this is a headless figure. The veil is actually a train off the back of the figure. I gathered up white tulle and tied it tightly about an inch down from the top with a satin skinny ribbon to form a pouf and left long streamers. I glued flowers to the streamers and glued it all to the back of the figure, about waist high. The final touch was to add pearl sprays on the dresses wherever it needed any extra touches. These were the prettiest table card holders ever.

The photo below, provided courtesy of Broadway Photography and Video is the final result. The bridal ladies were so pretty on the reception tables. Also, I ordered my table cards from a great company, Documents and Designs. They had a huge assortment to choose from and they were very easy to work with.

*Becky Knows Everything: A note about numbering - do not make your bridal table #1 in the reception area. Usually the bridal table is in the center and if you begin numbering from the center of the room your guests will be confused. For your own entertainment, you can watch them scurry around, but it really isn’t very nice. Table #1 should be the closest table to the entry doors.