WEDDINGS and wedibles, oh my!

Shannon & Dave's Post-Thanksgiving Wedding

2008-12-04T12:35:00.006-05:00

A beautiful post Thanksgiving ceremony at the gorgeous Cairnwood estate was planned by Shannon as she wed her long-time beau, David.

photo courtesy of Jen Childress blog

Shannon greeted me on her wedding morning at the Holiday Inn, Trevose, with a spacious modern executive suite to prepare her and her attendants for the big walk down the aisle.

Homemade Scones of her choice

Fruit and Waffle Bowls for Breakfast!
Like my pink vintage glass?
Get some Orange Juice and Vitamin C for energy!

What fun I had setting it up and meeting her and her lovely little sisters!

Sister Act!

Shannon and her sisters prepare for a lively, fun wedding day!

All ready for dresses!

Later I met up with Shannon and her attendants to provide afternoon treats
for her and a "BYE BYE BACHELOR" surprise lunch for the groom!

Once again, I had the chance to meet up with the vivacious and creative planner,

Erin Proud of Proud to Plan!

Shannon's gorgeous sparkly, equisite veil - - - SO UNIQUE!!!!!

And I want to say a profound THANK YOU to the amazing wedding photographer, Jennifer Childress who took a few lovely snapshots of my Wedibles Spread for Shannon & Dave and featured it on her blog! I am so humbled!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-03T22:17:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays to all my brides past, present and future!
May you enjoy the lights and cheer of this season!

Coming soon!
A new website, new look for Wedibles!
Contact bluerosemlm@yahoo.com for more information

Autumn Colors - JEN & CHRIS

2008-11-09T13:29:00.015-05:00

Jennifer & Chris

11.8.08

A very gracious and hospitable mother of the bride, Bonnie, contacted me to provide a post-ceremony spread at her lovely home in Yardley between the ceremony and the reception for her guests returning from church. Her daughter, Jennifer, tied the knot to her long-time high school sweetheart, Chris. Awwww
(Photos of her gorgeous Autumn Wedding to come)

I wanted to provide something seasonally special for Bonnie and her guests.
"Homestyle" Edibles are my favorite because I always have plenty of room to provide a more creative spread. In this particular case, Bonnie was kind enough to let me have freedom on creating an appetizing table-scape full of Jennifer's Autumnal colors.

The dining room before

The dining room after
Bonnie requested a customized delivery for her daughter and bridesmaid upon return from the salon, which we happily provided in the morning.

Bridal Attendant Post Salon Spread
We then returned in the afternoon to set up for her 30 guests with her customized menu of fruit, cheese and mini pretzels. Just enough to take the edge off in time for cocktail hour at the country club reception.

Hello, little fruit swan!

Afternoon Autumn Candlight
Say Cheese!

I look forward to seeing the bride and groom and bridal party pics and will update this entry as soon as received!

The TEACHER gets Hitched!

2008-11-02T16:29:00.007-05:00

ERIN and TODD

Miss Erin is getting married!

Signs and cards from Erin's 2nd grade class filled her hotel suite as the excited bride and her mom anxiously awaited the arrival of the hair/makeup staff and bridesmaids.

Mr. Wedibles and I showed up 9 a.m. with a healthy spread of fruit, yogurt, granola and cheese/veggies to accommodate Erin and her friends as they prepared for Erin's Sunday wedding to Todd.

The drive to Erin's hotel was breathtakingly beautiful with the colors of fall vibrantly exploding from the trees. She and Todd certainly picked a most picturesque time of year to say "I DO". Her flowers certainly reflected that!
We were warmly greeted by Erin and her mom as we set up her mini buffet. I could tell she may have been a little nervous but her face was alive with the promise of a gorgeous Autumn Wedding!
It's not every Wedibles function that I am fortunate enough to get to see the bride "after" or dressed up in her bridal gown and ready to get to the alter. (Usually brides are about to get hair/makeup ready and I quickly set-up and skeedaddle out of there!) Today we were treated to a glowing, smiling bride, parents that were beaming with pride, and elegantly dressed bridesmaids.

Erin looked like a vision! Her gown was a masterpiece of candlelight satin and bejeweled with beading and crystals to set off her "something-borrowed" cameo necklace from her great, great-aunt.

Her mother was lovely in a plum satin gown befit for a ball. Dad was too nervous to eat but ready to get the wedding started and relax at the reception.

We felt so honored to have a little part in Erin and Todd's special day!

Filming a Movie, Obama & McCain and Kathy's Wedding!

2008-10-11T12:15:00.005-04:00

CUTE AS A BUTTON!

Early morning delivery of Wedibles to the lovely, sophisticated DOUBLETREE HOTEL in center city, Philadelphia. That's how this gorgeous October 11, Saturday began for me as I was to meet knottie Teamhealy08, aka Kathy on her bridal morning.

Speaking to her earlier in the week, she was the epitome of a calm and relaxed bride with a light perkiness that was adorable. Mid week, I got to reading her knot post of how she was somewhat anxious/panicky on a particular work morning...realizing that her wedding was only a mere days away and she still had things to do.
Kathy ordered a customized package. Bye-Bye Bachelor for the boys
and Bye Bye Bachelorette for the girls (including scones and fruit)

But this morning, she was lively, spirited, chippy and cute as a button. How do I describe her? Sweet, petite and someone you want to kidnap and take home for cookies and tea. Today, I had Mr. Wedibles with me (he's my muscle man), manuevering the streets of downtown Phila to get to the hotel.

Two FBI helicopters hovered overhead and he joked "they must know you are coming and need to secure the city". Kathy explained that they are filming a movie today in town (blank gun shots were heard), as well as certain protocall had to be followed for the impending arrival of Obama and McCain. This is a big day in the city....but let's face it...a wedding should and will take precedence over any of that! Come on...it's way more important than a movie and presidential nominee gathering, if you ask me (and other brides).

We arrived (double parked) and went to her hotel room. I knocked and asked if all the gals were "decent"...Kathy cutely replied in her sing song voice "Yes!!! Are we ready gals? There is a boy in the hallway and he's coming into the room". (Mr. Wedibles got a kick out of that because he knows that he is, in fact, a boy at 43.) He went off to deliver the groomsmen spread and I set up for the ladies in Kathy's gorgeous suite.

She was surrounded by her three lovely friends (one flew in from Arizona to spend a 24 hour wedding visit!), her mom (who was looking fresh and pretty with hair and makeup) and two friendly new faces (whom I had the privilege of meeting for the first time - their excellent repuations precede them), Janet Indorf from Face the Occasion and Natalie Pagano, haistylist.

I set up quickly because of the parking situation and my only regret is that I couldn't take more photos. I did see her dress. So pretty (I'm looking forward to getting some pro pics from her) and her shoes were killer!!!! They were a shimmery gold lace heel (to match Kathy's sexy gold toe polish). Very autumny and rich. I will be updating soon on her getting ready shots!

Mr. Wedibles was excited to be in the photo with such a cute blushing bride!

Here she is "after". She's glowing with happiness... and is it me or does the groom look super smitten with her? Congrats to them both!

SWEET SEPTEMBER for JEN & CHAD!!

2008-10-08T11:15:00.006-04:00

This is why I love doing Wedibles.

Not only do I get a much-needed outlet for creativity, but I get greeted with smiles and anticipation for a memorable and cherished day!

Jen had contacted me back over the summer to provide Wedibles for her September wedding. Even her initial email was full of smiles and excitement! I felt like the sun was shining through my computer.

After contacting one another, I finally met her on her wedding day at her parents' home near Doylestown.

Her father greeted my husband and I at the door and watched as we quickly prepared the dining room table for the morning munchies. He was a very proud father....waiting anxiously for Jen to return from the salon with her mom. He made it a point to show us the gorgeous flowers that were dropped off for the bride.

Then Mark and I prepared the spread with roses that matched the bouquets and sweet treats for the bridal party to enjoy while they prepared for the big day ahead.

Upon entering, Jen and her mom gave us such warm and hospitable hugs. I can only imagine how special the guests must have felt at the wedding later in the day!

Jen looks giddy while reading a love note from her soon-to-be husband, Chad

Jen and Chad met at work and have prepared for this wedding with the phenomenal Jenn Poletti of Perfect Planners who met us later in the day at the Belle Voir Manor in Bensalem.

Like a fairytale, Jenn Poletti's sophisticated fairytale vision came to life with an elegant cocktail area and breath-taking dining room - complete with tea lights twinkling interspersed within tall, graceful floral centerpieces. Unbelievable!!!!! If only I had my camera with me!

She's ready! and beaming!

I love this pic of Jen "tying the knot"!

What a gorgeous couple!!!!

WED-CENTRAL has their own version of "WEDIBLES"

2008-09-29T14:59:00.003-04:00

Hop on over to Wed-Central to see some really delicious and tantalizing edible ideas for your wedding! Click on this link and watch the "YUM" happen with WC's WEDDIBLES site!

We are not correlated in any way but I found this blog very informative and fun to read! Lilly has showcased lots of interesting and cute ways to make your wedding delicious!

Enjoy!

CANDACE at CAIRNWOOD

2008-09-29T08:52:00.010-04:00

Yet another beautiful Cairnwood Estate wedding this weekend. The mansion never ceases to amaze me with all it's gorgeous historical elements.

This time, I am providing wedibles for the wedding of Candace and Michael. Her gown hung in the dressing room regally with pickups of candlelight satin and small embroidered appliques on the bodice.

This is an early Autumn wedding and I saw them set-up the mansion in every room with colors of burgundy, gray, etc. I love how you can use every room there for a different purpose - bar, cocktail, dancing, etc.

Candace is all in white getting ready for her big moment

Dressing room with scones and sandwiches ready at the helm

Candied Fruit Gems for the little ones

Bachelor Brownies ready for Groomsmen

One of the many gorgeous rooms to be set up for the wedding

Philly Love with Heart-Shaped Pretzels

Rich Woods are warm...Can I live here?

Gilded Chandelier...bygone living at it's finest

One of MANY rooms that are offered for a wedding...

Arched Doorway out to the water garden. Ah!

BROWN EYED GIRL becomes BROWN EYED BRIDE!

2008-09-26T19:04:00.010-04:00

September 26
Finally, I got to meet fellow Bucks neighbor, Lisa, aka Knottie, browneyedbride. A stunning brown-eyed, brown-hair beauty that was ready to take the walk down the aisle to her groom, Ryan. Lisa also comes complete with her own built-in flowergirl...her 3-year old daughter, Olivia. Miss Olivia greeted my Aunt Anna and I at the hotel suite door with a big smile. "Today mommy is going to be a bride". She followed us around with a camera saying "I am going to take pictures of her" Though it was rainy and windy outside, seeing Lisa and Olivia in their wedding "hoodies" really added sunshine to the day...soooo cute! Lisa ordered Wedibles for her attendants who are ready to celebrate the union of Lisa and Ryan at the beautiful Knowlton Mansion. She thought it would be a good idea to order "Healthy Start" complete with homemade blueberry crumb muffins...mmmm! It was also a great opportunity to see fellow former knottie and wedding coordinator extraordinaire, Erin Proud of Proud to Plan at work! She always does an amazing job and high accolades follow her everywhere...along with hairstylist Megan Cahill (beaming post-baby) and Emily from Cheekadee (that woman does amazing work with makeup...and someday I am going to have her follow me everywhere I go to make me look good) Lisa's flowers were vibrant and beautiful in shades of violet and purple! I can't wait to see photos of Lisa in her gown...it was a striking tribute to elegance and classic femininity of a bygone era with layers of light-infused chiffon.

My aunt and I gazed at it for like 5 minutes. We stalked her gown!
Anyway, I am sure Lisa, Ryan and Olivia are in for a future full of beautiful memories and joy as they celebrate their union together!

WEDIBLES for 50th Anniversary

2008-08-18T11:55:00.008-04:00

This past weekend, I was honored to be asked to provide sweets for a 50th Anniversary Party of the in-law grandparents of a knottie who I did a wedding spread for recently.

Phyllis and Mike have been married for 50 years! 50 years?! Wow. So I had to put something that showed how momentous that was on the table. My theme was "How Sweet it Is" Celebrating 50 Delicious Years.

Held at a local yacht club in Philadelphia, I did two tables at the request of the family.

One table for the children which included penny candy, a tiered cookie/danish/brownie tray and Philly Soft Pretzels done in the initials of the lucky couple.

The adult sweet table consisted of all homemade cookies/tarts that my mother made: (This is her specialty from working in several local tea rooms - all are her own creations and recipes that she does not share with even her own daughters)

Tassies (a brown sugar nut filled tart dusted with a cocoa Chambord)
Madelines (moist with a hint of lemon)
Miniature Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Rugelach (raisins, apricots)
Apple and Cherry Crumb Cakes
Frosted Ricotta Cookies
Mini Indulgence Fudge Cakes
Chocolate drizzled Biscotti
Amaretto Squares
Fresh Fruit Medley with Mint

A little poem to display the sweets:

"50 Years?!
That's not small feat! ...
and Phyllis & Mike have a Love that's Sweet.
So let's all celebrate
with Treats to Eat!"

A HYDRANGEA WEDDING - Karole & Jim

2008-08-14T08:02:00.005-04:00

I had been looking forward to this Wedibles since she booked with me back in September. I constantly referred to it as "the HYDRANGEA Wedding". My favorite flower.

Karole and James were married on July 12 with a reception at the stately Knowlton Mansion.

Meeting up with her and her girls on the morning of her wedding was joyful. This bride (also knottie, kkdwldflwr) gets A+++++ in Creativity (check out her beautiful bio here) for how she DIY a delightful themed wedding of magenta and purple hydrangeas against apple and celadon green highlights.

Each of her bridesmaids wore a tank with their name, attendant role and a personalized screen print photo of them with the bride at one time during their life. Adorable!

Since Karole is a huge fan of strawberries and chocolate, strawberry kabobs were presented along with a chocolate fondue. Chocolate Oreo truffles were happily packed in a pretty little box. It didn't take long for them to disappear!

I accented all the snacks and treats with whisps of hydrangeas grown in my own side yard. Meeting Karole's mom and mom-in-law was wonderful as they were so gracious and excited.

If Karole ever reads this blog I want to express my gratitude to her for allowing me to present wedibles for her bridal morning and to embrace my hydrangea fetish! Blessings for a Happy Marriage!

My Lovely JUNE BRIDES ! ! !

2008-07-02T19:47:00.003-04:00

Ann and Kristine both married their sweeties in June and I must say, June Brides never looked lovelier.

Ann's wedding was June 14 and was themed around a sophisticated castle motif. Her wedding at Sandcastle Winery must have been gorgeous as the day was sunny and summery and light.

Kristine aka knottie Sirkfeb married on a balmy June 21 to her high school sweetheart, Jim. Her Disneyworld romance made me feel like magical romances can happen anywhere. Both girls' eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and excitement on their wedding days and I cannot wait to get photos to add soon. Thank you for putting me in the June Bride Summer Spirit!

Adorable Boxed Bridal Lunches

2008-06-06T08:48:00.004-04:00

Now THIS is what I call cute with a capital "C". While perusing my favorite blogs, this one on http://www.acottageindustry.typad.com/ stood out.

It's a boxed bridesmaid lunch with surprise little delectables inside. This is something I MUST add to my menu....Perfect for the bride on the go who will not be in one spot that day for long.

I would most likely customize the lunches as if they were ordering from a cafe menu and customize the ribbon and pretty details as well. I'd love to hear feedback from you on this idea/concept...so feel free to email me at bluerosemlm@yahoo.com Adorable? I think so....

This is so cute!

2008-06-04T19:23:00.005-04:00

I saw this online and thought it so cute to add to a wedible package for the attendants or perhaps the OOT guest boxes. I mean who wouldn't want their photo image on a delicious oreo?

Yes, it's blatantly kitschy which is what I love about it! I'll have to wait for feedback on future brides to get their take on it. But c'mon...it's an OREO!!!! ....with your photo on it! Yum and awww, cute!

What I'm working on....

2008-05-31T11:21:00.005-04:00

So I have a few ideas flowering in my head for future Wedibles...

One of them is to incorporate a choice of Wedibles-on-the-Go for the bridal party or Out of Town Guests. This would be for the bride who is limited on time and space or who just wants an additional convenience. I love this idea from blissweddingmarket.com using the gable box model to contain a bride's customized wedibles. Of course, everyone does the hometown favorites of tastycakes, herrs, etc. but I thought it may be unique to do a "boxed snack" version for the wedding party or OOTers. Kind of like the corporate boxed lunch premise only more pretty, decorative and festive, of course!

What do you think?

JENN's Fairy Tale Wedding

2008-05-26T09:32:00.010-04:00

Weddings can't get any better than this. A perfect Spring day in May, a location that makes you feel like you are in The Sound of Music, a Reem Acra gown and loved ones surrounding you as you walk down the aisle.

Jenn (knottie chloe071603) had an absolutely ethereal Wedding day. I was so grateful she chose me to "wedible" her day at Cairnwood in Bryn Athyn.

Does this girl look excited or what? :o)

Driving through the gates of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral grounds was like entering a different world...enchantment abounds...flowering trees, chirping birdsongs, lush hills and an elegant cathedral, museum and mansion all within walking distance of one another. What a life the Pitcairns must have had.

The Cathedral & Museum are located adjacent from the personal estate.

I seriously wanted to frolic the hills, throwing flower petals in the air - singing "The Hills are aliiiive with the Sound of Muuuusic...." but that would've been way weird.

The cheerfully charming Meghan Cahill pulled up a few minutes after me. How is it that a woman can look so adorable on the go, 6 months pregnant? Bless her heart...I had a lot of boxes to carry up 2 flights of stairs and the girl in her family condition even offered to help. What a sweetheart! I only met her on one occasion before, Daynaduck's wedding day, and she still remembered everything about me and wedibles. That struck me as someone who knows her customers and takes a genuine interest in them. Her artistry with the ladies' hair was beautiful!

Quickly, I set up the Wedibles in the groom's chambers. Jenn wanted to send her groom a "last meal as a bachelor" spread, which I happily obliged. "Chris's Last Meal as a Single Man! Enjoy your Lunch! Love, Jenn"

Masculine, vintage-style suitcases contained the Bachelor treats: a nautical container for the double dark chocolate fudge brownies, a small gentleman's suitcase for the mini hoagies and a chap box for the soft pretzels with the bride and groom initials.

The boys were to nosh on the goodies while the ladies gleefully dress and primp down the hall in the elegant Bridal Suite.

Next, I was off to decorate the Bridal Suite with the Best of Everything package that Jenn had ordered for her attendants and family. Two elegantly appointed rooms awaited me to set up the bagels, sweets, veggies and sandwiches. I was in heaven with that much space!

The gals were definitely hungry with all the morning excitement. The first to go? Mom's homemade scones of course...I envy her. Mom has worked in several tearooms and her scones are unique and highly praised. However, Mom won't share the recipe with me. They are her own creation. Jenn chose Chocolate Chip and Blueberry. Orange Marmalade, Black Raspberry Jam and Lemon Curd brings out the flavor.Jenn's wedding ceremony didn't start until 6 p.m. and the reception was at 7. It would've been a long day without eating - so she made sure everyone was well taken care of. Thoughtful Bride, indeed.

Strawberries are in full season this time of year. I made mini strawberry chocolate bundt cakes. As you can see, they were tempting enough to have one gone missing already!

Veggies, anyone? Mini Sandwiches in a hatbox. Mini heart pretzels

Partial Spread Set-Up in Bridal Suite Room 2

Homemade Banana Muffins & Spring Angel Cupcakes

Jenn's friends and family were so gracious and began to dig in immediately.....It always warms my heart to see people eat! Mangia, mangia! Her mom sweetly handed me a bottled water because rushing around tends to make one very warm. Thanks, Jenn's mom!

My husband and I returned to Cairnwood mid afternoon to pick up the containers and clean up but to our utter delight, the AMAZING Jennifer Poletti of Perfect Planners http://www.perfect-planners.com/ already had all the boxes and containers stacked up neatly! Meeting her for the first time was a highlight of my day. I can clearly see why Brides choose her. Her attention to detail was evident in the way the estate was now being set up for the upcoming night's festivities. She was friendly, warm and gracious. She was taking photos of some lovely invites done by talented Erin Proud of www.proudtoplan.com

Jen was a sheer delight to meet, even commenting on my introduction to my husband. "Wow, you look just like Mr. Big! Tell Carrie I said hi." It isn't the first time Mark has heard the Mr. Big resemblance thing...he just blushed. I can't thank her enough for her exceptional service in getting all my containers and accessories organized and ready to load.

As my husband and I drove through the grounds, we caught brief glimpses of the bride getting her photos taken in the garden...I can't wait to see the stunning photos. The bridesmaids were walking towards a photo spot. They wore a rich, brown dress with light pink flowers. Elegant.

If Jenn's marriage to Chris is as beautiful as the day was, she will be blessed for life.

LINDSAY's GOOD OLE Down-Home WEDDING!

2008-05-19T13:28:00.013-04:00

My Very 1st WEDIBLES!

(the sentimental tissue dab to eye -sniff, sniff)

Lindsay aka knottie, WhiteTrashBride, was a June 2007 bride and if anyone knows how to throw a celebration, it would be Lindsay.

Pulling up to her driveway that morning, I saw the signs of a measurable celebration from the night before. Lindsay's rehearsal dinner looked as if it was more fun than most wedding receptions I've been to. Complete with fireworks, rockin band, and a hunky bartender (as was told by many admiring friends that morning), she had family and friends gather around for a pre-wedding party before the vows were exchanged.

Lindsay is probably the most hospitable good-ole cowgirl I've met.

Living on "Hillbilly Ranch" with her husband, Ryan and their "kids" - horses, chickens, and dogs, Lindsay was the the first knottie to offer her beautiful home for a Knottie GTG... and how much fun was that!!!! Soooo much fun.

Knot GTGs at Lindsay & Ryan's Hillbilly Ranch include Ghost Stories, Sparklers, S'mores, Hot Tub Dips and Good Times!

recognize any knotties/nesties?

Ryan fired up the campfire by the pond while Lindsay got the outdoor suana/hot-tub in gear. Knottie friends brought s'mores and food and Lindsay's itty bitty pooch, Magnum, supplied the entertainment by being cute!

It was a great honor to be part of Lindsay's wedding morning. Her sisters and friends made me feel very welcome.

If you get a chance, check out Lindsay's newest adventure, http://www.asaptees.com/ , a customized and personalized product store she started with her husband!

DUCK Gets HITCHED!

2008-05-19T12:39:00.006-04:00

My Bucks County fellow Knottie, Daynaduck, married her honey on Sept. 2, 2007. Everything about her wedding screamed FRESH and INVIGORATING! I loved her inspiration colors of apple green and perky pink. Her peony style invitations and stationery brought a late summer element to her wedding location at Cairnwood.

Her inspiration pic, above, set the tone for her wedding. Love it!

Also, check out her bio to see the photo of her ruched wedding gown. So very elegant.http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/user/page.aspx?username=daynaduck

I have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Dayna in real life and can attest to her spunk and sense of fun. I loved hanging out with her at the GTGs and was really happy to get to "wedible" her wedding morning!

I loved her house in Yardley and set up her breakfast spread in her kitchen. Sorry, no pics but I was touched by the parting of Dayna and her Fi that morning. I drove into the driveway and saw them embracing for the last time before they got to say "I DO".

Awwwww~!

Since her wedding, Dayna has started her own jewelery boutique, http://www.luckyduckjewelry.com/ I am sure many future brides would love the personalized attention she provides to her pieces!

DOMENICA's Autumn Wedding

2008-05-19T12:15:00.004-04:00

Knottie Domenica asked if I could provide some munchees for her November wedding! Yippeee! My first "theme" wedibles.

Excited, I went out a purchased autumn accents (scarecrows, gourds, pumpkin lanterns, leaf toothpicks) to enhance her wedible spread.

Domenica's wedding was the first hotel spread I had done (I still get very nervous setting up in a hotel environment due to spacing, permission, portability, etc.) and I am still learning a way to fit an expansive buffet into a tight space. Makeup, Hair and Bridesmaids can make even a large room seem cozy. Knowing now what I didn't know then, I will start adding more height to my displays so that not all the food is on one level...which will add a bit more dimension and fit ability to the table.

Domenica was so very gracious and sweet. She studied music and had her wedding at the beautiful Glen Foerd Mansion! I wish I had more pics of her but I wanted to get out of the way of all the excitement. I am so grateful for that opportunity!

GRETCHEN is LOVED!

2008-05-19T10:39:00.011-04:00

What impressed me the most about Gretchen (knottie "Gertiern") was the amount of love and support surrounding her on her wedding morning. I pulled up to her home and could see the little Bride Lives Here type details on the door and window.

Gretchen and I had a lot in common in the fact that we are both mid-30's and just starting our life with our husbands after several years of courtship.

Walking into her entryway, I was cheerfully greeted by warm smiles and friendly hello's by her bridal party, consisting of sisters and beloved friends. Many of them were about to get dressed and in their pajamas from the night before (a little pre-wedding sleepover). So many giggles and laughs and bursts of excitement. I felt like I was in a really affable, warm & loving sorority.

I set up the wedibles on her side table and admired how welcoming and lovely she decorated her home. Her colors were regal navy and crisp yellow for her Autumn 2007 wedding. I couldn't help myself by adding his/her scarecrows and a few mini gourds.

Gretchen is a nurse. Meeting her was a joy. She had the most adorable pixie hair cut, I also loved her makeup and smokey eyes. I kept staring at them - wishing to know the technique to making one's eyes so alluring like that. Damnit, I wish I could've stayed but I'm just a snack gal....what a fun group of gals!

Recently, Gretchen became a puppy mommy and a new aunt/godmother to her sister's baby!

Elizabeth's Wedding

2008-05-19T10:30:00.004-04:00

I have no photos of this event, but I must say that it was such a lovely experience to be part of Elizabeth's wedding morning. I got to see how much her cousin/bridesmaid loves her by her creative accents in the wedding theme: paper flowers for the rehearsal dinner, DIY programs, etc.

Elizabeth got married on March 29 and had an early Spring decor running through her wedding with colors of gold, sage green, ivory and pale pink. There was a bird's nest stamp that went along with her theme. Enchanting.

Her wedibles spread was done in her parents' beautiful home in Newtown. Elizabeth's bridal gown hung in the upstairs window with a statue of the Blessed Mother on the window sill symbolically praying to keep any rain at bay (a custom for many Catholics)

I hope to post photos soon.

MIRIAM - a BRIDE from WISCONSIN!

2008-05-18T14:41:00.012-04:00

Miriam, aka knottie "MIRPETE" is the type of gal that you want to sit on a porch with for hours while drinking iced tea and sharing stories of your hometown. She possesses that Midwestern, "all American gal" persona that immediately puts you at cheerful ease.

I was impressed with the way she instantly shared the fact that she had butterflies in her stomach on her wedding morning. Glad I wasn't the only one with that problem. Only, I'm sure Miriam gets to remember her wedding day while mine shifted somewhere in my cerebral memory files due to a nice dose of ativan before walking down the aisle.

Helping her in her hotel suite, was her sister, Esther. Another smiling product of Wisconsin who now resides in Seattle. I love the names in Miriam's family: Miriam, Esther, Phoebe...her mom wanted biblical names for her daughters...so unique. They could step right out of a history book and be a modern day woman.

~SISTER ACT~

Miriam on left, Esther on right share the same familial smile at the beginning of the day's events.

Miriam is a fan of blueberries and requested blueberry mini bundt cakes which I was happy to prepare for her. Not sure which recipe I wanted to use, I made two kinds of blueberry treats - a lighter blueberry crumb muffin and a denser, sweeter blueberry bundt cake with icing. They were fun to make and I was happy with the way they looked in the vintage blue box.

As I finished setting up her hotel room spread, I wanted to shift Miriam's jitters on playfulness a bit and made her pose ala Vanna White with her breakfast layout. Now who wouldn't love this girl?

She should be a cruise director with her hospitable nature!

It was a delight to meet her in person! How pretty are her wedding day photos. If you get a chance, ask to see her wedding photo album. Her and her husband, Dan, have a natural way of posing and you can just tell they had such fun getting their photos taken. She looks perfectly sophisticated and elegant for an early Spring, April bride!

MARY Weds JONATHAN! H.S. SWEETHEARTS!

2008-05-16T16:54:00.011-04:00

HELLO! It's May 16. Mary weds Jonathan!

As I type, Mary is in the process of becoming a wife to Jonathan, a lad she's been holding hands with for 8 years! (courtesy of her Knot "merjmm" Planning Bio, engagement pic taken by talented former knottie, Caitlin Domanico www.caitlindomanico.com She resembles a little bit of Kirsten Dunst here, don't ya think? :)

So adorable....to marry a high school sweetheart. Jonathan went to her senior prom and 8 years later, he's her husband. Mary's wedding looks like it will be sophisticated and elegant with a walk down St. Patrick's aisle and a reception at the infamous Ballroom at the Ben.

Having arrived on a fairly wet and chilly May morning, I was greeted with a smile that could light up a room like a spotlight. Mary and her attendants were calmly sitting in her room getting hair/makeup primped. I hurriedly put her "Healthy Start" spread together on the table. Mary's dedication to fitness is evident. She ordered granola, yogurt, fruit, veggies, cheese and bagels. I tried to make a little pink crystal sugar heart in the cream cheese because I'm goofy like that.

I brought the big Brandy glass to hold the yogurt in and an apothecary jar for the granola. The fruit was placed in a hatbox with sprigs of mint. Hopefully she and her bridesmaids enjoyed their healthy parfaits! Sorry no pics, I was too busy setting up at this point.

I must say the strawberry skewers for the kids tempted me to try one and the are peaking perfectly for the new season. I loooove strawberries around May and June, sweet and delish! I went strawberry picking every year with my dad right after school let out. One of my favorite memories as a kid..ahhhhhh...

So back to Miss (now Mrs.) Mary. She reminded me of a cut-out doll from my cut-out dolls book I once got from my mom. This particular cut-out doll was from Norway. Maybe it was Mary's fair eyes, hair and complexion and perfect teeth! Me thinks she resembles this chick:

I wanted so badly to stay around and see her in her dress but the parking lot was ticking!

She was wearing her Mrs. Hoodie established May 16, 2008. Wish I had thought of that for my wedding day! The room at the Omni was lovely as it sat in the historic district of Philadelphia. I had to take a pic of her hair. It looked like it was straight from a bride magazine.
(bad shot but great look!)

Mary's mom-in-law is from Australia and some of her family was traveling in for the wedding. Could you imagine how excited they must be?

The flowers arrived and the ooohs and ahhhs followed. Sexy Flowers! Deep reds, burgundy, purple and hot pink...will look amazing against the champagne dresses of the Bridesmaids.

Mary asked us if we could deliver her FI's "bye bye bachelor" spread to his room along with her card to him. Once again, I wanted to stay and watch as he opened the card and read the poignant verses and declaration of love I'm sure she has written to him...but that would have been me wanting a "tissue moment" that is very personal.

Here's some pics of the groom's layout. The pics aren't that good because I took them in a hurry and not wanting to be like "hey...look at me...I'm a stranger in your room taking pics of something you know nothing about". Here's the vintage truck with the bride/groom initials in the back and Mary's card to her honey, Jonathan. On the back of the truck is a little sign that read "ALMOST MARRIED" The 2nd pic if the sandwiches in the "manly" container.

By the time I finish writing this post, they will be well into the reception, perhaps cutting the cake! Even though it rained today, I have no doubt it was sunny in their hearts. Excitement radiates from Mary in this pic of her next to the gown...yet to be worn!