Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
I am not sure if my brain is capable of sorting things out in the proper categories this week. It's all sort of real, with lots of happiness thrown in.
If your palette were green and white, wouldn't the (quite left-over) bouquet above be pretty? Note to self: Plant many hydrangeas STAT for fabulous bouquets. And not in the shade, as I have done. I have mostly sad, non-blooming hydrangeas. These were from Costco online, and they were lovely. {I am not trying to be comprehensive here about the flowers — patience!}
There were lots to bring home. I have jars of flowers all over.
It's okay to have to go through things slowly, sorting them out, trying to figure out where things go (and if we will need them again right away!). It gives you time to think things over, and I am grateful that I have time and leisure to spend a day this way.
I can handle frantic times if I also have some relatively quiet times.
It makes me happy to create some order out of the havoc (because no matter how organized you are, and I'm not that organized, in the end, things just get piled and shoved and stuffed and thrown), and to remember that, despite my worries, everything was just fine.
One fun thing Sukie and John wanted was pie, not cake! I imposed on some of my friends to bake, and they made strawberry-rhubarb and apple pies (we got two 3 gallon tubs of ice cream from our favorite dairy nearby). How heavenly! In the end, out of about 16 or so pies, only two were left. One of mine and one of my friend's.
I knew which one was hers, because she had described the decorations her daughter had made on it: Wedding bells, and a heart, and the initials S and J! How adorable is that! I found her other pie plate, because it had a tiny bit of crust at the bottom with a little bit of bow on it.
Let me tell you, they were all beautiful pies. Seeing as things are too hectic during a party you're hosting for you to enjoy the food properly, I'm excited that we have this one to savor now that things have quieted down.
If you are going to dance for all you're worth, you're going to do some damage to your gown.
Things have to be filed, what with two brides! If you have more than one daughter, try to keep records (meaning, all the invoices, menus, copies of letters, and notes of inquiries), because you won't remember all the details. Who needs to re-invent that wheel! The vendors often stay the same for years, and having it all right there is so helpful.
In our community of many growing girls and a need to keep things frugal, it's good to know who has the tablecloths, who has the steamer, and where to get the chairs! I have a notebook, but I'm thinking that an online document might be the way to go.
And really, I'm actually not in recovery, I'm in the home stretch for Deirdre's wedding! (Not to mention that I need to repair those jeans there for Will.)
priest's wife says
How beautiful….and I surmise that the style of Deirdre's wedding will be very different than Sukie's- but both beautiful.
Many blessed years (and grandchildren) for the happy couples!
kayleen says
I was so relieved after our wedding! All that planning was very stressful for me and I was ready to just be done with it! I remember not wanting to go to any other weddings or see any wedding shows on TLC for several months after we were married…I just needed a break from it all! But now I'm fine and of course I enjoy seeing how others put together their ideas and dreams.
I love the green and white. I love the dress (do you think the sleeveless is finally going out of style?!). And i love the venue. I look forward to seeing even more pictures of the occasion!!
copperswife says
The flowers for the wedding must have been amazing from the brief glimpses seen in the last couple of posts. Can't wait to see more wedding pictures.
Marg says
Sukie's wedding looked absolutely fantastic! Thank you for sharing the pics with “the public.”
My daughter and I have volunteered to make the food for a friend's daughter's wedding on 6/15. She wants appetizers vs. a full sit-down dinner. What did you all eat at your daughter's wedding? Any pics of the food? We'll be preparing food for 175 or so guests – yikes! Any tips on supplying food for weddings?
I know you're in the midst of preparing for another wedding, so if you can't reply soon, I'd totally understand.
Blessings to you and your family!
priest's wife says
Years ago, I made about 300 small-ish cream puff shells and filled them with chicken salad, all vegetable (potato, peas, crunchy bell pepper, ect) salad, something else- the shells are easy to make- and it was elegant and substantial- you just need lots of fridge space (or you can just refrigerate the filling and then fill at the reception site if you have help)
if they are giving you money for ingredients- this would be my 'appetizer' menu for a summer wedding:
—grape tomato-mini fresh mozzarella ball on large pick sprinkled with salt, olive oil, basil
—mini meat balls (half beef or pork/half chicken- mix with some egg, bread crumbs, freshly crushed garlic, pepper, salt)- do not buy ready-made, but these can be browned a day ahead
—quality cracker with a dab of cream cheese, a sliced of peeled persian cucumber, salt, pepper, a sprig of water cress (or Italian parsley)
If you can get some teens to walk around with trays of these- that would be nice
—buffet of
chicken salad in cream puff shells and another salad in the shells
slices of tri-tip (if on budget)
large slices of browned polish sausage
chicken wings or the smaller chicken drumsticks- baked with white wine and garlic salt
rolls and butter
in-season sliced fruit with dip of sour cream, sugar, orange zest and vanilla
in-season vegetables with a 'cheese ball” (one to go to each table- can be made ahead of time easily) & crackers
if there is a kids' table- AFTER the real food is available, bring them a tray of mini corn dogs and cut up fruit and veggies along with color pages and crayons- provide juice boxes, too (less spillage)
if you are feeling up to it- provide a tray of cookies (an Italian grandma-type might love to bake these) (and/or cream-filled cream puffs) and fruit to go out with the cake
if you have help in the kitchen/staging area- make trays smaller and replace them so it will look nice at the party
confirm with the bride that you are not doing the drinks- but suggest that a pot of coffee is provided with the cake
confirm the wedding day and party time-line with the bride and her mom
confirm the budget with bride and mom
besides you and your daughter, you will need 2 more people to work all day the day before (besides you making the cheeseballs way ahead) and the day of the wedding. You will need 2-4 teens to help you from 1 hour before the party to 2 hours into the party (3 hours of work equals all the cake you can eat)- grocery shop two days before the wedding
if bride or groom have any ethnic background, remember that in the food- and ask them if they have favorites or food they hate
make much more food than you think necessary and have to-go boxes so people can take any left-overs home. I find typical American weddings usually don't have enough food. Err on the side of caution so people will be comfortable staying at the party and eating (this is also important if there is alcohol)
Yes- it is a LOT of work- but if you have a fridge, my menu is actually pretty easy
Marg says
Wow! This is a ton of fantastic information. I will put it to good use – thank you so much! Will try to post back how it all went….
Blessings to you!
priest's wife says
How beautiful….and I surmise that the style of Deirdre's wedding will be very different than Sukie's- but both beautiful.
Jamie says
Well, if this doesn't all take the cake! Everything is so pretty and I think I see glimpses of a wedding dress? You haven't formally shown us the dresses have you? Or did I miss that? It's gorgeous and fun and familial and precious and I enjoy each peek which you have shared. One more wedding! You go, mamma!
EK White says
I completely understand the comatose state! I feel that way all too often… and not for a good reason like you have! The pie idea instead of having cake is a great one, and the tip about keeping files to use with more than one daughter is perfect! I haven't linked up with {phfr} in a very long time, and, I must say, I am so glad to be joining in once again.
Sue in Japan says
I'm filing away these helpful hints for the future!
I love the dress teaser photos. Can't wait to see more photos… of both weddings!! Hang in there Mother of the Brides!
Janet says
Leila, you made my week. It was a very hot, nasty weather week here in Philly and I was feeling very out of sorts, but seeing your beautiful family and that wedding has restored me. It is so good to see young people who have their priorities straight and who were raised with real values. That didn't happen by itself – congratulations to you and your husband for doing such a good job.
Haus Frau says
“Things have to be filed, what with two brides! If you have more than one daughter, try to keep records (meaning, all the invoices, menus, copies of letters, and notes of inquiries), because you won't remember all the details. Who needs to re-invent that wheel! The vendors often stay the same for years, and having it all right there is so helpful.”
My oldest and youngest of three daughters are 35 months apart–this is a useful tip for me. Thanks! And congrats again on Sukie's marriage. Those pictures are lovely.
PNG says
God Bless you.:) Ya'll are doing a great job with all the chaos/bliss. Count on our prayers!
Mary says
Everything looks so lovely. Can't wait for more details on how it all came to be. I have been taking notes on all the frugal tips you've given so far.
Congratulations once more to Sukie and John!!
christine Guest says
It's cool how the photos tell the story even without people in them.
Monique says
Beautiful! I love all the wonderful ideas you have given. I will have to store them away for my daughter's special day. I have a few years though, she's only 7…lol.
Congratulations to Sukie and John.
Deanna says
I have recently found your blog and am delighting in it!
I am still trying to sort out who is who etc…but it has been fun to jump in with weddings going on! I have four daughters and two sons and I love to collect ideas!
I pray that you all will continue to be in good health and get the rest you need leading up to the next wedding.
God's blessings!
Deanna ” target=”_blank”>http://www.fabfashionpa.com
nancy says
Notebook is a great idea because you are so right….there is no way to remember the details. Also, like the idea of pie instead of cake. Who says you have to follow what all the bridal magazines suggest spending thousands of dollars? I think when friends and family participate in helping to create the special day, the wedding and reception becomes a memory of much meaning and fun.
Jennifer says
I can only imagine how you need a moment to catch your breath and gear up for the next round! Praying blessings on your efforts! Lovely pictures. Thank you.
Lindsey says
It's so neat to see all the little details and even the leftovers! Thanks for sharing!
Kate says
Yay for the pies! When my older sister got married, her husband wanted pies instead of cakes for the groom's cake. (He got them because he asked for hardly anything. LOL) We had jars of flowers hanging around afterwards, too.
AHeartLikeMarys says
Beautiful flowers and the wedding looks like it was amazing! Can't wait to see more pictures (=
nadja says
Your kitchen windowsill is enviable. I congratulate you on the wedding of your daughter–I am sure it takes a huge amount of intestinal fortitude to be the mother of a bride!
CMerie says
Love the idea for pie instead of cake! So glad you get to actually enjoy them after the fact.
dweej {house unseen} says
I do believe you are the busiest and most charming mother in America right now!
skoots1mom says
that pie looks scrumptious!…and i know you're happily enjoying those flowers and all the WEDDINGS!
Briana says
It all is so wonderful and happy and beautiful and love filled.
Briana says
PW, I am laughing at the comment that American weddings don't have enough food. My Italian husband agrees with you. 😉
The Hidden Life says
PW, I am laughing at the comment that American weddings don't have enough food. My Italian husband agrees with you. 😉
Breanna says
My Mom and Dad did two weddings (me and my sister) three weeks apart. All I can say is — bon courage!
Pippajo says
Look at you, giving us a full PHFR mere days after one wedding and mere weeks before another! I would have been like, “We had a wedding! Isn't that PHFR enough?”
But, really, everything looks lovely and fun and wonderful! I can't wait to see all the lovely photos you'll no doubt be blessing us with come July!
Also, you may already know this, but just in case you don't: perhaps it's just a little too soon for hydrangeas? I have tons of them in my yard, in the shade, and they're never in full bloom until the end of June. And the mophead variety only blooms on old wood. So you have to think two years ahead and wherever you prune them this year, they won't bloom the next, but wherever you pruned them two years ago, they'll bloom like gang-busters this year. But, like I said, you probably already know that, so feel free to disregard it!
_Leila says
Pippajo, I know so little about gardening in general and flowers in particular that it's just sad. I went to the Cape and just loved the hydrangeas blooming next to the daylilies, so put them out around my deck.
I thought that they would be okay in the shade. Yours are! I think they are just too close to that huge sugar maple. I don't prune them — maybe I should?
They have been out there for years now, and hardly do a thing. It's too early for them in theory, yes. But also in practice. If I had a minute I would move them, because I think they would be fine out in the sun, but every year comes and goes and they are still out there! It was a good idea poorly executed 🙁
I'm hoping that the veggies I got out in the garden before the wedding don't completely give up on me! Too. much. to. do!
Anna says
Enjoying your wedding posts. My little sister is getting married in September, so I've got weddings “on the brain”. 🙂
shwell says
I love Family Style Weddings
When my husband's youngest sister got married they had a local BnB do the reception. Basically because they were three doors down from the church and had a lovely garden. We came from Maine with about 100 lobsters, 5 mins after we arrive at the BnB from the Church the “chef” asks us how to cook lobsters, so My husband spent the whole dinner in the kitchen.
One of his brother's had a pot luck reception, and it was awesome food, but his sisters and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen until late the night before.
Another brother's wedding one of his sister's and I spent a whole day driving to gardens of friends and picking flowers for boquets, church and reception.
I love those memories of being in the thick of it and helping create the magic of the day.
PS. I highly recommend Calms Forte by Hyland at night just before bed if you need help turning off those TO DO lists that could keep you awake, and interrupt your much needed rest.
Helene says
Beautiful, lovely, congratulations to you all! What fun ideas! Hope the Chief is holding up okay, too.
JessT says
Thanks again for sharing all the pictures! It is fun to see all of the lovlies — congratulations to your whole family!
Jess
Sue says
I LOVE how natural they look. I've seen some seriously over-stylized flowers this year, and it's just not right. A flower's beauty should be left alone, like you have done.
Woman of the House says
A beautiful wedding and reception! The flowers are gorgeous, and so are the dresses, the lights~ everything! Well done!