Showing posts with label Weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weddings. Show all posts
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
changing seasons
At least, this week it is. This morning, as I was walking home from the voting booths (voted!), a delightful chill was being carried through the trees and propelled by the cars speeding past, so much so that I felt the need for a bit of lightweight wool around the neck. Sometimes it's the simple things, I tell you. Walking in the chilly air with a scarf, walking through the rain (pouring or misting) and being among the sand and sea are things that I consider to be on the "sweet and simple list". They just come naturally and often don't last terribly long, but they're a part of the things one remembers about a day or vacation.
Ah, to be back by the sea...
So, my fall swing of wedding planning has come to a close and I must confess to be a mixture of sadness that the planning/coordinating is over (for now) and contentedness that sweet friends are married; there is certainly a satisfaction of looking back at a job well done, reviewing what I learned and making notes of what to do next time. I've had many a person ask me what I'll be doing now that these weddings are over and quite honestly, I'm looking forward to getting back to "home life". Since September, I've had a few things on hold and how is the time to get back to them. As usual, I'll start with a teux deux list and will start working to knock it out! A major thing that's been lovingly placed on the back burner is my dear etsy shop, I don't even remember when I put it on vacation but it's time to break out the knitting needles and sewing things again. I'd love to focus on selling to brick-and-mortar shops around Houston, Austin, North Carolina, and New York (it certainly helps to have friends in different parts of the country!). Working with people is something that I really enjoy and is a factor that I have sorely missed by selling primarily on etsy, more on that thought later. :)
Also, now that I'm not quite so busy, I have more time to be nannying! In the past month or so, I've had the pleasure to begin regularly nannying for a family from my church, and there have been so many fun experiences thus far! Currently there are seven children in the family and as the top three children are older and self-sufficient, I mostly work with the younger four.
Robert (age 2, whom I refer to as "Michael Darling") is my new little buddy and we do have a grand time together; he's a marvelous grocery shopping buddy and has a great love for my humming car (because it really is the car that loves to have fun); HEB and Trader Joe's are our current hangout places. (I just. love. Trader Joe's.) Be expecting photos of "my" new seven children soon. It's all a change of pace considering the schedule I've been keeping the past three months but I generally consider change to be a beautiful thing; at the very least, it's wonderful for the creative mind to have a new schedule every now and again.
But first, I must sort through all of the wedding leftovers; runaway receipts and lists must be tracked, wedding flower urns to be returned, and emails to be sent. After that, I'm very much looking forward to filling up the weeks with nannying, sewing, knitting, running (my new found exercise love), and-hopefully-more estate sale finds (I'm always on the hunt for linens, eclectic plates, and glass jars!). November begins my very favorite time of year (in case it's slipped your notice), there are so many things I love about the chilly months not only because they're chilly but because of the things that November/December/January bring. Birthdays, hot apple cider, and dinner outside under white twinkly lights are just a few of the things that make this time of year special to me.
What about you? How does your November look?
Monday, 1 October 2012
hello october// breathe
I don't know what I miss more, the sand and sea, the glorious weather, the foods, relaxing views, or the dear friends! The time there was truly a sweet blessing.
If there was a perfect wedding to begin my solo coordinating venture, this was certainly it. The weather wonderfully cooperated with the outdoor wedding, the salty wind kindly swept away ever bug/annoying mosquito and brought in a delightfully cool atmosphere. Champagne toasts and delicious foods followed the sweet, tearful ceremony (yes, it was their first kiss!), and after all of that, the dancing! I must confess that while I have little experience, I love dancing. It's a fabulous addition to any gathering and so much fun when there are willing, unafraid partners. The Bride and Groom rowed away for their wedding exit and fireworks were added to the farewells (the Bride's brother had a lovingly developed plan for their getaway :)
From start to finish, this little bee was quite wonderfully busy! I don't actually remember eating much more than eggs and orange juice in the morning, but then again I don't really remember having an appetite---much too many things to do and see! One of the many things that I realized over the weekend was the "Brain to Paper" aspect; once something was written down, it completely left my head! It's something that can be extremely helpful and so very dangerous at the same time. It remedy the latter, I developed the Sticky Note System; conveniently located on the inside of my wedding binder/brain, I keep all of the urgent, wildly important items that weren't already printed or need my attention. And they're hot pink, which to me, is pretty cool and adds to the "important" factor.
Lest you think I was running around the entire time like a chicken with it's head cut off
The backyard looked just like the end scene from Father of the Bride (empty wine glasses abandoned on empty tables, cake bits littered, chairs moved about, a space once filled with people now bare), only a handful of guests stayed behind for the after party (because nearly every party has an after party); only the necessary amount of chairs situated in a relaxed circle, I filled everyone's glass, some with white, some with red, and some with something bubbly. A light wind was in the air, breezing just enough to blow this curly hair about in a gentle way. There really is something about sitting down with a glass of something at the end of a crazy, busy day. The Father of the Bride sat down with his guitar and serenaded us after-party guests with whatever songs came to mind (his rendition of this wonderful song was probably my favorite of the ones he sang that evening); some danced but the majority of us sank into our chairs and sweaters, drinking in the delightfully relaxing night. It was beautiful. After the guests from that after-party left, Mirium (Bride's cousin), Evelyn (close family friend), and I enjoyed a pot of tea; party animals, I tell you.
Perhaps is was the busyness of the day that made the after-party enjoyable and relaxing in a sweet way.
There is so much more I'd like to share about the trip/wedding but this was probably one of the memories I treasure (people person alert!!). More pictures and memories will come, I'm sure!
This week, I'm heading off for the second wedding in my wedding planning trio! You already know about Emily, a very dear friend and the second Bride for this year. It's going to be a marvelous wedding, scottish theme (!!!) and will be filled to the brim with new friends, old friends, delicious food, and a beautiful, God-honoring ceremony, what more can one ask for?
So, should you wonder this week (or in the weeks to come) why this space is a wee quiet, well, just know it's because beautiful people are getting married, and I'm so excited to be a part of their special day.
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Friday, 7 September 2012
hello september// grateful
Isn't it grand to be getting into the Fall months? As a knitter and cold weather lover, this is my favorite time my year (if only it would get chilly enough to break out the cardigans and cowls!!).
You already know this, but my wedding planning schedule has filled nicely! This month marks the beginning of my wedding related activities and travels, and I am so excited about what they all will bring. I'm so grateful to be looking at a month filled with wedding details, good conversations that go late into the night, boating in the sound, swimming and walks on the beach, waking to the sound of the water, breathing in the salty air---okay, I'll stop with the ocean themed sentence now, but you get the idea. :)
What does September bring for you?
As I think through August and all that has happened since last months post, I'm so grateful for
..... sweet times of fellowship
..... the unknowns and questions in life that keep me on my knees in prayer
..... sisters, who are also my very best friends
..... horseback riding! It has officially been added to my list of relaxing things to do (along with vacuuming, rearranging furniture, putting fresh sheets on a bed, and going for long walks, just saying)
..... gaining a new friend
..... sweet friends who get engaged and ask me to help with their weddings
..... my girlfriend, who is almost like a sister, and the friendship we share
..... tall friend who lovingly places me into her heart and pocket, taking me to visit exciting, new places
..... new babies
..... wise counsel from dear friends who are practically family
..... the Neal's (totally miss them!)
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
life// update and weddings
Aren't weddings beautiful? I just love every aspect about them, at least the aspects I've experienced so far!
As I've mentioned before, there are a few weddings I'm working on this Fall, allow me to use them as the reason for my blogging absence. Truly, they and just life in general has kept me quite busy lately.
In just a few short weeks, I'll be flying off to a beautiful home, right on the Bogue Sound for the wedding of my very much in love friends, Bruce and Maria. There are so many things I'm looking forward to, not the least of which waking up to the sound of the water every morning (I'm smiling and relaxed just thinking about it!). BUT before I go, there are the delightful details that need to be decided for the October wedding my dear friends (who are also very much in love), Nathan and Emily. Their wedding is a little more than a week after I get back from North Carolina, then there's a November wedding but that's not for a while yet. ; ) Funny enough, I love life being full like this and am very blessed.
Just today I realized (with the help of a friend) that I'm a project driven person, go figure! Things like time management come very easily when I have a timeline/deadline; plans suddenly become organized and lists practically make themselves! Not to say that I shouldn't work on managing my time when I don't have a deadline, rather that it was enlightening for me to recognize this trait. I really do work well when under a time pressure! Any tips from my fellow Project Driven readers? I'd love to know your thoughts. : )
So, I know what you're wondering, just where did I get that quietly beautiful photo of a newly married couple? It's from this Kenny & Ervina// Vintage Backyard Wedding, photographed by the talented Tori Watson! Because of my high interest in weddings and planning them, I've made a habit of looking through different wedding photographers blogs and the weddings they photograph, pinterest is handy too. It's a great way for me to see a wide variety of weddings (everything from high and classy to diy vintage!) and gather ideas, all without leaving my cozy nook at home! Needless to say, I've seen quite a lot of weddings, but have only come across a few that capture my personal taste when it comes to my own someday, Lord willing wedding. {Now} I feel a need to interject here that I honestly don't have anything set in stone for my future, someday wedding; there really are no definite plans in place or things I *have* to have. However, I still have a personal taste when it comes to being wed. : ) This wedding is one of those that I really love. For so many different reasons, I can just see myself and Mr. Someday, Lord willing doing; the vintage and handmade touches as well as the light, clean feel, all the while staying personal and cheerful. I could go on but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
a wedding planning week
So, as you already know, I have a wonderful interest in wedding planning and day of coordinating.
Weddings are marvelous things and I love nearly every aspect about them; from the planning stages of choosing vendors, venues, colors, themes, and decor to the day of preparations and jitters. It's a neat way to become intimately involved in a bride's Big Day, allowing them to focus on the beautiful task at hand (getting married!), while I make sure all of the other things fall into place. It's really a sweet job.
This Fall I have the privilege of working with three weddings in various capacities, the biggest job being an assistant planner for a November wedding. One of the many great advantages to this position, is that you can still get work done even though you have a silly sinus infection (which means the tissue box is my new friend and I have abandoned my conviction about NOT blowing one's nose in public).So, for the next week or so, I will be focusing on gathering inspirations from the felicity collective (LOVE pinterest), making lots of lists, and emailing various persons. It's grand and I love doing it. : )
In other news, I am also planning this month's, yes, you can! installment, any burning suggestions? I have a few ideas in mind and just need to settle on one and do it. Ah, decisions, decisions!
{via}
Weddings are marvelous things and I love nearly every aspect about them; from the planning stages of choosing vendors, venues, colors, themes, and decor to the day of preparations and jitters. It's a neat way to become intimately involved in a bride's Big Day, allowing them to focus on the beautiful task at hand (getting married!), while I make sure all of the other things fall into place. It's really a sweet job.
This Fall I have the privilege of working with three weddings in various capacities, the biggest job being an assistant planner for a November wedding. One of the many great advantages to this position, is that you can still get work done even though you have a silly sinus infection (which means the tissue box is my new friend and I have abandoned my conviction about NOT blowing one's nose in public).So, for the next week or so, I will be focusing on gathering inspirations from the felicity collective (LOVE pinterest), making lots of lists, and emailing various persons. It's grand and I love doing it. : )
In other news, I am also planning this month's, yes, you can! installment, any burning suggestions? I have a few ideas in mind and just need to settle on one and do it. Ah, decisions, decisions!
{via}
Thursday, 9 June 2011
How to: Say "Thank You"
We were so very blessed to have a local garden center, Plants For All Seasons, allow us to use their plants for Andy and Lisa's wedding. Considering our facility limitations and desire to create a warm atmosphere, we were delighted to be able to bring in live plants!
The staff at Plants for All Seasons were very helpful and accommodating; working with them was easy peasy. So, if you're in the Houston/Spring/Tomball area and are in need of some gardening help, stop by and see how cheerful and knowledgeable they are!
As a way of saying danke, I decided to make them a refreshing treat:
This dessert is a summertime favorite of mine, ever since tasting it a few years ago. Each time I think of it and make it I think of the dear friend that first made it, and it causes me to pray for her and her family.
I loved eating it, making it was a bit of a saga as I used Ina's recipe; the meringue came out more like a runny marshmallow, so we ate it plain. The second time was a charm though as I used"The Best" Pavlova recipe--it came out perfect. No really, it puffed and looked like a creamy cloud of yummy goodness! Topped with the blueberries and whipped cream I second guessed my decision to give it to the hard-working staff but in the end I drove over and dropped it off without a second thought! I made another one today and plan to serve it with cherries instead of blueberries.
Do you have any summertime dessert recipes?
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
How to: Say "Thank You"

We were so very blessed to have a local garden center, Plants For All Seasons, allow us to use their plants for Andy and Lisa's wedding. Considering our facility limitations and desire to create a warm atmosphere, we were delighted to be able to bring in live plants!
The staff at Plants for All Seasons were very helpful and accommodating; working with them was easy peasy. So, if you're in the Houston/Spring/Tomball area and are in need of some gardening help, stop by and see how cheerful and knowledgeable they are!
As a way of saying danke, I decided to make them a refreshing treat:
This dessert is a summertime favorite of mine, ever since tasting it a few years ago. Each time I think of it and make it I think of the dear friend that first made it, and it causes me to pray for her and her family.
I loved eating it, making it was a bit of a saga as I used Ina's recipe; the meringue came out more like a runny marshmallow, so we ate it plain. The second time was a charm though as I used "The Best" Pavlova recipe--it came out perfect. No really, it puffed and looked like a creamy cloud of yummy goodness! Topped with the blueberries and whipped cream I second guessed my decision to give it to the hard-working staff but in the end I drove over and dropped it off without a second thought! I made another one today and plan to serve it with cherries instead of blueberries.
Do you have any summertime dessert recipes?
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Wedding Thoughts
I was very honored to assist in planning the wedding of a sweet friend and learned many things like corsage making, tulle draping, plant renting, planning, and making excel sheets (new favorite hobby).
We took this time that we were all spit shined and dressy to take some family pictures.
My family, along with the happy Bride and Groom--don't they look smashing?
Here are our dear friends/partners in crime.
They were instant wedding help and we really couldn't have gone smoothly without them;
like crazy people, we went over to their house after the wedding was over and staying long into the night just relaxing and talking.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience and I hope to do it again sometime.
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