Blue Grass Bliss

When I think of Virginia, I think of a lot of things including Blue Grass music.  So those who know how to flatfoot, come and join.  And those of us who don't, maybe we should learn or at least brush up on our clapping. :)  Doesn't this look fun?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SCHnX7gPiU&feature=related

Food for thought

We are looking at doing a buffet with Grandma Cox's shrimp puffs of course! Here is another fun idea Betsy found in her Martha Stewart wedding book.

Party Favors

We are thinking of giving wildflower seed packets as favors and hanging them on trees (as shown below).  Maybe even buy a tree that could be planted...or just trim one that we already have.

More Table Centerpiece Ideas

Hair Ideas

I'm not sure if there's enough hair, but this is the first idea of what Betsy wanted.

Wedding Cake

Here is a picture of another wedding cake Betsy is considering.

Isn't it cool? Papa could make the cake stand, and we will have different flavors of cake. Any suggestions?

Flower Girls

Flower girls can be wonder-full, fun, extra cute, or silly. We had the full range at this wedding . . . two of the girls fought over who was the flower girl, as if there could only be one. They followed the bride around, amazed an in awe of everything: the dress, the ring, princess hair, the prince, the "castle" (temple).

Registering

Where to register? Big question . . . the next big question is what to register for? Fortunoff has made if very easy not to register with them - they are going out of business!

Amazon is making it easy to register with them at www.amazon.com/wedding. They also have ideas for saving money on the wedding and other tips.

My NYC friends had some concerns about the stores I registered with because they were not fancy enough, but we did get some super-nice gifts from Macy's, 800 count sheets being at the top of the list. However, Bed Bath and Beyond was by far the easiest to work with, and they will give you cash if the item is on your registry. Target is more difficult because they require a return in 30 days with the gift reciept whether or not the item is on your registry. All three have on-line registries.

Happy shopping, and may you recieve wonderful, memorable and usable gifts!

Flower Thoughts

Now that Betsy has chosen a color scheme, it's time to look at things she needs in those colors. Here is a start with flowers:

With flowers, it boils down to 1) what you love, 2) florist talent, abilities, ideas, 3) cost, 4) what is in season.

Party in Virginia - August 22

This past weekend I went home to Virginia and looked at a couple of options for our reception in the Old Dominion. We've narrowed it down to the two options shown below.

Reynolds Homestead, Patrick County, Virginia
(http://www.reynoldshomestead.vt.edu)

This one is an old plantation about 20 minutes from my parents' house in Bassett. It is now owned by Virginia Tech and has a new building on the grounds that can be rented for events such as receptions. The area is beautiful and the old plantation house and surrounding landmarks are well preserved. Below is a picture of the old plantation house (built in 1843) and the inside of the main room where we would have the reception. I like this one for

its history and the beauty of the area.

Forest Park Country Club, Martinsville, Virginia

Another option we are considering is Forest Park in Martinsville which is also about 20 minutes from where I grew up. This is a nice option and beautiful location but they don't allow outside caterers.






























We haven't yet decided on exactly where to have it but the party in Virignia should be fun with good food and maybe a little bit of blue grass.

Inspiration

Inspiration comes in many different forms. I have fabric and pictures and now a notebook. My friend Marla helped me figure out a lot about my inspiration this weekend. I harnessed her years of experience in the wedding industry to help me get my thoughts together. Thanks, Marla!

So here are some of my inspirations...note they are inspirations and not necessarily exactly what I want (i.e. the fabrics are more palets of colors). Note the colors might not look the same so I'll have to send Mom and Judy samples.

And the flowers/plants...

Something sweet to look at...

Locations for Utah Reception

Picture an August evening where everyone is gathering to enjoy each other and congratulate Garrett and I on our new marriage. So where did you picture it? I kept thinking of locations but my mind always wondered back to my parents' yard. Isn't it lovely?

I keep telling Garrett that this would be a lot of stress and work for my parents so it's not an option, but my parents keep saying it's the best option. My sisters Marianne and Michelle had receptions here as well as my Aunt Nellie.

Another option is going to a reception hall where most everything is included...Northampton House is really close to Michelle and does a beautiful job (http://www.northamptonhouse.com/). If it won't be the death of my parents then I would prefer our yard to a reception hall...Any ideas on how to keep Mom & Dad's stress down?

Wedding Expo

Thanksgiving Point is throwing their Wedding Expo in 2 weeks - March 27 & 28.  Sounds like fun and I wish I could make it.  Who wants to go get all the information and take pictures?  Mom, Michelle, Lori,...

www.Thanksgivingpoint.com

Tentative Schedule

So here are our thoughts on what the big day(s) might look like...nothing set in stone since we are mulling it over.  (did I ever tell you that we have a difficult time deciding on things right away? must be a recent thing)

August 7, 2009

3PM Wedding at Manti Temple (Garrett is booking it today)

4-5:30PM Pictures (guests can tour Manti)

6PM Dinner at Manti House (or are there other suggestions?)

Night Guests drive back to UT County

August 8, 2009

Morning Out of town guests site-see Utah spots

Afternoon Have fun with family getting things set up

7PM Reception at ??? (need suggestions here)

August 22, 2009

Reception in Virginia with Blue Grass music