Finally back from NYC...

wedding dress, veil and petticoat from WGPC. You know who grumbled at the cost of cleaning + preservation + insurance as he just happened to go to the the cleaners for me today and this was in.... He didn't know he had to pay $$$$.
But he grumbles at everything these days.... must be the stress... YNWIM!
This is a little preview window.... instructions say DO NOT STORE in attic or basement!

I can live with that as box as not it is too big....they obviously air-shrunk everything down.

Wedding Week

One Fabulous Mom is hosting Wedding Week and I've been tagged to show my reception pictures. Unfortunately, or maybe it is fortunate to spare ya'll from looking at 31 year old pictures, my wedding album flooded in Katrina. It was the only picture album, because of it's unusual size, that was sitting on a low shelf in my closet. All other pictures were in overhead cabinets.

Our reception was held in Buzzards Bay along the Cape Cod Canal. The restaurant owner's were close friends and the sit down meal consisted of spring salad, filet, individual pommes duchesse gratin, and asparagus. Bridesmaids were in pink and green, groom and groomsmen in grey tuxes.

We had dancing after dinner. I remember being absolutely exhausted, mouth and face paralyzed from smiling for pictures, and trying to talk with everyone. But all went smooth and it was a wonderful day. We did the old tradition of changing clothes and leaving the reception first. I think we left around 10:00 PM... it was such a good feeling to have it all behind.

Fabulous Fluff Stuff from Preppy Parade and Keeks & Brie

Way before the wedding, I posted how great Keeks and Brie and Preppy Parade were for helping me with last minute personalized, and handmade gifts to go into the gift bags for people that we wanted to say "Thanks" to. They were great...I received my beautiful items within 3-4 days. All the gift items came from a number of different sources...LLBean, Mint Julep Paperie, Keeks amd Brie, and Preppy Parade.

The beautiful bags and key holders from Keeks and Brie...

What I kept for myself....

This is sweet niece opening her goody bag....you can see the monogrammed bath wrap from Preppy Parade. She flew from Chicage to Atlanta to Orlando to Gulf[port (Don't ask, too long a story) to drive my MIL and J, from Diamondhead to Shreveport. She got a speeding ticking on LA -49, both hubby and I have been blessed with supporting Caddo Parish, also. They love Out of Staters to help supplement their County to the tune of $200 a pop for going 75 in a 70 mile an hour speed zone.

Below are items from Preppy Parade...monogrammed cosmetic bags for MIL and sweet friend who co-hosted Bridal Luncheon.

And monogrammed beach towels for daughters' 2 bridesmaids...

Wedding Pictures

We finally got to view about 1000 or so proofs from the wedding. There were 3 separate photographers, all shooting including Mark Eric. There are so many great pictures. So many are fun, so many are touching, so many show the beautiful Nuptial Mass with Monsignor officiating but this is my ultimate FAVORITE. .....This is my baby, so happy, so confidant, so beautiful, so sure of starting a wonderful life of wedded bliss... yes, this is my favorite!

WEDDING

markeric

the wedding

Where I've been....

I have not spent any time online, haven't caught up with anyone, or even answered. After my week of sleeping and moping right after the wedding, I have....

1. been babysitting Miller, the newlyweds dachshund while they are on their honeymoon

2. started at my house.... redoing Katrina-screw ups. there are many things that we have to have redone from the shady, incompetent, "we-threatened-to-take-to-court-but-could-not-emotionally-handle-that-extra-stress-at-the-time" subcontractors. did not get any where with these bad people, so we just need to pay once again, and get things right. seems like Katrina issues will haunt us for a long time.

3. painted the dinning room a brighter lighter shade of green. my master plan requires that i repaint every room a little lighter. i decided i need lighter colors for my emotional state of happiness. not sure if i like, need to change the drapes and the rug, of course in order to get full effect!

4. ordered above chest from Horchow. i had put all my purchases on hold until wedding was over and paid for. yes, we went way over wedding budget, like everyone predicts. Horchow having 20% off, so i got the chest basically with free shipping. PS Horchow has extended their 20% off entire stock sale.

5. once again praying for all the folks in our country that are having to deal with major catastrophes, due to Mother Nature. she seems to be relentless this year.

6. after refusing numerous paying interior decorating jobs (due to Katrina related issues) I've taken on my first job! BIG STEP! it is my neighbors beautiful home that is finally under construction. their house was completely Katrina-flooded and had to be demolished. i'll get some pictures of this lovely, raised Southern home.

7. still waiting for wedding pics....he seems to be weeks behind. that's OK as he is worth it!

8. paying off wedding!

9. thinking of all of you....

10. waiting for hubby to come home, he'll be off for the next 2 weeks

Pictures

While we wait for the pictures, I thought I'd share some info. The awesome photographer that we had, Mark Eric, was one of the original creative minds behind the Trash the Dress concept. He started it in New York City, not sure of the date. Wikipedia.... Daughter may do a Trash the Dress photo shoot... she's trying to work out time and logistics.


I took a few pictures, but they are terrible, and I didn't have anything to drink. Rather then post some bad images, I'll wait for the professional's version of the evening.

Still catching up on sleep.

Explanation below is from Wikipedia:

****Trash the dress is a term used for a type of photography that contrasts elegant clothing with an environment in which it is completely out of place. It is generally shot in the style of glossy beauty and glamour photography.
The term is alleged to have been coined and the idea started in America, by photographer Mark Eric, after he shot his first Trash The Dress session in New York.****

The Knot Has Been Tied

I hope everyone had as much fun as we did. Bride and Groom said it was the best night of their lives. Bridal party, groomsmens were awesome! Everyone that I talked to loved the entire night. More to come! Wow, we are tired!

Bridal Luncheon invite

Well, just picture the cute little green and white check silk sash that goes on this invitation around the waist of the dress. I had to take it off to scan it. This is adorable...the envelopes are all printed in the hot pink that is on the invitation.

Red River Board Room invitation

This is the invitation for Thursday night....the envelope was sooo cute...it had the Navy Blue anchor imposed over the addresses ....the envelope was 4 X 9 1/2 which was so unusual and different. My return address was on the back flip . I love Mint Julep Paperie...Danelle has helped us with everything! She is an expert and has so many great suggestions and ideas. More invitations to come....

Tweaking the outfits

***update*** with Dad's VV yellow knot tie?

Daughter and I have discussed these outfits forever. I ordered the Ralph Lauren 100% wool summer blazers, the VV ties. Dad has had the blazer for 2 years...wears it often so a 2nd one is a great idea. Daughter wanted stone colored chino Khaki's. Got the Ralph Lauren Khaki's yesterday but I don't like them...too casual. wrinkly, crumpled looking. I'm in love with these Ralph Lauren Cream summer linen slacks. I like the dressier "Great Gatsby" feel. Any opinions?

Excuse me while my life is hectic

Hey sweet friends....I've got to stay focused for the next few weeks! No posting and no reading. Not that I don't love you....I just have take care of a gazillion million things. I know you willl understand. The shower weekend was awesome... see you all soon after mid June...xoxo..

Families, Loyalty, and Love

Daughter's sweet best friend is also her fiance's sister. Their parents live here in this private community where we live. So, sufficed to say, our families are quite similar, the kids have same family backgrounds...loving family that is there no matter what...to help support them. That is a wonderful thing. My future son in law's Mom is so adorable and sweet...last night she came by with this gift below for me to carry in my vehicle for bridal shower. She, her Mom, and her daughter are all flying in Friday night to Shreveport for the shower. Her daughter, my daughter's best friend and SIL 's sister has final exams through Friday. She has to take her finals, drive 5 1/2 hours from Ole Miss to here, then go airport and fly to Shreveport for hhmm, total 8 hour flight time. How devoted is that?

My day today was totally changed. Hubby told me last night that his trip to White Sands, NM was postponed. That meant that since I did not have to drive him to the airport today, that I needed to take full responsibility for his Mom's colonoscopy. She was to have her sweet neighbor bring her home after procedure. . I all ways say "help someone like you would help your own Mother". My Mother is 84, lives in Massachusetts and I have to trust that my family there takes care of her since, I, her only daughter, am so far away. So yes, I was up at 4:30 am to call Mother in law, pick her up at 6:00am, drive to hospital to check her in at 6:45 am....surgery procedure was scheduled for 7:30 am. So I'm waiting in the surgery/waiting room and about 9:15 I asked the pink lady about my MIL. She had no news. At 9:30am I get a call from surgical nurse that she has not gone into surgery yet. Nurse didn't know how much longer and told me they would keep me updated.. So I came home. Finally at 11:15am I get a call that she is going into surgery. Seems her surgeon took all his other surgical patients before her, even though we were there at 6:45am. At 1:15 pm, I meet with surgeon and got her in my vehicle. Stayed with her at her home for 2 1/2 hours as she regained strength, ate food, & got fluids back into her system. Wow, it takes an entire day out of one's life to help a loved one with simple procedure. Wondering what the future has in store for me.
Families...ya gotta love them and help them!

On a Happier Topic....

****my wrapping paper is all Caspari bought it at Mint Julep Paperie in Shreveport.*****


We are really crunching time as the wedding is only a month away. I'm not panicking but do have this sense of "what I am forgetting"? All my lists are scattered everywhere, and I am constantly making new lists. Daughter and fiance had their "engagement session" yesterday with Mark Eric. His website and blog are pretty amazing. He was off to San Diego ?? is that right daughter??, for a wedding, so their pictures may not get posted for a week or so.
Here's what I have been getting ready.... 150 feet of nautical rope....1 135" piece for the trim around a tablecloth and 20 6 foot lengths that will be tied on every other pew, center aisles only, with a hydrangea? Is that right, Daughter? I can't remember, need to get my 15 page statement from wedding planner, she is doing all flowers. I wanted to get the rope lengths, they have to be burned off with a soldering iron to seal the edges. Somewhere, in the depths of my brain, I thought this might be a small financial savings. Otherwise, wedding planner would bill me the labor plus cost. So this is ready to go, I'll turn over to Bobbi.

I wanted some cute, different favors to put on my shower gifts for daughter. Made these initial hooks: bought very inexpensive wood letters at Walmart, put a hook on back, drilled a hole at top, and sorta did a whitewash on them. Daughter could use them as key ring holders, or as towel holders in her guest bath. Her guest bath does not have enough wall space for an additional towel bar. When I stay there, I realize these little details.
Remember her birthday presents that I posted? Well, they were cash and gift cards....to use for whatever they wanted. One of things she bought were 2 Windsor chairs at Ross for $29.99 each. They were very nice looking, finished well, and fit her dining table perfectly. But there were only 2. So since I've been back here in MS, I went to Ross in Gulfport, scored 1, had a little scuff mark on leg so I got it for $25. Then went to Slidell, found the 4th chair to complete their set.

I know you've seen some of these before....I've added a few more plus put the FLUFF STUFF on them...

these are all for the bridal shower at the French Tart this coming Saturday...

I'll be loading up my vehicle soon and packing...

but tomorrow I've got to bring MIL for her colonoscopy....seems she loves having them, I think this is her 8th one in less then 10 years. She doesn't have any problems or reason to keep having them....she is a worrier.... so we indulge her.

then bring hubby to airport...White Sands, New Mexico is his destination this week, he'll fly into Shreveport on Friday to join me.... play some golf with future SIL

Then I'll be off to Shreveport for fun, happy, joyous wedding planning and shower.

Another shower gift

Cute towel wrap from Preppy Parade, I can show this as daughter knows about it.

I'm still here....

Sorry I've been absent. I have not read about any of you, my favorite bloggers. I'll catch up with ya'll shortly. Been busy making list, after list, after list for various wedding details. Our upcoming meeting with Bobbi Rice is all about scheduling. We get to submit details to her, then she complies a lovely wedding schedule package for each of us....bride, groom, bridesmaids, grooms men, MOB, DOB, MOG, DOG, and even relatives that will help out with the driving to and from the various events. This is to prevent chaos and confusion, all 4 days will be smooth, tranquil, perfectly planned and executed! (I hope!!!!) The RSVPs are coming in....more lists to compile. Just received big package of items I ordered for daughter's shower. Can't post unwrapped. Did find this above for daughter. Who wouldn't like an extra Lily with all the upcoming festivities.

The other consuming pursuit in my life has been vamping up my exercise program and following South Beach faithfully. I've lost 6.2 lbs since last Monday and feel energetic, happy, and motivated. I've all ways known that I am a sugar carb addict, the only way I feel good is stay off the sugar carbs. So here's to a Beachy lifestyle....

Getting ready for a bridal shower

Daughter is being honored at the French Tart with a bridal shower in 2 weeks. I've got a few more things ordered and these are ready to go. Daughter's new in-laws are hosting this event. Can't wait.

Wedding Reception Menu

This is our menu for the wedding reception at the Petroleum Club. We are having this printed in a different font and placed in ....

this is the lovely monogrammed picture frame that I ordered. .... click on it to enlarge. It will be on the table with the place cards for table seating's.

Meet & Greet at the Red River Board Room

My biggest issue for the last 3 months has been how to handle the "Meet & Greet" for all our Out of Towns Guests on Thursday night when most will arrive in Shreveport. Daughter and I have looked at and considered so many different venues, catering services, restaurants, etc. Not any one combination made me ecstatic. And I have to be ecstatic to commit to something. I am finally ECSTATIC, but it requires a whole lot of additional money. This is a picture of the Shreveport Convention Center. See that lovely circular room? That is the Red River Board Room and it is breathtaking! It overlooks the river and city views, when I first walked in, my socks were knocked off. Being a Board Room, I thought surely it was beyond my financial reach, or they would not allow food and beverage in it.
Well, since my group is small compared to the Convention Center's capacity, they steered me toward this lovely Board Room. I wish I had better pictures for you, will after event is over. THE WONDERFUL THING ABOUT THIS IS....it is connected to the Shreveport Hilton where we are all staying. So my tired guests, who have driven or flown many hours (6-8 hours for most people) can check into their luxurious room...brand new Hilton, walk to lobby, and into the Convention Center without going out of doors, they are connected. You can see the upper level walkway in the picture below. I'm happy with this, my guests will love me, it is way too expensive....so many charges, fees, and I have to use their food service. I told myself...time to bite the bullet.

One of their stipulations is a million dollar insurance policy, many public venues require this. My insurance company does not do this, so I have to buy it from the Convention Center, 19% gratuity, 8.65 % state tax, $500 room fee, bartender fees, food costs, drinks..... etc . Does it ever end? Hopefully, some day! But for now, I'm ecstatic that I've got this lovely venue, my guests will be happy that they don't have to drive somewhere else. I'll post the menu once it is finalized. PS ... I have at a minimum of 10 pages of contracts to sign, initial, and witness sign for this Baby!!!
What do you think? Did I do the right thing? Hubby says " I don't want to know, just do it!"

FATHER OF THE BRIDE'S CONTRIBUTION

What every Mother of the Bride wants to see.... her beautiful daughter with a big cigar butt hanging out of her mouth... Have I told you about my husband's #1 vice?....he is a cigar aficionado! He hoards them in his 3 humidors, and then some other places as his humidors are not big enough. You think I'm an online shopper? HA! You don't know my husband. He loves his cigars, smokes 3+ on his 3 day weekends while golfing or sitting at the pond.

These just came today. He ordered them for daughters wedding...actually they will be given out at the rehearsal dinner. At Jayne Marie on Cross Lake, we have the 2nd story function room, complete with it's own bar and beautiful outdoor deck. Perfect for cigar smoking. I don't dare take off the plastic wrap least I disturb the karma...hhmmm...humidity of these babies. Husband likes good, really good cigars and is constantly trying new ones. He has been working very hard on wedding planning...this is what he has contributed....

(Other then all the money to pay for everything, got to give him that credit...he says he doesn't want to know what it all costs, he just wants to show up, play golf, have a blast and a good cigar and a few martinis) Don Tomas Corojo 660 is a new robust, gorda-sized smoke wrapped in a coarse, naturally fermented Maduro Corojo-seed wrapper is a unique blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-leaf fillers that are full of flavor.

Size: 6 x 60

Oh yea, he just placed another online order last night.