If I wasn’t a graphic designer, I think I’d be an event planner. I love throwing parties!
So last fall, when it came time to prepare for my wedding…it was only obvious who would be behind the scenes, dreaming up the decor and designing the invites. Of course, I needed help. And that’s where my Mom comes in. We’re like two peas in a pod, my Mom and I, we could talk for hours about everything from color combos and refreshments, to the smallest details like what napkins to use. And we love it!
As we were planning away and dreaming up ideas, I began a series of posts on my blog to share these ideas with my readers. I kept up with these posts pretty well. But as you can imagine, things got busy. And busier. And, well…busier…now, oh seven months later…I was inspired to finish up my series of DIY Wedding Adventure posts with the Finishing Touches. So here’s how it all came together…
First off, I must thank my sister, Michelle, for the amazing photography you’ll see in this post. She did a beautiful job photographing my wedding, and I can’t thank her enough! Love you Michelle!
[ The Entrance ]
A beautifully lit garland hung over the entryway to the hall, as small decorative trees lit with white lights welcomed our guests in. On a small table, was my Dad’s gift to us…a tradition among the Tracy gang…a pencil portrait of Steve and I together. It was a lovely welcoming touch for our guests!
[ Setting the Scene ]
The focal point, a large 9 foot Christmas tree, decorated with gold ribbon and dotted with beautiful red ornaments. Underneath the tree is where the gifts were arranged throughout the evening. We also had decorative gold-wrapped packages with beautiful large gold bows under other accent trees behind the receiving line.
[ The Guest Tables ]
What says Christmas more than a gorgeous red poinsettia flower…well, how about fifteen! The guest tables were decorated with these beautiful red plants which sat on top of sheer ribbon, surrounded by snapshots of Steve and I through the years. We finished things off with white faux candles and a sprinkling of crystal glitter to add a nice sparkling glow.
[ The Wedding Cake ]
After shopping around, seeing all of the different styles that were available, I had narrowed my choices down to a couple different styles. Each were deliciously beautiful, but I just couldn’t make a definite decision. I wasn’t feeling like either of them were it. The it factor was so important to me, above all other pieces and parts to my reception, the cake had to have the it factor. Then, one afternoon, as Mom and I were shopping at our local Costco, I saw it. Now you’re probably wondering, huh…Costco? But I’m being serious here. We turned the corner to the bakery…and there sat what would become my wedding cake. The All-American chocolate cake…a chocolate cake covered in chocolaty goodness and smothered in chocolate shavings. That was it! I would have three of these cakes sitting side-by-side on beautiful glass pedestals with the addition of an elegant arrangement of flowers for the top of each one…and there it is…my wedding cake…it was perfect! …and delicious too!
To wash it all down, how about some Mango punch flowing from an elegant silver fountain…
Because it’s Steve’s favorite wintery drink, we also made wassail and served it in a beautiful white crock-pot to keep it warm.
[ The Dessert Buffett ]
For the dessert buffet, we decided on traditional Christmas candies, cookies, and nuts. The reason being, I love sugary sweetness and well, what’s a Christmas wedding without the traditional treats!
For the table decoration, we interlaced red and silver sheer ribbon with a string of white lights to add an elegant glow. We arranged on glass dishes: Kirkland Signature European Cookies with Belgian Chocolate, Almond Roca, Lindt Lindor Truffles, Ghirardelli Squares, candy canes, peanuts, almonds, smoked almonds, and cashews. It was a spread to die for!
For our guests, we gave bright red delicious apples as favors.
[ Go Broncos! ]
It’s tradition for the bride to have a special cake for the groom at the reception. It was a no-brainer what the groom’s cake was going to look like…Steve loves football…what’s more is, he’s a die-hard Bronco fan. Need I say more…
[ The Entertainment ]
As Steve and I exchanged rings in front of our friends and family that evening, my nieces (the two cutest little girls on the planet, in my opinion), dropped red rose petals at our feet. Afterwards, accompanied by his Dad and brothers, Steve sang me Our Song…1, 2, 3, 4 by the Plain White T’s. It was a beautiful evening, I’ll never forget!
…And that is how Steve and I started our lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Thanks for coming along this DIY Wedding Adventure of mine with me!
