Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A Casual Wedding Celebration

Can you believe that May is upon us?  I, for one, can't wait... as mild as March was, it seems April has been on the chilly side.  I have stayed busy, and I have been having so much fun, the time has just flown by.  For starters, dear friends of ours who now live in England came for a visit.  It was wonderful to see them, and to see their youngest daughter, who was four, I believe, when they moved away.  They were here over spring break visiting colleges!  Secondly, my brother and his girlfriend of hmm, five years? decided to get married.  They both had been previously divorced, and didn't want any memories of their former lives at the service.  So they went to a small, country church with just the two of them and the minister, and tied the knot.  Well, you know I couldn't let that go by without some sort of celebration.  So, sort of at the spur of the moment, we had a party.  The weather cooperated, and we had family and a few of their friends over for a celebration.  At their request, we kept it very casual. 
Since they are planning to live in Virginia Beach, and possibly North Myrtle Beach at some point in time, we decided to go with a beachy theme. 
Tulips greeted guests as they entered the back yard.
We splashed a few shells around ...
and used lots of yellow and white flowers on the tables.
The runners reminded me of beachy awnings or umbrellas.
The party got us motivated to get things ready for the season, so the pool was opened early, and everything is now ready to go!
Our cozy outdoor "living room"--ready for guests!!
The cake table--ready for the cake and champagne (please use your imagination, it's hard to get pictures at the last minute! lol)

Now, this is my kind of cake!!
Wish I could take credit for this beauty.  It was made by the folks at Cakes by Graham in Richmond.  The top and bottom layer were butter pound cake and the middle was chocolate.  It was not only beautiful, but oh so delicious!!  
This tablecloth was purchased recently at an estate sale, it is the perfect size for the little bistro table on our little deck.
We also had an assortment of brownies.  Each little umbrella identified the flavor.
As I said, this was a casual affair, so it was bbq, baked beans, slaw, mac n cheese, an edible fruit arrangement, chips, and vegetable tray.  
This picture was snapped before we "arranged" the food items on the buffet table.  Again, we kept it very casual.  Things got quite hectic in the last 30 minutes or so before the party began. 
We carried the theme inside as well, on the kitchen table, and ...
on the dining room table.
We had a great time, and it was really nice to finally meet some of my sister-in-law's family.  I could not have pulled this off at the last minute if it hadn't been for two people--my husband and my cousin, Pat.  Thanks to both of you for pitching in and helping me!!  

Thanks for visiting with me today, come back soon!!



43 comments:

  1. What a fabulous party you arranged on short notice! Your yard and pool are lovely, and your menu sounded delicious. Happy couple and happy guests, I am sure. Congratulations. xo

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    1. Thanks so much, Barbara!! We got a little head start on the season, which is good, because spring and fall are the best times around here to be outside. Have a great weekend!!

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  2. So glad to see you posting again! And with such a wonderfully decorated wedding party -- even if you described it as casual. Lovely poolside party area you have, too!

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    1. Hi Lissa, Thank you so much! If I'd had more time, I would have incorporated some of your great ideas! Hope to be back to blog world more often!!

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  3. Now that is my kind of Wedding celebration. Just gorgeous.

    What a lovely place to enjoy family and friends ~

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  4. Perfect - good to see you again!

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    1. Hi Deb, and so nice to see your happy picture again as well! Thanks for taking time to look!!

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  5. Wow! Your backyard is gorgeous and I love the outdoor living room! The decorating was wonderful, I love the ocean and seashells. How perfect!

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    1. Hi Gina, thanks so much! I agree with you, I love the beach and I am always excited to get out the shells! Have a great week-end!!

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  6. Oh Betsy this is so lovely! You did a marvelous job! What a sweetie you are to pull this together for them. I bet they will cherish the day even more because of it! I love your seating area under the gazebo- I don't remember it from before. All your beachy accents look superb and oh my that cake makes me drool!
    I wish I was talented enough to put a cake together like that! The food sounded great and I'm sure it was! Your cloche arrangement is so cute! Great job! Glad to see you post again!

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    1. Hi Liz, I know, I have often thought of taking one of those cake decorating classes, but I'm not sure if I'd have the patience to do what it takes!! Thanks for your sweet comments. My brother seems happier than he has been in years, and I'm glad. Hopefully I can get spend more time in blog world--I've missed "hanging out" with you all!! Take care and have a great weekend!!

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  7. LOVED your cake and your wreath. Very creative! Debbie@ MakeItDelightful.com

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    1. Hi Debbie, Thanks so much, I thought the cake was pretty cool, too! As I said, wish I could take the credit for it lol!! Thanks for taking the time to look, and have a great weekend!!

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  8. Betsy~ You have the Perfect Setting inside and OUT for a reception/celebration! I would set up permanent residence in your outdoor living room! Your menu sounds perfect and that CAKE is to die for! I love your beautiful welcoming wreath and all your seaside touches! Best Wishes for the newlyweds!

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    1. Thank you, Mary! Your comments mean a lot!! We do spend a lot of time back there in the warmer months, especially spring and summer. Have a great weekend!!

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  9. Wow, Betsy....you did SO great for it all being "spur of the moment" and "casual." The beach theme is great, and that cake is fantastic!!!!!!!! Your back yard is always the perfect place to hold events because it's so spacious and pretty. Your outdoor living room is just what every home needs...I know WE sure could use one just like it!!! The cake plateau is gorgeous. I have some of a similar design, except mine don't have a mirrored top like that which is so cool. Thanks for sharing this, and congratulations to the happy couple!!!

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    1. Hey there, my friend!! Well, just come on down and visit and we'll hang out! Thanks so much for your kind comments, it's good to be back, I've missed being here with yall. Take care, and have a great weekend!!

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  10. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple! Thank you for sharing pictures and details from their lovely celebration. Your home and yard are beautiful!

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    1. Thank you so much, Molly! Thanks also for taking the time to look! Have a great weekend!!

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  11. What a nice celectation and I love the theme. I have never seen a cake like that but it's so clever and perfect for your theme. That's some fancy upholstery on your outdoor living room furniture. Love it! Thanks for sharing your party with us!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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    1. Hey Robin, thank you!!! Yes, the cake was pretty cool, what you couldn't see in the picture, was that it had glittery stuff on the "waves" and "sand". Wish I could come up with something like that, but I haven't the patience. The cushion coverings are made from outdoor fabric, and have held up really well from one season to the next. I just have to wipe them off with a damp cloth, and they're ready to go. Even the fringe is made for outdoors. Luckily, it's under the tent, so it's somewhat protected. Thanks for taking the time to look!!

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  12. It's wonderful that your brother is happy again! All the best to the happy couple!

    You know how to throw a good party! Everything looks beautiful! Your yard is stunning!

    Have a great weekend!
    Mary

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    1. Hi Mary! Good to hear from you, hope you are doing ok. Thanks for your kind comments, my brother is so much happier with his new wife!! Have a great weekend!!

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  13. What a wonderful place for a party. You did a great job! I love the cake.

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    1. Hi Pam, thanks so much for taking the time to look! I appreciate your kind comments!!

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  14. Your home and yard are stunning! And your party beautiful. The cake was so delightful. Loved the colors and the theme. Congratulations on a fantastic event. I know everyone must have had a marvelous time!!

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    1. Hi Nann, how are you? Thanks for your kind comments, it's always good to hear from you. We did have a great time, but I think I spent the entire next day on the couch lol! Have a great weekend!!

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  15. What a lovely party! I have missed seeing yiur beautiful yard! Looks like it was a good time! Email me when you have a minute, please!
    Have a great weekend!

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    1. Hi Kathleen, darn I missed your party, I will try to catch it next time. Thanks for your kind comments. I will email you...

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  16. Oh, what a beautiful setting for this celebration! I just love that cake. Oh, my goodness do I love that mirrored cake stand. Gorgeous!

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    1. Hi Barbara, your kind comments are very much appreciated! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit! Have a great weekend!!

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  17. You are so my kind of girl...I think that we always have at least a party or two ready to go...in our minds. Everything looks wonderful. I want some of those shells in the dining room shot. I know that the bride and groom were overwhelmed by your generosity and talent. Thanks for inviting us to the pre-party. Cherry Kay

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    1. Hi Cherry Kay! Hope you are doing ok! I appreciate your kind comments, coming from you--that's special!! Thanks for taking the time to visit, I have missed "talking" with all of you in blogland!! Take care, have a great weekend!

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  18. Vos décors sont magnifiques! Its Lovely!
    Sylvie

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    1. Thank you, Sylvie!! I appreciate your kind comments, and thanks for visiting!

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  19. What a fabulous setting! You backyard is incredible. I bet you have some pretty fantastic parties there.

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  20. Hello, I just found your blog and is so beautiful! I was looking at your silver setting and I have been looking for silver goblets Are they silverplate and where can I find 8 like yours ? Best products is gone!http://aperfectsettingalways.blogspot.com/2010/09/perfect-setting-for-gloomy-days.html

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    1. Hi there!! Thanks for your kind comments!! Wish I could help you with the goblets. Yes, they are silverplate. I see them around occasionally, but for the life of me, I can't remember where!! I would check out estate sales in your area. Have you done a search for them online? Also, search ebay, you never know what you might find!! Good luck!!

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  21. Oh my goodness, with that PERFECT SETTING for the event, it couldn't be less than lovely, casual or not. I think every detail is perfect for the event and loved the beach theme for Myrtle Beach future dreams. That cake is a pure plum show stopper!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie, I appreciate your kind comments. Yes, that cake was over the top gorgeous!! Have a great weekend!!--Betsy

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