ADVENTURE AWAITS: A family wedding

No one ever wants Plan B on their wedding day.

Sometimes they get it.

And it’s okay.

In fact, it’s better than just okay.

I told you a couple of weeks ago in my old house renovation update that 2019 has been a hard year at My Place. I’ve often been reminded of that movie Three Weddings and Funeral. In our case, it’s been five funerals and (thank God for the relief!) a wedding.

My niece got married in May. I offered to go a week early so I could help my sister with all of the last-minute details. So.much.fun! But there was one big unknown:  Texas weather—and rain was in the forecast.

But you’ve gotta belieeeeeeeve, right?

And so on the day before the wedding, we set up the tables inside the barn where the “rustic elegance” reception would take place—and did a couple of hopeful things outside near the lake where the ceremony was planned.

Then Wedding Day arrived with a (still hopeful!) inconclusive verdict about the weather, so the bridal party started their preparations for the 6PM ceremony. My niece and sister had done a fantastic job of preparation, so all I had to do was pull it together while they enjoyed the day.

But as the day progressed, the weather situation became more clear. Or perhaps I should say it became more cloudy rainy stormy. Yes, “stormy” is the right word.

We went to Plan B.

All along, the bride had said The Savannah was the venue she wanted—even if it rained—so she was disappointed, but trusting.

And Yours Truly was on duty!

Thankfully, the venue has wonderfully helpful staff who pitched in to help work some wedding magic, so I was confident we’d get everything finished on time.

Until . . .

I looked up to see my brother-in-law the Father of the Bride walk in carrying the bride’s bouquet and telling me his daughter was in tears—and asking what to do. Deep, deep breath, Susan. I had seen my niece’s inspiration picture, but what he was holding was nowhere close. While she wanted something loose and airy, he was holding a super tight, not at all inspiring, fistful of yellow roses and baby’s breath with very little greenery.

My mind was racing, looking at the ferns in the barn—and the weeping willow tree outside the window—while mentally locating the burlap and corsage pins in case I had to remake the bouquet myself. If that got put on my to-do list, what would have to get taken off? The clock was ticking.

I assured the bride’s dad it would be taken care of in time for pictures then asked how the bride and her mother wanted to handle the situation. Did they want me to call the florist—or see what I could do? The verdict:  My niece said call the florist. My sister wanted me to make it all better. 😂

I called the florist and politely, but firmly, explained the situation. Oh! I forgot to tell you… It was Mother’s Day weekend—at a florist! I then asked if they could fix the situation by a certain time. If so, the bouquet was headed back to them. If not, there needed to be a refund. They agreed to fix it—and I held my breath that it would be okay.

And then I got back to work embellishing with vintage linens and various pretties of choice I’d brought from home.

Moving inside meant creating a focal point—and an aisle!

The groom has some ties with NASA, so the “adventure” theme certainly seems appropriate, don’t you think?

Finally, umbrellas were stored, guests were seated, and the moment we’d all come for began. The ceremony included one unique “I’ve never seen that before” element:  a tree planting. Well, in truth, the sweet Southern Magnolia tree (sitting on an antique table belonging to the bride’s family) was already planted, but the bride and groom added dirt from each of their homes—and watered it in. The tree will be planted at the home they now share together.

When the ceremony ended, guests turned their chairs back around the tables—and I realized the pots of baby’s breath needed to go somewhere else. Yikes!  A quick set-up in front of the bride and groom’s table was the perfect solution. Notice the bride’s bouquet on the couple’s table—and two of the bridesmaid’s bouquets tucked in around the ferns.

While the meal was being readied, the popcorn bar was opened. It was a hit!

The rest of the story… The antique door used as the focal point for the ceremony was originally planned to sit on the barrels and hold the popcorn bar. Outside the barn. On a clear day. When the weather turned, everything got repurposed.

And finally, one of my favorite parts of the night. . . The cakes!

That’s some gorgeous (and luscious!) buttercream on the bride’s cake—a NASA coffee mug and chocolate-covered coffee beans on the groom’s cake.

The whole evening was fun and festive—and all about family and friends.

Is there anything more joyful?

My continued prayers and best wishes for the happy couple! It was fun helping your special day be (almost!) all you hoped it would be. ❤️

What about you? Have you attended any weddings this year? Was there something you’d never seen before? Do tell!

Professional photography by Leslie Cox Photography. The rest by me.

📌 For those of you who like a quick DIY project . . .

I knew my niece wanted a popcorn bar at her reception, so when I came across a sign someone had donated to a thift store in North Carolina (Yes, I was thrifting with Daughter the Younger!), I texted a pic to my sister and asked, “What do you think?” Of course, I also told her I’d “classy it up” a bit!

Here’s a quick tutorial for how to take unfinished wood and give it some class.

I didn’t get a close-up of the improved sign, so this is a computer re-creation!

The thrift store sign  (all painted and 2D) would have been fine with a plain basket from the craft store, and that’s where a lot of people will stop.

But then there’s Yours Truly who likes to take things to the next level.

1. Darken baskets and sign with walnut-colored stain.
2. Add craft rhinestones and pearls to the sign for 3D embellishment
3. Add liners to the baskets using fabric napkins and double-sided tape. (These are the same napkins we used on the tables for the centerpieces and place settings. It took two napkins each for baskets and centerpieces. Tip:  Do what my sister did and find napkins online in the exact color for your wedding, and buy LOTS—then wash/dry/fold and sell on FaceBook Marketplace when the wedding’s over.)

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