Happy Monday, lovelies! I hope you’re ready to start your week off with one fabulous wedding. This is just the thing to wake you up and get you going – with the vibrant colors and stunning views, you won’t even need coffee. Well, maybe just one cup. But first…
Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? I used to love to do wrap up posts (and if you follow me on instagram I did comment on some of my favorites) but I’ve heard some horror stories of bloggers being sued by Getty Images for using photos without the proper license, so I’m going to just be safe and not post any photos. However, I will say that I LOVED the white and gold gowns worn by Julianne Hough and Michelle Dockery. And I saw lots of trends: mint, lots of nude and blush, and vibrant tomato red. And Jessica Alba was gorgeous in coral, Jennifer Lopez wore a showstopper of a naked lace gown, and Naomi Watts rocked the oxblood trend. I’d love to hear your best dressed in the comments! Now, back to today’s wedding 
{advice to couples planning now}
Stick to your guns! Remember that it is your wedding; everyone will have their opinions, but the most important opinion is your own.
Our processional and recessional song was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, which was played on the acoustic guitar by one of the groom’s best friends. This song has special significance to me; it reminds me of my grandma and was one of her favourite songs.
Our first dance song was “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band, which is my favourite band!
Chelsea wore her mother’s wedding gown from the 80′s, which her aunt re-designed and re-made for Chelsea. How special is that!?
Besides re-working my wedding gown, my aunt Tracy hand crafted all of our place cards, table numbers, and seating chart. Chris’s mom makes the most delicious crab apple jelly. I knew right from the beginning that crab apple jelly would be our wedding favours. She made over 100 little jars of jelly, which we outfitted with burlap, personalized stickers and little apple stamped wooden spoons (also done by my Aunt). My mom, Carolyn Strand, made our wedding cake.
For Chris and I, it was all of the personal touches and support from our family and friends that made our wedding all that we wanted it to be and more. We wanted to show our guests who we were, where we came from, and the importance of family and friends in our lives.
I don’t know what I love more, the fabulous florals, the gorgeous color of the bridesmaids’ dresses, or the bride’s stunning style. Plus, all of those great DIY details add just the right handmade touch to this personal wedding. What’s your favorite part?
{Vendors} Photographer:
Mikaela Ruth Photography / Ceremony Venue: Backyard of the Groom’s parents in Summerland, BC / Reception Venue:
La Punta Norte B&B in Summerland, BC / Caterer:
Joy Road Catering (They were absolutely amazing. Fresh, local, delicious food. We couldn’t have been happier!) Cake: Made by the Bride’s Mom / Flowers: Lisa Yang in Penticton, BC (Lisa was Fantastic. She grows all of her flowers in her own backyard. She invites you to her home where you can wander through her garden and pick your flowers) / Groom’s Suit: Zegna from Harry Rosen / Bride’s Dress: The bride wore her mom’s vintage wedding dress, re-styled and re-made by her Aunt / Hair and Make Up:
Michelle Miller / Bride’s Shoes: Nine West / Bridesmaids dresses:
Donna Morgan / DJ:
Okanagan DJ & Bartender Services / Photobooth:
Cheddar Booth
Summer weather has crept in around the Pacific Northwest. That can only mean one thing: cocktail time! This recipe is easy to make in a snap when guests show up for impromptu entertaining but would also make one pretty little signature drink at a wedding. Make them in batches in decorative glass pitchers!
So, who’s making a batch of these bad boys tonight? Let me know what you think!
