Married in Sunshine: The Reception...

This handmade Letterpress invitation is so beautiful. From SarahRusin on Etsy, this invitation package is for a package of 100 invitations, but you can message Sarah and get a quote for your specific guest list.

Do brides ever still display a Trousseau? This Double Irish Chain Quilt by Appquilts makes me want to bring that tradition back in vogue.

Where to put those envelopes full of money and well wisher cards that are so appreciated... they should have their own lovely container.. how about this vintage lunch box.. all decorated cute and wedding ready? It's from HeatherVintage88

This vintage parisol would make a wonderful prop for engagement/bridal photos and then as part of the wedding decor. From HurstDesigns...

Married in the year of the Dragon: The Flowers...

This bouquet from Blossom'sFloralArtistry makes my heart sing! It is full of traditional flowers and is just a celebration all by itself. She has a post about the symbols of flowers in Chinese Tradition HERE.. that is beautifully done. I recommend clicking over to read it. :)

Several family members and friends have opted for a wedding dinner over a traditional reception. Look at all this pretty red together. I love it.

Wonderland Wedding: The Decor

A little tea table would be so fun filled with tea party treats.

Little antique clocks or any cute little clocks would be fun to put on each table.

Make giant flowers.. the bigger, the better! Instructions from FamilyFun.go.com

How about a giant chess board. We found some 10' X 10' .. but they may come even larger and could be used as a floor for dancing!

Sting of the Bee: Queen of CAKE Pink & Brown

Brandon & Alicia had a cake table at their wedding and it was fantastic. But my favorite, the Queen of all cakes is STING OF THE BEE and this Lion House Recipe will make you lick your bee-stung lips.

Sting of the Bee (Beinenstich) Cake
Ingredients:
1 c. butter (no substitutes)
2/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 c. flour, sifted
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
½ c. milk
Butter cream filling (below)
Method:
With mixer, cream butter and sugar until soft, add eggs and mix well. Mix in dry ingredients; slowly add milk. Beat until dough is thick and does not stick when touched.
Prepare 10-inch springform pan: Place parchment or waxed paper on bottom of pan. Attach side of pan; spray side with nonstick cooking spray and lightly dust with flour.
Press dough evenly in springform pan. Sprinkle small amount of flour on top of dough; gently tap dough down with flat bottom of a cup. (Dough should feel firm and press against the sides of pan.) Pour topping on dough and spread evenly.
Cover pan with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cake looks firm and golden brown. Allow to cool. Split in half horizontally. Fill with Butter Cream Filling and raspberry preserves.
Note: This cake is similar to biscuits in texture.
Topping
Ingredients:
½ c. butter (no substitutes)
½ c. sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1 c. almonds, slivered
2 tsp. vanilla
Method:
In medium saucepan, melt butter until almost boiling. Add sugar and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Slowly add milk, stir carefully as mixture will pop. Return to a boil and add almonds. Bring to a boil once again. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Allow to cool to room temperature if made early in the day, or cool in refrigerator until thick and cool to the touch. For best product, topping should be same temperature as dough.
Butter Cream Filling
Ingredients:
1 c. butter (no substitutes)
2 c. powdered sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tsp. vanilla
½ c. raspberry preserves
Method:
Soften butter. Beat in powdered sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla until fluffy. Spread on bottom of split cake. Spread preserves on top of butter cream and replace cake top.

NOTE: if you are concerned about raw eggs READ HERE about Pasteurizing Eggs

Summer Strawberries... Wedding Inspiration

I love this idea for a June wedding. For one thing, I'm in a red phase. July 4th is coming and I've been buying strawberries at Costco by the truck load. They are 4 lbs. for just over $5. We eat them with everything over here. Berries... mmmmmmmmm.
So if you were doing a wedding you could dip them in chocolate, serve little strawberry shortcakes, strawberry ice cream cones, some kind of frozen strawberry drink, strawberry salad. There are tons of options most of which are not very expensive.
These little 1 ounce strawberry jams are such a cute favor for members of the wedding party. You could give strawberry soap to your bridesmaids or make little red bracelets with a strawberry charm for them to wear at your wedding.
This ring bearer's pillow is something to see. Pop over and take a look at it and the gorgeous vintage dresses in Tea Length.. My new favorite that keep popping up on Etsy. I love them and there are so many amazing vintage vendors there.
See the Inspiration Board with Vendor Links..HERE...

The Reception Line...

Do you want to talk to all these people? Me neither. Don't have a reception line unless your mother really, really wants you to which is why I did and missed most of my wedding because I was in this line until 11:30 PM. My sister, Christine (my alter ego b/c she's so much nicer than I am), would have a totally different opinion. She WANTS to meet your grandmother, your husband's best man, your cousin from Tennessee and all your folksies. But, I don't. I want to give you a gift, a squeeze and then find the people I do know and talk to them.

Some brides don't feel comfortable without the line. They know that Aunt Susie from Michigan is going to corner them for an hour going over every minute detail of her bunnion surgery until said bride is going to forbid her new husband to feed her wedding cake.

Being gracious to Aunt Susie is part of growing up, but that doesn't mean you have to let her corner you all evening. At a reception, you need to spend some time with all of your guests. You've got to work the room so, you listen to Aunt Susie about her bunnions for 5 minutes and no longer. You give her your full attention. Don't look over her shoulder to see the persons you desperately want to visit more. Remember.. "your full attention". Then, when you have been a good listener, you cut her off if you have to and you say, "Aunt Susie, you are the sweetest dear for coming all this way to celebrate our wedding with us. We just love you to bits." Kiss her on the cheek and give her a big squeeze and grab the closest person's hand you can find for dear life. Try not to let a single soul leave without a few minutes attention from the bride. Afterall, they've taken their whole evening to be with you!

My mother knew I could never do this. And, if you can't either. Have a reception line!