During Spring Break, we did several wedding-related things:
On Wednesday evening, 14 April, I had dinner at Applebee's with Nancy Kaye & Jeanne Abrahamson . . . a sort of mini bridal shower. To my surprise, they came bearing gifts . . .
Nancy gave me a lovely Airedale Sweatshirt, rather than the sexy negligée she threatened to embarrass me with, as my former MIL did, many years ago . . . and a beautiful amethyst &rhinestone brooch, which was nigh impossible to photograph, but we'll try again.
My friends know me well, and know that I don't care for overly frilly, lacy things . . . so Jeanne gave me a wonderful Wedding Photo Album with die-cut pages that looks to be fun to fill, and a Parrot Photo Frame for a picture of the wedding party.
On Friday morning, 16 April, Nancy, VetteMan & I had our appointment with Jane, the Tropical Floral Designer at Angelo's Sunnyside Florists. Jane brought photos of her Tropical Yard, complete with volcano! This inspired VetteMan to think about having a volcano cake . . . somehow, my idea of cupcakes in parrot colors fell by the wayside and off we were on another trail. But that's what brainstorming of ideas is all about.
Back to the flowers: Jane had the idea to have the wedding party have "pocket flowers", so no one would have to be carrying anything, which idea appealed to me. We will have a column topped with a tropical arrangement of Bird of Paradise & Orchids, as well as any other flowers Jane deems appropriate, on either side of the Bride & Groom and the Court Commissioner, to dileneate the ceremony area. I believe in letting artists get on with their jobs, after giving them a general idea of what I want; they are, after all, the person I've hired, so I should then leave them to do what I've hired them for.
After an hour spent with Jane, we went to the Clubhouse to meet with Wedding Planner Jeff & Best Man Bob to test the CD player, discuss the wedding itself, and do a preliminary run through. Dog Handler Chuck had a cold and couldn't make it, but we brought along Ring Bearers Cari & Rico to get them used to the place. Cari is a Nervous Nellie, whereas Rico was fairly calm.
Jeff certainly knows his job; he gave us some ideas on the Procession and the Recession, which we incorporated, as well as food locations in the Clubhouse, and other things to which he brought a more knowledgeable perspective. I'm very glad I decided to hire him and leave the details to him. The first (and only) full rehearsal will be the Wednesday before the actual Wedding.
With the idea of a Volcano Cake still fresh in our minds, VetteMan & I ate some lunch and then stopped by a highly- recommended local bakery, Oliver's, to discuss our ideas of cupcakes & edible volcanos & parrots.
Ann, the cake designer, seemed a bit hesitant at first, but I think when she realized we were serious although slightly askew in our requests, she started coming up with more ideas. The idea of cupcakes arranged in the shape of a parrot was nixed; too labor intensive, and I agreed. Two separate cakes - one small volcano cake to cut and then a larger sheet cake for the guests - was suggested and soon became one large sheet cake with a volcano in the corner, and a tropical beach scene, with palm trees and so forth, drawn freehand, was settled on.
Ann requested that I bring in any parrot thing I had that she might use, as well as a copy of the invitation & the RSVP. As the bakery is only a few minutes from home, I immediately came back with . . . the parrot in the hammock (remember him, way back on Page 2?), which was originally going to be a centerpiece for the food table. She thought he was so cute that she may change the entire cake design to focus on him in one way or another. Again, let the artist know what you want and then get outta the way, is my motto! Which means that we will be as surprised as our guests when this all comes together.
Chris called to make an appointment to pick up my finished engagement ring next week; Wednesday evening was the first day all three of us would be available . . . I can't wait!
|