Signature Drinks

A great way to add a personal touch to your reception is to have a signature drink. When we started planning I did a bit of looking for inspiration and found this lavender champagne on MarthaStewart.com.

Ingredients, Makes 16
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried lavender
4 bottles (750 mL each) dry Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
Fresh lavender sprigs, for garnish

Directions
Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in dried lavender. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. Strain out lavender. Refrigerate syrup until ready to serve (up to 1 month).
Pour about 6 ounces Champagne and 1 1/2 teaspoons syrup into each flute. Garnish each with a lavender sprig.

From MarthaStewart.com.


Lavender is something we integrated into our reception as our place cards so I thought it would be a nice touch. Photo by Daria Bishop and lavender bundle by Fresh Floral Design Studio.


Because Mr. Onion doesn't love champagne, we decided instead to go with an Amaretto Sour. This is a a drink Mr. Onion introduced me to and I just love. I'm a bit of a lightweight when it comes to alcohol and this is one of the few drinks I could ever order at a bar or restaurant because it was never very strong. They were so refreshing and our guests loved being greeted by servers passing trays of the yummy drinks. Here we are stealing a kiss and holding our Amaretto Sours!

Ingredients, Makes 16
24 oz amaretto almond liqueur
24 splashes sweet and sour mix

Directions
Pour the amaretto liqueur into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Add a splash or two of sweet and sour mix, and shake well. Strain or pour into an old-fashioned glass, garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange, and serve.

Another way to go about it is to be inspired by a color or by a particular style of drink you love. Love Martini's? Check out Martiniart.com.

I've seen some wonderful ideas for outdoor summer weddings -- lemonade and ice tea as guests are waiting for the ceremony to begin. I would feel so well taken care of as a guest to be offered something cool to drink.

What signature drink are you planning on serving? Will they be served at the cocktail hour or before the ceremony?

Here Comes the Bride

After the the processional began it was my turn to walk down the isle with my dad. I know this moment is one of the highlights for most brides, but I wish it had gone a little slower. I wanted to take it all in and meet the eyes of our friends and family. It felt very surreal and almost like I was watching a movie (sort of an out of body experience). It wasn't until I was almost down the isle that it really clicked that it wasn't practice -- this was IT. I even bumped into one of our pew decorations on my way to Mr. Onion!


So happy (this was RIGHT before I bumped into the flower tin on the pew end)! The things you notice -- Mr. Onion said he had no idea.


Andy was shooting upstairs while Daria was downstairs. Check out the paparazzi -- between our family and friend and our professional photographer (Daria) and videographer (Wes) -- we had it covered. The funny thing is I was mostly unaware of any of the cameras, I was just a little nervous that everyone was focused on me.


This is funny -- when I got to the alter I forgot I was supposed to kiss my father so there was an awkward pause which felt like much longer than I'm sure it was.


Then our wonderful minister whispered "you can kiss your father goodbye."


As I mentioned, while Daria was downstairs, Andy was upstairs. Great perspective and nice shot of our white and purple tulips decorating the church.


This photo is cool, but almost looks like no one showed up for our wedding! The church was really large and of our 45 people in attendance, nine of us were standing up front, so it made it look even smaller.


This is a great depth of field shot (for those photography geeks out there) -- tulips in the foreground and the bride and groom out of focus in the background.


It really was such a bright and beautiful church.


And the ceremony begins...

Next up...the ceremony continues with readings, a song or two and a tear or two!

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

The Ceremony Begins

After we finished our family and wedding party photos we headed to the church and waited for the ceremony to begin!



As the wedding party was gathering in the entry way of the church, I stood by the door and had one last moment to myself to take it all in. I love this photo as you can see my flower girl on the left -- she was so cute all day and just wanted to be with me. I didn't even know she was standing there until I saw this photo.


The processional began with Mr. Onion's father (one of our groomsmen) escorting Mr. Onion's mother down the isle.


Next up was my brother escorting my mother down the isle. The light in the church was so beautiful -- I felt so lucky to have such a cheery place to be married. Note: If you click to enlarge you'll see our other two groomsmen (Mr. Onion's brother and best friend) making their way down the outside isle -- I guess they weren't sure when they were supposed to enter. So much for the rehearsal, right?


Meanwhile, my father and flower girl and I patiently waited in the church entry way. She was so excited and had a smile on her face the entire time!


I love this photo -- you can see my giving my dad the "OK, are you ready?," look! I bought him a beautiful pink Valentino tie to wear on the wedding day. Even though he was a very successful business man before he retired he said "this is the most expensive and beautiful tie I have ever owned." Pink appeared no where else in the wedding -- I wanted my dad to feel really special -- but it complimented the browns greens and purples so nicely.


Next up are my beautiful bridesmaids. First, my best friend from college with her infectious smile. We met on our very first day of college orientation as we were moving into our all girls down (which neither of us choose). We have been the best of friends ever since.


Next, my best friend from the city (yes, when you live in New York, you consider it THE city -- it's just the way it is). When I first moved to NYC in 2003 for an internship we were introduced through a mutual friend. When we parted that first day she said "let me know if there is anything you need when you move in," and sure enough - the rest is history.


And finally, my best friend since we were 5! We have been through so much together and she was so excited that Mr. Onion and I found each other (they went to high school together actually). You can also see our pew decorations -- white tulips wrapped in purple tissue in galvanized tins. You can see our sweet flower girl behind her making her way too.


Here comes our flower girl holding her flowers perfectly and not walking too fast! I was so proud of her.


Mr. Onion patiently waits for me.


This is it -- it's our turn! This is my favorite photo of me and father from the day. I'm his youngest of four children and you can just see how proud he is of me. And he's such a good hugger that he broke his boutonniere before the ceremony even began. I didn't notice until I saw the photos though -- the little things really aren't important.

Up next...Here comes the bride!


Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

Get me to the church on time

After we blew through our family and wedding party photos we headed off to the church which was less than three minutes from the inn. We actually arrived about 10 minutes early so we were able to relax a bit and enjoy the stunning weather. I still can't believe it was 82 degrees and breezy in early September!


I love this close-up detail photo of my bouquet and engagement ring. And ladies -- THIS is why you get a manicure on your wedding day.


Some people set aside money in their budget for an antique car. While I think that is a nice touch, we just couldn't afford or justify this as we were walking from the ceremony to the reception.


Instead we were driven by Mr. Onion's best friend/GM and his wife in their BMW. Not too shabby! In fact, how to get to the church wasn't something I had planned in advance (I know -- GASP)! Our GM was all over this though -- honored and excited to get to spend a quite moment with us before the ceremony.


OK, I'm ready...can we go now?!


The front of the church as we arrived.


I didn't carry a purse -- it was wonderful to have nothing to remember but my bouquet! My BM carried a little extra lipstick for me (remember to ask your make-up artist for this as you will need to reapply throughout the day).


Finishing the touch-up with the wedding party all ready to go.


I just can't resist, my flower girl is so sweet!


Mr. Onion's best friend, his wife and Mr. Onion. No one remembers what was so funny -- this photo cracks me up!


More silliness before Mr. Onion went around to the front of the church to wait with our minister. He was holding my bouquet for me and Daria thought this was too cute.


My adorable dear friend from college with her boyfriend (they flew from Milwaukee to join us -- ended up taking a week vacation in New England and ending their trip with us). The night before the wedding I asked her if she'd greet people at the door and offer them a program. She was the PERFECT person for the job -- I love her smile! Note: She is wearing a JCrew Bridesmaid dress she wore in her sister's wedding earlier that year. See -- you CAN wear a Bridemaid dress again!


Here is my DIY program. Printed on additional card stock and a monogram from Creative Montage. I think they came out quite well.


Momma Onion getting excited for the ceremony to begin!


Dear family friends who have known my family since before I was born. The woman on the left I call my "aunt" and the woman on the right was my grandmother's best friend for 30 years (you might remember from a previous post that my grammy passed a few years ago).


Mr. Onion's Grandmother and his brother's girlfriend patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.




More friends get settled pre-ceremony.


Our minister with her warm welcoming smile!


I love this photo. This is the moment that it hit me -- I was about to get married to the love of my life. I wasn't scared, just a little nervous that in a moment everyone would be focused on me walking down the isle. I closed me eyes, took a deep breath and a moment later we were told we were ready to begin.

Up Next....the ceremony begins.

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: First Congregational Church, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar

Wedding Rings

Looking for unique wedding rings? I came across Dawes Design today and just got lost on her website looking through all the stunning pieces. I love unique jewelry and each of these pieces are so interesting. Many of the pieces are designed to be stackable so you could wear multiple rings together.



The designer, Jennifer Dawes, recently launched Sustainably Beautiful, her initiative in creating jewelry in a socially and environmentally responsible way. She only uses recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and responsibly mined stones. "I try to leave as small a footprint on this planet as possible." I love the conflict free diamonds! This is so important to me.

I'm planning on checking out some of the NYC locations where her pieces are sold to see them in person. Check out her website for more eye candy!

Wedding Party & Family Portraits

Last time I shared photos of our wedding party and family getting ready for our quick portrait session. Now I'll share the portraits with you. No matter how much you love "documentary" style photography, you really want to have a few pictures to frame for parents and grandparents when all is said and done. Daria and Andy had a way of making everyone feel and look relaxed so these images don't feel stuffy.


Mr. Onion with his brother and parents.


With Mr. Onion and my soon to be in-laws.


With my parents and brother.


With my parents.


With Mr. Onion's family - mom, dad, brother and grandmother.


Mr. Onion with his brother. I love this picture because it's so them -- laughing and smiling!


Mr. Onion's parents -- aren't they a handsome couple? They celebrated their 35 year wedding anniversary the weekend before our wedding.


My beautiful flower girl -- she turned 8 a few days after the wedding.


Great photo of her tulip bouquet. Because she is such a mature little lady I wanted her to have a bouquet too, and tulips are my favorite flowers.


My girls! The bridesmaids are wearing Ann Taylor Celebration's dresses and our flower girl's sash is also from Ann Taylor. Their beautiful dangly pearl earrings were part of my gift to them and are from Dasha Boutiques.


The entire wedding party.


A fun moment of me with the guys.


This is Mr. Onion's favorite photo from this part of the day. From left to right -- His best friend/GM, Mr. Onion, his brother and his father.


My lovely bridesmaids. Don't they look elegant?


Stunning photo of their dresses and beautiful bouquets.

Up Next...the ceremony is about to begin

Photos: Daria Bishop Photography
All flowers: Fresh Floral Design Studio
Location: Willard Street Inn, Burlington, VT
My Dress: Romona Keveza from Mark Ingram's Bridal Atelier
My Veil: Two tier elbow length from Rose's Bridal, NYC
Mr. Onion's suit: Alan David Custom
BM Dresses: Ann Taylor Celebrations Collection
GM Suits: Rental from Dante Zellar