Janie & Jack — one of my go-to stores for children’s attire gifts — has the most adorable collection of celebration and flower girl dresses. Like these two which are absolutely adorable!
Daisy Organza Tiered Dress from Janie & Jack
Tulle Rosette Dress from Janie & Jack
Working with Lindsay and John on their October 3, 2009 wedding at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia was such a wonderful treat. Couples like Lindsay and John are the reason I love my job so much — madly in love, sweet and kind to one another, fun family and friends, and a desire to make their wedding day special not only for themselves but for each of their guests.
The Bride and her mother worked exceptionally hard to ensure that each guest would feel welcome. From pashminas for each of the women attending to plentiful hors d’oeuvres to special touches like chocolate-dipped strawberries to accompany the wedding cake.
The decor of the wedding was inspired by the venue — historic River Farm. Colonial-inspired touches like iron lanterns lining the walkway and hanging with garland from the top of the tent played up the history-rich setting.
Congratulations, Lindsay & John! What a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple!
A gorgeous fall bridal bouquet
The maid of honor holds a hand-tied bouquet featuring cala lillies
The feather-trimmed boutonniere echoes the feather on the bride's gown
programs were tied with luxurious satin ribbon in coordinating colors
Adorable flower girls prepare the way for the Bride
The Entrance of the Bride
napkins were adorned with a single orchid
The tent at River Farm featured brown and gold hues and was accented with lanterns and romantic florals
Touches of gold were included in the tablescape
Lindsay and John are married!
The beautiful couple
Venue: River Farm
Catering: Windows Catering
Flowers: The Enchanted Florist
DJ: Aaron with Chris Laich
Photography: Amy Raab
Makeup: Victoria Stiles
Today is May Day — a holiday that completely befuddles me. There are May Day runs and poles and baskets and something about labour celebrations…. I don’t get it. But every May 1, thanks to my progressive Massachusetts education, I can’t help but recall how every year in gym class we’d dance around a May Pole on May Day. Every. Single. Year.
The gym teacher would have each of us stand at the end of a long ribbon attached to a central pole and we’d weave in and out of each other as we pranced around the pole. Physical fitness? I think not. Dizziness and giggling? Lots of it.
And because this tradition was done every year without fail, I can’t help but associate May Day with May Poles and ribbons. So, today, in honor of my elementary school gym teacher – wherever she is – here’s a post about incorporating ribbon wands into one’s wedding.
I’ve always loved the idea of having flower girls carry something other than flowers (why not buck tradition?!). And what little girl would not love to carry a special wand, making her feel even more like a princess? The wands in the photo below were custom made and coordinated with the autumnal colors of the wedding.
Flower Girls with Wands
Wands can also make for a gorgeous, playful sendoff and can be a nice alternative when sparklers or rose petals are not allowed. I particularly like the idea of using them at receptions that take place at historic homes, mansions, or small museums because they invoke a “period” feel. (Think the wedding scene from Sense and Sensibility.)
Wedding wands in Sense and Sensibility -- photo via http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com
Finding wands that are of high quality can be challenging, but there are two vendors that do stand out:
Wedding wands available at www.myweddingfavors.com
Wedding wands available at www.myweddingfavors.com
Wedding Wands by Mary Dann
Wedding Wands by Mary Dann
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.