Let the garden remind you

As spring begins in Maine, also known as mud season, I look forward to my garden awakening. For me, many of the flowers and plants in my garden were planted for a special reason, to mark an event in time. A beautiful show of white Lilies from my sister for Mother's day, Sarah Burnheart Peonies from my Grandmothers house, double flower Tiger Lilies from my best friend, as an anniversary present. The list goes on and on. Gardens have a way of reminding us long after the event is over. Why not plan to purchase perennial flowers instead of a center piece that will fade in a few days. You can do this at your next event and plant them after the party is over. Next year they will bloom again bigger and better. Give the bride and groom a tree as a gift. How unique! One couple that was married at The Mansion two years ago, gave mini pine saplings as a favor. The trees are now foot tall in my garden. One of my favorite ideas for wedding favors are seed packets. Flowers have meanings behind them and many times they can relate to the feeling that the event will evoke. Rosemary for remembrance, Bay Laurel for victory, red roses for love.
Let the garden remind you. That way you'll never forget.

The Party continues...

The usual standard wedding is planned for only four hours. How do you speak to two hundred people in such a small amount of time? One suggestion I have, is to stay with the traditional receiving/greeting line so at least Great Auntie Tilly will get to meet the new family members. Another awesome idea is to plan an after party. If you are not able to continue to add hours to the venue you rented, plan a simpler separate party so the friends and family that want to carry on the celebration can. We have a rustic Lake house that many couples rent for the weekend so they can continue their special day and savor each moment shared together. Our front porch makes the perfect place to relax on the veranda, while people chat and say goodbye. Always be prepared with a friends back yard, pre-supplies with nuts, chips, fruit and sparkling cider. Add some twinkle lights and the party continues...

Vow's! Be in the moment

So you are at the point in planning your wedding and everything is in place. Do you feel like you might be forgetting something? This is one thing that I find so many couples delay in doing. What about your vow's? I am expressing this to you because, this is the most important moment of the whole day. Have a conversation together about what you want this moment to signify. Is it your past high school romance that is now turning into a promise of marriage? Is it a request of love and respect for each other? A pledge to be truthful and work with each other, in this life you will share as one. Marriage is a covenant in my opinion. Now is the time to speak all the dreams that you will plan to live by together. Yes its true, you can let the Minister do all the work, read the vow's and accept the standard I do's. Ask yourself and your partner, is that what we want? Or, do we want to create promises, share visions and evoke the feeling of love? This is a very personal choice. My best advise to you, is to feel the love and to be in the moment.