Alayna and Sean's Wedding Shower

I'm honored to be the Matron of Honor in my cousin Alayna's wedding this October in Little Rock.

Alayna and I grew up together and have been best friends since as long as I can remember.

I just hope Baby 'S' is as close to her cousins as I have been.

It's something I will encourage.

When I offered to host a shower for Alayna and hubby to be, Sean, she mentioned she wanted the same kind of 'family shower' that she and my 2 cousins had hosted Brad and I back when we got married.

That's when the planning began!

I hosted along with my cousins Kendra and Karen.

The venue was Kendra's lovely lake front home.

Thanks goodness cousin Karen is obsessed with Pinterest and craftier than I am.

I came up with a vision and explained it to her and together we made it happen.

She made the poms, I came up with the idea of using the couple's new monogram as a centerpiece.

 The free monogram, A Liz featured on her blog.

I wanted a guest/entrance table and made it happen.

I ordered a Ted Gilmer leather photo album and journal that a friend gave us for one of our wedding showers.

I asked guests to leave the couple a message of marriage advice and/or best wishes.

Afterwards, they can put the shower pictures in the book and it's an instant scrapbook.

Cousin Karen made this ADORABLE bunting.

She bought the letters at the dollar store and cut the the other pieces out different papers, then tied up with ribbon.

Easy enough to where I think I might be able to make one.

Another view of it.

I think it added a lot of personality to the party.

We offered lemonade, ice tea, along with sodas and water for guests to drink.

His and Hers Tervis Tumblers for the happy couple alongside the framed invite.

The food was amazing, thanks again to ideas from cousin Karen and Pinterest.

Fruit cups in waffle cones.

 And, bride and groom cupcakes made by cousin Karen.

 How cute are these?

 The only part I would need help with - are the the top hats and fondant bow ties.

The theme of the party was a Sizzling Summer Cookout so the rest of the menu consisted of party food.

Chad, cousin Karen's fiancee, helped out by grilling all of the meat.

Overall, we were pleased with how everything turned out.

 There were over 30-family members in attendance.

Including my Mom, who traveled in with me.

Cousin Dana was also there.

 All of us, grew up together.

So fun to still be friends as adults.

 The bride's parents were all smiles!

 As was the entire 'family to be'!

(The happy couple with the bride's parents and younger brother.)

There was no shortage of gifts.

 In fact, I would say they racked up pretty good!

 Less than 60-days until the big day!!!

The Countdown is On!!!

Dawn and J's Ojai Wedding

In case you're new here -- I'm in the middle of the recap of my trip to Southern California for one of my besties -- Dawn's wedding.

After a couple of days of being tourists in Hollywood and Santa Barbara we headed into Ojai Valley for her and J's 10.10.10 wedding.

I was going to include pictures from the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner the day before but honestly I just have too many pictures.

So, here's my recap of the actual wedding day.

Wedding site: Hermitage Ranch - Ojai, California
(a private family estate that is a family friend of the bride's family. Remember Ojai is the bride's hometown)

GORGEOUS! 48 acres of orange trees.

This was the view from the ceremony, cocktail reception and reception.

Citrus water was served. Perfect fit considering we were in an orange orchard.

I got to see tons of old co-workers and friends at the wedding considering Dawn and I worked at a TV Station in Reno and Vegas together.

Nicole from San Diego.

Before the ceremony I got to sneak a peek of the bride and groom. It was then that I got the first glimpse of Dawn's dress that she actually handmade HERSELF!

No doubt. I was and still am impressed.

Here comes the bride!!! Beautiful! Her father Bill walked her down the aisle.

It was the first Jewish wedding ceremony Brad and I both had ever been too. All day long Brad chanted MAZEL TOV he couldn't wait to say it. When he finally did - he looked over at me and said "I've waited my whole life to say that." What a retard! LOL

Anyhoo..it was cool. They broke the glass and everything.

The cocktail reception was in the pool/hot tub area. The food was awesome as was the champagne station and company.

It was a bit warm so us girls decided to stick our feet in the pool. Dawn came down and decided to join us for a few pictures.

The view was gorgeous and everyone was trying to get good pictures together. A little bright but still not a bad one of me and hubs.

The centerpieces at the reception were so cool and cute. Oranges and figs, of course, then giving that both the bride and groom are on-air weathercasters in New Orleans -- the table names were presented on weather umbrellas.

Another cool touch? The New Orleans horn band Bonerama made it to California to play at their wedding!! One word: AWESOME!!

More former Reno co-workers. GREAT! to see Jeff and Laura..

The food was to die for! I don't generally even eat at weddings but this one I did!

They converted the old tennis courts on the property into the party area.

Me and the bride!

MOB -- she did most of the planning and leg work since the bride and groom live halfway across the country. Great job Mary Ann!

Cutting the cake..

And.. of course second line. Who doesn't do this at their wedding when there are Louisiana ties?

Such an awesome time with awesome people. Thanks Dawn and Jonathan for making Brad and I part of your special day!

BTW -- My pictures sucky long time compared to the professional photographer. Visit her blog to see the real deal on the setting and the couple. Just click here.