Friday, October 26, 2012

We Do(e): The Ruffled Cake

Soon after I had found my dress, I had thought to myself "wouldn't it be cool if our cake could match my dress"? As you all have seen by now, the bottom of my dress was very distinctive in that it was ruffled and resembled whipped cream. Of course I couldn't share that piece of information with Mr. Buck, but I did explain to him my idea of what I thought our cake should look like.

Kelly Dalisa, owner of our venue Monte Verde Inn, is the mastermind and creator behind all of the wedding cakes. I shared with her my idea and not only did she says she could do it but she also threw in some of her own ideas. Up until our wedding day I was anticipating what our cake would like, especially since we had such a specific look we were trying to achieve. 

The morning of our wedding while I was getting ready at the Inn, Kelly Dalisa told me that although our cake is among one of her favorites that she has done. Now, for all I know she tells all her brides that, but I believed her and she certainly succeeded in getting me excited. She wouldn't reveal it to me though until it was time to actually cut the cake. She wanted me to have my "cake moment". 

We had a quick break before it was time to cut the cake. Kelly Dalisa retrieved us right before it was time to gather everyone for the cutting so she could personally show us our cake. I could tell she really was excited with the work she had done. I was excited myself, but I was simply blown away when I finally saw our ruffled cake in person. 

It was everything I could have possibly dreamed of in all of my wedding cake fantasies. The ruffles, the creaminess, the pale pink flowers, the way the "J" that I had feverishly worked on flocked the top...everything about it was spot on. It also weirdly perfectly matched my wedding gown...I have no idea how she was able to match it so effortlessly. Take a look at the comparison:



Cake matching dress = success.

Right when we were about to cut into the cake, Mr. Buck looked at me and said he felt like we were committing a crime cutting into it. While I felt a twinge of sadness, once I saw the delicious chocolate peanut butter cake underneath...I no longer cared. That ruffled cake was now fair game.




Now what do you do with these things?


Awkward cake feeding...I envy anyone that has cute photos of that moment.



And somehow we had done it. Our beautiful ruffle cake went from this:


To this chocolate peanut butter and lemon goodness. (Separate, not together. You'd be surprised by how many people have asked me). Might I add that the cake tasted as incredible as it looked.


Do you have a specific idea in mind for your cake? If you are already married, how did your cake turn out? Did it meet all of your dreamy expectations?

*Photos by Martin's Photography

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Friday, October 19, 2012

We Do(e): Toasting Time With A Few Good Laughs

After the journey from the drizzling outdoors into the warm ballroom indoors, it was time to begin toasts. I am the type of person that enjoys giving toasts, receiving is a whole different story. Hearing people say such nice things about you and being surrounded by so many people is quite overwhelming. It also makes you feel incredibly blessed and loved.

My sister had worked so hard on her toast and it definitely showed. It was the perfect mixture of humor and sentiment. She even made reference to the top movies and songs that were out during the time Mr. Buck and I met. Such as Kelly Clarkson "A Moment Like This" Usher "You Got It Bad" as well as the first Harry Potter movie. This definitely got the crowd laughing with big toothy smiles.




It was then the best man's turn to make his speech. I hate to call him out on such a public website but I have to be honest...he really had not prepared a speech. As in he completely winged it. BUT, he is the type of guy that can do that and pull off something great. Let me tell you, he succeeded and he had the crowd roaring with laughter. Just check out my facial expression:

It was in it's most literal form, gut wrenching laughter.  


And the crowd:


Without much preparation he truly pulled off a perfect best man's speech in which he made not only the groom but also the bride feel his love and sincerity. 

Then a few unexpected family and friends made a toast to us as well. It really did surprise me yet also made me feel all kinds of ooey gooey special inside. 






My best friends made a duo speech where they recapped humorous moments all the way from when we were babies up to my baccalaureate party. When you have been friends with someone for 25 years, you can bet that there are some pretty good moments to share. 


My dad capped off the toasts in which there wasn't a dry eye in the room when he was finished. He was incredibly heartfelt and spoke absolutely beautiful words. Many of our guests told us my dad's toast was one of the best they have ever heard, and I would have to agree with them. (Because i'm not bias or anything...)



Mr. Buck and I knew we were planning on saying a few words after all the toasts were complete. It would have been smart if we had actually planned something but alas we were a little busy ya know, getting married and all. Right before the toasts took place I glanced over at my friends and gave them a frightened look and mouthed "I have no idea what to say". 

They told me to just smile, thank everyone for being here and end it with "let's all have a fun night"! I did just that, threw in a little jab about the rain and all was hunky dory. 



Do you have a plan of what to say at your toasts? If you are already married how did you handle being toasted to? 

*All photos by Martin's Photography


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Friday, October 12, 2012

We Do(e): Dinner With a Light Drizzle

After our entrance into dinner, we were seated at our spot at the head table. At this point I kind of wish I had hired a second shooter to go with our photographer. It was his turn to eat as well so there aren't a ton of photos of dinnertime. But, that's okay, words will have to do.

Everyone says the bride and groom never get to eat much on their wedding day. I tell you what, if you get married at the Monte Verde Inn, you will have your fair share of delicious food. They had saved us appetizers from when we were taking our photos and had them ready for us right when we sat down. This was beyond amazing because we kind of figured we wouldn't have an opportunity to try any of our appetizers. They were one step ahead of us, therefore we were able to sample the delicious duck spring rolls, cucumber rounds with smoked salmon mousse and mini Caribbean crab and shrimp cakes with mango salsa.

From there they made sure the bridal party had whatever drink they so desired in their hand. Our glasses weren't even empty when the Monte Verde staff would be at our side again pouring us another drink. It was spectacular service on quite another level.

We were then served our entrees which included spice rubbed sea bass with a cilantro lime and chipotle chili aioli and wild rice pilaf for myself and smoked prime rib and a twice baked potato for Mr. Buck. Although I think a buffet is a wonderful option, we were happy we decided to go with a plated dinner. Our guests were able to stay comfortable in their seats while they were served dinner. It worked out quite well and from what we could tell our guests really enjoyed dinner.

Towards the end of dinner the rain started to make its entrance once again. Which provided my bridesmaids with the golden opportunity to look extra cute:



No umbrella? No worries! Dinner napkins work just as well.

Since we were served dinner first we seized the opportunity to visit each table while our guests were still eating. We were able to talk to each guest and thank them for being with us. Before I knew it Monte Verde had slipped a sleek little umbrella into Mr. Buck's hand. I was delighted that even though I hadn't thought to order umbrellas, Monte Verde had some on hand so we were able to not only make use of it but get a photo as well. That way in years to come when we look through our photos there is no mistaking that it did indeed drizzle on our wedding day.


The rain held off just long enough to have the ceremony, photos and dinner outside. It was an easy transition to inside where we were able to hold the rest of the evening. While this was technically plan B, in the grand scheme of things it worked out absolutely perfect and I am delighted it worked out the way that it did. 

*Photos by Martin's Photography

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

We Do(e): How Sweet It Is!

Now that all the formal photos had been taken, it was time for our grand entrance into dinner. The bridal party was hidden towards the back of the property while our guests had just settled into their proper seats. I felt a huge sense of awkwardness heading my way and I wasn't entirely sure how to handle it.

You see, I have always envisioned what our grand entrance would be like. I have seen numerous photos here on the 'bee where the bride and groom waltz down a tunnel made of their friends. The bride and groom throw their hands up and everyone claps and all is jolly. However, I was concerned I would look like a total nerd if I tried to pull this off. I really didn't seen it happening the way I had always envisioned. Would we throw our hands up, bouquet held high in the air? Would we smile, kiss and wave at everyone? Maybe we should break out in cartwheels and somersaults? I had no idea, but I didn't like that I didn't have a plan. Luckily I didn't have too much time to dwell on this so my natural reaction would just have to do.

As James Taylor "How Sweet It is" began to play (which by the way is the perfect song for a wedding entrance) it was time for us to head on out and make our grand entrance. I am not entirely sure what came over me, maybe happiness and love took over in the drivers seat? Either way, I ended doing a slight shimmy and then my bouquet and arms went up in the air and my smile lit up the pathway.

I have no clue where that came from, maybe from my old theatre days? Who knows, but it all worked out and I don't think I looked too awkward. We walked through a tunnel of our bridal party and made our way over to our spot at the head table. Our guests clapped and cheered and it was nothing but pure fun with a dash of shimmy thrown in for good measure.



There's something to be said about letting loose and just seeing what happens instead of trying to force a moment. 

Are you planning a special entrance or are you just going to fly by the seat of your pants? What song did you choose for your entrance?

*Photos by Martin's Photography


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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

We Do(e): A Funny Photo and Bridal Party Pictures

Now that Mr. Buck and I finished taking our photos, it was time to move on to family and bridal party photos. We had taken our sweet time, so we needed to make on move on things. I was concerned we were going to leave our guests waiting too long. Little did I know that our venue already had a time schedule put together and they were subtly making sure we stuck to it. It was so helpful that they did this because I really had not thought much about a time schedule. You get married and things like time and food really seem to float out the door.

One of my all time favorite photos taken from the wedding was not even taken by our photographer. It was in fact taken by my grandma who happened to push the button at the perfect time. Mr. Buck had just cracked a joke and this was our response:

Mr. Buck: "Aren't I so very witty"?
Me: "You are the funniest man alive"!
Dad: "Oh Buck, you sure know how to keep things lively".
Mom: "I'm not really sure what everyone is laughing at, but Doe looks pretty flipping funny right now".


Okay no, that's not what we really said. Obviously. Yes, I do remember this joke but it is an inside joke and i'll move on without boring you. Keep in mind though that there are more cameras at your wedding than just the photographer's. Try and collect from guests after the wedding is over, you might be surprised at what you find. 

Family photos really were short and sweet, not a ton of poses and we didn't even move locations. 



From there we sauntered on over to where the barn and vineyard is located and continued with the bridal party. I then decided that it was probably time to remove my veil and get my dress bustled. This is what ensued. I guess this is what brothers are for, they can turn a boring ol' bustling photo into a fun one.


{The guys in the back are looking away like they are witnessing something they shouldn't be seeing. The anatomy of a wedding dress, it's all sorts of confusion.} 

We then lined up bridal party style...


Followed by a kissing shot, complete with another brother Doe moment. Don't see it? Look left.


We continued on with the quintessential bridesmaids with groom and bride with groomsman photos.



We were not ready to get the show on the road and let the party begin.

Did you find any fun photos from any of your guests?

*All photos with the exception of first taken by Martin's Photography

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We Do(e): The Rain Irritates Me and We Take Photos

As we headed out from the ceremony to begin taking photos, I quickly noticed that the rain was starting to reveal itself. Not to the point where you are saying "run for cover" but more or less you realize that it is indeed raining.  Kelly Dalisa, owner at our venue Monte Verde Inn, must have seen my rain frustration because she quickly handed us each a glass of champagne. That, or the fact that we just got married. Yeah, that was probably it.

One of the first photos taken after the ceremony is one I am not too happy with. I'm sure I look normal to most people, but I look at that picture and I have flashbacks to what I was thinking.

Thoughts going through my head:

"Is it seriously raining? Memorial Day weekend'?!
"I curse myself for not ordering cute umbrellas".
"I really need a Mary Poppins bag. Like right now. In which I could withdraw an umbrella."
"Preferably a white lacy bridal umbrella." 
"This champagne is delish."


Luckily the rain subsided for a bit so that we could head off and take some photos. Here's some advice for all of you for taking photos. And no, I am not going to say to make a list of all the poses you want. I am going to say: MAKE SURE YOU BRING THE LIST WITH YOU. Yeah, I forgot it. So we had to wing it, but luckily we had that 'just married' charm so the photos turned out pretty well.









Did you have a list for what poses you wanted for photos or did you just wing it like we did?

*Photos by Martin's Photography

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