Our Mini-Moon

Our Room at the Salem Inn

Here’s a quick summary of our short but fun-filled visit to Salem, MA.

Sunday night – we arrived late, it was raining and we spent most of the evening at Salem Beer Works after checking in at the Salem Inn. Then we got back to our room and got in the jacuzzi tub.

On Monday, we went to the Witch Museum, back to Beer Works, wandered the cemetary, and in and out of all the shops on Pickering Wharf. We also ate pizza at the Upper Crust, and then spent the evening playing Scrabble at Gulu Gulu Cafe.

On Tuesday, we wandered all around downtown, where many of the streets are blocked from cars and it’s just pedestrians. Love that. We wandered into thrift/junk stores, used book stores, witchy stores, and did a tour of all of the really old houses and mansions around town. We went back to Gulu Gulu Cafe later that night and got food and drinks and they ran a silent Charlie Chaplin movie on a screen. It was fun.

On Wednesday, we mostly packed up and left – we had to checkout by 11, so we ended up heading home after that.

It was so much fun. I’m sure we missed a bunch of things but that just means we have to go back.

Here are the pictures from our trip!

The Wedding!

Dancing to "Chasing Cars," by Snow Patrol

Despite the rain, the whole day was perfect. Before I go any further, I have to offer a thousand more thank yous to my wonderful friend Jenn for helping me pull everything together and really running the show. Jenn, you did an amazing job, I couldn’t have done it without you, and I truly appreciate all of your hard work. Love you, girl.

Okay, on to the good stuff. Since it was raining off and on, we decided to hold everything underneath our small 20×20 tent. Originally, this was only going to be used as an eating area after the ceremony, with the ceremony being performed on a big deck underneath a gazebo. So we used all of our ceremony decorations inside the tent and arranged the seating in kind of an odd way, but it worked. It was intimate.

When I wrote the ceremony, I knew it would be quick, but wow it went fast! I think it was probably the fastest wedding ceremony anyone’s ever been to. I was a nervous wreck reading my vows to Scott – my hands were shaking. I think the only thing keeping me semi-calm was the look on his face as I read them. My friend Cindy was the officiant and she was just great. She also hung around afterwards to help Jenn with a few things – much appreciated!!

Afterwards, we took all of the required family pictures while the tent was magically transformed into a cute little reception room. It really looked gorgeous.

My photographer was awesome. I love her. If anyone in the New England area is looking for a photographer, her name is Jessica Ahlquist. Also, her fees are totally reasonable. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to hire her again. www.ahlquistphotography.com

Again, the whole day was beautiful and we were so happy that I didn’t care that I was being rained on every time I left the tent.

And without further ado, the pictures are here!

11 Days and Counting…

We’re 11 days away now, and I’m still not entirely sure it’s hit me that yes, this is really happening! I suspect the excitement and panic will roll in right after the rehearsal. Nearly everything is ready now; all of the pretty decorations have been purchased, the ceremony has been written, our wedding outfits are complete, and nearly all of the food has been taken care of. Oh, and the booze has been purchased. Can’t forget that!

Throughout the planning, I have to say I am more than thrilled that we’ve been able to stay on budget, a budget that is well below the industry average, and still have everything we wanted and not felt like we were skimping. I hope the day is as gorgeous and festive as we’re planning for.

So far, the weather outlook is cool and dry. Perfect. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

Inspiration

Pink and Copper Inspiration Board from Snippet & Ink

Snippet & Ink created this gorgeous pink and copper inspiration board. It’s really the colors and feeling I want for our wedding and I see a lot of what I’ve already chosen reflected in these images. I love the idea of the old metal watering cans/jars used as flower vases. I might have to mix in a few of those with my mason jars. I think they’d go well together.

Food!

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops - Yum!

We’re working on our food menu right now. We’re serving appetizer and bite-size foods because we’d prefer to have our guests mingle while eating instead of having a formal sit-down dinner. We think it’s more fun that way! Here’s what we’ve thought up for food so far:

• Chicken and Beef Satay with Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Bacon-wrapped Scallops drizzled with Vermont Maple Syrup
• Caprese Salad Skewers drizzled with Olive Oil and Balsamic Reduction
• Raw Vegetables and Crackers with Carmelized Onion Dip
• Spanakopita Squares
• Prosciutto and Melon Skewers
• Toasted Ravioli- Butternut Squash, Mushroom, and Cheese
• Dolmathes with Avgolemono (Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lemon Sauce)

We’re also serving wedding cupcakes for dessert, but I’m considering adding a few other dessert options as well.

We’re getting married…

Multicolored Ranunculus

In 37 days!

Our wedding is being held at the home of Scott’s mom and stepfather in Hollis, NH. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful piece of land to use for the day. Our guest list is small – just 21 people – so the occasion will be intimate.  My good friend Cindy is officiating our ceremony.

I get asked a lot what my “theme” for the wedding is and I’m not sure I actually have a theme so much as just surrounding myself with what I love. The colors I am using throughout are ivory, chocolate brown, pink, and gold. I wanted hues that would complement the leaves of trees as they are beginning to turn. I think the colors I chose will be gorgeous against a backdrop of warm reds, oranges, yellows, and green.

We’re keeping things simple. We’ve chosen one flower to use throughout – ranunculus. I just love their delicate beauty. Mason jars will become vessels for flower bunches and glowing tea lights. As the feast and merriment lingers on into the evening, tiny white lights strung along railings and posts will help us to see our way.