Polka Dot Love for Easter

I have a confession: I have a HUGE crush on the clothing store Ruche. I love their beautiful dresses, skirts, and delicate accessories. I wouldn't consider my style vintage, but I do enjoy girly things from time to time. Anyhow, in March I spied a lovely light colored teal polka dot dress. I couldn't pass it up and took a chance and made my first purchase with Ruche! I ordered on a Tuesday and had my dress by Saturday (it also helps that they're located in Cali). The dress is great quality, fits me nicely (for the most part- unfortunately I was not 'blessed' with a large top area haha), and I have many ideas for styling it.

I am so thankful the weather was so lovely! Had this been a typical Easter I would have been so chilly (especially considering my tights got a huge run in them shortly before I had to leave home-- so that is also why you are graced with my pasty legs! ;-) ) *

Dress: Ruche
Cardigan: Merona / Target (recent!)
Belt: H & M
Blazer: H & M
Shoes: H & M

*P.S. Sara-- you can see my wacky collar bones! haha!

Sweetest Thing

This was such a fun day!! Mom, Sarah and I got together with a friend of ours, an "ex-neighbor." We met her (Christy) her daughter and granddaughter at a lovely cupcake shop called the Sweetest Thing. Oh, and it is the sweetest thing. These delightful treats are made with high quality natural ingredients. They also look too good to eat!

I will tell ya'll, I am not a big fan of cake or cupcakes for that matter, but the moment I tasted the "Lady in Red" my mind changed instantly. These cupcakes are so good! Not something I could eat all of the time because they are quite sweet, but certainly perfect for a get together with a dear friend. :)

Lady in Red

After having delicious cupcakes we went to see Christy's house and then went with her to CAT Adoption Team to see her newly adopted kitty. We enjoyed chatting and catching up :) What a wonderful day-- and it was full of sunshine too!

The darnest thing is though... I had my camera and did I get a picture of us together?! Guess that's what happens when you get up in chatter. Oh well. More of an excuse to see each other soon. ;-)

Wedding Shout-Outs, Part II

The rest of my recommendations, compliments etc... :)


Food/ Catering


Roth's Fresh Markets (particularly the on Wallace Road NW, Salem) -- They did an excellent job on preparing the food and the cake (best store made cake I have ever had & I'm not a huge fan of cake in general). The lady who did the catering for our wedding was so helpful! She thought of things that had never crossed our minds. For example, she suggested that the cake table be at a different location due to the scene behind it (behind one set of windows was a playground and she didn't want that to be in the background for the pictures). I highly recommend Roth's if you are planning a wedding in Salem, OR!

The Venue- Church

Salem First Presbyterian Church -- This church holds so much significance for our family so it was very special to have the wedding there. All year round this church looks gorgeous but it is even better during the Christmas season. Sarah got the wedding she dreamed of! Plus, I must add, the pastor, the wedding coordinator, the sound technician, custodian, organist (though minor issues due to it being the first wedding there, she did a beautiful job playing) and others involved were wonderful. They all worked together to make the day memorable for Sarah and D.

Flowers

Anderson-McIlnay, located in downtown Salem -- Though going into the shop and ordering was quite an experience (apparently chaotic? I wasn't there for the experience), the flowers were all stunning. We were all very happy with the flowers! (The large arrangements are the two in the sanctuary in the previous picture)

Table Decorations-- Family Created & Produced!


My Aunt and her two daughters -- What more can I say, but WOW?! Sarah gave them the idea of using oranments and look at what they created... Most decorations (ornaments) were bought at the Dollar Tree, sparkly blue fabric at JoAnn's store, and items like the vases and mirrors were borrowed. Altogether the decorations came to about $50. Yes, 5-0 dollars!!! I am so impressed and think they should post this creation on Pinterest (cough, cough!). Thank you cousins and Auntie!!!

Last but not least.... All of the Village! Thank you family!!!!

Without the help of family members being willing to help, it would have been a very stressful event.

--Two cousins were willing to do the guest book and served as warm greeters.
-- Two of my aunties greeted guests and helped to make everyone feel welcome.
-- Two of my uncles provided video recording services; one was in the balcony and one took a recording from his seat in the pew.
-- My aunt and uncle who live nearby were so generous in driving a special guest from the airport to the hotel (they had been there to take their son to the airport and D's friend's plane was delayed, so my aunt and uncle stayed out there later to retrieve him).
-- A huge thank you to those who took pictures, video, danced, chattered with guests, participated in being at the wedding; you all made it an awesome celebration!

~
Hoping I didn't forget anyone but if I did I will add them in at some later point. :) If you're planning a wedding, I hope that some of these recommendations help... that is if you're in the Oregon, Salem-ish area. haha

Wedding Shout-Outs, Part I

Okay folks, I think this is my last post about the wedding. However, this is an important post because several people and businesses need to be recognized and recommended. Without the help of family and the generosity of others, the wedding would have not gone so smoothly. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Wedding dress

David's Bridal -- Sarah's dress was on sale ($99 and it was the one we all fell in love with!), and the ladies were really helpful and professional for the alterations.

Jewelry


Mary Hurst -- When Sarah, Mom and I picked up D at the airport we had plenty of time to peruse the stores. Featured, in the walkway, of the store area, was a jewelry stand. Sarah and I still needed earrings for the wedding and decided to check out this lady's stand. I am so glad we did!! Mary was so sweet to talk to (she has a little accent, she is from Ireland) and was so excited to learn that her jewelry would be worn for such a special occasion. I emailed her today with some pictures. I am so pleased with the earrings I got from her! They added the right amount of sparkle to my outfit. Sarah's were simply beautiful too and went perfectly with Granny's pearl necklace. (I need to take an up close shot of these earrings so it will be uploaded tomorrow) I feel so good about buying locally because it was handmade and a personal exchange. :)


Hair & Makeup

Zeeba Salon in Salem -- These gals were so sweet! We had super early appointments (7AM) so that we could be ready in plenty of time. They provided us with a lovely breakfast of delicious donuts, orange slices and orange juice. Our makeup was beautifully done and our hair turned out better than expected! We were done early too (a little before 10AM) so we had some nice extra time at the church. Thank you Zeeba!!!

Food/ Catering


Roth's Fresh Markets (particularly the on Wallace Road NW, Salem) -- They did an excellent job on preparing the food and the cake (best store made cake I have ever had & I'm not a huge fan of cake in general). The lady who did the catering for our wedding was so helpful! She thought of things that had never crossed our minds. For example, she suggested that the cake table be at a different location due to the scene behind it (behind one set of windows was a playground and she didn't want that to be in the background for the pictures). I highly recommend Roth's if you are planning a wedding in Salem, OR!

The Venue- Church

Salem First Presbyterian Church -- This church holds so much significance for our family so it was very special to have the wedding there. All year round this church looks gorgeous but it is even better during the Christmas season. Sarah got the wedding she dreamed of! Plus, I must add, the pastor, the wedding coordinator, the sound technician, custodian, organist (though minor issues due to it being the first wedding there, she did a beautiful job playing) and others involved were wonderful. They all worked together to make the day memorable for Sarah and D.

Photography


Little Pixels, located in Beaverton -- We know Rebecca from a previous photography experience and so Sarah chose her to do the wedding photos. Rebecca is easy-going, uses high quality equipment, and is very discrete. I hardly noticed her or her assistant during the whole day! She was flexible to travel to Salem for the wedding, included engagement pictures in the package (not sure if she does that for all couples), and was also flexible on the dates (for awhile we weren't sure of the wedding date). I highly recommend her- she is fun to work with and is passionate about her job!