Sunday, July 19, 2015

Ordeal or ADVENTURE?


I have been talking about my son's wedding for months and the day finally arrived last Saturday.


My speech at the rehearsal dinner on Friday night focused on a quote.


The day the photographer made the 3 hour drive to our house for an engagement photo shoot,


it was pouring down rain, so these two avid readers who both hold degrees in English literature


spent most of the photo shoot in Calico Cat Book Store.


They turned the ordeal into an adventure and subsequently, a wedding theme.

via

Southern California is suffering from a drought, yet Saturday was the wettest July day on record in Los Angeles.


Once again, Aylin and Joshua turned an ordeal into an adventure.


Steve and I, along with Aylin's parents, were the only people to sit in the rain - we are trying to get our umbrella open.


The florist worked her magic to turn my props into lovely vignettes - the birdcage held gift cards from guests.


I was thrilled when I spotted guests filling in cards with memories and advice to the newlyweds.


The file cabinet made by Becky of My Salvaged Treasures 


held the seating arrangement cards.


Rather than numbered tables, they were designated by book title - Aylin chose 3 of her favorites


and Joshua chose 3 of his.


The ladder vignette I created was greatly improved by it's location in front of a lovely garden spot and the gorgeous flowers the florist added.


I bought tons of props for the Photo Booth which was a big hit -


how do I look in my Groucho glasses?


I went technology free and did not take photos once the ceremony began.


so I have no photos of the black and white films playing on the giant screen throughout the night


or EVERYONE joining in on the Turkish dances.


 Fortunately others had their phones so I do have photos of two people who did not let a little rain bother them 


and they had the time of their life surrounded by family and friends.

88 comments:

  1. This really was a great start for these two, an adventure. They had the right attitude and made a fun, memorable adventure out a bit of adversity.

    Everything looked lovely and the bride and groom radiant.

    Congratulations to the happy couple ~ FlowerLady

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  2. Carol, It is all so beautiful. I absolutely love the rainy street kiss. They are a wonderful couple and I am wishing them lots of love and many blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  3. Oh, I was hoping you would share photos! These are wonderful...what a special day! Seems these two lovebirds bring the rain to all their special occasions, but at least they didn't let it "dampen" their spirits! Everything is just beautifui. You did a wonderfu job with the decor Carol! I love the idea of using book titles for seating arrangements. And I love that Joshua chose Where the Sidewalk Ends...:) Love it! Thank you for sharing these photos of your beautiful family. Have a lovely day!

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  4. Carol,
    This is so charming and fun and full of wonderful moments that relate to your son and DIL. How special every touch to this wedding was. Love the card catalog for the guest table markers. So sweet. Just made my heart smile to see all the love and great thought put into this day for your son. Beautiful. Loved your dress too. You looked gorgeous. So happy for all of you.
    It goes by too quickly. Glad you had a love filled day. They say if it rains on your wedding that is good luck. Just a beautiful day for all of you.
    Kris

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  5. OOOOOO....I have been waiting for this like a mother too! HAHAHHHAHA

    Joshua and his bride look fantastic. Carol, where do we even begin? We here have been waiting for weeks to see all the planning unspool into a first chapter of two lives now one. The props, the seating arrangements, the table, the BRIDE, the GROOM! And the rain? Hallelujah. I pray that more and more rain comes down to refresh and revitalize the land. WOW, how are you feeling? What are you plans now to create?

    Splendid job my friend. You have done well, in so many ways. I can see a joy in your son's eyes...what a blessing.

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  6. How fun! Sorry about the rain but happy about it too! Congrats to the newlyweds!!!

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  7. As a girl from the Pacific Northwest, I can appreciate Ailyn and Joshua embracing rain on their wedding day. I am quite certain that you have heard that it brings good luck! ( So much more meaningful since the phenomenon occurs less frequently in SoCal.) Their day was full, brimming with love, charm, nostalgia, joy, serendipity and silly... a perfect reflection of their passion for living. Please forward the best of love and blessings from 34th Street!
    ~Lynne
    w/L

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  8. I heard that rain brings good luck too..My younger son got married last October, it was raining off and on the early part of their wedding day :-) Such lovely photos!

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  9. Such a dream wedding! What wonderful photos/wonderful memories. The decorating shows so much love! Congratulations!

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  10. Just adorable! Any couple that can take a wedding day in stride like that is off to a great start! Congratulations to them. :)

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  11. I too was hoping for a few photos today! The wedding looks amazing and rain, well bring it on...didn't dampen their love one bit! I love all the books and table decor and the wonderful items you created for this wedding. Unique, memorable, full of love and laughter! Glad you stayed in the moment and let others do the photographing. It goes so fast!
    hugs and congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!
    Linda

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  12. I love that quote, Carol, it is so true! It's something I often forget. I may need to print it out and pin it up somewhere. The wedding looks like it was an amazing adventure...rain or not...and like I commented on Instagram, a wet knot is hard to untie! ;-) Congratulations to all!

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  13. Awesome wedding! The bride and groom are beautiful. And all the fun work you did on this wedding shines through in spite of the rain! Congrats to all.

    Mary

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  14. Oh Carol. What a wedding story. Saturday I was so sick and I kept thinking about you and shaking my head at all the rain. "What are the odds ?" I kept thinking. But after hearing about the wedding and seeing these pictures it's a reminder that love really trumps everything. First of all I loved seeing all the gorgeous details, don't think I've seen the bride and groom chairs decorated with a tropical vibe before...the colors and flowers and wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses ...it all looks so wonderfully coordinated. And of course all the details you added, I'm sure the photo booth was a hit because of your part it in...I'm blathering on about the wedding but what I'm really touched by is the way your son and his new wife handled the unexpected rain. I like to think that it will be the way they will face their difficulties in Life. With a sense of humor and a lot of grace.
    congratulations to you all!!!
    sending lots of love,
    Leslie

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    1. The entire event, from the planning to the morning after breakfast at The Ace was wonderful.

      I am glad to have it behind me and now I am trying to find places for everything. Maybe I should start a Photo Booth business because I have a ridiculous amount of silly props.

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  15. :))))))))))) And now you can breathe! I love the colors chosen for the flowers and decorations... and you look amazing in your Groucho glasses!

    Congratulations to the new couple!

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  16. What a special day. I wish the happy couple many good years together.

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  17. Such a beautiful beginning to a wonderful life together! They really look so happy and isn't rain on your wedding day good luck?! All of the hard work you did really paid off with the beautiful vignettes and arrangements. Congratulations to you all!

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  18. That is a quote I'll make note of and read often, Carol! Your son and new daughter-in-law will, no doubt, have their share of adventures. I love the "bookishness" of their theme. It looks like you helped create a beautiful start for their married life.

    Karen

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  19. Congratulations to the happy couple! Her dress was beautiful and your son was so handsome. I loved the color scheme for the flowers. Very tropical looking. The book theme was perfect for their lifestyle too. I think your decorations looked great and the flowers really were the perfect finishing touch. I love the picture of them kissing under the umbrella in their wedding clothes. I bet no one was unhappy with the rain considering it was desperately needed. Kind of unbelievable timing huh?

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  20. Sometimes things like a raining day, power going out, wind storms, etc. Work to enhance the memories. They're already showing that they have what it takes to turn lemons into lemonade and that is a very good way to start the adventure called "marriage". Here's to the bride and groom, may their years be many and may happiness abound in their daily lives.

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  21. Congratulations to the beautiful couple!
    I wish them a long and happy life together , with mutual respect , understanding , patience and love.
    Tina xxxx

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  22. Oh Carol, what were the chances of rain on that day? My goodness, I would certainly see it as only serendipity to match up the engagement photo shoot and wedding day as such! It all looked fabulous, and so did you from what I could see. Congratulations on completing such a personal and meaningful project. Let the adventure begin for the happy couple!

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  23. What a gorgeous young couple, and a beautiful wedding day (despite any rain which may have fallen unexpectedly!) Congratulations to them and wishing them every happiness for the future. Everything looks so lovely in these pictures, and your decorations were just wonderful....I am sure everyone loved them.
    Happy new week.
    Helen xox

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  24. Looks like such a special, memorable day!! Love all the decorations and fun touches!
    Susan

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  25. What a gorgeous couple who both have such a great outlook. Congratulations to them and you both and wishes for as happy a marriage as you and Steve do! Love all your decoration and the file cabinet as a seating arrangement...now that was quite unique!

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  26. Such a wonderful post and so appreciated! We waited so patiently and now it's here!!! Congratulations to All, especially to the Bride and Groom!!! It looks spectacular even with the rain, giving the ceremony a bit of flare of its own!!! At my parents wedding in CA, it poured and they have been married over 50 years! Loved the special decorating touches and color scheme! The flowers divine!!! Thank you for sharing this special event! Blessings to you all!! You did it!! Cheers!!! <3

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  27. Carol, all the anticipation and preparations culminated in a glorious evening. What a unique and special event! The rain will only add to the story! Love seeing these snaps. Congratulations to Aylin and Joshua!

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  28. How Wonderful Carol! Super great attitudes will lead to a terrific and satisfying life. I'm glad you chose to enjoy yourself and not worry about photos, that why they hire photographers! Congratulations to the kids and families! Blessings, Cindy

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  29. Being a huge advocate for elopement... I must say--- kudos on good attitudes...and not letting their adventure be overcome by such a little thing like rain ... In the midst of a drought. It says a lot for their character

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  30. What a beautiful couple they are and it's so nice to see all the smiles despite the bad weather. So happy that they turned the most important day of their lives together into a memorable adventure.

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  31. How could it be any cuter!!! It's almost like it was meant to have rain for all of the super fun photos. We had some extreme downpours here though so I guess those times weren't pleasant at all but they didn't last too long.

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  32. oh the photos are WONDERFUL!! LOVE! :) and I have heard that rain is good luck. My sister's wedding...it poured! And they are still together despite some rough spots.

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  33. oh the photos are WONDERFUL!! LOVE! :) and I have heard that rain is good luck. My sister's wedding...it poured! And they are still together despite some rough spots.

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  34. I am smiling ear to ear just going through all these photos. This is the most creative and beautiful wedding! Doesn't it just figure that after all these months of drought, that the wedding day finally brought rain? Looks like everyone made the best of it though. I hope you are resting and recovering a bit from all the celebration.

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  35. It was a beautiful wedding for beautiful people. I love the story and enjoyed seeing the photos. Congrats to all!

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  36. It all looks just perfect! I love their theme, and their attitude! Hope you're getting some rest this week.

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  37. Oh, the time of their life, I love that. Bravo to all of you for going with the flow (no pun intended). The things that go a little wonky at weddings are always the great stories you tell for years and years.

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  38. I got a little teary eyed reading this post, Carol. What a special day for your son and new daughter-in-law! Don't they say it's good luck when it rains on your wedding day? It rained on our youngest daughter's October wedding day, too, and the outdoor photos were gorgeous! I love the engagement photos outside of the bookstore and the wedding photo on the street in the rain. Thanks for sharing the details with us!

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  39. What a lovely wedding***** they looks so happy. I love that they just grabbed some umbrellas and enjoyed the moment. Everything looked so pretty whether it rained or not. What memories they will have of their special day
    deezie

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  40. Once upon a time ......... and they live happily ever after . Of course the pictures are wonderful and show us a lot but I do love the written Stories too ! The magic of reading words and have your own images ...... I understood the couple loves literature and books and I wish them a true fairytale ❤️

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  41. Hi Carol, Congrats to the newly married and gorgeous couple. Everything looks fabulous. The decorations,the flowers, the fun with the props and even the rain is perfect. It rained on my wedding day and I was told it was good luck!! Great photos and the last one is truly special. You did an amazing job with everything in this theme. Best wishes to A&J
    cm

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    1. The rain simply added to their story.

      I love the last photo too, but I wish someone had caught a pic of the dip in their wedding dance. We don't know where Joshua got his moves!

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  42. Aw, what fun so glad they were able to make the best of the rainy situation. I think rain on a wedding day is supposed to be good!

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  43. I've so been waiting for this post! It looks like everyone enjoyed their adventure. What great memories! I hope you are relaxing this week and pampering yourself a bit. I'm happy for all of you.

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  44. You know I keep up with on IG-but just had to drop by and say what a beautiful wedding and I am very happy for you and the families!
    Jemma

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  45. The rain made for a memorable day and some unique photos. So happy you went tech free during the ceremony. How distracting to have flashes and whirls during ceremonies. I love the alley photo in the rain. Every thing was srt up beutifully. Thanks for sharing this precious moment in the life of your family. Debbie

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  46. All the photos are wonderful. Love the spirit of these two young people! Glad rain showed up in LA, too. What a memory for all of you. Great photos, great flowers, great vignettes, great decorations.

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  47. This is the cutest theme for a wedding I've ever seen!!! I love this~ everything about it. And it's good luck when it rains on your wedding day, so YAY!!!

    I love the tables, and the announcements, the invitations, everything! Well done!

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  48. It all looks wonderful. Like a dream come true, a true fairy book wedding. And if anything, the rain was a great ice-breaker, giving everyone something to talk and laugh about. Looks like a truly fabulous day filled with wonderful memories for everyone. Please let me add my best wishes to all the others, xoxox Carol

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  49. Sorry about the rain, would've expected that. Applauds to the bride and groom for taking it in stride and making the best of the situation and having a great day! Your touches were perfect

    Can't

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  50. Congrats to the Bride and Groom!! I hear that it is good if it rains on your wedding day. Everything looked beautiful...your special touches were just perfect!!
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  51. What a shame it rained on this special day, it looks as you had such fun. I love the photo booth and the way all your vignettes have been used and the book theme. What will you do now it is all over? I'm sure it won't be long before you are rearranging things again. I hope the couple have a wonderful life together full of fun and laughter just like their wedding day. Sarah x

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  52. What's a little rain when you are madly in love? It is obvious that your hard work and planning paid off, and they had an unforgettable day. Mazeltov!

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  53. Beautiful, I just love it. All of it is so lovely.
    Thank you for sharing the very special day!
    Carla

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  54. Carol,

    I lost my comment...maybe it will pop up again. The rain seems to have played a big part in the whole wedding theme...the bookstore, the umbrellas, I think it's cool. Your blue dress is gorgeous. The table theme with the filing cabinet and books is SO original. We have to love this young generation and their curiosity and zeal for trying new and original ideas. And you were the perfect one to carry out so many of these original plans---you and Steve, true artists.

    Thank you for sharing. Can you breathe a bit better now? :))))

    Jane xx

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  55. Rain is good luck and they've had it twice. That's a very good sign :)

    Everything turned out wonderful and I'm so very happy for them. I know you are too.

    xo,
    rue

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  56. Oh Carol,
    Everything looked absolutely perfect. And the beautiful couple looked as happy as can be. It rain and there was even thunder and lighting here...but the rain didn't seem to dampen the happy couple's special day. Congratulations to them. Wishing them a very happily ever after.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  57. In France, we have a saying about rainy weddings making happy mariages...

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  58. How wonderful!! All your photos are gorgeous! Congratulations to them!!

    Kathy

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  59. Carol,
    I just can't even believe it rained! I love everyone's attitude about it though. They are such a lovely couple and I know you feel so very blessed to have her in your family. I'm wishing them many happy years. I'm curious what jobs they have both being English Literature graduates. I know Em would rather get that degree than any in the world and would love to know what opportunities it would hold as they only English major I know is my brother-in-law who works in IT!

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    1. Aylin mentioned to me that she read your comment and she would love to talk with Em about majoring in English. Aylin earned at BA in English at UC Berkeley which is has one of the best programs in the country. She earned her MA in Creative Writing at St. Mary's. If you think Em would like to correspond with her, let me know and I will forward the email to Aylin.

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  60. Everything turned out wonderful Carol! Beautiful colors, clever theme and lovely couple! Congrats! Ü

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  61. The photos really capture a fabulous day. Really happy couple ...wish them all the very best of adventures. Your themed creations look amazing. Thank you for sharing x

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  62. Where do I begin ? WOW ! I love everything in this post. The creativity, the smile of the beautiful bride and groom, the unexpected rain making things all the more an adventure, the theme and how you used it throughout ...again, wow !

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  63. What a beautiful wedding, rain and all! They are such a handsome couple. And the photos are great - particularly the at bookshop! Great idea! Best wishes to the bride and groom!

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  64. Oh my gosh, Carol--I love this for so many reasons! What a wonderful wedding!

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  65. What a BEAUTFUL wedding, just lovely...the pictures are stunning!
    Have a great week, take care!
    Titti

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  66. what a wonderful attitude and a lovely, lovely wedding. You guys did it up well!

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  67. The best attitude ever ... lovely wedding, with special memories and yes the rain will play it's part in those special memories of such a lovely day.

    I wish them every happiness.

    All the best Jan

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  68. The best attitude ever ... lovely wedding, with special memories and yes the rain will play it's part in those special memories of such a lovely day.

    I wish them every happiness.

    All the best Jan

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  69. Looks like such a beautiful and fun time. I can't believe it rained. Glad they didn't let it ruin their day. Best wishes as they start their married life.

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  70. Oh, I'm so happy for you! It looks like a perfect perfect day! And you are so pretty in your blue dress.
    A hug for you.
    Amalia
    xo

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  71. Congrats to the cute couple! I know you worked hard prepping for this and it shows. Love the theme and I cannot believe it rained!!!

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  72. Oh my goodness! I loved seeing these pictures of the happy couple, who seem to have lots of personality! The bookstore engagement pictures are adorable! I also love the wedding flowers and think the rain and umbrellas added charm. I'm sure it's not what they expected on their wedding day, but maybe it made it even more memorable?! What you spoke on was a great message for all of us. Congrats!! Xo, ~julie

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  73. I just KNEW this wedding was going to be beautiful.....and oh my!!....it was! Loved seeing the pretty pictures! Thanks for sharing with us. Everyone looked so nice! What lovely memories you will have to enjoy!

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  74. The sun will always be shining on these two - I can tell by this post! It may be 'liquid sunshine' as we call it in Seattle . . .but it will be there! Lovely post - thanks for sharing!!!

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  75. What beautiful photos of the wedding! It looks like a little rain wasn't going to dampen anyone's spirits!
    Congratulations to all!
    Debbie

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  76. Well congratulations on so many things! Mostly a fine son and wonderful new daughter in law married! We had a backyard wedding in May( In Albuquerquue) for our third son that rained all day. It was a Scottish wedding with the men wearing kilts, so it only seemed fitting to have rain. There are so many creative touches here. And I'm so glad you set the camera down for the experience. I probably do that to a fault, but it seems that folks take plenty anyway. What a grand event for you all! So glad for you.

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  77. Well congratulations on so many things! Mostly a fine son and wonderful new daughter in law married! We had a backyard wedding in May( In Albuquerquue) for our third son that rained all day. It was a Scottish wedding with the men wearing kilts, so it only seemed fitting to have rain. There are so many creative touches here. And I'm so glad you set the camera down for the experience. I probably do that to a fault, but it seems that folks take plenty anyway. What a grand event for you all! So glad for you.

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  78. Well congratulations on so many things! Mostly a fine son and wonderful new daughter in law married! We had a backyard wedding in May( In Albuquerquue) for our third son that rained all day. It was a Scottish wedding with the men wearing kilts, so it only seemed fitting to have rain. There are so many creative touches here. And I'm so glad you set the camera down for the experience. I probably do that to a fault, but it seems that folks take plenty anyway. What a grand event for you all! So glad for you.

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  79. Well congratulations on so many things! Mostly a fine son and wonderful new daughter in law married! We had a backyard wedding in May( In Albuquerquue) for our third son that rained all day. It was a Scottish wedding with the men wearing kilts, so it only seemed fitting to have rain. There are so many creative touches here. And I'm so glad you set the camera down for the experience. I probably do that to a fault, but it seems that folks take plenty anyway. What a grand event for you all! So glad for you.

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  80. The bride and groom look so happy and beautiful together. The flowers are gorgeous. Love their fun photo shoot photos and the umbrellas make the wedding look even more special. I notice all your handiwork at the tables and the ladder, etc. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your son's wedding with us.

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  81. Carol, yes it's all about the attitude and these two have a great one. Growing up whenever my kids got down on themselves I always said, "remember the 'A' word"! They immediately knew it meant attitude. My youngest daughter is working on a glacier in Alaska. When I talked to her last she said that at times it was hard, but that she would just remember the 'A' word. Made me proud that I had taught her at least that. The photos and décor are fabulous! Love, the fun props that you bought. Looks like a wonderful night for everyone! The book store photos are perfect!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  82. I bet that this was one of the most fun weddings that folks have ever attended! Every where you look is color, whimsy, unique decor and, despite the drenching rain, everyone looks lovely and so happy!

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  83. Congrats to the happy and beautiful couple. May they have a life time of love and joy!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  84. Sorry to be so tardy in making a comment. I just read the post this morning. What a beautiful wedding and the wonderful couple.
    Congratulations to them both. Everything was perfect - you did an outstanding job on all your projects for the wedding. You looked stunning and yes, they are right - Rain on your wedding day brings good luck.
    Rest up - take a deep breath and remember the beautiful event.
    Mary

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  85. oh my goodness Carol I have been trying to catch up on all of my summer blogs. I have enjoyed every delightful detail you put into all of the wedding decorations and props. The love you have for your son and his bride is so evident. I am so happy that the wedding was so beautiful and love filled.

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