Sweet Wedding Memories and a little Family history...

Family weddings have a special place in my heart.  They can also be the hardest because they are emotionally involved.  If you are in the middle of planning a wedding you totally know what I mean! And us girls...well...it's significant and we're emotional.  But it's totally worth it!  And you know that too, so hang in there, the best is yet to come!

So here's a little glimpse into one of our family weddings from several years ago.
My sister-in-law, who was the Bride, and who is very creative, and very organized and knew exactly what she wanted, designed pretty much everything herself from the invitations to the centerpieces to the favors.  But I got to do the flowers with the help of my sister, who is also an amazing floral designer down in Washington (and you can see her gorgeous work here ).

Since the rest of the family did not live near the wedding venue, we got to stay in a hotel and do wedding flowers on site at the Brides house of course, and it kind of felt like one big party!
So, after the rehearsal and a fabulous dinner, here we are, my sister and I.

Designing on the patio on a cool summer night.  I'm sure there was a glass of wine sitting on the table out there somewhere.  So.... I don't get to do that very often but it's right up there with "cooking" in bare feet, with a glass of wine and an apron, which I LOVE to do!

My beautiful sister-in-law and her good (and handsome) man.

I loved the Mokara orchids in her hair.

And of course, I love this baby girl, who made a beautiful flower girl, if I say so myself:)

And this one, who I'm stealing a kiss from, who has just now turned 16, and still brings joy to my heart.

Flowers for the Girls...

and Flowers for the Guys.

And one of my favorite things...a gift from the Bride to her Bridesmaids on the day of the wedding.

A fabric lined beach bag full of surprises and necessities for a full day ahead...hand cream, lip gloss, tissues, breath mints, a bottle of water, a different flower clip on the handle of each one so we could tell them apart (brilliant), comfy flip flops to match our dresses at the reception...and snacks of course!  There may have even been more stuff in there...I just can't remember...but to this day:) I still use the beach bag!  Thanks Auntie, I still think of you, every time it goes with me on a pic-nic or to the beach!

I loved these centerpieces.  My sister-in-law was able to make these weeks in advance and have them at the country club the day before to be put out the day of the wedding.  All we had to do was drop off some orchids to be placed inside.

She had also prepared some matching vases with rocks in the bottom filled with water for the bouquets to rest in, at the head table during the reception.

And there you have it.  My sweet memories of a family wedding.