I Do II: Pretty Pink Tulips

My next guest in the series is the talented and fun Elizabeth of PRETTY PINK TULIPS. Elizabeth was the first blogger I "met" when I launched my blog (we have mutual friends) and I have been an avid fan of hers (and her blog) ever since. 

When Kate invited me to share what I what do if I got to redo my "I dos"...I thought what a great idea!! Planning a wedding is an overwhelming task and even though I had 11 months to plan mine, there are things I would definitely change.

First, I would shorten my engagement. 6 months would have been perfect, but that would have meant I was marrying in July. Not a great idea if you live in Dallas, TX, as I did at the time. So, my fantasy location would be moved to Napa Valley.

Next, I would hire the most amazing wedding planner (Kate's mom of PARTY RESOURCES) to help with all the details that take an event to the next level. I was working full time and pursuing my MBA in the evenings. Carving out time to make all the appointments and decisions was hard and this was in the day before blogs and Pinterest! I got married in a church, in the evening and had a fairly formal wedding and reception with over 300 people. In my "redo", I would get married outside overlooking the Napa Valley, have a small guest list and have the wedding during the late afternoon. I would have a sit down dinner under a gorgeous tent and dance the night away. Grant and I would leave under a halo of sparklers.

Finally, one little thing I wish I had done. Flower girls. Just the name alone makes me smile. There are three darling girls who are now teenagers that I wish I had invited to be my flower girls. I was talked out of having any as they always "steal the show". But, if they bring beauty and levity to a serious day....why not? I was a flower girl when I was about 5 years old. And, I remember how special I felt.

Luckily, I would keep the groom. Which, in the end.....is all that really matters.

Photos: Pinterest, Catherine Hall, Alish + Brook Photographers, Laurelyn Dexter and Tara Geurard

Please Join Me...

Please join me over at one of my favorite blogs PRETTY PINK TULIPS where I share my Four Fall Faves! Thanks for having me Elizabeth!

Photo Credit: Tiny White Daisies

Labor Day Style with Pretty Pink Tulips

I am delighted to have one of my favorite bloggers, Elizabeth from PRETTY PINK TULIPS guest blogging on her perfect Labor Day Party!

I was thrilled when Kate asked me to guest blog and create a party for Labor Day. Since we're hosting my father-in-law (a true rancher) for Labor Day Weekend, this menu was designed with him in mind!

Let's face it....if you've had the kind of summer I have, you're just about "partied out" and this is the last hurrah before focusing on Fall. So, I decided to keep things casual and easy. For the host and the guests. My "uniform" this summer has been a strapless dress (short or maxi) and since we're outdoors, I'll wear wedges (gotta have my added height!)

Invitation is via PAPERLESS POST - and gives a nod to something on the menu!

Though I live in New York, I'm not really a "new yorker", but a Texan living in New York. So, let's welcome our guests with a refreshing Texas Tea. (Add a little hooch if you need to give yours a kick). RECIPE

We're going to enjoy these last beautiful warm nights - picnic table style.

I've been having a love affair with Mason jars this summer - so how appropriate to use them not only for glasses but for our flowers.

I'm a huge fan of Pandora, as it allows you to select an artist that you like, then it will create playlists from that artist and others like it. Tonight, I'm going to mix it up with some Blue Six (very vibby), which is a great background music for any type of party and then move into Zac Brown Band, which is THE country/mainstream band of the moment.

Our main course, brisket tacos, pays homage to my guest of honor, but feel free to go vegan with beans and rice. RECIPE

To give some color, take advantage of the season's bounty and circle back to the invitation, we'll serve Fresh Sweet Corn with Sea Salt and Basil. RECIPE

For dessert, a comfort food that is secretly my all time favorite -- Chocolate Pudding. RECIPE

With a relaxing environment like this...hopefully your guests will linger long into the night and you'll eventually end the evening with s'mores by the fire pit!

Wishing everyone a fantastic end of summer!!