Tuesday, May 28, 2013

COUNTRY WEDDING CELEBRATION



This past Sunday we hosted a Country Wedding Celebration for our son Christopher and his bride Abigail.

Because their wedding in St. Petersburg Florida was very formal they wanted a chippy, casual, picnic-style country reception here at StoneGable. We wanted our northern friends and family who could not attend the wedding last month to celebrate the bride and groom with us too!

Here are some pictures I was able to snap just before over 100 guests arrived...

Unfortunately, I was under the weather with a bad cold and cough... but I had a small army of family and friends pitching in to help. Thanks all! It would have been impossible to pull off without you! xo








The day was cool and quite breezy...but sunny and so full of joy! The back porch and back yard was party central!

Lots of pictures, so settle in...































The drink station...


































The food...

















The dessert was served on my potting bench...

We served Abigail's great grandmother's Berry Buckle Crisp and assorted cookies...





























Other fun country touches...


































The bride and groom...






A sweet little guest...









This precious little girl is Felicity, my great niece! She was just adorable!!!  Our dog scamp kept all the children very entertained!







What a blessed day celebrating with friends and family...


We played ladder ball, croquet and bocce. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the games. 











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87 comments:

  1. Tanya RachelleMay 28, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    Wonderful! Looks like a fun and fabulous event. Love, the cookie jar idea! Nice touches.
    ~Tanya

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  2. Patty @ That's So PrettyMay 28, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    Very nice and so sweet.

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  3. Botanic BleuMay 28, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    The bride and groom look like they were having a great time. I love that they both have on cowboy boots for the northern friends and family.

    Your picnic looks wonderful. I LOVE the drinks chest...

    Judith

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  4. thefarmfilesMay 28, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Looks lovely! I am planning my own wedding, with a reception at our family's farm...so much of what you've done here is what I want for my reception, so of course I love it! So nice. And, what a beautiful couple. Looks like perfect weather.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Emily

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  5. angela hodges abodeMay 28, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    Very nicely done! This looks fabulous!

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  6. UnknownMay 28, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Luv it. We are planning a reception next month for my son and his beautiful bride as well. You captured her spirit very well.
    Will be using some of your ideas Yvonne. You always inspire me so..
    Hugs, Gee

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  7. Rattlebridge FarmMay 28, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    How beautiful, Yvonne! And what a feast and a loving celebration for family and friends. I love the beverage station and the dessert etegere. "Eat dessert first." Love it all.

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  8. Desires of the HeartMay 28, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Wow!! You really outdid yourself!! Everything looks so welcoming and lovely. Such simple ideas but executed so beautifully. It looks like a wonderful time and your menu sounds delicious!! What wonderful thing to do for the newlyweds. Thanks for sharing all the great pictures. Blessings to all, Linda

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  9. Victoria's Vintage DesignsMay 28, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Gorgeous!! I bet they were thrilled!

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  10. AnonymousMay 28, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    Yvonne: You did a fantastic job.
    Loved all the special StoneGable touches.
    All the food sounds fantastic.
    Bet everyone had a great time and will be
    raving about this Wedding Party for many
    years.

    Much Happiness to Abby and Chris.

    Denise

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  11. lindaMay 28, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    Can shabby be elegant and classy? YES! Great work Yvonne. Best Wishes to all

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  12. AnonymousMay 28, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    Yvonne, as usual you outdid yourself. What a fabulous reception.

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  13. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMay 28, 2013 at 2:07 PM

    Cute, cute and did I say cute. So well put together as only you could do.

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  14. Cher' ShotsMay 28, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Such a relaxing setting. I love your "mint water - sweet tea" station. I'll bet your son and daughter in law loved and appreciated your thoughtfulness.
    'love & hugs from afar'

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  15. Barbara F.May 28, 2013 at 2:25 PM

    Sweet and relaxing, the little girl is so adorable, even from the back! Love the menu. xo

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  16. SplenderosaMay 28, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Well, you pulled out all stops didn't you, ladybug? So many little details make this a charming and memorable event. I love how you tied the little round tables with the cloths, so pretty. And, goodness, they are beautiful, aren't they? So happy for the entire family, Yvonne. This is what memories are made of. Now, where's a picture of YOU? xx's

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  17. Terry @ La Bella VieMay 28, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    How beautiful, Yvonne! Such simple ideas and executed so beautifully and I adore the picnic feel and look! Also I LOVE the drinks chest and the cookie jar idea, both so cute!!!
    As always, everything is just perfect for a perfectly adorable couple!

    Blessings to you and your family and thank you for sharing your wonderfully inspiring ideas!

    Terry

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  18. MarlisMay 28, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    Now, that's the perfect way to throw such a fabulous event! I love love the special touches you added everywhere. Best wishes to the handsome groom and gorgeous bride. xo marlis

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  19. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)May 28, 2013 at 3:04 PM

    I am so impressed! It looks like something out of Martha Stewart mag. only even better.
    I love the dresser/drink station and the old coke case filled with marigolds!
    Lovely!
    Cindy

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  20. Kristen WhitbyMay 28, 2013 at 3:21 PM

    Oh Yvonne, everything is so perfect! I love all of your touches!

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  21. Michele M./ Finch RestMay 28, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    I'm just sitting here reading and looking at this awesome post with tears in my eyes. It is just so perfect, you worked so hard to make everything from the bridal shower to this post wedding funfest so danged perfect, Yvonne.

    You are a remarkable lady, mom, MIL, friend, etc. to so many - the love you put into these events is so apparent. Every pic of this country casual wedding reception is Pin Pefect in every way. Congrats.

    Now it is YOUR turn, my friend. Book a spa day for just you, or you are your best friend. Take a day for a massage, mani, pedi, facial.............relax and rest and enjoy your memories of these wonderful events that you so worked for to make perfect for your loved ones. Take a nice break, YOU REALLY DESERVE IT. Good for you, it's amazing.

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  22. The enchanted homeMay 28, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    How beautiful. I can see this was done with huge amounts of love, it is obvious down to the last detail! The bride and groom are gorgeous...sending them many blessings!! Wonderful job Yvonne!! Hope you get to put up your feet and relax a bit:)

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  23. Barbara @ 21 Rosemary LaneMay 28, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Oh Yvonne what a dream come true for your young couple. Everything looks just wonderful! The work and love you into all you created, from the food to the decorations and everything in between, just lovely!!! Thank you so much for sharing and have a great day!!
    XO Barbara

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  24. MaryMay 28, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Great looking party. I am sure everyone was impressed with all your colorful decorations. I am sure the food was unbeatable!


    Mary
    From Virginia

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  25. MaryMay 28, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    Love it ALL Yvonne from the checks, straws, jars, and chalkboards! I know it was bride & groom aproved! Dessert on the Potting Bench is such a fun & festive touch!

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  26. podsoMay 28, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    Yvonne it looks great! I know you were sick so it's amazing how it all came together! The decorations are great; love how you used the blackboards! What happy memories you created for your family!

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  27. SueMay 28, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Looks like fun and how wonderful the weather was good for you!

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  28. Shannon FoxMay 28, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    What a lucky Bride & Groom. It was pure country magic!!

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  29. Laura @ duke manor farmMay 28, 2013 at 4:42 PM

    Congrats to the bride and groom. What an awesome looking celebration.

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  30. Pinky at Designs by PinkyMay 28, 2013 at 5:02 PM

    I am here to tell you that it was a wonderful day, wonderful celebration and the food was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I ate some of everything:):):) The love you have for both of them is so evident and their love shines through their eyes. Thanks again for having us. XOXO, Pinky

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  31. Debra@CommonGroundMay 28, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    Everything about this is wonderful!! love the blue yellow and white color theme, great job, Yvonne!

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  32. debbiesMay 28, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    Were these their wedding colors? My daughter was married last June and used these same colors. Such a wonderful party atmosphere and I know everyone had a good time!

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  33. OliveMay 28, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    You know how to celebrate. StoneGable is such a great setting for this party.

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  34. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenMay 28, 2013 at 5:55 PM

    Awww thanks for sharing the wonderful celebration. The happy couple are just adorable, as is your darling great niece. Everything looks perfect!

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  35. LynnMay 28, 2013 at 6:04 PM

    Everything looks beautiful Yvonne, I'm sure everyone had a blast! Hope you're feeling better:@)

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  36. AnonymousMay 28, 2013 at 6:37 PM

    Hi Yvonne Dear, Looking at these pictures is like being at that wonderful
    celebration all over again. The food not only looked great but was delicious.
    All the children had such a great time ...Chris and Abby were delightful with all
    of their guests, but most of all your time and talent (Bob's too), made it the celebration that it was. You are so SPECIAL to us all. Love, Mother

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  37. LisaMay 28, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    Sweet sweet party! And the happy couple looks like they are enjoying wedded bliss.;)

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  38. Blondie's JournalMay 28, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    Thanks for sharing pictures of this wonderful occasion! I see many "Yvonne" touches! Just beautiful and what a happy looking couple! Best Wishes to them!

    XO,
    Jane

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  39. Pamela GordonMay 28, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    Absolutely beautiful Yvonne. I love the casual look to the decor. The bride and groom are a beautiful couple! Congratulations to all. Blessings, Pamela

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  40. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsMay 28, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    I cannot tell you how beautifully you created this occasion for your son and daughter-in-law.....Your magnificent touches and attention to detail were shown throughout...I am in love with the drink station you created!!!..I am sure that everyone had such a wonderful time and swooning over your creations!!....Congrats to the happy couple and congrats to you for presenting them with such a spectacular event to remember always!

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  41. KathysueMay 28, 2013 at 8:41 PM

    Congratulations to YOU and your family for the marriage of your son. I would say that you did a fabulous job for the newly weds. Love the colors and all the elements, Great job Yvonne. Hope you are feeling better and can enjoy the images of all your hard work,
    Kathysue

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  42. UnknownMay 28, 2013 at 8:52 PM

    Congratulations Yvonne! I'm so giddy over your post as I am in 'project mode' for an 'after wedding' reception for my son and DIL coming up in October that I'm hosting in my backyard! Your ideas have got my wheels turning! Looks like it was a beautiful gathering!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!~~Angela

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  43. SueMay 28, 2013 at 9:03 PM

    Love the brides cowboy boots....very cute!!

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  44. On Crooked CreekMay 28, 2013 at 9:05 PM

    Yvonne,
    Simplicity and elegance paired beautifully together, dear friend!!!
    Love the out~of~doors porch clan in blue & white check tablecloths!!!
    The tables donned with white, burlap and baskets are stunning!!!
    Adorable how you used furniture pieces outside to contain beverages,
    glasses, straws, napkins, etc!!!
    Sorry you were "under the weather" during the fesitivites...
    but everything looks splendid, indeed!!!
    Such a cute couple they make!!!
    Thank you for sharing!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  45. Tazas y CuentosMay 28, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    Congratulations! Everything is fantastic!
    That drink station...the crate with the flowers...gorgeous!
    Besos, Silvina

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  46. Patricia @ ButterYumMay 28, 2013 at 9:28 PM

    What a charming gathering you put together. Every details is perfect. Such a lovely couple - they must have been thrilled.

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  47. Mary Ann PickettMay 28, 2013 at 10:24 PM

    Magical!!! Hope you are feeling better.

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  48. BarbaraMay 28, 2013 at 11:08 PM

    Absolutely picture perfect, Yvonne! What a wonderful gift of love this reception to the bride and groom was. Hope you feel better and all my best to Abby and Chris.

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  49. Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingMay 28, 2013 at 11:12 PM

    Oh how beautiful!! Love all your detailed touches. The yellow and white globes hanging in the canopy ... LOVE!!

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  50. Deb HrabikMay 28, 2013 at 11:49 PM

    So charming. I got lots of ideas here that we might be able to use for my son's wedding this summer!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Deb@LakeGirlPaints

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  51. One More Time EventsMay 29, 2013 at 12:10 AM

    This is just beautiful down to every last detail!

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  52. Jeanette@Creating a Life StudioMay 29, 2013 at 12:15 AM

    Oh Yvonne, there are just so many beautiful details! What a magical setting for honoring the new bride and groom. What a blessing for them to be celebrated in this way.
    Hope you're feeling better now!

    Jeanette

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  53. The Blue FarmhouseMay 29, 2013 at 1:49 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous and very creative...and of course I love the blue and white!

    Rita

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  54. Michele SmithMay 29, 2013 at 2:02 AM

    Beautiful! I love every single detail, you did a fabulous job! Congratulations to the happy couple!

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  55. onneryMay 29, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    Such attention to detail Yvonne...I wouldn't expect any less and surely the newlyweds were besotted! All of the love and joy that went onto the plan and execution of this soiree could not have gone unnoticed!! Everything looked lovely and I know you had fun creating this event, I'm sorry you weren't feeling well.
    Congrats to your son and daughter- in- law!

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  56. Gail @Purple Hues and MeMay 29, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    This was such a lovely celebration! A lot of love went into preparing for this and it shows throughout! You are so creative and thoughtful, Yvonne! May the happy couple have a long and loving life together!

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  57. PatriciaMay 29, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    What a beautiful celebration ! So many great ideas and all presented so beautifully...

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  58. BeverlyMay 29, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    Absolute perfection, Yvonne. I looked at your photos and thought of showers of blessings. Your family is blessed, and you have created a family of love.

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  59. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizMay 29, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    What a great job you did! I love your ideas for the different serving stations and how you presented everything! What a nice idea having a 2nd reception party for the local friends and family! Best wishes for your son and his new wife for a long and happy life together!

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  60. BlissMay 29, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    Awesome. I love the weddings where the bride and groom make it their own. My daughter did the same.

    Bliss

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  61. Ann from On Sutton PlaceMay 29, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    This is, of course, amazing and has your custom touch all over. No detail was overlooked and that just goes to show how much you love doing this. I'm so, so sorry that you were sick though. That really stinks! I'll be pinning and sharing this for you. It's just beautiful!

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  62. ToniMay 29, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Perfect in every way as I pictured it being. Only thing missing was a picture of you with your son and daughter-in-law giving you a big kiss for all your work....which I'm sure they did! Beautiful!

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  63. RettabugMay 29, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    What a fun, casual & happy way to introduce the newly married couple to your extended family & friends, Yvonne! Just darling creations in their wedding colors, too! Well done!

    Hugs,
    Rett

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  64. CynthiaMay 29, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    BEAUTIFUL pictures,love all the decorations and the flowers are displayed quite charmingly. Your great niece is a beauty. One of my favorite things is that drink station.

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  65. Made In The SouthMay 29, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    First let me say, I hope you are feeling better ! What a beautiful day you planned for them, everything was beautiful. I am sure a day they will never forget.

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  66. UnknownMay 29, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Lovely, Yvonne! Congratulations to the bride and groom and to the new mother in law! I know they all enjoyed their special day. I do hope you start feeling better soon. I said a prayer for you today!

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  67. Alycia NicholsMay 29, 2013 at 3:23 PM

    There is NO WAY someone could have attended a celebration like this and not enjoyed themselves!!! What a beautiful set-up, Yvonne! I love it! It's casual, it's comfortable, it's light & breezy (kind of like the weather was!), and everyone was able to relax since the anxiety of "the big day" was already behind the couple. They look really cute together! The drink station is one of my favorite parts, and I also love the use of quilts in the seating area to soften the look. And what a menu!!! I would STILL be stuffing myself over in a corner! :-)

    I hope you are feeling much better. Take care!

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  68. Cristina GarayMay 29, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    It all looks so beautiful! You put together such a pretty, flowing and comfortable setting, I'm sure everyone enjoyed! Thanks for sharing!

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  69. christyMay 29, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    What a charming and warm wedding you created, love all the vintage touches. I bet everyone had such a great time.

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  70. Linda May 29, 2013 at 8:18 PM

    No words can explain......You have outdone yourself.
    You are hired for my next event.....
    This is one day the bride and groom will always cherish!!

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  71. LucilleMay 29, 2013 at 9:33 PM

    Everything is just wonderful and so inviting, Yvonne! You must have worked your heart out. Your son must have been very proud of you. His bride looks so cute in that darling dress and cowboy boots. They look like a very happy couple and I really thing that theirs is a forever thing. You must have been exhausted when it was all over. Also, the food looks delicious as always!

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  72. Jeannie and LindaMay 30, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    Wow Yvonne, I am in awe! How very beautiful and homey you made everything! You are such a talented person. God blessed you! So glad you had such a wonderful day with your precious family!

    Peace,
    Linda at The French Hens Nest

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  73. thepaintedapron.comMay 30, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    All the details and touches spoke your name Yvonne! Thank you for sharing such an intimate and special time. You made it look elegant and homey at the same time, and most important you made it look effortless, which I know it WASN'T! You will have great joy from all the memories for years to come,
    Jenna

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  74. Blessings from CindyMay 30, 2013 at 11:09 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with such a joyous occasion! I am in the middle of planning our daughter's wedding & this has inspired more ideas. Now if we can get everything done!! Everything is absolutely lovely!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  75. The Charm of HomeJune 1, 2013 at 2:16 AM

    Such a beautiful set up Yvonne.I love the first picture. Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home.
    Sherry

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  76. noreenJune 4, 2013 at 6:04 AM

    well done Yvonne, you did a splendid job. Everything looks just wow! Congratulations to Abby & Chris.

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  77. The TablescaperJune 4, 2013 at 2:11 PM

    Yvonne, everything looks magnificent. You did a splendid job! Love the dessert bar and how you kept the whipped cream cold.

    - Alma, The Tablescaper

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  78. Karen @ A Stylish InteriorJune 4, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    Hard to believe you were sick when I look at all those amazing pictures! What a sweet country reception. I'm sure Abby & Chris were trilled with it!
    Karen @ A Stylish Interior

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  79. The French HutchJune 4, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    Glad I saw this at WOW and it’s to fabulous to have missed. What a great party for the adorable bride and groom. Yvonne what a great way to celebrate for everyone back home not able to attend the wedding. I love how your served, the potting table station is great. Love the menu board and your food looks delicious. Lucky couple having you for their mom.............Hope you are feeling better now.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  80. The Vintage ChateauJune 4, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    Perfection!
    Karee

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  81. The Arizona RussumsJune 4, 2013 at 11:49 PM

    Yvonne, it turned out beautifully! What a fun party to honor your kids! :)

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  82. UnknownJune 5, 2013 at 12:37 AM

    Wow! What more can I say Yvonne? You are amazing. Your son and daughter-in-law are darling and I'm sure so grateful for all you did to make their day special. Thanks for sharing the photos. Blessings, Patti

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  83. Wild Oak DesignsJune 5, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    Oh it looks fabulous! What a fun a delightful time! sorry you were sick! they are a sweet couple, you must be so pleased. I love the idea of using the old dresser for storing the glassware....
    Nancy
    http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  84. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon DesignsJune 5, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Stunning!Just love it all! The color scheme is perfect and that little drink station is precious! ;) Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs

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  85. UnknownJune 5, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Bride and Groom. What a beautiful couple! AND To the parents for preparing and creating a beautiful wedding and intimate reception. I love weddings, so much that I became a certified Wedding Specialist back in 1986.. I love to continue keeping up with all of the new and updated styles and themes, as well as modern and traditional etiquette. What a beautiful home to host such a joyous event. I absolutely loved the ideas you displayed and the simplicity is absolutely charming and the elegance speaks clearly. If you love weddings as I do, I host a segment called Wedding Wednesday, that offers information and ideas. I would love for you to stop by and visit me at Simple Pleasures. There are lots of other things that I share also, AS Each day offers a different topic that may be of some interest. Thanks again, and Happy Wedding!

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  86. engagement ringsJuly 6, 2013 at 3:10 AM

    Here are some pictures I was able to snap just before over 100 guests arrived...

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  87. Elizabeth J. NealJuly 7, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    I say Yvonne? You are amazing. Your son and daughter-in-law are darling and I'm sure so grateful for all you did to make their day special. voltairediamonds

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