July Recap

I realize I'm way behind here, but the important thing is that I am in fact "here".

Last month, on probably the hottest, most humid day of the month, I coordinated a wedding at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence Rhode Island. Since I live in a town where we have a pretty great zoo, I've never actually been to the Roger Williams Zoo therefore didn't even know about this great venue. It's always nice to discover something new!

The ceremony took place in the bandstand behind the casino and overlooking a great pond with ducks swimming along. Luckily by the time guests were being seating for the ceremony, the sun was behind the trees leaving the bandstand mostly shaded. After a lovely ceremony, the guests headed into the Casino where the cocktail hour was being held on the main floor. Once inside the door they were greeted by a great summer drink, a Mojito, at the signature cocktail station. I'm sure the guests found it rather refreshing given how hot it was. While the guests enjoyed the hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, the wedding party took photos around the scenic park grounds. So they didn't miss out on the deliciousness that their guests were receiving, I brought a plate full of appetizers out to the bride, groom and their wedding party to enjoy.

Once the cocktail hour was over, the guests moved upstairs to the main ballroom for the reception where they enjoyed dinner and music. I really loved the architecture of the Casino. If you're big into architecture and relatively close to Rhode Island, be sure to check out this venue for an upcoming event. Here are a couple pictures of the Casino which I found on the website for the city of Providence:

Also in July was the annual cookout for my Dad's business which was under the pavilion at the Myriad Ballroom. The patriotic theme was great and everything tied together nicely. For the tables I made runners by sewing red and navy bandanas and alternating the colors on each table. The centerpieces were simple, white and red carnations, blueberries as a filler for the blue and a yellow ribbon around the vase to tie in the "Support the Troops" portion of the theme. The candy bar was a huge hit with the little kids, big kids and adults alike. Everything was in red, white and blue and the scoops had yellow ribbons around the handles. The candy bar included salt water taffy, twizzlers, jelly bellies, m & m's, gummy sharks, swedish fish, gummy stars and a couple different mints. Guests were able to fill up small, clear acrylic take out boxes with whatever they chose.

Usually my mother and I make a large assortment of finger pastries and desserts but this year we opted to keep it more simple making brownies and cupcakes and instead having a "make your own sundae" station instead. This too was a hit with everyone and much easier for Mom and I. In between the meal and dessert guests enjoyed a ride on the lake in the pontoon boat, courtesy of a family friend.

The best part of the day was that Jake was able to make it. I posted before about Jake and how he influenced the "Support the Troops" part of our theme. Fortunately he was able to stay in town, attend the cookout and talk with everyone before leaving the following morning. We were all happy he was able to make it.