A List of Wedding Thankfulness
Thanksgiving is upon us and I decided to put some thoughts down on what I am thankful for when it comes to weddings. Weddings are a lot of fun and there is a lot to like about a wedding. But, when you work in weddings, you will find things that you wouldn’t have become so aware of in any other line of work. So, here are a few small things that I have come to love and be thankful for all because of weddings.
1. Ranunculus. This little flower is so fantastic. It is delicate and pretty and complex. It comes in a whole lot of colors. I’m absolutely in love with it. I try my very best to sneak it into my clients’ floral design somehow. The florists that work with me a lot already know this about me. They even know what flowers not to mention as options because I won’t let it happen. Daises, lilies and alstroemeria to name a few. But, ranunculus makes me happy. Just the perfect dainty little flower. Unstructured and yet defined. Mmmmmm. I smile just thinking about them. Hubby knows that it would thrill me if he showed up with a bunch of ranunculus one day. Any season, any style of wedding. I can make ranunculus work. Love.
2. Pigs in a Blanket. I know what you are thinking. Surely, I (a wedding food snob) wouldn’t have something as casual as Pigs in a Blanket as an hors d’oeuvres option at one of my weddings. Au contraire! While there are a few times where these little bundles of goodness aren’t appropriate, more often than not, I am thrilled when I see these listed as an appetizer. I don’t exactly suggest it to my clients as an option right away. But, if they go for it on their own, I don’t try to talk them out of it. I love these little things so much, I could spend the evening in the kitchen with the caterer eating the left over piggies instead of the offered meal. Reminds me that I might want to make these for Thanksgiving breakfast…
3. Black and White Photography. After a wedding is over, one of the best things is getting the email or Facebook post that the wedding photos are ready to be viewed. As much as I am focused on the detail shots, the ones that get me every time are the super romantic shots of the bride and groom. And, more than likely, they are in black and white. I’m not quite sure why this is. Maybe a photographer could explain it better. All I know is that I like it. Any photos from my own wedding that I ordered (save for one) were all black and white. Call me crazy. But, I love it.
Such a cute shot by Chanterelle Photography for Lisa and Hunter’s wedding.
4. Cream Cheese Icing. I’m not sure when or how buttercream became the default icing for wedding cakes. It’s a shame that it has. People don’t know what they are missing in cream cheese. I personally think that buttercream is too sweet. Cream cheese icing is thick and rich and decadent. In other words, perfect! I have a rule that I always eat cake at a wedding. Seeing as how I am at a lot of weddings, I eat a lot of cake. And, the cakes that I remember as out-of-this-world have all been ones with cream cheese icing. Trust me. If I have outed myself as a non-food snob with the pigs, then I would have to say that I am a definite cake snob. Carrot, Italian Cream, Red Velvet… All cream cheese icing cakes. Who could argue with that list?
While my own carrot cake was undeniably the best ever, Billy Lee’s Italian Cream cake is right there with it. The first time I had the pleasure of this cake was at Megan and Phil’s wedding. Unbelievable.
So, there you have it. This is what I am thankful for in weddings. A little silly, I know. Still, all true. Before I sign off to go eat my weight in turkey (that’s a lie – I am probably just going to eat my weight in desserts), I wanted to share some of the real things that I’m thankful for this season. While this list could go forever, I know that I am most thankful for the people in my life. First, I’m so thankful for my family. I couldn’t make it without them. Honestly. I could go through life with no friends, but if I didn’t have my family I would shrivel up and die. My super supportive husband, my sisters who know me better than anyone and love me anyway, and my parents who are the best in the world. I couldn’t ask for more. But, I am seriously thankful for my friends, too. I am blessed beyond belief to have gained friends in so many areas and walks of life. I count myself lucky to call them my friends. And, I’m very lucky to call my clients and vendors that I work with friends as well. I know it’s not often that people get to work with their friends and I am very grateful for this. So, for everything else that I could go on and on about, this year I am focused on the people who I couldn’t do without. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving with the ones you love!
Until next time… XOXO – Julie
