Sweet Preppy Inspiration

Love, love, love the basket weave design on this cake from InStyle Weddings.

Didn't make it to Ikea this weekend, but I did make the trek to Williamsburg and the closet Trader Joe's. For all you gals who have one around the corner - I am so very jealous. Hopefully, I won't be envious for long because the word around the market is that Richmond is going to be getting one in the next year or so. Top secret info here, so don't say I told you.

There was a lot of inspiration around the market. We bought the wine and champagne for our wedding at TJ's and they do have such an amazing and inexpensive selection. They also have a great frozen party food section for all your gals planning a shower in the near future. Don't you think their mini cookies would look fantastic wrapped up all cute for a yummy favor to be enjoyed before the ceremony with a glass of milk?

Preppy Wedding Inspiration Mondays

Guess it is that time again - are you ready for some inspiration?

These photos come from Susan Stripling.

I love the look of these two in adirondack chairs. Much like the theme of Mrs. All That's Pink and Green and In Between's wedding.


And what a cute idea for bringing in the groom's taste (and or hobbies) once the wedding celebration has kicked into high gear. Have your caterer send send out the trays about an hour before the wedding ends.

Another great idea - stuff the cigar style service full of your favors, your favorite food (french fries come to mind), or even themed shots to keep the party going!

These pics are from Meg Baisden.

I've included this shot because of the bridesmaids footwear. Stephen Bonannos anyone? Love this look for a beach wedding.

And I know I've referenced dessert bars in the past, but take a look at this chocolate themed bar. Does this not make you want to go and grab a Hersheys bar? And you know I love the monogrammed runner.
And I love this family tree idea for a reception or a shower. It's a super cute way to display those great family photos.

Both of these photographers are based in Florida. So make sure you Florida brides-to-be take a look at other entries on their blogs.

I hope everyone has a happy Monday. I am already looking forward to next weekend!

Preppy Wedding Favs

Bonjour mes amies!

Hope everyone is doing well and had a fabulous weekend. Ours was lovely, we attended a fabulous wedding with lots of friends and had a great time in Charlotte, NC. It was good to get farther south to the land of sweet tea and hear lots of y�alls and aint�s being exchanged. I even dragged the husband into this awesome boutique and I went stationary comatose for a few hours.

Next weekend, we have another wedding to attend and tomorrow I leave for extended work trips to Miami and Raleigh. So, I guess you could say things are just a little busy. I am trying to finish up a bunch of requests from readers, so please just bear with me these next few weeks.

But, just because I love you, here are a few of my recent wedding favorites.

• The multiple monogram cake
  
• An ice cream sundae bar instead of a traditional cake, as seen on Platinum weddings last night
  
• Greeting guests of an outdoor ceremony with a lemonade bar (think lemonade, limeade, with fresh fruit as garnishes and alcohol for those who wish to partake)
  
• A personalized wedding mix for brides to play as they get ready for their wedding (Sexy Back was certainly included in my mix)
  
• The new Martha Stewart Collection for Macys (for all you girls who still need to register)

What are your current wedding favorites?

Oh and I know congrats are in order for a few of our summer blogger brides. Mrs. Seven Spot and Mrs. Marriage Magnolias & Manhattan - Cheers to you both.

Preppy Food Time

For some reason this preppy bride-to-be has been VERY hungry/food-obsessed these last few days. Could it have something to do with consuming massive quantities of Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark (aka chocolate crack)?

More likely, it is due to correspondence with our lovely caterer over these last few days. Because we chose to have our wedding reception in a historic landmark, we began the search for a caterer right away. See wedding food is one part of the holy wedding trinity, along with a hopping Motown band and all the alcoholic beverages you can drink.

For me (and the husband-to-be - he digs food), it was essential to find some one to spice up our vision of preppy southern chic. I met with plenty of people who were going to give me ham biscuits, chicken salad and a carving station. YAWN. I wanted fun and out-of-the ordinary, but still delicious. As soon as we met with the caterer we chose, that vision was fulfilled.

We decided on doing a buffet style reception (this is big in the South). Here are some fun things we thought up: sliders, sweet potato ham biscuits, mini gouda grilled cheese sandwiches (served with a shot glass of tomato soup), a mashed potato/mashed sweet potato/grits bar with all the fixings, dueling carving stations, and dough cups filled with mac and cheese, corn pudding and collard greens. Oh and our cute Mason Margaritas will be served in mason jars (to match the antique ones we are using for flower displays) and guests will put on the top to shake their own margaritas.

Hungry Yet? Did I forget to mention the milkshakes to be handed to guests as they leave (this one I am still fighting for, we�ll see if the budget allows).

So, there is a lot of starch in our menu, but the husband-to-be and I LOVE good southern food. My recommendation is to have what you love, sushi, mexican food, popcorn or milkshakes. And find a caterer that will work with (and not against your vision).

If you need help deciding on menu choices, check out these sites that will fill you up with inspiration:

Fete Accompli

Paula Deen (For the Love of Butta)

Martha's Edible Good Things

Had any great wedding food lately? I would love to hear about it in the comments section!