Happy Birthday, Love!

via poppytalk

To my darling husband, happy birthday! xxx

Do You Obsess Over Your Venue, Too?

stalk, obsess, politely observe….it’s all the same thing, right?

Our venue, The Cliff House Hotel has impressed me once again.  We’ve just heard that The Cliff House has been awarded one Michelin Star!  What an amazing accomplishment!

The executive chef, Martijn Kajuiter, is known for his sourcing of local food.  The Cliff House also has its own garden where they harvest most of their produce.

It’s about creating an experience for your guests and I definitely want to tie this into the night. I am so excited to be working with Chef Kajuiter on designing my menu.  A menu that is sustainable, local and most importantly, amazing.

I’m even more excited and more proud to get married at The Cliff House Hotel! Has anyone “politely observed” their venue and got excited when good things have happened? P.S (Yes, I do follow them on twitter…yikes!)

Congratulations to Chef Kajuiter and The Cliff House Hotel to a much deserved award!

The Coolest Birthday Card

via inchmark

(DIY) “Sprinkle Dusted” Garland

The purl bee did an awesome job in creating this colorful garland.  It reminds me of all the good things about growing up; sprinkles, bright colors, playfulness and innocence! Be sure to check out their website for a full tutorial on how to recreate this!

via the purl bee

Our Wedding: The Reception Decor

images from personal collection

To see more of our photos from our reception click here!

This week is all about our reception decor!

The best part about getting married around the holidays is the instantaneous decor. Everything is just so beautiful with the beautiful twinkly lights, fresh pine and glowing bulbs.

Since we were busy moving and preparing all the details for our wedding in Ireland, my mom really took charge in putting everything together for us.  She did such a wonderful job!

I was against favors of any kind so instead, we printed off our engagement photos for guests to take.  This went over really well and everyone loved the idea.

The place cards were just so cool.  They were made out of different types of scrapbooking paper [completely inexpensive yet a big impact!]  We were able to coordinate designs with menu options so the servers would know which entree to serve.

I loved the collection of our old family photos. This was a great conversation piece and meant a lot to us.  We included both of our families. It’s sweet to think that one day we’ll be part of that collection.

Our centerpieces consisted of gold chargers, pillar candles and gold and cream Christmas bulbs and fresh pine.  They were so easy to put together.  I am a huge advocate of candles at weddings.  The best part however was the fresh pine that my dad hand cut the morning of our wedding.

Lastly, my beloved cake! I’m a cake girl, that’s for sure.  More importantly, I’m a “Hermitage Bakery” girl.  Hermitage Bakery is a local bakery with the absolute best cake.  I was a little sad at first when I thought I wouldn’t be able to have Hermitage Bakery cake at my wedding but when we decided to have a reception in Pennsylvania, they were first on our list to call. We used the cake topper that both my mom and grandmother used at their wedding.

When you step back and look at everything, you see that it’s just “stuff.”  But when you really look at it, you see the family connections (my dad picking the pine, my grandmother offering her cake topper, my mom making the place cards…) Those are the moments that “stuff” turns into special somethings.  It gives it meaning.

Next week, more about cake and our family!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom is always there with uplifting support. Today is her day and she deserves it!

Peaches by Plums Blog Anniversary!

via It’s Mary Ruffle

How did that happen!? Peaches by Plums is 1 year old!

This blog has brought me so much happiness and I thank all of you who support Peaches by Plums and share in my love of inspiration.  You keep me going!

Our Wedding- Getting Ready, The Ceremony and (Pre)Reception

Are you ready for some fun!

The day of our wedding was surprisingly calm.  I didn’t have a care in the world and just felt happiness.

{I admit, the night before I warned everyone that no one is to be stressed or freaking out on the big day or else they would be escorted back home!}

Here are a few shots of us getting ready! I put on my father-of-the-bride soundtrack and got to work!

Our civil ceremony was scheduled for 10:00AM. We arrived at 9:45am and the lobby was already filled with our family.  At this point, everything was starting to hit me.  I was excited yet a little nervous.

I remember thinking to myself, “I need to feel like a bride. Do I feel like a bride? What does a bride feel like?” Then I realized that I was being silly and to just be in the moment.

The actual ceremony lasted under five minutes! I was so happy to have my cousin Hannah there to be my stand in “Maid of Honor/Ring Bearer/Jr.Bridesmaid.” She even matched!

We had  a little time between the ceremony and lunch so we headed back to my house.

As you know, Ger’s family was unable to attend this ceremony so we were lucky enough to talk to all of them on skype.  They had a toast in our honor while we admired the beautiful flowers that they sent to us. I’m so happy that they were included on our special day.

After talking to Ger’s family, we opened up a few games of Wii Sports and did some bowling! How many people can say that!? It was nice to have that down time to feel a bit more normal.

all images from personal collection

Our morning was just beautiful, low key and perfect.  Everything I wanted!

It didn’t hurt to have champagne at 10:30 in the morning, either!

Come back next week for more details about our reception!

“Just Married” in Pennslyvania!

Here’s a sneak peek from when we eloped in Pennsylvania over the holidays!

Yes, I know we didn’t technically elope but it sounds so exciting!

We had such a fabulous time.  It was especially special that my family were able to share in our special day.

More of our winter wedding in the coming weeks!

via Personal Collection

I Interrupt This Regulary Scheduled Tablescape Friday to Share Some Exciting News!

Have you heard? Martha Stewart Magazine {Winter 2010 Issue} has featured their first Same Sex Couple!  What a big moment!

via 100 Layer Cake

Hopefully there will be many more to come by 2011!  Congrats!