Centerpieces, a true story of vintage.

Helen was born in 1909 on a little farm in Texas.  She was number seven out of eight kids and the older kids named her Bay because the youngest boy couldn't say baby.  Of course,  Daisy was born a couple years later making her the official baby in the family but Nana kept the name.  She moved to Los Angeles at the age of seventeen, looking for something more than the dust bowl.  She worked at the first drive-in, the Twin Barrels, which according to Nana, all of Hollywood's finest came to visit.   Not only did the rich and famous stop in, so did Wally, the first husband.  He came to see "his" Helen every day for months, and for months he asked Nana to marry him.   She said no until she couldn't say no anymore.  She was shy, and fresh off the farm, and didn't know what else to do.  The depression, a bleach job, a thirtieth birthday and a miscarriage later,  they divorced.   They were married thirteen years.  Once she had time to heal, she met her soul mate, Al.  He had been married twice before, and she would be his last.  Nana told him, "your stuck," and he was more than happy to be stuck with her.  At some point they left California, lived in New Mexico, and then made there way back to Texas.   They were married forty years and as he drew his last breath on this earth, she was there, holding his hand.  Today, she lives in the house they spent their days together.   In fact, the second story of her home is like a museum.  She has collected many things over her lifetime, things I use to see as junk but now I see as beauty.  Old pictures, and hatboxes fill the closet, while antique pieces fill the bedrooms.   It's a wonderland of vintage, and Nana was kind enough to let me use some items for my wedding/reception.  

In fact, Nana's picture is the inspiration for the centerpieces at the brunch reception.  Originally, I planned on using antique trunks filled with coffee beans, ribbon, fabric, and flowers, but now I want to use old pictures instead of the flowers.   Not only is this a more personal touch, it's also more cost effective.  Nixing some of the flowers will definitely save money!

I like it but it feels incomplete.  Maybe I should leave out the feathers....or arrange items differently.  I don't really know.  Any Ideas?  

One final thought; my Nana will probably not attend the ceremony because of the distance involved, but nonetheless, her presence will be felt.   She is an inspiration to me and my daughters, and she will be missed.  However, her essence, her history, and her era will be woven throughout our ceremony.   

~Truly, Cinderella 

What a Deal! Dancing, Donuts, and a DJ

It was a gorgeous Sunday in Hickory Creek; the sun, bright and warm, beamed down on our smiling faces.  Crape myrtles, bursting with vibrant white blooms welcomed us around the neighborhood, all the while birds provided the melody for our early afternoon stroll.   Matt and I, holding hands, basked in our true love in passing train tracks, shady trees, and main street.  And in the parking lot of retirement home, we danced.  Yep, in the middle of the day, in front of a busy street, time stopped and transported us to an empty dance hall where Matt and I were alone, together.   We hummed our song, She's Everything by Brad Paisly and practiced our two-step for the first dance.  It's the kind of moment a person never forgets, including the drivers passing by!  They must have thought we were crazy, and maybe they're a little bit right.  We're crazy in love. 

This began my fantastic Spring break week!  I had many a task to cross of my wedding to-do list while I was in the Denton area.  First of all, I wanted to check with the baker making my doughnut cake.  To save money, we are not having a traditional wedding cake.  Instead we are having donuts placed on a tiered cake stand, but to give it a unique twist I ordered a specialty knot topper. (Cake something like this:)

I called Chris at Gourmet Donuts (Denton) to see if he would make a model topper for me.  Basically, I want two donuts linked (like rings) to place on the top of the stand.   Chris and his dad, Yung are the nicest guys, which is why I picked this family owned donut shop, and they agreed to make the sample, free!    Here is what they made:

Great job, but not exactly what I want.  I really like the knot in the middle but it looks more like a noose than wedding rings.  I think the sides should be more round in shape.  Next time I'm in Denton, I must remember to run by the shop to discuss.  At least we're on the right track.  For the groom's cake we are going for a more traditional style.  It will be a squared two-tiered cake made of red velvet with Bavarian creme filling.  Matt is still deciding on the toppers.  Maybe golf, maybe a monogram, not quite sure, but Stephanie at the Candy Haven  www.candyhavenandcakes.com is making it.  They are known in the North Dallas area for making beautiful, delicious cakes.  Yummy!  My mouth is watering while typing this.  Hmmm, maybe a cupcake is in order this afternoon.  Oh, i forgot project thin is still underway, so I better not continue the cake talk.   Moving on...

I found a remarkable deal for DJ services.  Loren Norris for That guy Rocks http://www.thatguyrocks.com is providing the music and announcements for our brunch reception.   He agreed to do the three hour reception for a very reasonable price, which frees up my ipod for pre-wedding primping only.  Thank the Lord.  I can just see the nightmare unfold as I try to control the music, while greeting our guests, sipping mimosa's, and dancing with Matt!  No go.  Using this DJ, we can choose our play list via the web!  Perfect for control freaks like me!  Sign contract: check.   


And the wedding plans continue on...

~Truly, Cinderella