Katie Sunshine

Today I had the honor and huge pleasure of being a guest at the wedding of my dear sweet precious friend Katie. What a beautiful day for a wedding, and what a stunning bride! I arrived around 10:30 for the 11am ceremony at St. Mary's. I knew it would be packed to capacity and I didn't want to chance not getting a seat.



Unique, personalized programs were given by attendants at the door. My apologies, Katie, for all the emotional bosh I'm about to spill about your wedding! Love you!



Katie was escorted down the aisle by her Dad to the melody of Moon River, ravishing in a gorgeous gown and veil. Her groom, Christian, who I had yet to meet, was very handsome, glowing, almost levitating, waiting for his bride at the front of the church.

Their chemistry was palpable as they spoke their vows and exchanged rings. Clasping hands, arms intertwined, leaning in together so close their foreheads touched. It was precious, and moving, and inspiring to witness the love and commitment of two people who so clearly belong together.

And it was all made even more fun with a couple moments of comic relief when the minister asked the couple what symbols they would be using to show their commitment to one another, and Christian said loudly, as if answering a trick question on a game show, "The RINGS!?" - which got a lively response from the guests. Later Katie told us that actually, that was planned. But they were supposed to say "RINGS!" together - but she confessed she choked so it was all him! Lol.

After the ceremony there was a group photo of all the guests taken just outside the church. The newlyweds stood a few steps in front of the guests, which is why I only got a shot of their backs. Still, they are such a fine couple - even from the back!



We drove to the Brunch Reception which was held at Bonterra, a local restaurant that has now become the location for two Arpa Girls' receptions.





The building is actually an old church and needs little decoration, but Katie had the perfect mix of pretty details and delicate flowers in bright yellows, oranges and greens, the perfect touch.



We were treated to a candy store's worth of sugary treats (with little cellophane grab-and-go bags), passed hors d'oeuvres including tarts of mushroom druxelle and asparagus & feta, along with ham and stilton filled endive petals.

There were Bloody Marys and a delectable selection of juices to make Champagne Cocktails (my favorite was the peach nectar - of which I enjoyed several). Everything was so pretty and so tastefully displayed. Just look what they did with the garnishes!





Once the bridal party arrived the aromas from the kitchen had become over-powering and we went for round two with delicious Fritattas, Salads, Panninis (including Cubans - which yours truly introduced Katie to a couple years ago), and a whole slew of fresh baked pastries and desserts, including melt-in-your-mouth cranberry scones made even better with a tangy lemon curd sauce, perfect mini-canolis, and tiny lemon tarts in phylo shells. The perfect menu mix!

Between sips and bites I managed to introduce myself to both Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom. Both ladies were so very sweet, and I was happy to tell them how much I love and admire and simply adore Katie. Such a pleasure to meet these ladies.

Next came the cakes! Leave it to Katie to be on top of the latest trends in wedding cakes - the Two-Tier Multiples. Pretty and Yummy!










Her Dad gave a sweet toast - leaving all our eyes glistening with his sentimental anecdotes - like the one about how at age 3, she was already organizing things, including the line outside a public restroom once, where she took it upon herself to try and get the ladies lined up on a "need to go" basis - ha! That's our Katie!



Then Christian's Dad gave a few wise words to the couple, reminding them to really take in everything today. All the sights, sounds and smells - all of the happiness and the feeling of being surrounded by all their loved ones. Because in times of strife, THIS will be what pulls them through the tough times - the memories made on this spectacular day, the first day of their marriage.



Once the cakes were cut and the toasts had been made, we snapped one final picture with our little Katie, who we could not possibly be happier for (I speak for myself and I'm sure for my friends Amy, Tina, and Nicole who are posed in this picture.



Katie and Christian are off for their honeymoon tomorrow - a week on the shores of Jamaica where I'm sure they'll soak in as much fun and adventure as two people should possibly be allowed! Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.!!!!