While Sparks and I got a few minutes to ourselves, our guests were out in the courtyard enjoying cocktail hour. We had decided a long time ago that we wanted to honor our North Carolina roots with a Southern inspired menu for cocktail hour…and I think we pulled it off!
Sweet tea, anyone?
Waiters were ready with sweet tea and Arnold Palmers for our thirsty guests and the guitarists had already begun playing as everyone made their way outside. I was kind of jealous Sparks and I were missing it all! We decided to let our wedding party enjoy some time outside while we got prepped for our group photos and tried to digest everything that was happening. I could already feel the day starting to whiz by, and I had to keep reminding myself to slow down and appreciate every moment. Don’t forget to to soak it all in!
All of the little details were perfect…simple, yet bold. Everything came together exactly how we had pictured it in our minds. And the food. Ohhhh the food. Our amazing coordinator put together a big plate of appetizers and small bites for me and Sparks, and I could have kissed her. Everything was delicious! We worked with Food for Thought for our catering, and I absolutely cannot recommend them enough. Brian was THE reason our cocktail hour and dinner went off without a hitch. I wish I could hire him to run my life. I’m not kidding.
Shrimp and white cheddar grits
Golden beets with goat cheese on crostini
Spicy shrimp corn dogs (FANCY corn dogs)
Everyone seemed to be having a great time (not that I was peeking or anything), but there was so much more to come! Before we could get the reception underway, we had to sneak in a few group shots. So our coordinator hurried around, herding our wedding party back inside for some professional pictures and a small change of plans.
Coming Up: Group Shots Get Weird.
Get Caught Up!
A Very Different Ceremony Part II
A Very Different Ceremony – Part I
All photos by Avery House
The food looks so fancy! Spicy shrimp corn dogs have me SO incredibly curious.
That looks like so much fun! I am drooling over the shrimp and grits…
Your cocktail hour looks amazing and all that food looks DELICIOUS!
Oh man, your food – NOM NOM NOM! All of it looks super tasty. Lucky Sparkler wedding guests!
Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
Latest Gallery Pics