Retro Cocktails

Signature cocktails are a great way to mix up the regular wine and beer options, without footing the bill for a fully open bar. After a trip to The Usual in Fort Worth, I'm convinced the best spirits for a vintage inspired reception are Prohibition Era cocktails. 

My favorite mixed drink in the world, the Moscow Mule, was also a top choice for my grandfather. It's pretty, tastes great, and packs quite the punch.

Moscow Mule

It calls for 1 ounce of vodka, 1tsp sugar, fresh lime juice, fresh mint, and 1/2 a cup of ginger beer. A lime is the perfect garnish. 

One of the more popular and delicious drinks is the Sidecar. You'll need cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice shaken over ice. Rumor has it this drink has origins in France, but it was still all of the rage back when it wasn't allowed to be. 

Sidecar

For your whiskey lovers, it's hard to say no to an Old Fashioned. This delectable cocktail has 2 oz of bourbon, 2 dashes bitters, 1 splash of water, 1 tsp sugar, a maraschino cherry and an orange wedge to garnish. Drink up!

Old Fashioned

It's a Nice Day for a White Wedding

Remember, if you go all white, the detail has to be in the textures and lines. This can be a really modern and beautiful look, but only when it's done well. 

My Best Friend's Wedding

Back in December, my older sister, Katie, got hitched. I've been holding out on you, and I know you're dying to see the goods! All photographs are courtesy of Mike Lewis, a fantastic photographer located in the Dallas Ft. Worth metroplex.

Katie had always talked about having a December wedding. Our church, First United Methodist Church of Ft. Worth has always been beyond beautiful during the holiday season, and as a child Katie thought there was no place more lovely to get married than in the sanctuary during Christmas.  When we went dress shopping, a dress was absolutely a NO if it didn't work with her gorgeous white faux-fur stole and right off the bat we knew her colors would be red, gold, and green.

 

Mike had a perfect idea for Katie's wedding gift to Chase. Minutes before the wedding, he received a framed photo from Katie's bridal portraits, that left him still completely clueless to what she would look like as a bride.

 

 

Our mother's dress was custom made by Moe at The Bridal Showroom in Oklahoma City. Looking for a MOB dress can be a nightmare, her dress ended up being exactly what she was looking for.

 

All florals and centerpieces were created by Out of the Garden in Grapevine, Tx. Tucked into the bride's bouquet was lace from her maternal grandmother's wedding gown and a vintage brooch.

The reception was held at The Ashton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. They were incredibly accommodating and created an unforgettable memory.

Their first dance was to "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

Since we were kids, we've always danced around the living room or kitchen to "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Katie and my dad decided there wasn't a better song for their father daughter dance. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!

With such rigorous dance moves, her bustle broke. Always, always, always have safety pins on hand!!

Chase's dance with his mother was cut short...

For a Louisiana "Second Line" led by the bride, groom, and mother of the groom to "When the Saints Go Marching In" You don't know fun until you've second lined!

 

Maids of Honor.. Practice your toast. You're bound to get weepy and nervous and forget the whole thing, like I did!

On the Way, a band out of Dallas entertained the wedding party and guests for the rest of the night. We really know how to party!

Never underestimate the cuteness of a ring bearer.

Bargain Blooms

Flowers don't always have to be spendy. In fact, some blossoms have a bad rap for being cheap, even though they are still beautiful when done the right way.

Look at these carnations. Simple, feminine, and they won't break the bank.

Baby's breath is not desirable in a vase of red roses, but when you have a spray of just baby's breath it can be incredible. Perfect for a winter wedding or an outdoor and rustic affair.

Just right for summer and fall weddings, sunflowers are fun and striking, and they also come with a little price tag.

If you want something with great height and drama, gladiolus is a gorgeous bloom. When done well, they can be wonderful.