It seems like I was just barely planning a birthday party with a headband craft and girls were putting balloons down their shirt.  But now my oldest daughter Corinne is actually grown up and has chosen a man to spend her life with.  All of a sudden I’m the mother of the bride, planning a wedding reception.  The most emotional I got during this huge life event was several months before the wedding when I realized that Sam is her person now.  They are a unit, the most important little family unit, and we will be secondary in her life from this point on.  And that’s exactly how it should be!  But still…sniff.

It was a beautiful day at the Oakland, CA temple.

Corinne was sweet to include her two little sisters and Ashleigh’s daughter Jenna as “junior bridesmaids.”  They were very pleased with the role.  Ashleigh’s daughter Lindsey got to be a bridesmaid for the first time.

Corinne was perhaps the most easy going bride in history which is ironic because she was a stinker of a toddler! (We’ve forgiven her).  She made planning really easy and she thought I was crazy when I worried about details like where the trash cans would go.  The most important wedding planning lesson I learned is that the relationship with my daughter is more important than any and all details concerning food, flowers and especially trash cans.

Even though we’ve established that details aren’t everything, details are fun.  So let’s discuss…

I’m so glad we decided to line my ugly side entrance with pictures of the kids when they were growing up and when they were dating.   In case there was a line at the sign in table there was something to look at.

I researched lots of punch recipes in the pink family and I made so many friends taste and vote.  The winners were Raspberry Lemonade and Sparkling Red Party Punch.  In addition we had strawberry lime basil infused water and peach mango pineapple infused water, and regular water for people who are scared of things floating in their water.  It was hot and we went through lots of drinks.  The most popular was the Party Punch!

I found this fantastic roll of gossamer/tobacco cloth that measures 144″ by 100′  for $158 and used it both for draping this area to highlight the bride and groom as well as the food table.

I have to give a shout out to Shelby Garret who did all the beautiful flowers for the day.  And also to my niece Shandi who stepped out of photography retirement to capture this day beautifully.

Looking back at all of this makes me sentimental.  But then I realize I have 5 other kids so then I feel tired.  I’m sure by wedding number six, I’ll have more life lessons to share.  Until then, I’ll treasure the memories.