Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Bridal Luncheon Blessings

If you have wondered why I have not written since the wedding, I've been just a tad bit distracted. I will say we are all still floating on Cloud 9 and Lindsey and Bryan have returned from their honeymoon. And- these plates...they keep spinning only by the grace of God.

 Let me back up and tell you a few highlights starting with the fabulous Bridal Luncheon. Hosted by a dear friend of ours in honor of Lindsey and her seven Bridesmaids, we enjoyed an unforgettable blessing. The luncheon was at Ouisie's Table, a boutique style restaurant on San Felipe, in the Galleria area of Houston. Lindsey's Bridesmaids, house party and a few ladies who mean the world to Lindsey and I, sat around a large square table adorned with beautiful fresh flowers in the center. Not only did joy fill our hearts but the room and the ambiance of the cottage style patio was simply perfect for such a celebration.

Before the lunch MeMaw, Lindsey's grandmother, said a precious prayer giving thanks for all the Lord has done in Lindseys life over the past 26 years. She then asked the Lord's favor on Lindsey and as she steps into the role of wife and as she and Bryan keep Christ the center of thier marriage and of thier home.

Guest had a choice of Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast, Greek Salad and Salmon or Chicken Salad Sandwich Ouisie's style. The meal was finished off with a dessert sampler which included Black Magic Cake, Lemon Ice Box Pie & Tres Leches. Delish! The clear glasses around the table seem to complete the decor with it's mint leaves dipped into the pink raspberry tea. Wow! What a treat! What a perfect way to kick off the wedding weekend- and so girlie!

After the luncheon, most of the Bridesmaids went to Josie's Nails (our favorite nail place) for mani-pedi's before getting dressed for the rehearsal and then the rehearsal dinner.

My friend Alisa and I went to Houston Bridal to pick up the pressed wedding dress and then finally checked into the suite at the Omni Houston. Much to my surprise, (another God thing) since we booked over the agreed amount of rooms, we were given the Presidential Suite and....OMG!!!!! It was beautiful and perfect for the girls to get hair and make-up done and get dressed in on the wedding day.

Bruce had actually checked in before me and brought snacks and drinks for all the girls to enjoy while they were getting pampered the next day. Bruce and I decided to sit down with each other and enjoy the calmness of the hour; we knew if we didn't ,we wouldn't have another opportunity for at least 48 hours. It was a special time. Lindsey and Holly got to the hotel about 4:30 and it was time to get dressed for the rehearsal.

 The wedding ceremony was at our church, which is also the church where Lindsey and Bryan met-Second Baptist, Woodway. The Sanctuary is beautiful and very traditional as far as Baptist churches. The steeple seems to pierce the blue sky its so tall, the columns on the front, the white double doors, the long single aisle and the organ pipes across the back wall of the sanctuary-beautiful!

We had a few things to take to the church that evening to decorate the foyer; wrought iron lantern stands (designed and made by Bruce of course), several additional lanterns, candles, and for those of you who know me -a few accessories to add a unique touch as our guest entered the church. As we drove up to the church most of the wedding party were already standing on the steps of the church waiting to go in. Poor Bruce hates to be late AND he got so nervous! Poor thing got out of his car but his thumb decided to stay. Ouch! So sad! Yes, he slammed his thumb in the car door and it locked! Poor Father of the Bride. It hurt so bad but he held back the agony and went on. Bless his heart.

Rehearsal was fun. It was surreal seeing what we had planned for months becoming a reality. After going over details and placement of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, flower girls, etc... several times, everyone headed over to Willie G's where the Oler's (grooms parents) hosted a wonderful rehearsal dinner. Seriously...I don't know how it can get any better. The food was so good and there was so much of it! There were maybe 70 people, wedding party, Juli and Chris who sang at the wedding, the flower girls, Jr. bridesmaid and their parents, friends of the Oler's, the house party girls and the ushers, some family members who were helping with the weddings, my mom, Bernard and sister- it was a joyful celebration! The video of Lindsey and Bryan growing up was a real treat to watch and of course brought tears to my eyes. In those moments I realized just how fast life goes by. For every memory, we are thankful to God. The words that were spoken that night were priceless! I was so proud of Holly; she gave a great toast and blessing to the Bride and Groom that she had been so nervous about for weeks. Blake the best man and brother of the groom did a great job too! One of the groomsmen stood up to give a blessing and his words were precious and so God honoring. To tell you the truth, it felt like a fairy tale-but it was real and a sweet spot for sure!

The fellowship and food were great. After a late night, I was actually able to sleep. Saturday morning the groom, groomsmen, ushers and the dads left early to play golf. Lindsey, Holly and I were the only ones in the suite and we had room service bring us breakfast. Okay...now the nerves are setting in. We couldn't eat and let's just say it was a good thing the suite had three bathrooms!!! Those two hours-just me and my girls went by so fast. Before we knew it the Bridesmaids were beginning to show up and we knew soon we'd be Going to the chapel and Lindsey and Bryan were gonna get married! We played that song several times during the day. So Fun!!!

Our hair stylist JoEllen, from Stonegate Salons did an amazing job creating the perfect hair for Lindsey and her Bridesmaids. Then to top it all off, Madison Lee, our precious friend who has incredible make-up techniques from years of pageants and more recently classes taken from the Pretty Face-completed the look with the perfect touch. These girls are all gorgeous inside and out but the make-up Madison applied just enhanced their beauty. We are so grateful for both these ladies who spent the whole day with us.

Okay...I'll stop for now. Next....the Wedding!!!!
Friend me on face book if you want to see some pictures. Of course it will be months before we get the pictures from the photographer (JP Beato), but friends are posting snapshots.

The reason I mention the names of the places we ate, stayed and who did our hair and make-up...I highly recommend all of them if you live in the Houston area. Great food, service, great people and now a lasting memory for our family.

To think...I'm planning another wedding and writing a teen Bible study with a manuscript due December 30th! I told you...the Lord is my strength and my plate spinner.

Until next time,

The Mother of the Bride(s)

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