Mojitos and smiles: Laura and Joe, May 30th, 2009

Laura and Joe were a dynamic couple who had a great eye for detail and a passion for fun. Here is Joe getting ready before the ceremony and then later with the groomsmen.

Here is Laura also getting ready and then posing with the bridesmaids before the ceremony.

Laura and the ladies enjoyed a celebratory toast and then it was time for the ceremony to begin in the garden patio.

After the ceremony, for a unique twist, Laura and Joe parted the curtains and departed from the garden for a quick spin around the neighborhood while the guests participated in some group photos.

While the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, Joe and Laura finished up some photos in plenty of time to enjoy their signature cocktail - Mojitos! Yum! They even managed to get a Clemson group photo in!

The evening was completed with a color coordinated candy buffet and a sparkler send off.

Best wishes to Joe and Laura for a long and happy marriage!

Professional photos provided courtesy of Pereda Photography.

Wedding coordination provided by Ribbon Box Events.

Garden Update from July 22, 2009

I took the time to snap a few garden photos before leaving for my friend Sue's wedding in Boston last weekend. As you can see, our seed experiment has really taken off! These sprouted from a seed packet I received as a favor at a spring meeting of the Women's Wedding Network. I plan to expand our garden offerings for next year to include some edible options so stay tuned!

Brides Against Breast Cancer - having fun doing good things for others

Hundreds of beautiful gowns were available for sale last weekend at the Brides Against Breast Cancer gown sale to benefit the Making Memories Foundation. I had the opportunity to volunteer on Saturday and truly enjoyed my experience.

Some brides came alone, some with their friends, siblings, mothers or fiancees. They had countless styles, sizes and even colors to choose from. Volunteers were on hand to help them carry the heavy garments, assist them in trying them on, search for additional styles or sizes, return gowns that weren't "the one", clip them from behind to simulate tailoring and even top them off with veils, clips and other head pieces.

My favorite part of the day was the joy that everyone shared when a bride emerged from the fitting room wearing the gown that she would treasure for her wedding day! I can't wait until next years sale!

Photos courtesy of fellow volunteer and photographer, Lauren Nygard.