More from the wedding

 The entrance to the reception area. There was an old ,/strike> antique desk with the guest book. There were sparklers and matches for the end of the party.

"Love" seat

 Mother of the bride and her son-in law.

                        Laura...the bride's sister...and we think the Best man was Marc's bother.

     I had to chuckle...Lindsey had three bridesmaid; including the Matron-of-Honor....and Marc had  five     groomsmen....usually it's the girls that have all their friends included in the wedding...actually Marc's dad mentioned 4 boys (or was it 5?)  so that might explain the extra guys.

Lindsey and Art

Aunt Jeanette, Marc, Lindsey & Uncle Joe

the bride's family

 wondering how this slipped in???...haha. There was a restroom for the women...but this was the Men's room

 Anne, Glenn F, Lindsey, Kathy F and John. John has known Lindsey's dad since they were in first grade together. Glenn and Kathy lived next door to the Topp's for many years while the kids were growing up. We all had fun talking about camping trips to Fort Wilderness, Long Point and more we all enjoyed together when the kids were growing up.

                          Doesn't she look happy! I enjoyed Lindsey's wedding. Things didn't go exactly as planned...but she didn't seem to mind. She had a lot of nice touches...that she did herself. You could tell much time and thought went into the planning. It was elegant... (at Target they call it "Shabby Chic" yet relaxed...and very comfortable. Everyone felt welcome and at ease from the moment they walked up to the venue. We didn't stay till the very end...but it looked like Lindsey, Marc and their friends were having a fine time when we left.

Thoughts

I've always thought that the only way to truly appreciate how well something is done....is to do it yourself and find out what is involved. The first thing that comes to my mind is music. Growing up I learned to play the violin sort of . I was never very good at it...mainly because I never invested the time required to practice and really learn to play.  I was young......but still...when it came to practicing...I wasn't very dedicated.  However....since then I appreciate good music so much more! When I listen to an orchestra, particularly the strings section....I can understand what it takes to play music well. I love listening to music...even if it's not my particular genre...to hear music played well...it's amazing.
Another example is American Idol. I've never really watched the show...it just doesn't interest me...I find myself being critical...when the reality is ALL of the contestants can sing better than I ever could! I'd rather not watch...because I know I'm not being objective...I think it's impressive that they are willing to get out and perform, take a risk, whatever...but I don't feel the need to watch I guess. And art shows...my brother is an artist...not everyone "gets" his art...I happen to enjoy it. And as I stroll along any show I attend...I try to keep an open mind....some media I just don't care for...other times you see art that's not that great...but to each his own...again I appreciate the fact that the artists are confident enough to put it out there for everyone to see.
Soooooo...that brings me to my point finally!
Planning Megan's wedding...or helping to plan it...has made me look a little closer at other weddings. You can't compare one to another...because if it's done right...each one should be a reflection of that particular bride's (and groom) personality. I've been to some very casual weddings, some very traditional, some unconventional......but each one was good in it's own way. I always try hard to appreciate the celebration for what it is...and not get caught up in comparing details to what I would've done, or what I've seen done, etc. I've been at receptions and overheard guests (mostly women I hate to say) making negative comments about various aspects of the wedding/reception. Maybe about the bridesmaid dresses...maybe the food...the venue...you get the idea. That always annoys me...if you are lucky enough to have been invited...then why not just appreciate that and enjoy the celebration. I'm not saying I've always been the perfect guest...I've been to a couple of interesting ones...at one the groom got pretty drunk and was a little too "friendly" with some of the female guests...which resulted in a fight...(great way to start your marriage...haha), one was a very formal reception...for a very informal couple...and the groom's friends in particular...looked completely ill at ease the whole time. The older woman pouring the tea....with a very stern look on her face didn't help...haha You could tell...the bride's mother had planned the whole thing and I don't think anyone really had a good time at that reception. (however 35 years later the couple is still married...so Mom may not  have approved of her daughter's choice...but I hope she had enough sense to come around after a while)
Now there is so MUCH info out there...on the Internet..Pinterest, Blogs, etc....that it can be helpful but also a little overwhelming. You start looking at different photos, ideas, etc...and and you get inspired but intimidated too.
I had a moment a couple of weeks ago...looking at pictures from one bride's lovely reception. All the details...you could tell it had been very carefully planned out and I kind of panicked. I thought to myself...oh my gosh I'm not doing enough...I can't do all that. I started thinking maybe I was getting carried away ...and not in a good way...with my ideas for decorations, etc. And I didn't sleep well that night. Then when I got up  the next day....I had to stop and remind mind myself...that I can't do all that...but I also don't need to do all that. I LOVE parties.....and as far as I know no one's ever complained about a party they've been to at our house. We have FUN!...and it may not be perfect...but it's enough for us....and honestly I think I do a pretty  good job. 
Yesterday at our friend's wedding...there were moments when things didn't go according to plan....and you could see some people getting a little "restless"...but you know who wasn't concerned at all....the couple. They never looked distressed...they never looked frazzled...they looked like they enjoyed EVERY moment of the afternoon...so who cares! And when the temptation might have been to think "Oh my...I'd never do that"...I just thought...you know what that's not how I would like it...but it's not my party.
I was curious to see how this celebration would be different from the bride's sister's wedding (last year). They are close as sisters...but their personalities are very different. Laura's wedding was a little more traditional...the reception was at a nice hotel. Lindsey's venue was much more relaxed....down to earth...much like the bride and groom. Laura's reception was handled by the staff......she didn't have to set anything up...etc....Lindsey got to the site early in the day and added decorative touches to the existing decor. She made it feel like it was" her" party. You could see she had spent a lot of time preparing in advance. She set it up...and as far as I could tell...once she did that, she wasn't too concerned about if everything was exactly as she had hoped it would be . It was done...and she enjoyed the day.
Kathy and I compared notes as we sat back and enjoyed the festivities....trying to determine...what's going to work for us....we weren't critiquing....  we just had  fun. We have both known Lindsey and Laura since they we babies...so we we knew each would have their own way of doing things...and we enjoyed seeing how it all turned out. The ONLY thing I couldn't help myself from thinking was about the DJ and the music...hahah I don't think I heard one song I liked...haha I try to be good...I just can't help myself hahah ...or would play...but you know what...I didn't expect to...and it didn't matter to them that I wasn't up there dancing....they were having fun.
If you know me...haha you know I tend to analyze things...sometimes more than I should...but I just do. (I should have been an Anthropologist or something...studying people...haha) I guess because of the wedding we are planning...I've thought about  all this a little more than usual lately..... and  it's kind of fun...
Meanwhile...plans are moving along for Megan and Marcus's big day......and my hope is that they will have a great time and everyone who celebrates with them (us) that day will think about it it afterwards  and say... "Now that was fun! What a great celebration!"

Lindsey's wedding

 Earlier today we attended our friend Lindsey's wedding. I t was in Titusville at the "Birdsong Barn"
The directions were something like" Go up 95, exit onto RT 50. Take the first left and follow that road down till you see the sign for BINGO. That's where you turn and go down the street to the barn. Kind of similar to the area around the entrance to The Mackey House.....complete with it's own RV campground....although the ones today were set a bit back from the road.
The drive in was not as long as the entrance to The Mackey House. We followed the signs to the parking area.

Entrance

                                  Jumping forward...here's Lindsey and Marc saying their vows.

Cake! Simple but nice looking...and tasty too.

"altar"

 Looking back towards the barn from where we were seated for the wedding. Apparently one bride bought the curtains for her wedding...and left them for others to use. They will stay up until someone asks to have them removed. I think they made a big difference to the look of the place.



The tables sat 6-8 people. Each one had a "theme" of sorts...we were seated at' Marriage"

Cool old case to collect the cards for the couple.

Wall where table assignments were given. Each table had a "theme"; as I mentioned...like Memories, Vows, Marriage,Wishes...to name a few It looked like this area could double as a photo booth area....There was the back "wall", a bay of hay...perfect size for sitting on and this bike.

 Some decorations were already in place...other touches were added by Lindsey.
It was a nice afternoon/evening...we did not get any rain from scattered showers moving through the general area.Temperatures were close to the record high...and when the clouds parted it was down right hot!
We were waiting and waiting...thinking..."Something must be up???? but what? Turns out the groom's ring was missing. They tore the room apart for several minutes and then decided to wait till later to look again.
Due to the hold-up...the ceremony was delayed a few minutes....but when they started ...everything went well. I ran into one girl who was a  former classmate of Brenna's...and in my Brownie troop....her mom spotted me first...introduced herself...and then when she showed me her daughter...I recognized her. I had seen her from the start and thought she looked very familiar...but I couldn't place her.
The barn venue made for some interesting clothing choices for the guests... and some were super casual. I always enjoy seeing what people think is appropriate....
They had a bar for beer and soft drinks...and the two signature drinks.
Lindsey's...a champagne and kir cocktail. Marc's....a golden oak Rum and Ginger Ale.
We sat with Glenn and Kathy...Kathy and I were getting ideas for the weddings coming up...ours in May...theirs in December. The decorations were simple and sweet. Lindsey did most of the extra touches herself. The rental was all day...so they got there early this morning and set up all the decorations...the ones in addition to the permanent ones that is.
More tomorrow.................................................................................................................

Making Plans

 We left Sunday for a weekend trip to Hilton Head and Savannah. We had planned to meet Megan and Marcus back in Savannah to go over final plans with the people at the Mackey House...or more specifically...with Dave...who is going to be the DJ/MC for the day.As it turns out Marcus's grandparents are in Hilton Head for a few months...so our plan was to go meet Megan and Marcus and stay one night at their place. Because of the timing...we decided to spend the first night here

as a celebration of our 31st anniversary. John made the reservation. We realized after we talked to Megan that we were staying right across the street from the townhouse Marcus's grandparents were staying in. (That made it very easy for us to find their place the next day.)
The Inn was great. The staff was very friendly and the room was great! we had a view of the 9th hole.

coffee and tea on each floor in the morning

this lovely shot is me in the robe...sipping the complimentary champagne brought to us by the staff for our anniversary

they were working on the new pool right outside our window. It doesn't look like it's going to be done before the big Golf Tournament in March...but what do I know...

We walked down to the lighthouse to watch the sunset. Normally these rockers are full...but it was  unusually chilly out. We did have fun listening to a group of people staying in a room just above the street...they were playing "Name That Tune"

They were also obviously drunk...it was pretty funny listening to them....however I don't think we heard any one song in it's entirety. (reminded me of my brother David..."Listen to this...and this, and this..." haha)
 After the sunset we went inside for a drink. We saw an interesting cast of of characters in there...a couple who had been there for a while....if you know what I mean...and then some guy and his three kids. He told us all that his wife was Irish...he got to name his son...Dan...she named the girls Aoife and Aiylish (I think....) (pronounced Eefa and Aylish.) He said he would give anyone who could guess how to spell his daughter's name $100.00. We were all calling out spellings...and of course none of us got it right. We all had some good laughs. I had seen that name written...but never knew what the pronunciation was.

view out the back of the townhouse the grandparents were staying in

                   Alligator statue outside the restaurant we all went to for dinner Monday night.
Tuesday morning John and I, and Marcus and Megan headed down to Savannah for our meeting.
I think John was afraid I was going to get all worked up when I talked to the DJ....He thought he was going to have to be a referee...geez...I'm not that bad! haha I did however have our complete play list...in the order we (I) think will work best. Mind you this list has been carefully planned out...I want everyone there to hear at least one song that they recognize. It took a little doing...but Megan and I managed to convey to him that he didn't have to play it in that exact order...but we wanted him to play only the songs on the list. He could rearrange them as needed to keep things going. He made some suggestions to Megan...some she liked...a lot she did not. And before long I think he realized we had a plan...we just needed him to carry it out..... I guess the bottom line is....so if the play list stinks...it's my fault.....but I am confident that it's going to be fun. The first few songs we have planned should get people going. If not...they just don't want to dance! haha.... Megan and I are on the same page...she likes the same music I do...and she approved the list. Marcus doesn't dance much.. .not yet anyway...haha...he said his family doesn't dance much...so the Burton gang is going to motivate them! We are going to dance and have so much fun...that everyone will get up and dance before the night is over! That's my goal! and Dave is the guy to pull it off....I hope. The meeting went well...we finalized several things...we know what our plans are...and we are ready to go. We'll have a rehearsal the day before...nothing too involved...but just making sure everyone knows where to be...where to go...etc. Everything else is under control....it was a good meeting. We headed home after that...M & M headed to town to file  for their marriage license and then back to Hilton Head for the rest of the week. They meet with the caterer later this week. So...things are moving along.
Tomorrow...back to reality....but at least I get to start the day with the kids....tomorrow's theme...DOGS. It's kind of nice for the week to start on Thursday.  :)

The Sea Glass Inn if Open for business!

 Our friends have been working for the last few years to try to get this Bed and Breakfast place open.They've been collecting antiques and assorted furniture and linens, waiting for the day they could put it all together and make their dream come true.

 They had one original house to remodel and then  they built a separate building in the back that has 6 rooms. The Town of Melbourne Beach is notorious for making things very difficult. It seemed like one stumbling block after another but they are ready for business! Tonight was an Open House. It was fun to go see the place finished and ready for guests...when I last saw it John was working on tile in all the bathrooms. That was about a year ago.

 The pictures loaded onto the blog in an order all their own...so I'm going to go with it. I moved a few around...but then just decided it doesn't really matter. This is one of the rooms in the back (new) building. It has a door that can be opened to connect into the next room for a family/group.

 This is another downstairs room. I like this bed! and the soft green color of the room.

Loft room. This bed is downstairs,,,,

sofa bed up in the loft. Fun room!

view of stairs from back patio

pool in back corner of patio

at the other end is this fire pit. I didn't want to take a picture of the whole area...there were people sitting around the "fire"

near the pool

This room is in the original house. The floor has a gentle slope to it...you can feel the age. But I like it!

 It is next to the small dining area. Very cozy.....you can eat here...or take your meal outside.

here's that room I like again

This room is also in the older part of the building.

Tub area and small "closet.".....and just out of the photo is the newer bathroom with toilet and shower. This room has a small porch that faces west. A great room to watch the sunset over the Melbourne Beach Pier. It has this small sitting area with TV. This room is situated above the kitchen/dining area.
Everyone admired John's tile work. It all looked great. I was so impressed with everything Jeanne and Richard have done to the place. It was a long time coming...but they have customers/guests coming February 21st! I am so happy for them.