Candyland Birthday!

Finishing Touch had our first children's birthday party this weekend! It was so much fun, and absolutely delicious! Lydia Belle and Joshua turned 2. What child wouldn't love a Candyland birthday party? The kids played a cake walk and dug in to the candy schmorgesborg!

Birthday Boy!

Birthday Girl!

The "Gumdrop Mountain" cake was perfect! We created it using cake dippers from Cakery Affairs in Bryant & a small round cake for the base.

Tons of candy! The decorations included a "Chocolate Swamp" made of chocolate icing smeared on gram crackers and topped with chocolate chips. The "Candycane Forest" was created by hanging candycanes on manzanita branches painted yellow. The Lolipop Centerpieces were adorable! And the party was finished off with a game - a "cake walk" for the kids!

My big helper, Annaston...The big sister!

These beautiful photos are again by Shannon of A Moment Captured Photography. She's fabulous!

Meet Rachel & Matt

Rachel & Matt are getting married on May 2 at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas. These are just a few of their hundreds of fabulous engagement photos taken last weekend by Shannon of A Moment Captured Photography. We can't wait for the wedding! If these engagement shots are any indication, the wedding photos should be incredible!

Wedding Coordination with 15 Minutes Notice!

My husband was a groomsman in a friend's wedding this weekend. I went as a guest, but quickly became more. The poor bride was so stressed out by all of the questions she was being asked, the huge number of guests without seats, and details of the wedding processional that she was in tears. I was already there, so when she asked, I stepped into my usual role 15 minutes before the ceremony began. I was happy to help, and she was able dry her eyes and focus on becoming Mrs. Rogers! The ceremony went off flawlessly!

For all of the brides who think you can do it on your own, it's not worth the stress to save a few bucks! Hire someone to help, at least for the day of your wedding. Let someone else deal with the stresses, so you can be the bride!

Fabulous Vintage Designer Wedding Gowns!

Thefrock.com offers gorgeous vintage designer wedding gowns! With prices starting under $1,000. there's something for every budget. Granted, wearing a vintage gown is not for everyone, but if you've always imagined a vintage gown this is a great site to check out. How romantic to walk down the aisle in a gown with a story behind it! Not everyone can wear their mother's or grandmother's gown...this is a great option. Here are 2 of my favorites...This stunning Lanvin embroidered tulle gown from 1955 is available for $3,700. It would be gorgeous long or shortened - think Audrey Hepburn from "Funny Face".

This ethereal tiered gown by Christian Dior was created in 1955. It is absolutely timeless! The skirt looks like something on the runway this year. Purchase this gorgeous gown for $3,800.

Fall is in the Air...Perfect Favors!

In preparation for a wedding I have coming up this weekend I've been looking at and making all kinds of fall centerpieces, decorations, and favors. I'm addicted! and I wanted to post just a few fabulous fall favor ideas...

Caramel apples (above, left) are a wonderful fall favor and make for beautiful decoration as well. For a more formal event, you can use these as seating cards as well.

Place apples in a burlap bag with a decorative label (above, right) and include your favorite apple pie or apple dumpling recipe. Even better - include your grandma's recipe for a more personal touch!

Grandma's jam (above left) with a decorative lid & label to go along with your wedding invitations and decor.
Bag of nuts tied with twine & wedding label. Displayed in a dish full of nuts, these favors are fabulous! You can include your favorite pecan pie recipe if you use pecans.