Showing posts with label Special Occasions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Special Occasions. Show all posts

Monday, May 31, 2010

Happy (Early) Birthday.....to ME!

Although my actual birthday is about six weeks away, I celebrated in a BIG way this past weekend with Glenn's family. We arrived at Nordstrom's shoe department on Saturday to meet his dad and Belinda. She had told me at the gala last week when/where to meet and that she had a room reserved for us as a special birthday treat. But, in all honesty, I had no idea how special of a treat I was in for!

From here we headed upstairs where her personal stylist (stylist extrordinaire, I might add...she was awesome), Selma, was waiting. Sight unseen and knowing nothing more than my age, size and that I was Glenn's girlfriend, Selma had filled a dressing room with clothes, as well as a rack outside! Everything she picked (even the didn't works were amazing). She had treats set up for us in the dressing room sitting area and she and two of her co-workers seranaded me with "Happy Birthday" while I started trying on clothes. I think I tried things on for about two hours, organizing into yes-n0-maybe stacks and with all of us choosing our favorites. Selma was fabulous and patient...bringing extra sizes, new options and even Spanxx when I tried on a few fitted dresses. Once things were narrowed down to the ones liked most we headed to BCBG to look at a couple of dresses that Glenn's dad had seen and thought I would like (he was right and I was glad it gave me something new to wear to dinner....see photos below!). Glenn and I headed off through the mall for a while on our own before meeting them for lunch at McCormick and Schmick's. After lunch it was back to Nordstrom's to say good-bye to Selma and have her package up the clothes. (They are being shipped back to Columbia so I will have them shortly!)


Glenn and I then headed back around the mall to pick up a few things for him ( and he bought me a pair of aqua blue Tommy Bahama flip flops!!) before heading to the hotel. We all stayed at the Hampton Inn in Phillips Plaza and it was fabulous! My favorite part --- the HUGE garden tub and TV in the bathroom mirror --- love that!


Our evening ended with Del Frisco's for dinner. Oh. My. Goodness. That meal was incredible. I started with a seafood soup and for main course ( I was the only non-steaker at the table) sauteed sea scallops with a spinach, arugula cheese and watermelon salad, asparagus and spinach. My taste buds did back flips over this meal!


Sunday we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel (with a lot of eager race-goers) before a morning walk around Phillips Plaza and a stop at Dean and DeLucca's. After another trip back to Southpark, where Glenn bought some shorts and shirts and I bought shoes, we headed back home to Columbia.


I was definitely surprised by this birthday celebration and had a wonderful time!! Be sure to watch future posts for a glimpse of my new wardrobe additions! :)







Pictures: me and Glenn; me and Belinda (outside Del Frisco's); the mirror TV (isn't that wonderful??); the fountain in front of the hotel; Hampton Inn, Phillips Place (yes, I took that picture -- I've already been asked if it was taken from their website!)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

The Hopper Wedding!!


Last night we attended Molly and Dave's lakefront wedding! It was one of the more different weddings I had ever attended, but it was very beautiful and sweet. It was very laidback --- the groomsmen wore linen slacks, shirts and sandals ---and, since they are moving to Panama, had a little international flair from the fruity punches to the chicken and seafood (shrimp, mussels and lobster) paella.

The wedding was held at the Hopper's gorgeous home on Lake Murray. Guests arrived early to mingle and there was no "ushering" in of guests. At the appropriate time you were encouraged to find a seat where you preferred. No one walked down the aisle, but rather entered from the walkway and took their places in front of the yard's fountain. The ceremony was short -- exchanging of vows, rings, etc. and then the bride and groom, followed by the wedding party headed down the aisle to the cutest of bluegrass songs --- whose lyrics Hopper had read to Molly during the ceremony. It was so sweet!!

He wore a cream linen suit and she wore an orange silk dress! I've never attended a wedding where the bride didn't wear white, but having loved to watch "Wedding Story" all those years, this made me think of one right off of it!

The reception was also lakeside and as the sunset and the full moon came up over the lake, the lights strung in the trees made for a very pretty setting. Because of the long drive back we didn't stay too long, leaving after they cut their cake and had the first dance (which they invited all of their friends to join in!) It was definitely a happy start for a very well-suited and cute couple!! Congratulations, Dave and Molly!!

The view towards the lake

Molly and Dave

Me and Glenn before the ceremony

the food buffets and reception area

Top pic: Connie and Scottie trying out the dance floor in the dock's gazebo. Bottom pic: Connie and me at the reception

the cake table with two bridesmaids in the back --- they all wore different styled red dresses

How sweet!!