Dinner & Dancing - May 3, 2008

Our wedding celebration was exactly what we wanted - romantic, fun, celebratory and unforgettable. My mother hosted an intimate dinner party under the stars (or a clear tent) that was the greatest of our lives. The French-inspired menu included steak au poivre, broiled cod in creamy leek sauce, pommes frites with aioli, baby carrots in herbed butter, mix of spring green vegetables, and roasted vegetable orzo. Nancy and Rand Kilgore of Upper Crust Catering, friends of my family, provided a live cooking station with artichoke chicken crepes. French wines, courtesy of my amazing and incredibly generous friend Allison Martin, were served at each table, and a bar was open throughout the evening. Following dinner, a course of French cheeses was served. The food and wine were incredible, and I am so grateful to the staff at Tall Timbers for making it exactly what I wanted!

Our wedding cake was the best cake I have ever tasted, created by Terri Sanders of the Sugar Shack in Homer. It was a lemon chiffon confection decorated with kiwi green silk ribbon and fresh flowers. In addition to the cake, a dessert buffet was provided. Selections included chocolate truffles, profiteroles with ganache, fresh fruit tarts and crème brulee. Coffee, espresso and after dinner drinks were also served.

The evening's entertainment was provided by the Harmon Drew Super Group of Minden, Louisiana. It was my mom's dream to have Harmon perform at my wedding, and they certainly didn't disappoint. We danced our first dance as husband and wife to "At Last" by Etta James. While it may be cliche, the lyrics were perfect for us. Everyone had so much fun dancing, doing the Hokie Pokie (yes, my husband insisted that his Virginia Tech hokies be represented), and singing the LSU fight song. Young Daniel Martin also did a special song for us.

We departed the festivities in my cousin Charlie's antique car, while everyone waved sparklers. It was the perfect way to conclude a magical, spectacular celebration of our love and new life together.