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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Chicago Wedding - Rustic and Glam

We are just returning from a weekend in Chicago.  We attended the wedding of the daughter of one of our dear friends.

It was held at the Chez Venue on Ontario Street in the city.  The venue was transformed into a magical fantasy of gauzy  pinks, deep purples and candlelight. The fun vibe of rustic versus glam kept you engaged with the décor details all evening.

 
Entering the space, guests walked by a large menu board framed in barn wood. 
 Table assignments were listed for the attendees.



 
Yards and yards of pink chiffon divided the cocktail area from  the ceremony space.



The décor was a mix of rustic and glam - thus this fun mirrored bar!
 

 
The ceremony setting-



 
I loved this mix of romantic and modern lighting over the ceremony-
 romantic for the bride and modern for the groom!

 
The music begins and the bride appears- glowing - like an angel-
 
 


In an all lace gown and a bouquet of David Austin roses and dinner plate zinnias,
 Sarah was stunning.
 
 

 
The dinner tables were layered with soft pink sequined clothes and a profusion of flowers and
crystal candlelight.




 
Love the festive menu card! Fun and bubbly like the bride's personality.


 
One of my favorite touches- butter in parsley for the hot bread.

 
And as a finish to the delicious meal- one of the best wedding cakes that I have ever tasted!
 
It was a dream wedding- thoughtfully detailed and a true pleasure to attend!
Congratulations Sarah and Christian! 
May you live happily ever after!

Friday, October 7, 2016

Building A Home- Down to the Finishes

After 2 years of planning and selecting materials for our new home, it is finally time to see them  installed.  Doors, window trim, crown molding, stone walls and tile flooring is all happening at the same time!  


                                                                    From the month of April -
 


 
To the month of October!  What a difference 5 months make!
 
The roof is a faux slate- made of recycled automobile tires!  Very green and lasts forever!
The pile of stone in front of the house is getting laid next week on the center section of the house and
over all the windows and doors.   Rustic shutters will frame the windows on the outside.
 
 

 
 
 
2 months ago!



Today- foam insulation, drywall and priming of paint complete!
 

 
Trimming of the windows and doors has begun-




 
The larder and scullery floor is laid  on the diagonal making  the room seem bigger than it did last week!
This small kitchen will be used to store food, prep food and store and  clean up dishes.
It is adjacent to the dining hall which is used for cooking and entertaining.

 
We are so fortunate to have the best tradesmen . 
These guys are experts at laying the tile perfectly.
Here they are "deep" grouting the stone in order to preserve
the antique chiseled edge of the
ancient stone floor. 


Shades of grey, white, and tan make-up the shades in the Versailles pattern layout.


Adjacent to the  entertaining and cooking kitchen is a conservatory for growing herbs and plants.
The walls are stone- the same stone that will be used on the front of the house.  This stone will also be used behind the French Lacanche range in the kitchen area - creating a Tuscan farmhouse vibe.

 
Gray and white marble for my bathroom.  An air jet tub will sit in front of the window that looks out to the river and forest.  My closet is beyond the tile floor and has a 12 foot window inside of it.
My husband has his bath adjoining this one.  A his and her bath is a luxury that I have enjoyed  for
30 years and I think it adds much happiness to a marriage!


 
The lower level laundry and craft room floor.   A home office will be set up in the
niche with a 9 foot long black quartz countertop and files underneath. 
 Perfect for crafting or paying bills. This room will also have a refreshments bar for guests with
a refrigerator filled with wine and soft drinks, plus a coffee bar.
 

 
I am so excited about this bath.  Black and white marble flooring will be joined by this gorgeous sink.
The walls will be black marble, creating a 1930's deco feel.  Unlacquered polished brass fixtures will be used in the black marble shower.
 
 

 
 
The second guest bath is white marble also with unlacquered brass fixtures.  A 8 foot  long white marble counter will provide guests with plenty of space to spread out.
 
Wood flooring arrives next week!  We meet with landscapers next week to get the initial plan going.
With so many decisions every day, it is really keeping us busy. I am going to miss this process when this home is complete. It is one of the most challenging and fulfilling tasks in my life. I have learned so much.