Wedding Eve Dinner

{welcome to the family}

We are thrilled this night is finally here!

Caffe Molise's brick-lined patio,

nestled in between two buildings in the heart of downtown,

with its twinkling lights at sunset, set the stage for our truly magical night.

To share our happiness and a delicious meal, with family and friends,

ranks as one of my best days ever, especially after seven months of anticipation.

I couldn't be happier with how our party went tonight,

despite rain, which forced everyone indoors after the appetizer course.

I was so happy that the rain didn't even bother me.

The very accommodating staff served our entrees inside,

then we returned to the enchanting patio for dessert

and heartfelt sentiments.

 

Craig, Gabriella, and I 

welcomed Madison into the family with speeches,

along with Best Man, Tanner.

Harrison concluded the evening 

by proclaiming his love and appreciation for Madison,

then serenaded her, a cappella, with Elvis's

I can't help falling in love with you.

It was a lovely evening that I will never forget.

I designed a map of Salt Lake City 

highlighting significant places in H&M's courtship,

then Craig and Gabriella drew and painted each place.

The University of Utah campus includes their fraternity houses,

the buildings where they have the majority of their classes,

and The Eccles House, where we will celebrate with a wedding reception.

The Eccles House is home to the University President.

We included the Honors College dorms where Madison lived when H met her

and the Broadway Tower, where they will live together,

as well as our home in Sugar House.

We included references to trips they have taken together:

Newport Beach with our extended family

Disneyland with Madison's mother

and San Francisco, where Harrison proposed,

as well as their honeymoon plans in Hawaii, 

after their wedding night at the Grand America.

They are off to a great start!

Favors~potted basil, thyme, sage, oregano, and rosemary

Appetizers and a choice of water or lemonade 

served under golden canopies

 Pomodori Mozzarella Skewers

 Assorted Bruschetta-
roasted garlic sauteed spinach,

marinated Roma tomatoes,

and wild mushroom

 Italian Meatballs Marinara

Grilled Italian Asparagus with Prosciutto

Madelyn & Tanner, Madison & Harrison

Harrison Craig and Gabriella Joy

 Italian Sodas and soft drinks

Grandma Joy & Grandpa Glenn

Grandpa & Grandma Ebert

Harrison's high school friends and groomsmen

David Fullmer*Tony Anderson*Max McKean*Nate Kingsford

Tony & wife, Sydney

Chris Samuels-Beta brother and groomsman

Bridesmaids and Chi Omega sisters-Christy and Sarah

My own bridesmaids, Laura and Heather

Mike accompanied Laura, but Russ is traveling with his ailing mother to Paris.

Ebert and Garff cousins

Jylly, Madison's niece

One of my very favorites

Cousins, Kirsta & Morian, Sirie, and Uncle Don

 

 Cousin Meg came from Seattle.

Aunt Kirsten wasn't well enough to attend and Uncle Greg stayed by her side.

 Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Greg

 

The Pershings-Dave, Sandi, Quincy and Tressa
Madison got to know President Pershing as a Presidential Ambassador
and served as Vice-President of the ASUU,
Associated Students of the University of Utah.
She also was a nanny for these two girls for a while.

Madison's brother, Greg, with her Aunt Michelle, who came from Arizona,

Harrison's cousin, Sophie

Madison's cousin and her date

Madison greets Great Aunt Dorothy and Grandma.

Bridesmaid and childhood friend, Jennie Boyer,

with her parents and ward friends, the Pinnocks

I love that my dear friends were there, but missed Caryn,
 in charge of Stake Girls' Camp in Santa Fe.

Chloe, Sophia, and Jylly with the bride

Madison's brothers, Tres and Greg, with Jen

Harrison's cousin, Jono

 Jylly and her mama, Amber

Unfortunately, her brother Chris had to work out of town.

 Madison's brother, Scott and wife Lizzie

 Madison's brother, Tres and Ashley

Cousin Hadley and Aunt Chris

Then came the rain...

Everyone seemed to be very good sports as we moved indoors

and resettled.  I was especially pleased with how great the staff was.

I love this shot of  Madison with her Diet Coke.

She wasn't about to let a little rain put a damper on the party.

What a doll!

Entree choices-Spaghettini al Pomodori

Lasagne and Orecchiette al Salsiccia (not pictured)

I can't tell you how elated I was we were able to enjoy the patio for dessert-

Dark chocolate cake

Cheesecake with three berry coulis

Vanilla Gelato or Sorbetto

Jim & Terry shared the head table with Craig & me,

plus our darling bride and groom.

T is mid-speech here.

These two were made for each other.

In Madison, Harrison has found his true soulmate.

We are so excited for tomorrow!

Good night, Caffe Molise.

You were very good to us!

 

Photography during the appetizer hour~Stephanie Bletzacker Photography

Moss "E"-Magnolia Lane

H&M craft letters and gold foiled handmade paper-Paper Source

Favors-herbs-Cactus and Tropicals

Gold leafing on terra cotta pots-Craig

Chalkboard-Carolyn, utilizing the original logo design by The Louise Press

Invitations, menus, placecards-paper, custom logo stamp, and embossing powder

Write Image and Paper Source

Gold chargers-Macy's

Glass votives-Ikea

Olive leaf garland for head table-fiftyflowers.com

Flowers-white roses, white spray roses, and white snapdragons-The Rose Shop