Real Wedding Recap: Amy & Jason, Burpee Museum and Francesco's Ristorante

Hey Everyone!

We have another lovely wedding recap for you guys.  This time we're talking about Amy & Jason's incredible artichoke themed event, which took place on September 21st. A big thanks to Ryan Davis Photography for capturing this beautiful day, and allowing us to share it. Let's take a look!

I mean, could you ask for a more perfect day? I don't think so. This stunning ceremony took place at the Burpee Natural History Museum's outdoor ceremony space, overlooking the Rock River.  The elegant sounds of the Nerius String Quartet helped to complete the romantic feel of this wedding ceremony. It was GORGEOUS!

As guests entered the ceremony, they were treated to delicious apple cider- a perfect addition to a fall wedding!

And when the ceremony ended, guests walked out to another treat- ice cream from Dairyhaus! This was seriously genius. It added such a fun, happy element to the post ceremony celebration, and OMG- that ice cream is delicious.  Those folks at Dairyhaus really know what they're doing.  

Let's talk about these awesome flowers from Event Floral.  Remember how I said the wedding was artichoke themed?  And you probably thought, "Hmm, artichoke themed? What does that mean?" THIS. This is what it means.  Are you as blown away as I was?  Who knew artichokes would make for such a lovely bouquet?! The artichoke theme was woven subtly into other elements throughout the day, with artichokes making an appearance on Amy & Jason's programs, wedding signs, and menus.

Now let's move into the reception, which looked AWESOME.  Francesco's in Rockford made the perfect setting for this elegant evening, and the staff there couldn't have been more wonderful.  How beautiful does this room look?

Now look at these ADORABLE favors. These gourmet caramel apple favors from Mrs. Prindable's were almost too cute to eat! They were a huge hit with guests, and made a sweet addition to an already gorgeous table.

Amy and Jason have great taste in sweets.  After an absolutely delicious dinner by Francesco's, guests made room for this dreamy dessert.  This Havana Dream Pie came all the way from Joe's in Chicago, and trust me- it was worth the trip.  It was AMAZING.

ISN'T THIS THE SWEETEST PICTURE?  I love it.  To complete this recap, let's admire how great this gorgeous couple looked. Amy's stunning hair and makeup was done by the incredible Jamie Herst.  Doesn't she look beautiful?  Congrats Amy & Jason! Thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of your wonderful day!

Ceremony Venue: Burpee Museum www.burpee.org

Reception Venue: Franchescos www.franchescos.com/

Photographer: Ryan Davis Photography www.ryandavisphotography.com 

Florist: Event Floral www.event-floral.com/

DJ: Ted O'Donnell, Luxe Productions www.luxemusic.com

Musicians: Nerius String Quartet neriusfamily@gmail.com

Hair and Makeup:  Jaime Herst www.jaimeherst.com/

Linens and Draping: Beautiful Day Linens www.beautifuldaylinens.com

Gourmet Apple Favors: http://www.mrsprindables.com/

Havana Dream Pie: http://www.joes.net/

Ice Cream: Dairyhäus https://www.facebook.com/dairyhausrockton

Wedding Planner: La Di Events www.ladievents.com 

Ring Warming? More Like Heartwarming! LOVE IT!

You know what's adorable? Ring Warming Ceremonies. Wait, you've never heard of a ring warming?! OMG well let me explain.

I also had never heard of a ring warming until I stumbled across this TOTALLY AMAZING wedding on the Weddingbee Boards. If you are not already on Weddingbee, I suggest you get on that ASAP. Not only is it FULL of awesome tips and info from other real brides, the message boards are also like watching a million wedding reality shows at once. There's A LOT of drama, intrigue, and suspense, and also a lot of super nice, helpful people.

Here is the basic idea: Place your rings in a visible spot near the entrance to your ceremony as guests are walking in.  Make sure you designate a groomsman, usher, or other trusted person to be on ring watch. Then put up a sign that invites guests to "warm" your rings, while holding the rings and making a happy wish! Here is an example of a sign that another Weddingbee member made:

Adorable right?! Here's a super cute ring warming action shot: 

Image Borrowed from Here

Now the only question is, how do you appropriately display these rings?  Well, some people use ribbons to tie them to something solid, so that no one accidentally walks off with them.  See here: 

Image Borrowed from Here

But my favorite option is to have a very lovely ring box in which to display your rings, which you can save as a keepsake after the wedding!  Etsy seller FloMade designs lovely proposal boxes, which could easily be customized into ring warming boxes.  Aren't they pretty?

So what do you guys think about ring warming ceremonies?  Are you as in love with this idea as I am?  Will you do a ring warming at your wedding? Is this the most heartwarming thing you've ever seen?