Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!!! I..we... had the most fabulous surprise this weekend!
I shared a while back that my first born daughter had gotten engaged. Well....since then, no date for the wedding had been set, and all kinds of ideas had been tossed around; a destination wedding, a quiet trip to the courthouse with a party afterwards, a planned elopement...but no date set and no progress on the plans. Trust me, I threw out all sorts of suggestions, and themes (a Christmas wedding? New Years Eve? How about something in a barn? A fabulous dinner after watching them burst out of the courthouse?) and even began gathering pictures for ideas on my Pinterest board...(you know how I love a project, right?)
Anyway.
We were invited to Multnomah Falls Lodge for a dinner to meet my daughter's future in-laws, who are visiting for the holiday's from out of town.
I had seen an idea on Pinterest for little cards for the table to use as an ice-breaker of sorts...you know, a conversation starter. I ran the idea by the happy couple and then whipped them up. I popped the cards in my purse and we headed to the falls.
Little did we know, but once inside the charming room upstairs in the Lodge, the dinner was not just a dinner...it was a surprise wedding! Not a detail was forgotten, with both of my girls planning and plotting and organizing....Old silver pitchers and canning jars from home filled with white roses adorned the tables in the banquet room. There were favors of mittens and scarves for everyone to wear as we were escorted outside to a spot near the falls. We were given cups of hot cider and cocoa along for the chilly walk.
The happy couple were decked out in their wedding attire, and my daughter had the most incredible overcoat (from Anthropologie!) that was cut slightly higher in the front, and showed off the bottom of her vintage reproduction dress....breathtaking!
We took our seats and witnessed their vows...(The little men were entertained with raisins...)
I am still smiling as I remember the complete and total surprise upon realizing we'd all been tricked (some were told it was a charity event, others a dinner, and who knows what all else!) and what a spectacular day it was.
edited at 4:00 PM to add: here's a link of just some of the pictures from the photographer!
How so wonderful, I love there outfits, congrats to all, hugs Mary
Posted by: mary pernula | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
This post actually gave me goose bumps!I am so happy for your daughter.~elaine
Posted by: rozetta | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Absolutely gorgeous couple. And wonderful that you could have a contribution too. Cherrie
Posted by: willywagtail | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Ahh, this brought tears to my eyes. That was such a special way to tie the knot. I love all the special details for this surprise event.
Posted by: javajunkie | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
What a great surprise and no work involved for you. I am so glad your daughter is happy. Everything looked perfect! Any pictures of you, by chance???Merry Christmas Tracey,hugs,Donna
Posted by: The Country Nest | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Just fabulous, and I hope theyll be very happy together and forever.Your ideas are always so cute; I love the little cards you made.
Posted by: Mary @ Neat and Tidy | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
How wonderful and what a gorgeous couple!!! Congratulations :)
Posted by: happy little cottage | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
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Posted by: Hi, I'm Peach! | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Debbie V. | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
I love everything about this post! Cant wait to see more pictures :) Congrats to you all...Come on 2012, what a great year it will be for all of you..xoLori G
Posted by: Anonymous | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Tracey, what a wonderful surprise, I cant imagine how excited and happy all of you must be this holiday season. Thanks for sharing your happiness with all of us.
Posted by: Miss Char | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
How wonderful! I love that idea you found on Pinterest. :-)
Posted by: Dixie Sargent Redmond | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
SO neat! Big Congratulations to the beautiful couple. Cant wait to see pictures!
Posted by: The Mommy | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
What a wonderful surprise. They are a beautiful couple...does anyone else think they look like brother and sister? I was amazed at how much they look alike.
Posted by: Angela | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Ive been following your blog for some time (and both of your daughters blogs, too). What a heartwarming surprise this wedding was. Multnomah Falls is such a beautiful place for a wedding. Couldnt help but notice the big boy shoes your grandsons are wearing. Adorable! What wonderful before Christmas memories! Hugs!
Posted by: Carolyn | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
So exciting, so lovely, such fun being surprised! I thought youre idea was adorable. :) Congrats to all!!!
Posted by: LisaInCT | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
AWESOME... I love her over coat and peek a boo dress... AMAZING, I guess your girls take after their mama and KNOW how to pull off a BEAUTIFUL perfect party!
Posted by: Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Perfect.... Absolutely perfect!!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Dori | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
How wonderful, Tracey! They are such a good looking couple. How nice for them to celebrate Christmas as a married couple, too. Im sure I would have been like, Wait. Whats going on???.
Posted by: Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Oh how wonderful!!! Shes a chip off the Tracey block, that is for sure :) I cant wait to see more photos -- it sounds dreamy!
Posted by: Kim | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Sounds like a perfect wedding & they are a very good-looking couple. Her coat and dress are fabulous!
Posted by: Sunnysidesue | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Sounds like a perfect wedding & they are a very good-looking couple. Her coat and dress are fabulous!
Posted by: Sunnysidesue | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Wow! How wonderful! Sounds like a magical night!
Posted by: Cindy | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
What a wonderful surprise...... YOu are sooooo blessed.
Posted by: Kim-A Creative Spirit | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Im so teary eyed reading this. Im SO happy for you and your daughter! The best gift we can receive is knowing our children are happy. What a handsome couple and the little kiddies arent bad either :)Best,Kathy
Posted by: Anonymous | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Tracey!! Congratulations...how FUN is that?!no wondering whose genes that girl has, original, creative and always fun, just like her Mom.wishing you the merriest of Christmasses, sweetie.xoxo Lidy
Posted by: FrenchGardenHouse | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
What a lovely wedding! They look so happy. Love her coat and dress. Perfection!
Posted by: LuvWheaties | December 18, 2011 at 04:00 PM
That dress, that coat! What a beautiful bride and handsome groom. The obvious love that surrounds them is so heart warming. All of the best to the newlyweds and all of your loved ones.
Posted by: Barbara Stevens | December 19, 2011 at 04:00 PM
What a great surprise! I just looked through the wedding photos and still have a smile on my face :)
Posted by: Laurie | December 19, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Fabulous surprise! Love, love. love the photos of the event! You are blessed! Have a wonderful Christmas!!!Dawn @ 4:53 am xox
Posted by: Dawn | December 20, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Oh, Tracy, I am so happy for all of you. What an amazing surprise. I think that is wonderful of them to give you all! They look soooo happy... Hugs from Missouri.
Posted by: Gayla | December 20, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Oh, Tracy, I am so happy for all of you. What an amazing surprise. I think that is wonderful of them to give you all! They look soooo happy... Hugs from Missouri.
Posted by: Gayla | December 20, 2011 at 04:00 PM
Hey! I am excited to find out one thing, could you be so kind and please share with us your place of birth?
Posted by: BrightestPersonality | December 14, 2012 at 03:28 AM