Changes in Our Wedding Celebration

After some time and more thinking, we have decided to limit our celebration to one day and to have 150 guests sit to eat in a more formal fashion. We also have moved the wedding to the backyard garden of the brides family because it will be easier to have access to a kitchen since nothing will be catered. Foods will be prepared ahead by the family and served by friends of the bride and groom the day of the event. The cake will be ordered from a local baker who is willing to prepare an organic cheese cake and wedding cake. We also have a local chocolatier who is preparing truffles made with soy milk.

The Language of Flowers

A wedding is a highly intentional event. Even the choice of the flowers has an intentional message that we want to convey in the midst of communion and sharing with friends and family. Daffodil - chivalry and respect, Marigold - comforts the heart from pain and grief, Lavender - devotion, Snail Flower - blissful pleasure, Nicotiana - truth, Cosmos - dignity and elegance, forever thine, Zinnia - thinking of absent friends and Bells of Ireland - good wishes

Getting the Gardens Ready to Produce

Well, we are now just a couple months to the date. The snow has finally dissipated and the "green" is emerging. Four weeks ago, vegetables and unique flowers were begun in flats in the basement windows. The success of germination was about 80%. Seeds were purchased from on-line vendors i.e. Seeds of Change and Seed Savers as well as our local nurseries. The selection of flowers was chosen to accommodate the brides colors which are green, white and gold. We are growing peruvian daffodils, chartreuse zinnias, Bells of Ireland (in memory of brides grandmother), large white marigolds, nicotinana langsdorffii and snail flower. The bouquets will be offset with seashell cosmos and lavendar to provide a delicate hint of complimentary coloring. The nicotiana langsdorffii and snail flower didn't germinate on first attempt so we contacted Seed Savers and they immediately sent out replacements seeds and today we will begin the germination process once again in hopes of producing flowers in time for the wedding. Veggies are on the rise and have been integrated in the overall landscape of the garden in place of annuals. The menu will include offerings from the potager garden served in a gourmet fashion though simple.

Date for Wedding Event set

The date has been set for all to share in our union. Callie Rose Nelson and Michael Thurow will share the commitment of their marriage vows on Sunday July 19, 2009. This celebratory event will take place in the residential garden of the mother of the bride, Mary Bernadette, 128 E Kane Street, Port Washington, WI. In keeping with the "green and sustainable" theme, the venue will embrace the natural ambiance of a summer garden and the menu will be derived from produce grown in the potager garden. A special area of the property has been set aside for the cultivation of unique florals selected for this event.