Hello everyone– This past weekend we celebrated our John and Laurel here in California– They were married in the woods of Wisconsin in August, so we had a little second party (because you can’t have too many parties!) here at our house for family and friends who couldn’t make it back to the wedding.
There was lots of busy prep going on a couple days ahead– picking up supplies (thanks Lulu & Jenon!), early morning cake decorating, getting grand-girls all decked out in the “Link’s Camp” shirts! and setting out cupcakes, setting up tables. (The bride & groom on the cake is from Grandma Lo’s 1949 wedding and has graced many family wedding cakes since!)
Then in came family & friends to congratulate John & Laurel, here with Roni & Bret– Jill & Tim loading up on bratwurst, salads and Wisconsin cheese!, Jobay hanging out at the cupcake table, chatting with friends, Grandma Lo and soon-to-be-mom Andrea, friends & family under the maples trees…
And thanks to my trusty kitchen crew (all 7 of you!) who slaved away all afternoon to make it all go smoothly– And the Gayland for brewing up a keg of Wisconsin Spotted Cow Beer!
Laurel and I ended the weekend with a birthday shopping trip to Homegoods and the requisite stop at Yogurtland. Thanks for coming out– love you girl of my heart!
The Thankful Heart 
I am so glad it all went so well. Your food looks so good and those cupcakes are gorgeous. Did the men do the washing up? 😉
Hi Brigid– Nope– no men washing dishes this time!! But I had a crew of friends who tended to the food during the party– set out more drinks etc. And by the time the last guest went home they had washed all the dishes and stored the leftovers away in the fridge!! They’ve the best! How was your weekend? I’m imagining you tending things in your garden… hugs!
That is true friendship 😊 I had a quiet weekend last week but got into my garden on Wednesday a d planted more bulbs. Going shopping tomorrow to city an hour away and mreting a friend for lunch at a nice garden centre. 😊
Oh that sounds fun Brigid!! Talking with a friend over lunch is the best! I’m going to a garden place a ways from our house tomorrow with a friend– heard they have the best sweet pea seeds! We’ll have to compare gardening purchases!! xox
I am sure they visit so much because they love you, not just because you make such amazing food. Of course, it could be both….
Hi Cindy– I’m just happy when they come in the door! Love setting plates all around the table with kids in the house… How was your weekend?? I’m imagining you out in the holller, camera in hand… xox
I’m so happy to hear that everything worked out perfectly! The party looks like it was so much fun, with great laughs and even greater food! Love this, Rhonda! Hoping that you have an amazing week! Hugs and more hugs my friend! 💜
Everything looks just perfect and congratulations to Laurel and John, family, food, good times. What could be better. I think you are all amazing.
HI Suzanne- thanks! I just love having those kids at arm’s length! breakfast table conversations, a little shopping, watching HGTV — my idea of fun! How was your weekend?? blessings friend. xo
Congratulations to Laurel and John! It looks like everyone had a wonderful time. The food looked absolutely divine!!
HI Lisa– so kind! It was a sweet time having them in the house!! xox
Oh my God, Rhonda!!! This is an amazing blog post. Congratulations to John and Laurel. ❤ Sounds like a beautiful party – and that photo of Laurel at Yogurtland is priceless. Love to you Rhonda. Debbie hugs
Debbie– you are the best! It was wonderful to have them home for a few days!! How was your weekend?? xox
Wow! That was a party. Look at all the tables and people. It sounds like a lot of fun. And how neat is the tradition of the bride and groom on the cake? So cool.
Hey Lacey– it was great having the house full of family/friends. Kind of a old people’s version of all your birthday parties!! xox
Lol Rhonda that party looks fun for any age.
How wonderful, what a lovely celebration Rhonda! Congratulations again to the happy couple!
HI Antonia– thanks! It was a sweet time!! Loved your lemon chicken soup recipe–
so pretty! And– How was your weekend??
I am glad to hear it! It was nice, but then we all ended up sick. We had a good time though and had pretty weather.
Hope you all are feeling better by now Antonia– it’s that time of year… take care blog-friend. xox
It looks like a special party! I can tell that entertaining is your thing, Rhonda. Unfortunately I get nervous even with small dinner parties. Maybe I should do it more often. Such lovely photos, dear friend. Thank you for sharing your family wedding celebration with us! Hugs💜🌈💕
HI Mary– I’ve seen dear pictures of a table full of people at your house. So I think you have the gift of taking care of people and feeding them. And– loved your positive intention post– so true. xox
Thanks for your sweet encouragement, Rhonda!❤️❤️❤️
What fun! One day I think I’ll sneak into one of your gatherings!!! 😘🦋😘
Come on over Cate!! I feel the same way when I see your beautiful countryside… xox
Congratulations! Nice photos! xo
Thanks Ursula!! I’m still waiting for it to be cool enough here for a baking day– so I can make your pumpkin babka!! Hope all’s well with you… xox
Oh my gosh, how fun is this? So many cupcakes!! And I love that the cake topper has been used multiple times, that is so special. But the really important question – how did you get a keg of spotted cow in CA?? We can’t even get it in IL unless we go up to WI and bring it back with us!! -Kat
Hey Kat! It was tons of fun– And our friend who is a retired chemist started brewing beer. He made a keg of Spotted Cow for our party– Laurel and John gave it the thumbs up! If you come out he’ll pour you a glass! hugs Kat!
Looks like a perfect celebration. I love the picture of the tables under that gorgeous big tree. Everyone looks so content. Glad you had a happy family time!
Hi Marcia– It was a sweet time! It’s the best to have a house full of family & friends & food to feed them all. Fun checking into your blog today!! Learned some new things about you! xox
Oh my gosh, how fun, Rhonda! And that cake topper is such a special touch! Love that you brought some WI flair to sunny Cali! 🙂 I think you’ve inspired me to throw a party as soon as my house is in order. It might be just the thing to jumpstart my arrival back in MN!
I’d like to drop in to one of your parties Mollie– I know the food would be beautiful and delicious! hugs!
Thanks, Rhonda!! 🙂
Thanks a million, Mom and Aunt Lulu! (and your party throwing crew).
It was fun, wasn’t it?? And thanks to you and John for trekking on out here. hugs!