I have talented friends

So, a lot of what made my wedding so fabulous was brought to you by my friends and their various talents. That's the way to go in planning a wedding, I think: work with people who know you and your personality.

Let's start with the invitations. Brought to you by my talented designer friend Austin Johnson. I really can't imagine using anything besides the invite that I did. It was a perfect in establishing the feeling that I wanted for the wedding. And like my griefs that I had about finding a wedding dress, invitations were the same way for me: nothing I saw in stores or online was what I wanted. So, thank you Austin. And if you are interested in using his talents, contact him on his blog.

Next, the music. Why have boring musak at your wedding when you happen to know a lot of talented musicians? For my rehearsal dinner, I asked my friend Scott Rakozy to play the piano. Rakozy is an incredible piano player. He's better than any guy you have seen at Nordstrom. He just shows up without any music and plays all your favorite songs. What a great way to start the beginning of a wonderful wedding weekend.

Then for the reception, I asked my friend Jake Burch and his band to serenade me and my guests with their soothing, hip, and romantic jazz music. They were great, and so many people complimented me on their behalf. If you are getting married in the Utah area, do yourself a favor and hire these guys! You can contact Jake on his blog as well.

photo courtesy of Sarah Holden

And, remember my whinings about finding a cake? Well, all of that was resolved by asking my friend and neighbor Chrissy Avery to make my cake for me. She had made my sister's cake, and I knew she would do an amazing job. I had a vision, and Chrissy fulfilled it! I wanted a sugar flower cake topper, something that Chrissy had never done before, and just like that she learns how, and it was perfect. And delicious. I was actually sad in thinking that I never really got a proper piece after the tiny piece I shared with Victor, and then I remember that the whole top is being frozen for the one year anniversary. I always thought that was a silly tradition, but I was mistaken! I can't wait to eat more cake...fat kid moment.

Oh, that cake!!

photo naturally from Sarah Holden...

These were of course only a few of the highlights of the best day of my life. Let's not forget all of you wonderful people who came to see me. I love you all. Hugs and besos. (the "besos" is a foreshadowing of my next post, which should be about zee honeymoon!)

Love love love, Annie