“The heart, like the mind, has a memory."

 “The heart, like the mind, has a memory. And in it are kept the most precious keepsakes.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Oh my, how the year has flown by...as we are now just a few hours away from a new year

 and fresh start. I have always spent the evening with my husband and a few close friends...the same ones for over 35 years!

On New Years Day my kitchen will be featuring traditional Southern Black Eyed Peas and cornbread. But on New Years Eve it is a thoughtful time to reflect on the wonderful families that have entered our gates, stepped on the front porch and as we gathered round by my grandmother's antique dining room table, decided this was the place they wanted to get married.  

After a year of planning, Buddy and I feel like part of the family
as we share in the day of a years worth of weddings. 

We have been honored to work with some of the sweetest brides and their families alongside finest team of  talented professionals
from photography, musicians, catering and cakes.   

Here is an armchair look back on our fabulous heartfelt year...

 

Mom and Dad having fun

Spring blooms, pearls and roses

 

 

 

The rain stopped for the ceremony!

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 
  





Buddy and I wish you all a Happy New Year!
Oh my it has been such a wonderful year! New Years Eve inspires me to pause a moment
and look back and reflect on the year that was...
and to look forward to the fresh year of new possibilities that is just around the corner.

 Ready for 2016 !

Five Things About Wedding Rings

It is said, “Every life shared, begins with a question. Will you?” and it usually is asked as he gets down on one knee with a ring in his hand. An Engagement Ring symbolizes the love of two people and captures the spirit of a life shared together. Placed on the left hand, second finger from the left, it remains there all through the engagement.

When wedding day arrives, let the ring bearer carry his pillow, but not the real rings! The best man should have the brides ring, and the maid of honor has the grooms wedding band.

One question I am often asked on wedding day is “What do I do with my Engagement Ring for the ceremony?” And the answer is the traditional, move it to your right hand, second finger and after the ceremony it goes back on your left hand.

On wedding day, and immediately after the ceremony, move the engagement ring back to the left hand. The engagement ring should now be on your left hand on top of the wedding band.

In the late 19th century, the US jewelry industry started a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging the practice of a double ring where both the groom and the bride wear a wedding ring. Today a double ring ceremony is most common. Outside the United States, it is still practiced for just the bride to wear a wedding ring. 

Wedding rings date back as far as 3000 years ago as being exchanged among a wedded couple. The ring is a symbol of eternity and serves as a never-ending love between husband and wife. Early Egyptians believed the wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand, led to a special vein that connected directly to the heart.

Three generations of wedding rings

Today most weddings are sealed with rings, as a symbol of a lifetime of devotion and love by both the bride and groom. “With this ring, I the wed!”

In Grateful Praise

Here at Magnolia Hill our season of weddings has been full of joy and celebrations. Now that our year is coming to an end for outdoor weddings, we rejoice in grateful thanksgiving. In the words of the old hymn,  "all safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin."  This is the time of year when family and friends are gathered round the table and true gifts of love and joy are deeply appreciated. Buddy and I are very thankful for the families that shared a wedding celebration with us, and we offer grateful praise to each and every one of them.

 

 

This November you will find us, Counting our Blessings and Thankful

 for each of our wedding families.