Saturday Meanderings

After a couple of Saturdays swept up in the very best kind of busy, I am so happy to be back here with you. These past weeks have been a lovely reminder that life’s sweetest moments are often the ones that keep us just a little too occupied to sit down and write. But now, as we step into this Easter weekend, I look forward to another Saturday Meanderings where we can get cozy and chat about all good things.

A Very Successful Charcuterie Class

Our very first Charcuterie Class here at Bella Terra is now happily behind us-and what a memorable debut it was. Like so many worthwhile endeavors, it came with a few unexpected twists. A last-minute instructor cancellation and an unseasonable heat wave turned our outdoor setting into a bit of an adventure. And yet, in the midst of it all, something truly special resulted. We gathered, we adapted, and we created-learning the artful ins and outs of building a beautiful, delicious, charcuterie board.

When it was clear that our original instructor failed to fulfill her commitment, I had a choice. Cancel the class and disappoint all who signed up, or step into the unexpected role of teacher. It was bit of a scramble, but I knew I could do this. After hours of research, preparation, and gathering, this class became a reality.

In hindsight, it was far more involved than simply hosting-but perhaps that investment made all the difference. It fueled a determination in me to not just carry on as planned. I really wanted to make the experience better.

Sixteen participants arrived for our two-hour class, greeted by a temperature already climbing past the 100-degree mark. Not exactly the gentle, garden-party setting I envisioned. Thankfully, a quick pivot-and a very resourceful husband-saved the day. The two rented outdoor “air conditioning” units took the edge off the heat and create a surprisingly comfortable space. Many thanks to Scott who is also the muscle behind the event-setting up tables and chairs, garbage cans, and coolers too.

We learned two ways to make rose-shaped salami, cute kiwi cuts, and the importance of textures, shapes, colors, and flavor. Each plays an important role in creating a charcuterie board that is not only delicious, but visually stunning as well.

After distributing a generous assortment of cheeses and meats, everyone eagerly got to work, letting their creativity take the lead. A variety of fruits, vegetables, crackers, breads, olives, nuts and spreads were available. Each person was free to use as much or as little as they wished. Bouquets of fresh herbs and edible flowers added that final touch, elevating the look of each 12″ round board from simply delicious to truly eye-catching.

Every single board took on its own personality with no two alike. Each one is absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t have been more proud of this group. With a bit of guidance, they jumped in with enthusiastic confidence, creating their own little masterpieces to share and enjoy.

Many thanks for old and new friends for attending this fun class. Extra thanks for my dear friend, Felicia, who takes the best photos and captured the day for me.

Wedding Weekend in Chicago

The following Thursday, we set off to Chicago to begin the joyful wedding celebrations for our son, Benjamin and his lovely fiancée, Delaney. On our flight from Phoenix to Chicago, the pilot announced that we are diverting to Omaha, because the plane didn’t have enough fuel to get to Chicago. What?!? Weather in Chicago was questionable so I guess we needed more gas for circling? 

and we were happy to hear similar stories coming from guests traveling near and far to this event.

Friday, after a morning spin class and a relaxed lunch with the happy couple and our soon-to-be extended future family, we turn our attention to the rehearsal dinner at City Winery. Planning an event from afar always carries a bit of uncertainty, but I was absolutely delighted to find the venue exceeded every expectation. Lucky us~Chicago weather is absolutely perfect too.

A beautifully appointed sit-down dinner, paired with delicious wines, gave way to an evening filled with heartfelt and funny speeches from family and friends-each one adding another layer of love and meaning to the occasion. As dinner concluded, the celebration expanded to nearly 150 guests for a lively and joyful welcome party.

Warm, inviting, and perfectly suited to the occasion, the rehearsal dinner set just the right tone for a weekend filled with celebration, love, and the coming together of two families.

The Wedding Day

The wedding day began bright and early, with a 7:30 a.m. start for hair and makeup for the bridal party-and both mothers. There is something special about the hours before the ceremony, made even more fun by the laughter and energy of nine bridesmaids all getting “wedding ready” together, with the help of talented professionals. It took some time, as you might imagine, but no one was complaining-especially with both breakfast and lunch served atop the Robey Hotel, offering a spectacular view of Chicago.

With photos scheduled before the ceremony, we slipped into our dresses and climbed aboard a trolley, which quickly turned into a rolling celebration-complete with music, singing and plenty of excitement.

Our destination was the stunning Garfield Park Conservatory, often described as “landscape art under glass”. It is, without question, one of the most breathtaking conservatories in the country, and it provided the most exquisite backdrop for wedding photos.

I so loved the thoughtful choice of bridesmaid dresses-each one a different fabric and style, yet all in the same beautiful shade. It created such a lovely sense of individuality while still feeling perfectly cohesive.

And it meant so much that Benjamin asked his lifelong friend, Emily, to stand by his side as a groomsman-a reflection of deep friendship and the kind of loyalty that spans a lifetime.

Altogether, it was a truly stunning bridal party, made up of close friends and family, each one there to surround this wonderful couple with love, support and genuine joy.

My Dress

In keeping with the bride’s chosen palette and the fresh, romantic feel of a spring celebration, I selected a dress that felt both elegant and easy. With a full, flowing skirt and plenty of movement, it was comfortable and perfect for a day that called for everything from photos to dancing.

The ceremony began at 5:30 in the evening, setting the tone for a truly elegant, black-tie celebration. Held within the historic 1914 Wildman Boiler and Tank building, the venue offered a blend of industrial character and refined sophistication. It was the perfect setting allowing flexibilty for the ceremony, cocktail hour, sit-down dinner and dancing all in one place.

The flowers were absolutely stunning, setting the stage for the coming of spring in Chicago. A heartfelt and meaningful ceremony was delivered by the officiant, a close friend of the bride and groom. Truly, every detail of this wedding was thoughtfully considered and flawlessly executed~even the addition of a late night snack of Chicago hot dogs!

With tired feet and a full heart, the wedding celebration was perfection for all who participated.

P.S. That blue coat I happened to find on sale turned out to be the perfect finishing touch. It paired beautifully with my dress and kept me wonderfully warm while we were out and about in Chicago. The shade is such a refreshing, unexpected blue-so different from the usual darker winter tones-and it drew more than a few compliments! It is no longer at Target, but here’s a direct link to the manufacturer. Mine is a size 6 and it comes in a variety of colors too.

We are back home and getting ready for an intimate Easter brunch tomorrow. Looking forward to getting back into a routine again! The insufferable heat wave is over and we are enjoying that fabulous spring weather again. Wishing you and yours a safe and blessed Easter/Passover weekend.