Our new Willow Writer Lisa shares her first blog and photos!!
Hi! My name is Lisa and I am the lucky girl that gets to marry Mr. Bill Cole in almost exactly 10 months! June 7th, 2013!!! Bill and I actually met on a blind date about 4.5 years ago. We decided to meet at Panera Bread for dinner and I was totally shocked when he showed up with a bouquet of pink rose buds (I still have them dried in my bedroom). I was totally swept away by him and found him cute and funny. We went out on a few dates before finally making it official and have been together ever since.
Bill and I have gone through a lot of ups and downs together, but our relationship has grown stronger from each episode. The first year we were together I decided to quit my full time job and go back to school and Bill decided to take a chance in opening his own trucking company. I am proud to say that both of us started and finished what we set out to do. I received my Accounting degree from Robert Morris University in 2010 and was blessed to find a full time job I absolutely love. And Bill has grown his business, which is now getting stronger than ever, after the past 4 years of start up. Knowing we can get through these major events together, makes us feel like we can put on an awesome wedding!
Bill has been very involved in the planning process and likes to help me with all the details. I have been lucky that we decided to have a long engagement (will be 2 years by the time we marry). I am a total plan freak and have enjoyed the extra time putting in more special touches to our wedding. My first word of advice to any bride-to-be is to invest in a calendar note book! One that’s big enough to write everything in and yet small enough to throw in your purse. I can’t tell you how many times I look at my planner in a week!
So this is just a little review of Bill’s and my background, but there will be more fun to come 🙂
FineLine Weddings Shares Photos from a Recent Willow Room Wedding!
Video with Chef Harris: Vegan Parsley Salad
Watch Chef George Harris as he makes his Vegan Parsley Salad, a healthy and light salad for the summer.
Vegan Parsley Salad
Welcome Chef George Harris, a new addition to The Willow Room, and his first recipe! Parsley Salad!
Parsley Salad ( Tabouli) Serves 8
Ingredients:
½ cup fine bulgur wheat
Hot water
2 cups roughly chopped fresh parsley (1-2 bunches) stems removed
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 medium cucumber peeled, seeded and small dice
1 cup diced red pepper
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp freshly ground pepper
1 head red leaf lettuce (for plating of salad) Bottom removed, washed and dried
Dressing:
Juice of 2 lemons
1-2 cloves of garlic, smashed and finely minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
5 plum tomatoes small diced (garnish)
Method:
Place bulgur in a large mixing bowl. Add enough hot water to cover. Let sit for approximately 30 minutes. Drain and squeeze dry. Place this back into the mixing bowl and fluff with a fork. Add parsley, mint, cucumber, pepper, salt, and red pepper. Stir to mix well and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients and stir to mix well. Pour over salad, toss, cover and refrigerate 3-4 hours. Remove from refrigerator, toss with tomatoes. Mix well. Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce.
Dana’s wedding is next month! She needs some advice on hairstyles and shares other updates and photos!
Hi everyone! I have so many updates to share this time. Since I have had some time off before I do my summer curriculum work and summer school, I have been trying to get as much done as possible.
In June I had the most amazing bridal shower thanks to my bridesmaids, future mother-in-law and my mom! It was so beautiful. Here is a picture of me and my bridesmaids!
Here are also some favors Phil’s mom bought for the shower.
Phil surprised us with roses for me, my mom and his mom; plus a rose for each of my bridesmaids! He is so sweet!
I received so many great gifts from my amazing friends and family! Here is the wine baskets for all of our ‘firsts’ as Mr. and Mrs. Scabis 🙂
So, I think I am finally starting to make a dent in the wedding planning! We finally have the last piece of the guys outfits-the shirts.
I finally found the perfect wedding jewelry to compliment my dress thanks to the fantastic Lisa Farkas! She does personal styling to assure you find the perfect accessory for every occasion! She is absolutely amazing! Check her out http://www.theloftnewengland.com/
I have set up the hair and makeup appointments, but still have no idea what to do with my hair! Any ideas? I do not want it slicked down, but I do want it all up.
I finally decided that I am going to have a photo booth at the wedding. I just booked it today! I can’t wait, I think it will be so fun! I also ordered some fun wedding koozies to place at the bar. I just got my order of Old Navy flip-flops to make up a basket for any ladies that want to change out of their heels!
Also for the guests, Phil’s mom has been baking away!! Can’t wait to see all the cookies! I am also thinking about setting up a candy bar, what does everyone think? I love sweets so it seems perfect for me!
Hmmm, I am sure there is more but that is all I can think of for now! I can’t wait until I can post some wedding pictures!
The invitations!
-Dana
Words of Willow 