Under The Big Tree

Prepare yourself for a bit of a read… this real wedding post is too good to leave out any of the details…

Every love story is extraordinary in that it is a triumph over fear.  But once in a while one has the privilege to witness a love story unfold that is the stuff of which great literature is made.   (not that this blog post would be considered literature by any stretch of the imagination) I was lucky to witness such a story starring Jannicke (pronounced Yanika) and Trond Anders.

Both he and she, from the same small town in Norway, had their sites on the American dream and had carved their separate journeys to Las Vegas.  Friends for several years, they provided each other consolation through break-ups and trials.  And then suddenly there was a shift in perception (also known as a miracle) that tugged at their hearts and manifested in a road trip from North Dakota.  Still considering themselves just friends, to a close outsider like myself, it was easy to see the suppression of feelings.  At that point I labeled Trond as the “not-boyfriend”.  They then decided that for “economic reasons”, it would benefit them to split the rent on an apartment.  And then a beautiful ranch style home appeared on the scene.  It was a fixer upper with huge potential in one of Las Vegas’ older communities where neighbors still get to know each other.  Both of their families made frequent trips to visit, so why not invest in something that everyone could use?  Right… that’s it, an investment!  You can see where this was headed.  Finally they decided to drop the “not” on “not-boyfriend”, at which point I moved on to “not-fiancé”!  And then late one night I received a text: “Not my not-fiancé anymore!”  I KNEW IT!  I quickly replied with my congratulations to “my favorite not-parents”.

Here is the best part… Trond Anders proposed to Jannicke under a grand tree in their front yard… the very tree under which they exchanged their wedding vows.

With Jannicke’s talent (she is an interior designer by trade) and Trond’s sweat equity, they transformed this house into a dream home.  It’s not easy undergoing major construction and planning a wedding all at the same time.  But if they can make it through this challenge, then they were confident that they could work together through anything life may throw at them.  They pulled it off.  The house was the perfect setting for the warmth and love that their friend’s and family showered on them on their wedding day.  Over sixty guests flew in from Norway for the celebration, so you know these are some special people.

Nothing could have topped having a front row seat to this romance.  But generously, and with great enthusiasm, Jannicke also offered her special day up as a premiere promotion opportunity for Dirty Dishes.  I delivered over 700 pieces for the occasion.  She used my collection of glass/crystal salad plates and bowls along with frilly cotton doilies to build the reception dinner place settings.  Along with mercury glass accents and simple tulip arrangements the tablescape reflected Jannicke’s style perfectly- down to earth chic with a good dose of glamour.

Norway has a tradition of cake that I am pretty sure is unmatched.  Along with the wedding cake that we in the States are familiar, there is a traditional cake that sits as a centerpiece among 20-40 traditional homemade cakes made with love by family and friends.  I’m here to tell you there were some yummy yummy bites to be had.  For the cake reception, we used the mismatched floral dessert plates and all of the teacups I could offer, stacked in amongst the cakes.  Small tables were set with milk glass vases and groupings of colorful teacups as well.

And then Jannicke asked me to set up a bride and groom table using my prettiest pieces, leaving the design entirely up to me.  I’m so honored to have been trusted with this. 

It was such a memorable day. Amazing just isn’t a big enough word to describe this celebration.

Event Design – The Bride- Jannicke

Venue- Home of Trond Anders and Jannicke

Bridal Bouquet- Tiger Lily Florals

Vintage Dishes- Alta Sue’s Dirty Dishes

Photography- courtesy of D.Tyler Photography