Saturday, October 6, 2012

My Sister's (Mostly) Vegan and 100% Lovely Wedding

My sister, Karen, and her longtime partner, Stuart, were married a couple weekends ago.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
It was an event full of friends old and new, family, laughter, jokes, beauty, love, and great vegan food! Josie said it was the "best wedding ever!" and I have to agree.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
 Josie was the flower girl. Our friend Erin loaned Josie the dress (although she might have a hard time getting it back because Josie loves it) and took all the pictures I'm posting today. Our other friend, Laura, was the official photographer, but the photos haven't been released yet (but you can see a few of the pics on the link from her name) so I may do another blog post about the wedding post-veganmofo.
photo by Erin DeMuynck.
Dema was the ring bearer.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Dema loved his role in the wedding.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Most of all the kids were so excited to see Stuart become an official part of the family.
photo by Erin DeMuynck 
I was the matron of honor. The ceremony was full of poetry, heartfelt vows, jokes, laughter, and love.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
After the ceremony, Josie met Stuart's mother. Josie was pretty choked up.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
My little flower girl.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Parker was the usher and general organizational guy.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
The boys picked out the bow ties (it was a pretty casual wedding dress-wise, but they were super excited to wear bow ties) and Parker bought this hat. It is not his signature accessory.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
I love this picture of my sister, Karen, and Josie. I don't think the kids could have been any happier. They were so excited.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
The wedding was at the boathouse near a local lake. The weather was perfect and the setting was beautiful.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Dema waiting for the food.
photo by Erin DeMuynck 
 Dema checking out the food with Karen.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
The caterer had never down a mostly vegan job before so they worked closely with Karen to come up with a menu. They did excellent and I can't wait to use them for our next big party! The picture above is Vegan Pizza with Quinoa Dough from Piato.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
I heard so many people comment on how great the food tasted! My favorite was the stuffed portobello mushrooms and the zucchini and eggplant rolls. My mouth waters just remembering the taste. This was one of the four stations. The spread: 
Station #1
*Fresh Fruit in Lettuce Cups (Gluten Free, Vegan, and Oil Free)
*Roasted Vegetable Crudite with Balsamic Vinaigrette (Gluten Free and Vegan)
*Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Grilled Pita Bread (Vegan)

Station #2
*Quinoa and Black Beans (Gluten Free and Vegan)
*Challah Bread (not vegan)
*Broccoli Rabe with Raisins and Pine Nuts (Gluten Free, Vegan, and Oil Free)

Station #3
*Polenta Cakes with Spinach and Tofu (Gluten Free and Vegan)
*Zucchini and Eggplant Rolls (Vegan)
*Pizza made with Quinoa Dough (Vegan) 
Station #4
*Mushroom Stroganoff with Grilled Tofu (Vegan)
*Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Vegan)
*Baked Salmon with Pineapple Mango Salsa (not Vegan)
photo by Erin DeMuynck
More of the fabulous food from Piato.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Perfectly roasted veggies from Piato.

photo by Erin DeMuynck
I love how they were presented.

photo by Erin DeMuynck
Rob's favorite dish was the Broccoli Rabe with Raisins and Pine nuts

photo by Erin DeMuynck
A hungry Dema getting down to business.
photo by Erin DeMuynck

Josie with her special salad. Karen asked the kids what food they wanted at the wedding and Josie told her "bean salad". This means mixed greens with three types of beans, raisins, walnuts, and tahini dressing. They didn't add this to the menu, but Karen did ask the caterer to make one just for Josie. It was so sweet and thoughtful and one of Josie's favorite parts of the day. She ate it all up and went in for a round or two of the buffet.
photo by Erin DeMuynck
After we ate, the kids and Rob went on a paddle boat ride. Stuart and Karen arranged for free boat rides for the reception. So much fun!
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Karen and Stuart are both peace activists and that is how they met so their friends made signs and all the guests did a little activist march around the boat dock. (Parker was not the one who misspelled "two" in his sign.)
photo by Erin DeMuynck
Dema getting punch to go with the cake for himself and a friend or sibling. Always the gentleman. I think he might need to dress up for often. I wish I had a picture of the beautiful cake made by the talented Kris. I am so glad we could be part of their lovely day and we wish Karen and Stuart a lifetime of friendship, love, strength, and happiness!

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