Celebrating Friends with a Summer BBQ

I have had the privilege of sharing my college years with two wonderful people I now call my best friends.  

I met Russell the summer after my freshman year.  Because of his brutal honesty, snarky sarcasm and general friendliness we quickly became buds.  Our relationship usually revolved around food--seeing as we both loved to cook and entertain. (And did I mention, eat?)  Russell has and always will be someone I can count on.  After Phillip and I began dating, I couldn't wait for he and Russell to meet each other.  They hit it off , like I knew they would, and now call each other friends.    

Mary Claire began as a mystery college roommate, which I was hesitant about. (Those situations usually don't end up well.)  She moved in, and we instantly became friends.  Through much time spent at the pool, painting our nails, baking, and watching chick flicks, we soon became inseparable.  She is a talented, sweet-spirited, spontaneous girl who stole my heart and encouraged me more than she will ever know.

It was inevitable that at some point these two would meet.  They became friends at first, and I never imagined anything else...until April 1, 2014 (a.k.a April Fools Day).  Russell and Mary Claire agreed that it would be fun to fool me by telling me that they were going on a date.  You can imagine my excitement when they told me, as well as my disappointment when they unveiled the truth.  The only bright side in this cruel trick was that Russell was just trying to find out Mary Claire's real feelings about the possibility of them dating.  What started as a "funny" joke that I didn't think was so funny turned into a fairy tale.  Russell made known his interest in Mary Claire as more than a friend and the rest is history.

Now, Russell and Mary Claire are getting married, and we wanted to do something special.

 Since we are in the middle of summer, I thought what could be more fun than a BBQ? I decided to play up the red and white checkered tablecloths for a festive look--using that same look in the invitations as well.

 Russell's favorite foods just happen to fall into that category--I mean who doesn't love pulled pork, mac and cheese, deviled eggs...you get the idea!

To dress up the tables a bit while still keeping it casual, I decided to use sunflowers.  A friend of mine has an entire field of sunflowers, so I knew just where to go!   

We used my collection of milk glass and gold-rimmed plates along with my silver to set the tables.  I decided at the last minute to use twine as "napkin rings" to tie the invitations back into the theme. 

Although the party was casual, the food was delicious, and the guests were a delight.  We had the best time visiting with one another and celebrating our wonderful friends.  This party was just one of many celebrations to come--we are so thankful to have friends like Mary Claire and Russell to enjoy life with.