Family Moments and Sunday Morning Coffee

These past few days have been incredible celebrating Michael and Ellie’s wedding. We arrived in Northern California on Tuesday, and it has been all family moments ever since!

We just wrapped up an unforgettable celebration for Michael and Ellie’s wedding, and my heart is full of the joy, laughter, and love that filled each day. Every event was meaningful and special, from when we arrived in Northern California on Tuesday to the magical wedding last night. While I’m still soaking in the beauty of the wedding itself—and I promise to share more about that soon—let me take you through the celebration week that led up to their big day. It is such a blessing to see your child so happy, and celebrating Michael and Ellie’s love has been an incredible experience. I wish we had more chances to celebrate with friends and family like this.

A woman in a blue patterned dress and white shoes stands next to a man in a dark suit. They are outdoors on a paved area with trees and a building in the background.
Dave and I at the Rehearsal Dinner
Season 4 Volume 40

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About Me

A Week of Love and Celebration: Michael and Ellie’s Wedding in Northern California

A rustic wedding reception setup in a winery, featuring round tables with white tablecloths, wooden chairs, floral centerpieces, wine barrels, and a decorated stage.
The Rehearsal Dinner at Jacuzzi Vineyards

We arrived in Northern California on Tuesday, and the anticipation was already building. After months of planning and excitement, it felt surreal to finally be in the place where all the wedding events would unfold. Northern California’s scenic beauty never disappoints, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and perfect fall weather creating the ideal backdrop for what was to come.

The week’s early part was about settling in, getting organized, and catching up with family. I could feel the excitement in the air, and we were ready for the celebration to begin. As the groom’s mother, I was filled with pride and joy, knowing that my son, Michael, was about to start an incredible new chapter with Ellie, his perfect match.

Wednesday: Family Dinner with Andrew and Charlotte

A group of eleven adults and a baby posing indoors, some holding drinks. A dog is in the foreground. They are casually dressed, smiling, with a TV and wall decor in the background.
Andrew, my brother Gary and his wife Aileen, my sister Susie, me, Matt, Polina, Ellie, Charlotte, Graham. Michael and Dave

Wednesday night was our first official gathering of the week, and we kicked things off with a family dinner hosted by Andrew and Charlotte. It was such a lovely, intimate evening spent catching up and reconnecting with loved ones. Andrew and Charlotte, as always, were the most gracious hosts, and their warmth set the tone for the rest of the week.

A group of five adults and one child standing together indoors, smiling at the camera. Some hold drinks. They are dressed casually.
My brother Gary, Andrew, me, Matt, Graham, and Michael

Sitting around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn’t help but reflect on how important family is to us. Having these moments together before the whirlwind of wedding activities began was so special. It allowed us all to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and truly take in the significance of the week ahead.

Thursday: Dinner at Glen Ellen Star in Sonoma

A group of seven people sitting around a dining table in a restaurant, with plates and glasses, smiling at the camera.
Me, Michael, Polina, Matt, Charlotte, Andrew, and Dave

Thursday was another beautiful day, and the excitement continued to build as we gathered for a wonderful dinner at Glen Ellen Star in Sonoma. This dinner was with our immediate family and the perfect way to have some quiet, quality time together before the bigger events started.

For those who haven’t been, Glen Ellen Star is one of Sonoma’s coziest, most charming spots. The food was amazing—farm-to-table dishes bursting with flavor and local ingredients showcasing the best of Northern California’s wine country. The atmosphere was relaxed yet intimate, which we needed after all the planning and preparations leading up to the wedding week.

The dinner gave us a chance to slow down and savor the moment. It was heartwarming to see Michael surrounded by our family, sharing stories, laughs, and delicious food. We toasted the upcoming wedding and to Ellie, who was also dining with her family in Sonoma.

Friday: The Rehearsal Dinner at Jacuzzi Winery

Rustic event hall with wooden beams, round tables set with white cloths, and beige chairs. Wine barrels line the walls, and a large archway is curtained at the back.
Jacuzzi Vineyards for the Rehearsal Dinner

Friday night was a true highlight of the week—Michael and Ellie’s rehearsal dinner at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, a stunning winery in Sonoma. The venue could not have been more perfect. Its rustic Italian charm, lush vineyards, and beautiful views created the ideal setting for such an important event.

Elegant table setting with white floral centerpiece, menus on plates, wine glasses, and candles. Wooden chairs and stacked barrels in the background.

The rehearsal dinner was a joyful occasion, filled with toasts, laughter, and love from both sides of the family. Ellie’s family—her parents Anni and Rob, along with her sisters—is all wonderful, and it was a delight to come together with them in this setting officially. We are thrilled to welcome them into our family. There’s something so special about seeing both families united, knowing we are forever connected through Michael and Ellie’s marriage.

Elegant table setting with white floral centerpieces, candles, and neatly arranged cutlery around a plate with a menu.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening was hearing the heartfelt toasts, which included a few of Michael’s friends, Ellie’s sisters and friends, and Charlotte. The stories they shared were both touching and hilarious, and they were a reminder of how loved Michael and Ellie are by their community.

As Michael’s mom, I had the opportunity to give a toast as well, which was an emotional moment for me. Standing there, raising my glass to my son and his soon-to-be wife, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and love.

We enjoyed a delicious meal paired with some of the best wines from the vineyard. The whole evening was filled with an undeniable sense of celebration, and it was so much fun to see everyone relaxed and enjoying the night before the big day.

The Wedding: A Night to Remember

A couple dressed in formal attire stands together in a stylish interior space with modern decor. The man is in a suit, and the woman is in a blue gown.
Heading to the wedding

While I won’t give away too many details about the wedding yet (because there’s so much to share), I will say it was a magical night. The ceremony, the reception, and every moment in between were everything we hoped for and more. Michael and Ellie’s love for each other shone through in every detail, and it was such a privilege to witness the beginning of their married life together.

But for now, I’ll leave you with the memories of the celebration week leading up to that incredible day. The family dinners, the intimate conversations, the laughter, and the joy were all part of what made this week so special. I am beyond grateful for the time we spent together, and I can’t wait to share more about the wedding itself.

To Michael and Ellie—thank you for giving us all the opportunity to celebrate your love in such a meaningful way. We love you both, and this past week has reminded us how lucky we are to have such a wonderful family and community to share these moments with.

Stay tuned for more wedding details—there’s so much more to tell!

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

Creating Custom Wine-Themed Party Favors for Michael and Ellie’s Rehearsal Dinner

A formal dining table setting with a menu on a white plate. The menu lists starter, main, and dessert options, including a pear salad, salmon, and a pear tart.

When planning the party favors for Michael and Ellie’s rehearsal dinner, I knew I wanted to do something unique and personal that reflected their love for each other, their favorite things, and the beautiful setting of wine country where we were celebrating.

I wanted the gift to feel meaningful and a fun keepsake for each guest. That’s when I landed on custom wine charms—a perfect nod to the wine country setting, with each charm representing something special about Michael and Ellie.

The Inspiration Behind the Wine Charms

Rows of boxed sets of silver earrings with cards displaying text, arranged on a wooden surface.

I’ve always loved the idea of wine charms because they’re practical and can add a personalized touch to any celebration. For Michael and Ellie’s rehearsal dinner, I wanted the charms to reflect their favorite things and give guests a little insight into what makes them such a special couple. So, after brainstorming, I decided to include four charms, each representing something that Michael and Ellie love.

Set of silver wine glass charms with a wedding theme on a card labeled to "Ellie and Michael's favorite things.

The four charms I chose were:

  • A wine bottle: A nod to the beautiful wine country setting of their wedding and their shared love of wine.
  • Two cats: Michael and Ellie are both animal lovers and adore their two cats, Jay and Poe, so it felt fitting to include this as a symbol of their furry family members.
  • A volleyball: Volleyball has been a big part of Michael’s life, and this was an easy choice.
  • A coffee mug: They love their morning coffee ritual, so this charm symbolizes their shared love of a good cup of coffee to start the day.

Assembling the Charms

A tray displays sorted metal wine glass charms in various designs, with a small white note card in the bottom right corner.

Once I had the idea, I searched for the perfect charms and wine clasps. I sourced them from a few places—Amazon, Temu, and Etsy—and was thrilled to find exactly what I was looking for. Each charm had its unique style, and I knew they would come together beautifully.

After the charms arrived, I assembled the wine charms, attached the clasps, and ensured everything looked perfect. It was such a fun process, and I loved knowing that each guest would leave the rehearsal dinner with something that truly represented Michael and Ellie.


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An assortment of wine-themed silver charms, including bottles, barrels, glasses, and grapes.
Wine, Cocktail Glass, Wine Opener Charms
Rows of identical silver cat-shaped charms with loops on top for attaching.
20pcs Cat Charms
Small silver tea sets scattered on a white surface, featuring teapots, cups, and saucers with decorative patterns.
Tea Cup Mini Charms

Crafting the Cards and Packaging

Stacks of square paper cards, each with green ribbon and text. Nearby are loose ribbons and a spool on a wooden surface.
A set of charm keychains displayed on a wooden surface. Cards with green ribbons are placed above, showing two holes each. The central card has keychains attached, featuring various charms.
Multiple sets of wine glass charms with various charms are displayed in boxes with celebratory messages.

To present the wine charms, I printed and cut small 3-inch square cards to hold them. On each card, I printed a little saying about the gift and why it was special. I punched two small holes in each card and attached a ribbon, threading the wine charms onto the ribbon so they were displayed neatly on the card.

Mold with round, cream-colored wax seals featuring intricate designs. A wooden-handled tool rests nearby on a wooden surface. Seals are scattered around the mold.
A stack of white invitations with green wax seals and twine. A card with "Ethan Saeta" is visible. Wax seals have initials "MS" and "JE.

Next, I ordered small white jewelry boxes, ribbons, and twine from Amazon to package the wine charms. I sealed each with a wax stamp to make the boxes more unique. I ordered a custom stamp on Amazon with an “M and E” design for Michael and Ellie and used sage green wax to create beautiful seals on each box. The final touch was tying everything up with green and white twine, which gave the boxes a rustic, elegant feel.

Green wax seals with tree design, shown with adhesive backs. A hand uses a seal stamp on a mold, with stickers and mold displayed.
Wax Seal Mold Kit
A gold wax seal stamp with intricate initials "M & D" rests on a piece of wood beside green leaves.
Wedding Custom Wax Seal Stamp Kit
A box of sealing gun wax with several green wax sticks and a round seal featuring a floral design.
Sage Green Sealing Wax
A spool of green and white twisted twine, shown horizontally against a white background.
Green Cotton Baker’s Twine
A spool of light green ribbon with a section of ribbon extending outward in a wave pattern.
Thin Sage Ribbon 1/8 Inch
Gold necklace with decorative elements in a white open jewelry box.
100-pack – Cotton Filled Cardboard Paper Jewelry Box

Using the Favors as Place Cards

Elegant table setting with white floral centerpieces, candles, and neatly arranged cutlery around a plate with a menu.

I wanted the wine charm gifts to serve a dual purpose at the rehearsal dinner, so I also used them as place cards. Each gift box was placed at the guest’s seat, and I made matching menu cards to tie everything together. It added a cohesive look to the table setting, making each guest feel personally included in the celebration.

A Memorable Evening

Rustic banquet hall with wooden beams, round tables set with white tablecloths, elegant place settings, and floral centerpieces. Wine barrels are stacked against the walls.

The rehearsal dinner turned out even better than I imagined. As the evening unfolded, it was so special to see everyone enjoying themselves, and the wine charms were a hit!

Seeing the wine charms at each place setting, with the beautiful wax-sealed boxes, was such a rewarding moment. It was the perfect way to kick off the wedding weekend, and I’m so happy I was able to create something meaningful and memorable for all of our guests.

Ultimately, the rehearsal dinner was filled with laughter, love, and beautiful memories. I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable evening to celebrate Michael and Ellie, and I’m so glad that the wine charm favors added a personal touch to the festivities. I hope everyone treasures their little keepsakes from the evening for years!

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

Most people in our family would say I am an emotional person.

It’s true. I do tend to cry when I get emotional. I get teary, but not an all out cry. I just get teary.

Especially at weddings.

And when I see Michael and Ellie for the first time during their wedding week. And when I practice my speech. and when we rehearse for the ceremony. Of course during my speech at the Rehearsal Dinner and walking down the aisle.

But those are the only times. I promise.

This week's to do list.
  • Head home on Monday and convince my husband it’s ok to listen to my book on tape the entire way home. Book club is coming up!
  • Head to the beach and relax. And write blog posts. And read!
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A hand holding a clear spray bottle with a green base and a label that reads "GLASS" against a pastel-colored wall.

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Ghrdopy Fake Pumpkins, 8 Pcs

Three rolls of wrapping paper with gold geometric, striped, and polka dot patterns on white backgrounds.

White & Gold Foil Design Wrapping Paper

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Sally’s Organics® Empty Clear Glass Spray Bottles

And what a week it was!

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Assorted Small Faux Rustic Harvest Velvet Pumpkins

Four white ceramic bowls stacked together, each with a different textured pattern, are perfect for serving your favorite fall soup recipes.

LE TAUCI Bowls

A textured, off-white ceramic planter with a rounded shape and subtle linear patterns, available on Amazon Prime for fast and convenient delivery.

Creative Co-Op Large Matte Stoneware Planter

A robotic vacuum cleaner is docked at its charging station, with a smartphone displaying the iRobot app nearby.

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I have so many fun things to share! If you haven’t held a Friendsgiving celebration for friends, I can tell you everything you need to do. There are two crafts, which include a pumpkin and a pillow. My new recipe for Pumpkin Alfredo with Sage Butter is out of this world, and I think you will like how to create a comfortable, Tranquil Environment for Fall. I am also sharing Beach House Décor Ideas for a Cozy, Coastal Fall Escape. I cannot wait.

Friendsgiving Table Setting
A handmade pumpkin made with a plastic cinderella pumpkin covered with faux eucalyptus leaves.
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A well-lit living and dining room with a white sofa, yellow pillows, and a wooden dining table set for a meal. The table has golden accents, and there are framed photos and a vase with flowers on the wall.
Bright, modern living room with two white armchairs, a glass coffee table, and large windows overlooking a beach and ocean.
Two decorative pumpkins made of woven straw, featuring twisted stems.

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Two identical brass candle holders with a simple, smooth design are shown against a plain white background.

Taper Candle Holders

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Thanksgiving Cloth Napkins, 100% Cotton, Set of 6

You Might Also Need…

Four white napkins with black text: "GATHER," "SHARE," "LAUGH," and "FAMILY" - perfect companions for cozy fall soup recipes.

Farmhouse Napkins, Set of 4

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Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Five battery-operated LED candles with realistic flame effect inside dark smoke-colored glass holders. A remote control with various timing and light settings is placed next to the candles.

Homemory Gray Flickering Flameless Candles

Faux Creamy White Pumpkins, Set of 6

A decorative garland of fall foliage featuring green, orange, and red leaves arranged in an arch.

2 Pack Fall Maple Garland

Brown glass jar candle with label reading "HELLO PUMPKIN" and description of pumpkin, vanilla, spice, and pie crust scent. Lid is off, showing a lit wick. Made by Sweet Water Decor.

Sweet Water Decor Hello Pumpkin Soy Candle

Two black metal lanterns of different heights, each holding a white candle, are perfect for adding elegance to any space. Available on Amazon Prime for quick and convenient delivery.

Decor Modern Farmhouse Lantern Decor

Four folded fabric napkins with a brown floral and geometric pattern on a light background, perfect for setting the table during cozy fall soup recipes.

Brown Maison d’ Hermine 100% Cotton Napkins

A wicker basket with a beige cloth lining and lace trim, perfect for storing fall soup recipes, featuring a loose fabric lid.

Serving Basket w/ Fabric Lining

Shop My Home
Amazon Best Sellers
A Home to Share
A Home to Share, by Leslie Saeta

This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared many of our favorite home items this week and here are the top sellers!

Collage of home items including a coffee maker, dishes, air fryer, cookware, frame TV, headphones, cabinet, photo frame, and wagon. Text reads "Amazon Home Last Week's Favorite Deals.
SHOP HERE

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4 Comments

  2. What a special week of memories for you all. Reading through the post brought me back to the memories of my own sons wedding three years ago and I got teary all over again! Congrats and can’t wait to see the beautiful wedding pictures.

    Reply

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