We woke up to rain this past sunday, for the first time in a long time. Steel grey clouds signaling a change of seasons ~ I am not sure how to describe it, but there was something distinctly autumnal about the way they moved across the sky. The market was full of fall fruits and muted colors. 
Carlyle House was built 1751-1753 by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, a member of one of the most prestigious families in colonial Virginia. John and Sarah moved into their completed house on August 1, 1753. That same night, she gave birth to their first son, prompting John to write to his brother George “its a fine beginning.” Their home quickly became a center of social and political life in Alexandria and gained a foothold in history when British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755. Braddock summoned five colonial governors to meet there to plan the early campaigns of the French and Indian War. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Carlyle House is the only stone, 18th-century Palladian-style house in Alexandria.
It is the first day of autumn (with a full moon no less!), but summer is hanging on here in Washington. Those cool fall breezes have yet to win out over the heat and humidity. Perhaps this weekend? I hope so. . . the gentleman and I plan to mark the change of seasons with wild mushroom risotto. That calls for crisp air and a robust pinot grigio.
This past weekend, two friends tied the knot in the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Clear skies and bright sun smiled down on a beautiful couple! Add in gorgeous flowers, a boat-load of creativity, and some delicious food and wine, and and you have one smashing wedding. (Needless to say, I was taking notes!).
Mom is here and we're eating good food. The evenings are still warm and so we'll take our dinners to the roof and watch the sun set gently over the city. The pressure is off: a mother-of-the-bride outfit has been found! Time for wine.
A few things from this past week ~ hurricane skies and plums from the sunday market. Earl came and went without much fuss, leaving behind some crisp autumal air. Last night's dinner included warm peaches with fresh cream. Segue to fall.
A little look at our invitations! Being a lover of paper goods, I admit that this was one of the hardest things for me to make a decision about. There are just so many wonderful ideas out there. In the end, I decided to stick with something very simple and traditional ~ letterpress invitations by William Arthur (printed in Kennebunk, Maine).
. . . at the spot where we'll be married. On an October afternoon in Virginia. Amidst the crepe myrtle and magnolia.
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