Celebrating a Ruby Anniversary

Recently, I traveled back to my hometown to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of my aunt and uncle. It was a very emotional and spirited occasion. My Aunt Sharron loves to entertain and she invited 30 people (family, friends and neighbours) to help her celebrate this milestone with my Uncle Rick and their girls, Cari and Jessica. Because it is summer and because Sharron and Rick are avid barbecue enthusiasts, they decided to have the event in their beautiful backyard and to serve succulent beef-tenderloin steaks, perfectly grilled, along with assorted salads and baked potatoes with toppings. (Everything was so delicious!)

What made the event even more special were the decorating details, all of which were planned and executed by Sharron, my mother and their mutual friend Judy. Since 40th anniversary celebrations are traditionally celebrated using a ruby theme (according to Victorian dogma) red was the colour of choice. Everyone was asked to wear red and there were red details seen throughout the yard in the form of streamers, centerpieces and balloons - even the fondant icing on their gorgeous cake was a deep crimson. Below are some of my photos from that afternoon.

Black and silver were the accent colours for the evening. My mother made paper flowers using these instructions from MarthaStewart.com, a craft that was featured in the April, 2004, issue of Martha Stewart Living.

After the meal, my aunt and uncle listened to toasts and speeches on the deck. Everyone was so touched by the words of love and support for these two lovely people.