French Flea Market Thursday through Sunday!

My dear friend, Pakou, shared this unique gem with me almost a year ago, and I'm sharing this with all of you coming to Madison this week! Confectionique is a boutique that opens its doors every other month for a few days. The couple who own the store bring flea market treasures back from Paris to share with folks in Madison. There's a theme every time the store is open. This month, they're featuring "The Paris Apartment". Please take advantage of this fun and unique store! August's Market Hours: Thurs., August 6: 5pm-8pm Fri., August 7: 10am-5pm Sat., August 8: 10am-5pm Sun., August 9: Noon-5pm

Wedding Welcome Screen Slide Show and Program!

This slide show will be featured on the TV screen at the museum lobby. In case you are in a rush to get to the rooftop ceremony at 6 PM, you can watch the slide show in advance!

We hope that everyone stops by our home the day after our wedding to see all the hard work that Grandpa, Joan, Greg, Hilary, and Caleb have put in to help us update and personalize our first home!

Wedding Reception Menu!

Joan (mother-in-law!), Mike, and I just finished a tasting of our wedding reception menu catered by Steenbock's on Orchard. Everything is delicious. We hope you'll enjoy our selection!

Hors d'oeurves

wild mushroom tarts with truffle oil and creme fraiche

crispy chicken potstickers with plum sauce

Entrees

braised beef short ribs 

grilled wild salmon with tarragon cream sauce on the side

vegetarian lasagna with broccoli, bell peppers, and onions

Sides

wild rice pilaf

sauteed local vegetables - rainbow cauliflower, yellow squash, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, and onions

Not Pictured

wild greens salad

Wisconsin cheeses - Hook's 3 year aged cheddar, St. Dorian gouda, bandaged white cheddar

fresh fruit salad with mint yogurt dip

baked rolls

Desserts by my dear friends Jenny, Krista, and Monica

Black Forest Wedding Cake

Macarons

Things to Do in Madison!

Hopefully everyone is planning on staying in Madison long enough to explore the city a little bit! We've created a list of highlights that will encourage you to plan for a longer stay: http://sandraandmikesbigday.blogspot.com/p/things-to-do.html. If you can't commit to a longer stay, do check out the farmers market on the Capitol Square (close to the Children's Museum) on the morning of the wedding. It's really fun and offers a plethora of delicious and fresh food! I'll be too busy prepping that morning, but you can enjoy the market for me!

Hotel Recommendations Posted!

Many folks are starting to plan their trip to Madison! Here are some recommendations that we put together. Please take a look and contact us if you have any questions or need help with reservations!
http://sandraandmikesbigday.blogspot.com/p/hotels.html

I'll be posting about points of interest next week!

Wow! Just 6 months away from the Wedding and hitting our 2 year anniversary next week!

We have been really bad about updating this blog, but seeing how we're 6 months away, I will make sure we add details weekly. Hold me accountable!

I will be posting information about hotels and our suggestions for things to do, see, and eat in Madison.

We do not plan on holding room blocks because the wedding ceremony and reception is not at a hotel, and there are many options for those who want to stay close to downtown (walking distance to the wedding) or in West Madison (closer to where we live - driving distance to the venue).

If you need assistance with booking a room at one of the hotels that we post on the blog, please contact us, and we'll help make arrangements!

If you come to town early, don't hesitate to call Mike up! I don't know how busy I'll be with prep work so I'll let Mike handle the fun activities!

We will reach out to all invited guests in the months leading up to August to confirm numbers. We'll keep in touch!