November always gets me thinking about the people who’ve shaped my life in the sweetest, most unexpected ways. Today, I’m giving thanks for my four daughters — the young women who made me a mama, a mother-of-the-bride (several times!), and eventually… a storyteller with wedding tales to share.
I didn’t start writing professionally until my girls were in their teens, and let me tell you, that season could’ve gone sideways. Teenagers don’t always want Mama diving into a new dream, especially one that takes time, energy, and a whole lot of brain space. But my girls? They cheered me on. They gave me room to write, to imagine, to create, and to chase the stories God had placed inside me.
And then. . .Came the Weddings!
Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, they all got married within four years of each other. One after the next, I found myself holding bouquets, dabbling mascara tears, pinning veils, adjusting trains, and praying no one fainted! I also baked a lot of wedding cakes!
Those years were a blur of satin, lace, laughter, and receipts — so many receipts — but what I remember most is grace. My daughters let me be part of their joy. They trusted me, leaned on me, and even allowed me to sprinkle a little “mama magic” into their big day plans. They didn’t roll their eyes (too much) when I got sentimental or offered “just one more idea.” And they gave me stories I treasure to this day.
Here Comes the. . .Mother of the Bride
Those weddings eventually stirred up inspiration for a series many of you have read and loved: The Bridal Mayhem series, starring Annie Peterson — a mother-of-the-bride who finds herself solving crimes in the middle of cake tastings, dress fittings, and wedding madness.
The first book, The Wedding Caper, was inspired (at least in part) by my own mother-of-the-bride adventures… minus the mystery, thank heavens. I dealt with seating charts and emotional budgets — Annie dealt with stolen diamonds and suspects. Same energy. Different stakes.
If you’ve never met Annie Peterson, you can take a peek at book one here: The Wedding Caper
Let’s Talk Cake!
Of course, talking about weddings makes me think of another sweet blessing — the joy of homemade wedding cakes. Now, don’t panic — I’m not suggesting you bake one for a crowd of 200 this weekend — but I do have a recipe and tutorial that makes a DIY wedding cake doable, even for a home baker who wants something elegant, meaningful, and delicious.
If you ever find yourself needing a wedding cake for a family member, a church event, or a small celebration, this guide walks you through it step by step: Easy DIY Wedding Cake
Before I close, I’d love to leave you with a little heart-prompt for your week:
Gratitude to Stir Up This Week:
Think of someone in your family (child, parent, sibling, grandchild, or chosen family) who supported your dreams without fully understanding them… but believed in you anyway. Whisper a prayer of thanks for them today.
I’m so grateful for you — for the way you show up here, sharing this journey of stories, faith, food, and heartfelt moments with me. May your week be filled with reminders of God’s goodness woven through the people you love.
