Yesterday evening was the huge church banquet that I've been talking about. After much planning, the day had finally arrived. We got up early and headed to the church to begin decorating. 
Joe and I (mainly Joe!) spent most of the morning hanging up scene setters. The theme was hawaiian so we had a beach scene on one wall with bamboo and sky scene setters on the other three walls.
My incredible brother put his culinary skills to work in the kitchen making up the scrumptious dinner. He did a great job, as usual. I'm so blessed to be able to have Nathaniel take over the food responsibilities each year. Usually I just tell him my crazy ideas for the menu and he can do it. Yes, he's amazing!
The decorating was finished up by mid afternoon, thanks to some great help from friends. We had palm trees hanging from the ceiling and real sand on part of the floor which made it seem more realistic.
Our cute little grass "hut" from which we served drinks as the couples came in.
The entrance to the "bamboo house" on the beach. Notice the real sand on the floor with shells and palm leaves.
One of the napkins on the tables. They looked so elegant.
Table decorating finished!
And the banquet begins. Couples arrived and were greeted with "Aloha!" and flower leis to wear. Upon entering, they were served Pina Coladas, Frappuccinos, and/or Banana Strawberry Smoothies from the grass "hut", along with a nut mix. This was a big hit!
For the first 30 minutes, the couples were serenaded by musicians from our church who formed a string quartet and put together a program of music. After that, we played seashore sounds (the sound of waves crashing on the shore) for the rest of the banquet.
Fruit kabobs ready to eat
Can you count all those yummy looking salads?
A few of our great helpers in the kitchen
Our main dish of Hawaiian Chicken and Rice with sweet and sour sauce on top. Served with yummy Polynesian carrots. We also served the couples Surfboard Bread - a delicious flat bread - in baskets.
Is your mouth watering?? Cheesecake with chocolate sauce and coconut waiting to be served to the couples.
The couples enjoying the meal while discussing questions that were written on their fan programs. After the meal, we played a scavenger hunt game. Then my Dad shared a devotional before having the couples break off together and spend time talking, reading scripture and praying. It was a wonderful evening and truly a great success. Many couples shared how blessed they were and how much fun it had been.
I definitely enjoyed organizing the banquet again this year. The young people at our church were such great help to me and I couldn't have done it without them, my family, and my wonderful, encouraging husband.
Joe and I (mainly Joe!) spent most of the morning hanging up scene setters. The theme was hawaiian so we had a beach scene on one wall with bamboo and sky scene setters on the other three walls.
My incredible brother put his culinary skills to work in the kitchen making up the scrumptious dinner. He did a great job, as usual. I'm so blessed to be able to have Nathaniel take over the food responsibilities each year. Usually I just tell him my crazy ideas for the menu and he can do it. Yes, he's amazing!
The decorating was finished up by mid afternoon, thanks to some great help from friends. We had palm trees hanging from the ceiling and real sand on part of the floor which made it seem more realistic.
Our cute little grass "hut" from which we served drinks as the couples came in.
The entrance to the "bamboo house" on the beach. Notice the real sand on the floor with shells and palm leaves.
One of the napkins on the tables. They looked so elegant.
Table decorating finished!
And the banquet begins. Couples arrived and were greeted with "Aloha!" and flower leis to wear. Upon entering, they were served Pina Coladas, Frappuccinos, and/or Banana Strawberry Smoothies from the grass "hut", along with a nut mix. This was a big hit!
For the first 30 minutes, the couples were serenaded by musicians from our church who formed a string quartet and put together a program of music. After that, we played seashore sounds (the sound of waves crashing on the shore) for the rest of the banquet.
Fruit kabobs ready to eat
Can you count all those yummy looking salads?
A few of our great helpers in the kitchen
Our main dish of Hawaiian Chicken and Rice with sweet and sour sauce on top. Served with yummy Polynesian carrots. We also served the couples Surfboard Bread - a delicious flat bread - in baskets.
Is your mouth watering?? Cheesecake with chocolate sauce and coconut waiting to be served to the couples.
The couples enjoying the meal while discussing questions that were written on their fan programs. After the meal, we played a scavenger hunt game. Then my Dad shared a devotional before having the couples break off together and spend time talking, reading scripture and praying. It was a wonderful evening and truly a great success. Many couples shared how blessed they were and how much fun it had been.I definitely enjoyed organizing the banquet again this year. The young people at our church were such great help to me and I couldn't have done it without them, my family, and my wonderful, encouraging husband.
What fun that must have been setting everything up! The food looks scrumptious, especially the cheesecake =D!
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