Monday, September 30, 2013

Victoria's First Communion Part ONE


Hello sweet friends!

I finally gathered lots some pictures from my dear granddaughter's First Communion, a week ago. This photos were taken mostly by Alejandro and me, as there are professional ones too, which hope to get from my daughter one day.

My daughter Sofia arranged the flowers in the dining room, specially the decoration of her amazing 'Table of Sweets,' which she also designed and executed, as here in Ecuador is the custom and tradition for the dessert in a luncheon, as this one. I was there two days before to give her a hand, although she had everything under control.

 There were amazing flowers arrangements throughout her lovely home and in the luncheon tables, which she had professionally done by her supervision and choice of flowers, because it would have been to much for her alone.

The tradition here for a child's First Communion is the 'Table of Sweets,' which consists of beautiful arrangements of many, many small sweets of all types, some even with FC decorations in them, of course. Everything is always grand as a First Communion is considered the most important 'Sacrament of the Catholic Faith' in a child's life, I'd say for all Latin Americans.

I also brought some cute sweets from Cuenca, the city where Sofia grew up and we live still, because she had many memories from her own FC. Anyway, I will be explaining under each photo.

Here goes, so please sit down and get comfortable because there are many pics in the 'First Part' of Victoria's First Communion. Hope you enjoy it and come for the 'Second Part,' where you will finally see Victoria in her gorgeous white dress and the rest of us.


Sofia and Victoria the day before checking that the caterers where doing everything the way they wanted. Weather in Guayaquil is always hot like Summer in the US, sometimes a little cooler like now.
The tent you see here is for the luncheon buffet.

Assembling chiffon fabric canopies or awnings, because of the hot sun in the middle of the day. The huge 'river' you see in back of her yard is a maritime river. Alejandro loves to be photographing ships when they go by.

All set for the luncheon buffet.

Sofia had assembled in her garage a pretty and fun buffet for the 38 little girls from Victoria's class. They were going to have some kind of entertainment as well.

This is how her back yard looked like the night before. The tables for her 60 adults guests are way back, so the following day we would place the beautiful flower arrangements and that would be all.

This is a sample of the flower vases for each table of 10. They all had these lovely lace tablecloths too. In the back some of the boxes of little sweets that kept arriving the day before.

The flowers for the tables all ready the night before.

A platter with little sweets and like I said, a First Communion in Ecuador is not a FC if you don't offer hundreds of these adorable and delicious sweets to your guests for dessert. Look at the marzipan ones with birds and bibles on top, so cute! I didn't show you all of them as there were close to fifteen varieties and most of them were 100 of each. They were wonderful!

Sofia arranging the sweets in her pretty white trays, the night before. My helping hands at your right, lol..

At this point we were waiting more to be delivered, so we were leaving spaces in the platters and trays to fill them up.
There are so many sweets in boxes in the kitchen for the refill, as the custom is to have enough so family and guests can take some home in small bags which were also provided.
 
They're also sent after the party, some to the neighbors and to people that laid hands to help out with the F.C.

A small station for coffee or tea which was served after the luncheon. This was also in the back porch. Notice my mother's gift for Victoria, the Bavarian plate and teacup. You can't see, but at your left there was a First Communion album were guests and family wish the child happiness throughout her life in God's trust.

Almost ready!

Sofia bought white carton boxes to raise the trays with the sweets and added a white lace around them to make them festive, and because of all the white here is difficult to appreciate the lace ribbon. A very easy, pretty and inexpensive decor.




This side table is holding the 'First Communion favors,' another tradition and custom we have here in Ecuador and all Latin America.
At left there were cute cloth bags holding sterling pill boxes for the ladies with the face of the 'Virgin Mary' and the square boxes are for the children and they come with Christian legends inside called "Our daily Bread." Children love to read one card each day at dinner time together with their families, as there are 365 for each day of the year; along with religious cards. All these had Victoria's name in it, of course, so the guests will remember her special day of her First Communion.

Sofia made this gorgeous arrangements for her special 'sweets table.' She placed them in each corner of her dinning table in different levels.

The cake was gorgeous too.

I brought Victoria 400 sweets with different shapes, specially cause they are from this region of the country, Cuenca, where Sofia grew up, so she has many memories from her childhood and her very own FC with the little fruit sweets at your left and so many more.

Under the square tray you can see a little of the white lace ribbon around the white box which she bought to raise the platters, or trays.

The entrance all done up with white carnations and green roses.

These white Carnation balls where hanging in the trees as you came in the house. I took the shot at night as in the day time the sun was so bright and you could hardly appreciate them in the photos.

Sofia's amazing design with her 'sweets table' she so proudly worked hard designing and executing. The pretty flowers in the buffet were done up by her, along with the ones in the table. The German crystal urns were also filled with hand made candy wrapped in white.

These are wonderful, as Sofia explained that she saw this arrangement in Internet somewhere...where you put water half way the glass urn and on top you place the oasis where you just stick the greens and the roses and the water keeps clean and it's perfect for glass...I loved it!

Another beautiful arrangement in this Chinese ginger jar. Her orchid plant in the Art Deco vintage side table.

The tables ready for the luncheon, Saturday September 21; after the family and guests would arrive from church from Victoria's First Communion.

I hope you come by for the 'Second Part' of the event so you can finally see Victoria in her White dress and lots of more fun things.

Thank you so much lovely friends for your sweet and generous comments, as they always make my day!

Thanking the gracious hostesses for having me at their wonderful parties each week.

LOVE,
FABBY

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58 comments:

  1. Wow! It's like a wedding Fabby! It's always interesting to see how different cultures celebrate and although I too am catholic, we don't celebrate as grand as you do even back home! I did have a small party for my son, but nothing as fancy as this! The arrangements are beautiful and the sweets table sumptuous! The view of the ocean outside is perfect for this outdoor celebration and I love also what I can see so far, of your daughter;s beautiful home!!! Can't wait for part 2!

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  2. Every detail is just gorgeous Fabby! Will be watching for part 2...hugs, Penny

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  3. Double wow! This is just lovely, Fabby, such a festive occasion. The décor is amazing and those sweets are just superb. Sofia and you did a fabulous job. What a gorgeous home, backyard and setting!....Christine

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  4. How how lovely, Fabby! The bouquets are gorgeous and the sweets table would be such a delight to young and old alike. Every detail is perfect. Thank you for coming to tea and sharing with us.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  5. What a fabulous spread! Beautifully and elegantly done!!

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  6. This is a fantastic celebration Fabby. All those sweets and flowers are just beautiful. I've never seen anything like this before and it's interesting to see your customs there. Blessings, Pamela

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  7. Everything is simply stunning, I absolutely adore the Hors d' table..I would love to be there tasting all those wonderful dishes...everything looks perfect....Phyllis

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  8. It is all so gorgeous and delectable and is making me want...of course...some sweets! :)

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  9. Oh Fabby - those flowers and sweets are fabulous! Sophia, definitely, takes after her mother. She did a wonderful job getting ready for Victoria's big day. I am looking forward to the 2nd installment of her First Communion post!

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  10. Oh Fabby, the decoratonsand sweets are all so beautiful. Sofia did such a beautiful job with her design and tables. I look forward to part 2. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  11. Dearest Fabby,
    What a lovely First Communion Sofia pulled off for her sweet daughter Victoria. You as a classy Grandmother must feel very proud. This shows that you managed to rub off your French Italian class and style onto your daughters and they will no doubt pass it on to the next generation.
    The flowers and sweets made me feel like being back in Europe. The Dutch use LOTS of flowers as well and we do use exactly the same tiny sweets, served with coffee. Of course nowadays the Dutch have very much abandoned their religion; which is a shame. It is the richest part of culture that our Ancestors have passed on for over 2,000 years. And by abandoning that you deny your roots and insult the love and passion of millions that went before us.
    Hats off to you and your family for still pulling this off the way you do! May God bless little Victoria and let her grow up in this great ancient tradition.
    You made me have a peak inside my hometown pâtisserie or one in neigboring Germany or France for that matter. Even in Italy where we lived you could find those sweets. It is art in itself and a lot of labor of love too. Love your coffee station as that is one thing we often miss at gatherings here in the USA. They might serve sweets but no coffee with it which is odd. Maybe you do inspire lots of readers for putting things together differently. You can do it perfectly on a smaller scale with a smaller budget. It's just the idea.
    THANK you for sharing your LIFESTYLE with your readers; I appreciate this so much. Tells me I'm not alone in loving this!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  12. How beautiful! The rooms, and the sweets, and floral arrangements are all lovely.

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  13. Dear Fabby, I have spent mush time admiring all of the details in each photograph. So very beautiful for this very special occasion!

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  14. Fabby, Everything is picture perfect. I would not have been able to resist one of those sweets. :):) Your daughter is a pretty young lady. Your Granddaughter must have been very excited.Blessings to all , xoxo,Susie

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  15. Amazing photos of your daughter's home! This is a beautiful event and all the preparation is perfect. Glad everything was so wonderful and the sweets are so tempting! Have a great week!

    Pam

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  16. Fabby everything looks absolutely beautiful and those desserts look sooooo good! My Victoria will be making her First Communion in May:)

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  17. It must be so lovely to live with such a level of civility and beauty. I am getting jaded, I guess, because here in America it seems we have lost a lot of that. It is still seen at weddings but not much else. This is a beautiful memory Victoria will carry with her all her life, as well as those who made this happen for her. Lucky child!

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  18. How beautiful!!! I am going back to look at every photo AGAIN!!
    So elegant! Just like YOU!

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  19. Hi Fabby. Thanks for your sweet comments! What a wonderful party! Really gorgeous. You must have been very proud. Well done!
    Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  20. What a wonderful celebration it must have been! Your daughter is so lucky to have you near enough to help her with this special day. I love to learn about different traditions. First Communion is important here, but not as beautifully celebrated as where you are.

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  21. Fabby,

    How marvelous! A very special day for Victoria and full of precious memories for everyone!

    xx

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  22. AMAZING! What a special day and a very special celebration for one very blessed little girl! God bless your darling granddaughter! I can't wait part 2

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  23. Like mother like daughter, indeed! I love how Sofia arrange all those flowers in vases scattered on top of her tables. So fancy.

    The sweets make me drool. I am sitting here with my dull dinner after my JIVE dance class. Gee... if I am just around, I never say NO to come over to try you big treats.

    Love every angles, dishes, flowers, tables... name it and I mean it.

    Congrats to you Victoria. God Bless you and I know you will follow the right path to reach you goals in life. I am following with you.

    Thanks for sharing the lovely party, Fab.

    Beso mas para todas.
    /CC girl

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  24. What a wonderful tradition! The gorgeous flowers and amazing trays of beautiful sweets are a feast for the eyes! I know your granddaughter felt very special on her special day!

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  25. Well Fabby:
    I have never attended anything like this or seen anything more impressive - amazing!

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  26. I certainly enjoyed seeing these very beautiful pictures and reading about the First Communion in Ecuador! Very interesting FABBY!

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  27. Ohmygoodness, Fabby...I've never seen such fanciness in my entire life...this is just like out of a movie. What a beautiful home...and all the decor and the desserts...WOW and double WOW...

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  28. Oh My gosh that is laid out like a wedding feast it's just beautiful
    You went all out
    beautiful for sure

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  29. Everything looks perfect and beautiful! Your daughter has your talent, that is for sure.

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  30. What a beautiful display and perfect! Your daughter has definitely received your talents Fabby! I cannot wait for part 2.

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  31. Oh wow! I am stunned. I have never seen such a beautifully done occasion.
    It looks like the most beautiful wedding! Those flower bouquets are incredible. Oh my!
    Everything is gorgeous!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  32. Everything looks breath taking. I especially love those beautiful flower arrangements~stunning!!! Jennifer

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  33. Amazing Fabby. Absolutely breathtaking!

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  34. How lovely! I love the idea of a "sweets table" to celebrate a monumental occasion in the life of a child.

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  35. Oh my goodness,I can't imagine doing such an elaborate gathering and having it look so beautiful. The food alone is amazing...

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  36. A reception fitting for one of the newest brides of Christ. Every element is thoughtfully and beautifully executed. I love the draped canopies for shade over the tables outside. So elegant...I loved being invited for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  37. Beautiful! Love those flowers...and those sweets are making my mouth water.

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  38. Fabby everything looks lovely and so very elegant. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us and for sharing the details of Ecuadorian customs with everyone. Your daughter's house is beautiful and has such a breathtaking backyard view. It has made me nostalgic because we used to own a home on the banks of that very same river when we lived in Guayaquil many years ago!

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  39. Oh wow Fabby,
    THat looks fabulous! Our First Communions in Ohio are like yours, but on a much smaller scale. Neing a Master Floral Designer in real life your Daughter's floral designs are beautiful. Loved the arch. Can't wait for part 2

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  40. Fabby, this is so lovely! I love the flowers and the sweets. What a special day for Victoria. I know y'all are so proud! I can't wait to see your next post with Victoria in her dress. Your daughter's home is stunning, and I know everyone enjoyed the party....what a gorgeous setting!

    My youngest is being confirmed this year (we're Episcopalian, and the tenth grade year is the confirmation year in our church).

    Thanks for linking-up! This post has so many wonderful ideas for floral arrangements. Eye candy for sure!

    xo,
    RJ

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  41. A very special occasion carried out in a grand style.

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  42. Amazing! I love learning about your "sweet" traditions Fabby! The party is absolutely breath-taking! Gorgeous!! Can't wait for Part 2!

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  43. Breath-takingly beautiful! I am amazed at how elaborate it is! Gorgeous and I can't wait for Part 2!!! I love that you are sharing your "sweet" traditions Fabby!

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  44. Fabby: this is fantastic! I have poured over every single detail you shared but it's not enough! I really, really, really want to know what each of those sweets was! You mentioned that one was made of marzipan. What about the others? I want to see a picture of the favors! Things were done a bit differently in Cuba and I am fascinated by everything you do. Your daughter is so talented. She takes after her mother! I can't wait for the next post!

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  45. Dear Fabby...my first thought is a lovely one of how much Sofia learned about beauty and details from her mother :) It's wonderful to see. Every single detail is gorgeous--the tablecloths, the white boxes with lace, no less, as risers, the flowers, their home, the beautiful pastries. It's wonderful to see your traditions that in many ways are very similar to ours. I am sure you and Alejandro were in seventh Heaven enjoying this wonderful and blessed family event. Carinos y felicidades a toda la familia, querida Fabby. ~Zuni

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  46. OH FABBY! That is the most GORGEOUS FIRST COMMUNION luncheon I have ever seen. How interesting that the sweets play such a big part of the FC custom there. I love how different cultures celebrate the sacraments and holidays in other countries.

    Your daughter did a WONDERFUL job. Of course, she had a good teacher- YOU...which I am sure YOU had a good teacher in your own mother.

    You should be very proud of this beautiful celebration. It is overwhelmingly beautiful.

    Now I am off to read Part 2! Love to you my beautiful friend- xo Diana

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  47. What an exquisite party for your granddaughter's first communion. All of those sweet treats are amazing and the flowers, oh be still my heart! Amazing! I am so happy for your family that you had a wonderful day!

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  48. Fabby, everything looks absolutely beautiful! Not only the décor, but her gorgeous garden. What a view! The florals turned out so lovely. I spent the day today helping to make florals for 16 tables for a friends luncheon for her sons wedding. Thanks for sharing with SYC. I bet she was just gorgeous in her white dress. The girls in our church wear white when they are baptized at the age of 8.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  49. Well, beautiful people create beautiful worlds.
    The world your daughter is raising her family is beyond gorgeous.
    She's your daughter through and through - in the tiny and in the huge details.
    You're blessed as the next generations will be.
    Thank you for sharing,
    Teresa

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  50. All I can say is amazing Fabby. Such a stunning and elegant event.

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  51. Ditto all the kudos above, Fabby. What a beautiful party!

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  52. What a Spectacular Event! All I can say is WOW! Lots and Lots of inspiration.

    Thank you for joining in for Fresh-Cut Friday!

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
    ~Liz

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  53. It looks beautiful, Fabby! Everything is perfect, and the flowers are beautiful!

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  54. It should be a tradition to send a small sample of those delicious treats to all of your blogging friends :D That's not fair! Everything looks so beautiful and delicate! Going to the second part!

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  55. Amazing! Your daughter did such a beautiful job! She takes after you :-)

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  56. So Beautiful Fabby. Every detail is perfection and oh my, the sweets. I am swooning.
    God bless you all, Ginger

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I love to receive your sweet and generous messages. You always make my day !

FABBY