Things I love

1 month down...

2010-07-13T08:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Jeff and I received the most perfect one month anniversary* gift: our wedding photos were posted online! We still haven't forgotten all the blood, sweat and tears (not to mention $$$) that went into our wedding, but the beautiful photos (and the beautiful, perfect, wonderful, amazing day that they captured) were more than worth it.

I hope you'll stick around because I do have more to share with the wedding blogosphere. But the wedding day went by in a blur, and the 30-day mark crept up on us remarkably quickly, so I intend to soak up every blissful moment of being a newlywed first. Bye for now!

* I am normally one for using correct terminology, but I categorically refuse to use the word "mensiversary." Ick.

Engagement Photo Session 2

2010-07-01T08:39:00.000-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog weeks and weeks ago.}

Engagement photos really weren't in our budget, but my little sister Leia is an excellent photographer and offered to take our photos.

She took our first set of engagement photos last May near Prospect Park at the Pavillion Cinema. We did another shoot last weekend in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

Thanks so much, Leia! Jeff and I had so much fun!

Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party Fabulosity

2010-06-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog.}

My sister and friends threw me the most FABULOUS bridal shower/bachelorette party on May 22, the day after my birthday! The day went from 11am until 3am (with some hangover-curing fried chicken the following morning), and every second of it was amazing!

The day started off with a Bridal Shower brunch at the fabulous Elizabeth Restaurant:

The girls gave me a bachelorette sash and veiled tiara (which I am planning on passing on to the next bride-to-be, traveling-pants-style):

and the shower was Disney Princess themed!

And what's a princess without some goodies?

My amazing sister and Maid of Honor Leia put together the fabulous gift bags, which included Disney princess lip gloss ("For true love's kiss"), sunscreen ("To be the fairest of them all"), silk eye masks ("For sleeping beauties") and some lacy underwear.

And the girls got me some lovely gifts too, like this super fabulous rhinestoned "Bride" robe:

And this Georgetown Hoyas garter (for Jeff, they said):

And a fabulous pink nightie, which I happen to also own in blue!

[Not pictured]

For dessert, we took the subway to Grom for some authentic gelato, then made our way downtown (after accidentally ending up in Brooklyn due to a slight train mix-up) for mani-pedis!

This was my first-ever pedicure, and I am hooked! My red toes still look fab but I am already planning another pedi this week.

After this busy morning, we were all ready for a nap. We headed into Brooklyn to check into our hotel. We rested in our pj's and munched on street roasted nuts for a few hours to prepare for the debaucherous evening ahead...

(To be continued.)

Less than a week!

2010-06-06T11:51:00.007-04:00

They say that you learn who a person actually is when she is under a lot of pressure and stress.

Turns out, I'm actually a bitch.

I'm snappy, self-absorbed and not at all the empathetic and caregiving person I like to think I am. And I am a horrible blogger. But I plan to use the next few days to rectify that. The blogging bit, not necessarily the bitchy bit.

First things first:

Happy belated birthday to bridesmaid and fellow bride-to-be Kathleen!

Taken at my bridal shower, May 2010

I am a completely horrible person. Jeff and I quite randomly ran into Kathleen in DC last Tuesday, THE DAY AFTER HER BIRTHDAY, and it wasn't until hours later that we (jerks) realized that we didn't wish her a happy birthday. Sigh.

Of course work is as crazy as ever, and with the added stress of the wedding being less than a week away, I've been staying up until the wee hours regularly in order to check things off my wedding To Do list. Poor Jeff has been very patient with my attitude lately.

I'm running out of time before the big day, but look out for posts on the following subjects in the coming day(s):

Bridal shower/Bachelorette day of awesomeness
A second engagement photo shoot at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Hair trial (Spoiler Alert: I'm wearing it up)
Applying for our DC marriage license
Our ceremony programs
Our honeymoon plans

Junior Bridesmaid/Flower Girl dresses revealed!!

2010-05-25T08:34:00.003-04:00

I hope you all realize how much I love you, loyal readers. I was at work for 12 hours yesterday, and am anticipating even longer work days for the rest of the week (just nine more days of work til the wedding....just nine more days of work til the wedding...), so I woke up early this morning to get ready so I could post this. I haven't had a second to even log into my online banking, or to check my personal emails in the past day.

Okay, some business first. Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Saturday was IN-frickin-CREDIBLE! I wish to do it justice, so the recap will have to wait. Also, tomorrow is my final dress fitting, and remember my diet? Smaller portion sizes, 10 minutes of exercise per day, no fried food, more veggies, limited snacking, etcetera? I've been doing the opposite of that. So we'll see how that goes.

Alright, ready for the dresses?

For the original post on these designs, click here.

Bianca

Marg

Nina

Seriously, don't I have the most beautiful cousins ever? I am in LOOOVE with the dresses, and I can't wait to see these gorgeous girls!

Birthday update!

2010-05-21T19:47:00.000-04:00

I had to update you on the birthday happenings so far, because tomorrow promises to erase all memory of today's fuzzy goodness.

Firstly, I was surprised at work by not one, but TWO flower deliveries!! A gigantic vase of hot pink roses from my dad, and pink tulips and balloons from my mom! My entire office (in spite of my bitterness towards work this morning) was so incredibly sweet to me all day, and at the end of the day surprised me with a really nice card.

Plants and cards make me feel loved. :)

Otto was totally fabulous, and it was great to see Leia again cause it's been forever. She surprised me with cupcakes (chocolate with vanilla buttercream) and MK shades. And she gave me some tantalizing d's on tomorrow festivities!

And then Jeffy picked me up from work with two potted herbs from Union Square market, and a box of the most faaabulous chocolate chocolate chip cookies ON. EARTH.

Seriously. Incredible. From Levain Bakery.

We are leaving in a bit to eat pasta with Jeff's brother and sister-in-law. My cousin Bianca sent me photos of the junior bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and I literally squealed when I saw them! You will die!! I will try to post them after dinner tonight, otherwise it will have to wait until next week.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, it has been a gorgeous and amazing day!

Birthday post

2010-05-21T08:03:00.001-04:00

[source]

I have been a terrible blogger lately, but I feel like posting today as it’s my birthday. (I don't yet have the heart for an exclamation point this early in the morn. sue me.) I am 24 today, and I’m not going to lie, I actually thought that I was 24 this whole year. I mean, really, what is the difference between 23 and 24? It’s kind of sweet to have a birthday come around and not get a year older.

Work has been beyond miserable this week. I literally can't even describe. But it's almost over, thankfully, and tomorrow (! <- there it is!) is my bridal shower/bachelorette party day, and I have been looking forward to it all week! It has thus far been kept a surprise from me, but I know that we start at noon and party all day with some sort of hotel break in between? A bunch of PYTs from DC are coming up and I can't wait!

I have a lunch with Leia at Otto (!! <- now I just can't stop!) today, and then dinner with Jeff's family in Park Slope tonight. Then a good night's rest to prepare for the debauchery to follow...

Our wedding file is complete!

2010-05-16T10:48:00.003-04:00

I meant to post this a few days ago, but things have been kind of crazy. We're ready to get married! We just need to apply for our marriage license the next time we're in DC, and then pick up the license the week of the wedding (DC requires three full days after applying before you can get your license). But regardless of what goes down on our wedding day, we will at least be married. Less than a month to go!

Bridesmaid birthday card

2010-05-12T08:00:00.002-04:00

source

Happy birthday, Amanda! Can't wait to see you in NYC next week!

The Disillusionment Stage

2010-05-11T21:10:00.001-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog this morning.}

I've been avoiding blogging lately, because I haven't really had anything to say. And it's not because I haven't been doing anything, because I my calendar is jam-packed with wedding-related crap and my ongoing To Do list seems to grow seven new things every time I cross one off. But when I resolved to enjoy the rest of the planning process by not focusing so much on the details, I really meant it. Maybe I meant it too much. With about a month now until the big day, women keep asking me how everything's going, and I don't have an answer.   After a year of planning and over two years of being engaged, the details just seem so unimportant. I would much prefer to debate Arizona SB 1070 or discuss the upcoming NFL season than talk about seating plans and day-of schedules. This part of the process is decidedly not fun to write about.

That doesn't mean I'm not enjoying it. Jeff and I have never been closer, but as any romance novelist will tell you, a healthy and loving relationship does not make good reading material. I love making decisions with Jeff, about both the wedding and our future.   I love checking out my veil in the bathroom mirror (I'll wait until my hair trial in 3 weeks to post photos). I love browsing shoe options for my bridesmaids. I don't particularly love writing four-figure checks, but I do enjoy the sense of responsibility and adulthood that comes with it.

It struck me that planning a wedding is really similar to being in a relationship.  We were recently introduced to the idea that relationships undergo a recurring cycle of romance, disillusionment and joy. The beginning of wedding planning is all about romance: there are pretty dresses, and flowers, and endless possibilities. This part I'm in right now, the disillusionment stage, is about reality: no sleep, drained bank accounts, and family drama.  And while it's not all that fun to talk about, it's admittedly nice to feel like at least we're moving in the right direction. Because if my math is correct, then the next step--the wedding itself--is joy. Which sounds about right.

Interview with a budding fashion designer

2010-04-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Me and my pretty cousins!

Singapore, December 2009

from left: Nina, Bianca, Marg

I am beyond excited to reveal the designs for the junior bridesmaid and flower girl dresses! I have three gorgeous cousins who currently live in Singapore. My youngest sister Chrissy and eldest cousin Bianca are our junior bridesmaids. And Marg and Nina are our flower girls.

I have shown Chrissy's dress before, from bridesmaid shopping weekend 2. I selected the same pink purse for her and my cousins.

Chrissy

The dress is a great length, but I think a heel would make it seem too short. So I picked out some cute flats. I don't wear flats (they make my feet look too wide), so can someone explain why they're so expensive?

source

$42.27 Gap

$68 Free People

$85 Dillard's

When Bianca found out that I was doing mismatched dresses, she wanted to design the dresses for herself and her sisters. My only guideline was that they should coordinate with pale pink flowers. The designs turned out so great!

Bianca

front

back

Marg

front

back

Nina (don't you just love the sleeves?)

front

back

A few questions with the designer:

1. Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.
My name is Bianca and I am Ate Michelle's cousin. I am 13 years old, and I go to Singapore American School. I have two sisters, named Marg and Nina. :D

2. When did you start designing clothes?
I was really little when I started. I think I still have the original drawings from when I was 7. I really wanted to be a fashion designer in Paris, so I started drawing and watching shows like Project Runway.

3. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
I was in Thailand for my Spring Break when I thought the designs for the bridesmaid dresses up. We were at the beach (that's where I got the inspiration for the colors). My sisters also told me what they wanted.

4. What are some of your other interests?
I like drawing, dancing, swimming, hanging out with friends, traveling, and shopping (sometimes) with my mom.

5. What's your favorite thing to wear and why?
I live in shorts because it is uber hot in Singapore and it's the easiest to pair stuff with. I also like t-shirts and tank tops. AND SUNGLASSES!

*****

Aren't the designs so adorable? I cannot WAIT to see the final products! Bianca selected all the fabrics, and the designs were given to a seamstress to recreate. I will post photos as soon as I get them!

Accessorizing the bridesmaids

2010-04-26T08:45:00.003-04:00

Wedding planning has become extremely stressful again. So I decided to devote some time to my bridesmaids (hello ladies! this post is for you!), since that's always a good way to de-stress.

I found this cute Etsy store called ToonDesign based in Thailand where I hand picked an adorable (and affordable!) clutch for each bridesmaid as part of my bridesmaid gift. I'll hold off on giving my review until the clutches arrive, but the seller currently has 859 (100%) positive reviews.

I selected several shoe styles that I personally would pick for each dress and purse combo. These are IN NO WAY meant to pressure my bridesmaids, and you should not feel obligated to select one of these shoes or even a similar style. I picked shoes that I would actually wear and that would look good in pictures (and I tried to pick affordable shoes too, sometimes). I completely understand that my bridesmaids have to consider your comfort, your personal style, and your wallets. But in case you're having trouble picking your shoes, maybe this will help you figure out what you want.

Quick tip: If any of you are planning to buy your shoes on-line, definitely email Leia first. She's really awesome at getting online discounts.

Leia (Maid of Honor)
The simplicity of this sweet little dress made me gravitate towards funky prints.

source

$49.99
Anne Klein

$73.06
Oh Deer

$49.95
Joan & David

Kathleen

These might be my favorite shoes that I found on this little hunt. I wanted bold, brightly colored pumps.

source

$68.95
Nine West

$89.95
Nina Electra

$18.57
Wanted

April

I love the colors in this polka dot dress! I pulled the pink for the clutch, so I leaned towards aqua and navy pumps. I looked for shoes with interesting textures or architectural elements.

source

$93
Feud

$154
Badgley Mischka

$49.95
Caparros Vincente II

Amanda

I wanted to contrast the sturdy fabric and the big beautiful bow with something strappy.

source

$120
Banana Republic

$39.95
Unlisted

$75
Terra Plana

Josie

I've never really been that into white shoes, but the sweet summeriness of this dress made me gravitate towards white for some reason.

$19.99
Chinese Laundry

$88.95
Me Too

$22.99
Mossimo

Happy shopping, ladies! Tomorrow, I reveal the junior bridesmaid and flower girl dresses!

Dress reveal!

2010-04-23T16:00:00.011-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog this morning.}

I have shared photos of my dress before, but today marks the first time that I share photos of me in it. Jeffy, in case you happen to be perusing the blog today, I know you don't want to ruin the surprise so I suggest you stop reading. Love ya!

(Priscilla of Boston's Mackenzie)

On Wednesday after work, Leia and I went back to Remziye Perkin's for my second fitting. My first fitting was way back in February, and I admit that I was a little worried that I might not fit into the dress because I have been pretty lax about my diet recently. I almost screamed when I pulled the dress on and it was actually loose on me!
Alright, no more talking:

Contemplating the ribbon bustle (and lovin' that French bustle):

Weird face / simultaneous front and back view (well done, Leia!):

Sigh. Every time I put the dress on, I never want to take it off. I loved the dress when I first bought it, but putting it on after it had been taken in made me really feel like this is truly MY dress. I seriously cannot wait to be a bride!

We are meeting with Remziye again in one month. She's going to take it in even more (I even sucked in while she and Leia both pinned it because I would rather it be too tight than too loose), and finish the bustles on the skirt and the bow. After the next fitting, alterations should be finished and the dress will be sent to the cleaners before the drive to DC! Eep!

Engaged Encounter weekend

2010-04-22T08:38:00.000-04:00

To anyone expecting wedding stuff, tune in tomorrow. I promise I have a lot of girly wedding things lined up, including photos from my 2nd fitting, and an interview with a budding fashion designer. But today, I'm talking about the M-word.

Last Friday, Jeffy and I attended an Engaged Encounter weekend at Summerfield Suites in Gaithersburg, MD, and we both loved it. You may remember that in February, we completed our Pre-Cana requirement in Brooklyn. In order to be married in the Catholic Church, couples are required to complete either a Pre-Cana or an Engaged Encounter program, but my mother insisted (and though reluctant to give up a weekend, I admit I agreed with her) that Jeff and I complete both. In fact, a couple does not need to be Catholic in order to participate in either one, and I personally feel that any engaged couple could benefit immensely from the experience.

Front of the hotel

Engaged Encounter is basically a longer, more intense version of pre-Cana. The pre-Cana program took place on a Friday evening after work and all-day on Saturday, but we went home in between sessions. Engaged Encounter took place in a hotel from Friday through Sunday, and we stayed in separate suites at night. Because there was so much more time in the Engaged Encounter, there was much more emphasis on spirituality and faith, rather than the more practical nature of the pre-Cana. There were more leaders on Engaged Encounter: a “senior” couple (grandparents Jim and Janet), a “junior” couple (6-year husband and wife Jason and Bethie), and a priest (Father Ed, from Westchester). As was the case with pre-Cana, the personalities of the leading couple really determined how enjoyable the weekend was, and Jeff and I had a fantastic time. Jim and Janet covered the majority of the topics, and they were so honest and funny and, at times, openly emotional that I thought it was really something special to witness. Father Ed was funny and self-effacing, and had either a cliché, racist or hilariously inappropriate joke ready for nearly every situation. No lie, one joke started out with: “So there’s an Irishman, German and a Polish gentleman in a police station…". And during the closing mass, his cell phone went off! He opened it and said, "Hello, Father?"

The weekend was grueling, not least because Jeff and I really didn’t get any sleep last week (still working on invitations for my parents’ friends), and arrived to the site at 11pm after a four-hour bus ride, and had to wake up at 7am both Saturday and Sunday morning. Strictly speaking, the program begins on Friday at 7:30pm, but Jeff and I were given permission to arrive late as we had already completed a pre-Cana and were coming in from New York. On Saturday, we had breakfast at 7:30 and the program went on until 11pm that night, with one 2-hour break to nap(me) and watch the Cavs game(Jeff). We began again at 7am on Sunday and finished at 3pm.

Going into the weekend, Jeff and I were most anxious about the fact that we would be split up, and each would have a same sex roommate. We were relieved to find that we were actually in a suite, so we each had a private bedroom and bathroom, and shared a common living room and kitchen with a roommate. Our roommates, Matt and Mary respectively, were extremely sweet.

This is just the living area, you can't even see the entire bedroom or the bath

The weekend followed a simple schedule: we all met in a conference room and listened to the couples and Father Ed discuss their perspective on various topics. At the end of every topic, each engaged couple would split up and write answers to questions in a notebook for twenty minutes. We would then meet up in one of our rooms to discuss our answers for twenty more minutes before returning to the conference room for the next topic. I have to admit that at times I full-out bawled when Jeff and I shared privately in his room, because of how sweet his answers were, and how much these activities reminded me that we really are soulmates. And I don’t even think Jeff would deny that at one point (towards the end of the weekend when we shared love letters) he got a bit emotional.

---

In the course of twenty-one hours you can imagine we covered a lot of topics, so I couldn’t possibly summarize them all. I would definitely recommend that all engaged couples take part in a marriage preparation program. I found myself constantly wondering throughout the weekend if so many celebrities would be divorcing so quickly if they were able to participate in a program like this one.

There were two topics in particular that really resonated with me: the Decision to Love, and Marriage as a Vocation.

The Decision to Love
Love, they explained, is not so much a feeling as a decision. And a relationship's success depends entirely on each person making the decision to love daily. All relationships undergo a recurring cycle of three stages: romance, then disillusionment, then joy. Looking back just on our four-year relationship, I could easily see these same stages that Jim and Janet described from their decades-long marriage. It was so refreshing to see the disillusionment stage acknowledged, and to know that it is a natural part of being in a relationship. The disillusionment stage is colloquially referred to as a “rut,” but the term “rut” doesn’t really give any insight on how to get past it. Knowing that disillusionment is just a step in a natural cycle helps us to recognize it, make a decision to love, and then take the necessary steps to move towards joy. This was such a novel concept to me; I don’t know that anyone else was as awed by it as I was.

Marriage as a Vocation
Maybe the most profound concept that I recall is the idea of marriage as a vocation. Bethie, the “junior” wife, explained to us that before she met Jason, he was preparing to enter the priesthood. She said she was teased by a priest friend that she was a “VW: vocation wrecker.” But Jason explained to her that the sacrament of Matrimony is no less a religious vocation than the sacrament of Holy Orders. This struck me. That marriage is not only our relationship between each other and God, but also a role in the Church as ministers of God’s love. How many people would get divorced if they approached marriage with the same preparation, sincerity and determination as a man entering the priesthood? Or even with the same dedication and hard work as one applying for a dream job, or to medical school?

---

One of my favorite aspects of the weekend was being surrounded by so many couples at the same stage in their relationship as us. There were 25 other couples, and although Jeff and I were definitely the youngest people there, it was wonderful to be with so many kindred spirits. The other couples were so kind, so charismatic, and so clearly in love. It was a beautiful, love-filled weekend, and I am so grateful that we did it.

If you attended a marriage preparation program, I would love to hear your thoughts on the experience. This post is long enough I know, but I could seriously talk about this for days.

-------------
Though this could be another post unto itself, I feel like I have to conclude with some thoughts on my relationship with the Church. The Catholic Church and my relationship to God play an important part in my life, and Jeff and I definitely grew closer when we began attending mass and saying prayers together. We intend to raise our children in the Catholic faith. However, I am deeply in conflict with the Church in some ways, particularly with how the Church is dealing with the victims and perpetrators of pedophilia, and the Church’s teachings on homosexuality. I posted in March how happy I was that DC legalized same-sex marriages, but I didn't report later how devastated I was when I learned that the Archdiocese reacted by ending DC's foster care program. As much as I disagree with these things, I can't just let go of my faith and all the beautiful things that I admire in the Church. Maybe that makes me a hypocrite, but I personally can live with that. The Church isn't perfect, and it certainly doesn't claim to be. I'm proud to be a Catholic, while still praying for change in the Church.

The Prenuptial Questionnaire

2010-04-21T22:17:00.000-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog this morning.}

Although it was nearly a month ago, I think it's worth noting that Jeff and I completed a pre-nuptial questionnaire. I'm not talking about a legal contract. The prenuptial questionnaire is one of the requirements for being married in the Catholic church.

We met with Father English on Sunday, March 28, to complete this questionnaire. Per his explanation, the whole point of the questionnaire was to be certain of our freedom, that is, that we were both entering into this marriage freely. The interviews were conducted separately, as another means of ensuring that we could answer freely. The questions covered a range of topics: the length we have known each other, our mental health, whether or not we have physical defects that would affect sex, whether we have ever been married. It was much easier than I was expecting.

There were a few notable moments. I tensed up for a fraction of a second when I had to report my address, knowing that in ten minutes Jeff would be providing the same address. But we don't regret our choice to live together, and when the three of us met again after the questionnaire, Father English did not mention it at all. Also, when he asked how long Jeff and I have known each other, I was a bit shocked when it added up to over five and a half years. Father was thrilled- he said it was wonderful to hear that we had known each other for so long.

Now that we have completed everything on the list of Catholic wedding requirements (except the marriage license, which will have to wait until the end of May), it's pretty easy to breathe a sigh of relief. Barring any freak accidents, we at least will be married on our wedding day, even if nothing else goes right.

Layered haircut

2010-04-20T23:18:00.002-04:00

I got my hair cut today at lunch. Even though I ranted last week about celebrity hairstyles, I brought a photo of this layered hairstyle of Mary-Kate (or is it Ashley?), telling the stylist that I wanted it a bit shorter than this:

via ShoppingLifestyle

I managed to snap a photo of my long hair before I left for work today (and clocked in exactly on time, thank goodness).

BEFORE:

taken ~9am

AFTER:

taken ~9pm

Photobooth doesn't take the best photos, but I love it! Even Jeff commented on it when I came home, and has complimented me several times since, which is pretty rare. I love the way it moves. It seemed like a good length right after I got it cut, but now I'm wondering if maybe I cut it too short. Ah well. We'll see how it looks with the dress at my second fitting tomorrow.

The problem with celebrity hairstyles

2010-04-13T09:03:00.000-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog yesterday.}

My sister Leia and I got into a small argument the other day about how I'm going to wear my hair on my wedding day. I have super straight hair that does nothing, and my plan has always been to wear it down with a headband or a simple clip. I almost never wear my hair up, so I definitely don't want it up for my wedding day.

Since Jeff and I are getting married in June in notoriously muggy DC, I have been planning on getting a shoulder-length haircut so I don't get overheated. Gwyneth's sleek and simple style is my inspiration:

Wherefore art thou perfect? (source)

So I have been set on a shoulder-length bob and that's that. No discussion. Except my sister stubbornly insisted that it needs to be longer if I'm just going to wear it down. 'You don't understand!' I wailed, thinking of Gwyneth's perfect hair, 'It will be chic'. But she kept insisting that it would be better long. And when we parted, I just agreed to disagree.

Then I decided to take a walk down memory lane via old Facebook photos. Let me preface this by saying that it was really difficult to find good hair shots that weren't completely humiliating. In chronological order:

Fall 2005	Fall 2006	Spring 2007 the dweebus is my littlest sis :P
Summer 2007	Spring 2008	Summer 2008
Winter 2008	Spring 2009	Summer 2009

As much as it pains me to admit it...Leia was right. I really don't like photos of myself with shoulder-length hair (also: it's three years later, and I still regret my experiment with bangs). Shorter hair seems to emphasize my chubby cheeks. I somehow forgot that each time I get my hair cut to that length, I feel miserable until it grows out. Damn you Gwyneth and your long, slender neck and stunning bone structure! I really shouldn't use celebrity photos as hair inspiration.

I don't think my hair should be any longer than it is now for my wedding, so I'm eventually going to have to decide on a length between shoulder length and my current length:

Taken last month

Have you decided on your hairstyle yet? Did it help at all to look at old photographs?

Inspiration board fail

2010-04-10T13:56:00.001-04:00

After reading Miss Veggie's post on making an inspiration board, I thought, 'I'll have to try that.' And today after two glasses of wine (what, you don't drink wine on Saturday morning??), I did. And I have to preface the photos by saying that I am not that pleased with the results, but they took soo much time to make that it feels like a waste to just delete them. Also, I may still be a bit buzzed.

The bridesmaid dresses (I unintentionally plagiarized Leia's board):

Background image from Paper Laces

And my dress and shoes with the bridesmaid dresses:

Background image from 7-Art Screensavers

At the very least, these reminded me of how much I luurve the bridesmaid dresses! I made an appointment to go veil shopping with Leia this afternoon, hopefully I'll be able to find something I like.

Invitation feature!

2010-04-10T09:45:00.000-04:00

I was so psyched to see my invitations featured on Wedding Bee's DIY Friday column yesterday!

Married (Gmail Account) Name

2010-04-10T09:38:00.003-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog on April 7.}

First of all, thank you for all the lovely comments on my last post. After writing it, my whole approach towards wedding planning really has changed for the better, and even Jeffy has noticed. :)

Anyway, after reading Dolly's post on changing her name, I started doodling out options for my new signature. For as long as I can remember, I have been set on changing my last name when I got married. As the wedding draws closer, I stand by this decision, but I'm having a difficult time letting go of my Maiden name. I decided that when I change my name, I'm going to eliminate my million middle names (fun fact: Filipinos love middle names) and make my maiden name my only middle name.

So "Michelle Marie ...(etc)... L*****" will be "Michelle L***** T*****". (fun fact #2: my new name is iambic trimeter if you pronounce my maiden name wrong, which most people do!)

My current gmail address is Michelle.L*****@gmail.com. Today, I went to save my married name account: Michelle.T*****@gmail.com.

Alas- it's taken! I'm having a really hard time picking a new gmail account now.

Some of the available names:
1. Michelle.L*****.T*****@gmail.com
(my personal preference, except that it's sooo long)

2. Michelle.L.T*****@gmail.com
(This is Jeff's favorite, I'm not sure why I don't like it as much)

3. Mrs.MichelleT*****@gmail.com
(I think I just like this one now because I can't wait to be a "Mrs.")

All I want is a simple, not-too-long email address containing my soon-to-be new name, preferably with no numbers. Is there an option that I'm not thinking of? Have you reserved your new email address yet?

{I have disabled comments for this post, if you'd like to comment, please add to the discussion at Weddzilla.}

Fresh perspective

2010-04-06T22:53:00.002-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog yesterday.}

source

Wedding planning has been an extremely emotional experience for me. As much as I love wedding blogs, I think they have contributed to my (already heightened) sense of insecurity, because even the “off-beat” weddings make me feel as though my wedding will never look this cool, or be this pretty, or feel this unique. This just compounded by my feeling that this wedding is more about what my mom wants than what I do. It’s even worse when wedding planning is basically running my entire life, and while this excites my co-workers and casual acquaintances, it seems not to register with people to whom we thought we were close. The whole thing just makes me want this wedding to be over with so that Jeff and I can be married and go to Disneyworld already. I don’t think I need to explain how painful it is to realize that that’s how you feel about planning your wedding.

But my MOH and sister Leia, as always, has helped put things back into perspective.

I’ve resolved to stay focused on the things that I can control: I’m proud of designing and constructing our invitations, our wedding website, and our programs. I’m thrilled with our mismatched bridesmaid dresses, and couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere other than the chapel at our alma mater, just a short walk from the freshman dorm where we first met. I adore my bridesmaids and all their love and support in spite of their busy schedules.

I am incredibly grateful that both Jeff and I, as well as my parents, have the resources to throw this enormous party. It’s not the end of the world if I don’t get a say in how the centerpieces or bouquets look, or that the entrées are not the ones that Jeff and I wanted, or that the bridal suite was chosen based on how it looks in photos rather than how convenient it is to get to the chapel. The wedding blogosphere gives so much praise to the miniscule details that brides put into their weddings (I’m as guilty of it as anyone), because it is so lovely when a wedding truly reflects the bride and groom. But--and it took me an emotional eternity to get to this ‘but’--the fact that Jeff and I don’t get to handpick every little detail of the wedding doesn’t make it any less “ours.”

There it is. I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I think that when, as a married woman, I look back on this period in my life, it will seem trivial and petty. But this is something that only someone in the middle of planning a wedding would understand (and I hope another bride or two will agree): every little thing has validity, has life-or-death significance. Until you decide that it doesn’t. Which is easier said than done, believe me.

I am resolving to enjoy the rest of the planning process (all 67 days of it) and focus, not on the details, but on all the love, laughter and happiness going into the day. What’s your wedding resolution?

(All semi-drunken photos are taken from friends on Facebook.)

Letter to my fabulous bridesmaids

2010-04-05T20:58:00.001-04:00

I'll admit it: sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, worried that my mismatched dresses idea was a horrible mistake. Then I see a photo like this:

source

and I feel like everything is going to be just fine. Anyone need help picking out fabulous heels? I am more than happy to assist. Also, did I mention that I'm requiring a 2-inch heel minimum? Kthxbai!

DIY Pop-up Invitations

2010-03-30T18:11:00.003-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog this morning.}

I can't even say how excited I am to finally share our invitations!

I am not particularly crafty or adept at design, but I took it upon myself to design all of our paper products. Initially, this was because the invitations weren't something I was willing to splurge on. But it really turned into a fantastic way to make this wedding feel like it was actually ours, and I can't imagine going any other route.

When I saw these gorgeous pop-up placemats last year, I knew what I wanted to make. I started poring through all the photos of Jeff and me on my hard drive. My sister had taken this picture of us in Prospect Park on his birthday last year:

And I had my design!

Let's work our way from the outside in, shall we? (You must forgive the photo quality, all I have is a point-and-shoot.) We used pale pink recycled parchment paper envelopes from JAM Paper in Union Square. Instead of calligraphy, we opted for "Old Typewriter," a free font from dafont.com:

text on the outside of the card: "love is what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there is plenty of room at both ends"

and the pop-up inside:

close up (yep, I hand cut all of these with an X-acto knife, even the spaces between the bars):

We inserted a "hidden" message behind the pop-up, a line from our song:

We didn't have any inserts, because we bought a dot-com address and have all of the information (the RSVP, maps, registry info, etc.) on the website. Without all the extra paper, we were able to use the $0.44 stamp.

Here's the final cost breakdown per invitation:

Cardstock: $16.23 for 250 sheets of 65-lb cardstock from Staples (each invitation uses 2.5 sheets of paper)
= $1.63

Paper cement: $7.00 for 8-oz from BLICK Art Materials
= $0.70

Envelopes: $24 for 100 from JAM Paper
= $0.24

Stamps
= $0.44

TOTAL: $3.01 per invitation and envelope, including postage

Even though this price does not include the paper cutter, bone folder, paper edger, X-acto knife, and black printer ink (because they're all being used for other projects) and countless hours of manual labor by me and Jeff, I think it was well worth the effort. We ended up with unique, personalized invitations, and saved money for elements of the wedding that are more important to us. Because our RSVP is online, we already have 20 responses (all accepting!), and every compliment we receive on the invites is extremely gratifying.

Believe me, if I could afford letterpress (swoon), and thick cotton paper, and belly bands, and adorable RSVP cards (I could go on forever), then I wouldn't have wasted a second thought on DIY versus pro. But I'm kind of glad that we couldn't afford it because in the end we came up with something of which we can really be proud.

Is there any DIY project you undertook that ended up being a pleasant surprise?

Cake-tastic

2010-03-29T19:20:00.002-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog this morning.}

We ordered our cake!

On Saturday, Jeff and I, along with my parents, went to Fancy Cakes by Leslie in Bethesda, MD. My parents very generously offered to give us the cake of our dreams, provided that we use Leslie. My mom adores her from previous cakes that Leslie has done for various events for her. Last April, I fell in love with this incredible cake featured on Style Me Pretty:

source

I loved everything about it, but I didn't really see how it was going to fit with (what I thought at the time was) the style of the wedding. I wanted lots of bright, summery colors, and had no desire to integrate black or silhouettes. But as it turned out, our invitations were black and white, and they feature a sort of silhouette (can't wait to reveal them later this week!).

So after meeting with Leslie and discussing logistics (for example, Leslie said that pale pink fondant tends to fade to white, and that a cake stand is not practical for a cake designed to feed 200 people), we ultimately decided to go with basically this same cake, with a few changes. First, the cake will be ivory, instead of pale pink. The silhouettes will be based on actual silhouettes of me and Jeff. And the anemones will be deep pink, for pops of color. Other than that, the design is the same, and I couldn't be more excited!

We went with alternating tiers of yummy red velvet cake and tiramisu.

The thing that has Jeff super excited is the groom's cake. We're both Georgetown grads, and we wanted to involve the Hoyas in the wedding somehow. Jeff found this image of a cake prepared by Charm City Bakery:

source

We both loved the idea of integrating the two cakes, though I definitely don't want a hole in my wedding cake. So for the groom's cake, we decided to do a very traditional miniature wedding cake on a cakestand, similar to the little cake on the bottom right:

source

I asked Leslie to do this mini cake in white buttercream with whatever piping and beading details that she wanted. Then the mini cake will be topped with the Jack the Bulldog from the top of this cake below, and he will be looking up longingly at our pretty cake:

source

Did you decide to do a groom's cake? What cake designs do you have your heart set on?

Weddzilla Bride Blogger!

2010-03-26T22:12:00.002-04:00

I am, for the second time, so thrilled to report that I am a featured blogger on the Weddzilla Blog. Click here to see my (second) introductory post!

Fabric bouquets

2010-03-24T21:42:00.003-04:00

Now that we have nearly all the dresses, I started considering bouquets again.

I think I prefer fake flowers to real ones because (1) they're eco-friendly, (2) I can keep them forever and not worry about them wilting, (3) I get to see them before the wedding, and (4) I'm honestly not that big a fan of flowers.

After Leia and I visited the flower district last weekend, I realized that realistic silk flowers are as, if not more expensive than the real thing. And I also worried that they might look, well, fake in the photos. So I thought about going for fabric flowers instead. The trouble is pretty fabric flowers are difficult to find. What are your thoughts on these? (If you have any others, please share in the comments section.)

via poshpetals4u

I love these lush pink fabric roses, and I think they would be perfect with my dress:

via Silver Sixpence

via Martha Stewart Weddings

via Cultivar

First RSVP!

2010-03-24T21:14:00.004-04:00

Our first RSVP came today!

Of dresses and gifts and happier things.

2010-03-23T22:22:00.007-04:00

When I wrote yesterday's post, I was furious, I was sobbing, I was punching things. And I meant every word.

Reading it over, I realize how intensely personal it was, and maybe I was a bit rash publishing it immediately. But it was all true, and the fact is that planning a wedding is as much about tears and hurt feelings as it is about tissue paper pomanders and lace doilies, even if none of the wedding magazines say it.

So yesterday after my rant, Jeffy and I had a long talk until I was laughing again, and I finally fell peacefully asleep in his arms. This morning, I called up my reception site vendor, and was able to book the room adjacent to the main dining room, giving us an additional 150 seats. Problem solved, and most importantly, the rage and hurt have gone (for now). I am so grateful to have such a loving supportive partner to pull me up when I am low.

On to more fun things, yeah?

Leia created this fabulous collage of all the bridesmaid dresses that we have picked so far:

I love it! I can't wait to see them side by side with pretty pink bouquets and matching pearl bracelets. I'm thinking something like this for all the girls:

via I Do Jewelry

Also, tonight Jeff and I attended a Crate and Barrel Registry Party, which I totally recommend. More info on the party after the jump...

We had already completed a registry online, but we needed to go into the store to make final decisions on bedding and china, so why not enjoy free drinks, food and swag while we're at it? We enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres: shrimp ceviche, spicy beef, corn fritters and mushroom topped hash browns. I got tipsy on a yummy sangria:

Jeff was obsessed with the metal straw, which had a little spoon attachment for scooping up the delicious fruit bits.

After some debate, we eventually selected this china with a simple but beautiful pearl detail:

Along with a set of plain everyday china with coordinating funky appetizer plates:

And we decided on these flowery sheets, with a green quilted coverlet:

...along with a bunch of other things. I had the most fun in the kitchen section obviously. (All registry item photos from Crate and Barrel).

The swag bag was pretty sweet too:

A white rose, heart shaped bowl, 2 bottles of St-Germain, and two of the spoon-straws (Jeff was sooo excited to get these. He thinks they'll be perfect for slurpies. Sigh.)

All in all, I would call it a successful day. When we got home, our invitation was in the mailbox! (Yes, I'm a dork and sent myself an invitation.) I won't post the invitations until some RSVPs come in, so here's a sneak peak for those of you who haven't seen it yet:

Invitations are out. Plus a debbie downer.

2010-03-22T21:41:00.008-04:00

Jeff and I were very excited this morning to get our invitations out. I actually had a lot of fun finishing the invitations and stuffing envelopes with him last night. There was a tiny snafu in which one of two incomplete invitations was accidentally sealed in an envelope and we had to carefully open and reseal each envelope until we found it.

Our invitation stuffing station:

I put all 58 envelopes into a tupperware container (it was raining today) and dropped them off at the post office during my lunch break.

It was very exciting, and both Jeff and I were really happy and proud.

I keep using the past tense because I feel like our happiness balloon has been deflated, yet again, by my mother. More on this after the jump...

I have been requesting that she provide me with a guest list since November of last year. Jeff's parents were able to get us their list within a week, but somehow it took over 4 months for my mother to do it, and the document that she finally sent tonight is missing a lot of information-like street addresses. Also, our venue fits 150, and Jeff and my list is currently 103 (including my immediate family). I generously told her that she could invite up to 60 "friends" (whom by the way, I do not know, nor do I want them to be at my wedding), thinking that not everyone on our list will attend (note: I initially wanted a small wedding of 100-120 people). Her list contains over 200 names. Even if I wanted these people at my wedding (and let me reiterate: I do NOT), there is no way that our venue could fit them.

I am (for at least the third time during this wedding planning process) in tears as a result of my mother's complete insensitivity to my feelings, or rather, her unbelievable selfishness. It happened when I first called home to report that I had booked my ceremony and reception venues, to which mother responded by screaming at me for not consulting her, and my dad tried to explain away her behavior by saying 'how many times does a mother get to plan her daughter's wedding?' (Note: mother has three daughters, though obviously that's beside the point). It happened after I bought my wedding dress--I called home excited to share the story, and by the time I hung up I was sobbing into Jeff's arms because I was bullied into signing up for a redundant marriage preparation weekend in DC because mother didn't think the one that we had completed was sufficient even though she didn't actually ask how it went.

I feel so angry and hurt and helpless, and this horrible feeling keeps coming back again and again. I have no idea what to do, because my parents have offered to pay for things that Jeff and I otherwise couldn't afford (like a shuttle for the bridal party, a top rated photographer, a videographer and a photobooth). I have put up with mother's hardheadedness my whole life, always consenting to put her happiness ahead of my own after enduring verbal or emotional abuse. I grew up with the sad realization that my feelings were of no consequence to my own mother; she would respond to any tears I dared to shed with rolled eyes and barbed insults rather than apologies or hugs. I was stupid to think that my wedding would be different. But you know what? I am okay letting her pick the flowers, the entrees, the cake design, the favors, and everything else that she's already decided on without asking for my opinion. I'll cry for a bit, but in the end, I just want my guests to enjoy themselves. And really, my relationship with her cannot get any worse than it already is; the sad fact is that I will never be close to my mother. Though I admit it is painful, I can deal with it. What I can't deal with is how to fit over 300 fucking people in a space that seats 150. Essentially, this guest list is 200 pieces of evidence that my mother cares more about what some random non-family member thinks of her than how I feel.

So that's where I am right now. How was your day?

Bridesmaid weekend! (Part 2)

2010-03-20T23:44:00.001-04:00

Today, bridesmaids Josie and Chrissy came to NYC, and I am so excited to report that it was another successful shopping day! The weather could not have been more different today than last week. Oh man, it was gorgeous. We relished every glorious moment in the sun.

After a noon brunch at Bagel Maven Cafe, we (that is, me, Leia, Chrissy, Josie, Jeffy and Jeff's mama) went to Macy's. Here are the pretty summer dresses we were able to find:

Aaand the winner is....

YAY! Don't you love it on her? It's just the sweetest shape, and I adore the polka dots. If you're counting, she tried on THREE dresses and we were done.

Success!
[from left: Chrissy, moi, Josie (FSIL), Leia, and Kathy (FMIL)]

Chrissy took a tiny bit longer. We went into Ann Taylor Loft and Zara, but there wasn't anything even worth trying on. We had some fun at Banana Republic:

Can you tell Leia really liked dress #2?

We thought the gray shift dress fit her really well, but it seemed a bit old for her. But we decided to keep a eye out for gray dresses, since the pink really looks great with it.

As a last resort in midtown, we decided to stop in H&M.

The first dress was just so super cute, and after Leia added a belt, we were sold!

And just like that, we were done shopping!

Celebratory snack at the Herald Square 'Wichcraft.

(Thanks Jeffy for taking all the group shots!)

After shopping, we walked down to the flower district and checked out some silk flower shops on West 28th. I was shocked at how expensive the flowers were ($7.99 for one stem???), especially compared to prices I had found online. I'll keep my options open for the flowers for now.

We ended the day with shopping and dinner in Little Italy. Another successful bridesmaid Saturday!

(I should also note that when Leia tried to order her dress at Bella Bridesmaid, they told her that the dress won't be ready until the day before the wedding! They were very sweet about it. Unfortunately, that means Leia is now the only bridesmaid without a dress.)

Cookie Favors: Draft 1

2010-03-19T00:28:00.001-04:00

So after the wild success I achieved with the red velvet cookies, I decided to try a version that would go better with my wedding color palette. I substituted white cake mix for the red velvet mix, and added red food coloring to make the cookies pink. After buying a heart-shaped cookie cutter and tinkering with my computer for an hour, I came up with these prototype favors (I swear I'm trying to learn how to take decent photos, but maybe practicing at midnight isn't a good first step):

No idea why the pictures on the dining table came out yellow. By the time I thought to photograph on the white coffee table, my camera battery died.

(BTW, in case you're wondering, I found the fabulous font at Archive Type via iDIY.)

We have a priest!

2010-03-18T15:22:00.001-04:00

Phew. I am still at work, but I am so relieved and happy to report that FIIINALLY, after our officiant cancelled on us due to illness, and after many unsuccessful phone calls, we found a priest available to officiate our wedding! And thankfully, he's someone I actually know from my parent's parish, rather than some anonymous person (which, at this point, I would have been very happy to accept).

I have been very busy at work this week, but it hasn't stopped me from finalizing my cookie favors. Stay tuned for photos!

2 months, 25 days to go...

On the same page

2010-03-15T23:09:00.001-04:00

Me: (in tears after an especially difficult conference call with my parents) Can we please get married in City Hall and tell everyone else to just screw off?

Jeff: Sure, we've already got the rings and the honeymoon.
---

Sometimes, when you're feeling overwhelmed, it's nice when no one tells you "don't stress" and "everything will work out." No matter how true it is, it doesn't help to be told that you're just in a bad mood or having a rough day. And even though throwing away the wedding plans is not really an option, it actually does help immensely to know that Jeffy is on the same page as me, no matter what.

Blogger "Pages"

2010-03-15T12:13:00.001-04:00

Underneath the title banner of my blog there are now links to blog "Pages," a feature on blogger that lets me add permanent pages as opposed to just the traditional, scrolling blog entries. I will be updating the "Wedding Elements" and "Photo Album" pages as things get finalized for the big day. Only 2 months, 28 days to go!

Bridesmaid weekend! (Part 1)

2010-03-14T17:37:00.008-04:00

SUCCESS!! Our bridesmaid shopping trip went so freakin' well I still can't believe it!! I am super excited with the direction we ended up going in.
To start, I made shopping bag favors for each of the girls:

Top: Reusable bags from Filene's ($3.99 each); Handmade notebooks decorated with tissue flowers

Middle: The inside of the notebook; Handmade flower bouquets (flowers from Michael's)

Bottom: Cellophane wrapped red velvet cookies; Finished goodie bags

I also added some water bottles and potato chips because no shopping day is complete without snacks.

10:30am - We started the day off with a delicious, light and inexpensive brunch at Cosmopolitan Cafe in Tribeca:

Did I fail to mention that the weather was HORRIFIC? The absolute worst rainstorm I've ever experienced in the city.

Then on our way to our bridesmaid salon appointment, we saw the Georgetown Hoyas bus at MSG!!

1:00pm - Our appointment at Bella Bridesmaid. For any bride considering mismatched bridesmaid dresses (and just so you know, you're crazy if you do!), a bridesmaid salon is a perfect first stop. And the ladies at Bella were so sweet and accommodating to us. Here are some of the fabulous dresses:

We had a lot of fun playing with color ideas (p.s. aren't the flowers so cute?):

I have the prettiest bridesmaids ever!
P.S. I lurrve that dress on Leia (far right), and I think she might order it this week!

Florence 2 via Swoon

The main issues with this dress were a) the fit and b) uncertainties about what colors the designer could do. If she gets this dress, she will probably replace the brown sash with a pink one.

Bye-bye Bella! (Leia is on phone with the Prince Street J.Crew)

2:30pm - We braved the horrible weather again and went to Rockefeller Center next, to visit Anthropologie and J. Crew.

The first dress April tried on at Anthropologie was PER. FEC. TION:

How adorable is she?? I am obsessed with the sweet shape and the beautiful multicolor print:

It was pretty obvious that April had found her dress. :)

Some more dresses at Anthro:

So April bought her dress (!!) and we crossed the street to J. Crew in the torrential rain and nearly got hit by a bus in the process.

The Rockefeller J. Crew doesn't have the wedding collection (apparently the Prince Street J. Crew is the only one in Manhattan), but Amanda went ahead a ordered the gorgeous J. Crew dress she tried on a few weeks ago in D.C.!

Bow Monde via J. Crew

We all loved this color best, and I think it coordinates beautifully with April's dress.

Some pretty pale purple dresses at J. Crew:

The second one was doctored up by us with a flower pin and purple scarf.

After J. Crew, we were ready for a break. We ended up grabbing some expensive drinks and appetizers at the Rockefeller Cafe. At this point, Amanda had to leave us to catch a train for Long Island. It was maybe around 5pm, and we were pretty exhausted. So we decided to make one last stop at Ann Taylor before heading downtown to watch the Georgetown game.

I am SUUPER pissed that I forgot to take pictures of Kathleen in the Ann Taylor dresses she tried on! My brain was pretty out of it at that point, and I can't find the dress that she selected online. Anyway, she ended up buying a beautiful shift dress with a banded waist and a gorgeous pleat on the neckline in a really pretty color that, to me, seemed like a mix of pink and violet.

*UPDATE 3/16/2010: The dress has been posted online! Here it is:

via Ann Taylor

6:00pm - We finished the day with dinner and drinks with the boys downtown. The Hoyas played in the Big East tournament finals at 9.

Ben (far left) and bridesmaid Kathleen (across the table from him) got engaged (eek!!) two weeks ago! YAY!

Sadly, the Hoyas lost by 2 in the final seconds. But still a very successful day overall. :)

Next week, bridesmaids Josie and Chrissy will join us in the city for their dress shopping experience!!

Things I love this week...

2010-03-09T23:48:00.000-05:00

Just got home an hour ago, was at work for over 12 hours today. And it doesn't like it's going to let up anytime soon.

To cheer myself up, I decided to post some images from the wedding blogosphere that have inspired me, in no particular order, with no particular theme.

Pretty mismatched bridesmaids in yellow at Green Wedding Shoes :

As much as I love this photo, it makes me rethink the yellow bridesmaid dress idea. I am still hoping to find some fabulous print that will tie in all different colors.

Amazing pink dessert buffet via Green Wedding Shoes:

Pretty garlands via Style Me Pretty :

Underwater Save the Date photoshoot at Green Wedding Shoes :

Homemade cakes and cake stands via Mrs. Gloss at Weddingbee :

These seriously make my mouth water. I can't wait for summer!

Living room of a DIY bride-to-be

2010-03-08T00:24:00.002-05:00

I finished 14 invitations during the Oscars. Only 14 more to go. Whew.

Crafts and baked goodness

2010-03-07T19:46:00.004-05:00

Even though I had to go into the office this weekend (3 hours yesterday and 6 hours today, sigh), I made time for some wedding DIY.

(1) Tissue flower pomanders. Now, this is how they're supposed to look:

via Ruffled blog

And after what seemed like forevvver, this is what I came up with:

You'll notice it's not even halfway finished. Also, the color is actually more pink (see below) but it never came out right with the flash:

It takes a seriously long time to make enough tissue flowers to cover the damn thing. I'm not even sure what I wanted this for, so I don't know what I was thinking. I officially fell victim to wedding peer pressure.

(2) Red velvet cookies. Since Ugly Kitty posted these amazing Red Velvet cookies last week, I have been literally dreaming about them. I am in NO WAY a baker (even box cake mix defies me), but this recipe seemed so easy I thought I would try it.

They turned out soo delicious!! Seriously, I can't stop eating them, it's totally negating all my recent weight loss. Unfortunately, they're not nearly as pretty as Peace of Cake's (find hers here):

My ugly, but delicious! red velvet cookies

But given my history with baking, I was quite proud that they were actually edible and at least look like cookies.

To pretty them up, I made a simple glaze. I played with white first, but also tried a pink one. Jeff and I both like the pink better. Thoughts?

I really like the idea of homemade edible wedding favors, and these are easy enough (and definitely delicious enough) to actually pull off. Plus, I made them yesterday, and they held up just fine in the fridge, and I would imagine they would freeze well too. I have to come up with a way to package them next.

(3) Invitations. I made 4 more from start to finish on Saturday, so there are still 28 to do. I decided to enlist Jeffto help with the prep for the remaining 28 cards, and during the Oscars tonight I'm going to try to just bang 'em all out. It should go much quicker with all the prep finished (thanks Jeffy!).

As far as wedding stress goes, I am definitely still carrying it around with me. But I treated myself to a pretty new notebook (notebooks make me happy!), and organized my desk and purse, so I am coping much better now. No point dwelling when June 12 keeps getting closer and we're losing a whole hour next weekend. Onward!

Ring-a-ding-ding

2010-03-05T23:48:00.026-05:00

That's a stupid effing title. But it's late and I'm tired.

Yesterday night, I had a complete meltdown. Like hysterical sobbing, cursing, violent snotty mess Christian Bale-style meltdown. And it conveniently happened at midnight, so I was sniffly and puffy-eyed at work all day [don't even get me started on what work has been like lately--GAAA@##%RGH]. I just have so many things going on, so many people to please, so many things to do...and my perfectionist, type A personality can stand that I can't do everything 100%. And we're talking wedding stuff, work stuff, relationship stuff, home stuff and personal stuff. The works. (Oh, and I just remembered-somehow my brain blocked it out-that earlier this morning our officiant emailed us to say that he has fallen ill, and unfortunately will no longer be able to perform our ceremony. I feel completely terrible because it seems to be very serious.)

via Zazzle

Jeff eventually calmed me down, but needless to say, it was very difficult to get through work today, and a number of looming deadlines means that I will be going to the office every. day. this. weekend. But I was still determined to cross one thing off the To Do list tonight:

WE GOT OUR WEDDING RINGS!!!

Yep. Jeff and I went to the Diamond Harmony showroom this evening to try on the flower ring that I desperately wanted. Turns out, rose gold isn't actually rose colored in person, so--to Jeff's delight--I ended up not selecting that ring I loved so much in the last post. I actually didn't like any of the bands that I selected from the website, none of them looked right with my engagement ring.

Jeff, however, was successful! Here's the ring he picked out:

via Diamond Harmony

If you're like me a couple of hours ago, then you don't know that this style is called "Domed" (see how the band edge is rounded) and "Milgrain" (the fancy border). The ring looked great on Jeff, and he was really happy with it. The saleslady Nina was incredibly sweet to us. Plus, she gave us a $25 discount, free shipping and free engraving.

So after we plunked down the money for Jeff's ring (ready for pick-up next Wednesday), I was determined to cross both of our wedding bands off the To Do list. We were only about 15 blocks from Kay Jewelers, so we walked down to 34th Street to find a coordinating band.

After trying on a few rings, Jeff and I both fell in love with this one (notice the Milgrain, like Jeffy's ring!):

via Kay Jewelers

and for your comparison, here's my engagement ring again:

via Kay Jewelers

(Weird that it's still available at the same price as when Jeff bought it two years ago)

It's not a perfect match for my ring (I didn't really want it to be too matchy anyway), but they look fab together, and I just loved the sparkle. Plus, they cleaned my engagement ring while I was there and it looks brand new again!

The list price for the ring is $599, but the salesman priced it at $499. We spent quite a bit extra on the lifetime guarantee, but it seems worth it. My ring will be ready in two weeks.

Jeff's ring will have an engraving of "I'm yours 6-12-2010" and mine will just be "I'm yours" (our first dance song).

$341.87 (Jeff's ring) + $651.04 (mine) = $992.91 drained from the Wedding account today. But one less thing to be done in the next 99 (eek! almost 98!) days.

Flower ring dilemma

2010-03-03T22:47:00.006-05:00

So, I need some input since Jeff seems to think I am crazy (and he may be right). I haven't put a lot of thought into my wedding band, but Jeff and I decided to go shopping for his band on Saturday, so I thought I'd start looking.

First of all, wedding bands are boring. While I absolutely love my engagement ring, I didn't want the plain matching band.

Personal photos of my ring

I searched Barney's, Saks, Bloomingdale's, Macy's and JC Penney, but the only ring I found that I even remotely wanted was this one:

$78 via Saks

(p.s. if I wasn't poor from wedding saving, I would buy this ring today anyway, if only for the gorgeous box it comes with.)

Jeff said, and I eventually agreed, that while it is very "ME", this ring is not an everyday, til-death-do-us-part sort of ring. So I kept looking.

Googling "flower diamond ring" produced more results ranging from "too fabulous" to "not fabulous enough":

[source]	[source]
[source]	[source]

I was starting to feel like the plain wedding band was the way to go. Then I stumbled upon this beautiful ring at Etsy:

via Patrick Irla Jewelry

I think this ring is SO sweet, and I love the tiny diamond. This wasn't the exact ring I wanted because the sterling silver band just didn't make it seem quite special enough for a wedding band, but it made me feel like it might still be possible to find an understated flower ring.

After more hunting, I finally stumbled upon this gorgeous ring, and I. FELL. IN. LOVE. Are you ready for it? No you're not, of course not, how could you be? VOILA:

via Diamond Harmony

The band is white gold embedded with diamonds (like my engagement ring) and the flower is made of "rose gold," which I didn't even know existed but I am completely in love with [Wikipedia is telling me that rose gold is a copper and gold alloy]. I love the size of the flower, and how the ring is fabulous, but also seems very wearable. I am crazy obsessed with it (refraining from using the Caps Lock key), and I am just itching to try it on this Saturday at their Showroom at 1212 Avenue of the Americas. I will go through their site and look at some other rings to try on in case the ring is less fab in person.

So: what do you think of this ring? too crazy? Let me know what you think, I will consider your opinions when I try the ring on.

FYI, Jeff is looking for simple, white gold bands, and I think this is his fave so far:

via Zales

Oh, and if you're still craving more flower jewelry, check out these amazing vintage brooch bouquets:

Thank you, DC!

2010-03-03T20:11:00.001-05:00

I am bursting with pride at the fact that DC, my hometown and the city where Jeffy and I will apply for our marriage license, has legalized same-sex marriage!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/03/AR2010030300654.html?hpid%3Dartslot&sub=AR

In other wedding news: 28 invitations done, 32 to go.

Ruffles

2010-02-28T12:00:00.001-05:00

Leia pointed out yesterday that I probably won't be able to settle on a color scheme until the first bridesmaid finds THE dress at bridesmaid shopping weekend. I agree, I think the final colors will depend a lot on what we find. So until bridesmaid weekend, I'll just post some inspiration dresses in all different colors, to get everyone thinking about what they might want to look out for.

Because of the fanning on my dress, today I went hunting for dresses with interesting architectural elements.

personal photo from yesterday's fitting

By accident, I seem to have picked only ruffled dresses, almost all of them pink. Again, this isn't really an idea for the whole bridal party, just an inspiration starting point.

$49 Newport News	$30.77 asos
$44.50 Roxy	Nordstrom
$30.77 asos	$47.86 asos

Bustle up!

2010-02-27T18:27:00.002-05:00

Leia and I went to my first dress fitting today. When we met Randy (!) at Kleinfeld, he recommended Remziye Perkin. So after lugging my huge dress on the subway from Brooklyn to the Upper East Side, Leia and I met Remziye, who was not only sweet, but extremely efficient.

First of all, let me just say that when I first put the dress on, I was thrilled because it definitely felt looser and was sliding off me more than it was a month ago! Remziye first pinned the waist tighter (I kept asking for it to be tighter and tighter), and then hemmed just a tiny bit (the shoes make me 5'7).

I know nothing about bustles. I only know what they are because of how many wedding blogs I've followed in the past year. So when it came to bustling this dress, I had no opinions.

This is a picture of the train on my dress that Leia took in my apartment the night I bought the dress. The train is a big reason why I decided to keep the dress long rather than make it tea-length.

Within literally two minutes, Remziye had pinned up a "french bustle" (?) on my dress today:

Leia and I are not huge fans of the bustle on the bow, but we loved the skirt bustle.

Final total for the alterations was $475, which is high, but still less than I was prepared to pay, so I am happy. My second fitting is scheduled in April.

In other news, I am currently considering a flyaway veil instead of a birdcage veil, and this one from Etsy is a great price at $28:

via BellaBridalVeils

Pre-Cana Perspective

2010-02-24T21:57:00.002-05:00

It's been a pretty emotional week for private reasons, compounded by recent stress at work due to the current trial, a sore throat and the gloomy weather. But I wanted to get this post out because I am still trying to document the wedding planning process, and Jeff and I took a big step this past weekend.

source

Last Friday and Saturday, Jeffy and I completed our Pre-Cana requirement. For people unfamiliar with this step, it's a requirement for getting married in the Catholic Church, and it is essentially a marriage preparation program. Friday evening was a special service with an excellent homily by a very funny priest. He quoted Jesuit Pedro Arrupe, and the poem was so beautiful that I am now trying to figure out how to incorporate it into our wedding:

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything."

I mean, doesn't that last line just stay with you? sigh. The whole service was a really beautiful experience because of how much love there was around us. I think there were 27 other couples in the program, most of whom were around our age. There were a surprising number of high school and college sweethearts (At least it was surprising to me. Is it possible that Jeff and I are less special than we think we are?).

Saturday was led by a couple that has been married 38 years. Ken and Bridgett were absolutely fantastic. They discussed important components of a marriage in the context of their own marriage. The themes I recall were: communication, sex, raising a family, the Church, and dealing with the in-laws, though there were some more. There were serious topics, sad stories, and silly stories, all of which really made us think about how we would deal with those situations in our own marriage. For each topic, Ken and Bridgette would first talk for a little bit, sharing stories from their marriage. Then each couple would complete questionnaires related to each topic in little workbooks in silence, and then share them with each other (not with the whole group, just with our partners). Each of the worksheet questions had two answer blanks, one for our answer, and one for how we thought our partner would answer it.

I know it sounds lame, but the questionnaires led to some interesting conversations, and Jeff and I really did get closer after completing this program. Filling out the questionnaires reminded me a lot of a game of Pictionary that Jeff and I won against Amanda and April (I had to bring it up). There were so many times during the day that our answers were word-for-word identical. I know it wasn't a contest, and that marriage isn't about getting questionnaires right, but if it was, then Jeff and I totally killed it. Just sayin.

source

Anyway, this marriage prep program couldn't have come at a better time. I keep getting so stressed about little things like flowers and dresses and DJs. It's crazy easy to forget that all this work is for one day that is the really just the start of (hopefully) a long, full life together. I was reminded of the things I am most grateful for, none of which are clothing or accessory-related. I remembered (and may I never forget again) that marriage is a precious and Godly thing, and I am so blessed to have found the man that I want to share that with. I am grateful that the government cannot decide whether or not I can get married (and hopefully that will change for others soon). And I'm grateful that Jeff and I have the resources, the family and the friends to throw this big party to celebrate our marriage. If you're reading this Jeff, I love you, and I can't wait to be husband and wife.

That being said, I have been putting a heck of a lot of thought into flowers, dresses and favors lately, so keep an eye out for that ahead. 20 invitations completed so, 40 to go.

Soft pink and creamy yellow

2010-02-19T00:05:00.008-05:00

My wedding shoes came on Tuesday, and I am obsessed with them!! They fit perfectly, and they are just the right height (3"). And I am in looooove with what a perfect shade of pink they are!

(The pink color is even sweeter in person, if you can believe it. The color is called "Powder Puff.")

This pink has had me contemplating color schemes. I've been really struggling with the color palette for the past week, because I'm beginning to think that in order to create a cohesive look I will need to make a final decision about color. April emailed me a gorgeous yellow dress the other day, and I've been thinking about yellow and pink ever since. Pink and yellow could be my two favorite colors. I've decided on some specific things that I like and dislike with regards to pink and yellow at my wedding: I would not want a superbright sunshine yellow, I really only like a warm mellow yellow. I would call it a "creamy yellow". Also, I really hate it when pink is overused. So I am contemplating the following options:

Bridesmaids in mismatched creamy yellow dresses with matching pink bouquets
Bridesmaids in mismatched soft pink dresses with matching yellow bouquets
Some bridesmaids in pink and and some in pale yellow dresses, all with matching yellow-and-pink bouquets

With any of these options, shoes and other accessories can be in all different colors.

Creamy yellow calla lillies via The Knot	Pale pink peonies via The Knot
$348, Bloomie's	$138, Nordstrom
last season Bloomie's :(	$158, Nordstrom
$168, Anthropologie	$165, Calypso
$158, Ann Taylor	$215, Ann Taylor

As much as I adore pink dresses, I am leaning heavily towards Option #1 for a number of reasons. I really like the idea of everyone having matching pink bouquets, since the boys will be wearing pink vests. Also, I think pink flowers will be featured at the ceremony and reception, so splashes of creamy yellow would stand out more. And a pale yellow is crazy easy to accessorize.

Okay, I had a revelation just now that if we find some really fabulous pink-and-yellow print dress on our shopping spree, then maybe we can make Option #3 work...

I am sure my mind will change again (I won't be surprised if it changes after I brush my teeth in a few minutes), but what are your thoughts?

Back to the Bridesmaids

2010-02-13T22:05:00.003-05:00

Bridesmaid weekend is now a month away, so it's time to start thinking about the dresses!! Ladies, just so that you're prepared: I am going to jam-pack the weekend. We're getting up early and shopping until we can't walk anymore, because this is maybe the only opportunity we have to all get together before the end of May. So we need everyone to walk away with a fabulous dress before the weekend is up.

Alright, onward with photos:

1. Inspiration.

The following photos most represent what I want to accomplish with my bridesmaids (all three of these photos have been featured on this blog before):

a. Color.

I still haven't been able to select a color scheme, but I think this photo is a perfect starting point. I love the soft, feminine, summery colors in this photo (and particularly the liberal use of pink), and would be happy with dresses in any shade of this color palette.

via The Perfect Palette

b. Mismatched and Unique, but Coordinated.

I love both of these photos because the dresses are all unique, and yet still look cohesive. The colors are not what I am going for (see section 1a), but otherwise this is the look I want:

via Wedding Bee.

via BeSpoke Press

2. Tentative shopping plan for Saturday. I started with a handful of places, and organized them so that we can start uptown and make our way downtown.

10AM: CALYPSO

935 Madison Ave., nr. 74th St.; 212-535-4100 OR
815 Madison Ave., nr. 68th St.; 212-585-0310

This was Leia's first suggestion, and even though the online selection is very limited (I'm told the flagship store has five floors), I love their summery dresses:

Gabrielle, $99	Shireen, $165
Senona, $69	Barclay, $165
Circle dress, $325	Glitz, $49

1PM: BELLA BRIDESMAID
545 Eighth Ave., nr.37th St.; Suite 1525

I made an appointment at an actual bridesmaid boutique firstly because I thought it would be fun, but also because this one seems to have a lot of un-bridesmaid-like dresses. We have an hour with the consultant. I decided to post this picture of some of their collections so that you can browse the dresses on your own:

3PM: MACY'S
151 West 34th Street

Leia suggested Macy's because of the sheer number of dresses we'll be able to find there. The last time I was in the Herald Square Macy's I literally almost cried because of how frustrating the entire experience was. But I think if we are mentally prepared, we can tackle it. The selection of summer dresses online is not so great right now, but I'm guessing that's because there's still snow on the ground. We will probably have better luck in a month.

$82.99, $88.99 and $83.99 all on sale

5PM: ANNE TAYLOR
149 5th Ave.; nr. 21st St.

$185, $158

I picked Anne Taylor because it's my favorite dress store, but we can definitely try someplace else if everyone likes. Here are some more cute dresses:

$168 at Anthropologie

$98 at J.Crew

$132 at J.Crew

Guess we'll have to go to J.Crew. Maybe the one near the South Street Seaport?

So that takes care of a big chunk of Saturday. Any other stores that we can fit in during the day? We can shop on Friday night and Sunday too, but we'll need to also make time for cocktails at some point.

Rustic centerpieces

2010-02-10T19:11:00.000-05:00

The mini-blizzard today made me wish for spring. I started thinking about flower options for the wedding, and I really love the look of mason jars for the tables:

via Brenda's Wedding Blog

last two via We Met in a Bar

I think the simple, unpretentious look of the jars really suits our venue, a rustic French restaurant. I love the last photo the best; the antique blue jar is beautiful and pink tulips are my absolute favorite. Alas, tulips are a spring flower, so my June wedding probably won't feature them.

Wedding kicks

2010-02-09T22:09:00.003-05:00

So, I bought my wedding shoes today (I hope)! I need my wedding shoes for the fitting on 2/27, and I really adored these shoes that Leia showed me online:

Ruffle pump via Newport News

I don't know how many opportunities I'll have to actually go shoe shopping between now and the 27th, and I really really love these shoes. So I'm crossing my fingers that I will fit into the 8.5 size I ordered. Also, Leia worked some magic, and I got an added discount on the shoes. If these actually end up being my wedding shoes, it'll be the best bargain of the wedding: $38.70 including shipping and handling.

As for the rest of wedding planning, I've finished making 5 invitations so far, about 55 to go. Sigh.

Tuxedo time

2010-02-07T11:56:00.008-05:00

Yesterday was highly productive, wedding-wise. In the afternoon, Jeff and I met up with Leia and Peter at Men's Wearhouse on Avenue of the Americas (which was just around the corner from Kleinfeld.)

It took some persuading to get our salesman to let Jeff try on the tux style we wanted (I think he was lazy), but eventually Jeff did get to try on a jacket with coattails, and we all agreed that he looked slick. So we selected this style for Jeffy:

Joseph & Feiss Full Dress Tails via Men's Wearhouse

I think the white vest and tie are a nice alternative to Jeff's desire for an all-white tuxedo. It's a really formal look for him, but hey, it's his wedding day! Plus, he liked how he felt in it, which is the most important thing.

For the groomsmen, we opted for a slightly less formal look within the same designer:

Joseph & Feiss One-Button Notch Lapel via Men's Wearhouse

For the vests, I picked the pale pink herringbone vest with long necktie for the groomsmen, and the white herringbone vest and long necktie for the father of the groom:

I initially wanted to have the Best Man wear a bow tie to differentiate himself, but I think we will distinguish him with a pink boutonniere that will match Jeffy, and we will not put boutonnieres on everyone else.

So the groom's tuxes are picked! It was pretty painless. Now they all have to get measured at a Men's Wearhouse near them, which is convenient since the groomsmen are in New Jersey, DC, California and New Hampshire. Then the tuxes will all be delivered to the Men's Wearhouse near the wedding 2 days before.

After Men's Wearhouse, we went to Crate and Barrel and painstakingly selected the china and flatware for our registry. We both experienced sticker-shock, and I know that the price is part of the reason why people put china on their wedding registries in the first place, but still... yikes. We decided against putting stemware on the registry, because we really don't have the space for that in our place right now. We had a lot of fun browsing the rest of the store for the remaining registry items, most of which we already selected online.

Today is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! We're hosting Jeff's dad, brother and sister-in-law for the event, so the apartment looks better than it's ever looked. I was up until 4am on Friday scrubbing every surface of the kitchen until it sparkled. The menu is fully planned, and right now Jeff and I are just nursing hangovers until everyone arrives. As far as wedding planning goes, I may try to knock out a few more invitations today, we'll see how it goes. Happy Sunday, everyone!

Headband + Veil

2010-02-07T11:15:00.008-05:00

Leia seemed hesitant about the headband because she thought that I meant it to replace my veil. So take a look at these photos first Le, and see if it makes more sense.

I went back through my blog archives and found this wedding again, featuring a bride with her hair down:

Dani + Mark via Stephanie Williams Photography

This is how I want to incorporate the headband, with a removable birdcage veil that I can wear just for the ceremony. I have no idea how this veil is attached since it seems to envelope her entire head...maybe a comb at the top?

This other birdcage veil I found just covers the eyes, and attaches via a comb:

$19.99 via Brenda's Bridal Veils

So for the ceremony I would just place the headband over the comb, and then just remove the veil for the reception.

Another Jennifer Behr headband to draw inspiration from:

$228 via Jennifer Behr Bridal Collection

Thoughts?

Let's talk accessories

2010-02-05T07:24:00.010-05:00

I feel like I've been pretty productive since getting the dress. I bought the invitation envelopes yesterday ($13.06 for 50, pale pink recycled parchment paper at JAM Paper by Union Square). I finally finished a completed final draft invitation and printed the first envelope yesterday. Today I'm heading to the post office to find out how much it'll cost to send each invite, and find a pretty stamp design.

Another thing on my mind has been my dress accessories. I've been obsessing over Jennifer Behr headbands, particularly this one, which is no longer available:

via thisnext

I already feel bad enough about spending so much on the dress, so even if I could afford her stuff, I probably still wouldn't buy it. But my thinking is that the dress is a little long right now; I'm going to ask the tailor if there's any chance there would be enough extra fabric for me to make my own headband (either buy sewing it into a wrap myself, or just covering one of my existing headbands). Then I could just find a pretty brooch that coordinates with my earrings.

Another more pressing accessory issue is the shoes. I'm going to a dress fitting on February 27, and I would like to have my wedding shoes by then so that I can know how long I want the dress to be.

I fell in love with these babies that Leia sent me (in pale pink):

$49(!) at Newport News

This is a dream shoe that has been taunting me on the internet, because I cannot figure out who makes it:

via Parisian Party

Just one more for now:

$69 AK pumps at Lord and Taylor

Leia and I are going shoe shopping tomorrow, probably DSW and Century 21.

I said YES to the dress

2010-02-04T07:05:00.010-05:00

I still can't believe it: I HAVE MY DRESS!! And not only that, but an amazing "Say Yes to the Dress" experience! My only regret is that I have but one photo to show for it. I meant to document the whole thing, but they opened the doors a half hour early (which is when Leia was going to show up and take photos), and then it was a madhouse from then on out.

The Kleinfeld Blowout Sale was on Tuesday, February 2.

7:21 AM - I took this photo when I arrived to relieve Leia of her post. She officially wins BEST MAID OF HONOR EVER because she woke up at 5am and got to the line before 6:30 am, making her NUMBER 2 at the sale!

Leia is at left, on the right is mother of bride #1, who was really entertaining.

7:30 AM - I arrive fully dressed, hair and make-up done, donning sparkly earrings because- silly me- I thought I would have to sit in the line until the doors opened at 3 (there isn't nearly enough stuff online explaining the Kleinfeld blowout sale, another reason why I'm sharing my story).

Anyway, I found out that at 11am, they would provide us with our numbered tickets and we could leave and just come back at 2:30. Again, everything was so rushed that I couldn't get a photo with my Number 2 ticket, but it was soo exciting! Also, the ticket said several things that turned out to be false: (1) Doors open at 3:00 - they actually opened them at 2:30 (2) Each tiny dressing room is shared by 2 brides - once I got in there, I was told it was actually 3 to a room, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

10:07 AM - Because it was so cold outside (in the 20s and decidedly not sunny), I think the Kleinfeld gals felt bad for us, because they handed out their tickets early. At this point my toes were about to fall off because I stupidly wore flats instead of boots because I thought it would make for a faster undressing time. I went home, and took a nap on the couch after enjoying an episode of Say Yes to the Dress.

2:05 PM - I got back to Kleinfeld and it was a total mob scene. I was busy avoiding menacing stares as I made my way to the front, but I am kicking myself for not taking any photos. Anyway, I finally took my place as number 2 in line after holding my ticket up in front of my face to ward off defensive brides. I could see several camera people videotaping the crowd, which made me a tinge nervous. Bride #3 hid her face, and told me she hadn't had her teeth bleached recently. :)

2:25 PM - The camera people had just finished interviewing Bride #1, and to my chagrin they moved on to me. I was so nervous, I started talking really fast, about how I was skipping work to be there and some other ineloquent stuff. Also, I was supposed to be looking at the interviewer, but I think I actually peeked into the camera out of nervousness at one point. Also, partway through the interview they opened the doors, and I got shoved out of the screen and into the building. My guess is that interview won't make the show (thankfully).

2:30 PM - Once the doors opened, they lined us up in the lobby in an S-formation so that they could fit as many people as possible. Bride #1 and I could see the racks and racks of dresses, and the staff waiting expectantly, all with their hands clasped behind their backs. And then RANDY came up to bride #1 and shook her hand (!!!)

Randy Fenoli, via The Ring Bearer

For those of you who don't know, I adore Randy. He's the best part of the show! And let me tell you, he is just as impeccable in person as he is on tv.

At this point Leia still hadn't joined me, and I have to be honest: I was freaking out. Suddenly, I was assigned to me consultant, Jacqueline, and she directed me to dressing room 6. She was fast-moving and fast-talking, and told me that we had to hurry because I would be sharing my room with two other girls. I started stammering that I was waiting for my sister (who recently BBMed me that she was a block away and running), and that I wanted a tea-length dress. As I started to pull out the booklet of wedding dresses that I had lovingly prepared, she said, "Leave it, just bring your pocketbook. There's no use for tea-length, just come with me." As she rushed me back to the dress racks, which by now were a mob scene, she said she would pull dresses that could be shortened easily. I said I wanted a corset top and a full or A-line skirt. In the time it took me to make that request, she had pulled 4 dresses. She looked at me, and said she would bring them back to the room, and that brides are only supposed to get 3 at a time, but she'll put these in the room and told me to pull 3 more. I tried to avoid pushing and being pushed as I tried to figure out what I was looking for, but pulling dresses wrapped in plastic is way different from browsing photos online, and when Jacqueline came back I had nothing. Thankfully, this is when Leia showed up, and she immediately went to work. I headed back to the dressing room to try on the 4 already in there while Leia started pulling.

Once I had pulled on dress #1, Leia was there with her dress contributions. We all decided immediately that dress #1, a summery cotton dress, was just not fabulous enough. Dress #2 was better, and we immediately discarded #1 in favor of #2. #3 was even better than #2, and #2 was discarded (this was overwhelmingly fast, and remember that the dressing room door was also partially open and the sounds of the mob at the dress racks were still making my heart race. Dress #4 was FABULOUS. Utter fabulousness; and it was the one I kept on the longest. Leia and I started playing with the skirt to see how it would look tea-length. Dress #4 immediately replaced Dress #3, and I moved on to #5, a creamy A-line dress, with a sweetheart neckline and a really sweet bow in the front. Leia and I both said "Aww" at the cuteness of the dress, but my mind went right back to #4. I asked to try #4 on again, and handed #5 back to be discarded. I loved #4 even more the second time, and I really didn't want to take it off. I was freaking about the price ($500 more than I told Jeffy I would spend), but I didn't want to let the dress get away.

Both Jacqueline and Leia were telling me to get the dress, Leia even offered to cover the $500 on her card so Jeffy wouldn't know. But it wasn't until Randy came in (I swear I almost fainted) that I made up my mind. First he hugged me and Leia when we babbled about how much we love him. Then he said that the dress was fabulous (!!!). He pointed out a small ink stain in the bodice that I hadn't noticed, but said that it could be cleaned easily and that otherwise it was in great condition. Leia asked his opinion on making it tea-length, and his face showed his dislike. He tactfully said that he personally would keep it full-length, but that I should do whatever makes me happy. He gave us a business card for a tailor he recommended, and told me congratulations as he left. My mind was made up for me: I was getting the dress.

Leia carried the dress as we made our way through the mob, shaking hands with various Kleinfeld employees as we went. I am upset about not seeing Keisha, I have to admit. Anyway, as we got to the desk to pay, another camera guy rounded on us. Turns out, we were the first to buy. Also, Leia was carrying the red sleeping bag she had brought in the morning, and the camera man was zooming in on it. He asked us a few questions about finding the dress, and then we were ushered to a small room to pay. While we were paying, a Say Yes to the Dress person brought us forms stating our consent to appear on tv. The final cost of the dress was $1556.20, which virtually guarantees an over-$10,000 wedding. But I am going to start working my free Saturdays (all one of them) to try to beef up the wedding account.

After signing for the dress, I actually began to feel faint. I had barely eaten anything all day, and the loss of over $1500 in one sitting was very overwhelming. Leia carried the dress, now wrapped in layers of plastic, and we did our best to make our way through the packed lobby. As people saw the white bag, they began to applaud us!! It was hilarious and a bit embarrassing as people clapped, and patted us on the back and shouted their congratulations. It was the same once we left the doors because there was still a huge mob on the sidewalk too. It was a really nice ending to a very exhilarating experience.

Leia took me to L.A. Burdick and treat me to a cup of unbelievably good hot cocoa and a chocolate truffle. While we sat, she called up the tailor that Randy told us about and made an appointment for February 27 at 1pm. I need the dress hemmed a bit, and it needs to be taken in, particularly at the waist. As of now I am set on taking Randy's advice (of course) and keeping the dress long.

Alright, I know, enough talk. Here's the dress:

Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard Collection, Style Mackenzie

I haven't found a good enough picture of the bust, but let me tell you that the detail in the neckline is sooo beautiful, and it's the reason why I fell in love with the dress. I also adore the huge bow in the back.

So that's it! A huge check on my To-Do list. Since getting the dress, it feels like the wheels on this wedding train really started turning. I have my schedule for getting my handmade invitations done in the next month, and today I'm hopefully going to find some vellum envelopes. My calendar is suddenly packed from now til June. Here we go!

Say hello to my future wedding shoes:

2010-01-27T22:47:00.003-05:00

I have been hunting for the perfect wedding shoes since the night I got engaged. I've documented a lot of my favorites on my blog, but ladies, I think I've finally found them. Behold:

$675 Louboutins via Saks

I have to seriously start saving my pennies, but I can't stop thinking about these shoes. Leia is trying to find out if there's a way to get a good deal on them somewhere. I don't care how many Saturdays I have to work, I will have them!!

Boo comment spammers :(

2010-01-21T23:59:00.002-05:00

I got totally bombarded with comment spam tonight and yesterday, which is a real problem when I get email alerts on my phone and am trying to sleep. So I individually deleted all 53 comments that "teresa" spammed me with (is that a proper use of the verb spam? It's late, I don't care). So I added the word verification feature to comments, and it seems to have stopped. 'Night. Planning commences again tomorrow.

Thrifty dress hunting

2010-01-21T20:17:00.000-05:00

I still haven't gotten over my obsession with tea-length wedding gowns. I really feel like they are so ME. The problem is, it's a bit difficult to find tea-length gowns with full skirts. Here are a few more inspiration photos.

This adorable bride had her dress altered to be tea-length:

Priscilla of Boston, Sophie

I really love these two gowns by Stephanie Allin, a UK designer:

Nina Short, Bordeaux Collection

Bardot, Dolce Vita Collection

This one is too short in my opinion, but I love its simplicity and the fullness of the skirt:

Priscilla of Boston, Vineyard Style Karalyn

I started compiling a list of some budget-friendly salons to visit soon (links and blurbs taken from NY Mag):

The Bridal Garden/Sheltering Arms
54 W. 21st St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 907; 212-252-0061; bridalgarden.org
This nonprofit boutique offers designer gowns at up to 75 percent off retail. Designers and boutiques donate samples and brand-new gowns from big names like Ulla-Maija, Angel Sanchez, and Vera Wang ($495 to $2,895), and proceeds from the reduced-price sales benefit the Brooklyn Charter School in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

David's Bridal
751 Sixth Ave., nr. 25th St.; 646-827-4050; davidsbridal.com
The ultimate outer-borough destination for very affordable dresses (from $299) recently opened an outpost in Manhattan. In addition to the store’s own collection, David’s carries Galina gowns and Oleg Cassini dresses and regularly hosts “99-Dollar Days” for those hoping for further price reductions.

Jane Wilson-Marquis
42 E. 76th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-452-5335; bridalgowns.net
This boutique carries a variety of styles and specializes in elegant custom-made gowns ($3,000 to $6,000). The Simply Jane line lets brides choose from a series of five basic dress designs (from $550) that can be embellished with couture details like lace, flowers, ruffles, beading, and gathered chiffon. Alterations are $175.

Michael's, The Consignment Shop for Women and Brides
1041 Madison Ave., nr. 79th St., second fl.; 212-737-7273; michaelsconsignment.com
Most bridal designers won’t accept returns—even if the big day is called off. This second-floor shop is where many new or almost-new Vera Wang, Priscilla, and Badgley Mischka creations end up—at far more modest prices than they commanded the first time around ($395 to $2,800). Those willing to put up with cramped quarters and half-hour dressing-room limits will be richly rewarded.

Nicole Miller
77 Greene St., nr. Spring St., 212-219-1825; nicolemiller.com
Miller’s understated, laid-back gowns appeal to the free-spirited bride ($595 to $3,000). The bridal salon prides itself on a quick turnaround. Alterations not included. Tailoring is done off-site.

RK Bridal
318 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-947-1155; rkbridal.com
This bustling 11,000-square-foot store has great prices for those willing to search through 1,300 styles ($300 to $3,000). The staff will even lower a gown’s price to match the cost of the same dress if offered elsewhere for less. Alterations cost up to $350.

I may make appointments at Kleinfeld and/or Mark Ingram for my mother's sake. :)

And I've also been regularly perusing the used wedding dresses on Once Wed and PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, which, incidentally, is a really great way to use up time that would otherwise be wasted sleeping.

Nordstrom dresses

2010-01-19T21:06:00.005-05:00

Chrissy (little sis and bridesmaid) sent me the following picture as a potential bridesmaid dress for herself, and I think it's totally adorable for her:

via Nordstrom

So I started looking through Nordstrom dresses again. There is not a big selection of spring/summer dresses yet, but I thought these two were beautiful:

$398 BCBG MAXAZRIA via Nordstrom

$695 via Nordstrom

Wedding fever (aka: I'm baaack?)

2010-01-18T21:59:00.005-05:00

So the official count is 145 days to go...less than FIVE months! And we have about a billion things left on the To Do list. It's way faster to list the things we have done than to list those we haven't:

1. Book chapel - check.
2. Book reception venue - check.
3. Send Save the Dates - check.
4. Set up wedding website - check.
5. Design invitations - check.
6. Design programs - check.

And that's pretty much it. No photographer, no ceremony or reception music, no cake, no dress, no nothing!! Well, we booked the honeymoon, and Jeff seems to think that there's nothing else to do now. :) Sigh. I'm really overwhelmed by how little time there suddenly is to put this wedding together. I decided that I need to start using this blog again to organize myself and the many people I will be inconveniencing over the next five months.

Last week Jeff and I sat down and put together a looong To-Do list, and we're making an effort to work on something wedding-related every day. We're working together to get our ceremony checklist done. I delegated the task of ordering the cake to my mother and sister in Maryland. I've been hopelessly scouring the wedding blogosphere for an affordable photographer in the Maryland/DC area (we really don't have the $3,000 minimum most wedding photographer packages request). And we've asked a close friend to help us find a DJ. Oh, and we started setting up registries, which is so much fun I wish I could do it every year.

Another thing that needs to be done soon is the bridesmaids dresses. I haven't decided on a wedding color scheme besides "summery," so it's kind of important to have an idea of what the dresses will look like. That will help me determine my cake and centerpiece colors. The bridesmaids are coming into New York City in March to go shopping for bridesmaid dresses. My current bridesmaid inspiration is this photo of a bride with her maids in Rose and Ruby dresses:

via Bespoke Press

This photo is the closest thing I've found to what I want. In my head, the bridesmaids' dresses have more color, and there are more accessories. But this is pretty fab.

Anyway, Rose and Ruby is sadly not on the U.S., so we're going to try shopping in NYC for coordinated summer dresses. My sister, the MOH, suggested Calypso on Madison, and I picked out some dresses I like from the website (not a big selection, but Leia said there are more options in the store):

Shireen, $165

Circle dress, $325

Barclay, $165

I'll need to come up with a list of other stores where we can find a collection of dresses that may coordinate well. Any suggestions?

Non-traditional gown (Repost)

2009-08-17T07:41:00.003-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog on 8/14/09.}

A very recent obsession of mine is pink wedding gowns. Who knows how long this will last (to be honest, my wedding obsessions tend to be short lived), but in the meantime, I'd love to hear the opinions of some fellow brides.

Behold, the dress that sparked my obsession. I mean, if I'm dropping a paycheck or more on a dress that I only get to wear once, I want it to be drop-dead gorgeous. And THIS dress is drop. dead. gorgeous. Meet "Lena," an uber feminine concoction by Mon Cheri Bridals:

Mon Cheri Bridals

I am in love with the simplicity of this pale pink dress by (who else?) Vera:

via Brides.com

Aren't the color and the draping of this dress sooo romantic? Sigh, I'm in love again:

Mon Cheri Bridals.

If I lose my nerve and decide that I need to wear white on my wedding day, I would still love to incorporate pink in some way. I am in love with this photo not only because of the gorgeous pink sash, but also because of this bride's stylin' headpiece. I'm not normally a fan of headbands, but I think this look is totally fabulous:

Mon Cheri Bridals.

What are your thoughts on a non-white wedding gown? Care to share any of your own inspiration photos?

Reception venue tips (Repost)

2009-08-17T07:40:00.001-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog on 8/11/09.}

Considering how jam-packed my wedding inspiration blog is with dresses, shoes and pretty pink things, I think it's a bit odd to do my third post in a row on saving money. But my role as a featured blogger is to document my wedding planning journey, and I am at the point in the process where I am trying to save money on every aspect of the wedding. Today's topic: the reception venue.

I know plenty of people whose ceremony and reception take place in the same venue. I attended a wedding like that a few weeks ago. The ceremony took place in a gazebo outside a stunning hotel & spa, and then we walked indoors for the cocktail hour, and then upstairs for the reception. It was incredibly well-organized, and such a lovely transition from ceremony to reception.

Jeff and I have a different story, because there was no other place we wanted to get married but Dahlgren Chapel on the campus of Georgetown.

Dahlgren Chapel via Exorcist Revisted Blog.

With the ceremony venue decided, the hunt for the reception venue began. I started by looking at all the hotels in the area (as all the weddings I have attended have taken place in hotels), and very quickly learned that I wouldn't be able to afford it. With a budget of $10,000 and a guest list of 100, I can't pay much over $60/person. Hotels in the DC (and particularly the Georgetown) area were running over $100/person NOT INCLUDING alcohol, servers, bartenders, setup fees and room rental fees. With all the extra fees added, the prices were over $200/person.

My next stop was nearby restaurants. Restaurants are significantly cheaper than hotels because typically you only pay for food and drinks, without extra fees. However, my search for a suitable restaurant in the Georgetown area was as fruitless as my hotel search, because the restaurants there were still outside my price range.

The revelation that the reception venue doesn't need to be right by the ceremony venue came slowly. My bridesmaids (what would I do without them?) told me that people who were making the journey to DC for my wedding would be fine driving 15 minutes to another venue. That finally brought me to my hometown, Potomac, Maryland. My parents' house is about 15 minutes away from Georgetown, and one of my favorite restaurants, Normandie Farm, is about 5 minutes from our house. Our family loves the fabulous Sunday brunches, and my dad and I attended two father-daughter banquets there in high school.

Normandie Farm via flickr.

I can't describe my elation when I realized that Normandie Farm was within my price range (for cocktails, food and an open bar)! Plus, I already adore the food there, and I love the laid-back elegance of the location. Jeff and I are going down to DC at the end of the month to take a look at the space and select a menu.

It took a few months of searching and agonizing (though I will admit that I still occasionally agonize about its distance from the ceremony), but I am really happy with the choice. I love that it's a restaurant that has some meaning to me. And I really think that Jeff will love it when he sees it in a few weeks.

So my advice for finding an affordable reception venue?

Be patient. As I was accumulating a very long list of hotels and restaurants that I couldn't afford, I began to think my budget was too small for the number of people I wanted to invite. If you have a limited budget, I'm not going to sugarcoat it: the process will be long and frustrating, and you will get exhausted and angry. But keep looking! I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to find something that you love for the price that you wanted (isn't that so true of shopping in general?).
Be flexible (but not with your budget!). A restaurant reception can be just as lovely as a hotel ballroom reception.
Think about you. Think about places that are meaningful to you. I wasted a lot of time focusing on fancy-schmancy venues and trying to come up with a lavish reception hall, when Jeff and I really don't tend to those kinds of restaurants or that type of food. I was trying to design a reception that fit my idea of a reception, rather than something that was a reflection of Jeff and me.

Good luck! Are there any brides out there with reception venue advice? Feel free to share your own stories.

Non-traditional Centerpiece (Repost)

2009-08-17T07:38:00.001-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog on 8/7/09.}

As you may have figured out by now, I am trying to save money on every aspect of my wedding. The centerpieces are a huge cause for concern, because I don't have any experience in arranging flowers myself, and I hate the idea of spending a lot of money on something that won't make it to the last dance. I considered paper flower decorations, but my time-intensive invitations are making me averse to crafting at the moment. I am still planning on incorporating tissue paper poms, but I came across this how-to for branch centerpiece s and I fell in love.

via Apartment Therapy

I love the simplicity and the drama of these branch centerpieces. They are so unexpected! The best part is that there are beautiful dogwoods and cherry blossoms in my parents' yard, and I think this is a very doable day-before-the-wedding project that would basically only cost as much as the vases (and I think my mom has enough unusual vases that I might not need to go shopping). Their house is just 5 minutes from the reception venue, so it couldn't be easier.

Care to share any centerpiece tips?

Save $$$ on your "Save the Dates" (Repost)

2009-08-17T07:35:00.000-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog on 8/4/09.}

I spent the past weekend finalizing the designs for our Save the Dates and our (totally awesome) formal invitations. We also bought a domain name for $6.99 (for one year) and started putting all sorts of useful information on our website, as part of our effort to save money on the invitation suite AND be environmentally friendly. I am dyyyying to share everything with you, but I want our guests to see them all first. So it's going to be a while. In the meantime, I will share a few tips with those of you who are planning on going the DIY route as well.

Because Jeff and I met and dated in the place where we're getting married, a map seemed a fitting design for the Save the Dates. I spent hours on Google Maps trying to figure out the best way to draw all the places in the area that are meaningful to us. In the end, I was forced to settle on just four locations (because of my lack of patience and artistic skill): where we met, our first date, where he proposed and the chapel where we will be married. I drew the streets and little icons on 8.5x11 copy paper, and traced over the whole thing in black sharpie. I scanned the drawing into my computer:

Then I imported the JPEG into Microsoft Word (there's probably an imaging software that is more convenient, but I'm comfortable with Word). I inserted all the words using textboxes and a font called "Handwriting - Dakota":

I'm not sure if this next part can be done on a PC. I printed the file to a PDF, then I opened the PDF using Preview, and saved it as a JPEG. Here is an early draft:

Then I inserted the JPEG back into Word, and shrunk the image to a width of four inches so I could fit six maps in one page:

I really wanted to make magnetic Save the Dates, and the cheapest magnet paper that I've found so far is at Walmart, five pages for $6.88:

I think we need roughly sixty magnets (or ten sheets). $13.76 for sixty Save the Dates = $0.23 per Save the Date. I will probably end up getting an extra pack of magnet sheets just to be safe, but I am still happy with the price tag, even when you add the price of envelopes (Kraft coin envelopes from Staples, less than $0.05 each) and stamps($0.44). It should come out to less than a dollar (~$0.72) per completed Save the Date. I will have to figure out a use for over 400 leftover envelopes, but I'm sure I could incorporate them into the wedding somehow.

I would love to know how all of you are saving money on your invites and save the dates! Care to share a few tips of your own in the comments section?

No pink or frills today (Repost)

2009-08-04T07:52:00.003-04:00

{This was originally posted on the Weddzilla Blog on 7/31/09.}

I have been struggling to decide on a topic for my second featured blogger post. I had initially thought to share my wedding theme and bridesmaids ideas, but these elements seem much less relevant than they did a month ago (don't worry! I promise that I will have plenty of that sort of thing in the future). I recently hit a sort of turning point in the wedding process at which time -pardon my french- sh*t got real.

I was a tomboy growing up, and I never spent my days dreaming up the perfect wedding. So my wedding inspiration blog was an incredibly liberating experience. I discovered an infatuation with tissue pom poms, feather headpieces and invitation suites. I came to idolize Martha Stewart and her many websites. For three months, I gorged myself on wedding eye candy and gabbed non-stop with my girlfriends. The possibilities seemed limitless and magical.

Martha Stewart

Since that time, Jeff and I have written two wedding checks: one deposit for the ceremony venue, and one for the reception venue. Now that 11% of our budget is gone, all of the decisions became, for lack of a better phrase, distinctly heavier. Setting the date and the venues means that now the save-the-dates can be finalized, and the invitation can be drafted. But are the colors I picked good enough? Suddenly we have to decide on a menu and start looking at hotel and flight options for out of town guests.

Maybe some women, the kind that have been planning their wedding since before April, have stronger wedding convictions than I, but I just can't help it. It is impossible not to second guess each choice, even the ones I was absolutely convinced about weeks ago. My 45-minute subway rides to and from work are spent agonizing over every detail. Will my wedding colors be tacky? Should I wear a tea-length wedding dress? Is there too much time in between the ceremony and reception? Will a lone cello sound funny? ... ARGH.

I have started carrying a journal everywhere I go, so that when these random questions hit, I can just get them out of my brain. Paging through the journal now, I find it funny how something that seems so important in your head can look pretty silly once it's written down. At the end of the day, I keep reminding myself that the most important things on my wedding day will be that I married my best friend, and that our closest friends and family came to share in that joy with us.

Of course, it wouldn't hurt if the wedding colors were inspiring, or the cellist was a big hit too. (Clearly, I need more help than a journal can provide.)

Are you like me, and are having difficulty with your wedding choices? How are you coping with the stress?

And if you're not like me, do you have any tips on how I can get some cajones and just make the freaking decisions already?

Featured blogger!

2009-07-27T21:53:00.003-04:00

Hello again! I have been too busy in the past month for the blogosphere, but I am ready to start posting again!

I am really excited to announce that I am a Featured Blogger on the Weddzilla blog!! Click here to check out my introductory post. I will be posting on the Weddzilla site 2-3 times per week, and I will repost my entries here on {Things I Love} the following day.

I attended an absolutely gorgeous wedding this past weekend, and my passion for weddings is suddenly reinvigorated. Jeff and I have set a date (Saturday in June 2010), and have put down the deposit for our reception venue. This wedding is becoming more and more real!

This week I love... this diy invitation!

2009-06-18T07:36:00.005-04:00

This invitation designed by the groom has been making the rounds in the wedding blogosphere. But I adore it each time I see it, so I thought I would share it here as well.

(Click to enjoy!)

via iDiY.

Congrats, Le!

2009-06-17T07:30:00.003-04:00

Me, Le!! and mom outside the ceremony tent.

Little sister graduated from Stanford this weekend (well, technically she graduated six months ago, but the cap, gown and diploma seem to be the cause for celebration). Her stole is designed like the Philippine flag! I love it! Her Stanford stole got misplaced in the craziness of the day.

Posting will be sporadic due to a "promotion" of sorts (involving significantly more work without a corresponding increase in pay), recovery from an incredible weekend in California, as well as my preparation for an upcoming featured blogger spot. More on that later!

Stylin' bridesmaids

2009-06-11T11:45:00.011-04:00

As a result of my new (higher-paying) job, my rapid accumulation of overtime hours, and our new (lower-rent) apartment, I finally have spending money for the first time in a long time. And let me tell you, I am spending it. I really enjoy being a sugar mama. ;)

So I went on a bit of a spree in Union Square last night, and this is one of the dresses that I bought for myself. It's fabulous hot pink and very flattering, and I think it transitions very well from a day dress to a night dress with the right accessories.

$22.80 via Forever 21.

If any of my bridesmaids wants to borrow it for the wedding, I think it would be perfect with some fierce black heels and a bright hair accessory.

I want to reiterate that I want my bridesmaids to wear dresses that they would actually own (because they will actually own them), so if you go shopping and buy a dress that you think would be perfect, email/MMS it to me! It doesn't need to be a brand new dress! I can tell you right now that I've already shot down a dress that Chrissy sent me, so I could get a little bridezilla on you, but I have approved all of the dresses Leia has sent me (it's her own fault that she can't make up her mind).

Just a warning, once I approve a dress I will probably start buying and sending you accessories that I like. And your responsibility as bridesmaids will be to accept the gifts and duly wear them. :-P

Here are some mismatched bridesmaid photos as inspiration, though keep that Sex and the City photo in mind as well.

This is my favorite mismatched bridesmaids photo so far, in gray-blue (I love how each dress is completely unique):

Snippet & Ink via Wedding Bee.

Another beautiful mismatched set of bridesmaids (although a bit more match-y than I want for my girls), this time in floor-length green gowns:

That Luxury Life via Wedding Bee.

And this is an adorable photo of a bride and her army of bridesmaids in yellow by a gorgeous blue door (for my taste, I think that there are too many similar dresses. I want a collection of dresses that really differ in color, length and shape):

Matthew Morgan via Wedding Bee.

I keep meaning to put together a new inspiration board of my ideas, but things keep coming up. I'll try to get it together next week.

This week I love... tea-length wedding gowns!

2009-06-10T11:01:00.002-04:00

This is one of those times when the word "love" doesn't do justice to my emotion. I am head-over-heels OBSESSED with this dress that I discovered on Etsy:

$3,000 via Joan Shun Bridal Etsy Shop.

I have been against the idea of a tea-length wedding gown since the beginning because I wanted to wear a once-in-a-lifetime dress, and tea-length dresses strike me as something that I could wear anytime. But I am SO IN LOVE with this silhouette! I love the off the off-the-shoulder straps, the corset top, and the full skirt. And imagine the SHOE POSSIBILITIES!

I had so much fun trying on big, poofy wedding dresses, but it recently occurred to me that I wasn't thinking of the dresses in the context of a dance party. The humongous floor-length skirts, even bustled up, would be a hassle. I am loving the idea of having a cute, flirty, full skirt, with killer heels.

I started searching for more tea-length inspiration. I don't think I need to say much about this fabulous Audrey Hepburn still: Funny Face via EW.

And Jackie O's dress isn't tea-length, but I think that the shape is inspiring:

via The Fashion Bomb.

I had a little fun with this app, where you can design your wedding dress. The options are pretty limited though. I picked a tea-length ballgown, with off-the-shoulder-straps, a sweetheart bust and corset-top. Screen capture of Wedding Dress Creator.

This is a cute, modern take on a tea-length gown. I am thinking it would be an adorable bridesmaid dress in pink:

"Tattiana" via Alan Hannah.

Another gorgeous silhouette from Joan Shum. Sigh, I am suddenly so in love with tulle skirts it's debilitating:

va Joan Shum Bridal.

This is a Project Runway Kenley creation, and I love this skirt so much:

via Pop Wrap.

I have pretty much decided on a fabulous tea-length dress with an over-the-top full skirt. Until I see the next dress that changes my life.

Finally, a wedding-related post

2009-06-05T09:52:00.005-04:00

via Kuperblog.

Okay, so I stumbled across this lovely guest post by Liz Garcia, via Meg at A Practical Wedding. It really warmed my heart and made me smile, so I wanted to post it here, in case I need to read it again later in my wedding planning process.

What matters is how your wedding feels. And it feels like bliss. It feels like your first night in the new apartment, auspicious and giddy and free. It feels like your childhood dreams, but with the added sweetness that now that you know it’s a dream, you know how special it all is.

I love you, Jeffie!

Skinny Jeans!

2009-06-05T09:09:00.002-04:00

my Zelda Skinny Legs via Express.

The greatest feeling in the world? Pulling on your jeans for casual Friday, and zipping them up without holding your breath!!

You'll excuse my excitement, but I think this might be the first time that I have legitimately fit into my size 1 Express skinny jeans. I've always had a little "overflow" that needed masking. Not today, biatch!

I found out last week that I've lost 10 lbs. in the last month or so, but I didn't fully appreciate that until this morning. I suddenly like exercising a lot more now that I'm seeing results.

Okay, I'm done making this blog my sounding board for every little thing. Have a great weekend!

O say, can you see...

2009-06-04T10:30:00.005-04:00

...that change IS coming!!

via Foreign Policy blog.

I am overflowing with American pride today. Yesterday morning, I was sworn in as a United States citizen. Yesterday afternoon, New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage!! The change is slow (tsk tsk, California), but America is moving closer to truly equal rights! And of course, President Obama spoke at Cairo University to seek an alliance with the Muslim world. We are far from perfect, but we are trying to change, and I am so proud to be an American.

Have a great day!

This week I love... chalkboards!

2009-06-03T09:00:00.011-04:00

I am starting a new feature today. For my first "This week I love..." feature, I am so excited to fiiinally post these chalkboard images!!

I have loved chalkboards since forever, and I desperately want a whole chalkboard wall in my house someday. Also Jeff and I were teachers for a bit, AND we met in school, so they are fitting for us. I love the vintage look of chalk on a blackboard, and I especially love what a forgiving medium it is. It really doesn't have to be perfect to still look lovely.

Chalkboard invitation that really is a work of art:

twig & fig via Design*Sponge.

Creative menu displays (saves paper too!):

Dandelion Ranch via 100 layer cake.

Leo Patrone photography via Wedding Cabaret.

Giant seating chart (I love how it's frameless and just sitting in the sand):

via Style Me Pretty.

I love this idea of a custom word search that guests can work on, and isn't this picture sooo gorgeous??:

Carl Zoch photography via Wedding Bee.

And here is the number one way that I want to incorporate chalkboards into my wedding:

via Style Me Pretty.

via Martha Stewart Weddings.

I have seen this a few times, and I just love the idea of guests being photographed with their personal messages to the couple. I think this would be a great way to do the guestbook. We will be paying for a photographer anyway, and I was going to put the photos in an album anyway, so why waste money/paper on a separate guestbook? I am playing with the idea of making individual chalkboards for each guest, to double as a placecard and wedding favor, but I might be veering into crazytown...

Balloon inspiration

2009-06-02T11:22:00.006-04:00

I know I have already semi-posted about my love for balloons. But today seemed a fitting day to reiterate that love, because I saw Disney's Up! in 3d on Sunday (my 5-second review: stunning animation, beautiful story and loveable characters, but it doesn't crack my top five favorite Disney/Pixar films), and this evening we are celebrating Kathleen's birthday!

Streetview of the fabulous balloon house in Up! via cgnews.

A few weeks ago, someone asked me why so many people are using balloons in wedding pictures these days. I think it's because balloons are the perfect accent to pure, simple joy. Honestly, can you look at this picture without smiling??

via The Perfect Palette.

I thought not. This picture is my newest inspiration for a wedding theme. Love the pink dress, love the balloon colors, and love the Eiffel Tower in the background. To me, this picture is nearly everything that I want my wedding day to be: happy, pretty and light-hearted.

Enjoy your day, everyone! Tune in tomorrow for a new weekly feature! (Also, I'm less than one day away from being a citizen!)

Veils for the bridesmaids...?

2009-06-01T15:19:00.010-04:00

I am in love with this feature called "The Wedding Party" in the June Vogue.

via fashion is spinach.

I adore the mismatched bridesmaids dresses, the fabulous shoes, and especially the adorable hats!! I had never thought of it before, but I love the idea of little veils on the bridesmaids. This could be an adorable way to make the bridesmaids stand out from the rest of the wedding party, since you won't be wearing matching dresses. What do you think about a headband, fascinator, mini veil or some other fab hair accessory for each bridesmaid?

Here are some possible options:

Leo Patrone photography via Wedding Bee.

(I think this is adorable, but I don't want matching headpieces)

Lou and Lee via Wedding Bee.

Oh My Deer via Wedding Bee.

BeSomethingNew via Wedding Bee.

Weddingchicks via Style Me Pretty.

First time dress shopping!

2009-05-29T20:05:00.000-04:00

Whew. I apologize for not posting this week, I had to get accustomed to my new job, and thus, new work schedule. I have to say that I love my job, love the hours, love the people, and even love the commute! Starting next week, you can expect 3-4 weekly posts from me. Okay, on to the dress.

So last Saturday, the girls and I went to the Cymbeline showroom for my first dress fitting! The first dress that I put on was Bruand:

via Martine Marriage.

via Cymbeline Paris.

As soon as I put it on, I was completely in love with it, even though it was exactly the type of dress that I didn't want to try on: big and poofy, with a long train. But putting on the dress and the veil completely transformed me. It felt like I was wearing a dress version of myself, if that makes any sense at all.

We all figured that our reactions to Bruand were due to fact that it was the first wedding dress that I tried on. But I tried on one beautiful dress after another, and I still couldn't get Bruand out of my head.

Other notable favorites were Agadir, with its breathtaking lace detail that reminded Leia and me of traditional Filipino dresses:

via Cymbeline Paris.

via trojmiasto.

And Cassie, with her sweetheart neckline, lace detail and a mermaid skirt:

via Cymbeline Paris.

I was extremely disappointed by Saline and Cybella. Saline was just too informal for our Catholic wedding. Amanda commented that the priest would have a heart attack! And Cybella just paled in comparison to Bruand. The entire experience was so fun! I plan on heading back once I am settled in my new job, new apartment and new (and hopefully slimmer) waistline. I have to say that Ivy at Cymbeline was absolutely darling to me and the girls, and she actually picked out Agadir and Cassie for me. Amanda picked out Bruand. :-)

Reluctantly, a color scheme

2009-05-22T13:00:00.001-04:00

Being a color-loving individual, I was initially against the idea of a color scheme. Pink is my favorite color, but too much pink makes me barf, and I hated the thought of eliminating other colors.

I stumbled upon the Sherwin Williams Visualizer and decided it might be nice to at least try a color scheme. This is my attempt to express my idea of a pink, white and black palette, accented by bright, springtime hues. The bridesmaid dresses/flowers will fit into the pink, black, and white theme, but accessories (shoes, headbands, jewelry) will fit the accent palette.

1st row: Eros Pink, Dragonfruit, Vivacious Pink
2nd: Zany Pink, In the Pink, Impatiens Petal
3rd: Black of Night, white
4th: Calypso, Center Stage, Confident Yellow

The app is pretty fun, you drag and drop the colors into a bin and then you can email yourself the colors. I used Paint program to assemble them into this picture. I like the idea of using full-bodied hues as accents. This is by no means exhaustive, and I'll probably play around with the app again. Can anyone else see what I'm trying to do here?

DIY OF THE CENTURY

2009-05-22T12:01:00.000-04:00

OMG I am so excited about this!

Okay, so remember a few days ago when I posted this thousand dollar beauty?
Well I just discovered that Maegen of ...love Maegan posted a DIY project to make these shoes!

via Design*Sponge.

I can't wait to try it myself!

When you gotta go...

2009-05-22T11:00:00.002-04:00

This is dedicated to Amanda and April, who gave me my first lesson on going to the restroom as a group. And who will likely be the lucky ladies holding my dress when this happens on my wedding day:

Amanda and Tom's Wedding, via Wedding Cabaret.

Up next...a fabulous DIY project!

Giveaway: pink nylon Vera Bradley

2009-05-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

Lauren Nicole Gifts is sponsoring a fabulous giveaway of this adorable Vera Bradley clutch. Entries are accepted until midnight, Thursday May 28. Just submit your email address to be entered in the random drawing. ENTER NOW!

via Lauren Nicole Gifts.

Go ahead, let your hair down

2009-05-22T09:30:00.001-04:00

Stephanie Williams photography, via Truly Engaging.

I am IN LOVE with this wedding, featured on Truly En gaging. The splashes of yellow throughout are PER. FEC. TION.

I especially love the gorgeous bride's hair!! It's pretty rare to see long-haired brides rocking their hair down. My hair isn't nearly as thick, and I can't pull off the full bang (I've tried), but this is similar to what I want to pull off on my wedding day: hair straight (duh) and down, with a birdcage veil and fabulous hair accessory.

Ibid.

Birthday Update!

2009-05-22T09:05:00.003-04:00

Okay, one teeny post all about me, and then on to wedding stuff!

Yesterday was actually THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!! Not only did Jeff and my sis COMPLETELY outdo themselves with food and presents (Filipino food! Junior's devil's food cheesecake! A charcoal grill! Disney dinnerware! and on, and on!), but I got the paralegal job I've been desperately hoping for!!! I was definitely not expecting to hear back on my birthday, and it was truly the best birthday of my life.

And tonight gets even better, with four out of my six bridesmaids coming to visit!

Up next, wedding hair!