tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84442236276570138892024-03-14T05:34:20.686-04:00The Marry Melodiesan appreciation of all things weddingDOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-22740306307620005582011-05-29T14:45:00.004-04:002011-05-29T15:14:26.667-04:0011 weeks to go...<div style="text-align: center;">The invites have arrived, and they are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">beauuuuutiful</span>!! I can't wait to share them with you in the coming weeks!!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ppg5PXsggg/TeKa7elmB9I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/s2gxPDszpTU/s400/IMG_6985-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612218432270763986" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't want to brag, but our lovely invites were designed by the talented Kathleen of <a href="http://www.jeremyandkathleenblog.com/">Jeremy and Kathleen</a>!!</div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-13099278061455269272011-04-01T12:36:00.002-04:002011-04-08T08:45:10.035-04:00Rule of Thumb - The SeriesFor years I always thought planning our wedding was going to be a breezy walk in the park.. but since day 1 the experience has been like walking on egg shells and constantly dodging land mines. <br /><br />As the wedding quickly approaches, we have learned many many many things by trial and error and wished someone would have sat us down early in the planning and told us how important it was going to be to get those logistical details figured out before hand.. but elas, this is how Luke and I do things.. and that's not always a good thing. <br /><br />We've started this series in order to share with you what we've learned along the way... <br /><br /><em>Rule of thumb #1:</em> <br />Before obsessing about inspiration boards, getting lost in color schemes and the ever endless world of linen options; start the process by creating a realistic budget for the type of wedding you are planning on hosting. This was our first misstep and we learned the hard way... A few months into our engagement bliss and big dreams of planning our lavish carnival-esk wedding, my better half was laid off from his company due to downsizing and the recession. We had not foreseen or planned on this happening so it was a huge surprise and huge disappointment that our wonderfully expensive ideas of a huge wedding were down the tubes. Talk about it a wake up call!! Having said that, going through that period of struggle in our relationship, financial and personal aspects of our lives, it really put things into perspective and drew the focus back to what that special day was going to be all about.. we quickly realised that it wasn't just about having a huge party. It was more about celebrating of our love and officially joining as one, a family. <br /><br /><em>Rule of thumb #2</em>: <br />Scaling back on the guest list. <br />Our initial head count was 180+. When the reality of our shrunken budget kicked in, we had to figure out how to either a) make more money or start to b) cut cut cut. Arguments were had, and I’m pretty sure 1 or 2 things were thrown, but in the end we really worked together to trim our guest list down to 130. And let me tell you, we couldn't have asked for a better guest list. Cutting a guest list is like cutting your own bangs.. at first you're not too sure where to start, but once you get going, look out! <br /><br /><em>Rule of thumb #3</em>: <br />Pay attention and read your vendor contracts before you sign seal anything. Ensure that things are clear and concise and make sure you ask a lot of questions… a lot of questions…and amend the contract as you go. This is one thing we overlooked and almost ran into a huge issue just this week that could have derailed our planing all together (I’ll save that tasty treat for another post). Our venue ended up letting that one major detail slide; However had the venue refused to work with us in the end, we would have been out our deposit and would have had to pay through the nose to have our invitations redone to make it work. Can you say ka-ching?? But lucky for us, they were very understanding!! <br /><br />Coming up: where to save $$, tap into your resources, DIY doesn't necessarily mean less expensiveDOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-27276536017660568652011-02-24T12:45:00.000-05:002011-04-08T08:42:37.918-04:005-6 months to go...According to my Wedding To Do rule book, these are the things that should have been checked off the list so far....<div><ul><li><b>Compile guest list</b></li><li><s>Reserve ceremony and reception sites</s></li><li><s>Order stationery</s></li><li><b>Register for gifts</b></li><li><b>Purchase wedding rings</b></li><li><s>Order dress and accesories</s></li><li><b>Book officiant</b></li><li><s>Book caterer</s></li><li><s>Order wedding cake</s></li><li><s>Book florist</s></li><li><s>Book music for reception and ceremony</s></li><li><s>Book photog</s></li><li><b>Book honeymoon</b></li><li><b>Send save the dates </b></li><li><b>Block book rooms at local hotel</b></li></ul><div>Not too shabby when you look at the overall list... but we've still got lots to do and I know this list isn't complete. Plan of attack to come... </div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-2425773022715122682010-11-22T12:07:00.000-05:002011-04-08T08:42:37.930-04:00Minor details..<div>At least twice a week I get the dreaded.. ' What is your dress going to look like? what style is your hair and makeup? We want details!!' Truth be told, this is a problem on it's own..</div><div><br /></div><div>A year ago, I had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">absolutely</span> no clue where to start! I've kept scrapbooks upon scrapbooks of ideas and schemes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">décor</span> for years and now, here I am engaged and finally planning a wedding, and I couldn't even settle on a color scheme. Has anyone else gone through this before? Just stumped...</div><div><br /></div>Since we've pretty much booked all of our vendors for the big day, our little details are starting to shape into a monster neither of us expected. We've finally picked our color scheme..<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ish</span><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430728849843800098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SOhwWlp2evQ/S13THZ5nyCI/AAAAAAAAACg/UTCMKbTg-So/s400/Jewel_Tone_Wedding.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">via </span><a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/1006846/Jewel_Tone_Wedding"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">colorlovers</span></span></a><br /><br />I am a true sucker for jewel tones. I really am.<br /><br /><div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-27113128430847329142010-11-21T21:34:00.000-05:002011-04-08T08:42:37.938-04:00my MOHHow I asked my MOH you ask?<br /><br />Well, the choice was clearly the easiest one to make. But I tossed and turned about how I was going to ask for about 3 weeks… I was clueless.. I dug through blogs high and low, googled "traditions", couldn't find anything I liked that wasn't over the top cheesy. And a couple nights ago, I sat down and wrote a letter about us. About our ups and downs, laughs and cries and said I wanted her to share in what will be one of the most important days of my life and that I couldn't think of anyone better to be there by my side.<br /><br />I bought a card and a "bridesmaid: how to guide" on being fabulous and keeping the bride sane (in other words, when I lose my shit, she can be prepared to handle it.. lol). There were quite a few to choose from...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429621489005749410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SOhwWlp2evQ/S1nj-hUD5KI/AAAAAAAAAAk/rT-ovjh7nnM/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div>But I ended up going with <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Bridesmaid-Guide-Etiquette-Parties-Being-Kate-Chynoweth/9780811833004-item.html">The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties and Being Fabulous</a>, it had a great combination of wit, humour and tons of information for her to flip through. I wrapped the whole thing with a nice bow and off I went.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429621726976478130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SOhwWlp2evQ/S1nkMX0tC7I/AAAAAAAAAA0/z8z00Tzoq1o/s400/IMG_0066.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I gifted them to my MOH last night. She obviously knew she would be my Maid of Honour, but I wanted to make it special. After all, it's the little things you look back on years after the deed is done. You want to remember simple gestures.. I found it to be a nice little touch to show her I value her friendship now and for many more years to come. I could tell she was very excited.<br /><br />She immediately said we had to have a Father of the Bride marathon.<br /><br />That my friends, is the reason she is my MOH. </div></div></div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-52094889056133480912010-09-17T09:53:00.000-04:002011-04-08T08:42:37.947-04:00Inspiration: A Rustic AffairWe've been swinging back and forth on a couple themes.. never seeming to agree on one specific one.. but after walking through our <a href="http://stonefieldsheritagefarm.blogspot.com/">venue</a> last night, I think we've finally made our choice...<div><br /></div><div>Here is an inspiration board of ideas we love and would like to incorporate in our reception..</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOonBszpPhI/S6gmWCnbq-I/AAAAAAAAAlU/ZK0WI54Vv90/s1600-h/rustic.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451649509033225186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOonBszpPhI/S6gmWCnbq-I/AAAAAAAAAlU/ZK0WI54Vv90/s400/rustic.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; width: 399px; " /></a><a href="http://blog.weddingwire.com/index.php/tag/rustic-weddings/"><span style="font-size:85%;">1. cheese spread with chalkboard flags</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.trendsettingwedding.com/2009/06/vintage-rustic-wedding-floral-decor.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">2. Black lanterns</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> via </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/search/results.html?words=lantern"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0); ">potterybarn</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 3. </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/search/results.html?words=lantern"><span style="font-size:85%;">vintage locket via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0); ">Etsy</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 4. </span><a href="http://wedding.blogdig.net/archives/articles/April2008/24/Barnyard.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">pictures on a string</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 5. ,</span><a href="http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q3VawqKcjpI/SeD3wOcth0I/AAAAAAAABns/hFDL5rKvLGk/steph_williams_04.jpg&imgrefurl=http://foxxybride.wordpress.com/&usg=__tHDADOXEuZzbqURD496xN_G-l-U=&h=518&w=650&sz=124&hl=en&start=82&sig2=zc7qz3NRhFP5EyY0i3TC0g&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=m2Hom0ZpYO9UfM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpurple%2Bwedding%2Bshoes%26start%3D63%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=BxyoS93XDoG0lQfOz6npDQ"><span style="font-size:85%;">6. vintage birdcage cage</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 7.</span><a href="http://stanleymakes3.blogspot.com/2010/03/old-fashioned-florals.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">bouquet via Stanley Makes Three</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 8. </span><a href="http://pics.gallery.weddingbee.com/2734.DIY_Rustic_wedding_signs.jpg.resize"><span style="font-size:85%;">signs via latte love</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 9. </span><a href="http://shoes75.blogspot.com/2010/02/purple-bridal-shoes-with-high-heels-are.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">wedding shoes</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 10. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/barn-wedding-inspiration">via project wedding</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div>Absolutely love the muted tones.. Dark framed lanterns and beautiful greenery compliment the light and airy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dahlias</span> and vintage pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div>{heart}</div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-88697194572438140922010-05-17T17:33:00.000-04:002010-05-17T17:48:23.437-04:00lovely sashes..<div>Over the past few years, I've been noticing that more and more brides are letting their individual personalities shine through their wedding decor and attire. From <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">embellished</span> bird cage veils right down to <a href="http://marrymelodies.blogspot.com/2010/03/little-details-hand-painted.html">painted pumps</a>, a blushing bride makes sure that none of these little details are overlooked. I'm going to say I've been thinking about jumping on the sash band wagon these past few months. Not only do these gorgeous sashes spice up the average looking gown but it also adds a unique and one of a kind touch that makes you stand out and shine on your special day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span> finds I absolutely love.. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_Gc0LkVTKI/AAAAAAAAA-c/oEnpnMcTwjg/s1600/il_430xN.134112012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_Gc0LkVTKI/AAAAAAAAA-c/oEnpnMcTwjg/s400/il_430xN.134112012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472327442504174754" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ivory silk <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dupioni</span> sash via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">percyhandmade</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_GcbBgyxxI/AAAAAAAAA-E/yUruU0wELrI/s1600/il_430xN.137387379.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_GcbBgyxxI/AAAAAAAAA-E/yUruU0wELrI/s400/il_430xN.137387379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472327010308245266" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44797836/sash-belt-handmade-embellished-ivory?ref=sr_list_8&ga_search_query=sash&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_7069390"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">sash belt handmade embellished ivory lace via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">percyhandmade</span></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_GcamDOUWI/AAAAAAAAA98/EoWYdZIZ0Hg/s1600/il_430xN.134969940.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_GcamDOUWI/AAAAAAAAA98/EoWYdZIZ0Hg/s400/il_430xN.134969940.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472327002936463714" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/44085594/sash-belt-silk-rosettes-silver-purple"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sash belt silk rosettes via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">percyhandmade</span></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_Gcajh6_PI/AAAAAAAAA90/K88o8ARrPDw/s1600/il_430xN.144796773.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_Gcajh6_PI/AAAAAAAAA90/K88o8ARrPDw/s400/il_430xN.144796773.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472327002259913970" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/47244472/pearl-vintage-ivory-on-black-bridal-sash?ref=sr_list_30&ga_search_query=sash+belt+wedding&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Vintage Ivory on Black bridal sash via Bridal Shoppe</span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>If only I can get the dress <a href="http://marrymelodies.blogspot.com/search/label/short%20dress">style</a> sorted out.. and the search continues..<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-2690989814992331552010-05-17T16:43:00.002-04:002010-05-17T16:47:28.488-04:00wordless Monday..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_Gqoi9rV3I/AAAAAAAAA-k/0KoKCWf20v4/s1600/pedicabs_540.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S_Gqoi9rV3I/AAAAAAAAA-k/0KoKCWf20v4/s400/pedicabs_540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472342635788851058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A New York bride, groom, and their guests transported by pedicabs to the reception. </span><div class="copyright" style="font: normal normal normal 9px/normal Georgia, serif; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">photo by: </span><a href="http://www.lilykesselman.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lily Kesselman</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> via </span><a href="http://nymag.com/weddings/planner/2008/summer/standout-reception/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">New York Weddings</span></a></div></span>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-38911606403029938342010-05-07T14:32:00.006-04:002010-05-07T15:59:55.392-04:00more on styling our backyard-ish wedding<div>Over the years I've been collecting clippings from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LCBO</span> (local liquor <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">outlets</span>) seasonal catalogues. I find some of their ideas would work beautifully with our overall wedding style. Since we aren't having a formal sit down reception, a traditional table setting wouldn't be in the cards; but that doesn't stop us from using these ideas as a basic guideline for our reception decor. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S-RdpznmarI/AAAAAAAAA9c/-JHHng5bKc8/s1600/sc00ac58e0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S-RdpznmarI/AAAAAAAAA9c/-JHHng5bKc8/s400/sc00ac58e0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468598820346948274" /></a><div>I love the mix of small tea light candles, lanterns and white freesia arrangements in little galvanized tin cups.. it's very laid back but adds a touch of class to the setting.</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S-RdpeohGmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/DrACSCPtR0M/s1600/sc00abece6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S-RdpeohGmI/AAAAAAAAA9U/DrACSCPtR0M/s400/sc00abece6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468598814713649762" /></a></div><div>And of course, who can forget the glass globe string lighting.. finding these on the cheap might be a challenge, (a string of 20 lights can run you at $20-25 a pop online these days), but I'm sure we can find some kind of deal on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eBay</span> or see if we can't find a rental company in town. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for color schemes, we're still deciding on our palettes but I have a feeling we'll be in the thick of purple and red hues from the jewel tone families. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's all starting to come together! </div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-32232606471810699532010-04-24T18:19:00.003-04:002010-04-24T18:38:19.960-04:00inspired : Backyard weddings<div style="text-align: left;">I imagine our wedding to be along the lines of this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S9NurnFUZHI/AAAAAAAAA8A/Xq8NXSDaAx4/s400/az_diy_wed_dg_09.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463832468435264626" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S9NurWQLzAI/AAAAAAAAA74/P2G-jgIZIe0/s400/az_diy_wed_dg_08.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463832463917435906" /><div><div style="text-align: left;">vintage chic.. j'adore..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">via </span><a href="http://www.greenweddingshoes.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">GreenWeddingShoe</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">s photography by </span><a href="http://danagrantphotography.com/catie-ben-vintage-arizona-wedding-part-1/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dana Grant photography</span></a></div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-45883481049289537332010-04-20T12:29:00.005-04:002010-04-20T12:59:42.532-04:00Learning to stand our ground..<span>So far, wedding planning has been.. One word. Confusing.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Over the years, the better half and I would talk about reception ideas we dreamed up.. different scenarios.. we were looking for fun, no fuss, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">memorable</span>, entertaining, kid friendly.. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>But soon after we got engaged, we quickly realized that our ideas weren't necessarily the ideas our parents had in mind. The whole thing was quickly becoming something else.. more formal, not us. With many very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">opinionated</span> people in the mix it makes it very difficult to keep on track. You second guess yourself, you try to please others at all cost.. but I've come to the realization that you can't please everyone.. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I don't want us to look back 1,2,15 years down the road and think 'why the hell did we do that? why didn't we do what we set out to do in the first place??' As the months go on, I find myself getting very excited about little details and ideas that are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shaping</span> up.. invitations, dress, handmade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">photobooth</span> guestbook.. all little details I imagine will be absolutely amazing.. This is why we're going to start being firm with what we want in our celebrations of love (cheesy.. right?)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>We are very excited about planning this thing no matter the size.. you just have to remember that the main focus here is not to get wrapped up in the stress and drama of planning a party.. It's to celebrate the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">beginning</span> of the rest of your lives together with friends and family <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">supporting</span> you.. and there just so happens to be food and dancing nearby for everyone to enjoy.. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">heh</span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size:85%;">--------------------------------------------</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size:85%;">I don't want this blog to become a place where I vent about my issues in being the "misunderstood bride". There are far too many blogs out there that are about bashing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">in laws</span> and listing everything going wrong in the planning in a negative light and that irks me. </span></span>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-41248269712260809382010-04-19T22:48:00.001-04:002010-04-19T22:48:00.563-04:00Wordless Monday..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S7Fpe0VpxoI/AAAAAAAAA6g/uz-ivqH_bI8/s1600/Hayden-Lake-Country-Club-Wedding-Photography-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S7Fpe0VpxoI/AAAAAAAAA6g/uz-ivqH_bI8/s400/Hayden-Lake-Country-Club-Wedding-Photography-7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454256601888835202" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">via </span><a href="http://mastinstudio.com/blog/2009/10/hayden-lake-country-club-wedding-photography-mike-laura/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mastin Photography</span></a>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-40396865957544026222010-04-19T15:22:00.000-04:002010-05-10T16:08:26.837-04:00Where do you draw the line?For the past few months, we've been adding carelessly to our guest list and now that we're talking about having our invitations made we are quickly realizing we about to head into dangerous waters.<br /><br />Here's why.<br /><br />We've talked about weddings in the past, and we've always limited ourselves to 125 guests max. Not too big, not too small.. But after doing a head count of immediate family members who have to be invited to our wedding, the guest count starts at 85! He had tons of friends… I have tons of friends.. And they aren't people we haven't seen in years if you catch my drift!!<br /><br />To avoid drama at ALL cost, we've already drawn the wedding party to 1 attendant on each side. We've also talked about including our close friends in the ceremony and planning tasks to counter balance the lack of wedding party. A cousin will be officiating, we've asked a close friend to MC the reception (funny concept, The catch? it must be bilingual.. Hilarious results!!) cake, hair, makeup.. sourced within our group of friends. <div><br />But to keep the numbers down.. where do you draw the line for final guest count? Is it rude not to invite your second cousins your parents said you HAD to invite (but whom you've never met) or your best friend from high school whom you've spoken to maybe twice in a couple years?? I really don't know what to do… It's all nice in my head.. but I'm Hopeful that it'll be painless.. (but I have my doubts..)</div><div> </div><div>any tips?</div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-80931874485079247442010-04-12T22:48:00.001-04:002010-04-12T22:48:00.969-04:00Wordless Monday..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S7FoHsngNyI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/RtFUG14jlBk/s1600/home.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S7FoHsngNyI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/RtFUG14jlBk/s400/home.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454255105167603490" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">via </span><a href="http://www.adayofbliss.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Day of Bliss</span></a>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-17358596780797405952010-04-05T11:02:00.000-04:002010-05-10T16:26:38.175-04:00mis-matched'Wouldn't it be fun if we had all mismatched chairs set up for the wedding ceremony? You know, Friends style"<br /><br />I processed that sentence through my mind after the better half brought it up in a random conversation.. Sounds to me like a hip idea for the nuptials.. I instantly agreed with him..<br /><br />I could see this being an incredible feet to achieve though. Here's why. Guest wise we're looking at a head count of around 125. We know a lot of people.. just not sure if we know a lot of people who would be willing to give us/ loan us that many chairs... We could probably end up finding 20 chairs at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets.. Not sure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">where</span> we'd find the other 100.. We can save that head spinning thought for later..<br /><br />But in a perfect world, say we had 120 mismatched chairs.. We'd either have them painted a certain color or leave them as is and set them up in a way that there are different chairs in each row (no similar chairs side by side) Maybe paint a few chairs with accent colors to make it work. This would add so much charm to the already very bohemian/laid back setting. It would be a very romantic site.. I see lights and lanterns strung through trees where the ceremony would be held, mismatched lanterns lined along the center isle, some kind of arch made of branches and wild flowers..<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ahhh</span> to dream..<br /><br />It would be perfect..<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345714733708811698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/Si_LOj1JHbI/AAAAAAAAAoY/P3vENLPuQWc/s320/table.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">via </span><a href="http://with--this--ring.blogspot.com/2009/03/inspiration.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">with this ring</span></a><br /><br />P.s. we might be close to deciding on the potential wedding site this week… but I'll save that post for a rainy day..DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-18646261617672665252010-03-30T03:08:00.000-04:002010-03-29T22:46:16.247-04:00Inspiration: A Carnival Affair vs. A Rustic AffairThe best of both worlds.. right here. We keep swinging back and forth on this, but I think in the end we will find a happy medium between a Carnival and Rustic theme. Here are 2 very different yet fun inspiration boards for both receptions..<br /><br />Carnival:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOonBszpPhI/S6gwgWI-aPI/AAAAAAAAAlc/138J1Xz0VwY/s1600-h/carnival.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451660681189157106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOonBszpPhI/S6gwgWI-aPI/AAAAAAAAAlc/138J1Xz0VwY/s400/carnival.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 309px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">1. and 2. </span><a href="http://www.vcsphoto.com/blog/2008/11/courtney-and-charles-carnival-wedding-anaheim-ca/"><span style="font-size:85%;">carnival themed reception</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 3. </span><a href="http://greylikesweddings.wordpress.com/2009/03/04/inspiration-request-carnival-wedding/"><span style="font-size:85%;">pop bottles</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 4. </span><a href="http://gallery.weddingbee.com/photo/carnival-themed-wedding"><span style="font-size:85%;">popcorn rings</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 5. </span><a href="http://ruffledblog.com/2009/03/freebie-fridays-carnival-printables/"><span style="font-size:85%;">drink tickets</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 6. </span><a href="http://cocktailsdetails.com/blog/2009/08/28/event-vision-coney-island-carnival-wedding-cocktail-hour/"><span style="font-size:85%;">snow cones</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 7. </span><a href="http://www.vcsphoto.com/blog/2008/11/courtney-and-charles-carnival-wedding-anaheim-ca/"><span style="font-size:85%;">carnival tickets</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 8. </span><a href="http://www.marryyoume.com/2009/08/real-wedding-kelsey-and-robby.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">bouquet of red lovelies</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 9. </span><a href="http://www.vcsphoto.com/blog/2008/11/courtney-and-charles-carnival-wedding-anaheim-ca/"><span style="font-size:85%;">candy buffet</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 10. </span><a href="http://argentinastravel.com/570/the-carnival-of-cities-lands-in-buenos-aires/"><span style="font-size:85%;">amusement park rides</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 11. </span><a href="http://weddings.theknot.com/ODB/themes/realweddings/detailview.aspx?STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&type=3&id=46896&ODBTHEMENAME=Real-Weddings&MsdVisit=1"><span style="font-size:85%;">details</span></a><br /><br /><br />Rustic:<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOonBszpPhI/S6gmWCnbq-I/AAAAAAAAAlU/ZK0WI54Vv90/s1600-h/rustic.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451649509033225186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FOonBszpPhI/S6gmWCnbq-I/AAAAAAAAAlU/ZK0WI54Vv90/s400/rustic.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 399px;" /></a><a href="http://blog.weddingwire.com/index.php/tag/rustic-weddings/"><span style="font-size:85%;">1. cheese spread with chalkboard flags</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.trendsettingwedding.com/2009/06/vintage-rustic-wedding-floral-decor.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">2. Black lanterns</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> via </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/search/results.html?words=lantern"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">potterybarn</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 3. </span><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/search/results.html?words=lantern"><span style="font-size:85%;">vintage locket via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Etsy</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 4. </span><a href="http://wedding.blogdig.net/archives/articles/April2008/24/Barnyard.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">pictures on a string</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 5. ,</span><a href="http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_q3VawqKcjpI/SeD3wOcth0I/AAAAAAAABns/hFDL5rKvLGk/steph_williams_04.jpg&imgrefurl=http://foxxybride.wordpress.com/&usg=__tHDADOXEuZzbqURD496xN_G-l-U=&h=518&w=650&sz=124&hl=en&start=82&sig2=zc7qz3NRhFP5EyY0i3TC0g&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=m2Hom0ZpYO9UfM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpurple%2Bwedding%2Bshoes%26start%3D63%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=BxyoS93XDoG0lQfOz6npDQ"><span style="font-size:85%;">6. vintage birdcage cage</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 7.</span><a href="http://stanleymakes3.blogspot.com/2010/03/old-fashioned-florals.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">bouquet via Stanley Makes Three</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 8. </span><a href="http://pics.gallery.weddingbee.com/2734.DIY_Rustic_wedding_signs.jpg.resize"><span style="font-size:85%;">signs via latte love</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 9. </span><a href="http://shoes75.blogspot.com/2010/02/purple-bridal-shoes-with-high-heels-are.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">wedding shoes</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, 10. </span><a href="http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/barn-wedding-inspiration"><span style="font-size:85%;">via project wedding</span></a></div><div></div><div>Absolutely love the muted tones from the Rustic board. Dark framed lanterns and beautiful greenery compliment the light and airy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dahlias</span> and vintage pieces. Having said that, really digging the bright pops of reds and blues and outdoorsy details from the Carnival inspiration board.<br /><br />I think in the end, we'll be borrowing quite a few ideas from both themes to fuse our reception into something to suit our personalities. </div><div></div><div>Despite a few set backs, we're getting pretty excited about the planning. The great venue search is about to begin and I have a feeling the competition will be fierce!!! </div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-47680150938028288532010-03-29T04:59:00.000-04:002010-03-29T04:59:00.567-04:00wordless Monday..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6wG96FKOnI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/YdHtc7iVezc/s1600/30s-wedding-ideas2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6wG96FKOnI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/YdHtc7iVezc/s400/30s-wedding-ideas2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452740909471513202" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">wedding kiss via </span><a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2009/09/wedding-kiss.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Cup Of Jo</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> photography by </span><a href="http://www.jessica-johnston.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jessica Johnston</span></a>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-84577911994277871232010-03-26T11:00:00.001-04:002010-03-28T13:32:59.985-04:00What's in a name<div style="text-align: left;">A year and a half from now, the better half and I will officially be hubby and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wifey</span>. I've dreamed of the decor, themes.. but never thought to practice writing my married name.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6-ShuUMRCI/AAAAAAAAA6I/GlgSWYzwKPk/s400/IMG_22772.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453738781835019298" /></div><p>yikes moment.</p>Kind of embarrassed to admit it, but it's %100 true.<br /><br />I've been signing the same way for years.. Now, I am faced with an identity crisis. I have to give up my hyphenated family name for a single married name and I am having a heck of a time adjusting to it. Figuring out a style, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nouveau</span> flare, is a whole different ball game.<br /><br />It's so strange to me!!<br /><br />anybody else go through this?DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-16930630778333630932010-03-26T00:44:00.000-04:002010-03-26T00:44:00.459-04:00Rustic inspirations<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We've had a couple gloomy days, I thought maybe a little color and lovelies would brighten the mood up for the weekend.. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6jwEe_uGsI/AAAAAAAAA5I/4z1qfifZp4M/s1600-h/wedding-flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451871308762454722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6jwEe_uGsI/AAAAAAAAA5I/4z1qfifZp4M/s400/wedding-flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://prestotours.com/blog/wedding-flowers.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">White florals</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6jwDiKgwfI/AAAAAAAAA44/4hqzEgoeXAs/s1600-h/red-wedding-flowers-300x300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451871292433154546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6jwDiKgwfI/AAAAAAAAA44/4hqzEgoeXAs/s400/red-wedding-flowers-300x300.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.mayweddingflowers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/red-wedding-flowers-300x300.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bold red bouquet</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6jwDVqFScI/AAAAAAAAA4w/qfDd_Gj23fY/s1600-h/ed-dorset-wedding-flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451871289075911106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6jwDVqFScI/AAAAAAAAA4w/qfDd_Gj23fY/s400/ed-dorset-wedding-flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://blged.murakamiphotography.co.uk/blog/2009/ed-dorset-wedding-flowers.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bold orange</span></a><br /></div></div></div></div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-78751276137960526292010-03-23T21:12:00.002-04:002010-03-23T21:18:13.056-04:00DIY Brides Rejoice!!Polaroid 600 film is making a come back... <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100322/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_polaroid_film">like for reals</a>!!DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-35929121861763896872010-03-23T04:49:00.000-04:002010-03-23T12:43:47.678-04:00'you wanna s'more?'<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6faYRRMtRI/AAAAAAAAA4g/Po7nHYZR91w/s1600-h/indoor-smores.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451565984442529042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6faYRRMtRI/AAAAAAAAA4g/Po7nHYZR91w/s400/indoor-smores.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/images/indoor-smores.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;">via merriment design</span></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Growing up, my brother and I were huge fans of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandlot">'The Sandlot</a>'. There is a scene in the movie where the guys are having a camp out and each take turns telling scary stories about the Beast (the neighbours dog who as it turns out isn't beastly after all..) This scene generated one of my all time favorite movie quotes.. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/name/nm0719606/"><em>Ham Porter</em></a><em>: Hey, Smalls, you wanna s'more? </em></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/name/nm0347509/"><em>Smalls</em></a><em>: Some more of what? </em></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/name/nm0719606/"><em>Ham Porter</em></a><em>: No, do you wanna s'more? </em></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/name/nm0347509/"><em>Smalls</em></a><em>: I haven't had anything yet, so how can I have some more of nothing? </em></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/name/nm0719606/"><em>Ham Porter</em></a><em>: You're killing me Smalls! These are s'more's stuff! Alrite now pay attention. First you take the graham, you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the 'mallow. When the 'mallows flaming... you stick it on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf. Kind of messy, but good!</em> </div><div><br />I was thinking this might make an awesome quote for the DIY s'more kits we're planning on making for the candy buffet. I wouldn't start the quote until it got to this part.. 'These are s'more's stuff…" it would make it funny for my family.. I know my brother would get it right away!</div><div><br />Since we aren't planning on giving out favors, we thought maybe do little take away bags for the candy buffet where people can fill up what they want and take it home after the reception for a late night snack. Another plus would be If we decided to have our reception at a site were we could have a bonfire. It would work out perfectly and our guests could kick back after an all nighter of dancing and enjoy the s'more kits on site!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451566250366887138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6fanv6gZOI/AAAAAAAAA4o/AvZ_zekxAuk/s400/Pictures_2008_031.JPG" border="0" /> <div><a href="http://www.stylishgiving.com/2009/04/smores-kits.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Via Stylishgiving</span></a></div><br /><br /><div>Now the fun part would be designing the packaging, and learning how to make the 'mallows and graham from scratch.. getting giddy already!!</div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-46917160756001207102010-03-22T06:41:00.000-04:002010-03-22T06:41:00.660-04:00Wordless Monday..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6ahHGF-ewI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/rfX3JWxP-_c/s1600-h/wedding_photography-1-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6ahHGF-ewI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/rfX3JWxP-_c/s400/wedding_photography-1-7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451221542245399298" /></a><a href="http://www.kevinmullinsphotography.co.uk/index.php/tag/military-wedding/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kevin Mullins photography</span></a>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-60700726195572575022010-03-19T11:44:00.002-04:002010-03-19T11:59:59.465-04:00Planning advice..<span>I think this will play a major part in our wedding day planning guidelines... sage advice from <a href="http://www.amazingweddingreceptions.com/">Amazing Wedding Receptions</a></span>
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<br /></span><span>Top 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AWR</span> Wedding Day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Don'ts</span>
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<br />1. <em>Not knowing that articles in popular wedding magazines, specifically the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Do's</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Don'ts</span>" of a wedding reception, are often written by interns and staff who may have attended far less as many weddings as you. But because perception is reality, they must know what's best.</em></span>
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<br /><span>False.</span>
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<br /><span>You know what is best and the Professionals from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">AWR</span> know what is best, but only after we speak with you. We need to know first what you would like to do on your wedding day. What do you envision? What have you seen at weddings that you have attended that you liked or did not like?</span>
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<br /><span>I have been asked on several occasions to be involved in articles from popular wedding publications, that I just could not be a part of. Example: I was once asked "What are your top 5 songs that you play at a wedding reception, to get the crowd going?"</span>
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<br /><span>Well, my question back was who are the Bride & Groom, what age and ethnicity are they, and so on.... I even wanna know if they are a Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sox</span> or Yankee fan.</span>
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<br /><span>Needless to say when those factors were not being factored into the article, I asked not to be part of it. Rookies.</span>
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<br /><span>All of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">AWR</span> vendors also know how important it is to leave it up to the professional in that specific area (Photography, Entertainment, Floral, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Videography</span> etc.), and not to overstep our professional boundaries. Leave it to the expert. A Bridal Shop is not the expert on the vendors you should hire, they don't go to 85 weddings a year. Leave that to the wedding planners at the facilities & their expertise. They want what is best for you based on 1000's of Amazing Wedding Receptions that they have actually been in the room in witnessing.</span>
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<br /><span>2. <em>Too much down time between the end of your wedding ceremony and the beginning of your social hour.</em></span>
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<br /><span>This is huge and a really tough one to rectify because it is beginning the day with a planned lull, and lulls are a party killer. I consider myself to be a black belt at avoiding lulls at receptions & I have seen it all. But the 2, 3, 4 hours between the end of the Ceremony and the beginning of social hour, killer. Especially when the reception site is not able to accommodate your guest who arrive early, to a drink or place to sit comfortably. It is a negative on the day & guest don't like it.</span>
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<br /><span>3. <em>Arriving late to your own wedding ceremony or wedding reception site.</em></span>
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<br /><span>Another important timing aspect of your day. Plan your wedding day with professionals like your DJ, Photographer & Banquet Planner who will ensure that you create a realistic format of your day's events. Timing is everything. Not a good idea to arrive to your Friday evening reception site with your wedding party 30 minutes after you were suppose to be announced and then ask to spend a little time in the Bridal Sweet, when the Chef is preparing a meal for 250 guest. Ending Dinner at 11pm is not good.</span>
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<br /><span>4. <em>Choosing extremely light music during dinner.</em></span>
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<br /><span>Key word here is, extremely. Guest defiantly need to be able to speak, not shout at their tables during dinner, but foot tapping and fun should never be banned. It's always great when guest grab a dance between courses, and to go from 0 to 100mph when dinner is over is never easy. We need to have our guest primed to dance. Let it be as is and hire someone whom you know is a professional with great vast experience at weddings, and knows how to make an Amazing Wedding Reception?To much light music can make it appear that dinner took forever when actually it didn't.</span>
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<br /><span>5. <em>Choosing music that does not reflect your guest list.</em></span>
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<br /><span>So now you've paid all this money for your wedding reception and you searched far & wide to find the best wedding DJ available. The DJ is now at the reception and looks at the guest, and then looks at the must play list, and it doesn't make any sense. It's a far older crowd than what the Bride & Groom chose for music.</span>
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<br /><span>Maybe you also decide not to allow any of your guests to request anything either. These two together make it very difficult to have your guest walking away saying this is the best wedding I've ever been to.That is my goal & the goal of many other great wedding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DJ's</span>. It's evident that you don't trust the professional who has your best interest at heart. The best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">DJ's</span> want the best weddings.Some songs on the no list, sure, absolutely, but don't handcuff your entertainment.If you choose a play list and you want your DJ to only play what's on it, then choose a couple of 100 songs and tell him to read the crowd and go with it. You can plan on a 6 hour wedding reception being somewhere in the neighborhood of 85 songs.I like about 20 must have songs and going from there. But that's me. I love reading a crowd with a clue.</span>
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<br /><span>6. <em>During the reception, the Bride & Groom constantly leave the ballroom for long periods at a time.</em></span>
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<br /><span>I'm talking long, 30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mins</span> here, 20 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mins</span> here, and another 45 here. Right there is over an hour.</span>
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<br /><span>The best is when they give you about 50 specific versions of the must play songs for dancing and then keep leaving. That's fun. I'm kidding,chest pains!</span>
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<br /><span>Seriously, guest love seeing the Bride & Groom celebrating with them. Don't forget, they are there for you.</span>
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<br /><span>7. <em>Placing of another focal point that attracts your guest to leave the ballroom. </em></span>
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<br /><span>Add-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">on's</span> are great, but we really want to do our best to keep our guest around or on the dance floor.</span>
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<br /><span>Having the bar outside in the hall or lobby, not good.</span>
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<br /><span>Having photo booth out in the lobby during your 3 hours of prime party dance time, ah, no, not recommended. Photo booths are awesome & everyone loves them, but if we can fit it into the room easily, let's do it. It's a big difference.</span>
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<br /><span>Also if you have a nice outside area, make sure that your DJ will supply music out there all night. Wireless speakers are great because we can send a signal to those speakers so it is the same music inside & out.</span>
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<br /><span>8. <em>After Dinner, the DJ is asked to announce that certain groups of guest (Family, friends, colleagues, and former schoolmates) meet outside of the ballroom for pictures, or worse yet onto the dance floor for pictures. </em></span>
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<br /><span>Of course, this stops any momentum of your party time.</span>
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<br /><span>Even though this is listed as #8, it is my worse pet peeve.</span>
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<br /><span>Because after the main course is served, you are mine. Your guests are mine. I want to rock this thing and then a photographer walks up to me and says, Can you announce for the Bride & Groom to go to the Lobby for pictures with their immediate family and then when they are done can you ask for the Bride & Grooms college friends to join them. That's fun.</span>
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<br /><span>9. <em>Not realizing how important the ending of your wedding is.</em>End it on a high note. Don't let your awesome, amazing wedding reception turn in to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">dwindler</span> wedding just because you wanted an 8 hr reception. It is not how long it last, its how it ends. Believe me when I say, there is nothing more awesome than a Bride or Groom looking at a full dance floor on their last dance of the night.</span>
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<br /><span>10. <em>You don't trust your wedding professionals and play the role of a wedding coordinator during your own wedding.</em></span>
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<br /><span>Waiting too long to hire your wedding team and not hiring a true wedding professional, willing to build a foundation of trust with you. It is trust that is needed so that you can actually enjoy your own amazing wedding reception. Timely communications is a must, throughout the planning process. If they don't e-mail or call you back from the start, that's what you can expect the whole time through.</span>
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<br /><span>Top 10 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">AWR</span> Wedding Day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Don'ts</span></span>
<br /><span>via <a href="http://www.amazingweddingreceptions.com/news-reader/items/top-10-awr-wedding-day-donts/">Amazing Wedding Receptions</a></span>
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<br />DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-28338389026147928022010-03-17T12:38:00.009-04:002010-03-17T13:13:49.705-04:00Little details: Hand painted..There is no better time to bust out the craziest little details than at your wedding, right? (Just save the mood swing (crazies) for another day)<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>After browsing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Flickr</span> world for some much needed carnival themed inspiration, I absolutely FELL in love with these hand painted <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darabrown/4389853846/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Coney</span> Island inspired shoes</a>... aren't they a beaut?</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449645177789544066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6EHam4Q9oI/AAAAAAAAA3I/t_GI7xljv7s/s400/darabrownstudios1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449645184157332194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6EHa-mdsuI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/oHjS3GGthik/s400/darabrownstudios2.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449645189431330274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6EHbSP4heI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/-NpFS0bIgFY/s400/darabrownstudios3.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;"> by </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/darabrown/4389853846/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">darabrownstudios</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flickr</span></span><br /><br /><div>My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">curiosity</span> lead me to search for more hand painted lovelies.. and I wasn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">disappointed</span>...</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449648476064033090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6EKal6LqUI/AAAAAAAAA3w/D0HvBW34YZE/s400/il_430xN_127930977.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Down the Rabbit Hole - Alice inspired pumps<br />by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42027283&ref=sr_gallery_4&&ga_search_query=hand+painted+shoes&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cocopunkz</span></span></a><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449649365463146610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6ELOXLdIHI/AAAAAAAAA34/nFyNeFCnxGE/s400/il_430xN_121297005.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">Golden Blossom by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40079681&ref=sr_gallery_21&&ga_search_query=hand+painted+shoes&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Vinogradlv</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449650654594813010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6EMZZkZTFI/AAAAAAAAA4A/qJdTswOriWQ/s400/il_430xN_90327100.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">via </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScholarlyArticles?ga_search_query=hand+painted+shoes&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=15&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title"><span style="font-size:85%;">Scholarly Articles</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449651189958302722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S6EM4j8_3AI/AAAAAAAAA4I/8A4-sGlE1M4/s400/il_430xN_84688911.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:85%;">via </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29215108&ref=sr_gallery_19&&ga_search_query=hand+painted+shoes&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=16&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Craftastrophe</span></span></a><br /><br />Now those are some snazzy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">dancin</span>' shoes... don't ya think?<br /><div></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444223627657013889.post-4803017138972755162010-03-15T00:00:00.000-04:002010-03-15T00:00:01.112-04:00Wordless Monday..<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S52u0DsCmtI/AAAAAAAAA3A/yMx-BNnXYR4/s1600-h/16267_182222591775_8428251775_3558993_1459092_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C96U3ZImVgY/S52u0DsCmtI/AAAAAAAAA3A/yMx-BNnXYR4/s400/16267_182222591775_8428251775_3558993_1459092_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448703333554625234" /></a>via <a href="http://lauraleemagill.com/?load=flash">Studio 1948</a>DOMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625685698817015732noreply@blogger.com0