Mrs. Penguin, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 27, Weddingbee Editor in ChiefFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Doctor of Physical TherapyEngagement Date: January 29, 2007Wedding Date: June 7, 2008Blogging Since: September 14, 2007Venue: Winery in the Gold CountryAbout Me: I love the Spice Girls, dogs with underbites, bean burritos, making messes, high fives, avoiding showers, crossword puzzles, blogs, weddings, and blogs about weddings!
My typically blonde, long haired SIL, Ann, went into a salon a few weeks ago looking for a change. Now that she’s quit the workforce and has headed back to school to get her doctorate, she doesn’t feel like spending her loan money on keeping up with her roots. She thought that going a honey brown color instead would be her answer. Because she’s in a new city (Glendale, AZ), she had to go to a new salon, and her new colorist told her, quite frankly, that she would look bad as a brunette. Ann disagreed but was too lazy to argue, so she just decided to stay blonde and chop off all her hair instead. She asked for a “Kelli Pickler”, and basically got a 4th grade bob instead. We all think she looks beautiful of course, but she fully regrets chopping it all off. It was a big topic of conversation this Christmas, and since brides are always looking to grow out their hair, I thought I’d enlist the hive to help!
When my girlfriend got married a couple of years ago, she was taking Olay Total Effects X7 Vitamins. It was a multi-pack of vitamins that she took once a day. The vitamins claimed to give you healthier skin and hair, and my girlfriend swore by them! She really felt the improvement in her skin and hair’s texture when she was taking them.
Mrs. Caramel, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 24, Art Gallery/MuseumsFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, EngineerEngagement Date: January 8, 2007Wedding Date: October 6, 2007Venue: a beautiful church and hotel receptionAbout Me: I love dancing, singing, eating out, eating in, surfing on the net, and brainstorming fantastic ideas. I also love cats, coffee, and know every quote written on Sex & the City. I'm known to laugh really loud and have really crazy hand gestures while I talk. My fiance writes songs and I take pictures. What else? We're just a crazy young couple in love, trying to make a fabulous wedding!
Touchy subject! This is an issue that not a lot of women like to talk about because we really don’t ever want to admit that we are jealous. Being jealous sounds petty, selfish and so “below us”. However, I do think that people are a lot more jealous than we think! And I think it is quite normal, and okay for us to admit that we struggle with it.
Mrs. Powder Puff, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 25, Preschool TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Career ServicesEngagement Date: May, 2008Wedding Date: July, 2009Blogging Since: November 12, 2008Venue: Outdoor ceremony, banquet hall receptionAbout Me: I am your typical Midwestern girl attempting to plan a sane, budget-friendly, fun wedding to the man of my dreams. I love shoes, laughing at “Platinum Weddings”, crafts, inspiration boards, candy, and basically anything I can DIY. While weddings can certainly be all-consuming, I honestly can’t wait until the ceremony is over and I can finally call Mr. Powder Puff my husband!
I have never been the type of girl to enjoy exercise. I don’t like to sweat, and I prefer curling up with a good book rather than going for a run. The only times I usually “work out” are when I go dancing with my friends, or when I walk from the train to work (and in Chicago, that’s a must).
Typical. Relaxing with my golden retriever puppy.
For most of my life, I’ve gotten away with this. My weight doesn’t fluctuate much, and I’ve stayed pretty much the same size since college. It’s my general belief that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I loved the way I looked, and I saw no need to change anything about myself. That is, until I tried on wedding dresses. Read more…
BeehiveFeature Launched: Aug 31, 2006About: A forum for readers to post questions and get feedback from the hive, aka the weddingbee community.
I’m struggling with whether or not to create a seating chart or to just let people sit where they want at the reception. None of the weddings I’ve been to in recent years (or maybe ever really) had planned seating at the reception. We are having more of a heavy hors de oveurs/buffet type of reception. Does this make a difference in which way to do it? Do guests really care or prefer one way or another? I don’t mind putting together a seating chart (I say that now not having attempted it yet), and it seems like a way to add more DIY projects (which I LOVE) but is it more hassle than it’s worth? Does anyone regret doing it one way or the other? My wedding is still 9 months away so I have time to make a decision (and change my mind 3 times) but I’ve been really focused on this issue lately for some reason. Any input is welcome.
Mrs. Quiche, Chicago/Montego BayAge and Occupation: 28, Interior DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 42, Telecom GuruEngagement Date: July 2, 2008Wedding Date: May, 2009Venue: Coyaba Resort, Montego BayAbout Me: I love Chicago and can’t imagine living anywhere else (Well, except Paris. Or anywhere in France, for that matter!). I’m a full-time worker, part-time student, soon-to-be-step-mom, indie music lovin’, architecture and design fanatic, macaroni and cheese addict, vegetarian, Francophile, Ohio State football obsessed, wedding planning girl. Mr. Quiche and I are “Partners-in-Crime” and cannot wait to celebrate our marriage surrounded by our family and closest friends. I plan on DIYing my little heart out (or as much as a suitcase to Jamaica will hold).
Mr. Quiche. Stop. I don’t even want you to see me in the discarded gowns. Do not press “Read More”. Merci et je t’aime! Read more…
Mrs. Spring Roll, TampaAge and Occupation: 23, Certified Pharmacy TechnicianFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Concert PhotographerEngagement Date: May 1, 2008Wedding Date: March 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Beach Social HallAbout Me: I'm the stereotypical girl who enjoys sewing, baking, and decorating. I am blessed to share my life with Mr. Spring Roll and our two shih tzu's, Isabella and Gabriella. Hello Kitty, musicals, Target, and Chick-fil-a are a few of my favorite things. I have a fear of fish and Freddy Krueger. Planning our wedding has become a huge part of my life, and I love every minute of it!
“Dee,” I yelled every morning from our shared bathroom, “can you please put my hair up?”
“This is the last time,” she replied, day after day. As she put my hair up, she would rub in my visible makeup lines. Without Sister Spring Roll, I would have spent many days with a bumpy, crooked ponytail and makeup lines galore.
For our wedding day, I decided it was best to hire a professional to do my hair and makeup. Although Sister SR is more than capable, I didn’t want to take time away from getting herself ready. After browsing The Knot’s community boards, I found an artist that I liked and contacted her. This past Tuesday, I had my trial.
Mrs. D'orsay, Baltimore/Lancaster UKAge and Occupation: 24, nonprofit communications Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Web site developer and designer; co-owner of men's skincare shopEngagement Date: August 10, 2008Wedding Date: August, 2009Venue: Oakland ManorAbout Me: I'm a Maryland raised environmental policy wonk/activist/organizer and communications aficionado. In the past year I've lived in Baltimore, MD, Tucson, AZ, Miami, FL and Lancaster, England. In my not so spare time I enjoy planning trips with Mr. D' Orsay, visiting friends and family and crafting like a mo-fo. I also enjoy modern dance classes, rugby and soccer but have been banned by my mother, MOHs, and Mr. D' Orsay from playing till after the wedding. I have an unnatural addiction to cheese and shoes, but love Mr. D' Orsay more than either and can't wait to become Mrs. D' Orsay!
I didn’t take my mom on the first dress shopping trip. I had just gotten back to Maryland and was feeling pressed for time. I had the intentions of finishing all our planning in the three months we had before we hopped on a plane to England. I felt incredibly pressed for time and since I could decide on a venue I decided to look for a dress.
My parents were on vacation in Florida and MOH MB and I were both unemployed; what better time than then was there to go dress shopping? So I enlisted MOH MB to go to David’s Bridal with me and trust me, there is no better time to go than a weekday afternoon. We had a great time and I was pretty matter-of-fact about everything. In the end it came down to 3 dresses; coincidentally they were the first 3 dresses I had tried on. One had a drop waist and made me look like Pamela Anderson, the second was pretty and $200, and the third was all vintagey and lacy, and although it was my style I knew it didn’t make me look as saucy as dress #1. Read more…
Mrs. Pomegranate, SacramentoAge and Occupation: 27, Technical SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Software EngineerEngagement Date: August 23, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 5, 2008Venue: R.H. Phillips WineryAbout Me: Hi, I'm Miss Pomegranate and I'm a shopaholic. I have a weak spot for the chic cheap - especially anything I can re-create on the DIY. Shoes are my vice, music is my passion in life and technology is the medium by which I live and work. When I'm not scoping out a sale, I'm spending my quality time training for a marathon, playing Wii with my fiance and snuggling with my Silver Labrador and Teacup Panther - and oh yeah, planning my wedding!
I panicked a little, as our room had gotten pretty messy from our post-rehearsal partying. Thankfully, Crafty Bridesmaid and the other girls helped me sweep through the room and get it all ready for the chaos that was about to begin.
Image by Crafty Bridesmaid
Flirty and Blonde Bridesmaid all cozy watching TV as SIL Pom looks on.
Mrs. Latte, Boston/NYCAge and Occupation: 29, College Admissions CounselorFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Elementary School TeacherEngagement Date: August 23, 2008Wedding Date: July 2009Venue: Stage 6 at Steiner StudiosAbout Me: I am an East Coast girl marrying a West Coast boy. After 2 years of over 3,000 miles between us, Mr. Latte and I are looking forward to finally living in the same time zone/coast/city/home and living “normal couple” lives. I am a crafter at heart and enjoy dragging my friends into new craft projects. I love my Mac, baking cupcakes, wrapping presents, my BlackBerry, naps, good NY style pizza, Jack Bauer and of course, Mr. Latte. I love him a latte. :)
I apologize… I’ve misled you. Yes, I did go for a “run” to find my dress, but I didn’t tell you the whole story. The truth is, I did a little bit of dress hunting before the run. You gotta!!! (See previous post’s Tip #2.)
Let’s rewind and start at the very beginning. The story really begins with a single Miss Latte flipping through bridal magazines and dreaming of her wedding gown (admit it, you did it too!). I knew I liked the fit-to-flare/mermaid/trumpet look, and wanted something traditional, yet modern, with a splash of unique.
I quickly fell in love with the style of a certain designer named Melissa Sweet.
CAUTION: WHITE DRESSES AHEAD.
Mr. Latte, you gotta bounce.
Mrs. Martini, New JerseyAge and Occupation: 30, Telecom by day, Superhero by nightFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Investments & Finance by day, Hip hop dancer by nightEngagement Date: May 24, 2008Wedding Date: March, 2009Blogging Since: August 18, 2008Venue: The VenetianAbout Me: Things that make me happy: Haribo Happy Cola gummies, TV shows on DVD, buying books although I never read them, 80’s rock ballads, ramen, and of course Mr. Martini! He is the calm, logical and number crunching finance guy. I can’t even multiply double digit numbers in my head and I am so indecisive that trying to choose between light green or slightly lighter green paper stresses me out (Wedding planning is going to be soooo much fun). We both find great joy in nabbing great seats at the movie theater for a blockbuster movie on opening weekend, and we are both absolutely crazy about snowboarding. And he loves to cook, I love to eat!
Hours of slicing invites while hunched over took a toll on my lower back, but I’m not complaining. I had a system going—I could have sliced and diced allll night. When I took a break after cutting the invites, directions, and accommodations, I sat back to revel in what looked like the aftermath of a tornado. There was so much paper scrap! I gathered everything together and tried to get up to grab my camera to take a picture, but soon realized that sitting Indian-style for so long made my legs numb and I almost fell over, like the time Barney Stinson ran the marathon and his legs stopped working on the subway (BTW, after 99% of you guys swore that the show How I Met Your Mother was “awesome”, I bought all three seasons. I am now not only obsessed with the show, I have to say that it’s “legendary”!) .
My legs dead, all I could do was reach over to grab my phone and I managed to take these low-resolution pictures:
Mrs. Glitter, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 27, Research Consultant/WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, AccountingEngagement Date: May 6, 2007Wedding Date: June, 2009Venue: Millenium Biltmore HotelAbout Me: I was born and raised in West Los Angeles, California. I spent eight years in the Northeast working and completing my education. Having split time between two sides of the country has given me a true appreciation for both coasts. It has also provided an overabundance of cross country drives, flights and long distance relationship fun/misery! I love my family, my doggy Emma, fabulous wine, Anthropologie, politics, reading, being outdoors, exploring new cities, and good movies! My fiance and I are complete opposites, but somehow we have managed to fall completely and hopelessly in love.
A few weeks ago, I was Facebook stalking when I noticed one of my friends posted pictures of a recent wedding she had attended. I decided to peruse her pictures as any good Facebook stalker would do. There was my friend, smiling happily with her arm around the beaming bride. And there was the bride in her dress enjoying the day…with her entire cleavage hanging out. We’re not talking about a little peek-a-boo. Her boobs were just sorta chillin’…like maybe they needed their own seat at the reception table.
Surprised as I was (and trying not to judge, but failing miserably), I also realized that every bride has their own style and fashion sense. Often times, the dress inspires the flowers, the groom’s attire, and the ceremony/reception details. So just for fun, I decided to outline some of the style categories for wedding dresses. Which category do you fit most with? Or perhaps your dress is just too fabulous to fit any of these categories… in which case, let me know and I’ll make a new category!
Mrs. Strawberry, SeattleAge and Occupation: 25, Radio DJ, Advertising Sales, Day of Wedding CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, EngineerEngagement Date: 07/04/2006Wedding Date: September 1, 2007Venue: Lake Union Cafe, SeattleAbout Me: I'm a Navy brat that has lived all over the world. I love reality shows that are in poor taste, going to new restaurants, and trying to be crafty. Emphasis on trying!
Mrs. Green Tea, SacramentoAge and Occupation: 30, Tea AnalystFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Coffee CriticEngagement Date: November 17, 2006Wedding Date: August 23, 2008Blogging Since: June 10, 2008Venue: Vineyard on the DeltaAbout Me: I'm just your average obsessive compulsive, arts & crafts loving, funky-on-the-inside/boring-on-the-outside girl, who dares to say 'Hey! I can make that!' Nerdy professional by day, goofy won-ton by night. The won-ton sometimes comes out during the day when I'm fed the dollar breakfast at Ikea. Since our engagement, wedding planning has put me on high alert for bargains and I've been pushing my nimble fingers through callous building experiments!
I love this 3-photo series, captioned is our actual conversation at that moment: Read more…
Mrs. Pomegranate, SacramentoAge and Occupation: 27, Technical SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Software EngineerEngagement Date: August 23, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 5, 2008Venue: R.H. Phillips WineryAbout Me: Hi, I'm Miss Pomegranate and I'm a shopaholic. I have a weak spot for the chic cheap - especially anything I can re-create on the DIY. Shoes are my vice, music is my passion in life and technology is the medium by which I live and work. When I'm not scoping out a sale, I'm spending my quality time training for a marathon, playing Wii with my fiance and snuggling with my Silver Labrador and Teacup Panther - and oh yeah, planning my wedding!
The night before the wedding was certainly a fun one. I hope I never forget it—my girls and I had such a fun time hanging out together and bonding. We had headed back to Cache Creek Casino and Resort while Mr. Pomegranate drove back to Sacramento to take care of a few things and wait around for Groomsman Peter to arrive at the airport. Some of the ladies had not yet seen my wedding dress and so after changing into some flips flops, we went down to Mamita Pom and Reverend Pom’s hotel room to check it out. Then we decided to go check out the hotel’s Club 88.
Cache Creek Casino
Club 88 has a nice large dance floor and lofted seating in the back. We tried out many different seating arrangements before hitting the floor, as it was mostly empty.
Since December is the most popular months for engagements, this is a perfect giveaway for the newly engaged bride to be!
Gracious Bridal is giving away these fabulous prizes from the Mindy Weiss Collection: Blue Rhinestone Crystals for your shoes, Sometimes Brides Forget Pen (wedding tips roll out of the pen!), and the Mindy Weiss Ultimate Wedding Organizer, which has advice from Mindy herself, storage pouches for fabric swatches & stationery samples, 25 tabbed categories and much more!
