Mrs. Flamingo, Montreal, CanadaAge and Occupation: 25, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Nursing StudentEngagement Date: December 2004Wedding Date: June 21, 2008Venue: Imperia Hotel (modern chic hotel)About Me: I am a passionate designer who loves anything pretty. I heart all paper products (eco-friendly of course). My passion revolves around anything considered glamour; vintage and modern. In my free time, I love reading Martha mags, designing jewelry and making a pit-stop at Starbucks for a chai latte. I'm also a chocoholic at heart and my family drools over my homemade truffles.
When Mrs. Bee asked the question on the boards, “Why do you love Weddingbee?” it was natural and easy for me to name all the reasons why I love Weddingbee. Seeing it grow and evolve is such a reward.
Mrs. Cupcake said, “Weddingbee completely shaped my wedding.” That is exactly how I felt, so I added, “… thank you to all the bees before me. Your weddings shaped my wedding into something more that I could have imagined. I hope my planning has helped someone else in return… I hope I have paid it forward!”
So I thought it would be neat to name three things that I gained from Weddingbee, and how I hoped to pay it forward with my blogging. Here I go (these are just a few)… Read more…
Mrs. Hot Cocoa, Boston/Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 31, JD/PhD StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Medical StudentEngagement Date: May 30, 2008Wedding Date: March, 2009Blogging Since: April, 2008Venue: Ritz Carlton, Marina Del ReyAbout Me:
I am a professional student by day and an amateur cupcake taster, bargain shopper, and wedding planner by night. I am obsessed with NPR, the Food Network, paper, dance shows, Anthropologie, post-structuralist theory, Weddingbee!, "The Office," and celebrity gossip. When not procrastinating from my dissertation, I spend time catering to Jellyby, our overly anxious shih tzu, and getting to know Mr. Hot Cocoa. We have only been dating for fifteen years, so it's like I'm in love with a stranger! From the East Coast, we are planning a Jewish-Chinese Extravaganza in L.A., where we both grew up.
The last time I had my hair and makeup done was at my aunt’s wedding twelve years ago. The stylist (a so-called “pro” from Neiman Marcus’s salon) spackled on a jar’s worth of foundation three shades too light for my skin tone (I think she didn’t get the “I’m Asian” memo), put a shade of lipstick on me that only a Bratz doll could love, and gave me a hairdo that was a lopsided hairdon’t. (Those caterpillars above my eyes, however, are entirely my fault; I don’t think I understood the concept of tweezing yet.)
I looked pretty hot… for a hairy drag queen.
I was therefore somewhat anxious about my makeup and hair trial with Lin Breller and Rachelle Luczynski of Joyce Luck Style, though I probably wasn’t as anxious as Lin and Rachelle must have been when I rolled into Lin’s place after a two-hour typical LA-morning traffic nightmare looking like this: Read more…
Mrs. Lemonade, Austin/San AntonioAge and Occupation: 28, BureaucratFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Music ManagementEngagement Date: December 21, 2007Wedding Date: April, 2009Blogging Since: August 22, 2008Venue: Country Club ceremony, ballroom receptionAbout Me: I’m a total wonkette who is lucky enough to be surrounded by her favorite things on a daily basis – awesome music, the great State of Texas and of course, Mr. Lemonade! I find any excuse I can to craft something and am completely infatuated with the 1950’s, all things Kennedy, and my furbaby Vida.
As the days tick by and we get closer and closer to W day, I am feeling the need to knock items off the mile-long to do list. Luckily most of the big crafty projects are winding down and I’m left with a list of items that need to be purchased. Slowly but surely I’ve been knocking these puppies out on an almost daily basis (which is kinda fun as almost every day now seems like Christmas. Not so much fun when I look at my bank statements.) Anyhow, the most recent purchase was justified as it can be used again and again after the wedding. Score one for practicality.
We ordered this sweet little return address stamp from Etsy seller babyjewels last night.
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!
No, not that kind of Bedazzle. Although, if I were wearing a sweater that snazzy I’d hope to look a little more cheery.I’m talking about bedazzling myself! With jewelry, natch!
I’d like to keep my wedding day baubles simple and sweet, but still unique. Where do you find things like this? Etsy, of course!
Now, since I’m weird and have strange rules for myself, I’m not wearing a necklace on the big day. Nope, earrings and bracelet only (as clearly defined in jewelry rule #1: No bling overload! If wearing a necklace, no earrings. If wearing earrings, you may wear a bracelet, but no necklace). And yes, I’m a freak.
So now that my options are determined, the hunt begins!
Mrs. Sushi, Hershey/HawaiiAge and Occupation: 27, Air Force PhotographerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Laborer/Aspiring Hip Hop ProducerEngagement Date: December 25, 2007Wedding Date: March 2009Blogging Since: October 9, 2006Venue: Byodo-In Temple, Luau ReceptionAbout Me: I’m a notorious people-watcher who loves all things paper, food, traveling, grubbin’ on food, gossip magazines, food, sock monkeys…did I mention food?! Mr. Sushi and I are both haolepinos (half Filipino, half Caucasian) and hope to be able to somehow incorporate our cultures at our destination wedding in Hawaii. All while planning from the sweetest place in earth, Hershey!
While I’ve actually enjoyed planning a destination wedding, there are a few things that have me feeling guilty because of the fact that we’re having a destination wedding.
Unfortunately, the majority of Mr. Sushi’s family and friends will not be able to make it to our wedding. Besides the undeniable cost, some of his family members have been dealing with health issues or have military obligations, which will prevent them from being able to attend. There are a few happy reasons why some can’t attend; his brother and his best friend are both planning weddings of their own, both to take place this summer. Out of the 19 guests who will be in attendance at our wedding, only one of them is a guest of Mr. Sushi’s. His mom. Mr. Sushi is totally fine with this and really couldn’t care less how many of his family and friends are able or not able to make it. But I can’t help but feel a lil’ guilty about it. Read more…
Mrs. Sea Breeze, Vancouver/Dominican RepublicAge in 2008 and Occupation: 30, Communications ManagerFiance's Age in 2008 and Occupation: 29, Experiential Marketing DirectorEngagement Date: October 6, 2007Wedding Date: November, 2008Blogging Since: July 17, 2008Venue: Majestic Colonial Resort, Punta CanaAbout Me: Planning a destination wedding by the sea should be (oh no she di-in't…) a breeze (…*sigh* yep, she did) but when you've never been to the Caribbean, your powers of imagination are really put to the test. Luckily, I'm 90% resourceful, creative optimist (and kooky, neurotic practicalist-if-that's-a-word for the other ten). Other than writing about our week-long celebration of family, friends, laughter and love, I adore books, shoes and… you guessed it… long walks on the beach.
A couple hours after the meltdown (and possibly an El Presidente later), I had calmed right down and set my sights on the final things on our to-do list. After all, the show must go on!
The most important of these was the rehearsal.
I had never really given a rehearsal much thought, to tell you the truth. Even though I’m normally a type-A personality, I had enough sense to know that a destination wedding would be more relaxed. However, about a month before the wedding (right about the time I discovered I had a bone fracture in my foot, remember that? Ha!) I was out for a walk with my SIL and she changed my mind. She was reminiscing about her own wedding and said that even though hers was also a pretty simple affair, she really wished they had done a rehearsal because it just would have made things go that much more smoothly, you know? Since she’s one of the smartest gals I know, I took her advice.
When we met with our wedding coordinator Sandra, we asked her about the rehearsal, and to our surprise she told us that a rehearsal was unnecessary and that she didn’t normally do them.
Um, what?
“You’ll just line up and I’ll be there to tell you when to go,” she said.
At which point I looked at Mr Breezy, raised one eyebrow (yes, ’tis a talent that I always have possessed) and said, “Okay then. We’ll do our OWN rehearsal.” Read more…
Mrs. Flamingo has a ton of wedding stuff for sale! Check it out!
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Hi there… so I’ve come to terms with some of my wedding stuff and have finally decided to sell many of items.
I have indicated all the prices below (prices in USD). Shipping costs will be added on to the shown price. If you are interested in an item email me at flamingo@weddingbee.com.
The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-Kind Wedding by Khris Cochran - $12
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!
Katiemax asked a great question after my “Remembering to Delegate” post. I started to write a reply, and then realized it was getting way too long for a comment!
As a fellow control freak I find delegating to others very difficult. My life could be summed up by the When Harry met Sally quote: “I just want it the way I want it.” That being said, the sad, mathematical truth is that those who delegate well get a million more things done. Delegating for your wedding is a bit different than delegating for work though. Let’s be honest, a project for work that you were supposed to delegate for turns out 85% correct vs your bridesmaid dresses turn out to be magenta instead of pale pink? Which matters more to you? You do relinquish a bit of control when you delegate, but as long as you’re upfront about what you expect and the person accepting understands their responsibilities you should be on the right track.
This is our Skype discussion that lead to Mr. D being in charge of catering:
Mr. D: You seem stressed, are you okay?
Me: Of course I’m stressed, this is stressful. Read more…
Mrs. Cheese, KnoxvilleAge and Occupation: 29, Engineering ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, CAD DesignerEngagement Date: July 31, 2008Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: October 16, 2008Venue: Our home and the two acres it sits onAbout Me: I’m an emotional girl who loves sentimental things, parenthetical asides, and trying to do things herself. I can cook, sew, am a whiz at planning, terrible at delegating, and totally in love with my fiancé (who will be my second husband but first love of the rest of my life). For our home/ garden/ DIY wedding, we’ll be moonlighting as interior designers, home improvers, and gardeners with the help of our fabulous friends and neighbors. We can’t wait to be married, and are learning how fun getting married can be.
I know that the all-wedding, all-the-time mode that I seem to be on is tiring for you, especially because I know that you’d be perfectly happy with a quick courthouse wedding and a nice dinner out. I also know that part of the reason that my obsessing drives you nuts is that, it seems to you, it just leads to me stressing out. You hate to see me stressed out, you sweet man, and sometimes you think that I work myself into a tizzy over things that don’t matter. Fair point.
Here’s the thing: the most important thing to me is that I get to marry you, but only slightly less important is the idea of celebrating that milestone with our people. Since that leaves eloping out, we have a minimum of stuff to get through in order to make a wedding happen, and I need us to do it together - because I can’t do it all alone, because I don’t want to do it all alone, because I want to be doing this with you. You’re my favorite guy, and this thing is all about us. It’s exciting to me, and I want to share exciting things with you!
So, with your agreement, I propose a new way of working together. I think we can agree that I care more about the details than you do and that I am more specific about what I like and don’t like, so for that reason, I will do the legwork. I will find the inspiration photos, narrow them down to the ones I like, and present them to you, because not only do I want to plan our wedding together, I want you to be involved, and that means discussion. I know that you may not have a preference, but I’d like you to consider the options and come up with one, then tell me why. That’s what I like - the discussion. The dreaming. The planning of the future together.
In exchange, I’ll stop griping about how I have to do a thousand things and you only have to do ten. Read more…
Mrs. Peep Toe, San FranciscoAge and Occupation: 29, Policy AnalystFiance's Age and Occupation: 36, Olive Oil Production ManagerEngagement Date: December 16, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: November 26, 2008Venue: Hotel VitaleAbout Me: I am a west coast lady who loves the San Francisco Bay Area. I love living with Mr. Peep and our animals: Huck the Dog and Ferris the Cat. I work to save the environment in San Francisco, while Mr. Peep makes ridiculously delicious Olive Oil. On any day you can find me reading the latest book I have gotten my hands on, eating Swedish Fish, and perusing wedding blogs! We are both champagne drinking foodies on a Bud Light budget. We are planning an eco-chic, intimate, and interfaith San Francisco City wedding.
When I first thought about what my lovely ladies would wear on the big day, I instantly thought that I would dress them in the cutest and easiest bridesmaid solution there is: J.Crew. I thought that they could just pick out any dress in Chocolate Brown and we’d call it a day. Plus, the dresses are fairly affordable in comparison to other dresses, and they all seem to go on sale at some point!
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.
Many Bees have blogged about stumbling blocks in the wedding planning process. For one reason or another, they have hit the planning brakes, whether it be due to money, logistics, family, etc. I can now attest to their frustrations and tears as I add my name to the list of stumblers.
My budget and I are currently at war. Most of our vendors have been wonderful to work with. Generally, they have tried to work within specified price ranges and have attempted to find creative ways to save a buck. That’s not really the problem. The problem is that whatever way you slice it, our bank account is dwindling.
We are nearing the four month mark. We are getting down to the nitty gritty. My little dreams cut out of various back issues of Martha Stewart Weddings and glued together with hope and love have now turned into concrete realities; all with price tags attached to them. Many items are stepping outside of the budget we created many moons ago, and I am at a standstill. I’m the type of person that only likes to make a “to do” list when I know I can scratch off a few “to dos” here and there. But right now, mainly due to financial concerns, I feel like we are accomplishing nothing.
We are fortunate to have some of the big things scratched off the list. Read more…
BeehiveFeature Launched: Aug 31, 2006About: A forum for readers to post questions and get feedback from the hive, aka the weddingbee community.
When I started looking for my wedding dress, I thought I wanted it to have a few features:
low back
ivory, lightweight fabric
A-line or mermaid
some bling
I was only right on a few counts! I ended up buying Melissa Sweet’s Mila — a light, ivory, silk taffeta mermaid gown with (if you can call the floral piece “bling”) some point of interest besides the beautiful fabric.
What did you set out looking for, and how close were you with the gown you purchased? Compare and contrast pictures are welcome!
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
I guess I should have knocked some wood, because right after my last post on the Flab to Fab series, I was tested and I failed. Sorry to be less than inspiring, but I just have to be honest.
Let’s start with the bad news.
The Food:
It all started last Tuesday, at buffet #1. Buffets are an overeater’s biggest enemy. Being a broke overeater makes it even harder to resist. I mean, c’mon, a seemingly endless sea of gourmet goodies… for free? I ate way too much. Worse, as I was eating, I knew it was wrong. “You don’t need that cake,” I’d say to myself, “you’re not even hungry!” But still I ate it, with shame in my heart. It was the most powerless I’ve felt in the 3 weeks since making this wed-solution. I really let myself down.
So, you’d think I’d learn from it, right? Hold on, as I take you on my downward spiral of diet despair.
We’ve featured the fabulous work of cut out artist Karl Johnson in the past, and today we’re giving away 11×14 traditional bust portraits of the bride and groom, or an 8×10 portrait of the couple together!
Mrs. Piglet, Virginia/OahuAge and Occupation: 28, ConsultantFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Entrepreneur/Fashion Apparel Wholesale ImporterEngagement Date: June 22, 2008Wedding Date: August 2009Venue: Ceremony at the Lanikuhonua Phase II private estate, reception at a historic hotel in WaikikiAbout Me: I'm an East Coast gal with intense road rage and an addiction to romantic comedies, fast food, gadgets, Korean BBQ, and my wiener dog George aka Georgia May. I carry mustard packets in my purse and I love perusing the aisles at discount stores. A self proclaimed shopaholic, I impulsively buy electronics, software, and craft tools; none of which I know how to use. I'm excited to dust
these babies off and immerse myself in DIY projects galore in
preparation for our DW in paradise!
From the get go, we Pigsters both agreed that photography was of utmost importance to us. After scouring photo blogs (best photog list ever) and the Wedding Photo Journalist Association (WPJA), we became dedicated fans of two photographers: Ben Chrisman and Our Labor of Love (OLOL). We were disappointed when we learned that Jesse and Whitney from our OLOL were unavailable on our wedding date, but were elated to find Ben Chrisman! We LOVE the artistry of his photos and his ability to capture raw emotion. My favorite slide show of Ben’s is the wedding he shot in Greece—I am in total awe every time I watch it. He was our first vendor booked, and we cannot wait to work with him in paradise!
We’re definitely sacrificing other aspects of the wedding for Ben, mainly flowers. Who needs flowers when the ocean is your backdrop? We haven’t met him in person, but we cannot wait to spend time with him on our wedding day and during our day after shoot.
No, not that kind of Bedazzle. Although, if I were wearing a sweater that snazzy I’d hope to look a little more cheery.I’m talking about bedazzling myself! With jewelry, natch!
We haven’t met him in person, but we cannot wait to spend time with him on our wedding day and during our day after shoot.
