Mrs. Duckling, San DiegoAge and Occupation: 23, Psychology Grad Student, Youth Diversion Specialist/Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee and an Executive AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Marketing and PR CoordinatorEngagement Date: May 17, 2008Wedding Date: September 2009Venue: Rancho Bernardo InnAbout Me: I'm currently living in Orange County, but planning our wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are a DIY wedding "2fer", as I'm the crafty one and Mr. Ducky is in charge of all of our graphic design and technical aspects. When not wedding planning or reading wedding blogs, I'm attending grad school and rotating between two different jobs to keep things exciting. My favorite things include shoes, Post-Its, Labrador Retrievers, traveling, psychology, delicious food, photography, reading, craft gadgets/supplies, and of course, my wonderful Mr. Ducky!
Last week was Mr. Ducky’s birthday and we decided to go down to San Diego to celebrate with my family. We wanted to go to our wedding venue for dinner since Mr. Ducky won’t be able to be at our tasting, and this was a way for him to try the delicious food and have a special b-day celebration. I’ve mentioned before that I love the rustic elegance of the Rancho Bernardo Inn and all the beautiful gardens and nature that give each space a private feeling.
After dinner we decided to walk down to the ceremony site for fun and so that my brother could see what it looked like.
Mrs. Toucan, BostonAge and Occupation: 25, Full-time Research Assistant, Part-time Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, ActuaryEngagement Date: February 18, 2007Wedding Date: June 7, 2008Blogging Since: November 07, 2007Venue: St. Catherine of Genoa, Jin Asian Cuisine RestaurantAbout Me: I’m a Gemini to the extreme. On one side, I’m a girly girl. I read countless bridal and fashion magazines, and have an obsession with keeping up with the latest Hollywood gossip. On the other side, I’m a sports fanatic. Despite being a full-time bride-to be, full-time research assistant, and part-time student, I’m also a full-time Red Sox fan from spring training to October, and a full-time Patriots fan from mini-camp to February. I devote almost as much time researching my for fantasy football team as researching for our wedding!
On Tuesday, the Mister and I had our Anniversary Photo Session with NY photographer, Chris Chen. Because of all the rain and gloom that had descended on the Northeast of late, we chose an indoor location for our shoot — the beautiful Liberty Hotel.
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!
Once we I had addressed all the international envelopes, Mr. D and I began to assemble the invitation suite. I really shouldn’t call it a suite, because I have seen some of the most amazing invites (many here on Weddingbee!) and ours don’t come close. Our invitations are simply an invitation, an RSVP card, and lastly, a reception card.
The day we were to fly from the USA to England we packed these invitations to be sent from within the UK and we realized that we forgot to include wording about the reception on the invitations. Granted, it should be pretty obvious that people should stay put for drinks, dinner and dancing - but we just wanted to be clear for anyone that could be confused. So, Mr. D hopped on his laptop and designed a mini reception card, which we zinged off to Kinko’s to be picked up after visiting my grandmother and before hopping on the plane. Hello, last minute! Mr. D designed every inch of the suite with minimal input from me. We embossed the invitations, the birds on the RSVP cards, and due to the last minute nature of the reception cards, those were just printed.
To reduce paper and (domestic) postage, we opted for postcard RSVPs. Here is the full “suite”:
Mrs. Star, New York CityAge and Occupation: 22, ActressFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Casting AssistantWedding Date: October 2009Venue: Ceremony: The Kraine Theatre, Reception: Midtown Loft & TerraceAbout Me: I’m a professional actress who’s always had New York City in her blood and I'm finally getting the chance to make a home in Manhattan with my fiancé, my dog, and my big dreams! I love polka dots, craft projects, Dunkin’ Donuts’ iced coffee, and anything sparkly. I’m having a blast planning our elegant/dramatic/New York City/acting-themed/largely-DIY wedding and am thrilled to be the youngest current Miss Blogger!
I thought I’d take the chance to share a few more of our e-pics with you all. We wanted them to be very city and very us. Because our photographer is Sassy Bridesmaid’s best friend, we were pretty sure that he’d do a great job of capturing who we are, but we were still a little nervous about using our first “friendor”.
John of John Martin Photography did an absolutely amazing job. We were so glad because we treated our e-pics as a trial run for the wedding. I think it’s really smart to use your wedding photographer before the wedding so you can get a sense of how he or she shoots, first. It definitely calmed my nerves, knowing that we love his work!
So, without further ado, here they are:
This one is one of my faves because I look so joyful and Mr. Star looks so goofy.
I love this next one because it’s so New York and it looks like someone unseen is just sitting and watching our relationship unfold. Read more…
Today’s guest DIY post comes from Kathy. Kathy shows us how she and her husband made this video to show at their May New York wedding. It’s called Kathy and Rob’s License to Wed… check it out!
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.
Mrs. Apple Cider, New York/CharlotteAge and Occupation: 27, Corporate Communications ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Grad Student – Clinical Mental Health Engagement Date: September 13, 2008Wedding Date: October 2009Venue: Banner Elk Winery & Blueberry VillaAbout Me: I am a North Carolina girl with a New York City spirit. I love crafting, blogging, laughing and dreaming. I know every word to the Anne of Green Gables and Little Women movies. I own every single Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine and have been dreaming of weddings since I was little. I believe life is about doing what makes you happy. If you aren't happy re-evaluate what you are doing. You should never look back on your life and not be proud of what you are doing. If you want to travel - travel. If you want to sing - sing. If you want to start a company - start a company. If you want to blog – blog!
As I have said 100 times, Etsy is a gem in my life and in the lives of so many brides. I made 3 random purchases from Etsy this week and I am not only excited about them but don’t feel at all guilty for going off the “budget plan” for these.
First, these gems from the Etsy Shop of Ay Mujer. I plan to use them at our rehearsal dinner, and just think the mixed colors are so fantastic! The seller takes custom orders. My set of multi-colored flags were only $11 for 1 banner that is 13’ long, with (9) 9″x10″ flags. I bought 3 sets.
Miss Candy Corn, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 27, Freelance Writer, Photographer and IllustratorFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Front End Web DeveloperBlogging Since: May 6, 2008Engagement Date: November 10, 2011Wedding Date: September 2012Venue: Our backyard!About Me: I’m a 27-year-old photographer, writer and illustrator who enjoys shooting weddings, catching typos in magazines, geeking out with Google Reader, watching Wonder Years marathons with my fiancé, and hanging out with our menagerie of pets. I’m an encore bride planning an intimate, offbeat backyard wedding with my fiancé (known around these parts as “The Ginger”), as we explore our adventures of homeownership.
I know I’m not the only one who was shaken up by yesterday’s news that Michael Jackson had suddenly passed away. I remember sneaking into my older brother’s closet when I was little and discovering his instructional booklet on how to moonwalk, which I thought was just about the coolest thing ever (that was before I discovered layering neon socks). Despite my love for M.J., I’ve always been a little bit terrified of the Thriller video, but this past Halloween I faced my fears (and dancing phobia) and learned part of the Thriller dance for our friend’s wedding. My friends and I persuaded the entire wedding party to surprise the happy couple with a dance routine, but once we actually started practicing in living rooms, the enthusiasm died down and we were left with only four of us (including Mr. Candy Corn, who so graciously volunteered to take on the role of Michael). I even found a Thriller-riffic jacket from Target that I styled with some black duct tape to add that extra touch to our “performance”. We had our friend and fellow bridal party member videotape the dance, but unfortunately he hit the wrong button and managed to leave us without any blackmail in the form of a YouTube video.
We practiced in the basement of the mansion one last time before heading to the tent and surprising everyone with our zombie moves. Right about now is when I was wishing we had invested in a fog machine to make us look a little less… uhm… sad. Read more…
Mrs. Mascara, Chicago/Upper MichiganAge and Occupation: 25, Biomedical EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Process EngineerEngagement Date: July 27, 2008Wedding Date: September 2009Venue: Catholic ceremony, reception at local armoryAbout Me: A lover of Mr. Mascara, crafting, baking, Gossip Girl, diet soda, and all things wedding. A Yooper girl somehow displaced in the Chicago suburbs, planning a wedding from a distance, and counting down the days until I marry my best friend.
I am still debating whether or not to make the boutonnieres for the groomsmen or just get fresh ones from the florist. It’s not really about the cost; our quote is for $10 each, which is pretty reasonable. I’m just worried that I’ll make them and then regret it when I see the pictures. I don’t intend on making one for the groom—his will have dahlias to match my bouquet and will be made by the florist. Of course I can give her matching ribbon to tie them all together, but I’m worried they won’t look right with a mixture of fresh and fake flowers.
Mrs. Bunny, ColumbusAge and Occupation: 24, Associate Editor/ReporterFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, ReporterEngagement Date: September 23, 2008Wedding Date: July 2009Venue: Everal Barn, WestervilleAbout Me: Organized, but messy. I love art (all kinds). I don't have any secrets. I talk a lot and listen even more. I show love by baking. I'm timid by nature, but brave when it counts.
Mr. Bunny and I work at competing weekly newspapers, which makes it a little interesting trying to describe our work joys and frustrations without giving away too much before the paper comes out. In spite of that little hurdle, we've managed to build a pretty solid relationship in the short one-and-a-half years we will have been together when we tie the knot. I can't wait!
Mr. Bunny and I are a week away from our wedding, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than hang out with you on BeeTV!
After my makeupseriesran, I decided to purchase a couple of the popular products I’ve been hearing so much about — Dior Blackout waterproof mascara, the Nars Multiple in Orgasm, and a lipstain.
Sunday night at 8 p.m. EST I’ll be on BeeTV live to review the products, take questions and just hang out and chat.
Hope you can join me!
Mrs. Joey, SeattleAge and Occupation: 28, Project Administrator for Public Health NGOFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, High School History TeacherEngagement Date: June 24, 2008Wedding Date: August 2009Venue: Eastside Catholic Chapel and Lake Union CafeAbout Me: I'm a Seattle girl through and through except for the fact that I don't drink coffee. I love my job most of the time because I get to travel and work with brilliant people who are trying to prevent Malaria. I love DIY projects of all sorts, cooking, and watching sports. I'd wear anything at Anthropologie and could spend all day on Etsy. I love to travel but shouldn't because I always get myself into unbelievable situations!
Mr. Joey and I both lived in Russia. Actually, I take that back. I lived in Russia and Mr. Joey lived in the U.S.S.R. in the early 1980s. His dad had a one year teaching fellowship at Moscow State University in 1982 or 1983, and the whole family moved there.
Mr. Joey and I have different feelings about Russia. I loved it and would go back any day. He’s not too fond of it. All he remembers is lots of snow, lots of cabbage, and lots of strange days in a Soviet kindergarten. I think everyone but FFIL Joey feels that way about their time in Moscow.
I bring this up because of the groom’s cake we’re not doing. I thought about doing a groom’s pie, since Mr. Joey doesn’t like cake, but he said it wasn’t necessary and he wasn’t sure he wanted one.
I was fine with his decision until FMIL Joey sent me an email with fun cakes from Russian bakers. These are my favorites…
Nancy @ Nancy Liu Chin Designs, San FranciscoVendor: FloristWebsite: Nancy Liu Chin DesignsAbout Me: A San Francisco native, Nancy graduated from the University of California - Berkeley's Haas Business School where she studied finance and marketing. Beyond running her floral studio, Nancy is a huge fan of Top Chef, loves to travel to exotic locations, is an avid reader of contemporary fiction and considers herself on Team Edward (Twilight fan!), entertains friends in her loft style home in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood, and can be found at SF Giant's home games. Nancy and her husband, Kevin are a dynamic pair and can be frequently seen walking their white Bichon Frisee, Chin Chin around the city and lounging at cafes sipping Italian sodas.
In the next post of the Real Grooms Series, I asked our resident “groom”, Danny Lai, to give his advice on what really matters most during those hectic yet important planning stages of the wedding. Danny tells me that the best advice you can get (regarding what matters most during the planning and the actual wedding) are from people who planned their own wedding. Of course, we all know that each experience is unique and different but it sure is refreshing to hear a male’s perspective. Don’t you agree? Here’s Danny answering the question - What’s important during the planning stage of a wedding?”
Advice will vary, depending on who is giving it, especially depending whether it’s a bride or groom. As a newlywed groom, I learned some important lessons while helping to plan my own wedding, and thought it would be useful to share. These are my opinions only, my simple thoughts on what was actually important to us. Read more…
Real WeddingsAbout: The real weddings of weddingbee readers.
Today in Jade and Ron’s Real Wedding Series, Jade gives us a step by step tutorial for creating monogrammed table numbers!
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It’s fun to be creative with your table numbers! Since I was on a budget, I didn’t want to spend too much on my table numbers, so I printed mine at home and decided to make a fun project out of it.
Materials:
8 1/2×11 Cardstock
Decorative Paper - buy textured paper—the texture adds some interest to your print. You can buy it at Hobby Lobby or any craft store.
Mrs. French Bulldog, Orange CountyAge and Occupation: 28, Administrative Assistant & Interior Design StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Purchasing AnalystEngagement Date: November 8, 2008Wedding Date: August 2009Venue: Bernardo WineryAbout Me: I've lived in Atlanta, Dallas and Laguna Niguel; although I've lived in Orange County, CA most my life, I'm a Southerner at heart. I work full time for a Commercial General Contractor (aka my father) and I go to school for Interior Design at night. I love modern design, music, wine, crafting, DMailing, my family, my Westies, and of course, Mr Frenchie! Mr Frenchie and I met 3 years ago on Match.com and have been best friends ever since. I love his "old soul" and how he laughs with his whole body, among many other things. We are planning our summer wedding at the winery near his hometown, just 45 minutes south of Orange County.
When I went for my dress alterations appointment with Mathab I noticed something while I was standing there admiring my dress. My feet HURT! I brought two pairs of shoes with me. One was a light yellow pair of Calvin Klein pumps I’ve worn several times before and the other was my new pair of dancing shoes.
I’ve danced in these shoes for a couple weeks now. I think I finally “broke them in” this week, but they still hurth while I was just standing there in Mahtab’s studio. I’m going to be doing a lot of “just standing there” during our ceremony and I really don’t want to be worrying about my toesies while I’m saying my vows. So, while I was standing there I daydreamed about a pretty pair of Cole Haan Nike Air shoes I’d seen months ago. Read more…
Mrs. Apple Cider, New York/CharlotteAge and Occupation: 27, Corporate Communications ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Grad Student – Clinical Mental Health Engagement Date: September 13, 2008Wedding Date: October 2009Venue: Banner Elk Winery & Blueberry VillaAbout Me: I am a North Carolina girl with a New York City spirit. I love crafting, blogging, laughing and dreaming. I know every word to the Anne of Green Gables and Little Women movies. I own every single Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine and have been dreaming of weddings since I was little. I believe life is about doing what makes you happy. If you aren't happy re-evaluate what you are doing. You should never look back on your life and not be proud of what you are doing. If you want to travel - travel. If you want to sing - sing. If you want to start a company - start a company. If you want to blog – blog!
I decided to order rubber stamps to use on a lot of different wedding elements (some determined, and some yet to be determined!). I am so please with them that I wanted to write about them.
I decided to order the birds separate from the tree so I could change the colors of ink/embossing powder if I wanted to! Read more…
