Mrs. Cloud, RichmondAge and Occupation: 25, Sales RepFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Customer Service Manager/DJEngagement Date: February 14, 2008Wedding Date: November 2009Venue: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart & The Jefferson HotelAbout Me: Mr. Cloud and I are Yankees planning a Southern wedding to show our families from Boston and New York our fabulous city. We are complete opposites, resulting in a wedding to include bridesmaids in pearls and groomsmen in Adidas shell toes. I’m a sorority girl at heart with strong addictions to my blackberry, cherry Chapstick, Coach purses, the Boston Red Sox and our fur baby, Bella. I can’t wait to the throw the party of our lives and of course, marry my best friend!
In an attempt to get ahead on some wedding tasks, I decided to take advantage of a weekend off of work and get started on our programs. The cathedral we are getting married in has been pretty relaxed on most things, but the program is another story. It’s pretty non-negotiable; we were given a template of information that had to be included. A four page booklet, to be exact. I had already decided the design I wanted to go with, but had really been dreading sitting down to type it all up.
But, being a good little bride, I went ahead and started knocking it out. I stopped with about a page and a half to go, and mistakenly left the template we were given on the coffee table. The coffee table that our fur baby can easily reach. Who knew church paper tasted so good.
Miss Fondue, NashvilleAge and Occupation: 27, Technical AnalystFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Network Admin Student/Senior Game AdvisorEngagement Date: December 25, 2007Wedding Date: May 2009Blogging Since: September 14, 2008Venue: Ravenwood Golf ClubAbout Me: I’m your average computer geek marrying a gaming geek and trying to find a good balance of elegance and geek chic in our wedding. I adore The Sims, Nintendo, cosplay, (good) music, TiVo, theme parks, and our two crazy felines.
When the ex-Mr. Fondue and I were discussing our honeymoon, I was really pushing a trip to Europe. Neither of us had ever been, and it was a dream of mine to go, especially to France and Italy. But he vetoed this, his reason being that he wanted to relax, not go sightseeing on our honeymoon. We decided on Costa Rica instead, although nothing ever got officially booked (thankfully).
One of the first things I did when we split was book a trip to Europe. My mom expressed interest in coming, since she had also never been and my dad had no interest in joining her overseas, so I invited her along. We planned to go to Paris and then head down to Italy to visit Lake Como, Venice, and Florence. Some of you may be planning your honeymoons in one or more of these locations, so hopefully you can garnish some good tips from my tale.
So, in the beginning of June, we headed on our journey. My dad drove us to the airport. We had a brief layover in Charlotte before the nearly nine-hour flight to Paris. I was excited to be on a big plane, since this was the first time I’d ever been on one with two aisles. Unfortunately, we were seated in the center section. I was really hoping for a window to catch my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, but c’est la vie. It was an overnight flight, since we left around 3PM Charlotte time and arrived around 8AM Paris time. Read more…
Sabrina & Eunice Moyle, San Francisco, CAVendor: Invitations & StationeryWebsite: Hello! LuckyAbout Me: We (sisters Eunice and Sabrina Moyle) started Hello!Lucky in 2003 out of Eunice's garage with a hand-cranked Vandercook printing press. Since then we've created whimsical stationery and greeting card designs for almost every occasion, including wedding invitations, save the dates, thank you notes, and a line of hilarious sock monkey cards! We love crafting, flea marketing, fashion, travel, and all things paper. We're based San Francisco with a studio in London, so we're immersed in design trends from around the world!
Thanks to Christina Loff at Chronicle Books for sharing the adorable photos from her friends Julie & Joe’s wedding. Our favorite details were these embroidered table number flags — in Christina’s words, they gave the wedding a “shipwreck feel” - appropriate, since it was on the beach!
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!
So… I know. I said I was back… and then I was gone again. The truth is, while you’re waiting for your pro pics, it’s hard to feel like you have anything to say! I just started a new job, and I admit that I’ve lost some serious blog time. Miss Cowboy Boot’s recent post about Mr. CB’s ring reminded me that I needed to fill you all in on Mr. D’s ring saga. Yes. Saga.
So, here is a tip: purchase your wedding bands in advance. That means ALL of them. We kept holding off on Mr. D’s wedding band in the hopes I’d be hired with a paycheck in hand to purchase his ring. I really just did not want to put the charge on my credit card, but in holding off, the window of time for a ring to arrive on time was getting smaller and smaller.
I tweeted to see if anyone had any advice on where to buy Mr. D’s ring, since he was only searching for a simple white gold, 4mm band. Mrs. Tiramisu recommended I check out IWeddingband.com, which oddly enough, has very similar font to Weddingbee! It was a sign!
Mrs. Moonbeam, Los Angeles/San AntonioAge and Occupation: 26, Intern ArchitectFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Studio Analyst, aspiring ScreenwriterEngagement Date: May 20, 2009Wedding Date: November 2009Venue: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (LaCoste, TX) and Mary Gray Events Center (Castroville, TX)About Me: I was born and raised in Texas, but after college I moved to Seattle for a couple of years and loved it. Then I followed my beau out here to LA and we're getting settled in. I've been making things since I can remember. I was raised by crafters. I love to sew, draw, paint, build, cook, bake (anything with a tangible end result is fair game). In that same spirit, I've been hosting since I was old enough to cook and set a fancy table. I kind of take after my grandmother, who believes that your morning OJ always tastes better out of the good crystal.
I’ve seen this on some blogs somewhere (I can’t remember where), but I loved the simplicity of this idea.
So… clearly I go to PaperSource too often. But those bags are certainly pretty enough to reuse. Read more…
Mrs. Ramen, PhoenixAge and Occupation: 26, Optometry StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Industrial DesignerEngagement Date: January 3, 2009Wedding Date: December 19, 2009Venue: Phoenix Art MuseumAbout Me: I'm an SF-born, Seattle-raised girl, transplanted to Phoenix where I'll be getting married, and planning all the way from Orange County where I go to school (yes, it feels as crazy as it sounds). I loooooove Yogurtland, am slightly very obsessed with all things paper, am heavily addicted to wedding blogs, deeply desire a puppy, thoroughly enjoy cooking, cry when I watch (almost all) movies, thrive on solo car-karaoke, can't stop being sarcastic, am neurotic about taking pictures of almost everything I eat before I eat it, and aspire to travel the world. My super-talented fiance and I are attempting to DIY a majority of our massive (~350 guests) "clean & modern, yet romantic, but completely unexpected, with a teeny dash of vintage" wedding, stay within our not-so-massive budget, and somehow get a really luxe (but still fun!) look/feel at the same time. In music terms (since we're both really into music) think Coldplay meets Motown meets Kanye meets Sinatra.
I think one of the most frustrating things about planning this wedding is feeling a little bit alone. I mean, I’m not so self-centered that I expect everyone else’s life to revolve around me, or our wedding. But sometimes, you just want some support, you know? I’m not even talking about some physical help, but to know that people actually care about what’s going on with my LIFE. Not just the wedding. Because my life is so much more than just one day. While support from the wedding blogging community (because I know we all go through this) is nice, it’s just not what I’m left wanting.
Sure, the wedding is important to me. I’m excited for it! It’s a big day! But… what happens when it’s over? Will anyone have anything to say to me? Will I have anything left to say to anyone else?
I think the thing that all brides battle is becoming so obsessed with planning the wedding that we forget that life doesn’t just end when we get the ring. I don’t want to be at a loss with all the “free time” I’ll have after the wedding (although I’m sure school will make sure I don’t have too many of those moments). I don’t want to dwell on the “what ifs” and “wish I hads” of wedding regret. I want to be able to smoothly move on into married life, and I don’t want my friends to say, “I’m so glad you’re back!” Read more…
Mrs. Gummi Bear, San FranciscoAge and Occupation: 25, Japanese Importer/IllustratorFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Game Developer/ProgrammerEngagement Date: April 15, 2006Wedding Date: October 13, 2007Blogging Since: June 19, 2007Venue: Organic farm an hour from San FranciscoAbout Me: I live for anthropologie, design blogs, sweets, japanese zakka, and vintage goods. We just bought our first home together and live with our two puppies and cat - it's a strange mixture of vintage, high-tech (we have 7 computers and 21 video game systems in all), and a whole lot of fur. Our wedding tries to embody the Japanese idea of "slow life", which is truly taking the time to enjoy food, company, and your environment!
After the wedding I had my dress cleaned, put it neatly in a bag, and then threw it on the floor in the back of my closet, heaped into a little pile. I thought I might sell it one day, but Mr. GB is sentimental and doesn’t want me to. I’m not attached to much; even cards that I give to Mr. GB I hand to him with the trash bag in hand so that after he reads it, I can toss it. I’m sweet, I know.
Well, when Mr. GB and I decided to move, my friend Lydia exclaimed that she would love to take photos in our soon to be empty flat because the light in the unit is amazing. It’s true—the light is very nice, but I hate photos… but I like Lydia more than I hate photos. Ah, the downside of having friends and people you like—you’re willing to do things you dislike in order to make them happy or help them out. Reluctantly, I pulled out my neglected dress, prayed to the heavens that it would fit, and dragged my unwilling body in front of her camera to let her steal my soul.
Although I hate photos of myself, Lydia always manages to make me not look completely stupid, although mildly stupid cannot be helped. And it doesn’t hurt that Frances is the cutest dog ever.
Mrs. Frozen Yogurt, DallasAge and Occupation: 28, Special Projects CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Equity TraderEngagement Date: March 19, 2009Wedding Date: April 2010Venue: Marie Gabrielle, DallasAbout Me: I was born and raised in Texas, and have lived in several of the cities across the state, but I currently reside in Austin. I went to college in Boston and have a special place in my heart for the Northeast. I love reading, shopping, wine, reuniting with college friends that are scattered across the country, reality TV, trying out new recipes, and attempting all the DIY projects that come along with wedding planning. I'm a "bleeding heart, save the world type" and thankfully my job allows me to work on legislation and policy to help out those in need. I met Mr. Frozen Yogurt in a bar, though he doesn't even drink! And now we are planning a modern yet vintage wedding in Dallas while dealing with the trials and tribulations of first time homeownership.
Mr. Fro Yo and I started thinking about what we wanted for the ceremony and went through the logistics of what might be possible at an outdoor wedding. We liked the unity candle, but feared that wind would blow it out, so we moved on. We also liked the sand ceremony, but we would have to bring our own table to the ceremony, and that sounded like a lot of work (yes, apparently I’m that lazy). I researched a little more and found out about hand fasting.
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!
I really liked the way our invitations turned out, but if I could do it over again (and had a load of cash to spend on postage, or only 30 guests), I would swipe this idea.
Photographer Jessica Claire (known in the photography world for the invention of the Shootsac) DIYed these beauties for her own wedding.
I almost drooled on my keyboard when I saw them. No lie.
Mrs. Stiletto, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 26, Non-Profit/FundraisingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Engineer and PhotographerEngagement Date: March 2, 2008Wedding Date: September 2009Venue: The 19th Century ClubAbout Me: My fiance and I love living in the city of Chicago with our cats Basil and Linus, and vow to never move to the suburbs if we can possibly avoid it! We’ve poured ourselves into planning a wedding that reflects our personal style - modern and high contrast with a vintage twist. Blogging keeps me creative, baking keeps me happy, and grande nonfat no foam sugar free vanilla lattes keep me sane.
The programs are done!!! Well, almost. But half the hurdle is deciding what you want to do, designing it, printing it, cutting the paper, and then putting it all together. As of right now, half of our programs are completely done, and the rest are ready to be assembled. Not too shabby, eh?
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.
Although, our 7th grade sway left a lot to be desired. Read more…
Mrs. Sunbeam, San Francisco/Grove City, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Grad Student & Office ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Motion DesignerEngagement Date: May 10, 2008Wedding Date: September 2009Venue: Harbison Chapel & The Maple Lane FarmAbout Me: Mr. Sunbeam and I are high school sweethearts. We both come from a small town in PA but are growing to love the California lifestyle. He loves wine and I love cheese... the perfect combination! When I'm not drooling over wedding blogs, I'm attending grad school, out being a foodie, or attempting to "walk" our cat at the park. Two things guaranteed to excite me are wedding cakes and breaking out my suitcase to travel. Mr. Sunbeam and I are personalizing our hometown wedding to celebrate our high school sweetheart status and PA roots with a few CA touches. After ten years of dating we couldn't be more excited to call each other husband and wife!
Like many of you, we too loved cakes A & D. We spent an hour or so in Photoshop trying to combine them and wouldn’t you know it.. we were left with cake C!
Mr. Sunbeam felt the off-centered lace pattern of the cake looked a little more modern, and I was a big fan of the flowers sprinkled around the cake. I was smitten by the fact that the cakes with the lace on the bottom tier very closely reflected the lace on my dress, and I also loved the petal shaped tier, which is why we didn’t lean towards your favorite, cake B. Read more…
Mrs. Moonbeam, Los Angeles/San AntonioAge and Occupation: 26, Intern ArchitectFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Studio Analyst, aspiring ScreenwriterEngagement Date: May 20, 2009Wedding Date: November 2009Venue: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (LaCoste, TX) and Mary Gray Events Center (Castroville, TX)About Me: I was born and raised in Texas, but after college I moved to Seattle for a couple of years and loved it. Then I followed my beau out here to LA and we're getting settled in. I've been making things since I can remember. I was raised by crafters. I love to sew, draw, paint, build, cook, bake (anything with a tangible end result is fair game). In that same spirit, I've been hosting since I was old enough to cook and set a fancy table. I kind of take after my grandmother, who believes that your morning OJ always tastes better out of the good crystal.
Mrs. Chick, HoustonAge and Occupation: 28, Rights and Reproduction ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Computer ProgrammerEngagement Date: November 15, 2008Wedding Date: April 2010Venue: A farm outside of HoustonAbout Me: Mr. Chick and I met almost ten years ago at Baker Blues, a college jazz party. He was attracted to my intensity, and I was mesmerized by his trivia pursuit skills and his dorm furniture adorned with his initials. We've grown more sophisticated through the years, with our love of wine, owning a house together, and parenthood (of a cat), but we have not lost our silliness or childish sense of humor!
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
Source: Weddingbee
Ms. Apple Cider had a fantastic invitation suite, and my major takeaway is this wood-embossed paper. I’m thinking I’ll purchase it from here.
