Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
Just like Miss P Chips, I also had an inspirational issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. Mine was the Martha Stewart Weddings - Summer 2009. That issue was so packed with bright color and DIY goodness I had dogeared and worn corners in no time. The biggest inspiration that came from that issue was flowers. I already knew that I wanted to carry dahlias. I kinda figured my girls would, too. That is until I saw the fabric and crepe paper bouquet created by Laurie Cinotto on the pages of MSW.
Mrs. Mouse, AustinAge and Occupation: 25, Weddingbee Editor/AttorneyFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Civil EngineerEngagement Date: December 19, 2007Wedding Date: September 2009Venue: Barr MansionAbout Me: I just graduated from law school and will be taking the bar, getting married, going on a honeymoon with my guy, and then trying to figure out what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. I was born and raised in a small East Texas town, but I'm no country girl! I'm obsessed with British accents, fantasy (including Harry Potter, of course), and classic rock. My fiance and I consider ourselves both music and beer snobs--but every once in awhile we love to hear a crappy band and drink a cheap brew or two. We're planning an eco-friendly, casual, English garden affair for the end of summer, and we can't wait for it to get here!
Sure, we were sad to leave Santorini. It truly felt like paradise. (Well, paradise where you can’t flush paper down the toilet, but paradise nonetheless.) But we were so excited to hop on our first ferry to Naxos!
We arrived just in time to see the sun setting over the Temple to Apollo. Kind of apropos, since he was the sun god after all.
Mrs. Pudding, Greater Toronto Area/VermontAge and Occupation: 26, High School TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Computer EngineerEngagement Date: August 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Ceremony, Cultural Hall ReceptionAbout Me: Quite literally a citizen of the world, I was born in Poland, grew up in Canada, and now live in the beautiful state of Vermont. I love reading historical biographies, multi-tasking, teasing my hair, and, despite my height, wearing high heeled shoes. I am the ultimate klutz with an uncanny ability to put on a graceful front. Mr. Pudding and I have been dating for over six years, and are very excited to finally merge our (very large) families. We are planning a traditional Polish-Catholic wedding that is anything but predictable.
Just like many little girls out there, I had been thinking about the romantic moment when the man of my dreams would propose to me for a long, long time. I knew that Mr. Pudding had purchased a ring way back in June of 2008, so I was certain that an engagement was coming at some point during the summer. But as June, July, and most of August went by, I was getting more and more impatient.
The time before an engagement is a scary, scary time for a woman. Being a bit of a traditional girl, I wanted him to do the asking. Because of this, the independent, strong, decision making female in me was raging! For the first time in my life, I felt like I had no control over my life! I really was an emotional mess. Mr. P and I had been dating for over 5 years, and I felt like I needed the ring to cement our relationship. I was caught between telling all of my friends and relatives (who were all getting engaged before me) how much I didn’t care about being engaged, and internally feeling like maybe I wasn’t worthy of the “honour” (believe me, I know that this is completely irrational). Can any of you “waiting” gals relate?
Because of my clear emotional imbalance, Mr. P had told me that he had some problems with the ring. Read more…
ClassifiedsFeature Launched: April 30, 2008About: A roundup of the best Weddingbee Classified listings.
Mrs. Rainbow, TampaAge and Occupation: 22, Makeup ArtistFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Electrical Engineer/ProgrammerEngagement Date: November 27, 2008Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Gamble PlantationAbout Me: I'm a quirky (and slightly Type-A) freelance makeup artist who was born in Washington State, raised in Alabama, and now living with my one and only in sunny Florida. I'm fashion and beauty obsessed, and have recently discovered my inner domestic diva extraordinaire. I'm a wannabe chef, decorating addict, and trying desperately to be as crafty as possible---albeit only with a glue gun. I'm hopelessly in love with my fiance, and all things sparkly and feathery. Despite the glittery exterior, I'm a total hippie on the inside. When I'm not making up pretty faces, I love doing what I can to help people, animals, and the environment. Someday the FI and I will change the world, but first we're tackling our modern-vintage-Marie-Antoinette-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland inspired wedding. I just can't wait to be Mrs. Rainbow!
Since I’ve become a bee, I’ve gotten quite a few requests from the hive about doing some makeup tutorials, so of course, I will gladly oblige!
When I do makeup, I never ever ever complete an application without false eyelashes. They add so much pop to the eyes. It’s especially important when you’re planning on being in front of the camera, which we all will be on our wedding day. Most of the time, natural lashes just disappear on camera, unless of course, you’re rocking the “spider lashes”…
… just don’t do it. That said, more often than not, when I’m applying lashes to someone, I hear “I’ve tried so many times but I just canNOT put lashes on myself.” Well have no fear, ladies, cause I’ve got a little trick for you! Let’s start from the beginning. Here are the tools that you’ll need:
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.
Thursday I got the call of all calls––my wedding dress was in! Sadly, I couldn’t get over there on Thursday to even look at it, so I had to wait an ENTIRE day. It was grueling. Then, Friday I had lunch plans with co-workers and couldn’t sneak over on my lunch break, so I had to wait until the end of the day. But I made it and was so ecstatic about seeing my dress!
You may remember that I was a mean bee and left all of you all hanging with no decision on which dress I chose. I promised that as soon as it came in I would update everyone. It felt like forever waiting on my dress. In fact, in the time that it took for my dress to come in, my bridal consultant had a baby. Granted, she was like 4 months along when she helped me, but still! A baby was born during the time it took for my dress to be made!
So, are you ready? This is the part where I’m supposed to tell Mr. Fro Yo to avert his eyes, but I’m going to be honest: he never reads my posts. So there’s no need. Read more…
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.
Mrs. Lamb, NorfolkAge and Occupation: 25, Homeland Security ConsultantFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: January 2009Wedding Date: January 2010Venue: Trinity Presbyterian Church/Harrison Opera HouseAbout Me: I’m a Homeland Security Consultant with a tendency towards pulling office pranks, taking lunch breaks, and drinking Wawa shakes. I’m also an English major with a serious obsession with alliteration and rhymes. While I’m not keeping America safe, I’m training for half marathons and the Escape from Alcatraz swim. Or moving for the third time this year. Or baking. Or wedding crafting. Or crying about wedding planning. All the while, I’m getting myself into Lucille Ball-esque scrapes and making Jim Carey-esque faces. Our big fat Czech/Baptist/Jewish/Italian wedding is a combination of vintage eclectic, DIY, and little spoonful of sugar from our Event Coordinator. It’s going to be a Norfolk flavored wedding with the verve of an only-daughter-blow-out bash!
The last time Ewe Mother was visiting me, we decided to combine the visit with a hair and makeup trial. I started with my hair down and a clean face, like a good little lamb.
I had a few pictures of inspiration that revolved mostly around old Hollywood styling, similar to Lauren Bacall’s hair that I added to my overall look inspiration. Read more…
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!
Would it be weird to buy a cake topper for a wedding that happened two years ago? Yeah. That would be weird. Hopefully, I can live vicariously through you. Somebody HAS to get one of these. They are too awesome to pass up. Check out Over The Top Studios here.
Mrs. Trail Mix, New YorkAge and Occupation: 26, PE TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, MBA StudentEngagement Date: March 2009Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: Tannery Pond at the Darrow SchoolAbout Me: I'm a country girl who somehow found herself living in the Big Apple and loving every minute of it. I'm planning a rustic, country-chic wedding in my hometown in upstate New York and it's going to be a Party with a capital P. White wine, flea markets and running keep me happy and my friends, family and fiance are my world. I'm a little bit crafty, a little bit crazy but mostly just crazy in love.
I’ve received this question from a few people, either those who read the blog and noticed my mention of it in a previous post or from the many many friends and family whose ears I talk off about the wedding (I know I’m obsessed, I’m sorry!). Anyways, the anniversary dance is one of the sweetest traditions I’ve found during all my research online. I had never heard of it before I started reading (stalking) wedding blogs but once I found it, I knew it had to be done at our wedding. Read more…
Mrs. Parfait, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 26, TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Senior Online ConsultantEngagement Date: February 14, 2009Wedding Date: April 2010Venue: Signature EventsAbout Me: I have a soft spot for all things sweet and romantic. Desserts, love songs, sappy movies? Yes, yes, and ohh yes. My fiance and I enjoy singing to our dogs, creating crazy ice cream sundaes, and generally being lovey dovey cuddle bunnies. We also do socially acceptable things like dancing, throwing Frisbees, playing high stakes board games, and taking unreasonably fun road-trips. We're planning a Korean/Serbian wedding with plenty of playful, personal touches!
Have you seen *The Perfect* wedding flowers? Not yet? Well then, allow me to share them with you!
I am always sighing over the creations of the Weddingbee PROs. But my heart went knock knock (name that song!) when I saw this post by Kristin of The Treasured Petal. Ever since then, they’ve remained in my mind as *The Perfect* wedding florals… at least for our wedding. Read more…
Weddingbee GalleryFeature Launched: April 10, 2009About: A collection of inspirational wedding pictures from readers and bees.
RedPomegranate and her husband now sport gorgeous rings.
Keep on loading your inspirational wedding pics to the gallery to see them featured here on the blog! Remember, your images must be under 1MB in size, or they won’t load.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
It wasn’t lost on me how ironic it was that I, a self professed low maintenance girl, fell in love with THE classic Tiffany engagement ring. When Mr Pretzel and I finally visited Tiffany & Co together we had a lot of fun with the sales associate, Amy. She said hands down I was the easiest future fiance she had worked with. My requirements were simple:
The Tiffany Setting, with a brilliant round cut diamond not to exceed .5 carats in size. That’s all. Color, Clarity? Well, if they carry it – it’s good for me (Tiffany & Co only carries diamonds above a certain threshold. For example, I is the lowest color rating that they will carry).
Source: Tiffany & Co
Pretty simple. He could decide what color or clarity rating was important to him. The size thing though, I was pretty firm about that. We looked at sizes from .45 to .5 and any of them were fine. Read more…
Mrs. Deviled Egg, PittsburghAge and Occupation: 27, Public RelationsFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, AccountingEngagement Date: December 24, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: October 21, 2008Venue: Historic auditorium and meeting hall in one of Pittsburgh's commuter citiesAbout Me: I am obsessed with all things crafty, especially scrapbooking, knitting, jewelry-making & cake decorating. I also love being an aunt, wrapping presents, watching football (Go Steelers!), shopping at yard sales and consignment stores, procrastinating, singing and learning to play the guitar. When it comes to wedding planning, I'm excited about working on DIY projects and finding creative ways to stay under budget. Of course, nothing is more exciting to me than knowing that the wonderful Mr. Deviled Egg will be my husband.
Wow! It’s been a while since I posted! I’m still waiting to get my pro pictures on a CD so I can start my recaps, but I found some forgotten pictures on my iPhone for a couple of projects I worked on the week of the wedding. First up: Personalized Matchboxes!
This was just one little detail that was completely unnecessary, but done because I knew there would be quite a few cigar smokers in attendance at the wedding.
I purchased my plain, white matchboxes from efavormart.com.
To decorate them, I started by cutting paper rectangles to a size slightly smaller than the top surface. The dimension of the matchbox is 2” X 1 1/2 “, so I made mine just smaller in order to have a white border. I used the leftover green paper from when I made belly bands for our invites.
Once I cut out the rectangles, I stamped a small circle with black ink on to each. The stamps used in this project were from a $1 bin at Michaels.
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!
Here we are, 21 months later and I’m finally able to say that today is my wedding day! I can’t believe its here, and even as I sit in a hotel room with my big beautiful white dress hanging next to me, it still hasn’t fully hit me.
To the hive—thank you for your amazing support and every single word of encouragement and love you have sent my way. It has truly been an honor to share my journey with you, and I still have so much to share (funny how time just kept running out in the in the past few weeks!). Hang in there with me and I will have a lot more to show you as the wait for recaps begin! I really just cannot imagine where I would be without all of your ideas and feedback! Are there really brides out there who never find the ‘bee and make it to the altar while still sane? Because I would not have been one crazy gal had it not been for all of you!
To the bees- I consider it an honor and privilege to blog with you all! You are amazing ladies, and your support (especially in the past few days) has been incredible and means more to me then you will ever know! Read more…
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
