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’m a sensitive girl. I cry at commercials and take things too personally. I know this about myself (self-awareness is a biotch!) but it’s not an easy character trait to change. I’m working on it but I’ve got a long way to go.
So you’ll understand why I cried when I found out another one of my bridesmaids won’t be able to attend my shower. Read more…
Mrs. Labrador Retriever, Athens/SavannahAge and Occupation: 24, Student/Sports ReporterFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Physical Therapy Assistant Student/Future Dr. of PT
Engagement Date: December 31, 2008Wedding Date: November 2009Venue: Whitfield Square/Savannah StationAbout Me: I'm working on my second degree from UGA (Go Dawgs!). I'm a self-proclaimed attention-w****. If it involves a camera, I'm in front of it! You'll never meet a girlier tomboy than me. I can go toe to toe with any guy on the subject of college football, and lift more than any girl in my gym, all without chipping a nail. I hope to someday be the only person you want delivering your sports news. My FI and I are the loving parents of three Labrador Retrievers (one of each color) and are planning a "Southern Romantic Charm" wedding in the beautiful, historic city of Savannah. I'm not extreme in anything except moderation... and wedding planning.
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for. Recaps… commence!
We woke up bright and early the day before the wedding to fight over bathrooms (6 girls in a condo with 2 bathrooms!) while getting ready for the bridesmaids’ tea party I had organized.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been fascinated by tea parties. My curiosity peaked when I read the classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
So it was only natural that I treated my girls to a tea party before the wedding! I sent out invites requesting that everyone dress up in “their best frocks and floppy hats”. Read more…
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.
So, we’ve chatted about my makeup trial, and now it’s time to talk about the hair. I was conflicted y’all. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I normally wear my hair down pretty much all the time, so naturally that’s what I thought I should do for the wedding. But then there was chatter about how it would look more elegant if I wore it up. Then there’s the fact that I’m hot by nature, my hair is naturally curly, and Texas can be humid. I was worried that by the end of the night I would look a little something like this:
Source (sorry Serena err… Blake, I love you, I really do)
But I still had to see what I might look like with my hair mostly down, so Erin obliged and here’s what we came up with:
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.
I am all about ditching elements that might make our wedding and reception have too formal of a feel. Formal Dinner? Nope! Champagne toast? Not on your life. Escort cards and assigned seating? No way. (I shed a little tear on that one because of the great DIY ideas swimming in my head) Silverware?
Hummmm… Silverware. I never really gave it much thought until we received our first quote from our catering company. I was skimming down the itemized list when my eyes saw that 350 forks would cost us just over $150. My ears perked up… really? I instantly began a conversation with myself. Read more…
Miss Gingham, Portland, ORAge and Occupation: 27, Creative ProducerFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, MerchantEngagement Date: September 10, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: The Barn at Neocoxie CreekAbout Me: I grew up in Washington State and moved to Portland, OR after college (Go Cougs). I work for a rather large sport and fitness company as a Creative Producer where I spend my days bringing stories, athletes and products to life in the digital arena. It was at this company (and actually in the same department), that I met my fiance. We’ve been happily together as a couple for almost 2 years and friends for almost 3. We have a 2 year old Yellow Lab/German Sheppard Mix (he’s gigantic), and live together in our 1940s house that we bought together a little over a year ago. When not at work, you can find me in the gym or on the trails, reading a good book, enjoying Oregon Microbrews, learning how to remodel an old house, trying to acquire a green thumb, figuring out how to cook, watching football and basketball, or doing anything “outdoorsy” – camping, hiking, boating. By the way, I absolutely love country music, cowboy boots, bon fires, small towns, and in general, anything "country", which is why we're planning a down-home, casual, country-themed wedding in an 100 year old barn in the small coastal town where my fiance grew up.
September 10, 2009 started out like any other. I got up, got ready for work with the plan to head down to Gearhart that night to hang out with Mr. Gingham’s parents. This seemed like a logical plan, as we had taken the next day off to head to Vegas, so having a free night with no real commitments the next morning seemed like a great time to go visit his family.
The plan was for me to leave work at 4, head home, grab Chance (my dog) and meet Mr. G outside the building he works in at 5. Again, all of this was a very normal plan. I pick him up at 5 there nearly every day. So, I got the dog and I sat outside waiting for him when I got a text that said, “can you park and come upstairs? I need some help with a box.” Again, this was all very normal. Mr. Gingham often has samples to take home and needs help with boxes. Read more…
ClassifiedsFeature Launched: April 30, 2008About: A roundup of the best Weddingbee Classified listings.
Mrs. Crab Cake, Columbus, GAAge and Occupation: 25, Registered NurseFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Director of Education and Living History for a museumEngagement Date: April 6, 2008Wedding Date: June, 2009Blogging Since: November 26, 2008Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church, reception: National Infantry MuseumAbout Me: I'm a perfectionist trying to balance two jobs, motherhood, my craft obsession, and wedding planning. I am obsessed with all things wedding, especially creative ideas for saving money and DIY projects. A Southern Belle at heart, I love anything southern, especially sweet tea, grits, afternoon thunder storms, crab cakes, and good old Southern hospitality. Mr. Crab Cake and I are planning a vintage inspired wedding with tons of Southern flare (can y'all say that with a thick Southern drawl?).
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!
As I said before, scents have an uncanny ability to bring us back to certain days, times, and even people in our lives. I, personally, have two “signature scents”.
Mrs. Hamster, New York CityAge and Occupation: 28, Finance GalFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Finance GuyEngagement Date: March 9, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Pierre HotelAbout Me: I'm an original Jersey girl living it up in the big NYC! I love baking for others, hosting brunches, and exploring NYC with my mans. Besides Mr. Hamster (of course), I'm attracted to shiny things, bold colors, snacks, matching and coordination, pork and duck fats, miniature versions of things, corny jokes and puns. We are planning a swanky Spring wedding in the heart of NYC, followed by a second reception in Singapore. From one city that never sleeps to another - I can't imagine a more exciting ride!
Little Miss Helpful - gotta love her. OK, so her eagerness to assist in any way possible was a bit grating, but you knew that she genuinely loved helping others. I mean, have this gal choose between a box of cookies or an opportunity to help, and I think you know which option she’d pick. If only she were real instead of, um, a fuchsia illustration, I’d totally be calling her up during the wedding planning process. Read more…
Mrs. Pencils, Washington DC/Frederick, MDAge and Occupation: 24, Program Director, Education Non ProfitFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Administrative Assistant, Ocean Conservation Non ProfitEngagement Date: July 26, 2008Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: Morningside InnAbout Me: I'm a nerdy Northwestern girl who always knew she was meant to live in the East, harboring a deep love of ice cream, underwear, Diet Coke with a splash of Coca-Cola, pashminas, scrapbooking, stationery, wall calendars and books written for preteens. I think every day should include good thin crust pizza, chocolate, an obscure historical monument, lots of laughter, a dash of wedding planning and, of course, amazing Mr. Pencils! I'm loving the adventure of planning a Maryland wedding and Rocky Mountain reception, and most of all, I just love love!
One snowy weekend a while back, I decided to give my ring the glamour photo shoot it’s been asking for (e-rings love to talk, yeah?). I relented and gave in. Our first shoot was attempted using artificial light. I won’t even show you the sad results. Then, inspired my fellow bees, including beautiful Miss Buttons’ photos of her e-ring with, what else, buttons, and finally following the advice of Anne Ruthmann, I managed to create some decent-ish shots. Aspiring photog I am; actually good, I am not: Read more…
Weddingbee GalleryFeature Launched: April 10, 2009About: A collection of inspirational wedding pictures from readers and bees.
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.
Ms. Potato Chips, Boston/Narragansett RIAge and Occupation: 29, PhD StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Personal Trainer/Business Owner/Physical Therapy AssistantEngagement Date: January 1, 2009Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: The Narragansett TowersAbout Me: A semi-professional bookworm, if I could be a literary character I’d be a cross between Jo March and Jane Eyre, only better accessorized and much lazier. My hobbies include sleeping in, seasonal brews, running, Trader Joe’s, and watching Unwrapped and Good Eats with Mr. Potato Chips. I harbor an irrational fear of tulle, crafts, things that are fussy, and overuse of the phrase "Your Special Day". After a year or seven together, down the aisle we go, slouching toward adulthood and planning a Rhodie party with equal parts whimsy, cheer, and pizza.
To imagine our honeymoon research, refer to Miss Snow’s honeymoon hilarity. Because we did the exact same thing. I’m talking verbatim. But we were probably watching CNN instead. Just kidding, it was Family Guy reruns because Mr. Potato Head refused to watch Teen Mom with me.
Our honeymoon talk went on for a long time. A LONG time. We ran the gamut from pre-engagement lala-landish: “We’ll take a whole magical month!!! Nothing but the finest!!” To post-engagement, “We can’t afford this! We should wait a year.” We considered Aruba, Jamaica, Mexico, Saint John, Saint Lucia, mini-moonin’, cruises… Genovia, Costa Luna… ay yi yi!
In the end we decided that we wanted the tropical beach honeymoon, darn it, and we wanted it right after the wedding. Even if that meant certain sacrifices on our parts: namely, turning down weekend trips with friends and putting in extra hours at work to save up. Come June, the Potato Chips will take their first real beach vacay to The Majestic Elegance in sunny Punta Cana. And it will be magical!
These websites were particularly helpful in finding good rates. Read more…
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!
When we left off… I was just arriving at the ceremony site, along with the ladies of my bridal party. We took off our shoes before ascending the stairs, as was tradition at the Shumei Center, in whose Hollywood garden we had our ceremony.
I knew the time had come, and all I wanted was to peer out the upstairs window at the guests gathering, but I was quarantined upstairs so as to avoid being spotted by Mr. M. We hid out in a spare room, and waited, all abuzz with bridal delight.
Mrs. Argyle, St. LouisAge and Occupation: 24, Project CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, PilotEngagement Date: February 15, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Jewel Box in Forest Park and Windows on WashingtonAbout Me: I'm a true Midwestern girl (born and raised), lover of red wine, reality TV and the entire J.Crew catalog. I love to dance regardless of who is watching, and enjoy a good laugh with my girls. I have a soft spot in my heart for planet Earth, my two dogs and my fiance. Fall is my favorite season (which is why we are marrying in September), but I love a warm summer day and the Colorado mountains in the winter. We are planning a modern soiree downtown, with lots of bold colors, and fun, eco-friendly elements.
Our reception venue was the second thing we tackled on our list of wedding to-dos.
Right after the engagement, we had both talked about having the reception at the Missouri History Museum. It just seemed like the right choice. It has beautiful architecture and it appealed to Mr. Argyle because it is the History Museum, and because there is a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis airplane in the atrium. It was perfect… except that it was not large enough to hold all of our guests. This was heartbreak #1 of our wedding planning.
Mrs. Hot Wings, Chicago/San DiegoAge and Occupation: 28, ProfessorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, InstructorEngagement Date: December 20, 2008Wedding Date: August 2010Venue: Ocean View Villas/Jasmine Seafood RestaurantAbout Me: I am a psychology grad student living in Chicago and planning my wedding to a fellow psych grad student. I am a Sunny So-Cal bred gal who trudged across the country to follow her love of psychology and ended up finding a partner in the process. I am overly passionate about anything I involve myself with. I am an activist, a foodie, a reality TV watching junkie, an over-analyzer, a photography obsesser, and am utterly cheesy to the core. This is a story of what happens when a boy and a girl meet, fall in love over academic dorkiness, and a shared love for life. We (mostly I) are planning our semi-destination wedding in my hometown of San Diego. We are excited to bring our families and friends together from across our lifespans to celebrate our future in a grand 400+ person culturally blended affair!
Remember me, the photography junky? Did I also mention that I am prone to freaking out? I try my best not to obsess over things I cannot control, but that leaves the possibility of freaking out over everything that I CAN control. Enter posing… I can control how I place my body. I may not be able to control the ultimate photos (hence why we hired talented photographers), but my body is my own.
Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional at any of this. In fact, I welcome and encourage “real”advice. I’ve gathered this information through my own experiences as a figure skater, dancer, and amateur photographer. Oh who am I kidding, the bulk of my knowledge came through watching reality TV shows like “American’s Next Top Model” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. OK there, I said it. Don’t hate me. You have to learn where you can, right?
(1) Try to relax as much as you can. Try not to throw too much into it. This pose is fun, but a bit awkward. (But don’t they look like they’re having fun?)
Can’t wait for Tim Burton’s take on the classic!
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
