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.
A while back, Mom Argyle and I went wedding dress shopping for the first time. Now, I have had in my head the exact dress (okay, I have a few in my head) that I want. However, I though it would be a good idea to just go try some on and see what shapes look good (even though I know this, too).
So, I made an appointment with one of the bigger bridal shops in the area, one I knew would have many appointment slots open on a Saturday. I was excited, and took the time to go online and look at what dresses they had available so I had an idea in mind of what dresses I would want to try on. I had a pleasant bridal consultant who was very sweet, but she definitely did not understand what I was looking for. It sort of made my frustrated.
I had told her that I did not want anything poofy (I am too petite for a poofy dress). I did not want lace or beading at all. I was really looking for something fresh, chic and modern, yet classic (got that?). Basically, something simple. When we were going through all of the dresses, she kept pointing out dresses that had beading and lace. And, not just some beading and lace, A LOT of it! It was almost as if she did not hear me say, “No lace or beading.” I’m not exactly the definition of a traditional bride. There are some things I want to do differently with my dress, but not out of rebellion.
After trying on the third or fourth dress, she asked me if I wanted to put on a veil. It was then that I told her I was not going to wear a veil. Read more…
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Last weekend during my shower in Pittsburgh I was given some amazing gifts. We really cleaned up and were reminded how insanely generous our families and friends are! And while I could swoon over the registry gifts we received all day, I wanted to share a little something different with you all.
Ladies, meet the Panty Parfait.
(please notice that there is even a “cherry” on top!)
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!
The most time consuming, costly decision best decision Mr. Pencils and I have made since deciding to get married was to get Boomer. Boomer is our 18 pound, dachshund mix puppy that we adopted from K-9 Lifesavers in Washington DC last April.
I’d had a hankering for a puppy for a good two years now, and when it came time for us to finally move in together, there was no better time. I spent Spring Break of 2009 hounding (haha) Mr. Pencils to help me fill out applications for dozens of rescue leagues. We didn’t care what kind of dog we would get—we just knew it had to be under 30 pounds, as our townhouse would have been a sad fit for a larger dog.
When I say applications, I truly do mean a pretty intensive vetting processes for every animal shelter, rescue league and adoption agency. 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.
Okay, from here on out, I’m only going to bring up the bad stuff in context to the day it happened. I thought hashing it all out in a few posts ahead of time would be the best way to get it out of my system. But really, it gets to be too much and makes me mad all over again. Because I’m so close to the big wedding events, I’ll just mention things as they happen.
So, it is now just two days before the wedding and I’m still working around the clock to get things done before the wedding. I’m sleeping only a few hours a night and am constantly surrounded by all-things wedding, and quite frankly, I was going a little nuts…
Me having a crazy moment. I was near insanity at this point.
Mr. Lab was stuck back home 4 hours away because of his classes, so I thank God that I had some wonderful ladies accompany me to Savannah early to help out. Read more…
Mrs. Penguin, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 27, Weddingbee Editor in ChiefFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Doctor of Physical TherapyEngagement Date: January 29, 2007Wedding Date: June 7, 2008Blogging Since: September 14, 2007Venue: Winery in the Gold CountryAbout Me: I love the Spice Girls, dogs with underbites, bean burritos, making messes, high fives, avoiding showers, crossword puzzles, blogs, weddings, and blogs about weddings!
We’re bringing a bit of Northwest flavor to the hive today! Please join me in welcoming Miss Gingham to Weddingbee!
Miss Gingham, Portland, OR
Age & Occupation: 27, Creative Producer Fiance’s Age & Occupation: 32, Merchant Engagement Date: September 10, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2010 Venue: The Barn at Neocoxie Creek About 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.
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!
Welcome to the Hamster Show, where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter. Yep, that’s right - if you’re wondering how I am now leading Battle: Invitations by 498 - let’s just say I used a little creative math.
In my last invitation showdown, the Lettra paper was the big winner and I was left cowering in the corner. While I’m still figuring out the main invite cards, I totally whupped some Gocco butt this weekend - take a look!
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.
OK, we all know that weddings are inexpensive the same way that Heidi Klum is ugly. Or in the same way that Donald Trump is poor. Or in the way that Heidi Montag is a talented, genuine celebrity. In other words, they’re not. I know this; I’ve come to terms with the massive amounts of money being spent on the wedding and while I’m not thrilled about it, there’s not much I can do at this point.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Weddingbee PRO’s Inspired Goodness is hosting a giveaway of free event design services to one lucky NYC area couple!
Head on over to her blog to check out the details on entering this fabulous giveaway. And hurry—the contest ends soon! Good luck!
Mrs. Cola, Mountain View, CAAge and Occupation: 27, Product Communications and PromotionsFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Managing Partner and Senior DesignerEngagement Date: March 5, 2009Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: The Mountain Terrace, Woodside, CAAbout Me: I’m a Washington State native, enjoying life in Silicon Valley California with my fiancé, our three kitties and one leopard gecko. I like reading wedding blogs, Photoshopping wedding design mock ups, making lists, and planning, planning, planning! I’m a bit of an anomaly, on one side I’m a very girlie girl, I collect shoes, I lay out my outfits 4-6 weeks in advance, and I’d never leave the house without my hair curled and makeup on. But on the other side, I’m a total tomboy, I love to go camping and hiking, play drinking games (hey, I’m Irish!) and most of my closest friends are guys. My fiancé and I are planning a DIY-focused wedding with a balance between easygoing (what he wants) and chic and stylish (what I want), and are tying it all together with elements in lavender, sage, butter cream and chocolate.
But before I go into the details, I want to first share some gorgeous cupcake designs with you all. I love looking at the many cake inspiration pictures, but these little pieces of lovely are so cute I want to die!
Mrs. Nachos, Chicago/St. ThomasAge and Occupation: 33, Commercial Real Estate & HairstylistFiance's Age and Occupation: 36, Radio ProducerEngagement Date: May 22, 2009Wedding Date: April 2010Venue: Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort, St. ThomasAbout Me: I'm a happy, laid back city girl that can find the silver lining in any situation. An optimist at heart, my motto is to turn your "what ifs?" into "so whats!". My fiance is a radio producer and the biggest Cubs fan you'll meet - our apartment decor definitely shows it. He and I grew up next door to each other and because of it, we have the best home videos and easiest holiday dinners. We are planning an intimate wedding in the Virgin Islands and a cocktail party in June for 150 of our closest friends.
Ahem, let me be more specific: I am a pedicure virgin.
I hate feet. Your feet, my feet, Mr. N’s feet, it doesn’t matter—I hate them. Except for Hazel’s feet; I call them her chocolate chip cookie paws.
Some people have a foot fetish, I think I have a slight foot phobia. I thank my lucky stars everyday that my beauty school didn’t make us do pedicures! And I don’t particularly like people touching my feet, either. Read more…
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!
While our wedding plans are still up in the air (yes, you heard that right, more on that later) it’s time for our second installment of RW2WD. Catch up on the first here.
(click for full size)
The Glam Bride- Her wedding is nothing if not gilded. She’s getting married in a swank ballroom that’s dripping with sparkle. Her colors are mixed metals—bronze, gold, and silver. Her reception is a huge soiree for her 300 closest family and friends, and if someone ends up swinging from the chandeliers, it’ll most certainly be her, though she’s careful not to ruin her Vera Wang.
Mrs. Sewing, San Mateo, CA/Honolulu, HIAge and Occupation: 24, Electrical EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Electrical EngineerEngagement Date: June 27, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Anela Garden Chapel & Japanese Cultural Center, HonoluluAbout Me: I'm an easily entertained, compulsive idea-scheming machine who loves good art, good food, and a good engineering challenge. I'm planning a half-destination wedding on the beautiful island of Oahu - imagine a plethora of movies, art and games; savory Hawaiian food; blended Chinese and Japanese cultural details; lush, fragrant tropical flowers and all the air conditioning a NorCal native could want! And once I marry the love of my life, we'll come back to the 'mainland' to party it up all over again in my hometown of Salinas, the salad-bowl capital of the world!
Every train needs a caboose. My train will sit on my caboose. Let’s talk bustles!
Us trained-women know that we need a bustle to turn our carpet-sweeping drapery into a manageable second-rump. Okay, maybe not quite a second rump; the focal point of all the extra fabric doesn’t have to be one’s rear.
There’s the American/Over bustle - pull the train up, and pin. You can pin at one point or many, depending on your personal taste.
Mrs. Cheeseburger, Baltimore, MD/State College, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentEngagement Date: June 28, 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Catholic Church Ceremony & Hotel ReceptionAbout Me: I'm a passionate girl from Pittsburgh, currently living in Baltimore for school, who loves Penn State, seeing movies, football, thunderstorms, black and white photos, Christmas, good beer, my amazing friends and family, and of course, my mister! We met, fell in love, got engaged, and will be married at our alma mater (go lions!) in a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a hotel reception with lots of DIY details. It means so much to have our families and friends meet at our favorite place on earth to celebrate our love for one another - I truly couldn't ask for anything more!
Programs are something that I had always wanted to DIY. After seeing all the inspiration around on the hive, initially it was hard to decide which direction to go in.
A looooong time ago, when my love affair with Weddingbee began, Mrs. Bell Pepper had a lot to do with it! Probably because her color scheme was so similar to mine, and alright, because I though it was super neat that she was planning her wedding during residency. I swooned over her awesome fan programs for years (seriously - years, this chick was ahead of her time):
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!
Having a wedding party is a time honored tradition that we Hot Wings did not want to leave out. So, deciding whether or not to have one wasn’t even a question. Since our wedding surrounded the idea of bringing family and friends together, we knew that it was important to have a wedding party. So, the next question would naturally be: how many people should we include?
Mr. Hot Wings is 31 and has been in many weddings. He is a wonderful and kind man. So, it’s no surprise he has friends he would like to have stand up with him.
I have friends and family that I want to include, but not nearly as many “must haves” as Mr. Hot Wings does.
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.
So, we had the materials and a mockup and then I finally met up with Momma MB in Texas and we got down to business.
I stood around like this a lot. I spent 3 days straight in leggings, with a stick on bra taped to me with painter’s tape (so that we wouldn’t waste the stickiness) and a tank top, so that I could easily turn into a human dress form at a moment’s notice. Read more…
