Mrs. Lobster, BrooklynAge and Occupation: 29, Finance GirlFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Finance BoyEngagement Date: July 25, 2009Wedding Date: August 2010Venue: Stage 6 Steiner StudiosAbout Me: I'm a New York-born, Virginia-bred girl who's found her way back to the big city. Mr. Lobster and I met in grad school and have been together ever since. I'm clueless about DIY but am an avid online shopper and love all things polka dots, stripes, and ruffles! When I'm not making wedding lists, you can find me looking for snacks, watching Gilmore Girls, or hanging out with Mr. Lobster and our new puppy Buddy! We are planning a fancy-pantsy Brooklyn wedding for a hot New York summer night which is sure to be a misadventure in the making.
This is the tale about how Mr. Lobster and I met. Sorry, ladies, this isn’t an “I knew it was love at first sight” story as much an “I knew he was sweaty at first sight” story.
Rewind it back to 2006 - a hot, humid August day in New York City, the first day of grad school. I stood there excitedly chatting to new friends when a flustered blond guy rushes up in a drenched shirt saying, “Hey everyone. I’d love to chat but I’m so hot. I need to go inside for A/C.” He wiped his hand on his pants and reached out for a quick handshake and ran inside. We all looked at each other like, “What just happened?”
I was not impressed at the time. All I could think of was sweat! Read more…
Mrs. Dolphin, Gainesville, FLAge and Occupation: 24, Graduate Architecture StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Interactive Interface DeveloperEngagement Date: February 14, 2008Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: Plantation Bay Country ClubAbout Me: I’m currently a Graduate Student at the University of Florida studying Architecture. I enjoy playing Scrabble with my Fiance, rooting for the Florida Gators, making any drink that involves a blender, cleaning (yes... I’m crazy), design... GOOD design that is, the new Pepsi with natural sugar, taking pictures, discovering new places in the U.S., and obsessing over doing (and designing) everything myself for our upcoming wedding!
Aloha Weddingbee readers! {Hmm… that has a nice ring to it.}
You may want to sit down for this… it is probably going to be one of my longest posts ever. When it comes to honeymoons, I have a lot to say on the subject.
Originally, Mr. Dolphin and I had grand ideas of honeymooning in Europe. You know… the whole Paris (city of love), Rome, England shebang. That idea ended rather quickly when we realized:
We would be staying in rather un-luxurious accommodations, since European suites were expensive and small (umm hello… shouldn’t we be pampered on our honeymoon?)
Taking about a million trains, planes and automobiles everywhere (no thank you)
The whole Euro and not speaking the language thing
We couldn’t possibly afford it (our 10 day adventure was turning into an $8k nightmare)
So, off to Plan B (not that type of Plan B, ladies): HAWAII Read more…
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.
Yeah, that happened. Our mailman—who obviously hates us—left the box of invites on our driveway (on a rainy morning, no less!). Busy-bumbling-running-late me got into my car and backed out of my garage, full speed ahead until I hit the bump that was my wedding invitations.
“Hmm,” I wondered. “What could that be? Surely I didn’t just run over our wedding invitations.”
And we know the rest of the story. (That would be: yes, yes I did just run over our wedding invitations.)
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.
Our reception space is your typical banquet hall. Nothing fancy, just a large room with hardwood floors and chandeliers, and lots of wooden panels. Typically, weddings that take place here follow the same set up pattern: round tables for guests, and a long rectangular head table for the wedding party. Here’s a visual:
(photo credit goes to Uncle Pudding)
There are several reasons why I am feeling a bit “meh” about this arrangement.
Mrs. Octopus, Boston, MA/Pittsburgh, PAAge and Occupation: 25, Grad StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Graphics Operator for TV NewsEngagement Date: May 6th, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Heinz Chapel Ceremony, Museum Reception
About Me: When my best friend dragged me to a toga party in our freshmen year of college, I was not expecting to meet my future husband; but seven years later, here we are. I'm a crazy-organized planner at heart, and I am a great lover of random trivia, books, chocolate, blogs, new and exciting adventures, mockumentary-style television, and anything heavily flavored with bright orange fake cheese powder. We're planning a festive and fun mini-destination wedding in the place where we met: fabulous Pittsburgh, PA! I can't wait to marry the man I love!
Here’s a fact I haven’t shared yet: Mr. Octopus and I are dog owners. And, if I can be totally objective for a minute, the dog we own is the sweetest, cuddliest, funniest, most precious, most perfect dog that exists in the universe.
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!
Music. First, I had planned on going the iPod route. Why would I need more, when we were not going to be dancing anyway? Ambient background noise was more than sufficient.
That was until the friendor was introduced. Mr. Sew’s dad did some sneaky dealing with a pal of his, and suddenly we found ourselves signed up for a sound system, projector and optional light show. Seriously. Light show.
Well, honestly I did a little balking, and had a few not-so-pleasant flashbacks to senior prom. Some people loved their senior prom, but me? Missy Elliot, strobe lights and one awkward teenager on the dance floor did not mix. Read more…
Mrs. Jellyfish, Pleasanton, CAAge and Occupation: 27, Law StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Air Force PilotEngagement Date: February 21, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill WineryAbout Me: In a nutshell, I’m the most optimistic worrywart you’ll ever meet. My family emigrated from Romania to San Jose, CA when I was 8, and I've been a Nor Cal girl ever since! My fiancé is also a Bay Area native, so it’s funny that we met at UCLA, as college freshmen living on the same floor (go Bruins!). Between his career as an Air Force pilot and my path to becoming a lawyer, our relationship has been anything but typical. We currently live together in Berkeley with our puppy Stinson. In addition to spending time with the loves of my life, I enjoy crafting, attempting complicated recipes, environmental law and non-law school reading (Us Weekly, anyone?). Follow along as I plan an elegant 200-person winery wedding, graduate law school, take the Bar exam, get married and get used to the always unpredictable but never boring life of a military spouse!
In the words of Gollum/Smeagol of Lord of the Rings fame, my bridesmaids are downright “tricksy”. A couple weeks ago, they tricked me into believing that I was headed to a surprise going away party for my bridesmaid LH, when in fact it was a surprise bridal shower for me all along!!
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/NewportAge and Occupation: 25, Operations AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, SalesEngagement Date: October 8, 2008Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: The Atlantic Beach ClubAbout Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
Today I got a really exciting email in my inbox. After attending the New England Food Show, BIL Starfish sent me an email saying:
I was at the new England food show yesterday and saw something you guys might like for the wedding. It’s a fortune cookie but it’s a scallop shell. Very cool. They can be customized, too—chocolate dipped, custom color sugar, messages, etc. It’s called shuckie.
He even got us samples!
The cookies are pretty cool, after further investigation, I learned that they have fun fortunes inside and on the back of each “quotie”, they have a fact about fish. One of Mr. Starfish’s favorite hobbies is fishing! I love that they are nautical, unique, semi-local (out of Maine) and fun! 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.
Mrs. Oyster, DallasAge and Occupation: 30, Music TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 46, Art TeacherEngagement Date: January 9, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: The Tower ClubAbout Me: I'm a Texa-Californian with a penchant for sparkly things and a tendency to think a lot. I've been known to sing random songs or dance when there is no music on. My fiance and I love world culture, we love to travel, and we have an incredibly eclectic taste in music. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate our marriage with our family & closest friends. We're planning an “urban black-tie” wedding and hope to incorporate our personalities and some of our own interests. We look forward to a life of love, laughter, good music, beautiful art, and to creating our home together with our four (!) cats.
In the past I’ve dated men outside my race, and there have been some less-than-successful results. One young man (we were in college) decided that color didn’t matter — at all. As it turned out, what that meant was that my color didn’t matter to him. Whenever issues of racism or culture came up, he said, “Color shouldn’t matter.” Um, okay.
I was in this relationship when my father died. Seeing his face upon exiting the funeral — the traditional, African-American Baptist funeral complete with gospel choir, singing, wailing, etc. — was priceless. It mattered. Read more…
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!
We had one final DIY task to complete before the real wedding festivities could begin! Well, they were going to start regardless, but I was determined to get everything checked off of my list. Favors! I have been to many weddings, and gotten a variety of favors. But I have to be honest, while most wedding favors are cute and look great on display at the wedding, I normally forget them not long after the wedding and they get deserted in our junk drawer (I’m so serious too, I found like six when we moved in our kitchen drawer). I can understand it though; it’s easy to get sucked into all the cute favor ideas out there, but I just couldn’t bring myself to skip them completely.
Mama Cloud to the rescue! A few years ago she went to a wedding where they didn’t get a favor at all, but instead there was a small sign on each table informing guests that a donation had been made in their honor to the couple’s favorite charity. I loved the idea, but I wanted more than a small frame that might be overlooked.
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 swear I like writing thank you notes more than I like receiving gifts.
*blink, blink* “Did Pretzel just say what I think she said?”
Damn straight I did! No, your mother didn’t pay me to say that. And although I would certainly enjoy one, no I don’t have a cold beer in my hand right now. I’m dead serious—I love thank you notes. My Mom started us early; I can’t remember not writing thank yous for gifts or nice gestures. Usually it meant getting pretty paper or cards. Oh, how I love pretty paper. I always have a stock of cute thank you cards around the house, just in case.
Pretty paper is a perk, but really I think my love affair with thank yous stems more from the act of writing. Sitting down to hand-write why I appreciated a gift or thoughtful gesture makes me reflect on the person doing the giving and my appreciation of the gift. I know that I don’t always take time for reflection and the practice of writing thank yous helps me carve out time for this. There are times when I feel like this practice is dwindling in use. Read more…
Mrs. Lobster, BrooklynAge and Occupation: 29, Finance GirlFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Finance BoyEngagement Date: July 25, 2009Wedding Date: August 2010Venue: Stage 6 Steiner StudiosAbout Me: I'm a New York-born, Virginia-bred girl who's found her way back to the big city. Mr. Lobster and I met in grad school and have been together ever since. I'm clueless about DIY but am an avid online shopper and love all things polka dots, stripes, and ruffles! When I'm not making wedding lists, you can find me looking for snacks, watching Gilmore Girls, or hanging out with Mr. Lobster and our new puppy Buddy! We are planning a fancy-pantsy Brooklyn wedding for a hot New York summer night which is sure to be a misadventure in the making.
Lobsty in the hooooouuse!! Hello, hive, I’m so excited to be here! When I told Mr. Lobster the good news, we high-fived or what we now refer to as “claw-fived”. Yes, I just went there.
Why Miss Lobster? Mr. Lobster’s and my favorite summer trips have been to the beach in Cape Cod where we’ve eaten LOTS of delish lobster rolls, and he (being fair-skinned) has looked much like a lobster himself! Besides, how cute is that orangey red lobster icon?!?
So, who are the Lobsters? Mr. Lobster and I are closet nerds living in New York City’s Tribeca and working in the Financial District. He walks around with a calculator and I make slide presentations of all my wedding ideas. When we’re not nerding it up, Mr. Lobster and I enjoy long afternoon brunches, adventures in the dog park, and just enjoying life in the city.
Mrs. Lace, Pasadena, CAAge and Occupation: 29, Elementary school teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, EngineerEngagement Date: September 6, 2009Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: Orange County Performing Arts CenterAbout Me: Born and raised in Southern California, my fiance and I are marrying in Orange County. We're planning a vintage wedding with a modern twist. I am an elementary school teacher by day and a wedding planner by night. I love reading, blogging, scrapbooking, trying out new DIY projects, buying awesome finds at incredible deals and spending time with friends and family. Trying new restaurants, traveling and shopping also top my hobby list. I'm anxious to share my wedding ideas and planning with the hive!
I love Michaels. I really do. But lately, I’ve gotten a little sick of it just because I’ve been going so often… mmm, like one to two times a week? Except for last Saturday when I went to six different Michaels’. Don’t ask.
Anyways, onto the topic at hand. The first time I took Mr. Lace to Michaels to look for supplies we needed for the wedding, he was in awe at the items they sold there. After that trip, he said, “so that’s why you spend so much time there.” Once I sent him to Michaels to pick up some Zips. Read more…
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
