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!
For several months, centerpieces for our reception tables were the bane of my existence. I already knew from my many, many unsuccessful floral meetings that full floral centerpieces like so:
Mrs. Frog, Phoenix, AZ/Chelan, WA
Age and Occupation: 29, Public Relations
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Online SalesEngagement Date: February 8, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Amy's ManorAbout Me: I'm an opinionated Midwestern girl now living in the Valley of the Sun marrying a laid back Northwestern guy. I'm equal parts sass, silly and sweet. I'm fiercely loyal with a strong devotion to my family and friends. I have a not-so-secret obsession with apple juice, a new obsession with DIY projects and I love a really good cheese plate...with lots of wine. After 7 blissful years of dating, I'm having the time of my life planning the destination wedding of my dreams to my Mr. Frog-turned-Prince Charming.
What would wedding planning be without some twists and turns? Like every couple, the Frogs have experienced their fair share during the planning process.
(source) Twists and turns…get it? I crack myself up.
When Frogger and I first got engaged, one of the things I wanted most for our wedding was to write our own vows. The idea of hearing him pour out his heart and share his feelings for me during a time when we pledge to spend our lives together – it just makes me sigh and go googly eyed.
When I first put this idea on the table, he reluctantly agreed letting me know that he loved the idea of sharing our feelings but doing it in front of others would make him nervous. Read more…
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!
Since Mr. Chick and I both have names starting with the letter “A”, we have always called ourselves the A-Team. Not to mention that I totally learned how to speak English from watching every episode of the show when we moved to the States. 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!
When I left off we were in the middle of a mad dash to get to get from the bridal tea to the rehearsal dinner. We were already an hour behind schedule and I had been warned over and over by the cathedral coordinator that we had to start the rehearsal on time! By the time we walked out the door our apartment looked like a bomb had gone off (who am I kidding, it looked like ANOTHER bomb went off on top of the previous planning bombs), and Mr. Cloud had decided that for the sake of time he would come back after dinner to get his personal items. We packed my tiny Civic any my MOH’s Jeep to the brim with bridal party gifts, my wedding accessories, and last minute reception items and headed downtown to the Jefferson Hotel to check in. A quick clothes change later and we were back at valet getting back into our cars to go to the cathedral. Our photographer Jessica Oriole Salay of Oriole Photography was already there getting some amazing shots of the church.
Ms Seahorse, BostonAge and Occupation: 25, Veterinary Jane-of-all-tradesFiancee's Age and Occupation: 36, former non-profit fundraiser in search of something betterEngagement Date: October 17, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Fort Pond LodgeAbout Me: By day I'm a cat-wrangler, vet tech assistant, pet-sitter, receptionist, and pre-vet student, but the rest of the time, I'm a former-roller-derby girl turned dedicated-wedding planner. I love reading, writing, bicycles, animals, roller skating, and antique-y things of all sorts. I'm a vegetarian who likes spicy foods, while Fiancee Seahorse is a meat eater who does not like spices. We live outside Boston with our menagerie: a fifty pound dog, a one-eyed, seventeen-toed, toothless cat, and a perfectly put together cat who has a penchant for pooping near rather than in her litter box. In addition to planning our small lake-side wedding, we enjoy running around with the puppy, playing board games (Scrabble, anyone?), having little adventures, talking about how we should really clean the house more, and maintaining our little garden of vegetables and wedding flowers.
I admit that, in my family, I am known to be a hypochondriac. I’m not sure that my ailments are as imagined as my family members seem to believe they are, but fine—most of the time that I think I am dying, I am not, in fact, dying. That said, I have been suspecting for awhile that I have what is referred to as “The Six Month Disease”, and evidence continues to point to its existence, this illness raging in my body.
Symptoms of the Six Month Disease flare up every, say, 6 months – hence the name. Very complex, as you can see. Some such symptoms include:
Wanting big life changes
Creating big life changes
Whining about what changes one could make in one’s big life
Begging for cute things
It should be noted that much of this occurs within the context of one’s intimate relationship. I may have been infected long before my current relationship existed, but it is only in the past couple of years that it has been pointed out to me that I have this disease.
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.
You’ve all seen a peek of the Trash the Dress photo shoot I did with many of the other bees when we swarmed Vegas in early March, but I wanted to share a few more details about the dress I trashed!
Just like Pretzel and Lamb, I too needed to find a dress that wasn’t my own for this adventure, and I had a great experience, on eBay no less!
I started searching eBay a couple months before I needed the dress, but at first I ran into search overload. There are a TON of dresses on there! But the more I looked, the more I realized that many, the majority even, are listings for brand new dresses made in China. While the prices are not bad (most in the $125-175 range), I didn’t really feel like waiting 8 weeks for a dress to be sewn, and taking my own measurements for it.
So I narrowed my search to only look at pre-owned dresses, and then we were in business! Now I had lots of real dresses (not sew to order) to look at, and let me tell you, eBay is a treasure trove of used wedding dresses, if you’re in the market for one. I further narrowed my search to look for something in a similar silhouette as my real dress, an A-line with a sweetheart neckline—eBay has lots of filters to help narrow your search.
I found several dresses that I was interested in, but wanted to contact the sellers for clarification on a few points that were important to me when buying a used dress. Some of the listings weren’t the most descriptive, and I wanted to be clear on what I was buying.
Mrs. Seashell, Chicago, IL / Providence, RIAge and Occupation: 28, Marriage and Family TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Electrical EngineerEngagement Date: September 3, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: The Glen Manor HouseAbout Me: Fonts and fashion, stationery and Sundays, photography and french toast... the beauty is in the details for this fun-loving Chicagoan who loves to plan plan plan! The soon-to-be hubs plays "Mr. Fix-It" in our new condo while I swoon over beautiful, personalized stationery and choose shades of aubergine for my bridesmaids' dresses... and thus begins my new fairy tale! Skirting to the East Coast for our September nuptials where my home state of Rhode Island awaits with fall foliage, I'm just a few dress fittings and bachelorette party away from saying "I Do" to a very happy ending!
What is supposed to be one of the most happy and blissful times of our lives is simply not. Instead of going out to dinner with friends, or daydreaming about our honeymoon, we’re miles apart sitting in hospital rooms with our mothers. We have reason to believe everything is on the up and up, but right now life is downright miserable for our entire family.
Happy & healthy just a few months ago! MOH Julia, Me, Mama Seashell, FMIL Justine in October 2009
Just over a year ago Mr. Seashell’s mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. Read more…
Mrs. Hermit Crab, New York, NYAge and Occupation: 24, Youth Director soon to be Grad StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Medical Student - soon to be Surgery ResidentEngagement Date: October 11, 2008Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: New York Botanical GardenAbout Me: I love all things food, books, our furbaby, Rashi, and adventures with my amazing fiance (oh, and saving the world!). This summer I will not only be a bride, but a bridesmaid, officiant, and attendee as well---it's all about weddings in my life right now, full of so many exciting moments and projects. We're planning a fab New York City wedding weekend full of family, love and lots of color!
You have already seen our wooden table numbers, and now I wanted to share with you what else will be going on the tables. I am so excited to finally show you what I have been working on!
I had the idea for this as soon as we got engaged. Of course, I left it until the last two months to complete, but it’s coming out amazingly either way. Our tables will be numbered traditionally: numerically, from 1 - 26. However, on each of the tables will be pictures of each of us at that age; for example, at Table Five, there will be pictures of us at age 5. Are you ready to see how I’ve put it together? I’m going to split these into a couple posts because otherwise you may actually go into cuteness shock! (All pictures are personal photos.)
Us before age one - I’m not sure what to put on here for age—any suggestions? 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!
We did it… we have crossed over to the other side…
WE’RE MARRIED!!!
The day was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, or better company. We are so thankful to have been surrounded by so many loving family and friends, and we had a fabulous time! As Mr. Dolphin and I embark on some much needed time together, we would like to leave y’all with a little preview our amazing photographers, Ben and Amy of Starks Photography, posted today (♥ them).
Mr. Dolphin and his Wife, Mrs. Dolphin (hooray, that’s me!!) Starks Photography
Mrs. Veggie, Raglan, New Zealand/Scranton, PAAge and Occupation: 27, Director of Small Non-ProfitFiance's Age and Occupation: 42, PhD Student & FarmerEngagement Date: June 13, 2009Wedding Date: August 2010Venue: Indian Head Camp, Honesdale Pennsylvania
About Me: I am a tree-huggin' farmer turned enthusiastic wedding-planner. I live in a house truck and wear flip-flops more often than shoes. In my old life I was a high school Spanish teacher in love with a crazy guy who lived off-the grid on a farm in New Hampshire. But, we decided to mix things up a bit, quit our jobs and move to New Zealand. My southern hemisphere lifestyle involves growing veggies, teaching, running our small non-profit, and surfing. I love laughing, singing, playing, and the inspirational Mr. Veggie (of course!). For our wedding, I am committed to throwing a killer party that celebrates our values without breaking the bank. Look forward to an eco-thrifty summer-campy weekend-long extravaganza.
We had a Halloween Party here this weekend to coincide more closely to our autumnal transition into winter. (October 31st is spring here, and Halloween then always feels a bit funny.0
Anyhow, I dressed as Wonder Woman.
Me practicing my moves:
Confused Wonder Woman. Angry Wonder Woman. I-just-knocked-you out Wonder Woman.
Ms. Stripes, Los AngelesAge and Occupation: 29, Costume Designer/StylistFiancee's Age and Occupation: 29, ChefEngagement Date: June 23, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Heritage Square MuseumAbout Me: I’m a type A creative with a messy streak, a loud mouth, and an uncanny knack for combining clashing patterns. I can usually be found with my nose in a book, my feet (or at least my toes) on the ground, my head in the clouds, and my arm around the prettiest girl you ever saw- aka
Fiancee Stripes. Together we’re planning a FUN vintage/modern French carnival wedding extravaganza and rockin’ dance party on a dime. (Say that three times fast!) Good coffee, long lists, Uniball pens, and my iPhone keep me sane, and making art, making trouble, and making out keep me happy! I love urban adventures, bike rides that end with afternoon drinks, breakfast for dinner, beautiful light, photography, travel, my furry family, and of course, my beautiful fiancee! I’m super excited to be here and can’t wait to share all our adventures as we craft a joyful, budget-friendly, design-savvy and all-around AWESOME wedding!
Yes. You read correctly. My red soled romance is over. Done. Finished.
And we never even went all the way (down the aisle).
They were beautiful while they lasted though:
Yikes! How did this happen, you may ask?
Rewind a few weeks. I may have developed a *tiny* crush on another pair of shoes. No big deal—just a stolen glance here and there. A quick stroke of the luminous satin as I passed by. And then we started spending more time together due to the nature of my work. I may have enjoyed an iced soy latte or two in the shoe department. And then I brought them home. And it was a bit awkward. Read more…
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!
But no, the wedding has not happened yet. Hooray for anticipation!
In order to be actually married on our honeymoon, we have to get married in Houston first in order to avoid French red tape. We went to the justice of the peace last week along with our witness/Houston officiant/bestie, Javier!
Mrs. Pin Cushion, Oakland, CAAge and Occupation: 25, Nurse Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PhD StudentEngagement Date: November 23, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Radonich Ranch, Los GatosAbout Me: I'm the 3 Cs: crafty, creative and quirky (oh, that's not a C? Close enough!). I'm also a recycling fanatic, fluent in bad accents and I have the loudest laughter this side of the Mississippi. I have not just one sweet tooth, but a whole mouth full of sweet teeth. I cry at 97.4% of all movies I see, but my fiance's always there to hand me a tissue. My geek-chic fiance and I are planning a wedding full of color, cookies and handmade goodness and I can't wait to spill the beans on all of our crazy ideas!
With the bright colors that Mr. PC and I chose for our wedding colors, I sometimes wonder if our wedding reception is going to resemble a child’s birthday celebration. We’re not a fancy schmancy-black tie wearing-coiffed hair (or even blow dried hair)-kind of couple, so we’re not adding many (or any) touches like calligraphy or silk table linens that would elegance-up the reception.
Despite this fear, I find myself infatuated with objects that would only exacerbate the kids-party atmosphere. Like non-wedding cakes that I want for our wedding cake. But really, I don’t think it’s humanly possible (at least not for this human) to resist a cake like this:
It’s a picture-perfect vintage picnic for Ice Cream Sundae and her fiance.
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.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
