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!
Along with the 713 dresses I tried on at bridal stores, I also explored my ’once worn’ wedding dress options. I visited the site Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses pretty frequently (an excellent source of procrastination [who said that? I NEVER procrastinate!]), emailed a dozen people and visited three ladies’ houses to try on their dresses.
Let me give you a bit of insight. It is odd (to say the least) to visit a stranger’s home and undress down to your skivvies in their bedroom while they help you shimmy on the gown that they wore at their own wedding. Each part of the experience is awkward enough on its own, but add them all together and you get one big smorgasbord of uncomfortablness. Cue awkward laughter from Miss Pin Cushion.
Thankfully all the women I met were exceedingly nice, and didn’t seem to mind me prancing into their house and taking photos of myself dressed in the most expensive clothing item they probably own.
The first dress I tried on was by Cymbeline, style Cherie:
Mrs. Taco, San FranciscoAge and Occupation: 29, writer/editorFiance's Age and Occupation: 37, editorEngagement Date: May 13, 2009Wedding Date: August 2010Venue: The Green Room at the War Memorial Veterans BuildingAbout Me: I like laughing and talking with good friends over good food and good drink, be it wine, cocktail, or brew. I write and edit things for fun and profit, but I rarely "write" these days without a keyboard and high-speed internets. Favorites include Mr. Taco, my Boston terrier, San Francisco, getting out of town, and the Roaring ’20s. I was kind-of planning a wedding since roughly 2006, when I discovered "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" on the WE channel. I ran and didn't look back with a theme I called "urban vintage," and it culminated in the most magical day a taco could ask for.
My pal Julie does a lot of documentary-style photography in and around SF. I hit her up for some much-needed engagement and wedding photography tips. It’s tough for folks who don’t model professionally to act natural in front of a camera, but these pointers could help ease worries (mine included) on that front.
This is always true: the less posed the subjects are, the better. If the photos are a natural extension of the events of the day, instead of a stiff portrait of you in clothes you hate, then everyone will be better off.
Acclimate. Get used to being all close (to each other, to your photog, and to his or her camera). Most folks need time to warm up and feel comfortable in front of a camera, so that warming-up time is a good time to take more posed, formal shots. After that, you can really get going on fun ones. As Julie says, it’s a lot easier to capture feelings and emotions that are ephemeral, not formulaic.
A photo is timeless (something we all want) when it’s honest. The photographer’s challenge is to capture the essence of an event or a person. If they’ve done that, they’ve done their job. A good question to keep in mind for photographers: can you recreate the feeling and sentiment of that instant? People relate best to people and emotions, ones that even future generations will intuitively understand.
Mrs. Sunrise, MinneapolisAge and Occupation: 27, Client Relations LiaisonFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Senior Technical Support AnalystEngagement Date: December 26, 2008Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: The Oaks banquet room at Eagan Community CenterAbout Me: I am a crafty and optimistic, laid back girly-girl who fell in love with a video game-playin', hip hop-lovin', Lego-buildin', computer-techie nerd. I get easily distracted by shiny objects (oohhh pretty..) and I have more shoes than I can count (but I still need more). I love to shake my booty to Lady Gaga’s music but she frightens the hell outta me. Mr. Sunrise and I could not be any more different, but you know what they say… opposites attract! We met over 9 years ago while working for a local grocery store. It was love at first “Clean-up in Aisle 5!” We are both Chicago-born and raised, but recently relocated to Minnesota for his career. I will always remain a Windy City gal through and through, but I cannot deny my love for the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
No, not that kind of package… get your heads out of the gutter. I meant this kind!
I love getting packages! I rip into them like it’s Christmas morning. This little box was waiting for me when I got home from work one day. Hmm, I wonder what could be inside? Read more…
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!
Ed. note: This post was originally published on May 22, but the slideshow was only able to be watched by a small number of people before the hosting site reached its bandwith limit. Miss Seashell’s photographer gracefully republished her slideshow on YouTube so we could all see it!
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Soon after our engagement photos were posted on our photographer’s blog, she not only sent us our digital proofs but also created a slideshow! I knew she would create a wedding slideshow, but one for our engagement pics was a total treat.
It absolutely makes our engagement session come alive, and makes me fall in love with our photographer and Mr. Seashell all over again. Oh, it was such a fantastic day… 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!
Well, despite a nearly 20-month engagement, I have managed to keep myself pretty busy this week, as our wedding approaches very quickly! It was all made just a teensy bit more difficult when I came down with a mean case of strep throat - take care of yourself before your wedding, ’hive!
First, there were dress fittings and changes:
(personal photo)
They added a layer of pink silk charmeuse under the white so you will get a little peek when I’m dancing - love it!
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 last left off with our sangria-soaked salsa dance lesson and all the fun that accompanied it. Next up, it’s time for Day II of the bachelorette extravaganza. Before I get into the meat of this post, I just have to say one thing: Don’t judge. A bachelorette only happens once and we lived mine up to the fullest. These are all actually the tamest of the photos that were acceptable to post, the rest you’ll just have to use your imagination for… hee hee hee…
Alright, onward. First up was a picnic in Central Park, complete with bagels, fruit salad, muffins and mimosas. The girls also took this opportunity to have a lingerie shower, and each person had gifted me with some sort of lingerie, ranging from innocent and sweet to downright naughty, as seen below.
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.
This week I realized we have about 4 months to go until our wedding. When we first got engaged 20 months ago we were gung-ho when it came to planning: we booked the venue, the photographer, and the videographer right away. The months following we started booking the florist, the cake baker, the DJ, etc. etc. etc. During the first year of planning we were very productive. Flash forward about a year, add in some life changing events, and all of a sudden we weren’t so involved in the planning.
Other than our tasting, not too much has been planned lately. We originally loved the idea of the long engagement because we figured we’d have so much time to get things done, but on the contrary, because we had so much time to plan, things got pushed off once the “important” things had been planned.
With four months to go, we still need to pick out our invitations and put them together and get them addressed and sent, create programs, table numbers, escort cards, OOT bags, bathroom baskets, flip flop baskets, choose the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire, a veil, find bridal accessories and shoes, schedule alterations, ask family members to do readings, create centerpieces and a guestbook, choose wedding readings, ceremony songs and create the reception playlist, choose wedding party gifts and wedding bands, schedule appointments, etc. etc. etc.
Many of the projects above are going to be DIY, so I have no idea how we’ll find the time, but I’m determined and vow to no longer procrastinate. Read more…
Mrs. Dachshund, Fresno, CAAge and Occupation: 24, Legal Office AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Computer TechnicianEngagement Date: April 18, 2009Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: Victorian Gardens of Two SistersAbout Me: I’m a 24-year-old Californian bride-to-be who found love in the most unlikely of places - an online video game! I’m a farmer’s daughter living in rural Central California, but will always have a special place in my heart for the city. My future husband is a 27-year-old extraordinarily tall, exceptionally cute, and undoubtedly Canadian boy who was able to sweep me off my feet and take me for his bride. I love color, folksy songs that make me smile, interior design, kettle corn, my one-year-old puppy, Juno, and my fiance, of course! We’re planning a DIY garden wedding with a laundry-list of projects, all while dealing with the bureaucracy that is American Immigration!
Inspired by Mrs. Dolphin’s post about her most unexpected wedding gift, I thought I’d share a gift that we received from my Aunt and Uncle. It’s amazingly unique and sweet, and I figured most of you would be able to appreciate it.
Everything was wrapped up in a pretty travel-themed hat box.
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!
So, Mr. Octopus is out of town for a few days, and I am kickin’ it here by myself in our apartment. Did you ever see the episode of Sex and the City where Carrie is nervous about Aidan moving in because she won’t be free to enjoy her secret single behaviors—the things you only do when you’re totally alone? Well, because of Mr. Octo’s trip, I have been indulging in a few secret single behaviors of my own, and because there is no shame on the Internet, I’m going to tell you what they are.
When Mr. Octopus is out of town…
… I do not eat well. Mr. O is a really good cook, is really into non-processed foods, and is usually in charge of making dinner. Most nights, he makes a big, healthy meal that includes an entree and a side. Yesterday, alone, I ate one of those tangy frozen yogurts for lunch (and I can’t imagine the staff of my local Berryline doesn’t recognize me by now) and two slices of toast with peanut butter and a pear for dinner. And some tortilla chips. And I enjoyed it.
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!
Like many couples before us, Mr. Jelly and I decided to get each other gifts for our wedding day. Unlike many couples before us, we decided to give each other our gifts wayyyy in advance. It all happened a couple weeks before our civil ceremony, when Mr. Jelly and I had the following conversation:
Mr. Jelly: Do you want your wedding gift before the civil ceremony, or before the big wedding in September?
Me: Ooh, presents?! Yay! Gimme, gimme, gimme! Um, I don’t know. What are you thinking?
Mr. Jelly: Well I just don’t know if you wanna use it for the civil ceremony or the big wedding.
Me: Is it jewelry?
Mr. Jelly: Yes.
Me: Is it a necklace? Because I’m not planning on wearing one to the big wedding… so in that case, you should give it to me so I can wear it for the civil ceremony.
Yep, that’s how it went down. So romantic. Then I kept nagging Mr. Jelly until he revealed that it was a pearl pendant and I started bombarding him with hints about what I liked and didn’t like. He ended up getting me this beautiful pendant from Blue Nile: Read more…
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.
… ’cause my map attempt at a map was a little sad. I studied the tutorials here on the ‘Bee and diligently created myself a wedding map. I was proud of my little map… for a time.
When it was go time, I couldn’t figure out how to work it into the invitation suite—it looked out of place… a little amateur. I tried not to focus on it because Mr Pretzel and I had never discussed having a map made for us and we certainly hadn’t budgeted for it.
Then I saw PChip’s invitation suite, designed by the talented Miss Snapdragon. I love the suite so much I sent the post to Mr P. Out of the blue he replied with, “We need a map like that.” (Love that man!) Read more…
Mrs. Thimble, NYC/PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 26, Actress & Costume Designer (+ day job)Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lawyer & Techie WizEngagement Date: August 22, 2008Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: The Pearl S. Buck HouseAbout Me: I’m an easily inspired over-thinker delighted with the process of designing, building, directing and {dare I say} co-starring in the early-autumn affair I’ve been dreaming up. I’m a sucker for trendied-up comfort foods and old family anecdotes; I have an affinity for adjectives, alliteration, eyelet and earl grey; and I live for quality time with family and friends. I never guessed I’d marry my “high school sweetheart", but when it turned out to be my funny, techie, loyal Mr. Thimble I was committed for life. We’re both mid-career transition and ready to move back to small-townish TBD, PA in a pre-wedding flurry of all-good life changes.
Next Monday, we Thimbles will be meeting with our photographers near our hometown for some engagement pics and to get comfortable in front of the lens in prep for October.
In the meantime, Mr. Thimble and I took a stroll around our neighborhood a couple months ago with our good friend Duane Tollison to take a few key “urban” shots for what will eventually be a nice little collection of engagement pictures. And, because apparently, we needed some practice.
Round 1: The sign, a blue door, and a corner near our apartment…
Mrs. Pug, New York City/Half Moon Bay, CAAge and Occupation: 33, LawyerFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, dittoEngagement Date: July 2008Wedding Date: March 2010Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon BayAbout Me: The Mr. and I are two 30-somethings who enjoy tasty sweets of all kinds, our neighborhood wine store, and cuddling with our pug. NYC is where we live and the city we love, but we’re doing the deed out in Northern California. We are trying to keep the affair small, intimate, and manageable. Our motto is: the less people, the better! (I’m kidding.)
Before I wrap up my posts here, I had to mention the efforts of my sister during wedding planning and the day of. However, I don’t know what I can say about my sister that would begin to describe what she means to me, and her instrumental role in planning our wedding.
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.
Aside from the expected inner glow I’ll have on our wedding day (squeee!), I started thinking about my outer glow… i.e. to tan or not to tan? It actually started a while back when bridesmaid Creeker and I were discussing one of the things she learned from her wedding – beware of invisible tan lines.
I know it sounds crazy since I live in the desert but most people here don’t really spend much time laying out, hanging by the pool, etc. Then again, that could be a different story if we had a pool… no, I’m not bitter, why do you ask? At the moment, I have visible tan lines that have taken up residence for months now and despite my best efforts to get rid of them, they seem to have become one with my skin.
(source) Gorgeous bride wearing a beautiful dress that unfortunately shows off her tan lines quite well.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
