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.
Update on my life: Mr. Veg and I had a romantic reunion at our friends’ Dave and Heather’s lakeside wedding, I passed my written test at the RMV and am now allowed to drive in the USA (with a licensed adult), I have scoured FMIL Veg’s house and barn for wedding items, and thanks to the Salvation Army, Mr. Veg finally has something to wear to the wedding.
And now I find myself with a few minutes of down time so I thought I’d keep good on my promise to delve into more detail about our seed packet favors. I’ll let you read the story behind them for yourselves, but I’ll give you a little background on the steps involved.
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!
For our Singapore reception, I had debated whether or not I should bring my wedding dress. Ultimately, I decided against it—the duchess satin and long train would be too heavy for the balmy equatorial climate; I didn’t want to clean it, wear it and clean it again, and I felt like it had “its time” in NYC. Although I absolutely loved my dress, I only wanted to wear it once, on our wedding day.
Of course, I still needed something to wear for the Singapore reception, so it was time to go dress shopping again, whee! Here’s where I had a little fun. While I had picked out my wedding dress with Mr. Hamster’s tastes in mind, for my Singapore dress, I picked something that I absolutely loved - Mr. Hamster’s tastes be darned! I know this dress will cause a little head-scratching on his part, but I think it’s fun and romantic. And what dress did I pick? Here it is… Read more…
Mrs. Locket, Ithaca, NYAge and Occupation: 25, Research TechnicianFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, former Banker hoping to become an Officer of the LawEngagement Date: June 15, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Heron Hill WineryAbout Me: I am a little bit of everything all rolled into one: A girly gal with rough edges---I love to get dolled up just as much as I enjoy throwing on some sneaks to toss a ball with Mr. Locket. My love for crafting and creating is quite apparent and I've been referred to as a Wonder Woman/Martha Stewart/Stepford Wife hybrid (yup, I'll take that as a compliment). I adore sewing, photography, sculpture, good eats (mmm tapas), baking, snugging and oh, pretty much everything in between (there's not much I dislike). I am super excited to be planning our vineyard wedding and couldn't be happier to be marrying Mr. Locket. We are a quirky, fun-loving couple residing in our college town with our two pups Maple and Molly. We love to go on hikes, visit our local dog park and to bask in the beauty of many of the local falls and gorges. We are an indecisive pair, but together we somehow manage to make up our minds (it's the easy stuff that's tricky).
Miss Macy is back from her dye job, and David’s Bridal you did good! Mr. L, the lovey of my life, was so kind to pick them up for me just the other day, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to finally have them in my possession and in their pretty plum-purple glory.
When I left my newly purchased shoes (a steal at $19.99), they looked like this and didn’t have much pizazz to them:
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!
Mrs. Plaid, AustinAge and Occupation: 26, Pastry ChefFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Cabinetry CarpenterEngagement Date: August 8, 2009Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: Kindred Oaks, GeorgetownAbout Me: I am a Jersey girl born and raised but have since migrated to Texas and embraced its twang and Tex-Mex. I could probably eat chips and queso every day but instead I eat popcorn. I use the word “awesome” way too much but I just can’t seem to stop myself. I am addicted to all things DIY and am planning what I call a Texas-Chic wedding. I love snuggling with my two adorable dogs and of course, my adorable fiance. I can’t wait 'til I can call him my husband some day! October 2010, here we come!
Weddings are expensive. Everyone knows that or at least has found out as they’ve been planning, right?
Well, my job doesn’t pay very much, so I’ve been looking for ways to make some extra cash. My friend and co-MOH, L, recently added two to her family—two dogs, I mean. Oscar and Mason are their names, and they are absolutely adorable beagle mixes. I love them to pieces.
The hive has got another great giveaway for you today! This one’s for 150 save the dates from MagnetStreet! The winner can choose any style and design, for a value of up to $216! One lucky bride (or groom) will have her choice of 150 personalized magnets, large magnets, photobooth magnets, heart-shaped magnets, cards, or postcards.
MagnetStreet’s designs are fully customizable, from color and font to wording and photos, using their online personalization tool, the Design Studio. In addition to save the dates, MagnetStreet also carries customizable invitations, favors, reception decor, thank you cards, labels, seals, and embellishments.
You have 2 chances to enter this contest!
Simply visit MagnetStreet and let us know what your favorite product in their shop is. For a second chance to win, follow Weddingbee on Twitter and retweet this contest (if you’re already a follower, simply retweet by clicking here!). Then come back here and let us know that you followed/retweeted. You have until Wednesday, August 11 at 11:59 PM PST to enter. Good luck!
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!
One of my biggest goals for our wedding has been to make sure our guests are never hungry. This means having snacks readily available. I really wanted to have a fruit snack with our champagne toast because we’re actually having our best man and woman of honor toasts immediately after our civil ceremony and before the reception. I’ll go into the details about why in another post. Of course, I didn’t just come up with this idea on my own. I was inspired by these photos.
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.
After playing some bridal shower games it was time to get down to business and the part of the shower I was dreading the most. This whole getting married business had helped me discover something about myself that I hadn’t learned in 32 years of life…
… I hate opening gifts in front of large groups.
Hate, hate, hate. My whole life I only ever opened gifts with friends or a very small group of friends (5 people, tops). I was quite surprised at the discomfort I felt at my first two showers. I think in the past I might have felt mild discomfort about having people focus attention on me while I opened a gift. Maybe. But usually it was done and over with in just a matter of minutes, everyone’s attention would move to someone/something else. But bridal showers with Mr P’s large family—most of whom I didn’t know well—that was another matter. I was the main attraction, everyone’s eye on me waiting for my reaction, and this was something new and different. I didn’t like it. I loved the shower and love his family, but the people watching me open gifts—me no likey.
When Mr Pretzel asked me how I liked my showers, I told him I loved them but please don’t make me do the morning after gift opening with friends and family thing at the wedding. He laughed at me, and said OK. Read more…
Mrs. Glasses, Tokyo/Los Angeles, CAAge and Occupation: 24, English teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, English teacherEngagement Date: September 2008Wedding Date: October 2010 Venue: Parents' backyardAbout Me: I’m an expat living in Tokyo. I’ve been in Japan for almost three years now, where I met my fantastic English fiance. It’s time to leave Japan, so we are planning a fun, intimate, backyard ceremony back home in the suburbs of L.A. in October. Our wedding will be a mix of my love for food, beer, my Japanese culture, and Mr. G’s Englishness. We are on a tiny budget and DIYing almost everything!
I’ve been stalking my Google reader for cabaret-style seating and a focal point. We need something to set our stage—to frame our vows, so to speak. If we don’t find something, this will be our backdrop:
Mrs. Barrettes, Tumon, Guam/Napa, CAAge and Occupation: 29, DancerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Licensed Building ContractorEngagement Date: November 16, 2008Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: V. Sattui WineryAbout Me: I'm an East Coast girl, living on a tiny little island in the Pacific, twirling, leaping, and shimmy-ing my way through life, and now, wedding planning! I'm equal parts nerdy and cool... okay, mostly nerdy. I love satin bows, red lipstick, black & white graphic anything, the shine of sequins and the sound of a champagne "pop". My favorite books are The Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James, and Tender is the Night, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I can also conjure a pretty good Patronus Charm. I started my appreciation for good red wine while traveling on the high seas, and it's only fitting that my passion for wine drinking led me to my Napa-bred honey. We bonded over bottles of Cabernet on my oceanfront porch and haven't looked back since. We're sealing the deal at a winery in the Napa Valley on a 'perfect ten' of a day!
Staying true to my process of getting obsessed with one detail, then putting it off when I get bored of it, I’ve started hunting for bridesmaids dresses.
lindseyleighcolby is selling her size 2 Vera Wang gown. It’s the same gown Alyssa Milano wore to her wedding that was published on the cover of People Magazine. She is asking $3,250.
Have a wedding item for sale? Post it with pictures in the Weddingbee classifieds and you might see it featured on the blog!
Mrs. Knitting, TorontoAge and Occupation: 24, Student Recruitment Assistant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Neuroscience PhD CandidateEngagement Date: October 2009Wedding Date: December 2010Venue: University of Toronto Faculty Club
About Me: I'm a pearl wearing, etiquette book reading Toronto girl who loves cooking and baking, museums, charm bracelets, and collecting books on Jackie Kennedy (a lot). I've been known to spend Sunday mornings at the antique market, Wednesday evenings at sister sushi dinners, and any bit of spare time reading. After six and a half years of many late night walks, watching DVDs together in bed, travelling to places like New York, and Tobermory, doing Sudokus together on the couch, lots of Indian food, the occasional yoga class, moving in together and so much more, Mr. Knitting and I are planning a cozy Christmasy (it's a word!), vintage wedding in Toronto complete with many DIY projects (eek!) and lots of help from our amazing group of family and friends.
As I wrote about here, we’ve had to rethink our honeymoon plans. Originally we had planned to go on a big Hawaii trip, but then realized we don’t really have the finances for that. So now we’ve rethought our plans and have booked an excellent alternative that we’re both really happy with.
We’re going to spend 4 nights at Hovey Manor which is an inn located in the Eastern Townships in Quebec. My boss has been going there for years and the other day I clued into the fact that it might be a perfect honeymoon destination for us.
I couldn’t find too many pictures so you’ll have to make do with these two. I promise to remedy the lack of pictures after our honeymoon!
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!
No one tells you how BUSY it is after you get married! Maybe it’s not the case for many of you out there, but for me, things are finally beginning to slow down. Well, sort of.
Summer vacation ends this week and I’m heading back to get my classroom ready for my next group of students. I’ve been busy doing all the moving I didn’t do before the wedding from my place to Mr. Lace’s… I mean, our place. I never really understood the whole nesting thing before getting married, but now I do. There’s a bird family that’s made their nest on a tall bush by our garage and Mr. Lace and I go out to check on them everyday to see what they’re up to. They’re pulling branches, twigs, leaves to make their nest a comfortable place to lay eggs and raise their babies. There are no babies in sight here, but I at least understand an innate desire to make our place homey and comfortable. Read more…
Mrs. Sand Dollar, HoustonAge and Occupation: 24, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Electrical TechnicianEngagement Date: January 8, 2010Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: MacLean ParkAbout Me: I'm a domestic diva down to the core. I heart cooking, sewing, baking, decorating and making sure we have a hand-crafted home. The best part about the wedding is I get to incorporate it all! I make sure I put my art degree to good use by screen printing, craft knife cutting, and a whole lotta graphic design. We're having a big-time party on a small-time budget, and I promise to show you a boot-scootin', barbecue-eatin', finger-lickin' good time! Mr. Sand Dollar and I spend most of our time on DIY projects or traipsing around the outdoors with our two pooches Rory and Juno. I'm looking forward to sharing our journey with all of you!
Thumbing through one of my mom’s more recent James Avery catalogs, I found what could potentially be the best accessory I could possess on my wedding day.
Guys, I need this pendant! It would be my wedding-day Weddingbee shout out! How can I pass this by? Plus, with the whole coastal scene and vibe (loose, but it’ll be there) it would be perfect.
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!
When it came to gifting the ladies in our wedding (my bridesmaids and Mr. Pin Cushion’s groomswomen), I chose presents that were based completely on altruism and selflessness and helping out mankind and stuff. Because I live a life of giving. And I’m not at all into possessions. Or cute shoes. Nope.
And what dress did I pick? Here it is…
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