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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.
The Wednesday before our wedding was an early one! I picked up our 10 foot U-Haul truck at 7:30AM, and Mr. Cola and a groomsman loaded it with all the stuff we needed to take to my mom’s house, like our patio table, mini fridge, Styrofoam boxes, ice packs, etc. The table was for our Sunday-after lunch, and the rest was for storing all our wedding flowers.
(Me, waiting to get going in the truck, checking my Weddingbee comments, of course!)
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.
Taco’s note: we’re getting down to the wire, and, like many of the now-Mrs. bees and August month twins, I’ve been mired in the details of scheduling and loose-end-tying two weeks out. Subsequently, I started forgetting the fun stuff. I couldn’t let August 14 sneak up on me (which it is TOTALLY doing) before doing a bridal-shower recap for y’alls.
San Francisco, with its Mediterranean climate and gaggles of bougainvillea bushes, turned into the real Mediterranean for a few hours. My bridal shower was Mediterranean-themed to go with our honeymoon to Italy, Greece, and Egypt. We registered solely for honeymoon items, so this was a great idea for a party, thrown by the Cinco Taco BMs. Most of the food was either Italian or Greek in origin, and people were encouraged to bring something the Tacos could use on their honeymoon.
It was the best damned shower this side of the Atlantic! My enthusiasm surely means that it was planned with my tastes and likes in mind: the mark of an excellent partay. Kudos galore to shower-leader BM Jillian.
Mrs. Socks, Southern NJ/Philadelphia, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Web Developer/Marketing SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Systems EngineerEngagement Date: September 7, 2009
Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: Ladder 15 RestaurantAbout Me: I am originally from the Midwest, but I love being an East Coast transplant! Mr. Socks and I are foodies and winos to the core---give us a hunk of cheese, some charcuterie and a glass of wine and we could die happy. We have two mischievous Wire Fox Terriers with completely opposite personalities but with a shared love of uprooting anything in our garden. Our backyard garden includes everything from tomatoes and peppers to a fig tree, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries! I love cooking, indie music, and spending time in our wedding city of choice---Philly!
Mr. Socks is a surprisingly fashion-forward guy. I say “surprisingly” simply because… well, most people seem surprised when I tell them that he deeply cares about the quality and fit of his clothes.
He’s an avid cyclist (mostly during the warmer months) and he runs every day on our treadmill. He works very hard to maintain a trim and fit build, so it’s a good thing that he’s conscious about what he wears––I don’t want him to hide his hard work under sweatshirts and baggy T shirts all of the time!
Mrs. French Bulldog, Orange CountyAge and Occupation: 28, Administrative Assistant & Interior Design StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Purchasing AnalystEngagement Date: November 8, 2008Wedding Date: August 2009Venue: Bernardo WineryAbout Me: I've lived in Atlanta, Dallas and Laguna Niguel; although I've lived in Orange County, CA most my life, I'm a Southerner at heart. I work full time for a Commercial General Contractor (aka my father) and I go to school for Interior Design at night. I love modern design, music, wine, crafting, DMailing, my family, my Westies, and of course, Mr Frenchie! Mr Frenchie and I met 3 years ago on Match.com and have been best friends ever since. I love his "old soul" and how he laughs with his whole body, among many other things. We are planning our summer wedding at the winery near his hometown, just 45 minutes south of Orange County.
As you can probably tell, The French Bulldogs didn’t shy away from your typical wedding timeline. Mr Frenchie and I had been to a few wedding while we were dating and took notes on the things we liked and didn’t like. We really like when couples would get the speeches out of the way at the beginning, when you were still full from cocktail hour and happy you were sitting down. So, after our first dance, we went right into the speeches.
Papa Frenchie went first…
I thought about posting his entire speech, but I since I start tearing up just looking at these pictures, I wasn’t sure I could make it through transcribing the whole speech.
My Daddy isn’t a “big talker” like me… or my Mom. He’s more introverted, like Mr Frenchie. Read more…
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.
When it came to the Starfish Girls’ shoes, I knew I couldn’t pick one style because heights and comforts vary between the girls. I’m personally not a fan of higher heels, but have a few girls that love them, and at least one other like me who likes low heels or no heels, so I don’t think it would be possible to find one style of shoe that would make everyone happy.
Originally I wanted to find navy shoes, but I couldn’t find the exact shade I like. I also didn’t want to do dyeables, because I want the girls to have super cost-friendly options.
I then decided to look for off white or cream shoes, which I didn’t think would be hard in the spring and summer, but it was. I did find one or two options I liked in navy and cream, but I really want the girls to have a variety so they each are happy and comfortable with the shoes they wear.
Then one of the Starfish Girls suggested gold. I really wanted to keep everything at the wedding to our navy and white color scheme, but in this case it just makes the most sense. Gold shoes are re-wearable and some girls may even already own a pair. Plus, we are heading nto fall, which should make gold shoes pretty easy to find. So far, I’ve found lots of options online. Read more…
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!
This was by far the part I was looking most forward to in the whole wedding planning process. I’ve always loved wedding dresses. I’ve still got pictures I ripped out of wedding magazine probably 12 years ago saved away in a file.
I was looking at Unbridaled, a local bridal shop’s, inventory online and found the most beautiful dress in the whole world. The shop mostly carries dresses for the nontraditional bride. This particular dress is part of Modern Trousseau’s 2010 collection. It’s called the Macey dress. I love love love it!
Mrs. Guinea Pig, Baltimore, MD Age and Occupation: 26, PhD student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Operations Director at a non-profit Engagement Date: December 25, 2008 Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club About Me: I'm a tomboy science nerd whose girly side has made a startling appearance thanks to wedding planning! I love to bake, knit and sew but I also ride a motorcycle (that Mr. Guinea Pig wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole). We live with our three crazy cats and love to read, travel, watch movies, and do home improvement projects together! My parents/family are Canadian but I'm definitely American, although I've lived in 5 different countries, 6 different states, and speak Russian fluently. Mr. GP and I met online (did I mention I'm a scientist?) and had a whirlwind romance - now we can't wait to get married & celebrate with all our friends and family in a blue and yellow waterfront affair!
“Oh man I can’t wait to eat crabs. I wonder how many I can eat and still fit into my dress? I’m gonna need a bib.”
That’s pretty much the sum of all the thinking I did about our rehearsal dinner. I count myself very, very lucky that Mr. Guinea Pig’s parents organized a stellar rehearsal dinner for which I did not need to do, plan, or create anything. I told you before about our Crab Feast RD plans, and boy oh boy was it awesome! I’m pretty much going to tell the story of our rehearsal dinner in photos, because that’s the way I remember it. First, the food:
Mrs. Husky, DenverAge and Occupation: 26, Systems AdministratorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Mechanical Engineer, recently laid offEngagement Date: August 14, 2009Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: Rancho San CarlosAbout Me: I am planning a quirky-crafty wedding with my recently out-of-work fiancé for a (fingers crossed!) warm October afternoon. We are two self-professed nerds with an affinity for all things outdoors---be it rain, snow or shine. Recently relocated from the drizzly Northwest, we're enjoying the many sun-soaked days in the mile high city. Our day will be filled with both of our large families and friends, a self-served Cajun feast, and a Zydeco-style jazz band rocking beneath the beams of a historic red barn.
I attended my cousin’s wedding two weekends ago, and it inspired me to share some thoughts on preparing for unfavorable circumstances. She planned her wedding to be a very casual, laid-back affair, all in about four months. She chose a day in the middle of summer, when the average temperature is 83 degrees, in a state that enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. She chose not to rent a tent. And guess what happened:
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!
As you saw at the end of my last post, we were in the back of the church, lined up and ready to go. It was time for this Cheeseburger to get married, people!
I remember telling myself to try pay attention to the music, as we had spent so much time carefully picking each song. I got to hear the very tail end of “Hail Holy Queen” being sung beautifully by our cantor, and then, “Air from Suite in D Major” by Bach began, signaling the start of the processional.
Burger’s parents, my amazing in laws, made their way down the aisle.
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!
Shoes are the bane of my existence. They really are. If I had my way, we’d all be walking around barefoot. I hate socks, too, but I guess that’s really a story for another time.
I think I hate shoes so much because they’ve caused so much trouble in my life. A lot of injuries I’ve had are related to not wearing proper footwear. The most recent of these incidents was actually last December, right before Mr. Glasses and I went on our big trip to England. I was inebriated—that’s putting it gently—and in heels, dancing to a song that obviously got me too excited because I fell over and broke my foot. Since then, I’ve been cautious of high heels, and I’m not sure if I’m ready to put a pair on yet. As I’ve mentioned, I’m not really keen on any shoes in the first place. I only go shoe shopping when I’ve worn out a pair because I absolutely hate picking out, trying on, and buying shoes (I don’t know why).
Where does that leave me with my shoes the day of our ceremony? Our backyard isn’t paved—it’s all grass and dirt—so that leaves dreaded heels out of the question. I need something that can get dirty while being comfortable and cute.
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).
A few posts ago you were updated on my bridal bouquet project, and I let you know that the tutorials would be forthcoming. As promised (being the good blogger that I am), I am here to deliver them in a series of posts rightfully named, “How Does Your Garden Sew.” (Haha, I love wordplay/I am a cornball.)
Part I: Garden Roses
Prior to starting any of these steps, you will want to make sure you have the right supplies on hand.
Supplies Used:
as much synthetic fabric as you would like (I think I used 1/2 yard.)
scissors or rotary cutter
cutting mat (not necessary, but good if you plan to use a rotary cutter)
Start your own Weddingbee Bio and you could be featured on the blog!
Mrs. Scissors, LaGrange, GAAge and Occupation: 25, Photography & Graphic DesignFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Engineering Grad StudentEngagement Date: January 1, 2009Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: Ceremony - First United Methodist Church; Reception - My parents' house!About Me: I’m a six-foot-three bride with a fifty-foot personality! I love great art, fabulous design, intense color, tons of music, indie photography, watching movies on repeat, and being really awesome. This super-tall, Southern, loud, quirky, neurotic artist is marrying a German, quiet, silly, super-amazing roboticist in an eclectic, funky, fun, snazzy, technicolored June wedding. Anything is game for this shindig, for it is all about us! We’re bringing giant paper cranes, six-foot-tall portraits, fortune cookies, a photo booth, a club-circuit DJ, handcuffs, and possibly a kidnapping to this small Southern town. Watch out, y’all, and try to keep up!
And so it begins. This, my dears, is the last teaser-not-full-wedding-recaps post before recaps begin. Why? Well, this afternoon our amazing photog, Matt Miller of Our Labor of Love sent over some pictures. And boy, are we ever happy with the results! Understatement of the century.
So, please enjoy these snippets of us getting ready, playing photo shoot, and having a blast at the reception. Read more…
(Me, waiting to get going in the truck, checking my Weddingbee comments, of course!)
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
I count myself very, very lucky that Mr. Guinea Pig’s parents organized a stellar rehearsal dinner for which I did not need to do, plan, or create anything. I told you before about our Crab Feast RD plans, and boy oh boy was it awesome! I’m pretty much going to tell the story of our rehearsal dinner in photos, because that’s the way I remember it. First, the food:
(source)
