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!
This weekend was my bridal shower in the Big Apple! Our friends and family (some of who cannot attend the wedding) in the New York area gathered to shower me with love and smiles.
We started with a wine tasting downtown, followed by dinner and games at Giorgio’s of Gramercy. I’ll let the photos tell the story!
Mrs. Elephant, Dallas, TXAge and Occupation: 27, Financial Operations AnalystFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, IT Student/Store ManagerEngagement Date: March 29, 2009Wedding Date: April 2011Venue: The Tribute Golf ClubAbout Me: I'm a Philly native creating roots deep in the heart of Texas. I might be a little obsessed capturing those Kodak moments of anything and everything (mainly on vacations). I've become more of a gamer thanks to Mr. Elephant, who I met online and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with. We are planning a wedding based on our favorite colors, blue and green, with a travel theme for 150 of our closest friends and family. Hopefully our long (2-year) engagement won't kill me!
Back in May, Mr. E and I headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas for the first of three meetings with the family pastor who will be officiating our wedding. Since my parents have never been to the bed and breakfast run by our former pastor and her husband, they joined us for the drive up there so they could get some R&R for a couple of days.
We sat down with Kristie for a couple of hours and talked about everything from the wedding basics, money, and values to religion, vows, and the book Five Love Languages. It was truly amazing to really think about ourselves and what we want in our marriage, aside from the one day of celebration. I won’t lie—some of the questions were a little harder to answer then others, but Kristie was awesome and asked more questions to help us think deeper and truly answer questions such as what the other person is passionate about and what our personal goals are.
There were some homework assignments to take away, which included: Read more…
Mrs. Cardigan, AustinAge and Occupation: 21, Student/Soon-to-be Special Education TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 20, Student/Soon-to-be Accounting Systems AnalystEngagement Date: August 16, 2009Wedding Date: January 2011Venue: Vintage VillasAbout Me: I'm a native Austinite who was raised as a die-hard Aggie. Luckily, I'm a pretty persuasive girl because I managed to convince my high school boyfriend (now fiance!), Mr. Cardigan, to ditch his hardcore Longhorn ways and join me up at A&M, where we currently reside with our adorable dogs, Cullen & Ranger. We're currently planning a bright, cheery wedding with a ridiculous amount of DIY projects that I can't wait to tackle! I love crafting in any form, reading, and margaritas (I think I love them the most!). Organization is what keeps me sane and I love helping others, which is probably why I ended up as an education major. It gets a little chaotic sometimes when you're planning a wedding among all of the papers, projects, finals, and certification exams, but we're having the time of our lives and we can't wait to get started on our journey as husband and wife - and we're so excited to share our wedding with the hive!
Really, I am. I don’t know why, but I think I just missed out on some female gene that all women are supposed to get that teaches you all about makeup and how to use it. My makeup bag hasn’t changed much since high school (I’ve replaced things, but I’m still using the same cheap-o brands) and even though it’s pretty full, I really only use 4 or 5 things in it on a regular basis.
Mr. Cardigan frequently tells me how amazed he is at how fast I’m able to get ready to go somewhere, but the reality of it is I’m just fast because I don’t do much. I throw on some foundation, eyeliner, and maybe mascara if I’m feeling ambitious, and then I call it a day.
Now, on a day-to-day basis, this isn’t really a big deal. I mean, I don’t need to look like a supermodel every day (although, that sure would be nice!), but on our wedding day I’d really like to look a little more special than usual. Of course, the simple solution is to hire a makeup artist, but I’m cheap.
Plus, why would I do that when I have my own personal stylist? What? You don’t believe that I have a personal stylist? Check it:
Mrs. Meerkat, Kalamazoo, MI/Riviera MayaAge and Occupation: 30, Application EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, IT ConsultantEngagement Date: July 26, 2008Wedding Date: December 2010Venue: Al Cielo / La LagunaAbout Me: I’m a tech-savvy tomboy with an affinity for hot tea and good sushi. Us Meerkats are just a couple fun lovin’ geeks from Michigan. We love anything having to do with movies, books, video games or technology and we hold a special place in our hearts for our two very spoiled shih-tzus, Wicket and Bravo. We also LOVE to travel. We love it so much it only took us 12 hours after we got engaged to decide to have a destination wedding. We are working our little Meerkat tails off planning a rustic-chic, travel themed destination wedding in the Riviera Maya with a semi-formal, vintage-turned-modern, outdoor at home reception back here in Michigan.
With less than four months until our wedding, my girls still didn’t have bridesmaids dresses!! Yes, this was completely my fault. I had been dragging my feet. Why? Because I was in love with a color. Yes, you read that right: a color. Amareth, to be specific.
Mrs. Zebra, Providence, RIAge and Occupation: 24 Marketing/Costume DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26 Management/Firefighter Engagement Date: December 12, 2008Wedding Date: March 2011Venue: The Providence BiltmoreAbout Me: I'm a small town New England girl with an affinity for procrastination, crossing the proverbial line, and putting her foot in her mouth. I'm a lover of history, all seasons, sewing and Incubus. I design costumes on the side for my old high school's theatre department, which is where I met my sexy man. Our motto for our Big Fat Lebanese/Portuguese/Irish near-300 person wedding is "the more the merrier"! We are marrying in a Catholic ceremony and are hammering out the details of our Victorian-inspired reception.
I don’t particularly agree with the idea that because a bride asks someone to be a BM that they must complete all wedding-related tasks at the request of and on the timeline of the bride. Well…those brides can eat their hearts out! This is a quote from the e-mail I just received in regards to our BM dresscapade…
“I tried not to grow much, but maybe I did. IDK”
No, ladies and gentleman, this is not a pregnant BM or one going through a stressful time in her life. This is our 11-year-old junior bridesmaid trying not to grow taller. That’s wedication, folks…
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.
You’ve just had the most amazing wedding and reception. Every detail fell into place beautifully. You’re basking in the glow of newlywed-ness and then you realize that you have a second party to plan. CRAP!
Mr P and I quickly realized that we weren’t going to re-purpose our brightly colored summer wedding style for our November party in Indiana. We did however want to re-purpose some of the elements. The first place we could start was with our colors. Pink, green, and aqua blue didn’t scream fall to us. But we could certainly work with orange. A quick search gave me lots of rustic orange wedding inspiration.
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!
Guess what we did this past weekend? Um. Yeah. We got married! Squeal!!!
It was by far the most amazing, magical, and ridiculously awesome day I’ve ever experienced in my life. And to think I used to scoff when people called their wedding day the thebestdayoftmylife. I stand corrected. To be surrounded by so much LOVE is some rare and strong magic. It will be pretty hard to rival, but I certainly hope we will spend every single day of the rest of our lives together trying to recreate that magic for each other. Read more…
Ms. Sloth, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 35, Account Manager and Fashion BloggerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Design AdminEngagement Date: December 25, 2009Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Bartram's GardenAbout Me: I'm an internet junkie and music snob with a good eye for a bargain. I couldn't live without thrift store shopping, cheeseburgers, sushi, Coke Zero, websites devoted to silly photos of baby animals, Photoshop, and Mr. Sloth. Speaking of which, he and I are a pair of goofball homebody nerds who love our beagle (the most ridiculously adorable dog EVER) to an embarrassing degree. We're planning a low-key and intimate yet festive and quirky outdoor wedding with DIY details and deeply personal touches, and it's all taking place in the city where we fell in love and call home: Philadelphia.
My second dress appointment was at the old standby, David’s Bridal.
I was kind of excited. And I was kind of nervous. And I was kind of apprehensive.
Excited because, well, playing dress-up is fun! Nervous because I’d never really done this before and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. And apprehensive because, while I have nothing against David’s, I never really envisioned that I’d get my dress there. I’d always dreamed of something unique and special, but as I’ve said before, I think my body is better suited for a traditional dress. I’m not crazy about wearing the same dress that so many other women will wear, but I can get over that. It’s not like any of those women will be at my wedding. And as long as it looks nice, is comfortable, and doesn’t cost a fortune, then I’m OK with it.
My mom and my bridesmaid K came along to give feedback because I knew I could rely on them to be honest.
Mrs. Brooch, Arlington, VAAge and Occupation: 25, Writer/EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Front Desk ManagerEngagement Date: October 3, 2009Wedding Date: April 2011Venue: Oxon Hill ManorAbout Me: I’m an indecisive girlie-girl with a motor mouth, can-do attitude, and knack for making others laugh. I dream of becoming a best selling novelist like Elizabeth Gilbert or Julie Powell (a girl can dream, right?), and love long road trips, a beautiful countryside, music, blogs, books, and all things vintage/thrift/antique/or homemade. I’m a Virgo, i.e. overly sensitive, emotional, and critical, and there’s no such thing as short and sweet in my world. I want to say and do it all. Mr. Brooch grounds me. I point where to go and he figures out the way. He’s a pragmatic fancy-pants who enjoys video games and movies. We both adore our mutt, Rocky, and spending time with our amazingly supportive family and friends. We’re planning a garden wedding with a formal reception with lots of whimsy and unique, Southern-inspired details.
I pride myself on my ability to find goodies at a low cost, secondhand, or for free. That’s right—for free! You might have guessed this from my bio–lover of all things vintage/antique/thrift/homemade. You’ll find I’m a sucker for a deal. I thrive on a good bargain!
Remember my seating inspiration? Many of you were concerned about the cost and rightfully so. Renting lounge furntiure, especially the expensive kind, can get really expensive and fast! My solution is to go secondhand. Seriously. Mama Brooch and I have found some pretty amazing furniture curbside.
The thing is, our venue is perfect for this aesthetic because it’s historic and has a very antique charm, and I want to keep that consistent throughout our wedding.
Mrs. Lioness, AtlantaAge and Occupation: 25, Physical TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, AttorneyEngagement Date: August 29, 2009Wedding Date: April 2011Venue: Anthony’s Fine DiningAbout Me: I’m a Southern girl with New England roots. I say "wicked" and "y’all" in the same sentence and I like to drink sweet tea with my lobster. Mr. Lion and I are both former Floridians now living in Atlanta, which fortunately is still SEC country...Go Gators! We both love baseball, coffee, traveling, cooking, and playing Words with Friends with each other on our iPhones all day long. I’m very passionate about the things and the people I love, and I tend to plan things with all of my heart...our wedding, of course, is no different! Oh, and also Mr. Lion is a first generation American of Cuban descent. I may look more like Lucy than Ricky, but I’m doing my best to incorporate some Latin elements into our vintage-garden-Southern wedding!
Y’all didn’t think I’d let Mr. Lion get away with exclusively UCF e-pics, did you? Of course, we had to stop by the Swamp, too! Now, Mr. Lion will tell you that the Gators mean nothing to him, but this is simply not true. We first met in Gainesville, and we made many wonderful memories there during the first two years of our relationship. That town will always hold a special place in our hearts. So we left Orlando, headed up to Gainesville, and stopped to smile for a few more photos.
Mrs. Penguin, Northern CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 27, Weddingbee Editor in ChiefFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Doctor of Physical TherapyEngagement Date: January 29, 2007Wedding Date: June 7, 2008Blogging Since: September 14, 2007Venue: Winery in the Gold CountryAbout Me: I love the Spice Girls, dogs with underbites, bean burritos, making messes, high fives, avoiding showers, crossword puzzles, blogs, weddings, and blogs about weddings!
We’re so thrilled to finally introduce our two newest features—Weddingbee’s own invitation and favor shops, open now!
These shops have been in the works for months and we’re so excited for their grand unveiling, happening right as we speak! Now you can shop for a whole host of favors and stationery, including:
And much, much more! And to celebrate, Weddingbee is offering great deals in each shop! Read more…
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.
Two years ago today, Mr. Pudding and I legally declared our commitment to each other. For those who are new to the hive, you may have missed my post about our “Engagement Party“. Here is a little refresher:
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.
We are among those who will be hosting several kids at our wedding. Both of us have lots of little rascals running around on all sides of our family gatherings. So, I loved the idea of creating a book to keep them occupied:
(personal photo)
Inside they have lots of activities for the kids to keep entertained:
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!
Considering all the things we’ve broken the rules on (no flowers, getting legally married before the wedding, having a Rice Krispies wedding cake, doing a “first look”) I’m surprised to find that we’re sticking to a lot of long-standing wedding traditions. First up: the Dollar Dance!
For those of you unfamiliar with the Dollar Dance (aka Money Dance, Honeymoon Dance, Shameless-Request-For-Cash-On-Our-Wedding-Day), it’s a popular tradition in the South, and has been at pretty much every wedding I’ve been to in this neck of the woods.
