Mrs. Jaguar, SydneyAge and Occupation: 27, Primary School TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, IT ConsultantEngagement Date: August 8, 2009Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Curzon HallAbout Me: I'm an Australian girl who is a self-proclaimed nerd, loves all things stationery and would be lost without books, music and the internet. Mr. Jaguar and I have been together for the past eight years and he finally popped the question last August. Hurrah! We currently live in Sydney, Australia with our adorable cat who thinks he's a person. We're a couple who likes to multi-task: we've been planning a wedding abroad, a permanent move from London to Sydney, and preparing to build our own home all at the same time. Travelling makes me giddy...as does Mr. Jaguar, of course!
Mr. Jaguar and I have lived in London for nearly three years for me, three-and-a-half years for him: we have always been a travel-happy couple. Our very first visit to Europe together was as a pair of 19- and 21-year-olds back in 2004. We spent six glorious weeks frolicking around the continent in winter, followed by a week in England and Scotland, which cemented our love for it over here—even in the cold and dreary weather. We knew we’d come back at some point…and we did.
Our time here is quickly coming to an end. It’s been an amazing few years, but we have so much coming up to look forward to back home in Sydney, with a few travel adventures along the way. What I’d like to do in some way, if I can, is to incorporate our time spent traveling and living abroad into the wedding day in some way, shape, or form.
Since we will both be heading off on some travels over the coming weeks, I thought I would keep my eyes peeled for wedding inspiration along the way. The easiest way I can think of doing this is to incorporate souvenirs into either the table names or place settings. Even though I’m still coveting my Lumies, I would be happy to avoid the standard “Table 1,” “Table 2″ labels, and so I have been trying to think of cute ways to spice this up—the names of countries, perhaps? I don’t know. It’s an idea in my head that isn’t completely established yet.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to head to Paris for a few days. (Remember the awkward dancing? Yep! That was the trip!) And while checking out some souvenir stalls, I came across some hand-sketched prints of famous landmarks. I was purchasing a handful of larger-sized ones to frame and hang on our walls—and that’s when it struck me: these could be perfect!
These are just three of the sketches I bought—aren’t they fabulous?
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.
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!
I have a secret to confess. There’s been a new man in my life lately. At least there has been for the last week or so. His name is Fred and he’s adorable. Move over Mr. P, there’s a new man in town.
Are you ready for an introduction? Here goes nothin’. Meet Fred…the zombie!
Isn’t he adorable? I love how he turned out! And if you don’t remember (click here), I’m planning on making a big brain cake for Mr. P’s groom’s cake. And what goes with a brain? Why, a zombie, of course! Read more…
Mrs. Earrings, Fresno, CA/ Nelson, New ZealandAge and Occupation: 20, Student, Wannabe Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 19, Photography StudentEngagement Date: February 14, 2010Wedding Date: January 2011Venue: Gardens of the WorldAbout Me: I'm a girl from down under who grew up in Indonesia and I'm marrying a California boy. I'm addicted to all things sweet, have never met a chocolate silk pie than can get the better of me, and have dreams of one day being a fulltime novelist. I go weak in the knees for lace, tea cups, and a beautifully crafted sentence. When I get excited about something (whether it is historical linguistics or the Beatles) I tend to go overboard in research, and planning this wedding is no different. Mr. Earrings is my high school sweetheart, my best friend, and somehow we combine all our quirks into one big happy mess.
In which Miss E learns a lesson on love, co-habitation, and floral bedspreads.
Once upon a time, on a day not so very long ago, Miss E decided to browse bed linen for her and Mr E to have on their new bed after their wedding. “Oh look!” said she. “This floral bedspread is perfect, so romantic and just what we need.”
But…”No way,” said Mr E. “No girly bedspread for me.”
Miss E dug deeper and found out that by “no girly” Mr E meant he did not want a single flower to blossom on their bedspread. Yes for their wedding, no for their bed.
“Oh no!” said Miss E. “But you’re talking to the floral fabric queen!” Read more…
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.
After we each read the vows we’d written, it was time to finish the ceremony.
Our officiant friend asked Mr. Cola two very important questions: “Alex, with your promises to Morgan in mind, do you take her to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her for all time?” Read more…
Keep on loading your inspirational wedding pics to the Weddingbee Gallery to see them featured here on the blog! Remember, your images must be under 1MB in size, or they won’t load.
Ms. Cheetah, Los Angeles/Palm Springs
Age and Occupation: 31, Artist, EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, TV FinanceEngagement Date: April 2010Wedding Date: March 2011Venue: The ViceroyAbout Me: I’m a silly, sassy lady with a compulsion to create. I love to sing and dance, despite the fact that I lack any talent doing either. I somehow manage to be messy and organized at the same time. I like to spend my days road tripping, watching '80s movies, reading true crime books, buying things on sale, sending postcards, playing board games, dining at food trucks, snuggling, and drinking ginger ale. I have a weak spot for all things sweet, especially Mr. Cheetah! I’m a Chicago girl and he’s a Nor Cal boy but we love living in the City of Angels. After 10 years as a couple we are planning a fun-filled semi-destination wedding in Palm Springs. Hope you enjoy the ride!
It’s not uncommon for me to be indecisive, so it’s no wonder making the final decision on the venue almost made me pull my hair out. (I didn’t, though, because I’m pretty sure I’m going to want that hair come the wedding day.)
While Mr. Cheetah and I love both Chicago and L.A. with all our hearts, we decided we were looking for a destination-wedding-type vibe, so we happily decided to focus on Palm Springs.
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!
Our current 10% off of favors can be applied to anything in the Weddingbee Favors Shop, including all these heart-themed goodies! Simply enter code 5205TEN at checkout. The 10% off coupon code expires this Saturday, October 16.
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 our delicious dinner came to a close, our amazing photographer Jessica Ames grabbed Burger and me to get some fun shots in our Photobooth—and boy am I glad she did, because these pictures are some of our favorites!
The Photobooth was graciously provided for our guests by Jessica and her husband Lucas. They used a 10×10’ white backdrop, mustaches and lips from this Etsy store (at least I think that is where they are from!), and one of their cameras to get these fantastic shots!
Mrs. Ostrich, San Francisco/HawaiiAge and Occupation: 30, Fashion Buyer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 38, CopywriterEngagement Date: October 4, 2009Wedding Date: April 2011Venue: Sweet ceremony by the sea and sunset celebration on the North Shore of HawaiiAbout Me: Born in the city of angels and residing in the city by the bay, I’m a fearless fashion buyer by day, a passionate blog author by night and a dreamy bride-to-be in between. I thank my lucky stars to live in such a stunning city that gives me gifts like organic honey lavender ice cream, movie nights in the park, tucked away beaches, legendary record stores, '80s dance parties, awesome sports teams, stellar flea markets, and vintage bookshops. Oh, and I love to dance! We always find every excuse to escape to the beach, and decided a little seaside wedding in Hawaii is our idea of bliss. Full of our favorite people, music, food and sparkly lights, this is one sunset celebration we will always remember.
Mrs. Giraffe, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 23, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Music Student TeacherEngagement Date: October 23, 2008Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church & Idlewild Country ClubAbout Me: Coming from the suburbs of the Windy City, you'll often find me with my foot in my mouth while laughing for no reason or telling bad knock knock jokes. I've been crafty for as long as I can remember, and will DIY something twice over before I have someone do it for me. I'm a semi-awkward, typeface obsessed, design junkie and have been know to break out my dance moves for no reason as well as try my best to be ridiculous at all times. My love of pop culture, wordplay, and graph paper almost rivals my love of Mr. Giraffe (who is just the bee's knees). After a 2.5 year engagement, we're planning a modern-in-disguise traditional wedding, and cannot wait!
So I was an art major in college and am currently a graphic designer. What does this mean, you say? It means I have an appreciation for art that some don’t…similar to the way Mr. Giraffe has an appreciation for music that I don’t (and possibly never will?). Anyway, I may have hated those four semesters of art history at the time, but I have come to look up to the artists that have come before me, and hope to one day impact the world as they have.
What does this all mean? Simple…I like art. Also, I like weddings! And as an artist, I would want art to be part of a wedding, perhaps…But how could I do this?! I’ll tell you! It’s so simple, but not simple at all. It’s the cake!
As if cake weren’t an art form already, feast your eyes (any maybe your stomachs?) on this baby!
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.
It the words of my co-bride, “I feel like I need a book cover for it!” It’s pure wedding gorgeousness. Seriously, it puts other mags (no naming names) to shame! So much inspiration, so much ooh and ahh, so much you won’t know won’t to do with it all!
I showed Mr. B and even he—who is stunningly anti-wedding porn—was in awe.
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.
I mentioned in my last post wanting to add some pops of color to the bridesmaids’ gifts and I definitely did. I gave each girl their gifts the morning of the wedding. I had originally wanted to do hostess gifts for the pre-wedding events, but didn’t have the time, so I rolled them into one on the wedding day.
The first gift reads: “Thanks for making our engagement sparkle brighter!” as a thanks for an amazing engagement party.
Each girl got a sparkly picture frame with a photo from the engagement party. 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.
Since I’ve pretty much decided that whatever dress I get will be very, very simple and strapless with a sweetheart bustline, I’m going to need some really rad accessories to jazz it up.
This actually feels right because that’s how I roll in real life. I practically live in jeans and simple tops, and then make the outfit “mine” by throwing on a giant necklace, or a wild scarf, or big dangly earrings, or an embellished headband, or a trendy handbag, etc.
And so I’m considering this Etsy purchase, from alusciousthing:
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
The first gift reads: “Thanks for making our engagement sparkle brighter!” as a thanks for an amazing engagement party.
