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.
First I considered mismatched floral bridesmaid dresses. Then I wanted ivory. And then mismatched brights and then mismatched yellow. I shot down each idea. Florals would be too hard to coordinate. Ivory and yellow aren’t flattering on all skin tones. Mismatched brights weren’t cohesive enough.
And then, it finally came to me. Mismatched grey.
I emailed my bridesmaids and told them that they could wear any grey dress they wanted, any shade, as long as it was approximately knee-length and not sparkly or too tight or revealing. That’s it. Read more…
Weddingbee GalleryFeature Launched: April 10, 2009About: A collection of inspirational wedding pictures from readers and bees.
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.
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.
And now, dear friends, it’s time to share the moments from my wedding that still make my heart swell with love and happiness whenever I relive them: Our vows, which we wrote ourselves but kept from one another.
I’m going to let the photos do most of the talking for this one. Mr Trail Mix said his vows first…
Miss Trail Mix-
I love you and am ecstatic to have such an amazing bride.
I can’t believe we are only a few moments away from finally being husband and wife. You are beautiful, compassionate, athletic and honest. Read more…
Mrs. Cinnamon Bun, Calgary, AlbertaAge and Occupation: 26, Stage ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Theatre TechnicianEngagement Date: June 22, 2010Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Calgary Opera CentreAbout Me: I'm a life-long crafter and bookworm living in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Some of my loves include Lord of the Rings, Sherlock Holmes, knitting, opera, musicals, Etsy, baking, and of course, Mr. Cinnamon Buns. We're keeping our wedding close to home---the venue isn't very far from our house, and we live within walking distance of 6 bridal salons. I'm using the wedding as an excuse to try out every craft project I possibly can, with the endless help and support of my fiance.
It actually took me a couple months after getting engaged before I made our wedding binder. I know Mrs. CB was shocked it took so long! Making tome-like binders that have everything you could ever want to know about a show is sort of my job, so there was no doubt that I’d do it myself. It’s a pretty easy DIY, as projects go, but it is one of the most important. And, this way you don’t have to go with the very pink ones the bookstores sell, where you aren’t going to use half the tabs.
First, I found a nice plain, kraft-paper covered binder. I chose this rather than a plastic one because I could decorate it more easily. Then, I got out one of my sets of alphabet stamps and a blue ink pad:
Ms Seahorse, BostonAge and Occupation: 25, Veterinary Jane-of-all-tradesFiancee's Age and Occupation: 36, former non-profit fundraiser in search of something betterEngagement Date: October 17, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Fort Pond LodgeAbout Me: By day I'm a cat-wrangler, vet tech assistant, pet-sitter, receptionist, and pre-vet student, but the rest of the time, I'm a former-roller-derby girl turned dedicated-wedding planner. I love reading, writing, bicycles, animals, roller skating, and antique-y things of all sorts. I'm a vegetarian who likes spicy foods, while Fiancee Seahorse is a meat eater who does not like spices. We live outside Boston with our menagerie: a fifty pound dog, a one-eyed, seventeen-toed, toothless cat, and a perfectly put together cat who has a penchant for pooping near rather than in her litter box. In addition to planning our small lake-side wedding, we enjoy running around with the puppy, playing board games (Scrabble, anyone?), having little adventures, talking about how we should really clean the house more, and maintaining our little garden of vegetables and wedding flowers.
Okay, so I know I said I would get back to your regularly scheduled wedding recaps soon…but instead I got sucked into the “Then and Now” Series. I mean, who doesn’t love embarrassing pictures of me in high school? With my boyfriend? 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.
I can thank a co-worker for our hometown reception favors. I work with a number of individuals from Quebec. I’m not one for sweets, but growing up in New Hampshire I have a soft spot in my heart for Maple Sugar Candy. If you’ve never had maple sugar candy, I’m not sure how to describe it. It is made by taking sap from the maple tree and boiling off the excess water. When done well, it is like butter in your mouth. When it is done not-so-well it is gritty and hard. A couple months ago my co-worker took a trip home to Montreal and she returned with the most delectable maple sugar candy. As I savored the candies, my mind was filled with images of New England growing up, and I had an epiphany: maple leaf shaped maple sugar candy would be the perfect gift for our hometown reception. It honors where I grew up and also fits well with our fall tree and leaf-themed party.
Mrs. Panther, Atlanta GA/Westport CTAge and Occupation: 24, Web WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Music Recording EngineerEngagement Date: March 13, 2010Wedding Date: July 2011Venue: The Inn at LongshoreAbout Me: I'm a total goofball who goes through life at a breakneck pace, trying not to knock anything over. I tend to fall in love with everything I encounter, but more than anything, I love my two little kitties, Bela and Josie, and my big kitty, Mr. Panther! As a wannabe crafter, I'm still waiting for my artistic talents to emerge. (Any day now, really.) In the meantime, I spend my days eating anything put in front of me, buying every pair of shoes I see and absorbing wedding inspiration from every inch of my surroundings. Mr. Panther and I are hardcore New Englanders planning Connecticut nuptials from our new home in the Dirty South, and can't wait to mix our newfound love of classic Southern charm with some modern city touches.
What a productive weekend! Matron-of-Honor Mellow was here from Connecticut, so we visited my dress sample at Bridals by Lori, and…we picked out the bridesmaids dresses! Woohooooooo!
We’re doing the J Crew “Arabelle” and “Taryn” dresses in matisse blue. These pictures don’t do it justice—it’s like a bright tealish-blue.
Mrs. Waffle, AustinAge and Occupation: 31, Costumer/ArtistFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, AnimatorEngagement Date: July 27, 2010Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Hummingbird HouseAbout Me: My life is pretty much spent in a sea of fabric, paint, sequins and drama. When I’m not working, I play on a trivia team, take Broadway dance classes, read, buy shoes, and occasionally geek out on video games. I am an American girl who loves all things British and Mr. Waffle is a Brit who loves all things American...I guess it was meant to be!
Mr. Waffle and I arrived in LA on a Saturday. He was going to an animation conference all week and I planned to tag along/fabric shop/relax by the pool.
We ran around LA doing conference business and touristy business from the moment we stepped off the plane. It was exhausting! By Tuesday, I suggested we do something chill and relaxed.
“How about watching the sun set at the Griffith Observatory?”
“That sounds perfect!” he replied.
So, on we drove up into the Hollywood hills for a gorgeous sunset. Read more…
Wedding BiosFeature Launched: September 12, 2008About: Wedding bios of real brides.
Mrs. Sewing, San Mateo, CA/Honolulu, HIAge and Occupation: 24, Electrical EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Electrical EngineerEngagement Date: June 27, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Anela Garden Chapel & Japanese Cultural Center, HonoluluAbout Me: I'm an easily entertained, compulsive idea-scheming machine who loves good art, good food, and a good engineering challenge. I'm planning a half-destination wedding on the beautiful island of Oahu - imagine a plethora of movies, art and games; savory Hawaiian food; blended Chinese and Japanese cultural details; lush, fragrant tropical flowers and all the air conditioning a NorCal native could want! And once I marry the love of my life, we'll come back to the 'mainland' to party it up all over again in my hometown of Salinas, the salad-bowl capital of the world!
My family, Mr. Sew’s family, and our family friends: they are all camera obsessed.
So, right after the ceremony it was family picture time. Everyone else went away and ate appetizers at the reception hall, right? Nope. NO ONE left. They all hung around, snapping away.
Our photographer was probably like, “Holy cow!” So for one group shot, she told everyone to whip out their cameras. How many can you count?
Yeah. I sat there and counted. Thirty-four. Intense!
But the result is kind of neat. I love the candid shots she was able to capture.
Mrs. Hippo, New York City/Dallas, TXAge and Occupation: 34, Event Planner for a Non-Profit Fiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Finance ITEngagement Date: August 8, 2009Wedding Date: March 2011Venue: Samuel Lynne Galleries and Marc EventsAbout Me: I’m a thirty-something bride living in New York City and planning a modern-ish wedding in Dallas, Texas. I love trashy reality television (Jersey Shore, anyone?), online shopping, Sunday brunch, Central Park, and random celebrity spottings on the streets of Manhattan. While I love NYC, I miss good Tex-Mex, my college friends, central A/C, and being in close proximity to a Target. I’m thrilled to finally be planning an event that’s not work-related and to be marrying my best friend in what I hope will be a unique and personal ceremony followed by a reception with plenty of good food, good drinks, and dancing (regardless if it’s good or not).
I’m worried…I’m worried ’cause I’m not really that worried. We are right at the four month countdown for the wedding, and I’m feeling…well…not worried.
Sure, there are still things to do. Our invitations are certainly not going to make themselves, and we have yet to figure out the ceremony music…or vows…or readings. We have yet to book our honeymoon, order our wedding bands, and decide on gifts for our bridal party. Oh, and the wedding timeline? Read more…
Mrs. Lamb, NorfolkAge and Occupation: 25, Homeland Security ConsultantFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: January 2009Wedding Date: January 2010Venue: Trinity Presbyterian Church/Harrison Opera HouseAbout Me: I’m a Homeland Security Consultant with a tendency towards pulling office pranks, taking lunch breaks, and drinking Wawa shakes. I’m also an English major with a serious obsession with alliteration and rhymes. While I’m not keeping America safe, I’m training for half marathons and the Escape from Alcatraz swim. Or moving for the third time this year. Or baking. Or wedding crafting. Or crying about wedding planning. All the while, I’m getting myself into Lucille Ball-esque scrapes and making Jim Carey-esque faces. Our big fat Czech/Baptist/Jewish/Italian wedding is a combination of vintage eclectic, DIY, and little spoonful of sugar from our Event Coordinator. It’s going to be a Norfolk flavored wedding with the verve of an only-daughter-blow-out bash!
I’ve been thinking recently about what I thought marriage would be like. My dreams. My reality. My expectations from high school are deeply contrasted by my current expectations.
My relationship thoughts have largely been shaped by my faith. When I was in Jr. High, I was counting down the days until I turned 16. My parents had promised that I could date at that age and I figured I’d have a high school sweetheart, go to college, marry that sweetheart, and have babies—just like my parents. Awwwwwww.
Around the time I turned 16, our church got swept up into the “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” movement. It may sound crazy to some, but the main idea was a throwback to formal courting where the gents initiated, parents chaperoned, etc. Needless to say, I was never asked out in high school.
The summer I was 16, our youth group visited an orphanage in Mexico.
I thought that college would be my ticket to my MRS. Read more…
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!
Mama Elephant (mother of the bride, MOB) has been absolutely amazing during all of this wedding planning. It has (and will continue) to be one of the most wonderful bonding experiences for the two of us.
No average dress would do for such an awesome MOB. Mom’s dress criteria included the fact that the dress could not be black and that it had to include some bling. Our first stop for the day was Stardust Celebrations, which you may have heard about from the WE reality show, Girl Meets Gown.
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!
If money was no object when it came to our wedding, the first thing I would change is the amount of money I’m spending on my bridesmaids. Out of the 6 Lioness b-maids, 5 are in grad/med/law school and only one lives in Atlanta. This means lots of travel expenses on very tight budgets. These ladies have both literally and figuratively gone the distance for me, and I just wish I could afford to thank them more than I already plan to. If I had the means, I would get them something like this:
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.
I’ve been sick with the flu for the last week, which has sucked a lot. I’ve been pretty much incapable of doing anything including work, wedding stuff, applying for grad school, or finding a new job. It hasn’t been the best week. Luckily I was hugely cheered up when I opened my mail box yesterday and found and envelope from my sister/MOH. I opened it up and found this:
I think maytryoshkas have just officially become one of the visual motifs of our wedding. I may have squealed when I got this, which is embarrassing since I live in a condo building and my mailbox is not so private.
