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.
If you haven’t noticed, we had a really hard time picking out our wedding invitations. After a failed attempt at designing them myself in Adobe Illustrator, I started searching for graphic designers. Mr. B would have probably preferred if we just ordered something online, but I still wasn’t ready to let go of full control over the project.
We caught a break when I found out that there was a designer (gocubbies) in the hive who was willing to design invitations for an inexpensive price as a way to raise money for her own wedding. The samples of her work looked pretty good:
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.
It is amazing and very rewarding but also nerve racking and time consuming at the same time.
When you blog on a public forum like this you really put yourself out there. No matter how many times I post on here, I still get a little nervous when a new posts goes up. After spending a couple hours pouring my heart and soul into a post, I worry, what if no one likes my idea? What if my post is dull and no one reads or comments on it? But then someone will comment on how I have helped or inspired them and the rewarding part of being a blogger kicks in.
There is also a part of being a bee that is a bit weird for me, too. Part of what rocks about being a bee is that we are all down to earth, fun lovin’, everyday brides. I am just a girl who marches to the beat of her own drummer, just like many of the other bees.
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!
A while ago, I posted about finding a unique way to memorialize my cousin Mark at our wedding. I decided to create bouquet charms using the logo for Freekware, Mark’s clothing company. To me, Freekware symbolizes positivity and love, themes that we definitely want incorporated into our wedding day!
I recently sat down with my glass pendant kit by Annie Howes and put together my bouquet charms.
Mrs. Jam, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 25, Writer/Associate Wedding CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Structural EngineerEngagement Date: December 23, 2009Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Hunter’s Ridge, Princeton, ILAbout Me: I’m a penny-pinching cat lady getting ready to marry the frugal dog lover of my dreams. Our ideal Saturday morning includes rummaging around people’s junk at garage and estate sales followed by an afternoon date to our favorite café, where we only eat sandwiches that include the word “salad.” We actually love it so much, it’s sort of our unofficial wedding theme: Look at our delicious finds, eat homemade ham salad, and celebrate our love…barndance style. When we’re not obsessing over our love-fest shindig, we’re planning themed parties for our best friends and jamming to '90s music.
With Mr. Jam away doing his smartie-pants work project, I desperately needed help with our looming centerpiece project. You know, the one we haven’t touched or even thought about, despite the wedding being a few months away? Yeah, that one. My mom must have known this, because she forced me over to her house, bought a ton of unscented votives, and made me sit down and work on it with her and my BFF man of honor.
And so we worked like wedding elves. We brainstormed. Sometimes we silently stared at table decor, and sometimes we gossiped. My 15-year-old brother supplied the song “Stereo Love” on repeat, much to the chagrin of my mom.
In the end? We were happy…sort of. See for yourselves:
Mrs. Lox, BaltimoreAge and Occupation: 33, Government WorkerFiance's Age and Occupation: 35. IT ConsultantEngagement Date: May 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m an East Coast gal born and bred and a suburban brat turned city rat for the last year. Now Mr. Lox and I enjoy walking all kinds of places, having the coolest things around in our backyard, and especially our garage parking. I love gadgets, toys, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, monkeys, and our insane cats. I’m a blonde by birth and a redhead by choice. I’m that girl in the cubicle farm with all the cool toys and the file cabinet covered in magnetic poetry. I still use smiley faces in my emails, whether people like it or not. This is not the first rodeo for Mr. Lox nor me. And together, we are planning an intimate afternoon wedding on a budget we can afford by ourselves.
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.
Why yes, I did just shamelessly twist Elizabeth Gilbert’s words. They fit in the title so nicely that I couldn’t help it. Anyway, in my first honeymoon post I recapped our own experience in Bali, and in this one I hope to give you some useful insider’s information (e.g. where to eat, places to stay, things to love in Bali…see the connection to the title now?), in case any of you are interested in going there for your own honeymoon, or just a fun trip away. What makes me (sort of) qualified to give this “insider’s” scoop? As you might remember, Mr E and I grew up in Indonesia. Bali was always on our route whenever we went from our passport countries to our respective homes in Indonesia, so we saw quite a bit of the place. Also, whenever our families needed a break, it was the place to go!
I loved the island back then, and I love it now. We have seen it go through hard times (right after the nightclub bombings in 2002) and good. Throughout all that the attitude of the Balinese people has remained as resilient and gentle as ever, and I think it is those people that keep us coming back time and time again.
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.
When I sent her the sketches, she was in the middle of a busy time at work, but quickly tossed this off to give us a starting point, and let us see what our basic design idea would look like all Illustrated up! She let us know it was a loose design, and would do something closer to our sketches once life got less busy. We were totally cool with that because we knew we were starting in plenty of time. Cinnamon Buns and I are in no rush at all at this point.
Mrs. Rainbow, TampaAge and Occupation: 22, Makeup ArtistFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Electrical Engineer/ProgrammerEngagement Date: November 27, 2008Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: The Gamble PlantationAbout Me: I'm a quirky (and slightly Type-A) freelance makeup artist who was born in Washington State, raised in Alabama, and now living with my one and only in sunny Florida. I'm fashion and beauty obsessed, and have recently discovered my inner domestic diva extraordinaire. I'm a wannabe chef, decorating addict, and trying desperately to be as crafty as possible---albeit only with a glue gun. I'm hopelessly in love with my fiance, and all things sparkly and feathery. Despite the glittery exterior, I'm a total hippie on the inside. When I'm not making up pretty faces, I love doing what I can to help people, animals, and the environment. Someday the FI and I will change the world, but first we're tackling our modern-vintage-Marie-Antoinette-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland inspired wedding. I just can't wait to be Mrs. Rainbow!
Mrs. Pain au Chocolat, Wilmington, DEAge and Occupation: 29, RealtorFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, RealtorEngagement Date: November 21, 2009Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Greenville Country ClubAbout Me: An ENFJ with an artistic streak who loves backgammon, sailing, graphic design, and sleeping in. Travel (near or far), good wine, and tasty food makes my heart sing. I'm a compulsive list-maker who lives to plan and organize. Mr. P and I have lived together for 4 years, all the while renovating our city townhome bit by bit. We're planning a whimsical, Anthropologie-inspired garden wedding in June 2011.
I had been eagerly anticipating the bridal appointment like a little girl for over a week! Can’t believe my good fortune in spotting gowns I adored and could afford (with a small budget stretch if need be). BM R and I hiked 45 minutes in rush-hour traffic for our evening appointment at Priscilla of Boston. The salon attendants told us we could look around, but there was no need to since I had a list of gowns on my phone. The list ensured I didn’t overlook any in my excitement.
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!
Oh, hive. For the first time since the day I was introduced as a new bee, I feel like I really don’t quite know what to say.
Being a contributor to this site has been such a joy. 2010 was a very hard year for Mr. Octo and me, in some ways that made it onto this blog and in many that did not. Writing for Weddingbee, though, has never been anything but fun and happy moments and bright spots in my days. Thank you so much for that, and for everything.
Thank you for all the support, the encouragement, the suggestions, and the help. Thank you for the comments that made me laugh out loud; those are some of my favorites. Thank you for being so incredibly, overwhelmingly kind to me over and over and over. I truly love this community, and the friends I’ve made here. I can’t imagine what planning my wedding would have been like without all of you.
Our wedding is well behind us now, though, and it’s time to get down to the business of spending the rest of my life with my delightful husband. Read more…
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.
This is kind of a random post, but in honor of Valentine’s Day I decided to scrounge up old pictures of Mr. B and me. We’ve celebrated quite a few Valentine’s Days together and there is no shortage of photographs!
My favorite Valentine’s Day memory is from my senior year in college. I worked long hours as a hostess at a popular restaurant. I didn’t get to Mr. B’s house until pretty late and I was a little disappointed when I got there because I didn’t see anything: no flowers or chocolates or special dinner!
We sat on the couch for a little while catching up. Eventually, I was ready to get in the shower for the night and when I walked into the bedroom (the door had been shut), my mouth totally dropped to the ground! Read more…
Mrs. Biscuit, Morgantown, WVAge and Occupation: 24, Dental StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Chemist at a pharmaceutical companyEngagement Date: April 2010Wedding Date: July 2011Venue: Catholic Church, Lakeview Golf Resort and SpaAbout Me: I'm an engineer who decided to trek back to my hometown three years ago to become skilled in the arts of drilling and filling. I'm engaged to a pretty awesome guy who tests your assorted benzodiazepines by day and home brews by night. Together we have two fur children, Tsali and Tobias N. Fünkat. I'm a lazy perfectionist and eternal sorority girl who enjoys running, crafting, string cheese, good beer, and bad reality TV. We are planning a Big Fat Italian/Sicilian/Polish wedding filled with DIY details and are expecting 300 +/- 50 guests. Our whimsical summer affair is themed "Alice attends the Mad Hatter Vintage Garden Tea Party in a Ballroom. She Thinks That The Venue is Odd for a Vintage Garden Party, but is Tripping on LSD, so She Doesn't Really Care." Yes, I am the Dickens of themes.
I’ve talked before about how we’re having children at our wedding. I like kids, and kids are cute as well as very prevalent in my family. One of my cousins alone has five under the age of 8.
For the most part, I’ve been quite happy with our decision. It gets further solidified when I see cute pictures like this:
I don’t even care if I don’t know them: I’d totally frame that picture and put it on my wall. Adorableness all around!
I fully understand why someone wouldn’t invite children, and I’ve thoroughly read all of the different viewpoints; however, no one’s reasoning for not inviting little ones compelled me to renege the invitation. Adult affair? Eh, our wedding’s not that fancy. Room at the venue? We’ve got plenty of room. The cost? Kids are cheaper. Screaming throughout the reception?
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!
Back in the bridal nook as a Mrs., I quickly changed into my custom-made dress that my MOH gifted me 2 weeks before the wedding. We also did a hair change and John plucked the gardenia from my ceremony hairpiece and pinned it back into my down-do. We probably spent a few minutes too many up there, but when you’re excited and in a small space with 2 of your best friends, things get silly and you forget that you’re suppose to be hurrying.
When we returned I was happy to see guests mingling in the courtyard and as night fell on V. Sattui, the twinkling lights added a gorgeous glow to our reception. 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 plan of attack was to order some dresses online to see if there was anything out there that I liked better. And if I couldn’t find anything better, I could just wear the David’s Bridal dress that I already have, which isn’t that bad.
So far, I’ve ordered two dresses, with plans to order a third.
Dress #1: The Limited
I mentioned in my last post that I was head over heels for the Melissa Sweet Fiesole (which is way out of my budget). I saw a dress on The Limited’s website that reminded me a bit of the Fiesole, so I ordered it.
