Mrs. Seal, San Francisco
Age and Occupation: 25, Personal Assistant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Sales and Support Specialist
Engagement Date: December 12, 2009
Wedding Date: November 2011
Venue: Sts Peter and Paul Church/The Bently Reserve
About Me: I am a goofy, wannabe crafty, well-intentioned Renaissance Woman (OK, perhaps "aimless wanderer" is a more aptly suited term for me, but hopefully you get the point)—basically I dabble in just about everything and pride myself in such. Without warning, I occasionally breakout into soulful improvised songs and interpretive dances and there's just no stopping me! As so many others before me, planning our wedding has unearthed a deep, intense passion for all things bridal and I secretly fear the day it will come to an end. Mr. Seal and I are quite the pair and life with him by my side is extremely rewarding—I am so thankful to have found him. Together we are planning a black-tie San Francisco affair for 250—light on the stuffiness and with lots of extra Seal-y flair.
OK, kids. We all know weddings are expensive, right? I mean…we live in a country where a $10,000 wedding is considered a “budget” wedding. I don’t know about you guys but ten big ones still sounds like a hefty chunk of moolah!
Thankfully, as I’ve mentioned before, the Seal parents are helping us pay for the majority of our “more-than-10K” wedding. While I am supremely grateful for their generous support, this support does not come without some self-inflicted guilt. Though Mama and Daddio Seal insist they are contributing of their own free will, I have a hard time shaking the feeling that Mr. S and I should be doing more.
Anyhow, born of this guilty conscience was a heightened desire to save. Miss Seal here does best at saving money when I am saving towards “mini goals” rather than big, scary intimidating ones. For example, instead of saving to “buy a car,” I’ll tell myself that I am saving for the down payment on a car—it’s a mind game that works for me, especially when applied to the wedding.
So, hive, I wanted to share my new favorite method of achieving wedding “mini goals”:
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Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, Ohio
Age and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application Engineer
Engagement Date: May 30, 2010
Wedding Date: October 2011
Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatory
About Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
The booking begins! Now I am really starting to get excited for the honeymoon because I am picturing the actual places we’ll be relaxing…I can almost hear the ocean waves! I’ll save my rental treasures for another post, though, because I want to outline some thoughts on the “Hawaiian vacation rentals versus Hawaiian hotels” topic. Clearly, I am biased…but I hope you find the post helpful!
Top image via Triprents / Bottom image via USTropics
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Mrs. Starfish, Boston/Newport
Age and Occupation: 25, Operations Assistant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales
Engagement Date: October 8, 2008
Wedding Date: October 2010
Venue: The Atlantic Beach Club
About 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 love to bake, so it was no surprise that the wedding cake was kind of a big deal for me. We went with our favorite local bakery that Sister Starfish used for her wedding and our family has been going to for special occasions over the years. Even though the bakery is known for their intricate designs, we went with a simple design and let the flavors be the star.
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Ms. Ferris Wheel, San Francisco
Age and Occupation: 29, Psychologist
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Psychologist
Engagement Date: May 23 and 28, 2010 (one for each of us!)
Wedding Date: November 2011
Venue: Parc55 Hotel (city lights ceremony, ballroom reception)
About Me: Born in the Southeast, educated in the Northeast, and over-educated on the West Coast, I finally earned my city-girl credentials and have put down roots in gorgeous San Francisco. I’m a raging perfectionist with a lightning quick wit and a terrible sense of both time and direction. Our wedding task list is endlessly growing because of my predilection to think that DIY projects I can make = DIY projects I should make (so not true!). I always go to bed wishing there were more hours in the day to enjoy all the things I adore, whether that be hobbies, friends, my career, our two dogs, or Mr. Ferris Wheel. Ours is a story of a non-traditional couple living an oddly traditional life planning a not-so-traditional wedding in this city we adore. Together we are bustin’ out all of our best skills (and some of our worst ones) to plan a laid-back-chic DIY-craftastic love-alicious affair!
Mr. FW started on testosterone in October of 2009, just a few days shy of our 5-year dating anniversary. As is typical, his primary care physician required the letter from his psychologist in order to okay him for hormone treatment. I went with him to his appointment and a nurse trained me before I gave Mr. FW his first testosterone injection. So I (of the needle phobia variety) have actually given Mr. FW the majority of his injections for over a year. I’m pretty proud of myself for that, actually, and it serves as a concrete way that I can be a part of his transition process.
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Featured Product: Laura Ashley Delicate Damask Invitation
Miss Candy Corn, Philadelphia
Age and Occupation: 27, Freelance Writer, Photographer and Illustrator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Front End Web Developer
Blogging Since: May 6, 2008
Engagement Date: November 10, 2011
Wedding Date: September 2012
Venue: Our backyard!
About Me: I’m a 27-year-old photographer, writer and illustrator who enjoys shooting weddings, catching typos in magazines, geeking out with Google Reader, watching Wonder Years marathons with my fiancé, and hanging out with our menagerie of pets. I’m an encore bride planning an intimate, offbeat backyard wedding with my fiancé (known around these parts as “The Ginger”), as we explore our adventures of homeownership.
A while back my boyfriend Pete surprised me with tickets to a Bethenny Frankel speaking engagement. He was one of the only men in the room, apart from her husband Jason Hoppy, so he was a total dear for taking me on a date to see her in person since he knows how much I love her insanity.
Fast forward to this past Monday, when Pete and I were entering our apartment after a long evening of wallpaper removal at our new house (!!!). I flopped my purse on the counter only to hear a stream of voicemail beeps coming from inside of it. I wondered who would be calling after 10PM on a Monday and got a little nervous to see a few voice mails and email alerts all around the exact same time. In my head I was freaking out that someone had died, but as soon as I pushed the voicemail play button I heard our friends telling us that we had just been on the season finale of Bethenny Ever After on Bravo. Oh boy. Now Bravo addicts around the world would know that the ginger and I were at the show. Pete’s man cred is definitely lacking now. He’s going to have to eat a lot of hot dogs and pump a lot of iron to make up for this huge hit.
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Mrs. Pony, Bloomington, IL
Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Attorney
Engagement Date: March 22, 2010
Wedding Date: September 2011
Venue: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard; Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
About Me: I found my Southern counterpart in law school and since he popped the question last March, we have been busy graduating, job searching, bar taking, and wedding planning. My loves include must see TV, magnets, quotes, anything green, my car, fun socks, the Cubs, and my Mr. Together we love wine, playing outside, and exploring the world together. Stay tuned to see our Midwest wedding full of Southern charm, vintage flair, lots of DIY details, and a whole lot o’ wine.
I just saw this on Style Me Pretty (AKA the ultimate wedding/life inferiority-complex-inducing site) and I thought, I could do that.
Photo by La Vie Photography / Via Style Me Pretty
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Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
Ms. Stripes, Los Angeles
Age and Occupation: 29, Costume Designer/Stylist
Fiancee's Age and Occupation: 29, Chef
Engagement Date: June 23, 2009
Wedding Date: September 2010
Venue: Heritage Square Museum
About 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!
I was up early Sunday to go to the Flower Mart and I tried to write this recap pre-coffee. No bueno.
Amazingly, just a few sips down, and at my favorite DTLA coffee shop too (where dog love and amazing walks of shame abound), I finally felt ready to share our fantastic readings. Amazing what coffee and a little *silent* people mocking can do to jump start the imagination.
Let’s get back to it, shall we?
Stephanie introduced each reader/reading and then they stood up and read from their spot in the circle. Now we were surrounded by love, joy, laughter, and words, delicious words. Told you. Big nerds.
Carla (my high school friend, LA roomie, and wedding day hairstylist extraordinaire) stood up and read I Like You, by Sandol Stoddard Warburg. All four minutes of it! Total rock star.
Here are a few of my favorite parts:
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Mrs. Jaguar, Sydney
Age and Occupation: 27, Primary School Teacher
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, IT Consultant
Engagement Date: August 8, 2009
Wedding Date: June 2011
Venue: Curzon Hall
About 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!
Last night, Mr. Jaguar and I attended an engagement party thrown for two of our bridal party members. While it’d be cool to imagine two strangers being thrown together in wedding preparation, falling in love and deciding to get hitched themselves, it wasn’t quite like that! 
You see, Brother Jaguar is one of the groomsmen, and Bridesmaid H is one of my girls—they’ve been dating for a couple of years now. They announced their engagement just a few weeks ago and there’s been loads of wedding-related excitement in the air ever since. They’re a gorgeous couple, both physically and personality-wise, and I’m thrilled to be (finally!) getting the sister I always wanted. Their engagement party was ‘red carpet’ themed, and everyone looked awesome in their suits and ball gowns. Check ‘em out:
See their awesome cake? Made by the same family friend who created my bridal shower teapot cake—she is AMAZING.
Needless to say, the night was filled with lots of mingling between the two families. And the question for Mr. Jaguar and me that was on everybody’s lips? Are you ready yet?
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Mrs. Balloons, Aspen, CO
Age and Occupation: 24, Mass Communications graduate, Web Design student, & winery worker
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Engineer
Engagement Date: July 10, 2009
Wedding Date: August 2011
Venue: The Sundeck at The Little Nell
About Me: I'm a small-town Midwest girl planning an intimate mountaintop destination wedding complete with a huge DIY at-home reception. As an honors graduate fallen victim to the worst job market in history in my area, we're doing everything we can to still have the wedding of our dreams on a tighter budget. I currently enjoy working at a winery, but I'm lonnng overdue for a day job! I am: a big-time daydreamer, one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet, and a lover of pretty paper and awesome fonts. I'm a girly girl who loves to get dolled up, but also a country girl who loves to get muddy and go 4-wheeler riding. I also enjoy singing in the car, boating, going to concerts, the History Channel, carnival food, and going to watch St. Louis Cardinals baseball with my handsome engineer.
Thanks to another lovely couple’s engagement session, I had a clear idea of what I wanted for our shoot. I wanted golden Colorado fields, a cute white sundress, and cowboy boots! It took me FOREVER to find a cute white sundress, let me tell you. Now I see them EVERYWHERE, of course! Without further ado, I present to you our Colorado engagement pictures!
All taken by the lovely Audrey Hannah Brooks.
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Mrs. High Wire, Dallas
Age and Occupation: 23, Legal Assistant
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Director of Communications
Engagement Date: October 9, 2010
Wedding Date: September 2011
Venue: Clark Gardens
About Me: My loves include yoga, anything spicy, our eccentric cat, our rambunctious dog, and Mr. High Wire, of course! Like the steadiness act of the tightrope walker, this gal is busy balancing life while planning a wedding to the man of her dreams. We’re hosting a laid-back, vintage-inspired, bird themed wedding with heavy doses of love, good eats (did someone say tacos and margaritas?), and endless Texas charm. Mr. High Wire and I are so happy to have you along for the walk across the tight rope.
We left off right before diving in headfirst into actual ring shopping. We covered our bases of the 4 Cs, and I gave you my rank of how important each one was to me.
Destination 1:
In December 2009, we started our quest at one of the large chain stores, Robbins Brothers.
Image via Houston Business Journal
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Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PA
Age and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Engineer
Engagement Date: April 9, 2010
Wedding Date: August 2011
Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club reception
About Me: I’m one of the lucky ones---I met my future husband at the ripe old age of 13, started dating him as a mature woman of 15, and have been enjoying the ride ever since. Here we are, 8 years later, living in Pittsburgh, planning a "homestination" wedding in the place our school romance began---Johnstown, PA. I thrive on talking a mile a minute, eating my weight in chocolate, and internet shopping. I love a lengthy to-do list almost as much as I love a healthy amount of chaos in my life. Mr. Snow Cone and I watch countless episodes of Friends and The West Wing on repeat, root for rival college sports teams, and make each other laugh each and every day. We’re putting together a small-town wedding with a big personality and a classically modern (or modernly classic?) look for 250 of our closest family and friends. It’s been 8+ years in the making, and sometimes I still can’t believe I’m finally getting to marry my high school sweetheart!
I’ve already talked about the dresses our lovely bridesmaids will be wearing. And I may have talked about my dress once or twice. But, here we are, less than a month away from the big day, and I haven’t said a peep about what the guys will be wearing! Let’s talk a walk down memory lane, shall we?
Shortly after picking a color palette that included gray, I tossed out the idea of the guys wearing gray suits instead of traditional black tuxes, just for a touch of something different. Mr. Snow Cone and company warmed to the idea right away.
Image via The Knot / Photo by Heather Cook Elliot Photography / Formalwear by Banana Republic
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Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, Ohio
Age and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application Engineer
Engagement Date: May 30, 2010
Wedding Date: October 2011
Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatory
About Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
While I wrote this, Mr. Funnel Cake was at a scouting event planning a bachelor party with some friends. In my efforts to get over a darned head cold, I opted to stay out of the rainy cold weather in March.
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Weddingbee Gallery
Feature Launched: April 10, 2009
About: A collection of inspirational wedding pictures from readers and bees.
Chelseycm DIYed her own wedding cake!
Photo by Carolyn Jones / Coordinated by Lovely Day Events
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.
If your photo is featured as the Gallery of the Day, you’re eligible for a special Weddingbee badge for your blog or website! Check out instructions on how to grab the badge here!
Mrs. Prairie Dog, Cincinnati
Age and Occupation: 24, Program Coordinator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, PhD/Biomedical Engineer
Engagement Date: December 18, 2009
Wedding Date: May 2011
Venue: Glendale Lyceum
About Me: I'm a pilgrim soul of a girl with a house full of books and a coffee addiction that could slay Juan Valdez. My life is a whirl of grammar correction, good music, glue-gunning, and two pets named Hazel and Winston Churchill. I'm marrying my high school boyfriend in a formal-ish spring affair, roughly themed: "Elizabeth Bennet crashes a party co-hosted by Jay Gatsby and Cath Kidston, and loves it."
Well, well, bloggyland. It seems that, like so many before me, I’ve fallen victim to a pre-wedding blogging hiatus. But I’m back just in the nick of time. With pictures—fancy!
To be honest, I thought I had our whole wedding pinned down. I’ve been pro-active, organized, prepared. No. Wrong. As we’ve met with vendors, they ask me questions like, “Who will be serving as your ushers?” My response? “Durr…I don’t know…” Even after attending dozens of weddings as a guest, I just didn’t happen to internalize such details.
We’re also in the midst of a LOT of vendor appointments. This week alone:
- Final appointment with DJ (/must have music decisions finalized)
- Meeting with pastor to run through ceremony (/must have ceremony readings finalized)
- Another hair trial (/must make sure I have better inspiration pictures this time)
- Final dress fitting (/must consume carrot sticks and water instead of kettle corn and Sugar-Free Red Bull)
- Appointment with florist to go over new ideas (/must come up with solid ideas with pictures for reference)
Yikes. I think I’ll take that Red Bull after all. Other goings on?
I recently attended a bridal shower in my honor, wherein I ate a lot of crepes and was quizzed about my affianced. And nailed it. Here I am, corsage and all, gesticulating as I explain the inner workings of my partner’s brain:
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Mrs. Pashmina, NYC/Catalina Island, CA
Age and Occupation: 28, Arts Education
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 34, IT Administrator
Engagement Date: April 26th, 2009
Wedding Date: July 2010
Venue: Catalina Country Club, Catalina Island, California
About Me: I'm a laid-back Cali girl who moved to NYC for school, and ended up staying for love. My fiance is a quick-witted Jersey boy, a self-proclaimed Foodie and the funniest man I've ever met. Together we love exploring the city streets embarking on our next misadventure---and yes, this often involves eating off food carts and trying "the next big thing". I'm the girl in the sundress, snapping photos and collecting trinkets of memorabilia along the way. As a girly girl at heart, I am excited about our romantic natural island wedding incorporating our American & Filipino traditions.
Image and Dress from Posh Little Tutus
In three words: too much fun! If you know me it isn’t a stretch to know why I had the most enjoyable time picking out the flower girls’ dresses. Frilly? Flowers? Count me in! Our flower girls are totally the perfect age to play dress up, at five and two years old. They are the age when they are super adorable in whatever they wear!
One reason why it was so easy is because I knew their style: “flower princess butterfly,” as the five year old expressed it. As long as it was puffy and some shade of pink, I knew they’d love it.
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