Miss Marmalade, Norwalk, CT/Raleigh, NCAge and Occupation: 27, Administrative AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Army OfficerEngagement Date: December 31, 2009Wedding Date: July 2011Venue: Old Cadet Chapel/Highlands Country ClubAbout Me: I'm a Tri-State area "lady," through and through. A big chunk of my life has been split between NYC and Connecticut, and I'm finally heading down south to live with Mr. Marmalade. Our long distance relationship has been one adventure after the next, we've spent time in Texas, Louisiana, Florida,and Georgia, thanks to his military career. Next to Mr. Marmalade, my loves include live music, useless trivia, shoes, design, and my crazy half-tiger kitty, Oliver. I have a passion for food and wine, and I've been known to travel long distances to get my hands on the best meals. I come from a tight-knit big fat Greek Ecuadorian family---we're loud, we talk with our hands, and we spend hours talking loudly with our hands over large meals. I'm going to miss them so much as I pack up and begin my life, far away from home. But with Mr. Marmalade by my side, I'm ready to take on whatever may come. Next up: our wedding!
That is the most common piece of advice I was given after Mr. Marmalade deployed. “Keep yourself busy, don’t sit around, time will fly.” You know what? That is absolutely true. But I didn’t need to try very hard!
If our lives develop in phases, I would say that I am living through the marriage phase right now, as it seems that all of our friends are getting married. And oddly, it seems that everything is happening at the same time this year.
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!
Once our guests had left their mark and found their seats it was time to eat!
Before a blessing of the food, we took a moment to thank Rev. Rosset from coming all the way from Arkansas to officiate our wedding, and for my Dad’s childhood friend and his wife for coming all the way from Trinidad and Tobago for our wedding. Read more…
Ms. Gazelle, Calgary/VancouverAge and Occupation: 32, EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Technology AnalystEngagement Date: September 3, 2010Wedding Date: July 2011Venue: Brock House Restaurant, VancouverAbout Me: I am a marathon runner, cyclist, Ironman triathlete and beautiful shoe fiend who also loves kicking back and watching Glee. I grew up a bit of a nomad as I traveled around the world with my family, living everywhere from Australia to England to South America and Indonesia. I finally settled in Calgary a few years ago and met Mr. Gazelle who loves me even though we cheer for different hockey teams. We are planning a bit of a destination wedding in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia and we can’t wait to share the day with our close family and friends.
There is a lot of talk about everything the bride needs to do to get ready on the day of the wedding. Manicures, pedicures, hair, makeup…
What about the men?
Mr. Gazelle decided he wanted to do something special to make himself look his best on the day of our wedding. He and the Gazelle Groomsmen are going to Momentum Grooming in Vancouver for a straight razor shave.
Mrs. Hyena, College Station, TXAge and Occupation: 23, Marketing SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Aerospace Engineering Grad StudentEngagement Date: January 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Downtown 202About Me: I'm a Texas girl who met my future hubby in high school, then headed up to Oklahoma for a college education (BOOMER SOONER!) before moving back to the Lone Star State to be with him. I love reading and recycling, Photoshop and reality TV, making lame jokes and then laughing at them, quoting movies, and Mr. Hyena most of all. I'm perpetually early and I like to get things accomplished. When my cat meows at me, I meow back. We're planning a laid-back, unintentionally DIY wedding with a cocktail-party vibe, and can't wait to celebrate our nuptials with our nearest and dearest!
It’s time for recaps? Are you sure? Okay, whatever you say.
Well, on a stormy weekend in May, the rain subsided just in time for the Hyenas to get to the church and tie the knot. Then after the ceremony we had a beautiful, fantastic reception. It was a glorious day. The end. 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.
Miss Sweet Cream, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 26, Public Relations Account ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Outside SalesEngagement Date: July 4, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church / Rosebank WineryAbout Me: Born in the ‘burbs of Philly, it took some time living in the Big Apple to realize that I’m a girl who likes her roots. That’s why the mister and I bought a 1950s house on a charming street not too far from our childhood stompin’ grounds. This could also be the reason why our hometown is the scene where we are planning our super sweet, totally charming, BBQ-for-supper wedding that I never knew I always wanted. I DIE over DIY projects and live for vintage, heartfelt inspiration. I obsess over all things mid-century (from forks to furniture). Love is… cartoons and flea markets, and I am known to whip up a mean banana cream pie. I met the Mr. in grade school and after that boy took me for a spin on the handle bars of his BMX, I knew that things would never be the same again. Besides lovin’ my Mr., I also love to plan, sew and create, and that’s just what I’m doing as I navigate through the details, creating a laid-back day that oozes charm; one that will go down in (at least our) history as the Best. Day. Of all time.
So, hive…I know that I teased you with some of my wedding projects upon our introduction. And I think now is as good a time as any to show you my table numbers, which I must admit I am in lust with.
But first: Here are some ideas that ran through my bridal brain prior to our current digits…
Mrs. Ladyfingers, Saint Petersburg, FLAge and Occupation: 30, Marketing ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Sports WriterEngagement Date: December 24, 2010Wedding Date: November 2011Venue: Palma Sola Botanical ParkAbout Me: I hail from Oklahoma, he was born and raised in Long Island. Fate brought us together, and now we live in a cute little rental house with our nutty dog, and our aloof cat. We both love to read, watch movies, explore our town, and laugh like hyenas. When I’m not obsessively wedding crafting, I enjoy stalking style and decorating blogs, making collages and painting, napping, thrifting, rearranging our bookshelves, and being a total weirdo with my friends. Hi!
Hiiiiiiii! I’m Miss Ladyfingers, and I’m super duper excited to meet you! It’s my goal to entertain and inspire you as much as all my predecessors have for me. At the very least, maybe I’ll make you laugh. At me. Which is totally fine. We laugh at me all the time, too.
In my application, I promised gratuitous shots of cute, starring Puppy Ladyfingers—and I do not want to disappoint!
She’s so excited her mommy made the cut! Or…distracted. But look how excited *I* am!
Mrs. Seal, San FranciscoAge and Occupation: 25, Personal AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Sales and Support SpecialistEngagement Date: December 12, 2009Wedding Date: November 2011Venue: Sts Peter and Paul Church/The Bently ReserveAbout 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.
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 told Mr. P from the beginning that once the dance music started I wasn’t leaving the dance floor. I kept to my word, except for a couple quick trips to the bar to grab another beer. It wasn’t a huge dance party by any means, but I had a blast and those that stayed out there with me were awesome. And my mom and step dad danced to every single song. They were freakin’ all-stars! Mr. P even made it out there more than I expected!
I believe this a very passionate singing of “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks.
Mrs. Macarons, TampaAge and Occupation: 26, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, Renaissance ManEngagement Date: September 12, 2009Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Lange FarmAbout Me: I'm creative at heart and a graphic designer with an unhealthy obsession with type. I love roller coasters, spicy foods, and a good glass of Crianza. We’re planning a soft and lovely vintage-meets-modern wedding in a state that’s known for its beaches, glitz and glam. I have a ton of DIY projects and lots of little details I’m dying to share and can't wait to celebrate with our closest friends and family.
I’m stylistically challenged when it comes to doing my own hair. Ninety percent of the time it’s in a ponytail and out of my face; otherwise it’s one of two options:
Mrs. Crepe, Queens, NY/Nashville, TNAge and Occupation: 28, Jewelry DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Animation DirectorEngagement Date: September 28, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: A church in downtown NashvilleAbout Me: I'm a native New Yorker who has always been a DIY kind of girl and loves tackling creative projects while getting the most out of a dollar. I'm marrying my college sweetheart and we love frequenting antique stores, exploring together, and playing with kittens. We're planning a fun, "us" wedding in his hometown---with as many handmade touches as we can pack into a day!
I get that this is pretty much beating a dead horse at this point…but I thought I’d share the individual photos of each table number, in the off chance that you wanted to do this yourselves and wanted to see a reference!
If you’re on the fence AT ALL about this, here’s my obvious answer: Read more…
Mrs. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, Communications AficionadoFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
I can’t even begin to tell you how good it feels to check this off our list, hive! With one major day in our wedding weekend completely planned, I feel like I’m allowed to start getting excited (because, you know… I wasn’t excited before or anything).
We sat down and hashed out the pre-wedding details last week, starting with the menu for the rehearsal dinner. I was so happy that Sparks decided to take the reins on this particular project. There’s no way I could have narrowed down Gioco’s menu to just a few items! Everything is so tasty! But we did have to pick a few favorites, and here are a few we ended up going with:
Mrs. Cloud, RichmondAge and Occupation: 25, Sales RepFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Customer Service Manager/DJEngagement Date: February 14, 2008Wedding Date: November 2009Venue: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart & The Jefferson HotelAbout Me: Mr. Cloud and I are Yankees planning a Southern wedding to show our families from Boston and New York our fabulous city. We are complete opposites, resulting in a wedding to include bridesmaids in pearls and groomsmen in Adidas shell toes. I’m a sorority girl at heart with strong addictions to my blackberry, cherry Chapstick, Coach purses, the Boston Red Sox and our fur baby, Bella. I can’t wait to the throw the party of our lives and of course, marry my best friend!
I’m going to go ahead and admit it. I’m not a huge fan of the bouquet/garter toss tradition. I think it’s kind of boring, and I always hated having to get up there and try to catch something that only resulted in some drunk dude trying to feel up my leg. No thanks. But of course that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to subject my friends to it! To bad I forgot to put on my garter when I was getting ready.
Bridesmaid to the rescue, and one quick trip into the hotel kitchen (it was closer than the bathroom, and don’t worry we were just inside the doorway, no unsanitary happenings over here) and I was ready to go. People seemed to be particularly pushy about getting these little traditions going even when I said I didn’t mind if we skipped them. Especially my MOH (whose soon-to-be-hubby proposed days after we got back from our honeymoon), everyone knew she wanted to catch that thing!
I was never any good at t-ball when I was six, I don’t know why I thought this would go any better. I threw that sucker WAY over everyone’s heads. Read more…
Miss Marmalade, Norwalk, CT/Raleigh, NCAge and Occupation: 27, Administrative AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Army OfficerEngagement Date: December 31, 2009Wedding Date: July 2011Venue: Old Cadet Chapel/Highlands Country ClubAbout Me: I'm a Tri-State area "lady," through and through. A big chunk of my life has been split between NYC and Connecticut, and I'm finally heading down south to live with Mr. Marmalade. Our long distance relationship has been one adventure after the next, we've spent time in Texas, Louisiana, Florida,and Georgia, thanks to his military career. Next to Mr. Marmalade, my loves include live music, useless trivia, shoes, design, and my crazy half-tiger kitty, Oliver. I have a passion for food and wine, and I've been known to travel long distances to get my hands on the best meals. I come from a tight-knit big fat Greek Ecuadorian family---we're loud, we talk with our hands, and we spend hours talking loudly with our hands over large meals. I'm going to miss them so much as I pack up and begin my life, far away from home. But with Mr. Marmalade by my side, I'm ready to take on whatever may come. Next up: our wedding!
It was bound to happen. Who was I to think that I wouldn’t like any gowns in Vera Wang’s collection? No really, I always thought that her designs were lovely and sophisticated, but I didn’t even bother looking at her latest line. The reason? I didn’t want to fall head over heels for a dress that was way over my budget.
Mrs. Cannon, Toledo, OHAge and Occupation: 27, Financial AnalystFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, AssemblerEngagement Date: February 28, 2011Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Epworth UMC & Ward PavilionAbout Me: I'm the curious combination of being a go-with-the-flow, laid back, obsessive planner. I try desperately to stay as busy as possible at all times (and am succeeding big time right now!) My biggest loves in life are Law & Order: SVU, Community (the show, not the concept, although I like that, too), ice cream, white cheddar popcorn, beer, hiking, knitting, decorating, writing, being outside, spending time with friends and family and musical theater. Mr. Cannon is pretty sweet, too. We've had a lot of fun traveling and having adventures all over the country, but have finally moved back near our hometown to settle down. We're planning a low-key, colorful, fun wedding and an awesome-to-the-max reception.
Now that you know the story of Bombshell, I can tell you the story of my guilt with Bridesmaid E. (I’m sorry, I cannot use the abbreviation BM. It instantly makes me think of an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood where he discusses potty training. BM = bowel movement in my mind forever thanks to Mr. Rogers, and I can’t refer to my bridesmaids that way! So, that’s the reasoning behind my bestowing them with nicknames.) Bridesmaid E (AKA Pistol) is my other sister. She is eleven years younger than me and still in high school. With our substantial age gap, I have a weird hybrid sisterly and motherly bond with her. I love her to death and think she’s awesome. As she’s gotten older, we’ve become better friends, and I love hanging out with her. Obviously, she is going to be an awesome bridesmaid.
