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!
As luck would have it, I didn’t have to wait long to speak with Mr. Marmalade after my outburst. Funny how things work out that way. Sure, I didn’t want to waste the little time we had to speak by going over our wedding, but it couldn’t be avoided. So, he figuratively talked me off a ledge from thousands of miles away. I hung up the phone and tried to process the conversation, which only got me started again; the room began spinning a little, my heart skipped a beat, my brow furrowed (worst habit ever—please please let me break that habit soon).
Mrs. Pony, Bloomington, ILAge and Occupation: 25, AttorneyFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, AttorneyEngagement Date: March 22, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard; Bloomington Center for the Performing ArtsAbout 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.
Minds out of the gutter! Today we’re talking hair. Wedding hair, to be exact.
One thing I’ve always been sure about was wanting to wear my hair up for our wedding. I wear my hair down about 99% of the time, so wearing my hair in an updo always makes me feel fancy. And I want to feel fancy on our wedding day. So, updo it is!
I’ve heard of many ladies who grow their hair out for their upcoming weddings in order to achieve their desired hairstyles. Naturally, after getting engaged, I assumed I should follow this practice as well since I want to rock a fabulous updo come September. But now my hair will. not. stop. growing.
Currently, my hair falls to my natural waist, which you may or may not be able to tell from my awesome self portrait below.
I’ll only subject you to one picture, since my self portraits skills are seriously lacking. And since it was impossible to get a picture of my hair without cutting off my head in the process.
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.
As you may or may not remember, my inspiration from a dreamy, coveted cloth lead me down the brick road of wedding decisions to lock in yellow as one of my colors.
So I began my journey searching for the perfect yellow dress.
Now originally I was thinking about a different dress for each one of my beloved girlies. And I’m not talking about different styles from the same maker (even though that is a great idea, too!). I’m just talking different dresses.
The sea of greens makes this party pop! / Image via Wedding by Color
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.
After our dads spoke it was time for food! City Catering really outdid themselves at our reception. We opted for what I like to call a “Eat and Mingle” buffet. The food was light, fresh and summery. Most importantly, it could all be eaten with a fork.
Image courtesy of wedding guest, Mrs Cherry Pie {Persimmon Images}
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.
Since I already discussed food, this has to be about cake! Finding a baker was a bit of a struggle. Mr. Macs has a sweet tooth, but most American cakes turn his stomach. Too much sugar + too much frosting = two bites tops and he’s done. Any other time I’ve come to terms with it, but this was our wedding cake. I wanted him to enjoy it as much as our guests. I can’t tell you how many weddings and parties I’ve been to where so much cake is wasted. This was something we DID NOT want to happen, especially once I found out how ridiculously expensive cakes can be.
Yes, that’s indeed me at a friend’s wedding. I couldn’t help myself before helping them package it up. 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.
Our RSVP deadline has come and went. So far, we have 158 yeas, about 10-12 nays, and close to 140 that have not responded. I know some of those are nos, but we’re still waiting to hear from about 100 people give or take.
We were very benevolent when we began planning. We decided we would invite everyone, so no one was left out. Because of this, we chose the larger (but not as pretty or sunny) ballroom at our venue. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make so that we could have all of our loved ones (not just the first 250) join us.
It’s like the census, guys. Fill it out, mail it back. The return address is already on there. No extra writing necessary. If I can’t implore you to do so with my words, just consider the following warning: Read more…
Mrs. Snow Cone, Pittsburgh/Johnstown, PAAge and Occupation: 23, Public Health Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, EngineerEngagement Date: April 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: OMOS Church ceremony/Sunnehanna Country Club receptionAbout 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!
Way, way, way back when in the wedding planning process, I came up with the ingenious idea to display childhood photos of us at the reception. I liked the idea of having them on a static display so that our guests could mosey on over and take a peek whenever they wanted to, as opposed to halting the flow of the entire evening and forcing everyone to feast their eyes on a slideshow. I really loved thinking of guests meandering past our photos, laughing, reminiscing, and talking about how awesome Mr. Snow Cone and yours truly are. Because we truly are.
Anyhow, I debated a few different display options. My first draft included making posters on Snapfish with collages of our photos and displaying them on easels or hanging on walls. I eventually realized that could be cumbersome with the easels, I didn’t know how hanging things on the walls would work, and it just wasn’t hitting the nail on the head. Read more…
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!
We wanted something upbeat to walk into the reception to and I sure do love me some Aerosmith, so Walk This Way was an easy choice. Our wedding party strutted their stuff into the reception and we quickly followed behind them and took our place on the dance floor for our first dance.
Mrs. High Wire, DallasAge and Occupation: 23, Legal AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Director of CommunicationsEngagement Date: October 9, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Clark GardensAbout 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.
When my MOH asked me what I would be interested in doing for my “last night as a single gal,” I tried to keep in mind what I would like to do if it really were my last night with my girlfriends. She has taken the reins and planned a night that I am so so so so so looking forward to. I can’t wait to recap it for you!
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.
Despite my nervousness at meeting with vendors, I was totally cool about meeting with our pastor. He’s very nice, laid back, and non-judgmental, and on top of that we had already had a similar meeting when we were preparing for our daughter’s baptism.
Speaking of Cherry Bomb, we made a huge mistake by bringing her to the meeting with us.
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!
I came across this gorgeous wedding by Maggie Harkov via Brooklyn Bride and my jaw dropped. This wedding is all at once sophisticated, sweet, simple, and elegant. It’s everything I want our wedding to be. But there’s one huge difference staring me in the face…
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.
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.
As a former “women’s studies” buff in college, I love a good blast from the past to see the change and progression of woman—as a wife, single gal, mother, and employee—throughout history. I find it completely fascinating to see the roles of women change, even in the fictional world of television, such as Mama Ingalls, Donna Reed, Mrs. Arnold, Lynette Scavo.
But sometimes it is almost shocking to see how not a lot of things really have changed over time.
A couple months ago Mrs. Flamingo wrote about a 1930s “Marital Rating Scale,” which had me hysterical and immediately forwarding it on to Mr. Sweet Cream. I loved how a Mrs. would get “demerits” for “slow in coming to bed,” “wearing red nail polish,” and “puts her cold feet on husband at night to warm them.” Mr. Sweet’s favorite “merit” for the Mr. on the husband’s chart was “gives wife ample allowance or turns pay check over to her.”
I thought it was worth sharing some other marital rib-ticklers or shockers from days long ago…
A 1955 article in Housekeeping Monthly gives some wonderful tips for the wife. I can’t believe that it says what he has to say is more important and can’t imagine this Mrs. in pearls and heels running around getting a fire ready for her hubby! Thank goodness I wasn’t a wife in those days—I would certainly complain if Mr. Sweet Cream didn’t come home for dinner or stayed out all night long without letting me know. I would be worried!!
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
