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!
We’re meeting with our caterer tomorrow, and while I’m super excited, I’m also kind of dreading it a little. One of the things we LOVE about our caterer is that we’re essentially getting a caterer and a wedding coordinator for less than the price of either. And please, please don’t consider me ungrateful. I am so happy to be surrounded by people who have been through this, either as vendors or married couples themselves, and who can ask me about the countless details I haven’t yet though of.
I love planning this wedding. I love reading wedding blogs. I love telling people about the little projects I’ve taken on, and I love doing them.
BUT. I feel like there are so many details sometimes that it’s overwhelming. We had our first planning meeting with the caterer about three months ago, and we had a lot of holes on our planning sheet. What color napkins? Folded or rolled? What color tablecloths? White or off-white? And how off-white? How many bottles per centerpiece? Is the yellow more marigold or lemon yellow—or in between? How many cupcake stands? Are we doing a bouquet toss? And are we tossing the actual bouquet or one made just for that purpose? What are guests throwing at us as we leave? Rose petals? What color?
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.
I think wedding invitations are one of those things that we brides obsess over that no one else really gets that excited about. I’ve been to a few weddings in my day, and I honestly do not remember any of the invitations. I’m sure they were all lovely and carefully planned and obsessively perfected by the bride, which makes me feel even worse about not remembering them. But I promise you this—after worrying about our invitations, I can tell you that I will being paying a lot more attention to the invitations we receive in the future.
Let me be blunt. I have ZERO skills in the graphic arts department. I knew I would not be able to design our own invitations. Luckily one of my bridesmaids, Machine Gun, went to art school and knows a bit more about it than I do. She has been super excited about our wedding, and when I asked her to help with the invitation design, she immediately agreed. I was thrilled. Then, I started to worry. I knew she would do a good job, so I wasn’t worried about that, it was more of just a general unease about friendors that I have. Like, it’s much easier to be direct with someone who is not your friend. You are concerned about them doing their job, not about hurting their feelings. It’s a business transaction. Friendors is mixing business and pleasure. (Eh, that kind of sounded sexier than I meant. Whatever, you know what I’m saying.)
Mrs. Cucumber Sandwich, Washington, DC/Cape May, NJAge and Occupation: 28, School CounselorFiance's Age and Occupation: 40, Collegiate AthleticsEngagement Date: March 27, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Congress Hall HotelAbout Me: I am a school counselor who spends my day wrangling children and my nights attempting to be creative with wedding projects. My enthusiasm for each of these activities far surpasses my skill. Thank goodness Mr. Cucumber Sandwich is there to pick up the pieces and be the voice of reason about my DIY tries. I have an obsession with terrible romantic comedies (‘From Justin to Kelly’ anyone?, anyone?!?), competitive Scrabble play, and hot dogs. I could eat astronaut ice cream for every meal and can’t seem to resist buying more shoes. Our wedding is going to be a true hodge podge of semi-destination, tradition, Yuengling, New England charm, with just a dash of ‘Jersey Shore’ thrown in. It has been six years in the making and I can’t wait to marry my best friend.
Four down…one to go! I am so excited that my bridesmaids have started picking out their dresses. BM Smoked Salmon Sammie ordered hers almost three months ago, and I finally got to see it when I went over her house for dinner the other weekend.
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.
To really tell our story, I need to go back to the kick-off of the festivities… the day the Lox in-laws rolled into town. Or at least, should have…
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, I was determined that I would be calm when the time was near. I would relax, I would have my work done and passed to my DOC. I would be chill. I’m just cool like that, right?
Sure. If you believe that, there’s some land in Florida I’d like to sell you too. The truth was that just mere days before the wedding, I finally melted down. So here’s the unglamorous story about how the wedding festivities began.
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.
You remember my cousin’s super cool groom’s cake, right? Well, I had to make sure Mr. Brooch got something as equally awesome and he totally did with this delicious Snickers cake!
Unbelievable, right? I loved it!
All of Mr. Brooch’s groomsmen knew who the cake was for as they entered the seating area for our rehearsal dinner. Mr. Brooch is a HUGE Snickers fan! He eats one (sometimes a few, if they are minis) after every meal.
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).
As soon as the ring warming was complete, it was time for the procession to begin. The guys were lined up in the back of the gallery and made their way to the front, with King Hippo and our officiant pulling up the rear.
The Old 97’s song Question played as the wedding party processed. Play the song… you’ll feel like you were there!
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!
As I mentioned before, Mr. Snow Cone and I have decided we’re doing the traditional bouquet and garter tosses. I have my bouquet all straightened around, which is 50% of the toss battle. I can’t really do a garter toss without a garter, now can I?
Fortunately, the garter-less garter toss will not be occurring at the Snow Cone wedding. That’s right, I’ve secured my garter, armed and ready for tossing. When brainstorming garter options, I knew I wanted something specific, so it was just a matter of tracking down someone to execute my vision. After doing a couple dozen Google searches, I came across Let’s Dance Garters, a small company that offers a huge array of garters with a boatload of customization options.
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.
Growing up, I didn’t think too much about my wedding besides always having a current list of who would be my bridesmaids if I were to get married.
THEN
Speaking of high school, I was pretty “involved.” I played the violin in orchestra and danced in my high school’s drill team (the South’s version of a dance team) which meant LOTS of rehearsals and a packed schedule. I did well in school and enjoyed my extra-curricular activities.
Personal Photo - Officer Dance Camp
But, I had a secret side that not many knew about. Read more…
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.
Even though the night was coming to an end and our all-out dance party was starting to wind down, our DJ still had a couple surprises up his sleeve.
I guess to really tell this story I need to start back when Bijan, our DJ, was trying to put together a playlist for our reception. He asked both of us to send a list of our 10 favorite songs so he could get a feel for our style. When I got a look at Mr. Meerkat’s list, #1 was and I quote, “my entire Metallica collection.” *facepalm* I emailed Bijan and clarified that while these are the songs we liked, he did not have to play any that were not good for dancing. Read more…
Wedding BiosFeature Launched: September 12, 2008About: Wedding bios of real brides.
Miss Doily, Cedar Rapids, IowaAge and Occupation: 25, Autism Paraeducator/ StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Freelance Writer/ PublisherEngagement Date: August 27th, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Father’s Vineyard Church/ A Touch of Class Banquet CenterAbout Me: I’m an Iowan girl with a deep love of Harry Potter, classic movies, cardigans, and Post-Its. My type-A Virgo tendencies often cause me to drive my laid-back college sweetheart fiance batty with lists and PowerPoint presentations. I love to be crafty and do things myself, which explains why my two crazy kittens often will prance around the house covered in glitter and ribbons. When I am not bogged down with work, school, or wedding planning, I like to travel to visit my expansive family and have wild adventures with my best friends. After a rollercoaster ride of a love story, I’m ready to take that final plunge, marry the love of my life, and become a Mrs.!
Mrs. Tartlet, Rochester, MIAge and Occupation: Age & Occupation: 27, Post-Doctoral Research FellowFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Medical StudentEngagement Date: May 2, 2009Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: The Royal Park HotelAbout Me: I'm an exuberant gal from the Midwest with a penchant for Neuroscience and anything sparkly. I'm not afraid to poke fun at myself, and I'm a believer that given the right pair of shoes, a girl can conquer the world. While an interest in the sciences threw Mr. Tartlet and me together (again, and again, until it finally stuck), we share a love for many things---food, video games, car dancing, food, bad puns, travel, did I mention food?---that ultimately led us to where we are now, less than five months from becoming Mr. and Mrs. We're planning a laid-back, romantic, garden-inspired affair with organic and quirky touches that reflect our love for the unexpected!
After a whirlwind photo session with our wedding party, hand-in-hand Mr. Tartlet and I stepped inside the sun-drenched Conservatory to soak in the transformation that had taken place over the last few hours. The Parsonage truly outdid themselves to design centerpieces that were both airy and lush, and in concert with Twofoot Creative perfected the tablescapes.
Today’s Real Wedding features a rustic barn and lots of personal touches!
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Venue(s): Strawberry Farm Golf Club Wedding Date: April 10th, 2011 Bridal Gown Designer: Waters Florist: KM Floral Photographer: David Gaston, gastonphotgraphy.com Cake: Savioe Fare Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom Honeymoon: Peru - We called it our “Adventuremoon” since we hiked Machu Picchu and mountain-biked down 10,000 feet!
On your long list of wedding preparation to-dos, you’ve checked off one of the biggest decisions by choosing your perfect photographer, and maybe you’ve signed up for the ever-popular digital-only package. So what will you do with that DVD full of beautiful pictures?!
To make that decision easier on you—and to celebrate the wedding season in full swing—Kodak is giving away a KODAK PROFESSIONAL Collections heirloom wedding album (valued at up to $1,500) to one lucky Weddingbee reader!
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!
I may have mentioned that I’ve never been much of a makeup girl. There are two types, in my mind: Ones that can apply makeup, and ones that cannot. And since I cannot, and don’t want to *look* like a girl who cannot, I tread very lightly on the face-paint side of things. It’s a lot for me to cover my ENTIRE face in Bare Escentuals makeup instead of just dotting it on my red marks, and to wear SHEER LIPSTICK and BLUSH, people. Blush. That’s a super big, like, “I have a job interview” kind of a day. We recently went to a black-tie wedding and I wore red lipstick, and Mr. Ladyfingers was a little surprised—he had a hard time looking for a few minutes. So bright!
So. Me and makeup = not really buddies. Sadly, I do have to wear it for the wedding, or else things won’t be pretty. Literally. I started gathering as much inspiration as possible, trying to stay within my coloring—which is a little difficult, since I have fair skin with some pink and some yellow undertones. First, one of my very favorite looks for myself.
