Mrs. Snapdragon, Chicago/DallasAge and Occupation: 32,Associate ProducerFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Lighting DesignerBlogging Since: November 14, 2008Engagement Date: January 1, 2011Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Marie GabrielleAbout Me: Voracious reader of short stories, Russian literature, National Geographic and Cosmo. I'm a GENIUS at spicing up Weight Watchers recipes and a pathological cheater at board games. I run a slow marathon, but my feet are learning to move faster. Mornings aren't my thing, but I can night owl with the best of them. Don't tempt me with your Cherry Cokes---I'm trying to quit. Tomorrow. Or never.
The soda part is a joke. Sort of. I mean, there are two Mexi-Cokes chilling to the perfect temperature in my refrigerator now—ice flecks, a few drops of condensation on the glass, a frosty bottle cap. So I guess Bossyboots’ and my foundation might be slightly made of soda.
Nevertheless, I was at my regular book club dinner for half-price wine glass night, and a few of us got into a conversation about how weddings often force couples into evaluating the role religion—faith—spirituality will all play in their life. In addition to money, children, and about eight-hundred-thousand other things (!)
You all know that Bossyboots and I are investigating a Catholic or Catholic-esque ceremony. In preparation, we’ve been attending mass, but we are also mixing things up by attending a Protestant church that I like. I feel like a bit of a mish mosh because at my core, I am spiritual—but I wouldn’t say I have a faith (to quote one of my book club buddies). I definitely don’t have a religion. Read more…
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 know writing up vendor reviews here on Weddingbee isn’t incredibly common, especially now that we have the amazing Vendor Reviews, but to be honest, it’s something I have been looking forward to doing, so I’m going to do it anyway! I had the opportunity to work with some amazing, amazing, AMAZING vendors during my planning process as well as a few that were, well, let’s just say I wish I had known then what I know now. If my experiences can help anyone, especially a fellow Richmond bride, I figure I should share!
Abegail Burns for Chanel (Makeup)
Saks Fifth Avenue, Stony Point Fashion Park (804)320-6960 Cannot Recommend Highly Enough Abegail was wonderful the day of the wedding doing mine and all of my girls makeup (plus Mama and Nana Cloud) quickly and for a great price. We had a full trial at the Chanel counter in Nordstrom and just when I though my makeup couldn’t look better than that, she blew it out of the water on my big day! Read more about my makeup here and here.
Mrs. Parasol, San Ramon, CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 25, Non-profit writer, editor, and bloggerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Law school studentEngagement Date: December 19th, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Bent Creek Winery (Livermore, California); Reception: Family Residence (San Ramon, California) About Me: I am a California girl at heart. I love the outdoors, sunny days at the beach, and hiking in the woods and mountains. I also love good books and am fresh from completing my Master's degree in English and Comparative Literature in New York City. Living in NYC was an amazing experience, and while I'm glad to be back on the West Coast, I'm also thankful that my two years back East gave me an opportunity to explore new places, make new friends, and indulge my passion for Broadway shows. Oh, and I received a pretty awesome proposal from Mr. Parasol in Central Park. Above all else, Mr. Parasol is my biggest cheerleader and my best friend. But even though I'm thrilled to be marrying him, I wasn't always totally on board with this whole wedding thing and at first, I wanted to run off and elope. I've finally been convinced to throw the wedding I never thought I wanted, and so now I'm busy planning an intimate September wedding filled with DIY details. Along the way, I'm slowly learning to appreciate, perhaps even love the wedding planning process.
The last time I blogged about wedding shoes, I was a bumbling mess of confusion and indecision. I wish I could say that I have finally decided on a pair but, alas, the search continues. I have made progress, though, in that I did purchase a pair of potential shoes. I really love them; they’re very comfortable and very me, and they were less than $20 (win!). But I’m not totally sold yet. I mean, these are my wedding shoes, the only shoes I will ever get married in. They are kind of a big deal (and a big headache!).
Anyway, here are a few pictures of the contenders. (They were the last pair featured in my previous post about wedding shoes.)
Mrs. Jaguar, SydneyAge and Occupation: 27, Primary School TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, IT ConsultantEngagement Date: August 8, 2009Wedding Date: June 2011Venue: Curzon HallAbout 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!
While I lounged around the hotel room in a white robe and black fluffy UGG boots, it was time for my bridesmaids and mother to begin getting made up.
After discovering Jenny from Le Fabulous online and having a few trial runs before the wedding (once for a trial, once for our engagement shoot), I knew I was in great hands—as were my bridal party.
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!
Somewhat intentionally, and somewhat unexpectedly, I am right smack dab in the middle of a maelstrom of change right now. In the upcoming days and weeks, I will have:
A new address
A new job
A new name
Sure, three things may not seem like that much, but I feel pretty safe in saying that all three are kind of doozy-sized changes!
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.
I know I’ve taken a firm stance of not showing you my wedding gown, but I think I’m beginning to crack. Maybe! Anyhow, I do want to share with you some lovely pieces I’ve picked out for my noggin in the time being.
First up: the veil!
Shortly after we made the decision to get married in our big, beautiful church, I knew I wanted a big, beautiful veil to match. My dress doesn’t have a train (spoiler!), and the thought of having a long, cathedral-length veil was very appealing. I love the extra bit of drama and regalia the feet upon feet of tulle adds.
I was still torn as to whether I wanted to cover my face with the veil and therefore unsure if I wanted a single-tiered veil or double. I didn’t want too much volume and sometimes a second tier adds lots of it.
I’m not saying this look couldn’t work for some people—I just knew it wouldn’t work for me!
After some careful consideration I decided I did indeed want to cover my face (the mystique!) and had to find a two-tiered cathedral length veil sans volume overload. Then, kids, I got smart and started browsing through Etsy and found the perfect veil for me. (Etsy has yet to let me down, I swear.)
Mrs. Teacup, Santa CruzAge and Occupation: 34, Pharmaceutical SalesFiance's Age and Occupation: 41, Ditto! (For a different company)Engagement Date: October 1, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: ceremony in our family's Catholic church in Watsonville; reception at the Santa Cruz Beach BoardwalkAbout Me: I’m learning to embrace my true spirit as GIRLY GIRL after previous careers in the Navy and consulting for the government. My favorite hobby is SLEEP, with dancing HULA a close second. An INTROVERT in extrovert clothing, I’m questing to UNDO 34 years of TYPE A conditioning. Constantly processing the details of our upcoming nuptials, peek into this late blooming bride & groom's roller coaster ride to the altar. Giant Dipper required, sold separately.
The title becomes my mantra whenever things like wedding flowers derail forward momentum in my fuzzy mind’s eye. I finally Googled the quote to discover that this man is owed some Teacup props, and I’ll admit he looks like a guy who might say something like that. With all due respect, sir:
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.
My mom and aunt hosted a beautiful bridal shower for me last weekend. It was a total whirlwind! It gave me a small taste of what the wedding day is going to be like. And that is: over in the blink of an eye. I made sure to take a few mere seconds to appreciate having all of my close female friends and family all together in once space. But just like that, it was over! I couldn’t believe it.
But before it ended, there was LOTS to be enjoyed. How about we take a glimpse shall we?
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.
Thankfully groomsmen don’t need as much time for attire as bridesmaids, because we have been moving slowly on this one. There used to be only one option for guys at a wedding…the rental tuxedo! I am so excited that Mr. Cucumber Sammie can have his pick of outfits now and doesn’t just have to stick with the tux.
Mrs. Bacon, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 26, Digital Advertising ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, IT Client ServicesEngagement Date: June 17, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Ravenswood Billboard FactoryAbout Me: I'm a Midwestern girl that can't seem to commit to staying in one place for too long and is constantly daydreaming about my next adventure. I am an aspiring foodie with a weak spot for the unusual and I love semi-reality food television. My other loves easily include laughing as a form of exercise, a book that I can't put down, summer baseball games, espresso with whipped cream, couch potato days and nights with the ridiculous Mr. Bacon, and our two kitties, Lincoln and Sawyer. We're planning a faux-destination wedding for 150 of our closest friends and family in the city we've both adopted as home that has a modern, yet whimsical twist and as many personal touches as we can manage.
It’s official. The production company for Four Weddings wanted the Bacons to be on TV!! Woot woot! Party! Party! YAY! Fireworks! Champagne! More fireworks! Happy dance all around town!
Whew, now that I have that out of my system, I have more news. Read more…
Mrs. Parasol, San Ramon, CaliforniaAge and Occupation: 25, Non-profit writer, editor, and bloggerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Law school studentEngagement Date: December 19th, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Bent Creek Winery (Livermore, California); Reception: Family Residence (San Ramon, California) About Me: I am a California girl at heart. I love the outdoors, sunny days at the beach, and hiking in the woods and mountains. I also love good books and am fresh from completing my Master's degree in English and Comparative Literature in New York City. Living in NYC was an amazing experience, and while I'm glad to be back on the West Coast, I'm also thankful that my two years back East gave me an opportunity to explore new places, make new friends, and indulge my passion for Broadway shows. Oh, and I received a pretty awesome proposal from Mr. Parasol in Central Park. Above all else, Mr. Parasol is my biggest cheerleader and my best friend. But even though I'm thrilled to be marrying him, I wasn't always totally on board with this whole wedding thing and at first, I wanted to run off and elope. I've finally been convinced to throw the wedding I never thought I wanted, and so now I'm busy planning an intimate September wedding filled with DIY details. Along the way, I'm slowly learning to appreciate, perhaps even love the wedding planning process.
Now that wedding planning is in full swing for the Parasols, I have become aware of a plethora of wedding-etiquette rules that I never even knew existed. Of course I had a general idea of some of the more “common sense” ones (like don’t wear white to a wedding), but there are a lot of rules I didn’t know about, and quite a few of them don’t seem to make much sense to me. While I could elaborate on a variety of wedding-related etiquette rules, right now I want to focus on one in particular: registry information.
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.
Mrs. Eggs Benedict, SeattleAge and Occupation: 29, AttorneyFiance's Age and Occupation: 35, AttorneyEngagement Date: December 5, 2009Wedding Date: February 2011Venue: IslandWoodAbout Me: I'm a Northwest girl who spends my time goofing around with Mr. Eggs Benedict and our dog, hiking, traveling, drinking wine and planning a wedding that will showcase the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I also love photography, beating Mr. Eggs Bene at Mario Kart, and watching the most ridiculous natural disaster flicks you can think of (seriously, how can you deny the awesomeness that is The Core or 2012?? That's right, you can't). We are planning our weekend wedding adventure at an environmental educational center, and I can't wait for the fun to begin!
Mrs. Honey, Durango, COAge and Occupation: 28, Financial AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Lab Tech/PhlebotomistEngagement Date: August 1, 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Vallecito LakeAbout Me: I am a Colorado girl through and through, marrying an adrenaline-fueled Alabama boy. We love the outdoors just about as much as we love spoiling our dog and three cats. On any given weekend you can find us being adventurous, doing anything from rafting to snowboarding, and everything in between. We live in an outdoor mecca and truly believe in "Work Hard, Play Harder." I'm an optimist to the core, a crafter wannabe, a Southern food cook-in-training and a big time believer in girls nights. We met, fell in love and got engaged in eight short months and are now knee-deep in planning what we hope to be a super-fun, very us wedding celebration. Join us as we plan a rustic meets whimsical, Colorado winter wedding with loads of personal touches and good food!
So I had tried on dresses, and I left you in suspense about which one I had chosen. I thought about it a lot over the next 24 hours, and the the way I see it is that a girl could go on and on and…on trying on dress after dress. I seriously could have and would have enjoyed another adventure in wedding-dress shopping. However, if we wanted to do another shopping trip, it would entail us driving either to Albuquerque (three-and-a-half hours away), Grand Junction (four hours away), Denver (six hours away), or California (twelve hours away…hey, while we’re driving, might as well go to the beach!). On top of gas, you gotta throw in hotel rooms and food, and all without a guarantee that I would find a dress that I loved *as much* as I loved the one from earlier that day. On top of the added expenses, it’s tiring—fun, but tiring—trying on wedding dresses. Is it possible that the more you try on the more you are indecisive? I was positive that’s how I would end up.
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.
Hey hive, Mrs. Pain au Chocolat checking back in! Before I begin recapping our summertime secret garden wedding, of which there are 2,300 pictures to sift through, I thought I’d share our honeymoon with you. After weighing all our options, Mr. PaC and I decided to honeymoon at Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda.
Unique Wedding Favors
