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.
There are so many things I didn’t know about weddings until I started to plan my own. I didn’t know that it is considered “bad etiquette” to list your registry information on your wedding invitations. I didn’t know that a wedding dress must be ordered months in advance. I didn’t know that many guests actually really don’t RSVP on time (oh boy!). And I didn’t know what the heck a card box is.
You mean, I need a box for people to put their cards? Can’t they just put them in a pile on the table?
OK, so I guess I don’t really need a card box. There really is nothing wrong with starting a card pile instead. But once I started exploring what card boxes are and all the different types out there, I got really excited. Card boxes can be pretty awesome!
Miss Petit Four, San Antonio/Isla MujeresAge and Occupation: 25, Technology teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Math Teacher and Football CoachEngagement Date: Feb 13, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Zama Beach Club, Isla Mujeres, MexicoAbout Me: I am a polka-dot obsessed, destination wedding diva living and loving in the great state of Texas. I am an island girl at heart and I visit the beach as often as I can. I am a wannabe DIY goddess, but that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my best shot. I love pearl earrings, the color pink, and ruffles are a part of my everyday wardrobe. My wonderful fiance and I are planning a destination wedding with our closest family and friends and we’re leaving a trail of glitter in our path!
Some of you may be wondering what kind of crazy person would plan a wedding from 10,000 miles away. Well technically, after consulting Google maps, I actually found that Isla Mujeres is just under 1,000 miles away from Texas… Either way, it’s far, right?
Well, let me tell you why we decided to have a destination wedding instead of a traditional wedding in our own wonderful city.
We (well, I) wanted a small wedding, and realistically that just wouldn’t be possible in a city where my whole extended family lives. I knew there would be drama if we had a small wedding here in town. So, that was easily avoided by planning a wedding far, far away.
The only place in town that I fell in love with was WAY over budget. ‘Nuff said.
Mrs. Sunhat, Dyer, IN Age and Occupation: 32, Tax AccountantFiance's Age and Occupation: 35, Landscape ForemanEngagement Date: September 25, 2010Wedding Date: December 2011Venues: St. Andrew the Apostle, Fiesta PalaceAbout Me: I'm a Midwest girl who grew up in the country and now works in the big city! I love cooking, entertaining, reading (addicted to my Kindle) and going to the movies. I don't miss an episode of Hoarders and I start cleaning every time I watch! My profession doesn't call for much creativity so wedding planning has been a great outlet. Mr. Sunhat and I met online three years ago, cheer for rival MLB teams and share a home with our dog, Wrigley. We are planning a traditional, Polish, Catholic wedding with lots of DIY elements and some fun surprises. I'm so excited to be married on New Year's Eve and we can't wait to ring in the new year as husband and wife!
This is our absolute favorite photo. Wrigley was so good! Stephen, our photographer, just had us call her over and he handled the rest. Right before he snapped a picture, he would ask “Wrigley—you want a treat?!” and she’d look right at him! Read more…
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.
After several of our invitations went M.I.A we expected a few tardy responses but not nearly as many as we got. (Shame on you Macarons guests!) I assumed our mailbox would be overflowing with RSVPs on our deadline but we got nothing, save for one lonely envelope. I let out a large sigh as I reached inside for what I thought was just another piece of junk mail.
It might be a little hard to make out but it was from our friends on Capitol Hill! Read more…
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.
When I got to my bridal suite, I immediately stripped down. I was racing to get ready and make it in time to meet my groom for our first look. My future sister-in-law and my maid of honor dropped everything, and held open my gown so that I could hop in!
They pulled it up, and all I can remember saying is, “Tighter! Pull it as tight as it will go!”
Miss Kettle, Chicago, ILAge and Occupation: 26, Non-Profit Donor Resource CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Musician & TeacherEngagement Date: May 29, 2011Wedding Date: February 2012Venue: Patrick C. Haley Mansion, Joliet, ILAbout Me: I'm a city girl who loves a good escape, so I'm planning a Chicago wedding outside of the city. I've been described as a quirky yet down-to-earth drama queen who loves fiercely. I used to be a scientist, but now I'm learning to navigate the world of non-profit organizations. I love cooking, blogging, shopping, and music, and movies (Hans Zimmer is my favorite movie composer). Mr. Kettle and I had a short courtship and now we have a happy home with our cat-who-thinks-she's-people, Belle. We spend our days and nights with good food, live music, video games, family, and friends. Our wedding has become this wonderful excuse to bring together hundreds of people we can't bear to be without.
Mrs. Candy Apple, Princeton Junction, NJ/ Seattle, WAAge and Occupation: 26, Project EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, AttorneyEngagement Date: May 9, 2010Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: St. Joseph's Parish, Seattle Tennis ClubAbout Me: I am a Pacific Northwesterner, born and bred. I have lived in many cities---Santa Clara, Durham (England); Florence; Boston; Princeton Junction---but my heart will always be nestled up near the Cascades and Olympics, which is why we are holding our wedding there. I am a bookworm and a History nerd: I love that my life consists of books, books, and more books, since I work in Publishing! Recently, all waking time not consumed by work and my daily commute has been overtaken by wedding planning. Well, that, and watching Premier-League soccer. There is nothing I love more than a good Tana French mystery, traveling to new places, Anthropologie shopping sprees, Iittala dishware, Kate Spade shoes, impeccable typefaces (think: Archer), and a nice English ale (hellooo, Old Speckled Hen!). Oh, and did I mention my obsession with wedding blogs? Yeah, there’s that too. Join Mr. Candy Apple and me as we prep for our wedding, and, more importantly, our marriage!
So here it is - the big invitation reveal! In case you missed it, I have already talked a bit about these invitations: how infatuated with the calligraphy I am, how much in love with the invitations I am, how amazing the vendors I worked with are. I could go on and on and on about my obsession with our invitations, but I think it probably would just be better if I shut my trap and showed you the gorgeousness.
I probably don’t need to tell you how excited I was to rip open these packages. Like a 4 year old on Christmas!
Miss Ticket, Riverside, CAAge and Occupation: 25, Executive AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, HVAC TechnicianEngagement Date: November 14, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Crestmore ManorAbout Me: I'm a lifelong So Cal gal, a chocoholic, a closet gamer, and a television enthusiast (love me some Vampire Diaries!) who adores playing in the kitchen and lives in flip flops. Mr. Ticket and I are best known for singing and dancing in the car, our World of Warcraft addiction, adoring food, crane game playing, and our general homebody ways. Oh, and GO STEELERS!
Oh, how I loathe that word. It knows just how to rain on my happy little wedding planning parade every time. It’s also a word that certain people don’t seem to understand. And by certain people, I mean just about everyone (including myself sometimes).
For Mama Ticket, it’s wanting to do as little set up for the wedding as humanly possible and not always comprehending that paying someone to do set up isn’t in our budget.
For Daddy Ticket it’s constantly reminding Mama Ticket and me that we have a budget to stick to.
For Mr. Ticket it’s telling me, “Who cares if it’s in the budget or not. If you want it that badly, get it.” (I love this man but that attitude does not help rein me in at all!)
For WC it’s constantly wanting more money for linens and flowers and decor even when there is NO MORE MONEY, and then making me feel guilty for it not being there (remember, she’s more friend than WC sometimes, and she knows the guilt card works best).
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.
Before I tell you about me, let’s talk about you. Hive, your outpouring of support and encouragement for my initial shedding posts overwhelmed me! I was nervous to share and you dispelled my fear. Your comments ran the spectrum of weight loss options, from quick fixes to long-term lifestyle change. Diet, exercise, how-to books and motivating pictures—oh my! Please accept my gratitude, I’ve read all the feedback twice over and it means a lot to have you there on my journey. From the bottom of my teacup heart, thank you!
When we last left off, I was debating the merits of Weight Watchers vs. Jenny Craig. WW received the vast majority of positive feedback and I agree wholeheartedly with the concepts they teach. Based on my needs and lifestyle, I chose the road less traveled. Allow me to introduce my new BFF, Jenny!
Mrs. D'orsay, Baltimore/Lancaster UKAge and Occupation: 24, nonprofit communications Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Web site developer and designer; co-owner of men's skincare shopEngagement Date: August 10, 2008Wedding Date: August, 2009Venue: Oakland ManorAbout Me: I'm a Maryland raised environmental policy wonk/activist/organizer and communications aficionado. In the past year I've lived in Baltimore, MD, Tucson, AZ, Miami, FL and Lancaster, England. In my not so spare time I enjoy planning trips with Mr. D' Orsay, visiting friends and family and crafting like a mo-fo. I also enjoy modern dance classes, rugby and soccer but have been banned by my mother, MOHs, and Mr. D' Orsay from playing till after the wedding. I have an unnatural addiction to cheese and shoes, but love Mr. D' Orsay more than either and can't wait to become Mrs. D' Orsay!
After everyone hit the buffet, we settled in for the toasts. In England, the best man’s speech is longer than in the US and more akin to a stand up comedy routine/roast for the groom. Mr. D’s brother is not that wild about public speaking, so he opted for the US tradition.
It was sweet, funny and brought a smile and a tear to everyone’s face. Read more…
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.
Before I mentioned that it was hard to find orange shoes so I was thinking about getting either navy or gray as my colorful shoe choice. I am never one to back down from a challenge, however! Unless it involved working out and going to the grocery store all in one day…that is just way too much. Spending hours looking for shoes online though is definitely something I can do.
All my typical shoe sites were leading to dead ends in orange department so I needed to resort to unconventional methods. MamaCS had a light bulb moment and started pushing dyeable shoes. The thought of dyeable shoes conjured images of prom.
That is me on the right. I was very skeptical until I stumbled upon My Glass Slipper. I think I have gone to heaven, dyeable designer shoes! I could get Kate Spade, Paris Hilton or Badgley Mischka shoes in bright orange. Winning! Read more…
Miss Petit Four, San Antonio/Isla MujeresAge and Occupation: 25, Technology teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Math Teacher and Football CoachEngagement Date: Feb 13, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Zama Beach Club, Isla Mujeres, MexicoAbout Me: I am a polka-dot obsessed, destination wedding diva living and loving in the great state of Texas. I am an island girl at heart and I visit the beach as often as I can. I am a wannabe DIY goddess, but that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my best shot. I love pearl earrings, the color pink, and ruffles are a part of my everyday wardrobe. My wonderful fiance and I are planning a destination wedding with our closest family and friends and we’re leaving a trail of glitter in our path!
Sorry, I couldn’t come up with anything more original than that. I really did try, I promise. I still can’t quite believe I am writing this post right now. Like most bees before me, I have written and re-written this multiple times. I am beyond honored to be amongst these awesome ladies and I cant wait to share my wedding with y’all. I discovered the email from Pengy while I was at work and I had to try and contain myself for another 3 hours. Pure. Torture.
Alrighty, lets get down to business!
So, who are the Petit Fours? Mr. PF and I are pretty laid back people if I do say so myself. That’s one of the reasons we are having a destination wedding in a far, far away land. We love the beach and we love to travel, so we went for it. Even though we are laid back, we both like to stay busy. (Does that even make sense?) Mr. PF is a high school football coach, so that takes up most of his time in the fall. That leaves lots of time for trying DIY projects, even if they don’t turn out exactly as planned. I have been buzzing around the hive for quite some time now and it has become a daily routine…or dare I say, addiction?
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
