Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, OhioAge and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application EngineerEngagement Date: May 30, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatoryAbout Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
Ms. Sloth, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 35, Account Manager and Fashion BloggerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Design AdminEngagement Date: December 25, 2009Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Bartram's GardenAbout Me: I'm an internet junkie and music snob with a good eye for a bargain. I couldn't live without thrift store shopping, cheeseburgers, sushi, Coke Zero, websites devoted to silly photos of baby animals, Photoshop, and Mr. Sloth. Speaking of which, he and I are a pair of goofball homebody nerds who love our beagle (the most ridiculously adorable dog EVER) to an embarrassing degree. We're planning a low-key and intimate yet festive and quirky outdoor wedding with DIY details and deeply personal touches, and it's all taking place in the city where we fell in love and call home: Philadelphia.
Most of my fellow bees start their goodbye posts with something like “I’ve been putting off writing this post…” and I can definitely see why they would. But I prefer to do it quickly, like pulling off a Band-Aid. That way, I won’t dread saying goodbye for a few months.
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 weekend was very busy and productive in wedding planning land. Mr. Ball Cap and I attended our Pre-Cana class and my MOH, MOB, Bridesmaid K, and I spent most of Sunday working on the invitations. I will share the details of all of these soon, but one other item we were able to fit in was the table numbers.
I’ve mentioned many times that Etsy provided a lot of wedding inspiration for me. During one of my early searches on the site, I came across luminary table numbers. Mrs. Jaguar fell in love with these as well—she sure does have great taste!
I really liked the idea of using luminaries for our table numbers. Not only would it add a decor element, but it would also add romantic light to the tables. I’ve also never seen these in action in any of the weddings I’ve attended.
Miss Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
On the way home to the city, we stopped at one of my favorite places from my interwebs search. Riverdale Manor, also in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a converted farmhouse with an attached ballroom and pavilion. As we drove up I was unsure of the sketchy road: leading up to the venue is just old shack-like buildings and abandoned trailers. However, as we got to the clearing it was like stepping into another world. The property itself is perched right beside the Susquehanna River, and is as purty as a cupcake.
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.
Well, I had my hair trial today. It went well and didn’t take long, so I’m pretty happy with the overall experience. I’m not really a hair and makeup person. I think they’re fun to play with, but I’m lucky if I even brush my hair before I leave the house most days, let alone style it. You know how there are people who get their hair fixed and nails done every week? I’m more of a twice a year person. So, my knowledge about this kind of stuff is pretty limited.
I decided to get my hair done at the Beauty Bar because I got my hair cut there in January and enjoyed it. I decided to get my hair cut there in January because it is near my house. So, you can tell I’m not the pickiest lady to begin with. I found some inspiration pictures this week, but didn’t bring them with me because I’m smart like that. I also forgot to bring the headband and birdcage veil I’ve been thinking about wearing. Super smarts here!
I went to my appointment and browsed through a bridal hair magazine as I waited. A few minutes later I met the woman who will do my hair for my wedding. Kind of crazy to think of, isn’t it? Anyway, she asked what I wanted and I explained that I wanted to wear it down with big loose curls. Read more…
Miss Warbler, Long Beach/MalibuAge and Occupation: 24, Quality Assurance EditorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Handheld AdministratorEngagement Date: December 7, 2010Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: Calamigos Ranch MalibuAbout Me: I’m a Korean BBQ loving, cheesecake enthusiast bride living in the LBC! By day I write and edit for an online search engine marketing company. By night I am a volunteer food taster of all that is delicious. I am fortunate to be marrying an amazing man who loves me and my quirky ways. I love food, books, indie music, and Harry Potter. We are planning a small, intimate wedding up in the Malibu Hills with our closest family and friends. With the help of my wonderful fiance, our loved ones, and red velvet cheesecake, our wedding will be glorious!
Mrs. Ostrich, San Francisco/HawaiiAge and Occupation: 30, Fashion Buyer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 38, CopywriterEngagement Date: October 4, 2009Wedding Date: April 2011Venue: Sweet ceremony by the sea and sunset celebration on the North Shore of HawaiiAbout Me: Born in the city of angels and residing in the city by the bay, I’m a fearless fashion buyer by day, a passionate blog author by night and a dreamy bride-to-be in between. I thank my lucky stars to live in such a stunning city that gives me gifts like organic honey lavender ice cream, movie nights in the park, tucked away beaches, legendary record stores, '80s dance parties, awesome sports teams, stellar flea markets, and vintage bookshops. Oh, and I love to dance! We always find every excuse to escape to the beach, and decided a little seaside wedding in Hawaii is our idea of bliss. Full of our favorite people, music, food and sparkly lights, this is one sunset celebration we will always remember.
“To lead a better life, I need my love to be here. ” - The Beatles
Do me a kindness, hive, and stop for a second.
Stop and think about everything you’re doing as we speak. You’re reading {at least, I hope you are}. You could be toggling between tabs and paying for bills, reading work emails or chatting online with friends. There could be music playing….or your sweet doggie’s snoozing at your feet. And while I’d love to believe you’re giving this post all your energy and attention, I know better. You’re multitasking.
Peek into my Ostrich mind and you’ll see the same thing—a dizzying amount of work emails, neglected chores, 30 minute dinner recipes, workout schedules, weekend planning, life dreams and life worries that consume my thoughts at any given second. And as I write this, I keep glancing down at my phone to check/answer work emails, I’m shuffling through my Pandora radio station and superfun ideas for Mr. O’s big birthday bash are popping up in my head. OOOOOF.
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!
My very own invitation to my very own shower! MOH Ginger made sure to point out that the “us” was missing in the top line, and she hoped nobody would notice. Um, judging by the fact that I was WAY TOO EXCITED to notice myself, I think we’ll be just fine. 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!
Y’all are probably going to laugh, or judge me, but that goes with the territory when “your song” is “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. Yep, Mr. PF’s and my song is that awesome ’80s number that is often made fun of, and I’m proud of it!
Let me tell you the story behind it. Our very first Valentine’s Day together, Mr. PF and I were driving to dinner and the song came on the radio, and he said, “This is how I feel about you.” From that moment on, it became our song. So far he has lived up to his statement.
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.
The Cucumber Sandwiches have made their way to courthouse and are ready to make it official!
So giddy and excited! Let’s get this show on the road and get licensed already. But first pose for another picture. Read more…
Miss 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.
Mrs. Skunk, AtlantaAge and Occupation: 23, Post baccalaureate studentFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Mechanical DesignerEngagement Date: February 13, 2011Wedding Date: November 2011Venue: Neverland Farms About Me: I’m a Georgia peach born and raised in the dirty dirty. I love reading, baking lots of sweets and forcing them on my friends, and most of all, rock climbing. I am in the process of applying to graduate school in physical therapy and I work at farmers’ markets around town selling bread for a local bakery. The mister and I met while rock climbing just over two years ago and have been inseparable ever since. Our climbing friends mean the world to us and have played an integral role in our relationship. We’re planning a barnyard shindig filled with good food, good friends, and lots of love.
A lot of the boulder fields we climb at during the season are right around the Chattanooga area, as I mentioned in my post about our venue hunt. Because of this, for about six months out of the year Chattanooga becomes our weekend home. One of our favorite post-climbing digs is the Victorian Lounge at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. I know it sounds silly, but we make sure we leave the field in time to get a couple beers and free hors d’oeuvres.
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.
I had a few special people that I wanted to remember on my wedding day who are no longer with us. I’ve lost three of my grandparents and I lost my aunt about five years ago. In some ways the loss of my aunt during wedding planning was particularly tough. She LOVED weddings. She was also my Godmother and I remember one day years ago that she proclaimed to me that she would host a bridal shower for me when it was my turn to get married. Knowing that she was missing our wedding was difficult.
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.
Ed. note: This post didn’t land in my inbox until yesterday night! Miss Sparkler is off and married, but wanted to say one last hello to the hive…here it is as she wrote it on Saturday!
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I’m getting married… TODAY. Wow, wow, wow. I’m a bundle of nerves and my brain is going a mile a minute, but I’m ready.
Sparks, I can’t wait to see you at the end of that aisle. Can you believe it’s finally here? After 8 years???? Let’s do this!
A little sneak peek for you before I start getting ready… the red dress in action:
A little blurry, but it was a hit at the welcome party last night!
Miss Porcupine, NYC/Lancaster, PAAge and Occupation: 26, Sales Coordinator/PublishingFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Assistant Manager/SalesEngagement Date: August 8, 2010Wedding Date: March 2012Venue: Riverdale ManorAbout Me: I'm a born and bred New Yorker with a love/hate relationship for the city I have always called home. Although I may seem quiet from afar, I have a loud personality once you get to know me. I am a book nerd at heart, but love a night out in the city with good friends. I have a serious addiction to all things cheese, chocolate, cardigans, Mexican food, and reality TV. The future hubs and I met in college, settled in New York, and decided to go with a rustic/peacock infused wedding in Lancaster, PA, right near his hometown. Come the big day, we will be together 5 years, and we're looking forward to making it official!
Beginning our venue search, we got to Pennsylvania with a schedule of places to see. There were three main places we were interested in. The catering halls and country clubs we visited all melded together into a blob in my mind. Mr. Porcupine and I figured that if we were going that route we would just get married in NYC. We wanted something different and unique. We had both agreed that we wanted a rustic feel to the wedding. We also wanted a space that, although it would stand out, we could still make our own with NYC touches (whatever a NYC touch may be).
A front runner for me for some time was the rotunda at Lauxmont Farms. Lauxmont Farms was the place Mr. Porcupine’s brother got married. The place that had me hooked on the idea of a Pennsylvania wedding. It’s a huge horse farm (I know, I know—horse farm? But to city folk I’d describe it as a huuuuge mass of hilly land with some horses strolling about.) with multiple locations for the actual wedding ceremony/reception. The location I was interested in is a huge rotunda perched on top of a hill. The ceiling has a beautiful white and blue situation going on, and the view speaks for itself.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
You could be toggling between tabs and paying for bills, reading work emails or chatting online with friends. There could be music playing….or your sweet doggie’s snoozing at your feet. And while I’d love to believe you’re giving this post all your energy and attention, I know better. You’re multitasking.
Image via Wedding Basics / Chattanooga Choo Choo
Miss Sparkler is off and married, but wanted to say one last hello to the hive…here it is as she wrote it on Saturday!
