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.!
I seriously thought Mr. D and I were just going to be able to show up at the church with our pretty clothes, filled-hearts, a couple of rings, and call it a day. I had no idea everything that is involved with a ceremony. Well, I kind of did, but I just assumed it got done and I wouldn’t have to really do anything. We have figured out our ceremony, our vows, our music, and now we are trying to figure out whether or not to do programs.
Now, I already took the time to design programs. They are super cute too, but it’s the printing that is becoming discouraging. I think it’s simply going to be too much time and money to print them and assemble them. I just don’t know if they are worth it. Like I said last time, our ceremony is only going to be 30 minutes long with no frills. It’s only close friends and family, so everyone knows everyone (or of everyone) for the most part. I don’t know if it’s worth printing out programs that are only going to be looked at for all of 30 seconds and then tossed aside.
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.
So Bossyboots and I met with Christina Noel Photography for engagement photos last weekend, and I wanted to share a peekaroo with you, of course! The days leading up to our shoot were rather hilarious, and it was all my fault. I mean, I had to figure out my outfit, fix my teef, and let’s not even talk about the hair hilarity. I went crazy. My hair process may have involved an online tutorial or two. Bossyboots definitely told me I needed to take it down a notch or thousand. I can’t help it. I’m a recovering Type A individual. In recovery!!!
Anyway, in spite of my crazy, check out a few of our smoochytimes photos!
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.
When it comes to wedding favors, I was surprisingly (and thankfully) very decisive: we would be providing an edible favor or nothing at all. I can’t tell you how many bottles of bubbles and little boxes I’ve collected at weddings over the years, and they all end up forgotten at the bottom of some drawer. Edible favors, on the other hand, always get put to very good and tasty use.
Mr. Parasol and I bounced around a few different ideas and ultimately decided on providing homemade granola for our guests. We both absolutely love granola, it’s easy to make, and it’s a relatively affordable favor option. And when Cousin Parasol E, who is just about the best 17-year-old cook in the history of the world, said she makes a mean granola, I was totally sold. So one weekend, I went up to Cousin E’s for a sleepover, and between lots of gossip and bad TV, we whipped out more than enough granola for our 90 wedding guests.
Our first stop was WinCo, the most amazing and affordable store ever. I still can’t believe I’d never heard of it before. We quickly stocked up on all the granola supplies we could ever need.
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.
While many people were out celebrating at the beach or having barbecues the Macs were in full on wedding mode! We finalized our seating arrangements, set our rehearsal dinner menu and made very a important stop at our venue for our final walk through.
I was a little worried going into it that our ribboncurtainsandotherdecor would be too much to set up the morning of. I went over all the details with Lesa, our venue’s coordinator and not only did she say they’d be able to take care of everything, even down to setting out foofers and separating our straws and stirs, but that I’d be able to see everything setup the day before at our rehearsal! We totally lucked out as there are no other weddings scheduled for that weekend which is why we’re able to drop our stuff off earlier in the week. 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!
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!
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.
We decided to have our engagement pictures taken last September in order to take advantage of one of the few months of nicer weather in Illinois and to get a major wedding task out of the way early. We wanted our photos to be relaxed and fun, but I was a super nervous since I had never had professional photos taken of me before (not even senior portraits). Luckily, we felt at ease with Jamie from the beginning and she was able to get some awesome shots of us, but I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
Some of our favorites from the day all taken by the magnificent Jamie Grant:
Our very first photo—looking both nervous and sassy
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!
Ever since I saw this episode of Friends, I was certain of two things for my own wedding: I would walk down the aisle to a string-quartet version of “Everlong” by Foo Fighters, and I would have one of my close friends officiate. Ten years later, “Everlong” may not make the cut, but I’m still determined to have a friend officiant!
Joey marrying Monica and Chandler on Friends (Image via IMDB)
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.
Warning: This post is photo heavy. I would apologize, but I’m too smitten with the subject.
Feeling frustrated from the not-so-fruitful venue hunt, I tabled the subject. The beginning of March rolled around. We had decided we were getting married in late October, and that was about it. We were down to seven months with no venue and, therefore, nothing else planned. I very casually started the hunt again online.
For the record, I had never before even considered looking around the northeast Georgia area. Granted, I practically grew up there. Hiked the trails, panned the rivers for garnets, fished the trout streams, and learned to drive on the very windy Highway 129. We camped for years, and my family ended up building a house up there when I was in middle school. It has definitely become a second home for me. But it was nowhere near the rocks where my fiance and I met! The horror! Yeah, I’m crazy. It’s beautiful up there and meaningful to me ’cause it is a take on the tradition of getting married in the bride’s hometown.
But honestly, I didn’t expect much. Like I said, I know that area. And besides wineries, which would be a little too highfalutin’ for our blood, there wouldn’t be much in the way of venues. Or so I thought. Cue tinkling bell sounds!
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.
At this point I was trolling dress sites again looking for any kind of dress that came with a jacket, bolero, shawl, you name it. It was sick. I was sick. I found that I kept coming back to San Patrick and Pronovias dresses over and over again…
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.
When I first told my friend who is a Mary Kay consultant as well as my hairstylist about my engagement, they both launched into plans for the wedding. I’ve read enough posts around the hive to be aware that having a good plan in place ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle in the long run and avert a possible crisis.
So, hive, I will share with you what these two lovely ladies have told me in hopes that someone else (especially with my type of skin or hair) may benefit from their expertise.
Skincare: My skin type is combination. That means I have some areas that are normal, some that are dry, and some that are oily. I’ve been blessed in the skin department, people. I’ve never had any terrible outbreaks or bad acne, even in puberty. But choosing the right products that make my skin neither dry nor oily has been a delicate balancing act. I use a Dove bar on my face and skin because it has amazing moisturizers in it. I use Oil of Olay body lotion as well as Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. My skin stays smooth and healthy because of it. We also do a number of Mary Kay products that are targeted toward someone in my age range. There’s a long list of products I use, but I use them all every day for the most part, in addition to drinking lots of water.
Mrs. Panther, Atlanta GA/Westport CTAge and Occupation: 24, Web WriterFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Music Recording EngineerEngagement Date: March 13, 2010Wedding Date: July 2011Venue: The Inn at LongshoreAbout Me: I'm a total goofball who goes through life at a breakneck pace, trying not to knock anything over. I tend to fall in love with everything I encounter, but more than anything, I love my two little kitties, Bela and Josie, and my big kitty, Mr. Panther! As a wannabe crafter, I'm still waiting for my artistic talents to emerge. (Any day now, really.) In the meantime, I spend my days eating anything put in front of me, buying every pair of shoes I see and absorbing wedding inspiration from every inch of my surroundings. Mr. Panther and I are hardcore New Englanders planning Connecticut nuptials from our new home in the Dirty South, and can't wait to mix our newfound love of classic Southern charm with some modern city touches.
I’m baaa-aaaaaack! It’s been over a month since I shared the first portion of my bachelorette party with you guys, and that is embarrassing. It’s funny: I really thought that after the wedding, I’d have all the time in the world to blog, cook, play with my pets and do all the other things that I could barely squeeze in while wedding planning. But nope. Turns out all the important things I was pushing aside back then are still here, and they’ve been waiting very patiently for my full attention. But long weekends are wonderful things, so I have returned with more details from my Sex-and-the-City-themed bachelorette party. To see the first post about it, click here.
Now, as you may have seen in my title, this post is about the “hot mess” portion of the evening, and since I’ve been gone so long, I’m a little afraid that you newer ladies who don’t know me very well might see pictures of me licking a street sign and think less of me. So I’m going to throw in a photo from our wedding to kick things off. It’s one of a few teasers we got from our photographers. We are DYING to see the rest!
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.
The other day a coworker sent me a link to mustache pillows at Urban Outfitters since she remembered our invitations. Of course, this snowballed into a mustache-seeking extravaganza.
Clearly those babies went immediately into our “Shopping Bag” and I started searching the site for any other mustache goodies that we could incorporate into the wedding. Who knew that Urban had so many mustache themed items?
We picked up all these goodies and I can’t wait to show them off next weekend… (OMG NEXT WEEKEND? When did that happen?) Read more…
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!
Ah, our bridal party. Our super, easygoing, hilarious bridal party. They endured the rain, the wind, the freezing cold weather, and did it all with smiles on their faces. Both Mr. Jaguar and I had our share of disappointments in the early days of wedding planning, with ‘friends’ letting us down. The final six that we had were the real deal. We are so, so lucky to have had them standing by our sides on our wedding day.
I was excited about the reception venue that we’d booked. It was a gorgeous building, an old heritage one with plenty of photo locations—or at least, that’s what I’d thought. Without going into too much detail for the moment, we eventually managed to find a few places where Andrew and Sarah and our videographer, Amy, could grab some group shots.
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!
I was playing around with my new Forever 21 nail polish today (which is amazing, BTW) and came upon this interesting combination…
I have seen this look on a couple of people, and so I decided to try it out. It looked pretty good, so I thought to myself, why not make it my something blue!
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