Miss Blue Whale, College Park, MDAge and Occupation: 27, Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: March 10, 2012Wedding Date: May 2013Venue: Southern Tree Plantation in Blairsville, GAAbout Me: I love bright colors, glitter, sugar, cheese, tiny animals, talking in silly accents, dancing, and all things music. I love to plan things, but when it comes time to execute the plans, I tend to panic. My friends tell me that I remind them of a mix between a cartoon character and a Disney Princess. Mr. Blue Whale and I are Southerners at heart, but we’ve been transplanted to the East Coast for school. We both love barbecues, star-gazing, bonfires, music, making up nonsense words, and generally being silly. Our wedding will be a fun-filled destination wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It will most certainly feature bright colors, '80s music, and glitter.
I was originally going to write this post about finding the first step of wedding planning. But…it makes more sense to start with what’s actually step zero of wedding planning—getting engaged!
I’m almost positive that every girl has dreamed at least once about the perfect proposal. If you haven’t, then you clearly haven’t been on Pinterest. Like many women, I too once sighed and dreamed about how amazing my proposal might be. I even went so far as to daydream about Mr. Whale booking a secret photographer to take pictures of the proposal.
Have you ever seen something so disgustingly cute? (Image from Marry This! / Image by Shay Stephens)
Mrs. Wallaby, Houston
Age and Occupation: 24, Environmental EngineerEngagement Date: January 1, 2012Wedding Date: November 2012Venue: Oak Tree ManorAbout Me: I'm a free-spirited, adventurous girl who loves anything active, reading, traveling, cooking up new dishes for my fiancé, and working on my budding garden. My fiancé is an athletic, intellectual, animal-loving guy with an obsession with basketball and who treats me with the deepest compassion and respect. We are both engineers, and we met at our workplace. Together we complement one another and make a great team, and we are excitedly counting down the days until our outdoor wedding in Houston in November. We're planning a green wedding with lots of Persian cultural touches, and I can't wait to share all of the before-and-after details of our special day
Hive, let’s talk about wedding shoes! My shoe collection is definitely not of Carrie Bradshaw proportions, but nonetheless, I do love me some shoes. I wear heels most days to work, and I like to play dress-up when Mr. Wallaby and I go out and wear some nice heels that don’t get much mileage in my conservative workplace. So wearing heels to the wedding—at least during the ceremony—is a given.
When it comes to shoes, I’m not too picky about the designer. I will happily wear a cute pair of $20 wedges from Target. But when I started looking at wedding blogs, I became crazy about one pretty little pair of shoes: Badgley Mischka’s Randall heels.
However, those heels cost way more than I have ever spent on shoes, and I felt uncomfortable taking up so much of the budget to buy a fancy pair of shoes. So I started stalking eBay, preownedweddingdresses.com, and Recycled Bride until a pair of Randalls became available in my size. They were silver, which matches the beading on my dress, and they had only been worn once—by another bride, no less. The best part was the price: less than half the cost of buying the same shoes new. So I bit the bullet and ordered the shoes, and a week later these arrived on my doorstep:
Mrs. Toadstool, Obregon, MexicoAge and Occupation: 23, Research AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales ManagerEngagement Date: October 1, 2011Wedding Date: December 2012Venue: Hacienda los AgavesAbout Me: I’m a born and bred Mexican girl with a severe coffee addiction, an obsession for books and an aversion for exercise. I like to plan things, so this wedding’s my dream project---I just need to remind myself from time to time that I’m the bride and not just the planner. I recently realized brown’s my favorite color as I was trying to incorporate it in every aspect of our wedding and I'm dreaming of an autumn vibe since we don’t have that around here. I’m marrying my best friend and partner in crime on the day of our nine-year anniversary! He’s an awesome, smart, fun guy who is patient, and crazy enough to spend the rest of his life with me. We’re planning our not-so-dreamy dream wedding in December in a non-traditional way and making it our own.
We made a very small registry, full of stuff we really want or need and we will eventually buy either way.
We registered at a kind of fancy-pants national store. One of the main reasons for us to register there were the advantages the store gave us. Every time someone buys something using our registry number (no matter if it’s in our list or not), we get 10% of that purchase in store credit, which will be very useful along the way. So we figured, even if no one gets us anything from the registry, we might buy them ourselves and get a very nice 10% credit we wouldn’t got otherwise.
We made a small registry, just a few things we want (and think we need), but it didn’t start that way. Mr. Toadstool wanted to have fun with the scanner, and knowing I could erase all the crazy things he’ll scan, I let him go crazy:
Miss T: Why would you get a boat?
Mr T: It’s a cool boat.
Miss T: Where will you put that boat?
Mrs. Wizard, PittsburghAge and Occupation: 22, Front-end Web DeveloperFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Software ProgrammerEngagement Date: June 8, 2011Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Glades Pike Winery, Somerset, PAAbout Me: I’m a born-and-raised Pittsburgh girl marrying a born-and-raised Pittsburgh dude. I’m a stubborn Italian with a huge personality, and I love oldies music, baking, housewifery, and all things Harry Potter. He’s a quiet, level-headed guy who loves my cooking and laughs good-naturedly at my lack of verbal filter. He’s an intellectual who likes to learn, and can often be found going on "Wiki walks" and landing on the most hilariously weird articles imaginable. We truly are a case of "opposites attract," and we balance each other out perfectly. We keep each other sane and make each other laugh so hard we cry almost every day, and that’s all I could ever ask for. Together we’re planning a simple, elegant, summery June wedding, and we can’t wait to be Mr. and Mrs.!
Our post-ceremony portrait session produced plenty of lovely photos, but it wasn’t without some shenanigans as well. Mr. Wiz and I can rarely keep a straight face at the best of times, let alone when a camera is snapping away at us as we’re flying on the high of being newly-minted Mr. and Mrs.!
There was a willow tree that attacked us…
*
A fuzz on my nose and my trademark skeptical side-eye…
Miss Manatee, Fort Worth, TXAge and Occupation: 21, Nursing StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Civil EngineerEngagement Date: October 2011Wedding Date: June 2013Venue: The Sanford HouseAbout Me: We're just two nerdy, library-bound romantics that found each other. We're planning our fun, ombre themed nuptials in Arlington, Texas! We love boating, romantic comedies, occasional visits to the gun range, and our little kitty Cade! Two years after an extremely successful blind date, we can't wait to start our lives together!
Mrs. Dalmatian, Nashville, TNAge and Occupation: 23, Pediatric NurseFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Computer Engineer and Entrepreneur Engagement Date: April 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: Historic CedarwoodAbout Me: I am a Northern girl from Chicago who is planning a wedding filled with Southern charm in Nashville, Tennessee. I love dogs, the White Sox, Full House reruns, and anything with ruffles on it. Mr. Dalmatian is my computer-genius problem-solving fiance who is constantly teaching me new things and making me a better person. We live with our adopted pup Echo, who is very excited that his parents are getting married!
I have already raved about my thrill at finding a venue that was exactly what we were looking for and shared my discovered love for all-things all-inclusive, so it is no surprise that I was happy with the fact that the flowers were included in our venue. What was a surprise was how amazing the flowers were! I knew that Cedarwood had a florist building on site, and had seen some of their stunning floral designs both in photos I stalked online and during our pre-wedding visits to the venue. But even though I was armed with the knowledge that they did a phenomenal job, I was still amazed at how beautiful the flowers came out. Need proof? Here you go:
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.
Weddingbee was priceless during our planning. With very few girlfriends in Switzerland, I had a place in the hive to share the overwhelming excitement of planning. I will honestly miss sharing our stories with you, reading about your experiences and listening to your advice.
The hive inspired many details for our wedding, but it also inspired me personally. You see, I never really received a lot of beauty tips from my mother. She has nine kids, a short haircut and no time for or interest in makeup. She was busy doing a great job taking care of us instead of worrying about beauty matters!
At a family dinner in Brazil a few weeks before getting engaged in 2010
Miss Panda, Boston, MAAge and Occupation: 26, Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: June 27, 2011Wedding Date: June 2013About Me: I love window shopping, cute animals, crafting, baking, and most forms of procrastination. I tend to be overly meticulous with choices to a point of complete and total indecision. Mr. PBear and I met and live in the amazing city of Boston. We are big nerds who love trying new foods, playing video games, and cuddling with our adorable hamster. After 5 years together, we are planning an intimate, DIY-heavy, vintage garden themed, nonreligious wedding in the city where we fell in love.
I think I’ve mentioned our photographer in the past, Lisa Rigby. She takes the most gorgeous pictures ever, and was someone I came back to over and over again always when looking for photographers.
When we were looking at photographers, there were very few photographers that I really loved most of their pictures. The hive also spoke very highly of her and I really had a great feeling when I talked to her on the phone. I haven’t actually gotten a chance to meet her in person, but if she’s anything like how she is on the phone, I’m sure we’ll get along fine. The decision to book her was not very difficult at all.
Miss Blue Whale, College Park, MDAge and Occupation: 27, Graduate StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: March 10, 2012Wedding Date: May 2013Venue: Southern Tree Plantation in Blairsville, GAAbout Me: I love bright colors, glitter, sugar, cheese, tiny animals, talking in silly accents, dancing, and all things music. I love to plan things, but when it comes time to execute the plans, I tend to panic. My friends tell me that I remind them of a mix between a cartoon character and a Disney Princess. Mr. Blue Whale and I are Southerners at heart, but we’ve been transplanted to the East Coast for school. We both love barbecues, star-gazing, bonfires, music, making up nonsense words, and generally being silly. Our wedding will be a fun-filled destination wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It will most certainly feature bright colors, '80s music, and glitter.
Miss Blue Whale here! Yay!!! I thought I might be imagining things when I saw my email from Mrs. Penguin. Having been trapped alone in my apartment for many days because of Hurricane Sandy, I had to re-read the email a few times before I was convinced it wasn’t a hallucination! Thankfully, it wasn’t a mirage.
I am so jazzed to be sharing my wedding adventures with you all. It’s almost embarrassing how excited I’ve been throughout the entire planning process so far. I have to shield my computer screen from Mr. Whale sometimes so he doesn’t know how often I’m browsing Pinterest or the ‘Bee (I guess the secret’s out now…). My brain is so full of ideas and excitement that I just want to share it all right this instant. But I’m trying to take it one step at a time. And I think the first logical step is to tell you who the Blue Whales are!
Miss Cauldron, New York City/AustinAge and Occupation: 33, Human ResourcesFiance's Age and Occupation: 33, TechnologyEngagement Date: October 8, 2011Wedding Date: September 2012Venue: Pecan Grove at the Salt LickAbout Me: I grew up in the Lone Star State, but moved to NYC after college to get a taste of the Big Apple, and never left. I love baking, yoga, Mr. C, and sunshine (not necessarily in that order)! Mr. C and I met on Match.com back in 2007, and our second date was at a Texas barbecue restaurant in Manhattan. It’s only fitting that after almost five years together, we are getting married at an iconic Texas barbecue joint. (Shiner Bock and brisket, anyone?) I’m proud of the life we have built together around our love for each other, Mr. C’s crazy dog Bosley, and fun sailing adventures on our boat, and I’m looking forward to celebrating our marriage at one seriously awesome party in September.
Mrs. Hermit Crab, New York, NYAge and Occupation: 24, Youth Director soon to be Grad StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Medical Student - soon to be Surgery ResidentEngagement Date: October 11, 2008Wedding Date: June 2010Venue: New York Botanical GardenAbout Me: I love all things food, books, our furbaby, Rashi, and adventures with my amazing fiance (oh, and saving the world!). This summer I will not only be a bride, but a bridesmaid, officiant, and attendee as well---it's all about weddings in my life right now, full of so many exciting moments and projects. We're planning a fab New York City wedding weekend full of family, love and lots of color!
The NYC bees enjoy hanging out so much that we have decided to put a monthly meet up on the calendar for the second Tuesday of every month.
Here are the details for the next meet up:
When: Tuesday, November 13, 6 pm
Where: Cask, 167 East 33rd Street
What: A night out with your bee friends in real life
In light of what is going on right here in New York and the surrounding area, we will be using this opportunity to collect things are are needed by the hundreds of people who are unable to return to their homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Please bring one of the following to be donated: flashlights, batteries, radios, blankets, bread, apples, bananas, non-perishable food items (nothing too heavy, as I’ll be carrying it home by myself!). If you have a question about what to bring, feel free to comment here or PM me.
RSVP: PM redheadem to reserve your spot for this upcoming meet up and check this thread for updates.
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.
(This has to be one of my favorite recaps. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did, both in the moment and re-living it later.)
More than once during cocktail hour, my sister and his brother professed they were in need of some liquid courage before their honor attendant speeches. The last time my sister was in a wedding, she was hanging out in my mother’s belly. After a twenty-six year drought, she really jumped into the deep end!
Mrs. Wallaby, Houston
Age and Occupation: 24, Environmental EngineerEngagement Date: January 1, 2012Wedding Date: November 2012Venue: Oak Tree ManorAbout Me: I'm a free-spirited, adventurous girl who loves anything active, reading, traveling, cooking up new dishes for my fiancé, and working on my budding garden. My fiancé is an athletic, intellectual, animal-loving guy with an obsession with basketball and who treats me with the deepest compassion and respect. We are both engineers, and we met at our workplace. Together we complement one another and make a great team, and we are excitedly counting down the days until our outdoor wedding in Houston in November. We're planning a green wedding with lots of Persian cultural touches, and I can't wait to share all of the before-and-after details of our special day
Mr. Wallaby and I love to travel. When we were growing up, both of our families took lots of road trips to all corners of the continental US. After college, I bought a three-month EuroRail pass and backpacked around Europe with no itinerary and boundless wanderlust. Mr. W has left the country once to travel to his family’s native country of Iran, and he can’t wait to go on more international adventures. He and I have been on several trips together and we are counting down the days until our honeymoon to New Zealand and Australia (!!!).
We wanted to incorporate travel into our wedding decor. Travel didn’t make it to the status of “wedding theme,” since our wedding is really just a mix of All Things Mr. and Miss Wallaby Like (vintage things, books, science, Persian traditions, botany…), but we are incorporating our love for travel into some of the details of the wedding day. One detail that we’ve already squared away is the guestbook. Instead of asking our guests to sign a book or picture frame, I ordered tons of vintage postcards from all over the world from eBay. I ended up with a collection of probably 500 unused postcards, which I filtered into a pile of about 200 favorites for our guests to choose from. On the guestbook table, we’ll display a suitcase for our guests to drop their love notes…
Miss Manatee, Fort Worth, TXAge and Occupation: 21, Nursing StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 22, Civil EngineerEngagement Date: October 2011Wedding Date: June 2013Venue: The Sanford HouseAbout Me: We're just two nerdy, library-bound romantics that found each other. We're planning our fun, ombre themed nuptials in Arlington, Texas! We love boating, romantic comedies, occasional visits to the gun range, and our little kitty Cade! Two years after an extremely successful blind date, we can't wait to start our lives together!
Besides the fact that I’d already extensively researched The Sanford House in Arlington and pretty much liked everything about it, I started to get cold feet and researched some other venues.
This venue is simply stunning. The venue operates with an all-inclusive package (food, drink, cake, location), but for a June Saturday wedding it would run us close to $20k, and that was before photography, videography, DJ, or anything else. Our original budget was supposed to be $16k, and it has crept up to close to $18k. Although this venue is absolutely gorgeous and very tempting, I couldn’t see how we would have made it happen for less than $25,000. As lovely as it was, we just had to pass on it.
