Miss Aardvark, Beaver Dam, WIAge and Occupation: 23, Assistant Product ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Business Analyst Engagement Date: May 28th, 2011Wedding Date: April 2012Venue: St. Philip Catholic Church/Arcadia Brewing Co.About Me: I am a resourceful lady who love surprises and adventure. At the same time, I value traditions, family and friends. I like to make crafty messes, sometimes, clean them up, and do pretty much anything outdoors. The Mister and I are pretty avid cyclists---we have nine bikes in our home right now...and one motorcycle! We both enjoy eating food we can't pronounce (language doesn't really matter) and going places we've never been. We currently reside in rural Wisconsin, enjoying the cheese and beer it has to offer, and getting outside whenever we can!
Yesterday, like all days I went to the mailbox when I got home from work. Little did I realize what excitement awaited inside! That’s right, not just bills and junk mail for me. And not just one, but two VERY excited bits-o-mail.
Yes, our very first RSVP came back! And I have to say, Mr. Aardvark’s aunty won the race on that one! I am pretty sure everyone (or almost everyone) has gotten their invites by now so (since we are already getting RSVPs and all) I should be able to finally reveal them this week! Read more…
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.!
Guess what! I’m back from a wonderful three day weekend, and it was my shower, to boot!! If you don’t remember my post on my shower invites, I was really excited to get them because they were an Alice in Wonderland theme. My shower totally lived up to it! I could tell that it was going to be very whimsical and fun the moment I saw this:
I mean how cute is this? Up on the front door, there was yet another sign: Read more…
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!
A few weeks ago, amongst our RSVPs and Christmas cards, I received this little cutie, addressed solely to me:
My bridal shower!! MOH Stac, BM K, and BM Candace worked together and threw me one helluva bridal shower. I gave a few guidelines on what I saw happening for my shower: champagne, finger foods, and no toilet paper wedding gowns. My shower invite list was ridiculous, coming in at 33 invited women. I could have chosen to do two separate showers, but in my book, the more the merrier. Read more…
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.
Hello again! I keep faking you guys out - acting like I’m JUST ABOUT to start my recaps, then getting crazy busy again and disappearing. By now, so much time has passed, I worry that we’ve got a whole new set of readers who don’t even know who I am. And that would be a problem, because this here is the dreaded wedding shower recap - the last thing you want to see from somebody you don’t recognize. So I’ll keep it short!
My wedding shower was just a few weeks before our wedding, during a whirlwind of activity. It was the day after my hair and makeup trial, which was coolio because it meant I could leave my eyelash extensions in. Hey-oh! 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.
I recently had my very first bridal shower! Last month, when I was home for Christmas, my mother and sister/matron-of-honor wanted to throw me a party. We made it a Snapdragon family affair in the truest sense of the word, doing all the things we like best.
Miss Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you how to wash. These are bridal shower tips.
As I mentioned, I am a two shower bride. The next shower is in my hometown in upstate NY in March, so I have some time to prepare. And there are some things I need to change adjust for the next time around.
I’m not going to share things that I knew before (and you likely do too)—like ensure you share with everyone who the gift is from when opening it, have someone keep track of who gives you what gift (in case cards get replaced), greet all your guests, thank your hostess(es) at the end publicly, etc. etc.
These tips are some that I haven’t seen shared around these parts (not that they haven’t been…). To make my point, I’m going to be sharing the good, the bad and even some ugly with you all. Get ready.
Vintage-y photos with rounded edges courtesy of Cousin E; other photos by Mom.
Tip #1: Wear something comfortable / long enough
I’m going to get real with you right away, ladies. Sitting and opening presents can be awkward. Read more…
Miss Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
There are two dress brides and two shoe brides, but I was lucky enough to be a two shower bride! Due to travel schedules during the winter, Mr. Turkey’s cousins were kind enough to throw me a bridal shower this fall (that is why we registered so early).
How beautiful are these invitations?
I was very excited about this event, but also a little nervous*. Despite my years performing in front of people, for some reason, in smaller settings, when I’m the center of attention, I get super nervous. Read more…
Miss Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
When we left off, I was off to bed with a full belly of yummy Mexican and fun drinks. The next morning we took our time getting up and then headed out for a Bloody Mary brunch. I promise you, the entire weekend did NOT revolve around drinks.
As brunch was winding down, the girls handed me a present…a picture frame. I opened it from behind, but when I turned it over…Surprise #3!!
Miss Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
I’m not great with surprises. I usually manage to figure things out beforehand—the engagement being an exception. However, little did I realize that just a few months later, there would be another surprise.
One May day, I received an envelope with a typed address on the front (no return) and this inside:
Yes, these are letters that are cut out from magazines.
“What in the world?” I thought as I saw the card…the inside wasn’t much more help!
Miss Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
Here’s another chance to impart my wedding-guest “wisdom.”
As a bridesmaid in a recent wedding, I took on the job of making water-bottle labels for the bachelorette weekend (gotta hydrate after days at the beach and nights on the town!).
I know this is very much “in vogue” right now, so I figured it couldn’t be that hard. I started with some Googling.
Can anyone tell me what a water bottle lanyard is?
Though I expect to be wrong more often than right when judging the simplicity of DIY projects, this time I was correct. Now, a lot of the credit is owed to the site I used to purchase labels, which was OnlineLabels.com. This tutorial is going to focus mainly on using their tools and services, but I’ve also listed specifics that might help if you use a different site for purchasing.
Miss Turkey, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 29, Brand ManagementFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, ConsultantEngagement Date: February 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Rittenhouse HotelAbout Me: I'm a marketer who loves a good glass of wine, anything pumpkin-flavored, every crime drama on TV and, of course, Mr. Turkey. It's funny to say out loud, but we're former coworkers turned betrothed---now planning a wedding in the city of Brotherly Love. For three years, we've been eating our way through Philadelphia, playing tourist at home, and cheering for every sports team in the 215. Although we've hit some unplanned snags along the way, we're determined to have a rocking party this spring with our loud, fun families and friends.
With that I must state, for the record, that I consider my “expertise” to be more as a wedding guest or bridesmaid rather than a bride. So, through this blog, I want to share some experiences/activities from that side of the altar.
Mrs. Giraffe, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 23, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Music Student TeacherEngagement Date: October 23, 2008Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church & Idlewild Country ClubAbout Me: Coming from the suburbs of the Windy City, you'll often find me with my foot in my mouth while laughing for no reason or telling bad knock knock jokes. I've been crafty for as long as I can remember, and will DIY something twice over before I have someone do it for me. I'm a semi-awkward, typeface obsessed, design junkie and have been know to break out my dance moves for no reason as well as try my best to be ridiculous at all times. My love of pop culture, wordplay, and graph paper almost rivals my love of Mr. Giraffe (who is just the bee's knees). After a 2.5 year engagement, we're planning a modern-in-disguise traditional wedding, and cannot wait!
Hive, I had my bridal shower a looong time ago. I mean, I’ve been married for six months now, so that should be indication enough that’s it’s been a while. It was actually last February, so we’re getting closer and closer to the ’year away’ mark. I loved my shower, and had always wanted to share it with you guys, but it happened right before crazy-wedding-frenzy-mode and I never got the time. I was thinking about it today, and I decided that there’s no better time than the present!
My mom planned my shower, but after mucho begging from me, I got to help. I know, I know, Wedding Planning for Dummies actually told me that I should have absolutely no part in planning the shower, but I still lived at my parents’ house, and I have all the crafting goodies my mom could’ve have needed (not to mention I love planning parties) so she let me help.
It all started with the invitation. Mama Giraffe chose a theme of “bright colors, polka dots, and stripes.” She was worried at first that it didn’t match our wedding colors, but it turned out great and was so “me.” After an extensive online search for invitations and finding nothing, she had finally agreed to let me help and had me create them. She “art directed” the whole thing, I just created it on the computer for her. She made up a rhyme for the invitations, and continued rhyming throughout the rest of the shower.
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!
I actually wasn’t sure I was going to have a shower for the wedding. My amazing aunt threw me a family shower (complete with ornaments and undies for the gifts!) while I was home last Christmas, which was a lot of fun! I would have called it a day at that. But apparently my mom and BMs had other plans.
As you may have gathered from my bacheloretteparty in Victoria, BC, I like tea. A lot. And I like tea parties even more. So, of course, my lovely BMs and aunt decided to throw a beautiful tea-themed shower in my honor. They seriously rock. Have I mentioned how much I love my family and friends?
First, let’s look at this cake that BM L made. She made it. For real. It is a tea pot. A tea pot cake. Yes, she is ridiculously talented.
And not only did it look ridiculously cool, it also tasted delicious. Read more…
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!
On Sunday, October 23rd, we had our first bridal shower! My mom (MOB), MOH Sister and Bridesmaid L hosted the event at my dad’s Masonic Lodge in Michigan City.
Mr. Ball Cap and I arrived a little early and I was greeted with a huge surprise! My Aunt from South Carolina (and Uncle) had surprised everyone and drove up the day before. It was so good to see them! We were blessed enough to have guests travel from all over including Illinois, Michigan and Pennsylvania. I couldn’t thank these people enough for the effort they made to be there with us!
There were two games played during the shower: Read more…
Mrs. Raccoon, IndianapolisAge and Occupation: 22, StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Graduate StudentEngagement Date: Christmas 2010Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Catholic Church, Chateau Thomas WineryAbout Me: I'm a wholesome Midwestern girl, TV series junkie, professional shower singer, and Anglophile. I love my fiance, crock pot cooking, my cat Heepo, going for the gusto, and all things wedding. Mr. Raccoon is pretty sweet, too! He’s a mad scientist that loves to travel. We met my first night on campus and have been inseparable since.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
