Mrs. Sewing, San Mateo, CA/Honolulu, HIAge and Occupation: 24, Electrical EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Electrical EngineerEngagement Date: June 27, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Anela Garden Chapel & Japanese Cultural Center, HonoluluAbout Me: I'm an easily entertained, compulsive idea-scheming machine who loves good art, good food, and a good engineering challenge. I'm planning a half-destination wedding on the beautiful island of Oahu - imagine a plethora of movies, art and games; savory Hawaiian food; blended Chinese and Japanese cultural details; lush, fragrant tropical flowers and all the air conditioning a NorCal native could want! And once I marry the love of my life, we'll come back to the 'mainland' to party it up all over again in my hometown of Salinas, the salad-bowl capital of the world!
Mrs. Piglet, Virginia/OahuAge and Occupation: 28, ConsultantFiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Entrepreneur/Fashion Apparel Wholesale ImporterEngagement Date: June 22, 2008Wedding Date: August 2009Venue: Ceremony at the Lanikuhonua Phase II private estate, reception at a historic hotel in WaikikiAbout Me: I'm an East Coast gal with intense road rage and an addiction to romantic comedies, fast food, gadgets, Korean BBQ, and my wiener dog George aka Georgia May. I carry mustard packets in my purse and I love perusing the aisles at discount stores. A self proclaimed shopaholic, I impulsively buy electronics, software, and craft tools; none of which I know how to use. I'm excited to dust
these babies off and immerse myself in DIY projects galore in
preparation for our DW in paradise!
For the most part, we’ve tucked away all things wedding. Albums are on the shelves, spare invites and programs are stored, the wedding dress is with another bride, and magazines have been passed on to newly engaged friends. But every once in awhile, we’ll hear our song on the radio, look at each other, and smile from ear-to-ear. Mr Piglet will hold out his hand, and we’ll dance our first dance again.
~~~
A few months before our wedding, Mr Piglet was the best man at his now groomsman’s wedding. It was during that rehearsal dinner that we heard an acoustic version ofI’m Yours by Jason Mraz. It was happy, light, had a slightly peppier tempo, and just the right amount of cheese. It fit us so perfectly. And that was that. Our first dance song was chosen.
With our CD in hand, we went to John Cassese The Dance Doctor in Santa Monica. John and Sarah (another instructor) popped in the CD, and began dancing to our song right then and there. Mr Piglet and I watched in awe at their fancy footwork and graceful spins. We were sold (or suckers) and booked 10 lessons with Sarah to teach us to dance like them.
And I’m so glad we did. Oh my gosh people, it was so much fun!
Mrs. Meerkat, Kalamazoo, MI/Riviera MayaAge and Occupation: 30, Application EngineerFiance's Age and Occupation: 23, IT ConsultantEngagement Date: July 26, 2008Wedding Date: December 2010Venue: Al Cielo / La LagunaAbout Me: I’m a tech-savvy tomboy with an affinity for hot tea and good sushi. Us Meerkats are just a couple fun lovin’ geeks from Michigan. We love anything having to do with movies, books, video games or technology and we hold a special place in our hearts for our two very spoiled shih-tzus, Wicket and Bravo. We also LOVE to travel. We love it so much it only took us 12 hours after we got engaged to decide to have a destination wedding. We are working our little Meerkat tails off planning a rustic-chic, travel themed destination wedding in the Riviera Maya with a semi-formal, vintage-turned-modern, outdoor at home reception back here in Michigan.
Mrs. Lioness, AtlantaAge and Occupation: 25, Physical TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, AttorneyEngagement Date: August 29, 2009Wedding Date: April 2011Venue: Anthony’s Fine DiningAbout Me: I’m a Southern girl with New England roots. I say "wicked" and "y’all" in the same sentence and I like to drink sweet tea with my lobster. Mr. Lion and I are both former Floridians now living in Atlanta, which fortunately is still SEC country...Go Gators! We both love baseball, coffee, traveling, cooking, and playing Words with Friends with each other on our iPhones all day long. I’m very passionate about the things and the people I love, and I tend to plan things with all of my heart...our wedding, of course, is no different! Oh, and also Mr. Lion is a first generation American of Cuban descent. I may look more like Lucy than Ricky, but I’m doing my best to incorporate some Latin elements into our vintage-garden-Southern wedding!
I’m what we in the rehabilitation world call a “motor moron.” This means that my motor skills (muscular movement that results from signals from the brain) are not exactly smooth. I’m clumsy. My parents realized this early on and stuck me in ballet class in an attempt to improve my coordination. If I’d had some kind of motor developmental delay, this surely would have helped. Practice makes perfect, as the brain learns how to tell the muscles what to do…it’s kind of what my entire career is based on. This wasn’t the case, though. I don;t have any pathological delays, I’m just a motor moron. The result? I was (and still am after decades of training) quite graceful on stage; but not so much in real life.
Personal photo, circa 1992…check out that turn out!
Dancing has always been a part of who I am. It’s the first thing I can remember being passionate about.
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.
Isn’t it funny how we tend to think of the smallest details, even 200 days out? I can’t stop thinking about the father daughter dance. It’s something I’m really, really looking forward to, and while some brides might opt for a funnier alternative, I’m going for the tear jerker.
Have you heard I loved her first by Heartland? I chose to post the video with lyrics, ’cause they’re just so so sweet and I don’t want you to miss any of the words! They’re perfect.
We don’t listen to country music on a regular basis, but we do have a few favorite songs.
Mrs. Locket, Ithaca, NYAge and Occupation: 25, Research TechnicianFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, former Banker hoping to become an Officer of the LawEngagement Date: June 15, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Heron Hill WineryAbout Me: I am a little bit of everything all rolled into one: A girly gal with rough edges---I love to get dolled up just as much as I enjoy throwing on some sneaks to toss a ball with Mr. Locket. My love for crafting and creating is quite apparent and I've been referred to as a Wonder Woman/Martha Stewart/Stepford Wife hybrid (yup, I'll take that as a compliment). I adore sewing, photography, sculpture, good eats (mmm tapas), baking, snugging and oh, pretty much everything in between (there's not much I dislike). I am super excited to be planning our vineyard wedding and couldn't be happier to be marrying Mr. Locket. We are a quirky, fun-loving couple residing in our college town with our two pups Maple and Molly. We love to go on hikes, visit our local dog park and to bask in the beauty of many of the local falls and gorges. We are an indecisive pair, but together we somehow manage to make up our minds (it's the easy stuff that's tricky).
This past weekend among the flurry of craftivities (yup, crafting-activities), Mr. L and I decided to take a break and teach ourselves the Waltz.
And, what better way to find a Waltz lesson than on YouTube:
Despite his uncoordinated dancing abilities, Mr. L took pretty well to the YouTube instructional video and was soon dancing around the living room counting aloud, “1…2…3…1…2…3…1…2…3…” in what I think was a British accent (apparently the British like to Waltz).
Mrs. Bruschetta, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 25, Communication ProfessionalFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate StudentEngagement Date: November 30, 2007Wedding Date: August 2009Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. HouseAbout Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
There’s just something about that oh-so perfect ballroom dip. It gets me every time.
Luckily, my mister willingly agreed, early on in our planning process (don’t forget, hive, we had a practically-infinite-and-good-Lord-will-it-ever-end 20-month engagement) to assist with what would end up being one of the last DIY(ish) “projects” we could fit in before the wedding.
I’m talking, of course, about private dance lessons, and the choreographed number that resulted, and would transition our guests from cocktail hour to dinner and dancing.
Our goal: Master moves we could polish and perform during the just-over-two-minute-long song we’d selected. We didn’t want to look overly stiff or obviously cheesy (subtly, sure), but also hoped to become familiar enough with the sequences that no amount of nerves, elation or tipsy guests could break our rhythm. So we signed up for 10 sessions, to be stretched over the eight weeks remaining before our wedding.
Mrs. Glasses, Tokyo/Los Angeles, CAAge and Occupation: 24, English teacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 27, English teacherEngagement Date: September 2008Wedding Date: October 2010 Venue: Parents' backyardAbout Me: I’m an expat living in Tokyo. I’ve been in Japan for almost three years now, where I met my fantastic English fiance. It’s time to leave Japan, so we are planning a fun, intimate, backyard ceremony back home in the suburbs of L.A. in October. Our wedding will be a mix of my love for food, beer, my Japanese culture, and Mr. G’s Englishness. We are on a tiny budget and DIYing almost everything!
Mrs. Husky, DenverAge and Occupation: 26, Systems AdministratorFiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Mechanical Engineer, recently laid offEngagement Date: August 14, 2009Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: Rancho San CarlosAbout Me: I am planning a quirky-crafty wedding with my recently out-of-work fiancé for a (fingers crossed!) warm October afternoon. We are two self-professed nerds with an affinity for all things outdoors---be it rain, snow or shine. Recently relocated from the drizzly Northwest, we're enjoying the many sun-soaked days in the mile high city. Our day will be filled with both of our large families and friends, a self-served Cajun feast, and a Zydeco-style jazz band rocking beneath the beams of a historic red barn.
Immediately after hearing our band play, I was hooked. Not only did they sound great, but they would provide their own sound system, and even compose a version of our first dance song in their style.
I’ve never heard our song done in the Zydeco-style, so I will instead share the music video for the original:
Mrs. Cardigan, AustinAge and Occupation: 21, Student/Soon-to-be Special Education TeacherFiance's Age and Occupation: 20, Student/Soon-to-be Accounting Systems AnalystEngagement Date: August 16, 2009Wedding Date: January 2011Venue: Vintage VillasAbout Me: I'm a native Austinite who was raised as a die-hard Aggie. Luckily, I'm a pretty persuasive girl because I managed to convince my high school boyfriend (now fiance!), Mr. Cardigan, to ditch his hardcore Longhorn ways and join me up at A&M, where we currently reside with our adorable dogs, Cullen & Ranger. We're currently planning a bright, cheery wedding with a ridiculous amount of DIY projects that I can't wait to tackle! I love crafting in any form, reading, and margaritas (I think I love them the most!). Organization is what keeps me sane and I love helping others, which is probably why I ended up as an education major. It gets a little chaotic sometimes when you're planning a wedding among all of the papers, projects, finals, and certification exams, but we're having the time of our lives and we can't wait to get started on our journey as husband and wife - and we're so excited to share our wedding with the hive!
No, actually. I know I can’t dance. In fact, I’m pretty horrible at it. And so is Mr. Cardigan!
But, that doesn’t stop us from dreaming big. You see, we have high aspirations of wowing our guests with our gorgeously choreographed and perfectly performed first dance. Never mind the fact that neither of us has any sort of knowledge of how to dance or has ever attempted anything more complicated than the seventh-grade sway. What can I say, we’re optimistic!
(Source) This is about the extent of our knowledge!
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/NewportAge and Occupation: 25, Operations AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, SalesEngagement Date: October 8, 2008Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: The Atlantic Beach ClubAbout Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
Mr. Starfish and I are both horrible dancers. Mr. Starfish doesn’t like to dance, and even though I love to, I’m just no good. But, we are really good swayers.
Swaying at our senior commencement ball
A while back we considered doing dance classes, and by we, I mean Sister Starfish and I thought it would be fun to take dance lessons before her wedding last year with our grooms-to-be. Neither of the guys were crazy about the idea, but were more open to doing it if we all did it together. Read more…
Mrs. Starfish, Boston/NewportAge and Occupation: 25, Operations AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, SalesEngagement Date: October 8, 2008Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: The Atlantic Beach ClubAbout Me: I'm a perfectionist who is a planner at heart. I don't do well with surprises. I love planning, crafting, Newport RI, family and friends, and most importantly, Mr. Starfish---all of which will be big components in our October wedding in our favorite little city by the sea.
When we first talked about our first dance song, we couldn’t figure out what to pick. We never really had a song. With no official song, choosing our first dance song hasn’t been easy.
I started looking up lists of wedding songs for everything from cocktail music to entrance options. While searching for father-daughter options, I came across the Beatles’ In My Life. I had heard it many times before, but as I was reading the lyrics, it didn’t remind me of my father, but it reminded me of Mr. Starfish. It even ends with our favorite phrase, “I love you more.”
Mrs. Frog, Phoenix, AZ/Chelan, WA
Age and Occupation: 29, Public Relations
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Online SalesEngagement Date: February 8, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Amy's ManorAbout Me: I'm an opinionated Midwestern girl now living in the Valley of the Sun marrying a laid back Northwestern guy. I'm equal parts sass, silly and sweet. I'm fiercely loyal with a strong devotion to my family and friends. I have a not-so-secret obsession with apple juice, a new obsession with DIY projects and I love a really good cheese plate...with lots of wine. After 7 blissful years of dating, I'm having the time of my life planning the destination wedding of my dreams to my Mr. Frog-turned-Prince Charming.
I’m all about personalizing your big day. It only happens once, so we want do everything we can to make it our own. This new trend of unique wedding dances is probably one of my most favorite things that has developed as of late. How can you not crack a smile watching a bride and groom do the Thriller dance… and we all have seen the infamous dance down the aisle that swept across the internet this year—I loved that twist.
So I’ll confess, I have stalked the hell out of YouTube spent some time reviewing a few videos. I couldn’t help myself; I had to include some of the ones I love below.
How cute are they? I just love that they chose something original:
I love that they even got into it from the beginning:
Mrs. Dolphin, Gainesville, FLAge and Occupation: 24, Graduate Architecture StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Interactive Interface DeveloperEngagement Date: February 14, 2008Wedding Date: May 2010Venue: Plantation Bay Country ClubAbout Me: I’m currently a Graduate Student at the University of Florida studying Architecture. I enjoy playing Scrabble with my Fiance, rooting for the Florida Gators, making any drink that involves a blender, cleaning (yes... I’m crazy), design... GOOD design that is, the new Pepsi with natural sugar, taking pictures, discovering new places in the U.S., and obsessing over doing (and designing) everything myself for our upcoming wedding!
Well, I have been listening to TONS of songs today. Mostly because Mr. Dolphin is as work, and I miss him (I know… I’m such a sap!). Our first dance song for our wedding has changed quite a few times and I think it is about to change again—there are just so many songs that Mr. Dolphin and I listen to, connect to, and love.
Sunny MOH, Seminole Bridesmaid and Gator Bridesmaid dancing their first dances with their husbands. I had to include this. Aren’t they all such beautiful brides?!
The first song Mr. Dolphin and I ever chose for our first dance was “I’m Your’s” by Jason Mraz. It is just so sweet, mellow and chill, everything Mr. Dolphin and I ♥. We will still be playing the song at our wedding for sure… and it still isn’t completely out of the running. Read more…
Mrs. Jellyfish, Pleasanton, CAAge and Occupation: 27, Law StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Air Force PilotEngagement Date: February 21, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill WineryAbout Me: In a nutshell, I’m the most optimistic worrywart you’ll ever meet. My family emigrated from Romania to San Jose, CA when I was 8, and I've been a Nor Cal girl ever since! My fiancé is also a Bay Area native, so it’s funny that we met at UCLA, as college freshmen living on the same floor (go Bruins!). Between his career as an Air Force pilot and my path to becoming a lawyer, our relationship has been anything but typical. We currently live together in Berkeley with our puppy Stinson. In addition to spending time with the loves of my life, I enjoy crafting, attempting complicated recipes, environmental law and non-law school reading (Us Weekly, anyone?). Follow along as I plan an elegant 200-person winery wedding, graduate law school, take the Bar exam, get married and get used to the always unpredictable but never boring life of a military spouse!
A long time ago, we decided we wanted to take dance lessons before the wedding so that we wouldn’t look like 7th graders awkwardly swaying at their first dance.
Awk-WARD.
Now, it’s less than 5 months to the wedding and I’m realizing we really need to get on this if it’s going to happen. The problem is that Mr. Jelly’s deploying at some point before the wedding, so if we start now, we will have a 2.5 month period where we won’t be able to practice together and we might forget a lot of what we learned. But starting the lessons when Mr. Jelly gets back seems cutting it too close. I guess this is just one of those times where I’m feeling sorry for myself for Mr. Jelly being gone so much. Read more…
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
Swaying at our senior commencement ball
