Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
First, how I met Mr. Foxy’s sister, aka my future foxy sister-in-law (FfSIL).
Foxy and I had been doing our LDR thing for about a month, and it was my turn to visit him for a day or two. The relationship was still fairly new and we only saw each other every other weekend-ish; naturally, we were…how shall I say this…”very passionate” when we saw each other. You know, lots of kisses. And stuff. Read more…
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!
Not to get deep on you all, but I have to say that sometimes I take a step back and realize Mr. Porcupine and I are really lucky to each come from a family that has accepted the other with open arms. Since the day Mr. Porcupine and I got together we have immediately clicked with each other’s families.
I didn’t get much of a chance to get used to the idea of meeting “the whole fam” when it came to our relationship. After about 3 months as a couple I met pretty much EVERYONE in Mr. P’s family at his brother’s wedding. On the flip side, Mr. P met my immediate family (parents, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparents) at my college graduation after only two months as a couple. So really early on we knew what we were getting into. (Haha, I kid…OR DO I?)
When it came time for the holidays, I can only vaguely remember our first holiday season together. Read more…
Mrs. Cloud, RichmondAge and Occupation: 25, Sales RepFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Customer Service Manager/DJEngagement Date: February 14, 2008Wedding Date: November 2009Venue: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart & The Jefferson HotelAbout Me: Mr. Cloud and I are Yankees planning a Southern wedding to show our families from Boston and New York our fabulous city. We are complete opposites, resulting in a wedding to include bridesmaids in pearls and groomsmen in Adidas shell toes. I’m a sorority girl at heart with strong addictions to my blackberry, cherry Chapstick, Coach purses, the Boston Red Sox and our fur baby, Bella. I can’t wait to the throw the party of our lives and of course, marry my best friend!
Well Hive, it’s that time. Two years ago today I walked down the aisle towards my best friend, said “I do,” and then partied the night away. I can’t believe how quickly our time as newlyweds flew by, and I also can’t believe it is time for me to stop procrastinating, say my goodbyes and move on a bit from the wedding world (sniff, sniff, this really means I need to start being quiet again about my full-blown wedding obsession, which of course still lives on!). I have to say that blogging on Weddingbee and being part of this amazing community been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The support that I received during my planning was valuable beyond words, and I am so glad to say that I am walking away over two years later with an amazing new group of friends. For any of you thinking, or even considering, applying to blog for Weddingbee, DO IT! Never in a million years did I think I would be accepted, or that I would get so much back from blabber about my planning process. What a wonderful group of women you all are, and how lucky am I to have been a part of the hive!
I guess I also owe you all a bit of an explanation for the huge gap during my recaps (and now, of course, the break while I drag my feet to say goodbye). Well, life was a little busy in the Cloud house! Of course I told you how we moved to a new state shortly after our wedding, but then more recently we had another big change… Read more…
Miss Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MDAge and Occupation: 26, Massage TherapistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support EngineerEngagement Date: April 18, 2010Wedding Date: June 2012Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
One of the things that can really suck about living 350 miles from home is that I don’t see my Foxy Mama nearly as much as I would like. It’s one of those weird life things where you just want to get away when you’re 17 and off to college, then you’re dying to be closer 10 years later when you’re a bit more mature and realize how super awesome your mom really is.
Mine totally is
It gets even harder when you’re planning a wedding and can’t have your mom there for most of it.
I definitely missed her being there when I first went wedding-dress shopping, but was so incredibly thrilled that I ended up finding “the one” when I was finally able to go with her last November; thinking back, I’m not sure I would have been 100% certain of the dress had she not been there. She was the one who even pulled it off the rack!
Mrs. Mole, Los Angeles/Las VegasAge and Occupation: 29, Test Prep InstructorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, User Experience ArchitectEngagement Date: April 2011Wedding Date: January 2012Venue: Wynn Las Vegas/Bouchon BistroAbout Me: I’m a Wisconsinite-turned-Angeleno who is planning a destination wedding in Las Vegas. I am passionate about education: I spent 23 (!) consecutive years in school, and now I work to help other people get into graduate programs. I love running on the treadmill, buying bath products from Lush, learning new moves in step aerobics, and exploring my neighborhood on foot. I am sometimes snobby about food, but I am rarely snobby about books. I read everything from Geoffrey Chaucer to Iris Murdoch to Chuck Klosterman to Candace Bushnell. My fiance and I are getting married on our third anniversary!
My little sister got married last month, and I was her maid of honor. It was an absolutely wonderful wedding. The weather for their outdoor ceremony was perfect, she looked stunning in her white gown, her groom got misty-eyed when he saw her for the first time. I was honored to stand up beside her, holding her bouquet and rearranging her dress, on one of the most important days of her life. I don’t think that I stopped smiling once.
Sisters
Later, I was honored to stand up and give a speech at the reception. Generally, I can keep my cool pretty well in front of large groups. I can act confident even if I am not. (It really helps that I taught speech and debate last year to a bunch of squirrely high school students.) So the most that I was nervous about was flubbing a line or two. What I should have been nervous about, however, was the waterworks. That’s right. Within 30 seconds of starting my speech, I broke down in tears. And then proceeded to cry throughout the rest of the speech. Mr. Mole told me later that I had all of the mothers in the audience in tears as well, so I should count that as a successful MOH speech.
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.
Miss 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!
Hi, my name is Miss Dalmatian and I was a sister-of-the-bride. Yes, I realize that is just a statement, but if you keep reading you will see where the confession part comes in.
A little over a year before Mr. Dalmatian popped the question, I was sitting in his dorm room when my phone rang. I saw it was Sister A and figured she was calling just to catch up and chat. WRONG. She was calling to tell me that she was engaged!
The first thought that went through my head: Bahhh! I am so happy for her!
The second thought that went through my head: When are we going dress shopping?
The third thought that went through my head (not so proud of this one): I’m jealous. Read 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.
So after we danced our way back down the aisle, we gathered our families and the wedding party for some quick formals.
Typically I’m not a big fan of posed shots but, looking back, I’m really glad we have them. Usually formals aren’t too exciting, but there were some moments that I just had to highlight.
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.
Now that I’m on the other side of wedding planning, there are so many things I want to tell brides-to-be. But instead of bombarding you all with my old-married-lady wisdom, I’m going to give you my #1 piece of wedding-day advice:
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.
Growing up, a good part of my raising was done by my grandmother. She would pick me up from school and watch me until my mom got off work. She was my hero, my rock, and my biggest cheerleader. She taught me how to read before I was five. I learned how to make biscuits in her kitchen. A lot of who I am is based on who she made me.
During the summer of 2007, I was part of a study program that had me studying first in Georgia, then in New York, and finally in London. While I was still in Georgia those first three weeks, I drove back and forth forty five minutes almost everyday to spend time with my Mamaw while she was in hospice. I knew what hospice meant, but when it came time for me to leave for New York, I had assumed that I would see my grandmother when I finally got back from London several weeks later. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be the case. While walking through SOHO, I got the call. I was a complete mess in the middle of the sidewalk. No matter how prepared you are, the death of someone close always hits hard.
Thinking about her and her absence at our wedding makes me cry every time, but I know if she saw me now, she would be proud.
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!
Does that even make sense? Well, it sorta does to me.
Just because Mr. PF and I are having a destination wedding doesn’t mean that we are bucking all tradition completely. We are actually going to incorporate some of my family traditions, his family traditions and some island traditions in our ceremony. It should be very interesting, to say the least.
The first ceremony we are doing is a tradition from my family, which incorporates a Lasso. Read more…
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.
End of story, no questions asked, I’m a daddy’s girl. My dad is my rock and I love him so incredibly much. I thought picking out our daddy/daughter dance song was going to be really hard since I wanted it to be absolutely perfect. But really, a song came on the radio that was perfect and put me in tears. That was that.
My dad likes to joke that the scar on my back is from where they had to remove my wings because Earth wasn’t ready for an angel like me. Cheesy, I know. I barf a little when I hear it too. But it’s okay ’cause it’s coming from my daddy. Read more…
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.
Mrs. Teacup, Santa CruzAge and Occupation: 34, Pharmaceutical SalesFiance's Age and Occupation: 41, Ditto! (For a different company)Engagement Date: October 1, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: ceremony in our family's Catholic church in Watsonville; reception at the Santa Cruz Beach BoardwalkAbout Me: I’m learning to embrace my true spirit as GIRLY GIRL after previous careers in the Navy and consulting for the government. My favorite hobby is SLEEP, with dancing HULA a close second. An INTROVERT in extrovert clothing, I’m questing to UNDO 34 years of TYPE A conditioning. Constantly processing the details of our upcoming nuptials, peek into this late blooming bride & groom's roller coaster ride to the altar. Giant Dipper required, sold separately.
Aloha, dear Hive! Oh, how I’ve missed you. The past couple of weeks have been stressful at best. I’ve been trying to maintain a sunny disposition and not let wedding planning get the best of me. But, it has. It sure has.
We all have our fair share of family drama, vendor drama and life drama. If I had one wish it would be to declare our wedding a “drama-free” zone.
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!
Unfortunately this post bears extremely sad news. On Monday, August 8, 2011, we lost my wonderful grandmother. My heart is still broken, yet I’m comforted knowing she is out of pain and at peace.
I was lucky enough to grow up next door to my fraternal grandparents. In fact, it was their farm we used for our engagement pictures. As a kid, I simply had to take a three-minute walk through the back fields to reach their house. Grandma would always have candy bars in the fridge, and we’d sip on Grandpa’s delicious “iced tea” concoction. (I know it had Tang mixed in there!) My grandparents read to my sister and me all the time and taught us how to become fairly good rummy players. I clearly remember answering my first final Jeopardy! question correctly in their living room. (They were avid viewers.)
While these are memories I will always treasure, one memory I will not have is the two of them being there on my wedding day. Grandpa passed away ten years ago, but I always expected Grandma would be there with us. My heart aches each time I think of how she’ll never see me in my dress or witness our beautiful Mass. Read more…
(Image by our wonderful wedding photographer, Oriole Photography)
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
Image via Jabez Photography
