Miss Scone, Napa/Kansas CityAge and Occupation: 31, RecruiterFiancee's Age and Occupation: 33, Motorcycle MechanicEngagement Date: April 15, 2010Wedding Date: July 2012Venue: Boulevard BreweryAbout Me: I am a West Coast girl that fell for a Midwestern girl. I can’t get enough of baking, projecting, family and our fluffy dog child Darby. I bake by smell, haven’t used a timer in years and years. Having a major project on the horizon and a busy schedule keep me sane. I love beer even though I live in Napa (but I like wine too, just not as much as beer). We are planning a family friendly convivial affair in Kansas City and can’t wait to share the adventures.
After the engagement was “official” and we had moved into a bigger place and life had started to settle in a bit more, we decided to “think” about getting a dog. Sweetie Scone and I both missed having a dog, and she wanted some company. (She works from home/her mobile mechanic’s van.)
We talked about what kind of dog would be a good fit—not too big, not too small, just right (ah, Goldilocks). A small/medium-sized dog that liked people would be perfect. So one Sunday in August 2010 we walked into a Petco during an adoption event. We hadn’t even finished walking through the doors when I spotted a white fluffy dog that looked to be the perfect size. When we approached him he was friendly; they offered to let us take him on a walk so off we went. It seemed like he had no issue with other dogs. He was sweet, and we decided we could love him. WE HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH WE COULD LOVE HIM, aaaaaahhhh. Oh, and my parents love him. (Like, they threaten to keep him when he comes to stay with them.)
He is our dog-child, and my parents call him their granddog. He went from the streets to an unhappy foster situation to being overly loved by everyone—seriously, the dog trainer, the vet, the family, our workplaces. He is loved, not sure if you can tell.
Miss Elk, City: Syracuse/Long IslandAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Computer EngineerEngagement Date: November 22, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Old Field Club About Me: I’m a Long Island girl finishing my last year of medical school in western NY, on the road to becoming a pediatrician. When I’m not studying or sleeping at the hospital, I spend my free time watching bad TV (Vampire Diaries anyone?), playing with my pooch, singing incredibly off-key (to the annoyance of Mr. Elk ), and reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. Mr. Elk and I are planning a secular wedding infused with both Irish and cultural Jewish traditions. Only a week after I become an M.D., I will get my Mrs. degree, too!
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!
Last Christmas Mr. Honey bought me one of those flip-a-day calendars—365 days of cat tips, advice and quotes. There was one recently that said this: “If you plan on having your cat play a role in your wedding, make sure you take her to the site so that she becomes familiar with the space”. HA, yeah right. If you have ever travelled in a car with your cat, you know that they don’t do well under stress. Needless to say, our kitties won’t be with us on our wedding day. As you may or may not remember, our doggy Zeus, will be. We just bought a handsome new leash and his tie should be in any day. I first told you about all four of our furbabies a long time ago, but in light of this post, I will just say again that in addition to Zeus, our three kitties are super dooper special to us. They make us smile and laugh a thousand times a day. Since they can’t be there physically, I wanted to represent them in some way. Enter the adorable phenomenon that is custom cake toppers. Normally couples have themselves customized, but I skipped us and went straight for our pets.
I searched the holy grail of custom toppers, Etsy, and fell in love with too many shops. Most of them came with a high price tag to match, but I finally stumbled upon IttyBittyWoodShoppe and commissioned a topper of just animals for $40. I sent the owner pictures and placed my order. They arrived last week and I put some finishing touches on it and am ready to share! Read more…
Miss Hawk, Richmond, VAAge and Occupation: 26, FinanceFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, District SupervisorEngagement Date: March 13, 2011Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Chapel of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, 2007 Legacy HallAbout Me: I’m an Arizona-born girl who has spent the majority of my life living below the Mason-Dixon line. The South has definitely earned a special place in my heart (alongside my Virginia born and bred fiance, of course!). We are planning a traditional Christian ceremony at my alma mater in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, followed by a rocking reception filled with Southern cooking and vintage/shabby chic details. When we’re not wedding planning, we enjoy spending time with our three dogs, going for runs together, watching plenty of football (or baseball depending on the season), and sampling new wine.
I am probably not going in the direction that you think…I am talking about my furbabies: Bella, Jetta, and Tug. Some of you may think that I have a screw or two loose, but in my eyes the Hawk pups are a legitimate part of our family. In fact, they are our family. When we first moved in together, the joining together of my Bella and Tug with Mr. Hawk’s Jetta under one household was the first real step in creating our own little family unit. In my head I’m picturing the intro from The Brady Bunch with dogs. (I probably lost a few of y’all with that statement, right? Yes, I’m the crazy dog lady.)
Miss Elk, City: Syracuse/Long IslandAge and Occupation: 25, Medical StudentFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Computer EngineerEngagement Date: November 22, 2010Wedding Date: May 2012Venue: The Old Field Club About Me: I’m a Long Island girl finishing my last year of medical school in western NY, on the road to becoming a pediatrician. When I’m not studying or sleeping at the hospital, I spend my free time watching bad TV (Vampire Diaries anyone?), playing with my pooch, singing incredibly off-key (to the annoyance of Mr. Elk ), and reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. Mr. Elk and I are planning a secular wedding infused with both Irish and cultural Jewish traditions. Only a week after I become an M.D., I will get my Mrs. degree, too!
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!
On an episode of HBO’s Sex and the City, Charlotte York says, “Everyone knows you only get two great loves in your life.” Like Carrie Bradshaw (the one time where I can honestly make this comparison) I don’t necessarily believe that this is true or even a valid way of conceptualizing the vast possibilities of love in a person’s life. That being said, though, I do have two great loves in my life right now. The first is obviously Mr. Mole. He is first by a long, long shot. The second, though, is our dog, Tom Boonen.
Such a handsome face?
In November 2009, Mr. Mole and I started to talk about adopting a dog. I quickly put my vote in for a dachshund. Mr. Mole suggested that we think about getting a greyhound. I had never thought about having such a large dog, but Mr. Mole talked me into looking into the possibility.
(Mr. Mole says that he was influenced by his friend, who adopted a greyhound the year before. I blame The Simpsons.)
Mrs. Cucumber Sandwich, Washington, DC/Cape May, NJAge and Occupation: 28, School CounselorFiance's Age and Occupation: 40, Collegiate AthleticsEngagement Date: March 27, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Congress Hall HotelAbout Me: I am a school counselor who spends my day wrangling children and my nights attempting to be creative with wedding projects. My enthusiasm for each of these activities far surpasses my skill. Thank goodness Mr. Cucumber Sandwich is there to pick up the pieces and be the voice of reason about my DIY tries. I have an obsession with terrible romantic comedies (‘From Justin to Kelly’ anyone?, anyone?!?), competitive Scrabble play, and hot dogs. I could eat astronaut ice cream for every meal and can’t seem to resist buying more shoes. Our wedding is going to be a true hodge podge of semi-destination, tradition, Yuengling, New England charm, with just a dash of ‘Jersey Shore’ thrown in. It has been six years in the making and I can’t wait to marry my best friend.
Alternative title: A Ploy to Post Tons of Pictures of my Furbaby
Mr. Cucumber Sammie and I love our furbaby (most days). However, she is a complete menace and is not invited to the wedding. This makes Mr. CS sad. But we have been searching for ways to include her in the wedding.
There are so many cute options for including furbabies. Some brides have done doggie cake toppers.
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.!
Remember how I said I was looking into Etsy stores for my cute kitty cake toppers here? Well, I had a slight change of heart. You see, I was at Michaels helping my boss pick out new framing for a painting to go up in her home (She says that I’m not just any nanny, I’m Mary Poppins, Betty Crocker, and Martha Stewart combined), when I got bored and wandered away. I found myself in the clay aisle. And low and behold, polymer clay was 50% off.
I wrestled with myself in the aisle for several long minutes. I’m sure I looked like a crazed bride, muttering to herself, holding up clays, pondering if they were the right shade or not. Finally, I figured that if I totally botched making my cake topper myself, I would only be out 8 bucks. If I succeed, I will be saving like 80 bucks. So I decided to put my clay skills to the test. I bought about six little packets of clay in varying colors:
Each of them, other than the copper color, ended up being 64 cents. The copper color was on sale for $1.39. As soon as I got home from Michaels I went straight to my room and holed up in there, determined to conquer this DIY.
I turned on a little Florence + the Machine and got to work. 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!
Our first night together was in January. Our first getaway was Valentine’s weekend. He said “I love you” that following Monday morning. By the end of February we decided we wanted to live together, and in the beginning of March we moved into our home. Ya, in case you aren’t counting, that’s less than three months from our first night together.
{Personal picture of our house the first time we looked at it}
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 know I introduced them before, but I wanted to give you a more formal introduction. Meet my fur daughters, Smudge and Kelly. Smudge is the poofy black and white one. She was named because of the random black spots on her white patches. She is a diva. She likes people, she like to investigate the goings on of the house, and she has an attitude problem.
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.
Mrs. High Wire, DallasAge and Occupation: 23, Legal AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Director of CommunicationsEngagement Date: October 9, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Clark GardensAbout Me: My loves include yoga, anything spicy, our eccentric cat, our rambunctious dog, and Mr. High Wire, of course! Like the steadiness act of the tightrope walker, this gal is busy balancing life while planning a wedding to the man of her dreams. We’re hosting a laid-back, vintage-inspired, bird themed wedding with heavy doses of love, good eats (did someone say tacos and margaritas?), and endless Texas charm. Mr. High Wire and I are so happy to have you along for the walk across the tight rope.
Our wedding is taking place at a botanical garden owned by one family. It used to be their private land, which they subsequently opened up for weddings and other events. The owner has nothing to do with the event coordination; he spends all of his time in the garden, gardening. I love those kind of familial aspects about our venue. Another one? They are crazy dog people, just like me! I think there are five dogs that live on the property, and all of the employees are welcome to bring their dogs to work every day. Guests who visit the gardens are welcome to bring their dogs as well.
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.
Hey, y’all! I know you already thought I was crazy for deciding to move into a new place three months before the wedding, but guess what! I’m even crazier than you thought!
Yesterday, we brought home our latest bundle of love—a puppy!
Her name is Macy, and the shelter said she’s a Sheltie/Cavalier King Charles spaniel mix. When we asked our vet what he thought, he shrugged and said, “Sure, maybe!” So really, she could be anything. 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.
Guys, I feel like I’ve been a bad bee lately, and I’m very sorry. I’ve only been posting once a week at best, and that’s not enough! I have an explanation, but it’s not an excuse.
See, it all started a few weeks ago, when I fell in love. Falling in love with someone other than your future husband can really screw with the wedding planning process!
Don’t worry—it wasn’t with another human. It was with a puppy named Chickie:
Mrs. Thimble, NYC/PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 26, Actress & Costume Designer (+ day job)Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lawyer & Techie WizEngagement Date: August 22, 2008Wedding Date: October 2010Venue: The Pearl S. Buck HouseAbout Me: I’m an easily inspired over-thinker delighted with the process of designing, building, directing and {dare I say} co-starring in the early-autumn affair I’ve been dreaming up. I’m a sucker for trendied-up comfort foods and old family anecdotes; I have an affinity for adjectives, alliteration, eyelet and earl grey; and I live for quality time with family and friends. I never guessed I’d marry my “high school sweetheart", but when it turned out to be my funny, techie, loyal Mr. Thimble I was committed for life. We’re both mid-career transition and ready to move back to small-townish TBD, PA in a pre-wedding flurry of all-good life changes.
Married life has opened the door to all new kinds of commitment for Mr. Thimble and me. We’ve been researching buying a home, which has led us to set up some long-term savings plans, I’ve been pondering my dream job that I can love for all time, and we fell in head over heels for a little puppy we’ve named Penny.
So no, this post is not about marital finances (phew!), or about good luck proverbs, but about our newest commitment and love of our lives. Hive, meet the newest edition to the Thimble family: bitty pretty puppy Penny!!
via Style Me Pretty/Photo by Shutterbird Photography
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
