Mrs. Argyle, St. LouisAge and Occupation: 24, Project CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, PilotEngagement Date: February 15, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Jewel Box in Forest Park and Windows on WashingtonAbout Me: I'm a true Midwestern girl (born and raised), lover of red wine, reality TV and the entire J.Crew catalog. I love to dance regardless of who is watching, and enjoy a good laugh with my girls. I have a soft spot in my heart for planet Earth, my two dogs and my fiance. Fall is my favorite season (which is why we are marrying in September), but I love a warm summer day and the Colorado mountains in the winter. We are planning a modern soiree downtown, with lots of bold colors, and fun, eco-friendly elements.
The decision to do a first look was an easy one. We both agreed it would be a great opportunity for us both to spend some alone time together on our big day. Plus, it set the stage for what would end up being a fantastic day. Those 30 minutes with him were wonderful.
We opted to just do the first look right outside of our hotel. It had that urban feel, and we had the Arch in the background if we wanted to use it (you’ll see it sneak in the back of one or two shots).
The anticipation built as I took the elevator down. I rode down with Lisa, our photographer, and Kevin, our videographer. I remember them both chatting with me, but my mind kept drifting and my heart beating out of my chest. The walk from the elevator to the front door was the. longest. walk. of. my. life. Honestly. I could not wait to see Mr. A. I know I had just seen him a few hours before, but this time it was different. We were closer than ever to being married, and that sort of excitement just filled both of us up.
I turned the corner and there he was (well, it was his back). My steps were short and quick as I held my gown in one hand and my bouquet in the other. And, then. “Tap, tap” on the shoulder I went. I was trying so hard not to cry. I definitely teared up (as evidenced by my hand up at my nose). Warning: Photo overload.
Mrs. Teaspoon, Sydney, AustraliaAge and Occupation: 27, Medical ScientistFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, BankerEngagement Date: June 4, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: St Aloysius' College, Milson's PointAbout Me: I am a mad scientist who enjoys swimming at the beach in summer and skiing powder in winter. Our favourite times together are spent with the sand between our toes, cooking up a storm, re-watching and re-reading every Harry Potter ever made, and spending time with our dear friends and family! We have travelled the world together in our 6 years of dating, from Paris, to Thailand, to Las Vegas, and we are tackling the many challenges of planning our special day the best way we know how---together!
Our fabulous paper products supplier, Fine Invitations, did an amazing job with our place cards. They really incorporated our squiggles into the reception.
Even our cake had squiggles! Although, I expected them to be a lot more of an impact on the cake, being the same colour as the ribbon but in hindsight—whatever.
Mrs. Teaspoon, Sydney, AustraliaAge and Occupation: 27, Medical ScientistFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, BankerEngagement Date: June 4, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: St Aloysius' College, Milson's PointAbout Me: I am a mad scientist who enjoys swimming at the beach in summer and skiing powder in winter. Our favourite times together are spent with the sand between our toes, cooking up a storm, re-watching and re-reading every Harry Potter ever made, and spending time with our dear friends and family! We have travelled the world together in our 6 years of dating, from Paris, to Thailand, to Las Vegas, and we are tackling the many challenges of planning our special day the best way we know how---together!
It was almost time for all the formalities to be over…it was time for our first dance! About a week before the wedding, Mr Teaspoon realised that whilst he could carry a rhythm and get by with a dance, I honestly could not. Actually, I was woeful… I couldn’t even follow along while he led. I blame going to an all-girls’ school. So, we had a lesson and I was able to learn a lot in 45 minutes. Well, let’s be honest, enough to allow us to get through our two-and-a-half minutes before our bridal party and parents joined us on the dance floor!
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.
Mrs. Argyle, St. LouisAge and Occupation: 24, Project CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, PilotEngagement Date: February 15, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Jewel Box in Forest Park and Windows on WashingtonAbout Me: I'm a true Midwestern girl (born and raised), lover of red wine, reality TV and the entire J.Crew catalog. I love to dance regardless of who is watching, and enjoy a good laugh with my girls. I have a soft spot in my heart for planet Earth, my two dogs and my fiance. Fall is my favorite season (which is why we are marrying in September), but I love a warm summer day and the Colorado mountains in the winter. We are planning a modern soiree downtown, with lots of bold colors, and fun, eco-friendly elements.
Mrs. Teaspoon, Sydney, AustraliaAge and Occupation: 27, Medical ScientistFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, BankerEngagement Date: June 4, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: St Aloysius' College, Milson's PointAbout Me: I am a mad scientist who enjoys swimming at the beach in summer and skiing powder in winter. Our favourite times together are spent with the sand between our toes, cooking up a storm, re-watching and re-reading every Harry Potter ever made, and spending time with our dear friends and family! We have travelled the world together in our 6 years of dating, from Paris, to Thailand, to Las Vegas, and we are tackling the many challenges of planning our special day the best way we know how---together!
After our entrance into our beautiful reception venue, we sat down and enjoyed a lovely entree (appetiser for the North Americans) and for me, only my second meal of the day. Oh boy, did I scoff it down. After that, I just wanted to keep chatting with our guests. However, Mr T reminded me that everyone else probably hadn’t inhaled their meal yet, so I should probably wait for a minute.
Regardless, it was then time for our first speech from my dad, who was incredibly nervous about speaking in front of 106 people! Before the wedding he mentioned that he had found a great idea—that he just had to pretend everyone was in their underwear. Real original, Dad. Anyway, I suggested that he should just tell everyone how nervous he was and that he was imagining them all in their underwear…then go back to that every time he got nervous again.
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.
As I put the final touches on my ensemble, our guests poured into the garden at Oxon Hill. At the entrance, we had a little table with a lemonade dispenser and this adorable sign made by Mrs. Dolphin via Gator Bride Designs.
We’re told people marveled at the view as they stepped in… I’m not surprised at all. The view from the garden is stunning and not one visit to Oxon Hill Manor for appointments and planning was without a huge sigh at the gorgeousness beyond the gated entryway. This heart wreath was placed there as an ode to it being our favorite place at the venue.
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 guests began helping themselves to drinks and finding a seat for the reception.
We decided not to do assigned seating. Instead, we put signs on just a couple of tables to reserve seats for the bridal party and some VIP family members (like my grandmother). If you are considering forgoing assigned seating, you can rest easy! We had absolutely no issues. There were more than enough seats for everyone, which helped avoid problems. Assigned seats are not really common in our circles, so most everyone knew how to make it work. Read more…
Mrs. Bacon, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 26, Digital Advertising ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, IT Client ServicesEngagement Date: June 17, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Ravenswood Billboard FactoryAbout Me: I'm a Midwestern girl that can't seem to commit to staying in one place for too long and is constantly daydreaming about my next adventure. I am an aspiring foodie with a weak spot for the unusual and I love semi-reality food television. My other loves easily include laughing as a form of exercise, a book that I can't put down, summer baseball games, espresso with whipped cream, couch potato days and nights with the ridiculous Mr. Bacon, and our two kitties, Lincoln and Sawyer. We're planning a faux-destination wedding for 150 of our closest friends and family in the city we've both adopted as home that has a modern, yet whimsical twist and as many personal touches as we can manage.
(Word of apology: Sadly my camera was left at home all day, so this post isn’t quite as illustrated as I wish it could be)
The morning on the day before the wedding was full of hustle, bustle and bonding: the ladies of the wedding party, along with some ladies from out of town, set off to Potbelly’s for some pre-mani sandwiches and the boys were off to Wrigleyville for sandwiches as big as their heads.
Baconator with his dad and the Bacon Groomsmen getting pumped!
The ladies were then off to get our nails done and some midday cocktails, but the boys had something so much more… um… manly to do: Whirlyball. Read more…
Mrs. Zebra, Providence, RIAge and Occupation: 24 Marketing/Costume DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26 Management/Firefighter Engagement Date: December 12, 2008Wedding Date: March 2011Venue: The Providence BiltmoreAbout Me: I'm a small town New England girl with an affinity for procrastination, crossing the proverbial line, and putting her foot in her mouth. I'm a lover of history, all seasons, sewing and Incubus. I design costumes on the side for my old high school's theatre department, which is where I met my sexy man. Our motto for our Big Fat Lebanese/Portuguese/Irish near-300 person wedding is "the more the merrier"! We are marrying in a Catholic ceremony and are hammering out the details of our Victorian-inspired reception.
Mrs. Argyle, St. LouisAge and Occupation: 24, Project CoordinatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, PilotEngagement Date: February 15, 2009Wedding Date: September 2010Venue: Jewel Box in Forest Park and Windows on WashingtonAbout Me: I'm a true Midwestern girl (born and raised), lover of red wine, reality TV and the entire J.Crew catalog. I love to dance regardless of who is watching, and enjoy a good laugh with my girls. I have a soft spot in my heart for planet Earth, my two dogs and my fiance. Fall is my favorite season (which is why we are marrying in September), but I love a warm summer day and the Colorado mountains in the winter. We are planning a modern soiree downtown, with lots of bold colors, and fun, eco-friendly elements.
While us girls were getting all made up, the boys had other ideas. They spent the morning doing ‘guy’ things. Which really just consisted of hanging out, eating lunch and watching some sporting event (or guy movie) on TV.
Mrs. Bacon, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 26, Digital Advertising ManagerFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, IT Client ServicesEngagement Date: June 17, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Ravenswood Billboard FactoryAbout Me: I'm a Midwestern girl that can't seem to commit to staying in one place for too long and is constantly daydreaming about my next adventure. I am an aspiring foodie with a weak spot for the unusual and I love semi-reality food television. My other loves easily include laughing as a form of exercise, a book that I can't put down, summer baseball games, espresso with whipped cream, couch potato days and nights with the ridiculous Mr. Bacon, and our two kitties, Lincoln and Sawyer. We're planning a faux-destination wedding for 150 of our closest friends and family in the city we've both adopted as home that has a modern, yet whimsical twist and as many personal touches as we can manage.
(Who am I kidding, I’ve missed quite a few holidays, so please forgive me as I quickly catch myself up.) Happy Columbus Day! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Hannukah! Merry Christmas! Whew, now that we’re all caught up, let me say that I’m so excited to share our wedding day with you. I can’t believe that we’ve already been married four months; I mean, come on, where did all that time go? My dress still isn’t dry cleaned (ew, I know, but I promise I’m working on it…) and the Baconator is still procrastinating his last few thank you cards, so how in the world is it already 2012?!
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.
I thought I would squeeze in a budget post now that we have made our way through a good chunk of my recaps (tear!).
There were four groups that contributed to paying for our wedding. Mr. HW and me, my parents, my grandmother, and Mr. HW’s parents. Originally, I had assumed that each of those four parties would contribute about 1/4 of the total cost. However, my HW’s parents wound up contributing the most, hands down.
When we first started planning, I guessed that our wedding would cost somewhere around $15,000. I was wrong. I’ve had a hard time deciding whether or not to share this post because I’m a little embarrassed, but hopefully some others can relate to the lack of sticking to a budget.
So here’s the breakdown:
Date: September 24, 2011
City, State: Weatherford, Texas
# of Guests: 140
Wedding Day Costs
Ceremony Site Fees: $4,950 + $1,000 refundable security deposit (not included in final total)
Included: Ceremony at Rose Pavillon, reception at West Tent, tables, chairs, white linens, set-up, tear-down of those things (we were responsible for set-up/tear-down of everything else), alcohol service fee, venue coordinator on-site, 5 hour event time
Mrs. Zebra, Providence, RIAge and Occupation: 24 Marketing/Costume DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26 Management/Firefighter Engagement Date: December 12, 2008Wedding Date: March 2011Venue: The Providence BiltmoreAbout Me: I'm a small town New England girl with an affinity for procrastination, crossing the proverbial line, and putting her foot in her mouth. I'm a lover of history, all seasons, sewing and Incubus. I design costumes on the side for my old high school's theatre department, which is where I met my sexy man. Our motto for our Big Fat Lebanese/Portuguese/Irish near-300 person wedding is "the more the merrier"! We are marrying in a Catholic ceremony and are hammering out the details of our Victorian-inspired reception.
The main focus of our reception was the dancing! I couldn’t wait to bust some serious moves out on the dance floor. We had purposely chosen dinner music that would set the mood of an upcoming party. The energy in the room was electric and I was so happy that everyone came prepared to party. It also didn’t hurt that we had hired a DJ who I believe to be the best in the area. Seriously, I don’t think many people left our reception until it finished at 12AM. I credit Brendan Lafferty with the excellent party because the music was absolutely impeccable.
I got to share a pajama’d dance with my Godson before he and his brother left the wedding for a cousin sleepover. This allowed my Spiffy to gift our guests with her worm. Yes, oh yes, the worm happened at our wedding.
Mrs. Balloons, Aspen, COAge and Occupation: 24, Mass Communications graduate, Web Design student, & winery workerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, EngineerEngagement Date: July 10, 2009Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: The Sundeck at The Little NellAbout Me: I'm a small-town Midwest girl planning an intimate mountaintop destination wedding complete with a huge DIY at-home reception. As an honors graduate fallen victim to the worst job market in history in my area, we're doing everything we can to still have the wedding of our dreams on a tighter budget. I currently enjoy working at a winery, but I'm lonnng overdue for a day job! I am: a big-time daydreamer, one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet, and a lover of pretty paper and awesome fonts. I'm a girly girl who loves to get dolled up, but also a country girl who loves to get muddy and go 4-wheeler riding. I also enjoy singing in the car, boating, going to concerts, the History Channel, carnival food, and going to watch St. Louis Cardinals baseball with my handsome engineer.
My journey down the aisle was truly one of the most spectacular events that I have ever experienced. Every worry or doubt that I had ever had about having a mountaintop destination wedding seemed completely insane as I turned the corner to see such a breathtaking, amazing view. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the temperature was absolutely perfect. I was beaming from the inside out as I watched my future husband’s face light up with a smile as he stood against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains and pines. As I continued down the aisle with the angelic harp playing in the background, I literally felt as though I was thrown into a fairytale…everything was so beautiful that it didn’t seem as though it could be real.
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