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.
As the reception came to a close, I wanted to make sure the bridal party knew how to get back to the guest house in the dark, so I hopped onto a golf cart full of people and headed towards the house. I’m not sure if I had grand plans to return to the reception tent to say goodbye to people or what (I was slightly inebriated at the time), but I just carted out of there and never returned. So, for all the guests who I just left there without saying goodbye, my sincerest apologies!
We brought the two kegs we had supplied for the reception back to the house, and several people got to work attempting to float them before the evening was over. They were unsuccessful. I’d label most our 140 guests as pretty heavy drinkers (especially during a celebratory occasion) but with the margarita machine and full bar, we probably could have just ordered one keg instead of two.
Everyone tried their best, but the next day there were still two kegs with beer inside!
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.
We had a photo booth set up in the tent for guests to enjoy. We supplied some of our own props, and our awesome photographer team brought some as well.
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.
I set my alarm for 7:20AM to give myself a few extra minutes with my MOH before the day began at a bustling 7:50AM right in the middle of my hotel room, but I got up before the alarm and had a few minutes to reflect on what was ahead of me. Instead of impatiently waiting for the alarm to ring, I decided to let her sleep and shared my last minutes as a single lady with all of you.
Then there was a knock on the door and it all began…first the make up gal, Mary, and a few minutes later, my friend from DC, Dee, the hairstylist.
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.
After our first look, we rallied the troops and headed over to our alma mater, St. Louis University, to get some photos of everyone together. Seeing as Mr. A and I met while in school at SLU, it only seemed fitting that we’d take some photos on campus. And, SLU’s campus in the Spring, Summer and Fall is just gorgeous. There are always flowers everywhere. The grounds are immaculate and when the sun comes out it’s just beautiful.
We first hit up the airplane outside of the Engineering and Aviation school. The plane is the same one that Mr. A used to fly us around in, and since two of our two of our groomsmen are pilots (plus Mr. A), aviation forever has a part in our lives.
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.
During the year we spent planning our wedding, there was one detail in particular that I never questioned- walking down the aisle to the gospel hymn, Love Lifted Me by Kim Hopper. It’s not a very well-known song to people my age, but a lot of older church-going folks know it.
Listening to the song always sent me into a trance, imagining our day: me in my dress, Mr. Brooch, our garden ceremony. I vividly remember listening to it at the gym, running, and seeing myself at the aisle. I would turn to it on the metro, on the way home from work, shut my eyes, and envision this part of our wedding. In all those daydreams (and there were many) none were as blissful as actually walking down the aisle.
Mrs. Lox, BaltimoreAge and Occupation: 33, Government WorkerFiance's Age and Occupation: 35. IT ConsultantEngagement Date: May 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m an East Coast gal born and bred and a suburban brat turned city rat for the last year. Now Mr. Lox and I enjoy walking all kinds of places, having the coolest things around in our backyard, and especially our garage parking. I love gadgets, toys, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, monkeys, and our insane cats. I’m a blonde by birth and a redhead by choice. I’m that girl in the cubicle farm with all the cool toys and the file cabinet covered in magnetic poetry. I still use smiley faces in my emails, whether people like it or not. This is not the first rodeo for Mr. Lox nor me. And together, we are planning an intimate afternoon wedding on a budget we can afford by ourselves.
After all the picture taking, we made our way back to the pavilion and waited for the magic signal. The event coordinator gave it to us (okay, she just told us to go) and we entered our reception to this.
(Cue that video to 55 seconds in and that’ll be exactly what we walked into.)
And it was a beautiful day indeed as we entered our reception. Read more…
Mrs. Lox, BaltimoreAge and Occupation: 33, Government WorkerFiance's Age and Occupation: 35. IT ConsultantEngagement Date: May 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m an East Coast gal born and bred and a suburban brat turned city rat for the last year. Now Mr. Lox and I enjoy walking all kinds of places, having the coolest things around in our backyard, and especially our garage parking. I love gadgets, toys, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, monkeys, and our insane cats. I’m a blonde by birth and a redhead by choice. I’m that girl in the cubicle farm with all the cool toys and the file cabinet covered in magnetic poetry. I still use smiley faces in my emails, whether people like it or not. This is not the first rodeo for Mr. Lox nor me. And together, we are planning an intimate afternoon wedding on a budget we can afford by ourselves.
(New year, new goals… I may not make resolutions, but I AM going to finish these recaps. Scroll down to the bottom for some links if you need a refresher. )
After the ceremony, Mr. Lox and I were kind of in a daze. We went back through the mansion, out onto the porch, and then down to the little ill-fated gazebo where our ceremony wasn’t. But not before catching one sweet moment between the two of us.
Then to the gazebo for formal portraits! Do you remember why we had our we our wedding in the pavilion after planning all along to have it out by the gazebo? (Hint: It was the threat of rain.) Please to enjoy the irony while you view the next two pictures I pulled from our formal portraits. Read more…
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. Sparkler, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 27, Communications AficionadoFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, PublisherEngagement Date: July 21, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Chicago Illuminating CompanyAbout Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
As I write this, I can’t stop shaking my head at the fact that Sparks and I have been married for 4 MONTHS now! I really can’t believe it. Time has been flying by ever since the big day.
I’m not going to lie… the actual week of our wedding was pretty stressful. All of the “little” projects on our “To-Do” list started to feel really big, and it didn’t seem like we had nearly enough time (or money, grrrr) to get anything done. So here’s my biggest piece of wedding advice for ya:
Do whatever you can, as early as you can.
Seriously. Don’t feel silly doing your programs or favors 5 months before the actual wedding. Because you won’t feel silly when you have all of that stuff done, and you can relax poolside with your bridesmaids before the wedding. I procrastinated on a couple of important projects, and as a result, had a few internal freak outs, a near-breakdown in a hotel lobby (before BFF saved the day… thanks, lady!), and a grand total of 5 minutes to get ready for my rehearsal dinner. Yep. But that’s another story.
Sparks and I started the celebrations on Wednesday before the big day. Read more…
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. 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…
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
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