Mrs. 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 knew I wanted to gift my ladies a reusable tote bag to hold all of their goodies, but I found a lot of monogrammable bags online to be fairly expensive. When I found this tutorial, I had the perfect solution! I pretty much followed Ashley’s instructions, but I will still share what I did here.
Supplies:
Canvas bags
Paper Doilies
Adhesive Spray
Craft Paint
Brushes
I began by using the spray adhesive on the bottom side of the paper doily and positioning it to the corner of the tote bag. I made sure to smooth the doily completely and that there were no areas that had not bonded with the canvas.
Mrs. 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.
Just a short week ago, MOH A hosted a lovely, intimate get-together at her home in my honor: my bridal shower! It was everything I could have imagined and more. I was simply thrilled to be surrounded by the most important ladies in my life. What made it extra special was that Momma and Sissy Hawk made the trek from California to spend a couple days with me. Sharing the day with them really took the shower over the top.
MOH A knows me a little all too well, and the delicious spread of goodies clearly showed it. Hummus, a variety of olives and cheeses, French bread, and sangria all made an appearance. (And were quickly consumed!) J even brought along this lovely (and DELICIOUS) cake as dessert.
Mrs. 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.
Several days ago, Mr. Hawk and I made a very important visit to the Circuit County Courts to get our marriage license!
Look at that excitement! (Personal Photo)
I feel so legitimate now! Guess this thing is really happening, huh?! Read more…
Mrs. 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.
My love for our monogram knows no end. (I told y’all it would keep popping up!) Since we’re going to have a mini cigar bar, I figured custom matchboxes were in order.
Mrs. 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.
But I couldn’t stop myself from lusting after these: Read more…
Mrs. 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.
When I was thinking about gifts for my bridesmaids, I knew I wanted them to be something that would come in handy on the wedding day, something they could enjoy in the future, or possibly both! One of the first things that came to mind was glassware. I don’t know about y’all but I definitely plan on sipping on a celebratory glass of champagne or mimosa with my ladies while we get beautiful pre-ceremony. Enter personalized champagne flutes.
Materials used:
champagne flutes
glass paint
paint brushes
spouncers
rubbing alcohol
glass paint pen
I started by cleaning the glass with rubbing alcohol and taping the letter I printed to the inside of the glass. Read more…
Mrs. 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 already shared with you the look Mr. Hawk and I were going for with the groomsmen and the adorable bow ties I ordered, but I am happy to report that now we finally have a suit!
Coming to a decision was a bit of a process. I knew that I wanted gray rather than black, and I was pretty determined to have a suit with a slimmer fit. A matching vest was also pretty non-negotiable.
When we initially started shopping around January, we found most of the suits available were a very dark charcoal gray. I was feeling a little lukewarm about such dark suits considering our wedding is in May and our ladies will be sporting bright, springy yellow dresses. When we visited Men’s Wearhouse I saw a couple lighter options that solidified my desire for lighter suits, but none of them were available with a matching vest.
Luckily our consultant at Men’s Wearhouse was willing to work with us to find other suits within the company. He made some calls and had several options shipped directly to our store. We waited several weeks for the delivery and even got antsy to the point of considering gray tuxedos, but in the end the wait was worth it for the perfect suit. One of the options hit all the marks: color, fit, and vested style.
The complete look. (Mr. H requests you forgive his hat hair.)
Mrs. 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.
With invitations in the mail (yipee!), I am finally ready to share a couple sneak peak photos of our invitation suite. Sending them out was definitely a warm and fuzzy moment. Even just holding them in my hand made this impending wedding feel all the more real.
Mrs. 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.
Before even beginning planning the specifics, I was pretty darn excited about the rehearsal dinner. I mean for one, I love food and obviously there would be dinner. Secondly, I was stoked to be able to enjoy one of the yummy Williamsburg restaurants that I don’t get to frequent now that I’m no longer in my college years.
There are so many great options in Williamsburg that it could be overwhelming, so we decided to limit ourselves to options within walking distance of the chapel and our hotel. Also I was hoping for something on the fancier side for a more formal sit down dinner.
One of my top contenders was Fat Canary. Cozy and intimate, it would be the ideal location for a formal rehearsal dinner. And did I mention that the food is crazy-good? Yum. I also considered Blue Talon Bistro. Blue Talon is another intimate restaurant with an upscale feel. Located just steps away from campus, they serve what they call “serious comfort food.” I just call it seriously delicious!
I thought I had it pretty much narrowed until I started requesting price quotes and inquiring about setting a menu. I cannot express how shocked I was by the minimums. Read more…
Mrs. 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’ll admit that ceremony music was one of my back-burner tasks. It was something that I knew I needed, but it was a decision I wasn’t in a rush to make. I think a lot of it stemmed from the fact that I was at a loss of what to do.
Wren Chapel has a beautiful eighteenth-century organ on the balcony, and I loved the idea of utilizing the historical instrument, but I kept having doubts about the sound. The chapel is quite small, covered in dark wood panels. Somehow the thought of filling the space with organ music made me think of heaviness opposed to a light, jubilant sound I envisioned for our wedding day. (Does that sound silly?)
Wren Chapel Organ, Personal Photo
I approached my DJ for some recommendations, and she had me listen to samples of an organist, guitarist, and string trio. I immediately ruled out the guitarist because it didn’t feel like Mr. Hawk and me. The organ actually surprised me with being less dark as I imagined, but I wasn’t 100% convinced; however, once I heard the strings I was in love. The sound was light, sweet, and elegant just as I had imagined. Read more…
Mrs. 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.
Where we last left off, I was overwhelmed with the options I had developed for our monograms. Y’all were incredibly helpful offering feedback, and I loved reading all the different opinions. From the voting, it seemed that the most favored monogram was the block letter option:
I have to admit it was also my favorite, but something still just didn’t feel right. I wasn’t enthused. I’ve always been a sucker for a classic script monogram and a couple of you ladies picked up on my hesitation with using block letters. Miss_Manda hit the nail on the head when she suggested that maybe I hadn’t found the right script. (Thanks for pushing me to keep looking!) Read more…
Mrs. 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.
At this point in my planning, I have a really good sense of the look, theme, and feel of the wedding. All of the vendors have been booked, and I find myself fully focusing on the minor details and attempting to tackle my project list, a list that I am desperately trying to shorten and not expand. With Pinterest, Lover.ly, and the plethora of pretty inspiration blogs out there, I’ve found myself putting on my wedding blinders out of self preservation.
Mrs. 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 may not have mentioned it previously, but for the ceremony I will be rocking a veil. But for the reception, I wanted to wear something fun in my hair like a jeweled clip, flower, or headband. I spent quite a bit of time on Etsy favoriting way too many items, until I narrowed it down to these:
Mrs. 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.
Remember when I told y’all about my hair obsession? Well, I’m still growing it out, no fun changes for this lady. And I am still equally obsessed with the idea of the PWC (can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait). See? I’ve already gone and lost my focus…back to the topic at hand.Today I’m going in for my last major haircut before the big day, and in preparation, I started consolidating all of the hair inspiration pictures I’ve been collecting over the past couple months. I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed almost all of them looked exactly the same. It’s kind of exciting to have a definitive feeling of what I want for once! Relaxed waves with part of my hair pulled up and a little volume is the look I’m going for.
Mrs. 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.
Lately I have found myself completely and utterly all-consumed with our monograms. Sticking with our southern roots, we want to incorporate them into the day in several ways. But before I can get into that, I have to actually make a decision. I spent quite a bit of time obsessing with fonts and flourishes. I ended up developing pages full of options, but I’ve narrowed it down to the following:
Guess this thing is really happening, huh?!
Unique Wedding Favors
