Can you believe it?! I can't! Time is just flying by. Let's look at this timeline, shall we?
May 17, 2010: The day we got engaged
December 23, 2010: We pick a date, church, venue, & band
January 17, 2011: We pick a photographer, videographer, hotels, & transportation
June 9, 2011: 1 year til the big day!
June 26, 2011: Finally pick my dress!
July 2011: Bridesmaids & Maids of Honor are asked
July 2011: Bridesmaids dresses picked
August 19, 2011: Floral consultations, reception food tasting, reception logistics, & cake selection all done
Did you follow that? Because just reading over it is making my head spin! It's so crazy what all goes in to planning a wedding. And, I know at least one or two people reading this are probably thinking: "not if you elope or do a destination wedding". Which is true, but there's still planning that goes into those events too... sometimes more than a traditional wedding depending on the event.
So as you see from my timeline, Todd and I just finished some big wedding meetings in New Orleans last weekend. Of course my mom was there and my grandma, guiding us every step of the way. (Or should I say me. Todd was there for the food... not the flowers and planning). I went into last weekend fully prepared with photos and questions. At least I thought I was prepared. After the first floral meeting, let's call her Floral A, I walked away feeling so defeated and frustrated. I felt like I was describing two or three totally different wedding ideas and my thoughts were completely scattered. Anyone who knows me, knows that I think big, and you have to reign me in and focus my direction. It's a flaw but I like it because the 'how do we make this a reality' part is my favorite. It's hard for me to pick one style because I'm in love with so many different styles. And, depending on which personality you're talking to that day, you may get conflicting ideas about what I'm attracted to. So after the Floral A meeting I took a second to compose my thoughts, and felt more prepared for the second floral meeting, lets call her Floral B. Maybe I was more prepared, or maybe Floral B knew how to handle me. I felt like I was showing her all these ideas and she was creating my dream wedding right in front of me. It was formal, but playful; Rustic but sweet; Unique yet traditional. It had elements of me and elements of Todd. Obviously I'm leaning towards Floral B, but a piece of me felt like I didn't give the Floral A a fair shot. My plan is to contact Floral A and try to repeat what I said to Floral B, and see what she can do for me. If I still have the feeling like she's just not understanding me, or willing to be creative with me than I'll know my gut was right all along.
After florals we had our wedding day logistics and reception food tasting at the venue. Oh-My-God! This food is SO incredibly delicious! I have no idea how to choose a menu when everything is so good and I just want it all! I felt like a Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka... that bratty, annoying girl that's like "I want it now, Daddy!" Seriously, I wanted it all. So, I'm kind of defaulting to mom for that one. I know it'll be nearly impossible for me to pick.
The next appointment was the cake tasting, and Todd could not have been happier for this one. Strategically placed at the end of the day, just a hint to all future brides who are going to be putting their fiance's through this sort of rigorous schedule. We went to this delicious bakery in New Orleans East. That's right, I went to New Orleans East for this bakery; it is THAT good. They let us pick 4 cakes and 4 icings and they made them all fresh for us. We tried a little more than 4 because that was a decision we couldn't figure out either. I'm not going to say what flavors I picked or what bakery I am using because I want it to be a surprise! All I can say is don't fill up on all the delicious food because this cake is the BEST I've ever had.
You'd like think wedding would be done right? And I can just kick back with a bag of wine and wait for June 9, 2012. Wrong! Next on the to-do list:
Finalize guest list
Save the Dates
Invitations
Finalize favors
Programs for church
Wedding singer
Finalize wedding music
Ask readers and gift bears for mass
Ask junior bridesmaids and groomsmen
Ask ushers for church
Welcome bags for out of town guests
Bridesmaids gifts
Bridesmaids accessories
My veil
My shoes
My jewelry
Dress fittings
Groomsmen attire
Todd's attire
Get a marriage license
Talk with the priest
Register
Bridal portraits
Take engagement photos
Select first dance song
Book honeymoon
Pack for the wedding weekend and honeymoon
Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, let's not forget:
Buy wedding rings
Now I'm looking at this thinking, "eloping sounds prrrreeeeeetty good right about now!" It's crazy how fast time goes, right? Time does fly, so for now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the ride to the chapel.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Lace, oh lovely lace!
Lace, oh lovely lace! How sweet are you?? A huge trend emerging from spring and summer weddings is the use of lace and lace details. This sweet decor adds a pinch of feminine romance and gives off an old world European vibe . Lace has always been a popular fabric choice of brides, so it was only a matter of time before lace made its debut in other wedding areas such as bridesmaids dresses, decor, and even cake designs. A touch of lace is great for a bride who wants that romantic atmosphere, and is willing to try something different. It's light, fresh and gives a room a more personal, intimate feeling. For the DIY bride, lace accents wrapped around candles or bouquets are great ways highlight your craftiness. For brides without artistic abilities, pick up that sweet detail in your cake design or in invitations. Another great thing about lace is that it's affordable! It's easy to find, easy to make (if you can crochet and want to take on that task), and you can find it at fabric stores or outlets on the cheap.
I love how these event planners (and brides!) used lace to decorate these weddings and photo shoots. The possibilities for lace are truly endless! Enjoy :)
Elyse Hall
The oh so talented Jose Villa
Monday, August 1, 2011
Why Georgia Why?
Oh Georgia, how I love everything about you! Your charm, your beauty, your weddings -- oh, the weddings -- they are absolutely a-mazing!! I stumbled upon a beautiful, simplistic wedding at the Jekyll Island club on Jekyll Island, Ga. The ceremony took place in the Crane Garden with a reception following just next door at the Crane Cottage & Courtyard. And, what an unbelievable location this is -- Absolutely beaming with sophistication, beauty and intimacy! For the bride, the old world feeling of the hotel and Crane Cottage was one of her favorite aspects of the wedding. To spend the evening under the stars with such gorgeous weather in the Courtyard only added to the romantic and warm atmosphere of Jekyll Island. Following the recent trend to focus on a feeling rather than stick to a restricting color palette, this couple wanted a warm and inviting atmosphere for their wedding weekend. They focused on making it a weekend where everyone can take part and have a great time. The couple lives in near by Charleston, SC, so this was technically a destination wedding. And, a destination wedding is a great way to accomplish that fun, intimate feeling. These beautiful photos from Agnes Lopez will probably keep you occupied for quite sometime! And that gown... oh-my-God!! This bride will definitely take your breath away! You were warned... a gorgeous wedding lies ahead!
I love it when couples put together welcome bags for out of town guests! It's a great personal touch your guests will really appreciate. Fill with goodies like chocolates, bottled water, a "must see" guide, or any other personal touches to make your guests feel right at home.
Traditional invitation with a modern twist.. LOVE
She's absolutely gorgeous, right?? I LOVE her hair!
To be fair, I warned you of the A-MAZING-NESS that is this wedding!
Love these silk taffeta JCrew dresses!
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