A few weeks ago Dan and I received our invitation proofs. After a couple typos (thank goodness for proofs) we submitted them for printing. What this means for all of you out there.
Invitations will be mailed shortly. I am hoping for around early August to give a three months notice. I am really looking forward to sending them out so that you all get to see what a great job we did designing them. If you remember back when we ordered them I told you about this great custom design that hasn't been seen before. Well prepare yourselves to be wowed in all the stationary glory.
These invites should be a good indication of our casual, fun wedding celebration and get you all prepared to have a good time. Come and watch some vows be said, perhaps see the infamous kiss and of course dinner. Oh wait don't forget about the dancing. We are totally competing with Thanksgiving for the best Nov 2010 day. The turkey and pie don't stand a chance.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
A Beautiful Affair
Congrats to the newlyweds Shannon and Justin.
This last Saturday one of my bridesmaids took the dive in a very beautiful ceremony followed by a fabulous reception. I was especially intent on paying the utmost attention to this day. It was the first wedding I had attended since being engaged and while planning. I was using Shannon's wedding as a means of remembering those things you may forget to plan for. I also noticed somethings that make me feel more calm in my planning.
Not meant to offend the bride and groom but just some observations to bring to my day.
First was the music during the ceremony. The officiant told me that we need to construct transitions as a means to signal certain events. While I still don't want the wedding party to do a huge grand entrance (or at least I'm trying to avoid it) I did like how the music they chose alerted me to what was coming up next.
The next thing was the length of the ceremony. This is the first very brief ceremony I have been to. No excessive readings or rituals preformed and was a good length. I will try and make mine similar in length as any shorter and I prolly would opt for no chairs. Hehe It was a great length to get the marriage done and set. That is the reason why we are gathered right, lets get to the vows and then off to the party in quick succession.
As far as decor goes... once it is all together any and everything looks beautiful. Their centerpieces featured the dessert of cupcakes. They were very clever in the arrangements and I have to say the flower pots with the cakes mimicking flowers was my favorite. I thought it was super clever and looked great. I also did notice the chairs and tablecloths but didn't mind them at all for the two seconds I noticed. I say this bc I was worried the chairs in my venue would clash and look terrible (and now that I've said that everyone will notice :( ). However, I can't afford to use $1000 worth of chair covers. Its just not worth it. Also the table cloths were not boring and the nice blue fabric looked great. I really want to use the free table cloths and of course worried that they may look too boring. With a small amount of color and addition of centerpieces the tables will be awesome. Just have to get our butts in gear and finish those pomander balls.
I got a lot of great ideas and was reminder of details I need to start to work on. I have a lot to do to make the reception a blast. Shannon and Justin made it look so easy but I'm sure it took a lot of planning.
BTW one last comment. To Shannon and Justin the pizza towards the end of the reception was the best idea ever. I am just sad that it maybe impossible for Dan and I to convince the Monona Terrace to allow something like that. After a few drinks and a few hours after dinner that was a great addition to my belly.
In looking back I've got a lot of work left for my wedding. Luckily, I still have 4 months!!!!
This last Saturday one of my bridesmaids took the dive in a very beautiful ceremony followed by a fabulous reception. I was especially intent on paying the utmost attention to this day. It was the first wedding I had attended since being engaged and while planning. I was using Shannon's wedding as a means of remembering those things you may forget to plan for. I also noticed somethings that make me feel more calm in my planning.
Not meant to offend the bride and groom but just some observations to bring to my day.
First was the music during the ceremony. The officiant told me that we need to construct transitions as a means to signal certain events. While I still don't want the wedding party to do a huge grand entrance (or at least I'm trying to avoid it) I did like how the music they chose alerted me to what was coming up next.
The next thing was the length of the ceremony. This is the first very brief ceremony I have been to. No excessive readings or rituals preformed and was a good length. I will try and make mine similar in length as any shorter and I prolly would opt for no chairs. Hehe It was a great length to get the marriage done and set. That is the reason why we are gathered right, lets get to the vows and then off to the party in quick succession.
As far as decor goes... once it is all together any and everything looks beautiful. Their centerpieces featured the dessert of cupcakes. They were very clever in the arrangements and I have to say the flower pots with the cakes mimicking flowers was my favorite. I thought it was super clever and looked great. I also did notice the chairs and tablecloths but didn't mind them at all for the two seconds I noticed. I say this bc I was worried the chairs in my venue would clash and look terrible (and now that I've said that everyone will notice :( ). However, I can't afford to use $1000 worth of chair covers. Its just not worth it. Also the table cloths were not boring and the nice blue fabric looked great. I really want to use the free table cloths and of course worried that they may look too boring. With a small amount of color and addition of centerpieces the tables will be awesome. Just have to get our butts in gear and finish those pomander balls.
I got a lot of great ideas and was reminder of details I need to start to work on. I have a lot to do to make the reception a blast. Shannon and Justin made it look so easy but I'm sure it took a lot of planning.
BTW one last comment. To Shannon and Justin the pizza towards the end of the reception was the best idea ever. I am just sad that it maybe impossible for Dan and I to convince the Monona Terrace to allow something like that. After a few drinks and a few hours after dinner that was a great addition to my belly.
In looking back I've got a lot of work left for my wedding. Luckily, I still have 4 months!!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Coming to you live...
from Grandmother's house. Dan and I have made it to the center of WI with only a short ways to go. From Madison this morning we trekked up to Eau Claire to have a visit with the grandma.
We arrived early afternoon and had a nice lunch outside. It is wonderful to not be miserable outside and I am not looking forward to returning to the hot muggy Illinois. After lunch we helped out with some household duties and enjoyed some photographs.
Things we have learned. Jeni takes a lot of crazy photos and there are a lot of them. Jeni looks every bit like her mother (something a daughter doesn't like to hear). It is easy to install a window air conditioner. And time flies when you are having fun.
Oh and BTW a first ever experience happened today. Dan had a wood tick on his leg. We think while standing in long grass to move the picnic table for lunch exposed his legs to the ticks. I have such looked over my legs and no ticks. Whew I hate bugs.
Bye for now and I'll see you later when I get back from my first wedding since I have been engaged. It should be fun to see it in action. Good Luck Shannon and love you lots.
We arrived early afternoon and had a nice lunch outside. It is wonderful to not be miserable outside and I am not looking forward to returning to the hot muggy Illinois. After lunch we helped out with some household duties and enjoyed some photographs.
Things we have learned. Jeni takes a lot of crazy photos and there are a lot of them. Jeni looks every bit like her mother (something a daughter doesn't like to hear). It is easy to install a window air conditioner. And time flies when you are having fun.
Oh and BTW a first ever experience happened today. Dan had a wood tick on his leg. We think while standing in long grass to move the picnic table for lunch exposed his legs to the ticks. I have such looked over my legs and no ticks. Whew I hate bugs.
Bye for now and I'll see you later when I get back from my first wedding since I have been engaged. It should be fun to see it in action. Good Luck Shannon and love you lots.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Just Do It (Yourself)
Dan and I have begun some DIY (do it yourself) projects to save some money and also contribute to the wedding with our own sweat and tears. One huge motivation for me is that I feel much more connected to the decisions that I'm making. We also get to see the different components as we make them versus waiting until the wedding to visualize it.
In the early days of wedding planning I would look for decor ideas all the time. I came across these wonderful balls of flowers. In the biz they are called Pomander balls or Kissing balls. I wanted to see how much they would cost and was a little shocked to find out. The florist was gonna use 40-48 roses per ball and charge $225 each. This is way too much. While I was disheartened a little I knew that there had to be an alternative.
I stumbled upon a fellow bride who used tissue paper (compliments of Martha Stewart herself), some used fake flower and even moss. The choice we decided on was cloth. So on Memorial Day weekend Dan and I headed back to the fabric store. This time to capitalize on the sale and got a great deal on cloth. I think it was $1.99/yd or something like that. We got 20 yds of red, 10 yds of white and black. Since then we have been cutting circles whenever we have some downtime and each Wednesday night we grab a movie and do some gluing and assembling. I am very proud to say that they are looking awesome and I'm really excited to have you all see the entire package at the reception.
For now though here are some pictures. If you click on the image it will take you to an album with some action shots and a smaller white pomander.
Hope you enjoy and as we get more made I'll make another picture update. Btw we do have a black one made and it looks super awesome.
In the early days of wedding planning I would look for decor ideas all the time. I came across these wonderful balls of flowers. In the biz they are called Pomander balls or Kissing balls. I wanted to see how much they would cost and was a little shocked to find out. The florist was gonna use 40-48 roses per ball and charge $225 each. This is way too much. While I was disheartened a little I knew that there had to be an alternative.
I stumbled upon a fellow bride who used tissue paper (compliments of Martha Stewart herself), some used fake flower and even moss. The choice we decided on was cloth. So on Memorial Day weekend Dan and I headed back to the fabric store. This time to capitalize on the sale and got a great deal on cloth. I think it was $1.99/yd or something like that. We got 20 yds of red, 10 yds of white and black. Since then we have been cutting circles whenever we have some downtime and each Wednesday night we grab a movie and do some gluing and assembling. I am very proud to say that they are looking awesome and I'm really excited to have you all see the entire package at the reception.
For now though here are some pictures. If you click on the image it will take you to an album with some action shots and a smaller white pomander.
 |
| Decor |
Hope you enjoy and as we get more made I'll make another picture update. Btw we do have a black one made and it looks super awesome.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
My return to Tuscola IL
Some of you faithful readers (Betsy) may remember when I made a very long trip to the center of IL to pick up my stranded friend. A small mishap with Betsy's van after a long trip left her and her friend in the middle of IL. My response was "Hey, I'm not working and I have a car so why not I just go grab her." So the next day I ventured out on the 7+ hour drive that it took to get to them. We met them at a hotel in Tuscola, IL and drove to the junk yard where the van was. We cleaned out the important stuff and left it there. Then we drove the 7+ hours back to Chippewa. That day will always be in my mind. It was fun playing Superman (yes I akin this act of kindness to super human powers) and saving my Betsy.
This trip of course was the first time I had been to the area I now live in. Tuscola is only 30 mins south of Champaign Urbana. This small of small towns has very few attractions and reasons to be there. I did find out one good reason to go there...they have an OUTLET MALL. Last Sat after a few mins (like 20 or so) of convincing Dan that it was worth the drive we set out for Tuscola.
One little funny story I will let you in on is the one where we drove to the center of Tuscola. I like to say it was for the scenic adventure of the day and Dan wants to say it was me being a horrible navigator. Well I mapped Tuscola on my iPhone and not the outlet mall. Soooooooo we ended up driving to the center of town. Not quite what I had wanted and left Dan laughing his way to the outlet mall. I swear it was an honest mistake meant to be an adventure.
So at this outlet mall are a few good stores. Coach (handbags retailer) has a store there with discounted handbags that I really like. I happened to pick up two things, a new and better wallet and a small wristlet purse. All of course many % off the retail price. The wristlet will be the bad I use on my wedding day. It is simple black with the Coach "C's" and will hold the very few things I need for that day. We then went to this store called Bass. It's totally not what you think, they don't sell fishing or outdoor supplies. Just another clothing store that also carries shoes. I found a pair there that happened to match my reception dress very nicely and they have a soft sole and are flat shoes. Perfect for dancing the night away and I'm glad to have the footwear done for the wedding. Well unless I decided I need more shoes. Everyone needs lots of shoes. Dan and I ventured to a few other well known stores Ralph Loren, Old Navy and Gap. All outlet of course and we both got some new summer clothes.
I think this second trip to Tuscola was just as successful as the first but perhaps not as memorable. (I throw back my cape and Up, Up and Away!)
This trip of course was the first time I had been to the area I now live in. Tuscola is only 30 mins south of Champaign Urbana. This small of small towns has very few attractions and reasons to be there. I did find out one good reason to go there...they have an OUTLET MALL. Last Sat after a few mins (like 20 or so) of convincing Dan that it was worth the drive we set out for Tuscola.
One little funny story I will let you in on is the one where we drove to the center of Tuscola. I like to say it was for the scenic adventure of the day and Dan wants to say it was me being a horrible navigator. Well I mapped Tuscola on my iPhone and not the outlet mall. Soooooooo we ended up driving to the center of town. Not quite what I had wanted and left Dan laughing his way to the outlet mall. I swear it was an honest mistake meant to be an adventure.
So at this outlet mall are a few good stores. Coach (handbags retailer) has a store there with discounted handbags that I really like. I happened to pick up two things, a new and better wallet and a small wristlet purse. All of course many % off the retail price. The wristlet will be the bad I use on my wedding day. It is simple black with the Coach "C's" and will hold the very few things I need for that day. We then went to this store called Bass. It's totally not what you think, they don't sell fishing or outdoor supplies. Just another clothing store that also carries shoes. I found a pair there that happened to match my reception dress very nicely and they have a soft sole and are flat shoes. Perfect for dancing the night away and I'm glad to have the footwear done for the wedding. Well unless I decided I need more shoes. Everyone needs lots of shoes. Dan and I ventured to a few other well known stores Ralph Loren, Old Navy and Gap. All outlet of course and we both got some new summer clothes.
I think this second trip to Tuscola was just as successful as the first but perhaps not as memorable. (I throw back my cape and Up, Up and Away!)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Hello this is Browns calling...
Guess who Browns is? If you guessed the jeweler you were so right. On Sat Dan and I got the call I have been anticipating for a really long time. Our wedding rings were in and we could go and try them on. We did not take them home though. We are getting them engraved and so I figured better to do it now than give up my ring at a later date. I'm really hoping the engraving goes fast and I get to bring my ring home.
My ring is exactly what I wanted and should look good with my engagement ring and on its own. It is truly a ring I can and will wear everyday. It should also be a good fit for work as it isn't raised like the diamond on my engagement ring. Therefore, I can wear my gloves with it on. I find it so pretty and I'm excited to get to the wedding so I can put the ring on for good.
For Dan's ring we determined it fit his super huge fingers. Hehe size 10 vs my size 5. Also he likes it and I'm sure he is anxious to get it on his finger. He said awhile ago that girls are lucky to have something to show people that they are engaged. Us girls can just flash our bling. So this ring should help him out on that front. Though I told him we can't wear them until the big day. Its bad luck and I don't want any of that coming my way.
All in all its fun to have this part of the planning done. Now to just get everything else done.
My ring is exactly what I wanted and should look good with my engagement ring and on its own. It is truly a ring I can and will wear everyday. It should also be a good fit for work as it isn't raised like the diamond on my engagement ring. Therefore, I can wear my gloves with it on. I find it so pretty and I'm excited to get to the wedding so I can put the ring on for good.
For Dan's ring we determined it fit his super huge fingers. Hehe size 10 vs my size 5. Also he likes it and I'm sure he is anxious to get it on his finger. He said awhile ago that girls are lucky to have something to show people that they are engaged. Us girls can just flash our bling. So this ring should help him out on that front. Though I told him we can't wear them until the big day. Its bad luck and I don't want any of that coming my way.
All in all its fun to have this part of the planning done. Now to just get everything else done.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
12 days of adventure
Last night Dan and I had our latest conversation with Lori our wonderful travel agent. I can say we finally decided roughly the locations we will be visiting while in New Zealand. We also determined the best way to travel around. Traveling in the country will be a combination of self-driving, a train ride and flying.
As of now we are looking at 2 or 3 nights in Auckland. This is known as the city of sails and is a very well known international city. One activity I would like to do while in Auckland is take a trip up to the observation deck at the top of Sky Tower (similar to Sears Tower / Empire State Building). It should give us a good view of the city and surrounding areas. Dan and I have yet to decided what else to do but since it is a large city I'm sure we will be plenty busy.
Next we are off to Rotorua with a pit stop along the way to the Waitomo Caves (glow worm lights). This region of New Zealand is very hot!!! It has boiling lakes and naturally warmed pools and I believe they have some geysers (I'll have to check that). This area also has the Agrodome which celebrates all things about New Zealand sheep. They have way more sheep than people and so of course they need to show them off. There are also a lot of lakes here and so some water sports or swimming will be on the agenda.
We will most likely fly from Rotorua (North Island) to Christchurch in the South Island. This smaller city has very rich history and is also near to the coast. I believe if we are lucky enough I may want to swim with some dolphins. This is kinda up in the air but I think it would be really cool. After a couple days here we board the TranzAlpine train. This train runs through the southern alps and near glaciers and great scenery. It ends near Franz Josef.
At Franz Josef we will do some hiking at the base of a glacier or maybe on and in a glacier (I hope) and spend some relaxation time in the beautiful countryside. The population in Franz Josef is 330 people (according to wikipedia). So this smaller, quaint village should give us a different view of New Zealand and get us out of the cities.
Finally we will end up in Queenstown near the southern tip of the South Island. We will spend the most nights here and spend a lot of time on day trips. A cruise on Milford Sound located on the west coast is the fjordlands and is supposed to be very scenic. There is also the Fjordlands National Park where Dan and I can go kayaking and hiking.
After all this is done we will be heading back up to Auckland and then back to the states. It should be one unbelievable adventure. I just can't wait to get there already.
As of now we are looking at 2 or 3 nights in Auckland. This is known as the city of sails and is a very well known international city. One activity I would like to do while in Auckland is take a trip up to the observation deck at the top of Sky Tower (similar to Sears Tower / Empire State Building). It should give us a good view of the city and surrounding areas. Dan and I have yet to decided what else to do but since it is a large city I'm sure we will be plenty busy.
Next we are off to Rotorua with a pit stop along the way to the Waitomo Caves (glow worm lights). This region of New Zealand is very hot!!! It has boiling lakes and naturally warmed pools and I believe they have some geysers (I'll have to check that). This area also has the Agrodome which celebrates all things about New Zealand sheep. They have way more sheep than people and so of course they need to show them off. There are also a lot of lakes here and so some water sports or swimming will be on the agenda.
We will most likely fly from Rotorua (North Island) to Christchurch in the South Island. This smaller city has very rich history and is also near to the coast. I believe if we are lucky enough I may want to swim with some dolphins. This is kinda up in the air but I think it would be really cool. After a couple days here we board the TranzAlpine train. This train runs through the southern alps and near glaciers and great scenery. It ends near Franz Josef.
At Franz Josef we will do some hiking at the base of a glacier or maybe on and in a glacier (I hope) and spend some relaxation time in the beautiful countryside. The population in Franz Josef is 330 people (according to wikipedia). So this smaller, quaint village should give us a different view of New Zealand and get us out of the cities.
Finally we will end up in Queenstown near the southern tip of the South Island. We will spend the most nights here and spend a lot of time on day trips. A cruise on Milford Sound located on the west coast is the fjordlands and is supposed to be very scenic. There is also the Fjordlands National Park where Dan and I can go kayaking and hiking.
After all this is done we will be heading back up to Auckland and then back to the states. It should be one unbelievable adventure. I just can't wait to get there already.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
unVEILed
One more item has now been received and is added to the list of accessories. My veil finally came in the mail. It was much faster that the 4 weeks that I thought I had to wait and so I was pleasantly surprised to see it come.
The veil was well worth the price, it isn't as fancy as the veil in the bridal stores nor is it made with the highest quality tulle. It works for me and is exactly what I wanted in a veil. It is very simple, no beading detail and no trim. It hangs loosely from the comb and shapes my frame nicely. Also it looks good with my dress. The ultimate test and it was fun trying both on together. Any excuse to put my dress on is worth it in my book.
With the dress, veil, shoes, earrings and mystery accessory it seems I'm getting my trouseau in order. My goal now is the under the dress items and the repeat stuff like more shoes. Gotta have more shoes.
The veil was well worth the price, it isn't as fancy as the veil in the bridal stores nor is it made with the highest quality tulle. It works for me and is exactly what I wanted in a veil. It is very simple, no beading detail and no trim. It hangs loosely from the comb and shapes my frame nicely. Also it looks good with my dress. The ultimate test and it was fun trying both on together. Any excuse to put my dress on is worth it in my book.
With the dress, veil, shoes, earrings and mystery accessory it seems I'm getting my trouseau in order. My goal now is the under the dress items and the repeat stuff like more shoes. Gotta have more shoes.
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