This is gratefulbride's Blue Wedding!

So in the beautiful world of blogging, I do have another blog in which I have received awards from other bloggers. It's always free, but never fails to get me all excited to receive them. So without blabbing all night, I will use some of these awards to start gifting to 5 brides at a time. But the catch is that if YOU are the recipient, to Pass it Forward! You have to award 5 other brides!

In your post, list 5 things about you. ANY 5 things. Okay, so here we go with the brides...drumroll.......

Trulyblessed: Black Bio
Ccranetobe: Orange Bio
Amandasoontobemoury: Pink Bio
Jaslynn2003: Blue bio
Futuremrslee: Red Bio

I actually had made up some bathroom boxes before, but I decided to go with something that was a little more chic, but would also serve as a long time staple in our home after the wedding. I've decided to have a bathroom in these colors, so we can use these items there :)

Anyhow, I have lots of items already for the ladies room from The Dollar Tree & Target's trial/travel section, but I still need to grab a few things for the guys' box as well. I love these little boxes!

Sorry about all the duplicate pics of the boxes. My photo loader is in a really bad mood & just not doing right at all.

Can someone please break down for me what the difference between the Candleabras & Unity Candles at the wedding ceremony is? I have seen both & all of the above, but never really understood. I think it is beautiful, and really, I had only planned on having our unity candle lighting, but is the candleabra supposed to be there as well, or is it preference? Is anyone here using one? I know that the unity candle is for the parents & the new husband & wife to light, but I am lost everywhere else, lol.

I think I'm sold on getting one of these beautifully laced umbrellas for some of our photos. I bought a tiffany blue paper parasol awhile back, but I may not use it. I am really loving the softness & details of this one. Will keep you guys posted! This particular one is from Bella Umbrellas. It is one of the least expensive that they offer. I am going to check a few other places for better prices, but may go with this one....

Update: Found some of these (less expensive) on Ebay :)

What is the most expensive area that may not be mandatory for your wedding, but you gotta have it? For us, I think the splurge is in my details (that darn Etsy!!). Granted, I have some things set aside to sell that I probably wont use, so I have made up for it, but yeah....the details. Beautifully though, we are still on track with budget due to scaling in other areas.



Despite the details, we have a smaller budget (less than 8k...trying to stay under 5) & the only way we're able to do so is because of the following:

Doing food by friends who cook like caterers, lol. VERY fortunate here.
A good friend from church also does photography (took our engagement photos for free). She will do our photos at a fraction of typical cost.
Bought my dress off the rack at Davids Bridal. $100.
Veil was more than the dress, lol! $120.
DJ: FH has a cousin who does this...hopefully he will be available on our date.
Ceremony venue is free by my Pastors at my church. WIll still pay a monetary gift.
Reception Venue: Using a local park indoor center. It is not fabulous, but it is simple, clean & open. WIth white walls! This makes it easy to bring in our decor. Tables & chairs provided, but linens not. Less than $600 for the evening to rent.

I have to be honest about the photography. Because we've poured so much into our planning & such, I really want quality photography at an affordable price. Technically that will be our splurge. The "details" mentioned are all appropriated for & go across the board with every area of the wedding to be complete. I want to be able to have a 2nd photographer on hand to help my friend get special moments, so we are looking into someone in our low price range. I know it can be done!

I love the customized bridal hoodies, tees & tanks, but I like things to be a little different. I found some great alternative bridal wear awhile back, but am now coming back to it to try & decide which style I love most.


I am down to the bridal wrap (1st pic) with the bling detailing on the back. I love this because I can slip it over a simple tee or tiffany blue/white tank while I get ready.

The 2nd style is the cute, gray, lightweight hoodie. I love the sorta retro style block font.

Third is the silk bridal shirt, with the teardrop front. I love it because it's romantic, & classy. And seems comfortable, without messing my hair up when I slip it off, lol.

And lastly is the white tee with a royalty flair of detailing.

Each of these can be worn with jeans & totally comfortable.

The site is a little pricey, but in comparison to all the other bridal apparel, it seems abt average. PLUS, there is a SALE going on right now. customglamgirl.com CUSTOMGLAMGIRL.COM CUSTOMGLAMGIRL.COM somehow the site is getting missed :)

Please share your vote! Which style do you like best?!?!?!

Most of my signage & print details are coming to a completion until we need our invites & programs.

I wanted to have just a few ornate frames around the reception that tie into our relationship. I only pictured 2 tonight, and will save the rest until the big day :) They all include scriptures that mean alot to us, and other words of encouragement. One of my faves is a lyrical quote from the first song we'll dance to as man & wife: "As" by Stevie Wonder.

You can click on the graphic images to better read the text. My actual photos aren't showing up well. I LOVE the designs. One is a pintuck with ornate & the other is black damask with ornate. Thanks to Printablebride.com for bringing it to life. :)

PS: The sign on the black frame looks a little narrow, but the frame is actually a fabric covered bulletin board (small). The little card is pinned on for display.