This is illusen's Red Wedding!

  See More Red Weddings >>


02/15/2010
Hawaii_Oahu_Surf
Hawaii_Oahu_Surf
   
Honeymoon
Oahu
We have to give a big thank you to our friend Josh who recently purchased a lovely little beach front bungalow in Oahu and has offered it to us to stay at for our honeymoon. We had thought about doing a mini moon and a trip later but after some research we think it will be great to get there, it isn't peak season in late August and the money we are saving by not staying at a resort can be put towards fun adventures like swimming with Dolphins! So excited, its going to be amazing just living on the beach for 2 weeks :) Might not want to come home hehe
comments 4 fave it permalink
more of illusen more Honeymoons
02/11/2010
vintage-inspired-wedidng-washington07
vintage-inspired-wedidng-washington07
   
Wedding Decoration
Candy Bar Sign
Love this. The font really goes with our wedding style too :) Simple DIY project
comments 9 fave it permalink
more of illusen more Wedding Decorations
02/07/2010
Mom
Mom
   
Other:
Mother of the Bride
This is kind of a mini vent sorry ladies, if you want to skip ahead to the good stuff this pretty little red number is the dress my Mother has picked out to wear for our wedding, she's going to be one hot mama hehe


My mom surprised me with a visit Friday morning, it was so great to see her again. Her and I have had somewhat of a rocky relationship. I've always been closer to Dad but she still means the world to me. From the start she has never really "approved" of Dave, his tattoos, piercings the hair to her meant he wasn't a "nice boy" (covers don't always describe the book) along with a few other things that I won't delve into for this post. Dad on the other hand embraced Dave from the first time he met him, he knows he takes care of me and makes me happy and ultimately thats what is important.

Mom was a huge influence on our original wedding plans, in fact she pretty much had the wedding planned. I wish I would have stuck up for myself earlier cause I know it hurt her a lot when I told her we were going to do it our way but appreciated everything she had offered. She thought our carnival plans were over the top, once again Dad was for whatever makes us happy. Now that our plans have been toned down (ie no ferris wheel or big top ceremony) I can tell she is trying to be supportive while still getting her opinions in. I try to avoid talking about the wedding with her as it stresses me out but its a tough go at times.

This weekend she told me she's gotten a new camera and that she will be taking photos at our wedding and wants this shot and that shot, and I gently told her I have my agenda and a list of shots as well as a team of two photographers, so her job is simply to be a guest and enjoy herself. She did that back at my prom, I had planned to take shots with friends and she took three hours getting me to pose and I was really unhappy and missed out on the pre party, definitely not going throughthat on my wedding day. Dave and Dad are trying to stay out of it understandably because it always turns into a "Ellie always to have her way" argument.

I don't think she realizes how hurtful she can be. I showed her my wedding dress and she said that it wasn't anything like she envisioned me in, it's "different". Thats pretty much her go to word for a lot of our plans like the menu, the girls dresses, paper flowers... I cringe just thinking about it. Now I don't mean to make this into a total rant as we do get along for the most part now as long as we avoid wedding talk. Anyone else going through something similar?

We did have a really good day yesterday, we picked out a dress for Mom together, she wanted black but I convinced her to try on this lovely red number and she looks great in it, she has a black bolero that she may wear with it to tone it down a notch, but I think she's pleased she'll be matching the bridal party, I think she feels more included in the wedding because of that little fact which is great.

I feel so much better writing this, trying to follow my own Keep Calm Carry On and feel ready to move on again :)
comments 8 fave it permalink
more of illusen
02/04/2010
vintage-wedding-circus-carnival3
vintage-wedding-circus-carnival3
vintage-wedding-circus-carnival6
bunting
8092f49d941a545fdf41769dc93b0c37_m
vintage-wedding-circus-carnival3vintage-wedding-circus-carnival6buntingRed Wedding Decoration Reception Decor
   
Wedding Decoration
Reception Decor
So we had thought of doing a nice red ceiling swag with twinkle lights but our venue doesn't really have tall ceilings... so it would look a little odd and seem a lot shorter using a fabric drape.

It was our task then to find an alternative, to upkeep our carnival like vibe and Dave suggested flags. So bunting flags it will be, we will have them in red and aqua like picture 3. This will also prevent blocking any lighting with fabric which is a good thing, and is much easier to set up (and budget friendly)

Our venue also informed us they can now get colored napkins, no aqua but they have a bright red option. I think it will pop against the white linens and add more color to the table since we are only having minimal centerpieces (two oversized tissue roses). However I saw the first two photos from another carnival inspired wedding (sorry can't find the source right now I read a lot of blogs will credit when I find it) they used gumballs in clear vases.... a very fun touch.... I want to do it too hehe and a few votives around. I think it will look great :)
comments 5 fave it permalink
more of illusen more Wedding Decorations
02/03/2010
ImageProxyCAS1WVO6
ImageProxyCAS1WVO6
   
Bridesmaids
New Vision
I actually really like the way mismatched dresses look, was playing around on the Dress Your Wedding Tool. I'm sending this out to the girls since it captures my new vision. I want them to find a dress they love in a red, satin or silk, knee length with any neckline, and I think I'm going to get my maid of honor an aqua sash, we'll see. I feel like this way at least they can choose a dress they know they will wear again. Hopping on the mismatched bandwagon after all!
comments 8 fave it permalink
more of illusen more Bridesmaids
02/02/2010
saramari
saramari
   
Keep Calm Carry On
Oi!
So today I had another "not-so-happy" moment lets call it... haha

One of the girls in the wedding party called and said hey did you know the dress you picked out is discontinued.... say what.... oh no. Then I was clued in, she didn't get her dress. Only to find out that one of the six ladies in our bridal party ordered hers, and the rest no dress. They had been trying to locate them online with little luck but didn't want to stress me out.

Well I've taken this in stride, it's okay, we picked out the dresses almost a year in advance and this happens, dresses are discontinued and lots of new lovely options come out and we still have the better part of seven months so its not so much an issue provided we get on it sooner than later. With girls across the country its really unlikely we'll be able to get together again to pick out a dress, so I think I'm going to set some parameters, get some swatches and let each pick out her own within a red color family. Hopefully its for the best!
comments 3 fave it permalink
more of illusen
01/31/2010
hangoverkit
hangoverkit
   
Wedding Favors
OOT Addition
I love this idea!

A Hangover Helper kit for the guests out of town bag, complete with bottled watter, advil/tylenol/aspirin, a light blocking sleep mask and tums

Saw this on theknot's wedding ideas and couldn't not share it with you ladies!
comments 8 fave it permalink
more of illusen more Wedding Favors
01/29/2010
orange-bride-groom-red-bathtub
orange-bride-groom-red-bathtub
   
Wedding Photography
Must Have Shots
Originally found here at ivillage modified for our wedding

GETTING READY/Pre Ceremony

Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair
Close-up of bride's shoes
Close-up of bride's bouquet
Bride in curlers or having makeup applied
Bridesmaids applying their makeup
Bridesmaid dresses and shoes
Bride putting on garter
Mom and/or bridesmaids helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc.
Close-up of dress details
Bride together with bridesmaids
Bride hugging mom
Mom or bridesmaids putting finishing touches on bride, adding the veil, etc.
Bride's reflection seeing herself in all her wedding dress for the first time
Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window
Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go
Groom putting on tie
Groom with groomsmen
Groom with bride's dad, hugging or whispering advice (Dave's father passed away when he was a teenager)
Bride and groom separately getting in the car, limo or cab
Bride with her parents
Groom with his mom
Bride with groom's mom
Groom with bride's parents
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with groomsmen (some rockstar poses and goofing around as well as formal)
Bride with groomsmen

(So essentially everyone is going to see the bride and groom except the bride and groom before the ceremony because we thought of a first look but really want that moment walking down the aisle)

Groom waiting for the bride to arrive
Car arriving with bride
Bride stepping out of the car
Wide shot of ceremony space from the back
Guests arriving
Ushers helping grandparents and special guests to their seats
Close up of details (guest book, pew decorations, etc.)
Groom and groomsmen waiting for bride to walk down aisle
Guests sitting down, waiting for ceremony to start
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Wedding party standing at the altar
Bride sharing a moment with Father
Bride just before walking down the aisle
Back shot of bride (and escort) beginning to walk down the aisle
Full-frontal shot of bride (and escort) walking down the aisle
Close-up of groom's face when he sees bride for the first time (Very important)
Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with officiant between them
Shot focusing on bridesmaids' bouquets, lined up as they hold them at the altar
Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged
Close-up of bride's face, as seen over the groom's shoulder
Close-up of groom's face, as seen over the bride's shoulder
Shot of both sets of parents' faces as they witness ceremony
The kiss
Signing the Marriage certificate
Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple
Bride and groom walking out of ceremony space,

Cocktail Hour
Full shot of bride and groom together, smiling
Full shot of bride and groom hugging
Full shot of bride and groom kissing
Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap
Close-up of couples' faces as bride is lifted, carried or sitting on groom's lap
Shots of bride and groom playing carnival games
Shots of Guests playing carnival games

RECEPTION

Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, etc.)
Close-up of centerpieces
Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above
Shots of guests finding their escort cards
Bride and groom's first dance
Groom dipping bride
Bride dancing with her dad -- close-up of her face as seen over his shoulder
Groom dancing with his mom
Close-up of cupcake s
Bride showing her new ring to the guests
Bride and groom hugging guests, close-ups of faces
Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple
Bride and groom's faces as they listen to the toast(s)
Guests smiling and clapping
Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor. (Tip: Ask for a slow shutter speed to get a blurry/focused effect)
Wide shot of entire room after guests arrive, even better if taken from above
Close-ups of guests' faces, laughing and having a great time -- lots of these
Groups of friends sitting together at their table or dancing
Bride and groom whispering to each other
Parents (or even better, grandparents) dancing
Close-up of band or DJ
Bride and groom cutting the cake
Bride and groom feeding each other
Shots of bride and groom Kissing in kissing booth
Shots of bride and groom stealing a moment for themselves

I'm sure I'll think of more, Dave and I are also lucky enough to have our photographers the next day so if we want more photos of just us we can hop in our wedding attire, we really want to mingle with our guests and make it an enjoyable experience for them without lots of waiting around
comments 3 fave it permalink
more of illusen more Wedding Photographys
01/27/2010
Red Dave What I Love About Him
EAD2008
   
Dave
What I Love About Him
A few months ago while Dave was getting ready to head out to work he left me a post it note on our bathroom mirror that said "I love how peaceful you look while you sleep" and thus started a chain of leaving each other post its, tweets, facebook comments or instant messages with reasons why we love each other, every day there is at least one from each of us. It makes me smile, and with valentines around the corner I thought it would be fun to assemble a list. Here is a peek of what I have written to him, fifty reasons why he has me lovestruck

50. The way your lips feel on mine.

49. How hot you look in anything you choose to wear.

48. Your refreshing honesty.

47. Your soft, gentle hands.

46. The sound of your incredible voice.

45. Your uncanny sense of humor

44. How you make time for me no matter how busy you are.

43. Random cuddling and snuggle fests.

42. Your adorkable voice impressions.

41. How we play hide and go seek together like five year olds

40. Your merciless tickle attacks and our wrestling matches.

39. Sharing our private jokes. Strawberry cheesecake :P

38. Falling asleep in your arms.

37. How much we can communicate with just a look

36. Your openness to trying new things

35. Your sweet little gifts and surprises.

34. How you make me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in the universe.

33. Your patience.

32. How we don't keep secrets from each other.

31. How you make fun of my love for vampire shows and books and then pvr them or borrow them later on and vapidly discuss them with me.

30. How you stick by me through the good and the bad

29. Your humility.

28. Your kind heart.

27. Your generosity.

26. How serious you become when we are talking about the serious things

25. The way you never run out of nice and sweet compliments.

24. The way you stand up for yourself

23. Your motivation and commitment

22. The man you have become since I met you, always striving to better yourself and meeting your goals

21. Your grace.

20. Hearing you sing one of my favourite songs.

19. Lying on the couch and watching TV all afternoon with you.

18. That incredible smile of yours.

17. Twittering with you while you are on the road and how you always call to say goodnight regardless of time zones

16. The smile that forms on my lips whenever I see pictures of us together

15. The feel of your skin on mine.

14. Your perfectly neat handwriting.

13. Your amazing dance moves

12. Your penchant for being fashionable.

11. The way you value and take care of your family.

10. The way you value and take care of me.

9. Watching you every morning as you get ready for work or to head out on the road, how I hate to see you go but I know you will always return to me.

8. How brave you get when I'm feeling scared or unsure or anxious.

7. How hard you work at keeping your promises.

6. How you make me fall in love over and over again.

5. How easily I see myself growing old with you.

4. How delirious with happiness I become at the thought of spending my life with you.

3. The way I miss you when we're not together.

2. The utter happiness I feel when I'm with you.

1. And how lucky you make me feel each day for having someone like you in my life.
comments 11 fave it permalink
more of illusen
01/26/2010
vestpants
vestpants
   
Groom
Guy's Picks
Dave had decided that our guys will be in white shirts, black pants, black vests and black ties, skipping over the red because they are more likely to wear black again and it was hard to find something that didn't clash with the ladies dresses.

Skipping jackets which is a-ok by me because I know they will end up coming off once they hit the dancefloor if not sooner, August can be hot! I love the look personally, I know its something he is comfortable in and think they will all look sharp. Bonus for the guys they just need to find a black vest. Dave has his, and they all have dress pants and shirts from our friend Rayo's wedding last year. Oooh and he loves the bouts and is even picking out the charms that will be going on them for each guy making it so it reflects something about them. So thoughtful!

comments 3 fave it permalink
more of illusen

illusen

3 years since wedding
Ellie
Dave
Aug 07, 2010
, British Columbia, Canada
Red
Civil Ceremony followed by some fun carnival games & cocktails then onto a night of dancing! Colors: Red and Aqua
 contact me    
 flag
number of visits: 9219