This is ladybugg's Blue Wedding!

My sister sent me this article today and I thought I would share. I know 99.9% of us would like to look our very best on oour big day and some go to great lengths to do so. But, as you continue to diet and exercise to have your best bod on your big day, please do so responsibily...even if it involves getting a professional opinion before you begin.
I've included the link on tyhe bottom of the article so you can get further info if needed.

Bride-To-Be Dies After Extreme Crash Diet
by Martha Edwards

Samantha Clowe never wanted to be a 'fat bride,' and now, sadly, she won't be one at all. The obese 34-year-old, who was looking forward to her upcoming nuptials, died after an intense crash diet. Described as "fit and healthy" by her family, Clowe lost 42 pounds in 11 weeks on the controversial Lighter Life Diet, which restricts dieters to just 500 calories a day.

We're all aware that crash diets aren't great for you, but you can die from them? You bet -- and this isn't even the first time this diet has killed someone. Just last December, a mother of five died after drinking 4 liters of water, as was recommended by the program. Amazingly, you need your doctor's consent to sign up for the program. Is anyone else having a hard time believing that a trained medical professional would give the OK for this kind of extreme diet?

Lighter Life, of course, claims no responsibility: "We were very sad to hear the news about Samantha ... but the coroner said it was very difficult to make such a connection (between Clowe's death and diet.)" Dr. Martin Scurr, medical correspondent for The Daily Mail notes that Clowe's death is "unlikely to be the fault of the diet itself," but thinks the stress the diet put on the heart was most probably the biggest contributor to her death.

The bottom line? A diet that involves fewer than 800 calories a day is unhealthy, downright dangerous and not worth the risk, regardless of how fabulous your skinny jeans are. It's such a shame that two desperate dieters have lost their lives before figuring this out, but we hope their stories can help keep others from making the same mistake.

You can lose weight the healthy way --

Link:
http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/09/bride-to-be-dies-after-extreme-crash-diet/?icid=main|main|dl4|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thatsfit.com%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fbride-to-be-dies-after-extreme-crash-diet%2F

I came across these earlier today and thought I would share since I noticed a few brides contemplating having a photo screen at their reception entrance . It's 5 feet tall and $39.95 .

The 2nd link is for a Crystal Photo Cube (only $14.95). This can be used on the escort card table or guest book table.

Here's the link:

Photo screen:
http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=718&P=414&Rec=3&N=37+8&Nao=84&R=463515-7WOSNAT1


Phot Cube:
http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/catalog/cat_item_pg.asp?G=718&P=21

I've been getting quite a few emails over the past month or so asking about various vendors that I had used for our wedding back in April. I never noticed that I never posted a master list aftre the wedding. I think I've responded to all the ladies that have enquired. But, for those I might have missed, here it is:

1. Aqua gift boxes: I came across the site on gratefulbride's blog. I used these as my goodie boxes. I lined them with ivory tissue paper and finished them off with 1 1/2" ivory satin ribbon. Please be aware that there's a $50 minimum purchase. I beleive the sixe box I used was on $45 for 100. They come in variuos sizes.
http://www.carolinaretail.com/items.asp?Category=126

2. CD favors were packaged in a Stardream Metallic Petal Pochette from www.envelopemall.com. These can also be used to make invitations for those DIY brides.

3. The candy pillows boxes were from www.papermart.com and the stickers were made by a lovely lady I came across on ebay. Her store name is Dollface Charms.

4. For the ecofriendly brides, the ecofetti was from www.ecoparti.com (Thanks to mrsskippydoo for giving me the idea). I believe you can return the unopened, unused packs if you purchase too much.

5. The dancefloor momogram was from Wallspoken on Etsy.com. She did a wonderful job on this. It was exactly what I wanted and the price wasn't too bad either. It's actually the monogram, our names and the date that should have been altogether. But, the decorator actually had someone put it on the dancefloor and they split it in 2 (the date on 1 end and the monogram on the other).

5. Pinktuck tablecloths and napkins: I must say, I owe these guys a huge THANK YOU since they saved 1/2 of the decor of our wedding not because they had the pintuck napkins and tablecloths I wanted for the head table. But, the original rental company delivered teal napkins for the guest tables 2 days before the wedding. I was able to call up them on Friday afternoon and they had these out the door before they left for the weekend. http://www.fabulousevents.info/

6. Thank you cards: I had posted these back in February when I came across them. They come in various colors and many damask patterns also. The site has all things wedding and the quality is top notch. I gave these thank yous to the ladies that attended my shower back in March.
http://www.whiteaisle.com/thank_you_notes.htm

There are some ladies who are dying to get their hands on those gorgeous champagne flutes from Things Remembered (you know the 1s) or the matching cake cutter and photo frame.

Well, I came across this coupon today and thought I'd share. It's not 50% off. But, it's better than paying full price.

It expires on 9/30/2009

Happy shopping

Thought I'd repost this for those ladies that missed it this morning.

The green 1 expires on 8/14/09 and the red 1 expires on 8/24/09.

Happy shopping

Came across these coupons today. The green 1 expires on 8/14/09 and the red 1 expires on 8/24/09.

Happy shopping :-)

I was checking out the new brides this morning and was startled when I saw new blue bride "laluvsme". She looks a lot like my sister...lol.

lalovesme is on the left and my sister is on the right.

A few weeks ago, I noticed a few brides inquiring where they could find nice plus size gowns besides David's Bridal. Unfortunately, I don't remember who those brides were. But, yesterday, at the nail shop, I was browsing thru the new issue of Brides magazine (yes, after nearly 4 months of being married, I'm still drawn to bridal mags...lol), I noticed that Mori Lee now had plus size gowns. The collection is called "Julietta". Here's the link to the collection site:

http://www.morilee.com/Julietta.aspx

Also, Alfred Angelo has a plus size collection.

Hi Ladies

Once again, I've updated the previous list. As mentioned before, all of the items will be shipped for free to persons living in the US.

1. Ivory Satin with Aqua writing "Here Come the Bride Sign" - $25

2. 58 Heart placecard holder that doubles as a kissing bells - $0.25 each (They do not come with the white bow)

3. 1/4" Heart shaped paper puncher - $4 (not in package)

4. 100 yards of 3" polysatin AQUA (not tiffany blue) ribbon - $10

5. 250 - 5 1/4 metallic ivory circles. These can be used to make menu cards (which was my intention). But, if you look thru my blog, you'll see went with a different menu style. I used some to make my confetti cones. The rest are for sale. I paid $6.75 per pack of 25 (not $12.75 like I previously posted...don't know how I posted the wrong price so many times and didn't see the mistake). I'm selling them for 15 cents each.

6. Organza with scattered pearls bridal bag - $12

7. 220 (11 packs of 20) silver thank you charms - $3 per pack

8. 40 - 3 1/2" tall votive candleholders - $0.35 each + shipping

If anyone is interested in any of these items, please send me a message via WBC. Please ensure sure you leave your screen name in the email.

Sorry, I'm only accepting PAYPAL and Postal Money Orders at this time and I sell items on a first come first serve basis. I would also NOT be able to hold any items for longer than 1 week.

Thanks in advance.

I came across a flier for Christmas Tree Shops this morning. Next week's sale items will include Damask letters. They are actually metal initial wall hangers. But, I think this would be a great buy for those brides that would like damask "I DO" letters, but are not the DIY type. They cost $2.99 each.

(Please note that this is just a pic I found online and the actual wall hangers do not include the ribbon as pictured.)

There are Christmas Tree Shops located in the following states:
Connecticut
Delaware
Indiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont

Hi Ladies

I've updated the previous list. As mentioned before, all of the items will be shipped for free to persons living in the US...EXCEPT the mirrors and votive candleholders. Since they are pretty heavy.

1. Ivory Satin with Aqua writing "Here Come the Bride Sign" - $30

2. 4-14" Beveled edge mirrors - $10 each + $2 each for shipping

3. 58 Heart placecard holder that doubles as a kissing bells - $0.25 each (They do not come with the white bow)

4. 1/4" Heart shaped paper puncher - $4 (not in package)

5. 100 yards of 3" polysatin AQUA (not tiffany blue) ribbon - $10

6. 450 - 5 1/4 ivory circles. these were initially bought to make the menu cards. But, if you look thru my blog, you'll see how much trouble I had with that and I ultimately went with a different menu style. I paid $12.75 per pack of 25. Best offer accepted. I used some of these to make my confetti cones.

7. Organza with scattered pearls bridal bag - $12

8. 220 (11 packs of 20) silver thank you charms - $3 per pack

9. 40 - 3 1/2" tall votive candleholders - $0.35 each + shipping

If anyone is interested in any of these items, please send me a message via WBC.

Sorry, I'm only accepting PAYPAL and Postal Money Orders at this time and I sell items on a first come first serve basis. I would also NOT be able to hold any items for longer than 1 week.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Ladies

I've added a few more items to my previous list (and deleted the 1s that have been sold). I've also adjusted a few prices. As mentioned before, all of the items will be shipped for free to persons living in the US...EXCEPT the mirrors and votive candleholders. Since they are pretty heavy.

1. Ivory Satin with Aqua writing "Here Come the Bride Sign" - $30

2. 4-14" Beveled edge mirrors - $10 each + shipping

3. 58 Heart placecard holder that doubles as a kissing bells - $0.25 each (They do not come with the white bow)

4. 1/4" Heart shaped paper puncher - $4

5. 40 (2 boxes of 20) Wilton favor/pillow boxes (frosted with Love written all over them) - $4 per box

6. 100 yards of 3" polysatin AQUA (not tiffany blue) ribbon - $10

7. 450 - 5 1/4 ivory circles. these were initially bought to make the menu cards. But, if you look thru my blog, you'll see how much trouble I had with that and I ultimately went with a different menu style. I paid $12.75 per pack of 25. Best offer accepted. I used some of these to make my confetti cones.

8. Organza with scattered pearls bridal bag - $12

9. Ivory Embroidered Card Box - Asking $30

10. 220 (11 packs of 20) silver thank you charms - $3 per pack

11. 100 yards 7/8" tiffany blue organza ribbon (can be used for pew bows or decoration chair for bridal shower)- $9

12. 40 - 3 1/2" tall votive candleholders - $0.35 each

If anyone is interested in any of these items, please send me a message.

Sorry, I'm only accepting PAYPAL and Postal Money Orders at this time and I sell items on a first come first serve basis. I would also NOT be able to hold any items for longer than 1 day.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Ladies

I've added a few more items to my previous list (and deleted the 1s that have been sold). As mentioned before, all of the items will be shipped for free to persons living in the US...EXCEPT the mirrors. Since they are pretty heavy.

1. Ivory Satin with Aqua writing "Here Come the Bride Sign" - $40

2. 13-15" Beveled edge mirrors - $10 each + shipping

3. 58 Heart placecard holder that doubles as a kissing bells - $0.25 each (They do not ocme with the white bow)

4. Heart shaped paper puncher - $5

5. 40 (2 boxes of 20) Wilton favor/pillow boxes (frosted with Love written all over them) - $4 per box

6. 100 yards of 3" polysatin AQUA (not tiffany blue) ribbon - $10

7. 450 - 5 1/4 ivory circles. these were initially bought to make the menu cards. But, if you look thru my blog, you'll see how much trouble I had with that and I ultimately went with a different menu style. I paid $12.75 per pack of 25. Best offer accepted. I used some of these to make my confetti cones.

8. Organza with scattered pearls bridal bag - $15

9. Ivory Embroidered Card Box - Asking $30

10. 220 (11 packs of 20) silver thank you charms - $3 per pack

11. 100 yards 7/8" tiffany blue organza ribbon - $10

If anyone is interested in any of these items, please send me a message.

Sorry, I'm only accepting PAYPAL and Postal Money Orders at this time and I sell items on a first come first serve basis. I would also NOT be able to hold any items for longer than 1 day.

Thanks in advance.

I don't usually watch Bridezilla. But, after seeing the commercials for the new episodes over the last couple of weeks, I couldn't help but tune in. Even my hubby sat and watched it and all he could say was "I'm so glad you weren't like that"

I understand the pressures that come with wanting to have the perfect wedding because I've been there. So, is it me or is something seriously wrong with these girls?

Hi Ladies

Here's an updated list of some items I have for sale that were lightly used or not used at all. I'll ship all of the items for free to persons living in the US only.

Please note that some items are still in NY. But, I will have them within a week.

I'll be listing more items periodically. Stay Tuned...

1. 450 - 5 1/4 ivory circles. these were initially bought to make the menu cards. But, if you look thru my blog, you'll see how much trouble I had with that and I ultimately went with a different menu style. I paid $12.75 per pack of 25. Best offer accepted. I used some of these to make my confetti cones.

2. Aqua and gold "I DO" letters (my hubby made these). Asking $10

3. I made a "Thank You" sign to use in our pic for the thank you cards. The signed ended up in the wrong car and we never got to use it. It's thank you written in aqua on "white gold" paper with an aqua edge. It looks pretty much the same as the table #s on my blog without the scroll on the top. Asking $5

4. Organza with scattered pearls bridal bag - $15

5. Ivory Embroidered Card Box - Asking $30

If anyone is interested in any of these items, please send me a message.

Sorry, I'm only accepting PAYPAL at this time.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Ladies

I'm putting up for sale some of our wedding stuff that were lightly used or not used at all. Some items are still in NY. But, here are some of the items I have with me. I'll ship all of the items for free to persons living in the US.

1. Veil: I bought this at David's bridal for $199. It was only worn during the ceremony and about an hour after to take pics in the park. Asking $60 or best offer.

2. Tiara: This was bought at David's bridal also for $99 (Style 9674)and worn for the entire duration of the wedding. Asking $25 or best offer.

3. Ring pillow: This was not used at all. The ring bearer began to misbehave right before the ceremony began. So, his dad had to carry him into the church. I paid $42...ugh. Asking $20 or best offer

4. Flower girl basket: This matches the ring bearer pillow. Asking $15 or best offer

5. 1 pack of aqua ecofetti (unopened) - paid $7.95. Asking $5

6. 450 - 5 1/4 ivory circles. these were initially bought to make the menu cards. But, if you look thru my blog, you'll see how much trouble I had with that and I ultimately went with a different menu style. I paid $12.75 per pack of 25. Best offer accepted. I used some of these to make my confetti cones.

7. Aqua and gold "I DO" letters (my hubby made these). Asking $10

8. I made a "Thank You" sign to use in our pic for the thank you cards. The signed ended up in the wrong car and we never got to use it. It's thank you written in aqua on "white gold" paper with an aqua edge. It looks pretty much the same as the table #s on my blog without the scroll on the top. Asking $5

9. Ivory organza Bolero (unworn) Size 10-12. Asking $20

10. Wilton chocolate fountain - paid $80 for it. Used only for the wedding. This was a huge success. Asking $40

If anyone is interested in any of these items, please send me a message.

Sorry, I'm only accepting paypal at this time.

Thanks in advance.

It feels like I've been waiting forever to see our professional pics and they finally sent us the link last evening. I've been on pins and needles since the wedding wondering how they looked...especially the 1s in the park since no one in the bridal party brought their phone or camera...can you believe that?

Here are a few of them.

Once again, thanks for all your ideas, encouragement and support.

Yesterday was the first of many bdays my husband and I spent as husband and wife and I must say, it has been the best birthday I've had...EVER.

We didn't do anything super special or out of the ordinary. But, I think it's just the fact that we spent the day in eachothers' presence that made it so special.

It's been almost 3 weeks since our wedding and we haven't received our professional wedding pics as yet. But, I'd like to get the thank-you cards out ASAP.

I've been researching online, when thank you cards should be sent out and I've come up with varying answers. We had 2 mini registries which some persons bought presents and had them sent to my house ahead of time and some brought them to the wedding. But, the majority of our gifts were monetary.

I'd like to send everyone a thank you card and pic. But, since I haven't gotten the professional pics as yet, is it appropriate to just make copies of 1 of the pics my sister took and include 1 with each thank you OR should I wait for the prefessional pics?

Our honeymoon was amazing. We stayed at a new resort called "The Landings." The room or should I say apartment was amazing, service was wonderful and I must say, the only regret I have it not flying first class. Don't know why I didn't think of that when we were planning the honeymoon.
We visited the famous Piton Mountains and Pigeon Point and even climbed to the top of the Dutch fort which served as a look-out point back in the 1700s when the English, Frecnch and Dutch were feuding over the island. We also visited an active volcano at Point Soufriere, a mini waterfall (Diamond Falls) and and exotic Botonical Garden. We had to cancel our rainforest tour and chartered yacht for our sunset dinner cruise becasue of rain. I was extremely disappointed but I got over it. Instead, I got hubby to go to the spa with me which he enjoyed A LOT more than I thought he would (thank God bc it cost me an arm, but not a leg...lol)

Here are a few pics.

Here are a few more pics I was able to wrestle from family members.

The band was huge a hit (as you can see) and everyone raved that this was the best wedding they've been to in a loooong time. They loved the decor and I must say, I was pleased also.

My planning has definitely paid off. I got the reaction I wanted. But, this couldn't have been possible with a few hiccups and panic attacks: the reception site decided at the last minute that they will not be putting on the chair covers and sashes and never even bothered to tell me. Thank God my mom's friend was there to assemble the centerpieces and had to call out his mom, sister and brother-in-law. He really came thru so i threw in an extra few hundred for him.

Regarding the company the bulk of my rentals from, they would not see another dime of my money nor would I ever reccomend them to anyone. I was supposed to receive all of the rental items (except my pintuck tablecloths and napkins) 2 weeks before the wedding only to be informed by the lady I was communicating with 1 week before that she thought the wedding was May 25th...WTF? Three days before the wedding, I received teal napkins instead of aqua. I had to call up my trusty friend Lyle at Fabulous Events to rush them over for Friday delivery. I ended up paying more for next day shipping than I paid for the actual napkins. But, I'm totally grateful to Lyle. He's a savior.

To this day, I'm still awaiting the delivery of my dessert stands which were supposed to be placed on each table. The day b4 the wedding, I was told that they won't be delivered until Monday 4/27. How would that help me on 4/26? I have no idea. So, I asked for a refund and she told me that she normally doesn't give refunds. WTF? I had ordered these stands and give her enough time to get them from wherever she was getting themn from, not to mention paid her as soon as she sent the invoice. So, $400 later, a number of texts, phone calles and emails, no stands. I must say, I was very, very disappointed. But, as my grandmother says: "One jackass don't stop no show". We ended up using the platters my mom used for my bridal shower which didn;t look as nice, but hey served the purpose.

I'm still awaiting my refund.

Hi Ladies

The wedding was just a blur like most other brides say. Just a sneek peek of the unprofessional wedding pics. Will post more in a few days.

As my big day approaches, I'd just like to take a quick minute to thank all of the brides of WBC that have supported me over the last few months. You took the time to view, comment on and critique my posts and ideas and answer my numerous questions...even if they were asked my someone else.

I'll ensure to post pics as soon as I have some available.

I'll pop in on occassion to see what you dolls are up to.

Also, a big Congrats to fifikiwi and westcar who will be celebrating their big day this weekend also.

The OOT wedding guests started arriving today and I got a huge surprise. My oldest cousin came with her mom. I was so thrilled. My mom kept saying there will be a surprise guest at the wedding. But, I never guessed it would be her.
So, we sat down tonight and puffed up and filled all of the candy boxes.
We also were able to fold all of the cake boxes.
On tomorrow's agenda: assemble all of the goodie boxes, cut the cake and put it in the cake boxes.

FH and I have been checking the forcast for months to see what the weather would be like on our special day and today, it was confirmed that we will have BEAutiful weather on Sunday...75 DEGREES............
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I was pryaing that it didn't rain or be too chilly. The normal weather for this time of year is 64 degrees. It's partly cloudy. But, I can live with that.

As much as I loved the original packaging, i wanted to make it our color and personalize it. Now, they're all done. I repackaged with clear boxes from papermart, irridesent tinsel, aqua organza ribbon and personalized favor tags with the our monogram.

My aunt lives in Canada and has offered to buy the blue jelly beans at the bulk store and bring them when she's coming for the wedding. Today, I got an email from her asking how may pillow boxes I'll be filling with candy and I told her 200 since I wanted to have a few extra. When I did the calculation, I'll need almost 40lbs of jelly beans to fill all of the boxes bc they each take a little over 3oz each....yikes. This would run her about $250...double yikes. I feel bad allowing her to spend that much money on some stupid candy. I know MMs has aqua candy. But, they're still a bit over budget and I've also checked candywarehouse.com. But, still too expensive.

So, does anyone know of any wholesale candy sites that I can get aqua/tiffany blue candy?

FH's coworker was nice enough to hand-make all of the bridesmaids' jewelry. So, when I told her I didn't have a bracelet to wear on the day, she made me this Rosary bracelet. I gave her the medal my church gave me when I made First Communion that so happens to be blue and she used that as the little charm that most of the bracelets have. She even made 1 for the flower girl. She didn't charge a dime for the time she spent doing this. All, FH paid for was the materials she used.

Huge thank you to Danielle :-)

With less than 2 weeks to go, my mom and I sat down tonight and assembled all of the reception dinner menus and pillow boxes for the candy favors that we'll be putting in the goodie boxes.

The menus are made of the same ivory (quartz) petal pochette as our CD favors and tied with Tiffany blue satin ribbon. One will be placed on a gold chager at each place setting.

the pillow boxes will be filled with aqua jelly beans next Thursday night when my aunt arrives from Canada.

I got the satin ribbon for my goodie boxes and decided to do a mock up. For the most part, it's simple and I like it. But, I think it's a bit plain. I don't want to go with my original idea of the monogrammed sticker with our names because the items that'll be inside the box will all be personalized. I thought of using the faux diamond ring, but quickly changed my mind when I saw how much they cost. And since I'll be having about 150 boxes, that's soooooo out of budget.

Anyone have any ideas how I can't bling my box up a bit or should I jjust leave it as it is?

Thanks in advance, ladies :-)