This is lipstickandglitter's Pink Wedding!

So, yeah, it's over... I realize I shouldn't be marring someone who doesn't seem to be sure himself what it is that he wants and puts everything, and I mean everything in from of me and our relationship. The only reason why I stayed with him for over 5 years was because he was the first guy I fell in love with. But I guess it wasn't meant to be.

Any of you lovelies sporting some tats? What is it, where, and are you going to show off the artwork or try to conceal it on your wedding day?

So I wasn't too keen on having a traditional wedding cake... it just seems so expensive and most (quite honestly) don't taste that good because they were made a couple days in advance and most don't eat it anyway, so I was thinking about a pie buffet but then I saw this cake (top right) and, well, it's love. Vintage feel but with a mod twist.. perhaps a smaller one similar to this could be incorporated...

In other news, I figured out a possible favor. I'll have vintage hankies printed with the word love and possibly the date (not sure about the date) to hand out before the ceremony to wipe away 'tears of joy' and perhaps have a basket filled with them at the reception for those who can't make it. The whole favor thing really had me up in arms. I mean... what do people do with them once they leave the reception... they are cute and all but I doubt people really use them and it would tear me up if I put so much effort in something just to be tossed away.

Flowers
Unlock the meaning of your flowers
Amaryllis - Pastoral poetry.
Aster - Daintiness & love. Fidelity.
Amaryllis - Pastoral poetry.
Aster - Daintiness & love. Fidelity.
Azalea - Take care of yourself for me. Fragile passion.
Bells of Ireland - Good luck.
Bittersweet - Truth.
Cactus - Endurance.
Camellia - Admiration. Perfection.
Carnation (general) - Fascination. Love. Distinction.
Carnation (red) - Deep love & affection.
Carnation (pink) - I'll never forget you. A mother's undying love.
Carnation (purple) - Capriciousness.
Carnation (green) - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Carnation (white) - Sweet & lovely. Innocence. Pure love. Good luck.
Cattail - Peace. Prosperity.
Chrysanthemum - Cheerfulness & rest. You're a wonderful friend.
Chrysanthemum (red) - Love. Good luck & best wishes.
Chrysanthemum (white) - Truth.
Chrysanthemum (yellow) - Slighted love.
Daffodil - Regard. You're the only one.
Daisy - Innocence. Purity. Gentleness. Loyal love.
Delphinium - Open heart. Ardent attachment.
Gardenia - You're lovely. Secret love.
Gladiolus - Remembrance. Sincerity.
Heather - Admiration. Solitude.
Hyacinth (purple) - I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
Hyacinth (pink) - Play.
Hyacinth (white) - Loveliness. I'll pray for you.
Hydrangea - Thank you for understanding.
Iris - Faith. Hope. Wisdom & valor. My compliments.
Ivy - Wedded love. Fidelity. Affection.
Larkspur - Lightness & swiftness.
Lily (general) - Purity of the heart.
Lily (calla) - Beauty.
Lily (tiger) - Wealth.
Lily (white) - Innocence & purity. Sweetness. Majesty.
Lily (yellow) - Gratitude & gaiety.
Lily of the Valley - Sweetness. Return to happiness. Humility.
Magnolia - Nobility.
Mistletoe - Kiss me. Affection. To surmount difficulties.
Orchid - Love. Beauty. Refinement. Wisdom.
Orchid (cattleya) - Mature charm.
Peony - Happy marriage.
Petunia - Your presence soothes me.
Poppy - Eternal sleep. Imagination.
Primrose - I can't live without you.
Rose (bridal) - Happy love.
Rose (coral) - Desire.
Rose (dark pink) - Thankfulness.
Rose (dark crimson) - Mourning.
Rose (lavender) - Enchantment. Love at first sight.
Rose (peach) - Modesty.
Rose (orange) - Fascination. Enthusiasm.
Rose (red) - I love you. Respect.
Rose (pale pink) - Grace. Joy. Admiration.
Rose (white) - Innocence. Spiritual love & purity.
Rose (yellow) - Joy & gladness. Friendship.
Snapdragon - Gracious. Fascinating. Protection from evil.
Stock - Bonds of affection. Promptness.
Stephanotis - Happiness in marriage. Desire to travel.
Sunflower - Power. Warmth. Nourishment.
Tulip (general) - Gift from a perfect lover. Love.
Tulip (red) - Irresistible love. Believe me. Declaration of love.
Tulip (yellow) - Hopeless love.
Violet - Faithfulness. Modesty.
Zinnia (mixed) - Thinking of an absent friend.Azalea - Take care of yourself for me. Fragile passion.
Bells of Ireland - Good luck.
Bittersweet - Truth.
Cactus - Endurance.
Camellia - Admiration. Perfection.
Carnation (general) - Fascination. Love. Distinction.
Carnation (red) - Deep love & affection.
Carnation (pink) - I'll never forget you. A mother's undying love.
Carnation (purple) - Capriciousness.
Carnation (green) - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Carnation (white) - Sweet & lovely. Innocence. Pure love. Good luck.
Cattail - Peace. Prosperity.
Chrysanthemum - Cheerfulness & rest. You're a wonderful friend.
Chrysanthemum (red) - Love. Good luck & best wishes.
Chrysanthemum (white) - Truth.
Chrysanthemum (yellow) - Slighted love.
Daffodil - Regard. You're the only one.
Daisy - Innocence. Purity. Gentleness. Loyal love.
Delphinium - Open heart. Ardent attachment.
Gardenia - You're lovely. Secret love.
Gladiolus - Remembrance. Sincerity.
Heather - Admiration. Solitude.
Hyacinth (purple) - I'm sorry. Please forgive me.
Hyacinth (pink) - Play.
Hyacinth (white) - Loveliness. I'll pray for you.
Hydrangea - Thank you for understanding.
Iris - Faith. Hope. Wisdom & valor. My compliments.
Ivy - Wedded love. Fidelity. Affection.
Larkspur - Lightness & swiftness.
Lily (general) - Purity of the heart.
Lily (calla) - Beauty.
Lily (tiger) - Wealth.
Lily (white) - Innocence & purity. Sweetness. Majesty.
Lily (yellow) - Gratitude & gaiety.
Lily of the Valley - Sweetness. Return to happiness. Humility.
Magnolia - Nobility.
Mistletoe - Kiss me. Affection. To surmount difficulties.
Orchid - Love. Beauty. Refinement. Wisdom.
Orchid (cattleya) - Mature charm.
Peony - Happy marriage.
Petunia - Your presence soothes me.
Poppy - Eternal sleep. Imagination.
Primrose - I can't live without you.
Rose (bridal) - Happy love.
Rose (coral) - Desire.
Rose (dark pink) - Thankfulness.
Rose (dark crimson) - Mourning.
Rose (lavender) - Enchantment. Love at first sight.
Rose (peach) - Modesty.
Rose (orange) - Fascination. Enthusiasm.
Rose (red) - I love you. Respect.
Rose (pale pink) - Grace. Joy. Admiration.
Rose (white) - Innocence. Spiritual love & purity.
Rose (yellow) - Joy & gladness. Friendship.
Snapdragon - Gracious. Fascinating. Protection from evil.
Stock - Bonds of affection. Promptness.
Stephanotis - Happiness in marriage. Desire to travel.
Sunflower - Power. Warmth. Nourishment.
Tulip (general) - Gift from a perfect lover. Love.
Tulip (red) - Irresistible love. Believe me. Declaration of love.
Tulip (yellow) - Hopeless love.
Violet - Faithfulness. Modesty.
Zinnia (mixed) - Thinking of an absent friend.

MY BRIDAL STYLE

Your Bridal Style
Feminine, stylish, romantic, sweet

What's Important to You
Looking gorgeous in your photographs
A beautiful, romantic setting
Feeling like a total princess
A sweet, sentimental ceremony
Wedding Mantra
"Harmony and balance go with me everywhere."


WEDDING DRESS

You're such a feminine sign, Libra. Even if you try to act tough, wedding dresses make you all girlie and gushy. Just look at Libra rockers like Avril Lavigne and Gwen Stefani, who both got married in the full bridal-fantasy package. So go ahead, splurge on your gown, because you need to feel like a total princess. Angelic, romantic and wispy dresses perfectly suit an air sign like you, Libra. Try a matte silk dress that has a sheer overlayer embroidered with dainty flowers. You can do lace and crystal embellishment in moderation. Think flowing and goddesslike. Your signmate Gwyneth Paltrow sets a great example of the soft, pretty Libra look. You're the sign of the scales, and as such, balance is key. Your best bet is a simple foundation with a few striking, pretty elements. Feminine touches like ruffles and bows look great on you if done in a sophisticated manner. Libra rules the lower back, so emphasize your assets in a backless dress. You could even opt for an oversize bow on your shoulder blades. A dress with a strapless bodice that ends mid-booty and cascades into an elaborate, ball-gown-style skirt will draw the eye to your hourglass figure. Libras look great in pastels, so you could even choose a gown with accents of pink, rose or blush.


ACCESSORIES

You're the sign that rules love and marriage, so honor that with romantic accessories like a gorgeous handmade veil or a crown of flowers. You look elegant in crystals, so a beaded headband over a low, loose bun or a crown of flowers will transform you into a Grecian goddess. Keep your accessories pretty and elegant, but with a little flash: diamond teardrop-shape earrings, a diamond necklace or pendant, a Swarovski crystal (or 20!). Avoid anything too severe, structured or cumbersome. Again, balance is key for the sign of the scales. If your dress is simple, make your accessories pop. If you have an ornate dress, be minimal with your jewelry and let your sexy silhouette steal the show.


RING

You're a romantic sign who loves to be in love, Libra. When you say "I do," you want the world to know. Your ring can be flashy, conveying the message "Somebody loves me." Jeweler Isaac Gottesman of Chicago's Dimend Scaasi (dimendscassi.com) recommends a princess-cut stone, which is square with lots of facets, modern and extremely sparkly (which you love). Gottesman also suggests engraving and filigree (lacy patterns created by precious metal wires being worked into patterns then soldered into place) and a band filled with fine round diamonds.


PARTY

You've got a keen eye for style, Libra, and discriminating taste. For your bridal party, go elegant rather than flashy. Look for simple, pretty bridesmaid dresses that enhance your look, rather than compete or contrast. One way to achieve this is to keep your maids' dresses in a similar tonal range to your gown. If you wear white, dress them in pale lavender or pink, rather than in a dramatic jewel tone. Silk and satin bring out that proper, ladylike vibe you enjoy. You might even choose to accessorize them with gloves. Treat bridesmaids to spa services and professional makeup and hair—not only to be nice but also because you'll want everyone to look great in the pictures. Libras are visual beings and are especially sensitive to symmetry, so you'll want an even number of groomsmen and bridesmaids in your bridal party. But don't get too hung up on the matchy-matchy thing. If it feels forced, reconnect with the big picture—this day is about celebrating your relationship, not just painting a pretty picture.


RECEPTION

Libra governs the zodiac's seventh house of marriage, and you're ruled by love planet Venus. You can't help but be a bit of a hopeless romantic with that astrological fate! So go ahead, create the sweet, sentimental, aesthetically pleasing dreamscape you've always imagined. You love European elegance, so plan a garden or courtyard wedding at an old estate, complete with fountains, stone cherubs and adorable children scattering rose petals in your wake. Walk up the aisle to a string quartet and have a friend read poetry or a favorite literary passage before you recite your vows. A conventional setting is fine for your reception, as long as it has style and can be transformed into a beautiful, elegant scene. Many Libras are artistic, so an art or photo studio that you infuse with a few romantic touches could be the perfect hip, modern space. Honor your symbolic "scales" by balancing pared-down sleekness with ornamental flourishes. Keep the colors soft, the music tasteful and the atmosphere dripping with love. Libras are often daddy's girls, so the first father-daughter dance will be a big moment. Dancing lessons should be part of your prenuptial prep work-brush up on your waltz, tango and other ballroom standards. To keep the sweetness from becoming too cloying, break up earnest moments with some racier ones, like a funny toast or a "This Is Your Life" slide show that charts your and your groom's humorous passages into adulthood and the embarrassing-but-funny missteps along the way.


FLOWERS

For the Libra bride, think classic femininity with an angelic feel. The floral and event designers of Martin Jobes Design (martinjobesdesign.com) suggest a romantic Elizabethan bouquet of wildflowers and flowering herbs. They recommend a bounty to choose from: lavender, flowering oregano, thyme, opal basil, sage, ladies mantle, rosemary, lemon and sweet pea. For your bouquet, the Martin-Jobes team says, "A traditional bride may want to carry a family prayer book or cherished book of poetry, with a nosegay of stephanotis, hyacinth and muscari, tied with a velvet ribbon." At your reception, the florists recommend "simple glass compotes overflowing with flowers and trailing vines. Try pale clematis tucked among peonies, roses and pincushion flower."


CAKE

Sugar addict? That's you, Libra. If the gods let you stay fit while subsisting on candy and dessert, you'd take up residence in the nearest bakery. In your world, there's no such thing as "too sweet." If your budget allows, invest in a Viennese dessert table, loaded with all kinds of yummy treats for your guests to nibble on between dance sets. For your wedding cake, Karen Rivera-Gorski of The Painted Cake (thepaintedcake.com) suggests a Valhona chocolate cake with chocolate raspberry ganache and framboise syrup. For a more high-design look that some Libras favor, Rivera-Gorski also suggests white square tiers with an alternating design on each tier of black and silver vertical stripes and silver edible pearls. The art deco-ninspired dazzler can be topped with a black, white and silver sugar ribbon bouquet, giving it the appearance of a stylishly wrapped gift.


INVITATIONS

Go all out for romance and style, Libra, with lacy script, hand-lettered calligraphy and flowery phrasing. Splurge at the print shop on letterpress or engraving, and choose a thick, gorgeous paper stock in a soft color. You're an air sign, so incorporate the idea of "wings" with feathers, butterflies, angels or swirly motifs. "Since you're represented by the scales, you'll be very concerned that things are fair and balanced," advises invitation designer Karalee Serra of Simply Serra (simplyserra.com). "Making sure that both families have a say in the invitation will be important." Including both parents' names on the invitation, if appropriate, is a great way to follow Serra's sage advice. Libra adores grace and charm, so study up on bridal etiquette and choose which conventions you'll follow.


SPECIAL TOUCHES

Wedding planner Danielle Bobish of Curtain Up Events (curtainupevents.com) suggests the following for your sign:

Marry under a canopy of extra-large feathers for some added pizzazz.
Nothing says old-fashioned romance like arriving and departing in a horse-drawn carriage—so let your chariot await!
For a sweet and sentimental touch, name your tables after places you went while dating or after romantic films (An Affair to Remember, Breakfast at Tiffany's)


HONEYMOON

You love the sweet life, Libra, so we won't be surprised to find you honeymooning in a five-star hotel with full spa services in the heart of a posh European shopping district. Or since you prefer to ignore the clock altogether, nothing beats a decadent tropical resort. When you're done with your hot stone massage, you'll be sipping fruity umbrella drinks, preening in an expensive swimsuit or pausing occasionally from your extended leisure spell to swim or Jet Ski. For languid Libras who love to eat, wedding planner Danielle Bobish recommends Florence, Italy. "Italians know how to enjoy life," says Bobish. "At the restaurants, they talk to you about what you might like, present you with delicacies and let you stay for hours." Since Libras hate to be rushed, this could be right up your alley. You might also love the Amalfi Coast, where you can shop for art, explore little villages, take in gorgeous views from Mediterranean cliffs—all while gorging on fine fare and wine. For the Libra shopaholic, check out Shanghai. With its exploding art and shopping scenes, not to mention its history and culture, it's now known as the "Paris of the East."

Just wondering if there are any other brides planning a Wisconsin wedding...

So I'll be moving and starting a job next September about 1000 miles away from my FH. He is looking for a job out there but, it's pretty slim pickins' due to the economy and whatnot. So after I graduate in May, I have a month left on my lease here and will be moving at the end of June. Idk, perhaps we'll get a lil place for the summer before I move for my job? Eh, it seemed like we had everything planed out and the few interviews he did get this past summer looked very promising but they all kinda fell through... we were hoping we'd start a new chapter together... new place, new jobs, perhaps buying a house, getting hitched, etc... but there is no way that I'm going to do a long distance marriage so we decided to extend our engagement and get married sometime in Spring/Summer 2010. That way, I'd be settled into my job and he'd have had sometime to figure out what the market is like in his industry (which is hard to break into).

If after that much time, nothing transpires then I'll start looking for a job out here... even though I am not exactly a fan of living in NYC and raising a fam on the east coast. And my career will be stressful enough without the added NY attitude and stress.

So, um, yeah, this post was just an update. Not sure how much I will be posting considering I'm not planning much right now, but who knows.

Anyone else going crazy about catering. I am in need of an off-site caterer but prices seem to be ridiculous, esp. the preferred vendors for my site. Plus when I go to there websites and look at the menus it's all "gourmet" stuff and I really want a family style dinner of passed beef and chicken. Is that too much to ask?

Please leave a comment with your favorite love song, or songs if you can't narrow it down. I feel like adding to my music collection...

Thanks girls!

I love this dress and would love to wear it for an engagement dinner with the future in-laws. Anyone know who designed it or of any similar styles? Thanks!