I have been inspired by this video/wedding. Everything about it.
Claire&Warren from Rob Su...
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02/21/2010
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{ 'The ONE' }
Have I found it, already?
You see, the night before last, Mr. H oh-so-sneakily told his Mum that I had something to ask her (a bridal shop in town was having an open house, and he thought we should go, together--he's the oldest of 4 boys, so she never got to go prom dress shopping, etc., and he thought wedding dress browsing with me would be perfect). I was a bit mad at him for pushing it on me, to be honest.. with our (hopeful) wedding date still 16-months away, I didn't want to start looking too early. I mean, I haven't even formally asked my bridal party to stand with me, and I wanted them to be with me on my dress shopping ventures, as well (not to mention, I had told him that morning that I had no intention of going).. Anyway, MIL H. jumped at the chance, as we knew she would, and I knew I couldn't back out on her! ** Side note: I love my MIL! Or, as Lady Gaga would say, I "love-love-love" her. Not only do we have a ton in common, she's one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. She's. just. awesome. ** But, back to our browsing/shopping adventure: As it turns out, I got the date wrong, and the bridal shop's open house wasn't until today. Oops! Still, as soon as we walked in, MIL H. practically ran over to the bridal gowns, and started wading through them.. I had already went back on my 'no-dress-shopping-until-later' plan, but MIL H. then insisted that I try some dresses on for her. *sigh*. I really, really didn't want to, as I'm a plus-size girl, and I knew that a lot of the dresses in stock wouldn't fit me (and, therefore not give the right impression), but I knew (again) that I couldn't back down.. so, it began. Let's just say the first shop was a bust. Literally. On top of being a plus-size gal, I'm also very well-endowed, lol. Some dresses I couldn't even get up to my chest, or pull them over my chest, if I went head first.. it was really sad, and quite discouraging, honestly (MIL H., bless her heart even felt bad at that point, since she knew I was only doing all this for her). I tried on 5 dresses there, but cut my losses soon after, and we headed to another shop. The second shop we just happened to stop at on the fly. It's new in town, and it's right across the street from where we were planning to go, but we went for it.. and, I'm glad we did! At first I was (again) discouraged, as the stock dresses were only a size 8 (EEK! :[), but I bit the bullet, and tried a few on for giggles. I immediately fell in love with a Jasmine Couture dress (I don't remember the style #, sadly), but my bubble was burst by the consultant who almost as quickly said, "Nu-uh, not even close". Um, excuse me? I was hurt at this point, since she didn't even ask if I liked the dress on, but I shook it off. The worst part of this trial, however, was the fact that she tried to pull me some dresses, afterward, and they all got a huge, resounding "NO!" from me, right away.. they looked way worse on me than the Jasmine, but whatevs. At this point, I totally wanted to give up, but before we left, MIL H. wanted to look through the bridal mags.. and, one dress just JUMPED out at me! As fate would have it, the mean consultant just happened to have it in the shop, so, again, I undressed, and tried it on.. AND THE ANGELS SANG. I wanted to cry, but no tears were shed. MIL H. was beaming. We. were. speechless. All through this adventure, I had my dream dress stuck in my head, and I never thought anything could measure up to it. This dress was everything I thought I didn't want.. it's more poufy (lots of crinoline), very plain, etc.. but, it was gorgeous! It hit my natural waist perfectly, it hid my lower-half really well.. I have every intention of tracking down my dream dress, still, just to say "I did it.. I tried it on", but if it's not 'The ONE', I'll be completely fine with it.. 'cause I may have already found it.. when I was least expecting to. |
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02/18/2010
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{ DIY }
is driving me crazy!
Anyway, the post: As I've said previously, I'm the kind of DIY bride that wants to get things started (i.e. templates created), so I won't have to worry about them at a later date. Things like the venue or date I'll input into said templates may vary, but that's okay.. I'd just like to have the general outline started, so I can go back, and revise later, once things are hashed out. That being said, I really should have paid more attention in computer/business class when it comes to templates, and Microsoft Word! LOL! You see, ever since I came across Miss Poodle's DIY invitations on 'WeddingBee', I knew I had to make them, myself. Sure, I wouldn't duplicate the sewn details (I'm not that crafty), nor would I use the exact wording, or fonts, but the general idea of the tri-fold brochure, turned booklet invitation really appealed to me. It's something different than I've ever seen from friends, or family, and I love that she incorporated the rip-out R.S.V.P. (which I already have my own idea for, if I ever master this thing)! I've tried, and tried to make my own template for this adorable invitation, but I just can't seem to get the margins, or spacing right (damn, my lack of computer knowledge.. but, give me a break--it's been *cough*12 years*cough* since high school, and I know not everyone has the memory of an elephant!). I understand landscape vs. portrait, and all that jazz, it's just getting rows instead of columns, I guess you could say. So, ladies, can any of y'all help? Or, what about some of your DIY failures? Let me know I'm not alone in this time of FAIL! |
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02/17/2010
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{ Is this 'IT'? }
Teal, and red scheme
Why? Well, it's complicated. Along with the teal, and red, I've also been sucked into the damask frenzy. I worry that damask even in small doses (i.e. table runners, detailing on the cake, etc.), plus the teal, and red combination will scream 'TRENDY', and maybe even 'OVERWHELMING'.. "I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?" Anyone? The cool thing about this scheme is that one of my colour loves is teal (I don't really have a favourite, per se.. I'm just drawn to teal the most), and Mr. H is a red fella.. no word of a lie, his wardrobe consists of almost everything black, with the exception of jeans, and a very few red items, lol. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating.. he's been getting better over the years, and he's even ventured into baby blue, once (a dress shirt for a wedding we attended), but red/black make up a huge portion of his clothing selection. Anyway, back on topic.. the teal, and red is 'us', I guess you could say. It's fresh. It's funky (I like to think I am, anyway). It's fun. And, I can't get my mind off of it. Yep, this very well could be 'IT'. I guess only time (and, my indecisiveness) will tell. |
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02/09/2010
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{ Centre of attention }
Uh-oh!
My knees go weak.. I turn a billion shades of red (and, sweat).. My throat starts to tickle.. which then causes me to cough uncontrollably.. I get dizzy.. Etc., etc.. .. so, naturally, I'm worried about being in front of everyone on our big day. True, these are the friends, and family that love me, and know me so very well, but I hate being the centre of attention as a whole.. even when Mr. H proposed, and everyone wanted to see my new bling, they all pretty much had to grab my wrist, and pull me to them! I'm not a flashy, in-your-face kind of person, at all.. I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to flaunt anything, y'know? And, I guess you could say I'm extremely self-conscious. That being said, I'm hoping I can talk Mr. H into doing a 'first look' photo session before I walk down the aisle. Getting to see him for a few moments may calm my nerves a bit, but do you ladies have any more tips that could prevent a possible meltdown? ** I've already mentioned a small JoP wedding to the Mr., but he's against the idea. He figures I'll regret not having a big wedding after it's said, and done. ** |
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02/08/2010
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{ The ugly cry }
I'm screwed!
Ringing any bells? YEAHHH, that one! I am the bearer (owner?) of an ugly cry, myself, which has me a bit worried for the big day. It's the most photographed day of my life we're talking about, and I have a feeling that I'll be sporting that dang cry for a good ¾ of the day.. if not all day.. .. and, unfortunately, I'm not exaggerating that fact. It doesn't take a whole heck-of-a-lot to get me going, at all. Exhibit A: tonight while watching 'One Tree Hill', I cried when a certain person's (I don't want to post any spoilers for other 'OTH' fans who maybe haven't seen the episode, yet) mother revealed the fact that she had cancer. Exhibit B: While watching a YouTube video earlier, I cried because of the lyrics.. etc., etc.. I know that once I start getting ready the morning of the wedding, I'll be a mess.. Mr. H's Mum will have me going, my Dad will have me going, and as soon as I see Mr. H for the first time, you better believe I'll be a pile of snot (sorry for the mental picture!) Any ideas how to curb this? Maybe even a bit? Keep in mind that "just take it easy" is easier said, than done, okay? :P |
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02/05/2010
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{ Frustrated! }
Venting ahead..
498 - the number of days until our proposed wedding date 0 - the number of calls Mr. H has made to potential venues 24591234782 - the number of times I've wanted to strangle him for procrastinating! So.. he still hasn't called anyone, regardless of saying, "I'll do it the beginning of next week" about 4 times, now. Regardless of me printing out our contact sheet.. regardless of me sighing, and, and trying to throw around hints, and/or gestures that he'd (hopefully) pick up on.. It was almost a month ago when I first vented about him not helping out with planning, and the more time that passes, the more upset I get, and think about not even getting married.. Don't get me wrong, of course I want to be with him forever, and always, 'til death do us part, but it sucks that he's not as excited as I am to get the ball rolling. As a matter of fact, no one is excited about the wedding, which is bringing me down. I don't want to be the only one looking forward to it, y'know?! Which brings me to another point: my MOH found out she's pregnant, on Tuesday. She's only been seeing the baby's daddy for a month, and now she's planning on moving almost 5000km away to be with him (he's in the Air Force, and gets placed out in British Columbia, next month), in June.. trying to plan with her is hard enough with being only a couple 100km away, so a few 1000 is going to be even harder! Especially now that she has a baby to worry about. Not that she was too helpful with the planning, anyway.. even at the bridal show we went to this past weekend, she was constantly texting her boyfriend/baby daddy.. *sigh*. I guess the part that gets me the most about wedding planning by myself, is that I was totally cool with going to the JoP at the courthouse, and doing it that way, but Mr. H was/is against it. If he's so against doing it the quicky-no-planning-way, then why doesn't he want to help with the actual planning of this wedding he thinks I deserve, and want so much? AHHHHHHH! |
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02/02/2010
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{ It's SO hard! }
How do you choose your bridal party?
Basically, Mr. H was bugging me about how organized I am when it comes to what I want, regarding the wedding (like, it's a bad thing?! Pshaw!), to which I countered with, "I don't know what I want at all! I have lots, and lots of ideas, and maybes, but nothing's set in stone, yet.. not even close!", and it's true! Yes, I have a wedding binder started that's tabbed, with questions already printed out to ask potential vendors, and yes, I have a wedding folder on the computer that's organized in sub folders, filled with colour ideas, potential dresses, shoes, hairstyles, etc., but it's not like I've had an AHA-this-is-it moment.. I'd much rather find a venue before I plan all the little details.. that's the smart thing to do, of course! Anyway, I'm getting way off base, here. What the talk boiled down to, last night, was that I don't even have my entire bridal party picked, yet. My BFF has known since the day I met her (okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea) that she'd be my MOH, but I haven't formally asked her, with a card, or gift, or whatever.. My cousin, let's call her Muffin, has been with me, and Mr. H since the very beginning (I lived with her, her younger brother, and their parents when I was in college, and I gushed to her about Mr. H the day after our first date), so she's definitely got to be a bridesmaid.. heck, she even has my bachelorette party half-way planned, and I haven't even formally asked her to stand beside me, either.. .. but, that's where it stops.. I need to choose 2 more girls to stand beside me, but I want to make the right decision. Does that sound weird? I mean, there are so many friends who've been with me/us over the years, so how am I supposed to choose 2 out of all of them without hurting someone's feelings? UGH, it's not supposed to be this complicated, but I guess I consider myself lucky enough to have such a strong support group, right? |
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01/30/2010
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{ Planning ahead: }
?s to ask venue.
Before he calls, however, I'd like to compile a list of questions to take with us (what can I say, I'm a planner!), but I want to make sure I think of everything.. and, if not everything, then almost everything, haha. Can't blame a girl for preparing, can you? I'll leave you with the list that I have already, but please, please, please let me know if I've forgotten anything! And, here we go: Basics Available dates in desired month? Max. numbers for ceremony? Reception? Can they recommend local specialists (florist, DJ, etc.)? Who decorates venue? Tear down? Extra cost? Will there be a dedicated coordinator? Will they be of use on day of? Will they be there all night? Do you have any testimonials/other brides I could contact who have used your facilities? Any other events happening on desired date? Where can photographs be taken? Will my guests be able to go anywhere before/after the reception? Packages What's included in the wedding package (host bar, etc.)? Does it include the cost of tables, chairs, linens, etc.? Do you have decorations for rent? How much is the deposit? When is full payment due? When do we need to give final numbers? Returned if theres a cancellation? Is there a discount for booking the place for both ceremony and reception? Facilities Are there disabled facilities? Wheelchair access? Is there an appropriate dance floor for a band/DJ? What are the toilet facilities? Will there be coatrooms and restroom attendants, a bartender, a doorman? Charges? What outdoor areas are there? Do we have full use or restricted? Is there adequate parking for all the guests? Extra fee? Seating/Food/Drink Supply a cake stand? Knife? What kind of seating arrangements are offered? How many people to a table? Extras (late night tea/coffee, etc.)? Is a tasting offered? Extra cost? Work around special diets (peanut/nut allergy, etc.)? Is there a charge for water at the tables? Minimums? Barwhats included? Bartending fee? Extra cost for different liquors? Transportation/Accommodation Lodging available? What is the best room rate for guests who wish to stay overnight? Is there other local accommodation nearby? Timing What time can we access the venue? What time would reception end? Extra fee for more hours? Restrictions Are we allowed to light candles in the evening? Any flowers not allowed due to smell? Copyright for the wedding videography? Do you prefer approved vendors? Must we use them? Are any fixtures permanent? Can some be moved? |
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01/28/2010
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{ Wow, nine years? }
Our relationship's a fourth grader!
Today is mine, and Mr. H's 9-year anniversary! :] Can you believe it? 'Cause we hardly can't! LOL! We've been together since I was 18, and he was just a young, spring chicken of 21.. We've done the long-distance thing (which actually worked out! *thumbs up*).. We've procreated, and raised a gorgeous, spunky 5-year-old (who is a bit too much like her father, if you ask me.. haha).. We've stuck with each other through thick, and thin.. ..and, I couldn't imagine my life without him! He's the yin to my yang, the peanut butter (really, he's nutty) to my jelly.. he's my first real, true love, my friend, my support system, and my ?. I'm so lucky to call him mine. |
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01/15/2010
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{ Overwhelmed.. }
.. but, so ahead of myself! :P
So, we're 17-months away from our suspected wedding date, and even though we still have tons of time to get things figured out, and situated, I'm driving myself completely mental! For one, we still haven't set up any appointments with potential venues.. I've had a spreadsheet made with about 15 venues listed for 2 weeks now, but Mr. H keeps putting off contacting them. Sure, I could do it, but I've done everything (the guest list, contacting photographers, STD/menu/invite design, etc.) so far, and I want him to help. He says it'll be done at the beginning of next week, so I'm hoping he sticks to the plan, or he'll be getting an earful! That being said, the invite/menu design are really pre-maturely done, since we have no idea where we'll be getting married, yet! The designs are saved in .psd format so they're easily reformatted, or information can be changed, but I'd love to get things done ASAP, so I have plenty of time to get all my little DIY details/plans done.. the less time spent on invites, the more time can be spent on tissue poms, or tears of joy packets.. Yes, I realize that not all the little details need to be done, or included to make the wedding stand out, or any more special than it already is, but once I have a plan in my head, it's hard for me to let it go.. Please tell me I'm not the only one! And, please.. talk me off the ledge! |
mrshtobe said...