weddingchic's Blue Wedding Blog - Wedding By Color

Stag & Doe

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:51:00 PST

So, being that I reside in Southern Ontario, prior to a wedding, it is possible that the couple may opt to have a "Stag & Doe" or "Jack & Jill" or Buck and Doe or whatever... It is a fundraiser, primarily for the couple and the $ is presumably used for their wedding budget. Our bridal party hosted one in our honour and it was lots of fun! It's like a big celebration for the couple and there's music, games, food, prizes and booze. We had some traditional games (wheel and anchor), Joker Poker, etc... and some newer games: Hammer Time, "Pie in the Face auction", and my personal fav - "Shoot the groom with a paintball gun" <-- hahaha! We had approx 100 people come out to support us and it was lots of fun! Most people came and stayed right until the end, and after all expenses were paid off we came out with a profit of about $1500 (once we paid off the hall, insurance, liquor, bartender, etc...) All in all it was a great time!!

veil

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:56:00 PST

So I ordered my mantilla veil off of Etsy...and it is currently being created this week! I am so so SO excited to have it delivered in the mail...I'm expecting to have it sometime next wk, and then I can try on my dress with all my wedding accessories at LAST! :) Here are some pics of the model wearing the veil off of the Etsy sellers page.

signed, sealed, delivered...

Mon, 31 May 2010 10:18:00 PST

best dressed maids :)

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:44:00 PST

My bridal party FIANALLY has all of their attire straightened out. I will post pics of my BMs and flowergirls dresses.

waiting ~not so~ patiently...

Thu, 06 May 2010 07:56:00 PST

It's a raised bungalow/ bi-level house that we put an offer in at ...and they ACCEPTED OUR OFFER!!! Now we are just waiting to hear from the bank tomorrow to see whether or not we have been approved for the mortgage... and then Matt's uncle is certified and can do our home inspection this weekend!! More about the house: It has room to grow into! 1100sqft. upstairs and down 5 bedrooms, 2 baths Single car garage/two car driveway Nice, sought after neighbourhood Close access to hwys Across from a park Corner lot with tool shed MAGNOLIA tree in the back yard by the patio (love those trees!) Finished basement Wood fireplace (Matt can get wood from work) Renovated kitchen cupboards and nice sized pantry Newer hardwood floors throughout Those are definitely all the positives with this plc... and we are just praying that it works out. But, it's entirely in God's hands, and perhaps this is just meant to be a learning experience - he may have something else in store for us... we will just have to wait and see!

we put in an offer on a house!!

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:41:00 PST

It's been such an overwhelmingly busy week!! We have been looking at houses this entire time as well, sporadically, and we have actually came across one that we really love! We went through it the other day, with our realtor, and could picture our furniture in there. It's a little bit larger than what we were intially looking for, however we do, one day, hope to have children, so this gives us enough space to grow into. Plus, it is been renovated already, and has loads of updates...the only things we would need to touch when we get in there are smaller cosmetic things. Matt's a carpenter and I thrive on interior design (lol) so we're praying that they accept our initial offer...it's a little bit over our price range, and we have yet to be pre-approved, so our contract states that based on financial and home inspection, if they agree - it's OURS! I cannot even process all of this!! things are happening so fast and its just been a whirlwind of activity. lol. I need a vacation - this honeymoon cannot come quick enough for me !!! lol. How many of you other brides are first time buyers and are you looking for a home the same year as you're planning your wedding?! its a LOT of change, and while I think I do well with change, it's a big committment... however I know that God is in control and he is looking out for our best interest...so if its not this house, than He just has another one with our names on it! lol :-)

"It keeps going, and going and GOING...!!!"

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:30:00 PST

Don't know if you other brides have this problem or not, but we have been typing up all of our guests' addresses and we keep ADDING people to our list!! LOL. This is not good...I think we may need to have some people on a second list, and if people on our first guest list don't RSVP or can't make it, we can then turn to our second guest list to replace them...not trying to be rude or anything, but why not? I mean, we did rent chairs for 15 people, so we may as well fill 'em up, right?! **P.S. It's soo quick and easy to type up everyones' addys if you start with their phone # (actually, it works with just their name too), and type it in at www. canada411.ca - their address should then pop up! This only pertains to canadian residents, however...**

..."bake me a cake as fast as you can!"

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:01:00 PST

Went to the bakery back in my hometown yesterday. It's so great doing business with people that we know - our baker is a lady who used to attend the same church as me. She has a kitchen attached to her home, and she was SO GREAT to meet with and discuss wedding cakes!! She had these white, faux styrofoam pieces that she placed on a cake stand and we were able to play around with them to get the cake that I was most happy with. Ours will be 3 tier, filled with white hydrageas in the middle. It will have pearl embellishment on the fondant, white a green ribbon trim running along the bottom of each tier. Our monogrammed initials will be on two sides of the middle tier. On the top is our cake topper ("infinite love") with a cluster of white and green hydrangeas on the one side. It will be on a white, ceramic cake stand/pedestal in order to give it even MORE height. The top tier will be entirely fake, while the middle will be chocolate with all raspberry filling, and the bottom will be vanilla cake with strawberry cream AND lemon filling. I figured fruit fillings would do nicely for a summer wedding and while I prefer the white cake, as it doesn't seem so dense, other guests may opt for the chocolate! ;-)

First Fitting!!!

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:37:00 PST

My seamstress definitely went above and beyond...and I am soo thankful! I LOVE my dress - even more than the day I bought it! She is soo affordable too - doing all this sewing by hand adding beading and french alencon lace - and only charging a mere $190. My entire dress with all it's personal touches was under $500 and I couldn't be more pleased! She attached a train which will have a hook so I can hold it (when getting out of vehicles, etc...) and can be attached to my dress to give it a more poofy look if I would like. It is also competely removable, which makes it nicer to dance in. She added cap sleeves which will be clipped on for the ceremony, and removed for the reception - it's so versatile! On the train she's adding lace (that will match the lace trim on my veil) with pearl beading along with some irridescent/glittery beads. Today was my first fitting and she doesn't need to alter it at all, which is GREAT. Soo excited for the finished product!!!!!!!!

before you say I DO

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:23:00 PST

We have been meeting with our pastor, Jeff, (who also is Matt's cousin- which is cool) who will be officiating our ceremony. We have been chatting about wedding planning (details, order of ceremony), family stuff, our relationship, etc. This course that we're taking with him covers many things like expectations, communications, etc...He's been a great help as far writing our vows too! I'm very excited for this because it really feels like things are moving along and coming together nicely! We both look forward to meeting up with him every month and I'm praying that it will bring us even closer together. He also said that he wants to know if there are any funny stories about each other that we want him to tell lol. He's a really nice guy, a little goofy at times, but encouraging, fun loving and he was the pastor of the church that I met Matt at, so having him officiate our ceremony is significant and meaningful. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Even if it isn't required, you should seriously consider the benefits of premarital counseling: 1. It can reduce the risk of divorce by up to thirty percent 2. It can lead to a significantly happier marriage 3. It can help reduce the stress of planning a wedding While love is important, it won't be enough if you don't have the basic relationship skills you need for a successful marriage. Lasting marriages require partners who respect one another and know how to communicate with one another. The idea behind premarital counseling is that you need to strengthen your relationship before tying the knot so that you will be fully equipped to deal with the challenges and conflicts that every couple inevitably faces at some point in their marriage. Compatibility - With your spouse and future in-laws Expectations - About work-family balance, careers, household responsibilities, time spent together Communication -With your spouse, parents, in-laws Conflict Resolution - How to deal with big and small problems, financial matters, constant bickering, meddling in-laws, etc., Intimacy and Sexuality - Frequency of sexual relations, making time, making love versus just sex Long-Term Goals - Personal, family, and career Marriage preparation will teach you and your fiancée how to deal with these issues so that they don't become toxic to your relationship. Are any of you WBC brides opting to NOT do the whole pre-marital counselling thing?

Attending first fitting!

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:56:00 PST

I am so so SO thrilled to finally see the end result of my gown! It will be totally transformed...my seamstress is a total blessing from the Lord and I went out with Matt's G-Ma to get more fabric for her to add a train and I also purchased some lace where she is going to add a bit along the bodice outlining the sweatheart neckline - completely softens the look of the dress. Much more of a romantic feel to it, if you know what I mean. PLUS - it will match the mantilla veil with the lace trimmed edge that I'm going to order off Etsy. EEEEE!!! Can you tell I'm excited?!!! Oh yeah, and my dress came with some weird wrap thingy, which I had no need for, and so my seamstress took my idea and is able to use that material to add capped sleeves that will button on for the ceremony, and then I will go strapless for the reception. :-)

The great invitation assembly line pt. 1!

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:46:00 PST

Anyone see that episode of I Love Lucy where Lucy and Ethel get jobs at a chocolate factory on the assembly line, and the conveyor belt keeps going faster and faster until they're forced to shove the unwrapped chocolates anywhere they can? Well, May 15th is going to be like my own personal episode of I Love Lucy, assembly line, chocolate, the works. Ok, so there will be no conveyor belt, and the pace will be far more leisurely, and there probably won't be any stuffing of chocolate into mouths with hilarious results....but there WILL BE chocolate, dammit! And there WILL BE packaging... so stayed tuned for the end result!

Forecast calls for a shower!

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:16:00 PST

This spring is going to be tons of fun as my showers are approaching! My 3 aunts are in the midst of co-ordinating a day that works, as well as Matt's family is in the middle of planning a theme a date for another shower! Also, my good friend/ bridesmaid is hosting an outdoor garden themed lingerie party in my honour. I'm totally psyched to see everyone and just have some girly fun! I was browsing the net, and these are some really cute invite styles/ pics I came across. For more bridal shower tips: http://www.squidoo.com/wedding_invitation_etiquette And something else, though it may be kinda cheesy... Thought I'd pass these games on to those of you who are having their bridal showers about now! Game: The Paper Bride How to Play: Guests divide into teams of 3 or 4. One member of each team is the model; the others construct a wedding dress using toilet paper (Use triple ply - lol). The models strut; the bride picks her fav look. Game: Fantasy Date How to Play: Each guest writes the name of her dream celebrity date on a card. Everyone tries to match the date with the guest. Game: Vow Mad Libs How to Play: Print out traditional vows, leaving blanks for nouns, verbs and adjectives. A bridesmaid asks each guest for a word. At the end of the party, the bride reads her wedding vows! *If you want, you could do an extra set, ask the groom to arrive at the end of the party, and get the couple to hold a mock ceremony. TEEHEE! * Game: Wedding-Movie Charades How to Play: Write the names of wedding movies (27 Dresses, Mama Mia!) on cards. Divide the party into 2 teams. Players act out titles to their own team members, who must guess the answer in 3 mins or less. *Tip - Go heavy on the cocktails - haha*

Never ending to-do list...

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:52:00 PST

We have been so busy with wedding stuff every night this week. But things are going well and lots of progress is being made! We have been contacting vendors for follow-up, as well as picking up lots of odds and ends (wedding accessories). I have been constantly browsing through wedding mags for ideas and I keep thinking that BECAUSE things are going so well, that I may be forgetting something? I hate to worry this way...and so far so good, so we'll see how it pans out. It's so hard to imagine all my thoughts/ideas and purchases coming together into a nice, cohesive and enjoyable day...but time will tell! I think that if we would have been able to afford it, we would have/should have gotten a wedding planner to take over the reigns and co-ordinate this event. It's just a lot to juggle sometimes eh? I am in the middle of waiting to hear back from the bakery we are going with for our cake, and we are also taking on another project with our Stag and Doe. Whew - I'm exhausted though! It's never-ending, but here's to wedded bliss! :)

Etsy garter belt sets

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:29:00 PST

Soo cute! I LOVE Etsy, and I am definitely ordering mine from there... I just can't decide which one I like better?!?!

Let's stick to the schedule, people!

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:03:00 PST

I am a very organized person. I like to have timelines made up and contact lists of people, etc... whereas Matt, on the other hand, thinks that we are WAY ahead of the game and says that I should NOT be getting overwhelmed...but the truth is - I AM! It's just too much. We have been house hunting lately, and as exciting as that is, my personality is screaming to STOP THE MADNESS! lol. I can only balance so much in my life at a time, and I've worked SO hard to make time for the important people in my life, as well as to only make sure that I don't bring my work home with me, and only take on so many tasks at a time. Soo, that being said, I like to think in terms of timelines and schedules and we don't HAVE to stick to them exactly, but it IS nice to have something to kind of direct the general flow of your big day. Agree or disagree?

~Invitations~

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:44:00 PST

So these are just an idea of what my invites will be like. We made up these samples. They will be a teal cardstock with the chartreuse green liner on the front, and will fold down to open. The front will also have a satin chartreuse ribbon across, tied to the side and a peacock feather will be tucked into the ribbon fold. The inside will have the information on piece of vellum, outlined by turqouise and chartreuse green paper. We are going to be getting a bunch of ladies together to assemble and address these puppies! My friend's sister does "Stampin' Up" cardmaking classes,etc...and she is giving us a hand and ordering all the materials for us through the company that way. Question is...will these darling doilies work with my invites?! Lol :) *The other pictures are all ones that inspired me to create my invites the way that I did*

R&R ~ ahead of the game

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:49:00 PST

This month we have been able to accomplish so much on our to - do list, it's incredible! This month we are just going to take the time to relax and enjoy being with each other. Valentines Day we are going out for dinner and will be celebrating our 3 years together as a couple. It's nice to know that things are going as scheduled and everything's on track. I will probably do a couple DIY projects, but other than that, the month of February is going to include lots of down time :)

Kudos to my man!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:43:00 PST

I just wanted to say thanks to my sweetie for being such a caring, supportive and sensitive guy when it comes to planning and preparing with all things wedding related. It's so much fun being engaged to you and I really appreciate all the help you have been giving me, and the enthusiasm you show when it comes to booking things and shopping around. You have been a great help in motivating ME to plan our wedding day details, as well as you remind me to lighten up and enjoy the planning, helping me to keep the stress levels down. YOU ARE AMAZING!!...and I cannot WAIT to be married to you. You are the love of my life. ~Forever yours <3

Registry ~ complete!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:25:00 PST

So we are officially done with our gift registry. It took about 3 days to get everything all sorted out and organized...but we are doing an online registry at : www.myregistry.com and we have some items from Leon's (a Canada furnishing store), IKEA, Sears, etc... on there, as well as we went INTO Home Outfitters and The Bay (they are a joined registry, but two different stores) and we went around and had fun actually shopping for things. We then sync'd/imported this registry with our online one so it's all accessible online. Hopefully this won't be -too- confusing for our guests...we wanted our guests (e.g. our grandparents - who are not so internet-saavy) to be able to have things as easily accesible as possible. We really wanted a vast array of things, as well as a registry experience and the convenience of an online gift registry- so we found that this worked well for us. It was LOTS of fun dreaming, hoping, planning and SHOPPING for our future home :)

toasting flutes? ~ Ask a question

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:22:00 PST

Does anyone know where one can get a fake knockoff of these swarovski toasting flutes, or maybe a similar alternative? I don't want to pay the $300 for the originals... Thanks for the feedback! **Update: I searched around myself in my spare time, and came across these Lenox Jubilee toasting flutes that are the EXACT replica of the Swarovski crystal ones! They were SOOO much cheaper. I found mine on Ebay, but I've also read that brides have hunted around Macy's and Marshall's and have found them there too. Good luck gals!**

DIY hair flower

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:09:00 PST

I've seen hair flowers sell on etsy for over $80.00, and although they're gorgeous, that's just not in my budget. Materials: silk flower feathers (optional) fabric glue small styrofoam ball, about 2" (I recommend using 'smoothfoam', which is more solid and is stronger than regular styrofoam) Swarovski crystal beads or glass beads faux pearl beads flat-head straight pins (look in the jewelry aisle, they look just like sewing straight pins, but have a flat head on the top) alligator hair clip **Msg me if you want more clear instructions than the photo how-to** When you're done - you have a custom-made, one of a kind hair flower for under $20.00. Have fun with it...change the bead or feather colors to match your wedding colors, or even do a colored flower. I used mine for a applique for my dress. :)

wedding dress ~alterations

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:14:00 PST

*SIGH* FINALLY! I have found an available, willing and able seamstress who is able to personalize my dress and make it everything I have envisioned! I designed a flower applique to attach to my dress (my left hip- side) as well as I am going to get her to do my bustle and add detachable cap sleeves to my dress. I'm SO excited to see the finished product! :)

Coat room tags~diy

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:26:00 PST

If I find that I have some spare time, I may attempt to make my own coatroom tags. That way, all the gents who wish to take off their suit jackets and hang them in the coat room, will know which ones theirs and its whereabouts. :) The Details: Upon arrival, guests will be handed the bottom portion of their coat check in exchange for their coat. Our diligent helpers (the niece and nephew of the groom) will then be filing the jackets and shawls in numeric order. At the end of the evening, guests will use their ticket to find the correlating hanger, subsequently creating an easy and well-organized departure. More details to come as this project is put into motion **Update:** This project was effortless [and cost effective]. The tags are adorable!

~Once upon a time Modern met vintage~

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:14:00 PST

For the perfect bridesmaid gifts, look no further than The Right Hand Gal (www.therighthandgal.com). This jewelry line is sooo great because: 1. They're Canucks. Lol. 2. They're the REAL DEAL. Forget glass and cubic zirconia; every piece is made from freshwater pearls, diamonds, topaz and aquamarine, and they're priced quite affordably as well! 3. They're all wrapped up --> The pkgs look adorable! Each jewelry item comes exquisitely wrapped in a signature box and tied with a satin ribbon. This jewlery line was EXACTLY what I was looking for when it comes to wedding day jewelry.

Newest decor inspiration~ Wine barrels!

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:38:00 PST

We went to visit a potential florist today and got a quote from him. He's great, and he's loaning us every prop his shop has as long as another wedding doesn't need it for their flowers. Anyway, I asked him about incorporating these wine barrels in the wedding ceremony, and he said he doesn't have access to any...so I am going to email my venue (the winery) and go directly to the source! I hope they will let us use some of theirs because it could look awesome! If I am able to use 2 of them, I will tie some of the wheat with white ribbon (similar to pic #3) around them both and place them at either sides of the table that we are going to have mason jars on (which will be filled with fruity refreshments for afterwards). :)

Ceremony arch/ arbour

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:30:00 PST

We have a wooden arch at our ceremony venue at the winery...I'm just trying to figure out how I see it best decorated. I want to keep it simple because we're getting 2 rustic looking obelisks for either side for greenery to kinda climb it...so I may ask our florist to do a floral arrangement to hang on the top of the arbour, and then I can go to Michaels or something and pick up some birch branches to strap to the sides of the arbour. I think that this will kinda give it "texture" and dress it up a bit! **Update: Check out my last 2 pics...I sent these to my florist and he is going to create arangements with grapes and we will have them in apothecary glass jars on either sides (closer) of the arbour. Then the obelisks will have climbing greenery/vines on it on both of the farther sides of the arbour. **

An ode to the mason jars!

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:27:00 PST

Ohhh mason jars. Never go out of style. You adorn chairs, display photos and serve a purpose in quenching ones thirst... lol. :) Love 'em!

Alphabet photography

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:29:00 PST

www.alphabetphotography.com <-- As seen on CityLine, The Steven and Chris Show, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, Breakfast Television, "O" Magazine, Chatelaine Magazine, A Channel Morning News, and Others.Alphabet Photography is the work of Jennifer Blakeley. Jennifer and her husband Sam run the business together, along with other members of their close-knit team. Alphabet Photography is based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This project was inspired by a children's book called "Alphabet City" published in 1999 by Stephen T. Johnson. Jennifer spent a large part of 2006/2007 travelling Canada with only one goal in mind; to collect a complete gallery of photos that look like letters of the English Alphabet. All of her photos are of objects found in their natural surroundings that are un-staged and not found in any pre-existing signage. After two years of collecting photos and growing the business, Alphabet Photography is now a successfully trademarked company in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with a customer base from all around the globe. Alphabet Photography pre-framed inspirational words are now available in several home and gift stores in Canada and the USA as well as Sears Canada Online, Green Earth, Meijer Department Stores, Home Sense, Crackerbarrel, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and other major retail chains. To customize your own Alphabet Photography word, you can order right on-line or visit us at one of our many exhibit locations. Alphabet Photography photo art will make a stunning wedding gift, baby shower gift, and is suitable for any occasion. Alphabet Photography will make a timeless addition to your home decor! I'm going to get one made for us to hang in our home...and we can also have it on display at our reception. :) It will spell out "L-O-V-E". <3

Inspirational/Love poster board

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:12:00 PST

I'm not sure how it's going to turn out...but I'm in the midst of collaborating love quotes from either famous poets or scripture. I hope to have some sort of "love poster board" displayed either at our ceremony or just as you enter in our reception hall. :) I have included which quotes I've gathered so far: Love Poster Quotes: There is only one happiness in life - to love and to be loved- George Sand The consciousness of loving and being loved brings warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring. - Oscar Wilde What a grand thing to love! What grander thing still, to love! - Victor Hugo There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. - Martin Luther Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I have love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I have love. - Leo Tolstoy Love many things, for therin lies the true strength, and whatsoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done. - Vincent Van Gogh Love is, above all else, the gift of oneself. - Jean Anouilh The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller A loving heart is the truest wisdom. - Charles Dickens Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but looking outward in the same direction. - Antoine De Saint-Exupery At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. - Plato Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get only with what you are expecting to give- which is everything. - Katharine Hepburn To love is to be vulnerable. - C.S. Lewis Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. - Aristotle Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love. - Erich Fromm True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart. - Honore De Balzac Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. - Robert Heinlein Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one. - Friedrich Halm Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you. - Walter Winchell Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. - Proverbs 18:22 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove all mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to by burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophec is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up my childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully; even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.