Wedding Smorgasbord

2009-11-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Love the chalkboard seating chart! And the cake is precious too. :)

Sparkles. Crystal. Fem

2009-09-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Love this picture.

Could do without the black votive holders and I'd like a little more punch in the tablecloth but everything else is fabulous.

Pic from theknot.com

Oh wow...

2009-09-16T18:43:00.001-07:00

Budget Sacrifices

2009-09-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

So this is where I am going to make sacrifices in the name of ... other stuff.

Invitations & related stationary.

Music.

Food.

Favors.

Flowers.

Sure no one likes to get "less than the best" but who wants to get middle value on everything when you can splurge in an area or two and scrimp on the lesser catergories?

Also I went to my go-to seating arrangements girl and she has decided that there WILL be assigned seating. What seating arrangment girl wants, she gets.

Also I asked Robyn to be my matron of honor. So Harper is my maid of honor, Robyn my matron of honor. I checked the rule book, it's copacetic.

Love these.

2009-09-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

Creamy Cymbidium 'Lionello' spill out of a bridal bouquet accented by frothy astilbe and buds of society garlic, and finished with white-silk satin ribbon.

The bride's bouquet is a mix of English garden roses, flowering mint stems, olive leaves, fuchsias, and pink pepper berries.

Flower pictures & descriptions from Martha Stewart

Lovely flowers

2009-08-29T19:27:00.001-07:00

Shasta Daisies- a friendly bouquet.

Peonies - a chic bouquet.

Queen Anne's Lace - a romantic bouquet.

Shasta Daisies from N MM Flower Lovers

Peonies from Freckled Chick

Queen Anne's Lace from little somethings...

Delegate MY authority?

2009-08-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

How can I get my hair done while I am micromanaging reception site decorations? Can I just have them style a wig and wear that? I don't want to sit down while everyone else gets to set things up!

I get my space from 10a until 12am (my space meaning the reception site) (the ceremony site I get for 2 hours and I get the "get ready" room for 2 additional hours). So maybe I could... be on site at Lakeside Lodge at 10a and help people to set up my brilliant ideas and then at 2:30 go get my hair done? I won't sweat will I? I can just bring some baby wipes, some deoderant and let the stylist wash my hair for touch up purposes can't I? Hello? *crickets*

I know this not-exactly-a-shower idea horrifies my mother. Seriously Ma, I won't sweat. I'll stand by a vent and direct traffic!

Don't let this entry confuse you. I don't fear giving up control so much as I long to see the totality of my humble visions come true. I'm an artist, I am particular. Not to be confused with peculiar.

I saw the most beautiful gown on marthastewartweddings.com earlier and I have to share it. I have my gown and I love love love it but just in case anyone else watching is seeking their dream dress... It is by Badgley Mishka Bridal and probably costs an arm and a leg. But maybe you can barter them down to just one leg and then hide the missing appendage with the dress.

It's called "Mallory" and it is from the Spring 2008 Collection. These pictures really don't do it justice. Go see the video at Martha's wedsite. ;)

Martha's minion

2009-08-28T13:33:00.001-07:00

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/good-things/blooming-rings?

Reminds me of Disney's Robin Hood

So fabulous!

2009-08-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

I want this. Change in cakes for pies? I don't know...

It.is.so.cute.

Picture from Lisa Lefkowitz~

More invitation attempts.

2009-08-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Attempts really is not the correct word. Since any of these could be outstanding invitations, rsvp, direction cards.

Was trying to figure out wording, what needed to be included, how colors play together, etc.

I think I need an invitation, a rsvp card and directions. I'm not sure how one can really talk about registration delicately...

An invitation option (this pink looks way to purple, especially when paired with the other two things I made...):

an RSVP option (don't you love the old timey map?)

A directions card option (this is still my favorite):

Photobooth location

2009-08-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

So I really think for space and lighting reasons the photobooth needs to be OUTside. I keep seeing people's fantastic ideas and I am stoked about it.

Also instead of a chalkboard... a big frame? Maybe that is just too much fun for some people. :D

A word or 3 about flowers... and more.

2009-08-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

I like velvet ribbon wrapped around stems. Might be a bit autumn-y but I can work with that.

(unrelated link: Martha's paper pom poms how to.)

I love peonies, LOVE them, I like big roses, love forget me nots, i can even do carnations without a cringe, love daisies... baby's breath is good

No lillies, tulips, amaryllis, no moss, no ... I don't know.

Cutest cake topper ever! By Middleburg

Don't forget the...

2009-08-22T19:43:00.001-07:00

Cake Topper.

Invitations, reply cards, directions cards, envelopes.

Chalk board (& chalk!)

Speakers, Mic, etc.

Bracelet.

Stand-alone mirror for powder room.

Soaps n such for powder room.

Hand towels.

Groom's cake...

Paper "lanterns". http://www.bulkpartysupplies.com/store/c/4991-Tissue-Balls.html

Letter box thingy.

Pew flowers/decorations.

tbc...

SMP win!

2009-08-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Stylemepretty.com has their inspiration board builder working and I love it though I think there will be more to love later.

Here is the first one I built. I call it "Paper & Twinkle"

http://circle.stylemepretty.com/pameleen/blog/2009/08/19/paper-twinkle/

Paper Flowers

2009-08-18T20:15:00.001-07:00

New obsession. Paper flowers. I want to take this somewhere, but where and how far can I go with it?

Image from WeddingJeannie

Invitations

2009-08-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I know I will probably make a hundred different rough copies before I hurriedly choose one the day before they have to be printed and mailed but I had some time (thanks to Marley's 12 minute nap) and I thought I'd make a little card for the directions insert. Just playing around, still I relish my own cleverness at times.

Photogs

2009-08-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

So we met with the photographers today. They live on the westside (automatic points right there) and their house is too cute. Got all my main concerns addressed and all is well.

I'm wondering how many people talk about breastfeeding with their wedding photographer?

I did mess up the girl's name. Which is strange because every time I meet someone named Melanie I call them something else. Last time I met a Melanie I kept calling her "Melody" and this time is was "Melissa". Gomen.

No one accused me of being on top of things.

Showed Bob the ceremony & reception sites today. He likes them much and also approves of my catering ideas.

Now I just need to figure out about flowers and why flowers cost so much. Peonies and roses are still high up there in my obsessive love list but will they balance the chic or send it over the top? Wildflowers? Alternatives?

Also... can you use a regular broom on duck poop?

Check it

2009-08-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Reception site - check.
Ceremony Site - Also check.

Decided on having the ceremony in the chapel in Heritage Village. Charming, charming, charming.

2009-08-14T20:47:00.001-07:00

Temperatures & Sunsets

2009-08-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

So the average temperature for June 5th is 80 degrees. But the ACTUAL temperatures are ALL over the place. I could handle rain better then I could handle 90 degrees in a full length dress. Have you met hot sweaty Meghyn? She's a &^%$# (trust me).
~
Ok, I am watching "Gown Crazy" (which is NOT about wedding gowns but IS about a crazy man-diva who is obsessed with rhinestones). I appreciate the sparkly glitter as long as it isn't on a toddler with a tiara. Argh!

"What nature has forgotten, (I) can pad with cotton."
~
June 5th tends to have it's sunset at 9pm. Who will care about twinkle lights if it isn't dark? I am OBSESSED with lighting (not that you can tell to look at my house, everything is baby proofed and dark as the underside of a rock). If I have a few dozen mason jar candles and a small fortune of twinklies.. it won't matter because it will be daylight! Argh!
~
Bob and I delight in talking about honeymoon ideas. We're keeping the ideas flowing. All inclusive resorts, backwoods camping, Gatlinburg done right, Disneyworld... le sigh!

Reception Site - Check

2009-08-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

I have a reception site! Lakeside Lodge @ Sharon Woods.
Lovely, unique, private (and cheap).

We also viewed Heritage Village (also in Sharon Woods). That place has a lot to love!
Character, rustic charm, (and it's cheap).
Considering using the church there for the ceremony, we shall see.

Ok... so the inside needs a bunch of work. Like the vaulted ceiling and

the stone walls and sky lights though. No stuffed animals is nice as well.

How do I work with long rectangular tables?

Photobooth

2009-08-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of my photobooth dream. <3

I really love the quilt in the background & the chalkboard!

Found at stylemepretty.com

Photos by The Nichols

See more of this wedding here. Stylemepretty

New hope for the Hayloft

2009-08-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

So I was really into the budget friendly rustic setting of Hamilton County Parks' Hayloft Barn banquent center (what a mouthful) and was totally bummed to find out their animatronic dancing bears and turkeys were NOT removable. BUT Ma, Dad and I went to visit again today and Dad says we could easily cover them. Now I just need to get in touch with the coordinator and find out if a gentle draping is copacetic. I hope, I pray, I want!

Now how to make sure the rustic charm does not turn into a country ho-down. I am thinking rose topiary, ribbons, prints, peonies and chair covers. Wish me luck.

Also where to have the CEREMONY? It would be good to have it elsewhere besides the Hayloft. The good thing is that the surrondings of the Hayloft mean no wedding guests waiting bored and whiney while we have post-ceremony photos taken.

May need to turn from fabric and tin can centerpieces to cement urns and candles.
OH AND TWINKLE LIGHTS!!!!

Here is the first rustic wedding I ever loved. Big red barn and twinkles aplenty.

Also as table numbers don't matter much to my smallish medium sized wedding goes, I am still tempted to have them so I can use antique valentines, so romantic.

Reception Venue

2009-08-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Fail.
Fail.
Fail.
Dancing Stuffed Animals? Fail.

Receptions elsewhere.

2009-08-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

So having gotten some concern from Blobert about having our nuptials at my folks' house, I have considered other options. Some are booked solid until 2098. Others are a bit more... low profile.

Here is what is still on the list till they email me back and tell me some availability issue or I go and see them and decide doability).

Heritage Village
Krohn's Conservatory
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Winton Woods' Hayloft Barn (I get a little giddy about this location)

The Hayloft Barn is so... RUSTIC. I feel with the right amount of patterns, prints and china... it could be passable shabby chic.

Wish me luck. I need to stop ignoring my other blog. Doh!

Shopping list

2009-08-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

I need to find and buy...

*Blue canning jars... a lot of them.

*King size flat sheet with a good... no, a perfect pattern for my "photobooth".

Like this one...

from randomretro

Lights, Camera...

2009-08-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

From Nancianne514

Have the consultation scheduled with the photographers on Aug. 17 @ 630p... YAY!

Trying to pin down a consult with a caterer. Be Creative Catering

Some pix

2009-08-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I entered in a contest for free caligraphy and invites. Find out by tonight if we won. They will give it to person with best wording for invites. If I win, I'll share my entry :)

Love the mismatched maids' dresses here. And the umbrellas and the outside-ness.

from joshmccullock.blogspot.com (great photog)

I love the girl on the far right's hair. The braid, the curls. Just needs fringe! But I know I am in the minority on the fringe thing :D

from sapphyre.com

2009-07-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

I love these invitations so much. The lines, the map, oh la la.
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/02/16/wedding-invitations-by-wiley-valentine-v/

Love this inspiration board.
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/01/27/inspiration-board-xxxi/

Roses, Peonies

2009-07-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Shabby Chic ... wedding. I think I could only pull this off if I was marrying a feminine lesbian. *Sigh*

So the key here is to mix shabby chic and RUSTIC. The sort of RUSTIC that is actually shabby chic's butcher, manlier cousin.

I just keep thinking to myself. Don't paint everything white and sand it down just yet. English rose is nice but does it hide bbq stains?

Galvanized buckets of peonies!
Please?

I like this..

2009-07-21T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ok overall I am a big fan of this picture. Just... not those flowers, and more prints and.. no palm tree. Go go go

From theknot.com

Also I love this...

From vintagesongbird.blogspot.com

Picky?

2009-07-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

So... I looked at 300+ pictures of centerpieces. Guess how many of them I liked? 2. Never thought I would be picky about that. But when I describe things I like I feel like there is a variety of acceptable things...

I like ball jars, wildflowers, peonies, roses, pink, green, herbs, tin cans, birds, candles, galvanized steel buckets... erm... long walks on the beach, horse back riding.

I love prints. Lots and lots of prints all mixed up in a heap of silent loudness.

Too long to be twitters

2009-07-17T21:54:00.001-07:00

Let me sum up my favorite wedding styles...

French country, garden, boho, hippie chic chic chic. Maybe even a bit rustic.

Did I mention budget friendly?

So far I have my dress, because once a dream dress, always a dream dress (timeless, tradional, trumpet cut). 4/5 of my bridesmaids have their dresses (pink, strapless tea length). I have chosen my photographer but have not yet scheduled a consultation (but have confirmed that they have my date available). My date (JUNE 5th, 2010!) A site (my parents' gardens).

Some of my current idea tossing...

Instead of the traditional wedding sit down or buffet dinner... a pizza buffet? A BBQ? Budget friendly, different, approachable... I keep imagining ball jars of lemonade with raspberries. Rustic charm... hilbilly charm? What looks better then a red sauce stain on a ivory wedding dress?

Marley & Aimee are going to be uncontrollable cuteness no matter what happens but how to fully exploit... I mean capitolize.. I mean... eh... What is the maximum amount of cuteness we can get from these identical cousins? And should I give Marley a special role outside of the adorable duo?

Can you put on a wedding invitation "dress stylish so my pictures look good."?

Where can I find perfect shoes for my imperfect feet?

Basically...

2009-07-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

This will be my place to accumulate endless amounts of wedding related thoughts and inspiration. (and links, pictures and frustrations).