Find me a Vase!

It's a little ridiculous but...I've spent hours and hours looking at vases online. I like flowers in very organic arrangements and so I thought it would be lovely to have several different bouquets on each table in different size and shaped vases.

1. My first solution for this was to just gather as many vases as possible from friends and family - regardless of color, shape, size - and see how creative we could get with arranging them as centerpieces. I haven't completely let go of that idea because it is a really thrifty way to do it and I'm sure that Elaina (my florist) will be able to make it come together and look very preppy chic.
   


2. On the other hand, I love the idea of using mint julep cups as vases - I like their southern, traditional look and feel. I could get three different sizes of these silvery vases, maybe add ribbons to soften them up, and get a very preppy/romantic feel.
   


3. Lastly, and this would be a heck of a lot easier if I were in Poulsbo - I could go shopping at Antique Malls and Flea Markets and really get an assortment of vases that look vintage and shabby-chic (have I gone overboard and used the word "chic" way too many times in this post??). Honestly, I arrive in town the Tuesday morning before my Saturday wedding, I could easily hit up three antique stores that I am familiar with on my way home. If I go this route it's a tad bit risky because I won't be able to budget for the vases - on the other hand, it seems so much more personal and interesting per table.


4. I also like the idea of incorporating old mason canning jars - this idea kind of ties into option number three as I think you are most likely to find these old jars in antique shops.
   

When asking my beau about this dillema he said, "Bud, do you think everyone is actually going to notice the vases you choose?" I know he was trying to be helpful and his statement actually made me crack up and release some of the stress I was experiencing over this decision. The flower's are what make the centerpieces lovely, I guess I'm putting way too much time and thought into what we put them in. Which option do you like? Do you have any recommendations for places to find great deals on vases?

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Cake Toppers -

I spend way too much time on Etsy these days! But I can't help myself, there are too many sweet crafts and accessories that are so unique and professional that could potentially add the personal touch that I want to achieve without looking too "DIY". Here are a few cake topper options that have caught my eye...let me know what you think! We are doing cupcakes because I spent half of my time at Cupcake Royale when I lived in Seattle - but there will still be a small cutting cake so we can take part in the tradition of feeding each other cake. Speaking of tradition, someday I plan to write a book of new, revitalized traditions...there are some traditions that should really cease to exist. That however, is a totally seperate blog for when I have a little more time to elaborate. Anyhow, check out these cake topper ideas, all found on Etsy.com.






If the cake topper idea is too cheesy, we can always use some flowers to dress the cutting cake up a bit. I really love these little yellow flowers called billy buttons, they are precious!

7 Weeks to go...

For some reason I was feeling really good about the wedding plans - until I realized that I am no longer in front of the 2 month mark by a few weeks, but actually, just past it by one. I stopped by TJ Maxx yesterday to get a yoga mat for my new ultimate boot camp class that I'm now taking 3 days a week. Afterwards, I came home and had just enough time to walk through our engaged couples class assignment from last week with my fiance before I fell asleep from exhaustion. How does one work full time, plan a wedding, get into shape, take a pre-marital counseling course, and oh yeah, just find time to enjoy your fiance -- when the list of wedding to do's are insane. And I don't think as brides, it's entirely our fault. Sure we decide what to take on, but from the day you get engaged there is this month by month list of things you ought to do in order to prepare for this wedding and since you have never actually been married, you kind of assume that you should do everything on the list when it tells you to. I recently subscribed to a blog called A Practicial Wedding, that has a very interesting perspective on this...it really made me laugh and put it all into perspective.

Today, I'm happy to say that I'm throwing the list out the window and making my own list. So there!

Enough About the Women...What Will the Men be Wearing?

I've spent a lot of time writing about what the bridesmaids might wear and just realized that I haven' t mentioned what my groom and his guys will be wearing. This is partly because we didn't make a decision about this until last weekend and because there are a lot more dress options out there for the ladies making the experience of IR (internet research :) a lot more interesting. Adam looks so great in a black tux that I'm starting to have second thoughts about his ensemble but the formal black tux really doesn't mesh with the theme and overall tone we are looking to set. I imagined him looking more like one of the JCrew grooms and so this is the outfit that we concocted (*NOTE: this is the exact suit that we will be renting - he wont' be wearing a vest or a bowtie)

Shawntel Designs a Beautiful Headpiece for my Wedding!

I am in love with the modern birdcage that is very popular this season. I had to find a way to incorporate the look into my wedding without missing the opportunity to wear the veil - afterall, this is my one chance to wear a veil! My bestfriend, Jordyn, had the idea to talk to her friend Shawntel who is an incredible, up and coming designer. This is what she came up with, I hope you like it! You can find Shawntel on Facebook if you have questions about her designs! She is also an incredibly talented sketch and watercolor artist who can produce a beautiful painting of your wedding dress! Let me know what you think about the birdcage - my sister-in-law to be, Katrina, helped me with the positioning and the updo!

Yellow Shoes and Billy Buttons

I love infusing bright and cheerful elements into the wedding details whenever possible. Since my staple color is a classic and calm navy blue, I want to add hints of color to liven things up a bit. My Bestie Boo found these yellow shoes from Victoria Secret for a great price and I think they will look lovely with the navy blue and ivory dresses. I was already planning on the bridesmaids carrying white bouquets, but now that we have found yellow shoes, what if I added a few billy buttons to the equation? I love the fullness and whimsy of ranunculas...which I think will be in season at the end of August (unfortunately the fluffy peonies will not) coupled with the pop and pizzazz that the billy buttons provide. Take a look and let me know what you think :)

Engagement Photo Session Results

Adam and I had a great time in Seattle over Memorial Day weekend! The weekend was jam packed with lots of wedding planning events and festivities, but well worth the extra energy and mild cold afterwards from sleep deprivation. As most of you know from my previous post, I was trying to coordinate a few cute outfits for us to wear during our photo shoot. I ended up using the navy, JCrew swiss-dot dress and the jeans with the long sweater and scarf number. We walked around the eclectic and nostalgic Fremont neighborhood getting our picture taken for a couple of hours! It was definitely a little awkward at first; I think the last time I had my picture professionally taken was high school senior pictures...and I actually wore a pair of tan overalls in that photo shoot (ugh). If you'd like to check out more pictures you can visit our photographer's blog where they have posted their favorite shots. I really enjoyed their company, they are a young, creative, carefree couple with a lot of patience. I'm glad we took some time to have an engagement photo session because I now feel so comfortable about having them up close and personal on the big day. I am also happy that I get to see their products with us as the subject, ahead of time! I highly recommend the extra time and money for an engagement photo session with your wedding photographer!