Honeymoon

Cancun Mexico

I decided on Cancun for a few reasons. My honey is not a big traveler. He can do without the planes and trains. He loves being at home. This trip would be his first to a beach. Shocking I know. I don't know how he has managed all of these years. Poor sap. The pros of Cancun - reasonably priced, has areas with lots of activity, and the plane ride isn't very long. My only requirement was adults only and all-inclusive. For me that was a first as well. Being the budget diva I am, I always traveling on a budget therefore all-inclusive was not an option previously. Since my honey is paying for this trip....why not go for it (within reason of course, I'm no fool). The honeymoon board on theknot.com raves about Excellence Playa Mujeres. I found a travel agent and booked the trip. We decided to leave the Monday morning after the wedding. The best decision ever. I can't imagine having to get up that Sunday to leave...URGH! I didn't pack our bags until Sunday evening, don't judge me! I thought this was going to be the longest 5 days of my life. He was surprisingly well behave and open to new things.

Customs was hectic at the airport in Mexico. There were so many people. The only thing I would change so far (we haven't event made it to the hotel), next we will get a private car. Granted we were the only people on the van to the hotel but the waiting thing was annoying. I'm sure we only waited 15mins but whatev. I'm impatient and have a non traveler with me, I need to get me to the action and quick!!! Since the hotel was secluded the drive to the hotel was a little interesting. Lets just say we were able to see the non tourist part of Cancun. If you have First 48, think Pork n Beans or Little Haiti. Same thing, LOL! Stray dogs, meat hanging on sticks, it was cultural....I can dig it. What I didn't understand was the random people standing by the road. We couldn't determine if they were waiting for the bus or chilling. There was no bus stop sign....When we pulled up to the hotel, we went through 3 gates and the driver had to give our names at 1 of the gates. Can you say Fort Knox? I don't know if I should be worried at this point or feel important. We get out the van and are greeted by our first and last name. Such a nice touch. We were offered hot towels to wipe our hands...you know they had that Oink, Oink (swine) in Mexico. At the front desk we were greeted by name and offered a glass of champagne. My honey is excited! Liquor and we haven't been here 3 mins. The property was gorgeous! Pics of the lobby

Tomorrow pictures of the room....AKA the love shack!

Back to the Basics

Hi, I'm Lisa and I'm a blog slacker. This is the first step to recovery, right. So.....I have soooo many things happening right now! So many changes! I'm nervous and scared and anxious and excited and I could go on but I will spare you the drama. On my wedding day I forgot to get a few pictures. Everything was moving so fast. My wonderful photographer has agreed to do a after shoot with me YAY! She also sent teasers.....GREATNESS!!!!! I love them so much!!!!! I can barely stand it!!!!!!!!!

Honeymoon Review with pictures....coming tomorrow. We had a great time!

My blog is suffering

I realize it. I'm not consistent with my blogging. I'm not sure anyone is actually reading this thing. How would they know about this blog? I haven't told anyone and I don't post on any public forums. I just need to do a better job of posting. I have many things happening right now, which I will detail soon, that blogging has taken a back seat. I will do better. Next week.....honeymoon review!!!!! I promise.

Vendor Reviews

Venue – Empire Room A++++++
The venue was perfect. Everyone was really nice and helpful. Laura was great to work with and made sure everything was handled perfectly. The food was awesome!!!! Normally wedding food is sort of blah but this meal was sooo good. I didn’t taste the canapés but my mom said they were good as well. The staff set up my DIY cookie and milk buffet, which was a hit! At the end of the night we were given a picnic basket with champagne, cake, and milk and cookies. A very nice touch. The only mishap was the specialty drink during the cocktail hour. I requested a wedding cake martini, which is our favorite drink as a couple. They served a drink but it wasn’t a wedding cake martini. People drank it but it was too strong for me. Overall, a great experience and if I could pick my venue over again I wouldn’t change my selection. http://www.empireroomdallas.com/

Cake - Society Bakery A-
I couldn’t give them less than that because I LOVE their cakes. We had three different flavors – vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet. So good! My only issue was the ribbon takeover! Someone went ribbon crazy on my cake. Not what I envisioned at all. http://www.societybakery.com/

Photography – Sunshine Peacock A+
She was great. She was very easy to work with and affordable. I’m sure the pictures will be lovely and I can’t wait to see them. She arrived on time and was very professional. http://www.sunshinephotography.com/

DJ Davale – DJ Takeover – A
He was great. He understood what we wanted and made it happen. He also recorded a personal message for me that was played right before my dad walked me down the aisle. Best Price In Town!!! 972.333.7262

Quartet - Serenata Strings – A+
Karen was great with communication before the wedding. The quartet arrived on time and played beautifully. I snuck out to hear some of the music before the ceremony and they were wonderful. http://www.seneratastringsdfw.com/

Florist - 1 True Blessing Floral – B-
Ricky was a last minute vendor. I was prepared to do the flowers myself. I had taken a class and was really excited about making my flowers. Ricky is just stating out and I was his first wedding. When he arrived at the hotel with my bouquet, I wasn’t happy. The roses seemed a little wilted. I told him and he said no problem. He made another bouquet at the venue, which was gorgeous. The issue - the centerpieces. I order 20 centerpieces. Well turns out the venue only sat 8 to a table so we had more than 20 tables. I spoke to Ricky about this on Wednesday prior to the wedding and he said no problem. I gave him 24 vases for the centerpieces and I thought everything would be fine. As we are lining up to begin the ceremony, I noticed 4 tables with no centerpieces. I ran back through the kitchen to grab Ricky (get the visual of me with my dress hiked up trying to catch the florist, ha). I may have been a bit mean but it was high stress at that point. He told my mom I only gave him 20 vases. BULL. I let him know in very few words all of my tables needed centerpieces and if he didn’t have enough material to complete 24 you should have told me this on Wednesday. Granted it was last notice but charge me extra to make it happen. My flowers were roses, hydrangeas, and orchids which are not hard flowers to get in 3 days. I would have purchased them myself if he couldn’t make 4 additional centerpieces. I told him every table MUST have a centerpiece when this ceremony is over. In the end all the tables had centerpieces. Four tables had just roses but it was fine, I guess. Ricky gave me an unbelievable deal, really unbelievable!!!!!! The centerpieces that were correct were gorgeous. The bouquet, bouts, and corsages were all great. 972.821.9941

Men’s Warehouse – A
The men looked great! We customized a few things. My honey wanted them to wear black shirts which the Men’s Warehouse doesn’t offer for the tux packages. Luckily each man had a black shirt. They also didn’t have a nice green tie so we purchased the ties and gave them as gifts.

Gown - Adele’s Bridal – A++++
I originally found my dress at another salon but Adele had a much better price!!!!! I love my dress. Adele added a bustle for $15 too. She was great. Her shop is North Richland Hills. I would recommend her to any budget bride. 817.281.4814

Makeup Artist - Kendra Carter, Mocha Cosmetics– A+++++++++++
She did an amazing job!!!!! I don’t wear makeup so this was all new to me. She is very affordable and does amazing work (not that I needed a lot of work, LOL). I was really impressed. I love her!!! 469.278.0978 Tell her Lisa sent you

Dance Floor - Dallas Event Rentals– A+
The Empire Room has a dance floor but the way I set up the room required an additional dance floor. I ordered a black and white dance floor from Dallas Event Rentals. No issues. I’m sure the floor will look great in the pictures. http://www.dallaseventrentals.com/

Lighting - HPS Lighting – A
John set up 15 uplights, a pinspot light for the cake, and a gobo on the dance floor. It looked nice. The gobo didn’t show up as good as I thought but no one notice. I’m just anal. http://www.hpslighting.com/

Videographer - JJ Crowder Video– A
Brandon was our video guy. We have known the Crowder family for years. I can’t wait to see the video. Piece of advice – watch what you say while the mic is on. My honey still had his mic on while we were having a private talk. LMAO! 469.547.5731

Wedding Website - A
http://www.weddingwindow.com/ Great and easy use!

DIY, Me – A+++ (can I really give myself an A)
Invitations, Save the dates, cake topper (ordered the letter from Crafty Eddy), milk and cookie buffet, birdcage veil, programs, OOT bags, and guestbook via Picaboo. I’m sure I did other amazing things but I can’t think of them right now.

Honeymoon, Cancun – Excellence Playa Mujeres A+++++++++++++
I loved it!!!!!!!! Any vacation from this point forward will be adults only and all inclusive! We booked with Marcie from Beach Bum Vacations. marcie@beachbumvacation.com

Overall it was a great evening!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any questions…ask away!

Where did the time go...

Was my last post really 7.15.09? WOW! There were so many things happening in those last 2 weeks I guess I just lost track. Well the wedding was pure greatness and the vacation was so delightful. I'm already planning my next vacation. I would enjoy planning another wedding but that would mean divorcing my honey...definitely not interested in the big D. The night wasn't perfect but it was....I can't find words....let's see...perfect for us. We had a great time!!! The professional pics will take 6-8 weeks. I can't wait to see them. Granted I only have 1 follower but since she reads the blog, I will post recaps when I get the pro pics. Planning this wedding has been so much fun. I love every aspect of planning & creating. If only to start a business.....I can dream, right.

I guess I need to start with vendor reviews, huh. Will do.

So many things

This weekend will be jammed pack with wedding joy. I only have 2 weeks to complete all of my DIY items. That list includes:
- cake topper
- programs
- cookie buffet items
- card box
- order candles
- find a veil
- guestbook
- make table signs
- groomsmen gifts
- flower girl gifts
- flower girl baskets
- timeline for DJ, venue, and photog
- make final payments
- get a ring bearer pillow (but not a pillow...that's so girly)
- kid coloring books
- find shoes (the hardest task ever)
- not to mention I need beach attire

I also have a business trip on Monday. So many things.....so little time.

Make up Trial

This weekend I had a make up trial. I don't wear make up so this trial is very necessary. I have tried and frankly I'm too lazy to clean my face at night. I know...I know. Luckily my honey is not a fan of make up so its great for me. I have a make up artist that is jazzing my bridal party up on the big day. She has been my friend for quite some time and I'm so happy she agreed to make me look 'finished'. Her words not mine. It took awhile to settle on an eyeshadow color and I don't really know if the color we picked its a definite. On Saturday I pick up my dress so I want to have my make up, jewelry, and all other accessories to try on at the store. This is great because I get another make up trial. Here are a few pictures. Please ignore the eyebrows.....LOL!

Things are brewing

Lots of things are happening or have happened. Lets start with a few checks

- earrings and bracelet

- dance floor - the way I'm setting up the room requires a different dance floor

- bridesmaid gifts complete

- passports are here

- "honeymoon" is paid in full

- flowers

About the flowers....

At one point I was a DIY flower bride. I was ready and willing to take on the flowers. I began thinking, I don't really have a place to store the flowers in the Texas heat. There is a place in Fort Worth http://www.theconnectionwholesaleflorist.com/ that will allow you to rent refrigerator space. Its a great deal. They also offer a wedding flower class that teaches you how to make bouquets, corsages, bouts, and a centerpiece. Well Fort Worth is too far to drive from my end of the world. So I started calling florist to see if they would rent refrigerator space. Wishful thinking I know. I came across a guy that is looking to start his own business. He currently works at a floral shop and he offered to do my flowers for a PHENOMENAL fee. We met...discussed some things...2 days later I had a sample centerpiece.

I think it turned out pretty good. Granted we need to tweak some things but there is definitely potential. Plus the price is so good!!!! Today I signed a contract with him!!!!!

MY DRESS!!!

Its here!!!!! Yes the wedding is only 26 days away but its finally here! There was some panic about the dress being too short. Well its perfection! It looks good and the length is perfect! One problem....back fat!!!!! How do you get rid of it in 26 days? Please help me! Extreme dieting right. I know that doesn't last long but neither does the wedding day. At some point everyone will see my back fat in all its glory. I know 26 days isn't a long time but I can do it! I joined a bootcamp 2 weeks ago and it has helped. I have 2 more weeks of bootcamp and 2 weeks on my own. I can do it!!!! Now for the accessories.....the veil. I definitely want a birdcage but what kind? With or without a fascinator? Black or white? What length? Here are a few brides from http://www.birdcageveils.com/ (there is a new stores in Red Oak, TX)

I love them all. The look of the birdcage is great for our theme. They are just....bold and sassy! LOVE! The style I have decided on in theory (I haven't actually tried it on) is the Masque. It looks exactly how it sounds, like a mask. I like that I will not have to adjust the veil to make it perfect. My fear is that I can't get it the same again so the masque solves that problem. Here is picture of the Masque in black and white from http://www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com/

Its also called a bandeau style seen here on http://www.artikal.com.bridal.htm/ (many other styles on this website as well)

Flowers!!!!

I have never been a flower person but as of late I'm obsessed. Flowers can create such a great atmosphere! They can set the tone but they are expensive. I found a wonderful website of a floral and decor company in Hawaii. Such beautiful pictures!!

http://www.yvonnefloral.com/

Please check them out. They have such gorgeous pictures and I have gotten so much inspiration. Now if only I had a butt load of money...

Bouquets

Everyday I find a different bouquet and I think about changing my colors. Currently I'm in love with reds, pinks, and oranges. All images from the knot

YUM YUM

Today was my tasting. The food was great. I have decided on my entree, salad, canapes, and my signature drink. We also ironed out the final details - where to place the lounge furniture, cookie bar, dance floor, cake tables, etc. It only took 1 hour and everything is done! So now if I can get on with my to do list, all will be right with the world.

The show must go on

Now that the shower is over lets talk wedding again. The RSVP deadline is July 7th. My to do list is getting longer. I have yet to drop any poundage and my dress is being shipped today! Over the next week I will compile my ceremony music for the string quartet and gather a few must take photos for the photog. We have a tasting and final detail meeting on the 30th. I have to order the dance floor. Find ceremony decor. So many things to do.....

Flowers

I have decided to take on the task of becoming Martha Stewart. I made my invitations for the shower and the wedding. I'm like my own coordinator. Since I'm super anal and organize, it should be a breeze right.....LOL! This will definitely be a team effort. I don't know much about the various type of flowers but I know what I like. Orchids, hydrangeas, rose, peonies(won't be used in the wedding)...to name a few. Since I'm sticking with the classic theme, I don't want too much green. Black and white is greatness to me. I'm thinking white roses and hydrangeas, with a few cymbidium orchids. The bridesmaid will carry roses and my bouquet will have roses with cymbidium orchids. The hydrangeas will be in the centerpieces along with the roses and orchids. I have ordered my centerpiece vases. So now a flower trial. On Sunday, I made a very small centerpiece, a bouquet, a corsage, and a bout. Here are a few pics. I need to do a few more trials but I think its not bad.

Bout

Corsage

Top view of centerpiece

Side view of centerpiece

Bouquet

More Shower Pictures

Water bottles

Sexy Stuff!!!!
More gifts


Designer Panties game

A few friends

I will take a picture of the invitations and the game gifts.

Oh La La...

My lingerie shower was a blast!!!! The colors were pink, black and zebra. I'm not good with pics so of course I forgot to take pictures. One of my bridesmaids happen to get some shots. I was involved in the planning as I'm picky. Yea I know but whatever! So....I made water bottle labels and CDs as favors. The gifts were given in a zebra print take out box with pink tissue paper inside. The food was yummy. Fajitas! We also had cupcakes and martinis! I had a great time!!!! We played a few games, although I'm not a fan of games. The first was "What is the bride wearing." Its funny the answers you get! Some folks really don't pay attention. The 2nd game was "How well does she know the groom." My MOH asked my honey 12 questions and for every question I missed I had to take a shot. Mind you I'm not a drinker!!!!!! AT ALL!!! It was brutal. I'm confident that I know him but the questions were stupid. For example, what does he eat on his hot dog.....it depends. I did use a life line and one of my friends took a shot for me. The last game was "Designer Panties." The guests were broken up into teams and had to design my honeymoon panties. The dirtiest panties came from the oldest folks in the room. They have been married for 25+ years so I guess dirty works, LOL. Here are a few pics! Enjoy!

We put the CDs on the tables

The room

The food - Pink frosted cupcakes YUM!

Me

The CDs

It has happened...

Someone wrote in an additional guest on the RVSP card. The person received a polite email....Due to limited capacity, blah, blah, blah. I think my mom will have a issue telling people no. She has already mentioned we forgot so and so. Ummm...I didn't forget anyone. This will be a hassle.

In other news
My bridesmaids are throwing my a lingerie shower this weekend. My honey is so excited - he's a boy and stupid. I will have some pics on Monday. I will also have a few flower samples. I'm a one stop wedding shop.

The DJ contract has been signed. The only vendor I'm lacking is the videographer. Oh! My dress is being shipped on June 23rd. I had a panic attack last week about the dress being too short. I ordered a petite so I wouldn't have to get the bottom altered. The hem of the dress has a scallop finish that I didn't want to lose. Granted, someone could have altered the dress and left the hem in tact but I wasn't thinking. The petite is 3 inches shorter. I had a friend at work measure me, LOL! I went to a different bridal salon to try on the dress again and get their opinion. All signs point to it will be fine. I'm just anxious. I was measured with my heels (that aren't my wedding shoes since I can't find any!!!!) so if all fails, get a shorter heel. Right? I'll keep you posted.

RSVPs

So far 12. Is that good or bad? My mom is so excited. She calls every time there is a new one in the mailbox. My concern as with every person planning an event....why don't people RSVP?!?! Its the strangest thing. Do you like to sit and eat? If so, RSVP!! We also had a random request from our website for an invitation. Seriously.....Granted we would love to invite everyone we know but space and budget is an issue. And why do people feel the need to bring a guest? This event is for my family and friends. Not you and your random guest! So we specifically put the number of seats allotted for each guest. I know there will be folks that write in other guests. The biggest hassle.....

Maybe I should add hiring security to my growing To Do list.

What issues did you have with RSVPs?

Invitations

My invites are black metallic pocketfolds with fairway (stardream mats) and quartz paper. I was thinking about a bellyband but i decided against it. I just made a 2x2 square with our crest on it. It looks so regal....if you have any questions please feel free to ask!!!!!!

Mail Time!

Its been a week with no post. I've been busy. The invites are complete and have been mailed!!!! (I will post a pic when I get home) That is the biggest relief ever!! Now on to programs...I need to find a design. Wish me luck.

In other wedding news - I have a DJ. I received the info from a friend and his prices are the greatest. I will be signing the contract tomorrow. I'm so excited. The only thing left are the flowers. Did I mention I doing them myself. I'm pretty confident in my skills. My honey says I should start a wedding business since I have turned our study into a wedding studio. I wouldn't mind.....Its a thought. I love planning parties. I have already started on my honey's surprise 30th. He does read the blog so I'm not worried about him finding out.

Some really big checks this week. I'm excited.

Once you find something stop looking

Its so true. Oh the agony!!! I have decided to change my font and my paper color on my invitations. Seriously...what is wrong with me???? Everyday there is something different I want to do. All because I keep looking at things. I have to stay away from blogs and the knot and just close myself up in a room with no computer or personal interaction. I called my mom for help and her response....If you want the other paper get it. NO! I don't want the decision to be mine! This is her wedding. If this wedding were mine.....I would just die!!!! This decision is horrible. I'm slowly losing it.

So today at lunch I went to get the new paper. This has turned out to be a $100 decision. Just for more paper and what will I do with the other paper? Wasteful!!!! So.....I do a test page and I don't like the new paper. URGH!!! I'm killing the girls I work with by showing them a different invitation everyday. They will be glad when this wedding is over too. LOL! Luckily, I can take the new paper back minus the pack I opened.

The morale...when you make a decision stop looking for other things. Heck, I might even stick with my original font.

Printing all over again....

So....I have printed my invites and ready to assemble. I realize I hate the font!!!! So tonight I have to revise and reprint. URGH!!!! I'm over it.....

Eye Candy

Candy buffets are all the rage these days. I like candy but I could do without it. If executed with greatness they could be FAB! I have only seen 1 candy buffet in practice and it was nice. The buffet had candy and popcorn which I'm not a fan of either. I've decided to have a cookie buffet!!!! I heart cookies. Now I'm on the hunt for cookie buffet photos.....Let me know if you have a good source. Here are a few candy and cookie buffet shots. Enjoy!

The first 3 pics are from Amy Atlas

Wedding Bee

Rebecca Thuss

Toast and Tables

I'm Back

and in full invitation mode. No more business trips on the calendar and I'm crossing my fingers that no more will come up. I'm so over traveling. We are a little over 8 weeks away from the big day!!!!!! I can't believe I waited until the last minute to do my invitations!!!! I don't think it will be a big deal but we will see. Today - I'm printing paper all day and then off to Kinkos for the big cut. I have to decide on how to close the pocketfold. Should I have the simple monogram square, a simple bellyband, or the bellyband with the monogram square. All are cute but I can't decide.

My invite supplies.....

Back to the future

I see tons of work in my future. I'm back from my business trip and the invitations are a pain!!! I can't seem to get the measurements correct. I'm converting the file to a PDF to have them printed and for some reason they are the wrong size when printed. So tonight back to the drawing board...literally! Tomorrow they will be perfect<-----That's me wishing

My goal was to print this weekend. What was I thinking?! I have 3 events to attend. I want to take my son to the movies and have the family over on Saturday. Then there is Memorial Day. Again what was I thinking?! If I can get the dimension perfect by Friday I could print a few and have the moms and my aunt in a wedding sweat shop on Saturday!!!!! I have other things to do as well.

• flower girl baskets - I have them but they are plain wicker baskets. I want to jazz them up. I will take a pic
• bridesmaids gifts - So far I have a bag, lotion, and a wristlet. I want more but I can't think of anything. I will take a pic of the things I have.
• groomsmen gifts - Nothing so far. This seems so hard. Our guys aren't cuff links boys so why waste the money. I also don't want to present them with a bottle of Grey Goose (although they would love that). I don't know. My honey isn't helping so for now on the back burner.
• jewelry - I want a haute bride bracelet but not with that price tag. I'm making my own. I have already purchased my broach. Take a pic
• flower girl gifts - I have a bag for them and that's it. I need to keep my eyes open for more toys. Take a pic
• shoes - Don't even get me started!!!!!
• must take photos - I need to compile this list for my photog
• lingerie shower - my maids are throwing a shower for me. My honor maid knows I'm SUPA picking, hence I can't find shoes, so I'm involved in the planning, decor, invites, etc. I have to come up with that design.
• Cake topper - I'm emailing crafty eddy right now.
• Monogram - I'm waiting on that right now. I'm using Jessica. Her work is great and I know she will come up with something fantastic. I made a monogram myself but it sucked. I will post my monogram vs her monogram.
• I still need a DJ!!!!
• AND take a pic of all the wedding things I have so far for my picture less blog

The list could go on....My main concern is the wedding invitations then shower invitations. The other things can wait. Maybe not the DJ....DANG IT!

Busy weekend

I made a mock up of the invitations and reserved signs this weekend. They turned out really well. I'm pleased. I need to work on the sizes and after that I'm ready to print. Next weekend will be spent cutting, assembling, and stuffing. Well in between my other activities a lingerie shower Friday, baby shower Saturday, and a wedding on Sunday. This weekend we also picked the tux for the guys at the Men's Warehouse. My honey picked the suit below but no pink...he is going all black. Productive weekend.

Society Bakery

Ladies we have a bakery! After many tastings, weighing all of my options and increasing my weight because of eating so much cake...I have made a decision. I went with Society Bakery!!! The cakes are delish. The price was right. What else could I ask for. Seriously, we are 75 days away and this decision was 'driving me'. They were voted Top 10 cupcakes in America by the Ellen Degeneres Show. One thing off my list. Check them out!

Its going to get there regardless

Why must labels be a source of wedding controversy? Seriously...whether its calligraphy, labels, or chicken scratch the post office will deliver it. Furthermore, (I hate when people use that word, LOL) if someone receives your invitation and thinks OMG they have labels on their invitations, they are petty. All this to say....I'm using labels!!!! Report me to the etiquette gods, whatev! I know I'm breaking some fantasy rules that someone long ago came up with. I'm sorry! AND no inner envelope! Shock and Awe! I did think about the DIY calligraphy that's big right now but I don't have the time. I'm pooped. I have a deadline to meet. So labels will have to do. I just need to be creative. I'm off to search the INTERNETS for creative labels.

Help from Mother Africa

Last night some friends I met in school (University of Oklahoma, Boomer Sooner!!!!) came to visit. They were on the way to Norman from Houston for a graduation and needed a layover spot. My friends are great. A young married couple from Africa (Cape Town and Zimbabwe) that now live in Houston. They helped me through grad school, have given the best advice, and are really genuine folks. I love them!!! They have the sweetest little girl named Rori, I call her Cupcake. Needless to say I HAD to buy her some cute things for her visit. They found out yesterday they are expecting a boy!!!! It was good catching up with them. The visit wasn't long enough but we will definitely do it again very soon.

In other related wedding news....So the invitation fiasco is here and the illustrator clock is clicking. While my friends are at the house, I'm on the computer screwing with Illustrator or maybe its the other way around, I lose track. My friend Bridgette, is an artist. She has worked with graphic programs. She shows me a few things and before you know it I'm moving objects, changing colors, and making swirls. Can you believe it!!!! I'm thrilled! I made a rough initial design this morning. I was pleased with it but it needs some work. I will have a final mock up this weekend and ready for printing next week (when I return from yet another business trip).

We Love You Bridgette and Thabani

The paper race

So...I get home from my business trip to find my invitations supplies!!!!! YAY!!! Kinda...I still have no design. I really need Photoshop or Illustrator. Then a light bulb went off. You know the Oprah AHA moment. Download the 30 day trial of Illustrator, DUH! So that's exactly what I did last night. I have exactly 30 days to complete all paper items. Invitations, programs, table names, place cards, water bottle labels, and any other random paper idea I can come up with. The countdown begins. I'm not sure if Illustrator is hard to use so there will be a learning curve. I'm excited though!

Paper scares me

I thought the DIY route on my invitations would be greatness. Being that I'm 3 weeks from the mail date and I don't have anything completed makes me nervous. I'm on yet another business trip so I can't really complete much from my hotel room. The paper was delivered to my house today and the pocketfolds are coming tomorrow. I'm not going home until Thursday. I goal is to have a design complete by the time I get home. I should be ready to print this weekend. Pray for me!

I made a design today after hours of looking for inspiration. I gave up. I did a plain design....I didn't like it. Too plain. My sugar says not to worry because people just throw them away. But what does he know. I can't help stressing about it. They have to be perfect!!! I know some folks won't even notice the details: the embossing, the stardream paper, the monogram, the belly band, etc. But they have to be perfect. Why didn't I start sooner? URGH! Luckily my sugar is going to hang with the fellas this weekend so I can drink daiquiris and make invitations. I'm sure I will have nightmares about paper. Can I complete 160 invitations over 3 weeks with 3 business trips mingled in? I guess we will find out soon.....

The cake saga continues

I have one more cake tasting tomorrow. I just can't seem to stop tasting cakes. This is the last one, I've said that before. Mainly because I'm sick of looking and my mom told me to make a decision. I guess she is over the cake tasting appointments. At any rate, one more tasting and a decision. Cakes bring me to the cake stands. Are they necessary? Pretty, yes! Unique, yes! Necessary, unsure... I could rent a stand from my baker (when I pick one) or I could purchase a stand or even make a stand. But since my list of DIY projects is getting longer, I will opt to not make a stand. Here are some gorgeous cakes that are not on the standard silver stand.

The Cake Girls

The Knot

www.pinkcakebox.com

Sundace Photography

Meg Crosby

www.oncewed.com

I LOVE the stand with the LED lights.....maybe just 1 more DIY project.