If this wedding were mine....

Honeymoon

2009-08-26T21:41:00.006-05:00

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

2009-08-25T10:28:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-21T15:34:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-12T11:48:00.004-05:00

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...

2009-08-12T11:21:00.002-05:00

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

2009-07-15T14:49:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-14T09:27:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-09T14:43:00.004-05:00

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!!!

2009-07-06T10:20:00.008-05:00

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!!!!

2009-06-30T14:33:00.006-05:00

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

2009-06-30T13:57:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-23T11:24:00.008-05:00

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

2009-06-23T11:18:00.004-05:00

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...

2009-06-22T16:06:00.006-05:00

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!

The CDs

It has happened...

2009-06-18T14:32:00.007-05:00

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

2009-06-17T08:49:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-11T20:11:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-06-11T16:29:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-04T14:20:00.002-05:00

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....

2009-06-03T14:47:00.001-05:00

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

2009-06-01T09:34:00.007-05:00

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

2009-05-28T23:46:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-20T14:45:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-17T21:12:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-17T20:57:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-15T14:33:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-15T14:05:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-14T14:42:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-12T18:14:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-07T09:31:00.005-05:00

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.

Invitations

2009-05-06T20:13:00.003-05:00

My invitations have to go out soon and very soon (approx 3 weeks). Today I ordered my supplies. YIKES! I'm doing pocketfolds. I ordered the pocketfolds from Cards & Pockets and the paper from Anchor Paper (Tom @ Anchor is truly helpful). I'm still trying to decide if I should emboss them. That is so time consuming and I'm so anal. If I stamp it wrong its screwed. I see many errors in my future with the embossing. Hopefully my paper is being shipped tomorrow. So that gives me the weekend to come up with a design. I'm so behind. I hear pocketfolds eat tons of glue dots and belly bands are the biggest time sink ever. So the next 3 weekends will be dedicated the invitations. When I come up with a design, I will post it.

My blog spirit

2009-05-04T21:59:00.003-05:00

Where did it go. It has been a week since my last post and I can't find a thing to blog about. Mind you The Moms wedding is less than 3 months away (88 days to be exact) and I have tons left to do. I have not selected a baker, invitations, DJ, lighting, wedding night hotel, jewelry, shoes...the list could go on. What is wrong with me? Is this normal? The invitations have to go out in 3-4 weeks!!! Oh the agony! Of course they will be DIY and I think I can complete any project in 2 hours, LOL! I'm delusional...I realize this. It doesn't help that I travel for my job. I was out of town for 3 days last week and I will be traveling every week until the end of the month. Where will I find the time? Or energy? I have so many distractions. I have 2 baby showers and 2 weddings to attend in the month of May! My house has not been decorated yet. One of my furbabies is eating my house, literally. URGH! Its Monday. There is still hope. I suppose. I would like to have some pics to post today but I got nothing. I'm drained. Maybe I need some vitamins. Or a drink. Or both. Can you drink with vitamins or is that just antibiotics? See how easily distracted I am. Its not like I haven't been doing anything. I'm been searching for things. Hotels, invitations, string quartets, shoes....the shoes are driving me bananas. I could post about that huh. Tomorrow. I made the toss bouquet for a wedding I'm attending this weekend. And the weight loss = not happening.

1 success - I did purchase the material for the flower girl dresses this weekend and some bridesmaids gifts!!!

I'm off to browse the web. I'm not really worried. I come through in the clutch. I'm like Kobe. I'm down by 2 points and 10 seconds left on the clock. No worries....I'm only shooting from behind the 3 point line.

The cakes that could not

2009-04-27T18:01:00.004-05:00

This weekend should have been a cake fest. Well the only cake I had was the tasting. The cake was good but it didn't blow me away. Needless to say no cake decision. She was really selling her cakes to me. I don't need to know you use the best ingredients, blah, blah, blah. That's all great but the cake was still average. Actually a box cake would have been just as good. I hate to be over sold. I took the samples to The Moms and they both didn't like them. My honey wasn't a fan either. The bakery that I'm sure is my choice, I will email them tomorrow to have my quote revised and we should have a baker!!!!

We did attend the wedding but didn't stay for the cake. Shame. It looked really good!!!! The birthday party was a bust too. We didn't even go. So my weekend full of cakes didn't happen. I was so disappointed!!! One good thing from the weekend. I asked the DJ at the wedding for his number. Tacky but whatev!

Pocketful of Sunshine

2009-04-25T10:51:00.003-05:00

Hear ye, Hear ye! We have a photographer. The meeting went really well! She is a newcomer with a great eye. I believe I have found a great photographer. I booked her on the spot. The wedding is 98 days away!!! Every moment counts! So check and mate for the photog. Her name is Sunshine!!!! You should be singing Natasha Bedingfield's Pocketful of Sunshine right now, which by the way is her ring tone, LOL! I scored!!!!!!
www.sunshinesphotography.com

My cake tasting is in 1 hour!!!

Cake takeover

2009-04-24T13:51:00.007-05:00

Its Friday and no decision on the cake. Dang it! All is not lost, I have a tasting tomorrow morning. This is the FINAL tasting, I promise! So a decision on Monday! I'm really excited about tasting the cake. Also we have a wedding to attend...MORE CAKE....AND a birthday party...MORE CAKE. If I were the producer of Best Week Ever (luv that show), cakes would be having the best week ever!!!!

Shout to old school wedding cakes!

Swiss Park

mmmm Cake

Edmonds Bakery

eweddingcake.com

Smile for the camera

2009-04-24T13:30:00.007-05:00

1 of my cute flower girls, Eva

I'm meeting with a photographer tonight. I hope it goes well. I have met with 3 so far. They have really been great but the prices are not in the budget. You see I'm a SUPA budget bride and I can't afford the grand packages. I want the basics! I know you get what you pay for but I'm praying for greatness!!!!!!

Dear God,

Please let this meeting be greatness. Oh, with great prices too.

Amen

Invitations

2009-04-22T18:39:00.017-05:00

Are my obsession!! So many options...Letterpress, embossing, traditional, invites in a box, pocketfolds, scrolls, ribbon, certain fonts & colors, pearls, swirls, stamps, trees, boats, dogs...I get side tracked easily, sorry.

Teacher - Wedding class of 2009, how do you decide on your wedding invitations?

Student - Teacher pick me I know the answer.....please pick me....PLEASE

Teacher - Pretty little girl in the wedding dress please answer the question

Student - Your budget is how you decide

Teacher - You just passed the class young lady

Enjoy!

Dauphine Press

Dochelle

Scroll Wedding Invitations

TGKDesigns

Flower Girl Dress

2009-04-21T09:17:00.003-05:00

I have 3 flower girls. It seems like kids are taking over the wedding but who can resist cute little girls, not me. Last week I spent some time in fabric stores looking for the perfect shade of green for their dresses. I narrowed the swatches to 3 colors and submitted them to the wedding committee (the moms, myself and my hubby). The moms picked the same swatch, hubby a different swatch, and as you would know it I picked the other swatch. Even as a group we can't make a decision. So I come up with a solution - lets compare the swatches to my paint strip. My swatch matched the paint strip by they were not sold, haters. Okay lets see which swatch photographs best. Now it could be my less than stellar digital camera but my choice won!!!

Me - 1

Committee - 0

I'm the boss of them! Here is a picture of the dress; our dress will have a black sash. So precious...

Take the time to remember

2009-04-20T20:30:00.002-05:00

There are so many horrible anniversaries this week.

Oklahoma City Bombing - April 19, 1995 168 people were killed
Waco Davidian Standoff - April 19, 1993 80 people were killed
Columbine - April 20, 1999 13 people killed; gunmen killed themselves as well

God bless all the families impacted by these tragedies......

No Matching Maids

2009-04-20T14:32:00.007-05:00

We have all been in weddings wearing the dreaded bridesmaid dress. You know the one you will NEVER wear again. The color is puke, the sleeves are huge, the puff is ridiculous, and the petticoat irritates your legs. So my vow before I took my vows, was I would never do that to my bridesmaids. Enter: the little black dress. Every woman should have a few of them. All styles - the modest, the modern, the wrap, and dare I say the skank! The skank will not be featured at my wedding, that I know. I love black. My theme is classic elegance and what is more classic than black. Nothing. Black paired with any color is great but with my food inspired greens....AWESOMENESS! Sidebar - green is all the rage this spring. Companies are going green, the grass is green, money....green; green is HAWT topic. Back to black - I only have 3 bridesmaids, Ebby, Laura, & Yelle, and I want each of them to wear a dress that suits them. No matching maids, completely over that trend. I found a few Bari Jay dresses:

There are a few others I like but you get the point. This will be greatness!!!

Many so posts

2009-04-20T13:23:00.002-05:00

Sorry...I have been planning for a few months and just decided to blog. I'm playing catch up! More to come...stay tuned.

Honeymoon!!!!!

2009-04-20T12:20:00.008-05:00

Kind of....We never went on a honeymoon. We bought a house instead. We did spend alone days at our house when the painters left. At any rate, the hubby has agreed to a vacation!!!! I'm SUPA crunk! I LUVS the beach, not pictures of me on the beach but whatev! Working on that see weight loss blog. Hubby does not like to travel. No planes a la John Madden. Persuading him to the vacation wasn't too hard but the length of the stay was an issue. He is a home body. Home + Game Room + 65 inch TV = hubby that never wants to leave the house. That said the standard 7 day trip was out of the question. Then starts the negotiating.

Hubby - 3 days is plenty
Me - WTF! Seriously, 1 day is wasted traveling, another day wasted packing and leaving, that leaves 1 day for fun.
Hubby - Okay make it 4 days
Me - Can I get 5 days?
Hubby - Whatever
Me - That's good enough for me
Hubby - Hey keep it cheap (he yells this as I'm going back downstairs)
Me - Silently rolls eyes but smiling because its still a victory!

I wanted to go into my rant about the laundry list of Pay per view fights he orders but I held my tongue. I was getting a honeymoon! He did say cheap but cheap is all about perception, right. My cheap is not the standard cheap. Cheap has ruled out every place I want to go! Cheap is officially the root of all evil. So I told myself - "Self make it work. You are a budget bride. SUPA budgeting is your mantra." Guess what self did.....Self found an great all-inclusive resort in Cancun.

Excellence Playa Mujeres - an adult only, all-inclusive, beautiful location

I HEART CAKE

2009-04-20T09:28:00.008-05:00

I could eat a whole cake in a day. Taste great and definitely filling!!!! So cake tasting would be the best part of this wedding experience right, not so much. This is so hard!!! I don't care much about the outside. I don't need bells and whistles. I just want a great tasting cake. A 'slap yo mama', great tasting cake. We want a red velvet cake.....my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I would love to have a sweet, yummy piece with vanilla ice cream......Wait my diet....my flabby thighs...Okay back on track. I have been to 4 tastings and no decision. I feel like I'm always searching for the best combination of price and taste. The budget bride rears her ugly head. Down girl, down! My goal is to select a bakery by Friday! I guess that means I need to fit in 3 tastings a day for the rest of the week, HA!!! Didn't I just blog about a diet. Who am I fooling??

Once the bakery is selected then comes the design elements. Round, square, or hexagon? Whimsical or traditional? Real or sugar flowers? Initial cake topper, scrolls, ribbons, dots, dogs, trees, squirrels? Many so things to consider!!!!! AND let's not get started on cupcakes....

It's amazing the things you can do with a cake!

I have to lose weight!!!!!!

2009-04-19T15:47:00.003-05:00

Today I will start my weight loss plan, well actually tomorrow (because all diets start on Monday, right). I must look HAWT in my wedding dress. Back fat, big arms, flabby legs, I could keep going.....These things must disappear before the wedding. Now I have considered getting my leg amputated but that wouldn't look good in pictures. Even having my jaws wired shut but that would require some forcible trauma to my face and I'm a coward. So my solution is good old working out and eating less, BOOOO!!!!! It has to be done. It can't be avoided. So I will blog about my progress at least once a week. Help me stay on track.

FYI - this blog was prompted by me eating a ginormous plate of chicken, shrimp, and broccoli alfredo.....now I'm off to get an ice cream sandwich. Don't tell my hubby

Save the dates

2009-04-17T09:31:00.007-05:00

Since I'm on a budget, DIY blogs have become my friend! Magnet save the dates (STDs from now on) are all the rage. Completing this project on budget is all my rage. I always began a project with questions: Do I want a magnet? What size magnet? How much am I willing to pay? My answers: Yes! Reasonable size! Very little! Enter vistaprint. So I can get the postcards for little of nothing. I can make them a magnet but that's a pain and a magnet size postcards just seems crazy. I wouldn't put a postcard size magnet of someone else on my fridge!!!! So a smaller magnet it is.....searching....searching.....Vistaprint makes a business card size magnet!!!! So postcard and attach magnet to the postcard, perfect! I tried many versions of the business card with the photo. The only thing that worked was a vertical picture.....small faces on a picture aren't too good. I made a design that would accommodate the vertical biz card magnet and here is the final product. Sorry the picture is so bad. After all of my hard work some of the older guests didn't realize it was a magnet...go figure.

To theme or not to theme

2009-04-16T21:49:00.010-05:00

I work better with themes. You know when you go shopping for an outfit, you need a vision, a theme, something to steer you in the right direction. Kids birthday parties are centered around themes. Adult parties too. BBQ, Luaus, Fiestas, etc. Themes are essential!!!! Why should a wedding be any different. We need a theme. Simply Chic, no....Modern Romance, no....Vintage Romance, no......Classic Elegance, YES! Vague I know but I change my mind a lot so this gives me room to play.
Now we need colors. I let my honey pick them. His choice green, black, and white/ivory. What is more classic then black & white?!?! LUVS! AND green.....I heart green! Especially the combination of Salmon Pink and Apple Green, wink, wink! So I asked what shade of green. That was a bit much for him so now my search began for shades of green. My main sources The Knot and Snippet & Ink.

I couldn't decide on 1 shade of green....LAWD! Why can't I make a decision! Epiphany....who says you can't use more than one shade. So a paint strip from the store solved my problem. We are using various shades of green (pesto, rosemary green, peapod green, and winter spinach to be exact). One decision down....a billion more to go.....

Say Yes to the Dress

2009-04-16T16:08:00.014-05:00

I found this to be the hardest thing. I never had that "OMG this is my dress" moment. Am I strange? I felt like if I would have kept looking there I would have found another dress. Since I'm on a time crunch I figured, stop looking and move on. My dress is not being shipped until June 23rd...YIKES! That's cutting it close but what can you do. I only have myself to blame. I knew I didn't want puff or fluff and no lace up. Well after many dresses I ended up with a lace up gown. It fits my body so great, how could I pass it up. My dress shopping started Davids Bridal and Alfred Angelo. They have nice gowns but I didn't find anything. I tried several other boutiques in Dallas and finally found a dress. I'm sure I put the dress on 10 times over 2 months. Its the one I kept going back too....so that means its mine right? Here are a few that I was digging but didn't say yes to

Jorge Manuel

Amsale

Maggie

Kenneth Pool

Lazaro

The list could go on and on......

Location is key

2009-04-16T11:33:00.012-05:00

Or so they tell me. When this all started the obvious choice was a hotel ballroom. I'm sure I have checked every hotel in the DFW area. Then it hit me...you like to be a tad bit different why so standard. After months of hotel searching the path changed. Now I checked every museum, loft, event center, etc. Talk about a beating. They all have great aspects but nothing was perfect. Side note: Can you ever really find perfect? Maybe not but we all strive. Ok...back on track...Venue. My mom would blow her last dime on this wedding and being the responsible, wonderful, great, (you get the point) daughter I am, I wouldn't have it!!!! We came up with a budget and a vision. I wanted urban, chic, timeless. So my list of quirky places was decreased by the budget and vision. Here are a few places we (The Moms and I) looked at.

Belo Mansion - I LOVED this place but the budget kicked this out of the running

Hickory Street Annex - great urban feel. This place was booked on my date.

North Texas Automoti ve Museum - a new space. You can bring in your own caterer and alcohol. This place was great! There are a few design ideas that didn't fit my taste. But Dallas/Fort Worth ladies check it out!!!!!! Don't sleep on this one.

Cityplace - booked; space was also a concern

City Club - If anyone has been to Dallas we all have seen the green building downtown. This place is nice. The layout is different but it works depending on your guest count.

The place we decided on.....drum roll please.......

The Empire Room

Its great. Is on the 48th Floor. Wonderful view of the downtown scene. Urban and classic. At the open house we tried the food (great) and drinks (martinis are awesome!!!!). I was sold.

This is a view from the Empire Room

Some of the lounge furniture

Bride dressing room

Background Music

2009-04-15T15:44:00.005-05:00

My hubby and I were married August 2, 2008, his parents 33rd anniversary. It was a very intimate ceremony with only 15 guests including us. It was perfect! I wasn't worried if the vendors were on time or if the flowers looked great...it was truly all about us. Perfection! Enter The Moms (my mother and mother-in law) - they want a celebration. Great! To keep confusion (aka drama) at a minimum we are having a celebration for our anniversary on August 1, 2009. So I'm sure you're thinking....Wait that isn't your anniversary. Well...We have a lot of out of towners so we didn't want to do a Sunday wedding. Although it would have been better on the budget that idea was vetoed fairly early in the wedding discussion. So far I have a venue secured and a dress ordered. Since the wedding is a few months away I guess I should get on the good foot......

So does this mean everything I do from this point on is pseudo wedding stuff????? Whatev! Another wedding is on the way!!!!