Friday, July 30, 2010

A Tete-a-Tea

My bridal shower is this weekend!  I requested that it not be a surprise.  My mom tried to keep it secret though, and then my Maid of Honor let it slip.  It's OK though because I would have found out about it eventually.  I'm like a super sleuth when it comes to surprises.

Although some stuff is still hush hush, I do know a few things.  It's tea party theme . . . I might have chosen the theme and given the party planners strict directions to follow said theme.  What can I say, I love tea!  I know BM JF is making cupcakes, they are her specialty.  I also know what I am wearing.  So, there are 3 things they couldn't keep from me! 

I also started practicing for the "How Well Do You Know Your Fiance" game about a year ago.  Unfortunately, I seem to have forgotten some of the answers, like his first pet which may or may not have been a gerbil.  And his nickname, I know he wanted to be called Mac, but what did they really call him?!?  I think I can pass with his favorite chick flick . . . crap, is it "A Knight's Tale," "The Notebook," or "Terms of Endearment?"  Ok, I am clearly going to fail.

I'll let you know how I did next week.  Until then, how about pretty pictures from someone else's tea party bridal shower?  You're welcome.












































Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Cup of Tea

So, my bridal shower is this weekend, and it's tea party themed.  More on that tomorrow.  But, what I have to say is . . . Why did I not see this earlier?  And, why is it so flipping expensive?  Damn you Anthropologie!  I COULD HAVE FIT THE THEME!

I need a friend who works for the store, preferrably in the Towson Town Mall in Towson, MD, so I can drop by tomorrow or Friday or Saturday & purchase it. 























And here's a close-up . . . CUTE!

Kazoos: The New Hot Trend?

I stumbled upon more pictures with kazoos today . . . BM KW says that I totally need to go for it.
















This wedding is really pretty . . . it was at Zion National Park in Utah.  My parents have been there and say it's absolutely amazing.  It's on my list of "places Southwest travels to that I need to travel to."  Boise, Idaho has been our #1 on that list for the last 2 years.





































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Friday, July 23, 2010

For All You Book Worms Planning a Wedding . . .

Here's a nerdy little song about loving books . . . It's called "My Baby Loves a Bunch of Authors" by Moxy Fruvous.  This is literary wedding personified.

I'm going to fit it in somewhere.  I would totally use it as our introduction song, if we weren't already using a song by Queen.  Enjoy!




And the lyrics, you can thank me later:

Well you should see my story-reading baby, you should hear things that she says

She says "Hon, drop dead, I'd rather go to bed with Gabriel Garcia Marquez"
Cuddle up with William S. Burroughs, leave on the light for bell hooks
I been flirtin' with Pierre Burton 'cause he's so smart in his books

I like to go out dancing
My baby loves a bunch of authors
My heart's so broke and bleedin'
Baby's just sittin' there doin' some readin'

So I started watching some TV, played my new CD player too
She said "Turn it off or I'll call the cops, and I'll throw the book at you"
All this arguing made me get dizzy, called my doctor to came have a look
I said "Doctor, hurry!" She said: "Don't worry, I'll be over when I finish my book"

I like to go out dancing
My baby loves a bunch of authors
We've been livin' in hovels
Spendin' all our money on brand new novels

So I got myself on the streetcar and it drove right into someone
The driver said: "I was looking straight ahead!" but he was reading the Toronto Sun
So my honey and me go to a counsellor to help figure out what we need
She said: "We'll get your love growin', but before we get goin' here's some books I'd like you to read"

I like to go out dancing
My baby loves a bunch of authors
Lately we've had some friction
'Cause my baby's hooked on short works of fiction

So we split and went to a party, some friends my girl said she knew
But what a sight 'cause it's authors night and the place looks like a who's who
Now I'm poundin' the Ouzo - with Mario Puzo
Who's a funny fella? - W.P. Kinsella
Who brought the cat? - would Margaret Atwood?
Who needs a shave? - he's Robertson Davies!
Ondartje started a food fight, salmon mousse all over the scene
Spilled some dressing on Doris Lessing these writer types are a scream!

I like to go out dancing
My baby loves a bunch of authors
We'll be together for ages
Eatin' and sleepin' and turnin' pages

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Where is All the Wedding Appropriate Bluegrass Music?

When M. and I first got engaged, I was determined to book a bluegrass band for our wedding.  That was my #3 request for our wedding (the 1st being smores for dessert & the 2nd us writing our own vows).  Time went on, I got price quotes for a bluegrass band and kind of quit that dream.  You see, the fact of the matter was, I signed a DJ for cheap and was kind of sick of signing contracts.  I just didn't want to worry about another piece of paper or group of people or payment.  So, that is the story of why I don't have a bluegrass band booked for the wedding.

My next plan was to have the DJ play bluegrass, it'll kind of be like the same thing, right?  So, I determined that our ceremony would be where the bluegrass would really shine, the cocktail hour & dinner would feature bluegrass and other slower tunes we love and the reception would be fairly bluegrass-free because not everyone loves getting down to bluegrass (although the Old Crow Medicine show that we went to last summer has been the only time I've ever seen M. dance for longer than 15 seconds, we clearly do get down to bluegrass).



















Pictured is the is the Old Crow Medicine Show and I love them.

Once I made the decision as to where we were going to have bluegrass played, it was time to begin searching.  The task: wedding ceremony appropriate bluegrass . . . bluegrass that doesn't want to make you slap your knee, bluegrass with few words, preferably instrumental bluegrass, bluegrass without words about someone dying or leaving or love lost . . . folks, basically I took on a nearly impossible task!  I listened to Leftover Salmon, Younder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek, Crooked Still, Old Crow Medicine Show, Avett Brothers (their song "January Wedding" is awesome and on my cocktail hour music, even thought we're marrying in September, not January) and found good music for before the ceremony, but none of the actual ceremony.  I did Google searches for wedding bluegrass music and had very little luck with finding anything.  I ended up becoming insanely annoyed at just how difficult this task turned out being!
















Pictured is Railroad Earth, they're good fun too!

I did have a little bit of luck amongst all this strife though . . . one of my searches for irish wedding music (I thought it could be somewhat interchangeable with bluegrass or at least a decent substitution, I gave up that too), I did find the music I am walking down the aisle to.  It's bluegrassy and it's Irishy and it's really perfect for me & my dad.  It's by a group in the New England area called The Goodtime String Band and the song is called "Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór."  If you click on the link to the band, you can listen to the MP3 (it's listed as "Irish Weding Tune" to the far right and it's also the first MP3 link right there on that page).  It's gorgeous and in my opinion, is a great way to buck the traditional wedding music without being too far out there.
















Pictured is the Goodtime String Band, they gave me hope that instrumental bluegrass wedding music could be found and I will forever thank them for it.  If only they played in Maryland, I might have be willing to sign another contract . . . Source

OK, now back to my other ceremony music . . . I did a post on a wedding forum, asking the girls if anyone knew of any good bluegrass ceremony music.  I got about 2 comments and one was extremely helpful, she recommended a series called "Pickin' On."  Here's the deal, it's a series that does bluegrass covers of popular music . . . Kind of similiar to the Vitamin String Quartet that I intoduced you to months & months ago.  Some of these covers have vocals, many do not and they have a variety of music that they cover, from the Rolling Stones to Jimmy Buffet and I think even Metallica.

So, one afternoon, I went over to BM JF's place, we pulled up Rhapsody and started playing tunes from the "Pickin' On" series.  We were determined to finalize my ceremony music and I wasn't going home until I did!  I think we spent about 2 hours playing music, at least 1 whole World Cup Soccer game (the one where the US lost), and thank you Jesus, we found what we wanted!

So, I now officially have the music that our moms are walking down the aisle to & the music that the bridesmaids will be walking down the aisle to.  You wanna know what it is?  The cover of Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey for the moms and a cover of the Dixie Chicks cover of Landslide.  I'll also most likely use a bunch of the "Pickin On" songs for before the ceremony.  I mean, they have a cover of the Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," and that jam gets me majorly pumped up!  Oh wait, I don't think it's wedding appropriate . . . Sigh!



















So, my biggest wedding planning obstacle has been checked off, done and done!  And now you all know the secret that I had a hard time finding the answer to . . . if you need wedding-appropriate instrumental bluegrass music and you don't know any bluegrass connoisseurs who can tell you, look up the "Pickin' On' series.  It's a lifesaver.  I promise.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Whoot whoot!

Invites have officially been mailed, and as of Sunday, we will offically be 2 months from the big day!

I kind of wish that it was just September 25th now so I can get married to M. today!  Man, I love that guy!

These are the invites sitting in my car, just waiting to be mailed.  We have invites going to 11 states and one district (Washington, DC).  The states are Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virgina, West Virginia, Tennessee, Massachussetts, Indiana, Texas, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut!  How exciting!

PS - The song "I Swear," which was covered by All-4-One is playing on the awesome soft rock station I listen to while at work.  I was immediately transported back to 1994, I was 11 years old then, my Maid of Honor danced to the John Michael Montgomery version in her 4th grade (my 5th grade) talent show.  It made me giggle a bit more.

PPS - Apparently the lunch countdown is tunes from the 1990s.  Now it's "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz 2 Men.  I used to have this song memorized . . . it's kind of scandalous for a 11 year old!

I could probably go on all day about the songs that this station plays . . . please stop me now!

Monday, July 19, 2010

A Literal Wedding Buzzzzz . . . .

This weekend I made a joke to M. about having Vuvezulas at our wedding, possibly for when we walk back down the aisle together . . . and somehow that turned into a joke about kazoos (my familys loved kazoos).  And, somehow today, I have gotten it stuck into my mind that a kazoo at a wedding would be a good thing.  Especially, when I found out that I could have kazoos for everyone for under $30.  And they could be in pretty colors.
I imagine that they could be handed out with the programs and people could hum along to our recessional song with them.  Or just blow them at the reception.  Or whenever they get bored.

I guess I'm just waiting to waiting to talk myself fully into it . . . or out of it.  What do you guys think?

In the meantime, how about some kazoo at wedding pictures?
















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Thursday, July 15, 2010

Happiness is . . .

Getting a sneak peek of our engagement pictures!

I wanted to tell you guys a little bit about getting our pictures taken.  Neither M. or I think we're super models or really people who need to have photoshoots done of us.  An engagement shoot was part of our photography package as either a take it or leave it thing.  Our photographers like to do the shoot so you can get comfortable with them, and they encouraged us to take advantage of it.  So, we chose to, even though at the beginning of our planning process we had decided that we absolutely did not want engagement photos.  M. wasn't totally happy about it and building up to the shoot, as I pulled out multiple outfits and props, he kept asking why I was getting so into the photoshoot when I didn't even want it in the first place.  Um, babe, because if we're going to do this shoot, we're going to do it right!

As we got closer and closer to the day, I started stalking weather.com.  Our shoot was outside and M. is extremely sensitive to heat, so I was hoping that at least the universe was going to gift him fairly temperate weather.  Yea, not so much, it was in the high 90s and insanely humid.  So, not only did he not really want to do the shoot but the temperature was going to be terribly unpleasant, which meant he (and me too, it's not all on him) was going to be extra uncomfortable.

So, I did what any well meaning fiancee who needs to take control of the situation does.  I got him to drink.  We got dinner at the Iron Bridge Wine Company before the shoot, my treat, and I informed him that it was going to be "all you can drink" for him.  So, we ate, we drank, we chatted about life and relaxed.  And, between that, our conversation earlier in the week about what to expect from the shoot and really and truly, him recognizing how important this shoot had become to me and wanting to make me happy, we had a great time.

We were sticky and sweaty during the whole shoot . . . there was a 3 minute rain shower that only made it more humid, but with our amazing photographers directing us, we ended up having a good time.  Plus, a cooler in the car with ice packs & bottled water & a steady flow of air conditioning helped us cool down as we changed our outfits.

We walked away happy that we chose to do the photoshoot and even more so, happy that we selected Jason and Ciceley as our photographers.  We felt so comfortable around them and trusted everything they asked for us to do.  And now, looking at our sneak peek, I am even more confident with our choice . . . Like, from 101% confident to 201% confident.  Plus, I have to admit, Jason & Ciceley was right . . . the shoot made it so that we knew their shooting style and what it's like to have a camera in your face.

These are a few of the ones without his face, because you know, he doesn't want the world knowing that his fiance has a blog :-)













































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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

OK, so we all know that I love tea and teacups, so you probably won't be shocked when I tell you that I gasped when I saw this:

What's that?  Oh, vintage teacups for aisle decorations?  Yes please!


















I have always hated carnations and baby's breath, but lately I've been seeing them in this really soft and whimsical style . . . I'm really digging it!

Oh yes, they are multi-purpose tea cups.  She also used them for centerpieces.  And look at that moss!  I love it too.  I should have a post of things that I love but am not using in my own wedding.  Moss would be one thing, probably tea cups too and succulents.


















Simply beautiful!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Where We Relax

On top of planning the wedding, I have now started to plan for our honeymoon.  Sigh.  I am so ready for a vacation, and planning our honeymoon is enough to remind me that I only have to save up my vacation days for a little over 2 months . . . it's still painful, but at least I know I'm going somewhere.

So, where are we going?  Whoot whoot!















Our honeymoon plans are actually kind of special.  M.'s mother is treating us to our honeymoon for our wedding, so we selected our dream honeymoon location, the Greek Isles.  But, we did research and realized that the end of September/early October might not be the best time to be in the Isles.  So, we've postponed our official honeymoon until June 2011, and decided to take a "minimoon" in Las Vegas so we could at least have a getaway after the wedding.  M. has never been to Las Vegas and LOVES to gamble, and I am just satisfied sitting by a pool.

We've booked our hotel room, the Mirage, and we're using my mom's Southwest Airlines buddy passes (she's an employee) and are going to fly stand-by.

As for plans, we're playing it by ear . . . honestly, we're saving up money to do Las Vegas exactly how our heart desires, and we're kind of waiting to see what kind of dough our wedding will pull in.  I know that sounds terrible, but I have no problem using someone's gift of cash to treat ourselves to a nice dinner.

So, if all our budgeting works out perfectly, this is what we might be doing . . .

the first thing is free, and it involves sitting by the pool (me, while M. gambles):


I would love to see a Cirque show.  The one I'm eyeing up is O . . . It takes place in the water.



We're going to rent a car one day and see the Hoover Dam.


I wanted to take M. out to see the Grand Canyon while we had our car, but my research showed me that it's about a 4 hour drive, so I am thinking we'll go to the Red Rock Canyon for some hiking.



















Back in Las Vegas, I want to go to the Neon Museum, where they show all the old retired Las Vegas signs.


















We're also trying to find a few places to eat & drink to celebrate our union.  I've read good things about Alize at the Palms.
















And, there will be even more of this:


















But really, as much planning as I do, we're really just hoping to play it all by ear.  And, I am so excited!

Does anyone else have Las Vegas recommendations?  I'd love to hear them!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

An Unexpected Invitation

I have one invitation going out a few weeks early . . . recognize the name? You should!














It's kind of silly, I know, but supposedly, if you send an invitation to the President, the Pope, the Queen of England and I believe a few other high profile figures, you will receive back a formal postcard or letter of congratulations. Clearly, President Obama isn't attending my wedding, but I think it would be a pretty cool keepsake to have a formal letter shooting down my invite!

If you can't decipher M.'s handwriting (which I think is much nicer than mine, and this is our only hand written invite), here is the address:

The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House
Greetings Office Rm. 39
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500

Wedding invitations to the President can also be faxed to: (202) 395-1232


Invitation Tip: The White House greetings office handles as many wedding invitation requests as they can. Send your wedding invitation at least six weeks in advance. Be sure to include your old and new mailing address in case the RSVP comes later.

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If you're from England, here's the contact information for the Queen:

The Secretary to Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II of England
Buckingham Palace
London, England
SW1A 1AA

Invitation Tip: Never send a wedding invitation to the Queen directly (only to a secretary). Non-British citizens will not receive a response.

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And the Pope:

Pope Benedict XVI
Prefettura della Casa Pontifica
00120 Citta del Vaticano, Italia

One does not need to be Catholic to receive a response from His Holiness.

Correspondence may be sent directly to His Holiness. The Pope is verbally addressed as "His Holiness" or "Your Holiness".

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And, even though it feel weird to list this under the pope, if you want congrats from Mickey & Minnie Mouse, send it here:

Mickey & Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company
500 S. Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

Note: Mickey will send you a congratulations and a signed photograph.

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I'm sure you could send one to your favorite celebrity or another high profile figure, my guess is you go to their fan website for their mailing address.

When/if I get something back from President Obama, I'll make sure I post it!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Thanks for the Pan! Or Blender! Or Sheets!

One day I was feeling antsy and wanted to do a wedding project.  This is surprising because instead of just thinking about it, I went into action.  I was inspired by a project where the couple used connect the dots.  I really wish I could find the picture to show it to you, but I have no clue where I found it.  I loved how it looked though and I decided that I wanted to make my bridal shower thank you cards that used mason jars and connect the dots.  And somewhere lightning bugs came in and I wanted to have the lightning bug's lit up derrieres as the dot.

After many revisions and practice connecting the dots (I did it at least 10 times until I found the perfect lay-out for the dots), I ended up with this:


















The "K" was tricky, but I like to think that I made it work.

Here's a close-up of my dots!


And on the flip side . . . it's actually a postcard, so I only have the notecard amount of space to write my message.  I am OK with that!  Here's a close-up of one of my little lightning bugs, I have 2 on the side where I write, just to make it look a little more cute!

I was really proud of the finish product.  I am by no means a graphic designer, I have a very basic knowledge of Photoshop and I mainly do my projects in Microsoft Publisher, which is a very basic "design" (would you call it that?) program.  And, I am really proud of myself for starting with a vision and making it appear on paper.  I just hope everyone else appreciate it too.  And that they connect the dots!  I sent the file to my mom to look over & she said it was cute, but never connected the dots, which means she really didn't see IT!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Pink + Gray

My favorite part is that they use pink & grya, but there's also a little appearance of blue.  And the bridesmaids are wearing Jcrew dresses.  And Dusty Miller is in their bouquets, I love love love Dusty Miller.  I have some on my porch but it doesn't look as healthy as it does in these pictures.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Scrabble is so Hot!

I told you it was the new hot thing.  After posting the Scrabble wedding, I found these pictures:



























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