Odds and Ends

When it comes to decorations at the reception, I am thinking less is more. I do not plan on having tablecloths on the indoor tables (why cover those beautiful wood tables?), but I do want some fabric overlays/decor on the cake table, buffet table, etc. And the outdoor tables will need a little pizazz.

Mom and I spent some time out in Hamburg this afternoon looking at random things for the wedding. They had many fabric patterns out in two-yard quantities for sale...I scooped up two burnt orange fabrics and one grass green fabric. I think I can use these for some of my "extra" tables mentioned above. 

Not sure exactly what I will do, but here are some potential ideas (or at least images to provide inspiration): 

I like the runner idea on this table...

I love this fabric look! So bunchy and fun!

This overlay is pretty. My thought exactly for the outside tables. Except some of those will end up being high top tables.

Also, when it comes to fabric, DaRae did not have cloth napkins at Keene Run for use. That may change before our September wedding, but I may end up needing to rent some. I really like this Martha Stewart idea for napkins:

These napkins echo the mood of the day: "we tied the knot!"

Other notes from this weekend: finally completed a few DIY projects, purchased my first round of shower thank-you cards, bought two large white metal buckets for sparkler collection (post grand exit), completed mine and Jacob's seat markers, purchased all paper and envelopes for our invitations/RSVP cards/programs/signage/etc, determined our basic menu for the reception, discussed our alcohol plan for the reception and spent time hunting for photos for a special montage. What a weekend! Happy Memorial Day everyone.

Building our Ceremony

For the last several weeks, it has been on my mind that we need to crack down and organize the content and flow of our ceremony. Other than the location of our ceremony at Southland Christian Church and choosing the minister to marry us (Todd Tyler), not much else has been planned.

That said, we have an open slate to build upon. A nice (but somewhat sobering) thought. Basic elements we need to determine in the next couple of weeks: choose ceremony musicians (anyone know a good mandolin player??); determine our readings (one is final...need to decide on one more); decide on wedding party formation on stage (16 attendants on the small chapel stage is no minor task); and meet up with Todd for lunch to tie it all together.

Other than those elements, we know that we want to incorporate a ceremonial element to the big day. While others choose unity candle lightings or sand ceremonies, I want something a little more original for the big day. Those are both nice touches to a wedding ceremony, but not what we are looking for. For a time, I was thinking about a rose (or in our case, lily) ceremony, but even that did not suit well.

Lately, my mind has been going back and forth on the element of a ring warming ceremony. Have you ever seen one of these? Neither have I, but the idea of it is quite intriguing. It is basically a time when the guests pass your wedding bands along, saying prayers and sending well wishes toward the couple. It might be done during a song or something. The officiant generally says a little something about it to kick the ceremony off and the rings are then passed along. If your crowd is small enough, you could have everyone pass the rings along. Or you could have the bride's ring passed among the bride's side and the groom's band passed along the groom's side. OR you could even have the bands passed among a select few guests (aka family members in the first two rows or something). The possibilities are endless!

Not gonna lie, this idea has been the most exciting to me. Now, if only I could convince Jacob!!

A touch of cotton

Unless it is the dead of winter, you will not find me in socks. I have long been known for my deep appreciation of flip flops. Despite this, I can still appreciate a good pair of socks.

One of my favorite wedding bloggers, the Budget Savvy Bride, and her now-husband bought each of their groomsmen a pair of fun socks to wear in their May 2009 wedding. The photographer captured a few great photos of the guys in these socks--they look like so much fun!

Sneak peek:

Drawing on their wedding for inspiration, and trying to find a similar way to give the groomsmen something fun to wear, I came across these socks at J. Crew:

 

I bought a pair to examine them in person. Jacob seems to be ok with them though I cannot get a definitive answer from him on whether he likes them or not. I know part of his indecision is because he is not sure on whether the guys would like these (or my idea) or not. I say, what the heck?

Did you do anything special for the typically un-fussed over groomsmen in your wedding? What was it?

Now Showing! Engagement Photos!

In case anyone is interested...our engagement photo session gallery has been completed and is ready for viewing!

Here is a taste...

Take a look at the complete gallery here: http://www.pictage.com/838628.

Hair!

I am not much for up-dos...sure, they can be stunning and glamorous, but if not done well, they can easily look like prom night gone bad. As such, if given the option, I will always wear my hair down. I figure, if you have the locks, why not show them off?!

That's exactly what I plan to do on our wedding day. I might pull a little of the hair back just so it will be easier to hold up the veil (and later: flower!). Ideally, it will be full of body, with long waves of curls. I don't have a trial hair appointment scheduled until July, but I have been collecting images that have caught my eye.

Here are a few:

Ideas?

I love Etsy!

I have long heard about this mecca (Etsy) on the Internet that allows people to make goods and sell them, like an Ebay for creative people (and we all know how I love Ebay!). When I finally made time to check it out, I was bummed I hadn't gotten into it sooner!

My first order of business was to look for a wedding day necklace. In lieu of the traditional pearl and diamond look, I am seriously considering something a little more funky. I think this could look really cool, especially since my dress is relatively simple. I am thinking something green...here are a few examples of what I like at this point:


What do you think of these? If I opt for a necklace like one of the above, I will probably use simple pearl stud earrings (or something similar).

As for my hair, I am planning on a traditional veil for the ceremony/some photos. As soon as that is over, I will be losing the veil for something a little less rigid and much more fun. I really like the idea of a feathery flower clip, like some of the images below. But I have also come across a really cool rhinestone headband that may look neat... Take a look:

Opinions? I am definitely going to keep looking to see what else I can find on Etsy!

I have also located some really neat fabric (in various shades of orange and green) on Etsy that would make for great tablescapes at the reception. Lots of inspiration!

And last, but certainly not least, I have been looking through Etsy for bridesmaid gift inspiration. I will not show my ideas on here simply because I don't want to let a secret out! But I can say that I may have found the best gift ever!! I am ordering a sample today or tomorrow so I can see it in person before making a final decision. I will keep you posted!