Vintage flower for my MOH

Last weekend, my Maid of Honor (MOH, as dubbed from Anna's pre-wedding days), Trish was in town. Trisha lives in Nashville now so when she is home, I have to snag her for at least a couple of hours so we can catch up and visit our favorite (since high school) hangout: Coffee Times.

Adjacent to CT, and owned by the same woman, is Street Scene; a very fun and eclectic vintage store housing all sorts of goodies from days past. One of my favorite all time finds in that store was a Barbie airplane, made circa 1972. Well that, or the New Kids on the Block sleeping bag I should have bought when I had the chance. That's the thing with stores like that...you let it pass and it is typically gone forever.

Anyway, Trish and I made a quick stop in Street Scene en route to have a cappucino at CT. I told Trish several months back that I wanted to try and find a vintage brooch of some sort for her to wear in the wedding. Since I will have eight girls on stage with me, all wearing various emerald green dresses, I thought this would be a fun way to differentiate her as my MOH. And a great way to showcase our mutual love of vintage things!

While perusing, we came across this brooch:

Needless to say, we found ourselves Trisha's wedding day brooch. I absolutely love the bright orange color of it! Just what I was wanting. It will stand out beautifully against the emerald green dress. And it's just fun!

"So much of life, it seems to me, is determined by pure randomness."

I realized the other day that I had yet to post pictures of my sample bouquet charms I created. Please note this is purely a sample (thus does not look spectacular)! During this trial run, I did not spread the glue out like I should have, which created unsightly bubbles under the marble. And I did not have a circle hole punch, so the circle was cut freehand (and not very well). I have since purchased one that will make the charm making a much simpler process.

I must say that this DIY project turned out pretty decently, all things considered. Now I just need to determine which photos to use for my girls and begin the creation!

The other day, I got out my box of wedding-related items and came across two things I purchased a while back for the big day:

Serving set to cut the cake: snagged this beauty up on clearance at Pier One at the end of last summer. Love the bronzy color!! And these will be fun to use post-wedding.



Baskets to hold the programs: found two of these at Michael's at 50 percent off. Will be useful after the wedding to hold extra rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom or hand towels in the guest bathroom.

Oh and speaking of programs and such, I am not sure if I mentioned it or not, but we have finally chosen what I have dubbed as our "honor attendants." You know, the program hand-outers, ushers, readers, guestbook attendant, etc. Here they are:

• Reader one: Christie - she and I have been friends since junior year in high school when we met on a CIY trip. Love her! I am not sure yet what she will be reading, but we all know she will do it with style. Oh! And Christie is also choreographing a dance for Jacob and I for our first dance. God love her for taking on this next to impossible task.
• Reader two: Jacob - Jacob is one of my cousins and I am thrilled he will be reading in the wedding. What is funny about Jacob is his name (Jacob Ryan) is the opposite of my Jacob's name (Ryan Jacob...yes, Jacob's real name is Ryan but he goes by his middle name). We have not chosen a reading for Jacob at this point either.
• Guest book attendant: Kelsey - She is one of Jacob's cousins.
• Program hand-outer (is this even a word?): Ben - He is one of my cousins; Jacob's brother actually.
• Ushers (yes, we are adding even more people to wedding party by not having the groomsmen usher guests to their seats BUT we are adding dear cousins to the wedding by doing so!): Billy (my cousin...and he was born exactly four days after me; our moms were in the hospital together); Adam (my cousin - Billy's brother); Kyle (Jacob's cousin and Kelsey's brother); and Ryan (Jacob's cousin and Kelsey and Kyle's brother).
  

As most of the major details are planned, I now need to sit down with my various lists and countdowns and get organized on that front. That is my plan for this week: re-organize myself. Time to take inventory again!

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!

DIYing my way to the alter

I love making things. Have ever since I was a little girl. Pretty sure that comes from my Mom who has always been dubbed as crafty. Seriously. You could give the woman a sock, glitter and a mason jar and she could turn out something really cool. (A female version of MacGyver, my mom!)

Since I like that sort of thing, and to add extra flair to our wedding, I am working through an extensive list of DIY projects that I created. Over the MLK day weekend, I got a few projects finished (wreaths for the church doors, decor for the reception site front door, etc.), a few projects started (large cardstock signs that say "Thank" and "You" for a special picture, etc.) and even had time to contemplate more.

For instance: I really like the idea of using bouquet charms in the bridesmaids' bouquets (and mine of course!). However, I was having a hard time coming up with how this would be feasible (without spending money on kits I came across online). After pondering on this for a few days, I may have come across a way that could potentially work:

I will use flat bottom marbles, pin backs and some glue...

...to create custom, one-of-a-kind bouquet charms for the wedding day bouquets.

My plan is to cut tiny round images, glue them to heavy white card stock and glue the flat sided marble to the front of the image. I have seen similar projects just like this for the creation of magnets, push pins, etc. Instead of affixing the marble to a magnet or push pin, I will glue the marble to a pin back, as long as I can find pin backs in the appropriate size.

If not, I will have to play with other ideas, like maybe two marbles per pin, etc. Instead of being a true bouquet charm (they typically hang by a ribbon from the bouquet), these will have the ability to clip to the ribbon holding the bouquet together. And after the wedding, long after the bouquets wilt, the charms will be able to clip to another surface!

Not sure that this project will work, but I want to at least try it!

What images will I use for these you ask? I think I would make each one different to represent my friendship with each girl. For instance, with Erin, I could use a tiny image of a Skyline Cheese Coney (because we LOVE Skyline Chili!). This could be fun. So many things could work! As for my bouquet, I may see if there is a way to shrink an image from my Mom's parents' wedding to use for my charm.

I plan to gather the supplies for a first attempt this weekend. Will definitely keep you posted on how they turn out!

Toss the bouquet!

We officially have a florist! After researching our options, we have decided to sign with Stephen Hein, who is seriously one of the city's best florists. His work is absolutely gorgeous. And the best part: I never would have been able to afford him had I not won the gift certificate at the July 2009 Bridal Show. This gift certificate is saving us $500 worth of flowers/greenery.

We have not placed our final order quite yet, but our quote includes:

• Bridal bouquet (orange lilies, white stephanotis flowers, greenery: wanted a fresh-picked kind of look);
• Toss bouquet (not sure if I am going to do the traditional bouquet toss or not, but regardless, this bouquet will be a smaller version of my bouquet);
• Eight bridesmaids' bouquets (orange lilies, bear grass and seeded eucalyptus);
• Groom's boutonniere (three white stephanotis flowers, seeded eucalyptus);
• Boutonnieres for seven groomsmen/four ushers/Todd Tyler/two fathers/one grandfather (two white stephanotis flowers, seeded eucalyptus);
• Nosegay bouquets for two moms (white orchids);
• Pin-on corsage for one grandmother (white rose);
• Greenery for three candelabras at the church;
• Cake topper (orange lilies) and greenery for base of cake;
• Three medium eiffel vases of orange lilies/greenery (decoration at reception); and
• Three short eiffel vases of orange lilies/greenery (decoration at reception).

We are setting another meeting for next week to add additional corsages and boutonnieres for our honor attendants (readers, guest book attendant, program person, etc.), delivery options and discuss the option of pew decorations. Stephen has some great ideas of using greenery to decorate every third or fourth pew. Hopefully it is something we can do and still remain in budget!

Next on the list: find and book a DJ!

Happy Bridesmaids = Happy Bride

A wise man once said, “A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.” I think he knew what he was talking about. After being in numerous weddings myself, I decided early on that I wanted to make my wedding as easy as possible for those I wanted to share it with me...namely my bridesmaids.

Meaning: letting each girl choose her own dress, have the option to do her own hair/makeup/nails, choose her own jewlery/shoes, etc. I figure that these things would add up to a happy bridesmaid.

When I made the decision to have each of the girls wearing different dresses, I did not realize the extra job I was taking on. Add to that the fact that no bridal shop in Lexington carries the complete line I chose (Forever Yours) and you have a sticky situation.

Luckily, Ruth's Bridal in Lexington (where my gown was ordered) has been very easy to work with on this (as they are ordering the dresses). Since mid-August, I have been shuttling groups of my girls back and forth to Cincinnati to the mecca that is Bridal and Formal. And one by one, each girl chose the dress she wanted to wear.

My last such trip took place over the weekend with my Maid of Honor, Trish. (Anna joined us and we had a fabulous time BTW!)

The dress Trish chose is called a "crumb catcher" and I think it looks absolutely gorgeous on her! To be completely honest, I fell in love with this dress the first time I saw it. And practically every one of the girls has tried it on. But for one reason or another, other dresses were chosen. And on Saturday, Trisha tried it on...and loved it too!

To make her stand out a bit, we are thinking about the possibility of incorporating a brooch to her dress in some way...if we can find a suitable option. Keep your eyes peeled for something vintage that screams old Hollywood!


Here is the final dress line up:

What do you think? Keep in mind that all dresses will be in emerald green (even sashes) and the longer two dresses in this image will be hemmed to a shorter length to match the other dresses.

All in all, I think these dresses will make for beautiful bridesmaids.

Now to schedule fittings and get the final cost of these dresses...

Seven down...MOH to go

Yesterday, I took a drive to Cincinnati with my mum; youngest sister Kimberly; soon to be mother-in-law, Debbie; and sister-in-law, Rachel. What a good trip! Not only did we have a blast, but both of the girls chose their dresses to wear in the wedding. Success!!

Kimberly will be wearing this dress (right). I really like this dress! It will look stunning on her. And Rachel will be wearing this dress (left). Another super cute dress. Cannot wait to see it in emerald green! Both of these dresses were classic choices that can be traced back to the original dress shopping trip. I love both of them!

So then there was one. Seven of the girls now have bridesmaid dresses. So much fun! That leaves one. Trish, my MOH (Maid of Honor) is planning a trip to Lexington New Year's weekend so we can do a little shopping. I would love to make her dress look a little different in some way. I wonder what it would look like, if she chooses a dress with a sash or something, if the sash was a different color than the typical emerald green of the rest of the dress. Opinions? I guess it will really just come down to which dress she chooses. More on that later!

Once Trish has chosen her dress, I will lay each of the dresses out so we can look at them as a group. I think they will be the best looking (and best dressed) wedding party of 2010!

PS, I have decided that silver shoes are the best option. I think a silver satin shoe will do the trick. Hilary has found lots of cute ones out in Hamburg...planning an outing with her to take a look! (Note: girls can wear whatever shoes they are most comfortable in...they just need to be open toe/strappy and satin.)

Oh! One other update: I have officially chosen my wedding gown! Love it!! Tried it on for the group yesterday and it was a smash. Mom made an appointment for me tomorrow so I can go ahead and order it. Wow. Ordering my wedding gown. What a surreal feeling!

Coming soon: consultations with florists...ideas...opinions...thoughts... Big decision to be made in the next few weeks.

A fistful of flowers

My first floral consultation is tomorrow...

I love flowers. And I would have fresh flowers in the house year round if possible However, I cannot fathom spending an arm and a leg on flowers for the wedding. Primarily because they will die within a few short days, but also, I would much rather have more money toward other aspects of the wedding, like in catering, or my dress/hair/makeup/etc.

That in mind (and strict budget in hand), I made my first consultation appointment with a popular (she already has numerous weddings booked for 2010) florist through the Kroger network, Kim over at Chinoe. Kim worked with my sister, Katie, on her wedding flowers and did a nice job. Like Katie, I want to keep it simple. Yes, I know having 16 people in our wedding party does not quite constitute simple, but I am sure going to try!

Going into this meeting, I know that I want orange flowers. Bright pops of color and soothing greenery are my idea of floral beauty. Jacob and I both love lilies, so we are thinking orange lilies may be the way to go.

I have found several photos of bridesmaid bouquets made of orange calla lilies that I absolutely love! Wouldn't these look great next to emerald green dresses?? And if we kept to the calla lily theme for all attendants, these boutonnieres are super cute! For my bouquet, I love the idea of using lilies, just not calla lilies, just to be different. And to match, Jacob's boutonniere can match whatever flowers make up my bouquet.

Also, another thought that occurred to me for the bridesmaids' bouquets: bouquet charms. This could be a really fun DIY project! And would be an outlet for a little personality and fun.

These are just initial thoughts. Once I sit down and meet with Kim tomorrow, I will see what is possible within my budget and begin to firm up what I really want. Stay tuned!

Another Dress Chosen!

I can go into the Thanksgiving holiday breathing easy...another dress has been decided!

This morning, I was informed that Hilary has chosen the dress she wants to wear in the wedding. Instead of going with the one she orignally wanted, she has chosen the strapless little number you see here (left). Super cute and looked excellent on her, this dress will be a great compliment to the other dresses chosen to date.

So as of right now, we have five dresses chosen and three to go. So excited! Once all of the girls choose their dress, I will have to post them all together on here so we can examine what they will all look like together.

Now I should start taking inventory on the other things I want to get squared away before the holidays are upon us...things like hotel rooms, flowers and cake!

One final thought regarding bridesmaid attire...

The battle of the shoes:

As I mentioned before, I am trying to decide what color of shoes will go best with an emerald green dress. I have narrowed my choices to silver or nude.

Here two pictures I took on Sunday to get an idea of which shoe color looks best. The emerald dress in the photo is not exact, but it is pretty close to the dress color I chose. What color looks best to you? (Silver on left and nude on right)...

My way of thinking: the guys will be in gray, thus the silver shoes on the girls would match and provide an extra bit of pizzazz!

The nude shoes provide a more muted color scheme...and I like that it blends pretty well with skin (thus would not stick out too much), but I am not sure that nude would look better than silver.

I guess it honestly just depends on the theme I am trying to create for the day. Thoughts?? Suggestions??

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping: Take Two!

Yesterday, three of the bridesmaids (Crystal, Hilary and Anna) and myself ventured to Cincinnati to determine the dresses they want to wear next September. Having comandeered the Forever Yours line at Bridal and Formal, we snagged a corner of one of the dressing rooms so the girls could try on dresses...dozens of dresses!

After a short while, two of them determined what they want to wear. Crystal chose a cute strapless dress that has a slight sweetheart top. It was really slimming on her and looked great! (See image on left.)

Anna's dress is just as cute and is also strapless. When she got it on, we both knew it was the dress! She especially loves the sash that is on the back; though you cannot see it from this image. (See image on right).

Hilary is currently undecided. She is attempting to decide between two, one she fell in love with on the first shopping trip and another she came across on yesterday's outing. Both would look great on her; excited to see what she chooses! (Stay tuned!)

I love that though several of the girls expressed interest in some of the same dresses, there have been no duplicates chosen. I am especially looking forward to seeing all of the girls in their dresses at the same time! I really think it will look great.

So as of today, four of the bridesmaids have dresses chosen. (YAY!) One will decide this week and the other three over the course of the next month...next Cincinnati trip is coming up on December 20.

The next major discussion for the bridesmaids' attire: shoe color. Silver or nude? Hilary was wise enough to bring a pair of each color to try on with an emerald dress in the shop so we can get initial ideas...I will need to upload those photos so the discussion can continue.

Bridesmaids: two down, six to go

One of the first places I ever looked at wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses was Bridal and Formal in Cincinnati, OH. It is a wonderful store with TONS of dresses and many lines. In short, I was spoiled with selection.

As you know, I am having each of my eight bridesmaids choose their own style of dress for the wedding. Awesome plan and I think it will look AWESOME, however, the time that goes into making this a reality is much more than I anticipated! Perhaps it would not be as difficult if there were shops in Lexington that sold more than a few dresses from the line I chose for the bridesmaids (Forever Yours).

Wanting these dresses ordered in January, and it being a rough time of year for scheduling (aka school, holidays, etc.), I have to have multiple trips to Cincy for the girls to browse and choose their dress. The first of such trips was yesterday. Erin, Katie and I headed up yesterday afternoon for a last minute shopping extravaganza. And within an hour, both had dresses chosen!! So exciting!

Katie's dress (left) is super cute and very different. I absolutely love the top of it! The weird length of the dress will be hemmed shorter - to the knee, and the dress will be in emerald green.

Erin's dress (right) is also super cute and is a halter! I love this dress and it is very classy looking. It will also be in emerald green.

Thinking that strappy silver shoes will look best with these dresses...especially next to the gray tuxes the guys will be wearing (and Jacob wants the guys to have a matching emerald green tie).

Both images are from http://www.foreverbridals.com/.

The next shopping trip is two weeks away. Anna, Crystal and Hilary will be choosing their dresses that day!

Cannot wait to see what everyone chooses.