First off--greetings from the Netherlands.
Last week at approximately noon, local time--me and my completely devastated cat touched down in Amsterdam after a 24 hour or so set of flights and lay overs. They were drama filled (as things usually go when I fly internationally) and some blood was spilled. But I will spare you the details--if only to save some humiliation on my part.
Mostly, things are settling down over here. We move into "married housing" next week. Dennis and I are both trying to get back to a healthy eating and exercise routine. Gizmo is enjoying her new and (apparently) delicious wheat/barley grass.
I'm back to wedding planning.
So yeah, it's been a while. And as most of you know, there is little over a couple of months now to what I'm calling W ("dub") Day. The vendors are settled, some of them are even paid (gasp). The ceremony is almost done. Invitations are happening (and yeah, we know--they're late). Plans are being laid. This leaves me in a place where, mostly, I'm just making final decisions.
Now, if you're reading this--you may or may not know me very well so I'll give you the benefit of a doubt. I'm hyper, weird, extroverted. Sassy and loudmouthed even with more than a little fondness for potatoes and scotch. But indecisive I ain't.
Let me tell you, readers. Planning a wedding makes you do crazy stuff.
This is a ballpark, mind you. I only wish that I had had enough foresight to actually log all the hours spent in the search of my bridal accessories. So I'll guess. And that guess is probably around--50 hours.
Veils? Necklaces? Earrings? Barrettes? Bracelets? Combs? DIY, buy it, or Etsy? Who the hell knows? I couldn't tell you the first thing about what I'm wearing aside from my big white dress and my birthday suit. I've had loads of ideas and the second the next cool idea wafts by my unsuspecting bridal nose, my mind is changed. All ideas are scrapped (unless I've committed money, and sometimes not even then...). New idea is go. Etsy browsing resumes. Amazon and Google Images are once again scoured.
The worst part is the shoes.
Ariel knows. It's practically a mental illness. First it was red dress sandals--a pair I saw in a magazine. Well, they don't make them in that color anymore. It only went downhill from there. Coral pumps, yellow chucks, rain galoshes with strawberry print--up to the latest fascination with cowboy boots. Can I make a decision to save my life? No way. I can't find the perfect pair of anything (which is now back to red satin... flats). Every shoe I find has something tiny and wrong with it, that makes it less than stunning to my messed up brain. Like all the dresses before mine (who I affectionately call "Addison"), they just weren't right. When I tried them on/found a picture on Google/stalked them on Etsy they didn't whisper "You're getting married in these."
But today, I think I get it.
That's because the perfect pair of shoes doesn't exist. They're a unicorn. And best of all--they don't even matter.
NO ONE IS GOING TO BE LOOKING AT MY FEET EXCEPT ME.
And probably Jakub. Because he likes shoes.
I have got to get over this.
And by that I mean, I need to give the rest of the decisions to Dennis (who is still capable of liking A over B or D over C, at this point).
He's already helped me sort of invitation madness (which is now being passed on to Ariel--BLESS HER HEART). You also have Dennis to thank for choosing our specialty cocktails--which I debated almost as much as shoes.
What's left? Largely table decorations, rentals, and votives. Though I'll have a lot to do at the last minute once I get back to Missouri.
In other news, bridesmaids Nasreen and Andreya have picked up their projects! Nasreen will be in charge of the DIY photobooth (woo!), and Dreya is brewing limoncello/orangcello as we speak. Yum!
-L
04 April, 2011
Pieces
Stuff is still getting done.
1) Catering contract: Drawn up (by me), signed, finalized, done.
2) Searching for the flower girl dresses.
3) Still searching for a band.
4) Overhauled my DIY calendar--which will explode into action as soon as I move.
But I'm not gonna lie, I'm hardly thinking about it.
I'm gonna miss Missoula so much.
1) Catering contract: Drawn up (by me), signed, finalized, done.
2) Searching for the flower girl dresses.
3) Still searching for a band.
4) Overhauled my DIY calendar--which will explode into action as soon as I move.
But I'm not gonna lie, I'm hardly thinking about it.
I'm gonna miss Missoula so much.
28 March, 2011
Ode to my Other Mothers
Moms are the veritable shit.
Sorry for swearing, but ladies, you're awesome. You know it. Work it. Yeeeeeeah.
Obviously, my Momma--the other L Minton--truly stands unopposed. She fed and dressed me for years, she's still paying off my student loans, she's supported almost any goal or crazy-ass dream I've come upon. Ever. She loves my almost-husband and my cat almost as much as I do. She's smart, funny, gorgeous and I could swear the sun shines out of her butt. To put the cherry on that sundae--she birthed me. Like, grew me somewhere under her kidneys and pushed until a doctor slammed a needle in her spine, threw her intestines onto a nearby table, and presented me, squealing and bloody, to the world.
Hat's off to you, Marm. They don't come better than you.
But I am writing to you, tonight, Dear Reader--as a woman fortunate enough to have been shaped, and continually supported by an entire network of women I like to call my "Othermothers" (because if you say it just right--it kinda rhymes). Not only did I solicit their beauteous presences for my wedding--I actually tried to enlist their help. And these gracious, goddess-like ladies are pulling out all the stops! I thought I'd take a moment to tell you a little about each of them and update you on wedding progress at the same time. Cool huh? (Don't answer)
In chronological order via "acquisition" aka The-day-I just-started-calling-them-Marm-and-it-didn't-feel-weird
Cyndi: I can't remember a time in my life when this femme warrior-bard wasn't in my life. I grew up alongside her two daughters, Ali and Emily and call myself fortunate enough to always feel at home in their fam. As a woman of higher education--and feeling bound for it myself--for many years she was the academic standard to which I held myself accountable, and her previous interest in Anthropology was completely invaluable to me once the discipline became my career path. (Now if only I could find where it went...) This glib and gorgeous Othermother will be the Celebrant of the ceremony! Can you believe it?! I'm beside myself excited to have someone I know, love, and trust tie Dennis and I into brand new family.
Connie: Stunning, and soft-spoken with a glorious laugh, Connie and my Dad got married when I was nine. Although I never lived with my Dad and Connie, I always felt like a member of the family--and Connie always let me know how much she cared and loved me. Connie owns her own events company and has graciously agreed to lend me a whole-slew of rental-quality equipment FOR FREE (more than quartering that part of the budget) and help arrange it to make it perdy. I simply cannot thank her enough for her generosity in this arena!
June: I'm pretty sure that June is actually the definition of 'sassy.' June is actually my Maid of Honor (Ariel!)'s madre and one of the most rockin' people on the planet. With her funky style, eye for detail and awesome skills, I was super-stoked when she offered to help me DIY the wedding flowers! Hat's off to you, June. We're gonna get our blooms on. I'll bring the champagne!
Out,
-L
Sorry for swearing, but ladies, you're awesome. You know it. Work it. Yeeeeeeah.
Obviously, my Momma--the other L Minton--truly stands unopposed. She fed and dressed me for years, she's still paying off my student loans, she's supported almost any goal or crazy-ass dream I've come upon. Ever. She loves my almost-husband and my cat almost as much as I do. She's smart, funny, gorgeous and I could swear the sun shines out of her butt. To put the cherry on that sundae--she birthed me. Like, grew me somewhere under her kidneys and pushed until a doctor slammed a needle in her spine, threw her intestines onto a nearby table, and presented me, squealing and bloody, to the world.
Hat's off to you, Marm. They don't come better than you.
But I am writing to you, tonight, Dear Reader--as a woman fortunate enough to have been shaped, and continually supported by an entire network of women I like to call my "Othermothers" (because if you say it just right--it kinda rhymes). Not only did I solicit their beauteous presences for my wedding--I actually tried to enlist their help. And these gracious, goddess-like ladies are pulling out all the stops! I thought I'd take a moment to tell you a little about each of them and update you on wedding progress at the same time. Cool huh? (Don't answer)
In chronological order via "acquisition" aka The-day-I just-started-calling-them-Marm-and-it-didn't-feel-weird
Cyndi: I can't remember a time in my life when this femme warrior-bard wasn't in my life. I grew up alongside her two daughters, Ali and Emily and call myself fortunate enough to always feel at home in their fam. As a woman of higher education--and feeling bound for it myself--for many years she was the academic standard to which I held myself accountable, and her previous interest in Anthropology was completely invaluable to me once the discipline became my career path. (Now if only I could find where it went...) This glib and gorgeous Othermother will be the Celebrant of the ceremony! Can you believe it?! I'm beside myself excited to have someone I know, love, and trust tie Dennis and I into brand new family.
Connie: Stunning, and soft-spoken with a glorious laugh, Connie and my Dad got married when I was nine. Although I never lived with my Dad and Connie, I always felt like a member of the family--and Connie always let me know how much she cared and loved me. Connie owns her own events company and has graciously agreed to lend me a whole-slew of rental-quality equipment FOR FREE (more than quartering that part of the budget) and help arrange it to make it perdy. I simply cannot thank her enough for her generosity in this arena!
June: I'm pretty sure that June is actually the definition of 'sassy.' June is actually my Maid of Honor (Ariel!)'s madre and one of the most rockin' people on the planet. With her funky style, eye for detail and awesome skills, I was super-stoked when she offered to help me DIY the wedding flowers! Hat's off to you, June. We're gonna get our blooms on. I'll bring the champagne!
Out,
-L
22 March, 2011
Another word for time, power, and melted cheese
That's right: MONEY.
Now, before I dive in--what I want to know is... how did the subject of money and weddings become so taboo? I already hesitated on the title, the opening sentence, and now this one. Bridal-brain says You shouldn't be blogging this.
But in the spirit of trail-blazing (HA), and my penchant for social transparency I defiantly shake my fist to the sky.
And I say: Who did this?
Who turned one of the best days of my life into a several thousand dollar ordeal? Was it the credit card companies, bridal boutiques, the Russians or all of the above? I really don't understand.
Thus far, I've been able to surmise that for some time there have been a couple extremes in the wedding world. Introducing...
The Broke-Ass Bride: Anywhere from $100 to $6,000 to spend on the big day. Most of this falls on credit cards. Most of this comes out of the couple's own pocket. A lot of ramen is consumed. A lot of favors are called in, and lots of friends are invited over to help (literally) construct a wedding. Tears are shed. But ultimately the twin goals of 'wedding' and 'marriage' are accomplished. (This is not to infringe on the actual Broke-Ass Bride whom I love and adore)
The Well-Off Bride: Who knows where their budget is? Sure, they get stressed--but usually are able to throw money at the problem without too much of an issue. Sacrifices will be made, sleep will still be lost. But at the end of their nuptials they are usually able to look around themselves and be quite content with everything they found and purchased. I love you Well-Off Brides, make no mistake. But I envy you entirely.
Because a new type of bride is emerging. And at once she is glorious and not so pretty.
The Broke-Ass Bride 2.0.
To be entirely up front, yes, I do fall squarely into this category.
Before I began my own wedding planning odyssey, I would never (ever) have thought in my wildest dreams that the kind of laid-back and casual wedding I had in mind could not possibly be done for $10,000. I would never (ever) have thought in my craziest nightmare that I could be considered on a tight budget or as a "low-end Bride" (wtf does that even mean?). But here I am, folks! In all my target-clearance, noodle-scarfing splendor.
The BAB 2.0 is really an emerging demographic, but is serving to offset the polarity between the Well-Off and the previous Broke-Ass. All of a sudden the costs of weddings are skyrocketing. Brides (and grooms!) that want a truly touching, gorgeous, and personal wedding are on the ropes. In this market, you have to do three things to have a wedding that even comes close to your dreams:
1) Put your thinking cap on and get seriously scary smart/ruthless
2) Get your gardening gloves out and get ready to get dirty and work hard
3) Get lucky
Lots of Brides and their Maidys and their menfolk have to bust a move on their weddings--doing a lot themselves, making steep sacrifices and doing tons of research. But a seriously dark side is lurking in the shadows. "One-down-manship" is at an all-time high. How am I supposed to have a great, photogenic wedding when I simultaneously understand that I a) Can't do everything myself and b) Don't have the money to have other people do it for me?
Why is all this stuff so expensive?!!!
***Editor's Note: I'm sure the Ohio couple with their glorious wedding are awesome people. I sincerely mean it. But I have never been so down on my Brideself as when I saw that wedding, it's price tag and starting comparing it to mine.
Now, before I dive in--what I want to know is... how did the subject of money and weddings become so taboo? I already hesitated on the title, the opening sentence, and now this one. Bridal-brain says You shouldn't be blogging this.
But in the spirit of trail-blazing (HA), and my penchant for social transparency I defiantly shake my fist to the sky.
And I say: Who did this?
Who turned one of the best days of my life into a several thousand dollar ordeal? Was it the credit card companies, bridal boutiques, the Russians or all of the above? I really don't understand.
Thus far, I've been able to surmise that for some time there have been a couple extremes in the wedding world. Introducing...
The Broke-Ass Bride: Anywhere from $100 to $6,000 to spend on the big day. Most of this falls on credit cards. Most of this comes out of the couple's own pocket. A lot of ramen is consumed. A lot of favors are called in, and lots of friends are invited over to help (literally) construct a wedding. Tears are shed. But ultimately the twin goals of 'wedding' and 'marriage' are accomplished. (This is not to infringe on the actual Broke-Ass Bride whom I love and adore)
The Well-Off Bride: Who knows where their budget is? Sure, they get stressed--but usually are able to throw money at the problem without too much of an issue. Sacrifices will be made, sleep will still be lost. But at the end of their nuptials they are usually able to look around themselves and be quite content with everything they found and purchased. I love you Well-Off Brides, make no mistake. But I envy you entirely.
Because a new type of bride is emerging. And at once she is glorious and not so pretty.
The Broke-Ass Bride 2.0.
To be entirely up front, yes, I do fall squarely into this category.
Before I began my own wedding planning odyssey, I would never (ever) have thought in my wildest dreams that the kind of laid-back and casual wedding I had in mind could not possibly be done for $10,000. I would never (ever) have thought in my craziest nightmare that I could be considered on a tight budget or as a "low-end Bride" (wtf does that even mean?). But here I am, folks! In all my target-clearance, noodle-scarfing splendor.
The BAB 2.0 is really an emerging demographic, but is serving to offset the polarity between the Well-Off and the previous Broke-Ass. All of a sudden the costs of weddings are skyrocketing. Brides (and grooms!) that want a truly touching, gorgeous, and personal wedding are on the ropes. In this market, you have to do three things to have a wedding that even comes close to your dreams:
1) Put your thinking cap on and get seriously scary smart/ruthless
2) Get your gardening gloves out and get ready to get dirty and work hard
3) Get lucky
Lots of Brides and their Maidys and their menfolk have to bust a move on their weddings--doing a lot themselves, making steep sacrifices and doing tons of research. But a seriously dark side is lurking in the shadows. "One-down-manship" is at an all-time high. How am I supposed to have a great, photogenic wedding when I simultaneously understand that I a) Can't do everything myself and b) Don't have the money to have other people do it for me?
Why is all this stuff so expensive?!!!
***Editor's Note: I'm sure the Ohio couple with their glorious wedding are awesome people. I sincerely mean it. But I have never been so down on my Brideself as when I saw that wedding, it's price tag and starting comparing it to mine.
21 March, 2011
A Hit and a Miss
***Edit: Sorry for my momentary loss of sanity, but Kat Williams just does that to me.***
Sooooooo--this is no secret: I love weddings. I love talking about my wedding--writing about my wedding. And very very mostly, I love blogging about my wedding
.
So the decision to apply as a blogger at the amazing, splendiferous Wedding Bee was met with zero hesitation. For the past three weeks I have entertained some of the most ridiculous "Bee" fantasies imaginable. From what my first post would be titled ("Ready to Rock") and my Bee handle ("Mrs. Jackalope").
But I didn't get in. Rats!
BUTGUESSWHATI'MBESIDEMYSELFABOUT?
Everyone EVERYONE needs to go here and vote for us!
WE'RE FINALISTS IN A CONTEST.
BECAUSE MY WEDDING INSPIRATION BOARD IS NOW ON A WORLD-FAMOUS WEDDING WEBSITE AND I FEEL LIKE I'M GONNA DIE OF EXCITEMENT.
I SERIOUSLY FREAKED OUT IN MY YOGURT THIS MORNING.
Enough caps! Just go! I can't even type about it more!
-L
Sooooooo--this is no secret: I love weddings. I love talking about my wedding--writing about my wedding. And very very mostly, I love blogging about my wedding
.
So the decision to apply as a blogger at the amazing, splendiferous Wedding Bee was met with zero hesitation. For the past three weeks I have entertained some of the most ridiculous "Bee" fantasies imaginable. From what my first post would be titled ("Ready to Rock") and my Bee handle ("Mrs. Jackalope").
But I didn't get in. Rats!
BUTGUESSWHATI'MBESIDEMYSELFABOUT?
Everyone EVERYONE needs to go here and vote for us!
WE'RE FINALISTS IN A CONTEST.
BECAUSE MY WEDDING INSPIRATION BOARD IS NOW ON A WORLD-FAMOUS WEDDING WEBSITE AND I FEEL LIKE I'M GONNA DIE OF EXCITEMENT.
I SERIOUSLY FREAKED OUT IN MY YOGURT THIS MORNING.
Enough caps! Just go! I can't even type about it more!
-L
17 March, 2011
Ceremony? Schmeremony
What's a secular couple to do?
Folks let me tell you about the climate of wedding ceremonies these days--cause it gets weird, cliche, and overdone faster than you can lick the stamps for your invites.
Neither Dennis nor myself are religious people, so the thought of a religious ceremony never entered the picture. Neither of us were really even raised in a religious environment, so the culture behind the religion isn't of particular importance either. Both of us like to see the beauty and importance in day-to-day life as well as keep honor and dignity (Did I say that?) in our respective characters because we believe it's important for our humanity not for divine purpose. We're our own people--grounded in our own familial and socio-cultural backgrounds. But, I for one, never allow myself to feel weighted down by some traditional obligation. That is--unless I like it!
Well, we're definitely not the only ones.
Couples in every nook and cranny of the U.S. these days are opting to make their weddings as personal as possible. Many brides and grooms nowadays are adopting a(n awesome) take-it or leave-it approach to traditional weddings. Hate the garter toss? Screw it. Don't like the whole "You may kiss the Bride?" schpeal? Leave it out!
Lots of folks are even taking it a step further--instead of just editing theho hum tried and true Western marriage ceremony and vows, people are chucking it out entirely! Entirely new and original non-secular rituals are popping up everywhere. (Sorry, my anthropologist is showing) And the coolest part? They're in vogue, and taking weddings by storm.
Now I'm ALL FOR sticking it to the man. In general. And most of the time. But when you're trying to write your own ceremony and looking for inspiration, you read some... really uninspiring stuff. Here's are a few of the doozies that I've found--and their related, but different counterparts that really stuck with me.
Schmeremony? Sand mixing. Becoming very common with coastal folk. So Joe from the Jersey shore marries Becky from South Beach and both of them get a cup of sand from their home beaches and mix them together in front of everyone and keep this can of mixed sand to display in their home. What? So... you can pour sand. Together. And keep it in a jar. It just falls flat to me.
Ceremony! Unity cocktail or wine. I wouldn't be surprised if this originated with a couple Californians. The happy couple invents a cocktail that defines them or each pick a bottle of wine for themselves. During the ceremony, the Officiant (or as I like to say--Celebrant) says some words about individuality, and the couple pours the stuff together and then split the glass. I mean, at least you drink this one!
Schmeremony? I don't know what you'd even call it. The Celebrant opens the ceremony and asks everyone present to take a moment to pray/concentrate... To be honest I'm a little confused how people even dress this up as anything but "Please radiate good vibes, Dude." My main problem is--it's really intangible. Most of the people we know would just sit there a bit confused. I mean, it's intent is great--but really? I think you'd need a specific crowd not to have at least one eye-roll.
Ceremony! Believe it or not--Audience participation. The Celebrant (usually towards the beginning of the ceremony) asks everyone present to stand up and shout! I've found several actual phrasings that I love a whole bunch--most of them involve asking the couple to face their gathered friends and family while they rise. Next, the Celebrant makes a schpeal about forming a community of support for the newlyweds and asking the audience if they promise to love, support, and help the new couple through their new lives as best they can. Everyone who feels comfortable shouts something like "YEAH!" or "WOOOOOO!" You get the picture. I love it!
Schmeremony? Handfasting. You tie a rope around your arms to signify that you're being bound together--it's based off an old Celtic tradition. Like you're actually physically tied to them. At all times.
Ceremony! Handfasting. Ok, I love it. But I'm an Irish girl. And nowadays they're usually more flexible with the ceremony wording--I even read one ceremony where they read Ogden Nash's famous "To Love Is Not to Possess" poem immediately after. A modern update on an ages old and culturally relevant ritual? Yes, please.
***Disclaimer: I frequently 'yuck' other people's 'yum.' I'm not trying to be hater, and I apologize. I'm just quippy, and a little bit of a smart ass, and that's how I roll. You and your's should do what feels right for your ceremony. ***
A Shrek wedding apparently. (Source)
Folks let me tell you about the climate of wedding ceremonies these days--cause it gets weird, cliche, and overdone faster than you can lick the stamps for your invites.
Neither Dennis nor myself are religious people, so the thought of a religious ceremony never entered the picture. Neither of us were really even raised in a religious environment, so the culture behind the religion isn't of particular importance either. Both of us like to see the beauty and importance in day-to-day life as well as keep honor and dignity (Did I say that?) in our respective characters because we believe it's important for our humanity not for divine purpose. We're our own people--grounded in our own familial and socio-cultural backgrounds. But, I for one, never allow myself to feel weighted down by some traditional obligation. That is--unless I like it!
Well, we're definitely not the only ones.
Couples in every nook and cranny of the U.S. these days are opting to make their weddings as personal as possible. Many brides and grooms nowadays are adopting a(n awesome) take-it or leave-it approach to traditional weddings. Hate the garter toss? Screw it. Don't like the whole "You may kiss the Bride?" schpeal? Leave it out!
Lots of folks are even taking it a step further--instead of just editing the
Now I'm ALL FOR sticking it to the man. In general. And most of the time. But when you're trying to write your own ceremony and looking for inspiration, you read some... really uninspiring stuff. Here's are a few of the doozies that I've found--and their related, but different counterparts that really stuck with me.
Schmeremony? Sand mixing. Becoming very common with coastal folk. So Joe from the Jersey shore marries Becky from South Beach and both of them get a cup of sand from their home beaches and mix them together in front of everyone and keep this can of mixed sand to display in their home. What? So... you can pour sand. Together. And keep it in a jar. It just falls flat to me.
Ceremony! Unity cocktail or wine. I wouldn't be surprised if this originated with a couple Californians. The happy couple invents a cocktail that defines them or each pick a bottle of wine for themselves. During the ceremony, the Officiant (or as I like to say--Celebrant) says some words about individuality, and the couple pours the stuff together and then split the glass. I mean, at least you drink this one!
Schmeremony? I don't know what you'd even call it. The Celebrant opens the ceremony and asks everyone present to take a moment to pray/concentrate... To be honest I'm a little confused how people even dress this up as anything but "Please radiate good vibes, Dude." My main problem is--it's really intangible. Most of the people we know would just sit there a bit confused. I mean, it's intent is great--but really? I think you'd need a specific crowd not to have at least one eye-roll.
Ceremony! Believe it or not--Audience participation. The Celebrant (usually towards the beginning of the ceremony) asks everyone present to stand up and shout! I've found several actual phrasings that I love a whole bunch--most of them involve asking the couple to face their gathered friends and family while they rise. Next, the Celebrant makes a schpeal about forming a community of support for the newlyweds and asking the audience if they promise to love, support, and help the new couple through their new lives as best they can. Everyone who feels comfortable shouts something like "YEAH!" or "WOOOOOO!" You get the picture. I love it!
Schmeremony? Handfasting. You tie a rope around your arms to signify that you're being bound together--it's based off an old Celtic tradition. Like you're actually physically tied to them. At all times.
Ceremony! Handfasting. Ok, I love it. But I'm an Irish girl. And nowadays they're usually more flexible with the ceremony wording--I even read one ceremony where they read Ogden Nash's famous "To Love Is Not to Possess" poem immediately after. A modern update on an ages old and culturally relevant ritual? Yes, please.
***Disclaimer: I frequently 'yuck' other people's 'yum.' I'm not trying to be hater, and I apologize. I'm just quippy, and a little bit of a smart ass, and that's how I roll. You and your's should do what feels right for your ceremony. ***
14 March, 2011
More than one inside joke I guess
But here is a serious new source of FUNspiration.
I'll make up new words at my... lizurier. (O Ariel! Celebrate Ariel...)
I'll make up new words at my... lizurier. (O Ariel! Celebrate Ariel...)
13 March, 2011
Progress and Martha Stewart
Readers, we've reached a pivotal part of the wedding planning experience.
Things are being made. Tangible elements of my wedding are being shaped, gilded, created. Before this time of progress, dessert labels, table numbers, a whole slew of objects existed solely in my mind. Carefully, I have begun to extract them from the paper they have slept in so long--their dreams? To be shaped. Formed. Glued and pasted. I have created something from the fabric of life itself.
Dessert bar labels--so you know what sugary goodness is going down your gullet. But the dessert bar is a whole other post...
Triple threat drink tags! (sorry about the blur!) They're gonna go tripsies as our escort cards, making sure people know which table to go to (the number will be on the back), and so guests don't get their drinks mixed up all night! Best part about using mason jars instead of renting flimsy glasses? I get to keep the jars and can all summer!
Things are being made. Tangible elements of my wedding are being shaped, gilded, created. Before this time of progress, dessert labels, table numbers, a whole slew of objects existed solely in my mind. Carefully, I have begun to extract them from the paper they have slept in so long--their dreams? To be shaped. Formed. Glued and pasted. I have created something from the fabric of life itself.
BEHOLD!
This is what progress looks like. (Stargate re-runs optional)
And Martha--let's not forget Martha. It all started when I saw a DIY dessert bar sign that I just had to have. I'd already laid plans to work in lace and doilies throughout the wedding decor (and before you wrinkle your nose at me, let's not forget my name is Lacey) so when I saw the set of Martha Stewart decorative paper punches needed to complete the DIY, I thought 'great, I can use them all over the wedding.'
But at this point, you won't be able to escape from them at the wedding.
I decided the time had come, busted them out and started practicing. At first, this was not an easy task. There is a punch for the corners--which you punch first--and then you have to carefully line up the scalloping and take out the edges. It took a while to get good at it. But especially after I figured out the corner punches (it actually just works better if you use it upside-down), it became fun.
Since I'd already dragged out a bunch of paper and crafty bits, I decided to just transition from one project to the next, drug out my 5,000 page notes on wedding decor and skimmed the page for anything to DIY made of paper. Five episodes of Stargate (and we won't mention how many beers) later, I'd made a bunch of stuff!
After I get new jewelry tools (curse you old roommates! *waves fist*) I'll be making simple wire posts to stick these in our flower arrangements as table numbers. Simple, but sweet huh? I figure the tables will already have a lot going on without some crazy-nuts number device.
Dessert bar labels--so you know what sugary goodness is going down your gullet. But the dessert bar is a whole other post...
Triple threat drink tags! (sorry about the blur!) They're gonna go tripsies as our escort cards, making sure people know which table to go to (the number will be on the back), and so guests don't get their drinks mixed up all night! Best part about using mason jars instead of renting flimsy glasses? I get to keep the jars and can all summer!
How did other brides stay on top of their DIY schedule? How did you keep yourself organized?
11 March, 2011
My Maidys
A few of you might know what a struggle the BM dresses have been for me! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my lovely (talented, intelligent, awesome, laid-back) maidys for sticking by me through my indecision! All of you remember how fast I found my dress! I'll tell you the BM garb was infinitely more difficult for your's truly! First, I told them I was looking for something blue (to go with the Boulevard venue). Then I told them black with colorful shoes. Then I told them I didn't know. And then black again. And then FINALLY I ran into the best idea for bridesmaids ever!
And look-out! I'll be giving you each jewelry to wear on the day! So be sure and give me your specs as soon as you get them AND if you have a strong preference for earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace.
The Mismatched Maid look!
Not long after I started wedding planning--and Maidy dress exploring in particular--I became disenchanted with the flood of creepy BM images. Rows of presumably, unique, special women shoved into matching dresses in horrible hues, often regardless of dress fit, and flattery cast (far) aside! Given, brides and the industry have gone a long way! Several bridal salons now carry lines of dresses so brides can choose a color and her Maidys can pick their silhouette. But the Mismatched look resonated with me immediately. I hate it when things are too matchy-matchy anyway. You guys already know that I have a rather large wedding palette. Why not highlight it? I told them whatever dress they want. I gave them half the color wheel to choose from. I hope they go nuts and love what they're wearing.
So I recently entered an online contest through Weddington Way to win Bridesmaids dresses! This place has a truly fabulous selection of dresses that you'll actually wear again with some really cool online tools. They let you 'shop' for dresses and save them to your favorites in whichever color you choose. Then you can put them in a 'dress line-up' to see how they'll actually look next to each other! Snazzy, huh? Well, I guess to promote this new feature they're giving away $5,000 of BM dresses in a contest. All you have to do to enter is use their new tool and upload your Bridesmaid dress line-up.
Here is the board that I made on Weddington! I made it with my particular Maidy's in mind, too! (and no, there's still only four of you... it just had to be five people/I don't know how Kalie (hey girl!) will lean towards yet!
From left to right!:
1) Something cute I can see Kalie in... although more pastel and less tangerine, more likely!
2) A good foundation for something Nas might wear! I think you'll like the details at the dress hem.
3) For Ariel, undoubtedly!
4) Andreya, I think it reflects your cutesy Retro tendencies! And you told me you were thinking of pink, anyhow.
5) Something SUPER cute I can see Kalie in--plus her rad tattoos would show on her back!
And look-out! I'll be giving you each jewelry to wear on the day! So be sure and give me your specs as soon as you get them AND if you have a strong preference for earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace.
Out,
-LMC
10 March, 2011
It's (mostly) downhill from here
Some of you might have noticed the elephant in the room. Some of you might have been blind, forgot, or didn't know.
Please raise your hand if you knew I was moving to the Netherlands in the first two weeks of April?
Well, I may have forgotten a little.
The funny/sad/depressing thing is that I've actually had a list of the stuff I need to get done for a long time. I've even done a fair amount of the stuff on it. But suddenly, hopping the pond is right around the corner. It's there. It's here. It's almost now. It's like running into an awkward acquaintance on the street. You fiddle your feet, trying to avoid eye contact and hoping they don't strike up a convo. And then they do. And you wonder what you did wrong. Audience, let's face it--I'm sweating bullets.
I'll try and get to the point--the sharp, deadly wedding edge. What I find myself thinking a lot is simply 'WHO DOES THAT'? Who plans an international move smack-dab in the middle of their wedding planning? Sure, it wasn't our choice, but dear God in Heaven, this blows. I'm trying to find a band while at the same time researching info to get my cat overseas in one piece. Trying to find homes for my plants while making gifts for my loverly bridesmaids (and no, you can't know what they are). The cherry on the sundae might just be that I haven't seen Dennis in... ungh, it's only been two weeks and feels like a million years.
I guess, the positive side--WHAT I SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON--is that after the move, things should be coming up roses. Mostly. I mean, I hope so. I'm applying for a sweet-ass job at Yelp that I have high hopes could pan out. (not to mention, it's pretty much a dream job) I'll be moving into a house. A bonafide roof-with-four-walls creation. With my husband. Holy crap, shut up. Ideally, the weather in Holland will be warmer than here, if not somewhat soggier... but hell, at this point, I'll take it! And I get to see Dennis in 26 days (and no, I'm not counting...).
I feel a little guilty about spewing real-life drama over my wedding blog (twice now), but I guess for me, it really is a caveat in the whole wedding-planning shebang. The part where you remember that your wedding is just one day in your life, and your life is, well, every day of your life. And the reason your wedding is special is because it's a celebration. A celebration of the first day of the rest of your life that you are choosing to build with the person you love. What part of this whiny-loud-violin-story isn't important in the saga of my wedding? Or another readers? Because this is a reminder, ya'll (ooh, yeah, I went there): it's not (always) about your wedding. It's about your marriage. And your new shared life. And what you're doing with it.
I just gotta breathe, baby. And it'll be fine.
Love you, babe.
-LMC
Please raise your hand if you knew I was moving to the Netherlands in the first two weeks of April?
Well, I may have forgotten a little.
The funny/sad/depressing thing is that I've actually had a list of the stuff I need to get done for a long time. I've even done a fair amount of the stuff on it. But suddenly, hopping the pond is right around the corner. It's there. It's here. It's almost now. It's like running into an awkward acquaintance on the street. You fiddle your feet, trying to avoid eye contact and hoping they don't strike up a convo. And then they do. And you wonder what you did wrong. Audience, let's face it--I'm sweating bullets.
I'll try and get to the point--the sharp, deadly wedding edge. What I find myself thinking a lot is simply 'WHO DOES THAT'? Who plans an international move smack-dab in the middle of their wedding planning? Sure, it wasn't our choice, but dear God in Heaven, this blows. I'm trying to find a band while at the same time researching info to get my cat overseas in one piece. Trying to find homes for my plants while making gifts for my loverly bridesmaids (and no, you can't know what they are). The cherry on the sundae might just be that I haven't seen Dennis in... ungh, it's only been two weeks and feels like a million years.
I guess, the positive side--WHAT I SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON--is that after the move, things should be coming up roses. Mostly. I mean, I hope so. I'm applying for a sweet-ass job at Yelp that I have high hopes could pan out. (not to mention, it's pretty much a dream job) I'll be moving into a house. A bonafide roof-with-four-walls creation. With my husband. Holy crap, shut up. Ideally, the weather in Holland will be warmer than here, if not somewhat soggier... but hell, at this point, I'll take it! And I get to see Dennis in 26 days (and no, I'm not counting...).
I feel a little guilty about spewing real-life drama over my wedding blog (twice now), but I guess for me, it really is a caveat in the whole wedding-planning shebang. The part where you remember that your wedding is just one day in your life, and your life is, well, every day of your life. And the reason your wedding is special is because it's a celebration. A celebration of the first day of the rest of your life that you are choosing to build with the person you love. What part of this whiny-loud-violin-story isn't important in the saga of my wedding? Or another readers? Because this is a reminder, ya'll (ooh, yeah, I went there): it's not (always) about your wedding. It's about your marriage. And your new shared life. And what you're doing with it.
I just gotta breathe, baby. And it'll be fine.
Love you, babe.
-LMC
02 March, 2011
Digging for gold
I feel like I have oodles to report after my fun wedding-related afternoon yesterday! I set out for my second dress alteration/fitting appointment wicked early, per usual (damn you weird bus line 3 schedule!). Grabbed a paper, coffee, saw a traffic accident--gave my statement to the police. Yeah, only a little out of the norm!
Well, with almost 45 minutes to burn I decided it was time--I was going to go on my first long-planned-for search for vintagey treasure goodness. I know they say that fashion very rarely evolves, mostly it recycles. I've never felt they were so right about that until yesterday! I asked the owner if I could take pictures, but that didn't go down so well. Instead, I settled for raiding the $5 bin for a good half an hour. So many shiny things! And a lot of them are, somewhat miraculously back in vogue! It was funny to me, holding a pair of large rhinestone clip-ons, that I simultaneously thought "Grandma would wear these" and "These would great for my rehearsal dinner!" Is anyone else getting this grandma-love in their vintage search? I kinda like it!
The first thing I really fell in love with are the plethora of creative post-style earrings. Danglie-style earrings have been my repartois for a long time: I make my own, buy quite a few, find lots, scavenge lots, and am gifted way-too-many. Until recently, post earrings held little allure to yours truly. But you can't crack open any remotely style, decor, or fashion-related 'zine these days without tripping over about a dozen pairs in the table of contents. Well ladies, word to the wise--don't go rushing online to scour the nets for the cutest pair. Just pop into your nearest pawn shop or antique store to find a vintage bargain! I snagged a pair that will surely make an appearance at the nuptials.
I'll save my dress news for tomorrow--but do feel free to get excited! It's coming along nicely!
Best,
-L
Well, with almost 45 minutes to burn I decided it was time--I was going to go on my first long-planned-for search for vintagey treasure goodness. I know they say that fashion very rarely evolves, mostly it recycles. I've never felt they were so right about that until yesterday! I asked the owner if I could take pictures, but that didn't go down so well. Instead, I settled for raiding the $5 bin for a good half an hour. So many shiny things! And a lot of them are, somewhat miraculously back in vogue! It was funny to me, holding a pair of large rhinestone clip-ons, that I simultaneously thought "Grandma would wear these" and "These would great for my rehearsal dinner!" Is anyone else getting this grandma-love in their vintage search? I kinda like it!
The first thing I really fell in love with are the plethora of creative post-style earrings. Danglie-style earrings have been my repartois for a long time: I make my own, buy quite a few, find lots, scavenge lots, and am gifted way-too-many. Until recently, post earrings held little allure to yours truly. But you can't crack open any remotely style, decor, or fashion-related 'zine these days without tripping over about a dozen pairs in the table of contents. Well ladies, word to the wise--don't go rushing online to scour the nets for the cutest pair. Just pop into your nearest pawn shop or antique store to find a vintage bargain! I snagged a pair that will surely make an appearance at the nuptials.
I'll save my dress news for tomorrow--but do feel free to get excited! It's coming along nicely!
Best,
-L
01 March, 2011
Inspiration
Because every bride needs it in spades! It's so easy to get caught up in budgeting and napkins and DIYing my soul into oblivion... How is it possibly so easy to forget that I'm getting married to the most amazing man I've ever met? And my life is gonna be upside down for a while. And it's only gonna happen once. And I should savor every moment.
So rock out.
So rock out.
27 February, 2011
Bridal Brain
Tangent alert.
Why didn't anyone tell me we have less than 150 days til W-Day?
I'm beside myself with excitement, anxiety, and fear. Maybe double-fear. From my copious amount of wedding-blog reading (here, here, here, and also here.) I've learned that apparently after day 100 is when your event becomes together. It becomes something more than the sum of it's parts--you see where it fails, and where it shines. It nearly becomes a living, breathing thing.
If mine were alive I think it would be the equivalent of a blond Tina Fey, dressed like a hipster, so hyper on pixie sticks she can't really focus on the huge office birthday she's throwing. And she may or may not have had a three-cocktail lunch.
Yes, I have gotten a lot done. I should focus on that.
But I just read the most interesting article in the latest edition of Brides. The next time I change the subject from sports to wedding pumps mid-sentence or text you about chocolate fountains at 11pm, think of this. A lot of what happens to a bride has to do with brain chemistry. Turns out, almost all brides share the same five symptoms: Indecisiveness, Irritability, Shortened attention span, Insomnia, and Low sex-drive. Almost all of these have to do with the amygdala and flight-vs-fight response. During times of stress (i.e. getting married, planning the wedding, et. al.) cortisol hormone levels go way up, which aggravates the amygala--your "reptile brain," a teeny nubbin in your brain that processes fear. Who knew that widdle thing had so much clout? It can cause all of those symptoms brides suffer from most. My favorite part? Dark chocolate has proven to reduce cortisol levels. Other good ways to fight back include journaling, which lets the cortex (another section of the brain) handle the stress for a while.
Looks like I'm gonna start self-medicating. If you can't find me, I'll be eating chocolate and journaling in the bubble bath.
Now if only Winter would vamoose, I'd be golden.
-L
Why didn't anyone tell me we have less than 150 days til W-Day?
I'm beside myself with excitement, anxiety, and fear. Maybe double-fear. From my copious amount of wedding-blog reading (here, here, here, and also here.) I've learned that apparently after day 100 is when your event becomes together. It becomes something more than the sum of it's parts--you see where it fails, and where it shines. It nearly becomes a living, breathing thing.
If mine were alive I think it would be the equivalent of a blond Tina Fey, dressed like a hipster, so hyper on pixie sticks she can't really focus on the huge office birthday she's throwing. And she may or may not have had a three-cocktail lunch.
Yes, I have gotten a lot done. I should focus on that.
But I just read the most interesting article in the latest edition of Brides. The next time I change the subject from sports to wedding pumps mid-sentence or text you about chocolate fountains at 11pm, think of this. A lot of what happens to a bride has to do with brain chemistry. Turns out, almost all brides share the same five symptoms: Indecisiveness, Irritability, Shortened attention span, Insomnia, and Low sex-drive. Almost all of these have to do with the amygdala and flight-vs-fight response. During times of stress (i.e. getting married, planning the wedding, et. al.) cortisol hormone levels go way up, which aggravates the amygala--your "reptile brain," a teeny nubbin in your brain that processes fear. Who knew that widdle thing had so much clout? It can cause all of those symptoms brides suffer from most. My favorite part? Dark chocolate has proven to reduce cortisol levels. Other good ways to fight back include journaling, which lets the cortex (another section of the brain) handle the stress for a while.
Looks like I'm gonna start self-medicating. If you can't find me, I'll be eating chocolate and journaling in the bubble bath.
Now if only Winter would vamoose, I'd be golden.
-L
25 February, 2011
24 February, 2011
Good eats
And we're not talking Alton Brown.
For people who are close with me--or eat with me frequently, you'll already know two things about me:
1) I am a gourmet. There is really no use denying it that I get uptight and finnicky when it comes to food quality.
2) I am meat-avoidant. Yeah, I eat meat--but I usually feel awful about it and always try and go for free-range, sustainably farmed or fished whenever humanly possible. And I still feel bad about it.
With that said--I really have no idea what real people eat, anymore.
As much as I've love to have cocktail hour consist of muhamara, gazpacho, and greek salad skewers... well, more than a few people I've talked to about it have shrugged and said "It's your day."
But I don't want to be the only person enjoying the food at my reception!
The main menu will stay for now--I think it will be great and familiar enough for everyone. Don't worry Carnivores, it will have meat, but it's socially-responsible. And there will be plenty for vegetarians and vegans alike. But I'm heretofore revising the appetizers and want some advice--LOTS OF COMMENTS PLEASE!
As it stands, the cocktail hour will feature dolmades, olives marinated in harissa (a spicy North African tomato-paste), and my own recipe hushpuppies with a saffron aioli dip on the side. Will you guys eat those? I think everyone will like the hushpuppies--they're just fried corn bread. But do people know what dolmades are? Do people like olives? What is good BBQ appetizer fare that isn't deep-fried or meat? I'm kinda at a loss.
But I can always go with my first inclination--a french fry bar with three different potatoes and ten different dips.
P.S. If you haven't already voted for drinks--please do so! Also, how would flavored margaritas be received? Mango anyone?
Out,
-L
For people who are close with me--or eat with me frequently, you'll already know two things about me:
1) I am a gourmet. There is really no use denying it that I get uptight and finnicky when it comes to food quality.
2) I am meat-avoidant. Yeah, I eat meat--but I usually feel awful about it and always try and go for free-range, sustainably farmed or fished whenever humanly possible. And I still feel bad about it.
With that said--I really have no idea what real people eat, anymore.
As much as I've love to have cocktail hour consist of muhamara, gazpacho, and greek salad skewers... well, more than a few people I've talked to about it have shrugged and said "It's your day."
But I don't want to be the only person enjoying the food at my reception!
The main menu will stay for now--I think it will be great and familiar enough for everyone. Don't worry Carnivores, it will have meat, but it's socially-responsible. And there will be plenty for vegetarians and vegans alike. But I'm heretofore revising the appetizers and want some advice--LOTS OF COMMENTS PLEASE!
As it stands, the cocktail hour will feature dolmades, olives marinated in harissa (a spicy North African tomato-paste), and my own recipe hushpuppies with a saffron aioli dip on the side. Will you guys eat those? I think everyone will like the hushpuppies--they're just fried corn bread. But do people know what dolmades are? Do people like olives? What is good BBQ appetizer fare that isn't deep-fried or meat? I'm kinda at a loss.
But I can always go with my first inclination--a french fry bar with three different potatoes and ten different dips.
P.S. If you haven't already voted for drinks--please do so! Also, how would flavored margaritas be received? Mango anyone?
Out,
-L
15 February, 2011
Yes, quite
Since falling off the "recently-engaged" section of Cloud Nine, things have been for the first time--going quite swimmingly in the wedding planning department!
*A wedding palette has been formed. Is it weird to anyone else how often one is questioned about one's "colors"? Not to mock anyonein particular, it just seems like the strangest question! The first thing I want to know about weddings must differ wildly from the norm. But hey--I've never been to an open bar I didn't love. And oh yeah (and brace yourself, Martha Stewart) it's coral, tangerine, cherry, butter and all manners of green. But I do gesture defiantly when I say--anything I like will be included regardless of it's color. Palette be damned.
*We're negotiating with the caterer. I'm currently working with Kasey, head chef from g2 Gallery to make a scrumptdiddlyumptious reception menu for you guys! I'll sit on the details for now--but trust me, you're gonna love it! Especially the dessert we have planned!
*I'm seemingly collecting band kits. But we should have someone soon! I'm aiming for anyone who can play Hugo, The White Stripes, and Black Keys without sounding like they're selling out. If you can help you'll be rewarded handsomely.
*The drink poll is up. I need to know what you guys want to drink! And back off, the Bud Light is for my Grandma (and it's cute that you think I'm kidding).
*I continue to obsess over shoes. Nothing else really needs to be said.
Oh, and one more thing! I even hesitate to mention it (because it could get so wildly out of hand) but could some of my homies in Missouri kindly keep some stuff to "upcycle" into wedding decorations? I'd love to save money on shipping. What I'm looking for are aluminum cans (no tiny ones, especially large ones), glass jars (of all persuasions, but especially mason jars). When you have ten of one category--DO STOP COLLECTING. The last thing I want is to inconvenience anyone!
And I'm literally dying to use a canoe in photo shoots. If anyone knows of one we can kindly borrow for the weekend--please report! It would only be used for photos...
Love,
-L
*A wedding palette has been formed. Is it weird to anyone else how often one is questioned about one's "colors"? Not to mock anyone
*We're negotiating with the caterer. I'm currently working with Kasey, head chef from g2 Gallery to make a scrumptdiddlyumptious reception menu for you guys! I'll sit on the details for now--but trust me, you're gonna love it! Especially the dessert we have planned!
*I'm seemingly collecting band kits. But we should have someone soon! I'm aiming for anyone who can play Hugo, The White Stripes, and Black Keys without sounding like they're selling out. If you can help you'll be rewarded handsomely.
*The drink poll is up. I need to know what you guys want to drink! And back off, the Bud Light is for my Grandma (and it's cute that you think I'm kidding).
*I continue to obsess over shoes. Nothing else really needs to be said.
Oh, and one more thing! I even hesitate to mention it (because it could get so wildly out of hand) but could some of my homies in Missouri kindly keep some stuff to "upcycle" into wedding decorations? I'd love to save money on shipping. What I'm looking for are aluminum cans (no tiny ones, especially large ones), glass jars (of all persuasions, but especially mason jars). When you have ten of one category--DO STOP COLLECTING. The last thing I want is to inconvenience anyone!
And I'm literally dying to use a canoe in photo shoots. If anyone knows of one we can kindly borrow for the weekend--please report! It would only be used for photos...
Love,
-L
06 February, 2011
No, seriously
Well, who is really embarassed about all her previous venue announcements just to see them all fall through?
This girl.
BUT NO SERIOUSLY THIS ONE IS PAID FOR AND IT'S HAPPENING AND WE HAVE A DATE AND EVERYTHING.
So get your sun-dresses and bring your A-game. There will be a croquet tournament and I will not mess around.
The weekend of July 16th, 2011 we will be having a destination wedding at Cedar Creek Resort just outside Columbia, MO. Friday will be arrival day, and everyone should feel free to trickle in at their leisure. The details aren't solid yet, but there will be plenty to do--including unlimited fishing, swimming, and planned activities like billiards, or a drive-in movie, or a buy-in poker night. ( For all you Bridal Party maniacs, this will probably be the night of the Rehearsal Dinner, too.) Saturday will be an absolute throw-down, with the ceremony in the early evening followed by rockin' barbeque, a dessert bar, live music and (in all likelihood) fireworks. Sunday will be nice and chill with clean-up, the wrap of the croquet tournament, activities, brunch, etc. If you have late departure tickets (or you just don't want to head home yet) you can even stay until Monday, with a late check-out at 2pm.
Now, how frickin' excited are you?
Dress code at this point is nice, but comfortable--it'll be sweltering. If you are an out-of-towner (you are almost 80% of our guest list!) please contact me for details on accommodation--the resort has a set number of rooms (we've booked them all!), and after bridal party and family accommodation, rooms will be first come/RSVP, first serve. We regret to say that we don't have the budget to just give them out--but trust me, you'll get a crazy smokin' deal (and a lot of food with it). We recommend flying into Columbia to save on rental car fees, but if you want to fly into St. Louis (which is closer) or Kansas City, that's cool too.
We'll be sending out really neat (if I can say so, myself) e-invitations in a few weeks. So if I haven't already contacted you about your most recent email addy, please let me know so you recieve one! From there, everyone can RSVP on our wedding website. My fantastic wedding planner, Erica of Bella Sera Designs and I are in the middle of devising a system for accommodation reservations and I'll get back with you on it soon.
Ok, so you have some real information now. Hooray!
Out,
-L
This girl.
BUT NO SERIOUSLY THIS ONE IS PAID FOR AND IT'S HAPPENING AND WE HAVE A DATE AND EVERYTHING.
So get your sun-dresses and bring your A-game. There will be a croquet tournament and I will not mess around.
The weekend of July 16th, 2011 we will be having a destination wedding at Cedar Creek Resort just outside Columbia, MO. Friday will be arrival day, and everyone should feel free to trickle in at their leisure. The details aren't solid yet, but there will be plenty to do--including unlimited fishing, swimming, and planned activities like billiards, or a drive-in movie, or a buy-in poker night. ( For all you Bridal Party maniacs, this will probably be the night of the Rehearsal Dinner, too.) Saturday will be an absolute throw-down, with the ceremony in the early evening followed by rockin' barbeque, a dessert bar, live music and (in all likelihood) fireworks. Sunday will be nice and chill with clean-up, the wrap of the croquet tournament, activities, brunch, etc. If you have late departure tickets (or you just don't want to head home yet) you can even stay until Monday, with a late check-out at 2pm.
Now, how frickin' excited are you?
Dress code at this point is nice, but comfortable--it'll be sweltering. If you are an out-of-towner (you are almost 80% of our guest list!) please contact me for details on accommodation--the resort has a set number of rooms (we've booked them all!), and after bridal party and family accommodation, rooms will be first come/RSVP, first serve. We regret to say that we don't have the budget to just give them out--but trust me, you'll get a crazy smokin' deal (and a lot of food with it). We recommend flying into Columbia to save on rental car fees, but if you want to fly into St. Louis (which is closer) or Kansas City, that's cool too.
We'll be sending out really neat (if I can say so, myself) e-invitations in a few weeks. So if I haven't already contacted you about your most recent email addy, please let me know so you recieve one! From there, everyone can RSVP on our wedding website. My fantastic wedding planner, Erica of Bella Sera Designs and I are in the middle of devising a system for accommodation reservations and I'll get back with you on it soon.
Ok, so you have some real information now. Hooray!
Out,
-L
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