{idea} Boutonnieres

P and I have pretty much decided to go with the feather centerpieces that I blogged about previously. Given that, I've been trying to decide how I can continue that modern vintage feel throughout the wedding. I think I will include some feathers in my bouquet, and then I also thought how fun it would be to use feathers instead of flowers for Boutonnieres. I went onto Etsy (where else?) and after 1 quick search, found this lovely bout by Rationale. P isn't quite sure what to think, but I definitely feel inspired!

Photographer

It's finally official! We have chosen our photographer and sent the deposit, and we couldn't be more excited!! We will be using Twilight Images based out of Richmond, VA. Twilight images is run by Melody Smith, who specializes in a blend of styles, ranging from modern vintage to classic photojournalism. A few sneak peeks at her incredible work are below!!

Inspiration Board

I love these inspiration boards! I think a mix of these 3 boards, of course infused with our own unique style is exactly what we're going for!

Each of these inspiration boards seen first here!

{idea} Centerpieces

So after going to Virginia and seeing the room again, I realized the centerpieces I was planning are not really what I want for the feel of my wedding. So as I was just browsing the internet for new ideas, I came across this lovely idea for centerpieces. Ostrich feathers! So posh... so elegant. Lovely, yes? Definitely considering.

Wedding Planning

P and I just got back from Virginia where we were able to meet with the reception venue folks and make some plans! It was the first time P saw the room in person and I was so excited to show it to him! Both our parents also met us to check out the ballroom and everyone loved it. Yay! I made a good choice. It was great to see the ballroom in person again -- very helpful to envision the centerpieces I wanted. There was actually a wedding happening that evening, so the ballroom was all set up for the wedding... which just happened to also be a black & white wedding like my own! The placecards were the same that I plan to use, ha! At least it looked fab!

We also checked out the church that we plan to use for the ceremony, and I went in and talked to some other hair stylist & make up artist to get an idea of Day-of planning. I felt good that we got a lot done.

Then it was time to celebrate someone else's love! P's brother is actually getting married in August and there was a couple's shower for him & his fiance. It was sooo much fun & so great to see P's extended family. They are such a hoot and I always have a great time.

Now it's back to real life...

{idea} something blue

So I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how I incorporate something blue into my wedding attire. Blue jewelry just wont work. It's all about the pearls. Blue shoes? Maybe... but what else? Then I remembered something I had seen on one of my favorite blogs - the BudgetSavvyBride. This bride purchased little blue fancy (glittery maybe?) sticker letters from a craft store and affixed them to the bottom of her shoes! On the left shoe, she wrote the couples names, and on the right shoe, she wrote the couples wedding date and the words "I Do." How cute!! and creative. and fitting for my budget! :)

{steal} earrings

Earrings I loved with my dress at the bridal shop - $144. Ummm, no thanks.

Handmade earrings that look exactly like the ones at the bridal shop - $15. Yes, please!

Savings - $129... priceless.

I can't tell you how much I love Etsy. And the SaharaAmaya shop. Check out her blog and other jewelry here. It was so easy to work with the SaharaAmaya shop and anytime I had a question, I received a response immediately. She was able to whip these beauties up for me in a matter of days... what more needs to be said?! I highly recommend you check out the jewelry there!

I just received my earrings in the mail yesterday and they are fab!

{idea} cuff links

Again... my obsession with Etsy. While browsing the wedding section, I had the idea to give personalized cufflinks to each of the groomsmen. So I searched for cufflinks, and came upon the Bellamodaartist shop. One word - fantastic! There are almost 300 unique & fun cufflinks available to choose from, and if you can't fidn what you want, you can just convo the shop and ask them to customize. How neat! And affordable. Most are less than $20. Now we just need to decide what to get for each guy --- sounds like a wedding task for the fiance to get started on! ;)

Check these out.. I'm Kind of a Big Deal Cufflinks

And these would be perfect for one of my brothers, as every screenname he has ever had since he was 16 has ended in "007"

{idea} Crossword Puzzles

I came across a really cute picture today on Martha's website and I thought what a fun idea this could be for the wedding!!

We could create our own crossword puzzles with words about ourselves, how we met, things we have in common, things we like to do, etc. Then we could place these at each person's seat for the reception. Isn't that a cute, unique little addition to the guest tables?

Carried away

As I was going through various wedding blogs for inspiration, I came across this picture of a unique couple who had a super cute wedding. I happen to love their post-wedding photos as well... this shot of the groom being carried away by the balloons is really great.

I found the photo on this blog.

Bridal Clutches

Etsy has to be one of my favorite websites. It is so awesome that I can find ANYTHING crafty and cute on there. and if I can't find it, I surely can find someone with enough skill to make it. While searching for damask items, I recently came across Melody June who makes the cutest clutches! I loved one of her patterns, but wanted it with a bow instead of a ribbon... I just convo'd Melody telling her what I wanted, and wa-lah. Within a day, my custom designed clutches were being made! I can't wait to see how they turn out! I ordered one for each of my bridesmaids... Melody is nice enough to offer a discount (a free clutch) if you order 5 clutches or more! So now we'll all have one. :)

Below is a picture of a clutch Melody made being used in an engagement photo.

The clutches I designed were inspired by this, but use a different damask pattern, and have both removable red & black bows.

Artistic Talent

I am in love. love love love. with the artistic talent at Twilight Photography based out of Richmond, VA. As I was browsing message boards and blogs on the internet, I kept reading rave reviews about Twilight Photography. I had to see what all the fuss was about, so I went to the website and looked at various wedding photos. OMG. Could they be more beautiful? See for yourself below.

I contacted Melody after I picked my chin up off the floor while looking at her photography, and she was amazing and listened to me and to understand my vision and even helping me build onto it. She worked with me to customize a wedding package that fits my needs. Truly a great vendor.

P and I are having a trolley for our bridal party to cart us around, so we can definitely take pictures like this one below!

Melody (owner of Twilight Photography) turned this couple into models! Look how sexy!

I love Melody's use of lighting to capture the moment.

Again with the trolley -- I can't wait to take pictures like these!

Look at that sky! The subtle kiss with the powerful backdrop. GORGEOUS.

After the wedding is over all you have is your photographs... better make 'em good ones!!

Cake Inspiration

I found some various cakes online that I really love... which direction to head?!

BM dresses

After I tried on my wedding gown and was purchasing THE DRESS, my MOH's skidaddled off to look at the bridesmaids dresses at the store. Before I had even gotten to the BM section, they had narrowed it down to 3 options. I said I needed to go to the restroom, and they said they would use that opportunity to try on these gowns. I could have only been gone 2 minutes max, and when I got back, they had already picked the dress they wanted to wear. I think they would have knifed me if I had said I didn't like it... fortunately, I did. It's a LOVELY dress, and doesn't look too bridesmaidsy. They swear they can't wait to get it hemmed after the wedding and use it for their LBD. So, all-in-all, the BM dresses were picked in <10>

The store didn't have the dress in black, so my MOH tried it on in the gray color as shown above, but the dresses in my wedding will be black. The dress is from the Vineyard Collection by Priscilla of Boston. Cute, eh?

My wedding gown

A couple weekends ago, my Matron of Honor was amazing enough to host an engagement party for P & I. She was travelling into town from a few hours away, and My Maid of Honor was flying into town from Washington, DC. Clearly, it was the perfect time for me to try on dresses for them, and also for them to try on bridesmaids dresses. I'm just at 6 months out from my wedding, so we need to order ASAP!

Well, we went to a lovely bridal shop here in town and we started trying on dresses for me. The girl helping me was super nice and listened to what I said I want, and my concerns about flattering my figure. She totally heard me and brought me the most amazing dress, and then even brought me a sash from a different designer to add to the dress to give it the empire effect I wanted, as well as make it one-of-a-kind. I was sold on the spot. The store then took me to an area to try on different jewelry, veils, headpieces, etc with the dress. It was amazing getting all dolled up for this, and way more fun than I thought... but, I was trying not to get too excited, because the dress & sash were way out of my price range. However, the sales girl said "let me see what we can do for you." I didn't have high hopes, but when she returned, I was presented with an offer I couldn't turn down. If I was willing to purchase the specific dress I tried on (the one used as a sample), I could take it home that day for over 50% off the price tag! I almost hyperventilated. It now put the dress in my dress range, and saved me the agony of hoping my dress came in in time to get alterations prior to my wedding. I couldn't believe it. The dress was a NEW sample. There are no dirt stains on it, no torn lace, no make up stains on the inside, nothing. It looks incredible. So now, I have it hanging in my guest bedroom and sometimes I go lay in there and pull out the dress and just look at it and daydream. :)

So glad my MOH's made me try on dresses!! Of course, the jewelry was another story -- still ridiculously expensive from the bridal shop, but I have a solution... stay tuned for a future blog to find out :)

Wedding Dress Inspiration

Because I'm getting married in Winter, do I have to wear a "winter wedding dress" with lace sleeves and velvet?! I think not. I love the idea of wearing a dress that could be worn year round, not only in the winter. I will plan to spruce up the winter effect with a faux fur bolero or wrap during some pictures. Anyhoo, I've gone to try on dresses several times, and have chosen my dress (it's a secret), but I wanted to include some pictures of dresses that inspired me, felt perfect for the feel of my wedding, and were all around phenomenal.

Lovely dresses from the Alfred Angelo Sapphire collection:

Beautiful Dresses from Maggie Sottero:

As you can tell, I like A-line, empire waisted dresses... and preferably lace. :)

Save the Dates

I love damask patterns. There's no way around it... I love it. I wrap presents in it, I buy table runners in it, I put it on all my personal stuff (note the headline to this blog). I even used the damask wallpaper to cover the tile on my fireplace (I just used tape, it comes down easily), and it looks amazing! Maybe I'll post pictures sometime. :)

Anyway, so I clearly have a need to incorporate this into my wedding. It started with my DIY Save-The-Dates, which I LOVED. They were easy peasy to make -- all the things you need come in a box from the editors of BRIDES magazine, and can be found at your local Michael's store. I used the online template to type of what I wanted it to say, saved it on my thumb drive and set off for Kinko's. $4.40 later, my Save-The-Dates were printed.

I also am planning to use the coordinating BRIDES collection for my invitations. It comes with everything you need, as shown below!

Colors

Soooo, I have 2 sets of favorite colors: the first being bright pink & green (with pearls :P) and the second set of favorite colors is black, white & red. Given bright pink & green doesn't make me feel 'wintery', it was very easy to pick my wedding colors: black, white & red it is. This also works out because P's college colors are black, white & red. Done and Done.

So as far as outfits for the bridal party, I think we'll have the bridesmaids in black, floor-length gowns. They can carry white flowers (tbd). Then we can have the groomsmen & ushers in black tuxedos with red vests & ties. I think the bright reds might be a little too much for our venue and tone of our semi-formal (yet ridiculously fun) wedding, but I am inspired by the color and pattern of the vest below. It might be the one. We'll see what P says. He will be in a cream vest/tie to match my gown.

Vest & tie from Men's Wearhouse

Perks of being a Winter Bride

As mentioned previously, being a Winter Bride sort of just happened to me... it wasn't intentional. BUT, I have found out that it comes with MANY perks... here's my Top 5 list:

1. Winter Weddings are a break from the ordinary - every summer when "wedding season" rolls around, even those of us who love weddings get a little tired of having a wedding every weekend. Having a wedding in the Winter is a little different in that you most likely won't be planning your wedding at the same time as 5 of your friends, and the winter wedding ambience is totally different than summer weddings.
2. Better venue options -- while most awesome venues tend to fill up at least a year in advance for spring/summer weddings, there are usually a relatively good amount of openings in the Winter for most venues. So you get better pickin's!
3. Vendor discounts -- Not only will you likely get better venue options, but you can usually negotiate for better venue pricing! In my experience, not only did I get my venue for much less than the cost it rents out for in the summer, but I also was offered "off-season" discounts from other vendors as well photographers, caterers, florists, hair & makeup, etc
4. Unique pictures -- I am loving the unique pictures that can be captured in the winter -- brides in the snow, brides in lovely boleros and capes, couples making snow angels in their formal wear, couples walking down streets in town that have holiday decorations, etc
5. You can use seasonal decorations at your ceremony or reception site as part of your wedding decorations! For instance, since I'm getting married Jan 2, the decorations from the Holidays will still be up at the church (loads of red flowers, yay!), at the hotel where the reception is taking place, and on the street lanterns in the downtown area so that I can get some fabulous night time shots!!

Reception Location

I wanted a southern wedding and I got it --- the reception will be at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Could the name be any more appropriate for a southern wedding?

How I Ended Up As A Winter Bride

I never wanted to be a winter bride... it kind of just happened. Even before I was engaged, all I ever dreamed of was a southern outdoor wedding on the front steps of a beautiful plantation house, surrounded by the columns containing so much history. Or maybe in a backyard overlooking a river. Or under a huge oak tree. Do you see the theme? Those would all be Outdoors. I NEVER ever considered Winter as the season for my wedding. I don't even like Winter. I dislike cold weather. I dislike snow. That said, when P and I sat down to discuss what was most important to us in our wedding, it didn't revolve around the season... it was about being with the people that we love and having them share in our joy. There was that.. then there was the fact that when I started looking at cost for my dream weddings above, I quickly realized that it was not realistic for me on my budget. I am far too practical to be willing to spend an enormous amount of money on ONE day... even if it is going to be the best day of my life. Also, I am really too risk averse to plan an outdoor wedding -- what if it rains? Sure I could have a back up plan, but would I be disappointed? I didn't initially go immediately to thoughts of a winter wedding, but I did start considering indoor venues. When I contacted my hotel of choice to find out about venue rental pricing, the event coordinator asked me if I'd ever considered a winter wedding. I said not really, but after he told me how much less expensive the venue rental and food would be, as well as hotel rooms for guests, I said I would consider it. I then did some more research to all the perks of being a winter bride (a separate blog will come on this), discussed it with P, and figured being a winter bride would give me something to actually LIKE about winter!! Now that I'm a winter bride, I wonder why I never realized how amazing winter weddings are before now...

The Proposal

Alright, I am on a blogging frenzy... 3 in one night, but I have to get this bad boy started! So… I'm going to post about the best day of my life- the day my honeybunny asked me to be his wife!! April 18th was a Saturday, 1 day before our 1 year anniversary. My fiance -- we will call him P -- had planned an evening for us that was a complete surprise to me. I knew he was planning something, but he wouldn't let me in on even the smallest detail -- that was the surprise part. I'm not the biggest lover of surprises, so I was excited... but anxious. Anyway, Saturday rolls around and he tells me that I need to be ready to leave for our date at 4:30pm. So I spend the morning running errands, getting a work out in, trying to figure out what the heck he might be up to. I was HOPING that it would be a proposal, but tried to put that thought in the back of my mind, because I didn't want to be disappointed if it didn't happen. At around 4:15pm, P calls me to tell me that I need to pack an overnight bag. WHAT! The first thought that crosses my mind is less romantic and more worry --- what am I going to do with the dogs at this last minute notice?! After he convinces me that they will be okay spending a night outside by themselves (after all, they ARE dogs), I feel a bit better and go to pack my overnight bag. I have no idea what I'm supposed to be packing or what/how much I'll need, so I threw a bunch of random things into a bag and am still ready by 4:30... man, am I proud of myself. I rarely run on time.

Anyhoooo, we leave on time, and P is using his GPS to get us somewhere --- I have lived here longer, so I tell him if he will just tell me WHERE we're going, I can lead us there. But alas, he still refuses because it has to be a surprise. Blah. So we FINALLY get to the right street downtown and we end up at the best steakhouse here in town. It is so nice, we'd never been there before (that's probably not saying too much, since we're not the biggest connoisseurs of fine dining). The atmosphere was so elegant. Deep wood, dark mood lighting, candles everywhere, and a dozen BEAUTIFUL roses waiting for me at our table with a sweet note from my honey. We had an AMAZING three-course dinner... I am not even going to start telling you all the lovely foods and how incredible they were, because I don't want to make myself hungry right now!!

Next, he took me me to this amazing park that sits atop a hill overlooking the Ohio river and downtown. It was very romantic and the weather was just gorgeous and we just walked, talked, sat, held hands, and overlooked the city/river together and made plans for our future. :)

Then we went back downtown to catch a play at a local theatre. The play was about a widower who is trying to get back on the dating scene -- but the hitch is that she keeps her dead husband's soul in a trunk in her bedroom and has conversations with it. I can't even begin to tell you how odd this play was. We both left and had no idea what to think. The actors themselves did a phenomenal job.. but the story.... yikes.

After leaving the play, P asked me if I wanted to go see the rest of the surprise or should we head out for drinks somewhere. I could not wait any longer, so I definitely said I wanted to see the rest of the surprise. He then took me to the Hilton downtown, which is known for its modern vintage atmosphere.. it's just gorgeous. We checked into the hotel and got assigned our "romance suite." Ut oh, I coudln't wait to check it out! Once we arrived in the room, I was taken aback by how glamourous it was. Just so vintage, yet so modern & elegant. The suite was HUGE and we first walked into the living room area. I then wanted to see what was on the other side of the French doors off the living room, so I walked through and found a gorgeous bedroom with chocolate covered strawberries, flowers, and champagne waiting for us. I kept exploring the suite (2 bathrooms, 3 closets, dressing area, etc) and P asks from the other room "You know why I'm doing this, right?" I say "because it's our 1 year anniversary," and I begin walking back to the living room. As he comes into view, he says "No, because I want you to be my wife!" and he was down on one knee!! Then he said a few more things which I am keeping private for special memories and asked me to marry him. He presented me with a beautiful 2 carat ring that he had custom made for me. It's a round solitaire diamond on a complete unique setting. Unique... just like us. I love it! We quickly did some mass texting to let people know we were engaged, and then cozied up for the night. The next morning, I wake up to breakfast in bed, and MORE flowers. Yay!

We've been engaged for a little over 2 months now, and it is still all so new and exciting and the proposal was everything I could have asked for. He had asked my dad back in December for permission to marry me. In true daddy fashion, my dad told him that we were adults and we didn't need his permission.. but that he would give us his blessing. Which obviously means even more. :)

It was all so perfect!

LoveSmack

One day, you are just living your single life, finally content, and then... BAM! Love smacks you right in the face!

Picture first seen here.

First blog

Hello world!! This is going to be a blog for future brides... or all those that just happen to love weddings. I looooove reading bridal blogs and yet can't find any that are perfectly suited for winter weddings --- so I'm going to infuse winter inspiration as I blog about my own upcoming wedding day (Jan 2, 2010!!) -- and how to create the perfect winter wedding BUDGET FRIENDLY! In this current economic climate (and my general penny-pinching persona), I do not want to spend the amount that the "average US wedding" cost. And why should I? I'm not average -- I'm Me! So here's to weddings, brides, beauty, winter, crafts, and being budget savvy!