2006 Brides

[GeekGirl]

Yanekie25, you're getting married on my birthday!! :D

Am_81, wow...planning while being so far from each other must be so difficult. What is FH doing in Europe? Why would you be moving there? And where to? I'm jealous - I would love to live abroad! I was offered a chance to move to South Africa a few months ago but chickened out. :o

[am_81]

Am_81, wow...planning while being so far from each other must be so difficult. What is FH doing in Europe? Why would you be moving there? And where to? I'm jealous - I would love to live abroad! I was offered a chance to move to South Africa a few months ago but chickened out. :o

FH and I both work for the same company -- him in our Zurich, Switzerland office and me in our Dallas, TX office. We met while he was working here briefly, but he is born and raised NYC. We actually didnt start dating until he had moved back to Manhattan, so we've been long distance our entire relationship. FH took the opportunity to move abroad last August (2004) and has been there ever since. His visa/contract isnt up till September 2007, so I'll be moving there to be with him. After that who knows though, we're open to going anywhere. If the job search goes well, I hope to move over in June. And if the "plans" dont work out, I'll probably quit my job here a month or two before the wedding and go stay with him for a bit and then move there officially after the wedding. Obviously I'm hoping to find a job sometime in the next 5 or 6 months because not only will I be able to move sooner, but then I can also have someone else take care of all the visa paperwork too. Of course getting a job over there will be no easy task, so we are looking into all the marraige visa stuff as a backup.

I am very exciting about living abroad, but I know its going to be a whole hell of a lot of work to get me over there. I cant decide if I need to be more overwhelmed about that, or about the wedding itself. So much stress!

[MandyMaloo]

I totally know where you're coming from am!

FH and I are living in NC and planning a wedding in WI. I know it doesn't seem like that big of a deal--but it's still incredibly stressful. I just can't wait until I can actually start accepting the help my friends/family have been offering...right now there's just nothing they can do!

Happy Holidays everyone---our last Holiday Season as "Bachlorettes"!!! :D

[GeekGirl]

Hey, where's filmgirl been lately? I think she's the first of us to get married - and it's coming up, like Jan 7!!

[MandyMaloo]

Hmmm...good question GG! I was wondering that myself! I hope she's doing well and getting excited for her big trip down the aisle!

Hmmm..I'm gonna poke around and see if maybe she has a journal or something...

[GeekGirl]

So I went back through the posts, and here's the master list (so far!) of CC 2006 weddings!! PM me if I need to change/add anything!

January:
7 - filmgirl7, Squee

February:
4 - Darlene&Scott, skippyplante

March:
25 - Michelle&Russ

April:
5 - Larissa
21 - tlew12778
28 - GeekGirl, SusieQ
29 - KeliAnn

May:
? - preppychic
6 - dlawson
13 - lilgeek
27 - Vane5/06

June:
6 - kithara
30 - SFnKC, 2CrazyPugs

July:
2 - frambroise
5 - zarabunny
8 - Ginnie

August:
? - suzy399
5 - ceaserbride
19 - enchantingdragon

September:
27 - sbgirl

October:
7 - LINZnWILL
15 - rubyslippers
21 - yanekie25, ellemarie

November:
11 - MandyMaloo, am_81

December:
9 - Natasha

[tlew12778]

Obviously I'm hoping to find a job sometime in the next 5 or 6 months because not only will I be able to move sooner, but then I can also have someone else take care of all the visa paperwork too. Of course getting a job over there will be no easy task, so we are looking into all the marraige visa stuff as a backup.

I am very exciting about living abroad, but I know its going to be a whole hell of a lot of work to get me over there. I cant decide if I need to be more overwhelmed about that, or about the wedding itself. So much stress! Switzerland is EXTREMELY stingy on the work visas. The best way to get around it, is to be transferred within your own company. Otherwise go the marriage route bc your visa paperwork should be included in your FH's expat benefits package. I know bc I manage expat benefits for my company (well until today actually since today was my last day). Most companies in CH (abbreviation for Switzerland) won't even bother looking at resumes (start calling them CVs ;)) if you don't already have permission to work in CH. Since they are not a member of the EU (for visa stuff) they won't even allow EU citizens in without a visa, but I am sure that they are given preference just like in every other EU country. It's pretty crazy. You should also allow at least 3-4 months to process visa paperwork (regardless of what type you get).

[am_81]

So I went back through the posts, and here's the master list (so far!) of CC 2006 weddings!! PM me if I need to change/add anything!

Me -- November 11th.

Switzerland is EXTREMELY stingy on the work visas. The best way to get around it, is to be transferred within your own company. Otherwise go the marriage route bc your visa paperwork should be included in your FH's expat benefits package. I know bc I manage expat benefits for my company (well until today actually since today was my last day). Most companies in CH (abbreviation for Switzerland) won't even bother looking at resumes (start calling them CVs ;)) if you don't already have permission to work in CH. Since they are not a member of the EU (for visa stuff) they won't even allow EU citizens in without a visa, but I am sure that they are given preference just like in every other EU country. It's pretty crazy. You should also allow at least 3-4 months to process visa paperwork (regardless of what type you get).

Oh, I know all about the stingy Swiss and their requirements. FH had to go through hell to get his even though he was being transferred inter-company. Unfortunately, this is not really an option for me. FH and I actually work in the same sub-department, but he has tons more experience (7 or 8 more yrs) and in our Zurich office that dept is highly specialized. If anything, I would end up being his "assistant." Not to mention there are only 30 people in the whole office and only 3 in his dept. I just dont think it would be healthy for our relationship to be in close quarters like that 24/7.

FH has been doing some networking for me though. We actually had a lead on a position (a law firm wanted an American-born, native English speaker -- what are the odds?), but the whole thing was moving too quickly and we werent even engaged at that point, so I let it slide. Because of our jobs, he comes in to contact with a lot of the "higher ups" at various companies, and we have several people already on the look out for us. I know its going to be far from easy, but after being apart for 3 years already, I'm just not willing to do it any longer.

[GeekGirl]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!! I only had to do long-distance for 6 mos, and it was the worst 6 mos ever. :(

[ellemarie]

Hi all! I have no idea if I've posted in here before! But just in case...I am getting married on October 21, 2006 in Maryland...I can't wait! I've been engaged since January 6, 2005! It's nice to find people who are on the same timeline as me to help me!

[tlew12778]

Yeah I totally know what you mean about not wanting to do the LD thing. That's why I moved to Italy without a job. I actually ended up in grad school just bc I needed the visa and we weren't even close to engaged yet.

As for English mother tongue in Zurich... Zurich has a huge expat community as far as I know (your FH obviously knows better) and I am sure there are various men there with their wives. Basically you'd be surprised. That's how it works here in Milan anyway... most wives follow their hubs for work then they end up doing stuff like teaching english or teaching preschool at the international schools... basically anything that does not require fluency in the local language. How's your german BTW? As for the higher ups... I'm so jaded now that I don't believe stuff until I actually have a contract in my hand. My boss laid me off but still asked a bunch of CEO's and CFO's to keep an eye out for me but I still don't have even one interview set up :rolleyes:. Just ignore me though... I'm a total cynic when it comes to the business world now.

Gosh can you tell the unemployment is getting to me already? It hasn't even been 12 hours!

[tlew12778]

On a different note -- my photographer suggested we change the time of our ceremony to 3PM instead of 4PM. Problem with this is that that leaves guests hanging around for a good hour with nothing to do. I mean, I suppose they can go shopping around the church area or something but that's weird isn't it? I plan on providing a shuttle service from the church to the villa as half the guests are OOTers and will not have cars. Right now our cocktail hour is set to begin at 6 and last 2 hours (including a tour of the museum I think). The photographer wants at least one hour for photos btwn the ceremony and reception and the villa is like 40 min away form the church. So if we change it to 3pm then our timeline looks like this:

3-3:45: ceremony
4-5:15/5:30: photos and guests bum around downtown Milan
5:15/5:30: drive to villa
6-6:15: arrive at villa for cocktail hour

If we leave it at 4, then we will probably miss the first hour of the cocktail hour. It'd look more like this:

4-4:45: ceremony
5:30: Guests leave for villa
6-6:15: Guests arrive at villa
5-6:15/6:30: we take photos around Milan
6:15/6:30: drive to villa
7-7:15: we arrive at villa for cocktail hour

What do you guys think is better?

[filmgirl7]

Hi you guys! I'm sorry that i've been absent for such a long time. The stress of life has really taken its toll on me lately! If you want to know all the gory details, I've gone into it in my journal, but I won't get into it again here.

Only positive thoughts today, right?! Well, the wedding is only 2 weeks and 3 days away, and we're getting excited. Today I picked up the rest of the attendant gifts from JC Penney and I think only one of the orders was wrong. hahahhha I intended to pick up the rings today, but got too busy with Christmas shopping, so didn't have time. Hopefully I can get them tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to that.

Since we invited my 15 aunts and uncles, I believe about 5 of them are definitely coming. 6 are definitely not, and the others are unknown right now. I have to give the inn a final count by the end of the month, but that shouldn't be hard.

My dress is ready, and right now it's at J's parents house hanging from their old movie screen. LOL! This weekend we're going to move it to my brother's house and he and his wife will be in charge of bringing it to the inn. They have an SUV type car and we just have sedans, so it's better that way.

My FSIL, along with my FMIL, threw a surprise shower for me on sunday!!!!!! :eek: I was really stunned! I had absolutely no idea. There were about 12 people there, including my mother and two of my aunts. I had a good time, but my mom was cold as ice. SHe couldn't have been more frigid if she had been in Antarctica. Oh, well. The rest of us had a good time (Thank GOD for those three mimosas!!!) I got some great gifts, including some dishes from my registry and some lingerie. I felt so lucky. I have two awesome SIL's.

Now if only I can make it through the holidays without either of my parents going balistic or having a meltdown, then all will be well. We'll see what happens. Wish me luck. I'm going to go back now and read through the thread to see what's going on with you lovely ladies. Thanks, MandyMaloo, for pulling me back into the land of the living! :)

[am_81]

Yeah I totally know what you mean about not wanting to do the LD thing. That's why I moved to Italy without a job. I actually ended up in grad school just bc I needed the visa and we weren't even close to engaged yet.

As for English mother tongue in Zurich... Zurich has a huge expat community as far as I know (your FH obviously knows better) and I am sure there are various men there with their wives. Basically you'd be surprised. That's how it works here in Milan anyway... most wives follow their hubs for work then they end up doing stuff like teaching english or teaching preschool at the international schools... basically anything that does not require fluency in the local language. How's your german BTW? As for the higher ups... I'm so jaded now that I don't believe stuff until I actually have a contract in my hand. My boss laid me off but still asked a bunch of CEO's and CFO's to keep an eye out for me but I still don't have even one interview set up :rolleyes:. Just ignore me though... I'm a total cynic when it comes to the business world now.

Gosh can you tell the unemployment is getting to me already? It hasn't even been 12 hours!

Hee, my German is . . . . . how shall I put it??? Non-existent? :rolleyes: I only know a handful of the common words/phrases and that’s it. And lets not even get into Swiss German. FH speaks quite a bit of German (very impressive for someone who has only been studying it for the last 3 years), and even he cant grasp Swiss German. He’s actually given up on it because people insist on speaking English to him all the time. I mean, most business is conducted in English anyway, but even on the street or in stores, people just assume he doesn’t know any German. I’ve seen him speak to people *in German* and they answer back in English anyway. I don’t blame him for his frustration.

And yes, Zurich has a huge ex-pat community. FH is a part of a few groups and he’s already met many many people in our same situation. In fact, I’d say at least half of his business contacts/colleagues are either American or British-born. That is kind of unique to our industry though. A lot of the major players in our field are US-based corporations, so they tend to hire a lot of American/English-speaking people in their foreign offices.

Anyway . . . enough hijacking. Does anyone know when Envelopments is going to release their 2006 colors? I got an email from Montage Invitations saying that colored envelopes are now available, but still nothing on the actual pocketfolds. I can pre-order the swatch deck through them, but I’m too impatient to just order it and then sit around and wait for some undetermined amount of time. I’d rather wait to order until I know its available and ready for shipping. I don’t want my STDs and invites to be too matchy-matchy, but I’d at least like them to coordinate. I guess I will wait till I have a better idea of what colors my invites will be to start thinking about the STDs.

As for this --

On a different note -- my photographer suggested we change the time of our ceremony to 3PM instead of 4PM. Problem with this is that that leaves guests hanging around for a good hour with nothing to do. I mean, I suppose they can go shopping around the church area or something but that's weird isn't it? I plan on providing a shuttle service from the church to the villa as half the guests are OOTers and will not have cars.

We are actually having a gap between our ceremony and reception. Ceremony is at 1 and will probably last around an hour or so (I guess it depends on whether we have a full mass or not). Our reception wont be starting till 4-ish (cocktail hour). I feel bad having that big gap, especially when most people will be from out of town, but at least we know the majority of them will have cars. (Here in Dallas its next-to-impossible to get around without one, so regardless of the gap, they'll be renting for sure.)

[MandyMaloo]

Welcome back Filmgirl!! So glad to see you around here again. I know you're super busy since it's the holidays and the wedding is so close. Just glad to see you pop in and say hello :).

Wow-- I didn't know how many of us had been in an LD relationship! FH and I had an LD relationship for 6 months and it was the worst. He was so depressed, and so was I. So, finally I just paid for a one-way ticket, and he was more than happy to move. I'm pretty darn lucky! :D .

Tiffany- I don't think there is any problem with having a gap between the ceremony/recpeiton. I think for some people it might be nice, because maybe some have never been to Italy before. They can walk around and take it all in and get some great pictures! But if you'd prefer not to have one, that's cool too...it's your day! :)

ellemarie- welcome to the board!! Tell us more about your wedding! What kind of things are you planning?! I'd love to see some pictures of your dress (if you've chosen one) and any ideas you have brewing :).

Well, no change here wedding wise. Just looking forward to having a wonderful Holiday Season with my honey :). Our last Christmas as "single people" (even though we havn't been single for 3 years :rolleyes: ) I hope everyone has a wonderful time!!

[filmgirl7]

Had to pipe in here and say that LD relationships really stink. J and I did that for two years, and it was tough...granted, we weren't too far apart, and could see one another one weekends sometimes, but for two years!!!! I'm glad that's over now.

Since MandyMaloo mentioned pics, I have some here of my surprise bridal shower last sunday. Let's see if I can get them on here....
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1723/1/55/19/51/65/2/265511955106_0_ALB.jpg
This is me opening up some dishes from our registry. I was so excited. Don't you love the veil/hat they made me wear??!?! HAHHA!

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1723/1/55/19/91/7/7/707911955106_0_ALB.jpg
This one is my FSIL (the one who planned the party), our friend Kate, and me. Since our husbands/FH's have known each other since childhood and we'll be their wives, and since we already love each other, we call ourselves
"The Sisterhood." LOL! :)

[MandyMaloo]

Oh no! Maybe it's just my computer- but I can't see any of the pictures! :( Could someone let me know if it's just my lame computer?

[Michelle&Russ]

Hi filmgirl! I love the pics!!! Especially you're hat! :D I couldn't see them at first but when I right clicked and got the picture address and went directly to them, I could see them. Then after I did that they appeared in the post.... weird!

I also did LD for 2 years... stunk! But I wouldn't change anything either... My FI and I started dating in June 2003, on our third date I learned he was moving to Houston in August :( We weren't really serious before he left but we went out or hung out so many times a week it wasn't possible for either of us to being seeing anybody else! So after dating for 2 monthes he moved to Houston. We both cried when he left and I wasn't sure what would happen... but I visited him 2 weeks later and things just took off... Instead of dating we were spending the weekend with each other so things got a lot more serious. Luckily we could see each other most weekends because it was only 3 hours away. But it was still hard, especially after 2 years.... but he proposed in Oct 04 and moved back to Austin in June 05 :D

Wow that was long...

Tiffany as a guest I'm not a fan of the gaps between ceremony and reception, but it seems most weddings I go to these days have gaps... usually I just go back to my hotel and chat with friends. I suppose if I was in Italy I would walk around and check things out though. It's never that big a deal but I still prefer no gaps. One idea might be to include some places they can check out in there hour break on the back of your programs... and also a reminder of what time they need to be back for the shuttle... that way you're providing some guidance to people who don't know the area.

[MandyMaloo]

I had never thought about just going directly to the picture--thanks Michelle! :) I love the story about your LD. Mine wasn't nearly as cute. I was a wreck...I mean it. I bawled every single day. We spent soooo much time on the phone. I'm just so happy I never have to say goodbye to my FH again!!

Filmgirl- I finally saw the pics--I love 'em! How adorable are you?! I love that turtleneck (the pink stripes). Your SIL's are very pretty too! I love the hat ;) Pretty soon you'll be wearing a REAL veil! YAY!

[filmgirl7]

Filmgirl- I finally saw the pics--I love 'em! How adorable are you?! I love that turtleneck (the pink stripes). Your SIL's are very pretty too! I love the hat ;) Pretty soon you'll be wearing a REAL veil! YAY!

Thanks Mandy! I was so embarassed because it was a surprise, so I hadn't washed my hair or anything! When I walked in, my hair was tucked up in a clip and looked pretty messy! And the turtleneck was a gift that I had received the night before at our hanukkah party...I had nothing else to wear!?!? ;) But it all turned out fine, of course. I'm glad you were able to see the pics! :D

[ellemarie]

Mandymaloo
Thanks for the welcome! I'm glad I found this thread! I will be back later on tonight to tell you some more details of my wedding...thanks for asking!! ;)

[filmgirl7]

Wow, I can't believe how fast it's coming...next weekend i will be MARRIED!

The last minute wedding preparations are consuming my life. We have to finalize the ceremony, communicate it to the officiant, prepare diy programs, get the attendant gifts ready, order a ketubah and have it rushed (OOPS!), find out when everyone is arriving so we can set the time of the friday dinner, and those are just the things I can think of. I hauled out the wedding planner yesterday and went through the checklist one by one. It was the first time i had looked at it since we cancelled the original wedding in April.

I am having one dilemna that I need advice on. I know that when the parents are paying for the wedding, it's customary to give them a gift. We are paying for the whole thing ourselves, and we haven't even given thought to parent gifts, but it is on the checklist. Should we give them gifts? My parents have given me nothing but angst the whole time, but J's parents have been awesome. If you think we should give them gifts, what would you suggest in such short time? Please advise! Thanks!

Ok, back to planning. Hope you are all well and having a great holiday! :)

[MandyMaloo]

Hey girl!

CONGRATS again! I'm so excited for you! I know it's crazy right now, but remember to sit back and enjoy it as well.

About the gifts, since I've read through your journal and I've read alot about the relationship with your parents. It's kind of a tough situation since ettiquette would dictate that you would give them something as a thank you, I would go against it. From what I've read in your journal- your mother has been horrible since you told her you were getting married. I would probably get something for J's parents since they have been so great, but I would probably do it in privacy, as to not fuel the flames even more.

I can't wait to see pictures of everything! Congrats again and make sure you come back in here to keep us company!

[sbgirl]

Wow, it came up fast! I agree with MandyMaloo. Can't wait for pics!

[ellemarie]

Don't know if anyone is still interested...but sorry I haven't been back to post my wedding stuff yet! I have been babysitting my little 2 yr old sister for the past few days and have been so busy!!!

For those of you with a long engagement like I have had...I just posted this in my own journal but wanted to post it in here too because I just love it!!!
Purplegirl (formerly on WC and on LJ) posted this for me back in the day when I first got engaged in my old journal on the WC...I was going through a time figuring out when to have the wedding and worrying about having a long engagement. So, she wrote these for me and I still look at them to this day! I love it...so for all of you with a long engagement...read this!!


Top Reasons a Long Engagement is Blissful.......

17. Put off those THANK YOU NOTES as long as you can girlie!!!

16. Delays the "so........ when are you having babies question" a little longer!!!!!

15. You can hang on the WC as a bride to be instead of has been bride! Let's face it the Planning Journals is where all the action is!!!

14. If you were hoping to get reception ideas from butteryfly0202's fabulous September 2004 NYC wedding ...well she hasn't gotten that far in her recap yet!

13. Longer engagement puts off having in laws THAT much longer

12. MORE TIME = MORE PARTIES! Engagement Party, Bridal Showers, Dress Shopping, BM shopping, Bling Shopping, Couples Showers, Bachelor/ette parties, Bridesmaid Lunch, Rehearsal etc

11. More time to practice new last name, monogram etc ...will you be Ms? or Mrs. just your last name, just his yours-his etc

10. More time for Bridezilla to demand identical hair color & length for BMs. Matching updos are a MUST!, also time to make sure they all have matching manis, pedis & tans!

9. More time to practice left hand "gestures" that show off ...that ring & the bling in all its brilliance

8. You will have more time "legally" to browse bridal mags, wedding fairs, try on dresses, plan honeymoon.

7. Jewelry Salespeople will offer assistance when you want to try on lots of bling & NOT look for security to escort has been bride out of the store!

6. You out grew BOYFRIEND in high school, and will be stuck with HUSBAND forever ....relish the sophistication of FIANCE even if your man isn't Cary Grant

5. More time to register, sneak peaks at said registry, see what's been purchased add more and wait to see who buys it! (It’s the ONLY time in life when greed is socially acceptable & you will get exactly what you want!!)

4. Cake Tasting, Cake Tasting, Cake Tasting

3. More time to become the buff bride of your dreams (see aforementioned CAKE!)

2. More time to watch:
Father of the Bride, Runaway Bride, Steel Magnolias, 16 Candles, Betsy’s Wedding, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, American wedding, The Wedding Planner, The Sweetest Thing, My Best Friends Wedding, A Wedding Story on TLC, Four Weddings & a Funeral, The Wedding Singer, saved by the Bell ~ Wedding in LAS VEGAS, A Very Brady wedding, Baywatch Hawaiian Wedding, The Bachelor w/Chris O'Donnell (movie not TV!) the In-Laws, Meet the Parents, and Fockers, Serendipity, The Graduate, Bachelor Party w/ Tom Hanks, Sweet Home Alabama.......

and cry, hold your breathe at every girls dream come true as Reese has her pick of ANY TIFFANY RING (Sweet Home Alabama) take notes like keep the ring away from Stiffler!(American Wedding) ,pick colors ~ blush & bashful anyone? (Steel Magnolias) relish the drama, dream, think soon that will be ME!!!! (Instead of it’s all over!)

1. It will go by so fast & soon enough you'll be




........ No longer a bride JUST SOMEBODIES WIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Promise to be back soon to read about your weddings and to talk a little about mine!! Night!

[GeekGirl]

LMAO @ ellemarie.

Sometimes I feel so left out with the wedding planning stuff...my wedding is so simple, and my engagement will only be a total of six months.

Although my FH's parents have decided to throw us a reception in his hometown the weekend after the wedding, which is really nice of them...and they're expecting like a hundred and fifty people to show up!! I was so surprised! When they offered to throw a reception, I thought they meant like a small family get-together like at their house or something...I am so touched and flattered that they want to throw like an actual reception. They asked me what I wanted in terms of things like decorations and food and wedding cake and stuff! Oh, and I have to make invitations. So maybe I'm not entirely escaping the whole wedding reception planning thing after all.

[ellemarie]

Hey geekgirl..! Glad that made you laugh a little;)
You are definitely not skipping out on the reception at all you are just doing it in a shorter amount of time! That's exciting and very sweet they are doing that for you guys. I'm so happy you are happy!

[rubyslippers]

Geekgirl--are you planning to wear the dress again at the reception? I went to 2 receptions after destination weddings this year. One bride wore pants and a blouse while the other wore her dress again. My crowd liked the bride wearing the dress again. It gave us a chance to see how she looked rather than just pictures. So consider that :)

[filmgirl7]

Hey Guys,
Just had to jump in and say a quick hello. We are my BIL's house in upstate new york for the new year's holiday. We'll be going out soon so that BIL can buy a tux for the wedding :eek: and I will pick up some new makeup with SIL's help.

I cannot believe how quickly January 7th is coming! Plus, we are away from home until tomorrow afternoon, so we won't be able to start working on the final preparation until then. But, the good news is the ketubah will arrive either tuesday or wednesday in NY, so we'll have it in time for the wedding. We were contemplating whether to actually have programs because it's such a small wedding, but I think we will since it's an interfaith wedding and there will be two different traditions melded together.

Yesterday we ordered the marriage announcements, and we picked up boxes from JC Penney so that we can FINALLY wrap the attendant gifts. However, one bathrobe has not yet arrived, and neither has a gift certificate we ordered for the best man. I am praying that the GC is there when we get home tomorrow, because if it doesn't arrive by tues/wed. I'm going to have a freak out! Plus, awaiting the bathrobe is stressful because either JC penney will call or they won't. It should arrive tues or wed....why is this last minute when we've been planning this wedding since AUGUST?!?! I don't know.

Yesterday we went to an open house at my aunt's and I was relieved to see that my aunts and uncles weren't ganging up on me RE: the wedding plans. I didn't know what to expect and it had me stressed out, but it worked out fine. phew!

So, i'm wondering, where is SQUEE! She's getting married next weekend as well. SQUEE, where are you?!?!

ttys, guys. I hope you're having a fabulous new years! :)

[MandyMaloo]

Congrats hon!! Everything is coming up so fast now!! WOW! We're all getting married this year! :D That's so strange to think about!!

I'm so excited for you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the robe and GC come soon--I'd call JCP every single day to make sure it hasn't come in early or something. Just think though- in less than a week you're going to be a wife and all this stressful planning will be over :)

I hope you had a fun Hanukah and a fun and safe new years! Can't wait to see pictures of your beautiful day!! Good luck and CONGRATS!!

[j.d.l.102205]

Happy 2006 everyone!! I was a 2005 bride, but I wanted to say congratulations to all of you 2006 brides. It's going to be a wonderful year!

[LSirola]

My wedding will be here very soon, Feb 4, 2006. I cannot believe it is almost here. I am looking forward to the actual day and then everything afterwards. I do not like this planning process. Its not fun for me. I know some people love it, but its hard for me. I need a certain amount of calm and peace in my life, and I am not getting it. Life seems crazy, I have people(my sweet little grandma!) bossing me around, and people tugging at me from every direction. I just want the day to be here and done with. I think that despite the craziness that is my life right now, I will be calm on the big day. I will have it together, I will be happy and glowing. And I dont know if this is silly to say, but I'll say it anyways... I'm confident that my fiance will be there on time, and not forget the rings. I think I'll be ok if the flowers are not the right color, and I think I'll be ok if the cake falls over and smashes all over the place. At the end of the day I'll be Mrs. Sirola. Very excited about that!!

Lauren

[GeekGirl]

ellemarie and rubyslippers - I'm not sure if I'm going to wear the dress again or not. My dress is really big and floofy and well...complicated. And I'm not really sure how receptiony this reception is going to be. I'm an Polish Catholic, so my idea of "reception" is pretty different from my FH's Southern Baptist parents, LOL! I think the reception is going to be at his parents' church's hall or something? I guess I'm sort of confused because when my FH was describing what the reception would be like, he made it sound like a green room reception after a recital - you know, like a receiving line with munchies and stuff. But his cousin had me pick out a menu - she's going to cater it. And bake a wedding cake - like a real one, with layers and decorations and everything. And his mom wanted to know how I want it decorated. I was sort of dumbstruck, like, decorations? We need decorations?? So I guess I'm just not really sure how fancy it's going to be...or how long it's going to last...etc etc. I'm worried that my dress might be overkill.

But it does sound like a perfect excuse to buy a second (less fancy) dress! :D

filmgirl and squee - In less than one week you'll be married!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[filmgirl7]

Hey All,
Whoa, what a day! Last night my brother got in a car accident driving from NY to work in CT. Because he just started, and he works for a round-the-clock company, he had to work the holiday shift. He was driving there last night at 10:30 and his car slipped on a patch of ice and crashed! The car may or may not be reparable, but thank GOD he's ok.

Drama aside, the main reason I came on here was to ask for advice. I'm trying to choose what song to "walk down the aisle" to. It's not really an aisle...it's mainly just walking into the catering room, which is very small. Anyway, I think i've narrowed it down to "All I Ask of You" from Phantom, and Ave Maria done by Celine Dion. HELP ME DECIDE!!!! :) Thank you! FIVE DAYS LEFT! HOLY COW!

[ellemarie]

Happy 2006 to all! This year we will all marry the men of our dreams...such an exciting time for us!

[GeekGirl]

I'm going to vote All I Ask of You. It's a gorgeous tune! :D

[2 Crazy Pugs]

Finally! 2006 is here! I didn't think it would ever get here. Back to stress-wedding planning. 6 months to go!

[MandyMaloo]

Filmgirl- OMG! So glad to hear your brother is alright!! Wow! ITA with GG as well--All I Ask of You is OOBER romantic--I LOVE that song (my mom used to sing it all the time--she's OBSESSED with PTO!)

GG- Hmmm...I answered in the thread about the dresses- but I'm gonna keep looking for you!

This is it ladies! We'll all be married by this time next year!! :D

[tlew12778]

So much to catch up on!

OK so I changed the ceremony time to 3PM. I haven't actually told the priest yet but he said I could change it as late as I wanted to since he doesn't foresee anyone else getting married on that Friday. I think the "suggestions for what to do in the program" idea is great! I'll definitely do that.

filmgirl - OMG you're so close!!! How exciting! I couldn't see the pics of your shower but they sounded great. I'm excited to see pics of your wedding! Just a few more days and you can post them :D. Glad to hear your brother is ok.

ellemarie - Welcome to the thread!

geekgirl - Yay! Now you can make pocketfolds ;) I just realised today that maybe I should have started looking at 2nd reception places for next year (2007) bc my parents want us to have a reception back in NY on our anniversary (or thereabouts). I think places in NY fill up fast! But I really can't imagine overlapping planning. I will also be getting a second dress but mine will probably be red (it's a chinese thing to do).

Finally, I did not get one thing for the invites done in NY this Christmas. Totally sucks. Now I have to do it all alone back in Milan. We had to haul home an extra rolling luggage full of paper supplies :mad:

[filmgirl7]

I just realised today that maybe I should have started looking at 2nd reception places for next year (2007) bc my parents want us to have a reception back in NY on our anniversary (or thereabouts). I think places in NY fill up fast!

I live in upstate NY, if I can be of any help. I did about two years of leg-work looking at reception/catering places for our wedding....not to mention have been to a number in this area. I'm not sure where in NY you are from, but I'm happy to help if I can.

[tlew12778]

I'm from Westchester so the 2nd reception will most probably be in manhattan. I think I only want to do a cocktail reception to keep costs down but I don't really know what my parents have in mind. If we don't choose a place in manhattan then it'll be northern NJ or lower CT I guess.

[MandyMaloo]

Welcome back Tiffany! Glad you got home safely!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas back in NY with your family!

Wow! 2 Receptions--that'll be fun!! That's super nice of your parents to throw a second recpetion. Have a good time with that (I would love to see the second dress when you get one chosen. I love the looks of traditional Asian dresses---so beautiful!!) Sorry you didn't get much done over Christmas! I wish I was able to help because I love doing stuff like that--but that's one heck of a plane ride!!

Filmgirl- I would definatly have a program, even if it's ultra simple. I think interfaith marriage ceremonies are so interesting and even though I am not Jewish, I would love to know what's going on and the meanings. I'm making up programs even though our wedding will be super simple, but I want to introduce the wedding party and I'll be translating a song from Italian to English so the guests will see the significance of the song we've chosen.

Well, Chad and I should be moving into our place in about a month and a half now! I'm so excited! We've found a terrific apartment and complex we really like. Raleigh is a wonderful city- but we're close to Durham (which has a TON of gang activity) and some of it is starting to spill over. We wanted to find some place where Chad felt safe enough to leave me alone at night if he gets the late patrol. We'll be moving back to Wisconsin in a few years though- as soon as he has a little more experiance under his belt. He recently got a job offer in his hometown as a police officer, so we're thinking about that too!

Also- I'm so excited! We've been talking about our honeymoon alot lately, and were starting to get some ideas for Disney together. I practically LIVED at Disney when I was younger and I had mentioned in passing that I really would've loved to go somewhere new. Well apparently Chad listened! He's *going to try* to take me to Europe for our honeymoon! It'll be for our 1st anniversarry! He went to England and France back in HS and LOVED it, so he wants to take me back there. I'm excited! We're starting to look for some good airfare and trying to get some idea of where we really wanna go and how we plan on getting there. I'm so excited!! :)

Skippyplante- I know what you mean! Wedding planning is WAY harder than people think! I thought at first that this was going to be simple and a blast-but I learned pretty quick that this isn't the case. I don't know why- but weddings sure seem to bring out the worst in people. I'm excited for you though and I can't wait to see some of your wedding pics! Good luck and congrats!

[tlew12778]

Mandy - Don't buy your airfare this far in advance. You'll pay full price. November is low season so you should be able to fly for like $500 r/t.

Oh and my parents will probably not throw our second reception... they just expect us to have one and foot the bill ourselves I am sure. Everyone seems to think we are rich or something bc FH is a surgeon. My aunt keeps joking we should cover everyone's airfare here for the wedding :O.

[preppychic]

May of 2006 Bride here!

[suzy399]

Hi girls! I'm new to the site and am a Aug 2006 bride! Getting married in Bedford, New Hampshire!!:p

[Natasha]

December 2006, joining up!

[southerner]

I'm not a 2006 bride, so I hope y'all don't mind me popping in here to make a suggestion to y'all. This thread is getting longer with more people only joining as the year continues. When I planned my wedding back in 2003 and I was on WC, it was very helpful for me to have a group of women who were planning a wedding the same month as me. You tend to lose sight of those people when there's a lot of you. Just wanted to maybe recommend that some of you start a month/season wedding group(s) in this forum. Hope you don't mind the suggestion from someone who planned their own wedding with the help of a wedding message board :o

Happy planning!

[filmgirl7]

Welcome to all the new 2006 brides.

Natasha - I'm having a lot of fun reading your journal right now! I'm up to the part where your daughter was born, and still reading... I look forward to hearing all about your wedding planning!!!

[ellemarie]

filmgirl:So glad your brother is ok!! I say go with All I ask of you.....I LOVE phantom and that song! Soooooo pretty and different.
Tlew: Thank you!!!

I hope you all had a good weekend! I need toc ome in here and talk more about my wedding...I have been such a slacker with journaling this week!

[GeekGirl]

Driveby posting: the cake we (okay, I) picked out:

http://www.holiday-market.com/bakery/wedding-cakes/images/wed-red-rose.jpg

[tlew12778]

I vote against separate month threads just bc there aren't enough of us in any 3 or 4 month period to make the thread fun and active. I like the thread the way it is right now.

This is our cake:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c142/tlew12778/Cakes%20and%20Flowers/greencake.jpg
Similar to GG's only with the ribbon around the middle. The cake above is in glace' but ours will be in white chocolate as the villa won't work with glace' for some reason.

I think my tiara does not fit my head! Mine has these two hinges on the sides. If the tiara is fully opened, the sides stick out and above the curve of my head! Not sure what to do now... I can either get the hairdresser to work around it and choose a hairstyle that is big enough to hide the improper fit or scrap the whole tiara idea (I'm not dead set on wearing one anyway).

[MandyMaloo]

Oh I love the cake!!! Mmmmm...getting me all hungry! I think it'll be beautiful! I'm also doing a ribbon cake (red ribbon) but mine is squares!

You know, I am having the exact same problems with my tirara! I had no idea if I just had an oddly shaped head or if other brides experianced it too! Anyway- I'm wearing my hair down (I think) for the wedding, so I'm sure I'll be able to hide it. Are you able to bed yours even a little? Sometimes all that needs tp happen is that one of the sides needs to come in just a bit. I wonder if your hairstylist could make it work. I love the look of tiaras- only becuase I think it really finishes off the look. Also- I'd never get away with wearing one any other time- so why not wear one now? :p

Well, I found where I am ordering my invitation paper! I stumbled on this (www.mountaincow.com) website after flipping through my bridal magazine. The proces are unbeatable- best I've ever seen. They sell templates too, which is a great idea for DIY brides who need just a little more help. I've already done a layout of what my invites are going to look like though, so I won't need the template. I'm going to use white and deep red. Chad loves them! YAY!

I also wanted to know what you guys thought about having 2 "guestbook" type things at a wedding. We'll be having people sign our engagement pictures, but I also found a big platter that you can have people sign as well. You just put the platter in the oven and the names set in it. We love cooking, so it would be a cool idea, but I don't know if guests might think it was too much. What do you think? One or the other? Or should I do both?

Welcome to all the new brides in here! We'd love to hear more about your plans!!

Tiffany- when do you think I should buy tickets? We wouldn't be going until next year, so we're not in too much of a rush- but $$ is definatly an issue. Also, since you know so much about this kind of thing: do you have an suggestions on how to get around once we get to London? We'd like to see France and Italy too, but don't know if we should rent a car, take a train or what. I need to just go buy a travel book or something!!

GG- I LOVE THAT CAKE!! It looks amazing! You'll have to send me a peice! ;)

[MandyMaloo]

http://www.weddingcakelady.com/Stacked/new/1s1.jpg
I wanted to post our wedding cake too!! :) It'll be just plain vanilla frosting and red velvet cake.

[tlew12778]

I'm wearing my hair down (I think) for the wedding, so I'm sure I'll be able to hide it. Are you able to bed yours even a little? Sometimes all that needs tp happen is that one of the sides needs to come in just a bit. I wonder if your hairstylist could make it work. I love the look of tiaras- only becuase I think it really finishes off the look. Also- I'd never get away with wearing one any other time- so why not wear one now? :p

Tiffany- when do you think I should buy tickets? We wouldn't be going until next year, so we're not in too much of a rush- but $$ is definatly an issue. Also, since you know so much about this kind of thing: do you have an suggestions on how to get around once we get to London? We'd like to see France and Italy too, but don't know if we should rent a car, take a train or what. I need to just go buy a travel book or something!!

If I wear my hear down, I definitely cannot hide it at all! My hair is totally flat to begin with so the tiara would fall backwards :rolleyes: So that means my hair has to be piled up and wide enough (but not puffy bc I hate puffy) to hold up the tiara. It's really heavy too and it can't be bent at all. I will take a pic eventually.

For November travel, I would buy tix in September. Reason being is that off-season starts September 2 so all the sales will come out around then. I am regretting buying our HM airfare so early. I think we could have gotten a better deal if we had waited but only 2 airlines fly to Capetown from Europe and there is only one flight per day so I didn't want to wait... to the tune of like 900 euro per person! :mad:

London is easy to get around. Just get a one-day tube pass for 4.70 GBP per day. They used to have a weekend pass but they got rid of it last year. You will probably only need zones 1-2 so don't get the passes that cover beyond zones 1-2 as they will cost more. From the airport take the train (Heathrow express, Standsted Express or Gatwick Express... all btwn 11-17GBP per person), never take a black cab (something like 90 GBP one way!).

Take the Eurostar Chunnel train (as seen on Mission Impossible - helicopter scene) to Paris. It takes 3 hrs and I thin you can get tics for like $40 now. Take the metro around Paris (you can buy a carnet of tickets which is 10 tickets per pack). Remember to keep your tickets bc you need them to get out of the metro station (same with london actually).

Fly from Paris to Italy (where in Italy do you want to go?). Find a no frills airline on www.whichbudget.com. If you can, try to fly out of Paris Orly (I think Easyjet flies from there) or Paris Charles DeGaulle bc Paris Beauvais is actually like 2-3 hours from Paris.

[am_81]

I vote against separate month threads just bc there aren't enough of us in any 3 or 4 month period to make the thread fun and active. I like the thread the way it is right now.

I was thinking the same thing . . . . these threads are way less active than the WC ones. There just arent enough of us over here.

I also wanted to know what you guys thought about having 2 "guestbook" type things at a wedding. We'll be having people sign our engagement pictures, but I also found a big platter that you can have people sign as well. You just put the platter in the oven and the names set in it. We love cooking, so it would be a cool idea, but I don't know if guests might think it was too much. What do you think? One or the other? Or should I do both?

This is JMO, but I think I would only do one or the other. Probably the engagement picture idea.

----------------------

Yum, all those cakes look delicious. I'm trying to pace myself with all the looking-up-stuff, so I havent even looked at cakes yet. I think I want something square, with the middle layer set an angle, but thats all I've got. Honestly though, what I'm *really* looking forward to is cake tasting. ;)

ETA picture of what I mean by "set at an angle" --

http://photo.live.advance.net/modbride/images/402/NEWDARW0702_SMILE_03.jpg

[am_81]

T-minus 3 days until our meeting with the priest. I wont lie and say I'm feeling any better about it, but I've decided that I'm just not going to worry about it anymore. Or at least not until Friday morning. Its not like I can change who I am/how I was raised and besides, whats the worst that can happen? He can say they wont marry us, but so what? It doesnt mean we cant get married at all; we either move on to another church, or we skip the church thing altogether.

Did that convince anyone? ;)

We've got appointments to visit 2 reception sites on Friday after work. We've also got one lined up for Saturday afternoon; I'm trying to make one more for Saturday and then if we feel the need to, we can make more visits once we get back from St. Lucia. I dont want us to rush/feel pressured, but we both want to decide on a place while he's here in town. Given the parameters we've set for a location, I really dont think I'm going to find many more places that will fit the bill so I kind of feel like we might as well pick now. Plus, finding out that one of our potential locations has already been booked makes me a bit nervous.

[ellemarie]

oooooooooooooh what beautiful cakes you girls had!

[GeekGirl]

am_81 - You totally convinced me, and you're absolutely right. People who are married by JPs aren't any less married than they are if they are married in a church. And requirements for marriage vary so much by church - even within the same denomination - it's ridiculous. Any way you slice it, you're getting married! :D

[southerner]

tlew12778 and am_81 thanks for responding (they don't do that as much on WC anymore :rolleyes: ). Y'all know better than I do that there's not alot of brides to be on CC. Maybe if more join up you could do group threads by the season. Or not at all. It was just a friendly suggestion, that's all :)

[GeekGirl]

Went back and found the suggestion (I swear, I can't go on vacation again...I miss too much!!). I'd agree that at this point we don't have enough brides to justify separate threads, but it's definitely something to keep in mind if things get too crowded. Thanks for the suggestion southerner!

And here's an updated 2006 calendar for our n00bs!! PM me specific dates iff'n you want 'em included. :D


January:
7 - filmgirl7, Squee

February:
4 - Darlene&Scott, skippyplante

March:
25 - Michelle&Russ

April:
5 - Larissa
21 - tlew12778
28 - GeekGirl, SusieQ
29 - KeliAnn

May:
? - preppychic
6 - dlawson
13 - lilgeek
27 - Vane5/06

June:
6 - kithara
30 - SFnKC, 2CrazyPugs

July:
2 - frambroise
5 - zarabunny
8 - Ginnie

August:
? - suzy399
5 - ceaserbride
19 - enchantingdragon

September:
27 - sbgirl

October:
7 - LINZnWILL
15 - rubyslippers
21 - yanekie25, ellemarie

November:
11 - MandyMaloo, am_81

December:
9 - Natasha

[MandyMaloo]

am- good luck with your meeting--and you're right. If they say "no" you say "alrighty" and move on. Who cares what 1 church thinks, and if they don't see the importance in binding two people that obviously love one another- you shouldn't get married there anyway :). Ditto to everything GeekGirl said! Also, I love the cake idea! I always like the really unique cakes. Mine's going to be pretty boring since my FH isn't a cake person at all. You should check out the cake thread...there are some terrific ideas in there!

ellemarie- thanks for the compliment! I havn't had it yet, but I'm hoping it goes over well at our wedding!! :)

Tiffany- I see your dilemma with the hair. You'll have to get some pictures of the tiara. If it's too much of a problem, I'd say screw it and don't wear one at all. Any word on the progress of your dress/shoes? Any pictures you used for inspiration? Thank you soooooo much for the advice on travel. We'll start looking at prices and getting an idea of a good budget!

GeekGirl- How are your plans coming along? Have you found a dress yet for your reception?

[framboise]

Oooohhh, pretty cakes! Good choices girls!

Mandy, you got some great travel advice from Tiffany. I agree with it all. I don't live in Europe like she does, but I did study in Paris during college so I got to travel a lot then & have been to various places a few other times. Trains are the way to go there, that's for sure. It's so easy to get between cities & also around the bigger cities (Paris, London, etc.) just by train & walking that you don't need to rent a car on your first trip.

Tiffany, I'm probably chiming in late here, but I like the "things to do in the area" list to help people figure out what to do between the ceremony & reception. Basically I guess I'm just agreeing with you since you've already decided to go that route. :p

Reception / Dress Situation
We are getting married in CA & having a second reception in MN about 4 weeks later. I can't decide if I should wear my dress again at the MN reception. That one is going to be kind of an open house-style so really I would be overdressed if I wore it. But when will I have another chance? And I'm paying good money for it so why not make the most of it? I think that I'll make the decision after the actual wedding because if the hem gets really icky on the big day (on a lawn!) then it wouldn't look so good at the second reception.

Congratulations on your wedding week filmgirl! Oh, and I vote for "All I Ask of You"! ;)

[yanekie25]

I am not starting a journal. I have 3 already and couldn't keep up with another, but I will post all updates here. Hope you ladies don't mind.

My dress. I wearing a Reem Acra Honeymoon from the fall 06 line.
The model:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Dress%20Shopping/mydress.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Dress%20Shopping/mydressback.jpg

Me
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Dress%20Shopping/6796ad39.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Dress%20Shopping/9c8a09f0.jpg

It does look much better in person and I will be getting it in that color.

Fits perfect with our venue, which is Vizcaya in Miami
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Wedding%20Decor/34376735232327Ffp83Enu3D32383E3A633.jpg

[yanekie25]

Over the holidays, I did manage to finish my STDs. Here they go.

Outside: Monogram embossed

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Wedding%20Stationary/stdcover.jpg

Fully opened
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Wedding%20Stationary/stdopen.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Wedding%20Stationary/2976096d.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Wedding%20Stationary/stdinsertinside.jpg

Inserts
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/yanekie25/Wedding%20Stationary/stdinserts.jpg

[yanekie25]

frambroise,

I had a quick thought. Why don't you wear your dress and have your and FH re-enact your first dance. Make the big entrance and everything if you can. That way, it kinda is appropriate and guests will understand and like that you are dressed up.

[GeekGirl]

Mandy - I'm still looking around for a dress, but I'm not really in a rush. I still have a little over three months. But I really like the dress that Lisa suggested - and it is super cheap! I may end up getting it.

Here it is:

http://www.ssb3.net/users/10201/dsp_1972_maize1.jpg

http://www.ssb3.net/users/10201/dsp_1972_maize3.jpg

frambroise - I am totally feeling you the second reception/what-to-wear situation. See above. Lisainpink found that for me on eBay, and it's like $40!!

yanekie25 - OMG, I <3 Reem Acra. If I could afford it, I'd totally have one. I absolutely love the sheen of the fabric! And the embroidery! And it looks so beautiful on you!! *sigh!*

Does your gown have a matching tiara? Lisainpink also had a Reem, and I guess her tiara matched the embroidery on her dress.

edit: Holy cow, your STDs are awesome!!!!

[suzy399]

More details on our big day. August 6, 2006. Planning from very far away. My fiancee and I are both in the Air Force and live in Arkansas. The wedding is in NH where I grew up. Thanks so much to my mom who has been my wedding coordinator, doing all of the footwork for me! Anyone have any experience planning from far away? It isn't easy! Planning on a garden wedding, hoping that the weather will hold out. We'll be having a military wedding, swords and all. Wasn't so sure I wanted all of that, but after seeing pictures of a military wedding, decided it looks really amazing, so we'll do it. Hey, and it saves us the cost of a tux!! I've got everything booked except for our DJ. We worked on our ceremony last night, have to get it done early as Derek is getting deployed in Feb-July, he'll get back right before our wedding, so we wanted to be able to write the ceremony together. We'll be getting married by a JP. Here are some pics of the things I'm leaning towards. Purchased the dress already...Ican't seem to get these pictures to paste on....anyone have any hints??!

[am_81]

yanekie25 -- Youre STDs are absolutely awesome; theyre *exactly* what I've been envisioning for mine. I was thinking I would forgo my "vision" on the STDs and just go all out on the invites, but youve got me re-considering now . . . .

GG/MM -- Thanks for the words of encouragement on the church meeting. I dont know why I've let myself get so worked up over it. I really think the anticipation is the worst part; I'm sure once the first meeting is done and over with, the rest will be a breeze. Or at least I hope so. :rolleyes:

[yanekie25]

Geekgirl, thank for the compliments. I always loved her style. I was a priority for me. I may never look this good again. I don't think I have a tiara, nor would I buy it. I need to save somewhere. I am trying to find something nice. I think I may just do a nice hair piece over a tiara.

am_81, I just didn't want to include all that accomodations info in my invites. My invites will be timeless classic look. It was fairly easy to do. I did it all myself and printed it on my home printer. I think it ended up being about 75 cents per STD. Cheaper than a magnet.

[ellemarie]

yanekie
Hello date twin.....GORGEOUS DRESS!!! AND STD's!! They are amazing!

[ellemarie]

Mandy: I knew that...duh lol ;)

[framboise]

yanekie25, your STDs look great! Did you send them out yet? I liek the idea of "recreating" our first dance but it won't fly for 2 reasons. 1. Getting FH to dance is like pulling teeth. I'll be lucky to get him to dance with me at our ACTUAL reception. 2. Our second reception is stop-by-whenever-you-want-to-for-as-long-as-you-want-to style so not everyone will be there at the beginning or at the middle or at the end. Thanks though! Oh, and your dress is GORGEOUS!!

GG, that ebay dress is so great! It sounds like a perfect choice! So did you order it or what? :D Would it be too inappropriate for me to wear my tiara again at our second reception? As in not my wedding dress but something else nice/new/cute plus my tiara? I think that might be the way to go. :p

[GeekGirl]

Nope, didn't order the dress...we still have a few months before the reception, so I'm not really in a rush. I say wear the tiara again. Hell, I wear my tiara to clean the house - any excuse is good enough! :D

[yanekie25]

frambroise, I like the idea of the tiara. It's something. Maybe your wedding day jewelry. You could also get a crosage, I know really old with your bouquet flowers.

I have not sent them out. I plan to send them out by the end of this month, which is like 9 mths before the wedding. Of course, folks won't book travel until the last minute, but I at least I told them so.

[filmgirl7]

Just wanted to check in here quickly to say WE DID IT! We're married! I'll post more pics in my journal, but here's one for starters!

http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1720/9/26/80/28/91/0/91288026907_0_ALB.jpg

[GeekGirl]

Congratulations, filmgirl!!!! I hope your day was beautiful!! :D

[filmgirl7]

Hi Ladies! I guess I'm the first bride to report back for this thread! That's cool!

The wedding went well in general; there were a few little snafu's though. On Friday when we woke up, J was revved up and ready to help with the last minute tasks. I had to pick up flowers and wrapping paper, burn some of the music CD's, clean and pack the car, etc. We did just about everything together. In particular, J printed out the programs by himself while I was at the store, and that was really helpful.

We left MUCH later than we had hoped, and when we were about 20 minutes from I looked at J and said "YOUR TUX!!!!" Yes, we forgot the tux. We realized at that point that we weren't going to make it to the county clerk by 4:30, and hence, couldn't get our marriage license! Thanks to some quick thinking by our caterer/innkeeper, we were able to get the woman who works there to come in on Saturday morning just to do our marriage license (PHEW!!) Talk about stress!

On Thursday and Friday I was developing a cold/post nasal drip, and by the time we got to Vermont, I was not feeling so hot. Friday night's dinner/rehearsal went well even though my parents didn't get there until 9pm (???!?!) and we got to bed at a reasonable hour....but....

...I got only one hour of sleep the night before my wedding!!! I just could not sleep to save my life. I took so many sleep-inducing meds, but none of them helped. I think J gave me a cup of coffee on friday night without checking if it was decaf or not. :mad: (I won't hold it against him.) I was sharing a bed with my sister in law and I thought my getting up so much was keeping her awake, so I actually left the bedroom and layed on the couch in the living room for a couple of hours during the night. I think I went back to the bed around 5, but couldn't sleep, and then had to get up around 8. When I came down to breakfast I was a total wreck.

Thank God for my bridesmaids, who did absolutely everything they could have to make me feel calm and comfortable. Since I was so exhausted I was just taking the day one hour at a time. The girls bought me energy drinks and coffee, took me to the pharmacy for more meds, made sure I got my hair done, did my nails while I slept....they were just amazing.

The ceremony went well except for one thing....URGH, i'm so annoyed at J's brother (the best man). When the pastor asked for the rings, instead of just handing us the rings, he put out his two hands like "guess which hand it's in" and we were like "WTF?!?!" and I said "just give us the rings" and the pastor said "Give them the rings!" but it was ridiculous. Various people who were watching the wedding commented on what an idiot he was (I know he's my BIL but he is a total jerk). My brothers were about to kick his ass. What kind of grown man does that at his brother's wedding??!?

But I'll not dwell on that. The dinner and reception were great. Everything worked out perfectly with our photographer....we even took some pictures out in the snow!!! :) I will post more pictures here, but this is getting long so i'm going to close this one now.

[filmgirl7]

Being led in by my dad
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1720/9/26/80/28/71/0/71288026907_0_ALB.jpg


This one is my family.
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1720/9/26/80/28/82/0/82288026907_0_ALB.jpg

After the ceremony....brrr!!!
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1720/9/26/80/28/33/0/33288026907_0_ALB.jpg

A better shot of my dress
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1720/9/26/3/87/49/0/49870326907_0_ALB.jpg

Our first dance, I believe....
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1720/9/26/13/53/45/0/45531326907_0_ALB.jpg

[Michelle&Russ]

Congratulations Filmgirl! You looked beautiful! and sooo happy! :D I love the pics, can't wait to see the ones in the snow that sounds sooo pretty!

Wow 1 hour of sleep! yikes! I'm glad everything worked out!!!

[GeekGirl]

Oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh look at how married you are!!! I'm so excited for you!! All that stress and drama, and here you are months later, ring firmly on finger. I'm so proud of you for standing up to your mom and doing this the way that you wanted - and I'm so happy for you and J! I wish you a lifetime of happiness. :D

[yanekie25]

Congratulations!!!!!!! You look amazing so beautiful and on 1 hour of sleep at that.

Can't wait to see more.

[sbgirl]

Congratulations! You are glowing in the pics! Doesn't even look like you only slept one hour!

I'll have to try to catch up later! Welcome to all the new girls!

[MandyMaloo]

Awww!! You look AMAZING!!! I'm sooooo happy for you and J! You're a wife now! :) How does it feel to be a Mrs.? Those 6 years finally paid off, huh? ;) I'm so happy for you. I love those pictures! Congrats hon...I'm gonna check out your journal right now!!

[framboise]

Congratulations filmgirl! Your wedding looked like it was a wonderful celebration. I'm glad that the little snafus didn't get you down.

Thanks for starting us 2006 brides off on the right foot!

[tlew12778]

Congrats Filmgirl! You looked radiant even on so little sleep. How do you like being a Mrs?

BTW, KodakGallery does not allow 3rd party sharing which is why your photos are not showing. You can try photobucket (it's free and you can have it grab your photos from any other site so upload it really easy too!).

********

I've suddenly realised that the wedding is like in 100 days or something :eek:. I need to get my invititations to the printer. I was originally planning on just doing them myself but my mom and now FH wants them thermographed.

I also need to set up a registry this week. We picked out china but still need to pick out the silver. I had NO IDEA silver was so expensive. I feel kind of bad about putting it on the registry but apparently that's the norm here. Plus we don't have anything else to register for since we've been living together for 7 years now.

[Michelle&Russ]

Wow Tiffany 100 days!!! How exciting! I think as of today we have 73 days til the wedding - crazy! A coworked of mine keeps a countdown on my whiteboard at work so I'm pretty much always aware of the # days left...

We finished addressing invitations last weekend and this weekend we'll be stuffing/assembling them! Then hopefully we'll mail them out on the 23rd of Jan. I stuffed and sealed a couple last night and it was funny but sealing those envelopes made everything seem sooo much closer! :)

[GeekGirl]

107 days! Which equals out to 3 mos, 2 weeks, and 3 days. Not that I'm counting or anything. ;)

I made my bouquet the other night, and it turned out gorgeous. As soon as I can find my digital camera, I'll upload some pics. We also put together an online registry and Linens 'n Things and JC Penney. Sometime this week we need to actually go to the stores and adjust a few things - but it was so easy to do online!!

I need to call my FMIL and get the list of addresses for all the folks she wants to invite to the reception in Florence. I figure since she and my FSIL are going to be working so hard at putting this reception together, the least I can do is the invitations!! I'm making them like Darlene&Scott's, except in red:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c371/redfemm/DSC00363_edited.jpg

There was a thread on here earlier about how to DIY these invites, so I'm going to attempt it. It doesn't actually look that hard - just time consuming. But since I'm unemployed ATM, I figure hey, I've got nothing but time! :p

So anyhow, that's where I'm at right now. I'll get that pic up of my bouquet soon.

[Darlene&Scott]

I can email you templates you know :p

[GeekGirl]

And that, dear people, is why I love Dar so much! :D

[GeekGirl]

Here's the bouquet I made the other night - hand tied red roses with a pearl spray collar.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/rebar1980/100_0531.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/rebar1980/100_0530.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/rebar1980/100_0529.jpg

[Michelle&Russ]

WOW Geekgirl! Your bouquet is beautiful!!!! You did such an amazing job! Did it take a lot of tries? time? I was just blown away when I saw it! Beautiful! :D

[LLhunter]

We set Oct 21 2006, here in Austin. I've only been at this planning thing for a couple weeks but we've already got the venue booked and most everything else picked out or lined up. I'm easy to please. :p Now it's just a waiting game.

[Michelle&Russ]

Hi LLHunter! You're getting married in Austin???? Me too! :) Where's the wedding and reception at? We having ours downtown at Central Presbyterian and the Austin Club. I'd love to hear more about your wedding!

[LLhunter]

yes, we live in Austin. We booked Green Pastures for the ceremony and reception, so pretty close to downtown, too. Where is the Austin Club? My brother is getting married here also, on April 7.. I can't remember where he said they booked though. I want to say maybe Robin's Nest?

Ours is small and casual and a little non-traditional.. we're goofy people from goofy family's, and this is Austin after all. Keepin it weird. :D

[Michelle&Russ]

LLHunter I've heard great things about Green Pastures - beautiful, yummy food... How exciting! :) The Austin Club is on 9th and Brazos. Congrats on getting the venue and all the other stuff done in the first couple weeks - you're totally on top of it! And pics? details to share?

[LLhunter]

haha.. I don't know that I'm on top of it.. I just don't like sitting around thinking about it all the time, so I pick something and go with it. :p Decisiveness by way of apathy.

I posted this on the Anti-Brides thread but this is just some of the stuff we're doing..

-outside ceremony, but not in the back by the gazebo.. instead, on the front lawn under the trees (Green Pastures has free range peacocks in the front so we might have to do some bird wrangling)
-i'm just wearing a simple plain dress. Nothing poofy that requires an army to get in and out of. He's wearing a suit, no tie.. ala Kanye West type look.
-no veil, no tiara, no up-do, not a lot of makeup.
-no one is allowed to cry or get mushy.
-instead of traditional "here comes the bride" music, we're doing it on electric guitar (he's a guitar player)
-which brings us to cake toppers.. a little Metallica rocker guy, and a girl on a horse.
-bridesmaids can pick whatever dress they want, I just picked the color
-definately no group dances.. I'm not sure if we're going to do music at all
-I'm doing my own flowers/invites/favors/etc

we're going for more of a fun, upbeat, kinda rockstar-ish type thing. That's the goal anyway. :D Honeymoon is in Vegas, at the Hard Rock.

What is your date? I skimmed through this thread pretty quickly and can't remember seeing it. Your turn for details! ;)

[framboise]

GG, do you have any pointers on how you wrapped the stems of your bouquet? We're doing our own flowers & how to keep the bouquets in one piece is one of the things running through my mind right now. Yours looks great & the pearls give it that "little something extra".

[GeekGirl]

Thanks, Michelle and Tiffany!! I can't wait to actually get to carry it. I can't believe it's coming up so fast!!

Frambroise - here's how I did the ribbon thing. It's really easy.

Once I got the flowers arranged the way I wanted them, I wrapped the stems in green florist tape. Then I took 5 pearl pins and stuck them down the length of the "handle" of the bouquet, equal distance apart. I folded the ribbon (4 yds) in half, and placed the middle fold of the ribbon under the bottom of the bouquet, with the pearls facing up. The rest is kind of like lacing a shoe. You loop each side of the ribbon on alternating pearl heads around the handle till you get to the top - then you tie the rest of the ribbon in a bow. It totally makes sense when you're doing it, and it's very easy to do, but it's kind of hard to explain. Sorry if I confused you! :p

Hope that helps!

[BerBer]

Hey all... I'm getting married march 25, 2006... I am so behind but, I'm trying to catch up. glad to find some other girls going through the same stuff as me!

[filmgirl7]

Hey, All! I'm finally resurfacing after a week of post-wedding exhaustion. It was seriously a tough week to get through, and I wish I had taken more time off to really begin our marriage in a more relaxing way. But I'm still here!

Even though the wedding is over, there is still much to do. Since we had such a tiny wedding, we have wedding announcements that we want to send out asap. We thought it would be nice to include a picture so everybody can see how we looked all dressed up. The problem is I don't have any good pics on my camera, and emailing them just doesn't seem to retain the quality. I've been printing them out on our new printer, but they are grainy. I'm thinking I shoud ask MIL to put some of hers onto a diskette, or ask auntie to burn us a CD of hers. So at the moment that is holding up the announcements.

Also at the time of my list is housework...yes, I truly am a wife now. LOL. There are no clean clothes, the entire house looks like a hurricane hit (too exhausted to clean it up this past week), and everything needs to be dusted and vacuumed because my sinuses are rebelling.

So that's life here right now. Welcome to all the new 2006 brides! Thank you to everyone who complimented the photos I posted. If there is anyone who wants to see the ofoto albums, just send me you email address in a PM, and I'll send you the ofoto link.

Ok, gotta get this housework started, and hopefully head to the gym really soon. TTYS!

[SheRa]

I've been lurking around ConstantChatter for a few weeks now, and I JUST found this board, so I figured I could come out & introduce myself.

I'm Sara, I'm engaged to Jon & he proposed Sept. 29, 2005. We're planning a wedding for October 21, 2006 in Rochester, MN. So far I only have a dress, church, and reception location. I'm a thrifty bride, so I'm wanting to keep my costs as low as possible, so our reception location looks sooo dingy in comparison to the ones I have seen posted here, but I am trying to remember that I can make it look beautiful with a little work. I am also enlisting family members to make food for the reception, since I have a large family & casual is the way to go for my reception -- we'll be doing that buffet style. My grandma makes awesome homemade applesauce, so I am going to find small canning jars and have her make up a bunch for my favors.

I'm currently working with a photographer & hopefully will have a contract signed by next week. The DJ I am really struggling with because I just want my reception to be a big, fun party, and the DJ can make or break that feel, so I'm really stressing over making that decision, but I've narrowed my search down to 2 (both of them offer unlimited hours for one price!) -- but I'm scared to make a final decision.

Anyway, all this and I'm planning a trip to Germany in March -- so I feel like I need to have all of my major plans done by that time so I can just enjoy my trip.


Who knew that planning a wedding was such a full-time job?! It seemed so fun until I was doing the planning for real! :)

[LSirola]

I am at 20 days untill the wedding. My wedding is driving me crazy. I wish I could go back in time and change so many things. Like keeping the guest list at 25, which was just family.
My fiance and I went to his Uncle Mike and Aunt Linda's house-the wedding is at their house and so is the reception. They have offered to take care of the reception for us. So my mom(who does not want to be involved in the planning, she doesn't make that kind of time for me, she'd rather just give me the money for what I want), my aunt(who has helped me plan everything so far), and one of my dads(i've got two walking me down the aisle-pretty lucky huh?) went with us today. They've never met that side of the family. So we all went down to Ft Lauderdale to the house where the wedding is to make some final decisions on stuff.
It was a hard day for me, his aunt says that they are over budget and they need my family to contribute more to it, but my mom is already out about $2500 for the wedding already and my aunt is paying for the cake and flowers, and clothes for her family to wear to the wedding.
So they are planning this big extravagent wedding and want us to pay for extra stuff that I didnt even want in the first place. Its a back yard wedding! Not a wedding at a country club. She had food priced at $25 a person! Thats crazy. So we went there today and no one listened to what I want. They would tell me "thats not a good idea" or "you have to have it this way". I was almost in tears, and I think the only thing holding me back was that I knew if I started to cry I would feel really awkward the next time I saw them.
In the end though, we decided to get rid of Aunt Linda's friend who was going to do the catering. We are going to order some platters from Publix, who is doing our wedding cake and they are going to deliver the food when they deliver the cake. It is going to cost $500 for the food now instead of $1500 and I'm alot happier. My fiance and I are going to buy the drinks. We are going to buy enough beers so that each person can have two. I'm sure some people will drink more than two and some people might not drink any at all. But pretty much everyone coming to the wedding has to drive two hours to get home that night, and they don't need to be drunk driving home. We are going to buy canned sodas and bottle water. Uncle and Aunt are providing the Champagne for the toast.
All that is ok, I'm over being upset about getting talked over and my ideas being turned down. Thats ok.

But whats really bothering me... My brothers fiance Katie, she is my maid of honor. She just had a baby, so she is kind of absent minded, she is forgetful. She has been very difficult during this whole wedding process, it took her 3 weeks just to go try on the bridesmaid dress. She won't keep in touch with the other bridesmaids about planning the bridal shower that is next weekend. So after calling and leaving messages for her to call us back, we just decided: If we call her 3 times and don't get a reply, then we will just plan stuff without her and tell her when to show up. That goes for everything. Whether it be for putting favors together or anything. If we try 3 times with no reply, then just go on without her. We don't really have a ton of time to waste waiting on her answers.
So here's the real kicker, this is what really has me upset. Katie's sister Stacey was going to do our pictures. She takes really nice pictures and was going to use my dads really expensive camera. I would have dad do it, but he's one of the groomsmen and I don't want him to be stuck behind the camera, he should enjoy himself. I sent Stacey and her husband an invite to the wedding, and I never got a reply. I haven't talked to Stacey since Christmas, and we talked about the wedding, she was really excited to do this. My mom calls my fiance and tells him that Stacey can't do the pictures, something came up or something like that. So my fiance doesn't want to tell me because I cried the whole way home from Ft Lauderdale today about how stressful this whole wedding thing has been. But he got off the phone with my mom and he tells me what my mom told him. I thought he was joking. Nope. Stacey can't do my pictures. I'm 20 days away from getting married, how am I supposed to find a replacement, and now who even has the money for that?!!?? And the worst part is.. Katie(my maid of honor) knew this 3 weeks ago. Stacey told Katie that she couldnt do the pictures and Katie was supposed to tell me, and she never did. I'm actually not mad at Stacey, we aren't that close, I barely know her, so all of our contact has been through Katie. Pictures are one of the most important things about the wedding for me. other than getting married of course. But I would have been willing to fork out a couple thousand for a photographer if I knew months ago. Now I have to rely on family and friends to take pictures, and hope that they get all the shots that I want. I'm glad that I decided to put disposable camera's on all the tables.


What should I say to Katie? The bridal shower is in a week. I don't know if Stacey will be there or not, but I'm so mad at Katie, I know she has alot going on, but she should have told me as soon as she knew about it.
I'm sorry for going on and on. But its helpful to tell this to other people who are planning a wedding. People who are not planning a wedding,and having to deal with all these little details don't get it.
Lauren

[tlew12778]

Welcome to LLhunter and SheRa!

GG - I think you got me mixed up with someone else, but I was going to say that your bouquet is awesome and I was about to ask you how you did the pearl "handle" part as well! Great minds thing alike (to whoever originally asked).

Filmgirl - I totally know what you mean. I am currrently at home unemployed and the house is a wreck. Glad to hear you're enjoying married life though!

Skippy - UGH! I feel soooo bad for you. I would seriously be calling around to photographers ASAP and seeing if anyone has an opening. Call around to the local art schools as well and see if you can find any photography majors who will shoot a wedding for cheap.

********

Update on us:

Venue: We went for the tasting this weekend. Can I just say the catering manager of the villa gets like a D- already. She *forgot* that I specifically stated I did not want the standard villa wedding cake (fresh fruit and cream) bc the design of the cake I want will not permit the use of fresh cream for the icing. So we had settled on white chocolate icing on the outside and dark chocolate and grand marnier for the inside. Well at the tasting she had the pastry chef produce the standard cake (which I found way too dry) and totally forgot we had even talked (extensively) about changing the cake. So now FH and I need to go back to the villa and talk to the pastry chef to see what he can do, only last time we tried to do this with the chef, the chef was too busy to talk to us bc he had a gala dinner to prepare that night (scheduling problem was the catering mgr's fault again). Anyway, we left the deposit... as much as I cannot stand this woman, we want to have the wedding there bc of the family ties to the villa.

Invitations: I find myself in invite hell right now. My mom wanted me to get the invitations thermographed but the printer wants 1700 euro for that! That's over $2k! And the local copy shop prints at only 600 dpi (same as kinko's in NY) so now I think I am going to buy a Canon printer that prints at 9600 dpi and hope it comes out ok. They really need to go out by end month and I don't even have all the ribbon for the corners yet. It's such a mess. I wish I had known it was going to be such a big PITA and soooo expensive. I seriously would have considered just having plain ivory invites done.

Dress: The seamtress took my measurements this weekend and will start cutting the fabric. I need to try on a muslin version in 2 weeks. The shop where I bought the fabric from actually went on a hunt for the beadwork needed for my sleeves and back and managed to find something that will work perfectly, so now I do not need to have it all hand embroidered and beaded. The veil will still be hand embroidered and beaded though and to that end, we (FMIL and I) went and met with the embroiderer who will design a scaled down version of the dress embroidery for the back of the veil.

Next up, I need gloves apparently. I did not intend on wearing gloves but apparently I must wear them in church. Who would've known? So now I need to have gloves made.

I have stopped worrying about the cost of this wedding, which is just stupid but in one way or another it will all get paid for. We still have to book the florist (one gave me an estimate of 1200-1300 euro just for the ceremony flowers), and the musicians for the church and the reception. I find that I cannot really price shop bc we seem to be obligated to book ppl that FMIL *knows*. So whatever... she wants them, she can pay for them.

I am kind of wondering if I should concentrate on starting a new job after the wedding as opposed to before. I will have to dip into saving since my severence won't get me that far, but it will only be for one month's living expenses. I just feel like total shit starting a new job and telling the company I need 3 weeks off for my wedding (Italy gives you 2 weeks additional vacation time for your HM and I need the week before it off).

[ellemarie]

I know I'm late, but CONGRATS Filmgirl! I can't see your pictures anymore! :(

[filmgirl7]

I know I'm late, but CONGRATS Filmgirl! I can't see your pictures anymore! :(

Send me a PM with your email, and I'll send you the link to ofoto!

[2 Crazy Pugs]

Just a little vent...

Went to register yesterday, I was so excited about doing it, have all the visions in my head of what we want. Go to Williams Sonoma (favorite store, FH is a great cook)- register, yeah! Excited!

Come home, FH calls his mom to tell her, she gets pissed off and lectures him about how no one will ever be able to buy us anything off the registry because its too expensive (she has known from day 1 that is where we were registering).... FH gets mad, says that we are hoping that people will join forces and buy us things we want, not buy us something we really don't want, don't need that will end up in a box somewhere gathering dust. My thought is, its our wedding, and the only time we will actually be able to tell people what we want for gifts- yes there are things on the list that are expensive, but you know what? Get us a gift card that fits your budget, and we can get what we want after the wedding!

[MandyMaloo]

Hey there everyone! I'm sorry I havn't been in as much, but I've been pretty busy since Chad and I are moving in a few weeks.

Tiffany- Wow! So much is happening! I can't believe it's all happening so soon now! Good luck with the villa and I can't wait to see pictures of your dress!

skippy- Oh man, I don't even know what to tell you. I would just start looking for a photographer ASAP. I know it stinks to have some absent-minded BMs (literally I have NO BM's here. They are all from other states, so I have only my FH and mom to "help"). It stinks. I would be mad too, but you said she just had a baby, right? She's probably under a ton of stress too with a new baby. After my friend had hers, she went MIA for a good 4 months. Maybe this is what is happening to your SIL. Maybe she has been so consumed in being a mommy, that she just plain forgot. I'm not saying it's not INCREBILY rude, but just hoping she wouldn't do this in spite. I hope you're able to find someone for those pictures. As for your bridal showr: I wouldn't even count on her coming. If she does, I'd wait and talk to her in private. Good luck hon...let us know what happens!!

SheRa- WELCOME! It sounds like you're getting alot done! We love pictures here, so if you have any, we'd love to see them!

GG- I LOVE THAT BOUQUET!!! Beautiful!!!

****A Small Update****

Not too much has been happening since we're concentrating a ton on our move. We were checking out our new neighborhood the other day though and I stumbled across a stationary store called "The Ink Spot". They sell the mountaincow.com stationary, so I won't have to worry about shipping! :) I have an appointment to talk about all differant kinds of options tonight, so keep your fingers crossed.

We've also run into a bit of a roadblock with my dress. It's still quite a long time till our weding (302 days actually...but who's counting? ;)) so I'm not too concerned. I've been losing a lot of weight lately, and am planning on losing some more. My dress is going to need a TON of alterations, and this in turn will cost us. Now, I was on ebay and found a lady that makes custom gowns. All AMAZING feedback. I saw her designs and fell in LOVE with 2. It's actually cheaper for me to get the custom gown and sell my old one than it is to get all the alterations done to my dress.

I also found my garter :). I am getting either Green Bay packers garters, or Wisconsin Badgers garters. I think it's something fun and Chad will LOVE it. I love 'em! :)

I also got my wedding band this weekend! Well, kinda. My mom went into her closet the other day and saw this AMAZING ring laying in the middle of the floor. She had never seen this ring before. We've lived in the same house for years, and it's not like anyone just goes into my mom's closet. She gave me the ring and it fits perfectly!! It's EXACTLY what I wanted in a wedding ring! It's a channel set, 10 diamond ring and it looks amazing with my e-ring. I took it to my neighbor since he's a jeweler and he verified, it's 100% real! I asked again if this was a gift from Chad or my parents, and they all said thay wished, but that this wasn't something they'd keep from me. We have no clue how this happened. We're convinced it was an early wedding gift from my deceased sister :).

Here's the ring with my e-ring. It looks like there are nicks in it in the picture, but there arn't any (I'm wondering if it's a reflection or something in the picture).

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df34b3127cce96f0783d277e00000016108FZN3DNy4o

[Michelle&Russ]

LLHunter our date is 3/25/06, so its coming fast! :) I have lots of details in my journal! We've got all the big stuff done, just finished stuffing envelopes this weekend and we'll mail out the invitations in a couple weeks! yay!

Welcome SheRa! You got engaged on my birthday :-) hehe And my cousin lives in Rochester, MN we were up there two summers ago for her wedding.

Skippy, so sorry to hear about your MOH's friend bailing on you for photography. Check craigslist for the area and see if there are any up and coming photographers who don't charge much because they are working on their portfolio... I would post an ad on craigslist that you're looking for a wedding photographer. Since its so close you should be able to get some discounts. Good luck!

Tiffany, I hear you on invitations... they are a serious PITA! We had our printed at a local print shop, not sure what the dpi was but they came out just as good as my high dpi printer. Does you're design need a high dpi? Maybe you could ask the printer to make you a complimentary sample and see if its good enough? That way you don't have to worry about printing them yourself.

2 Crazy Pugs - Sorry your FMIL is giving you a hard time about registering. I agree that you shouldn't register for stuff you don't want, what's the point of thaT?

Mandy - wow that's amazing that your mom found that ring - it's beautiful! And what a great story behind it too! Congrats on the weight loss too!

------------------------

Well we had a productive weekend! Finished stuffing invites, took engagement photos (finally!), met with our minister and went over our ceremony. And next weekend is our first shower! Can't wait! :)

[LLhunter]

I tried to look at your journal, Michelle, but it won't let me have access.

And apparently my brother ended up booking at Shoreline Grill.. since he and his fiancee are both active military serving overseas, they got a pretty good deal. I've never actually even BEEN to a wedding before- theirs will be my first! :eek:

[SheRa]

My goodness! I think I'll stay at this period of wedding planning, when I'm not close enough for disasters to happen! I hope all of you can figure out the Plan B -- or at least correct Plan A!

Mandy -- that's such an incredible story about the ring! It looks like it belongs with your e-ring!


I've been caught up in message boards again lately. Jon's mom wants to make my invitations (along with my two aunts -- all of whom are very crafty!) and I've been looking at different folds and colors, and it's just fun! Especially since I won't have to be the one making them! :) I want to get a head start on them, though, so I don't stress out about it for months on end. Time is flying now, I can't imagine how it will be when October rolls around!

[GeekGirl]

OMG, so much to catch up on!!!

Driveby posting for skippyplante: That really really sucks about your photographer - and your MOH. My guess would be Stacey knows she screwed up, so I wouldn't make a huge deal out of it - but I would pull her aside and let her know how disappointed you are and ask if there was a reason why she felt she was unable to pass along the message in a timely manner.

As far as what to do to come up with a new photographer, do you have any friends who enjoy taking pictures who might be willing to do it for you? Or maybe you could make a posting in ChitChat or something asking the girls here if they know of anyone who would do it cheaply. Or, have you checked at any local colleges for photography students you might be able to hire?

I hope you figure something out. I know I'd be devastated if my photographer bailed last minute. Good luck!

[tlew12778]

LLhunter - I think you need at least 10 posts to see the journals.

[LLhunter]

thanks. :) Guess I need to talk more... :p

[kithara]

I'm having a really hard time choosing my wedding colors. I was all set with a very blue, carribean blue (more blue, less green) and a mixture of bright and light pink flowers...but the designer stopped carrying that color! I've looked around and haven't managed to find a replacement blue...most of the similar ones have too much green to them.

I went bridesmaid shopping (again) this weekend with my mom and found a dress that I really like from David's bridal http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2326&prodgroup=110, but it only comes in champagne or red. I would choose the red if I went with this dress, but I'm not sure I want red for my June wedding. Watters has a dress that might be similar, and it comes in more colors, but I can't tell for sure http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=watters&showid=389.

I'm so confused! Anyone have any thoughts on these dresses? I was able to try on the Davids one and really like the style, but I'm not sure about the color. If we use red, I will have an Alice in Wonderland theme, if it is a brighter blue, I will have a mardi gras theme.

[tlew12778]

Neither of the links work.

Of the themes though, I'd prefer a Mardi Gras theme.

[Michelle&Russ]

The links didn't work for me either, but if you copy and paste them into a new window and delete the parathesis at the end they work.

I like both dresses, they are very similar. Can you find a shop that carries dress #2 and try it on? Also the shop should have swatches so you can see all the colors. The waters dress might be more expensive than Davids, but you could probably order it online from netbride or rkbridal and save some money... Not sure if cost is an issue or not but maybe that's another factor that could help you choose?

[yanekie25]

I am catching up.

Geekgirl, that bouquet was awesome great job.

skippyplante Sorry about the photographer. I sure you will find something.

Welcome to all the new girls.

Nothing new to report. I am going to try on my gown this weekend with FMIL. Try some veil options out.

[MandyMaloo]

Oh man! What a night last night!!

I went into in my journal, so I wont do it here, but man, last night I had my first real "wedding meltdown". Everything is so stressful and it's finally starting to catch up to me. I'm taking on a ton of extra work on my part to make sure it's more convienent for everyone else, but I feel like it's just ont good enough. I'm so scared of being labled a "Bridezilla" that I've lost my spine all together. Last night I just finally cracked and started crying. I'm so sick of wedding planning! It's 10 months away and I feel like I've gotton nothing accomplished, and what I have simply isn't good enough. Enough about that now though since no one really wants to hear that :). If you wanna hear the full story, you can check out my journal.

Wow--everything seems to really be flying by now! We're all getting married off here! I'd love updates on everyone. How is everyone feeling these months before the wedding? Is everyone doing well? How's the stress?

Anywho- I hope everyone is doing well. I'll pop back in a little later, I guess I just needed a sec to mini vent :).

[GeekGirl]

Hey Mandy, I posted my response in your journal!

Kithara - I ditto what Michelle said! Or maybe you could find a seamstress and have the dresses made?

I've had a productive couple of days wedding-wise:

Made another payment on my wedding band, which is in layaway. It's really tempting to just pay it off and have it to hold and look at, but with my luck I'd put it someplace "logical" and then forget where I put it.

Anyhow, my wedding ring is the band that goes with this set:

http://a45.g.akamai.net/v/45/7644/12h/images.escalate.com/images/products/fm90117/000/014/000014572.jpg

I also ordered my necklace:

http://store1.yimg.com/I/gunther-gifts_1861_20426258

and shoes:

http://i.shoebuy.com/pi/benja/benja131705_63917_lg.jpg

We also ordered Kroy's tux, which he picked out all by himself:

http://dbisc.connectria.com/ah/zoom_06_724.fpx?&wid=300&cvt=jpeg

And bought his wedding band (brushed titanium, $13.50 on eBay!):

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/67/66909/07hrcfv_copy.jpg


I also put together packets of info for the people coming to the ceremony in Charleston and mailed those off. And we're getting started putting together guest lists for our receptions in Florence and here in Michigan.

Oh, and the worst news ever: I am too fat for my wedding gown. I'm not kidding. I tried it on today, and it doesn't fit. The good news is that there are still three months till the wedding, so I have time to eat healthier, use the gym membership I pay for, and lose some weight. So, I'm setting a goal of 20 lbs. If nothing else, I must fit into my dress!!!

[SheRa]

Mandy- I totally understand how you feel. I'm about 9 months away from my wedding, yet I feel like I have gotten nothing accomplished, and I'm too scared of becoming a Bridezilla to ask anyone for help. I'm even afraid to ask my bridesmaids to give up a weekend to go dress shopping, even though I know they wouldn't mind (and actually, they'd probably be really excited!), I just have this mindset where I hate asking people to do things for me. Hopefully it will get better once the major things are settled and I know that at the very least, my wedding will happen, will be photographed, and we will have food. :)


I just booked my photographer last night, still deciding on a DJ. I'm having major stress issues over my food. I know that I want my family to make at least part of it (salads, side dishes, etc), but I'm thinking I might want the meat catered. And then, since we're having an informal wedding, I'm especially confused about what I'm going to do for dishes! I don't know if I should just get nicer plastic dishes (but what about silverware & cups?) or what! FH & I are both pretty avid campers during the summer, so I want to do sort of a "camping" meal with a potluck feel (only it won't be a potluck) -- but I don't know how to work in the little details like that. I know no one will notice (well, truthfully, his family would probably notice, but that's a whole other story), but I am just stressing myself over it.

I'm excited for my wedding, but I can't wait to just be married already!

[Michelle&Russ]

Mandy sorry to hear about your meltdown :( I hope you're feeling less stressed soon. You can always vent to us!

Geekgirl yay for getting so much done! and I love all the pics! Your band is beautiful!!! And the shoes look comfy and cute! Did you end up getting them at shoebuy.com? Just curious :) Sorry to hear about the wedding gown, you have a lot of time though! You might already know this but make sure and do a good amount of weight/strength training. By increasing your lean muscle you burn more calories and speed up weight loss.

SheRa I think having the meat/main dish catered is a great idea, it will take some pressure off your family and you. Plus if you hire a caterer they can rent you dishes, take care of setup and cleanup! That way you don't have to worry about those things!

Well one of my coworkers keep a daily wedding countdown on my white board and today it says 66! Wow I can't believe how close its getting. Amazingly I'm not all that stressed, I thought I would be a lot more stressed... I do get stressed when I look at my checklists, there's soooo much stuff still to do and that stresses me out!

Last night our photographer sent us a couple of our engagement pics. We'll have to wait a couple weeks to see them all, but its fun to get a preview! :)

Here's one, there are a couple more in my journal
http://images9.fotki.com/v165/photos/1/15572/3109656/IMG_3488_web-vi.jpg?432288

[GeekGirl]

I like your epics, Michelle!! Especially the one in your journal of you facing each other. :D

And I totally got my shoes at shoebuy.com!! I was super excited, because I couldn't find them anywhere for under $53 - but with all the promotions at shoebuy I was able to get them for $30, including shipping! I can't wait to get them. After the wedding, I'm going to dye them black, I figure they'll be cute to wear with capris and such. :D

[sbgirl]

I've got to catch up. Not much has been going on. Just trying to figure out the legal requirements needed to get married in Greece. I'm hoping to go dress shopping next month. Our website has been re-done http://lifeoftaja.com Oh, Aegean Airlines was having a sale so we have bought the tickets to fly from Athens to Santorini so now it's feeling even more permanent since it's non-refundable while the wedding deposit was.

[BerBer]

hey all, i have been super wishy washy with all of my wedding plans and i think i am slowly driving myself insane.

Michelle~ I am so jealous that you are having the stress free wedding planning time. I can't wait for the stress to be over and for the big day to be here... I do take 90% of the responsibility for my situation...I have to get over and see your engagement pictures.

Sherae~ I think you should get some nice plastic stuff and tie the silverware with a pretty ribbon and put them on the plate with a cup and wrap everything in a pretty tool or something with their name attached with the wedding favor. I think everyone would think that was cute and creative. I think it would dress up the place settings too, so then the inlaws might be a little more impressed.

Mandymoo~ I am sorry that you are going through such a ruff time right now. I have had a few moments myself. Don't worry about people calling you a bridezilla. If they are going to judge you they will weather or not you stand up for what you want or not. I say this is your only wedding and you can be a bridezilla if you want to!!!!:D

ok well, i have to get making my rounds to the other journals, I'll catch up later.
Karly

[MandyMaloo]

Hello Ladies!

GG- Thank you so much for everything you said at my journal :) I needed that! I love being able to hav a place to come and vent to people who know EXACTLY what I'm going through!!

Michelle- what AMAZING E-pics! You look beautiful!!! I love them all!! Do you know which one you're going to be using yet? You're going to be an absolutly stunning bride :).

sbgirl- wow! That's so exciting!!! Man, Greece sounds BEAUTIFUL! You'll have to post some pictures of your wedding venue, etc.

BerBer- Yeah, I know exactly how you feel. Wedding planning is probably the most stressful thing I've gone through. I thought it would be all butterflies and cupcakes, but I was so wrong. Oh well! I havn't been called a bridezilla, I'm just petrified of being called one (I can't seem to find the balance between being a psycho bridezill