A wedding on the 9's

back of DRESS

2008-10-23T20:37:00.001-04:00

I absolutely love the back of this Pronovias Valdemar

Fun Photo

2008-10-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

How much was it to make thisphoto????

beautiful invite

2008-10-23T19:27:00.002-04:00

how AMAZING is this invitation???

c/o OnceWed

Bluuuuuuuue

2008-10-22T21:37:00.002-04:00

SO after spending the day at work, rocking out to LeAnn Rimes "Blue" and realising how lonesome I am when my beau is out of town for work.....i stumbled across the beauties!

Simple outdoor centerpieces

2008-09-24T07:38:00.001-04:00

Its simple, clean and refined....

dancing, swaying. i'm i LOVE RIBBONS

2008-09-18T20:42:00.003-04:00

Seriously I cannot control the thoughts...ribbon swaying in the Summer-September winds.....

(found at michelle rago ltd)

Green Over-Over

2008-09-18T20:27:00.002-04:00

Found at Michelle Rago, Ltd

Huge-ass flowers

2008-09-18T19:49:00.003-04:00

Flipping through blogs (yes that is exactly what I said), I found a post by Design*Sponge on Zoe Bradley's exhibit at Kate's Paperie.....WHOA check it out!

we set a DATE (thus the name change)

2008-09-18T11:08:00.005-04:00

09-19-09

AND A PLACE: Lake Trout Retreats - in Stroudsburg, PA

More info: http://www.weddingwire.com/shannonandjason

Okay I'll write more in a bit but I'm SOOOOOO excited :0)

oooo letter press oooo

2008-09-18T10:35:00.003-04:00

Well as for an obsession for any bride the invitations are the beautiful thing that is supposed to excite all invitees and say - i cannot WAIT to go to this wedding! Its as if you order tickets to a baseball game (ahem NYY vs BOS), you wait in anticipation and when they finally arrive its Christmas morning (or July 13th) and you open them up, inspect them and are just thrilled to hold them in your hand - knowing full well that when you get to this game (or wedding) the excitement will explode onto an awesome event.

Enter letter press - the choice (re: expensive) of all exclusive brides. I am not however as fortunate to afford such a luxury item as I am saving (anywhere) to afford not only throwing an awesome wedding/ceremony/reception - but a weekend full of activity PLUS the extra for our honeymoon.

So when I saw this post on Perfect Bound - i nearly had a heart attack!

So i jump over to Dingbat's Letterpress.....and read the rules and want to cry. My thoughts for a wedding invite to go with our uuber casual wedding in the woods - how awesome would it be to get FREE design AND invitations. My OCD may be in overdrive because it's not my design but as I flip through pages and pages on their blog and website....my heart SOARS!
(image Dingbat on etsy)
I certainly don't need 100 invites - my mere wedding of 90 can be kept to wraps w/ 50 invites, etc. but heck they're BEAUTIFUL! I particularly love all of the floral references....and although delicate the simplicity of the colors, just amazing.

So....we wait and see!

Cak-ish Ideas!

2008-09-17T21:01:00.003-04:00

What a beautiful setup....this wedding was awesome all over, but i cannot get over this cute idea.

[Found at Sarah K Chen Photography]

Cool Feathers..

2008-09-17T20:55:00.001-04:00

I love the peacock feathers....From Sarah K Chen Photography

Insurance

2008-09-17T20:44:00.002-04:00

Gotta have it

Wed Safe

Suc-who, SUCC-U!

2008-09-17T19:32:00.002-04:00

BOUT - soooooo awesome! From InStyle Weddings Fall 2007 via Brooklyn Bride

Mini-Succulents :0) (from Martha Stewart)

Gourds in white

2008-09-17T13:15:00.006-04:00

I saw a display in Better Homes & Gardens today and it featured white gourds. How cool to tie in the end of summer with white gourds in with the ferns?

It's raining...........pink?

2008-09-17T13:15:00.003-04:00

So i've made it known to my MOH & mom that if they're going to throw me a shower then out of respect for my paternal grandmother that I would like the theme of the party to be centered around breast cancer. My grandma, Mary Adelade Meyer Donovan was one of the single most important people in my life. Her death was a crush to me and I think of her every day. Many people in my family refer to me as mini-Mae or Mae's clone - something that I am truely proud of - the good and the bad :0)

I recieved an email today from the New York botanical society and i LOVE the graphic (pink)

Hairy and Floral?

2008-09-12T22:49:00.002-04:00

I L-O-V-E the smell of gardenia's....unfortunatley they get junky right after you remove the water source...so having the one in the back of my head (for my hair) is iffy.

then i found this:

On Etsy!

Food Glorious Food

2008-09-12T22:13:00.005-04:00

Jay's words - I kid you not - sooooo now that we've decided on a place what were you thinking for a menu of....................

NOTE: Rachel Ray was cookin' up some to-die-for meal as this is going on

Here's a quick stab:

PRE- Ceremony:
(1) Wine & Cheddar Cheese
(2) Deviled Eggs
(3) Pancetta wrapped Asparagus
(4) Mini-Turkey balls on a stick

*Jay wants a sign in front of the Asparagus that says "Everything's Better Wrapped in Bacon"*

Dinner
(1) Horseradish & Rosemarry Mashed Potatoes
(2) Veggie-Somosa's
(3) Biscuits (and of course Butter)
(4) Veggie option - curried chickpeas & cauliflower

Just thoughts for now

Links Links and MORE links

2008-08-25T21:50:00.003-04:00

So i've been reading a lot of blogs and websites but haven't had the time to clip all the items. So I have to load and keep sorting through - damn wedding season with all your wonderful ideas!

http://tecpetaja.bigfolioblog.com/

http://www.vinenyc.com/weddings.html

http://ohmydeerhandmades.blogspot.com/

http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/07/post-27.html

http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/07/post-31.html

http://bp3.blogger.com/_Bqpz5tSS2Pk/SI0fByNZSdI/AAAAAAAAAkI/_uxZVw7nNec/s1600-h/Run+Jason+Run!.jpg

http://bp1.blogger.com/_zD7SXpI_aOU/SG7As9s-zSI/AAAAAAAABIU/bQubkM-n2nY/s1600-h/Picture+6.png

http://www.tinytotdressshop.com/whvtaspocdr.html

http://www.beau-coup.com/blog/bridal-showers/top-20-unique-bridal-shower-games

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12524396

http://yellowbrickblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Wedding?updated-max=2008-02-05T07%3A32%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=20

http://with-this-ring-i-thee-obsess.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-07-01T01%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=20

http://awindycitywedding.blogspot.com/

http://inthisinstance.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-06-05T12%3A19%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=5

http://www.whiteboxweddings.com/

http://www.cmart.com/ (in landover, md)

http://www.fiftyflowers.com/product/Centerpiece-with-Height-Combo-Pack_274.htm (flowers)

http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/post-19.html

http://www.invitationsbydawn.com/WE_SearchResults.cfm?prev=1&TempPrev=0&blnPreviewRequestSubmitted=0&recordsperpage=32&CompletedOrder=0&sBasketID=0&lCriteria=247&Group=WedEnsDDa&alogo=1&menu=none&morethanonepage=YES&HostDomain=0&FirstTimeThrough=1&option=WE_SearchResults.cfm&format=WedEnsDDa&CFID=58784976&CFTOKEN=24763250

http://www.magnetstreet.com/store/page/market/517/mloc/ib_french-country.html

http://www.shopwildthings.com/clgecu.html

http://ourjourneydowntheaisle.wordpress.com/

http://wiseoysters.blogspot.com/

http://www.infusecreativity.com/images/idea01.jpg

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/lighting-paper-lanterns-with-throwies
http://futurlec.com/LEDGen.shtml
http://www.flickr.com/photos/everythingdigital/104038643/in/set-72057594069888500/
http://www.instructables.com/id/EWL9H74LX4EP286JFD/
http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/03/13/paper-lantern-inspiration/

http://brideslittlewhitebook.blogspot.com/2008/07/real-wedding-sherry-and-john.html

http://www.bestweddingblogs.com/

PAPER FLOWERS
http://blumchen.com/craft_shop_crepe_fancy_paper.html#crepepaperfolds

http://theauctionrebel.com/457/dennisons-party-magazines-crepe-paper-and-party-favors/

http://judemiller.com/press1.htm

http://invitemedo.blogspot.com/

http://www.purlbee.com/mollys-party-garland/

http://www.creaturecomforts.typepad.com/

http://racheltrobertson.com/

http://pacificweddings.typepad.com/love_notes/page/4/

https://www.fabulousstationery.com/personal_notes/blush/sakura/

http://pacificweddings.com/destination-wedding/real-weddings

http://thebridescafe.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/real-wedding-je.html?cid=126216360#comment-126216360

http://2000dollarwedding.com/search?updated-max=2008-07-13T11%3A24%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=20

http://www.campchoconut.com/events.html

http://www.frostvalley.org/lodging/family_rates.php

http://www.indiebride.com/index.html

http://www.onesourceweddings.net/

http://budgetsavvybride.wordpress.com/

http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/

afternoon delight - starland vocal band

http://www.pgparks.com/places/eleganthistoric/newton_intro.html

http://www.kentisland.cc/kiweddings.htm#target_Event_here

Running of the Brides...okay I walked :0)

2008-08-25T21:32:00.005-04:00

So my mom and i drove up to Laurel & Greg's on Thursday night - a LONG drive up as for some reason the Connecticut DOT thinks shutting down an interstate to one lane is a SMART thing to do! Thank you TOM-TOM you made driving a whole lot better. We had a lovely morning with Josie, L&G's adorable little girl. She's gotten so big and absolutely a bundle of joy! Once on the road we were in Boston in no time (again thanks TOM-TOM). All of a sudden we found ourselves at the Hynes Convention Center...and no hoo-ah!?! It was crazy - here I was expecting there to be tons and tons and TONS of crazy screaming people. I guess that's what happens when you show up 4 hours after they open the door. There was still dresses EVERYWHERE, and of course possessiveness over dresses that the other brides (or brides-to-be) were trying on or thinking about. I heard lots of screams of joy and excitement...while i was struggling. It seemed like if you were a wedding dress size 8-12 you were golden. I on the other hand am a size 16-20. Yes I know, I KNOW. Devastated with the size - thank you swimming bust size - and annoyed that the selection was sub-par. I was sort of expecting to walk into the Princeton boutique that currently houses my uuber expensive dress yet all the dresses were under a grand. Sadly, this was NOT the case. A lot of the dresses were cheap looking, a lot of them had LONG sleeves and the rest - well hello ball gowns. So i was definitely disappointed but heck I drove all that way, I'm gonna try some on.

Overall my mom and I had some really good laughs...and I did wind up with a dress. Time will only tell if its the one.

my minds churnin' out wine-y thoughts!

2008-08-10T19:51:00.002-04:00

So on Friday night FI and I went to the racking party for our wine. This is the third step in the process, and where we pump out the wine in the barrel, then spin the barrel around and dump out the sediment and then pump the wine back into the barrel and leave it on the shelf till March 2009. Yup, MARCH 2009 - with a wedding in September 2009 - that leaves six months for the wine to get over bottle shock and mature for our guests to guzzle it down. So while there (and of course drinking wine a plenty) my thoughts started running rampant about introducing wine into equation a little bit more. Here's what I came up with:
1) instead of using a a pot or a bowl or whatever, I like the idea of using the grape crates as the base. We can mix up what we put in there, whether ferns or cut flowers (using a block of foam to hold it together) or even rocks/stone and succulents
2) using corks scattered around the table with candles
3) using corks with the place cards stuck in the top, littered in a separate box for each table
4) using corks in a vase to elevate the candle
5) using upside-down crates to stack boards for the cupcakes (using a fabric covered board for the display)

Camp Rentals

2008-07-21T21:52:00.002-04:00

OKAY!!! so new plan could be in the works as the original location uped the price and i'm p-i-s-s-e-d....check out what i just found

http://www.rentmycamp.com/

I emailed a bunch of camps....let's see what happens!!!

Colorful Invitations

2008-07-11T23:45:00.003-04:00

Water Lily - Willow (wedding paper divas)

Sea Grass Wedding Invites (Sarah Hawkins for Wedding Divas)

Le Papier Boutique for Wedding Paper Divas in Kiwi

pretty silk!

2008-07-11T23:10:00.001-04:00

bridesmaid??? (from aria)

Hanging Lights

2008-07-10T14:32:00.004-04:00

FINALLY a shot showing the hanging lights in jars w/ twine (via style me pretty)

Decorating the Tent

2008-07-10T13:25:00.002-04:00

Here's another thought (not pink of course) (via a brooklyn bride)

Six Degrees

2008-07-10T13:16:00.002-04:00

Okay so i'm just adding the hypelink because this is just too awesome to describe:
http://www.oncewed.com/index.cfm?postID=109

A sedum and subdued bouquette

2008-07-10T13:10:00.001-04:00

So you know my quiet (or not so quiet) obsession with sedums. How awesome is this? I could do a green and blue bouquette this way! (from once wed)

Sparkle Sparkle

2008-07-10T12:03:00.002-04:00

I really like this as a creative way to pass out the sparklers. I especially love the copper wire though I'd have to use ribbon to match the color scheme...or maybe i'd use insulated electrical wire??? (from once wed)

What an AWESOME approach!

2008-07-10T08:52:00.001-04:00

How awesome would this be???? (via Desire to Inspire)

Hangings

2008-07-09T23:13:00.003-04:00

How cutie are these??? - Another Loving Photo from Once Wed!

Photographers

2008-07-09T22:48:00.005-04:00

Oh I'm in L-O-V-E with these photogs!

I think this is some really bad-ass ideas too! Michele M Waite

A Bryan Photography

Amy Deputy - i LOVE this and she's "local" but the least expensive package starts at $4500!!!

Table Settings

2008-07-09T22:39:00.006-04:00

All from Once Wed

How adorable is this??!!!???

Or this one?

And the top left one!!

The White Dress

2008-07-04T13:27:00.002-04:00

It's pretty and it's white!

ABS by Allen Schwartz Strapless Chiffon Gown @ Nordstrom's $358

Simplicity about

2008-07-04T12:27:00.002-04:00

(Pottery Barn)

I'm in love with the simplicity of these vases - nothing even needs to be in them and the bonus - if i mix them all up and get different sizes, colors, shapes, etc.....i can keep them ALL!!!!

*okay i know that its overboard for 3 sets of vases at 13 tables - who needs 36 vases?!?*

A non-traditional wedding dress for a non-traditional bride

2008-07-04T08:47:00.004-04:00

Okay so i know its not white, but i also know how flattering this pleating is on me...plus i LOVE the bodice!

$537 badgley mischka at saks

table settings

2008-05-15T23:52:00.003-04:00

Nancy Liu Chin Designs

oooooo found something neato! Really like the simplicity of the polished riverstones, not a fan of the (a) orange flowers and (b) somewhat dead looking flowers. I also like the colored bottles with the singular flowers. Also, how cool is the banana leaf wrapped candle holders!

It's all about the location

2008-05-14T20:39:00.007-04:00

So here's where i have been having my breakdown. I have this image as to what I want my wedding to look like in my head and I can concede to certain things but the bottom line is this. if its not what going to be the perfect day - the one perfect, semi-controllable day - what's the point in even having it. And, for that matter, Jay and I could just go to the justice of the peace. But, that's just it - it IS our day. The one and only day that we decide the date on. Kids - not in our hands, buying a home - not in our hands (closing dates, etc). A wedding, and our wedding, that day is our choice and damit - i'm gonna try and perfect it!

So here's my list of things I desire for the ultimate Shannon & Jason wedding.

1) An outdoor ceremony AND reception. As optomistic as I can be, there is the mother who constantly (daily, hourly) reminds me that yes if its all outdoors and it rains then what's hour back up. And that's the thing - backup - I don't mind tents or even a stand alone shelter. In fact, if that had to be the set-up and the sides were removable that'd be just fine as well!
2) Sleeping quarters - I would love to accommodate everyone, however I would be okay if 40 people or so (about half the expected) could stay onsite.
- these accommodations have to be CLEAN and reasonably priced (i'd love to get it so its around $250-300/couple for the weekend OR less of course)
3) At around $100pp for food and open bar for the entire evening
4) I kinda sorta need a water source and trees. Like kinda as in HAVE TO! The romance of tree canopies and serenity of water.....SCREAMS shannon and jason's wedding :0) Also, I do not whatsoever want to see any highrises, or neighbors or a parkinglot.
5) No end @ hour - no requirements that we have to have everything shut down by 10pm, 11pm or midnight....or that i can't take photos after 6pm. NO RESTRICTIONS!
6) If I could I'd love if I could bring in my own booze. But if I can't then it MUST be reasonably priced.....not $30/hour/person.....
7) Required - as per Jason - that it has to be within a 4 hour drive distance from Asbury Park
Here's what I've gotten so far.....most of the things I need......check'em out:

Maryland's Eastern Shore:
Ransome's Chesapeake Bay Retreat - $4500/weekend, sleeps 34 comfortably, other rentals nearby, bring in EVERYTHING
*runner up: Captain's Quarter's, Cod's Point

New York's Catskills:
Full Moon Resort - $145pp (includes, 3 hours open bar) + LOTS of additional costs....

Bridal Dress Ideas

2008-05-11T22:50:00.003-04:00

Stumbled across these guys while searching around for ideas (as usual)

Lela Rose (Fall Collection - The Chapel)

Lela Rose (Fall Collection - The Cloisters)

Power Shots

2008-05-11T16:22:00.007-04:00

Here's kind of what I'd love/dream of having my wedding like...lots of cool ideas!

Loving the tree canopies, candle lit pathway and blue linens!
(curtoesy of Soiree)

Nice Arched Area and Huge Trees.......
(Curtoesy of Liz Banfield Photography)

I love the simplicity (and the scent) of lilies and these are a great example! I also think that it might be a great idea to take flowers (fake handmade ribbon / not real) like this from the trees!(curtoesy Soiree)

FLOWER POWER

2008-05-11T16:12:00.003-04:00

I know that there's probably no way I'm going to get flowers since I love the shell/flower look (see post) but I absolutely LOVE these combinations!

orchids, peoonies and roses with what looks like either lily-of-the-valley or babys breath (curtoesy Soiree)

MOB Dresses

2008-05-11T16:10:00.003-04:00

Nordstroms

Love the color - i wonder how the cut would work?

bridesmaid dresses???

2008-05-11T15:53:00.005-04:00

BCBG MaxArzia Laser Cut Dress

At Nordstroms - $288

* I'm not sure what I like more, the color, the shape or her hairdo!*

Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress

Nordstrom's @ $138

*I think this is so cute but unfortunately yellow is NOT apart of the wedding scheme! So cute though with the peek-a-boo & bow!*

Maggy London Bateau Neck Chiffon Dress

@ Nordstroms for $138

*I love the bow on the side, and i just think the color and fabric are so sweet and delicate!*

Engagement Party

2008-05-10T22:23:00.005-04:00

okay here's a photo of my engagement party centerpiece - note it's not till January but this what i'm thinking. (this includes: fescue grass, succulents, river stone & a single gardenia)

(courtesy of Beth Beljon via Faye and Greer)

workouts???

2008-05-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

Okay so I've come to realize i'm GROSS - but so are like every other bride out there! So I've come up with a short list of workouts i plan on starting in the coming weeks up until my nuptuals.

Check them out and maybe do them with me!

Arm Flab Solution
Wedding Workout

Invitations take 1000

2008-05-06T21:59:00.006-04:00

It's called Crushed Apple....and all said and done with RSVP's its only $250!

I'm not super psyched about the green background color so I'm going to have to order to see if i love it. (Courtesy of Invitation Consultants.com)

So I fell in love with the fern's below - but all in all spending $500 on just the invites is SOOOO not in my budget. I did come across a great site though that has what i'm kinda looking for and at much better rates! Minus the monogram

Maybe I'll make them myself on the Gocco!

LOVE these (seen on Soiree)

Inspirations

2008-05-03T15:04:00.002-04:00

ceiling and tent ideas

2008-05-03T14:23:00.006-04:00

swatch portraits

I was also thinking that it might be cool to have photos or fabric circles suspended from the ceiling - economic and attractive (and not paper lanterns!!)

I was thinking that it might be cool to include blue "theme" lighting with the typical rope christmas type lighting. Just a few accents up towards the tent ceiling or something....I also think it would go well with twigs twined up and down the poles with the lighting underneath (to act as though the posts are tree trunks

Lighting - courtesy of 7 Degrees (laguana beach ca)

Invites

2008-05-03T14:20:00.002-04:00

The Coolest thing is that these look like ink blots at first glance but are actually countries/states overlayed by one another. How cool would these be for me and Jay - and he likes them too!!!! i'm so excited i'm going to see if i can do something like this on my own

**THRIFTY, ARTSY & AWESOME**

As seen on Mi Mi Designs

blogs blogs and more blogs

2008-05-03T10:44:00.004-04:00

So i've become a fan of others blogs - beyond their aid in figuring out small bits and pieces they also provide insight to some really wonderful larger scale items...if only someone found me the affordable and pretty dress!!

Wedding Chicks - possibly having a fully back lit blue wall?? (use blue lights mixed with the vine christmas white?)

The Bride's Cafe

Janie Medley Flora Design - great inspirational ideas (such as martini glasses w/ "sea glass/glass pebbles" and tea lights! or peacock feathers tucked into the bouquets!

Not a blog but a great set of photos from a personal wedding

Love this wedding dress:

Peonies & Polaroids

CreativeFlairChic - what about something like this 2 sided hanging from the ceiling - either photos and/or fabric?

Beautiful Photography at One Love Photography - like this photo - i LOVE IT!!! - too bad they're in Washington State!!!!

Mi Mi Wedding Design - GREAT ideas

Like this centerpeice idea from Jesse & Deanna's blog

TO check out dress shop - Bridals by Danielle as recommended by Deanna

Of course there's snipet & Ink

Practical and Saavy - The Practical Wedding

Mother of the Bride

2008-05-03T10:29:00.004-04:00

searching through the gazillion of wedding blogs I found a great dressmaker website. The dresses are somewhat reasonable in price and you can choose the style & colors!

Lyn Lugo Bridal

I found out about it on a new found blog: Wedding Chicks

I LOVE this and WANT Laura to wear!!

2008-04-30T23:10:00.002-04:00

I will work the colors so this could work!

Dresses (not white)

2008-04-21T22:17:00.003-04:00

Max and Cleo Sleeveless Matte Jersey Dress

Maggy London Silk Halter Dress - $150 -

Center Peices

2008-04-20T17:32:00.002-04:00

Succulents

14 Tables

6 Large/Plants, 4 Small/Candle Center, 4 Small/Plant Center

More Ideas for the wedding cake

2008-04-20T17:27:00.002-04:00

Maybe a similar setup but not as many layers

centerpieces, centerpieces and more centerpieces

2008-04-15T16:20:00.003-04:00

I love the idea of flanking these at the "altar"

Looks like it's a cluster of white hydrangeas, white roses/gardenia's, lupines, puff-mums, and bells of ireland

I'd like to add some asiatic lilies

more thoughts and more thoughts and more thoughts!

Quotes

2008-04-15T15:52:00.011-04:00

"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities." Janos Arany

"Life is a flower of which love is the honey." Victor Hugo

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same."

"I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you." Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"Smile at each other; smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other- it doesn't matter who it is- and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other." Mother Teresa

"There are a million things in the world I want, but all I need is you."

"Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each include the other, each is enriched by the other." Felix Adler

"The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender." Emil Ludwig

"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction". Antoine de Saint-Exup�ry
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable. ~ Helen Keller

Lyrics - The Weepies "Gotta Have You"

Gray, quiet and tired and meanPicking at a worried seamItry to make you mad at me over the phone.Red eyes and fire and signsI'm taken by a nursery rhymeI want to make a ray of sunshine and never leave homeNo amount of coffee, no amount of cryingNo amount of whiskey, no amount of wineNo, nothing else will doI've gotta have you, I've gotta have you.The road gets cold, there's no spring in the middle this yearI'm the new chicken clucking open hearts and earsOh, such a prima donna, sorry for myselfBut green, it is also summer And I won't be warm till I'm lying in your armsI see it all through a telescope: guitar, suitcase, and a warm coatLying in the back of the blue boat, humming a tune...

Invitations

2008-03-30T18:58:00.001-04:00

What great STUFF!

ideas and links to ideas

2008-03-30T17:17:00.001-04:00

Thumbtack Tutorial

(table asignments on a push board)

contest

2008-03-21T09:25:00.003-04:00

I just submitted this to the "I Do with Mirassou" Contest where i wound up recieving

Mirassou invites you to save on the purchase of your wedding wine through our partner TheBarrelRoom.com. Simply enter code Ido2008 and receive 20% off your purchase of 2 or more cases plus free shipping!

for applying to the contest.
But that's not why i solely write. In the event that we do NOT get chosen i wanted to share with you my vision for the wedding.....

"We do not want a 'destination' wedding but rather a slightly-just-up-the-road-away-from-home 'wedding'. We want this enchanting weekend to be full of fun, laughter and good times had by all. We intend on having our closest of family and friends attend this weekend. A chance to rekindle relationship, retell old stories and make new ones. We envision the daytime filled with activities, possibly tubing down a river, a stress-free enjoyable afternoon. A low-key, classy, free-wheeling outdoorsy woman, I envision our setting to take place alongside a body of water (ironically as we’re from the Jersey Shore we are not thinking ocean as to avoid sand blown in crevices to be found days later). We would love the foreground to include trees adorned with ribbons and hanging jars with candles and if the setting calls for, off in the background the mist of mountains hidden behind the far shoreline tree canopy. We want a magical outdoors reception that will allow us to dance through the night with the stars as our guiding lights. As we are whole-heartedly not champagne drinkers we already are dead-set on a wine toast – possibly our favorite Pinot Noir. An idea we dreamt up at one of our main celebrations/milestones attending wine festivals and tastings. Summing it all up, we hope to enjoy lots of sun and laughter in the daytime filled with smiles and stars in the evening."

OH and I absolutely LOVE this new blog The Grooms Truth: They're All Crazy

Sign In Book?

2008-03-06T22:36:00.003-05:00

Silouettes?

CAKE

2008-03-06T22:27:00.005-05:00

TO Eat?

I LOVE these!

Cupcake idea?

Ceremony Ideas

2008-03-06T20:50:00.002-05:00

Toss Lavender? Sparklers?

SPARKLERS!!!!!

Reception Ideas

2008-03-06T20:13:00.006-05:00

Mason Jars

SEATING CHARTS

Engagement Party

2008-03-06T19:21:00.004-05:00

Well after MANY MANY hours of discussion we've finally come to the conclusion that as two-thirds of the engagement party attendees are aged 45+ that having a park/club themed party is out of the question. We are both adament about having an interactive party, as really if we just want people to eat then we'd rather not have a party. Final conclusion - we're going to have the engagement party at Grape Beginnings. We're still working out the monetary details and the type, etc. But what this allows is a small party for the family & wedding party to meet, an activity for everyone to partake in, and the parting gift, wine for the wedding itself! We're both very happy and very excited. We do however have to complete this activity ASAP in order to obtain this wine by September of 2009. Since my entire party (john, laura & danny) are all out-of-towners and of course people are busy busy busy in May (when the grapes come in) we're actually going to have the party January 24th. And this will be the final stage (prior to actually drinking the wine) - the bottling. It's the activity that requires the most amount of help and it should be a lot of fun. I hope that the weather will be decent that weekend, but its the only weekend that my godparents are in town and right before my parents embark on another one of there trips

bride dresses

2008-03-03T11:46:00.003-05:00

Rehearsal Dinner Dress - Nicole Miller Strapless Print Silk Sheath-$410

Silk taffeta Sabine gown - $695 From J. Crew

New From J. Crew

Music

2008-03-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

Here's the beginning of a list.....
See Google Spreadsheet

The wedding party - shannon has a bestfriend that's a girl?!?!

2008-03-03T10:27:00.000-05:00

Like most of the female population, when you're a child you envision your wedding being this one type of event. And, I've noticed watching these bride tv shows most women like to transform their idea of a wedding first manufactured at 5 years old into an eleborate, EXPENSIVE, wedding of their dreams. I on the other hand grew up, I'm not 5 years old and frankly don't have the kind of bank to throw off a $500,000 wedding - if i did then i'd have bought a house with it rather than a one day affair. My idea of a wedding went from a true cinderella - with about 15 women flanking my right side - to the practical - who do i really want to stand next to me? I considered my two closest buds, John & Danny as my dudes of honor - but then realized that that is completely a freakshow and would look more like Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds are a girls best friend! So I thought long and hard and put myself in the shoes of all my girlfriends. Which ones i've known the longest, which ones would even want to be up there, which ones are single (matron of honor - i'm more partial to maid) and frankly which ones will allow me to be COOL and do my thing! Low and behold my mind pops to a friend, a friend like no other. Most other friends are first introduced to her by an adjective - one she too uses to refer to me - C-R-A-Z-Y. Yup that's right crazy. Crazy because her ability to look into any situation and have a riot of a time. When we met, it was like two magnets being pulled together. Our friend-life is like a revolving door. We met when I arrived in Frederick & she was leaving. We kept in contact due to our love of adventure and travel. When we finally were able to be in the same location - Washington, DC - it was as if a bulb went bright! I love her like a sister, and couldn't imagine not having this crazy girl in my life. So when it came time to really chose a person to present/represent me in my wedding I couldn't think of a more marvelous and perfect choice than my best girlfriend Laura Emerick. And to this post I dedicate to her - my Maid of Honor.

Centerpieces?

2008-03-02T22:48:00.001-05:00

Long Centerpeice of Succulents!

Succulents

Succulents???

Pearls & Paperwhites (wish they were snowdrops)

Bouquets

2008-03-02T22:21:00.001-05:00

My Wedding Bouquet! (From Hatch Creative Studio)
THis is SOOOOOO what i want (or at least similar to) and Laura will definitely be holding something similar as I hate when you put down the bouquet and its flat on one side!

cymbidium orchids with greenish-white amaryllis and white eucharis lilies, which have soft green centers. Maidenhair ferns, begonia leaves, anthuriums and hypericum berries

Green / White

Red

Pretty Purple Bouquet Scented geranium, Cineraria, Star-of-Bethlehem, Tweedia, Glory of the Sun, Scabiosa

bouquet of white lilacs, lily of the valley, sweet peas and muscari (if only lilacs were in season in September)

A wedding tree.....

2008-03-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

I have no idea where we're going to have the wedding or the reception, but I do know that J and I are 100% having a mid-September '09 wedding OUTDOORS. The problem is then what's the 'frame'? Do we flank ourselves between trees, use floral pieces, a chuppa? Although I was raised Catholic, I'm not really all that traditional nor do I practice that religion. In fact, to tie-in more to our wedding location, just a point of reference when traveling in Bolivia I found out the name of my made-up religion (I had previously called it 'The Great Outdoors') - Pachamama (Mother Earth! - note that i do not believe in animal or human sacrifice). Anyway, so when I came across this photo via _______) I know this is EXACTLY what I want (with the addition of a water body in the background) I love the decorated tree to make it seem like its a fantasy!

bridesmaid dresses - for one!

2008-03-02T10:18:00.009-05:00

Nicole Miller Bow Back Satin Sheath Dress -$218

Jill Knee Length (Charsa)

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Silk Dupioni Party Dress

Adrianna Papell Gathered Cutaway Halter Dress

Priscilla's of Boston

So since I only have ONE bridesmaid I've got a lot of freedom in my choices as it only has to look good on one person and compliment the affair. And of course RE-USABLE! The idea to suffer through similar choices I've had to purchase for one time use (note - when its not your wedding you'd like to get more than one use out of a very expensive dress).

I think this is adorable - i wish it was shorter though - maybe hem it?

Nordstroms - Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Ruched Jersey Dress - $128 in Teal

Too bad its white - so cute and again would love it to be shortened

Nordstroms - BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Crinkle Satin Gown - $360 (boo in white)

Again SHORTEN it but LOVE the color of bright blue!

Nordstroms - JS Boutique Cutaway Shoulder Beaded Waist Gown - $158 in Saphire

Love how long and relaxed and how simply adorable this is! Plus the cost and the reusable factor...LOVE IT!

Victoria's Secret - Maxi Bra Top dress - $98!

dresses dresses and more dresses

2008-03-01T19:40:00.003-05:00

So i went and picked up the knot's spring/summer 2008 magazine which lists that it has in fact 800 dresses for me to peruse. Of course intrigued (and with a $10 gift card to Barnes & Nobles) i purchased the mag and spent days pouring over it (with my mom too). After dog earring 4o or so pages of things "i like" (and of course the ones my "mom likes") I realized that most of the dresses I'm in love with are somewhere between $5000-12,000! My mom's words and I quote, "So would you either like a wedding or a dress?". After the perspective set in I realized that I'll probably get my dress custom made (maybe even by my mom). If not, here's a dress that I absolutely would LOVE to be wrapped up in on the wedding day!

(From TheKnot Magazine)

I also found this BCBG dress tonight while searching blogs, it reminds me a lot of a Vera Wang 2007 Fall collection dress that I love (........and costs "starting at $12,000" according to the NY office rep my mom called!).

And for $318 - I'll TAKE IT!

I also saw this cute and again inexpensive dress at Nordstroms (Sean Collection Strapless Embroidered Mesh Gown) $346. I'm not sure if I like it because its strapless, or if its just another dress that's not poofy!

The Proposal!!!!

2008-02-14T22:10:00.002-05:00

It's official, Valentine's day is no longer a hallmark holiday (or at least for me). With all the "i was gonna's" jay couldn't keep the box in his pocket any longer. We got all dressed up for a dinner night out for sushi. We sat down at the table, a solitary red rose lay across the top. Within minutes he was down on one knee asking " As high as the sky and as deep as the ocean, you're the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with, I love you, will you marry me?".....now all of you know i am TOTALLY not one to be without words.....it took a full minute of gasps and tears and a kiss before i finally spit out - YES!!
After that Jay could finally eat ( he later told me that he had major butterflies ) but now I was all a tittle! We called my parents who had of course flown back from Spain the minute jay asked my dad for permission (my mom's exact words - i hate keeping secrets from you! it was so hard to talk to you!).
Well needless to say I am a very very very happy recipient of a gorgeous wedding ring. And the kicker of it all - it's all diamonds (lots of them)!
After we both calmed down he told me that he had all these plans but because of work they got all screwed up. First he was going to propose to me in NYC on the 23rd (but now he's heading to the Ukraine). Then he wanted to propose on the beach (note February 14th is usually and was) FREEZING. Lastly he wanted to tie the ring to the rose and when i got up to go to the bathroom he would put it in front of me. Of course I'm all full of plant knowledge and say i don't want to shock the rose by moving it too much from cut containers! So he settled for getting on one knee in a sushi restaurant! Oh do i love sushi!!

The Slipup

2008-02-13T14:49:00.000-05:00

well of course i'm a crazy woman and in one of my many neurotic breakdowns jay lets it slip that he has "already bought the ring". I know I know my big surprise....not so much a surprise anymore. But the anticipation now....wow is it killing me. After the tears of the argument subside and we make up....he let's me know that nothing will stop him - but he has to talk to my dad first (since he knows how important this is to me). So, my new question is actually to my parents which are currently in Spain for an indefinite amount of time - When are you coming back stateside!
Currently - Jay still needs to go to Kelly's and grab a Reuben & a Guinness with my dad.......
Happy Valentine's Day!