Photographer World Tour January 31, 2008

OK, this has officially gotten out of hand. I’m in over my head and I’m burning out on wedding crap.

Last weekend I had some errands to run and I was none too excited about it. Little did I know, that was nothing. This coming weekend we’ve got a small tour of the state planned and all we’re planning to accomplish is finding a photographer.

This is all because the BTB is a researcher. You give her a topic and she’ll know everything about it in a matter of minutes. I swear she could find your name without you even telling her. I should have known I’d end up reviewing every web site devoted to weddings before this was over.

So, after hours of research, we’re visiting with 5 different photographers. FIVE. We’re going to Shakopee, Roseville and Lakeville. If you don’t know where any of those places are, don’t worry, neither do I. I shouldn’t have to. I live in Minneapolis. Everything I need is in Minneapolis.

When my friends ask me what I did for superbowl weekend, I’m going to lie. I have no other choice.

Everybody Love SHOES January 31, 2008

OMG Kelly — have you seen this video?

Before I start in on my discussion of wedding shoes… grab some shoes.

Marketing Plan January 31, 2008

I’ve gotta hand it to these guys, they’ve got it figured out.

The BTB has been bombarding me with web sites, options and more options. I’ve looked over cakes, photographers, fabrics, and food. I’ve discussed what will hang from the ceilings and the best style of dress. I’ve glossed over more times than I can count and we’re just getting started.

Long story short, I’m lost.

One thing I know for sure though is that these sites and stores all have one thing in common. They all focus on her and it’s obvious in every little thing I look at.

The photographers have songs about love and romance on their sites. They have more pictures of the bride’s shoes than they do of the groomsmen.

The men’s wedding bands are practically hidden and the bookstores pile up books with flowers and lace on the covers. Hell, even the caterers focus on foods that women typically like.

I’m trapped. I have no way out. It really was over before it even started.  She’s in seventh heaven and I’ve fallen into the seventh circle of hell.

How To Trash The Dress January 31, 2008

Trash the Dress has become such a popular option, there’s a group of photographers whom you can choose from for your wedding, based on the fact that they really do Trash the Dress photos after the wedding.

Check out this article from the NY Times on the phenomenon.

Or go to Trash The Dress to check out photos, find a photographer or otherwise find out how to trash your dress.

If you’re thinking about doing it and your photographer is unsure, head to any of these locations:

ocean
lake
beach
forest
pond
waterfall
park
field
garden
state fair
carnival
water fountain
scuplture garden
or your own backyard!

After you stake out your place — get your hair and makeup done (don’t worry about it looking just like you did on your wedding day).

Then, get posing. If you have some ideas in mind, bring photos of other TTD photos or even fashion mag pics.

Have fun!

(Image borrowed from Eau Claire Photographic — its a great site — check it out!)

Still Working On That Ring January 30, 2008

I’ve been told I tend to be methodical.  It’s a nasty habit of mine that I tend to drag things out longer than they need to be.  I can’t help that I like to be thorough and like to follow-through on things when I know I’m ready and I’ve done my homework.

Friends have told me that they bought their ring, more or less, overnight.  I’ve heard the stories of shopping in a day and buying the following day.  I’ve heard of friends who basically just got quotes and went with the best one.

I just can’t help that I’d never be able to do something like that.  I want to be sure.  I don’t want to think I cut a corner or that I didn’t ask for something I should have.  I’ve had buyer’s remorse enough in the past to know I don’t want it again.

So, I’m making Landmark work for our money.  I’m making them do every step I’ve read about and every step they’ve offered up.  I’m going to ensure that I get the ring we both have in mind without her even knowing what she wants.

My apologies, Brian, but you’re going to have to keep jumping through these hoops.  You’re going to have to fulfill my every last request until you’ve convinced me that this ring will be what I have in my head.

So far, I can’t complain a bit.  So far…

Hair I Am January 30, 2008

Oh, lovely hair. Wedding hairstyling is a major decision. Up? Down? Curled? Straight? Teased? Bangs?

The hair you choose for your wedding can make or break your photos. It can accentuate your dress and face or make a double chin very noticeable.

I’m going with a hairclip/comb by one of two lines. Here’s option two. I dig Naugi. They have a ton of different patterns of hairpins in pearl and rhinestone/crystal.

The coolest thing is that you can alter colors to match your wedding. Choose between gold and silver, eleven different crystals (sapphire, emerald, peridot among others) and can even choose if you want white or cream pearls (or a mix of the two). Cool customization!

Check out this “Sweet Maria” comb (available in 3 different sizes). Simply lovely!

It Takes More Than A Dress January 30, 2008

I believe I found a designer for my hairpin. I am SO digging hairpins right now… from giant blooming blossoms to small pearl and rhinestone trailing vines, I am SO wearing a hairpin on my wedding day.

My wedding hair stylist (I know, too soon!) already has a style in mind for the day.

Now, its a toss up between two companies, here’s the first.

Colette Malouf designs inspired pieces. Currently, she’s featuring this “wow” line of stick-inspired jewelry and fantastic “Kyoto” hairpieces — like pony holders with painted kimono-fabric detailing and fan-shaped combs.
I am enamored with this line in the image (and found a lovely comb that you may see on my wedding day) — cool natural beauty.

Wedding Dresses Are A Funny Thing January 29, 2008

Wedding dresses… the topic of so many books, magazines, blog postings (like this one!), shops and musings.

Its funny how a dress that one would consider to be ugly, another may find beautiful.

I was never into the designer Mori Lee until I saw this dress. Now, since I am not a size 4, I see no reason to think that I would look like this while wearing this dress (oh no, my size 10 frame wouldn’t squeeze into that little thing if it were split at the seams).

And…what the heck?! I’ve always been the one to vocally share my distaste of lace, beading and sweetheart necklines, and now? I’m chasing them down!

I can admire this beautiful dress from the safety of my computer screen (without the slightest strain on my pocketbook) — but this little beauty will never touch my body.

Isn’t she lovely?

Brilliant Plan January 29, 2008

Hmmm… a coworker asked me today about our new puppy (STELLA!), I said, “Oh, she’s fine. She’s so flippin’ cute.” My coworker chuckled and said, “That GTB is smart — divert you from engagement with a puppy.”

Wha!?!?!

Is that how men think? Was Stella a ploy to keep from putting that ring on my finger?

I don’t think so… I’m mostly confident that that wasn’t the case. Mostly.

But if it was, well, I’ll take solace in the sweet puppy breathe and fluffy-love that is Stella.

Take A Picture, Will Ya?! January 29, 2008

Everyone has an opinion about wedding photographers. I have friends who didn’t research theirs and now regret the fact that they were trying to save time and money, because they have crappy photos. I have friends who researched and planned and have fabulous shots.

I talked to my mom about the cost of a photographer (anywhere from $995 for the wedding to 7,500, for what we’re looking for). She cracked me up with her response, “Just put cameras on every table and use those as your wedding photos.”

Are you kidding mom? I have seen what comes out of those cameras, lots of kids making faces and photos of butts, bossoms and cut-of heads. Right.

In fact, one friend had about 20 of those cameras. After spending $150 to develop them, we found 4 decent photos. 4 photos from 480.

So, now we begin the researching of photographers. I hear that booking them a year or more out is good, if you see one you really want. And I sure as heck am not using those crappy disposable cameras, so here we go.