Shut My Mouth August 31, 2008

I have to wonder if karma is real.

I try to do good things for other — usually small things like holding doors, sharing, etc. I try to contribute more when opportunity strikes.

But I still end up being bitchy or saying things that could hurt other peoples’ feelings, without thinking of circumstances, my selfishness or their feelings. Then I find out how my words were hurtful, and I feel like a huge jerk, because I know that my in-the-moment rants end up sounding REALLY mean, even if that isn’t how they’re intended.

So does karma come back and bite me for those mean things? Possibly. Do I deserve it? Probably.

Stay tuned for the saga of the destroyed Vera Wang and the subsequent search for the 2nd perfect wedding gown.

Um, Swoon August 28, 2008

I haven’t posted full photos of my dress on here yet… I’m just not ready for that kind of committment.

However, I still am on the prowl for gorgeous dresses.

Look at this fantastic Melissa Sweet, Dora dress. I absolutely adore the swiss dot organza fabric, the ruched bustier area and and the flow of this gown. The mini crumb catcher detailing on the bust is awesome.

If only I had more boobage.

If you love this dress, hold onto your wallet and run to Priscilla. I am sad that this baby is, sigh, in hte $3,000 – $5,000 range.

I couldn’t even dare to try it on, for fear of blowing 1/4 of my wedding budget on a dress (and then I couldn’t afford the photography, so it would be pointless to have such a beauty), but I may take a closer look at the beauty that is, at my appointment at Priscilla’s tomorrow!!!

I Want to Look Stunning August 27, 2008

I want to shock my GTB on our wedding day. I want to look so beautiful that he’s speechless. Of course I still want to look like me, but I want to look like an amazing version of me, one that my future children will look up and say, “wow, mom looked beautiful on her wedding day.”

I don’t want them to laugh at my dated makeup, my tacky lipcolor or the cheesy backdrop (thank goodness I didn’t get hitched in 1992!).

Anyway, look at these before and after photos — I’d like a transformation of this proportion. These photos come from MN Bridal Makeup Artistry . If you’ve got the cash to spend, it’s $460 for the bride and 3 maids to get their beauty ON.

I’m seriously contemplating airbrush, but I’ll totally need to test run it!

Photos copyright by Matt Blum Photography. . I know that lighting is everything, but… wow.

This Won’t Help Me Fit Into My Dress August 27, 2008

I want to trim down before the wedding. I don’t care so much about the number on the scale — I’m more concerned with the arm-jiggle and stomach. But… no matter what my worries, the fact that I just chowed down at least a serving of Giant Chewy Nerds and am now on a sugar rampage probably won’t help me reach my goal.

How can something so delicious be so bad?

Getting Back On Track August 26, 2008

How is it SO easy for me to sway from what I really want?

In my wedding planning, I’ve run into people who have made it clear that I’m doing things wrong.
No bridesmaids? bad idea
Wedding outside of a church? why!?
Cutting costs on flowers? you’ll regret it
Spending more on photographer? what a waste

Now, I’ve found myself shaping MY day (and spending our money) on a day that has become some monstrosity that fits someone else’s ideal — not mine.

When I think of a day with 200 people around me, most of whom I won’t even have a chance to talk to, I feel…. sad.

When I think of a day where I’ve invited people to make OTHER people happy — not myself, I feel… disappointed in myself.

Is anyone else feeling this way about their wedding planning?

Cool Centerpieces August 21, 2008

I love flowers, but having them on every single darned table at my wedding just doesn’t float my boat.

I want something different, that fits the space and is somewhat crafty, because I am, well, crafty.

Here are my two thoughts:

1. glass vase filled with river rocks to stabilize the tall shoots of curly willow (in most) and branches. Bonus: my mom has a curly willow tree and offered to pull 200 branches, cut them to the same heights and dry them. That alone will save me about $80! (see photo one and mentally replace the pink rocks with glossy river rocks)

2. low glass bowl/vase filled with lemons/limes and maybe oranges. I’ll be adding photos of the venue soon, but think casual but classy, a wall of windows overlooking minneapolis, glossy wood floors and colors of saffron, terra cotta and an earthy green. (see photo two and imagine a low glass bowl or plate)

what do you think?

Must Stop Looking at Photographers August 21, 2008

I need to stop. My wedding is 9 months out, and we’ve booked a great photographer, but I can’t seem to stop looking at photographers, and wishing.

I really dig Shannon’s style, she’s got a great eye for light and detail, which were to the two things I was looking for. Her photos are pretty amazing, and she’s fantastic to work with, she’s very relaxed, but professional.

So, why can’t I stop staring?

Here are the photographers we’d go with, if our photographer decided to cancel on us for whatever reason:

Grady Photography (the two images are from Grady) — what a fantastic photog. I love the capture of emotion on his site, and his prices are not too shabby!

SoulCam – Scott and Robin are soooo sweet, and their photography just keeps getting better. We met this this spring and I loved them, plus, they offer lots of great perks in their packages and you can tell they’re passionate.

Red Apple Images is quirky, cute and fun. I feel like the price, $1,350 for 6 hours, is more than fair and love the photos. If you’re going for a more casual wedding, Red Apple fits nicely.

Want to know who we chose (among the amazing selections in MN)? Just ask

But still, I’m happy. I just need to stop LOOKING!

Perfect Posture for your Wedding August 19, 2008

I’ve been consciously watching my posture, I want to stand up straight for the wedding. But I keep finding myself slouching at my desk, while using the laptop at home, even in my grad school classes.

What’s a girl to do?

I thought about getting one of those back braces that supposedly align your posture, but there were a few reasons I couldn’t do it…
1. hugs
2. cute clothes
3. once you take it off, your posture is back where you started.

Then, in my google searching yesterday, I came across something different (something I swear I dreamed up in my teens, then never made).

The iPosture is a device that you stick to your skin, wear as a necklace or attach to your bra. When you start to slouch, it gives you a little vibration, a reminder to sit up straight.

The site suggests that users not wear it for more than 4 hours at a time, and they’ll start to subconsciously sit up straighter, to avoid the “buzz” (hello, Pavlov’s dogs!).

What do you think? Will it work, or should I stick to the brace and/or balance ball at work idea?

A Little Planning Goes a LONG Way August 13, 2008

How do you know how much time to dedicate to your wedding photos? Some photographers suggest 45 minutes, others say 2 hours.

And, how do you determine if you’re shooting photos before or after your actual ceremony? If you do it after, you risk missing the cocktail hour (sad) or making your guests wait, and wait, and wait between the ceremony and reception — which many guests find to be rude.

Some brides are against taking photos before the ceremony because of the emotion of seeing eachother for the first time on the wedding day — some want to save that for the moment that they start their trek down the aisle (I couldn’t, I’d be a blubbering mess of tears!).

So… I present to you, Wholly Matrimony’s tips on planning a photogenic wedding.

I will totally be using these tips, as the GTB and I are investing a solid chunk of our wedding budget in the photography, because it is so important to me. Why wouldn’t I put the extra effort into helping our wonderful photographer capture the best moments?

Cooler Than Your Average Cake Topper August 11, 2008

Love love love these cake toppers.

Sure, I’ve seen initials, bells, waterfalls and the like. They’re nice enough, just not me.

I am in absolute love and adoration with these darling bird cake toppers by cornflakegirl.

I’m planning to custom order one without a top hat and with the green silk shantung that we’re using as inspiration for our color palette!

I just love that we can add whimsy to our wedding without looking corny.