Cut It Out June 29, 2008

paper orchid stationary

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

Have you seen Paper Orchid Stationary?

They have this great collection of cutout invitations, as well as cupcake liners, etc.

The beauty of them is that they don’t actually cost that much.

For example: a pack of 50 of these invitations would be $80. That includes the yellow backer (where the cutout is), the insert papers and the envelope. So… 150 invitations would cost $240? Cool.

They’ll also do custom printing — starting at $40 for 50 (and only $57 for 150 invitations!)

And, 50 RSVP cards are only $36 with envelopes.

If you’re having a budget wedding, it could be feasible to order 150 custom printed invitations, RSVP cards and thank you cards for around $500. Nice.

Two Things To Be Excited About June 10, 2008

Melissa Sweet Reverie crumbcatcher

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

First — this dress is part of the highly anticipated (on my part) Reverie collection by Melissa Sweet. Its a “lower-cost” line of wedding dresses that is still trendy and beautiful. This dress and many others will be available at Priscilla of Boston.

I’m psyched to check and maybe try them out when they’re released in July.

Second — um, loving the crumb catcher! I know that crumb catchers will be hugely popular in the upcoming 2009 season, so its cool to see a beautiful, inexpensive version in this pretty little dress.

Hello Lola! May 14, 2008

Lola front

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

We have gotten past the initial grief. We still miss Stella, I still sometimes think I hear her little clicking toenails on the hardwood floors. We have her ashes at home, and that’s a step in the right direction.

However, I miss the snuggle of a puppy. The warm snoring body on my chest, the billions of patient kisses that smell somewhat like puppy food but completely like love.

That’s where Lola comes in. She’s a French Bulldog, soon to be AKC registered. I’m excited to meet her on Thursday and hope that she loves us.

I’m looking forward to the Frenchie attitude — hello stubborn, as well as the snoring, spitting, burping and more.

We’re not looking for a substitute or replacement for Stella, rather a baby sister to the big (but small) sister who would be so proud, slightly bossy and so full of love.

Gotta Decide On Shoes May 7, 2008

wedding shoes

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

I have 2 pair of potential wedding shoes (so far).

On top, we’ve got the funky Salvatore Ferragamo’s from Saks.

I love the stacked heel, the lucious leather, the comfort. These are all quality.

On the bottom are the Zara shoes that we got in San Francisco.

They are fairly comfy, I love the patent leather, and the wedge heel could prevent me from having my shoes sink into the grass as we do post-wedding, pre-reception photos.

I just can’t decide.

Perfect Lace Bolero May 4, 2008

LaceBolero

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

My lace bolero is done! I worked with an awesome costume designer on Etsy — Rohm — and she just let me know that it is done.

Check out the pics — I don’t think I could be happier — there’s an Alencon Lace top layer and a swiss dot (pont de esprit) underlayer (I believe). Its actually much more beautiful than the ones I saw at the Macy’s Bridal Boutique (IMHO), and far less expensive.

She made this Bolero for only $160 — which is a steal compared to those $600 + NON-TAILORED ones.

Here’s how the process worked:
I emailed (convo’d) her on Etsy — explained what I was looking for as far as collar, materials, sleeves. She could have done a more structured collar, longer (even long-sleeved) arms, more coverage on the front, etc., but the parameters of this bolero are what I wanted.
She sent me a list of measurements to take, I sent them back.
We verified everything — including the color and she got working on it.
The turnaround time was about 6 weeks, but I let her know that there was no urgency on my part (my wedding isn’t for a year!).

Soooo… I am thrilled, you may be too. If you didn’t catch the link above, click here and check out her shop - you can see my bolero and other previous items if you click (under “other sales”) on the 48 (or more) sales link.

Oh, bliss.

Oooh, Vintage Beauty May 3, 2008

Whirling Turban

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

I’ve seen Whirling Turban online before but realized that I’d never posted about it.

I heart this site SOOO much. The cute, retro-style dresses, the fun fabrics, the Betty Page look-a-likes, what’s not to love?

Seriously, these dresses harken back to a day where ladies would wear curlers in their hair (even to the grocery store), and heels while vaccuming. You can go back to those days — without the mysogynistic undertones — with one of these sweet beauties.

Oooh, I can totally picture one of these cuties with some up-to-there peep toes, bright red lipstick and eyeliner.

Just like you’d want Dita Von Teese to wear.
Or maybe what you’d envision your dear grandmother (or mom, depending on your age) wearing as she welcomed the kids home from school. Sigh.

Pretty, Inexpensive & A Good Cause May 3, 2008

The White Aisle 1

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

Need bridal earrings? Bridesmaid favors? A handwoven sash?

I discovered The White Aisle and I am enamored.

Some items on the site are actually made in Cambodia, in an effort to help sex workers get out of their terrible situations and get into a life where they can support themselves without being exploited. Awesome.

The jewelry and accessories are cute and inexpensive… I am loving some of the brooches and may have to order one if my dear grandma doesn’t come through with one for the wedding.

I Heart This Photographer! May 3, 2008

Red Apple Images

Originally uploaded by KikiLaRae

There’s this great little local studio that makes me wish we could get married twice, so we could get another photographer!

I love, love, love Shannon and Brett at 1 Fine Day (our chosen photog), but I’ve also since found Kate of Red Apple Images. I heart her personality, her great angles and shots and also her sweet prices (Hello — $800 for 6 hours and digital proofs?!?!?).

She’s got a great eye for sweet, delicate, loving shots (or this couple is amazingly photogenic and hugely thrilled about their wedding day. Or both.

You can see her work on Offbeat Bride as well — that shoot is beyond cute.

Charlie! April 14, 2008

Okay — this video is short and cute, and I wish I hadn’t watched it about a dozen times this weekend. Its a nice respite to the planning and the start of stress (I totally jinxed myself in a previous post).

Charlie Bit Me

Choosing A Venue - The Losers March 19, 2008

We’ve already ruled out a bunch of venues. Some for location or size. Others for ridiculous stipulations (i.e. must spend $x per person or event), a few because they can host multiple weddings in one day.

Here is our list of just some of the venues that we’ve ruled out. If you’re looking, some of these awesome sites could work for you!