Wedding Details Coming Soon

I have been such a slacker on posting all of my wedding details... but I really do "plan" on getting around to it soon. I need to figure out how to get the photo files from the wedding smaller before I even attempt to post the details! Keep you fingers crossed or feel free to enlighten me on changing the file size!

But... I can post that FABULOUS picture of my FABULOUS shoes! I recommend these shoes... They are lovely and are comfortable. They were perfect and I couldn't have been more happy with them.

The designer is Pura Lopez and the shoes are called Alis! You can check them out at www.footlux.com. They are amazing and we will make you feel like a Princess on your special day!

Wedding Photos - It's about time!!!!

I have my wedding photos in hand and they are truly all I could have ever asked for... Amazing! If you are getting married and need a photographer... you just simply must use Fleming Photography - Todd and Tara are the best! Check out their website: www.tflemingphotography.com

The photos are high resolution (and I am not tech savvy enough to be able to make the files smaller) and I am unable to post more here, but here are a few of my absolute favs! I have posted more on my Facebook... Check'em out!

Honeymoon - El Dorado Seaside Suites

We honeymooned at the wonderful El Dorado Seaside Suites in Riviera Maya Mexico. It was recommended to us. We spent 8 beautiful days on the beach. Here are some of my favorite pictures!The resort had several pools and lazy rivers running through it. Here is a photo of one of the many wonderful swim up bars. The scenery is amazing and brilliant colors. We were lucky enough to have one of the lazy rivers run by our private patio allowing us swimming access to a near by swim up bar.

Sitting pool side drinking a cold frosty beverage at one of the many pool side bars. There were many seculed spots where you could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the resort.

Joseph enjoying wearing my sunglasses and drinking a nice refreshing beverage. He didn't believe me when I told him I would post this picture on the blog! The building behind him was the main restuarant and bar.

The coral reefs and wonderful beach outside our room! Very nice! They weren't perfect for playing around in the ocean, but the water was refreshing. We spent an afternoon snokling around the coral reefs.

We enjoyed this resort, but I don't know if we would recommend it. I think there are better resorts in Riviera Maya. It was beautiful, but everything is gorgeous here.

The Truth About Weddings Revealed - Delusional Bride

A friend passed this along to me just a few minutes ago....

Check out the WorthALaugh.com website... Very funny stuff.

On October 1oth, they posted the attached fake magazine cover for Delusional Bride... Under the posting "The Truth About Weddings Revealed".

I enjoyed it and it brought a smile to my face. Something not easy to do with I am in the last two weeks of my wedding!

Anyway... Hope you enjoy "Delusional Bride" and Thank You WorthALaugh.com.... It was worth a laugh!

Panic, Panic, Panic!

Invitations... what do you want to know?

When I started planning my wedding in January, I thought I would only have to worry about the wedding invitation! Oh no... there are other invitations you will need to consider if you chose to go a bit overboard! I do love getting invitations in the mail. Of course, I won't be receiving any of these invitations. Guess I love sending them as well.

Here is the list of invitations I have sent so far:

Engagement Party

Save The Date

Wedding Invitation

Rehearsal Dinner

Bridesmaid Luncheon

The Engagement Party invitations were hand made by one of my bridesmaid and myself. Very cute and easy to make. I would recommend making them for at least one of the events you will be hosting. They are especially nice if you party is small. Don't recommend making over 100!

The Save The Date cards were purchased at Target for a reasonable price. The were a bit plan so I added a piece of card stock in a complimentary color. I actually printed on the card stock instead of the actual invite. I tied the card stock to the invite with a cute ribbon! I got tons of feedback. Everyone loved them.

The Wedding Invitations were the hardest for me. I spent months online looking over hundreds of websites. I thought I had found the perfect invite and it was within my price range! How perfect, right? Thank goodness I had taken the advice of a friend and ordered a sample! It ended up being not what I wanted. I ended up spending a bit more, but getting exactly what I had envisioned! I had the invitation designed by a local stationer. If you can't find the perfect invite, look to small up and coming stationers for help. You might get a good deal!

The Rehearsal Dinner are the absolute cutest! Entitled "Extreme Pig", they are die cut invites. Die cut means the card (or part of the card) is a method for punching or cutting out any special shapes by using a metal form that is called a die. This invitation has a paper pig attached with a bow to the invite. Love it... Love it... Love it! The die cut invites are very very cute. I would have loved to use all die cut invites, but I think one is enough. They are truly special and not to be over done. (See Rehearsal Dinner invite posting)

The Bridesmaid luncheon invitation is again a mix of a pre-made invite with added details from me. I ordered this invitation online and printed it at home. I added a bow AND an envelope liner in a matching color. The envelope liner is an easy way to make if you have a paper cutter. Kinko's also has paper cutters along with a wide selection of colored card stock. The liner is a nice touch and can be cheap to do (a few cents an invite).

FAVORITE ONLINE STATIONER: www.paperstlye.com

Dress is finished and hiding in Bartlett

The alterations to the wedding dress are complete and the dress is hiding in Bartlett with my MOH. Here's where the bad, but could be good news comes in. During my last fitting for the dress, it was still about an inch to big. I asked (what was I thinking) could you take it in more. I want it really tight. My dress is basically strapless and it weighs a ton! Ms Koulu took me up on it and shaved another inch (if not more) off my dress.

When I tried to on the last time to view her work, I had to suck in and hold my breath. Luckily, they did get the zipper up and the fit felt good. With the bodice tight, I hardly noticed the extreme weight of my dress! It also made me look thinner and flatered my figure. You know... the one I have been working on at the Gym since March. The dress is perfect! Good news....

Bad news.... There will be no room for any "enlargements" on my part.

Can I just say.... "Don't feed the Bride!"

Final Meeting with The Florist

I had my final meeting with my wonderful florist. What was suppose to be an hour meeting soon turned into 2 hours of flower shopping and brainstorming in the cooler of a local wholesale florist. Note: bring a coat if you ever do this!

The posted picture is one of the inspirational photos and represents the look we will be going for in regards to the floral arrangements.

I wanted a rustic, but elegant look. We will be using jasmine and corkscrew willow branches from my yard to make the arrangements complimented by lots of greenery from my yard as well. This has enabled my floral budget to go quite a bit further than it would have been able to go.

So if you are getting married and you have a green thumb, definitely mention it to your florist and invite them over to your yard for a sneak preview of what you will be able to provide.

The flowers for the wedding have been a big priority for me. I have spent more time with Susan than any other vendor and I truly feel it will pay off in the end.

If you are getting married in Memphis, you simply must give Susan's Florals a chance. Susan is the best and she has a great eye.... and the most important thing... She's loves what she does and she will make you feel like you are her only Bride and only worry in the world! Love her!

Victorian Cake Charms

A Victorian Tradition, to make your wedding grand. In days of old, charms of luck and good fortune were placed into the wedding cake. The custom of "Ribbon Pulling" dates back to the Victorian England when the bride hid small charms attached to ribbons within the layers of her wedding cake. The tradition has made a "charming" comeback with recently and I couldn't help but include them in my wedding planning.

With the help of two of favorite friends, I will be hosting a Bridesmaid Luncheon to thank my Bridesmaids and the other wonderful females in my life that have helped me through this hectic time in my life. It is at the Bridesmaid luncheon I plan on having the cake charms inserted into the cake.

Prior to the cake cutting, everyone will gather around the cake. Each person will get the chance to pull a charm from the cake and find out what promises are in their future. Each charm has a special meaning. I plan on printing out the meanings of each charm on card stock and have them available for everyone. No matter which is chosen, the future does look bright! I hope this charming 'ribbon pulling' will add to the day's delights!! Did I mention they are just too adorable! Love them!

Heart (true love)
Ring (next engagement)
Four-leaf clover (good luck)
Flower (blossoming love)
Wishing well (a wish will come true)
Anchor (travel and adventure)

Signing Back On... Maybe?

Can't believe it's been almost 3 weeks since my last post! Shame shame shame...

I am going to make an honest effort to try and post at least once every day up to the wedding...

Which is TWO WEEKS away!

I have thought about my blog several times a day since my last post, but I almost feel like I didn't want to share the fine details I had started to get into... I wanted there to be some sort of surprise. Why now? I haven't kept anything secret up until recently.... seriously why start now?

Things have started to feel different... more serious, a bit more real. I have always felt the blog needed to be light and a bit airy which is not how I am feeling right now... 4:17 am in the morning.

Maybe blogging is what I need to bring back the fun of getting married. With that said, I will make the effort to blog more and give more juicy details on the wedding.

Final dress fitting... Stop feeding the bride

Tomorrow is my final dress fitting....

So... Stop feeding the bride!

Yet Another Bridesmaid Shoe

I think we found THE shoe... well... Emily found THE shoe at Dillard's. The shoe is by Nina and the style is Kyleen. This shoe is specifically made for long term standing and is re-enforced and has extra padding for the ball of the foot... It's actually squishy and has a lot of give! Not to mention it is a perfect match for the dress which I verified today with the scarf from the dress!

The shoe is so cute... you know you can pair it with a pair of jeans and a sassy top for any night on the town.

I am almost sad that I won't have a pair of these to wear in the future but I do have a pair of fabulous Bridal Shoes that I am sure will provide comfort! They are sooooo great lookin!

Hopefully, everyone will approve this 3.25 heel in satin and I will be a happy bride that gets to check off yet another item on my list! Keep your fingers crossed... things are looking good for a positive outcome on this shoe!

Ring Purchased

Check off yet another item on the list... Groom's wedding ring purchased!

Mother Daughter Brunch

This past weekend, we had a Mother Daughter Brunch and big fun was had by all! It was a very special day for me and I felt like a Bride (not just a wedding planner!) Thanks to all who took part in the planning! It was a wonderful day and I am so happy that all the moms had a chance to meet.

Here is a picture with all the Mothers and Daughters!















And of course... the Mother of the Bride and the Bride (that's me!)





















All the bridesmaids and the bride in front of Owen Brennans!


















Another great pic... after we had all over eaten!

Drape the tent!

This past Saturday, I was offered the opportunity to see the setup process at the Brooks for a reception. The only thing that I saw and had me saying "We have to have it!" was the draping of the tent. The Chocolate Brown fabric adds so much to the tent... I just couldn't believe it. I have some emails out requesting quotes. Keep your fingers crossed. I would love to drape the tent.

Take a look below! It really makes the tent!

Rehearsal Dinner Invites? Yes, No, Maybe

I really never thought about whether you send invites for the rehearsal dinner, but with all the hours I am spending on the net... I have found some do send invites to the dinner. With booking the Bar B Que Shop for the Rehearsal Dinner. I couldn't help but think how cute would it be to send the following invites! Love them... Love the pig!

http://www.paperstyle.com/... great site for invites... I might even say reasonably priced.

Here... Piggy piggy piggy! Please be my invite!

Bubbles with a twist and some beads

This past weekend I took a night to dress up my yard sale bubbles. In one of the many magazines I have read, I saw a picture of the bubbles with ribbon and beads.

I added a bit more with using a colored wire and additional beads. I also used an embellished ribbon with loops on the edges. The tulle is ivory. The picture is a bit washed out. The beads are Chocolate Brown, Gold and Red.

I think they are adorable and well worth the night I sacrificed to complete them.

Love them... and I actually enjoyed the quiet time to make them.

Thanks Heidi for holding my hand at Michael's... to think I couldn't make a decision on the color of the beads or the pre-cut tulle or the wire color... The little decisions are just over whelming!

Pew Wreaths - Formal enough?

During discussions with my florist, I determined it was out of my budget to have pew markers. The church as double aisles... meaning each row has to have 4 pew markers. There are 21 rows in the church. I had never considered putting markers on every row, maybe just every aisles, but I had considered every 3rd aisles.

Basically, on the first and second row with the next marker on 5 row then 8 row then 11 row and so on. It totals up to 7 rows would have markers at 4 markers per row... 28 markers!

28 markers at .... yes $20 each!... is $560! What for markers on the pews... really! Oh so not worth it i my mind.

So on to plan B....

On Sunday, I took a few minutes before church to dress up one of the grapevine wreaths I purchased at Hobby Lobby (at 50% off $1.50 each!)

I didn't spend more than 5 minutes adding a few sprigs of Boxwood, Nandina, Curly Willow, and fallen Magnolia leaves (thanks Brandon and Kevin!) from my yard. I only had a small brown ribbon to use. In a perfect world, I would have used a coppery orange. So please use your imagination and add a beautiful Coppery orange ribbon on the wreath... adds a pop to the wreath.

Here are some of the results...

The question is... Are the formal enough? Are they too rustic?



















A few of the flowers that will be used in the other arrangements in the church might add more color and more "formal" feel to the wreath. Or will it? Here is a picture looking down the aisle.























Here is a pic of the pew... no marker. Anyone have any ideas on another possible "inexpensive" option for pew markers?

Party Supply Websites

Check out these party supply websites! Great ideas at great prices. My favorite idea on this website that I will probably incorporate into our reception is hurricane shade & base with a pillar candle surrounded by petals! Awesome!

At the Rehearsal dinner, I would love to use Ardent's 24 hurricane shades and add wood chips instead of petals. A ribbon tied at the bottom will add a punch of color.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/ This is a very extensive website and very user friendly. The prices are reasonable which is always important. I love that they list additional items you might need when you click on a specific item. A project section is also available for everyone to browse. Not only do they provide a great number of project ideas, they provide detailed instructions on how to complete the project along with a list of items you will need with links to each item. This is a definite bookmark site.

http://www.chillerswholesale.com/ - Best koozies in the world! You can design your own using a simple program they provide. Great fonts and lots of graphics. Check it out and have fun designing your own Koozie! Love this site... I might have even ordered something... maybe... it's a surprise!

Grapevine Wreaths: I would recommend waiting until Hobby Lobby has a 50% off sale on wreaths. But check out these other vendors:

http://buygrapevines.com/grapevinewreaths.html

http://www.directfloral.com/productdetails.asp?ProductID=453055729

For all those Criers out there

Yes, I am one of those... I do tend to cry at weddings and thought I would help all my fellow "Criers" with a packet of tissues! The idea of having them available for those in need... seems to me to be perfect... The plan is to have the tissues placed next to the sign in book at the Church.

Did I mention they are a perfect match for our wedding invitations.

The following website has every type of tissue you might ever need - www.thetissuestore.com

Do I just do it... Do I just need to have these available? YES!

Bridesmaid Jewery Selected

Surprisingly... or not so! I had great difficulty picking the jewelry for my Bridesmaids.

Funny enough, once I stopped looking, the perfect jewelry found me. I wanted something fun, but still traditional enough for a formal wedding. It also needed to tie in the colors of my wedding - Chocolate brown, burnt orange-red, and gold.




Well, I think I found it!


If not, please let me know... (I could just be desperate at this point!)

I kept the receipt! Love a store with a great return policy.

Registries Completed

It's official... Elizabeth Montgomery and Joseph Brown have completed their wedding registry and listed below are where they are registered!

Macy's - http://www.macys.com/
Pottery Barn - http://www.potterybarn.com/
Bed Bath & Beyond - http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/

Lowe's - http://www.lowes.com/

I have had several people stated they could not locate any of our registries on the net. This post in my blog should insure that anyone who googles our name and registered should find this blog!

Celebrity Eyebrows available for the Masses

Have you been getting the "Eyebrow Makeover" you need when you have your eyebrows waxed?


Over the years, I have asked several professionals to give their opinion on the shape of my eyebrows. They each told me I was doing a great job and the shape was good. Some didn't even look, but they did say they looked great, right? Why question?

When I do get my eyebrows waxed, they never change the shape. They just clean up the edges so to speak. Even though I have always wondered... Do women change their eyebrow shape like the change their hair styles? Was I missing something that every other woman in the world was hip to?

Well... in the last several months, I have seen several makeover shows which featured a whole section regarding eyebrows. They had stencils, they had small scissors, they had small brushes, they had small combs and .... Each had a expert who spoke on the various shapes and the pros and cons of each based on eyebrow length and thickness. While watching, I noted that maybe I could indeed have a better shape than I had. And clearly, women do change the shape of their eyebrows.

Given the enormous pressure for great wedding photos, I definitely didn't want to have bad eyebrows!

I mean.... seriously, an entire section on eyebrows on a makeover show! That said I have been growing out my eyebrows! Please understand this does mean I've cheated on occasion and plucked the stray hair here and there.


If you too are worried about your eyebrows or just want a change, check out this website - www.eyebrowz.com. This website has tons of information on eyebrow shapes and even instructions on picking one. I also love all the photo examples with links to celebrities with the same shape.

Who knew you could order an eyebrow stencil so you could have Elizabeth Taylor eyebrows or for that matter Julia Roberts, Audrey Hepburn, Cher, Britney Spears, Jewel, Jennifer Lopez.... Hundreds of celebrities are available!

My favorite for my particular measurements is Niki Taylor's eyebrows!

Wedding Ceremony Songs

On Sunday, I had time to speak with the organist. He's a great guy and I was able to give him a short list of favorite songs for the ceremony. All very classic and traditional... no surprises!

And here they are...

Never knew I was such a Bach fan!

JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING - BACH
AIR ON THE G STRING - BACH
CANON IN D -PACHELBEL
THE BRIDAL CHORUS FROM LOHENGRIN - WAGNER
THE WEDDING MARCH - FELIX MENDELSSOHN
ARIOSO – BACH
HALLELUJAH CHORUS - MESSIAH
ODE TO JOY – BEETHOVEN (MAYBE)

If you would like to listen to them go to iTunes. They are all available for a 30 seconds snip it!

Here's a link to a pipe organ version of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lrsUbdeeK8

Round Two - Shoes ordered (again)

I actually had to go outside the US to find these shoes. A bit more than I wanted to spend... but nothing like a pair of Christian Louboutin Bridal shoes (Maybe one day and I will stop talking about these shoes).

I would love to have a pair of high end designer shoes, but with the average heel being 4 plus inches... my feet just can't take that kind of heel all day long.

The shoes I found are by Pura López and are entitled Alis. Pura López is a Spanish shoe designer who "believes that shoes are much more than a mere accessory: she sees them as a key means of expressing a sense of femininity and seduction, and which marks the difference between vulgarity and elegance." And I whole heartedly agree. This is the perfect ladylike pump... a perfect bridal pump! I love you Pura! You rock...

The website selling her shoes is http://www.footlux.com/! Check them out... they have an awesome selection of shoes!

I have had a blast tracking my shoes on the UPS website as they make their way from Madrid, Spain to my little feet in Memphis!

Keep your toes crossed they are all they can be!

Advice from a wise wife - Make the future special too!

I came across this suggestion today and I loved it! It reminded me of a conversation I had earlier this summer with a married friend of mine. I asked her if she had any suggestions about the wedding or any thing she wish she had done differently. They have been married almost 10 years and wouldn't change anything.... but she did regret that they had not paid enough attention to anniversaries. She wished that they had done something special for each one.

Well, I found the perfect idea to insure you do make those first anniversaries truly special.

Toast to Tradition

What it is: Like the true oenophiles you are, mark the milestones of the first few years of your marriage with fabulous bottles of wine, surrounded by the loving tributes of your friends and family.

How it's done: At the reception, set out five bottles of vino, one for each of your first five anniversaries. Tag each bottle with the specific anniversary that it will commemorate. Start with a great champagne, and then include four special vintages that will improve with age until their scheduled opening time. Gather a bunch of pens that write on glass (silver and gold Sharpies work well), and then invite your guests to cover the bottles with their well-wishes for that anniversary.

Tip: Be sure to store the champagne cork up, and the other four bottles on their sides in a dark, cool environment (a wine cellar or dry basement is best) until you're ready to enjoy them.

Crane's Etiquette is a most...

I am trying to finalize the wording on the invitation. Who knew there are so many rules to follow. A wise friend pointed me to Crane's Etiquette. Thank yo so much! If you are trying to find the perfect wording for your invitation definitely look to Crane's.

Visit the website at http://www.crane.com/etiquette.aspx?C=WeddingEtiquette&S=WeddingInvitation&I=Date_Line

I hope to have the finalized version of my invitation this week. As soon as it's done... I will definitely be posting it.

Wedding Night Booked!

Where to stay? Why does getting married require answers to so many questions? First it was Bridemaids dresses, then invitations, and last but not least... Shoes. During this whole time, I have also been considering where to stay on our wedding night. You would think this would be an easy decision. All you need is a decent hotel with clean sheets and no bugs, but for once... I will be arriving in a Wedding Dress! Not the day to plan on staying at the Hotel 6 or the Red Roof Inn.

You need a hotel with style, a grand entrance, valet parking, and close to the reception site. I have had several hotels in mind.

1. The Madison - www.madisonhotelmemphis.com
2. The Doubletree Downtown Memphis - http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/MEMDNDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Memphis-Downtown-Tennessee/index.do
3. The Peabody - http://www.peabodymemphis.com/home.cfm
4. The Inn at Hunt Phelan - http://huntphelan.com/

Well... some are now not available. All booked up and others have irritated me (no surprise here... Hunt Phelan!)

We have decided on the only one left - The Peabody!

An interesting fact: My maternal grandparents and my maternal great grandparents both spent their wedding nights at the Peabody! Both had wonderful marriages! I can only hope for the same.

Peabody here we come!

I decided to go with traditional my grandparent and my great-grandparents both spent their wedding night at the... (wait for it)... The Peabody!

Seriously... It's a pair of shoes!

As I continue the hunt for what have envisioned as the perfect wedding shoe, I have stumbled across many a shoe website. And being a good girlfriend, I thought I would pass them along to you. I have seen some phenomenal shoes at even better prices!

www.like.com - I can not recommend this site enough. Very user friendly and a whole lotta shoes... The site even has a "visual search". I love all the search able options they give you. Perfect when you know exactly what you need. (like wedding shoes) You will also notice $15 shoes listed beside $595 shoes. Very wide selection.

www.makemechic.com - Really cute fun and funky shoes. This site is a bit young... but aren't we all young at heart. The prices can't be beat. Definitely keep an eye on the shoe details. Some of these aren't always as new as you might like them to be. Also, if you are phobic about your shoe boxes, this might not be a site for you. Some shoes do not come in their original box! Heaven forbid! Anyway... just FYI. Oh... this fall I will be buying some of the fun boots they have!

www.zappos.com - I have purchased and returned shoes from this site. Very friendly and very professional. It's not my favorite site for getting around in, but I can't stress how easy returning a pair of shoes was. You can buy and feel comfortable knowing that if they don't fit, don't look right on your feet, aren't the right color... so on and so on... You can ship them back (at no cost to you) and they will credit you back for the full price! Love no pressure buying.



Happy shoe buying!

It's Forever - Engraving your rings

It's time to order our wedding bands and I started thinking about what to have engraved on Joseph's. As usual, I took a casual poll at work of who's ring was engraved and with what. I was surprised by the number that weren't engraved and I was really surprised by the number of husbands that didn't remember what was on the ring. Several had to actually take off their rings to read it to me.

I have flipped and flopped on this quite a bit... sweet or funny or sweet & funny.

Here are some of my favorites....


You complete me (date)
I love you... Now put the ring back on!
Nothing else matters
It's me and you honey bunch
Lets grow old together
You are SO mine
Soulmates (date)
Do or do not, there is no try
I made a wish and you came true.
You’re the music!
I'm not done with you yet!
Mine, all mine!
My dream came true...
A lifetime is all that I need...
Wrapped around you forever
Resistance is Futile
Everything I've ever wanted
Home is where we are...
Forever isn’t long enough...
If removed, alarm will sound.

Pamperring yourself for your big day (Cue the Fish)

I couldn't help but pass this along!

I found this on "OurWeddingDay.Com Blog"

So called “fish pedicures” have been stirring things up lately. Originating in Virginia by John Ho, owner of the Yvonne Hair and Nails salon, this treatment allows fish to nibble the dead skin cells right off your feet.

Some people swear by it, claiming it makes their feet smoother and prettier than a traditional pedicure ever had!

I don't know if I will be trying this out any time soon, but it does make for an interesting picture to include in your Wedding Scrap book!

Bring on the fishies... please no piranhas! Thanks...

Full AP article: ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hzJgRAaYCJMvjh98hAk45as3DPgwD9226PM80

Any advice on planning a wedding?

There are so many little things that make for a great wedding. I have tried to remember them all, but I haven't attended that many weddings and know I have missed most of them.








Here is a short list of little things that make for a great wedding/happy bride:

1. Bunny Toss - Tossing a small stuffed animal to the younger reception attendees.


2. The Wedding Dress Label - Having a personalized label made with your full name or maiden initials with your wedding date embroidered on the ribbon.


3. Monogrammed Drink Sticks - Drink sticks with a flat head that have been manufactured with your initials - Bride's first name and the Groom's first name.


4. Antique Bird Cage - Instead of purchasing a card box or money bag, you can use an antique or reproduction Bird Cage.


5. Perfect Bridal Shoes - Christian Louboutin's! (Just another excuse to mention these awesome shoes yet again!)


6. Dancing Shoes Available - Offering dancing shoes to your guests. You are guaranteed to have all your guest dancing if you offer comfy flip-flops in various sizes next to the dance floor!

What are the some of the little things you have noticed at a wedding?



Any advise you have to pass along to me would be worth millions to me. Speak up!

Wedding linens - Monogrammed Cake Table Runner

I thought this was just gorgeous and something that never crossed my mind when I started planning my wedding.

There are various sites out there that offer these runners or table clothes.

Filligree Monogram Designs has a great selection of fonts and other coordinating items such as napkins. www.filigreemonograms.com

I am still on the search for monogrammed hankies! I do love a hankie.

The Battenburg Lace shop has some of the best handkerchiefs I have ever seen (thelaceshop.stores.yahoo.net/wedhan.html).

Dillard's & Tabasco

I was excited to receive a call from a great friend at Dillard's. Unbelievably, Dillard's has a whole table dedicated to Tabasco products - hot sauces, glasses, lights, plates, other decorative items... Very cool.

The display even brought out the idea of having our personalized mini Tabasco bottles tied with a ribbon and favor tag hanging for a small tree on Christmas ornament hooks. The base of the tree would also have various Tabasco bottles as well as the favors!

How cute! I can't wait...

For the perfect "hot" personalized wedding favor, hit http://www.tabasco.com/ and visit the country store. They have everything Tabasco!

Wedding day lingerie - possible websites

I have found the following sites that look promising for both Bridal lingerie.

I am so hoping I won't need to be stuffed into my dress using every ounce of spandex and bodyshaper technology on the plant! I would also love to not have to wear control top panty hose either...

I found these sites which each had some great items. Some were a bit more expensive than others. $100 thongs? Ouch!

Also, I hope Joseph never googles "Bridal Lingerie" because... well, just never let your man search "bridal lingerie". I feel a bit dirty. The models are incredibly thin and look great in the lingerie! I know that's great marketing but... I will never look that good in it.

These sites offer nice selections:

Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie (www.pamperedpassions.com)

Lingerie Diva (www.lingeriediva.com)

Bare Necessities (www.barenecessities.com)

And of course, Victoria Secret's (www.victoriasecrets.com) I actually found a nice sweet "Just Married" undies on this site that I am highly considering.

.... is this appropriate blogging material? Maybe I will switch back to Cake Toppers and stuff.

The perfect bridal shoe... where are you?

Recently, I purchased online a pair of very cute bridal shoes. I was happy with them, but they were a bit too big and well... I had doubts... maybe even a regret or two. The website (http://www.zappos.com/) has a wonderful return policy and I took advantage of it. I returned my shoes. I would highly recommend this site for shoes. I just know if buying shoes online is for me personally. Definitely check out the site, it's worth the visit.

This might be a purchase that needs to be made in person.

SO.... Help! Keep an eye out for ivory peep toe pumps in town. I would like to try and purchase my next pair in person. And... I have a time limit. My first dress fitting is on Saturday, September 6th.

NOTE: For your first fitting whether the bride or a bridesmaid, you will need to bring the shoes you will be wearing along with the lingerie for that day. Also, it's nice if you are at the weight/size you will be at for the big day.

No food for a month for this bride. I am about 15 pounds short of my goal. Ideally, I would reach my goal prior to my first fitting, but ideally, I would have the Christian Louboutin's in hand as well. We will have to see which one I actually get.

Do I smell another reason to post a picture of those shoes.... YES!!!!!!!

Reminders are just a click away

Blogspot has added a new function and how great it is!

Subscribe to my blog! And never get caught not in the know!

Click on the link!

Measurements taken... time will tell!

On Friday, I had my measurements taken at the gym! Bust, hips, waist, thighs, arms and calves! Time is running out for me. My first fitting for my wedding dress is on September 6th!

No more fried food and bring on the cardio!

I plan on getting my measurements taken each Friday. I will keep you posted and long live protein!

It's a Bunny Toss!

How many weddings have you gone to that when it came time for the Bride to toss the bouquet, the average age of the participates was 10 years old?

I have been to more than 4 weddings wear the bouquet was caught by someone under 10!

What... They are going to get married before me?

How depressing it that?

Last summer I went to a wedding and the bouquet was caught be a 12 year old BOY! Thank goodness my mother wasn't there! She would have given up at that point.

I made a promise to myself 6 years ago (yet another awful bouquet toss) at my wedding, there would be an age requirement! I have found another way... A Bunny Toss!

Instead of only tossing the bouquet, you start by inviting all the kids on to the dance floor and you toss a stuffed animal. After that, you invited all the single women out for the actual bouquet toss. This makes for happy bridesmaids and happy mothers!