Little Mans have arrived!

The first thing I wanted soon as we landed in LA were my Kingston stamps! They are perfect! I choose a light green for the "42" which matches perfect with the invites! I was not sure which picture to choose from but with your help I think we did good!

This definitely adds a personal touch!

Give-a-way!

Mrs. Newlywed, Over at Misadventures of a Newlywed, is giving away a copy of Manners by Kate Spade! So click on over a get in on the action!

I am back from PA and had a great weekend with friends and family! I have soo much to blog about ...from the party Friday to the bridal shower on Sunday! I'm still feeling overwhelmed! I just can't believe everything my Family and Friends did for me :) I'm so blessed!

Leaving...on a jet plane

Tomorrow the FI and I are bouncing out of LA to Central PA! We or should I say...I have a very busy schedule for this upcoming weekend! I am totally looking forward to seeing family and friends yet I hope I am able to catch some down town with the parents.

Friday night we are both doing our parties! I am really looking forward to seeing all my ladies!! Saturday we have running around to do..florist..etc.. Then Sunday is the bridal shower! I absolutely love the dress that I snatched up at Banana Republic a couple weeks go!

Monday morning we catch an early flight back to LA and our little man Kingston :) It is going to be soo hard to say goodbye to him tomorrow but I know he will be fine with our friends!

So blogging will be little! See you all next week!! 65 Days to GO!! I leave you with 2 pictures from our venue..at night!

I like how you can see the cake from outside! OH! and my blue birds arrived..soo cute!

photo by: unknown

Discounts & Stationary...

I wanted to share with everyone...Photo Stamps is offering FREE shipping and 10% off any order. Use codes: tenoff & gen1

Don't you just love saving money?!

Last week the FI and I drove into Beverly Hills to Paper Source! I immediately fell inlove with that place and could have stayed for hours! Gorgeous paper...stamps...colors...{sigh} I walked out with a nice bill but could have spent more :) Purchases included some envelopes, ink pad, table tents and printer labels. They have several colors, prints and designs to choose from. This store has everything and more!

At Paper Source, the employees were extremely helpful! They offer different "How To Projects" throughout the year. Click here to find a store & class near you!

Paper Source "Bluebell"

Have a great Monday Everyone!

Colors..Shades...oh my!

I received two copies of proofs of the invites..2 different greens that is! I love them both...but must make a decision. I immediately contacted Mom and MOH for help!

In the end they both said the "lighter" green. I hope we made the right decision! Nonetheless, Its just one more thing crossed off the list! Now off to make mailing labels and black invite bands! It will feel sooo good to have them in the mail.

Did you have a hard time figuring out anything little to big in your wedding? Colors? Design? Thank goodness for Mom and MOH!

Twilight :)

This morning my internal clock woke me up....I glanced at my watch and it was 7:30am. I jumped out of bed...threw on a pair of jeans...and grabbed the keys..I was off to Target! Not having any idea how busy it may be...I stayed in my car as more and more people started to pull up...it was then we decided to hurry to the door. It was quickly established we were all there to buy TWILIGHT! We agreed no elbows....8am sharp..the doors opened!

There were 3 choices! 2 disc...3 disc..blu-ray! ohh how to choose! So, I grabbed two copies in blu-ray! One for me...one for the neighbor! Soon as I got home I popped it in... After watching the movie again..makes me want to re-read the series!

Edward... yep... the last scene as they are dancing... gets me everytime!
Have a great weekend everyone :) and...pick up a copy!

I've Been Tagged!

A super huge thank you to Jenny Lee, for tagging my blog :)

I have to write ten not so cute things about myself....yikes!!

1. I hate doing the dishes. If it wasn't for the dishwasher...we would be in trouble.
2. I tend not to pick up after myself...hence a messy apartment. Drives the FI nuts!

3. I am super sensitive.....i always catch myself saying " I would never do that to a friend."

4. It is hard for me to forgive...working on this one!

5. I waste a lot of food...i never eat leftovers

6. My FI bought me my gym membership...and i only go like 2x a week!

7. I spend way too much money on starbucks...

8. When im tired I get very moody!

9. I think its super rude to eat can tuna in a tiny room where is stinks up everything!! make me puke!!!

10. I get irritated/annoyed when people chew with their mouths open..its like are you a cow? yucky!!

I tag:

For the Love of Weddings

Tripping Down the Aisle

Have a great weekend everyone! xoxo

Menu Cards

I keep asking myself if menu cards are necessary. It is always a big mystery as to what will be served at a wedding! In my experiences, I have never seen a "menu card" at any of the receptions I have attended. I do think it would be nice to have one per table. OR Do we incorporate during buffet and have a nice menu framed for all to see? I did come across some gorgeous menu designs that I had to share from The White Aisle.

Let me know how you are handling the "menu." Do you like the idea of one framed menu during cocktail hour?

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I hope you all had a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day! Unfortunately, I had to work...and must work tomorrow so I celebrated the day with people at work :)

I came across these gorgeous cocktail/reception tables from Jennifer Skog Photography. This couple went to Vegas to tie the knot! I love the rich greens and browns used through out the evening.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Look Out For...

Over at Flights of Fancy...I learned the new color forecast for 2009! I was happy to see 2 of my colors sorta made the cut! Our green is a bit more bright... After reading a little off the blog..I learned that they actually "release" colors...and that is what you see in stores.. Oh my the wedding industry!! :)

Go on over to Flights of Fancy!

Did your colors make the cut?

Reply Cards

I wanted something simple for the reply cards. Postage was another concern. So, when it came time to decide we went with a small postcard. I think they are absolutely adorable, especially with my "cuties" as meal choices.

Back Side:

I decided to use, "WILL MISS A PARTY OF A LIFETIME!" I wanted to stay traditional, yet with a little uniqueness for the reply remarks.

Front Side:

I blurred out the info that's why it looks a little odd :) I am so happy with them and I hope they put a little smile on all of our guests! Please give design credit to Teresa VanWagner.

Happy Saturday!

Rings!!

On Thursday, we went to Robbins Bros to pick up my wedding band! Since my engagement ring did not come with a partner band it was up to me to search and hunt for one! It was actually a difficult task! A huge thank you to those at Robbins Bros and the talented Jeff Cooper!!

I especially loved the little light in the ring box. Details...Details...

Did your ring come with a matching band?

Shoes!! Part 2

I was incredibly lucky to purchase my dress "off the rack." The store was closing and they had THE dress! It was in fabulous shape..and only 1 size too big...the price was slashed in half. I love my Paloma Blanca dress :) The assistant showed me the shoes that they had left over...and there they were...

photo: ME

They are comfortable...match the dress perfectly...and were only $30.00. The buckle is my favorite part! Now, I just need to learn how to dance in them! I think we found a place for lessons..now all we have to do is call and set up an appointment :) Oh and the shoes are by Grace.

Shoes!! Part 1

So, I really wanted to be one of those brides with bright colored shoes under the dress...but the fact is...since my dress sports a little color...it would totally take away from the elegance of the dress.. BUT! Since I am wearing a 2nd dress, which will be worn during the reception..I figured that was my chance.

After months of looking....I did come across several gorgeous pairs of heels...the only problem is...the heel would be too high or too $$! Since I am a therapist...I strut in a pair of nice New Balance sneakers daily...for years! High heel shoes..well haven't always been my best friend. We really don't get along that well... especially at the end of the evening... I was not about to have that ordeal during one of the most memorable days in my life :)

The searching came to a halt...when I stepped into DSW Shoes...and tried on several pairs of Nina Shoes...and soon as I saw these cuties I was sold... They were a nice height and they had an adorable little bow. When I tried on my 2nd dress at the store, the assistant told me to throw on a pair of black heels...and I did...and I was sold...black heels actually made the dress so stylish!

Are you going with the latest trend? Color heels?

Debbie Downer...

I have been searching for a floral piece since..like forever!! So, when I came across these online at Etsy I thought my prayers had been answered. Until I opened it up to find myself not smiling. I guess I was expecting something a bit more even color...I do like the center of the flower but the ends of some of the petals are just too yellow?! Take a look for yourself. Maybe I am over-reacting... maybe not... I will be taking them with me to the hair trial to see if they work...but in the mean time I am back to searching...and trying not to be a debbie downer...
.

photo : ME

Any suggestions as to where I should be looking ?
Have a great Wednesday!

Our Very First!

Yesterday my neighbor sent me a text saying, "You have a very big package sitting outside your door!" huh...? I didn't order anything that big! But then, once I saw what the box said...a huge smile splashed across my face! It seriously felt like Christmas morning :) Our very first wedding gift! One of my Mother's friends sent it (to California) knowing how difficult it will be for us to get stuff back out west. I immediately called the Fiance to tell him the good news and with him on the phone I opened the gift!! I love C&B!

Little man had to smell the gift! Wow, after receiving our official first wedding gift...it is definitely making it all feel real!

What was your first wedding gift?

THANK YOU UNAL FAMILY!

Okay...{ugh}

Before we set our date...picked a venue...it was decided early in the planning that we wanted an adult only wedding/reception. I appologize if this offends some people and makes absolutely no sense..this is our decision. {that was bold, so unlike me!}

One major reason why we are going this route; $$ & $$. Hopefully when the day comes..the parents will look at it as a night without the kids and to have some fun together!

This was a very hard post to type up today...I just feel regardless of how we approach it....someone is going to be upset...but then I think...."We are paying for that whole day, this is our day!" We also sent out our STD's very early in advance and I put up a little blurb in our website stating the adult only wedding. I also feel we have done a good job spreading the word verbally to our guests so they have plenty of time to find someone to watch the kiddies.

What made me think to write this today?? Well, I was checking up on my daily Hazelnut Photography Blog and came across these adorable "details" for children at a wedding...if we were going this route..especially having an outdoor reception..or a farm wedding.....I mean how adorable are those lolipops?!

photos: Hazelnut Photography

Are any of you opting for an adult only wedding? Feeling bold today?

Stamps

We want to incorporate our little man, Kingston, somehow in our wedding. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the hotel so physically including him in our big day will not work. So, off to other ideas!

I want to make custom Kingston mailing stamps for our invitations. So, we need to figure out which picture would be perfect! He is a very photogenic pup!

Kingston had hip surgery last month and is still growing his hair back on his back two legs. Let me tell you how hard it was to hand him over....go and visit him....and pick him up the next day. We were emotionally exhausted!! Well, he is not recovering too well and me being a therapist..we have decided to take him to CARE rehab center in Santa Monica for physical therapy :) His first visit will be this Thursday and I am sooo ready for it to start! We hate to see him hop around..keeping his leg up and afraid of bearing weight. You can kinda see in the first 2 pics towards his back legs...his short hair growing back :( He looks much better now.

photos: ME

Kingston is known for his ears...we are leaning towards the one above..

Which one do you suggest for us to use for our postage?

There are two sites I have found to use: Zazzle.com or Stamps.com

Has anyone had any experience with either one?

Happy Monday!

Napkins have arrived!

So, I love receiving packages..letters in the mail!!! When I saw a rather large envelope on top of the mailbox I hoped it be either my flower hair piece or the napkins...

photo: ME

They are exactly what I wanted for cocktail hour. I highly recommend Terequade from Etsy. I am not sure if she can do monogram work etc.. but she is definitely worth checking out! It was also a quick turn around.

Wrap it Up!

When I fly home at the end of March I will be making a stop at my florist. I will be finalizing everything {yikes} and the last little detail I need to figure out is if I want to add anything to my bouquet. I have come across several different options!

1.

photo via: Nicole Green

2. 3.

4.

There are many different styles...My favorites are option 1 & 2. I also love the idea of a locket... hmm..

What are you doing for your bouquet? How did you decide what you wanted? Did anything influence your decision? I'm looking for something vintage for my bouquet... any suggestions? Is there someone who sells bouquet wraps?

Back to Cake....

So, after listening to all of your opinions...(thank you by the way!!) I thought I was settled...until I came across this cake! Am I crazy or is this a perfect cake for our setting? Soon as I saw it I thought of a tree...the way the icing is put on...it reminds me of bark on a tree. Our cake will only be 4 tiers.

Photo credit: The Knot

Then, I pictured these two adorable cuties standing around the cake..or making sure the tiers are deep enough for one of the birds stand so it can look down at the other.....

I found these on Etsy from seller Middleburg Shop. I mean, they would fit right in with the other blue birds on the invites...etc.. Oh my! What do you think? A family member does not prefer this cake...and my friends say they do..or they just being nice :) My wedding coordinator just told me loved it... so votes are looking good...

Thoughts?? I guess I like how the cake reminds me of the bark on a tree... OR should I stick with a smooth...simple one!? The other question is...should I splurge and get these cuties?

Placecards

When it came to figuring out which way to go with seating...there was a million different ways to go about it! Since we must show the servers which meal option each guest requested..I must do cards at each setting. The other obstacle that I had to work with is the limited space to put all placecards without being blown away...etc. At the venue, the coordinator showed me the area that is typically used for placecards and at first sight I did a little yikes...It was directly aside of the door! A million thoughts..."blown away" or "knocked over" omg... So, it will be a little extra work but {sigh} I will do a chart and placecards. I think having the board will keep things simple too!

My inspiration seating board:

We will be having many more tables but I love how simple it is. I absolutely love the frame. It is classy yet sticks with the theme of nature. I found these pictures from Once Wed. Now my next task is to find a frame like the one above but a bit larger.

The placecards have already been designed and need a couple adjustments but this can give you an idea. I really love the three little characters:)

My placecards:

Since I will already have a chart with which table they are at I will remove "table" and I think move my cuties over to the left. Then, simply circle which meal they choose. I have already asked Jessica, from Penned & Pretty to do all the caligraphy for the placecards! Please give design credit to Teresa VanWagner. I also think..the green on the placecards will give a little color to the table.

Napkins!

So, today I put in my order for some personalized cocktail napkins! If you are looking for someone please check out Terequade's Shop at Etsy. She was really easy to work with and made any changes that I wanted. I paid about 20.00 for 50 napkins. (shipping included) Honestly, I didn't compare prices with anyone...I just went with it. She got back to me immediately and I am anxious to have them in my hands!

My inspiration for what to put on the napkins came from the picture below. Great conversation starters! It just adds a little detail! I hope to keep one for myself :)

photo: Unknown

So...Fresh!

I fell in love with these pictures from the talented Jenna Walker. I just had to share : ) Infact..the brides' dress...kinda reminds me of mine...hence..the attraction? On another note....That is one happy couple!

I mean seriously...you couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

photo: Jenna Walker Photography