Honey-to-Be Excitement

I discovered last night from some friends’ of ours about how truly excited Honey-to-Be is with the progress I have made. I found out that similar to those couples with brag books hidden everywhere they go – he has been showing anyone that steps foot near his (or their) computer EVERY PICTURE that I have sent him regarding the wedding. Engagement pictures, venue, ring – the works!

I am, while on the surface, laughing it off – absolutely thrilled deep, down inside that he is this happy with my planning thus far. The fact he is that happy with anything I found is not only a pat on my back, but a deep relief. Having to tackle the decisions alone in another city for the most part, has left me worried that he won’t love it – and with this reaction, I know that I am right on track.

Also, the way he beams and shows everyone my e-ring, awaiting (and loving) to hear their reaction – is well, endearing. Even with me constantly reminding him, that it is just a ring and I will love whatever he picked out for me; he is ecstatic that this fantastic ring fit into his modest budget – and is happy to get every girl’s reaction when he announces the engagement news.

I am, on the other hand, am still working on telling people – it’s not that I am not happy, I just don’t like to be the center of attention. I always fear that once I start talking – I won’t stop, and someone will be bored to tears at the hand of my wedding talk. I would much rather talk about them than about myself….a foreign concept to many. Any suggestions on “faking it”? How has your honey-to-be shown his support?

A Different Kind of Reading Material

I have recently, like any good bride-to-be, taken up new reading material. I figured I should be well versed in every aspect of weddings possible, so as the day approaches quickly, I will not be overwhelmed. (At least in my mind, this is the simple plan….)

Books I am currently reading to discover the untold secrets of wedding planning and the best way to remain a sane bride are:

1001 Ways to Save Money...and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, by Sharon Naylor

This book is chalk full of gold nuggets! There are literally 1001 tips and it is a wonderful place to start for novice planners, such as myself. The in’s and out’s that you would never think of to save money here and there. Also, it gives tips on how to not be snowed under and pushed around by vendors and their contracts. *I would have never dreamed that wedding vendors would do some of the devious, hide clauses in your contract shenanigans, but I guess that is what they are counting on – your pure marital bliss to take over your better judgment!

For Richer, Not Poorer: The Newlyweds' Financial Survival Guide, by Deborah Wilburn.
A wonderful book outlining the ins and outs of tackling tough financial questions that MUST be answered before you and your honey-to-be say “I do”. Even a financial worksheet so you can both show all your cards (the good – assets, the bad – debt) and know what you are marrying into. Since money is cited as one of the leading reasons for divorce, this gives you the tools and questions to approach the money talk and combat and prevent any issues you may run into down the road.



A More Perfect Union: How I Survived the Happiest Day of My Life, by Hana Schank.
A much needed, dry-humor (which I love), that keeps me laughing and my spirits high. I feel as though Hana gets it – unlike all of the ones I love that know only the high-side of wedding planning, not the low-lows.

I will post the priceless secrets and quirky anecdotes I discover through my reading.

Each book is under $ and linked to either Half or Amazon, whichever price I found to be the cheaper.
Love!

Forgive Me Now...

I'm going to try and keep you up to date on everything that I did this past weekend, but it will take a few days. What a whirlwind of events in Savannah, GA. I arrived Thursday evening and left Monday afternoon - so the number of checks on my to-do list still baffles me.

Things I will be touching on soon-ish!

I met the photographer (loved!), wedding planner (love - but will need to make deicions), found a venue, fell in love with my chapel, and possibly reserve the rehersal dinner location. In three days, I got the "big-one's" checked off and am feeling better about this whole destination thing.



Love!

Selecting Wedding Colors

Now – I have always thought I knew what my colors should be. Pink. I love it – it’s pretty – and everyone looks fabulous wearing it.

Then I woke-up from this dream and realized, having a pink wedding is slightly cruel to my honey-to-be, his groomsman and it is an obvious and predictable choice for me. (Anyone that knows me would assume that my wedding would be pink; pink=kryptonite!)

So back to the drawing board: I selected a tiffany blue/turquoise, silver, white, with touches of black, for contrast. I have true passion for the turquoise blue and steel gray due to the fact they are my sorority’s colors.

So, when I saw a quiz on the Knot yesterday, What Wedding Colors Suit You Best?, saying it would show me my true bridal color destiny – I thought it might be fun. I can be open-minded (sometimes?), maybe this quiz will open my eyes to some fantastic color palette that no one, not even me, would expect for my wedding.

Here are my quiz results:

"Traditional Color Combinations"

Seriously? I am that predictable. A quiz that consists of four questions was able to nail me to a T what exactly my wedding “look” should be. I don’t know whether to be impressed or pissed that I am as readable as a book, and maybe even a little on the boring vanilla side of life. (Which, might I add; vanilla is a color the Knot selected for my wedding palette – touché)

Dallas Market Hall Sample Sale

Dallas Market Hall's

Bridal, Quinceanera & Special Occasion Event

Sunday October 21st, 2007 to Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

Now, I have heard from a reliable source that this is the place to be! If you are as crazy/intense as I am about saving money for your big day – I defiantly recommend you check out the Dallas Mark Hall Bridal Event.


DMC (Dallas Market Center) has recently changed all of their events to run Sunday through Wednesday (use to be Thursday through Sunday) making it even harder for the working girl. From what I hear about this sale, taking a day off from work would be well worth it!

The last day of the Bridal Market Sale – most vendors host a sample sale so they don’t have to cart things back home; making this the Mother of All Sample Sales. There is everything from dresses (!), veils, shoes, guest books, and everything else under the sun! The prices are fantastic “vendor” pricing and it is well worth ever minute of searching it might take.

I will be posting more details about the sale as the date approaches. Feel free to email me questions – I just wanted to give everyone a heads-up so you can “call in sick” early enough!

Love!

Leaving in a White Suit

Since we will be having a weekend of festivities (Friday night – Rehearsal and a Low Country Boil, Saturday – the wedding, Sunday – a Sunday brunch) - I need a weekend's worth of fabulous attire. During the Sunday brunch, I envision myself in a fantastic, little white suit witha skirt or dress.

Harder to find than one might think! I suffer from a very serious condition (if you know the name – please – do tell). I inherited it from my mother. Once I have pictured what I want in my mind, I will stop at nothing to get it. I have envisioned a little, white/cream, possibly brocade, high necked dress (or a-line skirt), with a little cropped jacket, with ¾ length sleeves and scoop collar necklace.

I have a picture of one similar to what I want by Oscar De La Renta.

It was featured in Brides magazine this summer.



My mother and I even stopped by a Bridal Sample Sale recently at Warren Barrón and saw it there. It was marked down from the $4,000 tag to a little under $2,000. (I could not possibly spend two thousand dollars on a white suit, when I paid under $250 for two wedding dresses!)

Besides, Oscar went a little nuts with large flower covered buttons on the front. Hate to say it - but it was even too much for me...if you can imagine such a thing. But, he was close to getting the look right…
The search is on….and Lord, help me find this suit!

It is harder than one would think. Most websites do not offer an easy way to search for the outfit you put on after your gown...my best recommendations - find something in the summer - towards the end. This is right after they start stocking their shelves full of taupes, blacks, and grays for the fall season -sending anything white directly to clearance. (At unbelievable prices...)

I am definitely a Budget Bride, but am unwilling to compromise my style or taste!

Seriously?

Now this is just b.c. it made me giggle



Not to offend anyone - especially if this is your look - but what was Oscar de la Renta thinking?

Oh Oscar! How could you?