I love ice cream. Especially Molly Moon's ice cream. Oh, if I could eat their Honey Lavender ice cream every day, I certainly would. I briefly dreamed about having Molly Moon's come out to our reception with their truck, but quickly realized that wouldn't be very feasible. The parking lot is not all that close to the reception room, and we're not allowed to have food outside of the room, which would mean everyone would leave the room for ice cream and probably have to eat it outside in the parking lot. Meh, not a great plan in my mind. I'm sure we could have them bring ice cream inside, but without the charm of the truck and since we're already planning to have cake AND cookies, it seemed like overkill.
Then I started thinking about the rehearsal dinner, and what we're thinking about doing for that. Dino and I were talking, and I assured him we would only have people involved at the actual rehearsal, but we agreed that it might be nice to invite out of town guests to a pre-wedding meal, just to get to see people a little more. That means we might end up with a lot more than we would want to pay for to have a meal in a restaurant, plus if it is nice weather, it would be nice to have the dinner outside at a park or something.
Which brings me back to ice cream! Seattle has so many fantastic food trucks right now, with amazing food, so it would be great to get a food truck for dinner, and Molly Moon's for dessert, to share with our guests! This is just my brainstorm, I haven't contacted anyone yet, but I am hoping Dino, his parents, my parents, and anyone else involved loves it too so I can get the ball rolling! I so want to include the best ice cream ever in our celebration!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Some little things
It sounds little, but I now have inspiration for my first DIY project! A long time ago, I saw a picture of rings tied to a tree for a ring warming. Maybe something like this (although I feel like the original one I saw was just rings on the tree with a sign, no heart and stuff - though this is very cute!)
From the first moment I heard about ring warmings, I love it, but didn't like the idea of taking time in the ceremony to pass the rings though everyone. Especially not at a wedding with 175 guests (or so!). This idea of having the rings in a location as the guests come in seems much more doable, and I love it! One problem: our ceremony will be taking place outside on the lawn, where there is not a single tree in a convenient location. So, aside from bringing in our own tree (which we might do elsewhere... stay tuned!), this idea wasn't going to work exactly like this.
But I wasn't about to give up on the idea of a ring warming prior to the ceremony! No way Jose. I figured I probably want a guest book or at least programs set up outside for guests to stop at before taking a seat for the ceremony, so I'll probably have a table out there, right? Perfect! So, guests will approach the table, sign a guest book, see the rings and a sign informing them what to do for the ring warming, and then grab a program. All at one station!
So I won't have a tree to hang the rings from, but I still like the idea of a tree-like-object, and I still want them to hang, rather than be loose in a bowl or something. At the mall on Saturday I saw something that inspired me to start thinking seriously about making such a tree-like-object to hang the rings from, and I snuck a picture:
It is essentially a jewelry holder, but I intend to make a similar structure, altered to better fit my purposes. I don't want the leaf bowl at the bottom, and maybe we can incorporate some real flowers and leaves into my version, but I love the curved stem. I'm thinking to make it out of thick wire, with some help from Dino and my MOH. It might take a few tries, but I have a feeling it will be worth it to get exactly what I'm envisioning!
So I might finally start dipping my toes in the DIY pool. I am so glad!
Next up, deciding on fonts and overall looks (chevrons maybe?!?!?!) to let me start taking on MORE DIY!!!!
Image from Offbeat Bride, http://offbeatbride.com/2010/04/pi-day-farm-wedding
From the first moment I heard about ring warmings, I love it, but didn't like the idea of taking time in the ceremony to pass the rings though everyone. Especially not at a wedding with 175 guests (or so!). This idea of having the rings in a location as the guests come in seems much more doable, and I love it! One problem: our ceremony will be taking place outside on the lawn, where there is not a single tree in a convenient location. So, aside from bringing in our own tree (which we might do elsewhere... stay tuned!), this idea wasn't going to work exactly like this.
But I wasn't about to give up on the idea of a ring warming prior to the ceremony! No way Jose. I figured I probably want a guest book or at least programs set up outside for guests to stop at before taking a seat for the ceremony, so I'll probably have a table out there, right? Perfect! So, guests will approach the table, sign a guest book, see the rings and a sign informing them what to do for the ring warming, and then grab a program. All at one station!
So I won't have a tree to hang the rings from, but I still like the idea of a tree-like-object, and I still want them to hang, rather than be loose in a bowl or something. At the mall on Saturday I saw something that inspired me to start thinking seriously about making such a tree-like-object to hang the rings from, and I snuck a picture:
Picture by me, from inside Fuego
It is essentially a jewelry holder, but I intend to make a similar structure, altered to better fit my purposes. I don't want the leaf bowl at the bottom, and maybe we can incorporate some real flowers and leaves into my version, but I love the curved stem. I'm thinking to make it out of thick wire, with some help from Dino and my MOH. It might take a few tries, but I have a feeling it will be worth it to get exactly what I'm envisioning!
So I might finally start dipping my toes in the DIY pool. I am so glad!
Next up, deciding on fonts and overall looks (chevrons maybe?!?!?!) to let me start taking on MORE DIY!!!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
In the Mood.. for Food!
This weekend we made a trip I've been trying to get us to take for quite awhile... To a restaurant that does catering, one I've been longing to have as a caterer for our wedding! I went to brunch there with some friends over 6 months ago, and haven't been able to get back since, so I basically forced Dino to go to brunch there with me on Sunday. This particular restaurant has 3 locations, all about a half hour away from our house, and is only open for brunch on the weekends, so it limited our available visits. But we finally went, and it was as amazing as I remembered...
The restaurant? Portage Bay Cafe. They have a focus on local, organic, sustainable foods, which makes me incredibly happy, with seasonal ingredients and somewhat of a northwest feel to the cuisine. Naturally, we've only been able to try brunch foods, but everything looks, smells, and tastes AMAZING, so I have a feeling their dinners would be delicious as well. The sample menu on their website sure looks great!
So now I'm trying to organize my caterers to figure out when we can meet with various companies to get more information, and maybe a tasting or two! My mom told me that one of the things she really wanted to be involved in was the catering decision, specifically the tasting, so I want to make sure she can attend. Something interesting about that, though, is my dad mentioned she's been experiencing some weird side effects from the chemo in regards to her tastes. Things she usually loves, she doesn't like right now, and foods she used to hate, she is really enjoying. So my dad wanted to make sure HE could come along too, because he isn't trusting her taste buds right now!
Anyway, glad I finally have Dino on board for checking out Portage Bay, and I'm feeling that much closer to checking another item off! Slowly but surely...
The restaurant? Portage Bay Cafe. They have a focus on local, organic, sustainable foods, which makes me incredibly happy, with seasonal ingredients and somewhat of a northwest feel to the cuisine. Naturally, we've only been able to try brunch foods, but everything looks, smells, and tastes AMAZING, so I have a feeling their dinners would be delicious as well. The sample menu on their website sure looks great!
So now I'm trying to organize my caterers to figure out when we can meet with various companies to get more information, and maybe a tasting or two! My mom told me that one of the things she really wanted to be involved in was the catering decision, specifically the tasting, so I want to make sure she can attend. Something interesting about that, though, is my dad mentioned she's been experiencing some weird side effects from the chemo in regards to her tastes. Things she usually loves, she doesn't like right now, and foods she used to hate, she is really enjoying. So my dad wanted to make sure HE could come along too, because he isn't trusting her taste buds right now!
Anyway, glad I finally have Dino on board for checking out Portage Bay, and I'm feeling that much closer to checking another item off! Slowly but surely...
Monday, September 17, 2012
Growing Old Together
Today I found a blog that has touched me so much more than I expected. It is written by a woman who is later in life, having been married for over 50 years and raising 3 kids. Earlier this year, her husband died. It struck so many chords with me to read from before his passing to now, how she is dealing and what life is like for her. It was simply amazing, and she was so well spoken/written.
Right now, in my life, we're so excited and looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together, but it is so scary and sad to think about how that won't be forever. I used to have trouble relying on another person, but now... I have turned almost clingy and rely so much on him being there. I can't even imagine the pain this woman is going through, waking up each morning only to realize he's not there, cooking alone for one, not having a companion to go on adventures with and to joke with and talk with. Of course, after illness and pain, death can be a relief in some ways, but I can't imagine it would be easy in the slightest to lose someone you love, no matter the circumstances.
I know this is depressing, but I don't think we really examine the whole "'til death do us part" aspect of marriage. What comes after? We're vowing to be there together, through thick and thin, up until one or the other spouse dies. Then what? I don't have an answer to that question, and it sucks to think about, but I will be pondering it for a bit.
Right now, in my life, we're so excited and looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together, but it is so scary and sad to think about how that won't be forever. I used to have trouble relying on another person, but now... I have turned almost clingy and rely so much on him being there. I can't even imagine the pain this woman is going through, waking up each morning only to realize he's not there, cooking alone for one, not having a companion to go on adventures with and to joke with and talk with. Of course, after illness and pain, death can be a relief in some ways, but I can't imagine it would be easy in the slightest to lose someone you love, no matter the circumstances.
I know this is depressing, but I don't think we really examine the whole "'til death do us part" aspect of marriage. What comes after? We're vowing to be there together, through thick and thin, up until one or the other spouse dies. Then what? I don't have an answer to that question, and it sucks to think about, but I will be pondering it for a bit.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Say Cheese!!!
It looks like we have a photographer! I don't want to jinx it by posting her name yet, but she was so wonderful and energetic and fun to meet with in person, and I want to have someone like that around on my wedding day. We met the other evening, and it really seems like it will work out! Not only do we have random connections to her partner/second shooter, but we've seen her in action at another friend's wedding, and they loved her. So I'm glad to have that mostly decided!
All that is left is signing a contract and sending a deposit! But she needs to send us the contract and the price so we can get that going. It might be a scary big number, but I feel really good about supporting her business, and she is very talented. We'll be doing some engagement photos with her too, as well as with my brother's friend.
Another bonus - she had a ton of recommendations for other vendors, so we might be able to get the rest of this planning knocked out soon! Ha, right, if only it was that easy. But I already contacted the DJ she suggested, and might set up a time to meet. I still kind of want to meet with the random DJ we sat next to on the plane to Vegas, if only just because it'd be like "Oh hey, we met you on that plane ride, remember? Yeah!" and it would be totally weird.
Last thing I need to arrange is setting up another dress appointment, but I'm having trouble getting Dino to give me his mom's email or phone number to see when she might be available! But our photographer recommended the bridal store I want to go to next anyway, and gave me a name for a consultant to ask for, so I'm hoping we can make it work soon.
Woo! It feels like I'm finally accomplishing things!!
All that is left is signing a contract and sending a deposit! But she needs to send us the contract and the price so we can get that going. It might be a scary big number, but I feel really good about supporting her business, and she is very talented. We'll be doing some engagement photos with her too, as well as with my brother's friend.
Another bonus - she had a ton of recommendations for other vendors, so we might be able to get the rest of this planning knocked out soon! Ha, right, if only it was that easy. But I already contacted the DJ she suggested, and might set up a time to meet. I still kind of want to meet with the random DJ we sat next to on the plane to Vegas, if only just because it'd be like "Oh hey, we met you on that plane ride, remember? Yeah!" and it would be totally weird.
Last thing I need to arrange is setting up another dress appointment, but I'm having trouble getting Dino to give me his mom's email or phone number to see when she might be available! But our photographer recommended the bridal store I want to go to next anyway, and gave me a name for a consultant to ask for, so I'm hoping we can make it work soon.
Woo! It feels like I'm finally accomplishing things!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Photographer!
Oh goodness, I am starting to feel like we're back on track! We've gone to try on dresses twice now (just waiting for a good weekend for my FMIL and mom to both be available and healthy to go for a third appointment), and we've made a huuuuuuge decision! Well, not 100% decided and booked, but it took so long to get to this point that it's worth celebrating!
That's right, we have found a photographer we both love and feel would be a great fit. I don't want to jinx it, since I still need to set up a time for us to meet with her, but it's so exciting! She even has our date open still!
The funny part is we have a bit of a connection to her. I was compiling the world's longest list of potential photographers, and then trying to pare it down to ones whose style I loved and were still at least semi-affordable. Meanwhile, Dino's former roommate's girlfriend (right?) was telling him to check out his former roommate's sister and her partner's photography. I had kind of dismissed it, like, oh sure, I bet they are great. When Dino and I finally sat down to look at the websites for the ones I liked the most from my list, one photographer in particular stood out, with clean, beautiful photography. Then out of curiosity we started searching for the former roommate's sister, and that same photographer's site kept coming up. We eventually figured out the sister is the second shooter for that photographer, and we are so pleased! So I am hoping it is fate and will work out, because seriously. Such pretty pictures.
So now I'm crossing my fingers that we'll get along well with her, and that my parents will not freak at the slightly high price tag (but it's so worth it!!! These pictures will last forever, right? I'm willing to pay for part myself!!).
That's right, we have found a photographer we both love and feel would be a great fit. I don't want to jinx it, since I still need to set up a time for us to meet with her, but it's so exciting! She even has our date open still!
The funny part is we have a bit of a connection to her. I was compiling the world's longest list of potential photographers, and then trying to pare it down to ones whose style I loved and were still at least semi-affordable. Meanwhile, Dino's former roommate's girlfriend (right?) was telling him to check out his former roommate's sister and her partner's photography. I had kind of dismissed it, like, oh sure, I bet they are great. When Dino and I finally sat down to look at the websites for the ones I liked the most from my list, one photographer in particular stood out, with clean, beautiful photography. Then out of curiosity we started searching for the former roommate's sister, and that same photographer's site kept coming up. We eventually figured out the sister is the second shooter for that photographer, and we are so pleased! So I am hoping it is fate and will work out, because seriously. Such pretty pictures.
So now I'm crossing my fingers that we'll get along well with her, and that my parents will not freak at the slightly high price tag (but it's so worth it!!! These pictures will last forever, right? I'm willing to pay for part myself!!).
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