Poor Dino. He puts up with a lot. He wanted us to be married by now, and the fact that I decided we should wait over a year is probably killing him. He's told me on many occasions that he just wants to be married already!
It's weird, though, to think about the timing. We got to arbitrarily pick a day that we would start our married life together. I wanted enough time to plan without stressing out (ha!), and we both wanted to be outside for a portion so the summer was ideal. A weekend made the most sense for our friends and family. Then we just picked a day we thought sounded good, and voila! Our wedding date, future anniversary date, and one of the most special days of our lives was decided!
Now I'm wondering if we should have moved the day closer to our engagement. It would definitely not suck to be married right now. I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to just BE MARRIED. It's not like all that much will change, right? I know some people say you feel different, but we're already living together, we're already acting as a support system for each other, and we're already taking care of each other. We won't know each other any better, presumably, and we won't change who we are, other than wearing a ring on a daily basis (and I already do that, so it'd just be another ring!), and my last name will change. We're not going to start trying to have kids anytime soon, even (not until after the next World Cup!). The #1 thing I'm looking forward to is being able to be on his health insurance - how romantic!
So I do want a wedding, and I would always regret it if we skipped that step, but I'm ready for it to be here already. I'm tired of making decisions and thinking about little details that honestly won't impact the day or our marriage much at all! I'm tired of thinking about money and budgets and worrying about who to invite.
I know this is just a moment of overwhelmed-ness, and that I'll get over it and back into the excitement soon, but for right now, I'm ready to just be married.
In the end, I am actually incredibly thankful that we picked a day next summer. I'm glad I have the time to stop and think about this stuff, and had the time to wrap my head around this event. But more than anything, I'm glad we are waiting for my mom. When we picked the day, we didn't know about her cancer. She's been fighting so hard lately, and it's taken a toll on her in so many ways, so I am glad she will get some time to fight, rest, and recover before all the wedding stuff rolls around. I can focus more of my time on her and trying to be there for her because I do have this time. I want her to be able to enjoy our wedding, without her health making it more difficult. I know she is looking forward to it, and I like to think that having the wedding coming up is just a little extra something good to think about.
Maybe the main reason I am ready to just be married already is because I am so impatient!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Smells Like Love!
Another wedding purchase made, debated, questioned, and reaffirmed!
It may be a silly little detail to some, but I've always loved the idea of having a "Wedding Day Purfume," one that will take you back to that day whenever you smell it, and can be used for romantic, special occasions afterwards. I always thought (for like, 2 or 3 years!) I would go with one scent in particular after smelling a sample, and had refrained buying it because I wanted to wait until I was engaged and actually planning to make that purchase.
That fragrance was FlowerbyKenzo. Sweet, light, and floral, it is summery, pleasant, and I loved how it smelled on my skin. I finally made a trip to Sephora on a Saturday to give it another try, and potentially buy it, and while I was there another bottle caught my eye, and I happened to try a spray on my right wrist, with FlowerbyKenzo on the left wrist. Hm. I couldn't stop smelling my right wrist all afternoon, and walked out of the store having not made a purchase.
On Monday, I couldn't handle it, I had to go try this random find again, but I couldn't remember the name for the life of me! I searched the Sephora website, hoping the look of the bottle would jog my memory. I remembered a pink, angular bottle, and at the store I was at it was sitting kind of on its side. None of the pictures looked like that! So that evening, after work, I went to a different Sephora location, and tried to explain what I was looking for. I think the sales associate thought I was a little crazy, but tried to help me! But I mostly had to smell to find it, so I worked my way across their fragrance wall, when I found it!
Here it is! Flowerbomb by Victor&Rolf. I bought it that day, and sprayed a sample on my wrist again to make sure it was the one. Well, I got home, let Dino smell my wrist, and he thought it smelled "Baby-Powdery," which I took as a bad sign. I had some FlowerbyKenzo samples, and a KenzoAmour sample, so I sprayed those on, and was even more confused. What to do!
So this last weekend, we went back. I sprayed FlowerbyKenzo on one wrist, Flowerbomb on the other, and together we decided the Flowerbomb won! So I kept my previous purchase, opened it, and then set it aside for the wedding day. I hope I can resist sneaking smells now and again, it is just beautiful. Light but rich, floral and clean, kind of silky and just makes me happy.
One more decision down!
It may be a silly little detail to some, but I've always loved the idea of having a "Wedding Day Purfume," one that will take you back to that day whenever you smell it, and can be used for romantic, special occasions afterwards. I always thought (for like, 2 or 3 years!) I would go with one scent in particular after smelling a sample, and had refrained buying it because I wanted to wait until I was engaged and actually planning to make that purchase.
Image from Sephora.com
That fragrance was FlowerbyKenzo. Sweet, light, and floral, it is summery, pleasant, and I loved how it smelled on my skin. I finally made a trip to Sephora on a Saturday to give it another try, and potentially buy it, and while I was there another bottle caught my eye, and I happened to try a spray on my right wrist, with FlowerbyKenzo on the left wrist. Hm. I couldn't stop smelling my right wrist all afternoon, and walked out of the store having not made a purchase.
On Monday, I couldn't handle it, I had to go try this random find again, but I couldn't remember the name for the life of me! I searched the Sephora website, hoping the look of the bottle would jog my memory. I remembered a pink, angular bottle, and at the store I was at it was sitting kind of on its side. None of the pictures looked like that! So that evening, after work, I went to a different Sephora location, and tried to explain what I was looking for. I think the sales associate thought I was a little crazy, but tried to help me! But I mostly had to smell to find it, so I worked my way across their fragrance wall, when I found it!
Image from Sephora.com
Here it is! Flowerbomb by Victor&Rolf. I bought it that day, and sprayed a sample on my wrist again to make sure it was the one. Well, I got home, let Dino smell my wrist, and he thought it smelled "Baby-Powdery," which I took as a bad sign. I had some FlowerbyKenzo samples, and a KenzoAmour sample, so I sprayed those on, and was even more confused. What to do!
So this last weekend, we went back. I sprayed FlowerbyKenzo on one wrist, Flowerbomb on the other, and together we decided the Flowerbomb won! So I kept my previous purchase, opened it, and then set it aside for the wedding day. I hope I can resist sneaking smells now and again, it is just beautiful. Light but rich, floral and clean, kind of silky and just makes me happy.
One more decision down!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A Beautiful Dress!
This weekend, I went for a 3rd dress appointment. I was so hoping to find my dream dress with tulle, lace, bling, and an awesome shape, but apparently the dress I am looking for doesn't exist with bling. It does, however, exist without, and I think I might have found the one!
I hope Dino doesn't ever find this, because I want to put a picture here!!!
It has a matching bracelet and everything! It would add a little bling and something shiny. I'm thisclose to buying it too! It's only $73 for both, so I think I might... But I'm not convinced they would go perfectly with the dress. Hm.
And to top it off, I am thinking to return to Alfred Angelo for the veil they had there - it was beautiful with lace and beaded details, adding a little bling also.
So there you have it. I am hoping this might be it, my wedding outfit. I'm worried about pulling the trigger, though, on the dress, because it still does not have the sparkle on the dress that I was kind of hoping for. I tried on a white dress that was beaded all over, but totally the wrong shape for me, and my mom, who was previously in the No-Bling! camp, really liked it... But I love how the Dagen fits me, and how it transitions from lace to tulle so elegantly and ends up looking like I'm walking in a cloud. It also feels pretty summery to me, which is good.
Could someone just decide for me?
I hope Dino doesn't ever find this, because I want to put a picture here!!!
Image from Pronovias.US
There she is, the beautiful Pronovias Dagen (I only wish the name was a little prettier, and less dagger-like...). It is quite similar to the Alfred Angelo 867 that I also loved, except better. The bodice is more sculpted, and even more flattering. It doesn't have the eyelash lace along the top, which kind of bugged me. But it fits me just right, and flares out at the right spot for my body. I would probably get it in optical white, and have a corset back put in, as well as get/make a sash (not the one that you can buy with the dress), have a sparkly veil, and a chunky statement necklace. In fact, I think I found a great necklace contender!
Image from Etsy.com
It has a matching bracelet and everything! It would add a little bling and something shiny. I'm thisclose to buying it too! It's only $73 for both, so I think I might... But I'm not convinced they would go perfectly with the dress. Hm.
And to top it off, I am thinking to return to Alfred Angelo for the veil they had there - it was beautiful with lace and beaded details, adding a little bling also.
I think this was the one. Image from AlfredAngelo.com
So there you have it. I am hoping this might be it, my wedding outfit. I'm worried about pulling the trigger, though, on the dress, because it still does not have the sparkle on the dress that I was kind of hoping for. I tried on a white dress that was beaded all over, but totally the wrong shape for me, and my mom, who was previously in the No-Bling! camp, really liked it... But I love how the Dagen fits me, and how it transitions from lace to tulle so elegantly and ends up looking like I'm walking in a cloud. It also feels pretty summery to me, which is good.
Could someone just decide for me?
Monday, October 1, 2012
The Trouble with No Budget
My parents are beyond awesome. They have always spoiled me, and have insisted that they pay for this wedding. I can't complain, they are totally wonderful, know that it's my and Dino's wedding and though they get a little say, our decisions are final. They also trust me not to go crazy, as I am a pretty frugal person, and I can't imagine paying as much as some do for weddings.
The problem comes with narrowing down all of the infinite options. Finding a venue was easy, because we found a nice place that fit our requirements enough, and jumped on it before we lost the opportunity to have it. Photographer was even not that hard, though I tried to make it be more difficult. I made a huge list of as many photographers as I could find, then had to narrow down that list, and the one we both liked got us (of course, I tried to stay at a reasonable price, but for such an amazing photographer, I was okay stretching what I saw as reasonable).
Now I'm on to caterers. Our #1 option is no longer a realistic idea, so I'm back to square one. There are so many caterers out there, between traditional caterers and restaurants that will cater. Without a budget, I have no idea where to start narrowing the field. I don't particularly want to call every. single. one. on my list to set up meetings, because I don't have a ton of free time to go meet with people. We also haven't really determined what kind of food we're going for, aside from delicious. The only parameters that we have are that we want them to do set up and clean up for us, and we want them to let us choose the menu and bring in the drinks. Beyond that, the world is our oyster!
But that sucks. Too many options make me shut down and not want to even think about it. I know, we could have it way way worse, with a tiny budget that would only allow a couple of options, but it would be easier for me to choose between just a few. Then again, we can have whatever we want, really.
I guess the solution is to buckle down and start making calls. Am I the only one dealing with this overwhelming issue of too many options?
The problem comes with narrowing down all of the infinite options. Finding a venue was easy, because we found a nice place that fit our requirements enough, and jumped on it before we lost the opportunity to have it. Photographer was even not that hard, though I tried to make it be more difficult. I made a huge list of as many photographers as I could find, then had to narrow down that list, and the one we both liked got us (of course, I tried to stay at a reasonable price, but for such an amazing photographer, I was okay stretching what I saw as reasonable).
Now I'm on to caterers. Our #1 option is no longer a realistic idea, so I'm back to square one. There are so many caterers out there, between traditional caterers and restaurants that will cater. Without a budget, I have no idea where to start narrowing the field. I don't particularly want to call every. single. one. on my list to set up meetings, because I don't have a ton of free time to go meet with people. We also haven't really determined what kind of food we're going for, aside from delicious. The only parameters that we have are that we want them to do set up and clean up for us, and we want them to let us choose the menu and bring in the drinks. Beyond that, the world is our oyster!
But that sucks. Too many options make me shut down and not want to even think about it. I know, we could have it way way worse, with a tiny budget that would only allow a couple of options, but it would be easier for me to choose between just a few. Then again, we can have whatever we want, really.
I guess the solution is to buckle down and start making calls. Am I the only one dealing with this overwhelming issue of too many options?
Friday, September 28, 2012
Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
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!
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!
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...
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