practice makes perfect

We were lucky enough to have our rehearsal dinner at our favorite local Chinese restaurant. It's family owned, super friendly, and incredibly delicious. Since we were having a full chinese buffet for our rehearsal dinner (and our 30something guest list), we though having these fun finger fortunes would be cool as favors.

I designed what I wanted the layout to look like, and the fortunes inside. Then Mel designed the look of them, with just a little bit of direction. I think they came out great, and we were able to connect the kind of feeling that the wedding day would have, during the rehearsal dinner.

The pictures aren't great (with the restaurant's dim lighting), but he also designed a menu that we displayed with the alcoholic drinks available. Since we weren't including any of that for the rehearsal, we wanted something displayed to allow guests to order it for themselves. Something small, but we were really happy we had a few little touches to the rehearsal dinner.

Married life.

So I went MIA just before the wedding, so I apologize for that. But really, what did you expect? I was planning a wedding, working fulltime, and busy being completely awesome! There was no time for blogging.

But guess what kiddos, now there is.

I fully intend on kind of wrapping up with all the prewedding, and wedding details through a series of posts.

How's the married life? It's bamf. Is it always peaches and cream? Hell no. It's not always going to be easy, we know that. But we've also been together for over nine years. So we've been through a lot. But being married, definitely an upgrade.

I would recommend it to anyone.

You can call me Mrs. Flamingofluffy, thanks.

Consider this girl legit.

shoutout to my bomb ass bridesmaids.

I couldn't have asked for a better Bridal Shower. Thank you soso much.
[And- Mrs. Dale, Melissa Uno, Joe, Jon, and the Love. You all rock hardcore.]

best week ever: installment dos.

So, my first hair trial was a bust. But here's a shot from the do-over. It's a different type of curl, that the stylist took the curling iron, and went back and forth to create the "wave" effect. I wanted so badly to have a head full of waves, NOT CURLS, unlike my first hair appointment. To complete the look, I'll add the birdcage veil with a flower fascinator, for the ceremony. Then I'll switch to a jeweled headband during the reception.

I'm super excited.

best week ever: installment uno.

This has been THE best week ever. Hands down.

First, I had my dress fitting. Now let me tell you, when I first picked up my dress- it didn't fit. Not like, it was a little snug.
It wouldn't zipper, AT ALL. So needless to say, I've been freakin' a bit since then.
So when the alterations person steps in to help me zipper the dress, and it goes RIGHT up, I about threw up with relief. I was shocked. So shocked, that it took me about fifteen minutes of her telling me that it fit fine, and that there really wasn't anything that needed alterations.

Except- that it was a bit too big.

Say what?

valentine's day inspirado.

These have officially made it onto the "must have photos" list.

Dear Ulta Hair Stylist,

Thank you for being there for me, when I had no one to turn to.

Thank you for being somewhat affordable.

Thank you for offering to set an appointment for a bridesmaid at the same time so that I don't have to spend my whole morning at your salon.

Thank you for giving me hope, that my hair will kick ass.

Love always*,

me.

*My love is under the condition that you make my wedding day hair rock, just as you have promised. Or all bets are off.

boys boys boys.

In the spirit of it having been Superbowl Sunday, here ya go.

Now that I've gotten than out of the way...

My love got his tuxedo ordered! Woot! And he set up the account for the groomsmen. Double woot! On top of that, we ordered his wedding band tonight. Now, hopefully it fits, and is just as wonderful in person as it looks online.

I'll be honest, this has been an extremely accomplished weekend.

centerpieces, 25% check.

I've ordered the rock candy supplies!!

For those who haven't a CLUE what I'm talking about.....

♥

sign on the dotted line.

We haven't committed to a guest book, but I think this would rock. Having a vintage-styled poster for our friends and family to sign, so that we could frame it later in our home.

I've looked a bit online, and so far have found a few options.

Like the one above and below from spreadthelove.

Or even this one from lovliday.

Now, I've just got to find the one I love.

j. love your fabulous hair.

I went to a hair trial.

oy vey.

It didn't exactly turn out how I thought it would.

I came prepared with pictures, texture inspiration, and my wedding day hair accessories. Here I thought, okay this is going to rock! I'm going to go in, give exact pictures of what I want my hair to look like.... and I'm going to leave with some badass hair.

I'm an idiot.

Here's what actually happened.

I am hoping for some mad waves, like Jennifer Love Hewitt has in Ghost Whisperer. I'm wearing a birdcage veil, and have plans on eventually switching out to a pearl + rhinestone headband. So I wanted to have my hair down, with pretty waves. Less prom curls, more natural chic.

Well I went in, and realized that my [amazing] hair stylist is skilled in blow outs, straightening, and color. Wait, that's not exactly what I want for my wedding day do'. Dang. So shame on me, for expecting something of a professional, who has in the past said he wasn't as skilled in updos and in styles [like the exact one I wanted].

So after simmering down, I called up another salon and booked a consultation with someone else. Cross your fingers for me.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have a more promising update on all things hair.

wedding pocketbook.

To all my budget brides out there, do you ever feel anxious about sticking to the bottom line?

No? Stop lying.

Now that there are 44 days left before the wedding (ACK!), the wedding pocketbook gets opened pretty often. So I find myself constantly writing lists, making calendars, and trying to feel as organized as possible. We've tried to stay away from unneccessary expenses, and things we just don't need. But so many brides mention that things are going to "pop up," and extra money will just be spent.

So I continue making lists. Continue micromanaging our checkbook. I am determined to not overspend. I am determined to stay smart, and not fall in love with something adorable that I must have for the wedding [that I will probably never remember years later].

Wish me luck.

swoon.

the colors. the calligraphy. the pretty details.

new fave.

"My favourite brides are the ones who realise it's a great day no matter what happens. So what if the groomsmen get a little drunk, or you get lip gloss on you gown before your walk down the aisle? Don't let all the little speed bumps bother you".

-Todd Ficus, Event Designer

Saw this on my new blog hot spot, 99+ Forever. Check it out. Srsly.

OOT guests

I was thinking of printing these up for some OOT bags for our guests. This is a perfect example of one of those, "If there's time, this would be way cool." So if it doesn't happen, it's totally fine.

But, I know I'd like to put something together for our out of town guests, to help make their stay a little more comfortable. From the weddings I've already attended, receiving a little something was a really nice treat.

Now don't get me wrong, it's not like they ever MADE the trip. Or actually helped the out of town stay a little easier. But, it made me feel included. Receiving something that was put together, made me feel like I was being thought of.

And that's what I want our guests to feel. Loved.

So some ideas of things to include: directions, timeline, phone numbers, thank you card, and some delicious treats.

::coughcough::

That's where these adorable treats tags come in.

class participation, please.

It's about time to get to work on our finger fortunes, which will double as escort cards. Every finger fortune will have the guest's name printed onto a flap, and the table they are seated at under a flap.

Now what about the other stuff?

I want to write some fun fortune inspired questions on the flaps for the guests to play along with... but I need some help coming up with ideas. Got some?

Psst!

My wedding band has been ordered.

triple word love.

This is the definition of a cool ring shot.

come get your ear of corn.

A wedding with truly original, and bamf invitations. Jealous.
At Once Wed