2 years

This weekend was our 2 year anniversary and we decided to treat ourselves to a fancy restaurant that we wouldn't normally go to. We chose a new french restaurant called Mirlycourtois and it was amazing. So delicious.

No ring though...

I recently went to my tarot card reader, who informed me that my guy is procrastinating on proposing not because he doesn't love me but because he's comfortable, and that I need to start changing his mind because he'll take his sweet time if I don't do something. When I got home and he asked what she said, I decided to be blunt and tell him. Rather then deny it or completely ignore it, he agreed and said she's actually pretty accurate. End of discussion though. He didn't let me push him on why.

I need to practice patience and just be happy that he loves me...right?

To speak up or keep quiet

My boyfriend and I are approaching our 2 year anniversary in three weeks, and we've already passed our 1 year living together, and yet still no serious talk about engagement/weddings in our future.

Granted I talked to him about planning on having kids in about 3 years as I don't want to wait until I'm in my mid thirties for fear of affecting the probability of conceiving or having health issues with the baby. So it isn't like we don't talk about our future together but we NEVER talk directly about getting married.

Perhaps this is partially my fault. He is slow to act on any and everything. He's a worrier and a planner so if I don't start talking about things I want us to do they will never happen (ie babies or house renovations) because he doesn't like change and is happy to keep things the way they are since they work but when it comes to marriage I have this old fashion part of me that really wants to be surprised with a proposal.

I've been reading romance novels since I was twelve...I'm twenty seven now...so this is probably a main reason why I have this warped image of the perfect engagement, as opposed to the rest of my life that I live as a very modern woman - equality and all that stuff. Because of this I hesitate to bring up marriage in a direct conversation with him about us, just in case it turns into an agreement that we should get married and I miss the proposal!!! How unromantic is that?! Of course I realize that is completely ridiculous and now I'm debating about bringing it up with him and asking what's up. I just don't know how to broach this topic. It just never feels like the right time. It's on the tip of my tongue every day lately. I need to just bite the bullet!

Another Photobooth Option

I really like this option of a photobooth that I saw via Rock 'n Roll Bride

Logistics of preparing the food

I'm still set on the idea of a family style serving for the reception dinner, as I feel its more intimate but with the add specification of having the dinner at a location that doesn't provide access to a kitchen and wanting to self cater the majority, if not all of it, makes the menu difficult.
Previously I mentioned that I would like to serve savory pies but don't know how I would keep them warm. Sunday Suppers, a beautiful and mouthwatering blog, recently posted the mini savory pies they made for a picnic event. They talked about how pies keep their heat well. Does this mean I could have them cooked earlier and then store them in warmers until we served dinner? Would this not make the crust soft? If this works I would be ecstatic!

Also on Sunday Suppers I saw these gorgeous jars that they used to make individual salads. I'm not sure it would be practical for a 150 guest reception but perhaps at the welcome (picnic) dinner, or maybe just for another dinner party.

{via the Container Store}

It's been awhile

Wow, time flies when you have too many things on your plate. Life has been preventing me from posting lately; 'promotion' at work (which just means more work), classes on the weekend for my accounting designation, starting to workout with trainers in the mornings and way too many awesome TV shows on this season (I'm in love with Glee). What spare time I've had, I've been spending it with my boyfriend. It definitely sucks when the only time you see eat other is when you wake up and go to bed.

Any who, here's hoping I can find time to post more often.

Something fun

A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I attended a staff party for my work, and they had hired a caricature artist as part of the entertainment. For the few hours he only charged about $275 which I think is very reasonable and worth considering as an addition to a wedding reception or a social (here in Manitoba).

I want to be this cool

{via Lovely Morning}

Kristina from Lovely Morning had a "surprising squirt of inspiration" this morning and decided to make the beautiful card for a friend's wedding. And why don't I do these incredibly awesome things?

Who knew

I love the color yellow, or at least in wedding decorating settings.

For years I've hated the idea of wearing yellow and have shied away from even the idea of buying clothing in that color, or decorating my house with it but the more and more I see it this year in wedding photos the more I want it for my own. It is so bright and fun! It makes me smile.

I am slightly concerned that this proves how easily manipulated I can be by beautiful photos. Am I a follower? Will yellow seem disgusting to me again, when my wedding day finally comes because it is no longer the "IT" color of the season? Or is it merely that I've been educated by other bloggers, through gorgeous photography and beautiful DIY projects, of the wonder of YELLOW and will love it forever? I'm hoping for the later.

{via With this Ring}

Passing down the gown, or is it up?

Recently my sister suggested that I should wear her wedding dress when I get married. To say that I was touched is an understatement. I reminded her that I wanted a tea length dress, which hers was not, and she responded "So, cut it". OMG, I don't think I can do that! She says that its just sitting in her closet so why not?

Since this conversation I have been re-evaluating my need to have a shorter dress. Basically my main draw to the short dress is now getting the hem stained by the grass or stepping on it while I dance, but I suppose I could work around that. I still just not that comfortable hacking up my sister's gorgeous gown.

{My sister & brother-in-law}*

My other 'problem' with the style of my sister's dress is the fact that it is strapless. When she got married in 2005 this was still a new look, at least among our family and friends, but now its everywhere and quite frankly I don't want that. But then I saw this gorgeous bride (Vintage Glam Weddings featured Jessica Kettles Photography and I found this on her site....definitely check out her blog for all the photos) and thought "This is what I need to do". Having a high collared little short sleeved jacket made for the dress is a hell of a lot simpler to do then a complete dress.

{Ashley & Curtis via Jessica Kettle Photography}

*Not sure how my sister will feel about her picture on her so that might come down if she voices any concern.

Savory Pies

{via Ritzy Bee Blog}

As I've mentioned before, I love pie. And not just fruit pies. I love the idea of serving individual savory pies for the main dish at a wedding reception but my dilemma lies in the fact that I most definitely will host my wedding outside or at least somewhere that doesn't have a kitchen. The pies can be cooked ahead of time but how do you warm 150 individual pies with out an oven?

Can this be mine?

1. I love Super8 video. Actually love doesn't begin to describe the butterflies I get when I watch them.

2. Every detail of this wedding is beautiful.

Our Wedding from Eric Whedbee on Vimeo.
{via 100 Layer Cake}

Hello Beautiful...

If I could find a tree like this, I would get married under it too...

{via Style Me Pretty}

Just say NO to the Dress - A rant.

Recently I was watching an episode of "Say Yes To the Dress", which to begin with has wrong written all over it as it represents everything that annoys me about weddings but I was stuck in a hotel room and there wasn't much else on. This episode was about the budget minded bride and how the economy was affecting how much a bride was willing to spend on their dress (duh!).

The words of wisdom imparted from the manager to the consultants before the store opened for the day was that because of the economy being what it was when a bride says their budget is x amount don't bother to try and sell them xx amount because they aren't going to have room in their budget regardless of how much they love the more expensive dress.

First, WTF. I think its terrible that the shops are blatant about their planned up selling to brides on a regular day. Why is that just because the economy sucks now you shouldn't bother up selling to a bride? Why can't you just respect the bride's budget regardless of the economic situation.

Secondly, WTF to the brides. If you don't have money you shouldn't be shopping in an extremely expensive bridal salon! Why tempt yourself with something that is way above your budget.

Through out the show they do the individual interviews with future brides and consultants. One consultant explains to the camera that when you are working with a smaller budget you should cut your guest list and spend less on flowers so that you have more to buy your perfect dress with. Seriously?! If money is an issue I personally think you are deluding yourself if you think cutting back in some places just so you can afford a $10,000 is a wise move. Why not cut back EVERYWHERE and maybe, just maybe you won't go into debt over the wedding and have some money left over to start off your married life?

It bothers me that these wedding "reality" shows (which I'm guilty of watching) insist that you can have a budget friendly wedding and still have the extremely expensive items that particular show is promoting. It doesn't work like that.

Of course if you have the money and you want to by the $10000 wedding dress then go for it, if that's your thing. I personally would rather spend my money on entertaining my guests, good food, a honeymoon or future plans, not a dress that I will wear for ONE day of my life. But that's just me.

I love this color palette

Style Me Pretty posted a Vintage, Shabby Chic Wedding shoot yesterday and like so many others I'm in love with it.

The main reason, for me, is the color palette which I am now obsessed with. The use of bright pink peonies (which as you know I love!) and the yellow, blue & pink tissue pompoms...swoon! And then there is the gorgeous pie (which AGAIN, I love) display, among other wonderful details. I definitely suggest checking out the 5 posts on Style Me Pretty of this shoot if you haven't already.

{via Style Me Pretty}

I suppose if I went with this color palette I would be have a late spring/early summer wedding, rather then the fall wedding I've been picturing recently. Fine with me. Now I have to try and envision a way to incorporate the tree (quote) inspiration, without it looking out of place.

Comfortably Chic

On Once Wed today they are featuring "The Free Wedding" that a group of vendors planned and had a contest for a real couple to have it. So far the first post is gorgeous.


In this post they had these pictures of the bridesmaid dresses and I have to say that I really like them.

{via Once Wed}

I love the casual, comfortable look of them and the fact that regardless of that they don't look frumpy. Currently I'm torn about dresses for my bridesmaids. My 3 friends & sister that would fill these roles are all completely different body types; tall and petite, curvy and athletic. So you can't really pick ONE style and squeeze them all into it. At least one of them won't be comfortable. And being a bridesmaid four times already, myself, I think feeling comfortable is very important!

Also, as I mentioned, I have been a bridesmaid four times already and although I have been very lucky and have not had to wear anything hideous or expensive I still realize the huge expense it is for a bridesmaid to stand up for your friend and I don't want mine to have to spend a fortune, especially on a dress they would NEVER wear again. I have planned to actually cover the cost myself because I figured if I was the one picking the dress I should be the one paying for it. I thought I could even get them made (something like the dresses above).

But now I'm thinking that the comfortable factor is even more important then the expense factor and that I should just let each girl buy their own dress but pick something they WANT to wear in the future and are comfortable in. Just provide them a color 'guideline' to stick to and let them make the decision. I'm just not sure anymore.

I suppose when the time comes I'll give them my ideas and see what they think works best.

The BEST entrance

When I saw this You Tube video today on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books (not a site I was expecting to see a real wedding video on) I cried happy tears!

This just made me smile the entire time and tear up. I'm not usually the type to cry when I see happy things but I have tears running down my cheeks. I hope when I get married it could be as happy as that! (Bridesmaids get ready to break out the dance moves.)

I should have thought of this sooner...

I had forgotten about these creative cake stands that I had see over at Once Wed awhile ago until I saw them again today in a blog posted by Miss Poodle via Weddingbee.

And since I just posted the quote that I plan to base my entire wedding on, how perfect would it be to incorporate trees where I can?

They seem easy and basic to create, not to mention affordable (pretty darn close to free)!

{via Once Wed}

Quotable

I love this quote and plan to design my entire wedding around it, specifically the last sentence:

"Love is a temporary madness; it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two." - Louis de Bernieres (from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin)

Financial Advisor = Marriage Counselor

Yesterday the BF and I went to see his financial advisor, mainly because when I asked him questions about how he was investing he didn't have a clue and secondly because I hoped the advisor would be able to convince him that he shouldn't keep all of his savings in a chequing account but rather invest some of it, which happened.

Who would have thought that we would get pulled into a conversation about why we weren't married yet, though. He basically told my BF that if we have lived together for almost a year and have been together almost 2, we were pretty much married already. To sum up the conversation, and I quote, "Shit or get off the pot."

The interesting part was that because he was talking about our finances and wasn't just our mothers asking when there was going to be a wedding, the BF was actually listening to him. Who knows maybe this means I don't have to wait 5 years for him to get a round to asking now.

Love him...really...

I know I am with "the one" because even when he throws a hiss fit, for lack of a better word, when he can't find the right size tupperware containers for our sandwiches that he's making for tomorrow's lunch, I am not really annoyed. Surprised not annoyed, since he's not prone to hiss fits - I can count only one other time since I moved in with him a year ago and that was when one of the cats climbed into the ceiling some how and wouldn't come out when he wanted him to, again a weird time to get upset but what ever.

I also know that I'm his "the one".

So if that's the case why does he need to say ridiculous things like being his wife isn't in my control, as though this is something that will only happen when he says so. Ugh. I wish I wasn't so hung up on the romantic idea of him getting down on one knee and doing the 'surprise' engagement thing or we would be having a really long talk.

Boys are stupid, even when they are smart 30 year old Engineers. Always and forever.

Geeks Unit - Save the Date

{Swelser's Shop via Etsy}

If either of us actually read comic books I think that this would be a pretty cool/geeky Save the Date option. Maybe I need to do a retro Romance Novel cover version....

Peonie Bouquets

I love peonies.

Favorite flower hands down.

Sadly they are very seasonal so not convenient to depend on pick a neighbors bush before the ceremony and not very cost effective to buy through the florist BUT dependable Martha Stewart has provided us with step by step instructions to make them from crepe paper.

{via Martha Stewart}

I think they actually look quite gorgeous. And a plus...who ever catches the bouquet can keep it for ever and ever...just like I did when I caught my aunt's at the age of 12 and have watched my little sister and 3 other cousins marry before me...hence the reason that last weekend when the bride tossed the bouquet I didn't bother to try and catch it...well that was a tangent that I didn't plan to take.

Only a vest

The longer I look around the wedding blog world the more I really want my own wedding to feel simple and casual (of I'm still all about the details but just not the glitz and glamour that takes over so many weddings). And with this desire for the casual feel, along with the goal of doing it all on a conservative budget, I really like the idea of dressing the groom and his men in dress pants, white collared long sleeve shirt & vests rather then go the suit route. The pants & shirts can come from their closets and the vests can be made the same time that the dresses are.



I especially like this look, with the addition of a hat.

{via Stephanie Williams Photography}

Granted I suppose this would be one aspect of wedding planning that the One Day A Groom should have an input in but lets just pretend that in a prefect world I get to make all the decisions and I say "Vests for all the boys!"

Maybe a little Veil...

Okay I know I JUST posted saying NO VEIL and that I didn't even want to try a bird cage style but then I saw this couple on Once Wed and thought...maybe....

Making the dream dress

Awhile ago I found a pattern on Etsy that resembles that dress I fell in love with via Martha Stewart Weddings, a mentioned in my January post, but at a tea length skirt.

On this pattern I like the Option A's skirt and Option C's top (sleeve length) but I still prefer the collar on the dress featured in Martha Stewart Weddings.

Without a Veil

I have no desire to grow my hair long or add extensions so that I can pull my hair back, nor will I be wearing contacts instead of my glasses because that is not me.

Despite the fact that a bride might look absolutely beautiful when they do the previously mentioned things, I personally have a problem altering my image to portray something that doesn't reflect the me that you see any other time of the year, regardless of how beautiful or traditional it will be.

And so, I'm opting out of having a veil. It's just not for me, especially since I'm planning on wearing a tea length dress. I suppose I could pull off the bird cage veil but I'm thinking something more along the lines of a hair fastener, like this gorgeous Peony from Meadowbelle Market via Etsy.

Fabulous Photo Booth Props

I vote YES for a photo booth at a wedding, especially fun DIY setups. I think they are fun and you can get a lot of interesting pictures of your friends and family.

And when I saw this photo booth all I could think was "I want". How perfect would it be to incorporate photos of family/ancestors wedding photos in black and white framed on the wall? Yes definitely a "NEED".

{via Kiss the Groom}

And then there are fake mustaches...love....

{via Green Wedding Shoes}

Could I?

I bought new boots last week to wear at my cousin's wedding this weekend. They were a lot more comfortable to wear for dancing then the heals that I wore for the ceremony which have me thinking that maybe I should consider these for reception wedding shoes for my future day...

*Also I just tried out http://www.picnik.com to edit this photo and I think I could become addicted. The best part is that I can use it at any computer and don't have to install the program

Pie for everyone

I love pie.

As far as I'm concerned cake has nothing on pie, and had decided quite some time ago that when the day comes for my own wedding I'm serving pie for desert. I have envisioned a table with a range of different pies set up for people to pick from and then I saw Williams-Sonoma's Pocket Pie Molds via Hip Hostess this weekend.

I am very comfortable stating that this is a 'NEED' category purchase, of course my desire for instant gratification was stamped out when I determined that Williams-Sonoma will not ship outside of the United States from their online store. But on the up side there are FOUR stores in Toronto, which I will be visiting at the end of August and I've already informed my boyfriend of our shopping excursion. I'm sure he's just thrilled.

I'm already day dreaming about the different types of pies I'm going to make with these, and not just as a wedding dessert.

Another Wedding Dress Option That I Adore

{Sloan Photographers via Rock n' Roll Bride}

I think this is an adorable option for a short Tea Length dress with a collar. I'm still partial to a slimmer 3/4 length sleeve though.

If I could plan my own bridal shower

Last December, at work we hosted a Christmas Party at the Costume Museum of Canada and I decided that it would be the perfect place to host a bridal shower, especially during their wedding dress exhibit that they have once a year for a few months (its on right now).

I went on their site today and low and behold they've made some updates and are now advertising for people to rent their multi purpose room for showers and for a $2/person fee they'll even serve the coffee & tea in vintage tea cups. Apparently we can even play dressup!{I think someone must have overheard me while I was setting up to party in December!}

Since you can't really plan your own shower, not that I have a wedding that needs a shower yet, I hope that I get a chance to plan someone's shower and we will have it there...unless someone wants to promise me that we can have my future shower there! Heck lets do both!

Serving at your own wedding.

I recently rented Rachel Getting Married and loved the idea of the bride and groom assisting in the serving of the meal at the reception. As much as I love the idea of a party 'all about me', I prefer in actuality, hosting an event where my hands 'get dirty' so to speak.

I think a wedding that feels more like a huge family dinner would be preferable to a highly structured, catered event.

I image a reception that has food made by the bride, groom, and their friends and family. The fathers and uncles standing around the BBQ and a group of close friends act as the servers.

I would give handmade aprons for friends and family that help cater and serve dinner.

It still bothers me that when ever I look up ideas for hosting and catering your own wedding that exceeds 50 guests, I usually find "Don't do it." advice. Hopefully that is changing.

Why I haven't posted in awhile...

It's been awhile, main because:

1. It's been suggested to me that perhaps I shouldn't write such personal posts about my thoughts on my boyfriend and lack of engagement. Point taken.
2. I've been too busy reading other peoples blogs to write in mine. Becoming quite addicted to Google Reader.

Negotiations...

Yesterday's email conversation went like this...

Him: "tell you what...You start making a fitness commitment by going to the gym 4 times a week, start getting into better shape and I will go camping with you. Deal? " (to clarify he's concerned that I've been skipping out on the gym lately with the excuse that work has been busy)

Me: "Well if this is a negotiation now, I feel like I’m having to put in a lot more effort than you are….."

Him: "Just an idea. If you think it isn't fair, be honest. I'm trying to help you here! "

Me: "Well I appreciate the help. Sweeten the deal and you got a motivated girl!"

Him: "How?" (How terrible is it that at this point my mind is screaming "Ask me to marry you?!")

Me: "I don't know, this was your idea" (I'm lying but I'm definitely not going to share what's going through my head)

Him: "I'll think about it but you should to. That's called negotiation" ("Ask me to marry you and you got a deal!" Right...anyway)

Pressures

We drove to my parents' place last weekend to visit my family, something we hadn't done since Christmas as we are spoiled with my family continuously travelling our way for appointments and just plain old visits.

When we were driving home on Sunday, the BF commented on the fact that there sure was a lot of pressure on us to get married now, from my mother and others. He wasn't exaggerating and I'm partially to blame as I didn't discourage the comments.

Example:
My mother's best friend's 8 year old granddaughter - "Are you married?" No. "Are you engaged?" LOL No but why don't you ask him why that is... BF's response "Uhhh..."

I told him not to stress about it and to consider it a huge compliment that at least he KNOWS my family likes him. I didn't hear this 'pressure' when I was with my ex.

Budget friendly Manitoba

This week I saw a post on Martha Stewart's Wedding Blog about a bride that has created a blog where she is asking people, strangers, to help pay for her wedding. In fact she even has a link built into the site where you can click to Donate.

With the economic uncertainty the way it is around the world right now, its no surprise that more and more brides are realizing that they can't afford to go into debt over their weddings and even reducing their budgets to $10,000 or less isn't enough, as they have NO money saved for it.

Its times like this that I puzzle over why more communities outside of Manitoba, Canada don't embrace the idea of a PRE-WEDDING SOCIAL. What is a pre-wedding social you ask? Well just the bestest friend to the budget savy bride!

A social, something that is apparently unique to Manitoba, is an event much like a high school dance for adults that you sell tickets for. It is primarily used as a fundraiser and is very popular here for brides and grooms to throw prior their wedding to make money to put towards their wedding, hence 'pre-wedding social'.

Basically you rent a hall, much like planning a wedding reception, book your music, stock the bar and have a midnight snack available. People pay between $10-15/ticket to attend, purchase drink tickets for their alcohol and then additional tickets to enter into draws for prizes. Some couples will add additional games that cost money to play and add to the fundraising. If done right you can make a few thousand dollars after expenses.

To those that aren't familiar with this they tend to respond with distaste, marking this up to basically just ASKING people for money but the truth is people that attend are actually very happy to spend the money. How is buying a ticket to attend a dance any difference then spending money on cover at a bar? And at least they know its going to help a couple to start off their lives debt free (hopefully!).

The nice thing about the social verses a reception is that it is very casual and there isn't the same pressures to decorate, have center pieces and provide favors, and yet it is still an opportunity for friends and family to get together and have fun.

Personally I plan to have a social where the money I make will go toward the cost of the open bar at my future wedding, if I plan it right I might even have enough to cover part of the food costs as well.

April Fools...Hilarious?

This morning on my way to work I get a text from my sister informing me that my brother and his girl friend are engaged. I then get a second message from my best friend asking if it is true.

What the F**K! Is my first thought.

Then I remember that my brother tried calling me last night so I assume that was the reason why.

And then I start thinking that my 19yr old brother SHOULD NOT be engaged before me. I mean come on! I'm freakin' 27yrs old. He hasn't even left his teens!!! (He turns 20 this summer).

I'm ashamed to admit that I kinda got a little choked up as I dialed his cell phone number. No answer.

Called his girlfriend's number, got her but he wasn't around and she said she didn't know why he would be calling yesterday. Arrrgh, at this point it still doesn't dawn on me that its April Fools and that they could be making this crap up. I'm annoyed when I hang up as I assume she's being secretive about the engagement...not really rational since she posted it on facebook.

I finally get through to him and apparently he was only calling about his trip down to visit me next week, and when I mentioned the 'engagement' news he laughs and says that was his gf's idea of an April Fools joke. Ughhhh. Not funny but all I could think was 'I still have time to get engaged before him'. Sad, I know.

What about burgers?

I know I mentioned in my previous post that I was thinking of a menu that consisted of BBQ'd chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetables but what about going in another direction? Others have blogged about weddings that go in a different directions and before I really didn't like the idea for myself but now I really am liking the idea of burgers and other picnic fair (maybe I'm just hungry).

I really like the idea of a wedding that is more of a family/friend reunion. A low key, casual event but food is very important to me and I don't want people to feel like I'm cutting corners so I've stayed away from the idea of a burger style menu previously.

What do you think? For those that know my friends and family would they be receptive to this, if presented with a bit of class?

Cooking for a Crowd

I wish it was more popular to cook and cater your own event. I find it extremely difficult to find resources online for people that want to prepare their on food for their weddings. Basically I've given up searching for 'catering your own wedding' and moved to wordings like "cooking for a crowd" and looking for tips on hosting a family reunion.

It annoys me that everywhere I look I'm basically being told that its too hard and I should just hire someone. I'm considering the idea of hiring someone to provide the BBQ'd meat but honestly I think that would be the part that my father, his friends and my uncles would love to look after since my parents host, with their best friends, an annual pig roast for 50-100 people depending on the year. My father and his friends spend the day enjoying their beers and tending to a spit that roasts the pig. If they can do that I'm sure they could manage BBQ'd chicken.

Before the annual pig roast my mother delegates to her friends different dishes to prepare and it becomes a bit of a potluck. I don't want a potluck. I want to prepare a consistent menu across the board for all the guests and that's where I'm currently looking for advice and inspiration.

What should I prepare in advance? How would I best keep food cool and then hot with out renting a professional kitchen or spending a fortune?

Currently I'm leaning towards a menu like this:

Salad - not sure type (served Family Style)

Main Course - BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, roasted vegetables & dinner buns (served Family Style)

Desserts - selection of pies and cakes (buffet style)

Tempting

I have been wanting to purchase a Badge-A-Minit 1 1/4" Button Maker for a few months now, okay honestly its been a few years, but I don't know if I can justify a purchase that will run me approximately $150 after shipping and button supplies. I want it, then I can make cute buttons for prizes at my spring picnic! Or just because buttons!

But do I need it? hmmmmmmm.....

Adding to the DIY and Shopping Lists

As beautiful as flowers are I find it very confusing why people willing spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on bouquets and arrangements for their weddings when they will die within a week and you have nothing left over.

A friend of mine that was recently engaged, joked that she wished her fiance was like other guys and didn't care about details so she could plan it her way. She said he told her that she could pick the flowers with out his input, she said that was great but she doesn't care about flowers that much, and really has no strong opinion on them.

Me too, me too....

I've attempted over the years to dry the arrangements and corsages I get for sentiment purposes but they end up in a box under my bed or accumulating dust some where, so I just toss them in the garbage.

What a waste.

I figured I would be a grocery store flower purchaser when my time came or if I was lucky (like my sister was) pick them from a friends garden.

And then I saw these felt and button flower bouquets from Pricess Lasertron (via Green Wedding Shoes ) and fell in love.

Apparently she's creating DIY felt/button flower kits soon that she'll be selling on her Etsy site. She already made up button flower kits last month and when I went to her Etsy site they are already gone!

I plan on purchasing a felt flower kit when they come out and then I'm going to add vintage buttons to my shopping list this year for things to be on the look out for at yard sales and second hand shops. I think this is a great way to personalize your wedding, have a lasting keepsake and well, they are just so awesome.

Budget Loop Holes

So I've been thinking that since I'm not engaged yet and even when that does happen I won't be getting married any earlier then a year and half from now, does it count towards my budget if I start buying things now? The way I figure it...no!

Here's my plan, I love entertaining and if I gradually buy things that I would want for my future wedding but use then now and afterwards for other parties, they shouldn't count as money spent from my wedding budget. TECHNICALLY I could get by with out them in my life when throwing parties that aren't my wedding but I think they will make things prettier and I consider these parties trial runs.

So come spring I want to start my hunt for the following things, at yard sales and second hand/antique shops:

1. Strings of outdoor lighting


2. Jugs, pitchers and/or glass beverage dispenser


3. Flatware, dinnerware & cups


4. Mason Jars


5. Vintage sheets


6. Cake stands


7. Serving platters and deep bowls

I'm also looking for a farmhouse style hutch for my kitchen but that isn't really wedding/party related. I just want it.

I really really want...

Today I was reading through 2000dollarwedding.com and I came across a link to an Etsy seller that makes recycled rings, more specifically wedding rings. I LOVE, love, love them. Now I know I mentioned in a previous post a list of likes for my future engagement ring. Well it isn't necessary now because this is what I want. SERIOUSLY. Its almost at the point that when I saw it I was tempted to email the link to my BF as an FYI that this is what I want when the day comes. Of course I held back. No point scaring him off or thinking I'm crazy. But I'm pleading with you...if you have the opportunity to influence his choice this is it.

1. I think they are beautiful and simple


2. Its cost effective. Each ring costs approximately $300 US


3. Its recycled metal


4. Its apparently vegan, meaning no animal products (pearls, silk, leather, etc.) were used in its construction...which is pretty darn cool


5. And did I mention that I think they are beautiful?
   
   

FYI

Since I DO want an ring, in case he ever asks you for help...

1. I do NOT want to pick it out. When he proposes there should be a ring in his hand.
   
2. I am not comfortable wearing extremely expensive jewelry. I'm paranoid I will loose it or damage it. I would be happy if he spent less then a grand.


3. Vintage/Antique is better


4. It doesn't have to be a solitaire or even a diamond for that matter, I'm more interested in design then the cut or carats.
   

Navy & Yellow

Since RED, BLUE & WHITE reminds too many of my Canadian friends and family of a truly American affair I've been looking for other combos that use either the blue or the red, and lately I've come across some beautiful blue and yellow templates. I was never a huge fan of yellow but I find its growing on me. And pairing it with a dark blue like navy I think I can pull it off in a late summer/fall gathering rather then giving off too much of a spring feel.



I especially like the idea of using the yellow for my shoes and navy suits for the men like this gorgeous couple features at Green Wedding Shoes. This is also the length of dress that I'm currently in love with!

Conversations

Yesterday my cell rang at work, it was my BF's mother. She wanted to tell me of a conversation she had just had with her son about what to buy me for my birthday.

She wanted to know if he had any ideas and he mentioned that I had wanted a food processor (which is true) but she thought this was a terribly 'old married couple' thing to get and that he needed to buy something more personal. The conversation then lead to the fact that a ring is personal and maybe he should consider getting THAT for me.

My BF's response? "No mom, she DOESN'T want a ring"!!!!

Excuse me, how wrong can a guy get?

Needless to say she is quite concerned that this is true, hence the phone call and considering that at Christmas they had a very similar conversation I shouldn't be surprised. She thinks that perhaps I've given him the wrong impression and should 'try harder'. At least I know that she wants me in the family!

Basically I figure that since this has happened twice now I should probably clear things up with him, just in case he's silly enough to think that statement is true.

Vintage Prairie Wedding

I was looking through local photographers' blogs and came across this picture at KampPhotography and thought it was beautiful.

Bakerella = Amazing

One of my favorite baking blogs is Bakerella, if you haven't checked her out I suggest you do!

I was going through her latest posts today and came across Mii Cupcakes. How cool is that for my nerdy BF? Could I make this work for a wedding? Or perhaps I should just attempt it for Valentines.

Which reminds me of the gift I had planned on purchasing for Valentines this year until I found out it cost $35+ to ship to Canada. They do have Custom Mii Wedding Toppers though...

One step behind...

As much as I love planning for a wedding that has yet to come to fruition, searching the internet for inspiration, it kills me when I come across ideas that I thought were uniquely mine and realize that actually Martha Stewart thought of it too.

Like the use of hay bails for ceremony seating rather then chairs, via Ritzy Bee Blog.




I need to get engaged/married before I run out of ideas!

Wedding Movies

I've been sadly absent for the last two weeks as I've been swamped with work but I did get a chance to go to Bride Wars and love, love, loved it!


There is just something about a chic flick dedicated to weddings that makes me giddy, which has me racking my brain now for others.


I've watched:
- The Wedding Planner
- 27 Dresses
- 4 Weddings & A Funeral
- My Best Friend's Wedding
- Monsoon Wedding
- Wedding Crashers (not really chic flick)
- The Sex and The City movie
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding
- Runaway Bride
- Mamma Mia! The movie
- Father of the Bride
- Made of Honor
- Licence to Wed
- The Best Man
- The Wood

I think that's it. Anything I'm missing that I should watch?

Bridesmaid Dress options

Although I would like to make all the dresses I do love the simplicity of Jenny Yoo's designs. My future four BMs are all different body types so I would like them to wear something they are comfortable in but still look like they are in a 'party' rather then just guests standing beside the bride.

What do you think of these dresses, taking in consideration that I'm currently obsessed with the previously posted collared dress?

For him...

As much as I'm all for the big day being the bride's day I still think it should hold meaning for the groom. Now my bf is a huge video gamer and heavy metal fan...not exactly interests that you would see aligning with my prairie chic wedding vision. How would you incorporate them in with out them seeming completely out of place?

Well searching online for ideas I came across this cake but I just can't see these working for me. Any suggestions? And what do you think of including a few metal songs for important moments? Not that I would know, without consulting the bf first, what would be appropriate.

In my defense

So apparently white, red & blue = Red, White & Blue of America and since I'm NOT American, rather Canadian, this is a no go.

Well I like it regardless.

Mainly I love red and white(see that's Canadian), and thought the addition of blue took away the Christmas feel. Not to mention that I'm currently in love with the collared dress below,from Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine, and thought that color scheme would work. Other ideas are welcome though.

Okay this has got to be the best thing ever...

I came across this today and words are beyond me. I would love to include this in my own future wedding but I see this far surpassing my budget. A wedding shot with 8mm.

Loving the Red, blue & white combo

I've been picturing a fall wedding for so long, with browns, oranges, and other warm colors, that I was very shocked when I fell in love with the color scheme of white with red and robin blue accents. How gorgeous would it be to wear red heels with your white gown? And the color combo reminds me of a family picnic, very inline with my vision of a backyard BBQ.

Like this wedding shown over at Snippet & Ink today...

My current budget estimations...

Before I start spouting off ideas that I have, here's the budget I'm working with right now for 200 guests... $10,900.00

Food, Alcohol & Corresponding rentals (dinnerware, flatware, etc) $6000 - Backyard BBQ theme, still not sure on the 'Open Bar' idea...more on that later.
Ceremony & Reception venues $1500
Music $0 -plan to use an MP3 player/laptop, make playlists and borrow a speaker system.
Flowers $150 -I really don't care about flowers and assume we can do some DIY work to create what we need.
Favors $200 -I figure $1/guest is fair as how many people actually REMEMBER their favor at the end of the night?
Invitations and other Stationary $150 -Another DIY project, letterpress, although beautiful, is way out of my budget
Our rings $200 -this is NOT including the engagement ring, that's the future fiance's expense!
Officiant $200
Photography $1000 -this extremely low budget is based on the assumption that family professional photographer will agree to do it for this cheap OR I get one of my friends that are starting out
Wedding Cake (& cupcakes) $100 -I'm assume the ingredients won't cost more then this but basically bff's Nan was a professional baker so that's my vendor!
Wedding Party gifts $200 -not 100% sure what I will be purchasing so this may increase, I'm leaning towards custom made jewelery for my BM's but who knows what he'll pick for the GM
Beauty & Pampering, day of $200 - this is JUST for me, is it cheap to not get the BM's too?
Groom & Groomsmen's attire $600 -I'm assuming he'd pay for the gm since I'd be paying for the bm's but who knows
Bridesmaid Gowns $200 -I plan to have 4 BM and being a bm myself 4 times I strongly believe that a bride should pay for their dresses UNLESS that bride is willing to let them pick WHATEVER they want and since I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to details I want to make sure they get the dresses I want. Now $200 seems low for 4 girls but alas I plan to have them made! We'll see how that ends up working
My dress $100 -WHAT!? I know these is extremely low but I refuse to spend a fortune on, all be it a gorgeous gown, a gown that I will wear for less then 24hours. So I'm budgeting enough for material to make it myself, and by myself I mean the future finance's mother...
Veil & accessories $100 -Again, DIY here we come. I'm currently in love with the bird cage veil but since I wear glasses I'm still not sure

Okay I think that covers it. Hopefully I haven't missed anything big and that when the day comes I can stick to this budget! Or come under...

Why am I writing this blog?

At 26 years old I have already been a bridesmaid in four weddings and helped out planning and organizing another two, not to mention the countless ones I've attended as a guest. I love weddings and more specifically I love planning them but alas I am not yet engaged.

Until recently I thought I was alone in my obsession to plan my own wedding, down to the nitty gritty details, subscribing to Martha Stewart Weddings (much to the bafflement of my boyfriend...one day babe, one day...) and attending wedding shows but then I decided to go outside of my normal website reads of The Knot and Martha and search through blogs for inspiration and found heaven!

I am not alone! There are others like me. And because I love making lists and researching I am going to use this blog to document my pursuit of the perfect wedding...for me!

Here is an overview of my vision and challenges:

1. I want a beautiful, prairie chic wedding on an affordable budget, currently I'm working with $10,000 but my maximum is $15,000. I refuse to spend more.
2. I have a large family on my mother's side that is very close, so my side of the guest list is AT LEAST 100 but could be as high as 150 and I'm guessing my future fiance's will be about 50. This means cutting the guest list to save money isn't an option, unless I want my family to disown me.
3. I need a venue that can hold my guest list but allow me to stay on budget while still maintaining the prairie chic feel that I want. I haven't been able to find that yet in my area - a prairie province in Canada.
4. Luckily I love DIY and plan to do as much myself as possible.