tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88369286198790706872024-02-19T12:32:10.939-06:00The Everyday Bridefinding solutions for the everyday {budget-conscious} brideColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-84888699511717106352009-06-02T16:07:00.008-05:002009-06-02T16:46:22.540-05:001 year old!!Nearly the entire day went by before I realized what today was! Today is the first anniversary of The Everyday Bride!<br /><br />In some ways it's hard to believe that it's been an entire year, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">especially</span> when I come across blogs that have been around for years and years and years... But, in other ways, it seems like an eternity has passed. I was in such a different place 365 days ago...5 months away from my wedding, knee deep in contracts and spreadsheets, spending over 8 hours a day on wedding planning...such a different place. <br /><br />But, as always, I digress... Instead, I should be thanking you, the reader, for taking time out of your busy day to read whatever little blurb happens to be on The Everyday Bride! Thank you, readers!!!!! Here's to many years to come.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekVAmjhdKsfotIO-nQbGJL-WCFXkq7L8fIlvvOiB-7sI4DeeZMuRP3D8-LtoP41a0C8H33sNDvQj0NFvAtyKznlyWY83RVtKoH5LYQn8CIKOkIVVTHo7V1NKiyPfcb5dQqDeD2Vjkqr3V/s1600-h/first+blogday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342841221382729074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekVAmjhdKsfotIO-nQbGJL-WCFXkq7L8fIlvvOiB-7sI4DeeZMuRP3D8-LtoP41a0C8H33sNDvQj0NFvAtyKznlyWY83RVtKoH5LYQn8CIKOkIVVTHo7V1NKiyPfcb5dQqDeD2Vjkqr3V/s400/first+blogday.jpg" border="0" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-33449300548502909162009-06-01T11:14:00.001-05:002009-06-01T11:14:48.315-05:00bouquet inspirationWith summer here, I've found myself day dreaming about flowers more than ever! I've been drooling over several fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggers</span>' inspirational bouquets, and skipping to posts on flowers on nearly every blog I've visited. And, after weeks of inspiration searching, it's safe to say that if I had to do it all over again, I would have used one of these photos as my inspiration!<br /><br />However, keep in mind, I am an equal opportunity lover - I love <em>any </em>bouquet so long as it's full of texture and visual interest.<br /><br />Whether it's organic in shape and style, like i heart peonies famous bouquet...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309766919733018738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpZMvvMJScASBY-A1myy0NNEfMxLghVhlieTli9B0qmQ_Ma5EViz-CZUXK81ExVge-DBLObF2RlYlqqQ6mh3fEEa-1-SKLAhg_jJZ7TmRUj3y4nAB-SQN21WK8tgbJkVxjEZZO4V89Wu2/s400/bouquet+Heart+Peonies.jpg" border="0" />...or slightly manicured, like this 2 Excited Nests' beauty... <div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-2RtgxDUWjyeepFvD1I3XH16P2Mu8m2HO30emUMM-jkDmaMLBi3DbvZVCfg-O4IXoj_8pgsElWeW5hRqPjwM27OuCApF55kN84SnKZZfpfBLqW1oG81PUg36JtVkoPbaxr4hqueCMLoJ/s1600-h/bouquets+Excited+v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309766169571514290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-2RtgxDUWjyeepFvD1I3XH16P2Mu8m2HO30emUMM-jkDmaMLBi3DbvZVCfg-O4IXoj_8pgsElWeW5hRqPjwM27OuCApF55kN84SnKZZfpfBLqW1oG81PUg36JtVkoPbaxr4hqueCMLoJ/s400/bouquets+Excited+v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Whether it's bold in color like these gorgeous jewel tone bouquets... <div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYEJueiPl2a1jq_o7HkB31c4WBRp7aFhyphenhyphenzPguuFPNyWq5N_uLaJZdeEGEKgBlNNLzfoM90TAFYYgQZoHnZeoMV0oGD8UzTx7eIaMdv1dJI1XFMdvLmSkRtzmaje3fAvygVCWN41s9PsVg/s1600-h/bouquet+perfect+bound.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309554345317729602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYEJueiPl2a1jq_o7HkB31c4WBRp7aFhyphenhyphenzPguuFPNyWq5N_uLaJZdeEGEKgBlNNLzfoM90TAFYYgQZoHnZeoMV0oGD8UzTx7eIaMdv1dJI1XFMdvLmSkRtzmaje3fAvygVCWN41s9PsVg/s400/bouquet+perfect+bound.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>...or bold in texture like these vintage-inspired bouquets with ruffled peonies and striking anemones...whatever the case may be, I LOVE them all! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJiWGLtJSnPaUhTBbE4nffnVMNlhDLA2fCnvXid0X30hoxdQp92jKy9URRw9ZY1rCp1Y0v4J8JMoNMnRJLefv-R5CqZ6PksqRWXY8e2p5GHjObrZCrCPJWjE8l3HOlr0GHLJuQSfkMQbg/s1600-h/brides_cafe_02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340875097943944594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJiWGLtJSnPaUhTBbE4nffnVMNlhDLA2fCnvXid0X30hoxdQp92jKy9URRw9ZY1rCp1Y0v4J8JMoNMnRJLefv-R5CqZ6PksqRWXY8e2p5GHjObrZCrCPJWjE8l3HOlr0GHLJuQSfkMQbg/s400/brides_cafe_02.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMqzvcMmZbJqGKTNbTixjnxlLp-ve6Aif9CPPJtgSHvfPEI_P9pUobVWNU0I1pWCMKRRH76-p5DeN7CzXLFyVKhiJN5K8uC28HmWBzHWZxOubmMJ9xL8ej2rKRX7WNHGDHvj3sY_r0psi/s1600-h/texture+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340878310662078770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMqzvcMmZbJqGKTNbTixjnxlLp-ve6Aif9CPPJtgSHvfPEI_P9pUobVWNU0I1pWCMKRRH76-p5DeN7CzXLFyVKhiJN5K8uC28HmWBzHWZxOubmMJ9xL8ej2rKRX7WNHGDHvj3sY_r0psi/s400/texture+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>And, on a side note, I love the idea of using ribbon for additional visual interest...I can only imagine how gorgeous it would be to have ribbon fluttering in the air as you're walking down a grassy aisle... Love it!<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugq6-ms1ihXx1mLl8VoY93kSlXoBykuC7eJfMNqr-Pvtc-UsIWjlXJYHUI_xBYX7u3gh4H-kdIA-TAh4_QF8hnCcZ0aE5FCPN3IE4MjBRsKSv2PX39-oX9hyGF-Ms89B2vWpVLPwP-oZl/s1600-h/fab+bouquets.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307523810988677090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugq6-ms1ihXx1mLl8VoY93kSlXoBykuC7eJfMNqr-Pvtc-UsIWjlXJYHUI_xBYX7u3gh4H-kdIA-TAh4_QF8hnCcZ0aE5FCPN3IE4MjBRsKSv2PX39-oX9hyGF-Ms89B2vWpVLPwP-oZl/s400/fab+bouquets.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credits: 1) </span><a href="http://blog.iheartpeonies.com/2008/10/my-secrets-our-bouquets.html?showComment=1224615060000"><span style="font-size:78%;">i heart peonies</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, 2) </span><a href="http://2excitednests.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">2 Excited Nests</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, 3) unknown - if you know, email me!, 4) </span><a href="http://www.thebridescafe.com/index.cfm?postID=42"><span style="font-size:78%;">The Bride's Cafe </span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">via </span><a href="http://greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-blue-decor-at-brides-cafe.html"><span style="font-size:78%;">Green Wedding Shoes</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, 5) </span><a href="http://housemartin.typepad.com/housemartin/"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">housemartin</span></span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, 6) </span><a href="http://2excitednests.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">2 Excited Nests</span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-8468953603329010462009-05-06T16:19:00.004-05:002009-05-07T15:22:20.242-05:00Renting Wedding Supplies on CraigslistGenius! Seriously! I was just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">perusing</span> the pages of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Craigslist</span> for a buffet (like an actual buffet for our dining room) when I came across a listing for RENTING candy buffet supplies. GENIUS! A<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pothecary</span> jars can be insanely expensive. And, while I have utilized some of my (ill-fated candy buffet) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">apothecary</span> jars in my home decor (i.e., on my book shelf, in my front hall, etc.), chances are, you'll never really use them again. So, my budget-savvy friends, Craigslist away...Craigslist away.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-5876436275954516902009-04-26T18:25:00.008-05:002009-04-26T20:46:03.384-05:00fiesta bachelorette party: beveragesI was recently enlisted to co-plan <em>and host</em> a friend's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bachelorette</span> party, and while I'm more than happy to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">oblige</span>, I have to admit, planning and executing a sweet little fiesta-inspired <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bachelorette</span> party in only a few short weeks (while in the midst of moving and keeping up with work) has me extremely nervous! Extremely!<br /><br />So, my plan is to tackle it bit by bit. For instance, today, I did some menu development and beverage research. And I've come to one conclusion, as long as we have sangria and margaritas, all will be good - especially if they're displayed in my Crate and Barrel <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=180&f=3079">jars with lids</a> and <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=752&f=12253">stainless steel ladles</a> (I'm pretty sure the ones in the photos below are identical to mine)!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyrtlx8zqqjfEK7VmfC2OW3cCCutJc6ouLnJuEWr14s8qT_cxfi67ELXBaoXmQWKJ9VaBEoNU_RCm2uckYNhrmJ7l-jdT3jKhAJ__5i67Q4ky-Op-TTW2KMQjFr9nG7T7i1RSgRssgit9/s1600-h/14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329145348362841970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyrtlx8zqqjfEK7VmfC2OW3cCCutJc6ouLnJuEWr14s8qT_cxfi67ELXBaoXmQWKJ9VaBEoNU_RCm2uckYNhrmJ7l-jdT3jKhAJ__5i67Q4ky-Op-TTW2KMQjFr9nG7T7i1RSgRssgit9/s400/14.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I found several highly rated drink recipes on my good-old-standby, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AllRecipes</span>.com</a>, but I think a variation on White Peach Sangria and (would-you-believe-it) Beer Margaritas (don't knock it until you read the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Margaritas/Reviews.aspx?SortBy=Helpfulness&Direction=Descending">reviews</a>!) are the winners! Of course, I'll have to test them with Nathan (I know, life's tough!) before I commit. I'll be sure to report back.<br /><br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/White-Peach-Sangria/Detail.aspx">White Peach Sangria</a> - variation<br />Serves 24<br />4 bottles dry white wine<br />3 cups peach flavored vodka<br />1-1/2 cups frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed<br />1 cup white sugar<br />4 pounds small diced white peaches<br />3 cups small diced apples<br />3 cups whole raspberries<br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Margaritas/Detail.aspx">Beer Margarita's</a> - variation<br />Serves 24<br /><div></div>4 (12 fluid ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate<br />6 cups tequila<br />6 cups water<br />6 cups light Mexican beer<br />ice<br />4 lime, sliced<br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credits: </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2009/02/real-wedding-saturday-allison-mark.html"><span style="font-size:78%;">Real Wedding Saturday: Allison & Mark</span></a></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-12944389061749819322009-04-12T10:53:00.006-05:002009-04-12T11:24:00.774-05:00mod milk glass?Nathan and I trekked out to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ikea</span> yesterday (Nathan's personal hell) to brainstorm possible media storage solutions for our new place, and of course I spent an additional hour exploring all of the inexpensive decor possibilities... You really can't take me anywhere these days. :)<br /><br />During my exploration, I came across these adorable modern white vases that reminded me of milk glass! If you're a mod girl having a mod wedding, wouldn't it be cute to incorporate these into your centerpieces!? Filled with a single bud or left empty displayed at varying heights, I think these vases would make a perfect addition to a sleek wedding design!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucF7ts42jzKiLVE3KKI_gKKqxjLftKm7t8jXr-cTnx5070TRSLPTlkQ-KlN4GjX7LgKClzNCPiV_hc12tFY1Gm6f_Ci7dOYD6BUVROiuZzy2jCz_zhBtvpVI8-RlyqQ8OGTJoDMkGE5HF/s1600-h/milk+glass+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323833930674416498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucF7ts42jzKiLVE3KKI_gKKqxjLftKm7t8jXr-cTnx5070TRSLPTlkQ-KlN4GjX7LgKClzNCPiV_hc12tFY1Gm6f_Ci7dOYD6BUVROiuZzy2jCz_zhBtvpVI8-RlyqQ8OGTJoDMkGE5HF/s400/milk+glass+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzodowjCfdP1jb5f_ctv_G6cCQD_OS0bxeOboRtuE4sNLNK5t1EVmQ6ztpp8AMaH91g73ZOGWf6Glm3OJ7dCr0pxfECviDc7-u3zaLup_JYtzSvlZ6HWnbwIZJG8-grWyA9sgewohWlyT/s1600-h/milk+glass+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323833926918176642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzodowjCfdP1jb5f_ctv_G6cCQD_OS0bxeOboRtuE4sNLNK5t1EVmQ6ztpp8AMaH91g73ZOGWf6Glm3OJ7dCr0pxfECviDc7-u3zaLup_JYtzSvlZ6HWnbwIZJG8-grWyA9sgewohWlyT/s400/milk+glass+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MJ4RmEatOA1MkTBcu32I1bXBysnz7jUnlT5fn-YnpUFFxGZImp5-V4kosPPjpV21e8O0PJORaHGsX2xc1_qb3nGVC1TCjEkWCoGJGh0zks_M8jXSpR2vdW48TdXIPdhuBGKbM6lsM8OB/s1600-h/milk+glass+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323833936779540098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MJ4RmEatOA1MkTBcu32I1bXBysnz7jUnlT5fn-YnpUFFxGZImp5-V4kosPPjpV21e8O0PJORaHGsX2xc1_qb3nGVC1TCjEkWCoGJGh0zks_M8jXSpR2vdW48TdXIPdhuBGKbM6lsM8OB/s400/milk+glass+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt8dM9gbozTo4u4ySJnmnQW_woBt9HgTbioVc3KwHSehgLTUjy0uj05MlweEkwoo2-FdB1Z-m923bGv0vesJ8rulpZg2JsnrSmfCM_W3s363e0eha3zW2uFw3v0H3GF4hVI1pENPmSjMN/s1600-h/milk+glass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323833934169217906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt8dM9gbozTo4u4ySJnmnQW_woBt9HgTbioVc3KwHSehgLTUjy0uj05MlweEkwoo2-FdB1Z-m923bGv0vesJ8rulpZg2JsnrSmfCM_W3s363e0eha3zW2uFw3v0H3GF4hVI1pENPmSjMN/s400/milk+glass.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq-wvEidbjalL54LO0j8OLRPNBiqm3QP8WQvkEd5ADXazMvcDGi8dTaI3ck3D9qcuyIIZnCWrzdLokza7WaQZ7hMp_s2zAqrna6YfAIG0952KRpoltF9zUJk1FTOnwvV6XYuKqXtSoiRt/s1600-h/milk+glass+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323833932551326290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq-wvEidbjalL54LO0j8OLRPNBiqm3QP8WQvkEd5ADXazMvcDGi8dTaI3ck3D9qcuyIIZnCWrzdLokza7WaQZ7hMp_s2zAqrna6YfAIG0952KRpoltF9zUJk1FTOnwvV6XYuKqXtSoiRt/s400/milk+glass+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-74521163805906241642009-04-05T21:03:00.011-05:002009-04-09T08:30:26.428-05:00local goodness: uncommon ground<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKz9_-t8kiGQHr2XlbGMY8zJX9hjQn25BdG89eMx4OYnmwI2rIqIQ-nRPQz2tLeUUxC-BDkUEavCMRV6CIWP9z9vWSgEtMnNyfLRn9EJWtKwFFrVKumkVasyBuoaIyWuxSFqYaXdhu_Lb/s1600-h/uncommon+ground+jamor+flickr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321400877235267634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKz9_-t8kiGQHr2XlbGMY8zJX9hjQn25BdG89eMx4OYnmwI2rIqIQ-nRPQz2tLeUUxC-BDkUEavCMRV6CIWP9z9vWSgEtMnNyfLRn9EJWtKwFFrVKumkVasyBuoaIyWuxSFqYaXdhu_Lb/s400/uncommon+ground+jamor+flickr.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>Nathan and I spent the afternoon looking at apartments...again. (I can't begin to tell you how excited I'll be when we find a keeper and stop wasting our weekends looking at the same crappy shotgun apartments.) <div><br />Anyhow, while driving from one crappy apartment in Roscoe Village to another in Andersonville, we decided to stop at our favorite little restaurant/cafe, <a href="http://www.uncommonground.com/pages/clark_home/19.php">uncommon ground</a>! And, let me tell you, aside from the atmosphere and ambiance, there is one other undeniable reason to frequent this local eatery: the freaking delicious <a href="http://www.uncommonground.com/pages/eat/20.php">menu</a>! Whether you get the fabulous turkey and brie grilled cheese with shaved red onions, arugula, and fig jam, or homemade maple and bourbon brioche french toast, it's be a party in your mouth every time! Quite simply, they're in the business of GOOD FOOD, period. <div><br />If you're in the city, make your way to Grace and Clark (or Devon and Glenwood, for that matter). You won't be disappointed!</div></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-1929772695829694952009-04-04T18:36:00.006-05:002009-04-12T11:22:45.318-05:00ATTITUDE &/or GRATITUDE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElRdi4GKC_yfZRoW99B_95d7TfrxGs-CbC9amot9OH-DuNGLqBFtoF3_k0oF-8Ps_O5dwaApl0ScYfYk4oeqyBdqv8-LkzDda50Ql_KGbs8tHTfTa0m6twyUhJeLko81MZhuV7Mbe_mkW/s1600-h/lemonade_award_from_sandy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321001390462076626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElRdi4GKC_yfZRoW99B_95d7TfrxGs-CbC9amot9OH-DuNGLqBFtoF3_k0oF-8Ps_O5dwaApl0ScYfYk4oeqyBdqv8-LkzDda50Ql_KGbs8tHTfTa0m6twyUhJeLko81MZhuV7Mbe_mkW/s400/lemonade_award_from_sandy.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hi everyone! It's been a CRAZY few weeks: apartment searching, car searching, and working crazy hours at work (because I got a promotion!!!!)! Crazy, crazy few weeks - so crazy that I've neglected to write, read or do anything wedding blog related! I spent this afternoon <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">indulging</span> in some well-deserved blog reading, and came across my FIRST BLOG AWARD!!! Tara from the almighty <a href="http://www.inthisinstance.com/">In This Instance</a> granted me the Attitude and/or Gratitude award! Me!!!??? Awesome; thanks, Tara!<br /><br />Like all awards, this one comes with a set of rules:<br /><div>1) put the logo on your blog or post</div><div>2) nominate at least 10 blogs with show GREAT ATTITUDE &/or GRATITUDE!</div><div>3) be sure to link your nominees within your post</div><div>4) let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog</div><div>5) share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award</div><br /><div>The following are my nominees. Enjoy!</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://abackyardwedding.blogspot.com/">A Backyard Wedding</a></div><div><a href="http://style-for-style.blogspot.com/">Style-for-Style</a> </div><div><a href="http://kegdesign.blogspot.com/">keg design</a></div><div><a href="http://claremontroad.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">claremont</span> road</a></div><div><a href="http://with-this-ring-i-thee-obsess.blogspot.com/">With This Ring, I Thee Obsess</a></div><div><a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/">Merriment Design</a></div><div><a href="http://2excitednests.blogspot.com/">2 Excited nests</a></div><div><a href="http://www.thebrokeassbride.com/">The Broke-Ass Bride</a></div><div><a href="http://www.inthisinstance.com/">In This Instance</a></div><div><a href="http://2000dollarwedding.com/">2000 dollar wedding</a></div><div><a href="http://punkinsprose.blogspot.com/">Jenny.Lee</a></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-51054068204681439022009-03-19T14:13:00.011-05:002009-03-19T21:23:01.046-05:00Hosting OOT Guests IEvery year I find myself slightly unprepared when Nathan and I host out of town guests. There's never been a comical disaster (except for our first Thanksgiving, but that's a story for another time); I've just never been at ease with the decisions I've made regarding meal choices, sleeping arrangements, etc. So this year, I decided I would be start preparing well in advance.<br /><br />I'm beginning my hostess preparations with meal ideas, specifically, breakfast ideas, because I can't imagine anything more welcoming to a guest than waking up to the smell of a something scrumptious baking in the oven! Besides, breakfast is sometimes the only meal you eat at home, because you're so busy sightseeing and showing off local restaurants?!<br /><br />Up until this point, I've stuck to recipes I've mastered: waffles (with my trusty waffle-maker), <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-French-Toast-2/Detail.aspx">french toast casserole</a>, a variety of <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/summer-fruit-crostata-recipe/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">crostata's</span></a>... So, I'm in desperate need of new breakfast/brunch recipes; enter: Williams-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sonoma</span> <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/tbrowse.cfm?objectid=B1F0724E%2D3F59%2D4D54%2DB05384A6A3168F52&cm%5Ftype=lnav">online recipes search</a>. I'll spend the next couple of months trying to master a baked apple pancake, a classic dutch baby, homemade sausage, and three different types of <em>filled pancakes</em>: cinnamon glaze, banana/graham cracker, and lemon/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">marscapone</span>!!!<br /><br />I'm hungry...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm3j5PNyXFwFFGn2aNF13e5YPhOKY8IMYJmTIY4x9F41vFDLM2KmMH_LH39Tt1fD8VfPMdq7b6fxUKMILqi8YNUzRH58rLT8aLkXvwMKLZ9ccRhIhZV2XWS6KBEILNDOb1XVA56KfNTj-/s1600-h/DutchApplePancakes499A64C.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314965067273721762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQm3j5PNyXFwFFGn2aNF13e5YPhOKY8IMYJmTIY4x9F41vFDLM2KmMH_LH39Tt1fD8VfPMdq7b6fxUKMILqi8YNUzRH58rLT8aLkXvwMKLZ9ccRhIhZV2XWS6KBEILNDOb1XVA56KfNTj-/s400/DutchApplePancakes499A64C%252Ejpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqSaCRhQ95flUpg3R3OMkmdRJUtsuazZ-UCFHnJRuefU9i1z2SLAaoiDCi7eGhx_E75O-bxzEOb-6Fh4u19xdbFhx7J0L3o9S2qa2wN6f4BfEo7DXCi7kxIA-MRHMcmVOqoJj2OhAjbh-/s1600-h/DutchBaby.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314966671489964866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqSaCRhQ95flUpg3R3OMkmdRJUtsuazZ-UCFHnJRuefU9i1z2SLAaoiDCi7eGhx_E75O-bxzEOb-6Fh4u19xdbFhx7J0L3o9S2qa2wN6f4BfEo7DXCi7kxIA-MRHMcmVOqoJj2OhAjbh-/s400/DutchBaby%252Ejpg.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_YMbIA7Pj3gMxsXhLYYURJYR-R4UwkLPhP8pCpXhjxGyrdb0lpHRwTE11MNLsAdvbDYLFidszsTf1SLyxnGDRmdCg4NyWqok8hl8hTxYaLiu7ZCvXqSsjQisTtEqteJkVTmXCphNnQro/s1600-h/AppleSausagePattiesNew.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314966673138037778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_YMbIA7Pj3gMxsXhLYYURJYR-R4UwkLPhP8pCpXhjxGyrdb0lpHRwTE11MNLsAdvbDYLFidszsTf1SLyxnGDRmdCg4NyWqok8hl8hTxYaLiu7ZCvXqSsjQisTtEqteJkVTmXCphNnQro/s400/AppleSausagePattiesNew%252Ejpg.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJbgsnYX1MGY2F3N6UAqFX2ZkEOX1j08cvh1PAxgTJy-K9s5I38891g8bdSjxV4JtMZX3mX9W5Ku1hz2op19bo-_J8G7i51BMs43CHBtKJkycty1_hSWhiZdhvPw4fY66lhheFYvt8FKp/s1600-h/CinnamonBunPancake.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314965069643633282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJbgsnYX1MGY2F3N6UAqFX2ZkEOX1j08cvh1PAxgTJy-K9s5I38891g8bdSjxV4JtMZX3mX9W5Ku1hz2op19bo-_J8G7i51BMs43CHBtKJkycty1_hSWhiZdhvPw4fY66lhheFYvt8FKp/s400/CinnamonBunPancake%252Ejpg.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLp_9EwtKCBf7XUn8abu9WS3UcYxPth5hTH20Z0RQ7oBj3fcEgz8BEzey-mhTsnjTfrzDAGBqZKFBgvlBKWqG81EJMqIzErAMCy8WF2yPw7e9aLk0qWCHdd27kCiXng78efPi7nr_3WnaF/s1600-h/bananagrahamcrackerpancakes.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314965071436207522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLp_9EwtKCBf7XUn8abu9WS3UcYxPth5hTH20Z0RQ7oBj3fcEgz8BEzey-mhTsnjTfrzDAGBqZKFBgvlBKWqG81EJMqIzErAMCy8WF2yPw7e9aLk0qWCHdd27kCiXng78efPi7nr_3WnaF/s400/bananagrahamcrackerpancakes%252Ejpg.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYCBcJjjNy8LSDbVK4kuP_OKYMJ2XTynQ2awHNlGK0MyEmIFd8GHdcGi7TZaJUmYOO3SVrt_N-4MS_eVTa42hpv2CxZ6KaNlplWxE9qCGQk9e7IhH6yBG5_X22IIcME-mZiCIwfPs34Gr/s1600-h/lemonmarscaponefilledpancake.jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314965066882356226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYCBcJjjNy8LSDbVK4kuP_OKYMJ2XTynQ2awHNlGK0MyEmIFd8GHdcGi7TZaJUmYOO3SVrt_N-4MS_eVTa42hpv2CxZ6KaNlplWxE9qCGQk9e7IhH6yBG5_X22IIcME-mZiCIwfPs34Gr/s400/lemonmarscaponefilledpancake%252Ejpg.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credits: </span><a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/tbrowse.cfm?objectid=B1F0724E%2D3F59%2D4D54%2DB05384A6A3168F52&cm%5Ftype=lnav"><span style="font-size:78%;">Williams-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sonoma</span> Recipes</span></a></p>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-75521300383844888542009-03-08T16:10:00.002-05:002009-03-08T16:16:14.911-05:00Wedding Hair II: The BridesmaidsWedding hair is important for everyone - brides and bridesmaids alike. Can you imagine looking at your wedding album 20 years from now and shaking your head in shame because your maid of honor's hair looked like a hot mess? (It happens to my aunt every time she opens her 1989 wedding album!)<br /><br />I'm not suggesting that their hair should be nicer than yours; not at all, in fact. Rather, their hair should compliment yours, whether your hair is down and casual or up in a beehive!<br /><br />These maids kept it cool and "everyday-down", while the bride donned a ultra-cute low updo.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm91z5oe53w7_JeiND4StCCwP57vnTkI7OZ245GEfWEmbbK4pyu_taRbqcqTc-m9__RfmGHxPoUzLiMn6kYv9oE3_ZmOIV78TFe2xBEmnnMZbFwPYte5j0gfNBv86WKvsZr1FzuaM4YnFD/s1600-h/up+hair+v4+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309414380459487394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm91z5oe53w7_JeiND4StCCwP57vnTkI7OZ245GEfWEmbbK4pyu_taRbqcqTc-m9__RfmGHxPoUzLiMn6kYv9oE3_ZmOIV78TFe2xBEmnnMZbFwPYte5j0gfNBv86WKvsZr1FzuaM4YnFD/s400/up+hair+v4+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a>These maids looked beachy and beautiful while the bride kept it understated and half-up.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOr1aIxsRrzgWe7vqjHWO8tQqP9AvLJM9fUI7t9O4wfeaDJPA6UXEwb01FSUY7LCxLjqY7z3Y0hwRLMKNHr8y28eU-EtGF25nDyw7MR8d0YL3lTjern1qx9kahb7cuboRC6IgJLQVcvMY/s1600-h/untitled+v1+style.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309414374669152706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOr1aIxsRrzgWe7vqjHWO8tQqP9AvLJM9fUI7t9O4wfeaDJPA6UXEwb01FSUY7LCxLjqY7z3Y0hwRLMKNHr8y28eU-EtGF25nDyw7MR8d0YL3lTjern1qx9kahb7cuboRC6IgJLQVcvMY/s400/untitled+v1+style.bmp" border="0" /></a></p>This entire bridal party donned city-chic dos...<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM8fyaYTs9ZczK9gp28thyERzyKneoCJyr8ZknPTzy9Vs99mNP1YohTFC0hE1Q6ANMpNhXkLCjWdkJY97RStL3bMyuoT77ST6dlQ2Lue12LGMLlbVaoAe02FO92vKEYSku6WkBFrH7tRH/s1600-h/hair+v3+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307520759716091330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM8fyaYTs9ZczK9gp28thyERzyKneoCJyr8ZknPTzy9Vs99mNP1YohTFC0hE1Q6ANMpNhXkLCjWdkJY97RStL3bMyuoT77ST6dlQ2Lue12LGMLlbVaoAe02FO92vKEYSku6WkBFrH7tRH/s400/hair+v3+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a>...while this entire bridal party coordinated a variety of "everyday" looks! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCeIj1i-NRlvJGLrTMIK6kVOU7wkwjjen0lDFivmpcvG0UIh7Nur9LzpA2I_HY0B4VltEVTLyM3i1zDXvFLFDfq3Os8VIkuqdBtNJkOzjYyWx76vY3H2XXusEshp_8y6l_Dzj1RTodHlR/s1600-h/dierdre-and-jay-4+v1+style.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307520746043917634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCeIj1i-NRlvJGLrTMIK6kVOU7wkwjjen0lDFivmpcvG0UIh7Nur9LzpA2I_HY0B4VltEVTLyM3i1zDXvFLFDfq3Os8VIkuqdBtNJkOzjYyWx76vY3H2XXusEshp_8y6l_Dzj1RTodHlR/s400/dierdre-and-jay-4+v1+style.jpg" border="0" /></a>And, my favorite of all wedding party dos has got to be this vintage entourage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TwR7FG0XmpV_WB73nTccYIhyphenhyphenYLuelPBnA1m65wKXEMwOG_efEoWU-StzpEYN2ZFM-2jJq6XS3nuBep81yvGQTZQbrLPfPWVRy3hgVQfsPKn9MqQ8IbHBIQDAsbEExfESwKDx8SDeXBY/s1600-h/hair+v2+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307520755667299394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TwR7FG0XmpV_WB73nTccYIhyphenhyphenYLuelPBnA1m65wKXEMwOG_efEoWU-StzpEYN2ZFM-2jJq6XS3nuBep81yvGQTZQbrLPfPWVRy3hgVQfsPKn9MqQ8IbHBIQDAsbEExfESwKDx8SDeXBY/s400/hair+v2+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a>...a closer look at one of the updos. Isn't it fabulous!?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFV2vBTu7CWKDH1rq5FsQe_HKq5p0NCdvvyuy5cnVmY9sDARStMQf-wRzxBSti7iRJ2l8C8nWM1fCc5Jr2p8UynDrdtCqpki6_C2i2idBDCWAtnYDiCo8g8TWGX_6RuwtjuQNKSnnacll/s1600-h/hair+v2a+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307535996672822866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFV2vBTu7CWKDH1rq5FsQe_HKq5p0NCdvvyuy5cnVmY9sDARStMQf-wRzxBSti7iRJ2l8C8nWM1fCc5Jr2p8UynDrdtCqpki6_C2i2idBDCWAtnYDiCo8g8TWGX_6RuwtjuQNKSnnacll/s400/hair+v2a+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credit: </span><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">style me pretty</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">style me pretty</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a></p>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-23739731997754576112009-02-27T10:58:00.020-06:002009-03-01T23:35:24.166-06:00Wedding Hair I: The BrideBefore I begin this post, I’d like to send a quick shout out to Snippet and Ink. While “researching” wedding hair options for brides and bridesmaids, I found myself continuously visiting Snippet’s <a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding">Real Weddings</a> for inspiration. What a comprehensive selection! But, I digress.<br /><br />It might just be a personal preference, but I’m a huge fan of brides who look like themselves on their wedding day – brides who take a somewhat natural approach to their wedding look. There’s something about a soft, subtle, delicate beauty that (to me) will always be considered Classic, with a capital C. And, while I’m partial to brides who wear their hair down, specifically in loose curls, I completely appreciate a well-executed up-do. Below is a small sampling of some of my favorite looks. The only re-occurring theme is soft and natural...with a little bit of volume for good measure. <div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRMOdF5uBdJbXiYt-I0mre4MKy-gG0dJ_zsZw5eGJTloMJ8ZboKVpq5ljG8iYNbqRoYJEIIUjE__UtMi0pfmgcqYbZlCqQfClPJLK76pVFTeKxypOAK9mJUD26WQ3sEwgL-UZIv6NgI-H/s1600-h/down+hair+v+5a+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307534093263688306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRMOdF5uBdJbXiYt-I0mre4MKy-gG0dJ_zsZw5eGJTloMJ8ZboKVpq5ljG8iYNbqRoYJEIIUjE__UtMi0pfmgcqYbZlCqQfClPJLK76pVFTeKxypOAK9mJUD26WQ3sEwgL-UZIv6NgI-H/s400/down+hair+v+5a+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLmoa08PhOXloB3j9lxWAHAEQUzBJMRgvusiFLsS8IDBp6spyv2nbLH6kdUiu0PJEYbMB8OS_oiJj3bP490tdHdt_mHnf8XmuOhyphenhyphendApulb3x80aOl44DQkca_luRK_ElzvAXS2FDCt5-Z/s1600-h/down+hair+v+5+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307528481150431890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLmoa08PhOXloB3j9lxWAHAEQUzBJMRgvusiFLsS8IDBp6spyv2nbLH6kdUiu0PJEYbMB8OS_oiJj3bP490tdHdt_mHnf8XmuOhyphenhyphendApulb3x80aOl44DQkca_luRK_ElzvAXS2FDCt5-Z/s400/down+hair+v+5+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird_yF8eyJLmRMEJTWFA97h1hefr-5rNoLQPtUhgYu-L5oNtLRdBk-7eci_Oscyw4Xwwury0yzNoKIcZngW4WpT9Pog4MiWQji1VX9U6AStwnZ7zRyyAufO6DdaDDOr5dSfpk1qgXs45Os/s1600-h/down+bride+hair+3+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307534553534097570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEird_yF8eyJLmRMEJTWFA97h1hefr-5rNoLQPtUhgYu-L5oNtLRdBk-7eci_Oscyw4Xwwury0yzNoKIcZngW4WpT9Pog4MiWQji1VX9U6AStwnZ7zRyyAufO6DdaDDOr5dSfpk1qgXs45Os/s400/down+bride+hair+3+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvf_kYfc6yh_O1kuu6sufpGXCO71dNgkV1q0mvKOEMp6MR2ZE9Mw_Lv_10SMUQfrmvVg_Z7Mw_uQO-LA9fOgCE1oyvkHNkE-Eepw6CY3XUwfJVKicrXtKcWOAmhmTc-kJdYxqsbCDQssV/s1600-h/down+bride+hair+2+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307528478064292834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvf_kYfc6yh_O1kuu6sufpGXCO71dNgkV1q0mvKOEMp6MR2ZE9Mw_Lv_10SMUQfrmvVg_Z7Mw_uQO-LA9fOgCE1oyvkHNkE-Eepw6CY3XUwfJVKicrXtKcWOAmhmTc-kJdYxqsbCDQssV/s400/down+bride+hair+2+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYgzh7kVoCzmSHA4Xa8dnYd5yQF75SQUGTd3wiSJLaOH_f9nxOnSg_R5HKa2rrn9B4vr9ghFE26QOq6bxh-6YH5yIO6wfim7GFXA8z1LTC4LfxRBxl2MUXMUhyphenhyphen5dqS-3Lz5zVgM_pGE1d/s1600-h/up+bride+hair+excited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307527918317266354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYgzh7kVoCzmSHA4Xa8dnYd5yQF75SQUGTd3wiSJLaOH_f9nxOnSg_R5HKa2rrn9B4vr9ghFE26QOq6bxh-6YH5yIO6wfim7GFXA8z1LTC4LfxRBxl2MUXMUhyphenhyphen5dqS-3Lz5zVgM_pGE1d/s400/up+bride+hair+excited.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPksrBlZ7gcDnznmXJdfKtyvjs03vzFCsj8F7qlHSe78x4A-OKvSNWTuijoSPgH9G2M6o1w1sv9joGSDkCGKgC_L-IVvAXS7h4LMayd2qtb9J29H_e2Db6ToMy2nhnuCIucQAKpavelVk5/s1600-h/up+hair+v7+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307535439159371410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPksrBlZ7gcDnznmXJdfKtyvjs03vzFCsj8F7qlHSe78x4A-OKvSNWTuijoSPgH9G2M6o1w1sv9joGSDkCGKgC_L-IVvAXS7h4LMayd2qtb9J29H_e2Db6ToMy2nhnuCIucQAKpavelVk5/s400/up+hair+v7+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5_y-vUmqCjPvAFE2LuclelibTvuuWVRUL8gU18AIrbvmR99g9jDxkXJukhbJ0NKxZfI4B0upBUfyM55v_ktl3B6ynMQ03oeqm7VMQAE2EIEDJ-HDvlNM7jdnQFIyPd_HwfahFJatiHAJ/s1600-h/up+hair+v5+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307536076042545666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5_y-vUmqCjPvAFE2LuclelibTvuuWVRUL8gU18AIrbvmR99g9jDxkXJukhbJ0NKxZfI4B0upBUfyM55v_ktl3B6ynMQ03oeqm7VMQAE2EIEDJ-HDvlNM7jdnQFIyPd_HwfahFJatiHAJ/s400/up+hair+v5+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_NCmLN7roUnrMgkuNkPUSOOAAgK96pQ90cMhqs4L_Ja8o4AgLadqxsE2A9Vl0igac8tMEPEpMAq_hoVLFt_8maO_eNtck8ZXZDMGvA3kCuCp46foQOS7ubBeS87veFV_pRvKx8RfNngq/s1600-h/up+hair+v6+snippet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307552699474281378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_NCmLN7roUnrMgkuNkPUSOOAAgK96pQ90cMhqs4L_Ja8o4AgLadqxsE2A9Vl0igac8tMEPEpMAq_hoVLFt_8maO_eNtck8ZXZDMGvA3kCuCp46foQOS7ubBeS87veFV_pRvKx8RfNngq/s400/up+hair+v6+snippet.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credit: </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://2excitednests.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Weddings"><span style="font-size:78%;">2 excited nests</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/search?q=real+wedding"><span style="font-size:78%;">snippet and ink</span></a></div></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-55361661705117427302009-02-22T10:06:00.005-06:002009-03-01T22:51:44.060-06:00Bridesmaid Dresses: Tailoring Off the RackI stand corrected...<br /><br />Months ago, when I saw post after post featuring <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2962795?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=Adrianna+Papell+Shantung+Dress+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults">this</a> eggplant Adrianna Papell dress from Nordstrom, I secretly thought to myself: these ladies clearly want their bridesmaids to look fat. Clearly. As much as I loved (and I mean looooooved) the color and fabric of this dress, it would have been completely cruel to make my bridesmaids wear a dress that <em>created </em>a pooch - <em>literally</em>!<br /><br />But then I saw <a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2009/02/real-wedding-saturday-holly-mario.html">Holly and Mario's wedding</a> featured on <a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/">Snippet and Ink</a>, and my jaw hit my laptop. They seem to have tailored the puffy, pooch-creating midsection down to a smooth, sleek, almost form-fitting dress! So, the moral to that story is...if you're only paying $100+ for the dress, you can totally afford to tailor the shape if need be!!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP241QfSkY9dnllxKYmkKg3D2usS7xqa2MySfLZ6KbwlXpFnWseMLOK939ZeCcihCh8fIKKWDij4rUnBOUfa2TeUCbR8iMWcHxaMfEEZrRxTJ7FtzoRO6GcrTG7iw7mL7ZUarIPloZ-VSh/s1600-h/purple+dresses+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305468150487025362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 406px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP241QfSkY9dnllxKYmkKg3D2usS7xqa2MySfLZ6KbwlXpFnWseMLOK939ZeCcihCh8fIKKWDij4rUnBOUfa2TeUCbR8iMWcHxaMfEEZrRxTJ7FtzoRO6GcrTG7iw7mL7ZUarIPloZ-VSh/s400/purple+dresses+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiSc6rF2V9rMN2xxYrE8el9Qta9LGO2rO59GO6ogkjaS5vWQar9EBRmWcyoGIGl3zb_5XpgwBY6BBOcbzqCUnFtklx_3J_XHLx5hr-lylDctstW8T6L9niJTcpWBI-sYBu2xBVhypMDO3/s1600-h/purple+dresses.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305468149230726722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiSc6rF2V9rMN2xxYrE8el9Qta9LGO2rO59GO6ogkjaS5vWQar9EBRmWcyoGIGl3zb_5XpgwBY6BBOcbzqCUnFtklx_3J_XHLx5hr-lylDctstW8T6L9niJTcpWBI-sYBu2xBVhypMDO3/s400/purple+dresses.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlLxZtclnLdxj3UxO6C8nBsISD-_SGWMc9iDwd3-y07-NfeaB-JCFSrjBymCXsHCQp9-u9iwfzLK6eGW9UGFF6ut522W0Xc73zFR1e5i6VisM61U8on5n8A8Aequ7i3C0zNwePKj0W54u/s1600-h/purple+dresses+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305468145775164594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlLxZtclnLdxj3UxO6C8nBsISD-_SGWMc9iDwd3-y07-NfeaB-JCFSrjBymCXsHCQp9-u9iwfzLK6eGW9UGFF6ut522W0Xc73zFR1e5i6VisM61U8on5n8A8Aequ7i3C0zNwePKj0W54u/s400/purple+dresses+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: </span><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2962795?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=Adrianna+Papell+Shantung+Dress+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults"><span style="font-size:85%;">Nordstrom</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2009/02/real-wedding-saturday-holly-mario.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Snippet and Ink</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2009/02/real-wedding-saturday-holly-mario.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Snippet and Ink</span></a></p>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-19126350542303327132009-02-18T08:41:00.003-06:002009-03-01T22:52:08.460-06:00Flower Girl Dresses: Us AngelsFinding a flower girl dress that fit my style and budget wasn't nearly as easy as I thought it would be. I went back and forth for MONTHS trying to find the perfect dress - seriously, months! I finally stumbled upon the perfect little <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/10/flower-girl-update.html">eggplant Us Angels</a> number at Nordstrom, of all places!!!! Who would have thought!?<br /><br />If you're on the market for a stylish flower girl dress, take a look at <a href="http://www.usangels.com/index.jsp">Us Angels</a>. Absolutely adorable!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHTaNhotnsKrcc50KFDgow7hm2o-neNe0OEsAQnICMHyHReIG0_4hQylGxvSkSVaAXOWkkUX7KZMeADVkLEV-aJLhCQjQ8NiaDatmLEsEcm9ShaWZWxUeJeqjwpQeqRGwG0D_TAd8tz3x/s1600-h/bm+flower+girl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303830254426903010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHTaNhotnsKrcc50KFDgow7hm2o-neNe0OEsAQnICMHyHReIG0_4hQylGxvSkSVaAXOWkkUX7KZMeADVkLEV-aJLhCQjQ8NiaDatmLEsEcm9ShaWZWxUeJeqjwpQeqRGwG0D_TAd8tz3x/s400/bm+flower+girl.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sDJh7YO45R0QaTkwiHLMOhje8IdMJqvDFKAAK3rjUnvz2tvRFBJM7DKUGZOmjHq7gT1Zy3N4Jt0XJ8BRSjaPFEX4wdluZp0RdKaTt385XAyI-Iu_039sCRjt5MnOB2NJfYgs_5C5pNyy/s1600-h/bm+fg+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303830246451952258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4sDJh7YO45R0QaTkwiHLMOhje8IdMJqvDFKAAK3rjUnvz2tvRFBJM7DKUGZOmjHq7gT1Zy3N4Jt0XJ8BRSjaPFEX4wdluZp0RdKaTt385XAyI-Iu_039sCRjt5MnOB2NJfYgs_5C5pNyy/s400/bm+fg+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09f3vxM66siaFQRNjFN9cnIx0cwB0JjYl1ffISOoXODlHytYIgfpvgC5h08hvt9rkBY2f0bAVVR_dkD16I_APQGUGZm7PSaDcx2QrroD8RYBL3fGq1-Rfyt9Fln5Vbo-1AkFEvF5IRLEu/s1600-h/bm+fg+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303830244347618706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09f3vxM66siaFQRNjFN9cnIx0cwB0JjYl1ffISOoXODlHytYIgfpvgC5h08hvt9rkBY2f0bAVVR_dkD16I_APQGUGZm7PSaDcx2QrroD8RYBL3fGq1-Rfyt9Fln5Vbo-1AkFEvF5IRLEu/s400/bm+fg+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW8bz1lecR86l90ZQ1-DKXVoZIneBBfKxK_S2qa5H2uRP-ILiEfqCWPUQBJuHeNyh51HcwS8hqfrkuo5pM2hmaXbQD4mHi076ZbUSyqWKLLPYtG_1CfukmbqO_rceZNoi1MCQ4SNior04/s1600-h/bm+fg+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303830243967801282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGW8bz1lecR86l90ZQ1-DKXVoZIneBBfKxK_S2qa5H2uRP-ILiEfqCWPUQBJuHeNyh51HcwS8hqfrkuo5pM2hmaXbQD4mHi076ZbUSyqWKLLPYtG_1CfukmbqO_rceZNoi1MCQ4SNior04/s400/bm+fg+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdqIWrVFm6Nx80PqVliM31fUGVnEypVB9rXcTcAd1FCqvVS-CGvlJYB-OKOZITQvM6B5D6LP7VS3WHroqISNzrUfBn6CX68aChOWZZLVS7ScDSvjvwgI8BsejaUJiCscpfxvkCSJg5Tis/s1600-h/bm+fg+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303833416379029266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdqIWrVFm6Nx80PqVliM31fUGVnEypVB9rXcTcAd1FCqvVS-CGvlJYB-OKOZITQvM6B5D6LP7VS3WHroqISNzrUfBn6CX68aChOWZZLVS7ScDSvjvwgI8BsejaUJiCscpfxvkCSJg5Tis/s400/bm+fg+5.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: </span><a href="http://www.usangels.com/index.jsp"><span style="font-size:85%;">Us Angels</span></a></p>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-66668227947555351972009-02-15T17:24:00.020-06:002009-03-01T23:24:16.934-06:00an eyelet and doily inspired weddingThese days, after 3 months of a particularly harsh and freezing winter, I find myself daydreaming about summertime fun in the sun! Can you blame me?!<br /><br />So today I’d like to bring you my summer wedding daydream! Oh, if I had to do it all over again, I might have chosen a mid-June, outdoor, eyelet & doily inspired wedding! Talk about casual elegance! And, the number of ways you can showcase eyelet and doily details are almost limitless!<br /><br />You or your flower girl could wear a fabulous (yet understated) eyelet dress. Your cake could feature eyelet- or lace-punched fondant. You could wrap your cylinder candle vases in paper doilies or eyelet fabric. You could purchase <a href="http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=1007199">Martha's</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">premade</span> eyelet wedding invitations or decorations (fantastic prices, may I add)! You could use eyelet or lace inspired <a href="http://www.thescrapbookestablishment.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1297&products_id=7192">embossers</a> or <a href="http://www.franticstamper.com/fiskars.htm">hole punchers</a> to embellish your wedding paper, or adhere <a href="http://www.mypapershop.com/310711.html">paper-lace doilies</a> to a variety of your wedding paper like <a href="http://leeandhamilton.blogspot.com/search/label/Projects">this</a> fabulous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DIY</span> bride! You are limited only by your imagination!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWdRgLCH8kcCVHRtDdDLEvQx-StxzFptEBZ1jQ8LoueUbNNWIxrD9x21sz3EcZO_GzedcjbyXyvzbiYHMQL3yjirocZFot5h5ylLfUfncRxO6QtyZ0sstjOyUDZPw43-AY_nWrFDpBi6X/s1600-h/eyelet-dream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303447314725828386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 348px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWdRgLCH8kcCVHRtDdDLEvQx-StxzFptEBZ1jQ8LoueUbNNWIxrD9x21sz3EcZO_GzedcjbyXyvzbiYHMQL3yjirocZFot5h5ylLfUfncRxO6QtyZ0sstjOyUDZPw43-AY_nWrFDpBi6X/s400/eyelet-dream.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJRvrJTCDjjuo-wjK-5GqtHGRNEx4V3QdHneEs96fHJn4H7xXm5sw0x48uG-tVFDseeu99Dizvw-8cYS5eMHmpe0skoRC4zDV-JwWRbOEnzEQA606F42ZMKd2D6dgzruuIKiOePpj9yRh/s1600-h/eyelet-candles.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303447767346576834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 422px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJRvrJTCDjjuo-wjK-5GqtHGRNEx4V3QdHneEs96fHJn4H7xXm5sw0x48uG-tVFDseeu99Dizvw-8cYS5eMHmpe0skoRC4zDV-JwWRbOEnzEQA606F42ZMKd2D6dgzruuIKiOePpj9yRh/s400/eyelet-candles.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiZwdDt67bx9Ofm_RibGSisUB4ijVJMIUB3Q-IDbIFw00c_cdNkathNGJuZXQZAyELznoW-TuDHxquiA_7lo01EI_RHIO5-CFMmbfER4G1IhIWZVBwTKVbmsUnR4fSEwojGvXS1bCSK_G/s1600-h/eyelet+lantern.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303447769207442786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 391px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiZwdDt67bx9Ofm_RibGSisUB4ijVJMIUB3Q-IDbIFw00c_cdNkathNGJuZXQZAyELznoW-TuDHxquiA_7lo01EI_RHIO5-CFMmbfER4G1IhIWZVBwTKVbmsUnR4fSEwojGvXS1bCSK_G/s400/eyelet+lantern.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GEYSYxE6FqIHgB2W4l_0M6ykqWFa-UwmcRWihm0-KDnGgOBXZhUTHwkdV6HPY0vNStzjUnCLB8NW6g2gDYVlKfy20u11zxYCpaXedozZ7mSzDZ7ZioPgmxLmr9-sKo7naw55qlQUWxJG/s1600-h/eyelet+inspired+doily+invitation+set.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303447312117513666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GEYSYxE6FqIHgB2W4l_0M6ykqWFa-UwmcRWihm0-KDnGgOBXZhUTHwkdV6HPY0vNStzjUnCLB8NW6g2gDYVlKfy20u11zxYCpaXedozZ7mSzDZ7ZioPgmxLmr9-sKo7naw55qlQUWxJG/s400/eyelet+inspired+doily+invitation+set.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ2pJ5Pe90ohobXEkIkL89NiRKP-GeetvEvL6_tLsb_E6G3HivP-1sa8TuL_cpG2z7zramrmR_XfMrZT_pXnkJY5_VeVTTAMeKmr2rek637eAaJFj-PTVuwb3KfOPrmjCurKp6iJOqmtR/s1600-h/eyelet+inspired+doily"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303450566315552402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJ2pJ5Pe90ohobXEkIkL89NiRKP-GeetvEvL6_tLsb_E6G3HivP-1sa8TuL_cpG2z7zramrmR_XfMrZT_pXnkJY5_VeVTTAMeKmr2rek637eAaJFj-PTVuwb3KfOPrmjCurKp6iJOqmtR/s400/eyelet+inspired+doily" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhAYMcSeUKLcP65mmQvb4JTJ2Q-cPKnXnPHxp6NMKtdO3d5051qoI0pcz1h6-OJYYVeIgwWd7IWWtXt468WbEGo5DlpTesYF5VmcbbhmabI8uLAJ09GXiZeCKk_au_v0hVH8L1QMF6fMz/s1600-h/eyelet+cake+and+decore.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303447310892064562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhAYMcSeUKLcP65mmQvb4JTJ2Q-cPKnXnPHxp6NMKtdO3d5051qoI0pcz1h6-OJYYVeIgwWd7IWWtXt468WbEGo5DlpTesYF5VmcbbhmabI8uLAJ09GXiZeCKk_au_v0hVH8L1QMF6fMz/s400/eyelet+cake+and+decore.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credits: </span><a href="http://creativeoddsnends.blogspot.com/2008/07/eyelet-dream.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Creative Odds 'n Ends</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2008/11/real-weddings-organic-inspired-wedding-reception/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">HWTM</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/blogs/cooking/Martha_Stewart_at_Walmart"><span style="font-size:85%;">Martha's Eyelet Collection via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Redbook</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://leeandhamilton.blogspot.com/search/label/Projects"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lee and Hamilton Blog</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://leeandhamilton.blogspot.com/search/label/Projects"><span style="font-size:85%;">Lee and Hamilton Blog</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/blogs/cooking/Martha_Stewart_at_Walmart"><span style="font-size:85%;">Martha's Eyelet Collection via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Redbook</span></span></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-70127550879007692102009-02-10T14:29:00.006-06:002009-03-01T23:26:06.882-06:00Purple Bridesmaid Dress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgjg9LLtim5032blppELjBNpBIOJW6tcntXsxV-vy-9sQSvDThJxgdk7u2qcHixcV8RiIZq2Csfl6DMPbi9SuQ1hjjhmiPfmJU6qEggKv64LWIXxB_RPQQOvawMyXgbr2_UoZ7C5BOy3C/s1600-h/jcrew+dress.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307301014554696082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgjg9LLtim5032blppELjBNpBIOJW6tcntXsxV-vy-9sQSvDThJxgdk7u2qcHixcV8RiIZq2Csfl6DMPbi9SuQ1hjjhmiPfmJU6qEggKv64LWIXxB_RPQQOvawMyXgbr2_UoZ7C5BOy3C/s400/jcrew+dress.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQxflCVVU7oYmj5oXEQpwMcVkKqbI_bY7bOvsw_Zj9EH-SWQgh9vvOC2EZvruS2zRYRdERezyHhv_qlS3zaS1C0Z-2ykfMgY35eniSQpnE8NqFQbPkLHhmawEbgkvmtseIWGaKEH1kvii/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"></a>Argh! Of course, oooooof course this would happen. JCrew has an absolutely gorgeous eggplanty-raisiny purple bridesmaid dress that would have been perfect for my bridesmaids! That's what I get for being slightly ahead of the color curve!<br /><br />Purple wedding girls: capitalize on JCrew's "spiced wine" bridesmaid dresses! They are fabulous!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">photo credit: </span><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WeddingParties/womens/w_bridesmaids/PRDOVR~97893/97893.jsp"><span style="font-size:78%;">JCrew</span></a></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-70092703991585380152009-02-09T16:40:00.013-06:002009-03-01T23:26:34.377-06:00Vendor Review V: Fabulous DOC<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300166031557172082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYFumwEkmeZmlIQrQrS2LmpvSMBJoet5nXAbWFE___cNmU6vt9ZURkEa1qWNjA-z8rn9aLctxjgXutq9SLzGK6ZLfkYJ7RKGVzk7-uEaSGvTzcazkbCOYbINREZJn0ZcgoYDUiX_l4OeM/s400/108118.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.honeybeeweddings.com/index2.html">Honey Bee Weddings</a>: A+<br /><br />Wedding designers, wedding planners, wedding coordinators, day-of-coordinators (whatever they classify themselves as) are truly amazing phenomena. Nothing, let me say it again, nooooooooothing could drive me to work with planning-crazed brides, unorganized vendors, or micromanaging mothers. But these professionals brave the chaos and revel in the challenge to bring order. They are like firefighters running toward a burning building while the rest of us are running for our lives. And, <a href="http://honeybeeweddings.blogspot.com/">Misse</a> from <a href="http://www.honeybeeweddings.com/index2.html">Honey Bee Weddings</a>, was exactly that firefighter for me...<br /><br />I had originally hoped to DIY a DOC by enlisting “a friend of a friend” who wanted to break in to the business. However, wedding coordination proved to be too hard a task for her, as she silently bowed out a few months in. So, I promptly got down to the business of sifting through dozens of overpriced Chicagoland DOCs – an exhausting and unsettling process, indeed. But, thankfully, it didn’t take me too long to find Misse. I hired her on the spot as my Day of Coordinator…but I quickly realized that the phrase “day of” didn’t begin to describe her services.<br /><br />At our first meeting, Misse offered budget-friendly vendor references (fruitwood chivari chairs with any color cushion for $6.50 per chair, what?!). She later offered invaluable wedding paper assistance (the amount of proof-reading and correcting she did was almost criminal). And during the week of my wedding, she navigated impossible vendor communication (impossible because I was busy entertaining family and being the bride)!<br /><br />The day of the wedding, Misse did EVERYTHING - everything from picking up the wedding cupcakes, (because Sweet Mandy B's has a no-delivery policy), to keeping everyone/everything on time, to DIY project set-up (menus, place cards, advice jars, etc.), to post-reception tear-down. She even put out a small “fire” when 2 guests were unhappy with their table, and decided they were going to pick up their place settings and move – literally. She was poised and professional and found a way to make everyone happy! And, I don't know how, but she actually found time to step in to the photobooth, which left us with an AWESOME keepsake, (photo to the left)!<br /><br />From “phase one planning” to the “day of coordinating”, Misse proved to be an invaluable resource on so many levels! If I had to do it all over again, I would only do one thing differently: I would have hired her as soon as I got engaged! Seriously, ladies: <a href="http://www.honeybeeweddings.com/index2.html">contact her</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">related posts: <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-budget-friendly-wedding-v-farewell.html">our budget-friendly wedding V: farewell brunch</a>, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-budget-friendly-wedding-iv.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding IV: reception</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-budget-friendly-wedding-iii-diy.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding III: DIY wedding paper</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iv-photobooth.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review IV: Photobooth</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iii-wedding-reception.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review III: Wedding & Reception Flowers</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-ii-ceremony.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding II: ceremony</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-ii-hair-make-up.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review II: Hair and Make up</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-i-attire.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding I: Attire</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/photos-are-in.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">The photos are in!!!</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/11/vendor-review-1-reception-music.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review I: Reception Music</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-2932188310154730932009-01-26T09:50:00.014-06:002009-03-01T23:27:33.680-06:00our budget-friendly wedding V: farewell brunchI don't know why, but I honestly thought that I <em>had</em> to give our guests a delicious farewell brunch before sending them home to their respective cities. I thought it was the only way to say "thank you" for traveling all the way to Chicago, spending hundreds, maybe thousands, on travel and hotel costs, and getting Nathan and I a wonderful gift. But then I realized how crazy it was to spend nearly 10% of our budget on a day-after brunch!<br /><br />So, we decided to organize a Farewell <em>Open House</em> - wait for it - in our hotel suite. (BTW, we totally lucked out when <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97509">The W</a> accidentally gave my aunt (my namesake) our bridal suite, because our upgraded suite was A LOT bigger. Score!)<br /><br />We decided to have <a href="http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/Catering/CateringMenu.aspx?category=1036">Corner Bakery</a> "cater" the "event" (which simply meant ordering $125 worth of muffins, pastries, and other morning goodies, tons of fresh fruit, and lots of hot coffee). We displayed our super awesome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">photobooth</span> guestbook so people could page through the hilarious photos and relive the evening. People came and went at their own pace - many slept in and came late, while others came early and left soon after to catch a flight. It was casual and fun - exactly like Nathan and I, if I do say so myself! All in all, it was the perfect way to say goodbye to our family and friends.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis45vl6B88AFHg5pfyFCuUvwsoiN9-xVmjsUSbtZlKpEk1KMoxj1GA1Am7TQQaC7d8PF1ldt9lwliJbCL_-6AQsqYb5ce2f75gr_tL5MrPzql_YFjBiwrgdBnIBxV2I1QMjGpcSfrZQZm_/s1600-h/wow+suite+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295634777982511714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 343px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis45vl6B88AFHg5pfyFCuUvwsoiN9-xVmjsUSbtZlKpEk1KMoxj1GA1Am7TQQaC7d8PF1ldt9lwliJbCL_-6AQsqYb5ce2f75gr_tL5MrPzql_YFjBiwrgdBnIBxV2I1QMjGpcSfrZQZm_/s400/wow+suite+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gAFWxyYS-jHucR2ZcWbboweSz_z3yLtVJPlICAcWU_scOH4Vw0NTzoBdp5L2YKOGXiPyysf7ihd79P4lWVIOJOVMhd_tiMoOg1FN89SebfsiPnXO-clj6H1D9G3lZVL7V9f20_jWvrYu/s1600-h/wow+suite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296009381236767826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 343px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gAFWxyYS-jHucR2ZcWbboweSz_z3yLtVJPlICAcWU_scOH4Vw0NTzoBdp5L2YKOGXiPyysf7ihd79P4lWVIOJOVMhd_tiMoOg1FN89SebfsiPnXO-clj6H1D9G3lZVL7V9f20_jWvrYu/s400/wow+suite.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo credit: </span><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=97509"><span style="font-size:85%;">W Hotel City Center</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, photos of our Wow Suite</span> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">related posts: <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-budget-friendly-wedding-iv.html">our budget-friendly wedding IV: reception</a>, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-budget-friendly-wedding-iii-diy.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding III: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DIY</span> wedding paper</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iv-photobooth.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review IV: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Photobooth</span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iii-wedding-reception.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review III: Wedding & Reception Flowers</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-ii-ceremony.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding II: ceremony</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-ii-hair-make-up.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review II: Hair and Make up</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-i-attire.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding I: Attire</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/photos-are-in.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">The photos are in!!!</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/11/vendor-review-1-reception-music.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review I: Reception Music</span></a> </p>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-11608966872218591762009-01-19T22:12:00.011-06:002009-03-01T23:31:09.030-06:00our budget-friendly wedding IV: receptionWhen you cut through all of the fluff (the crafty wedding paper, the themed decor, the fancy china, the rented lounge furniture, whatever your wedding may have featured), all receptions are the same. From the local VFW to The Drake, the same laughs, the same tears and the same good times are had.<br /><br />What I'm about to share, no amount of money can buy...they just happen...<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipY7Ll6PS8XF8tLaZ-2RRnZp7wqcFq4HsVFxP_D6JSUd87XIXjz8pOwR-r_PsevUf1OtKryrkOvOsEg-L5y-80rCeOhASm8MbWMwgLX7JVnnAU8Aq3XLCee-RYVeNaTgZUABE_MDZZoqtY/s1600-h/entrance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293065343690768866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipY7Ll6PS8XF8tLaZ-2RRnZp7wqcFq4HsVFxP_D6JSUd87XIXjz8pOwR-r_PsevUf1OtKryrkOvOsEg-L5y-80rCeOhASm8MbWMwgLX7JVnnAU8Aq3XLCee-RYVeNaTgZUABE_MDZZoqtY/s400/entrance.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Nathan and I decided to completely omit some of the not-so-timeless "reception ceremonies", such as the bouquet toss and garter ceremony (to each his own, right?), and we decided to vary some of the others. For instance, Nathan and I were introduced casually, sans bridal party, to Queen's "You're My Best Friend" ...It might sound corny, but as our DJ started playing the song, Nathan looked at me and said, "I'm so lucky to have married my best friend..." As we rounded the corner, we entered the room to a roar of claps and "wooows", but I'm not sure if the smile on my face is from the crowd's welcome or from Nathan's comment. </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6mngWGQ_Ex0hgYutnZdJ16uQy-SsYjMbH2HX1EUCGP2gVo2eTLVjNj549Hqeu3MEkmu-7MomKNgJfVdLYaxm9YGOwr6EgZnsep-VmFi1yltwKQ-5EH7c6KHg-2K282aZ_YuzCTsjJUpu/s1600-h/speeches+2v1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293066955708268418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6mngWGQ_Ex0hgYutnZdJ16uQy-SsYjMbH2HX1EUCGP2gVo2eTLVjNj549Hqeu3MEkmu-7MomKNgJfVdLYaxm9YGOwr6EgZnsep-VmFi1yltwKQ-5EH7c6KHg-2K282aZ_YuzCTsjJUpu/s400/speeches+2v1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Shortly after, Nathan's brother (BM), my father, and my sister (MOH) gave the most touching speeches I'd ever heard. (I'm sure everyone says that about their wedding...) We laughed...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOsY95hPOoGUlmZ-9r-wuZ6kqMKSWNjsTr-DSg9MitzUwBpWWtNDas0O-WLOANMz5y3N1tyiNV2EULBryU0jhTqJLvGnTgodjbZ2c6vzgkSg2vU1FbE1QA9YbIqx6LBnnSRB6jN5LIjfm/s1600-h/speeches.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293065392213944850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOsY95hPOoGUlmZ-9r-wuZ6kqMKSWNjsTr-DSg9MitzUwBpWWtNDas0O-WLOANMz5y3N1tyiNV2EULBryU0jhTqJLvGnTgodjbZ2c6vzgkSg2vU1FbE1QA9YbIqx6LBnnSRB6jN5LIjfm/s400/speeches.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRZukGqq5mOtYuaeg2ItcE3ZO82tybr36ZtONwBx2ue_CBBbpziEg-1hnaoWuTd4tcEMUNkj1RU5KhPoyyaooP3sOjxETltA4YltP4qPWbguoWoNX8qvH70L2EYDHClsNfkHT7TQJRv7E/s1600-h/speeches+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293066944293719458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRZukGqq5mOtYuaeg2ItcE3ZO82tybr36ZtONwBx2ue_CBBbpziEg-1hnaoWuTd4tcEMUNkj1RU5KhPoyyaooP3sOjxETltA4YltP4qPWbguoWoNX8qvH70L2EYDHClsNfkHT7TQJRv7E/s400/speeches+1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>...and cried. And, nearly all of our guests mentioned how touching the speeches were. <div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJjjKzzC30vL7urO11t7c4-TgDsM4QxBR_JWOI7NODXgodhOEoSPWdeuOGijIjOcAtUqWXJRDggSHeAmeaue-skgfeLIZlNeX9qtCdZJaXYWOgw0GDpJERVerk44dpcTwLfIf1oUs8gXP/s1600-h/first+dance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292741985368774914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJjjKzzC30vL7urO11t7c4-TgDsM4QxBR_JWOI7NODXgodhOEoSPWdeuOGijIjOcAtUqWXJRDggSHeAmeaue-skgfeLIZlNeX9qtCdZJaXYWOgw0GDpJERVerk44dpcTwLfIf1oUs8gXP/s400/first+dance.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Nathan and I danced our first dance as a married couple to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeXWkN_EHF4"><em>Making Memories of Us</em></a>. Nathan's not much of a dancer (I know, I'm the lone dancer in a family of wall-flowers...), so we decided we would invite everyone to join in after the first 60 or so. The bizarre thing was, he knew everyone was staring at us, but he didn't care. He just stared into my eyes and sang to me. It was the fastest and slowest 4 minutes of my life... <div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrin-Kw7QZt3S6g6pvoxO499ufbqnAHzhs4ER4xQNZYjZyrBQzIgNAwhdAJLVE1DPFOtTdbJkZup-ihD2oxldbj8juHgqyDJTZBbklJ7K_2UeK3KXLXE73Egd-Lx9m7dXZLLPsfgwybbJf/s1600-h/father+daughter+dance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293065348941063026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrin-Kw7QZt3S6g6pvoxO499ufbqnAHzhs4ER4xQNZYjZyrBQzIgNAwhdAJLVE1DPFOtTdbJkZup-ihD2oxldbj8juHgqyDJTZBbklJ7K_2UeK3KXLXE73Egd-Lx9m7dXZLLPsfgwybbJf/s400/father+daughter+dance.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Later, I danced with my father to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4JFBsmyiFc"><em>My Wish</em></a>. Because he was terrified to have "all eyes on him", we decided to make it an "informal" father-daughter dance...covertly sneaking a private dance amidst the sea of other dancers. His plan worked, no one looked at him! He kept saying, "how am I doing; should we be moving around more; why is the photographer taking pictures of us, doesn't he know how funny I look right now?" It was hilarious! But then, he got really serious and said, "this would be a lot harder for me if Nathan weren't the best mad I'd ever met..." I lost it - completely broke down on his shoulder. Thank goodness this photo was taken just before. It's one of my favorite photos from the entire evening. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv67bR0WGEzUr-ASirUo06lz_0T7Cdv6pO2dKg0NOrZ63wluNrOyZp0400BXcrElN2_4dne2Oyqdg54vuHPuELt84a5YfPOz_-rA10AH2Z1-bK0DnBjlq7ud9eBwGopSy0SAn6ronIkFN/s1600-h/dance+floor+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293200571395442162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv67bR0WGEzUr-ASirUo06lz_0T7Cdv6pO2dKg0NOrZ63wluNrOyZp0400BXcrElN2_4dne2Oyqdg54vuHPuELt84a5YfPOz_-rA10AH2Z1-bK0DnBjlq7ud9eBwGopSy0SAn6ronIkFN/s400/dance+floor+1.jpg" border="0" /></a>And then we danced and danced... <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0VkoQ1zDTuqbjpJ3QUd3coAq-V6RoJPvHXNx9Vk-PS71mzVbAbMzuf4gIBhSmql53qnKrAYku7t6MRCT4uNV0-FXWhPNaf6lm9kb80BFqc7RALjBc4VhCFLr8CZdIJL7Ou_ITTJ3lJis/s1600-h/air+guitar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293200370132434434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0VkoQ1zDTuqbjpJ3QUd3coAq-V6RoJPvHXNx9Vk-PS71mzVbAbMzuf4gIBhSmql53qnKrAYku7t6MRCT4uNV0-FXWhPNaf6lm9kb80BFqc7RALjBc4VhCFLr8CZdIJL7Ou_ITTJ3lJis/s400/air+guitar.jpg" border="0" /></a>and danced (with some air guitar)... <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXElZUNjogT2vXaA7blDjLVDN_xGluzQHz9DK0bOZx5y82iSvn_rbDLolG8AhIFfKV93_1f09xaLL6VMV3tOahjtZbeNuQIYYdh7F54Q6zXwhAeYtIl7SILyPko2DdcJHoLn81nPcRJsPq/s1600-h/a+little+bit+softer+now....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293200361997546658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXElZUNjogT2vXaA7blDjLVDN_xGluzQHz9DK0bOZx5y82iSvn_rbDLolG8AhIFfKV93_1f09xaLL6VMV3tOahjtZbeNuQIYYdh7F54Q6zXwhAeYtIl7SILyPko2DdcJHoLn81nPcRJsPq/s400/a+little+bit+softer+now....jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>...and danced some more... (Name that tune: "a little bit softer now, a little bit softer now...") <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4T2bEQ9uEpse4bOyRkWUFDBSz4seXqUzsCI2DnSJRPFkXRPniVDMLtvZe2yja9TBG49HnasTqstNRI9eSChnpxOVyNTcA4D22L_2nv3YhHgipyh5qw2dlIdXDass8Z54dsmO_hncbDQBD/s1600-h/in+the+stacks+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292741989493068210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4T2bEQ9uEpse4bOyRkWUFDBSz4seXqUzsCI2DnSJRPFkXRPniVDMLtvZe2yja9TBG49HnasTqstNRI9eSChnpxOVyNTcA4D22L_2nv3YhHgipyh5qw2dlIdXDass8Z54dsmO_hncbDQBD/s400/in+the+stacks+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxUcOmQpnAzOBsknC7vB78wvila_jAz7PpO-lsFy8Oea8Vxs13Y7pSGaFPkIl3k1qE-oy-SV4S0Jc_U5cw04x6vVOxxeRUzetIrGbIswdyS2vymzJC5IiZjplAJPOTlXFln4Sizs8H7xx/s1600-h/in+the+stacks+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292741995328875234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxUcOmQpnAzOBsknC7vB78wvila_jAz7PpO-lsFy8Oea8Vxs13Y7pSGaFPkIl3k1qE-oy-SV4S0Jc_U5cw04x6vVOxxeRUzetIrGbIswdyS2vymzJC5IiZjplAJPOTlXFln4Sizs8H7xx/s400/in+the+stacks+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>We wrapped up the evening with a photo shoot in the stacks... These are my FAVORITE photos from the entire evening, bar none. Even though it was relatively planned out, the photos seem to have captured our stolen moments. <div><br />...okay...enough said on that subject... ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: </span><a href="http://www.essencepv.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Essence Photo and Video</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />related posts: </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2009/01/our-budget-friendly-wedding-iii-diy.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding III: DIY wedding paper</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iv-photobooth.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review IV: Photobooth</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iii-wedding-reception.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review III: Wedding & Reception Flowers</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-ii-ceremony.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding II: ceremony</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-ii-hair-make-up.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review II: Hair and Make up</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-i-attire.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding I: Attire</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/photos-are-in.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">The photos are in!!!</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/11/vendor-review-1-reception-music.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review I: Reception Music</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-60786019153157720372009-01-18T11:26:00.017-06:002009-03-01T23:31:43.230-06:00our budget-friendly wedding III: DIY wedding paperAlmost every piece of our wedding paper was DIY. I didn't mean for it to happen that way, but as I researched costs of programs and menus and calligraphy escort cards, I realized that we could break our budget on wedding paper alone.<br /><br />About a month before the wedding, I decided to pitch the "<a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/08/candle-escort-cards.html">candle escort card</a>" idea because I became obsessed with <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/08/menu-inspiration.html">these little books</a>. Obsessed! Inside these beautiful little books, I used a "Story of Us" book theme, which was also used throughout the rest of our ceremony and reception paper. It was entitled, "Chapter II: In the Beginning" and featured our tear-jerking engagement story. (Our menus [not pictured] were entitled, "Chapter III: Eat, Drink and Be Married," of course!) Unfortunately, my photographer did NOT get a shot of the escort cards in all their displayed glory. But, oh well, at least I have something. (I love how you can see the library books in the background!)<br /><div></div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlMs8QOIPmQ2Jyozk-_ZZmBfyd4RKJWJi1AEG5uBKCZx-MQEeCKLA1XwcT_OdQN2WkJlq0fhyyvZnqgfCp8JxVb1nbaCcF7m0tYM4dZzVmeggNYStW86soyk60kdv7-gM9cx-OWM5K31c/s1600-h/CLA-8973_0423.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278918885841654258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlMs8QOIPmQ2Jyozk-_ZZmBfyd4RKJWJi1AEG5uBKCZx-MQEeCKLA1XwcT_OdQN2WkJlq0fhyyvZnqgfCp8JxVb1nbaCcF7m0tYM4dZzVmeggNYStW86soyk60kdv7-gM9cx-OWM5K31c/s400/CLA-8973_0423.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Next up are the Bride and Groom chair signs. This was a super quick project; seriously, it only took about 20 minutes, a printer, a xyron, and some ribbon. Of course, since our wedding, I've come across some really beautiful B&G signs, tied with thick, luscious ribbon, and now I totally regret not thinking that part out. But, oh well, live and learn...</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCQMUrZgKK5AT02yygkjXlzoZz6jhBbXABQihy-EQsONyNXeJKUh2C5A5OzyRsj3uHL873RuMC4pokDW6c5fdZ1KqcUe49Y7HoEid8pryLUG2_swJtzD9Sz2ITMfgyADsRlyPeApKCNeI/s1600-h/CLA-8973_0422.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278918887489021314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCQMUrZgKK5AT02yygkjXlzoZz6jhBbXABQihy-EQsONyNXeJKUh2C5A5OzyRsj3uHL873RuMC4pokDW6c5fdZ1KqcUe49Y7HoEid8pryLUG2_swJtzD9Sz2ITMfgyADsRlyPeApKCNeI/s400/CLA-8973_0422.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Some of you may remember my <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/10/chicago-postcards_14.html">original plans for our table numbers</a>. Well, I searched and searched and couldn't find any "usable" digital images, so I forfeited that awesome idea, and went the super-easy route. This project was also extremely quick and cost effective. All that was needed were <a href="http://www.envelopperinc.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ENVLPR&Product_Code=CTD202">tent cards</a>, a printer, and a xyron. Twenty minutes later, ALL of my signs were done - table numbers, bar menus, advice jar, everything. (There is an abandoned DIY project within these table numbers as well, but that's for a later post...stay tuned.)</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278924140377792450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZm78gsMN-16416ZscMCpyRL7ABss7f3akErYSaenqa1k-kRqmlLFKRvWfC3-nE258LOT4B82qOQK-ZFJEGUE7lQPSNKdPg0VLk7ENVRdIHvh6mWY16TiB0nREY2_UNUi27BcGqvQduJ5/s400/CLA-8973_0397v2.jpg" border="0" />(Disclaimer: Please excuse the quality of the next photo. We haven't yet had our final photography meeting, and therefore, have not received the final color corrected images.)</div><br />Our advice jars were placed in each of the large seating nooks. Apparently this was the perfect place for them, because EVERY SINGLE PERSON at our wedding left us a little note of advice. I almost feel guilty to have these little tid-bits of marital capital, almost like we should have to figure it out on our own... But, I'll admit, it was so much fun reading the advice with Nathan... One listed the author's version of the top ten marriage myths, the first one of which said, "it is <em>actually</em> <em>okay</em> to go to bed angry, as long as you make up for it in the morning!" It's almost too perfect, isn't it?!) </div><div></div><br /><div>I expanded on the typical "advice note card" idea by fashioning <em>library-check-out-advice-note-cards </em>(which were inspired by <a href="http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/its-freebie-tim.html">this</a> post by <a href="http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Creature Comforts</a>). I made ours slightly larger than hers and customized it to read, "date: 11.01.08" and "issued to: Colleen & Nathan". I'll post the template in an upcoming entry...so stay tuned.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC6_NWifBEJTtZE323ralAh-SSBunLz8FZgv-hAxY_C4LWJYKbUkW6JreoUYyYhHH5u94iCzvsQRhntqySn58-j5U3nC4r6KoshMsJcdLiJKHC_mxociheOjgCv_f2wahrKs1fuGrpq0f/s1600-h/CLA-8973_3310v1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278920156088603122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC6_NWifBEJTtZE323ralAh-SSBunLz8FZgv-hAxY_C4LWJYKbUkW6JreoUYyYhHH5u94iCzvsQRhntqySn58-j5U3nC4r6KoshMsJcdLiJKHC_mxociheOjgCv_f2wahrKs1fuGrpq0f/s400/CLA-8973_3310v1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last but not least are the programs. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but our photographers only got ONE shot of our programs, and it was only of the back cover. The back cover featured the chorus of "You're My Best Friend" (courtesy of <em><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/07/01/youre-my-best-friendmaybe/">i heart peonies</a> </em>inspiration), which is great and all, but I labored over the eight-page, all-inclusive, programs that featured a vellum pouch on the last page with a single tissue tucked inside...for their tears of joy. I'm so incredibly disappointed that I don't have a photo of them, because the hotel <em>threw away </em>the extra copies, leaving us (and anyone who was in the processional) with no keepsake. Bummer, indeed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf7oAs0JhyphenhyphenMN4lXhtKe8mlRzwQDzmnPpIWPCCfApYZPTRsouUpSWWGsd8fZq7ar8-9SY3x19IcQIs0JQpn4Hd14r0q0JWnAHwsCNZz97OMlzwbVJjDVuesQgfmNQ1qBkBS6WqcVX9g2jt/s1600-h/IMG_0802.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292716237062543362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf7oAs0JhyphenhyphenMN4lXhtKe8mlRzwQDzmnPpIWPCCfApYZPTRsouUpSWWGsd8fZq7ar8-9SY3x19IcQIs0JQpn4Hd14r0q0JWnAHwsCNZz97OMlzwbVJjDVuesQgfmNQ1qBkBS6WqcVX9g2jt/s400/IMG_0802.JPG" border="0" /></span></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credit: Essence Photo and Video</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">related posts: </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iv-photobooth.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review IV: Photobooth</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-iii-wedding-reception.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review III: Wedding & Reception Flowers</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-ii-ceremony.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding II: ceremony</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/vendor-review-ii-hair-make-up.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review II: Hair and Make up</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-15000-wedding-i-attire.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">our budget-friendly wedding I: Attire</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/12/photos-are-in.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">The photos are in!!!</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/11/vendor-review-1-reception-music.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Vendor Review I: Reception Music</span></a> </p>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-71877611770959412282009-01-15T10:56:00.003-06:002009-01-15T11:47:15.430-06:00omg, i'm so embarrassed...Wow, I'm dumb. No, really, ridiculously, undeniably stupid.<br /><br />Yesterday, I slowly finished a post on Wedding Luminaries, tweaking it several times before completing it last night. I finally posted it this morning after a one last proofing, and then took a look at how the photos turned out on the reader's end... What did I see when I viewed my blog, you ask? Two posts on Wedding Luminaries. Two freaking posts - meaning I had been PUBLISHING my post, naked and unfinished, instead of SAVING it. I can't even blame it on Blogger's automatic features or some other technical difficulty. Nope, it was all me.<br /><br />Wow, I completely apologize if your Readers received my post over and over again!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-428791025958328182009-01-15T10:43:00.006-06:002009-03-01T23:32:06.974-06:00luminaries, luminaria, paper lanterns, whatever you may call them…I love me some candles. Love, love, love them. Lord knows I’ve <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/search?q=candle">posted</a> enough about candles and candlelight to drive that point home. But, I can’t help it; they are really beyond perfect. And, you’d be hard up to find something else that creates that kind of ambiance and drama on a budget.<br /><br />With that said, I’d like to present another post on…wait for it…candles…<br /><br />Luminaries aren’t only displayed on Christmas Eve anymore. Nope; wedding luminaries are a year-round phenomenon. They can be created from paper bags for a country wedding, punctured <a href="http://www.kellyoshiroevents.com/blog/2008/01/31/hero-worship-david-stark/">tin cans</a> for an urban wedding, even <a href="http://www.creativehomestyle.com/decorating/make_luminaries.html">ice</a> for a winter wedding. They can be used indoors and outdoors alike, flanking a bride as she walks down a grassy aisle, lighting the way to the reception site, or dotting guest tables throughout the reception (like Martha's doily luminaries below). Paper bags are my personal favorite; that damn shabby chic gets me every time.<br /><br />A simple google search reveals thousands of sites dedicated to precut, beatified paper bags. But, why get those when you can buy <a href="http://www.papermart.com/templates/11-0-11.htm#GO_11015">these paper bags</a> (for next to nothing), which happen to be <em>perfect </em>for wedding luminaries <em>and </em><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/good-things/dinner-at-dusk-paper-lanterns?autonomy_kw=paper%20bag&rsc=header_2">Martha Stewart’s hanging paper lanterns</a> (last photo)!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBuFCcEDsbd-lhiCpk1aHg8_qEzi_7xoe9g5A2rjcVBihOpGK1_ajs1AQ66NpjZiGfJ-5b2dqZoxEC6_MYmtPzzgKjyDvAdiA0qFs7QlBLWpBivNpqb1H-5ppUE2gXQxz2jAq9BsSwA1Q/s1600-h/luminaries+dock.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxEnJiJGLG2IWt65ik1eM3-_flCHbfmp-ZolJAAN5FkmeeXWFsU4en4-lFV34AaomHwsQzv73Sg2ErY97QXgtmEtAMI3VyRs0_jywfr8HiLLEOebMN6XCS9qRBL6EVpd3uxxc0ZmmvrZt/s1600-h/luminaries.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3aAKmwyJPm6XCs0LHafpJSzjZf6wt3_Vbw0ykp_GOxFpssg134JtiGd4J8pw4SWQJ4bZ1xMqE7OjKghWWRy8HRPO1zYCwvBaN3D8QbaEHSIvaANepsyr-WZ73z3EnDkcJn1pC6v7lgyv/s1600-h/luminaries+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291248585980314498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3aAKmwyJPm6XCs0LHafpJSzjZf6wt3_Vbw0ykp_GOxFpssg134JtiGd4J8pw4SWQJ4bZ1xMqE7OjKghWWRy8HRPO1zYCwvBaN3D8QbaEHSIvaANepsyr-WZ73z3EnDkcJn1pC6v7lgyv/s400/luminaries+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOknuqARLY9NHKlWU5EbSD3-0t7BKuHB0qk4-Mt4wpC1pL0DNG-5hJHpwN6ZA9nnhcJ3rCg2EUZj0KJjBVr9cpv4hIPJSViRafDoaicwHTHR9C17qiWHAx3qWcf7nD862hC0G8Se-UNgsc/s1600-h/luminaries+dock+v1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291333340423194994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOknuqARLY9NHKlWU5EbSD3-0t7BKuHB0qk4-Mt4wpC1pL0DNG-5hJHpwN6ZA9nnhcJ3rCg2EUZj0KJjBVr9cpv4hIPJSViRafDoaicwHTHR9C17qiWHAx3qWcf7nD862hC0G8Se-UNgsc/s400/luminaries+dock+v1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkWRBtEqbFFkEvz2ZTlayjxwcpuvJvNQgY4tsz_0oc8Q7qX64MTF4nblTou-spm9J9QFQhfYZdpEhffGpWxsPQnppaEzknIbAe6m1n1oZoH_Kh1N3A0Iwxh6iCvA4y02PxYxR4EahaV_F/s1600-h/hanging+luminaries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291335776660552690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkWRBtEqbFFkEvz2ZTlayjxwcpuvJvNQgY4tsz_0oc8Q7qX64MTF4nblTou-spm9J9QFQhfYZdpEhffGpWxsPQnppaEzknIbAe6m1n1oZoH_Kh1N3A0Iwxh6iCvA4y02PxYxR4EahaV_F/s400/hanging+luminaries.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJcj-Dh6NnBjeYiuSvktwejhDBVfvshbdFoY7mCW4tMTrJPP_RwibGWNMKYogg_Wx9NNKsGs27TEjf0R6nwj1M-w5TvHQa8ESu6dsYQmTnqTLtAJu-a1L55_vrFp_nsFLlU16RJO2ro9c/s1600-h/luminaria+style+me+pretty.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291333336967492066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJcj-Dh6NnBjeYiuSvktwejhDBVfvshbdFoY7mCW4tMTrJPP_RwibGWNMKYogg_Wx9NNKsGs27TEjf0R6nwj1M-w5TvHQa8ESu6dsYQmTnqTLtAJu-a1L55_vrFp_nsFLlU16RJO2ro9c/s400/luminaria+style+me+pretty.bmp" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS1AYqHFBNJbRU0oF9FJkRxxBz0wy_CFxuVw5FnFvgnLkUMfVE1YEEHOjThxsU3HkR5UQrRUmf5L7qYsSP1O797ga7aPuFIU2FHzrPDKvf5Ib2LQVK-Xwj57NcnuTRxlz6sFJkIF9ubI0/s1600-h/luminaria.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292034740919092786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS1AYqHFBNJbRU0oF9FJkRxxBz0wy_CFxuVw5FnFvgnLkUMfVE1YEEHOjThxsU3HkR5UQrRUmf5L7qYsSP1O797ga7aPuFIU2FHzrPDKvf5Ib2LQVK-Xwj57NcnuTRxlz6sFJkIF9ubI0/s400/luminaria.bmp" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSxYp_lmACu09_UYmW4f3RepbqPFU-HecFvr0XPVXLDbJ9K5RYpfJNj5TScZH41qdZDkjNRvNswr0_QnAxtqV-xN-T0Eh19F1FZmj48G7CoasQ8M_-8sHnbAo7WT-Bw2CeffxuHIHarpW/s1600-h/luminaria+style+me+pretty+2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293604636650632562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSxYp_lmACu09_UYmW4f3RepbqPFU-HecFvr0XPVXLDbJ9K5RYpfJNj5TScZH41qdZDkjNRvNswr0_QnAxtqV-xN-T0Eh19F1FZmj48G7CoasQ8M_-8sHnbAo7WT-Bw2CeffxuHIHarpW/s400/luminaria+style+me+pretty+2.bmp" border="0" /></a>photo credit: </span><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/lacy-luminarias?backto=true"><span style="font-size:85%;">Martha Stewart</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, <a href="http://imagine-imaging.com/">Justin Marantz</a>, <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/portal/site/ww/menuitem.460039687ea4fc3df8aeef105173a0a0/?vgnextoid=56421151cf273110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true">Martha Stewart</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book-blog/">Studio Foto via Style Me Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/01/15/real-wedding-kaitlin-and-will-viii/">Christian Oth Studio via Style Me Pretty</a>, <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/01/20/real-wedding-ashley-and-chris-viii/">April Smith via Style Me Pretty</a></span>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-87837379688197033962009-01-14T13:50:00.007-06:002009-03-01T23:32:26.650-06:00DIY Wedding SignsI’m so inspired by worn, wooden, handmade wedding signs. Whether it’s a (seemingly confusing) directional or a shabby chic ceremony sign...whether it’s nailed to a stake in the ground or hanging from a tree, wedding signs are, quite simply, the best DIY feature any wedding can have.<br /><br />And, they don’t <em>just </em>make great photos (as we all know, I’m plagued with <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/10/to-candy-or-not-to-candy.html">a love for a great photo op</a>), they’re also functional! “Where’s the ladies room,” a guest may ask. “Why, it's right over there, next to the restroom sign,” she says to herself!<br /><br />Take a look at some of the beauties that I’ve come across.<br /><br />Oh, signage, how do I love thee?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsOixUEHb-6OUNrjMpiFTkJkbSQyBCeNCeZmI7rx1eh9ZiXAVT1iZ2JmDbm3BYJ9uBFKpJqJjqa7vIk1agJ0pqcRYTD4P9g94ny0Tg5AwO6D-9BAwJmvpXoW387NIaE44-Nn3jt5piDYp/s1600-h/signage+inspiration+2+Penn+Carlson.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291218093215896562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsOixUEHb-6OUNrjMpiFTkJkbSQyBCeNCeZmI7rx1eh9ZiXAVT1iZ2JmDbm3BYJ9uBFKpJqJjqa7vIk1agJ0pqcRYTD4P9g94ny0Tg5AwO6D-9BAwJmvpXoW387NIaE44-Nn3jt5piDYp/s400/signage+inspiration+2+Penn+Carlson.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBaNnKBpyHuGwGD-j4sRxss447BI4tveYvK96mj7NsYqdBjp3wMoDFiiU4gCeauP2KSl2a3G4bgONZM68LoPPn1f5ngu5RNWtDf4I80kH8Xc8vim1wb-imVdA62lLNVGHd44TzpjYwN1U/s1600-h/wedding+signs+Stacey+Kane+Blog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291192424204155074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBaNnKBpyHuGwGD-j4sRxss447BI4tveYvK96mj7NsYqdBjp3wMoDFiiU4gCeauP2KSl2a3G4bgONZM68LoPPn1f5ngu5RNWtDf4I80kH8Xc8vim1wb-imVdA62lLNVGHd44TzpjYwN1U/s400/wedding+signs+Stacey+Kane+Blog.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamLK35IDYNnjahCOmEnbQtmXjzCAfR4e2m7xsSeYUrvSbsGqV8UE43SGuDONkhjDwH_187Ia95gK_HHNT9Yi7ahBTNIg6XknmmXXLs0udTzVebH2wZpbUmOmKKAGdQSNePbJZEmhfvn6d/s1600-h/signage+inspiration+4v1+stephanie+williams.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291201322766811154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamLK35IDYNnjahCOmEnbQtmXjzCAfR4e2m7xsSeYUrvSbsGqV8UE43SGuDONkhjDwH_187Ia95gK_HHNT9Yi7ahBTNIg6XknmmXXLs0udTzVebH2wZpbUmOmKKAGdQSNePbJZEmhfvn6d/s400/signage+inspiration+4v1+stephanie+williams.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291192419523496258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NS1Dlpn6NgusQvx9uLQAT7VkoTF65UNzHPAFQU_9AFuwdTzqCUfrRliruSVDJ_toZIc8Y5a2SbdoY41RZ0-y9anBVcaY4iLJzKmvfer0vT56IpGr1-BNb3coogwmcN_O0ckApZpvjyV6/s400/signage+inspiration+Penn+Carlson.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv9PPYUE4mhsS09bZrAukDGHJRUvBDEvASV_ObdWqRMXX5Cop8Qf8mraZICLytoo3fDjRszooyE8yS396466EUMP8lcbR6LEixi0DMp1I4sH1VpYy-0XdwDBA-1UyDQQHYuaLjncxu67i/s1600-h/signage+via+Southern+Weddings+Mag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291192173657183394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv9PPYUE4mhsS09bZrAukDGHJRUvBDEvASV_ObdWqRMXX5Cop8Qf8mraZICLytoo3fDjRszooyE8yS396466EUMP8lcbR6LEixi0DMp1I4sH1VpYy-0XdwDBA-1UyDQQHYuaLjncxu67i/s400/signage+via+Southern+Weddings+Mag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credits: </span><a href="http://www.pencarlsonblog.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Pen Carlson</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.staceykaneblog.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Stacey Kane</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://stephaniewilliamsphotography.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Stephanie Williams</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.leighmillerphotography.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Leigh</span> Miller</a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.swsmag.net/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Southern Weddings</span></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-46241039088727985642009-01-10T10:33:00.004-06:002009-01-10T15:14:00.720-06:00calling all past and present Chicago bridesI need your help...<br /><br />I would like very much to feature more excellent and budget-friendly vendors on my little wedding bloglette, but I've just scheduled the last of <em>my </em>vendors, and it appears that I'll run out of reviews by the end of next month!!! Eeek!<br /><br />Herein lies my request. Do <em>you </em>have vendor recommendations that you'd be willing to share with me? If so, dish, women, dish! The future brides of Chicago need to know!<br /><br />Here's what I would need from you:<br />your name<br />your website, if you have one<br />your wedding date<br />number of wedding guests<br />vendor name<br />vendor cost<br />vendor contact information<br />short description of your experience<br />all emailed to me at TheEverydayBride{at}gmail{dot}com...<br /><br />*The term <em>budget-friendly</em> is a relative one. Therefore, please do not hesitate to submit your vendor, whatever the cost, as there will undoubtedly be many other brides who agree with your definition of budget-friendly. Can't wait to read about all of your vendors!!!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-15200949345492526732009-01-09T23:09:00.011-06:002009-02-11T10:45:17.766-06:00Chicago Wedding Venue: FarmI suppose this post should be entitled, Chicago<em>land </em>Wedding Venue VII, as this next venue is in Glenview, but I'm a fan of consistency, so the title shall remain...<br /><br />I've been helping my oldest and dearest friend, Charlotte, find a venue for her August 2009 wedding (yes, yes, the date is creeping up on her, but <a href="http://www.inthisinstance.com/blog/2008/7/28/welcome-devon.html">this</a> former Chicago bride, and guest blogger, once told me that all one actually needs is <em>6 months </em>to really plan a wedding) and bless Charlotte's heart, all she has requested is that it be an affordable and outdoor venue. Wonderful! There should be plenty venues like that within 20 miles of Chicago, right? Well, not as many as I had imagined...<br /><br />But, finally, after sifting through 85 golf courses and 10 junky farms, I think I have found a venue that may be perfect for her: <a href="http://www.cateredbydesign.com/wagnerfarm.html">Historic Wagner Farms</a>! It's 50% rustic and 50% manicured and 100% adorable! And, what's more, it's seemingly affordable, with only a variety of nominal site fees ($500 site fee for Saturdays and only $350 for Fridays...<em>and</em> they have some <em>really </em>laid back (read: affordable) <a href="http://www.cateredbydesign.com/menus/WAGNER-BBQ%20&%20PICNIC%20MENU%202009.pdf">meal options</a>!!!!). Almost too good to be true...hmmmm.... I'll be sure to keep you posted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs3lluh_T_OvJZ5HpN00qKGhR4KG6ZEQYHrZG2_1bPqHUbskDL1g3k10d0TbFbYsoIpF5Zd5LQGDzUyHCSMq0kTj1VBJ22diy2gQfQ3B1etw5AuCQzqQE8ltsRx9tIHl-Uo4csCNcd3Ln/s1600-h/wag+farm+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289547253183988658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 327px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs3lluh_T_OvJZ5HpN00qKGhR4KG6ZEQYHrZG2_1bPqHUbskDL1g3k10d0TbFbYsoIpF5Zd5LQGDzUyHCSMq0kTj1VBJ22diy2gQfQ3B1etw5AuCQzqQE8ltsRx9tIHl-Uo4csCNcd3Ln/s400/wag+farm+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0g69oPUYr8z0_N_kCJ5g7Cc1P7Hfx4Am8t0-c-rZWUYXQ2VD-prg2IfAgx15BUxbyBq2FSQUubGw6Uy2TVs_vLgEbajPEfrQMfAXs0z3dgwhxRW1dfygU9yasVEm4hAsWtmDw72FuKEf/s1600-h/wag+far,.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289547248001834898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0g69oPUYr8z0_N_kCJ5g7Cc1P7Hfx4Am8t0-c-rZWUYXQ2VD-prg2IfAgx15BUxbyBq2FSQUubGw6Uy2TVs_vLgEbajPEfrQMfAXs0z3dgwhxRW1dfygU9yasVEm4hAsWtmDw72FuKEf/s400/wag+far,.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289547247234066354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmT9Xqn8aX8QXjgHFvH-rMYNUGacO8xH7TTinRw6DDppRRzxZkE77hYLotUgtX6wB6PB31ndkFvgL7ETCcdvAf_Ajw8G9vPcvTG-bApZH2_aHNNYB9lgG9yZJM-Nmg23pDbOITTOKfuN2i/s400/wag+farm+3.jpg" border="0" />Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-42654982996852446172009-01-07T08:12:00.014-06:002009-03-01T23:33:03.756-06:00Abandoned DIY Project I: DIY Mercury Glass RevisitedThanks to Amanda over at the almighty <a href="http://vintageglamblog.com/">VintageGlam</a> citing my <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/07/mercury-glass-more-vintage-glam-for-our.html">mercury glass project</a>, I seem to have a number of new visitors here at my humble wedding-blog-abode. Thanks, Amanda! Naturally, I've received a number of <a href="http://www.krylon.com/products/looking_glass_mirror_like_paint">Krylon Looking Glass</a> inquiries as well. So, instead of continuing to reply one by one, I've decided to revisit my (ill-fated) DIY project in hopes to save the next DIY bride (or beginning-level crafter) from failure. Yes, I'll admit it: I failed. And yes, it's completely depressing. But, really, I'd rather see you succeed in DIYing your mercury glass, than to have failed in vain (a "<a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/craft-and-pass-it-on.php">craft and pass it on</a>" of sorts)...<br /><br />My first mistake: not enough time. I had a self-imposed deadline for all of my DIY projects so I wouldn't find myself awake at 3am - the morning of my wedding day, (you shake your head in disbelief, but I KNOW it's happened...). As a result, about a quarter of my projects were thrown overboard on various dates before our wedding, including my beloved <a href="http://theeverydaybride.blogspot.com/2008/07/mercury-glass-more-vintage-glam-for-our.html">mercury glass votives and cylinder vases</a> (imagine all of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtSB_PEn23teUVkj_p0eUoHWvZCeEAtZtRSllhX5a5zuNJvnhYZcZPqw8oOKIYIIzwa0YsLxiifvoNbwvkC4Oybl73AFk4UlYnphGraS-6farmgcV2Uke7E74b5Kir5_lvlZ0TUZwT3CZ/s1600-h/CLA-8973_3290.JPG">these</a> votives and pillar candles flickering in worn, seemingly-vintage, mercury glass, oh if only).<br /><br />My second mistake: not enough stock. I ruined <em>well over </em>half of my cylinder vases and votives before I finally got the hang of it. Some of them came out badly streaked, while others looked like cloudy spray painted tin cans. It was bad... To safeguard against this, perhaps you could purchase some super cheap (like .39 votives) to practice on…<br /><br />Here's the secret: <em>short bursts</em>. Spray one coat of Looking Glass very lightly and in short bursts <em>on the inside </em>of the cylinder vases or votives, while making sure to continuously turn the object while spraying, allow to dry, then repeat until you achieve the desired look. (Believe me when I say, you need a lot of time to complete this project - think of the drying time alone.) You might also want to speckle your cylinder vases with <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/zz270/21/">metallic leaf</a>, or even shoot a few bursts of randomly sprayed gold-ish spray paint, before applying Looking Glass to create an even more worn effect. Below are a couple of crafty examples via <a href="http://www.krylon.com/">Krylon</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUrGT48Fcsa47G6fxqnTieROvgSAMPwCNgSYdXm7SxvVPXOjxG8wG8-E0XhFL6tokSsa7I4LuDP1Fs8vfpzq0cTLs9B84UM86boCUXZeozwd_gU7Z3zVNF-pNxKAWoHf1xJK8vl1qacvm/s1600-h/krylon-Elegant-Mirrored-Jar.jpg"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUrGT48Fcsa47G6fxqnTieROvgSAMPwCNgSYdXm7SxvVPXOjxG8wG8-E0XhFL6tokSsa7I4LuDP1Fs8vfpzq0cTLs9B84UM86boCUXZeozwd_gU7Z3zVNF-pNxKAWoHf1xJK8vl1qacvm/s1600-h/krylon-Elegant-Mirrored-Jar.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288221110742048770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUrGT48Fcsa47G6fxqnTieROvgSAMPwCNgSYdXm7SxvVPXOjxG8wG8-E0XhFL6tokSsa7I4LuDP1Fs8vfpzq0cTLs9B84UM86boCUXZeozwd_gU7Z3zVNF-pNxKAWoHf1xJK8vl1qacvm/s400/krylon-Elegant-Mirrored-Jar.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCExIQnZbAE2Q7Dua2wg84r9AMqLrFT-16qXCwRmBUjZ3IfX9R9jOLE-ScJzTTwu2XHE_bt8Qz8czEZqWuTnTuPxcw2bzo1iTtbhrMRXkg763aU0N8V5ZK2328StGN9oFb1QKcXjJIfio/s1600-h/krylon-mirroredswirlorn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288221100155475394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCExIQnZbAE2Q7Dua2wg84r9AMqLrFT-16qXCwRmBUjZ3IfX9R9jOLE-ScJzTTwu2XHE_bt8Qz8czEZqWuTnTuPxcw2bzo1iTtbhrMRXkg763aU0N8V5ZK2328StGN9oFb1QKcXjJIfio/s400/krylon-mirroredswirlorn.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alternatively, this look (below) might be achieved via <a href="http://fabulousfifi.typepad.com/chez_fifi/2007/10/faking-it-and-o.html">Chef Fifi's</a> approach: using silver, gold or copper leaf (see last photo for her DIY apothecary lid). You might be able to section off a lace pattern with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5114530">this</a> Etsy seller's lace tape, wrapping the tape <em>on the inside </em>of the cylinder vase and using the tape as a stencil. You would then use Looking Glass as instructed previously, but making sure to remove the tape before the paint dries completely. Then apply metallic leaf on the inside<em> </em>of the cylinder vase, making sure to leave some surface area uncovered, so to highlight the lace pattern. Worth a try, at least.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288227817104129874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKvCe3qMUHwfwaw8rxon6bCpX_mKJPY_Z4uWLH-TK9nvTyebk1WPWVFc2M8rKDr9H7FpGUzY9Y8eiLkuyUOkqv8XSbplW7cgXfPAQKp3KFxHNgKS4Caaj_gahw-03C0N9i95ToDxhsvQ8/s400/7-25-08-mercury-hurricanes-Apartment+Therapy+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIeVkLyg3wUJMvi_h0yLRqy5ZR6xjOzMk2vjRS6_qw6C0O3ltf4HpamsDtU9BfG71MVJdaXZJCrGssRHsdqiNWmgLp9xYP-kOUXNDLaYV3qAT2RKBM8G0qKNb1iPRTGPdN6fCHJKkRAMY/s1600-h/DIY+supplies-mercury-hurricanes-Apartment+Therapy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288228267157173602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIeVkLyg3wUJMvi_h0yLRqy5ZR6xjOzMk2vjRS6_qw6C0O3ltf4HpamsDtU9BfG71MVJdaXZJCrGssRHsdqiNWmgLp9xYP-kOUXNDLaYV3qAT2RKBM8G0qKNb1iPRTGPdN6fCHJKkRAMY/s400/DIY+supplies-mercury-hurricanes-Apartment+Therapy.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd4nOHZmA2dbpxGemunU5XO2UXX8hAuznCI4GZU-8pYJXWKq3ip9B-NtauZU4q-f2v1e_8iETLrXjTftYh1ugixRx_IvK643WsLQZRh-wQUsYegUi6Yv_0hNRU791FUNONfQ_nnU2Ztza/s1600-h/diy+mercury+glass+fifi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288221232187702738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyd4nOHZmA2dbpxGemunU5XO2UXX8hAuznCI4GZU-8pYJXWKq3ip9B-NtauZU4q-f2v1e_8iETLrXjTftYh1ugixRx_IvK643WsLQZRh-wQUsYegUi6Yv_0hNRU791FUNONfQ_nnU2Ztza/s400/diy+mercury+glass+fifi.jpg" border="0" /></a>Hope all of this information helps. Happy crafting!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo credits: </span><a href="http://www.krylon.com/projects/home-decor/elegant-mirrored-jar/index.jsp"><span style="font-size:85%;">Krylon</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.krylon.com/projects/holiday-seasonal/mirror-swirl/index.jsp"><span style="font-size:85%;">Krylon</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/lighting/antiqued-mercury-glass-hurricanes-057673"><span style="font-size:85%;">Apartment Therapy</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5114530"><span style="font-size:85%;">Brooker Pie</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://fabulousfifi.typepad.com/chez_fifi/2007/10/faking-it-and-o.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chez Fifi</span></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8836928619879070687.post-3168324537446146272008-12-31T12:22:00.009-06:002009-03-01T23:15:49.134-06:00Happy New Year: NYE WeddingLet's face it, New Year's Eve is like armature night. Every rookie from around the world feels obligated to spend a night on the town, turning all of your favorite hot-spots into a disgustingly packed, sweat fest. No thank you.<br /><br /><div>Instead, just once in my life, I would LOVE to have a wonderful New Year's Eve wedding to attend. We've all heard about them, but has anyone ever been to one? I imagine they're wonderful: glitzy and glamy, shiny and sparkly... Oh, if only...</div><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMBlSK5PAtPrJgESdPgm_yzrB0QiKY8CQb1n4NvzD7tTaW_HwRSeyxdg06EVA8PzzK32ZQwrsts3kH03MliOFm_7vrZxyrRrCc1cmwMCuLLUjATSQegjUh3rI9qNXWSOhbsh52VACp2Bv/s1600-h/NYE+wedding+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286028590482559186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMBlSK5PAtPrJgESdPgm_yzrB0QiKY8CQb1n4NvzD7tTaW_HwRSeyxdg06EVA8PzzK32ZQwrsts3kH03MliOFm_7vrZxyrRrCc1cmwMCuLLUjATSQegjUh3rI9qNXWSOhbsh52VACp2Bv/s400/NYE+wedding+1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPlm_8zhrjTSSGU3XXgWEpaYMimryILDawN07Rl-ngxP9Q5Qcd5Bs9kk8h595v9LKDKonbQ6HQ7D5RTh5Qkb0NgydS9YjGe7dLWSjDyNmL_W915sgmNEMzOxNze5CdtL2oTpVSsPy9pSN/s1600-h/NYE+wedding+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286028578728817442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 375px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPlm_8zhrjTSSGU3XXgWEpaYMimryILDawN07Rl-ngxP9Q5Qcd5Bs9kk8h595v9LKDKonbQ6HQ7D5RTh5Qkb0NgydS9YjGe7dLWSjDyNmL_W915sgmNEMzOxNze5CdtL2oTpVSsPy9pSN/s400/NYE+wedding+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvg9KZVrcfku__34NQCxvLk8qKFPeykuLdW2RUjgPzKyM9wcietos0DEcB808BAoctw9IEng-JpHqRRd1WxMpWV0Dz2gJND1qhmjJfXWSf6_WaO7IYPd846Kiqq3rwbtM6pcb3pFpbBaK/s1600-h/NYE+wedding+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286028590063974962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvg9KZVrcfku__34NQCxvLk8qKFPeykuLdW2RUjgPzKyM9wcietos0DEcB808BAoctw9IEng-JpHqRRd1WxMpWV0Dz2gJND1qhmjJfXWSf6_WaO7IYPd846Kiqq3rwbtM6pcb3pFpbBaK/s400/NYE+wedding+3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1kn0u0OyVBllcCJyCM9XlQSl0eCHlLMVuVTazLYn-HF2QOD4A6fNDyuHplKNS0_ykfBk7NIdL1U2QytRoKW2AvddyhrWRP7U1nmLtt_aStkKxXBkPM_ZD4vlniZX4d01dR5W2H-w97ec/s1600-h/NYE+wedding+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286030171831104386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1kn0u0OyVBllcCJyCM9XlQSl0eCHlLMVuVTazLYn-HF2QOD4A6fNDyuHplKNS0_ykfBk7NIdL1U2QytRoKW2AvddyhrWRP7U1nmLtt_aStkKxXBkPM_ZD4vlniZX4d01dR5W2H-w97ec/s400/NYE+wedding+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6_i1QHFf0ypTShQ99hvrc3i91DPPMemQFYTJ0U7uhWzf2pi86wx7UbPsby1GRxY1LicImmZYlmCvw2Hcs3_Zr5lHgakRiVV_lepOumGw2F-KI_TgssvQbBXFrzEkXLBO1fy_5fD9fIgN/s1600-h/NYE+wedding+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286028589282202562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6_i1QHFf0ypTShQ99hvrc3i91DPPMemQFYTJ0U7uhWzf2pi86wx7UbPsby1GRxY1LicImmZYlmCvw2Hcs3_Zr5lHgakRiVV_lepOumGw2F-KI_TgssvQbBXFrzEkXLBO1fy_5fD9fIgN/s400/NYE+wedding+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">photo credits: </span><a href="http://www.sparklersonline.com/media/photo_gallery/large/32.jpg"><span style="font-size:85%;">Sparklers Online</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://elseachelsea.typepad.com/frolic/2007/07/guest-blogger-3.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">{frolic}</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.theknot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">theknot</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.theknot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">theknot</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, </span><a href="http://www.theknot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">theknot</span></a></div></div>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01108008359531796756noreply@blogger.com6