Monday, September 27, 2010

The Binder

As most people can attest to I am crazy about organization. Because of this I've been itching to get a binder going for the wedding. Well over the weekend I went out and purchased my favorite office supplies (except post-its) a binder, dividers, and page protectors. Tonight I labeled the tabs with categories like invitations, ceremony, reception, attire, travel, receipts, etc. I even got some pages printed up that I already had prepared (like the dresses I like & photo inspiration). I have plenty more inspiration pages that need to be made and printed out.

AveryExtra-Wide Table of Contents Dividers, Multicolor, 8-TabStaples Standard Sheet Protectors, 100/Pack
It's so nice to be working again but still have my evenings. I'm not used to working and work not following me home for hours at night. I'm still excited to get up and go to work (if only it was a couple of hours later!)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Coming together

Things are starting to come together.

First I accepted a job offer yesterday and begin work on Friday. (YAY!). I am an Education Specialist at the Bronx Zoo (part of the Wildlife Conservation Society). I am VERY excited at this new opportunity and how closely it matches with my ultimate goals and the experience it is going to give me. It also will give me a calendar and money with which to start the real planning process!

Also, my mom has booked her flights to come the weekend of my dress shopping appointment! She's basically coming in and leaving the same time as the Lindells. Hopefully, my new position won't interfere with that weekend. (There is a lot of weekend and evening work because of the work I do with teachers and that is when they are available). My BFF is still trying to work on some work issues before she books her flights so I'm still keeping my fingers crossed about that.

And I just ordered my initial reaction necklace from m.marie. I'm crossing my fingers that it will come in time for my dress shopping because it would be nice to see if it would go with the dress if I happen to choose one. I'm still REALLY excited that it is ordered. It is officially my first wedding purchase!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

More on the dresses

Because I just can't get enough (and I know you can't either)!
As I was posting yesterday I was on the phone with my mom and BFF telling them about these amazing dresses and then talking about the dresses once they navigated to the website. Since then I've shown them to a few of my friends who also agree on their beauty and that they suit me. Yes, I'm still staring at them.
I quickly e-mailed them about getting an appointment for the weekend of the trunk show and they have tons of available times. My mom and BFF are looking into booking tickets for the weekend as well! Needless to say, I'm ecstatic about the events that have unfolded in the past 24 hours (not mention I ROCKED a job interview today). The important women in my life will hopefully be there when I try on my first wedding dress and possibly THE dress.
One point of stress is the number of people we will have to juggle that weekend. Ben's fam, my mom, and possibly my BFF. That's a lot of people from different aspects of our (my) lives. My parents haven't met Ben's parents (Ben says that shouldn't stress me out and logical me knows that too BUT it does). My dad can't travel so we'll have to deal with sending pictures of the dresses (hopefully we can send him good photos and get his feedback instantaneously that day - I am a daddy's girl after all). AND if I get a job I may have to work that weekend! I'll figure it out though and all of this doesn't diminish how happy it makes me that all these people are coming together to support me.

And for a little eye candy - I'll post ONE dress from the collection that I like (mainly so I can drool over them some more).

pastedGraphic.pdf

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

I can't stop looking at these

I think I've found the designer I love for my dress! Ready.... Saja Wedding. Seriously AMAZING. Flowy, organic, BEAUTIFUL gowns! And the best part - their flagship store is in NYC AND they are having a trunk show in October! It's the weekend Ben's family is in town and I already told my mom about it and she is going to try to see if she can come in. I seriously can't stop checking them out. I want to post a picture of a dress but I can't choose just one, so just go and check them out already! Thank you Mrs. Pashmina (of the fabulous WeddingBee) for blogging about them!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

My latest inspiration



So what's the common theme in all these?? THE BOAT! Latest idea is getting married on a boat in the Keys. A wonderful family friend has a dive center in Key Largo and they do weddings! We can take a boat out and get married and snorkel after the ceremony. (They also do underwater weddings but we think that's a bit much). When I mentioned the idea to my dad he also added on the idea of spending a couple of days in Key West together.

So putting all together. A couple of days in Key West hanging out with the entire family. A nice drive up to Key Largo (in a convertible of course). Getting married on the boat with snorkeling/diving afterward, followed by a wonderful dinner somewhere at sunset with our wedding guests.

The common theme running through all of our wedding ceremony ideas is the size. Ben and I both want an EXTREMELY small ceremony - we're talking parents (and his sis), and maybe a maid of honor and best man (with dates). It's all about us and we want only those closest to us the be there with us.

Friday, September 3, 2010

And he has contributed!

Yesterday as we were walking back from having lunch Ben brought up our wedding. It went something like 'I guess we should start planning when and where.' I immediately said that there was A LOT more than just when and where but yes that's a good place to start. Once again it was quickly shelved because I still am unemployed (something is in the works though - keep your fingers crossed for me). This however wasn't Ben's contribution - wait for it - he suggested an idea for a reception (that he originally didn't want to have because he didn't (doesn't) want a big wedding).
Last winter I read about this new bar that has alcohol themed cupcakes and pairs them with cocktails. I was sold. I wanted to go right then and there. As Ben and I were sitting around trying to figure out what to do one weekend it came up again. As we were googling and yelping we weren't sure if it was still open but found another place with a similar concept - cupcakes paired with wine and beer. So we headed to Sweet Revenge. Cute little coffee shop looking place with AMAZING cupcakes paired extremely well with wine and beer. I think I had strawberry and prosecco. AMAZING! Ben's was paired with a beer. Equally good. Well he said we should do this for our reception!!! WHAT A GREAT IDEA!
I immediately started having visions of a beautiful display and cute menus with the pairings and my original idea of long 'feasting' tables (for a dinner party) being changed into smaller intimate setups and lounges (for a cocktail style party). So there it is. What do you think? A later affair (since it will most likely be separate from our very small and intimate wedding ceremony) with just desserts paired with wine, beer, and cocktails.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Latest bit of inspiration


Thank you Martha! One of the wonderful blogs I'm subscribed to is of course Martha Stewart Weddings. She has a lot of DIY stuff as well as pictures and ideas for inspiration.
Well the other day she posted a FREE (!!!) pdf to print on clear vellum (I'll have to figure out how to get that later) and tape or glue them around a square candle. Easy peasy. (I'm sure later there will be a post about how big of a pain in the ass it was because of course nothing is easy peasy.) I. LOVE. THEM. And they come in tons of colors (since I don't know what our colors are going to be yet this is HUGE).

In other news, I got my last paycheck so I am ordering my Initial Reaction Necklace this week (because I can't wait)!