Guestbook and review #3

Our guest book came in the mail today!

So first I want to say that any package that comes to me and says both "TA-DA!" and "I'm Here" earns major points in my book so kudos to the MyPublisher people.  I love getting mail and packages of all kinds and I don't discriminate.  However, packages with exciting writing on them may make me even more excited if that was even possible. :)

Cover

and a few pages...

and the back cover

Guests will be able to write anywhere there is blank space and I think it will be much more interesting than the traditional book of lines.

Here's my review of MyPublisher:  I am overall pleased with what I got considering what I paid (about $40).  I knew going into this that I wasn't getting a professional album for what I was spending.  This was completely practical for what we will be using it for.  However, if I were going to order again I would change two things.  First, I would order a book jacket instead of the photo finish cover.  You probably can't tell much from these pictures but the items on the cover are a bit flat in color.  Yes it is nice to not have to deal with a book jacket, but I think I would have preferred the glossy book jacket for its appearance.  Second, I would not have used the templates that are built into the MyPublisher program.  Next time I would probably design my pages in Photoshop and then import them into the software for it to get printed.  While I can imagine the software is very nice for those with limited or no knowledge of other programs, I just didn't find it functional for myself and felt quite limited as far as what I could do to make the book look like I wanted it to.  There were just not enough layout and font options as well as very limited places you could use them for those that were in the program.  I also told the software to make my book spine black and that is not what it did.  In summary, did it turn out perfect or exactly how I wanted?  No.  Is it ok for what we will use it for?  Yes.

Engagement

This is how it began in early December of 2007.

And this is how it will end just 3 weeks from today, after nearly 2 and a half years.

With rings,

(This one is from Clary, all others are mine)

and vows, which you will have to wait to read.

Happily ever after

One month from today will be the first full day of our honeymoon!  We haven't been on a vacation since 2007 so this is a long overdue trip.  I think we are both very excited just to see some state other than IL and MO!

If you are wondering where we are going this item we received in the mail last week might be a nice clue:

For all the haters

I could go on and on about all my stories of people telling us "you can't do that" for the wedding or "that's a wrong choice."  I was even told (to my face) "well, that's stupid!" on more than one occasion!  It seems that weddings must be really good at bringing the worst out in some people, or at the very least their unsolicited opinions.  I'll spare you all the gory details for now, but let's just say we've dealt with more than our fair share of wedding haters.  However, when I saw the picture below in one of Darbi's recent wedding blog posts I knew I had to write about it.  

Dear multiple people who told us the guys could wear nothing but dress shoes at the wedding,

You all thought we had just come up with some crazy idea.  Even though I insisted it was a wedding trend and that it could look really cool you judged us and looked at us like we were insane.  When we bought our guys Vans to wear for our wedding, one of you even went so far as to forbid a guy to wear them because that was just "our dumb idea."  It didn't matter that all our guys were overjoyed to not have to wear dress shoes.  It didn't matter that we were really excited about the shoes and that we had carefully gone to multiple stores to get the right size for everyone.  It's our wedding and we are going to do what we want anyway, but here is proof we aren't crazy.  And see how nice they look!

Love, Jamie

Ok, so I've tried really hard not to let the haters get to me, as incredibly hard as that's been.  But I just couldn't resist posting this after I saw this gorgeous picture from Darbi's post.  Now after that brief pause for a little therapeutic moment, we will be back to regular wedding details tomorrow with a look at our to-do list before our wedding in 27(!) days.  :)

Invitation Reveal

Now that the USPS has had time to deliver our invitations to our guests, it is time to reveal them.  I think they turned out great and to be honest after all the time and frustration that went into them I welcome positive comments and/or questions only. :)

Of course, no invitation photo shoot would be complete without the mustang in the background.

These are almost completely DIY, only the pocketfolders and monogram were purchased.  They were a pain at times but totally worth it.  As I've already mentioned I welcome questions and comments but keep any negative thoughts to yourself please. :)

2nd vendor review: Looks by JLW

Let me just start by saying I love Jenn of Looks by JLW.  Now that we've got that out of the way, I can tell you why.  First of all, she put up with me rescheduling my makeup trial about 5 million times and was so nice about it every time.  It actually worked out very well because she was available the morning of my shower and it was so nice to not have to worry about my makeup.  I also asked her if she could help me with my hair and she happily obliged.  Second, I think we could have chatted for hours, she is so personable and sweet.  And most importantly, I loved my makeup and hair!

I basically gave her no guidance whatsoever and it was like she read my mind!  I have never received more compliments about my hair and makeup in one day and I have to thank Jenn 100% for that.

I obviously already had Jenn booked for both my and my girls' makeup for wedding day but now I am also going to be scheduling my bridal pics around her availability as well.  I will certainly be recommending Jenn to other brides!  Rating: A+

Tuesday Shoesday Fail, a.k.a. life with cats

This week I wanted to do a Tuesday Shoesday à la Brit with my wedding shoes.  And so I set out to photograph them.  Apparently fuschia heels by Chinese Laundry are very interesting to cats.

Photo attempt #1: one cat laying behind the shoes and one cat getting blinded by my camera's flash

Photo attempt #2:  Still a cat napping behind them, but somewhat better

Photo attempt #3: Yep, still a cat but check out those 4 inch heels!  I know, what was I thinking?  Don't worry I ordered an extra pair of the flip flops I bought my girls for myself!

I guess professional pics will have to wait until we are in a cat free zone, so look for those after May 22.  I at least get credit for trying right?

Invitations are on their way!

After several frustrating weekends, our invitations went in the mail this morning!  One thing after another seemed to get in our way such as the printer refusing to print the right color, my custom made map looking bad when shrunk to the size it needed to be, and my adhesive choice being a miserable fail.  I am so thankful that my mom didn't give up on me and my very specific vision sometime in the last few weeks!

All the details are to come after we give the USPS some time to deliver these to their (hopefully) excited recipients.

First Vendor Review: Necklets Jewelry

So, when I posted about the gifts I bought my girls here, I mentioned a little white box.  Now that my girls' necklaces are safely in their hands, I can give my first vendor review!

Christie from Necklets Jewelry is sooooo awesome! I first ordered the below necklace for all three of my girls as well as a necklace for myself that you'll have to wait for our wedding pictures to see.  The ordering process was great and delivery was even sooner than she quoted (and with a hand written thank you note which is always a major plus in my book!)  My picture below doesn't even do these justice- they are beautiful and just perfect to go with the bridesmaid dresses.  Then when I had my first dress fitting my seamstress suggested that I needed a bracelet.  Even though Christie didn't already have a bracelet designed to go with my necklace, she was happy to custom design something for me and she did so the same day!  It is the perfect blend of the girls' necklace design and mine and I love it as well.  I will definitely be recommending her to everyone for her jewelry and she also has some other adorable items she makes.  You can see some of her items here in her Etsy store.  Definitely check her out!  Rating: A+

Gifts for my girls

Now that these items are safely in the hands of my girls, I can reveal what I got them.  Clearly nothing is enough to compensate them for being there to support me on the biggest day of my life so far (or for that matter, for the daily support they provide) but I did my best to give them some cute and useful items.

Yesterday was my shower and at its conclusion there was a pink bag with our monogram as a tag waiting for each of them.  They each had already received their wedding shoes from me when they got their dress.

Each bag had within it 4 items and one IOU for a Coach wristlet that will match their dresses perfectly but didn't arrive in time.

First, there was a bag of wedding day essentials: Shout wipe, Kleenex, bobby pins, cotton swabs, blotting papers, deodorant, a pocket mirror, and Burt's Bees lip shimmer.

One bridesmaid got a cd (of the artist whose awesome concert she and I will be seeing) and the other two received iTunes gift cards. 

And each girl got a nice little white box whose contents you will have to check back in the next few days to see when I post my first vendor review! :)

Finally, each girl got a pair of flip flops that match their dress!  This was one of the most important items to my Maid of Honor and sister Kristi who absolutely hates heels and doesn't ever wear them.  Mom has required that she wear the heels for the ceremony but I have a feeling that these will be meeting her feet asap after the ceremony.

I love my girls so much and could never thank them enough for the daily and wedding sanity they bring to my life.  They threw me an awesome shower so look for a post about that soon to come!

Speaking of Invitations...

While we are speaking of invitations, I got an adorable one in the mail the other day.  And it was to my shower!!  Sorry I had to add the ugly black boxes to this picture, but my copy of Photoshop was unfortunately on my computer that Doug killed about a month ago.

The text on the top of the mixer reads: "The ingredients for a successful marriage, A whole lot of love, a dash of spice, And lots of answers to 'What's for dinner?'"  The invitation came with three equally adorable matching recipe cards and asked guests to bring them to the shower filled with their favorite recipes. 

This is so great for me because I could definitely use the recipes.  My kitchen répertoire certainly leaves something to be desired.  That is unless, of course, you would like to eat the same six dinners each week.  :)  I am excited to have some new ideas to try.  I am even more excited for (and hopeful that I get) many of the family recipes from both my family and Doug's.  My stomach is growling just thinking of the possibilities: corn casserole from my Aunt Sharon, hash brown casserole from Doug's mom, my Grandma's mashed potatoes, my Aunt Janet's chocolate chip cookies, my Aunt Karen's fruit dip, and my mom's lasagna and meatloaf (which I already make but call her almost every time since I always write down the recipe and then lose it.)  Mmmm.... I'm so hungry now, not good for my need-to-fit-in-a-wedding-dress-soon diet.  In case those aren't enough, I may have also put 10 cookbooks on our registry.  This is not only a reflection of my lack of skill in the kitchen but also that I am a pawn of The Food Network, as 8 of them are authored by chefs from that channel.

Even more than the recipes, though, I am just excited to see everyone.  I am incredibly blessed to have so many great women in my life and I can't wait to spend some time next Sunday with a large group of them!

Invitations: Attempt #1

Way back a long time ago (my guess is 2008, but I'm not sure) my friend Sarah and I were "working" and she made the first draft of my invitation.  While I especially love the part where it says "Please" with two exclamation points, we will be going for a bit more sophisticated look.

So in all seriousness, as of Wednesday afternoon I am now in possession of all necessary invitation products with the exception of response card envelopes.  Since 1) I now have almost everything I need (including a new toy that I can't believe I haven't opened and tried yet) and 2) my goal is to send invites out at the end of the month and I need to get started.  Operation invitation making domination commences on Sunday! :)

First Dance?

Doug and I have frustratingly been talking for months about what our first dance would be.  We came up with nothing each time.  We also have some pretty differing tastes in music.  We do have "a song" but it isn't really a first dance-y type song so that's out.  I kind of gave up on thinking about it and when I least expected it (isn't that how it always works?) I think I found one.  A few days ago I was in my car and I put in a Michael Bublé CD because I recently just bought two tickets to see him again when he comes to St. Louis.  And there it was, Michael Bublés "Hold On."  I think it will work just fine and am happy to have checked another thing off the list, as long as I can get Doug to agree!



Also, if anyone might be looking for two tickets to his show in St. Louis on June 25th, let me know. I might have extra. :)

Getting the boy involved

I have had a daily ritual of reading countless wedding related blogs for the last 2+ years.  I cannot even tell you how many times I have mentioned one thing or another that I saw on said blogs to Doug and asked him whether he could do this project or that project.  I never got a "no" and I usually got a "yes" or a "probably."  So imagine my surprise when I asked Doug to accompany me on a shopping trip to get the supplies for one of these previously discussed projects and he had zero idea what I was talking about!  (To be completely honest, I wasn't really at all surprised and since he re-agreed to help I didn't care.)

And so here is the first of several projects I had planned for my future husband - our DIY card box.

He looks extremely excited that I documented this for the ol' blog, doesn't he?

And so four white frames, a ton of L brackets, a lazy susan, and 8 gorgeous engagement pictures later, we have this.  Our cute rotating, card box!

 

The spinning base has since been painted white, but the card box is being temporarily stored at my parents' house and I didn't get a picture before the transfer.

 Lessons Learned:
1) Give specific directions.  I actually envisioned the frames going in the opposite direction, but I didn't explain it clearly enough and didn't realize what was happening until it was all put together.  I think, though, that this one was a happy accident because I more easily found pictures I liked that were in portrait orientation. 
2) Getting him involved is important to me but the important detail to him is that we are getting married, not the random DIY projects I ask about.  And that's ok, but I'm still going to keep asking his opinion and help on many things between now and May 22!  :)

They're here, they're here!

I was able to pick my girls' dresses up yesterday - a month ahead of schedule!!  And they are exactly what I imagined they would be!  Except, I guess one thing.  I'm guessing you can tell from this picture that I have no idea how to work the sashes.  They are supposed to be tied in a bow on the right side of the front, but clearly I failed.  The sashes are seriously like 10 feet long and I just couldn't work them.  I'm guessing that not having a real person in the dress didn't help.  Officially added to the to do list: figure out the sashes!  Also, don't tell Doug but I will be making him put his suit on to see how it looks with the dress and make a decision about ties. :)

There have been lots of other developments on the wedding front lately that I have a mental list to blog about, but for now we will stick with items I have pictures of.

Girls' shoes, check!

Boys' shoes, check!

My first dress fitting, check!  Now don't expect a full picture here, but I think a sneak peek might be ok.

If I didn't already know we were getting really close to this wedding (94 days!)  I think I could tell by one or a combination of these things:
1) The aforementioned list of checks and appointments
2) The ever growing list of wedding related tasks accumulating on a multitude of post its in my purse, on my work desk, on our coffee table...

3) The no less than half a dozen wedding related e-mails I sent to my mom today in a very stream of consciousness fashion, for real my mom probably thought she was reading some William Faulkner :)

My CPA exam prep blog deprivation period will end Saturday so next week I promise posts on Doug's ring, invitation challenges, my super cute shower invites made by my MOH, the great suit debate, and my first vendor review of the jewelry I purchased for my girls!

Oh my, 100 days!

We are now under 100 days!  The only word I can think of to describe this is terrifying.  So many things to do.  My first dress fitting is in the morning, our tasting is in two weeks, our first meeting with our pastor should be this month (although I haven't scheduled it yet) and the parts of endless wedding related projects await me finding time for assembly...

This week also began my quest for some serious toning in my arms.  I have already been doing Turbo Sculpt about once a week since I succumbed to one of those late night infomercials a couple years ago, but now it's time to really step it up.  Therefore in addition to adding a second or third Turbo Sculpt a week I am also trying out this workout specifically for strapless dress toning.  I thought typing "strapless dress workout" into Google was a crazy idea, but why should I be surprised- you can find everything through Google!  Tonight was a bit of an adventure trying to get my form and coordination right for the various moves in this, but I think it will be good once I get the hang of it.

Now I want to be careful not to sound like that infomercial I saw a few years ago, but definitely check out Chalene Johnson's website!  I absolutely love the Turbo workouts that I bought and can only imagine that I will also like her other selections when I find the time and the money to get them.  Chalene always talks about finding your soul mate workout as the best way to find yourself wanting to work out.  She is totally right and Turbo certainly is one of my soul mate workouts.  I just wish it was offered at a club near me so I could try it sometime with people that aren't on the dvd! :)

Anyone out there have good suggestions for getting my arms ready for May 22nd?

Must take photo

Yep, pictures with my childhood dog and the first love of my life Rascals are definitely on my list.


see more dog and puppy pictures

Only four months left!

Boy has it been a long time since I've posted!  This is actually my first post of 2010!  That's not to say that I haven't tried before now but unfortunately CPA studying has gotten in the way. (lame, I know.)

Since we are getting married exactly four months (!) from today, I thought a wedding planning status update might be appropriate.

Items we should have done already

Settle on a budget  - Done, and by my estimation we will be significantly under!
Create a wedding binder - I don't exactly have a binder but I do have a folder as well as a box. (actually by now it is several boxes. :)
Hire wedding planner, if needed - Done, she was one of the first vendors I booked and is mentioned repeatedly in my wedding related posts here.
Decide on a guest list, compile addresses - This did not come without some fighting and frustration, but done.
Secure venues & date  - This too was frustrating and not easy but is done.
Select wedding party  - Done from the very beginning, I always knew the three awesome girls I would want!
Book ceremony music, DJ or band  - I finally just did this yesterday, four months late according to OneWed.
Book photographer - Done, and would have been my first vendor booked if I could have booked her any more than 18 months out!
Book videographer - Done for a long time as well.
Book florist - I'm loving having a florist in my new family to be!
Plan & book honeymoon - When Doug got rehired from the layoff at his job, he wasn't allowed to get his vacation back so the jury is still out on whether we will be going anywhere.
Book caterer  - Comes with the reception site and we will be having our tasting in February!
Book officiant or clergy  - Done, we specifically chose a ceremony site that would allow the pastor from my home church.
Select invitations & stationery - Many posts to come on my DIY invitations plans.
Mail save-the-date cards - Created, labeled, and mailed.
Find & order "the" dress - Oh the drama on this one.  See my collected works.
Develop a fitness plan - Constant task, down 9.5 pounds so far, but what I'm really interested in is toning.  Strength training here I come.
Buy shoes, veil & jewelry - Shoes, done and post to come.  Jewelry, done and post to come.  Jury is still out on the veil question.
Register for gifts - Done, Macy's and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Order tuxes - No tuxes for us, Doug's suit is bought with each groomsman's to follow soon.
Order bridesmaids' dresses - Done, to arrive March 15th. Somehow can't link to the post  but it was on 6/16/09.
Order cake - Baker is booked, tasting to come, already know the general design.
Reserve wedding night accommodations - We will probably stay at home?
Secure wedding day transportation - I know what Doug and I will be taking and everyone else is on their own.
Secure rehearsal dinner venue - Done, cute restaurant open just for us a few blocks from the chapel!
Schedule salon & spa appointments - Was done, until my wonderful Maid of Honor and sister Kristi changed her mind about growing out her hair.  Will be calling and begging to fit her in my stylist's schedule. :)
Pick a signature wedding scent - No clue.
Purchase rings - I'm not sure if we will be getting me another ring but we need to go look for Doug soon.
Order favors - This will probably be a donation to animal shelter where we got our girl Halo.
Make your "must play" and "do not play" song lists - I know two songs, need to work on this but I'm going to use the just-booked-the-dj-today excuse for now.

 
Items not "due" yet

Write vows, select readings - Vows, done.  Readings to come.
Plan day-of timeline - Bits and pieces done.
Have dress fitting - Have appointment February 13th.
Mail wedding invitations
Send photo wish list to photographer - Clary totally doesn't need this except for our family groups which I hope to keep to a minimum.
Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
Submit newspaper wedding announcement - Sort of not happening since I discovered the paper where Doug and I live charges $100!  My hometown newspaper submission (for free!) is in progress.
Test make-up application - Really need to talk to Jenn about this one.
Obtain marriage license, request copies - Got the application info and is on my list for May.
Print programs
Buy wedding party gifts - 25% complete.
Assign seats - Sort of dreading this one unless I pawn most of it off on our parents.  My practice attempt was a disaster
Make seating cards, menus 
   
                                        

A quick trip to Victoria's and now it is just left to deciding between...

matching our wedding colors
or something blue.

Like having a crystal ball

I no longer have to wonder all the time what my wedding will look like because today I saw it. Megan Thiele just happened to post a gorgeous wedding today that occurred at the chapel where Doug and I will get married almost exactly six months from today.I had been thinking about something for these doors for a while but now I have an official mental note to figure something out.

Spectacular light.If I were to have a must take photo list, this one with the ridiculous landscaping would top it.If we're making a list add one of these shots with the stairs too please.
And, of course, some on Lebanon's cute main street.
There's a ton more gorgeousness to be found over on Megan's blog so hop over there to enjoy and leave her some love! Oh, and ask her where the reception was because I have a sneaking suspicion it might be the same as our too.