Changes

Changes

***I would like to thank the following wonderful ladies for providing advice and kind words in my time of intense WPM: Little Miss Southern (I heart our gchats), Future Mrs. Smith (I got my hair cut by Kristen and I loved it), The Thirty Something Bride (Don't even know where to begin- you're probably the coolest person I know), The Answer is You (thanks for the lunch date. Can we have another please?)***

I thought about starting this post with some Tupac lyrics, but it turns out those were a little too intense for this G-Rated blog! Mr. SE and I have been undergoing some changes on the wedding front. To make a long story short- I had a total WPM two weeks ago. Don't know what a WPM is? A Wedding Planning Meltdown. To help aid in the confusion and mass pandemonium that will likely ensue, I've created a chart of sorts.

Things that are staying the same: still marrying Mr. SE @ the Cathedral on August 14, 2010
Things that are changing: reception venue, COMPLETE theme of wedding, budget

We're much like T30SB & The Candyman, in that this wedding symbolizes not only our love for one another, but we also want to spend time with close family and friends who we are blessed to have in our lives. Intimate, and personal- that's our goal for the big day.

That being said, our guest list right now is at 180. We've looked at all the normal RSVP rates, but ours is a little different. Yes, it's a destination for 90% of our guests. No, it's not too far (ie Caribbean). We have NO CLUE how many people are going to come. The majority of our guests are within a 4 hour car ride or a 2 hour plane trip. That's a whole different issue that I'll save for another post.

Miss SE's rule on budgets: just because you have it, doesn't mean you have to spend it. Can I also add another one of my favorite sayings regarding money? Yes, it's my blog. You can spend a lot of money and still look trashy (Kendra and Hank. Hello?). There it is- I said it.

Mr. SE and I have decided that while my parents are footing the bill for this fabulous wedding, we're not going to lose sight of the real reason this is all happening (we love each other). Because of this, I will here and now take a vow (to you, my faithful readers), that I will keep the important things (Mr. SE and our promises to each other) at the forefront of my planning. Thank you Liza for that one.

So now Mr. SE and I are embarking on a 359 day wedding planning adventure. We are (I am) going to keep an open mind about ideas, and we're going to stay focused on the prize (Mr and Mrs). I can't wait to be his wife, he makes me the happiest lady in the world! Keep reading as we'll start to reveal our new inspiration boards and style ideas (omigosh I know you can't wait. And I can't believe you're still reading at this point). Okay I'll add a picture because blog posts suck without them.

{sufficiently awkward. i love us}

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OOT Bags

OOT Bags


Oh hello there- remember me? I'm the girl that thought she could take on a million things before the wedding (moving, starting a new job, buying a foreclosure, moving again, and starting a new job). What's that? You think I wrote start a new job twice? That's because I did.

I was lucky enough to land a job at one of the "Best Places to Work", and had been working there since last August. But here's the thing- I'm driven, and I worked my butt off to get a degree in business management. I didn't go to college to make packets, punch holes, and be a glorified secretary. That being said- I made the adult choice. Took my life by the reigns, quit my job, and started in a new industry where slackers get fired. Sound amazing? Let me know if you're in Nashville, Denver, Dublin, Singapore, or San Francisco (we have a great referral program).


I started this new job last week and it's been amazing. Like a jump out of bed even though it's early and you're ready to conquer the world amazing! But to say it's been easy to make a career jump with only 19 days until the wedding could be a lie. Yes you read that right, 19. Am I going crazy? Maybe a little bit. Did I make the best decision of my life (other than my handsome groom)? Yes I did. Nobody is going to drop a great career in your lap, you've got to get up and make something out of your life.

Now onto bigger and better things, like out of town bags. If you're lucky enough to be coming to our wedding (you know I would invite all of you readers if I could!), this is what you'll be getting. We wanted the bag to have a Nashville feel from the first instant, so kraft was an easy choice. I picked up a super cute cowboy boot stamp (40% coupon thankyou) at Hobby Lobby, and added some curled white ribbon for the piece de resistance. Here's what's inside:

Visit Nashville booklet
Tourism map
Chocolate and Vanilla Moon Pie (made in TN)
2 bottles of water
Trail Mix
Mixed Nuts
Cheez-its
Minty Lifesavers
Lance Crackers (my fave!)
Pringles (made in TN)
Mr. SE and I are going to add a welcome letter

...and here they are in the bonus room, which has been renamed "room of wedding craziness"

What do you think? Would you be stoked to get one of these babies? I'd love to hear what types of things you did in out of town bags to make them specific for your wedding location!

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BRIDAL GIVEAWAY: Party Like A Rock Star

BRIDAL GIVEAWAY: Party Like A Rock Star



I have a copy of the fabulous Jes Gordon's book "Party Like a Rock Star" to giveaway to one lucky bridal lovely! Her book is all about how to throw that unforgettable party that your friends will be talking about forever. In the book, you will find some fab tips and tricks on how to stay on budget, figuring out your concept, choosing great locations, creating an amazing space, and much more.

Here's what you need to do, bridal lovelies:

• Leave a comment on this post
• Tell me who (first name only) threw the best party that you have ever been to and why (keep it brief)
• Be sure to include your email address in the post.
  

I will choose the best answer on Friday at 6 p.m.

You MUST include your email in the post in order to be considered.

Good Luck!

email your questions to: bridalwishlist@gmail.com & visit our sister site, the capitol fashionista (http://thecapitolfashionista.blogspot.com)

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DC Bridal Event: A Chic Affair

DC Bridal Event: A Chic Affair



A Luxury Event for the Modern Bride

WHAT: A Chic Affair is an exclusive, one day event for the discerning, modern bride that celebrates the art of getting married by presenting a carefully curated, couture collection of the most distinguished national brands and local gems to delight and inspire the Washington D.C bride-to-be.

WHERE: Long View Gallery – 1234 Ninth St, NW, Washington D.C 20001

WHEN: Sunday, March 21, 2010 11:00 am – 3:30 pm

SPONSORS: Brides.com, Brides Washington, Cartier, Gala Events Inc, Events by Andre Wells, Wolfgang Puck, The Dandelion Patch, Carine’s Bridal Atelier, Bloomingdales, Georgetown Cupcake, Erwin Gomez Salon, Elizabeth Arden, Room Service, DC Rentals, Rodney Bailey, HDO Tents

PROGRAM: Products & services for discerning tastes
Advice from the Experts on style, beauty, etiquette, invitations, the big day and more: Andre Wells, Heidi Kallett, Lauren A. Rothman, Brides.com and Brides Washington Magazine

A Green Affair – special vendor designation for our participants incorporating green initiatives into their businesses for the eco-conscious bride

Runway Show styled by Carine’s Bridal Atelier, a carefully curated collection of the world’s premier designers such as Monique Lhullier and Carolina Herrera presented in a high glamour, urban, innovative and unexpected runway experience

EXHIBITS: The best brands in categories such as beauty, accessories, cakes & confections, catering, rentals, florals, honeymoon, stationary, jewelry, photography & videography, planning & support.

TICKETS: Available online at A Chic Affair for $35.00 and available onsite for $45

ABOUT: A Chic Affair is a one of a kind bridal experience which brings together a select collection of the most lavish national brands and the most distinctive Washington area resources. The event provides brides with the latest trends and timeless elegance.

Discerning brides can view a collection of the area’s premier wedding resources, sample hors d’oeuvres, sip creative cocktails, enjoy a cake and champagne tasting, get expert advice from the country’s foremost experts all before leaving with an exclusive gift bag brimming with products and special offers. A Chic Affair also adds two brand-new concepts to this action-packed event for 2010 – A Gentlemen’s Lounge, and the debut of the eco-conscious collection – A Green Affair.

The climax of the event, a formal runway show highly conceptualized by Carine Krawic of Carine’s Bridal Atelier and A Chic Affair Executive Producer Rachael Glaws and designed by Jamie Greenwald of Gala Events will show a collection of gowns by the world’s premier designers in a high glamour, ‘urban’ chic tour de force exhibition, like nothing you have ever seen on a bridal runway.

A Chic Affair is far more than a bridal show, it is a social and relaxing afternoon to be pampered, delighted and inspired and remember how much excitement this special time has to offer.

email your questions to: bridalwishlist@gmail.com & visit our sister site, the capitol fashionista (http://thecapitolfashionista.blogspot.com)

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Title: Dallas Bridal Show | Fashion Show

We were proud to be a part the Dallas Bridal Show presented by Bridal Shows Inc. This year's event featured a fashion show by famed designer, Jorge Perez. During the show it was announced that Project Husband's Lisa Linehan will be wearing one of four Perez dresses, and that America gets to decide which of the final four Lisa will wear on her special day.

Jorgeperezdelahabana.com
For more information about Project Husband, and to vote for your favorite dress, visit www.projecthusband.com.

Music provided by:
Nicholas Alan - Hollywood
Kahuna Kawentzmann - Passage to Papeete
The Lascivious Biddies - Odd Bird
Lisa Linehan - Wanna Get Married

Title: Suhaag 2010 Bridal Fashion Show Pt.1

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WEBSITE:
http://www.fashionstudio7.com


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Title: Elite Bridal Events - Georgia Bridal Show

Join us for the South's Elite Bridal Event since 1990! Our bridal shows are comprised of the most reliable, trustworthy and professional local vendors including photographers, caterers, florists, entertainment, travel, gowns, formalwear, gift registry and more. There will also be live entertainment and a spectacular, professionally choreographed fashion show! Registered brides will receive a FREE one year subscription to Modern Bride magazine and will be eligible to win a deluxe, all-inclusive honeymoon! Tickets are $10 cash only at the door, or you can click on the links below to purchase discounted tickets. Children 5 years old and younger are free.

UNLIKE ANY OTHER BRIDAL SHOWCOME EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!

Title: Suhaag 2010 Bridal Fashion Show Pt.1

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The Big Move

The Big Move

I'll be away from blogging for this week, since we don't have internet in our house. But don't worry- when I do come back I'll be armed with lots of pictures from the new place!

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FOR THE BRIDE: Baubles and Baubles Galore

FOR THE BRIDE: Baubles and Baubles Galore



Adore this cuff by Doloris Petunia. Doloris Petunia is a big fav of The Bridal Wishlist.

email your questions to: bridalwishlist@gmail.com & visit our sister site, the capitol fashionista (http://thecapitolfashionista.blogspot.com)

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Title :How To Buy an Engagement Ring

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from yolandeesha and more videos in the Proposals & Rings category.

You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at http://www.howcast.com/videos/new or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at http://www.howcast.com/filmmakers/apply.

Buying a diamond ring is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, so get the most bling for your buck.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Input from the bride and loved ones
Knowledge of the four C's: carat, color, clarity, and cut
A grading report
Negotiating skills
Membership in a warehouse store

Step 1: Suss out her taste

Casually comment on someone else's engagement ring; that should prompt her to describe what she likes. Or ask her loved ones for advice.

Step 2: Consider her personality

Take into account her personality and the jewelry she already owns. Does she like modern jewelry, or does she prefer antique and estate pieces? Does she like showy baubles or simple stuff? Is she a traditionalist, or does she strive to be unique?

Step 3: Pick a shape

Pick a shape. Choices include round, square, radiant, emerald, pear, marquise, princess, cushion, Asscher, and heart-shaped. The princess and radiant cuts are more forgiving of flaws than the emerald and the Asscher.

Tip: Beware of buying shapes other than round ones online. Many, like pear and marquise, are prone to certain cutting flaws that are obvious to the naked eye but not necessarily evident from the information contained in the grading report provided by the seller.

Step 4: Think about carat size

Think about the size of the diamond you want—or, more to the point, the size she finds acceptable! Diamonds are measured in carats, one carat being about the size of a green pea.

Step 5: Consider color

Consider color. Color is graded from D (colorless) to Z, with colorless being the most valuable. Diamonds graded N and below are noticeably yellow.

Step 6: Decide on clarity

Decide on the level of clarity you are willing to pay for. The choices range from FL (flawless) to I3 (included). Almost all diamonds have flaws, or inclusions; the trick is to find one whose flaws are least visible to the naked eye.

Step 7: Choose your cut

"Cut" refers to the reflective quality of the diamond. Cut grades range from "ideal," assigned to diamonds that reflect the most light, to "fair and poor," for diamonds that reflect only a small proportion of light.

Tip: The cut is perhaps the most important of the four Cs. A good cut, which is determined by the angles and finish, is what gives a diamond its brilliance.

Step 8: Consider the setting

Consider the setting, which determines the center stone's height. Choices include prong, bezel, channel, pavé, cluster, and flush. A cluster setting, with many small diamonds around the main stone, can result in a tall ring; a flush setting provides a more understated look.

Step 9: Pick a band

Choose which metal you want for the band. Platinum is the most expensive but also the most popular because of its durability. Other choices include white gold, yellow gold, titanium, and palladium.

Tip: White gold needs to be replated every few years to retain its polish.

Step 10: Get a grading report

Before buying a ring, ask the jeweler for the grading report—a certificate filed by an independent gemological lab that confirms the carats, color, clarity, and cut. If the jeweler says he can't or won't get one, walk away.

Tip: Do some comparison shopping. Sometimes a warehouse store can offer the same quality jewelry as a retail shop, at deep discounts.

Step 11: Haggle

Don't be afraid to haggle: You're expected to negotiate when buying an engagement ring. Most jewelry stores mark up their diamonds by a whopping 100 percent, so there's plenty of wiggle room—especially if the salesperson's choice is between a small commission and none at all.

Thanks for watching How To Buy an Engagement Ring! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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Kate Spade Twirl

I've been needing a new day-to-day fragrance for a while now. I have a couple of very heady evening-only perfumes, one of which is Givenchy's L'Interdit that my dearly departed grandmother gave me when I turned 17. I'm preserving those last few drops, so I like to have a lighter, easy-to-wear fragrance for daily life. I was addicted to Lavanila's Vanilla Grapefruit, but I used it all up a few months ago, so I think it's time to try something new.

The ad for Kate Spade's new perfume, Twirl, caught my eye in my Vogue last night and I gave it a big, hearty whiff. Hard to tell from a magazine loaded with 15 other perfume samples, but it smelled very me. I like to test-drive perfumes before committing too much, so I'm thinking I might get an $18 rollerball. I'll let you know how it goes!

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Title:The Search for Kate Spade, Pt 1

My friends, Nicole and Ryan, came to visit me in NYC. We spent days looking for knock-off Kate Spade purses in Chinatown. We also visited Coney Island and ate Carnegie Deli

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Title:Tim Gunn says, "Make it work!" at Kate Spade in Dallas

Tim Gunn, of Project Runway fame, is working with Kate Spade to promote their Spring line and made a stop at their Northpark Center store in Dallas on April 29, 2009. He gave a style show using outfits that "everyone has in their closet" like jeans and a white T-shirt and a little black dress to illustrate his style points - that it's all about the accessories. He showed off the Kate Spade collection which is varied, bright and fun! See Tim's tips here for Spring style.

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Real Wedding: Fiona & Niels

Real Wedding: Fiona & Niels

I've been following the work of photographer Polly Alexandre for awhile now, and today I get to share her beautiful work with you, with Fiona and Niels lovely wedding. As soon as they were engaged, Fiona says that she and Niels knew they wanted a small wedding in their adopted hometown of London, and that's just what they had...






Fiona's 1930's-inspired gown was beaded by hand with Swarovski crystals taken from her mother's wedding dress and Miyuki satin beads. She completed her look with a pair of silver and drop crystal earrings given by her parents when she moved from Scotland to London years ago.


How amazing is this hat! Made by milliner William Chambers, who also made Fiona's gorgeous headpiece.




Guests were treated to a short tour of London before going on to the reception in a red Routemaster bus. Says the bride, "The night Niels and I first met, he insisted on waiting with me for my bus (No. 139) in Bond Street, London. I will never forget the sense of certitude when I got on that bus that I had met someone quite special. So, as a surprise for Niels, I arranged for the red bus to be mocked up as the No. 139 bus."


Fiona describes their ceremony site: "We came across the historical church of St. Bartholomew the Great (built in 1123 AD) long before we got engaged and were struck by its heritage and beauty. Unbeknown to us, the church has played many a starring role in films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral."


"Our reception venue was located on the banks of the River Thames with stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. This restaurant and brasserie is attached to Shakespeare’s Globe and we instantly fell in love with it, not only for the location but also for their ethos of serving seasonal produce in a relaxed atmosphere." Fiona and Niels love to throw dinner parties at home, so this was the perfect wedding reception for them: 38 guests joined them for dinner around one large table, allowing everyone to feel included, and allowing the couple to interact with each of their guests.






The wedding cake was a small square fruitcake. Also, Fiona says, "My mum is famous for her shortbread, so we asked her to make small individual heart shaped pieces for the reception. I forgot to thank her on the day so can I take this opportunity to say thank you so much, Mum!"






"Our first dance was to Glen Campbell's Grow Old With Me, as we think the lyrics say it all."



Photographer Polly Alexandre had entered Fiona and Niels into a contest to win wedding videography, and they won! Renaissance Studios shot this 8mm film of Fiona and Niels' wedding:

Stationery: Emily&Jo

Ceremony venue: St Bartholomew the Great, London

Reception venue: The Swan at the Globe

Bride's gown / headpiece: Jacqueline Byrne / William Chambers Millinery

Bride's shoes / red hearts: Bridal Rogue Gallery / Victoria Health

Mother-of-the-bride's suit / hat: Jacqueline Byrne / William Chambers Millinery

Groom's suit: Richard James

Flowers: Paula Pryke

Reception music: City Strut band

Cake: Tina Koorland

Scrabble tiles / tile racks: eBay and Tilefish / Seven Letters

Best wishes Fiona and Niels! Thank you for sharing a bit of your beautiful wedding with us, and thank you to Polly Alexandre for sharing these gorgeous photos - you can see even more from this wedding over on Polly's blog. Oh, and I just have to share this funny story from Fiona with you: "Niels and I decided to spend our wedding night at home as we live only five minutes from the reception venue and we weren’t leaving for our honeymoon until Monday morning. On arrival at the threshold Niels discovered he didn’t have any keys on him as they 'spoiled the look of his suit.' He had his iPhone with him but no keys!"

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Board #477: Lemon Meringue Pie

Board #477: Lemon Meringue Pie

This week's inspiration boards use simple palettes of a single color and white - orange and creme, blue and porcelain, lemon yellow and meringue. The elements here are pretty simple, too: bunting and tissue poms, ribbon wands, ruffles and roses. You don't have to reinvent the wheel to have a lovely wedding!

Mood: sweet and sunny
Palette: lemon pie, white meringue

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: photo of tent with yellow bunting by One Love Photo, bridesmaid with slice of lemon meringue pie from Wedding Style Guide, yellow and white tissue pom poms from The Paper Whale
Row 2: ruffled tablecloth and yellow bistro chair via Daisy Chain, yellow ribbon wands by {frolic!}
Row 3: photo of ruffled dress by Duston Todd, flower girl with ranunculus nosegay by Ariella Chezar from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo of California oak tree by Jose Villa
Row 4: vintage Porsche and Monique Lhuillier "Arianna" dress from Martha Stewart Weddings, RSVP calligraphy by Laura Hooper*, bouquet of yellow garden roses by Nicolette Camille

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Wedding Vendors, The B-List Is Coming To DC. Come Join Us

Wedding Vendors, The B-List Is Coming To DC. Come Join Us


The B-List, a consortium of the top wedding bloggers, is holding it's annual conference in Washington, DC the weekend of April 16, 2010 and we are so excited to be attending! If you are a wedding vendor, you are invited to attend the meet + greet cocktail reception being held on Friday, April 16th at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia from 7 - 10 pm. The event is a great opportunity to meet and chat with all your favorite wedding bloggers in one place. For more information on registering to attend {and hurry because there are limited spaces!} please click here: B-List Meet and Greet. We hope to see you in DC next month!

email your questions to: bridalwishlist@gmail.com & visit our sister site, the capitol fashionista (http://thecapitolfashionista.blogspot.com)

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Title: Wedding Planning Tips- How to Interview Wedding Vendors

http://www.heavenlyevents4u.com Smart wedding planning tips on how interview wedding vendors. Your wedding vendors are one of the most important elements in your wedding. Here are tips to help you to choose your wedding vendors wisely. Join me online http://www.facebook.com/shawnta.blaine

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