Backyard Day

Capitalizing On Our Strengths

2009-06-09T09:46:00.003-04:00

DIY. Do It Yourself.

As an at home wedding, this will be a largely DIY event. We will be landscaping the grounds of my parent's house ourselves, my FH will be painting the house himself, we will be taking care of the decor, the favors, the paper goods, and the list goes on.

We are definitely capitalizing on our strengths. As a crafty bride, I wouldn't dream of outsourcing certain projects, and with my FH as a former contractor, painting the house is his duty. And with gardeners in the family, and a lovely terrain, we wouldn't dream of having the wedding anywhere else.

We even had lofty ideas of taking care of the flowers ourselves, and with our previous plan of potted orchids, that would have been a cinch... however, now that this "theme" has taken a different turn, I think its time to call in the professionals.

I'm dreaming of soft, beautiful, and full centerpieces, and a bouquet that I likely couldn't even begin to attempt to make myself. I think that paying for the look of professional flowers and the ease of not having to DIY the day of, will be entirely worth it.

Flower inspiration to follow.

Now, to find this professional who can make this vision a reality.

Whimsical Vintage Garden Party

2009-06-08T15:56:00.003-04:00

I love this description. I think that a "Whimsical Vintage Garden Party" suits our location perfectly.

The details will be a nice mix of a backyard, garden, casual wedding that blends vintage & traditional elements, while still being a laid back, DIY kind of affair.

Here is a "vintage" detail that I love:

Chandeliers:

Now, I've decided *not* to go with a million chandeliers (though, the impact would be fantastic), rather, a couple of strategically placed lights.

Also, for cost and logistics purposes (we are having a tented wedding, ie. limited electricity), I am looking into candle chandeliers as opposed to electric.

I think it will be lovely.

The Lounge

2009-06-07T11:10:00.005-04:00

One detail that has remained somewhat constant is the idea for a lounge areas, though this in and of itself has gone through *many* revisions.

It started as a cool, comfortable, and stylish area for guests to sit during the cocktail hour. Then I realized that this furniture (which my fiance lovingly agreed to build) would only get utilized for a mere hour, as I *highly* doubt that anyone will meander back to the cocktail hour location during the course of the wedding, as its somewhat removed from the reception location.

The next revision was that pottery barn-esque furniture would grace the dancefloor area, as well as either side of the tent, fitting with our streamlined, minimalistic, spa-like feel.

I was envisioning this:

Then came along the "Whimsical Vintage Garden Party" idea, and though the above could still work, how fabulous would this be:

(See the first picture on this board)

Click on the picture to make it larger (Thats a *must*!)

That vintage settee is so gorgeous. My mother would love it. And, it would fit in lovely with the whole vibe of the entire day. If only they didn't cost an arm and a leg.

I had budgeted in a certain amount for FH (future husband) to build the furniture, so maybe, just maybe, if I'm the luckiest girl in the world, I can find something that fits in our budget.

Oh, and, I've *got* to invest in scotchguard. Drunken guests, drinks, and vintage furniture *do not* mingle well.

Letting Go

2009-06-06T09:54:00.003-04:00

I've said it before, and this blog is testament to it. I've been through a million different ideas when it comes to everything from flowers, to the ceremony. Because I *love* photography, and inspiration boards are my favorite way of figuring out whether something works, I've got a tremendous collection of wedding inspiration (ie. pictures) saved on my hard drive.

And I'm attached to them.

Even though I've thrown lots of ideas out, I just can't clear out my "Wedding Files". What if I want to suggest something to another bride? What if I decide I need to see that picture of a collection of white potted orchids once more? What if....?

I even have a feeling that my computer is running slowly recently *because* of my humungous photo collection. Maybe I'll wait until after the wedding to clear it all out. But what if...?

Ah. The life of a digital pack rat.

My Other Love

2009-06-03T16:39:00.007-04:00

Martha comes a close second.

I just love her. And I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm able to put her record aside and embrace all of her crafty goodness.

From her culinary abilities, to her around the house and outdoor genius, to her lovely wedding ideas, I just love.it.all.

Some of the great ideas I've collected from her in the wedding planning process that I think will make the cut:

This lovely ring pillow:

This is a DIY project (find instructions via the link above) that I'll be repurposing for an undisclosed project. :)

I *love* these sheets. They are on sale
starting at $7! I am considering purchasing some to cut up with pinking shears and calling it a day on napkins.

Its a toss up between Martha's Tissue Paper Pom Poms and paper lanterns. They both will provide an orb-like effect that will mirror my dress, and add their own, very special kind of interest to the tent ceiling, but its such a hard decision! (Then there's this feeling that a crystal chandelier would add a special touch, and that really throws a wrench in things!)

Cheese plate:

I've blogged about this before, can you tell I'm attached?

There is (next to) no way that this would ever work for us. We are hosting an outdoor even in the middle of July. Its really too, too bad.

Seriously, the list goes on.

The waiting.

2009-06-01T16:41:00.002-04:00

Its killing me.

We have had a *long* engagement. And we're still waiting.

By the time our wedding rolls around, we will have been engaged for a lengthy 2.5 years, and together for a total of 8!

When I share this with people I get one of two responses: "You'll be thankful to have so much time to plan." and "What are you crazy, lady? Why the he** are you talking to me about your wedding when its so far away???"

Whatever the case, blessing or otherwise, this wait is making me crazy!

Every time I get excited about the idea, I find myself giddy with no where to go. Ugh.

In the meantime, maybe I should work on my looming Master's Thesis!

:(

"Tea with Milk"

2009-05-30T16:02:00.004-04:00

Everyone has such crafty names for their colors, up until now, I've been calling my colors of choice kraft, white, aqua, and blush, but I think "tea with milk" is a much more appropriate name for "kraft", or "grocery bag". "Tea with milk" just sounds so lovely (and delicious).

This inspiration board mixes "tea with milk", "muted aqua", "blush" and white very well, I think. Blush will come via the flowers, and muted aqua will likely be featured in napkins and/or table linens, the Martha Stewart Poms I plan to feature, and possibly some glassware (vintage aqua bottles, maybe??).

(I would love nothing more than having a cheese station, [it is definitely a favorite food of Jim and I] but somehow I don't think its appropriate for an outdoor wedding in July, unfortunately!)

Inspiration in the must unexpected places

2009-05-29T17:17:00.002-04:00

I'm finding inspiration in the most unexpected places!

This dining room has wedding colors written all over it.

And it begins...

2009-05-27T22:06:00.002-04:00

Im afraid this is just the beginning.

Don't take me seriously right now, I know I'm all over the place.

I'm just trying something on for size.

Completely non-committal.

After my last post, and some feedback from a couple of my girls, I'm testing the white, kraft, and blush waters. Trying something a little different. In a moment of (temporary??) insanity I am abandoning my beloved colorscheme of kraft and turquoise (now muted aqua) to think pink. I may come back around to aqua. At this point who knows what I'll think up next.

In the meantime, I present my newest (trial) inspiration:

Thoughts?

ugh.

2009-05-26T18:41:00.007-04:00

Ok. I'm going to reveal my psychoses. Indecisiveness. Wavering. Doubtful. Faltering. Waffling.

Just days ago I was gung ho on the spa like beauty of turquoise and orchids. Of tropical plants and minimalism. Now. Now I'm not sure.

Our wedding will take place at my parent's house in upstate New York. Their Victorian farm house. Do you see where I'm going with this? Trying to make a tropical theme fit in a victorian setting is really pushing it. Square peg round hole?

I think I've got to rethink this.

Now, I'm not 100% ready to give up turquoise, but am thinking that maybe it should look more like a muted aqua. And how about pink? Doesn't blush sound like it would go lovely with Kraft (the 1 color decision I will never regret -- but don't mark my words, lol... See psychoses above.)

Here are some color inspirations...

Now, this much I know is true:

My dress:

I *love* the idea of the bridesmaids in mismatched dresses like this:

And I can't let go of the softness of curtains surrounding the tent:

Thoughts on this new direction? Help!

DIY Invitation Inspiration

2009-05-24T10:34:00.003-04:00

I will be DIYing my wedding invitations using a Riso Print Gocco. I am very excited about this project, and can't wait to get started! Though... the wedding is *still* a year away, and I don't want to make any hasty design decisions...

In the meantime, I've been collecting inspiration like crazy, flitting from one idea to the next... but here is my latest inspiration:

I am loving white ink printed on kraft colored paper. I am imagining turquoise painted edges, a silhouetted image in white, with our names printed in a handwriting font in the color turquoise, and the rest of the wording in a text font printed in white.

I think it will be lovely!

Picture This...

2009-05-20T16:37:00.003-04:00

Our ceremony will be on the front porch of my parent's victorian house in upstate New York.

Though the home screams vintage, we're (currently) going with a Tahitian spa inspired wedding.

I love the idea of lining the edge of the porch roof with green leaves as seen in this photo. I think the greenery, combined with flowy, sheer curtains draped above the railing of the porch, and topped off with a few strands of flower garland, will evoke a spa like, beautiful, and relaxing scene.

The ceremony site will also be adorned with river rocks and loose orchids lining the aisles, bowls full of orchids for tossing, potted, lush, green tropical plants, and potted orchids.

Beautiful!

This is how I envision our ceremony...

2009-05-20T16:33:00.003-04:00

I've recently adopted tahitian spa inspiration, and I'm going with it.

Our wedding will be outdoors at my parents house in July of 2010, and I cannot wait!

Here is my most recent ceremony inspiration board, and its breakdown:

Middle picture: I love the idea of a Hiuwai, or Hawaiian Water Ceremony. (Some other cultures with similar practices: Tahitian, Thai...)

First Row:
1: I'm working on him in terms of the lei, but I don't think he's going to budge. I do, however, love the greenery around the arch (we are getting married on my parents' front porch, and I think it would look lovely adorned with leaves as shown in the picture).
2: For throwing, loose orchids.
3: We won't be having lovely benches at the ceremony (but a girl can dream, right?) however, my he did agree to build furniture for "lounge areas" under the tent. Around the dancefloor we will have benches similar to this.
4: I plan to adorn the entire site (ceremony and reception) with large, potted, tropical plants.

Row 2:
1: Fans for the ceremony
2. Benches. Again. My Dream.

Row 3:
1: I'd love to have stacking wedding bands, though, thats up in the air.
2: Another ritual we plan to incorporate (in addition to the water ceremony) is a stone ceremony. In this, each guest has a stone in which they put a wish for the couple, and later, the stones are collected into a vessel and kept in the couples' home for good fortune and as a momento of their wedding day.

Row 4:
1: We plan to have curtain-esque fabric draped on the porch, and around our reception tent.
2: In addition to the fabric on the porch, we plan to have a few strands of flower garland.
3: I love the nest shown in the picture to accompany our rings down the aisle with our ring bearer.
4: Ketubah. Lovely.

Thats that!

How does it all flow together?

I'm noticing a trend here...

2009-05-16T09:31:00.007-04:00

I know I am constantly updated about decor related issues (I'm officially obsessed). I apologize for that. I can only hope that there are some of you out there that appreciate it!!

You can see my most recent inspiration board a little ways down. We're going with a sort of tropical spa inspired feel.

My centerpiece idea was to have 4 potted phalaenopsis orchids on each table to serve as centerpiece and favor. I have been around and around on the kind of orchid, but phals are hardy, easy to come by, and very pretty.

In fact...

Phalaenopsis are beautiful, beautiful flowers. Their simple grace and elegance are unmatched. I love love love them.

However. I'm a little unsure about how so many of them will look, gracing the tables in the reception. I feel like when you get a lot of them together, they tend to look stick-ish. Like a room full of sticks (sticks with pretty flowers on the end).

Here is a picture of what I DO NOT WANT the reception to look like...

(Don't get me wrong, I pulled this photo as inspiration at one time, it is undeniably beautiful, but its just not the look I am going for.)

As I go through my inspiration photos, though, and continue to collect more, I am beginning to notice a trend.

(I recommend clicking on the picture to see a larger view.)

I am so drawn to the color turquoise.

The turn my decor plans have taken recently are very reminiscent of a tropical spa. A retreat if you will, and I think that the orchids, water, turquoise color, and all of its simplicity really evoke that feel.

I think it will go really well with some of the other decor ideas I've got milling around in my head...

I'm loving it.

Ceremony Music

2009-04-26T13:47:00.006-04:00

We are planning to DIY (do it yourself) our music for the entire shindig, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, even down to a jam session Jim has his heart set on for into the night (if you play an instrument, be prepared to have it in tow! He will have nothing less!!).

I got to thinking, and I think that having live music during the ceremony would be fantastic. We started taking a mental inventory of all of the friends we have with musical talents, and are in the process of pinpointing someone to (generously gift) acoustic guitar (and bongos, and...) music for our ceremony (and possibly cocktail hour).

Naturally, this goes along with brainstorming ideas for what in the world we want them to play.

One thing we know for sure is that we don't want your traditional, classical music. What we do want is Jazz. Jazz, oldies, and funk are the only kinds of music Jim and I can ever agree on. We have completely opposite taste in music, and if we ever have ANY kind of music on when we are together, its usually Jazz.

So...

Here are some contenders. **It is important to note that there will be no singing for any of the songs. Only instrumentals.**

I think it would be lovely to play Brazilian Bossa Nova before the ceremony starts, while people are being seated, etc. to really set the mood.

"Sugar Loaf"

"The Girl from Ipanema"

"Boss a Lorange"

And I'm still on the hunt...

There are different parts of the ceremony that should be accompanied by music.

#1: The Processional (this is where everyone walks down the aisle. This includes: Bridal Party, Bride, etc.)
I am undecided about these parts of the ceremony....

Some Contenders (but nothing I am particularly attached to...)

Blackbird by the Beatles: (I think it sounds lovely on acoustic guitar)

Feeling Good

Just about anything sounds fantastic on acoustic guitar:

Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed"

# 2: We would like something played during the stone ceremony, but are at a loss for what. It should be something relaxing and soft, yet not too traditional... Maybe something new-agey on guitar, if possible, lol.

# 3: Finally, we have the recessional.

As of right now I'm thinking "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles, it is upbeat, happy, really cute, and sends a really positive message:

We want to make sure that everything "goes" together, and that its not too weird, but not too traditional at the same time. We also don't want it to become like some kind of corny beatles tribute, though, so many of their songs are so lovely.

I think that the Bossa Nova is a good addition, and ties in with my love for everything "worldly" while still being a fusion of how Jim and I can exist together, lol.

Ideas? Thoughts? Song Suggestions?

Here it is... I love it.

2009-04-16T22:12:00.004-04:00

I've tossed around color palettes ranging from white, latte, and green to Hot Pink, Cobalt and Turquoise, and finally, currently, back around to white, latte, with dapples of pinkish purple and turquoise.

I flirted with the idea of bright and colorful, but decided that its just not really me, more like who I think I might like to be... but what I really, really love is neutral, muted earth tones, simplicity, minimalism, and little bursts of color.

(Click on it to make it larger!)

I love love love it.

Breakdown of board above:
1st row: My dress, I love the idea of Jim in a vest, and mismatched, neutral dresses for the girls.
2nd row: My dream stackable bands, what we intend to use as ring bowl, fans for ceremony
3rd row: Flowy curtains, tented wedding, and (homemade) lounge areas
4th row: Misc. decor -- Martha stewart poms (ours will likely be white, latte, and light pink)
5th row: Potted orchid centerpieces, doubling as favors
6th row: Pretty vases echoing the orchids dappled here and there, a dream cake (I think we can use [realistic looking] silk phalaenopsis to save on costs), and turquoise accents
7th row: I REALLY like the white flowers with the pop of blue in the middle... Im thinking of using blue irises or blue hydrangea in the middle, surrounded by white flowers like freesia, white iris, cymbidium orchids, sweet peas, and maybe something else for a little fullness...
8th row: Invitation Inspiration

I love the spa-like, minimalistic, uncluttered and clean feel of this inspiration board and decor. I feel like the colors are very calming, beautiful, and light.

Thoughts?

DIY (Do it Yourself) Project.

2009-04-03T20:36:00.007-04:00

This is a big project!

I fell in love with these Martha Stewart Tissue Poms:

The color scheme is turning into lots of white, dappled with pink, purple (potted phalaenopsis orchids are our centerpieces) and green (tons of potted, tall, tropical plants), and shades of earth tones, natural browns, with a minimalistic style.

I have toyed with different decor/lighting ideas, including white christmas lights, globe lights, paper lanterns, etc.

In order to add intererest to and to lower the tent ceiling a bit, I think its necessary to do *something*. Paper lanterns are nice, but for some reason Im not sold on them... Not sure what it is about them, whether it be the cost, the logistics, or what, but I'm not completely sure about them. (Maybe some over the dancefloor but not through the whole tent??)

Then I started thinking about Martha's Tissue Poms.

They would be much, much cheaper than lanterns, they would be a fun DIY project, and would add the same orb element as paper lanterns.

(You can find directions here: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias)

I would likely have them in white and shades of beige, light mocha, and/or pink, and pair them with white christmas lights.

Then a rainy day came and I made a couple....

It was surprisingly easy, but I guess Im being a bit too rough on the tissue, because I keep ripping it while separating the layers... I've got to work on it, but I will say that they came out pretty nicely. I only made 2, but we've got a LONG while before this wedding! This was more or less of a trial spurred by boredom and procrastination (Master's Thesis looming!).

I figure I can make them as per the tutorial (fold layers of paper accordian style, like fans made in elementary school, then wrap the middle in wire, trim the ends, and fluff away) and we could probably make them in advance and store them flat, fluff them on the day of decoration.

The white tissue looks almost transluscent in the window, but actually, its kind of the look Im going for. Subtle orbs hanging from the ceiling of the tent, adding interest while not being overbearing. I think it will look really pretty.

I think white, light, baby pink, and very faintly light beige might look nice... or we could go all white. Who knows. Lots of time.

Any ideas on poms versus paper lanterns??

Potted Plant Centerpiece Overload

2009-04-03T20:31:00.004-04:00

I guess this is just being insecure, but our wedding is quickly taking on a botanic theme.

I know that the bridal shower is not my responsibility, but I SO want to use these as centerpieces and send them home as favors:

Our outdoor wedding lends itself to this kind of a "theme", if you will.

The centerpieces will (as of right now) be potted orchids, which will also double as favors.

Additionally, the gardens will be beautiful, we will have tall, potted, tropical plants under the tents and at the ceremony site, etc. etc.

Most people who know me well won't be surprised, as I love houseplants (to the point where Jim tells me I can't bring home anymore...) I'm a new, but pretty avid gardener, though the vegetable garden at home has been in and out of commission, we've always enjoyed fresh blueberries (at the very least), and dad used to have/has a lovely greenhouse.

But... are we going a little overboard with the plants (particularly as favors) or will it be cute and endearing, and will add a little life to people's homes?

I'll add that Im very attached to the ideas and likely won't give them up, but I would love input!

More Inspiration

2009-03-27T17:40:00.003-04:00

This pretty much sums up my current mindset.

A light airy feel. Bursts of color in our orchids. Minimalist. Simple yet beautiful.

2009-03-16T22:03:00.004-04:00

I am confusing myself with all of these changes I've got going on in my head. I feel kind of bad for you guys. If my head is spinning, then you all probably can't even wrap your minds around this stuff! Feel free to just ignore my flitting ideas. I guess thats the best method until the day actually comes, lol. But, it won't stop me from sharing, I've got to think it all out.

Not long ago, I posted a blog about Market Umbrellas. I had all but decided that I wanted to try to go the umbrella route at our outdoor wedding as opposed to playing it safe with a tent.

Until...

I started browsing my old inspiration photos, and fell in love (again) with the flowy, beautiful, light and airy-ness that is sheer curtains/fabric. (Jen, your words stayed in my head!) Mom already has some curtains that she's set aside for this purpose, and getting more fabric wouldn't break the bank.

We haven't decided on a theme, per se, but as with everything else, Im a bit wishy washy. Currently, we are looking at a palette of shades of earth tones, hot pink, and green (orchid leaf green). Our centerpieces are potted orchids in pink, white, purple, etc. Im going for a sort of minimalist look, I think.

I feel like a strong presence of white along with neutral earth tones, like in this first picture, will help to ground the bright colors of the orchids and other flowers, but Im not sure if its too far off from the tropical feel of the orchid centerpieces. Or maybe it doesn't have to. Or maybe they're not really that "tropical". Or maybe Im just crazy.

Any thoughts, comments, preferences, input??

Choosing a photographer. Making a commitment.

2009-03-15T15:09:00.005-04:00

Well. This photography situation has got me all in knots.

I don't know how anyone makes any decision easily. This sentiment pretty much sums up my life. Indecisive.

I love love love photography, its my favorite form of art, I'm not a pro, but love to use a camera. Its important to me, as it is to so many other people (and brides). Im not willing to compromise on pictures, but also want to keep a reasonable budget in mind. In NYC thats a tad hard to do...

I've looked and looked, emailed and emailed. Part of my problem with wedding planning is knowing when to stop! So many fabulous ideas/color palettes/dresses/photographers. When do you just settle on one, and decide??

Ok, to put an end to this ramble:

I've fallen in love and this is it.

I came across Cesar and Tanya Perez's work, (www.perezblog.net) and I was taken.

I visited their blog and website, and then emailed them, fully expecting 1. for their work to be out of my budget, 2. for them to deny me as they live across the country.

They were incredibly cool, wildly talented, and totally willing to work within my budget AND fly out. They are including eight hours of coverage, edited images on dvd, a second shooter (husband and wife team), an engagement shoot when they will be out here in October (our wedding is next July), and their travel and accommodations for less than most NYCers. I really think they are fantastic!

I think Im going with them, but kind of apprehensive about booking the first vendor! They contacted me very recently to let me know that they were starting to book up for July 2010, and I decided to just go for it.

Jim likes them, Jasmin loves them, and I am so happy about working them!

It feels really good to make a solid decision, and to stick with it, and actually go through with it. It makes this all seem very real, and its a great feeling!

Here are some great examples of their work: (you can see more at www.perezblog.net or www.perezweddings.com)

Landscaping

2009-03-02T14:29:00.017-05:00

I've got spring fever. Bad.

I've begun to give more thought to landscaping. I've started to think about the different areas that need to be landscaped, and this is what I've come up with.

1. The shady area under the trees to the left of the porch (when facing the porch). This area currently houses railroad ties, which, obviously, will probably have to be moved. This is going to be somewhat of a focal point considering we are marrying on the porch, and having the cocktail area there too.

I've been thinking that a nice, shady, ground cover to use would likely be sweet woodruff. Its got cute little white flowers, and will look lovely there.

Impatiens are also a nice, shady flower that would add a much needed splash of color to that area:

Ferns can work both under the trees, as well as along the porch (they already exist on one side of the porch, but may need some tending to.

Here are a couple of nice ones in a few different colors, though, Im not opposed to whatever is already there.

Himalayan Maidenhair Fern

Robust Male Fern

2. The rock garden to the left of the garage (when facing the garage).

Im pretty sure this is a sunny area. Some great full sun annual flowers are:

Dahlia

And here's a pretty sunshine yellow flower for a little variety:

Cosmo

Petunias

Snapdragon

Sweet Pea

Zinnia

Dwarf Coreopsis

3. The flower beds that run along the lawn, across from the back door. This area is dappled sun, or partial shade.

Bleeding hearts (I remember these used to be there when I was a kid, not sure if they still are or not.

Anemone

Balloon Flower

Day Lily

And the list goes on. Seriously.

4. Along the driveway

As Joel has said, there are a lot of shrubs there that he wants to keep. I don't know whats there, and need to talk with him and mom and dad more about this.

5. Along the house

I know there have always been rhododendrons there, but last I knew some of them had died. Do these need to be replaced??

So. There you have it. Landscaping ideas.

Im not particularly attached to all of these ideas, I couldn't possibly be. If you all have plans in the works, thats great. Lilac trees. Hydrangea. Whathaveyou. Its all good to me.

Bridesmaids dresses...

2009-03-01T12:59:00.004-05:00

Here are some ideas.
I'm thinking of going with mismatched dresses. I actually think it looks super cute, and this way everyone can choose a dress that works best for their body type, and that they really love. Im undecided as to whether or not go with actual bridesmaids dresses or not.

Anyway.
Here are some inspiration pictures.

Believe it or not, this is my current favorite. I know I had thrown around ideas about cobalt blue, turquoise, and even hot pink dresses, and those ideas are not out, thats for sure, but I thought that these browns are really nice, easy to work with in terms of various tones, and they will really ground our colorful flowers and plants.

Another really cute, non-bridesmaid dress, mismatching party:

Super Bright Mismatchedness:

And, of course, my favorite David's Bridal pick:

Thoughts? Ideas? Input?

Oh Invitation Designs

2009-02-28T14:52:00.013-05:00

This is an ongoing saga, I know.

Now that I've made the decision to print my own invitations, its time to find a design that is Gocco-printable, meaning, doesn't have too too many colors that overlap. If I knew how to use photoshop, this wouldn't be such a big problem, and though I have a friend who's willing to help, I want to make this as uncomplicated as possible.

Here are some designs that I currently like:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Can you tell I'm indecisive?

Some are botanical
(1-7)
Some are art deco-ish
(8-10)

Some are sort of Asian/Moroccan Inspired
(11-12)

Some are neo-victorian
(13-14)

I think I'm leaning towards botanical/minimalist... I think this goes best with our feel, though I do love the other ones. Any thoughts?

I did it.

2009-02-20T11:37:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I actually went through with it. I've been hemming and hawing over it for quite some time, but I decided just to take the plunge. I've been scouring ebay, etsy, and some other classifieds sites for days, but i finally found a deal I felt comfortable with.

I bought (from etsy) a PG-10 machine -- I bought (from ebay) 60 bulbs, 30 screens, 20 inks, 2 drying racks, and 2 sheets of ink blocker.

So,I'm going to be able to print all of our paper products for the wedding and beyond (well beyond) -- I've calculated the paper products to take 12 screens, tops, and I've got myself 30 screens. Eeeek!

Im a little nervous, but I think its worth the investment.

Here is what I plan to print myself:

1. Possibly Save the Dates
2, 3. Invitations (Wedding and Bridal Shower)
4. RSVP cards
5. Accommodations & Directions insert
6. Thank you cards (Wedding and Bridal Shower)
7. Cocktail Napkins
8. Coasters
9. Favor Tags
10. Personalized Match Boxes
11. Escort Cards
12. Table Numbers

Yeah. I think its worth it. Fun!

My Newest Crazy Idea --

2009-02-19T10:13:00.012-05:00

The beauty of a long engagement is that it gives me lots of time to plan, plan, plan. I've already gone planning crazy, as all of you know. Another positive (and possible something that will drive me to insanity) is the fact that I've got tons of time to plan DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. Hopefully, the DIY stuff, will add a certain something that wouldn't exist otherwise.

In regards to invitations, to sum things up, Im all over the place.

All. Over. The. Place.

I shared with Jen the "Darjeeling" invitations I have been drooling over. At $4.50-$6.50 a piece, though, they are quite the investment (depending on whether or not you include a "thank you" card.)
(You can see them in all of their fabulousness here.)

My newest invitation idea:
Box them!

(Image from: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5399684)

Isn't the idea cute?

(Image from: http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/search?q=boxed+invite)

Now, I would love love love to print the invitations myself (and all of my other paper products too, which would involve this fabulous, at home, screen printing machine, known as a "Print Gocco". It is a super easy, (albeit a tad expensive because they are not making them anymore, but worth it! And, with the investment I could print so many things at home it would end up saving money) way to print lots of stuff!

See some tutorial here (You're going to have to learn because I'm recruiting help in all of this! I think you'll be happy with your new skill!)
Here,
Over here,
There,
And now here.

I could buy a design, like this one from an etsy seller, for $15, and print it at home on my Gocco.
This is her shop.

The cost of the Gocco and supplies would be approximately $300, but, divided by many projects -- approximately 7, = $43 per project -- and the usefulness could extend beyond the wedding.

The cost of paper would be the following:
Approximately $65 for paper for invites, RSVPs, and 1 insert (directions, wedsite info, etc.)
Invite and Info paper
RSVP paper

Plus $41 for RSVP stamps. (If you do postcard style RSVPs, no need to buy envelopes.)

Then, $50 to buy kraft boxes from Paper Mart
Boxes

Add a little paper shred inside, @ $18.

Someone on one of the bridal communities I belong to posted a tutorial and breakdown of cost on boxed invitations. (See it here.) Complete with candy inside (which I don't think I would do) they cost her $2.50 to ship. Now, Im thinking that we could hand deliver 60-70 of our invites, leaving only about 30 to send out. 30 x $3.00 = $90.

So, we are looking at a grand total of $3.07 per invitation. (up to $4.00 if I include the cost of things like wrapping paper, a sticker maker for address labels, a paper cutting machine, etc.)

Then, would I put something else inside?

As you can see, some people put candy, though, Im not sure I'm sold on that idea (hot weather = sticky invites)

I've seen an invite with a starfish inside for beach theme invites.

What, in the world, would I put in mine? (If anything)

Our flowers are primarily orchids, we are going a sort of southeast asian influenced decor/food/ambiance. Hmmm... Things to think about. I could put a small river rock, which we will be using in our stone ceremony, but who knows if people will remember to bring them to the wedding....

But don't they look lovely all boxed up?

Now, it might seem like a bigger waste of paper, sending a box and all, but, isn't a box more likely to be reused than an envelope??

Hm. Thoughts?

Market Umbrellas. My new love interest.

2009-02-18T11:07:00.007-05:00

Outdoor weddings require tents for various reasons. 1. Rain. 2. Sun

Now, I like the idea of a tent, but I love the idea of umbrellas. I ran the idea by Jim, and he's totally sold too. I emailed our rental company to see whether or not they rent umbrellas. (They don't, but can see if they can get them from another company. I am in the process of figuring this all out.)

We are figuring on one of 3 scenarios:

1. We put a deposit down on a tent, but if a week to 3 days before the wedding it is not predicted to rain, then we change to umbrellas from the rental company. Talk to the rental company about this beforehand.

2. We put a deposit down on a tent, but if a week to 3 days before the wedding it is not predicted to rain, we use our own umbrellas we have bought and cancel the tent, but put deposit towards something else (chairs, tables, catering equipment, etc.) Talk to the rental company about this beforehand.

3. Go with the tent because its forecasted to rain. End of story.

If we buy the umbrellas ourselves, we may end up saving money (I've found them from $60-$115 a piece, @ 20 umbrellas, is less than the tents, and we can resell them afterwards, either to another at-home bride, or individually. This could be the same situation whether we use them or not.

Here are some inspiration photos:

(Source unknown)

(Lisa Vorce Photography)

And I really love the idea of having the trees free outside of the umbrellas (which will make it feel less removed from the wedding with the umbrellas vs. the tents) having candles and lights.

(Gulnara Studio)

The umbrellas would make other things, like the lounge areas we plan to have seem far less removed as well.

And we could easily decorate them. Thats all.

They could come down after the sun goes down, and leave us under the stars. I really love the idea.

"general feel" inspiration board

2009-02-18T10:59:00.004-05:00

Inspiration boards are my favorite thing.
They are such a great, visual way to put all of your ideas together.

Here is a "general feel" inspiration board. (You can click on it to make it larger.)

1st Row:
Cattleya Orchids. These are my orchid of choice. My most up to date plan is to have 2 potted orchids on each table, as our centerpieces, combined with candles snaking their way down the table. I prefer cattleya's for their full, colorful flowers. I would do phalaenopsis, but they are not my first choice. Maybe they can be mixed in other places.

2nd Row:
I love the moroccan lanterns, but don't think they belong on the tables. Maybe in the seating areas.
I really like the cut orchids in vases, but again, don't think they belong on the table. I like the simplicity of potted orchids and candles.

3rd Row:
The wooden bowls are my favor idea. I will fill the bowls with loose orchid heads (see the "ceremony post" and my plans for loose orchid heads), a votive or tealight candle, and personalized a personalized match box. Each of these bowls will be at a place setting, as seen in the second photo from the left.

The last two photos are ceremony stuff. Hand fans and bowls of orchid heads for tossing.

The rest of the board is mostly lighting ideas, and the last two photos are of umbrellas. More info on these to come.

Thanks for looking!

Photographer Schmographer

2009-02-18T10:07:00.008-05:00

Oh boy.

Photography is my very most favorite form of art. Not only do I love to take photographs, but I love love love looking at them.

It is (one of) the most important parts of our wedding, to me. (That, and of course, things to take pictures of!) It has been quite the process to choose a photographer, and I've made next to no progress!

The style of photography that I am interested in is called "photojournalism". This means far less posed shots, and far more candid ones. I love the laid back, no fuss (or seemingly no fuss, but who knows!) style of shooting.

Here are some of the people I'm considering:

Yun Gen Yang of Yang Photo (www.yangphoto.com)

Angelica Glass (http://angelicaglass.bigfolioblog.com/)

Punam Bean (http://www.punambeanweddings.com/)

Then there are runner ups:

La Photographie, Nashville, TN (http://www.laphotographienashville.com/weddings.html)

This photographer is from Nashville, I came across her on a wedding community board, and though she's so far away, she would be cheaper to hire AND fly out than any of the above... Unfortunately, her website won't let me steal photos:

Karin Von Voigtlander (http://www.kvphotography.com/)

Chelo Photo (http://www.chelophoto.com/index2.php)

Sarah Smith of Photo Smith Photography -- In Albany! (http://www.sarahsmithphotography.com/)

AND.... I entered a contest to win photography, and will know in April. I've got my fingers crossed! That would be fantastic.
Here is the photographer:

Missy from Missy Photography (http://missyphotography.com/)

So. Let me say it again. Oh. Boy. With all of these wonderful photographers (with equally as dynamic price tags) how will I ever choose??

Some Ceremony Details

2009-02-17T16:52:00.001-05:00

I have searched and searched. Thought and thought. Threw ceremony rituals and ideas out. Until I came across the stone ceremony.

Here is a short description:
(borrowed from here: http://www.themarryingguy.com/RockCeremonyA.html ).

"The "Rock Ceremony is a beautiful "unity" ceremony that includes everyone who attends the couple's wedding. Although small, polished stones are usually used, the couple may choose to use any other token they desire... seashells, glass or crystal, flowers, etc. As you will see below, the guests make a wish for the couple's happiness and then the tokens are collected into a single container... each rock representing a wish and an individual present at the couple's wedding...Then, the couple can save the tokens in a nice container as a keep-sake. Also, some couples combine the elements of other unity ceremonies (such as the "Sand Ceremony") and pour sand or water over the collected tokens. The many variations of this ceremony are only limited by the couple's imagination. "

Here is a sample ceremony:

"ROCK CEREMONY

Each guest has been given a small polished stone upon arriving.

Before you met, your lives were on different paths with different destinations. But love has brought you together and joined these separate paths into one. Each one of your friends and family here today have been given a small polished stone that represents their unique individuality and their presence at your wedding today. You also each have a stone of your own that symbolizes your previous separate lives, separate sets of friends, separate families and the different life's journeys you once traveled.

I will now ask that everyone please take out the stone you have been
given and pause to make a wish or blessing for happiness and
good will for the couple for the future of their marriage.

Everyone pauses to make their wish.

Now, we will collect the stones and the couple will then
add their individual stones to the container as well.

The couple adds their stones to the container.

With the combining of these stones, you have now symbolically joined your once separate lives. As the stones have been combined with love into one container,
so now are your friends and family joined, through you, into one. And your once
solitary life's paths are also now one. All that was once separate is now shared,
and in this sharing you both will find new strength and joy as together
you forge a new life's path and destination. "

I really really like this idea so so much. We are not religious, and would rather have a "unity" type ceremony, but don't want to go with the ideas such as sand, water, candle, hand fasting, that are really growing in popularity at a rapid pace.

This ritual looks like a winner.

It is beautiful, ties in our love of nature, fits our outdoor garden wedding, and leaves us, after the day is over, with a beautiful reminder of our day that we won't mind having around the house.

In fact, here is an "inspiration board" I put together to throw around some ideas as to what to do with 100+ stones afterwards. (We could even sneak some into the decor at the wedding!)

Here are some more ceremony inspiration pictures:

I'd love to have loose orchid heads for the flower girl, and for people to toss during the recessional. (I've found an online retailer that is fairly inexpensive for hudreds or thousands of small, dendrobium orchid heads -- if you feel so inclined, see these websites:

http://paradiseflowers.com/leiflowers.htm

http://www.hawaiiflowerlei.com/product.aspx?pid=90

http://aliiflowers.com/pages/tropical_Hawaiian_flowers/Hawaiian_flowers_pages/114_loose_orchids.html

http://www.wholesale-tropical-flowers.com/orchid-blooms.html

(I think the first one is the least expensive - and I plan to use loose orchid heads elsewhere in the wedding, so the more the better!)

And to tie in with the stone ceremony, I think it would be lovely, and very zen-like, to line the aisle with polished river rocks/stones (we would use a white aisle runner, or none at all):

I really like the orchids mixed in with the stones.

You can see the full aisle in the upper left corner of this photo collage:

Just a few other thoughts and ramblings:
Large, potted, tropical plants adorning the ceremony site
Sheer, curtainy fabric draped on the porch (I guess I can abandon the flower garland idea, as it will likely be too costly)

And thats all the ceremony info for now! (Stay tuned for information on readings, etc.)

Our Wedsite

2009-02-17T14:34:00.000-05:00

Well, we've put together a "wedsite". Essentially, its a website to let guests know about important details concerning the wedding.

There will be:

Directions to the "venue"
Information as to what time things are happening
A "song request" section to help us to build our playlists for the wedding (we are DIYing our music -- iPod wedding)
Hotel information
A guestbook
Photo albums
Wedding party & other important people info -- be prepared to be featured!
Registry information
An RSVP option (people can either send back RSVP cards, or they can RSVP electronically there.)

Etc.

The web address is:

http://jimmyvsalison.nearlyweds.com (Jim chose the URL, he thought Jimmy Vs Alison was really funny.) Do you think that reflects his feelings re: wedding planning?? lol, just kidding, sort of... ) :)

Its not anywhere near finished, nor does it have to be, as we're still a year and a half out, but, everyone says the time will fly!

Welcome

2009-02-17T14:22:00.001-05:00

I've put together this blog to be able to share ideas with my nearest and dearest (and whoever else stumbles upon it). Im planning a wedding that is semi-out-of-town. Im lucky enough to have wonderful ladies in my life are pretty involved, yet a bit far away. Hopefully this blog will keep everybody in the loop!

I know that I am much more interested in my wedding planning than anyone else (and I should be!!) so feel free to visit the blog as frequently (or infrequently) as you want!

So, hi to my lovely ladies! Thanks for all your help and input, and I'm glad everyone is as excited about this as I am!

Lets get started!!

Who: Jim and Alison!

What: Wedding!

When: July 17, 2010

Where: My parents' home in Upstate New York. Their backyard to be specific. Hence, "backyard day".

Why: Because we are in love.

How: You'll see it all unfold here.