Dance Lessons Part Deux!

Since I wasn't thrilled with the first price I was quoted and not really crazy about the guy's sales approach, I got info from another place.

This place is very close to my home. The guy I spoke to was really nice and really helpful. 1hour private lesson for J and I would be $55. Now, that is $5 more per lesson than the first place, but....we aren't required to take 5 lessons. So, if we feel like we've got the hang of it after 3 lessons, we're done. If we want to take more, we can.

I liked the instructor when I spoke with him on the phone. He didn't try to hard sell and he was understanding that J is a bit apprehensive about the dancing.

So, I'm going to let J know and see what he thinks. I'll still check out some other places' prices, but so far, I like this particular one.

Chocolate Brown Tuxes!

I found chocolate/brown tuxes! Yes, yes I did! WOOOOOOT!!!

I've been searching online for them for months now, and I finally found one!!!

Check it out!

I think groomsmen will go with the dark tie and vest. J will probably wear either a burnt orange or a champagne. If he goes with champagne, it'd probably look something more like this (even though the pic is ivory, I think, it gives you the idea of how it would look with a lighter color)...

Dance Lessons

J agreed to take lessons for our first dance. So today, I called a place and they want $250 for 5 private lessons. Yikes! That's a lot more than I thought we'd have to spend on it. He also tried to sell us classes. I know J won't want to do that. I don't like the upsell to begin with, but especially before I've even agreed to buy in the first place!

I'm definitely going to call around.

BM Dress Wraps and Color Update

So, I was thinking of having the bridal party wear this dress with a sash.

MK tried the dress on for me. The dress came to just below her knees. I'd like the dresses to hit just above or at the center of the knee.

When we were at David's, the consultant suggested adding a wrap to one of the dresses I tried. While I didn't want the wrap, I think it'd actually look really nice with the bridesmaid dresses. Also, it'd give the girls a little bit of coverage for their arms.
Since I've finally settled on Brown, Gold and Orange, I think the gold on the sash will be a nice touch.

Speaking of colors, I think most of the decor will be orange and gold. The orange will just come in small splashes here and there - boutonnieres, the boquets (I'm thinking mums, might try to make 'em myself), mesh bags for the candy, some of the gourds/pumpkins in the centerpieces, ribbons on the centerpieces, some of the detail on the cake, some of the leaf placecards. I think that will still be enough orange to add color to the event without overwhelming everyone with such a strong color.

Ups and Downs

I haven't posted since the Big Dress/Tent report. I'm taking serious steps to remedy the bulging bride problem.

I write today about something else entirely, though still wedding related.

Why is it that people find it so difficult to let you enjoy your happiness for a little while? Why must they always redirect the focus to them? I'm not suggesting that I don't want to be there for people or be involved in their lives and know what's going on with them, because I do! I truly truly do! But I would also like it if they could understand that this is big for me, and quite frankly, I don't want to share it. I don't know if any of that makes sense. What it comes down to is this: This is my time - my moment - let me have it for just a little while, please.

On a more positive note, I think J is so wonderful! He doesn't say much about wedding plans. I bring stuff up to him, he responds, and that's it. He doesn't really have a lot of his own ideas about it (unless it comes to food). So, the slightest mention from him without prompting makes me happy.

We watched American Wedding with some friends this weekend. I love that movie. It's hysterical, and at the same time, satisfies some of my girly "chick flick" tendencies. It's a good movie that works for both genders.

Anyway, at one point in the film, there is some sort of disaster - well, there are a lot of disasters - but I think this was when all the flowers died because one of the characters is an ass. So, J looks at me and says, "Well babe, no matter how bad it gets, it won't be that bad!" LOL. I just thought it was cute and had to share it.

It means he has been thinking about it, and that when he saw a wedding, it wasn't just a wedding - he could make the connection between that and OUR wedding. It's becoming very real for me now.

BIG Dresses!!!

I tried on a few dresses this weekend! Yikes! I've gotten BIG!!! Much bigger than I thought I was. When I saw the dress size I was in and how I looked in the dresses, I wanted to cry. It was not a fun experience at all. I know most wedding gowns run small, but that doesn't change the way I actually look. Whether they called the size a 6 or a 26, I looked big.

It's time I stop whining about my weight and do something about it. I've had a lot of failed attempts in the past, and it's usually because I give up. I don't want to be big on my wedding day. I want to be a beautiful bride. Then, I want to remain beautiful for J. He loves me the way I am. It's funny, but he honestly doesn't see me as big or fat. He just sees me and loves me. I love that about him, but wouldn't it be great if he could have a really hot wife!? :)

I started another blog to help me with my weight loss goals. Check it out. http://bulgingbride.blogspot.com/

The Dress?

I found a dress that I absolutely adore. The pictures are copyrighted, so I can't post them here. You can follow this link to see it. It's a champagne color with a bronze and gold organza sash across the front that billows out in the skirt.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid to order online, and that seems to be the only way to get it. The other bonus is that it's only around $450...right in my budget. I'm afraid of ordering the gown to find it's crap material and shoddy workmanship. Once received, I have only three days to decide whether or not to return it or keep it. I don't know if that's enough time for me. I worry that if I wait too long, it may not be available if/when I decide I want it.

OMG OMG OMG...forget that dress...ok, don't forget it, but LOOK AT THIS!!!
This is a Maggie Sottero dress (style: Suzanne) and it is perfect. I love love love this dress. I actually cried when I discovered it is nowhere near my budget. The lowest price I've encounterd is $1,458.oo. I need to find a way to get this gown...

Gorgeous Ring!

Wow! I absolutely love this ring! It's gorgeous!!!

You know what else it is?

E X P E N S I V E.

This ring carries a price tag that says $15,000.00.

Yep, that's more than our entire wedding budget.

Ahh, if only money grew on trees!

Leafy Ideas

I found this fantastic centerpiece on the blog I mentioned in my last post, Toast and Tables. Though I don't plan on using this for my centerpieces, I think with some modifications, it'd be a simple, beautiful, and inexpensive way to decorate my cake table. I've heard suggestions about using the MoH/BM boquets for the cake table, but I think I'd prefer something different. I could buy short vases, or even votive holders, and cut branches of changing leaves short and place them in the containers. I might even use a few tall containers like these and place them on the place card table.

Speaking of place card tables, I also found this fantastic leafy idea for them! Once again, I found this image on the Toast and Tables blog. I also read something on Martha Stewart's website about how to preserve/press changing leaves. I don't think I'd use the leaves on the table, as I'd prefer a richly autumn colored or printed tablecloth, but I really like the card idea. I was also thinking about trying a variation of this...

I could press changing leaves, then buy a gold marker/pen and write the guests names and table number directly onto the leaf. I'm not sure how well it'll work, but come autumn, you can bet I'll be trying it.

I'm more excited for this autumn than I ever have been before. I'm glad that I'll have this year's autumn to try some of the DIY ideas I've found/thought of, and know whether or not they'll work. I know I'll need to keep season-dependent materials to a minimum, as I'll actually have limited time to gather these supplies during my actual wedding season, but I'm still psyched!

PS
Please forgive all the white space around the images. I'm not exactly tech savvy, so cutting out the parts of the images that I didn't want to include left me with all that blank...

Obsessed

I'm admitting that I've becoming wedding obsessed. It's strange because as much as I have moments where I think, "Boy, this is going to be a lot of work and money," I have more moments where I think, "This planning stuff is kind of fun!"

I'm not about to change careers and head for wedding planning school (is there such a thing?), but I can't wait to really start putting things in motion. Also, I have two close friends who aren't yet married, and I think I could really get into helping them when the time comes!

I find myself constantly searching the internet for inspiration, ideas and information. It's amazing how many fantastic ideas are out there. I love what brides and planners are putting together. I know people claim there's been a 'throwback' to traditional weddings, but in truth, there are a lot of unique wedding ideas out there for a girl like me!

I'm trying to keep a level head, keeping in mind that as far as I know, J still has to pick out a ring! lol. Also, I'm not so obsessed that I can't see past the wedding day to the marriage ahead of us. That's the best part for me! I'd like our wedding day to reflect the kind of marriage we'd like to have; simple, unique, intimate, and fun.

Two Great Finds!

I found two fantastic wedding blogs, Toast and Tables and Ten Thousand Only, today!

Toast and Tables has amazing photos and ideas for every color, season, and theme imagineable (and sometimes unimagineable!) I love it!!!

Ten Thousand Only is a great blog for inspiriation for the girl on a budget, like me! Remarkably, this blogger has the same budget in mind as I do!

Wedding Shower Ideas

To offset some of my last post's negativity/ranting, I've decided to blog today about wedding showers.

I used to want an afternoon tea shower, but recently, I've discovered that they are ridiculously popular, and I'm rethinking that idea.

Some other popular themes that seem to be strewn about the internet and wedding books include:
Around the Clock
Stock the Bar
Wine Tasting
Recipe/Cuisine
Travel/Honeymoon

Honestly, the only ones that kind of tickle my fancy are the Stock the Bar and Wine Tasting showers, but I'm a little concerned that some of my family members wouldn't go for it. Also, my mom wouldn't be able to participate in tasting drinks.

Soo...I got to thinking...

While the shower isn't entirely my say (whoever my MoH is plans it, hopefully with my input), I was thinking about some alternate ideas, like the following.

Pajama Shower!
So far, this is my fave. We could do a late afternoon shower in our pj's! We could ask all the guests to dress in their comfiest or silliest pj's. We could do bedroom slippers or eye masks for favors! Food could include girlie stuff like chocolate and junk food...OR...we could do it early morning and offer breakfast foods. I think I like the breakfast foods better...as it makes a menu much easier. I'm not really into the idea of a gift theme, so we could simply refer our guests to the registry, then maybe do pj's/lingerie/bedroom items for the wishing well...

1st Year Shower
Admittedly, I took my inspiration for this idea from the Around the Clock theme. Instead of focusing on gifts for each hour of the day, why not gifts for each month of the couple's first marital year together? Party favors could include calendars or date books. We could decorate each table as a different month...though I don't think I'd have 12 tables...but I'm sure we could work something out. It's not as fun as the pajama party, but I still like it!

Craft Shower
I don't know how well this would go over. I personally love arts and crafts, but I know many people would rather have a tooth pulled than make a craft. I haven't done a lot of thinking about this one yet because it's most likely not going to float.

Book Shower
We could ask each guest to bring with them a copy of their favorite book for the wishing well. Since J and I both like to read, stocking our "library" would be nice. Hehe. Party favors could include bookmarks or little reading lights. For shower games, we could do a story-go-round that uses the bride and groom as main characters. Oooh...I'm beginning to really like this one! Hehe. Centerpieces could be stacks of books with candles or maybe desk lamps on top.

Hollywood Shower
We could roll out a red carpet for guests to walk upon as they enter. We could ask them to dress to the nines on the invitations...or to dress as their fave movie star. Party favors could include disposable cameras (papparazzi?) or classic movie posters and we could use "awards" as centerpieces. I possible game idea would be to ask guests to describe the movie characters that best represent the bride and groom...and of course tell why! (heheh, J could be Shrek! lol). This one is kind of cute, but I see a few snags in it as well. Perhaps guests won't want to dress up.

Board Games
Each table could be dedicated to a different game, with the centerpiece the board and pieces. Favors could include mini/travel games. A game of trivial pursuit or 20 questions about the bride and groom could serve as some of the fun/entertainment. We could ask guests to bring games/game related gifts for the wishing well. I kind of like this one, too.

That's what I have so far. I'm sure I'll expand on some of these ideas in the future.

Hey girls, if you're reading this...take note! lol

BULLSH*T!!!

I call bullsh*t on all this wedding etiquette crap!

A book one of my attendants, Sarah, loaned me says maybe, "you've found a great wedding dress that happens to be backless - and your mother is shocked."

What!?!? Are you kidding me? Are there really still people out there who hold onto these ridiculous virgin ideas?

This same exact book considers cohabitation a "special circumstance" (I kid you not...it's in the chapter called Special Circumstances). Apparently, if you've been cohabitating, "some discretion is in order." Apparently I should "opt for a somewhat quiet wedding without all the fanfare," because since we lived together, my wedding must not be as special as someone else's. WTF!

The author also covers information for different religious ceremonies, but completely ignores secular ceremonies and some of the options available to the couple.

This book is called Your Complete Wedding Planner: The Essential Guide to Planning Every Phase of Your Wedding and the Events That Surround It by Marjabelle Young Stewart (updated and revised edition).

Now there is some helpful information in the book about things like the receiving line, attire, accessories and planning, but I think this author should keep her old-fashioned, out-dated, and closed-minded opinions to herself!!!

I call BULLSH*T!!!

Sarah did loan me another book, the Check List for a Perfect Wedding, 6th ed., by Barbara Lee Follett and Loulie Hyde Sutro. This book is much less offensive to me. It's just brass tacks - no opinions that I didn't ask for!

Ceremony

J and I are non-religious people. I am an atheist. J doesn't really call himself anything, but he has made it clear he is a non-believer. While I won't discuss what that means for some of our family members, I will say it means we're having a secular ceremony.

Since we don't have any constraints on our ceremony as far as religious requirements or customs, I thought it would be nice to write our own ceremony. I want to incorporate a few readings, the hand fasting, and the exchanging of rings and vows. I already have a draft and J has looked it over, but asked for more time to digest it. I would like us each to write our own vows, an idea J's not entirely comfortable with. I think I may need to compromise on that somehow.

We made our first wedding related purchase this weekend...ribbons for the hand fasting! It wasn't a big purchase, but it somehow made things seem a little more set...if that makes sense. I'm still keeping an eye out for some sort of autumn related ornament that we can affix to the top knot. Something decorative isn't required, but I just think it would be nice. In the end, I may end up with silk leaves or something. We'll see. It was important to me to make the hand fasting ribbon because I want to use the hand fasting in a very specific way during the ceremony.

We're struggling with an officiant/celebrant for the ceremony. Originally, we wanted to ask a friend of ours who is a JP. Now, we're not so sure he'd be comfortable with our ideas. While he can perform a secular ceremony, I know that he, personally, is a rather religious individual. I don't want to ask him to do anything that would offend him or his religious beliefs. I don't think a hand fasting would, but I'm not really sure how open-minded he'll be about it. At the suggestion of one of my bridal party members, we're considering asking another friend of ours to become a secular celebrant. If he agreed, we would, of course, cover the cost. We have to research this a little bit more. Fortunately, we still have a lot of time to check this out. I think our first option will be to openly and honestly tell our original choice exactly what our plans are to see if he would be comfortable with it. If so, we have our officiant. If not, we ask our friend about it. If that fails...well, we'll cross that bridge if we come to it.

Leaf Boquets at DIY Bride

I was perusing through some of the posts on the DIY Bride blog, and came across this fantastic idea.

The author also provided a link that will allow the crafter to use real leaves...but I'm not sure I want to mess around with the wax.

I'm not really into the silk flower look, but I know that I'll need to use some 'fake' foliage to get the look I want at our ceremony and on our tables. I'm beginning to think that I could incorporate this idea into a boquet of real autumn flowers. Of course, as the time approaches, I will speak to my florist about it.

Shoes!

What girl doesn't love shoes?

Ok, ok, I know...there are actually a lot of girls who don't care at all about shoes, but I'm not one of them!

I found a pair of shoes I really like, but the heel is really really high. I wonder if I could find them, or something similar, in a shorter heel. I don't want sore feet all night.

I also found these. I was thinking that after the formal dances, I could slip them on. Actually, they look enough like bedroom slippers that I could probably get away with saving $30 by buying bedroom slippers.
There are some bridesmaid shoes I like as well. I'm actually considering letting my girls choose thier own shoes, but limiting their choices to gold shoes with at least a small heel. If I do choose, it'll be something like these...

Cakes

So I find that I'm not very interested in the wedding cake...or food for that matter. Food has really always been J's thing. He asked for free reign over the menu and I said ok!

However, I would like a cake that kind of matches our theme/colors.



I saw a few cakes with chocolate icing (it may have been brown fondant...) that were kind of nice, but I'm not loving anything. I also don't really like cake toppers at all! I find most of them tacky or too froofy. I've decided that there will be no cake topper...it'll be flowers instead.

I'd really love to use foliage as cake decor, but uhh, I don't see anyone wanting to eat a cake that had dead leaves picked from the ground all over it. LOL. Maybe I could buy some fake foliage to use.

I did really like this idea when I was browsing...

I think I'd prefer a chocolate color with an orange ribbon of icing. I'm not sure what those flowers are, but I do kind of like the colors. What really makes it for me are the branches. Regardless of what kind of cake we do, I now know that it must have branches!

Pause - Updated with explanation

THIS BLOG IS ON HOLD.

So what in the world was that about? I post these big bold caps letters and then don't explain anything.

That, my friends, is an example of how emotional I can be.

See, as you may know from a previous post, J and I have had an extremely long courtship...going on 6 years!!! While I've had breakdowns about getting married before, the past 5 months have been terrible for me. I just can't take it anymore. I'm literally at the breaking point and I sometimes can't control myself.

I get scared and worried that it just isn't going to happen. I lose faith in J and worry that I'll have to give up everything we have to find a man who'll marry me and make a good husband and father, even though J is the man I want to spend my life with. I'm not the type of girl who can settle for a forever courtship. My ship is about to set sail and I feel like I'm missing the boat (how's that for mixing metaphors!?).

So, I was going to give up any wedding planning/dreaming/thinking until he actually does the deed...down on one knee...ring in hand/box...

Then, we talked. Well, he talked and I babbled through sobs.

I need to try to have a little more patience. I need to give him the time that I promised I would give him. I owe that to him. Once that time is up, he owes me what he promised - a lifelong commitment, a happily ever after.

I've been viewing all this planning as a "maybe," or "if." I've been cautious about it, prefacing any plans with, "Assuming he proposes..." I think I need to start looking at it as "when." I need to have faith in J and our relationship.

This blog is more than just plans and ideas. It is now a testament to the faith and trust I now have in J, and will have in him as long as I live.

THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER ON HOLD!!!

Headpieces and Veils

So I have no idea how I'll want to wear my hair for the wedding. It's currently very short, but I have a long time to grow it between now and then. I'm hoping it'll be at or near my shoulders by then so I can either pull it up or curl it nicely.

I'm not really into veils. I mean, they're pretty and all, but I just don't think I want to wear one. It's too froofy for my style. Instead, I think I'd just like a simple and elegant headpiece.

With that in mind, I've done some internet browsing and found a few of my favorite headpieces. Since I've settled on brown, orange, and gold colors and a cream, gold, or ivory gown, I'm trying to keep that in mind when choosing a headpiece.

Some of them are customizable, allowing me to choose either a silver or gold tone, and even some of the crystal colors (in different jewel tones).

I like the mix of the ivory and gold beads on this one.

I like the flowers on this one, but it is a little big for my taste.

For some reason, I'm unable to upload the other tiara I like. I'll edit this post to include itonce I'm able.

Here it is! This one just might be my favorite. I like the wave and the gold tones with the pearls...very pretty.

Groom's Wedding Band

Does the groom have a say in his wedding band, or is it supposed to be a surprise? It's ok with me either way. J isn't really a jewelery guy. He wore a chain once...a long time ago...

Anyway, I found a wedding band for him that I absolutely love. If wedding bands are supposed to match, I'm not sure this would work, but we'll see. I think J would like this, too...

I found this at Titanium Jewelery.com and I think it's the coolest men's ring I've ever seen. I also think J would like something a little less traditional. I know he didn't want a very wide band, so he may not like it. I don't really think it's that wide, but what do I know?

Unfortunately, I didn't see any bands for women. So, if matching bands are a must, we're kind of screwed. I don't really like their engagement rings, so trying to match there isn't really an option.

Engagement

The people who have access to this blog know the situation. J and I are planning our wedding because he has promised, after 5 years, to propose by the Spring. The truth is, I'm very nervous about it. Because it has been so long, there is a part of me that is convinced all of this planning is in vain - that he won't propose by Spring, or ever.

J claims money has been the reason he hasn't proposed. I don't believe him. I'm the kind of girl who would be happy with a cheap ring from Wal Mart. I think he's been scared. I don't know why. He's not a cheater. He doesn't go out and get drunk with his friends every weekend, but for some reason, he's been afraid. He won't admit that. He tells me it's the money. I still don't believe it.

I'm scared to death he won't propose by Spring. If he doesn't, I don't know what I'll do. I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but I don't want to put my life on hold forever waiting for him. I won't say I'll leave him, because I don't know what I'll do. I just know that I might have to make that choice. That choice makes me feel sick.

I also think Spring is such a vague timeline. Are we talking meteorological spring? If so, that's only a month away. Are we talking the vernal equinox spring? Are we talking when the birds start chirping and the buds start blooming? Why such a vague timeline? Why won't he even commit to a particular month? I think it's because he's trying to buy more time to put it off.

I try not to be impatient...I try really hard. I also fail. After more than five years together, I just don't understand what all the waiting is about.

Reception Songs

So, I have no clue what songs I want for the actual ceremony. I don't think I can stomach the traditional stuff, so I'm still looking around. Whatever it is, I know I want an instrumental.

I have managed to choose a few of the reception songs for certain dances...

Bride and Groom First Dance - My Best Friend by Tim McGraw
Every time I hear this song, I start to cry. It really describes our relationship very well. He is my best friend, and I his.

My Best Friend Lyrics

I never had no one

I could count on

Ive been let down so many times

I was tired of hurtin

So tired of searchin

Til you walked into my life

It was a feelin

Id never known

And for the first time

I didnt feel alone

Youre more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Everytime I look at you

I dont know where Id be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

Youre my best friend

Youre my best friend, oh yeah

You stand by me

And you believe in me

Like nobody ever has

When my world goes crazy

Youre right there to save me

You make me see how much I have

And I still tremble

When we touch

And oh the look in your eyes

When we make love

Youre more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Everytime I look at you

And I dont know where Id be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

Youre my best friend

Youre my best friend

Youre more than a lover

There could never be another

To make me feel the way you do

Oh we just get closer

I fall in love all over

Everytime I look at you

And I dont know where Id be

Without you here with me

Life with you makes perfect sense

Youre my best friend

Youre my best friend (my best friend)

Youre my best friend (my best friend)

Bridal Party Dance - Love Shack by the B52's
I want this to be a fun/happy song...no sappy stuff. This song will hopefully get the party started and the people dancing.

Father-Daughter Dance - Still undecided, but I think I'd like something by Glenn Miller, as he's always been a favorite of mine and my dad's.
I was thinking "In the Mood," as it's my all time favorite Glenn Miller song, but it might be a bit fast for my dad at his age. I also really like String of Pearls. I was also thinking about a Louis Armstrong song, as we both enjoy his music as well. Hey! What A Wonderful World might be a nice processional song for the ceremony! In any case, I'm not really worried about the lyrics to the father-daughter song...I want something that means something to me and my daddy! :) It's funny, but I get all teary-eyed just thinking about this dance with my dad!

Mother-Son Dance - I'm going to let J and his mom choose this one.
They may have a song that is special to them. If not, I'll do some research and offer a few suggestions for them.

Cake Cutting Song - Hey Good Lookin' by Hank Williams
I think these lyrics are sooo cute for a cake-cutting!

Hey Good Lookin' Lyrics

Hey, hey, good lookin',

Whatcha got cookin'?

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me?

Hey, sweet baby,

Don't you think maybe

We could find us a brand new recipe?

I got a hot-rod Ford and a two-dollar bill

And I know a spot right over the hill.

There's soda pop and the dancin's free,

So if you wanna have fun come along with me.

Hey, good lookin',

Whatcha got cookin'?

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me?

I'm free and ready,

So we can go steady.

How's about savin' all your time for me?

No more lookin', I

know I've been tooken [sic].

How's about keepin' steady company?

I'm gonna throw my date-book over the fence

And find me one for five or ten cents.

I'll keep it 'til it's covered with age

'Cause I'm writin' your name down on every page.

Hey, good lookin',

Whatcha got cookin'?

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me?

Dollar Dance - If I Had a Million Dollars by The Barenaked Ladies
This is a bit of a long song. Since we aren't planning a really big reception, we might need to cut it short. J and I both think this song is funny, and I think it's appropriate for the dance!

If I Had a Million Dollars Lyrics

If I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

I'd buy you a house(I would buy you a house)

If I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

I'd buy you furniture for your house(Maybe a nice chesterfield or an ottoman)

And if I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you a K-Car(A nice Reliant automobile)

If I had a million dollars I'd buy your love

If I had a million dollarsI'd build a tree fort in our yard

If I had million dollars

You could help, it wouldn't be that hard

If I had million dollars

Maybe we could put like a little tiny fridge in there somewhere

You know, we could just go up there and hang out

Like open the fridge and stuff

There would already be laid out foods for us

Like little pre-wrapped sausages and things

They have pre-wrapped sausages but they don't have pre-wrapped bacon

Well, can you blame 'em

Uh, yeahIf I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you a fur coat(But not a real fur coat that's cruel)

And if I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you an exotic pet(Yep, like a llama or an emu)

And if I had a million dollars(If I had a a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you John Merrick's remains(Ooh, all them crazy elephant bones)

And If I had a million dollars

I'd buy your love

If I had a million dollars

We wouldn't have to walk to the store

If I had a million dollars

Now, we'd take a limousine 'cause it costs more

If I had a million dollars

We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner

But we would eat Kraft Dinner

Of course we would, we’d just eat more

And buy really expensive ketchups with it

That’s right, all the fanciest ke... dijon ketchups!

Mmmmmm, Mmmm-Hmmm

If I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you a green dress(But not a real green dress, that's cruel)

And if I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you some art(A Picasso or a Garfunkel)

If I had a million dollars(If I had a million dollars)

Well, I'd buy you a monkey(Haven't you always wanted a monkey)

If I had a million dollars

I’d buy your love

If I had a million dollars

I'd be rich

Boquet Toss - This One's for the Girls by Martina McBride
I was thinking about using Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, but two out of three of my bridesmaids will love this one...

This One's for the Girls Lyrics

This one's for all you girls about thirteen

High school canbe so rough, can be so mean

Hold onto, on to your innocence

Stand your ground when everyone's giving in

This one's for the girls

This is for all you girls about twenty-five

In a little apartment, just trying to get by

Living on, on dreams and spaghetti-o's

Wondering where you life is gonna go

This one's for the girls

Who've ever had a broken heart

Who've wished upon a shooting star

You're beautiful the way you are

This one's for the girls

Who love without holding back

Who dream with everything they have

All around the world

This one's for the girls

This is for all you girls about forty-two

Tossing pennies into the Fountain of Youth

Every laugh, laugh line on your face

Made you who you are today

This one's for the girls

Who've ever had a broken heart

Who've wished upon a shooting star

You're beautiful the way you are

This one's for the girls

Who love without holding back

Who dream with everything they have

All around the world

This one's for the girls

Yeah, we're all the same inside (same inside)

From 1 to 99

This one's for the girls

Who've ever had a broken heart

Who've wished upon a shooting star

You're beautiful the way you are

This one's for the girls

Who love without holding back

Who dream with everything they have

All around the world

This one's for the girls

Yeah, this one's for the girls

Garter Toss - J's really into 80s hairband stuff, so I was thinking Cherry Pie by Warrant or AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long
Hahahaha...I'll pick a few and give J a choice. He's not really 'into' music, so I'm not sure he'll actually care!

Last Dance - I think I'd like to end with our first dance song, My Best Friend or Thanks for the Memories by Frank Sinatra

Sunday Wedding

Originally, J and I decided on Saturday, Oct 24, 2009, for our wedding date. After talking with a friend and doing a little research, we discovered we could save a bundle if we had the wedding on a Friday or Sunday.

I didn't like the idea of a Friday wedding. I'd have to hold it too late in the day because I wouldn't expect people to take off work for my wedding. Holding it late would also cause problems with lighting for the pictures, and I don't want J to see me in my dress before I walk down the aisle to him.

I was also a little nervous about a Sunday wedding because I don't want people bailing early because they have to get up for work the next day. I ended up settling on a Sunday with a reasonable time-frame. I don't think the ceremony itself will take more than 30 minutes. We're doing a civil ceremony, so there is no mass to worry about. Then, a cocktail hour when we can do photos, and finally a five hour reception (all in one location). If we were to finish up by 8 or 9pm, people could stay for the entire time if they want, and we could just hold a small get together after at a family member's house for those who aren't ready to call it quits.

So far, the timeline looks something like this:

1:30 - 2:00 - Ceremony
2:00 - 3:00 - Cocktail Hour/Photos
3:00 - 8:00 - Reception
8:00 - ?:?? - "after party"

or

2:30 - 3:00 - Ceremony
3:00 - 4:00 - Cocktail Hour/Photos
4:00 - 9:00 - Reception
9:00 - ?:?? - "after party"

My only concern is that the cocktail hour seems awfully early. As I understand it, the traditional cocktail hour is at 6pm. I'd like to hold the cocktail hour outdoors if it isn't too chilly that day. We're holding both the ceremony and reception in the same location, and I want time for photos, so I don't see another option for that hour. Meh, J and I aren't really 'traditionalists' anyway, so maybe it's not really a big deal after all.

Ceremony and Reception Site

Though we haven't yet met with them, J and I are pretty much already decided on our reception location. What's nice is that we can also hold the ceremony there as well!!!

There is a lovely place nearby called Inne of the Abingtons. Their website is on my link list.

Their website offers several angles from which to view the ceremony site. I chose to show this one so you can see the background. Picture it in late autumn, with all the leaves changing/falling...

J and I stopped there this weekend to get a first hand view of the place. While I'm not sure about the pavillion/gazebo, J seemed to like it. I might actually prefer some of the open lawn nearby, instead, but we'll see. J doesn't have many "must-haves" for this wedding, so if he expresses a like or interest in something, I want to accomodate. If we do go with the pavillion/gazebo, I would probably do some potted mums in oranges and some autumn inspired garlands for the rails and pillars.

What's really nice about this location is that it is all easily accessible. My mother has difficulty walking, so that's a big concern for me. I don't want a place that has a lot of steps or difficult terrain. That's another thing that makes the pavillion better than a lawn.

The Inne has several rooms for a reception. The room I like best is too big for our needs. We are trying to keep the guest list to a minimum, so we've decided on a max of 100 guests. This is called the Ivy Room. Again, you can visit their website for more pictures of the room, but this is representative of the room.

I did not see this firsthand, but from viewing the picture, I can say that I'd definitely want to add some of my own touches to the decor. I don't really like the ivy trim, but there isn't much I can do about it. I'm sure I could talk to them about removing some of the plants from the mantle and replacing them with decorations of my own choosing...maybe something similar to the centerpieces I'd like to use.

For an additional fee, they offer seatcovers and coordinating linens. I would most likely choose ivory/cream seat covers with a brown or gold sash. I want to use orange as just an accent color, so I wouldn't put it on the chairs. I think adding the seat covers will really help change the feel of the room.

I've never attended an event at the Inne, but one of my girls is in a wedding there this summer, and she says it's lovely and the staff is very accomodating. Another one of my girls attended a graduation party there and said the food was very good.

Their prices are also very reasonable. And, since J and I decided on a Sunday ceremony, it should be even more affordable. I don't want to break the rules of ettiquette by talking money, but the truth is, we have to be realistic with our budget. If we can cut costs somehow, then that's what we'll do. The nice thing about the Inne is that, so far, it seems we won't be sacrificing quality for cost.

Jr Bridesmaid Dresses

So I did a little internet browsing today and found a few cute dresses for Elly (my Jr. Bridesmaid).

This one is from JCPenney. It's not actually an "occasion" dress, but I love the color, pattern, and style. It's gold with a flowery pattern. I also like that the length is similar to my bridesmaid dress...and if I choose to go with a sash for the girls, this dress will also have that element.

So far, this is definitely my favorite.

This dress available in a variety of colors that would match the other girls' dresses. It looks a little too "grown-up" to me, though. I think it's the two-tones and the sash I like.

I found this on Jordan Fashions website. They actually have a lot of cute dresses for girls. I might have to take a look at their bridal collection, too!

Bridal Party Attire

This post is all about the bridal party attire!!! I'll begin with the bridesmaid dresses because they were the easiest decision to make. I knew I wanted my girls to wear brown. Then, I thought about adding orange and/or gold elements in the form of shoes and accessories. I also know that I want cocktail length dresses. Firstly, these are usually more affordable for the girls. Also, I like the way they look. These are the types of dresses that my girls could wear as guests to another wedding if they liked. It wouldn't be a one-time deal for them. I found all of my bridesmaid options on David's Bridal. I've narrowed it down to three choices. Two of the dresses are the same, but one picture shows it with a sash and one does not.

This dress was my first choice. It's simple and it comes in the color I like. I think it would fit a variety of body types, which is important, as all of my girls are very different shapes and sizes. I have the option of adding a nice sash to this dress. The picture shows a pink sash. Picture it with a nice muted orange instead...

This dress is my second choice. I actually like it more than the first, but I don't think it's going to offer the versatility in size and fit as the first one. I'm going to have all three girls try both dresses on before I decide.

I'm still very undecided about my Junior Bridesmaid's dress. She'll only be 7 by the wedding, so I don't necessarily want to dress her up like a grown-up. I chose to make her a Jr. Bridesmaid because I'm not really into the whole flower-girl thing. I think she might end up in a very pretty orange dress with a wide ribbon at the waist. I have no pics yet because I haven't looked much for her dress yet.

Onto wedding dresses!!! I thought I knew exactly the kind of dress I wanted...then I started looking, and realized I want them all! I do have a price range to consider. I'd rather not spend more than $500 before alterations. Ideally, I wouldn't spend more than $300 before alterations, but that might be a bit unrealistic. I'm not going to bother posting pics of the dresses that are way out of my price range, so I've managed to narrow it down to these for now...

This is my favorite. Unfortunately, I can't post a picture of the entire dress. Here is the link for my first choice.














My next choice dress has this beautiful full length jacket that I think would be stunning for an autumn wedding... Click here to see the entire dress.

My third choice is this beautiful two toned dress with a split skirt:

I actually think the second dress is probably what I"ll end up with...or something very similar to it. The more I look at it, the more I realize it really reflects the look I'm going for.

No matter what dress I wear, it will not be white. It'll either be gold, like the first picture, or ivory/cream.

All dress pictures are from David's Bridal. I do have some other dresses on my favorites list, but I'm too lazy to post them right now, and none of them stand out for me the way these do.

Color and Theme Choices

I'm having a difficult time deciding whether I want my colors or a theme to guide my decisions about the ceremony and reception.

Also, I had my colors set. I was soooo sure what I wanted, but now I've been thinking about changing it a bit.

Originally, I had decided on brown, orange, and gold. Now, I'm thinking about brown, moss, and silver. I think I'm most likely going to stick with my first set of colors, as the gold and orange remind me more of autumn than the silver and moss. Silver and moss remind me more of spring.

I don't want it to end up looking like a Halloween party, so I thought the gold would offset the brown/orange combo nicely. I could also incorporate creams and ivories into that pallette with ease. I found this picture at createmyevent.com and it's a pretty good visual of the shades I'm considering:

It's a nice chocolate brown with muted oranges...nothing bright and shocking...very late autumn, especially when you add gold to the scheme.

The theme I am considering is autumn harvest. However, when I think of that, I end up thinking indian corn and pumpkins...more like a country theme.

This is what I want to avoid if I go with a harvest theme:

I think I might just incorporate harvest elements into the color scheme. I like some of the harvest elements, as shown in this picture:

I like the small pumpkins and gourds. I would probably also add some apples and/or pears to the theme. No indian corn. No hay. No gingham patterns. No jack-o-lantern sized pumpkins.

I know exactly what I want to do for my centerpieces. I'd like to use natural colored bushel baskets and fill them with gourds, leaves, apples and pears. Then, I'd tie brown and gold or brown and orange ribbon around the center of the basket.

Ribbon: I like the brown ribbon because I think it would tie in nicely with the type of invitation I might use.

I'd like to use a textured ribbon for the orange and gold to create a little more visual interest.

I'm not really sure about this shade of orange. Next to the brown and the natural colored basket, it might work ok, but I'll probably go with something a little more muted.