Wedding band

The holiday season is upon us, and everything is on sale! I found my perfect wedding band and got it for a great price! I decided on a 14k white gold band with 1/5 carat of diamonds to compliment my engagement ring. A few months ago I found out that the company my solitaire was from only had one option for the band. Luckily, finding a band that had enough contour did not take me very long. I'm really happy with it...but it's too bad I only get to look at it. 6 more months to go! :P

The date has been set!

We have officially booked our venue, and have set our wedding date for June 4, 2011. The ceremony and reception will be held at Bass Lake park in Holly Springs.
Check out the site for more detailed photos of previous weddings:
http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/park/basslake/rentals.asp

I have said yes to the dress!

This post is a little belated, but here it is!
A few weeks ago I went to Bridal Mart with Steph and Larissa to try on a few dresses. I went there strictly to see which styles I was interested in, but it turns out that I found my dream dress on my first visit. It was the second dress I tried on and after loitering in it for 20 minutes or so, I gave in. :) I don't think I could have found a better fit or style for me. (not to mention the price wasn't bad) Thanks again to my two consultants, wouldn't have found it without your help!

P.S Al isn't allowed to see the dress, and has been given strict directions not to look at the blog, or in the guest bedroom closet. lol
I ask that you do not post any photos on facebook, since he may run into them.

And now the unveiling.............

As you can see, the dress has a gorgeous capelet that doubles as the train. That was my favorite part of the gown. And yes, I did flutter it around and even made a Dracula face. lol


Here is what the font looks like. It is very modestly embellished, but the layering on the front is gorgeous. The photo does not really do it justice, but it adds so much charm.


Here is a look from the side.


And the front from a distance.


Now it's time to think about accessories! I am thinking a flower in the hair, but in coral. As for the hairstyle, I am torn between an up-do, or a half up do with my hair in large curls. We'll see as we get closer. I am keeping the long hair until then, that's for sure.

Updates

Only 10 months to go!

Just a few updates, so it looks like I am set on a dark coral pink and green to be my wedding colors. :) Here are a few samples of shades I am considering. I am more partial to the brighter green with a more orange pink. Also considering incorporating white and yellow also.




*I love that the brides maids in the photo incorporated the colors, but had different dresses. I am not opposed to this, but it would take a lot of coordination and accesorizing. lol



Some other ideas:
I love the clothesline idea, and the cards would be simple to make on our own. They also tie in the green. :)



And, if the bridesmaids end up wearing the coral color, I think the green and white hydrangeas would be very pretty.



For my bouquet I am thinking of something similar to these colors. The poppies are beautiful but they are freakin' expensive, so we may have to do some research on flowers to find the right shades and prices. ;P



That's all for now, if you find anything that looks like it could fit the pallette, or find any neat favor or invite designs, let me know! Thanks to all those who have been a great help already! Stay tuned.

Outline

Date: To be decided, but we are looking at June 18, 2011. Not sure if that date works with all of the relatives yet.

Location: Bass Lake Park ($1000/event. Includes tables, chairs, small kitchen area, AV equipment, deck overlooking lake and conference room (for reception). Includes set up and take down. After hour fees apply. Alcohol Allowed, but must hire off duty officer to supervise. $100 deposit.) We have not yet booked the date, but I was assured that they have plenty of openings for next June. We will likely have to act on this soon though. More photos can be viewed at: http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/park/basslake/rentals.asp



Budget: Still being discussed, but we would rather not begin our marriage in the hole. Food, drink and location are the most important, we want our guests to be comfortable and have a good time.

Colors: Sore subject. Currently liking coral/pink and green, but I have also been intrigued by orange/pink/green and purple/green/and white.

Theme: We would like to have a crafty/eco-friendly/do-it-yourself theme to our wedding. There will obviously be some things that we will have to purchase pre-made, but we have talked about making our own invitations, putting together favors, and I am interested in constructing flower arrangements/bouquets to cut down on costs.

Number of Guests: I would say a max of 75.

Invitations and Save the Date: No designs yet, but we would like to make them if we can. I will soon post some of the favorites that I have seen so far. Maybe we can discuss how to make them. I have also decided to create a wedding website as we get closer to the date. It is offered for free via theknot.com, and it is basically a digital invitation where I can post reminders for guests, and directions.

Catering/Cake: TBD; Still looking for a reasonably priced caterer who is able to serve vegetarian fair that isn't just pasta. lol

Beverages: I think I would like to just have a few wine selections on the tables to go with dinner. Crates of wine can be purchased from Harris Teeter at a 10% discount, and they offer a decent selection.

Music/DJ: Since the location has AV equipment we are talking about creating our own playlist for the reception and hooking up our ipod to the sound system.
We are also interested in having any musician friends play for the ceremony if possible.

Photography: We tentatively have 2 friends who are trying to increase their portfolios and have offered their services for a small fee. Our plan was to have two people covering the event, in addition to whatever photos family members take.

Favors:TBD; there are way too many cute ones to choose from. But once again, we are looking for something we could make.

Table Arrangements: TBD All I know is that the chairs are white.

Flowers: Unsure, but I am keen to hydrangeas and roses. I'm leaning towards flowers that I could easily obtain myself.

Dress: Still looking; have plenty of time for that. Trying to find one in the lower budget though. Looking at e-bay, thrift stores, and warehouse sales.

I have decided not to pre-select bridesmaid dresses, but rather give them a specific color and ask them to select their own which suits them best.

Gifts: Trying to think of the nicest way to tell everyone that we would rather receive a monetary gift. We are also thinking of adopting Michelle's idea of donating money to a local pit-bull rescue.
Btw...Emerson will be our ring bearer. :)

That is all for now. Hope that wasn't too much for you in one go. lol
I guess we should decide on which area to focus on first. Since the location is pretty much settled, maybe we could talk colors and invitations? I will try and post some of my favorites to narrow things down a bit. Thanks for reading!

Welcome

As you know, Al and I are getting married! The purpose of this blog is to serve as a place where I can share my ideas and hopefully receive feedback and suggestions from you all. I am working on posting the ideas I have so far, and hopefully we can work together to fill in the gaps.

While planning, I have run into so many cute ideas, that it has become very difficult to narrow down my selections. Feel free to comment on photos and posts, suggest new ideas, or post neat photos you happen to come across.

I'm working on putting together an overview of what I have so far, and to split the event up into categories for us to focus on.

I really appreciate all of your interest and enthusiasm in making our wedding special. With your help, I know it will turn out wonderful!