Wow...

Apparently it has been over a month since there was a new post on this blog, but it doesn't feel like it! It has been a crazy crazy last month for me. I have just returned from my study abroad adventure, and was thrown straight into Christmas. I only had one hiccup in my travels back and that was in Chicago- my flight got canceled and I spent the night in the O'hare airport! But I was luckily able to get back home before the really bad weather hit there... The day after I got home the snow started; the snow, oh my goodness. We have had record breaking amounts of snowfall for December. It was fun and pretty at first, but mostly annoying and ridiculous now.

But now that that is all over with, it is time to return to the real world :sigh: "Recent college grad searches for job, plans wedding, and organizes life" That is my headline from now on. Plus I need to catch up on my American tv! Ha :)

Speaking of catching up, with the craziness that was the end of the term with traveling and writing more than I thought possible... I let my Google reader go. And now it is just out of control. It was over 1000 new entries after the first week, and now I've been putting off just sitting down and going through it... I've got to man up and do it! I think I'm going to find a way to organize it, is it possible to have more than one? My wedding blogs are a little overwhelming at this point.

I've also discovered a sick love affair that I never thought I would have. Actually, make that two.

The first:

Leg warmers.

F got me some for Christmas, they sort of look like the ones pictures above (which are from Monsoon/Accessorize ... which I sadly no longer have access too), they are that cream color with the cable knit pattern. But I love them! I wore them with my thick brown tights, jean skirt, and brown men's jumper from H&M. I was warm, even though it was freezing out. Very retro, but I love them anyway.

Second thing: Martha Stewart Weddings
I have never really been a huge Martha Stewart fan (and not just for her criminal record), but I've always thought she was a little out of touch for the everyday person. But now. Now. I realize her creative genius! Her wedding magazine is mouth-watering, and her website is beautiful! There are so many items of inspiration on that web page, it is hard to not get back into wedding planning with zest!

I'm still collecting wedding inspiration. But I have been trying to keep creative. I knit myself a pair of fingerless gloves that I absolutely love and will post a picture of later. And I used my sewing skills and made a knitting needle holder for my grandmother.

And I've been reading the Twilight series... And so has my mother...

10-10-10

Yep... we're keeping this date.

This weekend was all about getting the parents on board: mission accomplished.

-Anna

This is the most important election America has seen in a long time... make sure your voice is heard. VOTE!

New board for today: Green and cream


And this really cool website I found on What Junebug Loves

Wordle! Put text in and it randomizes it, but you can also edit the colors and the layout (to an extent). This could definitely be helpful when creating invitations and save the dates. Plus, it's also just a fun time :D

Yay!

2009...?
I found the dress! It's a white cocktail-length vintage-looking dress. I'm going to wear it with a birdcage veil.

I'm going along with Plan A, after all. Autumn brunch wedding in the Pacific Northwest. Classy yet relaxed.

Cake replaced by a pastry tower.

Fiance is on board.

-Anna

I think I know where I am getting married

After many good discussions with some of my young married friends, I have realized that weddings (hopefully) only happen once and should include everything you want. As October ends, I realize that this will always be the most beautiful time of the year, and I love it. I always will. So Fiance and I are getting married on October 10, 2010 (10/10/10), at the Deming Log Show Grounds in Deming, WA. Deming is a small town on the way to Mt. Baker. The venue is huge, it's out in nature, there is a grand hall (referred to as "the museum"), and a 24 hour rental costs $500.00. SOLD.

I haven't made the reservation yet, but this is where it will be. I have a feeling about this one... and it will be the wedding that I have always wanted, with fall colors and a fire in the fireplace and a lace dress. We will be out there in the most beautiful corner of the earth, with the leaves changing to orange and red and the fog of the North Cascades rolling in.

I have to say that most of my inspiration to follow my heart came from my good friend, Jana. We are in grad school together, and she just celebrated her third wedding anniversary. She and her husband were married on their favorite beach at Deception Pass in early September. The wedding wore flip-flops and the colors were white, tan, and a bright yellow. Guests sat on arranged driftwood. Instead of a unity candle, Jana and her husband each poured a jar of sand from the beach into a larger glass container (which they still have). It is the incorporation of nature and the simplicity that comes across as the most memorable from that wedding.

Exciting news--I am trying on wedding dresses tomorrow!

Sometimes I wish our wedding were next year ('09), but sometimes I am thankful for the time. Hmmm... I wonder...

~Anna

Raspberry, Lime and Vanilla... it's a delicious treat!

Another one of my inspiration boards. FI and I are having a convo right now about our colors and I really think that these have helped him feel a little more comfortable with the whole wedding concept.

I joked to a friend that he was going to say this one is too girly, and lo and behold, haha. But that's ok, I wouldn't want those to be our colors without a darker contrast. I do love me some polka dots though...

I am stopping by to share one of the boards I made for FI. I really like how they turned out, but since I thought I was just making these for FI I didn't save the sources for some of the photos. I can find them if I need too.

This is one of my new favorite color combinations! Black, white and green.

It is true love

And I'm not just talking about that love between Fi and I (although more on that later). No, I am in love with a beautiful, wonderful, lovely thing... a little print... called damask ::sigh:: (Hence the blog facelift).

Isn't it lovely?

I wore a dress that was black and white, with a teal scarf as an accent and I fell in love with the combination. As soon as we became engaged I immediately knew what colors I wanted to use, but now I'm starting to question those colors. Are they right? Will they work with what we want? Will Fi like them or not? Since my Fi has little to no experience in connection to weddings at all, he became overwhelmed at the very prospect of choosing colors (poor boy, he will have to take baby steps to the wedding, luckily it's a long engagement). So after we had a discussion today in which I realized I need to remember he has no knowledge of weddings and need to help him more, and him needing to communicate when he doesn't know something or has questions... I love my Fi! So, I am going to put some ideas of things together (oh darn, I have to put together some wedding inspiration boards, darn) and send them to him. And then I will probably put them on here :D

In other news of things I love, today while I was searching around for ideas for the board, i came across these beauties.

From Target 24.99

From Wet Seal 22.50

Both these stores (and Old Navy too) had some great deals on shoes! Some at Old Nacy were less than $10! Yum, I love shoes. The mustard yellow is due to all the black, white and yellow I've seen around the blogs the last couple of days. Love it! But I don't think I could ever convince FI to use yellow... maybe I'll just slip it in and see if he notices :D

Last but not least,

Making your own candle holders

I've been getting into a lot of craft blogs while researching for wedding ideas, and there are a lot of things that could be used for both. This is a really cool idea that would make cheap and interesting centerpiece candle holders. I love DIY stuff!

That's all for now, I hope we meet again soon blogger.com, I'll try not to let my reading interfere with our time together.

Facelift!

I was finally able to find someone who made dummy-proof templates for blogger! I think our page looks much much better... although I'm really bummed that I'm not tech-savvy enough to do it on my own. What's an English Literature major to do? Yeah... use some other tech-savvy's brilliant work. Oh well, I've succumbed to the fact that I'm about 50% computer illiterate.

No real news on the wedding front, although I have been searching to see if the UK has its own wedding magazines. And there is a bridal show here in a couple of weeks. I was also really hoping to witness some marriages on the beach as well... after I saw this post in offbeat bride I've been dying to see a English wedding, mostly just to anthropologically study the differences, are their differences? That is my goal.

~Mandie

So, economically speaking...

Looks like we're about to face some really tough times. Let me just say that my Jewish bargain-hunting gene is inflamed like a stubbed toe right now! Perusing the other wedding blogs, I have been seeing nothing but advice and suggestions for cutting corners, and I am so glad that this pragmatic approach is being painted in a popular light (even if brought on by unfortunate circumstances).

The venue... I think that's where I last left off. I found this place in Bellingham called The Majestic. It's a grand hall downtown that can seat up to 350-400 (don't worry, my guest list is much smaller), but it would be plenty enough room to invite the larger version of the guest list, set up a buffet, and have dancing. Originally I had conceived a brunch reception for myself, but because the wedding will most likely be in winter, I am leaning toward an evening reception. If that happens, Finace and I decided that we want to have troughs of Middle Eastern food--pita, humus, tzaziki, Greek salad, Tabouleh, and, of course, skewers of chicken and LAMB. Yum... tastiful. In any case, I want guests to walk into this beautiful space downtown and feel warmed up by the smells of spices and lots of rich colors in the decor.

I am excited. At the same time, this bride-to-be is very overwhelmed by the rigors of full-time grad school and full-time work. My entries may be sporadic, but I will be dress shopping in a few weeks and also dedicating myself to researching affordable catering options.

~Anna

PS. Mandie--the wedding venue looks incredible.

Way too earlier...

Well now that we've pushed back the wedding it just feels WAY too earlier to start booking vendors, but I have a friend whose little brother is an up-and-coming photographer. I've been following his blog and I absolutely love his work! I know in 2 years he'll still be in university so that will be ok, but I also am pretty sure that he will have been able to raise his prices to way more than we will be able to pay! He's affordable now, but in 2 years? Who knows what could happen.

Anyway, here's his website:
http://www.sergiomottola.com/index2.php

You can't save his photos so I can't upload them here, but seriously, go check out his portfolio. I especially love his engagement photos!

I've been a little absent...

But I have a good excuse, I swear! I've been in England since the 16th of September and only now in the last couple of days have gotten internet on my lappytop. See! Here's proof!

Grandma, Ma and Myself at Stonehenge

But to make up for my absence, I have lots of news and pictures!!

First bit of news, after a lot of discussion, and a few tears F and I have decided to push back our wedding to the summer of 2010. I didn't really want to have that long of an engagement, but for the sake of our sanity and our bank accounts, it makes sense for us to push it back. I know I could get married not in the summer, but I've always imagined myself a summer bride. So summer of 2010 it is. Hopefully that means that we can squeeze in a trip next summer to make up for it. I suggested Mexico in January to celebrate our 5 year anniversary... :D

It's been difficult to do wedding planning from abroad, but because the engagement is so long I've just been reading blogs and collecting pictures. I'll have more time to collect amazing photos and figure out how to DIY projects!

Before I left, F and I went up to visit the previously mentioned Anderson Lodge. We absolutely loved it. There are two sites, one is more woods-ey and the other was built on top of a hill. I'll show pictures and then discuss the conversations that followed.

The view from the Hilltop House

The main buildings

Isn't this barn picturesque?

The ceremony site- an old apple orchard

More of the ceremony site

Patio outside the kitchen of the other, woods-ey site

Where food and dancing would be- obviously I would have to spruce it up

Ceremony site

Path out to a field that people can camp at

Looking from the ceremony arch back towards the buildings

F happy after a successful day- and onto the Phantom of the Opera!

Ok, so the deal is that you choose one of the sites and you rent out the whole thing for the weekend. We love this idea because we would love to have a whole weekend dedicated to hanging out with family and friends. There is a fire pit for marshmallows, game room with ping pong and 2 pool tables, board games galore, books, lots of places to rest and relax. It also comes with a full service kitchen so all we would have to bring would be food. The down side to these places is that it's a little expensive, but since we're extending our engagement, that probably wouldn't be a problem- plus we would be providing lodging for a lot of our out-of-town guests. My three biggest concerns are: 1)The distance... it's about an hour drive from our home and where a lot of our guests will be coming from; 2) the sleeping arrangements (it's set up with not much privacy, and a lot of twin beds, so I don't know how many of our family would actually want to stay there...); 3)and the place that would have food and dancing. It's not large and in its plain version it's not really that beautiful. I want people to eat, drink and dance, I want a huge party! but I'm afraid that these sites wouldn't provide that, or would make it difficult. But after seeing this place and its possibilities, it seems silly to just have a one night wedding... I don't know.

But it's the only site we've seen, so I'm not going to decide one way or the other at this point. F and I both want to take our parents out there to have a look at it and get their opinions.

Ideas? Comments?

Silver lining

Don't want to jinx it, but I think I've found the venue....
Large enough, cheap enough, and in Bellingham, WA...
And historical...

More to follow!

-Anna

Content

I love being engaged. It's not always easy, but in the end, I'm pretty over-the-moon happy.

Ever since reading this a few years ago in an anthology of seminal feminist writings, I have held on dearly to this Dora Russell quote (1925). Now that I have more time to plan the wedding of my dreams, I can once again focus on the details that will make it personalized and meaningful. I would like this quote to be in the program:

"There is nothing in life to compare with this uniting of minds and bodies in men and women who have laid aside hostility and fear and seek in love the fullest understanding of themselves and of the universe."

Nobody could put it more eloquently.

-Anna

Eco Weddings

Born, raised, and hoping to stay in the Northwest, I can't help but to love the beautiful nature that surrounds us. I think it is positively wonderful when weddings can bring in elements of the natural world so that they come across as fresh, organic, and less commercial.

Here are some examples of things that I absolutely love for their environmental friendliness...

Recycled Jewelry
(Green Karat)

This website is dedicated to recycling metals, precious stones, and other materials in order to create beautiful jewelry. This method removes the danger of buying into conflict diamonds/materials, and does not leave a negative impact on the planet. I found this ring, which I think is just beautiful. It's not wedding jewelry, but gives an idea of the unique pieces that this company sells.

Recycled Paper

(Custom Paper)

Do-it-yourself invitations already cut back on waste, cost, shipping, etc. Recycled paper can add a beautiful touch to the final product. I found some impressive creations at Custom Paper, which could be easily replicated. There are many places, online and locally, that sell attractice recycled paper products.




Eco-Friendly Centerpieces
(Viva Terra)

Viva Terra is just one example of a company which produces natural and organic decorations and accents. Local flea and farmer's markets and community co-ops also offer different ideas. I love when greenery, rocks, twigs, and water are used (it's a surprising departure from the usual flowers!). I also think that candles and lanterns can warm up a reception, even in the late morning or afternoon. There is a certain timeless quality about natural light (and if I do end up having a winter wedding, I will need lots of light!).



Yesterday, Fiance and I walked through the Fremont Sunday Market, one of our favorite things to do while in Seattle. There are so many stunning objects made locally or just creatively recycled. It is a goal of mine to add the elements of nature and artisan craft to my wedding.

-Anna

Time on my hands

Can you all tell I have suddenly gained a lot of spare time? It's been absolutely fantastic!

I just want to share some pictures that I'm absolutely in love with from
http://www.ourblogoflove.com/



I love the bright colors, and I especially love the yellow! I had never considered using yellow in my color palette, but I love how it pops.

And I love her dress.

It's love all around.

~Mandie

Feeling so naked

F and I took my ring in today to get resized before I head abroad. I've only been wearing the ring for a little over a month, but I feel so naked without it! I love my ring, but I didn't realize how much of a friend she has become.

In her honor I will post her picture for the world to see. I think if she was to have a name, it would be something vintage-y, like Ruth.


As you can see, she's a little tight, making my finger feel like a sausage in a just too tight casing. So she is getting resized up a quarter of a size.

In other news... My mother has saved my life! I was complaining in my last post of being overwhelmed and not being able to find an easy way of seeing the venues in the Portland area. Yesterday, my mom introduced me to a website that has changed my life.

http://www.bravowedding.com/Bravo_Sources/Venues/Reception__Wedding_Sites/

This website has dozens and dozens of venues! Places I hadn't heard of/thought of. I has officially contacted at least 3 places for pricing information, and if they fit our budget then I will contact them for tour. Yay! I feel like I'm not a complete, way-behind failure!

One of the places I'm looking into is this: http://www.andersonlodge.com/ which offers exactly what I was lamenting for before, a lodge that you rent out for the whole weekend and everyone hangs out and it's like a big family/friend reunion! I really want to drive up there and check them out, it's actually a really good price in comparison to everything else for the length of time we would get it for.

I'm feeling much more excited about the whole wedding planning process!

Maybe I will venture out and check out some wedding gowns tomorrow, maybe see if the Mama wants to go.

Wee!

~Mandie

It's been a stressful few weeks; I'll be going to study overseas in two weeks. In the meantime, I'm trying to take advantage of this time that I'm in my hometown in order to get some crucial wedding business done- ie The Venue... dunh dunh dunh.

Ok, so I'm going to be honest. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about this whole wedding planning thing. We decided that we wanted to get married next summer, and when we decided that in July we felt like that was plenty of time. And I guess it still is. But considering the fact that I'm going to be out of the country for four months... I guess I'm feeling like I should be getting a whole lot more done. The only thing we've checked off the list is finding an officiant... and I haven't even talked to him about it yet. *Gulp*

At least I'm getting a little further in being able to help F feel like he is being included... he's even bringing up wedding business on his own!

I think tomorrow we are going to be checking out some venues. Here's what we have discussed: we want the ceremony and reception to be at the same place. We really want them both to be outside, in a more natural location (maybe in looks more than geographically location). I want a lot of natural flowers, and water if possible. We need it to be easy for our older relatives to get around. We want it to be pretty close to Vancouver so that people are having to trek too far, or drive too far late at night.

Personally, I love the idea of renting out a B&B and having a whole wedding weekend, a la . F and I haven't set a budget yet, but it will not be too much more than that, him being a working man paying off school debts and me being a student, coming back to the country with a huge student loan.

I just keep collecting pictures of things that I love, so I know what I like, and what I don't like. Is that enough? I haven't decided yet.

In the meantime, things that I love:

I'm still having a love affair with cocktail dresses

I love the simple, small centerpieces, especially when there are more than one. And especially when they are all the same color in each container.

Flowers that look like they are freshly picked.

I love this picture for a couple of reasons. One, I just love the picture. They look so happy! I love her dress, I love his light brown suit, and I love his shoes.

Admittedly this is me. At this point, although finding a dress is one more thing that I need to do, this is one that I have tried and really loved myself in, but this one was out of my budget. So, I'm keeping my eyes open.

I love self-created save the dates, especially the ones that include pictures. I'm going to ask a friend if she will take sort of engagement type photos that we can use for our save the dates.

Simple centerpieces mixed with an adorable tablecloth equals <3

Some things that I know I don't like, and some things that I feel are a waste of time and money:
- Throwing the bouquet- tacky
- Programs? I don't get the point other than another waste of paper
- A get-away-car... if I'm having the ceremony at night, will any one be around long enough to see it?
- Elaborate escort cards
- Engagement photos, bridal shoot- what's the point?
- Tiaras
- Purses for the bride
- A change of outfit for the bride- hello? you just spent all that money so you can switch clothes?

Ok, this is a long enough post. I'm going to try and remember to take my camera along with me as we go along and search for our venue. Wish me luck!

Am I the only one having this much trouble getting organized? Or deciding on things for the wedding?

~Mandie

...something old

With a little bit of time to finally sit down and think things through, the Fiance and I created the first draft of both our guest list and the budget. Oy vey... weddings are stressful. I am trying so stay optimistic, but three things are plaguing my mind right now.

1. How can we cut back this guest list? It's at 130. I know... not bad, right? But our budget is much better suited for 75-100. Besides, if we have the reception at the Victorian house, we will not have the space for more than 80. 85, maybe.

2. Where are we having the ceremony? I love this boathouse on the Bellingham Bay, but, once again, not enough space for 130.

3. Why can't I find a wedding dress? The sick irony is that back when I first got engaged, I tried on two... TWO... dresses that fit me so well and were both under $200.00. I should just go back and try and find them this time around (it was the David's Bridal sale, and it's happening again).

Researching composting options after contemplating how much food waste I threw in the trash last year, I started thinking about recycling and my wedding. Why does everything have to be new and expensive? Well, it doesn't have to be. There is so much out there that is creatively salvaged or reused. Perhaps in my quest to shrink costs I can also diminish my carbon footprint.

What happens to wedding dresses? Really expensive ones, even? They get worn. One time.

And then they are put back away into the closet for good.

Here's where my obsession with a bargain comes into play. This little number, a silk organza Priscilla of Boston gown which was originally $3,000.00, is now $300. It was worn for five hours. She's throwing in her shoes for free:



This 2 Be gown, my personal favorite after this scavenger hunt, still has its tags. My size, and $350 (but this could be haggled down):



While many questions remain, I truly hope that I will find something to begin the foundation with. I realized today, first day of September, that autumn creeping up on us. That means one year--and really, with grad school, research, work, life... that's a very short time. Eeeeeep!

-Anna

Dress Love

I tried on this dress about a month ago, and I have been in love with it since. It far exceeds my budget, but I am now a lace convert and will continue to look for a similar style as I hunt for the perfect (and affordable) dress.

-Anna

Chuppah Contest

I am so very excited to make a beautiful chuppah. My goal is to rummage around flea markets and antique stores until I find a truly inspiring lace fabric to get married under. Just out of curiosity, I searched around the internet for some various ideas, and I found the best and the worst of chuppah design.

Best:



Worst:



Well, some good times there. I think the main point is that the chuppah should be meaningful and representative of both the union happening under one roof, and also the literal dwelling that the husband and wife will live together in as they begin their family. Some couples use the groom's Bar Mitzvah tallis, but in our case, as an interfaith couple, that isn't an option. Continuing on the theme of honoring my Jewish heritage and my family members, I have also thought about using one of my late grandmother's large scarves.

I love this tradition because of its beauty and also because of the flexibility... couples can decide exactly what their chuppah will represent and build that first figurative "home" together.

- Anna

Wedding dress dilema

Anna, I want pictures of your new ring!


So, I've always envisioned myself in a beautiful, full, long white wedding dress. And then I went to try on dresses for the first time and realized I should wear ivory, and then tried on dresses for the second time and realized I don't want it to be too long. I definitely know what kind of dress I want, I've tried it on and all my friends aw-ed and I felt absolutely beautiful. It looked something like this:


In ivory with a sweetheart top and a chocolate brown ribbon. Now I just need to find it. The only problem is that lately I've been stuck on the idea of a cocktail length dress. I know I wouldn't want that in the end, but that doesn't mean I can't shop around for one.

I especially love them when I see them in real photos of weddings.

Very vintage. This one is from a store that makes dresses for people who want vintage looking gowns. That would look amazing with my ring...



I want to look like her!

Ok, not really. But I do think there is something so sweet about a cocktail length wedding gown. I'll keep posting pictures as I find them...

~Mandie

Sweet

Ever since I saw this dress in The Knot I have been a little in love with it. Not sure why--it just looks so... well... sweet. The simplicity is balanced out well by the flattering cut. One of these days I am going to hunt it down and try it on. I hope, hope, hope that I am not disappointed.

-Anna