Being Prepared

Note: I rarely post "secret" things on this blog. MamaP reads it, the PHI occasionally reads it, and several of my bridesmaids are regular readers. Needless to say, if I want to keep it a secret, the blog is so not the place to put it. This is one of those things that should be a secret, so 'maids, you might want to skip this post, k? Cause I'm going to tell everyone else about a project that's going in your gift bags!

As many of you know, I'm a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. Its the only thing I've done longer than be in school - which is really saying something. There are several things that I have naturally incorporated in my life that I've gotten from Girl Scouting, but the one that rears its head most often is our motto: be prepared. All of the tedious planning I've done up until this point has been motivated by that simple statement. And last night, I made something that will hook my 'maids up in the event some unforeseen issue comes up.

Meet the Bridesmaid Survival Kit.


Inside, each 'maid will find tissue, band aids, a pack of Tylenol, a Shout wipe, a tube of chap stick, an emery board, a few bobby pins, and a few peppermints (my fave; pun intended).

Everything was purchased either on that travel aisle at Target or in the beauty section at Walmart, and I maybe spent about $10 total (yup, for all 6). I threw together some labels in PowerPoint that were thankfully as cute on paper as they were in my head. Not bad for $10 and about 30 minutes of my time, huh?

And can we just talk about how cute they are? I think this might be the cutest thing I've made for the wedding. Okay, maybe thats a stretch. They might be the cutest thing I've made this month for the wedding :)

Some of you may be wondering what kind of party I'm planning that would require a "survival" kit. Completely valid (and hilarious) question. No, I'm not planning to host a mosh pit in place of the bouquet toss. But, I do think that when you have so many ladies in close proximity, all dressed up, during (what I hope will be) a very exciting weekend, things are bound to happen.

So now, when they do, at least my 'maids will be prepared.

♥

Brooches for my Besties

Look what came in the mail:


The brooches for MdOH Dani and MnOH Krissi!


I started not to open them, but I caved. Had to inspect them to make sure I got the right product, right? Yeah, I know. I didn't have to take them out of the box. But I wanted to touch them too. They feel amaaazing. Softest.felt.ever.


As a reminder, here's the dress that all the maids are wearing. These brooches are going to look fab pinned to their dresses.

The downside of having them in my possession is that I really want a piece of my own now. I wonder if I could justify getting something like this, or even this for my Florida shower later on this month. Hmmm...

♥

Meeting in the Ladies Room

I've noticed that brides these days are spending quite a bit of time and energy on the process of asking their closest to be their bridesmaids. Things like "Will you be my bridesmaid? cards are all over bridal message boards, and some brides are even attaching gifts or planning activities in the name of asking their 'maids. Not that their soon-to-be 'maids don't appreciate it. I'm sure they do. Nice, but not really necessary.

Having said all that, I really should have gotten my 'maids this card:

Inside text: Will you be my bridesmaid?
{found it here!}
I already know I'm going to be THAT bride. Yup, the one where a group trip to the bathroom wont be to socialize or talk trash. I am going to have to pee. Probably at least twice if I don't drink any alcohol (and I don't break the seal). My friends and family know I cant hold liquids. So in order to stay out of the potty all 6 hours I'll be in my dress, I'd need to severely limit my liquid intake. Like, basically not drink a single thing.

Not going to happen.

If I were doing it again, I'd consider handing out these fab cards. As I think about it more, I really don't think you can have this chat too early. I was engaged several months before I thought to mention it to MnOH Krissi and MdOH Dani. No worries, they're both on board for their dress holding duties. I'm sure MamaP, MJ, or any of my other 'maids and girlfriends would also help a sista in need.

So to all of my favorite ladies, thank you from the bottom of my bridal heart. I literally wont be able to swing this without you.

♥

You don't always know what you want...

...but you (almost) always find exactly what you need.

{source}
In today case, it all started with this little felt boutonniere I found on Etsy.

Wait, no. That's not quite right. It all started back in March (during my wedding planning spring break) at Granma's birthday party when I was chatting about the wedding with Cousin Cheryl and she asked a question that would stump me for several months to come. The chat went a little something like this:

Cousin Cheryl: Hows the wedding planning going?

Miss Patti: Its going well, but I'm tired. MamaP and I have been full time wedding planning this week. Every day there's a different appointment. But we've gotten alot accomplished.

CC: What did you decide to do about the bridesmaids dresses?

MP: Oh, they're all going to wear the same dress.

CC: Oh yeah? So how are you going to distinguish your Maid and Matron of Honor from your other bridesmaids?

MP: um....

As you can see, I had nothing. It hadn't even crossed my mind! Eventually I found some words and we proceeded to brainstorm some ideas. Bouquets? Naw, I want to keep the flowers simple and budget friendly. Scarves? SoFla in October? Yeah, right. Next! Brooches? Hmm, maybe. In hindsight, I must have really latched on to the idea of brooches, because when I came across that boutonniere two weeks ago in AAlicia's Wedding Store, I immediately could see a brooch application. And then I found this:

{source}
While not my personal style, I felt I was getting closer to what I was looking for. So after sitting on it for a couple days, I convo-ed Anna Alicia to ask about having a couple of brooches made for two of my favorite girls. She got right back to me, and suggested something more like this instead:

{source}
I loved it.

It was exactly what I didn't realize I was looking for (lol). I love that its different, but in a classic way. And that it can be worn pinned on their dresses, or it can be placed in their hair. And that it's an accessory that doesn't scream wedding, increasing the possibility of a post wedding application. Maybe pinned on a terra cotta or hot pink cardigan, or even little black dress.

Turns out she's running a "buy one, get one half off" promotion to celebrate the opening of her wedding accessories shop. I knew it was a sign and quickly let her know I was interested in a green and white remix of the brooch pictured above. She set up whats called a custom listing for me (think: putting an item on hold in a store at the mall), and I was allowed to pay for the items when I got ready. I always pay right away so I don't forget to go back and do it later.

Anna Alicia promised they'd be here soon, and I cannot wait. Once they arrive you'll be one of the first to know. In the meantime, you should pop over to visit both of her shops. Her pieces are really quite swoon-worthy.

♥

This past weekend was AWESOME!

As many of you know, my besties (aka MdOH Dani and GM Brew) were in town this past weekend. We had an awesome time (as evidenced by this photo taken one moring in our pjs). I even got to talk to GM Brew about our invites (more details to come, promise), and show MdOH Dani some wedding stuff in person. Seriously, the pictures just dont do some of this stuff justice.

When I think about my bridal party, I never think about them in the context of "traditional roles." I've always been a believer in the idea that your bridal party is part of your wedding team, and that each individual has a talent. MdOH Dani's talent is that she is supportive. Like, so supportive that she is willing to listen to all (yes ALL) of my wedding ideas. Regardless of cost, or labor, or sheer level of absurdity. You need people like that - who will support your ideas, click on however many links to personalized reusable shopping bags you send, and help you come up with a budget friendly justification when you two have deemed that its a must-have-find-a-place-in-the-budget type of purchase. Again, regardless of the level of absurdity. We dont talk crafts (aside from "look what I made). I go to MnOH Krissi or BM Tamerah for that. But if I'm having a bad bridal day (e.g. stressed, overwhelmed, too many things on the list, etc), I usually find her first...then MamaP...you get the point.

GM Brew is a similar but different story. I've always considered GM Brew as a voice of reason in my life. If I need someone rational, I call him. He'll tell you if you're getting out of pocket, but still love you unconditionally if you decide to stay there (lol). If you know that you're considering buying something you shouldn't, call GM Brew. An accountant by profession, he is quick to bring you back to the bottom line: where does it fit in the budget. Like those personalized cocktail napkins. I cant tell you how many times he and Dani have talked me off the edge of the sidewalk with those (Sidenote: MnOH Krissi suggest we make our own. I haven't abandoned that idea yet - lol). I really want them, but they're a frivolous expense that we just don't need.And he does not hesitate to underscore that point whenever I bring them up.

See, thats love.

I dont think I can say enough about these two. I just ♥ them. And I really love when they come to visit. Cant wait for the next episode in July. The PHI and I will be in our new place, and we're celebrating Shayne's birthday. V.fun times ahead indeed.

♥

The Makeup Chronicles: Thanks O!

Previously in the makeup chronicles: intro and manifesto, MAC me over, learning lashes

I (almost) hate to say this, but I am not a big Oprah Winfrey fan. I've never really watched her show, I've read some of her book club suggestions (usually a little before she deems them worthy of carrying her name and sticker) and was in sheer disbelief when I found out she was going to be on the cover of each issue of her magazine. Surely she was jesting. Nope, she wasn't. And until I actually picked up a copy of said magazine (thanks MdOH Dani), I was completely anti it too. At this point I realize you may have pegged me as a hater. Not at all true. I just didn't believe the hype...and truthfully I still don't.

However, I will give credit when its due. I really love the magazine. Although I cant afford much in it, it looks really polished and sophisticated which is pleasing to me. And I actually enjoy looking at Oprah's cover photos. Sometimes she's wearing something really cute, or holding an interesting prop. I completely coveted her hair all last summer. It was the hair I wish I could wear everyday - full and curly and fab.

The point of today's post is not hair. Its makeup.

Besides, she's switched over to a straight look that suits her but is not as covet-able as that curly wonderfulness.

Anyway, I finally got around to reading the May 09 issue of O (trying to be better about reading magazines since I only keep 3 of each in the house at a time), and I couldnt take my eyes off madam O. Look for yourself:


I loooove her makeup this month! Its natural, but glowy, and if she's wearing fake lashes I can't tell (truth be told, I think she is though). It screams daytime bridal to me. I'd been struggling to find some halfway decent makeup inspiration pictures and now I have one.

I'm happy with just one.

So you may be wondering why I need some inspiration if I'm doing my own makeup. Well, it always helps to have a model, right? Naw, I'm just joking. There is a slight chance that a professional may end up doing my makeup after all. BM Tamerah requested that I look into having a makeup artist come do my makeup (...and hers, MamaP, BM Naima). She offered to subsidize it as my gift and at that point, I knew there was no amount of explaining that could change her mind.

So I caved.
And then kindly asked MdOH Dani to look into it for me.

I haven't heard anything back in awhile on the makeup artist front, so I cant give a full update yet. Its in lovely capable hands, so now worries on my end. I'm just thrilled have finally found an inspiration picture that captures what I want for my wedding day makeup - whether I do it myself or recruit someone else to make me up. What gets me, is that I found it a seemingly unlikely place.

Thanks Oprah!
♥

The Bridesmaid Guide

Look at this cute video that BudgetSavvyBride posted from the Dessy Group! Even though we're wearing AA dresses (remember, it's this dress in Tealness), the animation is very fun and kinda interesting to see where bridesmaids came from*.

Happy Friday!
♥

*yes, other than sugar, spice and everything nice.

We have dresses...

...for the 'maids!

And I'm so glad my part of the process is essentially over. I'll explain what I mean later, but for now I'm going to start at the beginning.

So a couple weeks ago I came to the realization that I'd have four of my six 'maids in town and that it would be a prime opportunity to try some dresses on and get a feel for what would actually work. All the ladies agreed and Dani arranged for us to have an appointment at our local Alfred Angelo salon to start this dress process.

When we arrived at the salon, it was pretty empty. Which should have been great if it werent for our Alfred Angelo helper Belini* who really made the process a little more arduous than it needed to be. Yes, I understand that they are supposed to assist you and help you, but between the 7 of us (1 bride, 4 'maids, 2 moms) we have almost 13 degrees - we are perfectly capable of selecting our own dresses. That didnt happen and Belini took half-assed direction and started retrieving gowns.

Now, for some visuals:

We started out by just choosing some dresses we were interested in. I hadn't fully decided on floor length or tea length dresses yet so I was open to what they liked and kind of going with what looked good.

Per our request, these were some of the first dresses that Bellini pulled:

Ohmigosh, Melissa and Naima really loved this dress. I made a mental note and had them try on some other stuff. But we kept coming back to this dress and everytime I said "put on the one you like" they were all grins and kept throwing that thing in record time - lol.

When Dani arrived (yes, she had a legit excuse) we immediately put her in this one:

...and she didn't want to take it off. Prior to our visit, she had done some research on the site and she and Kristin both ear marked this as one of their favorites. Also duly noted.

At one point, Bellini brought us this two-tone number:

Thankfully, prior to yesterday, I had not wasted any mental faculties on figuring out the color mechanics of a two-tone 'maid dress. I didn't hate it (the 'maids did - look at their faces), but I definitely wasn't wild about it. I cant help but feel like the girls look like bopsy twins. I like a matching dress as much as the next person, but definitely not this dress. Brides, take note: if you want them to wear the same dress, see if you can physically see the dress on them before you order it. It may alter how you feel.

Please believe me when I say the ladies tried on many other dresses. Probably too many dresses. Some of them looked like prom rejects (to me) and others made me question whether bridal designers were helping to perpetuate that bride's put their 'maids in fugly dresses by continuing to make them. Yes, that fugly.

So what did we go with? Well, my maid and matron of honor will be wearing this floor length gown

and my other 'maids will be in this:


As you can see, despite being two different materials, both dresses have a modified sweetheart neckline, an empire waist, and very forgiving gathers across the front. The best part(s)? We all ♥ the dresses.

As I mentioned earlier, my part of the process is essentially over. Honestly, I've been really laizes faire about the whole 'maids dress thing - really flexy about the dress, shoes, accessories, etc. Once we decided on those dresses, we (mostly the 'maids) decided that they really should wear the same shoe. Melissa volunteered to spearhead the shoe process and I'm hoping she will spearhead accessories as well. I still want Kristin to manage the dress aquisition process. Someone will need to make sure everyone is informed about the proceedure for ordering the dresses and their associated timeframe. I have ideas about when they should be ordered, but no accompanying desire to manage that myself.

Thank God for bridesmaids.

So I know you're wondering how I feel at this point. Honestly? When I left the store I was very tired. Not physically, but psychologically. We kept running into impasses where I would as the 'maids what they thought and their standard response was "its not what we think its what you think." I know they were trying to help, but I am fully aware of my bride status. I don't need to be reminded that I have the last say. I live my everyday life that way...why would my wedding be any different? When I ask people what they think, I really am interested in their thoughts. Think about it, there are times (many) that I don't ask because I really don't care. Those times that I do ask, I do and I'd appreciate an honest response. Eventually I got more creative with the questions and got more appropriate feedback. My bad that it was important to me that they like their dresses. My bad.

It was a very productive outing. I was exhausted afterward and was a little sad that it was not as fun as I anticipated. It was probably more frustrating than anything.

I'm really glad its over.
♥

* No, her name was not actually Bellini, but that was Melissa's interpretaion of her actual name.

Are these dresses 'maid worthy?

We all know I've had some dress drama. But I've also gone back and forth about what my girls are going to wear. Officially, I have selected and announced (to the 'maids) a dress. Sorry ya'll, this post is not about that dress.

Today I'm having a resurgence of my same ol problem: the gift and the curse that is having lots of time to plan. Realistically, the dresses don't have to be ordered for another 4 months or so. Anyway, I ended up pointing my Mozilla to the Alfred Angelo site. I'd looked at them earlier on in the planning process and decided that I wasn't terribly wild about any of their bridal gowns. I had similarly written off 'maids dresses.

Something said pop back over there...just to see. When I got there, I came across some dresses I'm kind of interested in. Upon further inspection, I realized that many (if not a majority) of the dresses I liked are new! They're part of the 2009 collection! All images are Alfred Angelo's Berry color.

These are all floor length and fabulous! This group of dresses has a variety of necklines, fabric, and details. We'd definitely need to pack our Spanx for some of them, but I like the idea of my 'maids wearing floor length dresses and I don't think any of them look too prom-y. Some of them are designed to be two-colors, so disregard the yellow/blue in some of them.

...very sexy. And did I say fabulous? I could fully endorse these dresses.

These six are tea length, and all very very cute. I'd totally wear them all. And I feel like they may be more day-wedding appropriate and have a decently high re-wearability quotient (yes, I just made that up). Again, excuse the random off-color accents:

...the more I look at this color, the more I'm convinced it might actually work.

There just happens to be an Alfred Angelo store not far from where MamaP* lives. So when I'm home in December, I want to pop by to see this "berry" in person. Obviously I like some (okay, ALOT) of their dresses - way more than I would have guessed. Visiting the store will help me determine whether any are viable options. Color is my deal breaker. I'm willing to budge on price, length, style, and details, but if the color is wrong, you can forget it.

I know you're thinking: "Wait, didn't you say you already selected and announced a dress?" Yes. But something in me is really glad I haven't had them ordered yet. I still want them to have some choice in what they wear and for it to be as flattering as possible. This may be the way to approach it. I'm planning to keep my options open and not guilt trip myself if/when I change my mind. All of my girls have told me that they are perfectly willing to wear whatever I select. I have the most awesome-est bridesmaids ever.

So we'll table this discussion til next month. In the mean time, feel free to weigh in on your top contenders. If you were in my bridal party, which one would you choose? If you are one of my 'maids, any faves?

♥

*MamaP is my new moniker for my mom. Not to be confused with MamaD, who birthed the PHI. Yes, MamaP's name starts with a P too: she's Patricia and I'm Patti. No, my name is not short for Patricia, it's just Patti.

I know Etsy...in the biblical way

*giggling*

I popped my Etsy cherry today!

Sorry, I think that was one too many virginity references. I have been lovingly visiting Etsy regularly since oh...June, and today I finally purchased something! Its going to part of one of my bridesmaid gifts. Like part of one person's gift. See, I'm fairly certain I'm not doing a blanket (think: one size fits six) bridesmaid gift. They will all have a common element (which I've already purchased for a fab price!), but there will be variety in the other elements. Same for the moms...and the readers (oh geez, I had almost forgotten about them..I haven't even asked them yet - lol).

But anyway, I made my second (of many) 'maid's gift purchases. I'm so tempted to post a pic to show you, but I don't want to give it away.

...okay, okay you twisted my arm, here's a peek:


...and no, I'm not telling you who "it" is for! On second thought, let's just pretend you didn't see that, k?

The point is that I finally purchased something from Etsy! Cheers to the first of many happy purchases to come. ♥

I'm back forreal this time :)

For a good part of the last week I was on a vacation from our wedding. I'm sure all of you fellow brides out there can totally relate. Were at a little more than 11 months til the wedding (I swear the time is FLYING by) and there are loads of things to do. It doesn't help that I keep adding things to the list - LOL.

I am pleased to report that I accomplished all but one thing on my Florida visit to-do list. I didnt do number 5. It wasnt like I had an appointment with him, I was just going to see him at church. Come Sunday morning I was so exhausted I needed to sleep in.

The weekend started with mom and I talking a trip to the location (numbers 1 & 2 on the list). She loved it there and after meeting with our Linda for the better part of 3.5 hours, mom felt like we were getting excellent service for our money. Yay!

The kids (number 4 on the list) really deserve a post all by themselves. I will say this though, the five kids belong to 2 of my first cousins. I called both of them to ask their permission and both of them were surprised I was calling to ask. I thought thats what I was supposed to do before I volunteered someone's child(ren) to be in my wedding. Before I added an extra activity and financial responsibility to my wedding. My bad :) Thankfully they both agreed and I can check that off the list. Now I'm left with figuring out what the lovely little ladies (all 4 of them) will be wearing. You know mom and I have started kicking around some ideas...

(Sorry for not moving methodically through the list) Although not completely wedding related, I accomplished both numbers 3 and 6. I love my mama and I wish that she lived much closer. Even before I got engaged. Definitely now much more so. I also saw my Dani, my Brew, Dani's boo and my Dionne - not in that order I don't think. I loved seeing them but I was tired of being social by the end of the weekend. Thankfully next time I'm home I'll be there for a while and can spread out the love a little more.

As I mentioned last week I even got to see someone I hadn't planned on seeing. My godmother is my go to for all things flowers. Both real and otherwise. We popped by her house on Friday for a quickie visit. I just happened to have my wedding organizer in tow and next thing I knew on Saturday she was fetching me for a marathon Michaels trip. We discussed bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and other general floral things. We now have a good working plan for the flower component of the decor. The plan is for a mix of silks and live - particularly live for the bouquets. I hadn't planned on seeing her this trip, but I'm glad I did. Not only does she rock, she's super creative and very open to my aesthetic and budget. A perfect combo!

I have loads more stuff to report on - updates from the weekend, plans that are in the works, and DIY projects I've already completed. I officially came off wedding vacay at 12:30PM, and fully intended on posting at 12:31PM to commemorate. I've been running all day. Not even with wedding stuff. I needed an oil change, I had library fees to pay, I have bills to pay, I had to figure out what to eat, I needed to go to Walmart for my class, I needed to register for next semester....on and on and on all day. Up until now really.

But I'm back now, and I hope you didn't miss me too much.
♥

I'm Going Home!

Just wanted to pop in and tell you that right about now I'm on an airplane headed to sunny South Florida for a long awaited mini-vacay and wedding business trip.

On the Florida to-do list:

1. Taking mom to the location. She's never seen it, and its hard to talk about logistics, decor, etc when she doesn't have a visual. We will be fixing that tomorrow.

2. Talking to the caterer..ahem event planner. Again, mom has never met her, and we havent met since we met so it will be good to sit down with her, talk budget and making the menu more brunchy, give mom and I both the chance to ask a tons of questions (I already have a list), and just get on the same page since the wedding is less than a year away (ahh!).

3. Kick it with some of my people. Actually, 2 of my 'maids live in town. My maid of honor/best friend/podmate (were 2 peas in a pod) and one of my favorite teachers. Hmm, I havent really introduced you to them...I better get on that. Anyway, they are on the list and since they'll be standing with me on my big day, we can lump them into the wedding business category.

4. Recruit the other 5 kids that are going to be in our wedding. Yes, I said "other five." If all goes to plan, there will be 6 little ones in our wedding. Blame it on us not being able to choose. I love all my little cousins and I couldn't decide so I figured we'd just find little jobs for everyone. I haven't talked to their parents yet, but mom and I feel like everyone will be on board to participate.

5. Talk to our officiant. I mentioned how he called us out in church the other day (by announcing our wedding to the congregation) and how he hadnt officially told us yes. I'll see him on Sunday. And even if I have to get some smoke signals, I want to be able to say "Officiant? Check." No question mark.

6. Spend as much time as I can with my mama. As you may have surmised, mom is one of my best friends. Seriously. We talk all the time, and thanks to the PHI blinging me out, we talk quite a bit about our wedding. Consider her the co-wedding planner. So yes, mom did just make the wedding list on a technicality, but she is totally on there.

Whew, that's quite a list, huh. When I'm not "working" for the wedding, I plan to be chillaxing, kicking it with the family, doing some good for the alma mater, and enjoying being in south Florida. Unfortunately that means I wont be blogging. I'll be back on Sunday, so expect something from me late Monday or on Tuesday, k.

♥

Bridal party roundup!

So, in the event you hadnt heard...I'm official! Jason popped the question on the 21st and I said yesss!

(there wasnt any doubt I would, right?)

I'm officially a bride. Which means I officially have a gazillion extra things to be worried about/tend to. Thankfully I have some pretty awesome women in my crew:

Dani and Krissi - my maid and matron of honor, respectively. Although I have to say there is nothing matronly about my Krissi. Plus, she's my only experienced bride. Between the two of them, I have a wealth of information at my disposal - love those two.

My main maids: Cuzo (Melissa), Dionne, Naima, and DrHunt.

My bridal attendant: MJ! She will be totally instrumental in me being situatied for the wedding day. Plus, I'm convinced not only will she help me pick the gown, but she'll be the only one who knows how to bustle it - lol.

I also have to shout out Mommy (just for being who she is) and Godmommy (flowers and coordination).

And thats the crew. Dont they sound bridalicous?!

...yes, I just made that up

xoxox