I had my first bridal shower yesterday!! My mom's friend Randi threw it for me and it was a lot of fun. We played a few games and just had some appetizers from Cotton Patch and of course some cake! I got a lot of great things for the kitchen and I'm so excited to take them home and find places to put everything! Since we've moved in I've rearranged the kitchen a couple times (I think it might annoy Sam a little), but I've got to get things settle just right. The funniest thing was when I opened one box and pullet out a really awesome frying pan and everyone just involuntarily gasped and then we all laughed at our reactions. We also played a game where people had to write down ideas for how to resolve common household issues like how to clean a burned pan or keep ants out of a dog dish. It was neat because I've already had to deal with a few things like that and I like getting household advice because I've googled things or called my mom like a million times in less than a month!
Anyway, thanks Randi!!! and thank you to everyone who came to the shower!! I had a wonderful time!!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Finishing Touches
We're getting down to the wire with just 2 months left until the wedding and all the final pieces are falling into place.
In the last few weeks, we've booked the florist and the cake, which finishes off our vendors for the event and started working on the final details. I decided to DIY my invitations after not finding anything that was just perfect for our wedding online. (I think my control freak issues got in the way of that one...) They are turning out nicely, even though I've been stressing over wording for the past week, but they should be finalized and ready to be mailed early next week!! (BTW, I worked really hard on the RSVP cards so please send them back!)
We also had a meeting with the venue and the caterer to get a better idea of where we want things and what we still need to do. It was really good because it got us back on track to get everything in order for the big day. It was a little weird though. Because Hummingbird House is a relatively new venue a few things have changed since I booked it last October. Most were great changes. The only thing I'm not head over heels about is the LED lights they put on the trees. I know LED is the new thing to do but I prefer regular lights, they just seem warmer. Oh well, I'm sure it wont make that big of a difference. Either way- I still have a lot of loose ends to tie up!
The only major snafu I've run into however, is that my dress which was supposed to be in "by August 10th at the latest" has still not arrived and may not arrive for another week or so! This wouldn't be that big of an issue, except for the fact that I moved to Arkansas mid-July and am only in Texas in small spurts (which is also why I haven't posted in a while because I had to focus on moving and wasn't doing much for the wedding). I made plans to come down here for the dress and was kind of annoyed to find out it wasn't available yet. When I spoke to the owner yesterday, she said it may be in tomorrow (monday), but either way I'm expecting a call. So I'm not sure what's going to happen.
In the last few weeks, we've booked the florist and the cake, which finishes off our vendors for the event and started working on the final details. I decided to DIY my invitations after not finding anything that was just perfect for our wedding online. (I think my control freak issues got in the way of that one...) They are turning out nicely, even though I've been stressing over wording for the past week, but they should be finalized and ready to be mailed early next week!! (BTW, I worked really hard on the RSVP cards so please send them back!)
We also had a meeting with the venue and the caterer to get a better idea of where we want things and what we still need to do. It was really good because it got us back on track to get everything in order for the big day. It was a little weird though. Because Hummingbird House is a relatively new venue a few things have changed since I booked it last October. Most were great changes. The only thing I'm not head over heels about is the LED lights they put on the trees. I know LED is the new thing to do but I prefer regular lights, they just seem warmer. Oh well, I'm sure it wont make that big of a difference. Either way- I still have a lot of loose ends to tie up!
The only major snafu I've run into however, is that my dress which was supposed to be in "by August 10th at the latest" has still not arrived and may not arrive for another week or so! This wouldn't be that big of an issue, except for the fact that I moved to Arkansas mid-July and am only in Texas in small spurts (which is also why I haven't posted in a while because I had to focus on moving and wasn't doing much for the wedding). I made plans to come down here for the dress and was kind of annoyed to find out it wasn't available yet. When I spoke to the owner yesterday, she said it may be in tomorrow (monday), but either way I'm expecting a call. So I'm not sure what's going to happen.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Falling into place...
So I know it's been a while since I updated this blog, but I've had a lot of other stuff get in the way of wedding planning. I was just going through some stuff and had to put the wedding on the back burner....
But things are turning around and I'm ready to jump back in the game again : )
Some updates:
I got most of the save the dates sent, just a few stragglers that I'm STILL trying to get addresses for. I never knew how difficult that would be and I can see why people send e-vites for events now... (not that I would ever do that for a wedding, but still...)
I reserved a block of rooms at one hotel and I'm trying to decide if/which other one I want to reserve to give some variety. There aren't a whole lot of options because the venue is south Austin and there aren't that many hotels that are really close. Either way the info is/will be on our website http://nikkiandsam.brides.com
Our website is totally up to date and now has an album of some more of my favorite engagement pictures (the whole album is on facebook)! We had so much fun that day and I think it really showed! Thank you so much Rachel for doing such a great job for us- we really appreciate it!!!!!!
I asked a friend today to do the video for the wedding, so that's covered. I'm really excited to see what he's going to do. Thanks Iggi!!
I think we're also going to go with a friend to officiate the ceremony, since neither of us are really religious and we don't really want someone random up there with us. I think it's going to mean so much more to us this way. : )
Most importantly--- I found THE DRESS!!! It's beautiful and dramatic and I'm so happy to have finally found the right one!! I still didn't cry or anything, but just had this really peaceful feeling and I knew it was the right one for me. It's a Maggie Sotterro gown from her 2011 collection and I ordered it in alabaster (where do they come up with these color names???). Now we just need to look for bridesmaid dresses to coordinate! and hopefully we'll be able to do that in the month or so.
Things are starting to fall into place and we're checking things off the list! Hopefully I'll have another update about a cake, flowers, or bridesmaid dresses soon!!
But things are turning around and I'm ready to jump back in the game again : )
Some updates:
I got most of the save the dates sent, just a few stragglers that I'm STILL trying to get addresses for. I never knew how difficult that would be and I can see why people send e-vites for events now... (not that I would ever do that for a wedding, but still...)
I reserved a block of rooms at one hotel and I'm trying to decide if/which other one I want to reserve to give some variety. There aren't a whole lot of options because the venue is south Austin and there aren't that many hotels that are really close. Either way the info is/will be on our website http://nikkiandsam.brides.com
Our website is totally up to date and now has an album of some more of my favorite engagement pictures (the whole album is on facebook)! We had so much fun that day and I think it really showed! Thank you so much Rachel for doing such a great job for us- we really appreciate it!!!!!!
I asked a friend today to do the video for the wedding, so that's covered. I'm really excited to see what he's going to do. Thanks Iggi!!
I think we're also going to go with a friend to officiate the ceremony, since neither of us are really religious and we don't really want someone random up there with us. I think it's going to mean so much more to us this way. : )
Most importantly--- I found THE DRESS!!! It's beautiful and dramatic and I'm so happy to have finally found the right one!! I still didn't cry or anything, but just had this really peaceful feeling and I knew it was the right one for me. It's a Maggie Sotterro gown from her 2011 collection and I ordered it in alabaster (where do they come up with these color names???). Now we just need to look for bridesmaid dresses to coordinate! and hopefully we'll be able to do that in the month or so.
Things are starting to fall into place and we're checking things off the list! Hopefully I'll have another update about a cake, flowers, or bridesmaid dresses soon!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dresses, Dresses, Dresses!
On Valentine's Day, Meredith and I went to look at bridesmaid's dresses at David's Bridal. Both of our Valentines were out of town so we decided to spend the day together doing something fun (great distraction!). I had made an appointment at DB at the last bridal show I went to, but of course, they had lost my appointment. So there was no one immediately available to help us, which would have been fine if it hadn't take 45 minutes for anyone to come help us!! I just really didn't understand why we couldn't just grab a few of the BM dresses off the racks, and have Meredith put them on- but we waited. It was nice to catch up a bit and play with the veils and accessories : )
When we were finally helped, it was kind of nice because we were some of the only people in the store so we had a lot of space and didn't feel so crowded like we might have been. Meredith tried on several styles in a few different fabrics and we finally settled on a couple options. I still haven't decided if I want my BMs to all match or if I want them to wear different dresses. I'm sort of leaving it up to them collectively. The only thing is they either have to all match or all be different- so we'll see. Mere and I did decide however, that we think short dresses is the way to go over the longer styles.
So, we only looked at one place and I'm open to looking at others but the good thing about David's Bridal is that it will be easier for everyone to coordinate that is out of state! Not only is one of my BM's living in Colorado, but both of my sisters live in Phoenix... So we'll see. As of now I don't have any other appointments scheduled.
Lately I've been getting a little lazy about planning because it all seems so far away! We have about 7 months left (which is not very much in bridal time!) but I feel like I've been planning for a LONG time and I'm starting to get frustrated with is. For example, as I mentioned before I'm totally second-guessing my bridal gown. It totally doesn't help that I broke the cardinal rule and tried on another dress (or two!) after buying that one. In my defense I was looking for some reassurance on my decision- but now I'm more confused than ever!! I'm torn between 2 totally different styles!! On one hand, I want to wear something lacy and fitted, but then I tried on a ball gown with a big tulle skirt that's simple and fitted on the top and I really liked that too! So far I haven't put anything on that I've said "I love this" but I think I might be afraid to say that about a dress- I dont know what I'm going to do.
On a completely different note - we finally have something completely paid for! We will officially have favors and a DJ at the wedding!! yeah for music- now Sam and I just need to pick a First Dance song...
oh the joys (and frustrations!) of wedding planning!
When we were finally helped, it was kind of nice because we were some of the only people in the store so we had a lot of space and didn't feel so crowded like we might have been. Meredith tried on several styles in a few different fabrics and we finally settled on a couple options. I still haven't decided if I want my BMs to all match or if I want them to wear different dresses. I'm sort of leaving it up to them collectively. The only thing is they either have to all match or all be different- so we'll see. Mere and I did decide however, that we think short dresses is the way to go over the longer styles.
So, we only looked at one place and I'm open to looking at others but the good thing about David's Bridal is that it will be easier for everyone to coordinate that is out of state! Not only is one of my BM's living in Colorado, but both of my sisters live in Phoenix... So we'll see. As of now I don't have any other appointments scheduled.
Lately I've been getting a little lazy about planning because it all seems so far away! We have about 7 months left (which is not very much in bridal time!) but I feel like I've been planning for a LONG time and I'm starting to get frustrated with is. For example, as I mentioned before I'm totally second-guessing my bridal gown. It totally doesn't help that I broke the cardinal rule and tried on another dress (or two!) after buying that one. In my defense I was looking for some reassurance on my decision- but now I'm more confused than ever!! I'm torn between 2 totally different styles!! On one hand, I want to wear something lacy and fitted, but then I tried on a ball gown with a big tulle skirt that's simple and fitted on the top and I really liked that too! So far I haven't put anything on that I've said "I love this" but I think I might be afraid to say that about a dress- I dont know what I'm going to do.
On a completely different note - we finally have something completely paid for! We will officially have favors and a DJ at the wedding!! yeah for music- now Sam and I just need to pick a First Dance song...
oh the joys (and frustrations!) of wedding planning!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A much needed update!
It's been almost a month since I updated my blog and of course a lot has happened!
First- I bought a dress!! It's beautiful and lacy and fits all of my curves! It was a kind of dramatic experience though. I bought a dress from the first store and then I had some cold feet because I wasn't sure if I tried enough on or anything like that. Luckily, there is a no refunds policy so I just had to let those fears go and embrace it! It's going to be fabulous- but I definitely need to hit the gym instead of eating oreos like I am now!
We also got our save the dates in the mail so I hope to get them out by the end of this week. I'm still missing a few addresses though. I'm so not on top of things these days.
I finally committed to linens (just in time to get them on sale too)! I'm not sure why it was so hard to pick out the stupid tableclothes and napkins but I finally did and hopefully everything will come together on the day of. My mom keeps telling me its going to be beautiful- but the perfectionist/panicky person I am, I just can't be sure. It's so stressful when I think that I'm only doing this once and I just want it to be perfect, but that's seriously affecting my ability to do anything. I keep thinking that if Sam was around things would be easier because he keeps me so grounded, but who knows if that's true. Besides he's got a lot on his plate too getting us ready to move to Hawaii. There are so many ducks we have to get in a row before they'll let me come with him, but hopefully I'll get to go out there before the wedding to help pick out a house and furniture.
Anyways, I'm definitely checking things off the list but I still feel like there's a long, long way to go. I'll keep you posted. :)
First- I bought a dress!! It's beautiful and lacy and fits all of my curves! It was a kind of dramatic experience though. I bought a dress from the first store and then I had some cold feet because I wasn't sure if I tried enough on or anything like that. Luckily, there is a no refunds policy so I just had to let those fears go and embrace it! It's going to be fabulous- but I definitely need to hit the gym instead of eating oreos like I am now!
We also got our save the dates in the mail so I hope to get them out by the end of this week. I'm still missing a few addresses though. I'm so not on top of things these days.
I finally committed to linens (just in time to get them on sale too)! I'm not sure why it was so hard to pick out the stupid tableclothes and napkins but I finally did and hopefully everything will come together on the day of. My mom keeps telling me its going to be beautiful- but the perfectionist/panicky person I am, I just can't be sure. It's so stressful when I think that I'm only doing this once and I just want it to be perfect, but that's seriously affecting my ability to do anything. I keep thinking that if Sam was around things would be easier because he keeps me so grounded, but who knows if that's true. Besides he's got a lot on his plate too getting us ready to move to Hawaii. There are so many ducks we have to get in a row before they'll let me come with him, but hopefully I'll get to go out there before the wedding to help pick out a house and furniture.
Anyways, I'm definitely checking things off the list but I still feel like there's a long, long way to go. I'll keep you posted. :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
a few small changes
After my foray into the world of linens, I realized two things. 1) I am really indecisive. 2) I needed a better picture/direction for the wedding.
I can't do anything about the first one right now but I did get to thinking about the second problem. This is what I came up with:
Sam and I like to travel. We've both been all over the world. We've also spent a lot of time apart and had to correspond via email, skype, and even letters when he was in basic training. Sam also works on planes, which links to traveling.
Ergo, our wedding is going to have a vintage travel theme. I haven't figured out all the details yet but I've got some cool ideas working in my head. My mom and I even found a great "antique" globe and some wooden bi-planes at Marshall's (on sale!).
I also tweaked my colors a little bit too. Imagine a deep reds and purples with some light buttery/lemon yellow to lighten it up. I'm excited to finally have a vision so hopefully I can pull everything together.
I can't do anything about the first one right now but I did get to thinking about the second problem. This is what I came up with:
Sam and I like to travel. We've both been all over the world. We've also spent a lot of time apart and had to correspond via email, skype, and even letters when he was in basic training. Sam also works on planes, which links to traveling.
Ergo, our wedding is going to have a vintage travel theme. I haven't figured out all the details yet but I've got some cool ideas working in my head. My mom and I even found a great "antique" globe and some wooden bi-planes at Marshall's (on sale!).
I also tweaked my colors a little bit too. Imagine a deep reds and purples with some light buttery/lemon yellow to lighten it up. I'm excited to finally have a vision so hopefully I can pull everything together.
Happy Ever After
I just finished reading Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts (it's the fourth book in the bride quartet series) and I am so ready to get married!! The series is about four friends who use their individual talents to run an amazing wedding business called Vows. Each book is from the perspective of one of the friends and how they fall in love, etc. Total romance novel! Anyway- it just gave me all these warm fuzzies and I'm so excited about not just the wedding but BEING married to Sam- my happy ever after just can't come soon enough!
At the same time- I still have so much to do! Today I'm working on the Save the Dates and my wedding website and then going through my engagement pictures to figure out which ones we want to print! Here's a little sneak peek at one of my favs--
Mom and I went to the last bridal show I'm going to go to yesterday with the intentions of finding someone to make our cake. I'm not sure if I just ate too many cake samples but by the end of it I didn't want to even think about cake any more, BUT I did set 3 appointments to look at dresses in the next month! I finally have a theme in mind so I know what I'm looking for now. Hopefully I'll find it soon! wish me luck!
At the same time- I still have so much to do! Today I'm working on the Save the Dates and my wedding website and then going through my engagement pictures to figure out which ones we want to print! Here's a little sneak peek at one of my favs--
Mom and I went to the last bridal show I'm going to go to yesterday with the intentions of finding someone to make our cake. I'm not sure if I just ate too many cake samples but by the end of it I didn't want to even think about cake any more, BUT I did set 3 appointments to look at dresses in the next month! I finally have a theme in mind so I know what I'm looking for now. Hopefully I'll find it soon! wish me luck!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Less than 9 months away!
We've made it to 2011 and that means that I'm getting married this year!!! It also means that the wedding is less than 9 months away and I still have SO much to do! We did get a few more things done while Sam was home- including getting him fitted for his tux. He picked one with a mandarin collar- not my favorite but like he said- "I get to pick my dress, he should get to pick his tux" So I'm going to grin and bear it and let it go.
I went to spend some quality time with my MOH last weekend (partially for some much needed girl time and partially as a distraction from my recently returned-to-Japan fiancé). We went to a bridal show in SA- mostly to sample cake. We found out that there are some really NOT good cakes out there- flavor wise, which is way more important to me than anything else. Some were just kinda boring, a few were really dry and one- I kid you not- tasted like cornbread! However, there was one shining gem amongst the coals. Cakes and More brought samples of their citrus cake (mix of lemon, lime and orange) that was AMAZING! It was so light and airy and the frosting was a great compliment to the cake flavors. We liked it so much we even snuck back by and got a second sample (shh! don't tell!) : ) All in all, it was definitely fun!
Everything has gone pretty smoothly thus far but I did run into a little snafu last weekend. I had an appointment to pick out table linens and I could not make a decision. I had an idea in my head and they just didn't have the right shade of red. So then I was looking at all of these different colors and thinking about changing my whole color scheme but then I didn't want to do that on the fly- it was a fairly traumatic experience. Nevertheless, Jeremy, the guy that was helping us was very patient and let me leave with some samples so I could think things over. Still haven't really figured it out, but we're going to a show this weekend because we also need a cake and a few other miscellaneous things, so maybe I'll find something there... fingers crossed!!
I went to spend some quality time with my MOH last weekend (partially for some much needed girl time and partially as a distraction from my recently returned-to-Japan fiancé). We went to a bridal show in SA- mostly to sample cake. We found out that there are some really NOT good cakes out there- flavor wise, which is way more important to me than anything else. Some were just kinda boring, a few were really dry and one- I kid you not- tasted like cornbread! However, there was one shining gem amongst the coals. Cakes and More brought samples of their citrus cake (mix of lemon, lime and orange) that was AMAZING! It was so light and airy and the frosting was a great compliment to the cake flavors. We liked it so much we even snuck back by and got a second sample (shh! don't tell!) : ) All in all, it was definitely fun!
Everything has gone pretty smoothly thus far but I did run into a little snafu last weekend. I had an appointment to pick out table linens and I could not make a decision. I had an idea in my head and they just didn't have the right shade of red. So then I was looking at all of these different colors and thinking about changing my whole color scheme but then I didn't want to do that on the fly- it was a fairly traumatic experience. Nevertheless, Jeremy, the guy that was helping us was very patient and let me leave with some samples so I could think things over. Still haven't really figured it out, but we're going to a show this weekend because we also need a cake and a few other miscellaneous things, so maybe I'll find something there... fingers crossed!!
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