My mom isn't going on her trip during the wedding weekend. She didn't tell me her reasons for cancelling, but I think it is partly due to my wedding and partly due to her sister who is very ill with lung cancer. My mom is flying out this weekend to be with her sister, who has basically given up on life and is making her funeral preparations. Please continue to pray for her healing: she was doing much, much better, but has suddently taken a turn for the worse.
To put this matter to rest, I would like to ask everyone to give my mom grace that I did not give her. As Chad mentioned in his comments, there is another side to the story. I do not think I was wrong in what I was wanting (my mother by my side in planning the wedding), but I was definitely wrong to make it a public display and open my family up for ridicule. I can't take anything back, so please forgive me for being unwise with that matter, and don't think ill of my mother. I love her, and I definitely need her during this time. Thanks, ya'll. :oD
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Cake!
We really liked French's today. The White cake with Fresh Strawberry filling was especially yummy, and is likely what we will go with. They even had a very pretty display cake in the window that I think was perfect. We still want to try Rockwells to get one more option (and more free cake ;oD).
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Let Them Eat (More) Cake!
Tomorrow Jason and I are going to check out French's to see what they have to tell us about cakes and such. We are going to try White cake with Fresh Strawberry filling, Yellow cake with Chocolate Mousse filling, Marble cake with Bavarian cream filling, and Chocolate cake with Raspberry filling. All will have American Buttercream frosting. I'll let you know what we like.
Jason says we should try at least one more after this. I think maybe has an ulterior motive (yummy cake). If so, I'm right there with him. :oD
Jason says we should try at least one more after this. I think maybe has an ulterior motive (yummy cake). If so, I'm right there with him. :oD
Deleted!
I have decided to delete the posts and comments about my mom. In my mother's defense, she is going through a lot right now because her sister in Texas is very sick, and may not have long to live. (Consequently, this sister's anniversary is the day I am getting married, which is another reason I did not want to change the date.) Unfortunately, I do not think this absolves her, but I was wrong to make a public display, and for that I apologize.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Moving Right Along
We were able to book the chapel at the same location as the reception. This has been up in the air since I decided to change the ceremony location. Jason found out today that the chapel is available, and we're on the books 'tentatively' (pending $100 for deposit).
This was very good news to hear today amidst all the other drama that has been going on.
This was very good news to hear today amidst all the other drama that has been going on.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Bridesmaid's Dresses
So far, everyone is dressed except for the bridesmaids. Here are some options that I like.
Cake
We went to Beverly's Best yesterday. Yummy! There was a bit of discussion about what flavor to do the cake. I liked the Marble cake with Bavarian Cream filling and American Frosting. Jason liked White cake with Chocolate Mousse filling and French Frosting. If we go with Beverly's, I think we are just going to do both cake flavors, but have the American frosting.
We are going to try French's and Rockwell's, just to have a comparison on price and taste. Rockwell's is really close to the church, so maybe the delivery price will be different. It's also just fun to go in and try all the cakes. Heheh. I can't do too much more of this: I'm trying to at least maintain my weight for the wedding. :oD
We are going to try French's and Rockwell's, just to have a comparison on price and taste. Rockwell's is really close to the church, so maybe the delivery price will be different. It's also just fun to go in and try all the cakes. Heheh. I can't do too much more of this: I'm trying to at least maintain my weight for the wedding. :oD
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Invitations, Flowers, and Cakes
Saturday was a very fruitful planning day. First, we went to a stationary store to get some ideas for invitations. I have been planning to make my own, in order to reduce costs, so we were basically just going in for some ideas. The lady was very helpful (and very pregnant, it must be something in the water around here), and showed us lots of options for making our own or for ordering something premade. Based on what we saw there, we pretty much settled on what we want to do, using an Envelopments pocket-fold similar to this, and buying cardstock to embelish. The pocket is a bit pricey (almost $2 per invitation), but the concept is really neat. I think we should be able to keep it under $2.50 per invitation total.
Next we went up and down Brea Blvd trying to find Beverly's Best to find out about cakes. We finally found the bakery, and the line was out the door. We were able to set up an appointment for Friday for a consultation. We will probably check one other place, just to have another option.
Our final task for Saturday was to check into flowers. I have really been leaning toward having someone else do the flowers, even though I think it would be cheaper to do them myself. I heard about a place in Fullerton that had a $99 special, so we stopped in there. The package is a pretty good deal, but neither of us were really very impressed with the flower shop overall. Jason also wanted to check somewhere else, so we stopped by Conroy's flowers, which just happens to be right next door to the church. They have a $99 that is very similar to the Fullerton flower shop's special. (Quick tip: if you are looking for wedding flowers, ask for a package. Otherwise they give you the book with $100+ bouquets, etc.)
They also have another wedding package for $395 that includes the bride's bouquet, MOH bouquet, 2 bridesmaids bouquets, groom's bouteniere, BM bouteniere, 5 groomsmen/usher/father boutenieres, 2 coursages, 2 alter arrangements, and a large head-table centerpiece. The arrangements are simple, but that is ok with me. I think this is a screaming deal, even though we would need to add a couple more items. Plus, they will deliver and set everything up for $10. We should be able to get everything we need for around $500. I'm pretty sure this will be our solution for the florals.
Next we went up and down Brea Blvd trying to find Beverly's Best to find out about cakes. We finally found the bakery, and the line was out the door. We were able to set up an appointment for Friday for a consultation. We will probably check one other place, just to have another option.
Our final task for Saturday was to check into flowers. I have really been leaning toward having someone else do the flowers, even though I think it would be cheaper to do them myself. I heard about a place in Fullerton that had a $99 special, so we stopped in there. The package is a pretty good deal, but neither of us were really very impressed with the flower shop overall. Jason also wanted to check somewhere else, so we stopped by Conroy's flowers, which just happens to be right next door to the church. They have a $99 that is very similar to the Fullerton flower shop's special. (Quick tip: if you are looking for wedding flowers, ask for a package. Otherwise they give you the book with $100+ bouquets, etc.)
They also have another wedding package for $395 that includes the bride's bouquet, MOH bouquet, 2 bridesmaids bouquets, groom's bouteniere, BM bouteniere, 5 groomsmen/usher/father boutenieres, 2 coursages, 2 alter arrangements, and a large head-table centerpiece. The arrangements are simple, but that is ok with me. I think this is a screaming deal, even though we would need to add a couple more items. Plus, they will deliver and set everything up for $10. We should be able to get everything we need for around $500. I'm pretty sure this will be our solution for the florals.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Rehearsal Dinner Goodness
If all goes as I hope, we will be having the Rehearsal on Friday evening at the church where the wedding ceremony and reception will be held on Saturday. This got me to thinking: since we already have the reception room on Friday night for decorating, why not just use it for the rehearsal dinner. We could do a simple potluck, or have something catered, and then have everyone stick around to help with decorations.
So, we were at Wood Ranch with Jason's parents last weekend for my birthday (Wood Ranch is currently my favorite place to eat). I noticed that they have a Catering Service. Since Jason's parents will be paying for the dinner, we looked over the options, and they thought it sounded great. We will probably look into a couple other restaurants, just to know what the options are, but it seems like this is what we will be doing:
- Famous Tri Tip Roast (1-2 slices per person)
- Choice of Ribs (Baby Back or Beef) (3-4 baby back ribs or 2 beef ribs per person)
- Fresh BBQ Chicken Breast (6 oz piece per person)
- Skillet Baked Beans
- Original Peanut Coleslaw
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Freshly Baked Garlic Rolls
The price is very reasonable, especially for what you get. It is actually cheaper than eating at the restaurant! And, it's YUMMY! :oD
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Let Them Eat Cake
Jason's grandmother has offered to pay for our wedding cake. We were originally thinking of having a simple two-tier display cake, and get cheap Costco cakes for serving to the guests. This would be a relatively inexpensive way to feed everyone. But, Jason's grandma and aunt want us to have a nice cake that will feed everyone.
Personally, I think it is a great idea to have the 'kitchen cakes' for ease of serving. I want to have a nice three-tier wedding cake, but have the 'kitchen cakes' for everyone to actually eat. This just seems so much easier, since you can have people in the kitchen cutting the cakes and plating up the pieces for quicker service. Otherwise, everyone has to wait for us to cut up this massive round cake, dish it up, and pass it out to 200 people. Ugh.
I'm pushing for my idea, even if we don't do Costco cakes. The cake lady I emailed with a while back said they will make the kitchen cakes from the same recipe as the tier cake.
So, anyone know a good cake-baker? His grandma wants us to get something nice and of good quality. Any suggestions?
Personally, I think it is a great idea to have the 'kitchen cakes' for ease of serving. I want to have a nice three-tier wedding cake, but have the 'kitchen cakes' for everyone to actually eat. This just seems so much easier, since you can have people in the kitchen cutting the cakes and plating up the pieces for quicker service. Otherwise, everyone has to wait for us to cut up this massive round cake, dish it up, and pass it out to 200 people. Ugh.
I'm pushing for my idea, even if we don't do Costco cakes. The cake lady I emailed with a while back said they will make the kitchen cakes from the same recipe as the tier cake.
So, anyone know a good cake-baker? His grandma wants us to get something nice and of good quality. Any suggestions?
Friday, April 07, 2006
This Week in Wedding Planning
Well, actually, this all happened today.
Jason booked the photographer. The guy did pictures for a friend of his from work, and they were good. The neat thing is that he gives you all the film at the end to do with as you please. The only downfall is that we then have 11 or 12 rolls of film to deal with. I think it is a good choice, though, and it's done.
My pastor called me today to tell me he is resigning ... and will probably be unable to officiate at my wedding. This throws a large kink in the plans, since I was planning to have the ceremony at my church with my pastor. However, this does free me up to change the one thing that has been bothering me for a while ... having the ceremony so far from the reception. I know that people don't mind driving 10 miles, but it sure does seem like a hassle. It would be one thing if we were having the reception at some nice place with dinner and dancing, but that's now what we're doing. The reception is only going to be cake and punch in the Social Hall of Jason's church. So, I've been toying with the idea of just having the ceremony there, too. We will be looking into this more next week. I think it will ultimately be a much better solution, and will definitely reduce stress for me and the guests on the 'big day.'
Well, I guess that actually is all. Jason made some other phone calls today, but nothing has been confirmed, yet. He is looking into possibly booking a D.J., and will call about cakes when I get more info. I need to get flower and cake info from a friend at church. She was working on a really tight budget and gave me some good ideas last weekend. I hope something works out in that area. I need to get the ball rolling on some of these things.
Jason booked the photographer. The guy did pictures for a friend of his from work, and they were good. The neat thing is that he gives you all the film at the end to do with as you please. The only downfall is that we then have 11 or 12 rolls of film to deal with. I think it is a good choice, though, and it's done.
My pastor called me today to tell me he is resigning ... and will probably be unable to officiate at my wedding. This throws a large kink in the plans, since I was planning to have the ceremony at my church with my pastor. However, this does free me up to change the one thing that has been bothering me for a while ... having the ceremony so far from the reception. I know that people don't mind driving 10 miles, but it sure does seem like a hassle. It would be one thing if we were having the reception at some nice place with dinner and dancing, but that's now what we're doing. The reception is only going to be cake and punch in the Social Hall of Jason's church. So, I've been toying with the idea of just having the ceremony there, too. We will be looking into this more next week. I think it will ultimately be a much better solution, and will definitely reduce stress for me and the guests on the 'big day.'
Well, I guess that actually is all. Jason made some other phone calls today, but nothing has been confirmed, yet. He is looking into possibly booking a D.J., and will call about cakes when I get more info. I need to get flower and cake info from a friend at church. She was working on a really tight budget and gave me some good ideas last weekend. I hope something works out in that area. I need to get the ball rolling on some of these things.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Update, to Tide You Over
This week was very crazy and busy, so no real planning was done ... which has been the story of the past month.
I did make some progress on the invitations. I did some rough sketching and laying out of the invitations. I think I know what I want to do, now I just need to see if I can pull it off cost-wise and time-wise.
In other news, a small stone fell out of my ring. There were 12 teeny diamonds around the setting, but now there are only 11. I'm sure it is covered under the warranty, especially since I have had it inspected regularly, it's just a matter of getting the time and gumption to call them to find out what to do.
Don't look for any updates this weekend. I am leaving Friday for a retreat, and will not return until Sunday afternoon. I don't even want to think about wedding plans during that time. I am escaping from it ALL.
See you on the other side!
I did make some progress on the invitations. I did some rough sketching and laying out of the invitations. I think I know what I want to do, now I just need to see if I can pull it off cost-wise and time-wise.
In other news, a small stone fell out of my ring. There were 12 teeny diamonds around the setting, but now there are only 11. I'm sure it is covered under the warranty, especially since I have had it inspected regularly, it's just a matter of getting the time and gumption to call them to find out what to do.
Don't look for any updates this weekend. I am leaving Friday for a retreat, and will not return until Sunday afternoon. I don't even want to think about wedding plans during that time. I am escaping from it ALL.
See you on the other side!
Monday, March 27, 2006
SCREEEEEEEECHHH!
Yes, our plans have come to a screeching halt. The only real reason is general busy-ness. We finally finished our wedding class, so that would, theoretically free up Saturdays for planning, but, alas, this is not to happen. In the next two months, I have all of two Saturdays that are not spoken for. ::sigh:: And Jason is possibly going to be out of town all this week. ::ugh::
So, I end up staying up late at night going over all the things I SHOULD be doing. Why does life have to be so stinking busy? ::grumble grumble::
Oh, if you want to help us pay for this thing, there is a nice little PayPal donate button on the left. If you know where I can get better button graphics, let me know, k?
So, I end up staying up late at night going over all the things I SHOULD be doing. Why does life have to be so stinking busy? ::grumble grumble::
Oh, if you want to help us pay for this thing, there is a nice little PayPal donate button on the left. If you know where I can get better button graphics, let me know, k?
Monday, March 13, 2006
No Color Change
Thanks for all the advise. I am going to stick with Diamond White for the dress ... for a couple reasons. The main reason being that they cannot change the order. I could probably work it out, but I think Diamond will look better overall. Ivory did look better with my skin than white White, and the "Diamond White" does look very white until you put it up next to a "white White" dress. I asked the Director at my Pre-school (who used to be a wedding coordinator) and Lissa (my fashion consultant) and they both agreed that Diamond White is the way to go. I don't want to look like the dress is glowing, and I'm afraid that's what would happen with "white White".
As far as coordinating, I think I'm going to go with cream for linens and flowers. That should look very nice with the sage and pink, and make the dress look even whiter. I have two different veils that I can borrow, and three different sets of jewelry, so hopefully one of those will work. If not, I guess I will have to buy something to match. I am going to have to buy shoes anyway, and they can dye them to Diamond White if I want. The shirts on the tuxes are barely visible, and the dress will be next to the black of the tux, not the white, so I think that should work out fine (I actually mentioned this when I ordered, and she didn't think it would be a problem).
As far as coordinating, I think I'm going to go with cream for linens and flowers. That should look very nice with the sage and pink, and make the dress look even whiter. I have two different veils that I can borrow, and three different sets of jewelry, so hopefully one of those will work. If not, I guess I will have to buy something to match. I am going to have to buy shoes anyway, and they can dye them to Diamond White if I want. The shirts on the tuxes are barely visible, and the dress will be next to the black of the tux, not the white, so I think that should work out fine (I actually mentioned this when I ordered, and she didn't think it would be a problem).
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Fun with the Flowergirls
Today I took the flowergirls shopping for their dresses. They are two girls (ages 5 and 6) who have been in my Sunday School class for the past few years (one for almost 3 years, one for almost 5 respectively). I saw these cute Easter dresses at Target that are exactly the color I want, so I decided to jump on the chance for a cheap, cute, girly dress for the flowergirls.
This is the dress.
So we made a "date" of it. They tried on the dresses and twirled in front of the mirrors, throughly enjoying themselves. Then we went to the little snack shop and had popcorn and Icee, since "you can't have a date without food." Fun times!
This is the dress.
So we made a "date" of it. They tried on the dresses and twirled in front of the mirrors, throughly enjoying themselves. Then we went to the little snack shop and had popcorn and Icee, since "you can't have a date without food." Fun times!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Dress Color Query
I'm in quite the quandry over the color dress I ordered. I was going to order straight White, but eventually decided to get Diamond White instead. Diamond White is a bit 'softer' than regular white, and is whiter than Ivory, but ivorier (is that a word?) than White.
Did I make a wrong decision? It's probably not too late to go back and change the order. Should I ask them to change it to white?
Married readers of my blog, what color of white did you have for your dress? Unmarried readers, any advise?
Did I make a wrong decision? It's probably not too late to go back and change the order. Should I ask them to change it to white?
Married readers of my blog, what color of white did you have for your dress? Unmarried readers, any advise?
Monday, March 06, 2006
Productive Weekend
I would have posted this last night, but Blogger was being veeeeeeery slooooooow.
We had quite the productive wedding planning weekend. On Saturday we went to Facets 58, got my wedding ring fitted, ordered Jason's ring, and put money down on both. Next we went to Friar Tux to pick out and reserve the tuxes for groom, best man, groomsmen, jr groomsman, and ring bearer. After that we went to Target and spent an hour adding items to our registry. Finally, we went to the 4th class of our Pre-marriage class.
On Sunday, we spent 3 1/2 hours in Bed Bath & Beyond working on another registry. It was quite the adventure going through the whole store basically planning out our future ... everything from pots and pans to bed linens and shower curtains. It took a long time, but was actually very fun. I don't like shopping (I'm WAY too picky), but it was fun to go through and scan in all this stuff, hoping someone else will buy it for us.
Bed Bath & Beyond is the most amazing place for your registry. They are VERY professional and take GOOD care of you. We had probably every associate in the store stop by and ask how we were doing and if we needed help. That might sound annoying, but it was actually refreshing to have folks who work in Customer Service actually give service to the customers. Overall, a fabulous experience and one I recommend for anyone who is getting married and looking for place to register. Not only do they have fabulous products and decent prices, but the service is friendly and attentive. What more could you ask for?
We had quite the productive wedding planning weekend. On Saturday we went to Facets 58, got my wedding ring fitted, ordered Jason's ring, and put money down on both. Next we went to Friar Tux to pick out and reserve the tuxes for groom, best man, groomsmen, jr groomsman, and ring bearer. After that we went to Target and spent an hour adding items to our registry. Finally, we went to the 4th class of our Pre-marriage class.
On Sunday, we spent 3 1/2 hours in Bed Bath & Beyond working on another registry. It was quite the adventure going through the whole store basically planning out our future ... everything from pots and pans to bed linens and shower curtains. It took a long time, but was actually very fun. I don't like shopping (I'm WAY too picky), but it was fun to go through and scan in all this stuff, hoping someone else will buy it for us.
Bed Bath & Beyond is the most amazing place for your registry. They are VERY professional and take GOOD care of you. We had probably every associate in the store stop by and ask how we were doing and if we needed help. That might sound annoying, but it was actually refreshing to have folks who work in Customer Service actually give service to the customers. Overall, a fabulous experience and one I recommend for anyone who is getting married and looking for place to register. Not only do they have fabulous products and decent prices, but the service is friendly and attentive. What more could you ask for?
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Postponed
Due to my incessant cough that refuses to go away, I decided to stay home as much as possible today and rest. I'll go on Wednesday during my lunch break to order the dress.
Did I mention that Jason's mom sent me the money to put down as the deposit to order the dress. Isn't that sweet of her?
Did I mention that Jason's mom sent me the money to put down as the deposit to order the dress. Isn't that sweet of her?
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Trying to be Decisive
I'm very close to going with Dress #1. After looking over the pictures Jen posted, I'm pretty sure Dress #2 looks great on the model in the picture, but would not look so great on me. However, I know how Dress #1 looks (I think it actually looks better on me than on the model in the picture), and it is the one I keep coming back to even after looking at other dresses. It is just so beautiful!
I've decided to order it from Ferndales, though, instead of Mary Me Bridal. Is that bad? I found the dress at Mary Me Bridal, but I really liked the service and atmosphere of Ferndales better. It seemed very down-to-earth and established. Mary Me is very nice, but a little too sophisticated for me (besides the fact that "Mary" should be spelled "Marry" ... and I don't like their website). Also, Ruthie at Ferndales sent me a nice card thanking me for coming and hoping to see me again soon. What personal service! I just called her to see if I could order through them, and she even remembered me! That is not something I get often living in the Metropolis.
So, I am scheduled to go in Monday and order my dress. I really hope I am making the right decision. I'm so indecisive and I keep second-guessing myself. For instance, I wonder if I should go for a more simple look ... say something like this dress. What do you think?
I've decided to order it from Ferndales, though, instead of Mary Me Bridal. Is that bad? I found the dress at Mary Me Bridal, but I really liked the service and atmosphere of Ferndales better. It seemed very down-to-earth and established. Mary Me is very nice, but a little too sophisticated for me (besides the fact that "Mary" should be spelled "Marry" ... and I don't like their website). Also, Ruthie at Ferndales sent me a nice card thanking me for coming and hoping to see me again soon. What personal service! I just called her to see if I could order through them, and she even remembered me! That is not something I get often living in the Metropolis.
So, I am scheduled to go in Monday and order my dress. I really hope I am making the right decision. I'm so indecisive and I keep second-guessing myself. For instance, I wonder if I should go for a more simple look ... say something like this dress. What do you think?
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