{ Planning } Dr. Suess

― Dr. Seuss

I have always loved this quote. I think that it would be great to use on the save the dates, or the invitations. It's so simple and so true. Always a saying that makes me smile.

I suppose it's getting to be that time... To plan out the STDs and invites. Yikes. Time really has flown by! I suppose that means I should really get that list of addresses for these bad boys put together. -sigh-

Did you have any inspiration for your STDs and invites?

{ Planning } Just Say No

In all my time (you know, all four months) being engaged and planning a wedding, I haven't actually had to say 'no' to anyone yet. It's been one big whirlwind of 'yes' since I said yes to Carl... Which is great, since no isn't a word that I care to say. I'm what you call a people pleaser. I hate having to tell people no... Even when I know I have to.

So, naturally, the time has finally come to say no.

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I had a vendor email me and ask if I had made a decision yet. We had, but I wasn't quite sure how to phrase my email back to her, so I told her I would get back to her by Friday... well Friday came and went. I know I need to email her back. She deserves a response... but my delightful mixture of anxiety and aversion to the word no is making this super hard!

I consulted a friend at work who is one of our even planners. She gave me the confidence that this vendor wasn't going to hate me. She wasn't going to go crazy and freak out. She wasn't going to have anything bad to say... She'd just take another job and move on.

So why is this part so hard?

After a few deep breaths and relaxation exercises, I set in to write my email.

Dear X,
It was a pleasure to meet you last week! I am sorry it has taken me a little longer to get back to you than I had promised. I did want to let you know that Carl and I have decided to use another vendor for our wedding, but we do appreciate the time you took to show us your work.
We wish you the best!
Katie & Carl

So... How'd I do? Too short? Too simple? Should I have elaborated more, or was that really not needed? The moment of dread has set in now that the 'send' button has been clicked. Now I just smile and move on, happy with our choice in vendor, right? RIGHT??!

How did you deal with turning down vendors? Did you send an email, call, or did you just sort of... fade out of the picture?

{ Planning } Readings, Part Two

I read this quote awhile back by the great Bob Marley and thought that it would make a perfect wedding reading. Even though it is a little long, it's such a great description of love and being in love...

Image Source / Blogger

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”
― Bob Marley

Do you have any non-traditional reading you love?  How did you go about picking your wedding readings?

{ Food } A Different Kind of Tasting

When I pictured going to a tasting for our wedding meal, I imagined something formal and maybe even slightly awkward. Food was placed in front of Carl and I... we ate, we discussed, more food was brought out. We ate, we discussed... It felt very stiff and mechanical to me. I was actually a little nervous.

I am a neurotic girl, I know this. Anyone who knows me knows this, so I spent hours worrying after we booked. I knew that our venue held a different kind of tasting event and that it wouldn't be so personal, but it didn't matter. I still worried. What if they didn't have the entree Carl and I wanted to try? What if all of the food was awful? What if I did it all... wrong?

About a month ago, we attended our venue's tasting. It was a piece of cake... It didn't hurt, it wasn't awkward. It wasn't painful. It was just... like a tiny buffet.

They set up a sample of their appetizers... Of which we took a bunch!

They had sample tables set and other decor for us to view...

They had cake -- lots of cake! And a chocolate fountain!

And then... the entrees. Carl and I each literally took one of everything. After nom nom noming, we talked about the foods we had scarfed down - er, delicately enjoyed like civil humans - and came to the same conclusion. We have a menu selection!

It was a lot of fun to go just as Carl and myself to experience this mini bridal fair type event that was exclusive to our venue. After trying out their cake provided by the preferred vendor... I'm anxious for the day we get to stuff our faces with loads of the sweet stuff!

I shall have one of each, please...

What kind of tasting did your venue provide?

{ Planning } Readings, Part One

I know that planning our ceremony will be something Carl and I want to put a lot of thought into. As I come across readings that I feel touched by, I have been gathering them so that when the time to plan comes, we have plenty to work with. Among the readings that I have really enjoyed is the Apache Wedding Blessing.

"Now you will feel no rain
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons
But there is one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness
And may your days be good and long upon the earth."

-Apache Wedding Blessing

I love this. I can see it being read by my oldest siblings together, stanza by stanza. Wouldn't that be magical?
Remind me later that I can't have a million readings... Or our ceremony will last until the sun sets!

Did you have trouble narrowing down your choices for wedding readings? How did you choose which made the cut?

{ Inspiration } Aisles

I had never thought about decorating the aisle I would be walking down. In my wedding blog stalking, I started seeing all these pretty pictures of different ways that aisles had been decorated. It got me to thinking... Outdoor August wedding in the early evening... Maybe a little gussying up would be nice! There are lost of styles to choose from. Check out some of these beauties!

Did you chose to decorate your aisle or not? What effected your decision?

{ Venues } Ceremony & Reception

It's been a while, but I thought I would let you all know... We're all booked! After days and weeks and hours spent looking for, emailing, and researching venues, we are all done searching. I really thought that looking for a venue was going to kill me. Carl and I knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony. We also knew we wanted to book a place that had ceremony and reception on site. I had been trying to stay within a certain ring around the Twin Cities area. We wanted to make sure there were hotels in the area and all that good stuff...

There was a time when, during the search, I yelled at my computer. I had sent out just about my one millionth inquiry and I might have snapped a little. Was it too much to ask that a place be somewhat affordable and pretty and do ceremony and reception on site?!!

It wasn't until I really started to spreadsheet out every cost and detail that I got good at narrowing down all the options. We only visited three sites and narrowed down all the other options. The first place was a dud. The second was pretty for a reception, but lacked any sort of good ceremony site. The third one was juuuuuust right.

Check it out! We have access to a patio attached to our room...

There are loads of pretty settings for photographs...

Not to mention the ceremony site. The pergola is beautiful! It's actually getting moved by next spring to be framed by a pond and a willow tree. I'm in love!

The reception hall comes draped, there is a fire place and a separate breezeway (which would be awesome for the little photobooth-y thingy I want to create... cause you know, why not?). And... chandelier! Again... in love. I'm super excited to plan out the table decor and all the other details.

That's two big things off of the list! Dress bought, site booked! Now we're rolling!

How did you find your wedding venue? Did you have any particulars you were looking for that made the search tough?   

{ Planning } The Wedding Fair

This weekend, Mom, Carl & I packed up and headed to The Wedding Fair in downtown Minneapolis.

 

Originally, Mom & I were going alone, but talking about our breakfast date, Carl suddenly had an interest in going (the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right?). We all got in the car and headed to Hell's Kitchen for the best breakfast ever. Seriously. Don't believe me? Let me convince you --


Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes
Maple Bison Sausage.
The Best Damned Heuvos Rancharos.
Housemade peanut butters and jellies.
SOURDOUGH TOAST.

Are you drooling yet? Because I am... Anyway, breakfast was just the beginning of the day!

 

I was a little overwhelmed when we first walked in. We were bombarded by pamphlets and postcards and LOTS of pink. It only took about a half an hour to get comfortable and finally focus on my personal mission for the day: DJ and photog. Within the first few minutes, I was handed a champagne glass of chocolate and had my ring cleaned (even though it had just been cleaned for our engagement photos a week ago!). I might be a little addicted to getting this ring all shiny! Nothing like making my bling get a little more bling bling! Alright, I promise to never do that again. You have my word.

We saw cakes that we loved (though we want just a small cake and cupcakes). We could always have our little cake be inspired by this beauty! I love it. Simple but really pretty. I'd almost feel bad eating it. Almost...

I would not, however, feel even slightly bad about eating the above... Cake pops are delicious. Yes, I know I can and have made cakeballs. And they are incredible. But these were so friggen cute! Mom thought they would be a great idea for showers or for the gift opening.

We found this stellar get-up for the guys. Not only will Carl look amazing in brown (I swoon a little when my man is in earth tones), but the best man and my brother also look great in brown. We currently think Carl will be in brown with a green vest and the guys will be in brown with cream vests. All the guys will have the same tie. I get all giddy just picturing it! Now I just need to order a swatch of the brown the girl's dresses will be in and make sure it doesn't clash. I also have to get one of my ivory... The things you think of weeks later...

We spent a good four hours and made sure to at least pass by each booth. Overall, Carl was glad he joined us at the last minute. He got lots of good information on tuxes, we gathered ideas for honeymoons, and we found our DJ (now if only I had enough time to call them...). I got some good leads on photographers, but turns out... photogs are really fracking expensive. Like... woah. But that's a post of a different color.

I think that it was good to have attended the fair this early in our wedding planning. If we had been any deeper in, I think that it might have been a wasted day. Thankfully the three of us had a really good time together and enjoyed this event in good company.


Did you attend a wedding fair or expo? Did you think it was productive for you and your planning? Did you pursue any of the vendors you saw that day?

{ Planning } The Color Palate

I think that a lot of people get stuck in the two or three color world of weddings. I know you have your main colors, but what about come complementary colors? How do you set the tone with decor with only two colors?

I made a few color palates for Carl and I to look at to pick a sort of overall color tone. It was based off of our choices to have brown bridesmaid dresses with my ivory dress and a third color of green. Brown, ivory and green. Here is the winner! Sort of a country vintage feeling:

The bridesmaids and I discussed adding a little bling to the brown dresses since they are very simple (but beautiful!). I had a thought of having them each in a different color sash based on the above colors with some nice sparkly appliques on them!


How did you pick your colors? Did you stick with one or two, or did you go with an over all color 'theme'?

{ Planning } The Wedding Party

I'll admit that I have been the girl who has been planning her bridal party for years. Ok, maybe not seriously, but I think this is something many girls daydream about.

Carl and I wanted a small, meaningful wedding party. We wanted those who were closest to us to share in celebrating our day by standing for us at our wedding. By all means, we wanted to avoid this:

Image Source / Fan Pop

Early on, I sent an introduction email out to the girls, so that everyone could get to know one another. I'm going to cheat a little and reiterate a bit of that email for this post.

Chrissy is my Matron of Honor and we have known each other for almost 14 years. At least since homeroom in 8th grade. Isn’t that a little freaking to think about? Chrissy has always been a wonderful friend to me and we have stayed close, even through all of life’s changes throughout those 14 years, including high school, college, marriage and baby Tegan!

Sarah is my second cousin and the biggest sweetheart in the entire world. Sarah and I have always had a really special bond. I call her my sister-cousin, and for good reason. She’s fun, funny, and my partner in crime (especially while growing up and playing make-believe at the cabin!) Sarah is an extroverted version of me, and I love any time I get to spend with her.

Stacey is also a close friend of mine. I have known Stacey through my brother since high school, but we also worked together for five years, mostly just drawing cartoons for each other on our long Sundays in the summer. Stacey has been a very and honest, true friend to me over the years and even though we don’t see each other as often as we used to, I’m always glad that we’re still close. I know I can count on her honesty for just about anything from fashion to the big picture things in life.

Samantha will be our awesome Groomslady! Samantha is a long time dear friend of Carl’s and I love her to pieces, too! I have to say that I know the least about Samantha, but have enjoyed the time I have gotten to spend with her during visits to New York quite a bit. I’m looking forward to lots more…

Asking each of them was really exciting. I knew I had to ask them each in person (Carl actually asked Samantha). I wanted to see their reactions and have that memory.

I  left asking the guys up to Carl... which was easy -- He asked his best friend Matt to be his Best Man. After a few weeks of trying to ask my brother (and, I'll admit, my nagging Carl to get on with it and ask him cause I was anxious to have him be a part of it all)... I ended up asking him on the was to a Twins game. My brother is really important to me, so I was really excited to ask him, too. When he gladly accepted, we had a full wedding party and planning was ready to go.

How did you ask your bridal party to stand for you? Did you send them a card? Call them? Ask them in person? How did you choose those who would stand for you?

{ Planning } Venues: Part Deux

Last night we made our way out to our second venue viewing.

I can tell you that I was feeling a little stressed out about venues still, since after two weeks of searching and inquiring and emailing and everything but harassing the poor venue planners... We had three options total before it was back to the drawing board entirely. I kept hearing from  places "we're all booked up!" and knew that would be the case. There was still just this tiny part of me that hoped MAYBE some other brides weren't planning 16+ months in advance. Apparently we're all planning for a year ahead and we all want our venues down first.

Well now. That just makes too much sense!

So the fam, Carl and I pile into the car and trek out to the venue. The pictures were so beautiful and the gal I had been email with was so nice and patient with me. I was slightly nervous that if this was the place that felt right for me, that everyone else would hate it. I know. I'm neurotic with a dash of crazy. I worry about this stuff all the time.

I saw the large ballroom right away and it sort of made me sigh a little. A happy little 'that's so pretty!' sigh. The second ballroom (my favorite) was very similar, but smaller. There was also the great added features of a two sided glass fireplace and a sort of foyer area that could hold a gift table, cake table, etc. The two upstairs rooms had a patio that they shared, which was another nice option for guests. The third ballroom (his favorite) was shaped a little stranger, but was also really nice. I really liked them all. The third ballroom didn't have the gorgeous chandeliers or ceiling draping the others did, and that's the only knock I could think of.

We viewed the ceremony sites outdoors. The gazebo was very pretty with a great backdrop and tons of places for great photos. The pergola is going to be moved, but to a location I think is even prettier. Willow trees! I love them... And they were everywhere! There was a bridge and a pond and so much that just felt... perfect. I really loved it. I was starting to see my wedding there and it felt so nice.

There is still discussing to do. We are waiting to hear about their open dates. Carl is reviewing the menu (which I glanced at and thought looked delicious). I'll talk logistics with the 'rents. I just really felt good at this place. I had been excited about it since I remembered they did weddings and was planning this to be my coup de gras, should all the rest of the places I was researching not pan out. Knock on wood, it will all start to fall in place, soon! Then I just get to stress about... Everything else.

{ Planning } Can You Be Just... Whelmed?

I love 10 Things I Hate About You, and so far the search for venues to even consider looking at feels little like... This:

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Chastity: I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?
Bianca: I think you can in Europe.

My folks, Carl and I went on our first venue viewing on Tuesday. I've been stressing out majorly over venues, since everything seems so crazy expensive that I end up having a panic attack and avoiding my inbox filled with inquiry responses for a few days. I have a small list of a handful of places that really might work, but I'm keeping my eyes to the skies and my ear to the ground, just in case that perfect spot is still out there, hidden.

Someone once said "getting married is great... getting married in the Twin Cities sucks." Seems to be a true statement from what I can tell. Go 30 miles outside of the Twin Cites and you find awesome deals on places and beautiful locations. In the Cities? Overpriced, overpriced, overpriced.

UGH.

The fam, Carl and I went to Central Park in Woodbury. It's a cute little place, but immediately I was thinking about the fact that it's attached to a YMCA and a library. I've always had something more... private in mind. Not secluded, mind you, but not on display. Inside, the amphitheater is really nice and could be decorated really pretty. The rest of the place just felt... Community Center. The reception hall was oddly shaped, there wasn't a great spot for a dance (if you have a large group, like we will have), and it just felt lack-luster from what I had pictured in my head of "indoor garden". Also, all the views from outside included housing developments. That wouldn't make for great outdoor photos, now would it?

It wasn't what I expected, but that's why you go and look at places, right?

I guess it's on to the next few choices... We'll see what comes of those!

{ Planning } Cry Baby

I’ve been devouring The Wedding Book, by Mindy Weiss these last few days. My mom and I picked it up during the Great Wedding Guide Caper, and it’s been so incredibly helpful. And hey – if it’s good enough for Heidi Klum and Seal, it’s good enough for me.

I recently came across the chapter that talks about toasts and vows. Reading into the details about when to make toasts, what are appropriate places and times to toast, what kinds of speeches you though plan on preparing… Two things happened.

1. My stage fright started to prematurely act up. I barely made it out of my college speech class alive, and now you’re telling me I have to do it all again? In front of my FAMILY?! In front of 200 some people?! It was tough enough doing it in front of 30 strangers! And then,

2. I started to cry. Not because of the stage fright, but because I thought about some of the things I wanted to be sure to say if and when I ever make a toast during the wedding or during the rehearsal dinner… and I got emotional.

This has really brought out one of my biggest wedding fears. I’m terrified that I’m going to be a big crying mess from sun up to sun down the entire wedding weekend. I’m going to ruin my make up. I’m going to look splotchy and red in pictures. I’m going to stumble through my vows while the tears rain down. And while I know that my makeup artist will be on site to help me through it all (Megan is a goddess!), I am still terrified that all I am going to be able to do is bawl like a big, emotional baby.

I can’t explain to you why this makes me so scared, other than I want to keep a level head and really be present for my wedding, not worrying about crying and running mascara and looking like a fool. I know that the tears during the wedding crunch-time are all going to be joyous, excited, happy tears. Tears that show how in love with Carl I am. Tears that show how excited and hopeful I am about our future together… But I can’t get the image of me looking like a hysterical freak out of my head.

Being an emotional person and a worrier… This is a deadly combination.

Do you worry about your emotions getting the best of you at your wedding?

{ Planning } Great Wedding Guide Caper

To start off the very first day of my engagement, my mom took me to the one place I can literally spend all day at: the book store.

We had a mission... Find a wedding guide or two to help us get a handle on things as we started planning. This turned into quite an adventure.

First, since my mom wouldn't tell me why we were at the bookstore, we wandered around trying to find the wedding section. At one point, she even made me wait while she ran off to find someone to ask. When we finally found our way there, the selection was overwhelming.

Books for destination weddings, handmade weddings, inter-faith marriages, non-traditional marriages, groom guides, bride guides, guides on dealing with the parents... Wow.

We took huge armfuls of book from all kinds of topics and headed to a chair. Buried under books, we began to sift. It was easy to tell the books we didn't like right away. Too prim and proper. Too Martha. Too pink. When we had finally wound it down to four books, that's when it got hard.

Mom and I laughed, teared up, talked about ideas, and talked about her time as a bride. It was a really nice way to spend a day bonding together and growing in excitement for the wedding. It was step one toward Carl and my big day. It was so nice to spend that time together.

Three hours later, we had our books. One was more of a guide to the nitty-gritty planning (The Bride's Essential Wedding Planner) and the other has become my help-me-get-through-this-crazy-panic-attack book (The Wedding Book).

More on how these books are helping as planning continues!

What books did you use to help you plan? Did you actually use them, or did they collect dust?