The past few years have brought a lot of trials, tears and smiles.
In the spring of 2006 my parents decided to take a trip to Hawaii and relax. My father, who is very active, was taking a surfing lesson. As he came back on shore, he mentioned to my mom he wasn't feeling well, and then collapsed. Thankfully there were lifeguards at the beach that administered CPR; my father had a severe heart attack and the only reason he is still with us today is because of the lifeguards (I send many thanks and happy thoughts to those that helped). He was MEDVAC'd to the Big Island for Intensive Care and surgery. I can not tell you the thoughts that go through your head when you get a call from a parent, and the news is grim - I do not wish this on anyone, and if you have experienced this, I am sorry and my heart goes out to you. My main thought was "I can't lose my father, there is still so much to do and share with him." He pulled through, and started to recover slowly. My family thought we were free and clear for a little while, but less than a year later, my father surprised us again.
In October of 2007 we were alerted to the fact that my father would have to under-go open heart surgery to replace a valve that had been slowly quitting on him. He had been in and out of the hospital that fall, and Mr. B was planning the engagement so that my father could enjoy the happy news from the comforts of home, and not in the hospital. The week after our engagement, my father went under for surgery. Thankfully, he pulled through again and has started to recover.
Again we thought we were doing well, and bad news would stay away, but in the Spring of 2008, Mr. B's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I am happy to say that she is a survivor. She is a brave, strong, and a wonderful woman; I am lucky to have her as my future Mother In Law.
After having scares, tears, and fears the past couple of years, it makes a person realize what is most important in this life, and to enjoy it to the fullest. Sometimes it is difficult to do, but Mr. B and I do try to enjoy our friends, family and each other everyday.
Even though the last few years were emotionally tough, we have had joys as well! Not only do we have 2 nephews on Mr. B's side, we were blessed with a niece from my brother this fall. The 3 kids bring so much love, joy, and laughter to our lives! We look forward to watching them grow, learn and become amazing people.
With all the trials we have endured we recognize that our wedding is not only the celebration of the two of us, but it is the celebration of life. We at first didn't want a large wedding, (as I previously wrote), but then we realized that the wedding is the perfect place to celebrate with people who touch our lives, share our joys, and our sorrows. The celebration is not only one of Mr. B and I getting married, but a celebration of life.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Spreading the Word
Martha, Martha, Martha - how wonderful are you?
After choosing the dress styles and colors for my wedding party, I wanted to send them something that had the swatches and pictures of the dress choices. In stepped Martha Stewart (via a poster on wedding bee).
Martha had information on creating Bridesmaid Fashion Cards (link here) and I loved them.
I followed the directions off of Martha for the most part, but added a few other items. The front of the card listed each bridesmaid's name, the dress information, what type of jewelery to wear, and when the dresses would have to be ordered. On the far right I also put the contact information of every bridesmaid, in case they need to get a hold of one another.
I did find the template a little difficult to use on my computer so I created one in word. Here is what mine ended up looking like:
I copied the photos off of Aria's website that showed the 4 choices of dress the girls could choose from, and placed a small envelope with the 2 swatches in it so they could see the colors.
On the back of the card I listed Aria's store information and how to call for a home try-on since they only have 3 showrooms in the US.
I typed up a fun intro card explaining what it was the card had, and thanked everyone again for being in our wedding. I also included a fun "what not to wear" in the shoes department. Each of the bridesmaids can choose the style of shoe they would like to wear, my only request is open toe and strapy - but not hooker shoes!
I then put them all in a fun envelope and sealed them with a sticker that said "You can so wear it again!"
They were fun to make, and I think they turned out pretty cute!
After choosing the dress styles and colors for my wedding party, I wanted to send them something that had the swatches and pictures of the dress choices. In stepped Martha Stewart (via a poster on wedding bee).
Martha had information on creating Bridesmaid Fashion Cards (link here) and I loved them.
I followed the directions off of Martha for the most part, but added a few other items. The front of the card listed each bridesmaid's name, the dress information, what type of jewelery to wear, and when the dresses would have to be ordered. On the far right I also put the contact information of every bridesmaid, in case they need to get a hold of one another.
I did find the template a little difficult to use on my computer so I created one in word. Here is what mine ended up looking like:
On the back of the card I listed Aria's store information and how to call for a home try-on since they only have 3 showrooms in the US.
I typed up a fun intro card explaining what it was the card had, and thanked everyone again for being in our wedding. I also included a fun "what not to wear" in the shoes department. Each of the bridesmaids can choose the style of shoe they would like to wear, my only request is open toe and strapy - but not hooker shoes!
I then put them all in a fun envelope and sealed them with a sticker that said "You can so wear it again!"
They were fun to make, and I think they turned out pretty cute!
Freak Out
I had a wedding day freak out. Our original plan was to get married at the venue outside in the wonderful courtyard. And then today it rained. Not just a light sprinkle of rain, but a massive down poor. And I freaked!
I started freaking out about our wedding day - even though it is a long ways away, I freaked! The back up plan at the venue is to have the ceremony in the tent. Umm, good back up plan, but I didn't like it. Little known fact about me is I was a Debutante in Denver in 1998. We were presented to society and I wore a wedding dress. Yes, a wedding dress. The presentation was outside at a lovely, beautiful club, and it never rained on the Ball Day.... except for my year. It poured and made everything move inside. I do not want that to happen on my wedding day! The next time I wear a wedding dress, I will be where I should be regardless of (and without) weather!
That made Mr. B and I start talking about alternatives. We love Newburyport in the North Shore of Boston. During the summer we love to go up, have dinner and visit the wonderful town. Right in the center of town is a beautiful church that has a steeple. I absolutely loved the steeple. I started to research it, and low and behold you do not need to be a member to be married in it. We could also bring an outside person to marry us! We went to see the church, and this is what we saw:
I loved it! It was built in 1801 as a meeting house, and still has little doors on the pews and some pews still have the bread shelf that people used when at church.
Coming from the West Coast we don't have too many old, unique buildings. I loved it! And best of all we can take photos down by the water before heading to the reception!
Did anyone else have a freak out that changed your original plan?
Color Choices and Bridesmaid Dresses Decided!
Choosing the bridesmaid dresses and colors led me to many color websites, and bridesmaid dress sites. One of my bridesmaids, Miss L, came to visit in the spring. I figured it was a perfect time to go to Aria in Boston and try on a few options.
If you are still looking for a place to order bridesmaid dresses from, I highly recommend Aria. It is a great experience and the stores are really cute! I had already seen styles on the website that I wanted Miss L to try on. I wanted to make sure all the girls could be comfortable, and relaxed as possible in the bridesmaid dress that was chosen. The four styles below I figured would flatter most body shapes, and the 9 bridesmaids could find one they were happy with! (the halter is shown here in a long dress, but all dresses would be knee length)
If you are still looking for a place to order bridesmaid dresses from, I highly recommend Aria. It is a great experience and the stores are really cute! I had already seen styles on the website that I wanted Miss L to try on. I wanted to make sure all the girls could be comfortable, and relaxed as possible in the bridesmaid dress that was chosen. The four styles below I figured would flatter most body shapes, and the 9 bridesmaids could find one they were happy with! (the halter is shown here in a long dress, but all dresses would be knee length)
Miss L tried them on, and did like them all. She thought that the halter was best on her, but liked all of the styles. We then started to play with colors. They have some fabulous colors at Aria. So many were vibrant and rich. Three of the colors I loved were a light blue, navy and a peacock green. I loved all 3 colors, but started to think of 9 girls in the same color. Some of the more vibrant ones I was concerned would be too bright.
I did really love the navy, and thought it would be a classic look and not really go out of style. I started to pair the navy with different sashes. The one that made me swoon for our wedding was a light pink sash.
Isn't the navy and pink great? I love the colors for spring and think it works perfect in our venue!
Matchy, Matcy! Or not....
I never wanted to be the bride to utter the words “you can so wear it again!” You know, like in 27 Dresses? (One of my favorite wedding movies!) But I did want the bridesmaids to like what they are wearing, feel comfortable in them, and enjoy them during the day. I also really wanted to stay under the $200 mark.
One day my bridesmaid Miss D and I went on the hunt. We found some really cute and really interesting dresses. Even one that had a tail. Really, we didn’t know what to do with it. It wasn’t a train, it was a tail. Proof:
After looking at some options, I came to realize I really like the each girl in a different style – same length and color – but different style. I have 9 girls and no two are the same size, shape or height! So how could I pick one style that will look great and make everyone happy?
Anyone else have lots of bridesmaids that are different shapes and sizes? How did you choose the BM dress?
One day my bridesmaid Miss D and I went on the hunt. We found some really cute and really interesting dresses. Even one that had a tail. Really, we didn’t know what to do with it. It wasn’t a train, it was a tail. Proof:
After looking at some options, I came to realize I really like the each girl in a different style – same length and color – but different style. I have 9 girls and no two are the same size, shape or height! So how could I pick one style that will look great and make everyone happy?
Anyone else have lots of bridesmaids that are different shapes and sizes? How did you choose the BM dress?
Asking my Leading Ladies to Stand With Me
I knew how I wanted to ask my wedding party from day one: a special card that was picked for them, and written with words only for them.
After deciding on my wonderful pose, I went to one of my favorite stores: Papyrus. Here I found beautiful cards, each one that was similar to the bridesmaid's personality, or had something to do with our relationship. I then sat down and wrote my heart out to each of the girls, asking them to be by my side, as they always have been, on the biggest day of my life.
How did you ask your girls?
After deciding on my wonderful pose, I went to one of my favorite stores: Papyrus. Here I found beautiful cards, each one that was similar to the bridesmaid's personality, or had something to do with our relationship. I then sat down and wrote my heart out to each of the girls, asking them to be by my side, as they always have been, on the biggest day of my life.
How did you ask your girls?
A dash, a stab, and a swimsuit
Filene’s Running of the Brides - a tradition that started in Boston. I had always wanted to go and see it, just to experience the craziness.
I decided that this was my chance. I recruited a few good friends, and my mom flew out from Colorado for it. It was a fun, tiring and successful day!
The running of the brides is typically held at Filene's basement but they were going through renovations so they moved it to the Hynes Convention Center. A lot of brides started to line up at 3 AM (we weren't that crazy) and it was snowing. We found out the inside doors to the convention center opened at 7 AM and the dress doors at 8 AM. That schedule made our meeting time easy.
We met at the Hynes at about 7:15 am - which was perfect - we didn't have to wait outside in the cold at all - and we weren't the LAST in line (but we were way back there). At one point an event person was telling everyone they are moving the line up a little, but the doors are not opening. I guess they didn't want everyone running and rushing the doors, causing mass chaos.
Then the line started to move, and it started to pick up pace - once we hit the open doors - you saw LOTS of empty racks - there were 3000 gowns to start with and they were off the racks in 60 seconds! My team was great - they hit the open floor and started to run, trying to find any dress. They had my mom and I stay in one place, holding everyone's coats. Then the serious business started. Dresses started to appear from nowhere. Many weren't my size or style, but we could use them for trading. Without knowing what we were getting into you learn really fast! There is trading, bargaining and bartering with anyone who might have your bride's size- I heard it was pretty civil, but there was some stealing going on!
I found this process actually really great. You put on a dress, the dress either fits or it doesn't - making the decision very easy. If it fits you have your team look at you, and give an honest opinion, you don't have time to be nice, there is no time. Honesty comes out, which I love. So we narrowed it down to 4 dresses to try again. I had a runner-up, and then two of my teammates saw a girl trying on a dress that they figured could be "it". They stalked her and waited to see if she wanted it... she took it off, gave it to them, and they forced me to try it on (I was pretty sure that I was good with the runner-up). But they made me and I am glad they did!
It ended up being the one I got! My mom started to cry, my future in-laws started to cry, I was crying - everyone was crying.... So it was IT - then everyone cheers! And the other groups around you cheer! It was a really cool experience. And (I am going to share as I love this!), when we were checking out the buyer for this event was there and looked at the dress - the tag said it was $1500 and up - so we asked what she thought the price would have been. The buyer quoted us "at least $2500"... and we got it for $250 - we lost a ZERO!!!!! The price isn't the only great thing, the dress is discontinued, no longer even on websites, so I am the only one I know that has this dress - I am unique!
My team leaving; it was a success!
All in all it was a great experience! I recommend it to anyone~ and I would love to be a helper next time - let me steal some dresses. :0)
Oh, the girl who originally had my dress ended up with one of my top 4 dresses - so it all works.
My wonderful team; they were so competitive!
The shirts I made for my team; if you have seen the Friends episode then you know what this means!
Here is a link to Boston.com's photos (below) and I have attached a few as well. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this day wonderful - it is an experience I will never forget! I look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Boston.com link:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/weddings/gallery/running_of_brides_2008/
I decided that this was my chance. I recruited a few good friends, and my mom flew out from Colorado for it. It was a fun, tiring and successful day!
The running of the brides is typically held at Filene's basement but they were going through renovations so they moved it to the Hynes Convention Center. A lot of brides started to line up at 3 AM (we weren't that crazy) and it was snowing. We found out the inside doors to the convention center opened at 7 AM and the dress doors at 8 AM. That schedule made our meeting time easy.
We met at the Hynes at about 7:15 am - which was perfect - we didn't have to wait outside in the cold at all - and we weren't the LAST in line (but we were way back there). At one point an event person was telling everyone they are moving the line up a little, but the doors are not opening. I guess they didn't want everyone running and rushing the doors, causing mass chaos.
Then the line started to move, and it started to pick up pace - once we hit the open doors - you saw LOTS of empty racks - there were 3000 gowns to start with and they were off the racks in 60 seconds! My team was great - they hit the open floor and started to run, trying to find any dress. They had my mom and I stay in one place, holding everyone's coats. Then the serious business started. Dresses started to appear from nowhere. Many weren't my size or style, but we could use them for trading. Without knowing what we were getting into you learn really fast! There is trading, bargaining and bartering with anyone who might have your bride's size- I heard it was pretty civil, but there was some stealing going on!
I found this process actually really great. You put on a dress, the dress either fits or it doesn't - making the decision very easy. If it fits you have your team look at you, and give an honest opinion, you don't have time to be nice, there is no time. Honesty comes out, which I love. So we narrowed it down to 4 dresses to try again. I had a runner-up, and then two of my teammates saw a girl trying on a dress that they figured could be "it". They stalked her and waited to see if she wanted it... she took it off, gave it to them, and they forced me to try it on (I was pretty sure that I was good with the runner-up). But they made me and I am glad they did!
It ended up being the one I got! My mom started to cry, my future in-laws started to cry, I was crying - everyone was crying.... So it was IT - then everyone cheers! And the other groups around you cheer! It was a really cool experience. And (I am going to share as I love this!), when we were checking out the buyer for this event was there and looked at the dress - the tag said it was $1500 and up - so we asked what she thought the price would have been. The buyer quoted us "at least $2500"... and we got it for $250 - we lost a ZERO!!!!! The price isn't the only great thing, the dress is discontinued, no longer even on websites, so I am the only one I know that has this dress - I am unique!
My team leaving; it was a success!
All in all it was a great experience! I recommend it to anyone~ and I would love to be a helper next time - let me steal some dresses. :0)
Oh, the girl who originally had my dress ended up with one of my top 4 dresses - so it all works.
My wonderful team; they were so competitive!
The shirts I made for my team; if you have seen the Friends episode then you know what this means!
Here is a link to Boston.com's photos (below) and I have attached a few as well. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this day wonderful - it is an experience I will never forget! I look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Boston.com link:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/weddings/gallery/running_of_brides_2008/
Dress Shopping # 2 and #3
My BM Miss G came to visit in January last year and we went dress shopping. She is probably the most honest person when it comes to clothing and what does and does not work.
The store we went to was highly recommended and some of my Boston friends had gotten their dresses there. It was a good experience and I tried on a lot of different dresses. One thing I did not like was the fact I couldn’t pick out the dresses myself; they were all in the storage room and the assistant would pull them out.
Miss G and I had fun. We laughed at some dresses, thought some were pretty but all-in-all none of them created that WOW factor, so we left.
Then my mom came out in February and we went for round 3. This was just a horrible experience. Remember my first dress shopping experience? The sales lady was so nice and made me feel good about myself because the dress samples were small, and wouldn't fit? Well, this experience was the complete opposite.
Before I tried on any of the dresses she would say something to the effect of:
The store we went to was highly recommended and some of my Boston friends had gotten their dresses there. It was a good experience and I tried on a lot of different dresses. One thing I did not like was the fact I couldn’t pick out the dresses myself; they were all in the storage room and the assistant would pull them out.
Miss G and I had fun. We laughed at some dresses, thought some were pretty but all-in-all none of them created that WOW factor, so we left.
Then my mom came out in February and we went for round 3. This was just a horrible experience. Remember my first dress shopping experience? The sales lady was so nice and made me feel good about myself because the dress samples were small, and wouldn't fit? Well, this experience was the complete opposite.
Before I tried on any of the dresses she would say something to the effect of:
- "Nope, this one won't fit you."
- "Don't think we can zip this one up."
- "No, this one won't work either, it is too small."
My mom and I are pretty level headed, however, we both wanted to slap this woman! Of course the sample size isn't going to fit me, but do you have to say it for every dress? Apparently she did.
Then one of the other sales associates had me try on a beautiful gown which was her favorite. I liked it, I thought it was beautiful. However, she added that she had just sold 2 of these dresses, yesterday. I am a bride who doesn't mind sharing certain aspects of a wedding; the venue, the church, etc. However, I don't want to feel like the dress I want is going to be all over the place and everyone is going to have it, or see another bride in the same dress. I want to be unique and different, I want to be the only one in my gown. Her comment made that decision easy, so we left.
Trying on Dresses
My first dress experience was after our engagement shower in Colorado. My mom and I were so excited, we were going to go try on dresses then go and see 27 Dresses as it just hit the theaters.
We woke up to this:
And it was even worse! Thankfully my father has a HUGE car and drove us to the wedding shop.
I loved walking in the store, looking and touching the gowns and saying “I’ll try on that one.” You kind of feel like Pretty Woman, being catered to and having everything done for you, it was great! The trying on part - that was kind of great. I am not a teeny tiny, pint-sized girl. Some of the samples didn’t fit, man it kills your ego. But the sales woman was nice enough to tell me, most people don’t fit in them as they are made for models. Her comment made me feel a little better.
My mom and I didn’t really have a budget in mind, or anything that we wanted to try. We just wanted to put me in dresses.
It was fun! I tried on some beautiful gowns, they felt so good against my skin! Knowing the wedding was more than a year-and-a-half away though, my mom and I didn’t want to purchase anything, since it was the first dress shopping experience. So we left empty handed, and had a great lunch talking about how excited we were about the upcoming year and all the planning, and what dress styles we liked, etc. The snow kept falling all the while. My father came to pick us up in the trusty big car, and then we went home. We had to cancel our plans for 27 Dresses because of the snow, which really bummed us out! But at least we tried on dresses!
We woke up to this:
And it was even worse! Thankfully my father has a HUGE car and drove us to the wedding shop.
I loved walking in the store, looking and touching the gowns and saying “I’ll try on that one.” You kind of feel like Pretty Woman, being catered to and having everything done for you, it was great! The trying on part - that was kind of great. I am not a teeny tiny, pint-sized girl. Some of the samples didn’t fit, man it kills your ego. But the sales woman was nice enough to tell me, most people don’t fit in them as they are made for models. Her comment made me feel a little better.
My mom and I didn’t really have a budget in mind, or anything that we wanted to try. We just wanted to put me in dresses.
It was fun! I tried on some beautiful gowns, they felt so good against my skin! Knowing the wedding was more than a year-and-a-half away though, my mom and I didn’t want to purchase anything, since it was the first dress shopping experience. So we left empty handed, and had a great lunch talking about how excited we were about the upcoming year and all the planning, and what dress styles we liked, etc. The snow kept falling all the while. My father came to pick us up in the trusty big car, and then we went home. We had to cancel our plans for 27 Dresses because of the snow, which really bummed us out! But at least we tried on dresses!
Our first shower
Our first shower was held on Christmas Eve last year. Like many families now, my family did not grow up near my grandparents or our cousins. While my family lived in Colorado, my extended family was in New Mexico and Texas. So what we did do was create a “family” in Colorado. Two other families near us had kids around my brother and my ages, and were also far from their extended families. Our 3 families started sharing holidays, birthdays, and life milestones together. There are a total of 9 kids in the "Colorado Family," and there are only 3 of us girls, so I made Miss. P and Miss JH two of my bridesmaids!
We have all grown up and moved on. Most of my "Colorado Family" is located throughout the US now, and most have started families of their own. However, despite the distance, Christmas is still a tradition. We have now started on and off years in Colorado for the holidays; spending the off years with the in-laws. 2007 was an on year, bringing us all together again. The next time we will all be together is the wedding, as 2008 is an off year.
Anyway, this shower had an Irish theme (even though they served great Lebanese food) – it was a blast! However, I am typically the one throwing parties and making sure everyone is happy, so it was really odd having all eyes on us! I wore a veil and we made out like bandits (which was great because we hadn’t even registered yet)! Even though the gifts were wonderful, it was even better sharing that special moment with the family and knowing they support us in our marriage. It was wonderful!
The original 9 with the significant others:
The ones that have kids now.... (we had 6 little ones running around, it was so much fun!):
Me and Mr. B opening gifts:
Do you have family friends that are like family?
We have all grown up and moved on. Most of my "Colorado Family" is located throughout the US now, and most have started families of their own. However, despite the distance, Christmas is still a tradition. We have now started on and off years in Colorado for the holidays; spending the off years with the in-laws. 2007 was an on year, bringing us all together again. The next time we will all be together is the wedding, as 2008 is an off year.
Anyway, this shower had an Irish theme (even though they served great Lebanese food) – it was a blast! However, I am typically the one throwing parties and making sure everyone is happy, so it was really odd having all eyes on us! I wore a veil and we made out like bandits (which was great because we hadn’t even registered yet)! Even though the gifts were wonderful, it was even better sharing that special moment with the family and knowing they support us in our marriage. It was wonderful!
The original 9 with the significant others:
The ones that have kids now.... (we had 6 little ones running around, it was so much fun!):
Me and Mr. B opening gifts:
Do you have family friends that are like family?
The Choice
Where did I leave off... oh yes, the GREAT debate: which venue to choose? We went back and forth for a good while, knowing the clock was ticking as other couples had already inquired about our date at these venues. So we looked at photos of each venue and weighed the pros and cons. Mr. B is great at being a devil's advocate, and when he is, I think he is fighting for what he wants. For instance, he kept bringing up the venue on the water and I kept saying, "if that is what you want, we’ll go there!"
But in the end, it wasn’t what he wanted – he just wanted to look at each option and see what was best. So when it came down to it, the 100-year-old estate won. I loved the fact that I didn’t have to hire all the vendors and the tent is included in the rental, and Mr. B loved the fact he was able to choose the alcohol. I present you with our wedding venue:
I love it. The red door, the tent, the beautiful flowers! It's perfect!
But in the end, it wasn’t what he wanted – he just wanted to look at each option and see what was best. So when it came down to it, the 100-year-old estate won. I loved the fact that I didn’t have to hire all the vendors and the tent is included in the rental, and Mr. B loved the fact he was able to choose the alcohol. I present you with our wedding venue:
I love it. The red door, the tent, the beautiful flowers! It's perfect!
Love at Last!
Was I discouraged? Sure. Was I beat down? Yup. But did I stop? Not at all! Like any bride, I went to the trusty bridal magazines and their back pages and started looking at the chart – you know the one that has all of the reception sites with size of halls, pricing etc.
I then stumbled across the two seemingly perfect sites: an old estate and a beautiful room on the water.
Next step, we set up appointments to view both venues. First was the beautiful old estate. It is a 100-year-old estate nestled in a state park, but it just opened for events in the summer of 2007 so it would be a unique visit for most of our guests. There was a tent (again I love tents!), and the tent had a cement floor. We could have the ceremony on site, they only held one wedding a day, had beautiful lawns, and a really unique setting. We both left there loving it.
I then stumbled across the two seemingly perfect sites: an old estate and a beautiful room on the water.
Next step, we set up appointments to view both venues. First was the beautiful old estate. It is a 100-year-old estate nestled in a state park, but it just opened for events in the summer of 2007 so it would be a unique visit for most of our guests. There was a tent (again I love tents!), and the tent had a cement floor. We could have the ceremony on site, they only held one wedding a day, had beautiful lawns, and a really unique setting. We both left there loving it.
Then came the beautiful place by the water. This venue had an amazing deck, a beautiful chandelier, a great bar (Mr. B could order any beer on tap), and it would be all ours for the day! We left there in awe of the place.
Then the debate began. What I wanted, and what he wanted.
It was our first argument as an engaged couple about the wedding. Who won? I’ll tell you soon!
Then the debate began. What I wanted, and what he wanted.
It was our first argument as an engaged couple about the wedding. Who won? I’ll tell you soon!
Did anyone else have a healthy debate about their wedding venue?
Heart Breaks #2 and #3
After the golf course idea crashed, we started to toy with the idea of going to Cape Cod. I have never been to the Cape, but have seen photos and love weddings on the beach! I found this beautiful, wonderful site, and I was in LOVE! I fell in love with Chatham Bars Inn:
What’s not to love? It’s on the water, it is simply beautiful – and we can have fire pits! I love fire pits! I loved it! S’more favors - how awesome would that be? Couldn’t you see all our guests around a fire, roasting marshmallows? I could and I did love it.
Then came the price, and again – heart break. Why oh why can’t I win the lotto?!
(photo from Brides.com)
Amazing – I could picture us getting married, saying our vows, and dancing by the ocean. Little did I know that this is one of the most expensive places on the Cape! I called, and almost had a heart attack at the price. I even asked for off season pricing – that didn’t help much at all – there was no discount. I guess a place that is this beautiful can absolutely do that.
So I continued to look into the beach idea. I found this beauty in Newport, RI – I had stumbled on this site many times before we were engaged and absolutely loved it.
What’s not to love? It’s on the water, it is simply beautiful – and we can have fire pits! I love fire pits! I loved it! S’more favors - how awesome would that be? Couldn’t you see all our guests around a fire, roasting marshmallows? I could and I did love it.
Then came the price, and again – heart break. Why oh why can’t I win the lotto?!
Heart Breaks
The excitement. The Love. The Thrill. The Chase. The Heart Break!
No, I am not talking about relationships before Mr. B, I am talking about the venue search. It hurt a lot, but in the end I am back in love!
Let me start by showing you my first heartbreak.
As we had already decided, our wedding guest list was on the larger side… that cut down numerous venues to visit. And I am a little odd, as I did not want to look at hotel ballrooms. Due to my job, I work in quite a few hotel ballrooms throughout the US, and they are all beautiful, but sadly I associate it with work. I did not want my wedding day to feel like work! So with that rule, I cut the list in half again. So thanks to Mr. B for all the wedding magazines I started to look at the list of places we could go and see.
First on the list, this beautiful golf course/country club:
It had a beautiful setting, a tent (I love tents!) and a beautiful view of Boston!
Then the heart break came. I called to get pricing. Another thing that you run into with a larger wedding, the price per person makes a BIG difference! They were a little out of our budget… we didn’t even go and look.
Anyone else have heart break?
No, I am not talking about relationships before Mr. B, I am talking about the venue search. It hurt a lot, but in the end I am back in love!
Let me start by showing you my first heartbreak.
As we had already decided, our wedding guest list was on the larger side… that cut down numerous venues to visit. And I am a little odd, as I did not want to look at hotel ballrooms. Due to my job, I work in quite a few hotel ballrooms throughout the US, and they are all beautiful, but sadly I associate it with work. I did not want my wedding day to feel like work! So with that rule, I cut the list in half again. So thanks to Mr. B for all the wedding magazines I started to look at the list of places we could go and see.
First on the list, this beautiful golf course/country club:
It had a beautiful setting, a tent (I love tents!) and a beautiful view of Boston!
Then the heart break came. I called to get pricing. Another thing that you run into with a larger wedding, the price per person makes a BIG difference! They were a little out of our budget… we didn’t even go and look.
Anyone else have heart break?
Large or small with that wedding?
Before choosing a wedding reception site, we had to figure out if we would have a large or small wedding. We already knew the wedding would be in Boston, as it made the most sense. Most of my family and friends would have to travel regardless of where the wedding was, and most of Mr. B’s family is located in or around Boston. Why make all wedding guests travel when only one side has to?
We started to write out a mock guest list. In our minds we thought a small intimate affair would be perfect with 80 to 100 guests. When we started to write out the guest list though we realized that we aren’t the first of our friends to get married, or the last, but the majority of our friends and family have significant others or are married. That doubled the list fast! Just the list with friends and no family came to 70 people! 70 PEOPLE! We took a little breather, and realized that the day is about celebrating our life together, our families and our friends, regardless of the size. The only logical size of wedding we could have was one that has about 220-240 people.
Was anyone else shocked by how fast their guest list grew?
We started to write out a mock guest list. In our minds we thought a small intimate affair would be perfect with 80 to 100 guests. When we started to write out the guest list though we realized that we aren’t the first of our friends to get married, or the last, but the majority of our friends and family have significant others or are married. That doubled the list fast! Just the list with friends and no family came to 70 people! 70 PEOPLE! We took a little breather, and realized that the day is about celebrating our life together, our families and our friends, regardless of the size. The only logical size of wedding we could have was one that has about 220-240 people.
Was anyone else shocked by how fast their guest list grew?
How We Met
Mr. B’s brother, S, was hosting a party over Memorial Day weekend in 2003. My friend from grad school, Miss KR, invited me to meet her "preppy" cousin, Mr. B. Well, Mr. B did not arrive in the predicted khakis and popped collar polo; instead, he showed up in a worn-out DATD* t-shirt. Regardless, it appeared that a match was in the making.
Anyway, after discussing molecular physics and advanced game theory for a little while -- or nothing remotely close to that – Mr. B asked me for my number. Mr. B ended up throwing out my number accidentally while cleaning and had to get it back. Once he recovered my phone number he gave me a call, and the rest is history. Oh, wait – Mr. B also had to cancel the first date twice, but sometime after that it began. Moving on...
* DATD = Day after Thanksgiving Day –a party one of Mr. B’s friends hosts every year, it is a big deal with the Boston Boys.
It's a Date!
So we were engaged the end of October, I started a new job on November 14, and my father had heart surgery in between. Needless to say, it was a crazy fall.
To help, or keep my mind off things, the event planner side of me kicked in and started freaking out about all the things we had to do. Mr. B thought I was crazy, but I think in the long run he appreciated me getting the big things booked.
First thing first, we had to decide on a date. I have always loved fall weddings, but low and behold, I am marrying a sports fan – not just any spots fan – a Red Sox fan. If there are any “Sports Fan” wives/girlfriends out there, I know you hear me! My family and I often joke that my relationship is similar to Fever Pitch, but without the Red Sox items everywhere, or the season tickets! With Mr. B being a huge sports fan, October was out. I just had a vision of the Red Sox making the playoffs, and no one would come to the wedding – not even the groom!
August was the next month in question. In Boston, summer is beautiful, the colors pop, and it is warm. However, I realized that an August wedding was less than a year away. I know many people get married in less than a year, but I am a little stress ball, and that would just stress me out. Also, the groom had to finish grad school and wouldn't be done until May. I did mention we could wait and do an August 2009 wedding. Mr. B was very cute and replied he couldn’t wait until August ’09 to marry me, he has been waiting long enough. So, the date question continued.
Then it dawned on us -- Memorial Day weekend in 2009! It was perfect, we met that weekend at a party (more to come on that), family and friends could travel and see Boston, and we were planning early enough that we could choose all the best vendors and not worry about the “I am sorry we are booked” answers we did not want to receive.
To help, or keep my mind off things, the event planner side of me kicked in and started freaking out about all the things we had to do. Mr. B thought I was crazy, but I think in the long run he appreciated me getting the big things booked.
First thing first, we had to decide on a date. I have always loved fall weddings, but low and behold, I am marrying a sports fan – not just any spots fan – a Red Sox fan. If there are any “Sports Fan” wives/girlfriends out there, I know you hear me! My family and I often joke that my relationship is similar to Fever Pitch, but without the Red Sox items everywhere, or the season tickets! With Mr. B being a huge sports fan, October was out. I just had a vision of the Red Sox making the playoffs, and no one would come to the wedding – not even the groom!
August was the next month in question. In Boston, summer is beautiful, the colors pop, and it is warm. However, I realized that an August wedding was less than a year away. I know many people get married in less than a year, but I am a little stress ball, and that would just stress me out. Also, the groom had to finish grad school and wouldn't be done until May. I did mention we could wait and do an August 2009 wedding. Mr. B was very cute and replied he couldn’t wait until August ’09 to marry me, he has been waiting long enough. So, the date question continued.
Then it dawned on us -- Memorial Day weekend in 2009! It was perfect, we met that weekend at a party (more to come on that), family and friends could travel and see Boston, and we were planning early enough that we could choose all the best vendors and not worry about the “I am sorry we are booked” answers we did not want to receive.
How did you decided on your date?
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