As I mentioned in the previous post, we finally chose our wedding venue! The Conservatory in St. Charles, Missouri. It's BEAUTIFUL!!
The week we got engaged (back in early July), I bought a local wedding magazine. In the venue section, The Conservatory was at the top of the list. I was AMAZED by the picture, of course, but it looked like it would be way out of our price range so I didn't give it another thought. Plus, I really had my heart set on a destination beach wedding. Well, fast forward a few months... I realized the beach wedding was unrealistic for us, since our wedding budget turned out to be SO low. So we went back to searching for a local venue. Within 24 hours, I had two different friends mention The Conservatory. It's a beautiful garden house, heated in the winter, with plants everywhere... it's a pretty good alternative to an outdoor beach wedding! So I looked at the website with one of my girl friends, we ooh'd and ahh'd over it, but, as I first assumed, it WAS out of our price range. :( Poo. So, I continued to search. I found some other garden houses that were cheaper, but, honestly, THEY SUCKED in comparison!! So I went back to the website, looked at prices again, and noticed... OMG... week days in the winter are half off! Our Monday, February 14th wedding would be $600 instead of $1,200! I decided to show James the website, so, when he got home, I typed in gardenwedding.com... and... he gasped! Yes, my big, strong, tough, manly-man GASPED at the beauty of The Conservatory! It was priceless, and I knew immediately that it would be our venue... assuming the date/time we wanted was open still.
The following day happened to be a Wednesday, which is open house day at The Conservatory! So I grabbed one of my best girl friends, we took a drive to St. Charles, practically DIED when we saw the place in person, and, after learning my date/time was available, I booked it right away!!
Meanwhile, unsuspecting James was at work having a pretty average day. I called him, sounding really disappointed. I told him The Conservatory was booked for February 14th. He sounded totally shot down, and when he started to say "Awww, really," I said "YEAH... BECAUSE I BOOKED IT!!!!!!!" It was a cute moment! :) How could I not book that venue? He gasped!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Finally, things are coming together!
The last few weeks have been really productive! We have almost everything set up now, and the only things really left to do are the fun decorating projects (like invites and reception decor)! Be expecting some DIY tutorials in the very near future!!
So here are the things we have tackled...
Wedding date - CHECK! (February 14th, 2011)
Wedding colors - CHECK! (Black, white, and touches of red)
Wedding venue - CHECK! (The Conservatory)
Officiant - CHECK! (A very close family friend, aka "Mom #2")
Wedding music - CHECK! (Mom #2 got us a guitarist!!)
Guest list - CHECK! (Still need to print invites, though)
Wedding party - CHECK! (Not traditional choices, but I'm happy with it!)
Wedding rings - CHECK! (Jared Galleria of Jewelry, and we already wear them lol!)
Dress - CHECK! (David's Bridal, Galina Signature, still needs alterations)
Suit - CHECK! (Men's Warehouse, already altered)
Shoes - CHECK! (Mine were on sale at Burlington, his are from Men's Warehouse)
Reception date - CHECK! (February 19th, 2011)
Reception venue - CHECK! (Only $150 for the entire day, hall with full kitchen use!)
Caterer - CHECK! (My amazing brothers will make home made pizza and pasta!)
Cake - CHECK! (A friend's aunt does cake decorating, and we're using her)
Cupcakes - CHECK! (Who else?? ME!! My favorite part!!)
Photobooth - CHECK! (Definitely a splurge, but it's so fun AND it handles favors!!)
Feeling really satisfied about saying "CHECK!" so many times - CHECK!!!!!!
The wedding venue is so gorgeous it doesn't need any decorations, so we're saving some money there. Our reception venue needs a little help, though, so we've been using Craigslist to find some cheap used decorations. I got $1,000 worth of decorations for only $250. Everything is in great condition! We have hundreds of candles (tea lights, floating candles, other small candles), about 90 tea light holders, tons of other candle holders, 48 bowls for floating candles, glass tumblers, 40 5x5 table mirrors, about 40 8x8 table mirrors, tons of paper lanterns, fake calla lilies, a card box made of 3 damask print hat boxes, 50 white balloons, 12 really pretty silver balloon weights, and soo much more!
There was ONE thing about "shopping" on Craigslist that sucked, though. When I posted my ads in the "items wanted" section, I kept getting wrongfully flagged and my posts would be removed. It took me a little while to figure out why on earth my completely innocent and rule-abiding posts were being flagged, but I came to the conclusion it must be another bride looking for wedding items in the same color(s). ONLY my posts looking for color specific items were being flagged, so I guess some B*TCH thought I was competition or something. Excuse my language, but, come on, she's a B*TCH for that LOL!!
Also, a shout out to Walmart for having REALLY CUTE red tea light holders for 50 cents a piece! Shout out to Target for the discounted Halloween cupcake pans with travel lids (regular cupcake/muffin pans, but discounted because of a Halloween wrapping!!). And shout out to the various dollar stores that have had really cheap wedding items we needed! Oh, and a final shout out Office Max for having GORGEOUS invites! The price could have been better, but the selection and quality made it worth shopping there so I won't complain.
Now, if only I could figure out how the heck to work my printer!
So here are the things we have tackled...
Wedding date - CHECK! (February 14th, 2011)
Wedding colors - CHECK! (Black, white, and touches of red)
Wedding venue - CHECK! (The Conservatory)
Officiant - CHECK! (A very close family friend, aka "Mom #2")
Wedding music - CHECK! (Mom #2 got us a guitarist!!)
Guest list - CHECK! (Still need to print invites, though)
Wedding party - CHECK! (Not traditional choices, but I'm happy with it!)
Wedding rings - CHECK! (Jared Galleria of Jewelry, and we already wear them lol!)
Dress - CHECK! (David's Bridal, Galina Signature, still needs alterations)
Suit - CHECK! (Men's Warehouse, already altered)
Shoes - CHECK! (Mine were on sale at Burlington, his are from Men's Warehouse)
Reception date - CHECK! (February 19th, 2011)
Reception venue - CHECK! (Only $150 for the entire day, hall with full kitchen use!)
Caterer - CHECK! (My amazing brothers will make home made pizza and pasta!)
Cake - CHECK! (A friend's aunt does cake decorating, and we're using her)
Cupcakes - CHECK! (Who else?? ME!! My favorite part!!)
Photobooth - CHECK! (Definitely a splurge, but it's so fun AND it handles favors!!)
Feeling really satisfied about saying "CHECK!" so many times - CHECK!!!!!!
The wedding venue is so gorgeous it doesn't need any decorations, so we're saving some money there. Our reception venue needs a little help, though, so we've been using Craigslist to find some cheap used decorations. I got $1,000 worth of decorations for only $250. Everything is in great condition! We have hundreds of candles (tea lights, floating candles, other small candles), about 90 tea light holders, tons of other candle holders, 48 bowls for floating candles, glass tumblers, 40 5x5 table mirrors, about 40 8x8 table mirrors, tons of paper lanterns, fake calla lilies, a card box made of 3 damask print hat boxes, 50 white balloons, 12 really pretty silver balloon weights, and soo much more!
There was ONE thing about "shopping" on Craigslist that sucked, though. When I posted my ads in the "items wanted" section, I kept getting wrongfully flagged and my posts would be removed. It took me a little while to figure out why on earth my completely innocent and rule-abiding posts were being flagged, but I came to the conclusion it must be another bride looking for wedding items in the same color(s). ONLY my posts looking for color specific items were being flagged, so I guess some B*TCH thought I was competition or something. Excuse my language, but, come on, she's a B*TCH for that LOL!!
Also, a shout out to Walmart for having REALLY CUTE red tea light holders for 50 cents a piece! Shout out to Target for the discounted Halloween cupcake pans with travel lids (regular cupcake/muffin pans, but discounted because of a Halloween wrapping!!). And shout out to the various dollar stores that have had really cheap wedding items we needed! Oh, and a final shout out Office Max for having GORGEOUS invites! The price could have been better, but the selection and quality made it worth shopping there so I won't complain.
Now, if only I could figure out how the heck to work my printer!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Long time, no post!
I know that it has been nearly a lifetime since my last post. For that, I'm sorry. Not that anyone really noticed, cause I only have a few followers, but, still, I am sorry for failing as a blogger!
My wedding plans have changed so drastically that I considered deleting this blog and starting fresh with a new one, but I decided that it would be fake of me. This blog is supposed to document the entire process, and part of the process for me has been realizing the wedding I thought I wanted isn't very realistic.
Here is why. I wanted to plan a destination beach wedding on a court house budget. It's my dream, but, for me, it's only the kind you wake up from and think "too bad that's not real life!" Even if we cut tons of corners, the beach wedding is gonna hurt our pockets (and our guests' pockets, for those who attend). Travel expenses and hotel costs are bad enough, but to be married in Florida during the summer (tourist season, beach wedding season, rack-up-the-prices-on-everything season) is NOT cheap. After calculating, recalculating, stressing, crying, and feeling hopeless... I just woke up. Why go into debt for one day?? It's just ONE DAY. I have realized the days after that one day are far more important, and I don't want to begin our marriage completely broke. So, I got realistic and changed the plans.
We are going to get married here, in Illinois, in the middle of February, on Valentine's Day 2011. ONLY 4 MONTHS FROM NOW (you didn't think I was gonna make this too easy on myself, did you??). Now, I will be honest... I don't actually care about Valentine's Day. I view that "holiday" as nothing but a way to get cheap chocolate the day after (you know, when all the heart-shaped boxes of truffles are 50% off!). But this Valentine's Day happens to be the first day of Random Acts of Kindness Week, and that happens to be very, very, very special to James and me!
A few years ago, when James and I first started dating, we had an adventure that we called "Random Acts of Kindness, part 1." This adventure involved us writing sweet little things on cards and sneaking through my neighborhood in the middle of the night to deliver them. We thought it would make people smile to wander outside the next morning, on their way to work or school, to find some kind words waiting for them on their car. We have no idea if our plan worked, but if felt good to think about it and we took a lot of really fun pictures together. It was one of those things that brought us closer together, but, even though we called it "part 1," we never got around to a "part 2." This is where our wedding day will come in. I won't tell you details yet, but I can say there WILL be some very "random acts of kindness" on our wedding day. There will be donations made, and kindness shared. That's all I will tell you about this part, but here's a little more on our wedding itself...
SAVE THE DATE! February 14th, 2011, we are going to have a cheap, short-but-sweet wedding here in Illinois. A very close family friend (who I consider a second mother to me) is certified to be an officiant, so that part is covered. BLESS HER HEART!! The venue is still being worked on, but, with our officiant secured, it doesn't really matter. If we have to, we will get married at our house. I think we can come up with something better, though (expect another blog on this topic). We are going to be cheap about the wedding, so we can afford to splurge on wedding photography. The wedding is just one day, but the pictures last forever and we want them to ROCK! Our theme? Think... high fashion... vintage... classy... untraditional... fun!
Our reception will be held on the Saturday following our wedding. The 19th of February. More on this later!
Anyway, I need to be log off now. I just want you all to know that these drastic changes aren't disappointing at all. I actually feel relieved to be planning something more simple. I feel happy. I LOVE the idea of getting to do something good for my community on our big day, and I feel like our wedding is finally within reach! Holy cow... I'm getting married!!!!
:) Good night!
My wedding plans have changed so drastically that I considered deleting this blog and starting fresh with a new one, but I decided that it would be fake of me. This blog is supposed to document the entire process, and part of the process for me has been realizing the wedding I thought I wanted isn't very realistic.
Here is why. I wanted to plan a destination beach wedding on a court house budget. It's my dream, but, for me, it's only the kind you wake up from and think "too bad that's not real life!" Even if we cut tons of corners, the beach wedding is gonna hurt our pockets (and our guests' pockets, for those who attend). Travel expenses and hotel costs are bad enough, but to be married in Florida during the summer (tourist season, beach wedding season, rack-up-the-prices-on-everything season) is NOT cheap. After calculating, recalculating, stressing, crying, and feeling hopeless... I just woke up. Why go into debt for one day?? It's just ONE DAY. I have realized the days after that one day are far more important, and I don't want to begin our marriage completely broke. So, I got realistic and changed the plans.
We are going to get married here, in Illinois, in the middle of February, on Valentine's Day 2011. ONLY 4 MONTHS FROM NOW (you didn't think I was gonna make this too easy on myself, did you??). Now, I will be honest... I don't actually care about Valentine's Day. I view that "holiday" as nothing but a way to get cheap chocolate the day after (you know, when all the heart-shaped boxes of truffles are 50% off!). But this Valentine's Day happens to be the first day of Random Acts of Kindness Week, and that happens to be very, very, very special to James and me!
A few years ago, when James and I first started dating, we had an adventure that we called "Random Acts of Kindness, part 1." This adventure involved us writing sweet little things on cards and sneaking through my neighborhood in the middle of the night to deliver them. We thought it would make people smile to wander outside the next morning, on their way to work or school, to find some kind words waiting for them on their car. We have no idea if our plan worked, but if felt good to think about it and we took a lot of really fun pictures together. It was one of those things that brought us closer together, but, even though we called it "part 1," we never got around to a "part 2." This is where our wedding day will come in. I won't tell you details yet, but I can say there WILL be some very "random acts of kindness" on our wedding day. There will be donations made, and kindness shared. That's all I will tell you about this part, but here's a little more on our wedding itself...
SAVE THE DATE! February 14th, 2011, we are going to have a cheap, short-but-sweet wedding here in Illinois. A very close family friend (who I consider a second mother to me) is certified to be an officiant, so that part is covered. BLESS HER HEART!! The venue is still being worked on, but, with our officiant secured, it doesn't really matter. If we have to, we will get married at our house. I think we can come up with something better, though (expect another blog on this topic). We are going to be cheap about the wedding, so we can afford to splurge on wedding photography. The wedding is just one day, but the pictures last forever and we want them to ROCK! Our theme? Think... high fashion... vintage... classy... untraditional... fun!
Our reception will be held on the Saturday following our wedding. The 19th of February. More on this later!
Anyway, I need to be log off now. I just want you all to know that these drastic changes aren't disappointing at all. I actually feel relieved to be planning something more simple. I feel happy. I LOVE the idea of getting to do something good for my community on our big day, and I feel like our wedding is finally within reach! Holy cow... I'm getting married!!!!
:) Good night!
Monday, August 9, 2010
White dress SUCCESS!
I picked up my dress from David's Bridal today and, luckily, it looks even more gorgeous in white than it did in ivory! Whew! I get butterflies every time I look over at that big, long, white bag.....
My special order is in!!
David's Bridal totally made my night! I just checked my email, and there was an email from them saying that my special order is now in the store. And do you know what that special order is?? MY WEDDING DRESS!!! I was told I probably wouldn't have it until October, so I'm VERY pleasantly surprised that it came in on August 7th!! Props to DB.
I'm a little nervous about getting it, though. The dress I tried on in the store was ivory (a little off white), and the one I ordered is white. I decided to go with the whitest white, because I didn't want it to look dirty against the snow-white Navarre Beach sand, so I'm just crossing my fingers that I will love this dress as much as the ivory.
Wish me luck!!!
I'm a little nervous about getting it, though. The dress I tried on in the store was ivory (a little off white), and the one I ordered is white. I decided to go with the whitest white, because I didn't want it to look dirty against the snow-white Navarre Beach sand, so I'm just crossing my fingers that I will love this dress as much as the ivory.
Wish me luck!!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Hello, insomnia!
It's a good thing I don't have any followers yet, because I have been such a slacker!! Well, I guess I do have ONE follower... but that's my good friend, Charlotte, so it barely counts. She would follow a blog about dung beetles if I wrote it, lol.
It's late, but I just can't sleep. I'm so overstimulated after watching The Bachelorette grand finale. I won't lie, I shed a few (hundred) tears. This was a bitter sweet season ending for me, because I really liked each of the guys left in the final two! Roberto is one hell of a catch (mad props to Ali!!!), but I sure hated seeing Chris get hurt. He is such a sweet man, and he definitely gets my vote for next Bachelor (*fingers crossed*). But, honestly, I would have picked Roberto, too.
There was something magical about watching Ali and Roberto together. It reminds me so much of meeting James, and how I was just drawn to him in this unexplainable way. From day one, I had this crazy chemistry with James. I remember looking at him for the first time, forgetting to breathe, and somehow knowing he would be my next boyfriend. And he was! Little did I know, he would eventually be my husband! Even after 2 and a half years of being together, it still feels brand new. I still get butterflies when he kisses me, I still blush when he compliments me, I still drool over how sexy he looks with his shirt off, we still write love notes to each other, and he still thinks I'm pretty on my ugliest days. I love us.
And I can't wait to marry my best friend!!
It's late, but I just can't sleep. I'm so overstimulated after watching The Bachelorette grand finale. I won't lie, I shed a few (hundred) tears. This was a bitter sweet season ending for me, because I really liked each of the guys left in the final two! Roberto is one hell of a catch (mad props to Ali!!!), but I sure hated seeing Chris get hurt. He is such a sweet man, and he definitely gets my vote for next Bachelor (*fingers crossed*). But, honestly, I would have picked Roberto, too.
There was something magical about watching Ali and Roberto together. It reminds me so much of meeting James, and how I was just drawn to him in this unexplainable way. From day one, I had this crazy chemistry with James. I remember looking at him for the first time, forgetting to breathe, and somehow knowing he would be my next boyfriend. And he was! Little did I know, he would eventually be my husband! Even after 2 and a half years of being together, it still feels brand new. I still get butterflies when he kisses me, I still blush when he compliments me, I still drool over how sexy he looks with his shirt off, we still write love notes to each other, and he still thinks I'm pretty on my ugliest days. I love us.
And I can't wait to marry my best friend!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
INSPIRATION!
I wanted to post some of the pictures that are serving as my wedding planning inspiration, to give you all a feel of what I'm aiming for!
I'll begin with a picture I took of my favorite beach in Florida. Navarre Beach! I have so many good memories of shelling, snorkeling, sun bathing, relaxing, and having sweet little picnics with James on the Navarre sand. The beach is clean, the sand is snow white, the ocean is the most beautiful combination of blue and green, and I can't imagine a more beautiful setting for our wedding. Here it is...
I decided that I want my wedding color to be HOT PINK, because of how beautifully it contrasts with the white sand and blue-green ocean, with little touches of yellow and/or orange. Here are some pics that really appeal to me...
And, if I do end up having a reception, these pictures will serve as my reception planning inspiration...
For those that know me, it will be no surprise that I'm using pictures of Gisele as my hair and makeup inspiration. I'm in love with her look!
For hair color and style, this picture of Gisele (on the V.S. runway) pretty much nails it. Beach waves get my thumbs way up...
And this next picture is just so warm and radiant, I could curl up inside of it and take a nap. This is almost exactly what I plan to do with my makeup (and skin color... I'm def. gonna need a tan for my wedding!). It's so gorgeous and glow-y, but it's still simple enough that I can totally pull it off without hiring a makeup artist...
One thing I was really worried about was the shoes. I can't wear heels on the beach (plus, I'm 5'9 already, and not really into being taller than my man lol), but even flats are a pain on the beach... sand gets between your foot and the sandals, and it kicks up when you walk... sand burn on my bum isn't my idea of wedding bliss! But, barefoot seems so bland. I have this gorgeous dress, and then bare feet? Yuck. So, as you can imagine, I was pretty excited to discover barefoot sandals! Ta-dahh.....
Basically, barefoot sandals are just ankle bracelets that extend down your feet and attach to one of your toes. They serve no purpose other than to make your feet look cute and less barefoot-y. I happen to have an extensive collection of beautiful beads... aaaand I already figured out how to make them myself! YAY for DIY. And keep your eye out for the future tutorial. I'll photograph the entire process, explain it in detail, and teach all you barefoot brides-to-be (or anyone who just wants cuter bare feet) how to make your own!
As you probably know, I already purchased my dress (David's Bridal, Galina signature)...
But now I have to figure out what on earth James will wear! Since my dress is probably on the "dressier" end of the beach wedding dress scale, I'm really picturing something a little nicer than the typical beach groom outfit (you know... khaki pants, white shirt, no tie), and I'm loving the idea of something similar to this...
But I'm worried it's going to be too hot for him in long sleeves, so I don't know. I know they make summer jackets with really light material, but, still, it's SUMMER IN FLORIDA! He says he will wear what ever I pick for him, but I definitely don't want a crabby groom on our big day. Maybe that outfit, minus the jacket... long sleeved white shirt, with a tie? Or do you think he will survive in the whole suit? Thoughts or suggestions, anyone??
I'll begin with a picture I took of my favorite beach in Florida. Navarre Beach! I have so many good memories of shelling, snorkeling, sun bathing, relaxing, and having sweet little picnics with James on the Navarre sand. The beach is clean, the sand is snow white, the ocean is the most beautiful combination of blue and green, and I can't imagine a more beautiful setting for our wedding. Here it is...
I decided that I want my wedding color to be HOT PINK, because of how beautifully it contrasts with the white sand and blue-green ocean, with little touches of yellow and/or orange. Here are some pics that really appeal to me...
And, if I do end up having a reception, these pictures will serve as my reception planning inspiration...
For those that know me, it will be no surprise that I'm using pictures of Gisele as my hair and makeup inspiration. I'm in love with her look!
For hair color and style, this picture of Gisele (on the V.S. runway) pretty much nails it. Beach waves get my thumbs way up...
And this next picture is just so warm and radiant, I could curl up inside of it and take a nap. This is almost exactly what I plan to do with my makeup (and skin color... I'm def. gonna need a tan for my wedding!). It's so gorgeous and glow-y, but it's still simple enough that I can totally pull it off without hiring a makeup artist...
One thing I was really worried about was the shoes. I can't wear heels on the beach (plus, I'm 5'9 already, and not really into being taller than my man lol), but even flats are a pain on the beach... sand gets between your foot and the sandals, and it kicks up when you walk... sand burn on my bum isn't my idea of wedding bliss! But, barefoot seems so bland. I have this gorgeous dress, and then bare feet? Yuck. So, as you can imagine, I was pretty excited to discover barefoot sandals! Ta-dahh.....
Basically, barefoot sandals are just ankle bracelets that extend down your feet and attach to one of your toes. They serve no purpose other than to make your feet look cute and less barefoot-y. I happen to have an extensive collection of beautiful beads... aaaand I already figured out how to make them myself! YAY for DIY. And keep your eye out for the future tutorial. I'll photograph the entire process, explain it in detail, and teach all you barefoot brides-to-be (or anyone who just wants cuter bare feet) how to make your own!
As you probably know, I already purchased my dress (David's Bridal, Galina signature)...
But now I have to figure out what on earth James will wear! Since my dress is probably on the "dressier" end of the beach wedding dress scale, I'm really picturing something a little nicer than the typical beach groom outfit (you know... khaki pants, white shirt, no tie), and I'm loving the idea of something similar to this...
But I'm worried it's going to be too hot for him in long sleeves, so I don't know. I know they make summer jackets with really light material, but, still, it's SUMMER IN FLORIDA! He says he will wear what ever I pick for him, but I definitely don't want a crabby groom on our big day. Maybe that outfit, minus the jacket... long sleeved white shirt, with a tie? Or do you think he will survive in the whole suit? Thoughts or suggestions, anyone??
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Dress... check!
The week I got engaged, I went to David's Bridal with my mom "just to look." I have been watching Say Yes to the Dress on TLC for months, drooling over their beautiful selection (and cringing at the price tags), but I wanted to get a more realistic price range in mind. My wedding dress is one of the few things I'm not willing to totally cut corners on. I'm a jeans and tank top girl, I never wear dresses, and my wedding day is probably the only chance I'll have to feel like a goddess, so it's important for me to get what I want. Well, "just looking" turned into figuring out exactly the dress I want. I fell in love with this one. It's a Galina signature. It's everything I've ever wanted my wedding dress to be, and there is nothing about it I wish to change (well, except for it to be in my size). I'm as certain about this dress as I am about my future husband, lol! But, with only $200 saved in my wedding fund, the $950 purchase obviously wasn't gonna happen that day. So, I left empty handed.
Then, the next week (which was last week), I was hanging out with a friend and wanted to show her the dress online. I went to the DB site, looked up my dress, and... OH-MY-GOSH... it was marked $200 less than before!! $750. I called my mom, ALL EXCITED, talked her ear off, then I called David's and asked how long the dress would be on sale for... and they told me the sale would end on the 26th (a little over a week from that day). Less excited. They also told me that my dress wasn't in stock, and I would have to pay the entire amount up front before they could order it. Not excited at all.
Later that night, my mom was talking to her boyfriend, Michael, about the situation and telling him how sad I was. He, completely unexpectedly, offered to lend me $400 if I could come up with the rest. This blew my mind, considering I barely know him! How cool of him! I already had $200 saved, and it was a Friday... my fiance's pay day. Being the amazing man that James is, he gave me the rest of the money that I needed for the dress. :)
Sooooo, yesterday, I went to David's Bridal... tried on the dress one last time... took some pictures... and ordered it!!!! I will have my dress in October! I'm utterly broke now, and I owe my mom's boyfriend $400, but it feels so good... so REAL... to have made my first wedding related purchase!
And now for a few pictures.... (drum roll)....
The dress was a size too big, so they had to clip it in the back, but you get the idea!
Then, the next week (which was last week), I was hanging out with a friend and wanted to show her the dress online. I went to the DB site, looked up my dress, and... OH-MY-GOSH... it was marked $200 less than before!! $750. I called my mom, ALL EXCITED, talked her ear off, then I called David's and asked how long the dress would be on sale for... and they told me the sale would end on the 26th (a little over a week from that day). Less excited. They also told me that my dress wasn't in stock, and I would have to pay the entire amount up front before they could order it. Not excited at all.
Later that night, my mom was talking to her boyfriend, Michael, about the situation and telling him how sad I was. He, completely unexpectedly, offered to lend me $400 if I could come up with the rest. This blew my mind, considering I barely know him! How cool of him! I already had $200 saved, and it was a Friday... my fiance's pay day. Being the amazing man that James is, he gave me the rest of the money that I needed for the dress. :)
Sooooo, yesterday, I went to David's Bridal... tried on the dress one last time... took some pictures... and ordered it!!!! I will have my dress in October! I'm utterly broke now, and I owe my mom's boyfriend $400, but it feels so good... so REAL... to have made my first wedding related purchase!
And now for a few pictures.... (drum roll)....
The dress was a size too big, so they had to clip it in the back, but you get the idea!
Hello Bloggers!
"Hello!" to anyone who happens to be reading this!! I'm brand spankin' new to the blogger community, and it may take me a while to get the hang of this, but I hope (eventually) my page can be a helpful resource for brides-to-be that are in similar shoes. It's not easy being a broke bride, especially with a dream of an extravagant destination wedding, but I'm determined to make it happen by summer of 2011. Any advice or support from the blogger community is more than welcome, as well as any questions you may have for me. I can't wait to learn, grow, and share this entire experience with you all.A little background info...
My name is Valerie... Val, V, or what ever you like. I'm a music fanatic, an animal lover, and a thrifty, DIY-er. Most of my jobs have been for non-profit organizations (such as the Humane Society), so my pockets are empty but my heart is full. I have been an item with my best friend, now-fiance, James, for two and a half(ish) of the best years of my life. We have lived together nearly the entire time, and we still wake up happy to see each other. James recently started an apprenticeship for a plumbing company. It'll be a good job in 4 years, but, for now, it just gets us by. James has an amazing 7 year old son named Damein, who we got custody of a few months ago. I quit my job in order to make that possible, and I'm loving every minute of it, but it sure doesn't help the budget. I guess you could call me a stay-at-home-step-mom-to-be. What a title, lol!
James popped "the question" on July 3rd, 2010 (just two and a half weeks ago!), after surprising me with horseback riding (my very first time!) and a romantic, lake-side picnic. The ring is STUNNING! Much to my surprise, it was my Grandma's vintage engagement ring... repaired to look brand new! Of course, I SAID YES!!! It was the best day of my life, and I have never been more sure of anything, but it didn't take long for us to realize this wasn't going to be a piece of cake to plan.
James and I both come from families of divorce. My mom's side of the family couldn't be happier about my decision to marry James, but their financial situation doesn't allow them to help us. Knowing they wish they could help means a lot, and I feel so lucky to have their emotional support, but... it doesn't pay for a wedding. And my dad's side of the family has plenty of money, but they all live on the west coast and, honestly, I barely know most of them. My dad, who lives in Washington (state), won't even return my call about our engagement. I have only seen him once in the last 6 years, and the most I ever get from him is a text saying "Happy Birthday," so I didn't expect him to care... but I also didn't expect the silent treatment. He always told me he would disown me if I married a black man, and I guess he meant it. James doesn't even know his dad, or his dad's family, at all, and his mom's side of the family can't really afford to pitch in either. So, we are on our own.
If money weren't an issue... our close family and friends would join us for our wedding on our favorite beach in Florida (Navarre Beach), where we once lived together, we would take a cruise to some romantic Caribbean island for our honeymoon, spend a week with sand between our toes, fly back to our hometown, and throw a huge, classy, cocktail reception for everyone we know.Realistically, I'm just aiming for the wedding. Probably no honeymoon, probably no reception.
But, who knows...
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