{A Great Pair of Shoes- That you can dance all night in}
{A Garter Belt- One to throw and one to save}
{Lip Gloss-To reapply after the ceremony and before pictures}
{A Clear Umbrella-Just in case it rains}
{A Great Group of Friends-To stand beside you}
Happy Planning! xoxo
We made it back to Florida and fell in love with Denver! I think it was the perfect weather, 0% humidity and pineapple upside down pancakes from Snooze, a delicious breakfast spot. And to top it off we didn’t go over our Mini-Moon budget! Here’s a few pictures from our trip! Enjoy!
We started our trip with a visit to Snooze and indulged in Pineapple Upside Down, Red Velvet and Chocolate Chip pancakes. Everything was delicious and we made sure to stop by again before our vacation ended.
After breakfast we headed down to Colorado Springs and toured the Garden of the Gods via Jeep. Were chauffeured around and even got a history lesson from our driver. The headed to Academy Riding Stables for a trail ride and spent 45 minutes channeling our inner cowgirl and cowboy.
After a quick trail ride we headed over to Seven Falls to attempt to climb to the top to enjoy the views….
The next day we explored the city and got to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Denver Art Museum! It was amazing!
Actually beyond amazing! Happy planning! xoxo
I’ve been married for exactly one week and I’ve been asked numerous times if anything feels different. The answer I give everyone is the same – It feels no different. It’s kinda like a birthday. You anticipate the day but after it’s gone, everything is still the same. Nothing feels different…well maybe I feel a little broke. But besides that…nothing out of the norm.
In fact, the wedding almost feels like it was a dream and although I wouldn’t change a thing, there are a few things I would have done differently.
Don’t Procrastinate: I waited until last-minute to do a few things like pack for the weekend and get everything I needed together. Because I was scrambling to get everything ready the day of – the morning flew by and I forgot the gift box…Don’t forget your gift box!
Start Early: I arrived at the hotel around noon and most of my bridesmaids didn’t show up until 2pm. Even though some were getting their hair and make-up done elsewhere it was really chaotic in the bridal suite. I would highly suggest having everyone arrive earlier than you think you need them there. Something will happen that will cause you to run a little late. For example. I hit every red light and the bridge. Gotta love Florida! Plus, the last hour will flew by and we were rushing out of the bridal room with handbags, flip flops and clothes from the morning. We had no time to stash them in a room so we carried everything to the church. No fun! My Valentino shoe box got crushed in the chaos! So upsetting.
Take More Pictures: I love pictures so I have no idea how this was overlooked. But with all the excitement my camera was a no-show. Luckily, a good friend grabbed her camera and stopped by the bridal suite to snap a few shots before the professional photographer got there. I haven’t seen any of her pictures yet but hopefully some will leak soon. Another thing I wish I had was a videographer. Because I went over budget (by a lot) I opted to save money and forgo the video. I did however ask a bridesmaid to film some memories using my Sony Bloggie. If this is a route you are planning on taking I suggest having a plan to follow. Some suggestions: Video of the girls getting ready, the guys getting ready, the bride getting into her dress, the girls/guys walking to the limo, highlights of the ceremony and the grand entrance just to name a few.
Don’t Hand The Top Layer of Your Cake to Random Hotel Workers - After the wedding is over there is a possibility you will do something without thinking clearly. Case in point – The top layer of my wedding cake was delivered to my hotel room in a pretty white box, unfortunately the air conditioner in the hotel room was broken so I called downstairs to ask for a new room and a refrigerator to place my cake in for safe keeping. We were moved to a new room and my cake was taken by a friendly employee….who lost my cake. I did however have another cake made and it is now safe in my freezer.
{My pretty little cake top)
Traditionally, you are supposed to freeze the cake and eat it on your one year anniversary. My cake was amazing and there was no way I could go one whole year without getting my hands into that deliciousness. So, I cut my cake into 12 petite pieces and wrapped each slice individually. My husband (so weird!) and I will eat one slice of cake on the 11th of each month (the 11th is the day we were married) for the next 12 months. I also thought it would be a cute idea if we each wrote a letter to each other that we would open and read on our first anniversary. Sappy I know. But if get to eat wedding cake every month I am willing to get a little sappy!
Here’s what to do: Cut your cake into 12 slices. Make sure you count. I mistakenly cut only eight slices and had to unwrap a few slices and re-cut. Wrap each slice individually – I used two pieces of Glad Press and Seal and two pieces of Reynolds Wrap Tin Foil. Each slice was wrapped a total of four times each. I placed all 12 slices in the cake box it was delivered in and wrapped that in tin foil too. Better safe than sorry…right?
Once I have the letter from my husband and myself (which I need to write soon!) I am going to tape it either in the inside of the box or underneath. I am praying the freezer doesn’t malfunction and ruin our letters… We shall see.
PS. The image above is from our engagement shoot. I can not wait to see the wedding photos!
Up Next On The Undomestic Bride: Mini-Moons, Thank You Cards and Wedding Rehab Oh My!
Last weekend my fiance and I attended the wedding of two friends in Islamorada, Florida. It was a beautiful wedding on a private beach of a rented house – La Playa Estate - and as a soon-to-be bride, my eyes had magnifying glasses on and I made sure to take in every pretty (and not so pretty) detail.
What I learned:
Outdoor weddings are pretty. Mosquitos are deadly! If you are planning an outdoor affair, don’t forget the bug spray.
Welcome your guests with a drink and make sure they know where to go. People swarm to the bar at weddings so try not to set the bar up in a place you don’t want guests. We walked straight to the bar, which happened to be next to where dinner was served, turns out cocktail hour was supposed to be by the pool….far from the bar, but conveniently located by the photo booth!
Gift Tables are a must. Set up a table where guests can drop of their gifts and envelopes. It doesn’t have to be a huge table or even something that takes up tons of space.
Wedding planners are a godsend but they can also be from hell… If you decide to hire a wedding planner make sure you are in the loop of what is going on. I heard the wedding planner hired to plan our friends wedding was fired a few minutes before the bride walked down the aisle. Added stress is something you want to avoid. Research your planner but also have a back up plan because you never know what is going to happen.
Don’t blink. I heard the bride say a few times that everything was all a blur. Although it will probably be hard, don’t forget to take it all in – and also hire an awesome photographer and videographer…because chances are you might miss a few things.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It doesn’t matter what happens – it’s you day and you should enjoy it. Things are not going to be perfect no matter how detailed you are. Something is going to go astray but don’t fret. No one is going to know that your centerpieces are the wrong color. Enjoy the time you have with your friends and family and make the most of it because the night will go fast!
The wedding was beautiful and a lot of fun! Congrats L and J!
Danielle Nelson from Capture POD, a Miami based photo booth company was kind enough to send over a few tips after reading a recent blog post. The tips are perfect for any bride-to-be contemplating a photo booth. I am still up in the air about having one at my wedding reception but the tips below are definitely helpful!
Get a visual: Many photo booth rental companies don’t post pictures of their booths on their websites. Before a sweet talking sales rep lures you in with a great price, request to see the photo booth in person and test it out before making any commitments. If you’re not able to see the booth in person, then request multiple images, as well as the booth’s dimensions. Photo booths come in all shapes and sizes. A visual not only allows you to see if the booth matches your wedding’s aesthetic, but also lets you see if the booth’s size is ideal for your event space. Some booths are as large as 8′ x 10′!
Consider your guest list: Is your crowd younger or older? Will they know how to operate a photo booth? Will small children be tall enough to be photographed? Ask your photo booth rental company what the start to finish process will be for guests using the photo booth. Testing the booth prior to the event before booking is highly recommended so that you can experience it for yourself. Capture POD booths feature a user-friendly touch screen with step by step instructions for guests, but a friendly on-site attendant is also provided to show your guests the ropes. A photo booth is no fun if no one knows how to use it.
Add a personal touch: Does the photo booth have any customizable features? Most photo booths will let you personalize your prints. Ask to see the designs that they currently have available and what changes can be made to them. Your guests will most likely hang on to their photo strips for a long time so make sure that your prints look the way you want your big day to be remembered. Does your wedding have a theme? If your rental package includes props, find out what they are to see if those props coordinate with your event. If not, ask your rental company if they would be willing to buy some. This way your photo booth will look and feel more a part of your wedding.
If you are interested in learning more about Capture POD call 305-572-1906 or visit their website at http://www.capturePOD.com
Now that our venue is selected and the date is set, the next thing on our wedding to-do list is to fill the wedding gaps with vendors.
With numerous websites offering their “top picks” and a surplus of companies to choose from, hiring someone to co-host an event can be a tricky task. I have spent hours searching the Internet looking for perfect vendors and have compiled a few tips to help make the hiring process less of a chore.
Crash A Few Weddings: Even before I was engaged I took notes at every event I attended. In fact, the easiest decision I made was choosing my DJ. I pretty much had the company picked out years before I even had a ring on my finger. Seeing a company in action is the best way to make a decision. Anyone can sugar coat a service during a meeting but seeing a company in their element is the best way to see if they are the right fit for your wedding. If you don’t have any events to attend, talk to your venue to see if you can peak in on a few upcoming events to check out different companies.
Meet and Greet: Before you sign a contract with anyone you plan on hiring you should try to meet them in person. Not only will you get a sense of who they are and what their work ethic is like, you’ll also have the opportunity to negotiate services and even different ideas that you may not have thought about. Plus, first impressions are important and if you get a bad feeling about anyone, move on.
Don’t Rush: I have had a few instant connections with vendors, especially photographers, but after the phone calls were over there was something missing. Before you make any rash decisions, make sure you are 100% confident with your choices. Some contracts are hard to break and you don’t want to be disappointed on your wedding day.
Straight From the Vendors Mouth:: Photo Booths
Danielle Nelson from Capture POD, a Miami based photo booth company was kind enough to send over a few tips after reading a recent blog post. The tips are perfect for any bride-to-be contemplating a photo booth. I am still up in the air about having one at my wedding reception but the tips below are definitely helpful!
Get a visual: Many photo booth rental companies don’t post pictures of their booths on their websites. Before a sweet talking sales rep lures you in with a great price, request to see the photo booth in person and test it out before making any commitments. If you’re not able to see the booth in person, then request multiple images, as well as the booth’s dimensions. Photo booths come in all shapes and sizes. A visual not only allows you to see if the booth matches your wedding’s aesthetic, but also lets you see if the booth’s size is ideal for your event space. Some booths are as large as 8′ x 10′!
Consider your guest list: Is your crowd younger or older? Will they know how to operate a photo booth? Will small children be tall enough to be photographed? Ask your photo booth rental company what the start to finish process will be for guests using the photo booth. Testing the booth prior to the event before booking is highly recommended so that you can experience it for yourself. Capture POD booths feature a user-friendly touch screen with step by step instructions for guests, but a friendly on-site attendant is also provided to show your guests the ropes. A photo booth is no fun if no one knows how to use it.
Add a personal touch: Does the photo booth have any customizable features? Most photo booths will let you personalize your prints. Ask to see the designs that they currently have available and what changes can be made to them. Your guests will most likely hang on to their photo strips for a long time so make sure that your prints look the way you want your big day to be remembered. Does your wedding have a theme? If your rental package includes props, find out what they are to see if those props coordinate with your event. If not, ask your rental company if they would be willing to buy some. This way your photo booth will look and feel more a part of your wedding.
If you are interested in learning more about Capture POD call 305-572-1906 or visit their website at http://www.capturePOD.com
If you are a South Florida bride-to-be looking for a unique party or rehearsal dinner idea look no further! Here are two ideas that will help you create a celebration that will teach your guests a few things.
Sake, Samba and Sunday Brunch - SushiSamba on the fabulous Lincoln Road in Miami offers private classes to help take your event to the next level. You can choose from Japanese beer pairing, sushi making, Samba lessons and much more! To find out about additional private party options, check out their website for details.
Paint the Town - Sips and Strokes in City Place will help you create a picture perfect event – literally! Not only will you get an art studio to yourself with the option to bring your own food, and beverages, your guests will get a step-by-step art lesson from a professional artist on how to paint a beautiful masterpiece. The best part, each guest can take home their creation at the end of the evening. For more information visit their website.
Enjoy!
It’s official! We have a venue and a wedding date!
After months of searching for a reception location, meeting with every catering manager from Palm Beach to Key West and considering eloping…we finally…let me rephrase that…I finally found a place that is unique, by the ocean, has high ceilings and just feels right.
I made sure I didn’t look at the carpet…because that has been a deal breaker in the past and I am exhausted! I just want to plan a wedding!
So, what made this place different from every other location? For one, the catering director. Not only was she flexible with meeting me after work, she was super nice and greeted every crazy idea that came out of my mouth (ex. draping extremely tall palm trees to create a grand entrance) with enthusiasm and excitement. She even added a few suggestions and the best part, everything can be done in-house!
Most importantly, I envisioned our friends and family in the event space and everything felt like it was meant to be. It’s weird. But I’m not questioning it. The deposit has been made and I don’t think there is any going back without losing a good chunk of change.
But the stress is far from over. It took me almost two years to find a venue and I only have eight months to find a dress! Side note…I’m a perfectionist. This is going to be interesting…But I am happy to cross one thing off our wedding list.
More details to come!
If you have any tips or a recipe for a good cocktail (I’m sure I will need one soon!) I am all ears!
If you are planning to tie the knot in a tropical destination or just have a lot of out-of-town guests traveling to attend your wedding, providing a welcome bag is a thoughtful gesture to make your guests feel appreciated.
The perfect gift bag doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, by providing a few key essentials like water, snacks, aspirin and area maps, you’ll not only make your guests feel comfortable but also let them know your thankful they made the trip. And who doesn’t like a bag of treats!
To create a bag you’ll guests will remember here are a few tips and websites to get you started.
In the Bag: From reusable tote bags to collapsible boxes, you can house your goodies in whatever you please and with so many options to choose from you can find the perfect bag to fit your budget. Try the Oriental Trading Company,Paper Mart, The Knot and Nashville Wraps.
The Goods: Select a few of your favorite things and add in a few essentials to create the perfect swag bag. If you are planning a local wedding, try a few Florida favorites like fresh oranges, key lime candies, and sun screen! Looking for something a little more gourmet? Try Truffle Truffle, an artisan chocolates & confections company or Garrett Popcorn, a Chicago based Popcorn Company. You can score some free maps from your local chamber of commerce or you can create your own map withWeddingMapper.com. An itinerary of wedding events and a list area hot spots and attractions is also a great idea.
A Note to Say Thanks! No matter what you choose to put inside your welcome bags the most important thing is a thank you note. By adding a simple note of gratitude, you’ll not only make your guests feel welcome but you’ll also have the opportunity to thank them one more time for sharing in your special day.
Not sure if welcome bags are within your budget? No problem, try this DIY hanging welcome packet idea from Martha Stewart Weddings. You can follow the template or get creative and create your own work of art.
Where do I begin…I have been engaged for over a year and have yet to plan my wedding. Why, you ask? Because I can barely pick out an outfit to wear to work and I cannot fathom picking out color palates, table linens, and a venue. Oh, the agony!
Maybe it’s the pressure to create the “perfect” day. What if something goes wrong? Pink may be “in” today but lavender may possibly be the “must have” color tomorrow. Who wants a party that is not up to par? I mean you only get one chance to get it right…Right?
Oh, and the thought of that one guest that you know is tearing everything about your wedding apart piece by piece. “The food is cold.”, “The flowers aren’t full enough.”, “That dress makes her hips look big!” I know exactly who she is too…(I sat next to her at a recent wedding.) But I can’t “uninvite” her because…We’ll I guess I could scratch her name off the list.
And the daily updates from all of the wedding websites don’t help either. Every time I sign on a little screen pops up telling me how many days I have left until the “big day”. 275 days seem like plenty, but the days are quickly slipping by and no decisions have been made.
This may all seem petty, but as a perfectionist, this is a daily struggle! I never thought planning my own wedding would be so hard. I mean, I plan big events by day and I can execute a party with my eyes closed. But this…this is a whole different ball game. Am I a professional failure if I cannot plan my own event? (Don’t answer that…)
I need a magic wand, a fairy godmother, or a wedding planner…. Winning the lottery might help too. Do you know how much it is for a small wedding soirée? The basic package at any wedding venue is more than I make per year!
Yes, I know, weddings are a celebration of love and it doesn’t matter what other people think, who is there, or all of the above. Believe me, this pressure for perfection is beyond chiavari chairs and chandeliers….This is supposed to be the most important day of our lives and I don’t want to be the one to screw it up.
…to be continued
