More Eye Candy

Did you want more to look at while I study for my Human Sexuality final?  This photo stopped my heart:

Image from Tim Willoughby via Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Finals Week

I don't know how much posting I will get around to this week; I am taking finals for my last semester of grad school EVER!  Then I actually get to join the "real world" of working, which I know you won't believe is much much much better than homework.  But trust me, for me- it is.

To give you entertainment until then: Go check out megan w photography blog, to see fantastic images like this one.  They all capture my heart.

Random Love Friday: Round Four

I may or may not have put in a request for a Christmas/Wedding present from the fiance...

via apple.com

As my battery dies on my current cell phone, I think about my intense desire for this gift frequently.  So with my sights set on the iPhone, my thoughts hadn't even migrated to accessorizing until this week I saw these beautiful cases featured on Made By Girl:

fabrix cases

For an additional $24.90 (including shipping) I can have a pretty fabric case!  It comes in many different colors...

Just a few of the many options

But if I were choosing one today, I would choose Black Wallpaper:

Think you need a pretty Fabrix Case too?  Let me know your favorite color.  And if you have one, let me know how that iPhone is working out for you... I will try and contain my jealousy!

Big Weekend Plans: Pre-Cana Workshop

image found here

Before a couple may get married in the Catholic church, the couple must attend Pre-Cana classes (or a workshop, in our case) to prepare for marriage.  I thought I would do a little research, and was interested to see what Wikipedia had to say on the matter:

"Pre-Cana is a course or consultation Catholic couples must undergo before they can be married in a Catholic church.  The name is derived from John 2:1-12, the wedding feast as Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine."

(Sad confession?  When I read this I was like, 'Mmmmm, wine... That sounds good.')

"Approaches to Pre-Cana vary among Catholic parishes.  Often six weekly sessions will be led by a priest or deacon with support from a married Catholic couple.  Common topics include: compatibility of the couple, basic principles of Catholic marriage and family life, conflict resolution within marriage, and natural family planning."

I won't get into my thoughts on some of those things (at least not today), but let me just say there are parts of this I am looking forward to, and parts I am most definitely NOT.

When Ryan and I met with the priest officiating our wedding for the first time, we reviewed the first half of our results from a compatibility test we had taken.  The priest seemed quite convinced that we either completely agree, or that we complement each other perfectly.  (I must say, that while he seems really nice, I am glad I didn't have any major issues to discuss with him because he seemed to somewhat... minimize any comments I did make.  Hmm.)  Either way, when we finished he told us to go complete our Pre-Cana, and then come in for round two.

We had three options at the Cathedral for Pre-Cana.  The first is to meet six or seven times over dinner with a recently married couple.  While this is apparently very popular, this made me massively nervous.  Neither Ryan nor I is the type to meet strangers and discuss our marital future.  Too much introversion in this relationship.  So that was out.

The second option is Engaged Encounter, which you can learn more about by clicking the link above.  I really wanted to do this, because I believe we could benefit from being forced to contemplate our future marriage for a weekend.  It is a retreat with activities throughout the weekend to encourage communication.  I am a big retreat fan anyway, so this seemed like a great idea.  Logistically however, not so much.  It is expensive, and it is a time investment.  Sadly, two things neither of us felt great about.  So this option was out.  (If you have been on Engaged Encounter though- PLEASE tell me!  I am so curious to hear what it's like.)

Our last option (and the one we chose by default) is the Pre-Cana workshop.  For $95, you can spend seven hours hanging out in midtown Atlanta with other couples preparing for marriage.  And so we shall, on Saturday.

I must admit, I am really curious more than anything.  I am glad we are forced to invest time in talking about marital issues- I am just not confident about how it will be handled.  My experiences so far have left some important things to be desired, which is frustrating as a counselor.

So I will let y'all know how it goes- but if you have any inside info, let me know!  What kinds of bonding activities should I be prepared to endure?  Are we really going to feel comfortable discussing emotionally intense topics in such a public setting?

Wordle made my day.  For this I used (a slightly edited version of) the letter Ryan wrote when he proposed.  I love it :)

A Fantastic Resource: The EAD Library

If you haven't already checked it out, go over to Elizabeth Anne Designs and look through the brand new EAD Library that launched yesterday!  In describing the Library, Rebekah and Ami said:

"The Library is filled with hundreds of useful links, from photographers to shops to stationers.  Our goal is a simple, comprehensive list of vendors.  The Library will help every bride, no matter her location, find the vendors and inspiration she needs for a beautiful event."

I have been reading the EAD Blog for some time now, and the Library is a fantastic addition!  It is very straightforward and easy to navigate.  I am thankful for this great planning resource!  Great job Rebekah and Ami!

The Dress: The Trunk Show

Now don't get too upset with me, but I am not going to give much information about my second experience during wedding dress shopping day number one.  I was VERY excited about this second place, and had heard that it was fantastic.  However, the owner of the salon got on my bad side fast.  Let's just say that she... had a lot of strong opinions.  Pretty much every comment out of my mouth was wrong, and she knew much better than I did about every aspect of my experience.  And the one thing she knew for sure, was that all brides love sparkles.  When I tried to explain that they just aren't for me, she told me that I was too far away from my wedding day.  "The closer it gets, the more sparkles all the girls want!  They'll have to cut you off come next January!  You'll want sparkles everywhere!"

Strange.  Six months out, and I am still not a huge sparkle fan.  Maybe this phenomenon kicks in after the six month mark?

Needless to say, I felt that experience disappointed.  So my hopes were back on the Jenny Lee trunk show.

Jenny Lee

I was foolishly hoping that my dream dress was going to not only magically appear, but magically appear in my price range.  Yeah... Not so much.  Jenny was amazing to meet- extremely nice and very helpful.  Having her drape and pin a dress exactly to fit my body was insane, and definitely (for me at least) a really cool, once in a lifetime type experience.  (Listen, I don't get out much.)

But alas, the dresses were still beautiful but not giving me butterflies, and were still not affordable.  I left feeling more than anything really stupid that I had let myself get all excited about something I couldn't afford.  I searched PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and found one of the two I loved, but at $1750 plus shipping it was still more than I could stomach.  (I was shooting for as inexpensive as possible, but ultimately under $1000.)

I kept telling myself that I was glad; I had gotten a perfect idea of what I wanted.  There had to be something out there like these dresses that was inexpensive, and when I found it I would get that 'The One' feeling, and life would be fantastic.  I decided to quit dress shopping for a while, and wait until my Mom and sisters were in town to shop with me.

The Dress: The Search Begins

After getting engaged, I was very eager to begin the search for The Dress.  This struck me as the ultimate moment when it would become real- I would see myself as a bride.  I had done a pretty extreme amount of research into wedding planning before getting engaged, and there were a few things I was massively skeptical about when it came to The Dress.

First: What makes a designer dress so freaking special?  Besides that I find it completely ridiculous to spend an excessive amount of money on something you will only wear once, WHY were some dresses so much more outlandishly expensive than others?  Was it the name?  Was it the fancy salon?  Was it the material?  Could anyone actually tell?

Second: Is there really a 'The Dress'?  (Yes, bad grammar, I know.)  I had a very very very hard time believing that I would 'just know' when I found the right wedding dress.  It's a DRESS people!  Does fate arrange for me to lose my sanity temporarily and fall in love with a dress?!

Now don't get me wrong.  I was VERY excited to go play dress up with my fr

iends.  Nervous and shy, but excited.  So I did what appeared normal to my completely inexperienced self.  I sent an email inviting three of my close friends in Atlanta to come play dress up with me.  (It just so happened that all three of them were engaged, so I knew they would enjoy the setting as well.)  Then I researched the discover the 'Best' Bridal Salons in Atlanta, and made appointments at two of them.

Kelly's Closet

The first appointment I made was at Kelly's Closet.  Before I say anything else may I just tell you- my experience here was FANTASTIC!  If you want to hang out with fun, supportive, and loving girls, try on insanely gorgeous dresses, and be treated fantastically- make an appointment here.

It was here however, that I was introduced very quickly to the world of expensive designer wedding gowns.

I was almost shaking because I was so nervous to try on a wedding dress, and Sarah, the girl helping me was incredible.  She just kept me laughing, telling me I didn't have to wear a princess gown to be a bride, and telling me how hot I was.  (Before you laugh at how nervous I was, realize that new things are really hard for me!  And this DEFINITELY is classified as new.)

I didn't have a complete idea of what I wanted, but I knew that I didn't want a princess dress (no offense, they just aren't me!) and I was curious to see something all lace.  In my imagination, that is what I would get married in- something somewhat fitted, and all lace.

However, when I tried on something all lace, I felt all wrong.  Too unlike myself; too girly.  It made me uncomfortable.  Instead, here are the two incredible gowns that I left my appointment loving:

Jenny Lee #601

Jenny Less #503

Being that I loved these Jenny Lee dresses so much, Sarah encouraged me to come back the following weekend for the Jenny Lee trunk show.  Without realizing what I was getting myself into, I agreed.

I had managed to begin to understand the complicated and overpriced world of designer dresses (of which I never could and never would choose to afford- but had fallen in love with), but the concept of 'The Dress' still escaped me.  As stunningly gorgeous these two gowns were, and how beyond incredible I felt in them- I just didn't get some lightning bolt wake up call that said 'I am the One.'

So I left my first attempt at wedding dress shopping feeling like I had massively enjoyed myself, but unsure as to how to proceed.

Random Love Friday: Round Three

This week's random love includes all things lacy and white; it appears I am in a romantic mood.  Enjoy!

napkin image via An Atlanta Bride

Fantastic carnation bouquet via The Fairmount Bride

Beautiful handkerchief via In This Instance

Gorgeous image via That Bride

Anyone else feeling romantic?

Fear of Flowers

One of the biggest things Mom and I talked about (with Lindsey's help!) while she was here was floral decor.  Neither of us knows too much about flowers or wedding decor, and I am not so good at visualizing.  So we took Lindsey out to lunch, and while picking her brain, she got me to realize that I don't need specialized floral knowledge to meet with a florist and vaguely describe what I want.

So I went ahead with my first step in "facing your floral phobia" and contacted three florists.  Now that I have one appointment scheduled so far, I realized that I am not good at describing what I want in words- at all!  I better come up with some pictures to demonstrate my desires since I won't be taking Floral Design Language 101 anytime soon.  At least not while I still have a day job.

Row One: "I love candles."

Row Two: "simple and small centerpieces"

Row Three: "classic, white bouquet"

Row One: first two images from On Occasions of Atlanta (I believe), candles via East Side Bride

Row Two: image via Tying the Knot, multiple centerpieces image via The Bride's Cafe, gorgeous image from Michelle Rago

Row Three: bouquet image from On Occasions of Atlanta (again, if I am remembering correctly!), carnation bouquet from Birch via The Fairmount Bride, bouquet via Miss Green Tea

So what do you think?  Did anyone else have to learn a new language to talk with wedding vendors?

Celebrate Your Differences

As Ryan walked out of the living room with the words "I couldn't respect myself if I watched that crap," I smiled and was thankful that we are different people.  YAY for Season Five of Project Runway!!!

Image via BuzzSugar

Wedding Planning Confession

Alright- I have a confession to make. I have no freakin' clue how to plan a small gathering at my apartment, let alone plan a wedding. Does it show?

Up until this point I have largely been trying to figure out how to plan this wedding "correctly"... God only knows what that means. As I'm sure you can all imagine- this was only succeeding in making me crazy. But today I decided- I am finally ready to embrace my total confusion, being overwhelmed with choices, and start having FUN.

I don't mean that I don't still want to take guest comfort, or the happiness of others into consideration. But I mean that, well, you can only do so much. I don't think I was ever going for "my PERFECT day," I was only going for "doing things right." And as my fantastic parents both keep trying to remind me: there are many ways to do this wedding thing right.

I think I am ready to start listening.

And I realize you're wondering- Pretty bath tub picture, but what the f*ck does that have to do with anything?  Well my friends, my master's degree has given me the gift of learning the importance of self-care, and this thought process is part of that.  So are gorgeous bath tubs.  Related in my head, I promise.

A special thanks to Meg for reminding me to keep taking deep breaths. And making me laugh at the same time.

Image from lioninoil via An Atlanta Bride.

Strange Personal Issue: Tables

Image found here

You know how it is; there are those few weird things that you have strange, unpopular opinions about when wedding planning.  One of mine is that I really dislike round tables.

Now in an effort to avoid them, I have done my research on pricing and I think I am in a good place.  But my parents are still concerned for guest comfort.  During Mama's visit, we visited Magnolia Hall with Lindsey, and all three tried different seating options around the rectangle tables.  I got the feeling it might not be as smooth as I had hoped.  So the question is, should I:

• Get over it and have round tables
• Ask nicely for all rectangular tables
• Mix it up to make everyone happy

And also, can I get a little feedback on rectangular tables?  Are there set-ups that work better than others?  Any thoughts would be great!!

image via The Bride's Cafe

image found here

image found here

Rehearsal Dinner Brainstorming

image from Maggiano's

Hey y'all!  I hope that everyone had a fantastic weekend!

Mama left on Friday night, and then Ry and I attended a wedding Saturday.  Congrats Chris and Chris!  Sunday was a lazy rainy day, but I did get some homework accomplished.  All in all a good one.

I will break down Mama's visit into a few posts, but truth be told, we didn't accomplish a vast amount as far as decision making goes.  Instead, we talked a LOT, met with my brand new official wedding coordinator (I love you Linds), and brainstormed.

And one of the exciting things we brainstormed about was: Rehearsal Dinner locations!

So I know that this is going to be largely up to Ryan's parents, but they asked us to give suggestions.  So we talked about different options, and then visited two of them to get a feel.

First Mama, Lindsey and I ate at Atkin's Park in Virginia Highlands and requested to see their banquet space.  Although I very much adored the space, it was sadly up a flight of stairs (no elevator) and the only bathrooms were downstairs.  Additionally it would hold a maximum of forty, and we were at that moment unsure that we would all fit.  So it was a no for us.

On Friday night before Mama left, Ryan and I accompanied her to dinner at Maggiano's.  Ryan had never been before, so I was eager to see what he thought.  We had a great time, but we were sitting right in the bar area at the busiest time on a Friday night, so our experience wasn't perfect.  I thought Ryan would say it was a no.

Out to dinner on Saturday night (after the wedding we had to unwind apparently) the group convinced Ryan that Maggiano's was a perfect location, and that we should go for it.  (The other two couples we were with knew they were going to be invited, so that might have helped the cause!)

So we haven't yet pitched the suggestion to Ryan's parents, but I thought I would ask: Has anyone had their rehearsal dinner (or any other private event) at Maggiano's?  Or do you have another good location suggestion for us?

Random Love Friday: Round Two

Happy Friday!  Here is round two of random things I am loving this week.  (Some are a little older, but I am been loving them for a few weeks, alright?)  Enjoy!

This would never fly at my own wedding, but how can you not love the crystals hanging from this pretty chivari chair?

image via The Brides Cafe

During the week this amazing bag appeared in my google reader.  I will owe a lifetime of servitude to whomever wants to make me a bag like this of my very own!  How awesome is this artwork??

bag by Ice Cream Social via Brooklyn Bride

These invitations from Peonies and Polaroids make me want to start over completely with my wedding vision, and go hot pink and white... or just bow down to her amazing DIY masterpiece.

gorgeous invitations from peonies and polaroids

And this last picture is just incredible.  Again, nothing to do with my own wedding planning, but certainly beautiful inspiration.  The atmosphere, to me, is perfect.  Maybe I should reconsider hot pink... (Just kidding Ryan!)

image via Blush Events

Hope you enjoyed!  What random things are you loving this week?

Photography: Part Three

Wedding Photography from Blue World Studios.  In my opinion, no other words necessary.  (Insert intelligent expression of massive amounts of happiness here.)

Anyone else get besides themselves with excitement when looking at other people's wedding pictures?  Or am I the only freak?

All images copyright 2008, Blue World Studios, Inc.

Photography: Part Two

Since finding and booking Blue World Studios, I have been blown away time and time again by their photos.  Each time I see new pictures appear on their blog, I can't believe that one of these days I will have photos that look like this!

Now that you have heard all about them, I imagine you would like some proof.  So here are some of my favorite engagement photos.

Check back later for my favorite wedding photos!

All images copyright 2008, Blue World Studios, Inc.

Photography: Part One

Image copyright 2008, Blue World Studios, Inc.

Like many other brides, after securing the man, the date, and the location, all I cared about was finding a good photographer.  Unfortunately, everyone I had heard about and liked the style of in Atlanta was WAY out of our price range.  So one night I decided it was time to stop daydreaming and do some research.

I am sure there is a better way to do this, but I will be honest about my painstaking process.  I found the Knot Georgia Bio, and went to the Photography page.  I then researched every photographer on the list.

When I went to each photographers page, I had a mission.  First, I looked to find pricing.  Before I even looked at the pictures.  Some people might find this crazy, but I didn't want to get all excited about the pictures before discovering that packages started at $10,000.  (I had already done that.)  If pricing wasn't listed or it started over $4,000, I closed the page and moved on to the next.

If the price was right, I started looking through the albums.  I was looking for a somewhat photojournalistic style, that still spoke of the couple, their personalities, and their family and friends.  I found that much photojournalistic photography was too artistic for my taste, and looked more like a magazine than a cherished wedding album.  So I was basically looking for something artistic that also spoke to me and tugged on my heart.

Strange to say, but of the many, many websites I looked at (I estimate overall at least thirty) I only found one photographer who fit into my requirements.  I opened the page, checked the price, and moved on to the galleries.  And I just sat there with my mouth open.  My heart was definitely touched by what I saw.

I quickly moved on to the next step of my research: Actually checking to see what knotties had to say about the photographer.  When I saw that every review was good, I walked over to Ryan.  I held my laptop open.  "Look, I found our wedding photographer."

Ryan looked at the images briefly.  (I was, after all, interrupting World of Warcraft.)  "It's perfect.  It's beautiful and the focus is on the people."

I spent the next few days blogstalking Blue World Studios before I found the courage to contact my very first wedding vendor crush.  They were open on our date!  (In fact, they said I was way ahead of the January wedding curve.  I might have overwhelmed them with my excitement.)  So I went to meet with Janet and EJ.

Can I tell you how nervous and shy I was, like it was my first date?  (Janet and EJ, if you ever read this, please forgive my intense awkwardness.)  But I didn't know what the appropriate protocol was for meeting with a wedding vendor when what I really wanted to say was, OhmygoshIloveeverythingyoudopleasebemyphotographerandfriend!

I knew my father would definitely not approve of such behavior.  So I held it in, but I hope my intense amount of smiling helped.  I loved them, eventually Ryan and my family met them, and everyone was happy.  The day my dad emailed to say he had booked them, I did a huge happy dance around my apartment.  I think that moment was better than the moment I found "The Dress."

So that's enough out of me!  Go check out Blue World Studios!  Not only are they incredible photographers, but they have bigger hearts than most people I have come into contact with.  And not just for humans, but for animals too.  And their love of others and understanding of human emotion is apparent in their work and it sounds like in their lives.  (My counseling background is showing, I apologize.)  I can't wait to work with Janet and EJ and have some emotionally perfect wedding artwork of my very own.

Did anyone else have to muster their courage to contact a wedding vendor crush?  Do other people even use that phrase?

Mama's in Atlanta!

image via amazon.com

Today I am beside myself with excitement, and not even thinking (too much) about my midterm tomorrow night!  My mom is flying in from Orlando and braving MARTA (Atlanta's train system) to spend the next few days relaxing, catching up, and oh- wedding planning.  I think my new book will come in handy!  (PS: If you haven't looked at it yet-this book is a fantastic and beautiful resource which thus far I would highly recommend!)

I think we are going to talk invitations, flowers, and decor.  We are trying to keep appointments and "to dos" to a minimum so that we can just chat in person, enjoy each other's company, and be open minded about all of the little details!  I will certainly update next week with what we accomplished.  Until then, enjoy some pre-scheduled eye candy!

Save the Dates: Finally Complete!

Alright, so I won't be mailing them until the end of the month, and truth be told I have a few more addresses to get.  But by and large, they are finally complete!  It is beyond strange to have completed my first little wedding project- and mostly painlessly.  Here is their story: told through pictures.

Look what was waiting when I got home!

My materials all organized: addressed envelopes, Save the Date postcards, and stamps

(For the few left to address, I've got the blank envelopes, writing guide for addressing, and fancy pen)

A closer look at the addressed envelopes

(Addressing  in your own handwriting with a guide  was a huge timesaver!)

A closer look at the front: Didn't they turn out perty?

A closer look at the back

Finally: the look of it all together

(Clockwise: Front of envelope, back of envelope, back of Save the Date, front of Save the Date)

They are simple and they don't provide an extreme amount of information, but this was on purpose.  All extraneous information is posted online, and for those without internet access we are mailing this information out separately.  (More on that to come.)

You might also notice that nowhere does it state: "Save the Date."  Again, this was on purpose as I am just not so much a fan of this phrase (random, I know, perhaps the connection to STDs that makes me queasy).  I stole the wording I ended up using instead from a Save the Date received by the old roommate- and I would credit that fabulous bride if I had any memory as to who she is!

Any thoughts?  Do they get the point across?  Have you had enough of them and want to just move on to the next big thing?  In that case stay tuned for eye candy and my incredible photographers later this week!