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?

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

Lanterns: A Love Affair

Alright, we could (and will) continue to recap, but today just seems like a lazy Friday (perhaps because I am off work...?).  So today I present: my love affair with lanterns.

Top from left: lanterns in Magnolia Hall, lantern centerpiece image found here

Row 2: lanterns from Pottery Barn (found on Classic Bride) via S&I, eek!  I can't remember where I found these, lantern image from Michael Riddell via The Bride's Cafe

Row 3: lantern centerpiece by Beautiful Blooms via The Bride's Cafe, lantern from IKEA, lanterns lighting walkway image from Michelle Rago

I will likely use them maybe outside to line the steps up to Mag Hall and maybe some inside.  It is nice to find some inspiration that will work for my winter wedding even in the middle of the summer!  Anyone else loving lanterns?

(PS: Yes, my postcards came, and yes they are gorgeous!!  Ryan had them waiting for me to see when I got home from class at 10:30.  I will post pictures once they are all addressed and ready to be mailed!)

Congratulations Lindsey & Chris!

Image found here

Light night I attended the wedding of Lindsey and Chris!  Congratulations to you both!!  It was so fantastic to see Lindsey so happy all night long.  And the trip to Cuthbert, GA was definitely one to remember.

I will have more pictures this week, but for now I must share a short story.

The car ride from the hotel to the reception included myself, Ryan, Jess, her husband Billy, and my boss (Dr. C).  (As a side note, Dr. C was causing trouble all night long and was a blast!!)  Either way, as we were standing outside after the ceremony waiting for the big exit, Jess kept admiring the flower pomanders hanging along the entry way on shepherds hooks.  (See picture above for example.)  Dr. C kept encouraging her to 'steal' one after everyone else left.  I think the rationale was, "They are going to die anyway."

So this is forgotten until we are sitting at a gas station making a pit stop before heading to the reception.  Jess realizes that she forgot to steal the pomanders, so we drive back by the church so she can get them.  As we are turning the car around after her capture, she realizes the flowers are fake.  Determining fake flower pomanders will not die, and therefore might be reused, everyone decides they must be returned to the church.  However, Jess somehow decides Dr. C should throw them out her window onto the church lawn as we drive back by.  Both of the boys, as well as Jess and Dr. C found this absolutely hysterical.  I was the only one who thought it was sad to be so reckless with someone's (already used) wedding decorations!!!  What if she wants to save them forever???

And then I realized- I am a huge wedding geek.  I need to lighten up!!!  This wedding planning stuff is definitely getting to my head.

PS: Happy Father's Day!

Memory Candle Idea

[Yuck, I have been fighting with Blogger to upload my pictures for far too long... Eh hopefully this works!  Saturday: Okay, still trying to fix it...]

So I was "researching" for the wedding the other day (read as: looking through billions of pictures on the internet, trying to avoid unpacking) and I came across the most wonderful (in my opinion) knot bio ever.  And while looking, I came across this memory candle idea:

found here (under details)

Perfect!  I had been wondering what to do for this- something classy and noticeable but not too overwhelming.  And it reminded me of these pretty candle holders on sale at Pottery Barn that I had found via weddingbee:

found here (Thanks Mrs. Onion!)

So I called my super awesome Mom and told her about my idea: get two of them while on sale to decorate the new place, and then use one in the wedding for a memory candle.  To my delight she said she'd buy them for me!  (Thank you Best Mom Ever!!!)

Cue to yesterday when Ryan says to me, "you already have a package!" and I opened up these beautiful babies.  As soon as I finish unpacking and find my camera cord, I will take some pictures of how cute these look on our fireplace mantel.  (Yes, we have a fireplace.  S'mores in the winter, here I come!!!!!!!)

image found here

And in case you didn't click to the best knot bio ever, here is the picture of the floating candle memory vase that she used, and where to find it:

buy here (recommended by best knot bio ever)

Anyrate, what do y'all think?  Did anyone else do something different to remember loved ones who have passed?

And don't worry, pictures of the new place, an update on how moving went, and recap of how Ryan and I have not yet killed each other (yay we made it through three and a half days already!!!!) coming soon.