Saturday, April 26, 2008
Help Me Decide!
Ok, so, Blogger has added two new cool features: Slideshows and Polls. Which is great timing because I have been looking at a gazillion hair photos. Don't really need to decide this until later but I wanted to do something girlie and frivolous. Well, I've narrowed down the choices to 10 and have set up a slide show to the right along with a poll. You can choose more than one of the styles and I'm leaving it up until September so there's plenty of time. Of course, if you run across one and want to pass it along for consideration, please do so. Eventually I'll find a stylist (yes, Kyle, I know you could do this but I'm not gonna ask you to work that day) and try the top choices out to see which one I like the best. Yes, I am partial to some of the ones on the list but this sounded like fun. I may take it down sooner than September to do other polls but, for now, you're stuck with this one. Have fun!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Cake Toppers
As I'm sure you know, there are a gazillion ways to decorate cakes. I remember my first foray into wedding cakes a few years ago when my friend, Andi, got married. We had fun emailing each other pictures of what looked cool. But it's enough to give anyone a headache. Besides, I've learned that often the coolest looking cakes are either a) way too damn expensive and/or b) taste like cardboard. It's because of the icing they use. Blech Which is why she went for the idea of plain cheesecakes with various topping options. Those were so fun to pick up at the bakery. My car smelled too yummy. lol
Anyway, we're doing something equally as simple as I mentioned before with the Godiva chocolate cakes. We are going to add one of the white coconut ones for people who would rather have something besides chocolate. But all in all, the cakes are fairly "plain" looking. Of course, we can set them in a cool fashion or decorate them with flowers or whatnot. Actually, Michael and I have had our main topper in mind for over a year when I found it online.
See, one of the things that we have in common is that we love dragons (well, anything fantasy based, really, which explains the wedding theme but we always agree on dragons). So, when I found this topper online, we agreed to it:
It's pewter and very cool. There is a full set of wedding stuff with it: cake knife and server, flutes, goblets, etc. We can't afford the whole set so the only other thing I'm considering are the flutes in the cobalt blue:
Minus the engraving though cause I like them better plain. Don't need our names and date on them cause we know what they are for.
Now, last night I remembered another set I love. I'd completely forgotten about it cause at the time they were out, I had no idea I'd ever get married so I didn't even buy them for a "someday." See, I collect something called Pocket Dragons. Got into it years ago because one of my friends then was collecting them and I thought they were so cool. Well, the creators decided to retire the entire collection two years or so ago. So, it's hard to get the wedding pieces but I think they are so cool:
And last but not least, I have another collection I do that is all my own (in other words, no one else I know collects them), Charming Tails. Hallmark carries them and they have been around for quite a long time. They are cheaper than the PDs but I tend to like all of the pieces cause they are just so damn cute! I won't post the pics here cause they have a complete wedding set but you can find it at Charming Tails Wedding Collection. (sigh) I LOVE them! Aren't they adorable? Ok, so maybe it would be over the top to have three different cake toppers but they have to be decorated somehow. But I have plenty of time for that consideration cause we don't have the money right now for any of them. Gotta survive the summer first. Ah well. Just some rambling ideas.
Anyway, we're doing something equally as simple as I mentioned before with the Godiva chocolate cakes. We are going to add one of the white coconut ones for people who would rather have something besides chocolate. But all in all, the cakes are fairly "plain" looking. Of course, we can set them in a cool fashion or decorate them with flowers or whatnot. Actually, Michael and I have had our main topper in mind for over a year when I found it online.
See, one of the things that we have in common is that we love dragons (well, anything fantasy based, really, which explains the wedding theme but we always agree on dragons). So, when I found this topper online, we agreed to it:
It's pewter and very cool. There is a full set of wedding stuff with it: cake knife and server, flutes, goblets, etc. We can't afford the whole set so the only other thing I'm considering are the flutes in the cobalt blue:
Minus the engraving though cause I like them better plain. Don't need our names and date on them cause we know what they are for.
Now, last night I remembered another set I love. I'd completely forgotten about it cause at the time they were out, I had no idea I'd ever get married so I didn't even buy them for a "someday." See, I collect something called Pocket Dragons. Got into it years ago because one of my friends then was collecting them and I thought they were so cool. Well, the creators decided to retire the entire collection two years or so ago. So, it's hard to get the wedding pieces but I think they are so cool:
And last but not least, I have another collection I do that is all my own (in other words, no one else I know collects them), Charming Tails. Hallmark carries them and they have been around for quite a long time. They are cheaper than the PDs but I tend to like all of the pieces cause they are just so damn cute! I won't post the pics here cause they have a complete wedding set but you can find it at Charming Tails Wedding Collection. (sigh) I LOVE them! Aren't they adorable? Ok, so maybe it would be over the top to have three different cake toppers but they have to be decorated somehow. But I have plenty of time for that consideration cause we don't have the money right now for any of them. Gotta survive the summer first. Ah well. Just some rambling ideas.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Registries
Well, we've finally finished tweaking our registries. Just like a lot of people we know, we don't want to look like we are gift grubbing. However, let's be real here, gift registration is a necessary evil for wedding planning. Besides, I've heard from family members that I can be difficult to buy for (um, ok) so this should solve that problem should they feel the need to buy us something. Really, though, I'll just be happy to have everyone in one place and having fun.
I should probably explain our choices. Four places seems like a lot but most guides recommend about two to four. We were just gonna do two with the Marriott and Bed Bath and Beyond. Travel registries are starting to become popular. However, a lot of them have hidden fees and funky rules. But the Marriott is different. The registry is completely free to users and it's easy. Once I registered, they sent us an empty gift card in a cute little suitcase holder. People go to the website or call Marriott and "buy" items from our listing. While the "sample" items they have are pricey, it's easy enough to just add your own amount to the gift card. With the Marriott, we aren't stuck with a specific honeymoon package because we can use the card at any of their properties. So, if we have to change our plans, well, we can. I'll babble about honeymoon stuff later.
Anyway, we chose Bed Bath and Beyond because they have an awesome selection of stuff. We love that place. But then we realized that we needed a third registry because of people being so darn spread out and not necessarily having a BBB near them and possibly not wanting to do online stuff for either registry.
I wanted JC Penney. . .but we started the registry without realizing that they suck! I mean, I worked for them thirteen years ago and have always loved the company. I had no idea that their selection -- even through the catalog -- had gotten so, well, lame. The bedding department is still pretty good as is the windows section. Bath has gone down but for towels. And the rest? Pitiful. Just pitiful. It was too late to cancel it. Besides, they still have the best window treatments and we can certainly use those. But I know that as for us shopping there in the future it will just be for that and clothes for Michael.
So, we ended up with Macy's (whom I also like) and that turned out wonderfully. They are what I'd hoped Penney's would be. And another cool thing about them is that if someone buys from the online registry via weddingchannel.com, money gets donated to the charity of our choice. I chose the American Cancer Foundation for obvious reasons. If I'd known that Penney's had changed so much, I would have just stuck with the two traditional registries and the nontraditional travel one. Ah well. It was a learning experience. Never assume that somewhere is as good as it used to be.
One good thing about all of this? Michael and I didn't fight at all about what we wanted to register for. In fact, we tend to agree on stuff most of the time. And he was awesome in going along with me and not grumbling. But then, he likes to shop. Fortunately our tastes mesh all right. We have a habit of deferring when one of us wants something more than another. We both have to like something though for it to be considered a viable option. But, if we have, say, two choices that we both like and one happens to really be a favorite of one of us, it usually wins by default (like the every day butterfly china pattern that I love). So, even though we spent hours at the stores (and me online fine tuning), it was pretty easy over all.
I should probably explain our choices. Four places seems like a lot but most guides recommend about two to four. We were just gonna do two with the Marriott and Bed Bath and Beyond. Travel registries are starting to become popular. However, a lot of them have hidden fees and funky rules. But the Marriott is different. The registry is completely free to users and it's easy. Once I registered, they sent us an empty gift card in a cute little suitcase holder. People go to the website or call Marriott and "buy" items from our listing. While the "sample" items they have are pricey, it's easy enough to just add your own amount to the gift card. With the Marriott, we aren't stuck with a specific honeymoon package because we can use the card at any of their properties. So, if we have to change our plans, well, we can. I'll babble about honeymoon stuff later.
Anyway, we chose Bed Bath and Beyond because they have an awesome selection of stuff. We love that place. But then we realized that we needed a third registry because of people being so darn spread out and not necessarily having a BBB near them and possibly not wanting to do online stuff for either registry.
I wanted JC Penney. . .but we started the registry without realizing that they suck! I mean, I worked for them thirteen years ago and have always loved the company. I had no idea that their selection -- even through the catalog -- had gotten so, well, lame. The bedding department is still pretty good as is the windows section. Bath has gone down but for towels. And the rest? Pitiful. Just pitiful. It was too late to cancel it. Besides, they still have the best window treatments and we can certainly use those. But I know that as for us shopping there in the future it will just be for that and clothes for Michael.
So, we ended up with Macy's (whom I also like) and that turned out wonderfully. They are what I'd hoped Penney's would be. And another cool thing about them is that if someone buys from the online registry via weddingchannel.com, money gets donated to the charity of our choice. I chose the American Cancer Foundation for obvious reasons. If I'd known that Penney's had changed so much, I would have just stuck with the two traditional registries and the nontraditional travel one. Ah well. It was a learning experience. Never assume that somewhere is as good as it used to be.
One good thing about all of this? Michael and I didn't fight at all about what we wanted to register for. In fact, we tend to agree on stuff most of the time. And he was awesome in going along with me and not grumbling. But then, he likes to shop. Fortunately our tastes mesh all right. We have a habit of deferring when one of us wants something more than another. We both have to like something though for it to be considered a viable option. But, if we have, say, two choices that we both like and one happens to really be a favorite of one of us, it usually wins by default (like the every day butterfly china pattern that I love). So, even though we spent hours at the stores (and me online fine tuning), it was pretty easy over all.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Flying In
Ok, I was going to wait to put this info on the blog until later but I've already had two questions about it so here we go.
For those of you who are flying in. . .the best days that week would be any but Tuesday, the 28th. Thursday will be ok but with it being the day before the wedding, well, I can't promise we'll be available for pick-ups and what-not.
As for when to leave. . .that's up to you. I just locked in the rate through that Sunday night. However, I'm sure that if you want to stay longer into the next week, the Wingate people will be more than happy to haggle with you. It's off season and the beginning of a week. So, I doubt there will be a problem with the rate staying the same.
Now, where to fly in? Well, that all depends upon rates. Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) is the closest. Charlotte International (CLT) is the next best but is 1.5 hours away. So, it depends upon 2 things: 1) how much of a difference in price is your ticket and 2) will you be renting a car? Cause, with gas the price it is, if you're renting a car, you could spend as much in gas (usually a little more than a half tank to three quarters depending on the vehicle for a round trip) for the extra drive. If you're not renting, we can get you from either place. It's a straight shot from CLT to Columbia and the hotel so that shouldn't be a concern for you all.
So, it's your call on that one. CAE is a much smaller airport but CLT isn't too intimidating. As you make plans to come in, just keep me posted via email. K? Hugs.
For those of you who are flying in. . .the best days that week would be any but Tuesday, the 28th. Thursday will be ok but with it being the day before the wedding, well, I can't promise we'll be available for pick-ups and what-not.
As for when to leave. . .that's up to you. I just locked in the rate through that Sunday night. However, I'm sure that if you want to stay longer into the next week, the Wingate people will be more than happy to haggle with you. It's off season and the beginning of a week. So, I doubt there will be a problem with the rate staying the same.
Now, where to fly in? Well, that all depends upon rates. Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) is the closest. Charlotte International (CLT) is the next best but is 1.5 hours away. So, it depends upon 2 things: 1) how much of a difference in price is your ticket and 2) will you be renting a car? Cause, with gas the price it is, if you're renting a car, you could spend as much in gas (usually a little more than a half tank to three quarters depending on the vehicle for a round trip) for the extra drive. If you're not renting, we can get you from either place. It's a straight shot from CLT to Columbia and the hotel so that shouldn't be a concern for you all.
So, it's your call on that one. CAE is a much smaller airport but CLT isn't too intimidating. As you make plans to come in, just keep me posted via email. K? Hugs.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Let Them Eat Cake
One more thing down. We will be having the yummiest cake ever for the wedding. No cardboard for our guests (though I must admit that my friends have done well to avoid that at their weddings. . .but then, they have good taste). Nope we are having to die for cake.
See, there's this local bakery called Chocolate Nirvana. It's a very tiny little place that you would probably miss because it's mixed in with a bunch of houses and small businesses. It is next to the one historical house (that we considered for a locale) and just happens to be down from Michael's church but. . .you blink, you miss it. We've known about it for years because they sell to a lot of the local restaurants. Miyo's (my fave in Columbia) serves their Godiva Chocolate cake, Coconut cake, and various cheesecakes. They are all very yummy but our favorite is the Godiva chocolate. Can we say yummmmm?
I called today and the lady loved me cause we don't need to arrange a tasting and that just made her life easier. She said I was the best bride ever! lol When I went to secure the date for us today, the lady told me that they actually have a chocolate covered version of the coconut cake that tastes like a Mounds. mmmmm So, we may end up with one of the cakes being that. They do separate cakes rather than a tier thing which is fine. Oh, and I joked about how I should have said yes to the tasting cause then we would get to eat yummy samples and she gave me some slices for free! Woohoo! lol That was very cool. Heck, no guilt here cause that's supposed to be one of the more fun parts of all of this. But it's all good.
(giggle) Everyone is gonna be so hyped up on sugar. It's gonna be a great party!
See, there's this local bakery called Chocolate Nirvana. It's a very tiny little place that you would probably miss because it's mixed in with a bunch of houses and small businesses. It is next to the one historical house (that we considered for a locale) and just happens to be down from Michael's church but. . .you blink, you miss it. We've known about it for years because they sell to a lot of the local restaurants. Miyo's (my fave in Columbia) serves their Godiva Chocolate cake, Coconut cake, and various cheesecakes. They are all very yummy but our favorite is the Godiva chocolate. Can we say yummmmm?
I called today and the lady loved me cause we don't need to arrange a tasting and that just made her life easier. She said I was the best bride ever! lol When I went to secure the date for us today, the lady told me that they actually have a chocolate covered version of the coconut cake that tastes like a Mounds. mmmmm So, we may end up with one of the cakes being that. They do separate cakes rather than a tier thing which is fine. Oh, and I joked about how I should have said yes to the tasting cause then we would get to eat yummy samples and she gave me some slices for free! Woohoo! lol That was very cool. Heck, no guilt here cause that's supposed to be one of the more fun parts of all of this. But it's all good.
(giggle) Everyone is gonna be so hyped up on sugar. It's gonna be a great party!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
We Have a Hotel!
Ok, all, we have hotel rooms blocked for all of you out of towners. It's a Wingate Hotel that's really well placed in the grand scheme of things. It's a new building and is right down the road from the wedding/reception site. The price is very good for what we're getting ($89/night) and the block runs from Sunday, October 26th to Sunday, November 2nd. I did such a span because I don't know how long some of you will want to come and stay. And trust me when I say that the rate is awesome. I've priced a couple and lowest I would have gone for with a decent place is $70/night. And the rate we have is even lower than their advertised rate on either their main page or Expedia. I did my research so this place wasn't just chosen for convenience.
Now, if some of you have memberships with another chain (this is a Wyndham), then feel free to try and find rooms there. I say try because unless you know Columbia. . .well, you could be way out or in the middle of stuff you don't need to deal with. See, the wedding weekend happens to fall on one of USC's big home football games. (sigh) USC vs Tennesee. For those of you who have no concept of college sports, trust me when I say that if you wait to get a room. . .you're gonna be doomed. Some places are already booked. So, contact the Wingate and just go with that one.
Besides, everyone staying at the same place has several advantages for all of us. I've included the link on the right. I have reserved 15 king sized rooms and five doubles. If anyone would like to share one of the doubles, let me know and I'll pair y'all up. I know some peeps have a limited budget.
By the way, go ahead an book even if you have to cancel later. They are holding the block until my birthday but you never know what can happen. And you can always cancel later. I will be sending out printed info soon as well so peeps not normally checking or getting these updates can have the info.
When planning on how long to stay. . .that's up to you all. Mike and I will be taking our honeymoon a little later in the month so we have breathing space to see people. And I will have that Wednesday off from work so if anyone would like to do a trip somewhere, we could do so. I'll put up options later on for outings.
Hugs to all!
Now, if some of you have memberships with another chain (this is a Wyndham), then feel free to try and find rooms there. I say try because unless you know Columbia. . .well, you could be way out or in the middle of stuff you don't need to deal with. See, the wedding weekend happens to fall on one of USC's big home football games. (sigh) USC vs Tennesee. For those of you who have no concept of college sports, trust me when I say that if you wait to get a room. . .you're gonna be doomed. Some places are already booked. So, contact the Wingate and just go with that one.
Besides, everyone staying at the same place has several advantages for all of us. I've included the link on the right. I have reserved 15 king sized rooms and five doubles. If anyone would like to share one of the doubles, let me know and I'll pair y'all up. I know some peeps have a limited budget.
By the way, go ahead an book even if you have to cancel later. They are holding the block until my birthday but you never know what can happen. And you can always cancel later. I will be sending out printed info soon as well so peeps not normally checking or getting these updates can have the info.
When planning on how long to stay. . .that's up to you all. Mike and I will be taking our honeymoon a little later in the month so we have breathing space to see people. And I will have that Wednesday off from work so if anyone would like to do a trip somewhere, we could do so. I'll put up options later on for outings.
Hugs to all!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Pictures
Nope, not gonna show you the dress. You'll either see it at the wedding or afterwards.
What this title refers to is pictures of Michael and I. The photos below were taken at the AWA 13 Fire and Ice ball last year. The originals can be found on the Dave Nelson Photography website. They're pretty good though I look a bit wired in the one. lol Imagine that when I get excited. So, at least now you know what we look like together!
Of course, his hair is different right now because he shaved it off. (sigh) But he has promised me that he will grow it back for the wedding. I love when he has hair.
What this title refers to is pictures of Michael and I. The photos below were taken at the AWA 13 Fire and Ice ball last year. The originals can be found on the Dave Nelson Photography website. They're pretty good though I look a bit wired in the one. lol Imagine that when I get excited. So, at least now you know what we look like together!
Of course, his hair is different right now because he shaved it off. (sigh) But he has promised me that he will grow it back for the wedding. I love when he has hair.
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