Well, the first one at least. Michael has done a really good job of making one. We bought extra material just in case but won't need it. We finally found fabric that would suit the element that each of my attendants will have. I'm pretty sure that I mentioned before that I wanted them to be elemental fairies. The wings shouldn't get in the way of anything or be annoying for them to wear. They also won't look cheap.
I'm relieved. It was one of the few things that I had solid in my mind about wanting from day 1. Poor Michael, I've been driving him nuts with it. He had the idea last week to make the wings iridescent stretched over the shape of the wire but his sample just didn't look right to me. The wire looked too big. This new way doesn't use as much wire so that the wings flow better. The little wire there is shapes the outer edge and gives them just enough spring to help the flow. Yay!
Our AC has broken down so I am spending the day at home waiting on repairmen. That means the invitations will go out on Monday. So, I'm taking me time getting them together. I'm up to date (and even ahead) with the class stuff so I can do those and some dissertation stuff this weekend. Things are at least getting done.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Invitations Are Back
Actually, we got them back a week after I took them. The plan for this weekend was supposed to have been to work on them but that hasn't happened. I spent most of yesterday asleep because I caught a nasty head cold. (sigh) So, I am a little behind my personal schedule but still ok so long as I mail them out next week. Besides, Michael still owes me two addresses and his mother owes me one. The hard part is the final tally because we just can't invite everyone we want to. If this were a "normal" Halloween party, we could invite every last person we know including those we just see on occasion. Oh, well.
My plan for the day is to work out exactly what I'm going to put on the sheet of paper that we are including in the invite. I had already done one for the save-the-date cards earlier so I only need to modify it some. And I don't think that local people need all of the information so I'll do a simpler version for them. Mostly about the dressing part since that is the most frequent question. Emily Post covers that but not for a wedding like we're doing. lol We just have to be challenging.
My plan for the day is to work out exactly what I'm going to put on the sheet of paper that we are including in the invite. I had already done one for the save-the-date cards earlier so I only need to modify it some. And I don't think that local people need all of the information so I'll do a simpler version for them. Mostly about the dressing part since that is the most frequent question. Emily Post covers that but not for a wedding like we're doing. lol We just have to be challenging.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Hmmm. . .A Look For the Groomsmen?
Michael found this and thought it would be great for the guys. So, Jon, what do you say?
Stop twitching. You thought it was funny when he wanted the girls to do it. (hee hee)
Stop twitching. You thought it was funny when he wanted the girls to do it. (hee hee)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Productive Week
Well, we got some major things accomplished this past week.
Tuesday was spent trying to track down and order the invitations that we wanted. We had chosen a design from Carlson Crafts months ago. The actual search for the one we wanted went pretty smoothly. We looked at a gazillion twice but it really wasn't hard. And no, Jami, you can't see what they look like before you get yours. Why? Cause I am not ruining the surprise and also because it what I could put on here wouldn't look like them anyway.
Oh, there is a sample online but it's a different color and stuff. That is why I said I spent time trying to track it down. Originally we thought that we could have one of the print shops that Michael knows do the invites for us but they have stopped doing stuff like that because apparently it is a big headache. But you can order the cards in through their website and they will do the envelopes, etc. Well, our card was not on the website even though we had seen it in the most recent book. Here's what happened. . .the card number and color had been changed. How I ended up finding this out was by going to our nearest Hallmark store and discovering that what I had written down and what they had in their book was different. Seems they are out of date. So, I went to another one that has a more full service invitation section. Heck, they even do printing on the spot for stuff. The guy was really nice and helpful just like Maggie had been at the other store. I felt bad about switching but I needed to be sure this didn't get screwed up.
Actually, the number was still different at the second store. But he verified that it was what we were looking for and even confirmed the color we wanted and questions we had. So, while it took a while in the end, I got it done fairly well. I ordered the invitations and response cards. Return address on the latter automatically comes on the cards so that was cool. We'll have the print shop do the big envelopes and the babysitter cards and we'll do the info sheet here at home. So, I should be good to go in sending them out after Labor Day.
Yesterday we did two big things. The first was for Michael to decide what he wanted to get for a tux. We had chosen Men's Warehouse because they have stores all over and Kyle will easily be able to get fitted and everything. Plus, they let you pick up at any store and return at any store so that if you;re doing an out of town thing, you don't have to stress. I like that. Anyway, Michael likes three or four button jackets so we had a choice of two. Michael chose:
It's lightweight despite it being made from wool (so if you sweat, Jon, it's really not because of that). The shirts are microfiber so that should help too. The deal comes with everything but underwear so the guys get a nice neat little package unlike us ladies. (sigh) Men suck. lol The only difference between Michael and the groomsmen is that they will be all black and white while he has opted for a royal blue vest and tie to match my dress. Oh, and they are not wearing bow ties like in the picture but regular ties and the vest pattern is diamond.
The last, and most important thing, was that we decided to go ahead and order our rings. Michael knew what he wanted but I wasn't sure. I figured that we weren't going to match (which is not a problem) and that I would have to go very simple in order to keep costs down. Well, wouldn't you know, the ring Michael had looked at for eons was sold a few days ago? lol But the salesman at Reeds knew what we were talking about and we could order one. Would have had to anyway because Michael needs something like Tungsten Carbide or Stainless steel since anything less durable would be wrecked in no time on the job. Michael liked the chevron pattern of one of the Tungsten rings. So, that seemed to settle that.
Then we went and looked for me. I love the Art Carved collection but we so don't have $400+ to spend on rings right now. And Michael's ring choice just wouldn't work on my hand. So, I thought I would end up with a plain silver until we saw a Tungsten similar to Michael's. The difference is that the pattern simply goes up and down around the ring instead in a diamond shape around it. I started to dismiss the ring because I wasn't sure that it would look right, etc. Well, the salesman mentioned it as a choice and when he brought it out, it caught the light and sparkled. Michael, magpie that he is, liked it instantly better than his own choice! I liked it because it wasn't plain and the sizing actually worked on my hand. Michael admitted to not caring for the rough edge on his choice but the one I was looking at had a smooth one so. . .now we will have matching rings! lol
Here's what they look like:
You know what's even funnier? We have the same ring size! So, Michael said that we'll have to engrave the inside in such a way that we know which is which. lol Too funny.
Well, that's it for now. Lots more to do but I'm happy those things are done.
Tuesday was spent trying to track down and order the invitations that we wanted. We had chosen a design from Carlson Crafts months ago. The actual search for the one we wanted went pretty smoothly. We looked at a gazillion twice but it really wasn't hard. And no, Jami, you can't see what they look like before you get yours. Why? Cause I am not ruining the surprise and also because it what I could put on here wouldn't look like them anyway.
Oh, there is a sample online but it's a different color and stuff. That is why I said I spent time trying to track it down. Originally we thought that we could have one of the print shops that Michael knows do the invites for us but they have stopped doing stuff like that because apparently it is a big headache. But you can order the cards in through their website and they will do the envelopes, etc. Well, our card was not on the website even though we had seen it in the most recent book. Here's what happened. . .the card number and color had been changed. How I ended up finding this out was by going to our nearest Hallmark store and discovering that what I had written down and what they had in their book was different. Seems they are out of date. So, I went to another one that has a more full service invitation section. Heck, they even do printing on the spot for stuff. The guy was really nice and helpful just like Maggie had been at the other store. I felt bad about switching but I needed to be sure this didn't get screwed up.
Actually, the number was still different at the second store. But he verified that it was what we were looking for and even confirmed the color we wanted and questions we had. So, while it took a while in the end, I got it done fairly well. I ordered the invitations and response cards. Return address on the latter automatically comes on the cards so that was cool. We'll have the print shop do the big envelopes and the babysitter cards and we'll do the info sheet here at home. So, I should be good to go in sending them out after Labor Day.
Yesterday we did two big things. The first was for Michael to decide what he wanted to get for a tux. We had chosen Men's Warehouse because they have stores all over and Kyle will easily be able to get fitted and everything. Plus, they let you pick up at any store and return at any store so that if you;re doing an out of town thing, you don't have to stress. I like that. Anyway, Michael likes three or four button jackets so we had a choice of two. Michael chose:
It's lightweight despite it being made from wool (so if you sweat, Jon, it's really not because of that). The shirts are microfiber so that should help too. The deal comes with everything but underwear so the guys get a nice neat little package unlike us ladies. (sigh) Men suck. lol The only difference between Michael and the groomsmen is that they will be all black and white while he has opted for a royal blue vest and tie to match my dress. Oh, and they are not wearing bow ties like in the picture but regular ties and the vest pattern is diamond.
The last, and most important thing, was that we decided to go ahead and order our rings. Michael knew what he wanted but I wasn't sure. I figured that we weren't going to match (which is not a problem) and that I would have to go very simple in order to keep costs down. Well, wouldn't you know, the ring Michael had looked at for eons was sold a few days ago? lol But the salesman at Reeds knew what we were talking about and we could order one. Would have had to anyway because Michael needs something like Tungsten Carbide or Stainless steel since anything less durable would be wrecked in no time on the job. Michael liked the chevron pattern of one of the Tungsten rings. So, that seemed to settle that.
Then we went and looked for me. I love the Art Carved collection but we so don't have $400+ to spend on rings right now. And Michael's ring choice just wouldn't work on my hand. So, I thought I would end up with a plain silver until we saw a Tungsten similar to Michael's. The difference is that the pattern simply goes up and down around the ring instead in a diamond shape around it. I started to dismiss the ring because I wasn't sure that it would look right, etc. Well, the salesman mentioned it as a choice and when he brought it out, it caught the light and sparkled. Michael, magpie that he is, liked it instantly better than his own choice! I liked it because it wasn't plain and the sizing actually worked on my hand. Michael admitted to not caring for the rough edge on his choice but the one I was looking at had a smooth one so. . .now we will have matching rings! lol
Here's what they look like:
You know what's even funnier? We have the same ring size! So, Michael said that we'll have to engrave the inside in such a way that we know which is which. lol Too funny.
Well, that's it for now. Lots more to do but I'm happy those things are done.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Great Party
Saturday night was our couple's shower. It was a lot of fun. Valerie couldn't come up for it for various reasons, which was sad, but Jami took over in planning stuff and did an awesome job.
I have to admit that I wasn't sure how the party was going to be just because the stress level around it seemed pretty high. I just wanted everyone to relax and have fun (including the planners). But, in the end, that is what we had.
The most major snag was that the air conditioning in the building had apparently gone down on Friday. I didn't actually know that until 4:30p on Saturday because I'd been running around with Jami and the others all day. By that point, I just had to hope that the room was livable for us all. I told Cynthia to call if we needed to bring more fans but I didn't want to worry Jami about it. She had enough on her mind with stuff without adding more stress over something she couldn't control. The room turned out not to be too bad though it did require a huge fan to help.
The shower theme was "Sweet on You" suggested by Jennifer. Valerie had taken care of the invitations (unfortunately limited to those living here -- the shower is supposed to be fairly limited). Some people couldn't come because of family emergencies (hope those get better soon) and other conflicts. But that is the way things go.
The color theme was various shades of blue with some white here and there. That was very cool and shows how well Jami knows us since that's our favorite color.
Cynthia and her boyfriend, Jim, had put together the favors for the event. The center piece of each table was a see through Chinese take out box full of various candies. Around them were smaller blue and white ones for the guests to take home filled with the candy. I loved it because we have planned something similar for the wedding and this made a precursor. Jon, apparently, had a hand in that suggestion since he knew about our candy bar idea. Jennifer and her husband, Tavis, attached balloons around everything.
The food table held a variety of desserts. I'm pretty sure that Jami took care of most of it but I know specifically of the chocolate cake being baked by Kathy (yummy) and I'm pretty sure Jennifer did the cookies (also yummy). If I am not giving credit elsewhere, please forgive me for that. There were various cakes overall. It all looked yummy and like we were gonna be hyper forever. The centerpiece to it all was a Hello Kitty sheet cake from Publix. Yes, you heard that right: a Hello Kitty sheet cake. It's similar to this one:
I say similar because instead of the bubble blower on top, we got a compact mirror. I like the mirror so it was all good. Jami, Jon, and Cindy were waaaay too pleased with themselves over it. (grin)
People wandered around and chatted at first. Then dug into the food. In the end the group cozied up at three tables instead of four. One table "behaved", one was "mischievous", and one was "perverted". lol Michael and I ended up at separate tables. You can figure out which ones we ended up being with. I was actually the last to get food and sit down cause I was just sort of wandering around. It had been a long week and it felt surreal. I have rarely had a party as either a child or an adult. The few birthday things I've done have been low key things at a restaurant. And since I wasn't sure what to expect as far as how people would intermingle, well, it was a pleasure to see everyone getting on so well. If it is any indication of the wedding, we are gonna have so much fun! Not that I haven't believed that, but now I can feel it too!
Time went really quickly. We had thought to do a murder mystery at the party just in case we needed to keep things lively but we didn't need to. No worries, I think we'll do a party like that next year here at the house. lol Save it for then. Jami had set up all of the presents on a table (they looked really nice). I won't go through all of them but I can honestly say that I was genuinely happy to get them all. See, I never know how to react to presents. I always appreciate them but wasn't sure how I would feel to be getting stuff we registered for. But every time Michael opened a package I was like, "Yay! Cool." lol I know we requested the stuff but it wasn't until we actually had them that I realized how happy I would be to actually have them. I guess you get overwhelmed when registering and it kind of numbs you to the stuff. We didn't register for anything we couldn't use or didn't need. And I tried to keep costs down for people even though we registered for a wide price range like they suggest. But if something was cheaper at the one store, I put it on that list. Took forever but I'm happy with the results.
Anyway, it was weird being on the side where people were watching us open stuff. But it was fun too. Jami did a great job of handling the ins and outs of it and Cynthia was really great with keeping track of who gave us what. The whole thing ran smoothly. I'm sure it didn't seem that way behind the scenes at times but it was a wonderful party overall.
Now I gotta get back to working on the main event. I only hope it goes as well. (smile)
I have to admit that I wasn't sure how the party was going to be just because the stress level around it seemed pretty high. I just wanted everyone to relax and have fun (including the planners). But, in the end, that is what we had.
The most major snag was that the air conditioning in the building had apparently gone down on Friday. I didn't actually know that until 4:30p on Saturday because I'd been running around with Jami and the others all day. By that point, I just had to hope that the room was livable for us all. I told Cynthia to call if we needed to bring more fans but I didn't want to worry Jami about it. She had enough on her mind with stuff without adding more stress over something she couldn't control. The room turned out not to be too bad though it did require a huge fan to help.
The shower theme was "Sweet on You" suggested by Jennifer. Valerie had taken care of the invitations (unfortunately limited to those living here -- the shower is supposed to be fairly limited). Some people couldn't come because of family emergencies (hope those get better soon) and other conflicts. But that is the way things go.
The color theme was various shades of blue with some white here and there. That was very cool and shows how well Jami knows us since that's our favorite color.
Cynthia and her boyfriend, Jim, had put together the favors for the event. The center piece of each table was a see through Chinese take out box full of various candies. Around them were smaller blue and white ones for the guests to take home filled with the candy. I loved it because we have planned something similar for the wedding and this made a precursor. Jon, apparently, had a hand in that suggestion since he knew about our candy bar idea. Jennifer and her husband, Tavis, attached balloons around everything.
The food table held a variety of desserts. I'm pretty sure that Jami took care of most of it but I know specifically of the chocolate cake being baked by Kathy (yummy) and I'm pretty sure Jennifer did the cookies (also yummy). If I am not giving credit elsewhere, please forgive me for that. There were various cakes overall. It all looked yummy and like we were gonna be hyper forever. The centerpiece to it all was a Hello Kitty sheet cake from Publix. Yes, you heard that right: a Hello Kitty sheet cake. It's similar to this one:
I say similar because instead of the bubble blower on top, we got a compact mirror. I like the mirror so it was all good. Jami, Jon, and Cindy were waaaay too pleased with themselves over it. (grin)
People wandered around and chatted at first. Then dug into the food. In the end the group cozied up at three tables instead of four. One table "behaved", one was "mischievous", and one was "perverted". lol Michael and I ended up at separate tables. You can figure out which ones we ended up being with. I was actually the last to get food and sit down cause I was just sort of wandering around. It had been a long week and it felt surreal. I have rarely had a party as either a child or an adult. The few birthday things I've done have been low key things at a restaurant. And since I wasn't sure what to expect as far as how people would intermingle, well, it was a pleasure to see everyone getting on so well. If it is any indication of the wedding, we are gonna have so much fun! Not that I haven't believed that, but now I can feel it too!
Time went really quickly. We had thought to do a murder mystery at the party just in case we needed to keep things lively but we didn't need to. No worries, I think we'll do a party like that next year here at the house. lol Save it for then. Jami had set up all of the presents on a table (they looked really nice). I won't go through all of them but I can honestly say that I was genuinely happy to get them all. See, I never know how to react to presents. I always appreciate them but wasn't sure how I would feel to be getting stuff we registered for. But every time Michael opened a package I was like, "Yay! Cool." lol I know we requested the stuff but it wasn't until we actually had them that I realized how happy I would be to actually have them. I guess you get overwhelmed when registering and it kind of numbs you to the stuff. We didn't register for anything we couldn't use or didn't need. And I tried to keep costs down for people even though we registered for a wide price range like they suggest. But if something was cheaper at the one store, I put it on that list. Took forever but I'm happy with the results.
Anyway, it was weird being on the side where people were watching us open stuff. But it was fun too. Jami did a great job of handling the ins and outs of it and Cynthia was really great with keeping track of who gave us what. The whole thing ran smoothly. I'm sure it didn't seem that way behind the scenes at times but it was a wonderful party overall.
Now I gotta get back to working on the main event. I only hope it goes as well. (smile)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ok Ok
I was tired of all the alcohol polls anyway so I took down the latest after hearing some opinions on it. I felt like I needed a trip to AA and I don't even drink! lol Truth is, that last one would have bogged me down. Been trying to follow the KISS (keep it simple stupid) mode of things but, well, that sure as heck wouldn't have been. And alcohol has never been a reason I went to any event but wasn't sure about others. lol
Guess I've been reading too many things about the "proper" way to do stuff when I don't really give a flip about most of it. I mean, standard etiquette is one thing but when you start delving into all of the minutiae of the planning. . .ugh. No wonder people go nuts over this stuff. And even the most laid back of people gets sucked in. Michael is right in that it's a big societal racket but it is also a beautiful thing to have. It's only the former if you cave to the industry side of it, I suppose.
But that is why I have you, dear friends, to keep me from doing that. I don't have a mother pushing at me to do things her way so that's good I guess. I don't have anyone else telling me how things should be done other than what I read and that's good too. I guess I'm swinging towards the opposite end of being a 'zilla from demanding to too questioning. lol
I may still put up a poll but, for now, I can't think of anything else to ask. Well, I have one but I think I have it answered. Just gonna stick with my original plan on that question. Hugs to all.
Guess I've been reading too many things about the "proper" way to do stuff when I don't really give a flip about most of it. I mean, standard etiquette is one thing but when you start delving into all of the minutiae of the planning. . .ugh. No wonder people go nuts over this stuff. And even the most laid back of people gets sucked in. Michael is right in that it's a big societal racket but it is also a beautiful thing to have. It's only the former if you cave to the industry side of it, I suppose.
But that is why I have you, dear friends, to keep me from doing that. I don't have a mother pushing at me to do things her way so that's good I guess. I don't have anyone else telling me how things should be done other than what I read and that's good too. I guess I'm swinging towards the opposite end of being a 'zilla from demanding to too questioning. lol
I may still put up a poll but, for now, I can't think of anything else to ask. Well, I have one but I think I have it answered. Just gonna stick with my original plan on that question. Hugs to all.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Hotel Confusion
Hmmm. . .not sure what happened but it seems that my hotel blocking didn't happen like it was supposed to. Valerie tried to reserve today and was told that there was no listing. So, I called them right away. Just got off the phone with the director of sales. She was very nice and even though the price I quoted you all was $10 less than what they normally charge and I don't have proof of reserving, she went ahead and did so at what I said. Yay! I did notice that the website looked better than last time but it must have been a generic one up. They only opened in February so I suspect that they were having issues with being new, etc. Hey, whatever, we're all good. Thank you, Val!!!
Jonathan and I talked last night and we decided that renting out one of the hotel rooms to use for the kids on the wedding night is probably the best idea. I had already planned on getting a reliable babysitter but was trying to figure out where to put the munchkins. Well, a room will do and then Jon can crash there overnight so he doesn't have to drive home and can stay in the thick of things on Saturday.
All right, Val has led the way. Now the rest of you make your reservations. I blocked a total of 20 rooms: 15 kings and 5 double queens. One down. You have until September 30th to actually reserve but please be kind and do it sooner. Thank you!
Jonathan and I talked last night and we decided that renting out one of the hotel rooms to use for the kids on the wedding night is probably the best idea. I had already planned on getting a reliable babysitter but was trying to figure out where to put the munchkins. Well, a room will do and then Jon can crash there overnight so he doesn't have to drive home and can stay in the thick of things on Saturday.
All right, Val has led the way. Now the rest of you make your reservations. I blocked a total of 20 rooms: 15 kings and 5 double queens. One down. You have until September 30th to actually reserve but please be kind and do it sooner. Thank you!
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