tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55737061335346690292024-02-19T23:42:08.250-08:00Bridezilla To Be BeckyBeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-76755069507823738232011-07-22T12:15:00.000-07:002016-03-01T23:43:06.766-08:00Vendor Review: La Scala Italian Bistro, Dublin, OhioAs you may remember from <a href="http://bridezillatobebecky.blogspot.com/2010/04/great-venue-debate.html">previous posts</a>, choosing a venue for our reception was <b style="color: red;">tough</b>. I do a little event planning for my day job and consider myself more than capable of throwing a catered dinner for ~150. I also had a good idea of what one should cost. I was floored by how much the word <b style="color: red;">WEDDING</b> increased the prices of every venue and menu. Oh well. We struggled with it, but made some tough choices and in the end made a great decision.<br />
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We chose <a href="http://www.lascalaitalianbistro.com/"><b style="color: red;">La Scala Italian Bistro</b></a> in Dublin, Ohio. We came to our decision based on the following factors:<br />
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<b>Price:</b> La Scala's pricing was all-inclusive. There were no additional charges for the room, set-up or the event coordinator. Additionally, their food prices were very reasonable and we received a large discount for our off-season wedding. Their open bar prices were relatively high, but everything balanced out and still saved us money.<b> </b><br />
<b>Atmosphere:</b> The restaurant has two large reception rooms, both recently renovated and lovely enough that decor was unnecessary (if we didn't want any :).<br />
<b>Ease: </b>Did I mention an event coordinator was included in the price? How awesome is that? <br />
<b>Reputation:</b> La Scala is a well-known, family owned restaurant. We felt that having a restaurant relying on consistent business gives them a greater incentive to throw a great party. Wedding guests who have a great time and love the food are more likely to return to the restaurant for dinner, right?<br />
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So, how did it work out in the end? Perfectly. Seriously.<br />
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<b>Kathy, the event coordinator, was amazing.</b> She met with us a handful of times before the wedding, answered emailed questions promptly and made it clear that her job was to execute our vision. We dropped our decor off the Thursday before our wedding and the dessert off the morning of. She had everything set up perfectly and kept the party running smoothly.<br />
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<b>The food was FANTASTIC!</b> I hate the informality of buffets. I also hate tracking everyone's plated meal selection via reply card. Pain! La Scala has a family style buffet that was the perfect combination. Each table received generous portions of every dish we chose so everyone was able to have a little of everything... or a lot! They kept the bowls and plates of food coming! Everything was served hot straight from the restaurant kitchen, not luke warm from chaffing dishes (another pet peeve of buffets....). And it was all delicious as I expected from La Scala. We chose vegetable lasagna, chicken parmesan and prime rib for our main courses and garlic mashed potatoes and zucchini romano for sides. A salad, bread, spumoni ice cream and iced tea were also included in the price. All of it was delicious. The biggest crowd-pleasers were the lasagna and zucchini romano. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller Photography</a></i></td></tr>
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<b>The space was beautiful.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Memnb48S_sk/TinJfXu_sJI/AAAAAAAABNE/s9YivbgflII/s1600/MB385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Memnb48S_sk/TinJfXu_sJI/AAAAAAAABNE/s9YivbgflII/s400/MB385.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><i>Photo credit: <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller Photography</a></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller Photography</a></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller Photography</a></i></td></tr>
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I don't think any of these pictures do it justice. <br />
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And the price was right. We came in right at our budget, no surprises in the bill. Our large, Italian family got a kick out of the restaurant's atmosphere and the fantastic Italian menu. <br />
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I think the very best part of it all is that we can go back whenever we want. I see many celebratory dinners enjoyed at La Scala in our future. I see bringing our kids for dinner and telling them, "this is where your mom and dad had their wedding reception." How cool is that?<br />
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Good job, La Scala. You've got us for life!<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos in this post are credited to our fabulous wedding photographer, <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller Photography</a>.</span></i>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-19408188467276895822011-07-14T12:29:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:29:36.247-07:00Apologies and ExcusesIn the past three months I have written three blog posts.<br />
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Disgraceful.<br />
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I have a million excuses and loads of apologies. I hope some of you are still out there to receive them!<br />
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So, what have I been doing with all my extra non-blogging, non-wedding planning time? Here you go:<br />
<div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Working. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwjBKdor7fA/Th9Abq-YacI/AAAAAAAABMs/2B7MUW6Nnbw/s1600/crazy_frustrated2010-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwjBKdor7fA/Th9Abq-YacI/AAAAAAAABMs/2B7MUW6Nnbw/s200/crazy_frustrated2010-med.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Our busy season just wrapped... the months of May and June were hellish from 8:30 a.m. - 5+ p.m.. that's all I have to say about it.<br />
<div style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kicking-Off my Etsy Store, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeckySeymourDesigns">Becky Seymour Designs</a>. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77607960/green-floral-and-feather-headband"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPAxOOiPvu8/Th9BHJTMpfI/AAAAAAAABMw/FbL-XuUJHbU/s320/il_570xN.256465800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I know. There's not much there yet. Prior to June 22nd, I'd only made things on an as-needed basis for myself, my friends and babies I think are cute (not the ugly ones!). More items will be coming in August when life SLOWS DOWN (puh-lease?). In the mean time, please like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BeckySeymourDesigns">Becky Seymour Designs Facebook page</a> and for crying-out-loud, BUY SOMETHING! Or send me a request for a custom piece. Despite the chaos, turn-around is quick, I promise :)<br />
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So, stay tuned. I'm starting my vendor reviews and it should be particularly good reading for any Columbus, Ohio area brides. I'll dish on what I loved and hated about them all... but mostly loved cause I picked some rockin' vendors.<br />
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And I'll leave you with one Becky Seymour Designs happy customer: my niece, Lexi.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gT-iLMfvaw/Th9DD5M37dI/AAAAAAAABM0/-TLhYZaXH-4/s1600/278855_2257055906363_1247331332_2799807_1093926_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gT-iLMfvaw/Th9DD5M37dI/AAAAAAAABM0/-TLhYZaXH-4/s320/278855_2257055906363_1247331332_2799807_1093926_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Clearly, she's one of the cute ones, especially in a custom hair bow from her favorite aunt, right Lexi? Right.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-22208691935062726622011-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:002011-06-27T12:18:27.219-07:00Becky Seymour Designs has Launched!!<b>It's official! </b><br />
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I am thrilled to announce that my Etsy shop for<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeckySeymourDesigns?ref=pr_shop_more"><b style="color: #cc0000;"> Becky Seymour Designs</b></a> is LIVE! The shop features handcrafted floral hair pieces and jewelry and specializes in custom wedding designs for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls. Also, any of the handmade items you've enjoyed through this blog can be custom ordered through Etsy, including seating charts, programs, hair pieces and bouquet additions.<br />
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More product will be coming soon! In the mean time, browse the shop!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.252766681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.252766681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76462622/ivory-satin-and-tulle-hair-clip-and"><span style="font-size: large;">Ivory Satin and Tulle Hair Clip and Broach, $20</span></a></h1>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-83932931877658969902011-05-16T12:25:00.000-07:002011-05-27T11:02:37.000-07:00Custom Present for My GroomHuge apology to all of you for the month-long hiatus from blog posts. I find the further I get from the wedding, the less motivation I have for writing recap posts. Don't get me wrong, I love this blog, you lovely readers and chatting up how FABULOUS our day was, but it's just not on my mind as much as it used to be. Life has moved on and with spring comes house projects. Although the rain is keeping us from much-needed landscaping, we have been productive indoors, installing new venetian blinds and working on new pieces for my soon-to-be-launched Etsy store. More to come on that project later...<br />
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<b>Gift for my Groom</b><br />
I often say how blessed Matt & I are to have talented, creative friends. One of those friends was a great help with a big headache of the wedding-planning process: the gift for my groom. I met <b>Grace Hester</b> of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gracehesterdesigns">Grace Hester Designs</a> at a wedding last summer. She and Matt work today at her day job. In the evenings she's a wife, mom to two adorable little girls and a super talented designer. You can read all about it at her <a href="http://gracehester.typepad.com/">lovely blog</a>. When I finally decided to give Matt a keepsake that included the lyrics to our first dance song and our new, shared name, I immediately asked Grace to design it. And what she came up with was perfect:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_V_dtHSOLQ/TdF2zppUX1I/AAAAAAAABCg/b4acAu3ERVc/s1600/GrapTY_WeddVows_BeckyLeach_DraftV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_V_dtHSOLQ/TdF2zppUX1I/AAAAAAAABCg/b4acAu3ERVc/s400/GrapTY_WeddVows_BeckyLeach_DraftV2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our wedding colors happen to be very similar to our bedroom colors, so here's the print, framed and in its new home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_dAcyxkNnM/TdF4CE-z2KI/AAAAAAAABCk/iU0mIzP4WBc/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_dAcyxkNnM/TdF4CE-z2KI/AAAAAAAABCk/iU0mIzP4WBc/s400/IMG_2541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ignore the mess, please. Our bedroom is NEVER clean, I swear...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grace has <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54507096/personalized-wedding-promise-artwork">a version of our print</a> and so many fun, cheeky prints worth checking out. I'm thinking about adding the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58022605/love-lives-cozy-here-in-red-and">Love Lives Cozy</a> print to our room next. Thank you, Grace, for your great work! We love and cherish it!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-82374820899912734842011-04-13T11:50:00.000-07:002011-04-13T11:50:31.116-07:00"Sexcuses" That Will Ruin Your Marriage<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Thank you, <a href="http://theknot.com/">TheKnot.com</a> for your assistance with planning my wedding. Your advice on <a href="http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bridesmaids/articles/13-things-you-shouldnt-tell-your-bridesmaids.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=KnotNews&cm_ite=April%2013,%202011">13 things NOT to tell my bridesmaids</a> and <a href="http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/44570383.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=NestNews&cm_ite=April%2013,%202011">top wedding day regrets and how to avoid them</a> were clearly vital to my planning process as were your phenomenal tips for saving money like, "only hire a day-of wedding coordinator" and "don't buy off-season flowers." Invaluable. You managed to make me feel broke, cheap and stressed with each new article and e-newsletter. It was quite motivating...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I was THRILLED when, just four days after my wedding, I found I had automatically rolled-over into <a href="http://thenest.com/">The Nest</a>. The minute the dust settled (had it?) on our wedding, you kindly began filling my inbox with what is inevitably NEXT in my life: <b style="color: #cc0000;">cooking, cleaning, saving money and getting myself preggers ASAP</b> (<i>who writes this stuff, my MIL?</i>).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Today I was especially thrilled to learn that I can save my marriage by simply sucking it up and <a href="http://ideas.thenest.com/love-and-sex-advice/sex-questions-advice/slideshows/stop-the-sexcuses-have-more-sex.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=Nest&cm_pla=Newsletter&cm_ite=April%2013,%202011&MsdVisit=1">having more sex</a>. Clearly putting out is the only way I will be keeping the wonderful, attractive, and <b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>easily distracted</i></b> man I caught, even when I don't feel like it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">And don't forget to lose weight while you do it with the <a href="http://ideas.thenest.com/love-and-sex-advice/sex-questions-advice/articles/best-calorie-burning-sex-moves.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=Nest&cm_pla=Newsletter&cm_ite=April%2013,%202011">best calorie-burning sex moves</a> cause the second easiest way to lose your man is by getting fat. </div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-10213346835065929702011-04-09T13:28:00.000-07:002011-06-23T15:18:29.673-07:00DIY Wedding Favors: Homemade Apple ButterIf favors aren't edible, they're a waste. Seriously. Although I'm sure you only invited 300 of your <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">absolutely CLOSEST, BESTEST friends</span></b></i>, I'm also sure that 99% of them (ok, all of them except your mother and grandmother) do NOT want a to decorate their house with memorabilia from your wedding. If you're lucky, they'll frame a picture of themselves with the bride, but they'll probably look drunk because, let's face it, they DO care about the open bar. Which is why I opted for the best wedding favor, the kind that is homemade, edible yumminess.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNiv3mbROog/TaC9lofst3I/AAAAAAAABA4/Caey1I4uSUg/s1600/MB360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNiv3mbROog/TaC9lofst3I/AAAAAAAABA4/Caey1I4uSUg/s400/MB360.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My mom has been canning apple butter for years and she gets 100% of the credit for our delicious favors. She has kindly agreed to share her recipe! Everyone say THANK YOU Amy! And check out <a href="http://fibrofoggy.blogspot.com/">her blog</a> where she hosts tons of giveaways. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Caramel Spice Apple Butter (Adapted from the Ball Blue Book)</b></span><br />
<i>Yield: 9-12 Half-pint jars</i><br />
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8 – 9 lbs Apples, cored & quartered (to yield about 12 cups apple pulp)<br />
4 cups Sugar, divided <br />
1 cup water or apple juice<br />
2 teaspoons Cinnamon, ground<br />
½ teaspoon Ginger, ground<br />
½ teaspoon Cloves, ground<br />
½ teaspoon Nutmeg, preferably freshly ground <br />
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice<br />
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In a large saucepot or Dutch oven, combine apples and add the water or apple juice. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened. Press through a food mill or sieve. Return pulp to saucepot; set aside.<br />
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In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 cups sugar over medium high heat until sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally to heat sugar evenly; reduce heat. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is melted and turns a rich, golden brown. Be VERY careful, as the caramelized sugar is extremely hot. Keep a bowl of ice water handy in case you get burned. <br />
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Carefully pour caramelized sugar into apple mixture in kettle (mixture will spatter!) The caramelized sugar will harden like candy, but will eventually melt. Stir in the remaining sugar and spices. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, stirring often, until thick enough to round up on a spoon. Stir in lemon juice. Ladle into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes for half-pints and 15 minutes for pints.<br />
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Amy recommends tasting your apple butter and adjusting the spices as desired.<br />
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We printed the labels on top using images from our invitations (suitcase) and another family member, Tammy, did all the calligraphy. Thank you Tammy!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-65482072288107253292011-04-08T12:48:00.000-07:002011-06-23T15:18:56.441-07:00Becky's Vintage Inspired Accessories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;"></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;">The Earrings</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dO7HQIzRKx0/TZ84vOnJTnI/AAAAAAAABAc/b9aisWB4hwc/s400/MB085.jpg" width="266" /></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><b> Rhodium, Swarovski pearls and crystals... handmade from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lulusplendor">Lulu Splendor</a> on Etsy!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>The Hair Piece/Fascinator</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulcnqlTrGaU/TZ846HlOwiI/AAAAAAAABAg/8klt0xNfC80/s1600/MB068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulcnqlTrGaU/TZ846HlOwiI/AAAAAAAABAg/8klt0xNfC80/s400/MB068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;">A custom, handmade creation by </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artzymorena?ref=top_trail" style="color: #990000;">Artsymorena</a><span style="color: purple;"> on Etsy who came highly recommended by my hair stylist, Brittany! I loved the pop of turquoise-y blue!</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>The Bracelet</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FF1P6oT-lGg/TZ85A4e9OnI/AAAAAAAABAk/svJJQMWxRP0/s1600/MB086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FF1P6oT-lGg/TZ85A4e9OnI/AAAAAAAABAk/svJJQMWxRP0/s400/MB086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><b>Faux-pearl bracelets from <a href="http://www.icing.com/">Icing</a>. </b></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><b>Seriously... I tried to spend more money, but I couldn't find pearls in the right color anywhere else! </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_vicOCV4U0/TZ8534j3VYI/AAAAAAAABA0/FO8tzL_MQ2M/s1600/MB081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_vicOCV4U0/TZ8534j3VYI/AAAAAAAABA0/FO8tzL_MQ2M/s400/MB081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I think it all came together quite nicely :) </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymUPDkCSu-U/TZ85P-O9hfI/AAAAAAAABAs/UK8epUgsFuA/s1600/MB065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-28693162451016951402011-04-06T17:09:00.000-07:002011-06-23T15:19:18.951-07:00The Dress: Vintage, Classic and Oh, So Very Me!In many ways I am a very typical girl. I love pink, high heels and pretty, sparkling things. But I was never the little girl who dreamed of her wedding day. And I also never imagined my "dream dress." As the planning process began, I started thinking long a hard about what I wanted. I knew it wouldn't be the typical, princess ballgown. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1251444/Tacky-spectacularly-OTT-steeped-traditional-values--scenes-gypsy-weddings.html"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3M4rT2DlRo/TZ0Arfvj97I/AAAAAAAABAY/GgT3SrFzO6Q/s400/article-0-084FD541000005DC-484_634x436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I consider myself to be classic, a little stylish with a bit of vintage and whimsy. I knew I wanted a <i style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">vintage-style</i> dress and lots of lace. I also knew I preferred something with<b style="color: #a64d79;"> STRAPS</b>. I say "preferred" because I knew it would be difficult to find. Strapless dresses have dominated wedding fashion for the past ten years, but as a busty, fuller-figured lady, I'd prefer to have a little bit of strap holding me in (You know what I mean, girls? The ladies have a mind of their own sometimes...). I was thrilled to find that straps are coming back in style and I had several, lovely and fashionably options. Here is what I selected...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckZMDb7Idqs/TZz3CU2mAYI/AAAAAAAABAM/JTu5JfifMyg/s1600/MB284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ckZMDb7Idqs/TZz3CU2mAYI/AAAAAAAABAM/JTu5JfifMyg/s640/MB284.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Front</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPG9MRJCOPs/TZz2nTi_FoI/AAAAAAAABAI/-1Uch2ndMmo/s1600/MB334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xPG9MRJCOPs/TZz2nTi_FoI/AAAAAAAABAI/-1Uch2ndMmo/s640/MB334.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Baby Got Back</span></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's <a href="http://houseofwu.com/HOW/home.php">House of Wu Private Collection</a> and I found it at <a href="http://www.wendysbridal.com/">Wendy's Bridal</a> in Dublin, Ohio. </div><br />
One of my bridesmaids, Aarti, was in town visiting from Brussels, Belgium (seriously) and since she lived so far away and was missing all the wedding fun, we decided to spend a day doing "wedding-ish" things. One of them was dress shopping. We picked some funky dresses, neither of us were taking it seriously. But when I put on this dress, I knew it was the one. It was just so very, very me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akEWifgDSiw/TZz8s3ostfI/AAAAAAAABAQ/29pgxy5tm7A/s1600/MB060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akEWifgDSiw/TZz8s3ostfI/AAAAAAAABAQ/29pgxy5tm7A/s320/MB060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've never been able to find much about the designer and I've certainly never been able to find my dress online or in magazines, which is weird, but makes me love it more. It's all lace and pleated organza loveliness. It had straps but felt sexy. I could move and dance in it to my heart's content.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m512RySrUmQ/TZz9C_ZqlDI/AAAAAAAABAU/eQ5U3Bh6tM4/s1600/MB648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m512RySrUmQ/TZz9C_ZqlDI/AAAAAAAABAU/eQ5U3Bh6tM4/s400/MB648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I can't say enough about how wonderful my experience at <a href="http://www.wendysbridal.com/">Wendy's</a> was. Everyone working there was lovely, from my sales attendant to my seamstress. They understood what I wanted and were kind and patient with every step. I had several not-so-great experiences due to overly-pushy sales people and being completely misunderstood (not listened to?). I've been to tiny, upscale salons that were horrifically overpriced. And I've mentioned my complete disdain for a certain gargantuan discount bridal chain (puke). <b style="color: #cc0000;">Wendy's</b> was the perfect middle-ground. They had a HUGE selection in a wide range of prices and they treated me very well. Love them! I've sent all my bride-friends there and one of them just bought her dress at Wendy's last month. Yay!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-26058737108725305952011-04-04T18:28:00.000-07:002011-04-05T10:25:28.128-07:00Dessert BuffetHello my lovely readers! We have finally returned from our honeymoon and I am back to blogging! I am so excited to share more details from our wedding. Now that the big day is over, I can spend a month or two reminiscing through this blog. Oh, how I love it..<br />
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There were several traditions that we decided not to incorporate into our wedding, some because of the cost and some because they just weren’t our style. One of the budget-busting traditions that we cut was a large, tiered wedding cake in lieu of the trendy <i style="color: #cc0000;"><b>dessert buffet</b></i><span style="color: #cc0000;">.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksnUwB0hlfI/TZpraeVaubI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/DfAB_SWgHps/s1600/MB424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksnUwB0hlfI/TZpraeVaubI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/DfAB_SWgHps/s320/MB424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My mom is well-known for her cookies and she has made them for several of my cousins’ weddings. I knew we would be including <b>my mom’s pizzelles, anise cookies, butter balls and Italian nut bread </b>on the dessert table.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwF3vqaBgew/TZpsFEAz15I/AAAAAAAAA_g/VLpP2xOzM-I/s1600/MB429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwF3vqaBgew/TZpsFEAz15I/AAAAAAAAA_g/VLpP2xOzM-I/s320/MB429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKkAmXDdI9E/TZpsSWL0rpI/AAAAAAAAA_o/arq_4LZ-H8U/s1600/MB431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKkAmXDdI9E/TZpsSWL0rpI/AAAAAAAAA_o/arq_4LZ-H8U/s320/MB431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-FMSTQb-88/TZprzPpka0I/AAAAAAAAA_c/Y2Y03I-RsBw/s1600/MB428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-FMSTQb-88/TZprzPpka0I/AAAAAAAAA_c/Y2Y03I-RsBw/s320/MB428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also wanted to add <b>macaroons and cake pops</b> because I love both and knew they would be a hit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5NfLiWUjZU/TZpsjm8xz7I/AAAAAAAAA_s/F17IeC8OP5k/s1600/MB426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s5NfLiWUjZU/TZpsjm8xz7I/AAAAAAAAA_s/F17IeC8OP5k/s320/MB426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7tObnQ3T8Q/TZpsofwtOsI/AAAAAAAAA_w/q4FsNbufS-k/s1600/MB427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K7tObnQ3T8Q/TZpsofwtOsI/AAAAAAAAA_w/q4FsNbufS-k/s320/MB427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
By the time we added up all the cookies, it seemed silly to have a huge, multi-tiered cake. Instead we decided to have three round layer cakes, each of a different flavor (vanilla cake with lemon filling and vanilla butter cream, chocolate cake with raspberry filling and chocolate butter cream and carrot cake with cream cheese icing) and a couple small sheet cakes in the back. We ordered the cakes from <b style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.shortnorthpieceofcake.com/">Piece of Cake</a> in Columbus, Ohio </b><span style="color: black;">and they were </span>kind enough to do some simple scroll work and piping in the butter cream frosting. They were so sweet! And the cake was TO DIE for! Seriously, YUM!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0TfmrVWYos/TZptB-U-axI/AAAAAAAAA_0/t3dh_7rr_vs/s1600/MB433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0TfmrVWYos/TZptB-U-axI/AAAAAAAAA_0/t3dh_7rr_vs/s400/MB433.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
Here’s a breakdown of the cost:<br />
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$219 for ~151 servings of cake <br />
$45 for macaroons<br />
$30 for cake pops made by <b style="color: #cc0000;">Heather Dodds</b> (if you're in the Cbus area and need cake pops, I HIGHLY recommend her and I can give you her contact info:)<br />
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I have no idea how much my mom spent on ingredients for the cookies she made, but even if it was upwards of $100 (which is probably over estimating), we still managed to come in <b style="color: #cc0000;">around $2.60 per person</b>. Not bad, considering how pricey wedding cakes can be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn_eSRiIGEc/TZpt5AB-KwI/AAAAAAAAA_4/DUz-oBoU9aU/s1600/MB474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn_eSRiIGEc/TZpt5AB-KwI/AAAAAAAAA_4/DUz-oBoU9aU/s400/MB474.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Also, we had WAY too much cake for our 155 guests. We had originally intended to only have around 100 servings, but my parents overruled us and ordered extra. Thanks mom and dad! We were eating cake forever....<br />
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I decorated the dessert buffet with bunting. The small bunting on top of the cake that said <span style="color: #cc0000;">"LOVE"</span> I found online from the <a href="http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/2010/10/diy-party-projects-mini-cake-bunting.html">TomKat Studio</a>. The larger bunting that said <span style="color: #cc0000;">"LOVE IS SWEET"</span> on the front of the table I also found online, but I cannot track down the site! If I do, I will update this post with the details.<br />
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<i>All photos courtesy of our fabulous wedding photographer, <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller Photography</a>!</i><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-23772943852244777132011-03-11T07:22:00.000-08:002011-03-11T07:31:10.147-08:00Join me in supporting the March for BabiesThis year I will be participating in my 8th March for Babies for the March of Dimes. During my freshman year of college I volunteered at the Cincinnati, Ohio March of Dimes and assisted with their spring 2002 neighborhood walks. It was an amazing experience and I have supported the cause through my own walk ever since.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-90GKnuZ5Qio/TXo_fgyj_MI/AAAAAAAAA_M/0z-ORpsjsBQ/s1600/m4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-90GKnuZ5Qio/TXo_fgyj_MI/AAAAAAAAA_M/0z-ORpsjsBQ/s320/m4b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Becky, Matt & Henry at M4B 2011</i></div><br />
<div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Today in the U.S.,</span> <b style="color: purple;">1 in every 8 babies will be born prematurely</b>.<span style="color: black;"> Some of them won't survive, and others will have health problems that could last a lifetime. The funds we raise in WalkAmerica support research that saves babies' lives</span>. <b style="color: purple;">The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.</b></div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/BeckyLeach" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-39UW-jvROYM/TXo_4n8fseI/AAAAAAAAA_U/CBEpB5GVBQs/s1600/MODLeftColumnHeader.png" /></a><span style="color: black;">I`m very excited to be a part of March for Babies again this year. If you sponsored my walk last year - THANK YOU! With your help, I set a personal record and raised over $500! </span><span style="color: black;">Please help me reach my goal again this year by making a donation to my walk. <b style="color: purple;">You can make a secure online gift at my <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/BeckyLeach">personal walk page</a>.</b></span><br />
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<b style="color: purple;">Your gift will fund March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.<br />
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Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!</b></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-47396196257858132882011-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:002011-06-23T15:19:46.304-07:00Presents for the Parents of the Bride & Groom<a href="http://bridezillatobebecky.blogspot.com/2011/01/using-etsy-alchemy-for-your-wedding.html">A few posts back</a> I shared how to use Etsy's Alchemy feature for personalized wedding items. Unfortunately, Etsy has decided to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/etsy-news/tech-update-alchemy-is-taking-a-rest-12199/">close Alchemy for the time being</a>. Since my experience was quite successful, the news was disappointing and I hope they come up with a new and improved version soon. We used Alchemy to purchase our parent gifts.<br />
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I posted a request for picture frames personalized with our names and the date of our wedding and received MANY bids from talented ETSY vendors. These are the frames we "commissioned." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E37NbZH9lpc/TXPiO-xEN4I/AAAAAAAAA-4/p9Q3ZCACS9M/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E37NbZH9lpc/TXPiO-xEN4I/AAAAAAAAA-4/p9Q3ZCACS9M/s400/IMG_2076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>These beautiful frames came from Etsy Seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/mehndiart09?ref=ls_profile">Mehndiart09</a>. We are so thrilled with how they turned out and hope our parents love them too!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-3979006472825432782011-03-06T11:26:00.000-08:002011-06-23T15:20:18.703-07:00Bridesmaid's Gifts on a BudgetI can't say enough how amazing my bridesmaids were throughout the wedding process. They threw me two FABULOUS parties. They helped multiple DIY projects including our photo booth and flowers. They handled every bump along the way without stressing me with the details. Most importantly, the put up with bridezille-to-be-me for months.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bj8aNSWD54Y/TXPP4bpNSfI/AAAAAAAAA-s/imiuzWjJFZs/s1600/Bridesmaids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bj8aNSWD54Y/TXPP4bpNSfI/AAAAAAAAA-s/imiuzWjJFZs/s400/Bridesmaids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And they coordinated their rehearsal dinner dresses without even meaning to! LOVE!<br />
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I wanted to be sure that my gifts for them were functional, fun and unique for each girl, without breaking the bank. After scouring the internet and giving it lots of thought, here is what I came up with!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RsJtBC71NMY/TXPQyB_8BRI/AAAAAAAAA-w/REdPnzzcAvQ/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RsJtBC71NMY/TXPQyB_8BRI/AAAAAAAAA-w/REdPnzzcAvQ/s640/IMG_2068.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>- Turquoise pashmina from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&me=A2O36BM2XBHY4R">Amazon.com </a><i>(for obvious & practical reasons... a February wedding is bound to be cold!)</i><br />
- <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265400324017&c=Page&cid=1295527709147&pagename=vsdWrapper">Beauty Rush</a> lip gloss from Victoria's Secret <i>(in a color they could wear the day-of and every day!)</i><br />
<i>- </i>Candle <i>(I found these about a year prior on clearance and grabbed them!)</i><br />
<i>- </i><a href="http://www.lolitamartiniglasses.com/">Lolita martini or wine glass</a> <i>(I LOVE these glasses. They come in fun themes, are hand-painted and each comes with a yummy drink recipe on the bottom. I saw them long before the wedding and knew I wanted to get them for my maids! Each girl received a different glass.) </i><br />
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I had been keeping an eye out for Lolita glasses for about a year, but never saw them priced below $25. I lucked out when I found one glass on clearance and the rest at Macy's where I was able to use my 15% off coupon. In all I spent about $30 per bridesmaid, which was a deal and I think they all loved their gifts (I hope!!). They deserved them and so much more!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-osuszo3NXMg/TXPfzaGDqlI/AAAAAAAAA-0/QFlyn5QdRrM/s1600/Pashmina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-osuszo3NXMg/TXPfzaGDqlI/AAAAAAAAA-0/QFlyn5QdRrM/s400/Pashmina.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span id="goog_1026278793"></span><span id="goog_1026278794"></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-42173001575280750282011-03-01T10:23:00.000-08:002011-03-01T10:23:59.749-08:00Happy Birthday to Me!Today is my birthday and I received the loveliest present. My photographer, <a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/">Jessica Miller,</a> sent me a sneak peak at our pictures. Eeeeeeeeee! She gave me TWO photos on facebook and I can't WAIT to see the rest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wk4rZVKyK8Y/TW05T9-ELAI/AAAAAAAAA-g/yAwIS2Qvjdg/s1600/Jessica+Miller+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Wk4rZVKyK8Y/TW05T9-ELAI/AAAAAAAAA-g/yAwIS2Qvjdg/s640/Jessica+Miller+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pCLrksJDE9U/TW05Up7MSyI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Dg5Ipm3Y4Yc/s1600/Jessica+Miller+Preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pCLrksJDE9U/TW05Up7MSyI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Dg5Ipm3Y4Yc/s640/Jessica+Miller+Preview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-12557317517224654452011-02-22T19:50:00.000-08:002011-07-27T08:17:56.843-07:00DIY Passport Wedding Programs<div style="color: red;"><b>UPDATE: Order these adorable <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76874837/vintage-travel-passport-wedding-programs" style="color: #3d85c6;">Passport Wedding Programs</a> for YOUR wedding at my new Etsy shop, </b><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/BeckySeymourDesigns" style="color: #3d85c6;">Becky Seymour Designs</a>! </b></div><br />
You may remember my exciting purchase of a <a href="http://bridezillatobebecky.blogspot.com/2010/06/end-of-fiscal-year.html">Print Gocco last summer</a>. I had many elaborate plans for using the adorable Japanese screen printing machine for wedding projects. Unfortunately Adobe Illustrator and my home printer won out and the poor Print Gocco was only used once. But the results were lovely and well worth the splurge to buy it!<br />
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What IS a Print Gocco, you ask? Check it out online <a href="http://www.savegocco.com/what-is-gocco/">here</a>.<br />
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I used mine to print the covers of my passport programs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtr8ZF5g_GE/TWSCbGj98bI/AAAAAAAAA94/RK8b0UiAabs/s1600/Gocco1-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtr8ZF5g_GE/TWSCbGj98bI/AAAAAAAAA94/RK8b0UiAabs/s400/Gocco1-600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut4O9S4iBhY/TWSCj1ZpVpI/AAAAAAAAA98/e_qyhNp35Kc/s1600/Print-Gocco-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ut4O9S4iBhY/TWSCj1ZpVpI/AAAAAAAAA98/e_qyhNp35Kc/s400/Print-Gocco-600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We designed the cover and inside pages in Adobe Illustrator. The cover I screen printed with my Gocco. The inside pages included our wedding party, ceremony outline, in memorial and a list of things to do between the ceremony and reception (always important when there is a gap!). We scattered vintage passport stamps throughout the pages. The inside pages were printed on my home computer.<br />
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My husband (then fiance!) and I had an assembly party with our DVR and a glass of wine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHiDw2XXVnU/TWSDSH62EII/AAAAAAAAA-A/P-87MqKpS1M/s1600/Programs1-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHiDw2XXVnU/TWSDSH62EII/AAAAAAAAA-A/P-87MqKpS1M/s400/Programs1-600x450.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here is our finished product!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNQMTH1Dp0A/TWSDhshR94I/AAAAAAAAA-M/tAmYzgZhBjo/s1600/programs3-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNQMTH1Dp0A/TWSDhshR94I/AAAAAAAAA-M/tAmYzgZhBjo/s320/programs3-600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_asAILF0DrE/TWSDg8ViGeI/AAAAAAAAA-I/5La5LXyUtc0/s1600/programs2-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_asAILF0DrE/TWSDg8ViGeI/AAAAAAAAA-I/5La5LXyUtc0/s320/programs2-600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AygDwpe3oZY/TWSDgSYjT6I/AAAAAAAAA-E/0EhOdJ_Ehkg/s1600/Program4-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AygDwpe3oZY/TWSDgSYjT6I/AAAAAAAAA-E/0EhOdJ_Ehkg/s400/Program4-600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love them! And they fit our theme so well. Success!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-24868500594706939982011-02-21T13:43:00.000-08:002011-02-21T13:43:10.228-08:00I'm a MRS!Matt and I were <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>MARRIED</i></span> this past weekend. Our wedding wasn't perfect but it was a blast. I can't wait to share more from our special day with my readers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWRC46_FljQ/TWLcHdKZ_oI/AAAAAAAAA9k/GkgOM1JxghU/s1600/181659_10100408224172405_12405561_62260642_434043_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWRC46_FljQ/TWLcHdKZ_oI/AAAAAAAAA9k/GkgOM1JxghU/s320/181659_10100408224172405_12405561_62260642_434043_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Did I stay in my budget? I'll be revealing all the details over the next few weeks. For now, I am enjoying some QT with my husband.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-7627173235656930702011-02-11T11:58:00.000-08:002011-02-11T12:02:22.632-08:00Sneak Peak: BHLDN BridalWhen I heard that Urban Outfitter (the parent company of one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie) was coming out with a bridal line I swooned. And then I turned <span style="color: #cc0000;">meanly-jealous</span>. Knowing that these lovely dresses were coming just an eensy-bit too late for me to wear them hurt my heart just a little. I had to wade through piles full of polyester and pick-ups to find my dress. Luckily my dress was there, between cupcake mountains of virginal white that made me nauseous. But I would have killed to wear one of these lovely <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/">BHLDN</a> dresses. Not a pick-up in site, thank god.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcgqun-lUn8/TVWTmMqZbrI/AAAAAAAAA9M/5V6Jx91silw/s1600/100lc_VS_anthro2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcgqun-lUn8/TVWTmMqZbrI/AAAAAAAAA9M/5V6Jx91silw/s640/100lc_VS_anthro2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbQcf5v9Fac/TVWTptezmzI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/iuicxrNAFrE/s1600/100lc_VS_anthro.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbQcf5v9Fac/TVWTptezmzI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/iuicxrNAFrE/s640/100lc_VS_anthro.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFNrjkbrR-Q/TVWTuTH1r7I/AAAAAAAAA9U/QCBelgcnDQw/s1600/0-bhld3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFNrjkbrR-Q/TVWTuTH1r7I/AAAAAAAAA9U/QCBelgcnDQw/s640/0-bhld3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilcIdg5iSfw/TVWURg2al4I/AAAAAAAAA9c/LJ87EyyhRZc/s1600/100lc_VS_anthro.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilcIdg5iSfw/TVWURg2al4I/AAAAAAAAA9c/LJ87EyyhRZc/s1600/100lc_VS_anthro.41.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8HQrzk5-O0/TVWULZ4XvTI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Sk1EmMK9N94/s1600/100lc_VS_anthro.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8HQrzk5-O0/TVWULZ4XvTI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Sk1EmMK9N94/s1600/100lc_VS_anthro.1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The prices are a little steep for ladies in my budget bracket. Bridal gowns range from $1,000-$4,000 and bridal party dresses from $200-$400. Although I'd seriously consider breaking the bank for the chance to wear one of these dresses. Perhaps I should be glad the opportunity missed me :)<br />
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Thank you to <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/">100 Layer Cake</a> for the pictures. <br />
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<b style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">8 Days!</span></b><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-79159192109515440962011-02-10T08:18:00.000-08:002011-02-10T08:18:22.665-08:00Officially in the Single-Digit Countdown<div style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Yikes!</span></b></div><br />
So, what am I doing today with just <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>9 days</b></span> left until our wedding? I am going to the ballet with my mom, sister and one of my bridesmaids. We are seeing <a href="http://www.balletmet.org/cinderella/">BalletMet's production of Cinderella</a>. I am so very excited!<br />
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I feel like Matt and I are in a good place at the moment. We have 95% of our wedding "To-Do" list complete. Only a few small strings are left to tie up and we are knocking more out every day. I am taking pictures of everything and I can't wait to share the final products with my readers (after my guests have seen them first, of course!). This wedding has been planned in bits and pieces, by collecting things along the way. I am finally seeing the pieces come together (in my livingroom.... stacked to the ceiling!) and it looks better than I imagined. I think our theme kept us cohesive throughout the planning process and I can't wait for everyone to see the results!<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setTimeout('jsCall()',500);}" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-3333628116973630502011-02-07T13:47:00.000-08:002011-02-07T13:48:29.173-08:00Real Bridezilla MomentWhat a Monday! I am enjoying a day off of work to work on wedding projects after a FABULOUS Bachelorette Party Weekend with all my besties. I had a few errands to run so I went to the mall with my future mother-in-law. We decided to check <a href="http://www.menswearhouse.com/">Men's Wearhouse</a> to make sure the groomsmen were all sized.<br />
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Here's the problem. My fiance stopped in to check on things two weeks ago and then had our order <i><b>totally wrong</b></i>. Wrong vests, wrong ties on every member of the wedding party. So he corrected them.... or so we thought!<br />
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When I went in today, they were STILL wrong! So I was working with one of their employees to fix our order when his co-worker came in. The co-worker remembered taking the corrections from my fiance, and he started arguing with me that they were done correctly, when I was just told that they weren't. He kept arguing as I walked out the door, so I turned around and yelled at him... It wasn't one of my finest moments. <b style="color: #cc0000;">It was 100% real bridezilla. </b><br />
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It left me feeling mean and pretty crappy. I've prided myself on being level-headed and rational. I don't think I've had any really blow-ups or meltdowns. Thank you, <a href="http://www.menswearhouse.com/">Men's Wearhouse</a>, for bringing on my first.<br />
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Also, which of these vests do you think is turquoise?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TVBnF2GCLVI/AAAAAAAAA9E/6XCYXztMKK0/s1600/8897ROTRQ_F06_DF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TVBnF2GCLVI/AAAAAAAAA9E/6XCYXztMKK0/s320/8897ROTRQ_F06_DF.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TVBnIC49OSI/AAAAAAAAA9I/efM6ewpjRxQ/s1600/8853BLPOL_F07_DF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TVBnIC49OSI/AAAAAAAAA9I/efM6ewpjRxQ/s320/8853BLPOL_F07_DF.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Men's Wearhouse considers the top vest to be turquoise. The bottom is pool. Our official colors are red and turquoise, but I am definitely going with the bottom vest. Hopefully they don't up-charge me for the last minute change, cause that one was all me!<br />
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</div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">12 Days! </span></b></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-28466368640654787302011-02-02T19:08:00.000-08:002011-02-02T19:08:07.074-08:00DIY and Homemade Wedding FavorsMy mom rocks. Seriously. She is very good in the kitchen and those skills are playing a big role in our wedding... and saving us some money along the way. Our favors are one of her homemade goodies, but I don't want to ruin the surprise until after our wedding. In the mean time, here are some of my favorite DIY and homemade wedding favors. They were a great inspiration in deciding on our own.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1478880721" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUoZQxZgmtI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Y9DQtOuiaws/s200/large_image-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/49920/detailview.aspx?id=49920&type=3&wedding+details=favors&specific+detail=DIY&ps=20&keep=-843063781">Maple Syrup</a> from <a href="http://theknot.com/">theknot.com</a><br />
I love the pretty fabric toppers on these jarred treats. Adorable!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUoZ5QBvvJI/AAAAAAAAA8g/oCSsF9r362c/s1600/martha-favor-cones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUoZ5QBvvJI/AAAAAAAAA8g/oCSsF9r362c/s320/martha-favor-cones.jpg" width="256" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These pretty, <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/click-print-favor-cones?backto=true">printable favor cones from Martha Stewart. </a>Fill with candy, cocoa or cookie mixes and personalize!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUoalWwrjnI/AAAAAAAAA8k/4zytGZHz5OE/s1600/homemade-soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUoalWwrjnI/AAAAAAAAA8k/4zytGZHz5OE/s200/homemade-soap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bridalbuds.com/2009/06/diy-soap-for-gifts/">Homemade Soap</a> with instructions at Bridal Buds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUobnbhfjrI/AAAAAAAAA8o/1B0ysBc-l80/s1600/cherrie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUobnbhfjrI/AAAAAAAAA8o/1B0ysBc-l80/s200/cherrie1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If only I was having a summer wedding... Cherries! <a href="http://www.weddingbeepro.com/2009/06/19/diy-wedding-favors-think-cherry-when-you-marry/">Idea from Wedding Bees</a>. </div><br />
I can't wait to reveal my own favors soon. So soon!<br />
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</b></div><b style="color: #cc0000;">17 Days!</b>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-22116226178121915112011-01-31T13:51:00.000-08:002011-01-31T13:51:51.748-08:00Red and Turquoise Shoes (with a little vintage...)I love the brightly-colored wedding shoe trend and, from the beginning, I've had my heart set on a hot pair of turquoise pumps. They ended up being almost impossible to find. After several failed internet purchases (too big, too small, too teal...) I gave up and went with red. Red shoes are classic, sexy and, most importantly, <u><i>easy to find</i></u>! Phew!<br />
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I found a stunning pair of towering heals at DSW for just $10 (with a $10 rewards coupon). Steal! I added turquoise feathers and a pair of vintage earrings with a little hot glue. The earrings match the vintage bracelet I will be wearing on our wedding day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUctdwxugYI/AAAAAAAAA8U/OWe3e6DiAeo/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUctdwxugYI/AAAAAAAAA8U/OWe3e6DiAeo/s640/IMG_2037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
And a close-up of the jewelry:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUcup6p52DI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/KKKXi-q5vtY/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUcup6p52DI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/KKKXi-q5vtY/s400/IMG_2039.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
What do you think? I'm feeling like the turquoise feathers are a liiiiitle loud, but I kinda love them. I dunno :)<br />
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</span></b></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">19 Day!</span></b>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-72345931341080907122011-01-30T07:55:00.000-08:002011-01-30T07:55:01.250-08:00Photographer Meeting & Must Have Photo ListToday we are meeting with our photographer, the fabulous<a href="http://www.thejessicamillerphotos.com/"> Jessica Miller</a>, to discuss the day-of wedding plan. To prepare, I put together a list of photos we'd like to see from our wedding day. I took suggestions from several websites, including the Knot. <br />
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<b>Ceremony </b><br />
<ul><li> Ushers escorting guests to their seats </li>
<li> Ushers escorting moms to their seats</li>
<li> Close-up of groom waiting for the bride</li>
<li> Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle</li>
<li> Ring bearer entering</li>
<li> Wedding party waiting at the altar</li>
<li> Bride and Dad walking down the aisle</li>
<li> Close-up of bride just before she makes her entrance</li>
<li> Bride and groom at the altar</li>
<li> Altar from the back during ceremony</li>
<li> Wide shot of audience during ceremony, from bride and groom's point of view</li>
<li> Readers during mass</li>
<li> Parents crying/watching</li>
<li> Faces of bride and groom as they exchange vows</li>
<li> Close-up of bride's and groom's hands as they exchange rings</li>
<li> The kiss</li>
<li> Bride and groom proceeding up the aisle, guests' smiling faces at their sides</li>
<li> Bride and groom hiding so guests leave</li>
</ul><b>At The Church</b><br />
<ul><li> Bride and groom together</li>
<li> Bride with her parents</li>
<li> Bride with her immediate family</li>
<li> Bride and groom with her parents</li>
<li> Bride and groom with her immediate family </li>
<li> Groom with his parents</li>
<li> Groom with his immediate family</li>
<li> Groom and bride with his parents</li>
<li> Groom and bride with his immediate family</li>
<li> Bride and groom with all parents</li>
<li> Groom with groomsmen</li>
<li> Bride with bridesmaids</li>
<li> Bride and groom with groomsmen</li>
<li> Bride and groom with bridesmaids</li>
<li> Bride and groom with whole wedding party </li>
</ul><b>At the Statehouse</b><br />
<ul><li> Romantic & fun shots of the bride and groom</li>
<li> Formal & fun shots of the wedding party</li>
<li> Pictures of bridal party shoes</li>
<li> Picture of the bride with each bridesmaid</li>
<li> Picture of the groom with each groomsman</li>
</ul><b>The Reception</b><br />
<ul><li> Shot from outside reception site (to set the tone)</li>
<li> Reception details: guest book, centerpieces, decorations, favors table, dessert buffet, photobooth</li>
<li> Bride and groom at head table</li>
<li> Parents' table</li>
<li> Guests' tables</li>
<li> Close-up of friends and family making toasts</li>
<li> Bride and groom's first dance </li>
<li> Parents dancing</li>
<li> Bride and Dad dancing</li>
<li> Groom and Mom dancing</li>
<li> Kids playing or dancing</li>
<li> Bride laughing with bridesmaids</li>
<li> Bride and groom cutting the cake</li>
<li> Bride and groom feeding each other cake </li>
</ul><b>Additional Shots</b><br />
<ul><li> Bridesmaids/bride bouquets</li>
<li> Groomsmen boutonnieres </li>
<li> Wedding rings</li>
<li> Bride’s hair/hair piece/jewelry</li>
<li> Shoes</li>
</ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-38152072487576910422011-01-29T08:27:00.000-08:002011-01-29T08:27:50.872-08:00Vintage Inspired Wedding MakeupToday is my makeup trial run. Sticking with my vintage theme and feel, I've compiled an inspiration board of looks I'd like to channel the day of my wedding. I love the porcelain skin, bright eyes and even brighter lips of the 1960s, so I've included looks from Christina Hendricks and January Jones in Mad Men.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUQ_YyBQpfI/AAAAAAAAA8M/Rqvl8u37LxU/s1600/Makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUQ_YyBQpfI/AAAAAAAAA8M/Rqvl8u37LxU/s640/Makeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>What do you think? Any favorites among them? Do they fit with my <a href="http://bridezillatobebecky.blogspot.com/2011/01/vintage-inspired-bridal-hair-styles.html">hair inspiration</a>?<br />
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</b></span></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>3 weeks from today, I will be getting married!</b></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-26227884258088549412011-01-26T19:08:00.000-08:002011-01-26T19:08:50.135-08:00Where is the time going?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUDhnkqdX_I/AAAAAAAAA78/BkRKngGFPro/s1600/167641_10100384365859655_12404943_61858143_2900996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TUDhnkqdX_I/AAAAAAAAA78/BkRKngGFPro/s640/167641_10100384365859655_12404943_61858143_2900996_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;">24 Days</b></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-55190280153214717542011-01-25T19:09:00.000-08:002011-01-25T19:15:57.116-08:00Bridezilla Becky's Favorite Wedding BlogsThrough my year of wedding-planning, the best resources have been my fellow bloggers. They have been a constant source of ideas, wisdom and inspiration. Here are a few of my favorites:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_59445107"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TT-RYo-35VI/AAAAAAAAA70/nXDaDzOnOR8/s1600/a_practical_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TT-RYo-35VI/AAAAAAAAA70/nXDaDzOnOR8/s1600/a_practical_wedding.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://apracticalwedding.com/">A Practical Wedding</a><br />
Meg and her team of writers, guest bloggers and readers are an amazing community. They tackle issues beyond planning a wedding... they take a huge, fearless leap into the reality of becoming and being a wife. They discuss the complex issues of modern marriage with sage advice and a great sense of humor.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thebudgetsavvybride.com/" mce_href="http://www.thebudgetsavvybride.com"><img alt="The Budget Savvy Bride" mce_src="http://jesslehry.com/bsb/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/BSBbadge.jpg" src="http://jesslehry.com/bsb/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/BSBbadge.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/">The Budget Savvy Bride</a><br />
I owe a huge thank you to Jess for helping me discover my fabulous photographer through a BSWOW (Budget Savvy Wedding of the Week), to guest blogger <a href="http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/author/lesley/">Lesley</a> for showing me how to <a href="http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/2010/10/01/diy-wedding-websites-with-lesley/">use Blogger to create our wedding website</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TT-Rywt0FaI/AAAAAAAAA74/OtA9r-fVSNs/s1600/ruffled-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jTGHRgA8u4/TT-Rywt0FaI/AAAAAAAAA74/OtA9r-fVSNs/s320/ruffled-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://ruffledblog.com/">Ruffled</a></div>Amazing vintage wedding inspiration from Amanda. I drool over every bit of this blog. <br />
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Check them out, fellow brides and friends. They are worth the read, wedding planning, or not!<br />
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</div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>25 Days</b></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02356786916653658925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573706133534669029.post-75232785593273156012011-01-24T17:34:00.000-08:002011-01-24T17:38:53.245-08:00Becky's Tips for RegisteringRegistering for gifts was a blast. Shopping is one of my all-time-favorite hobbies and one that I consider myself to be pretty darn good at it. However, registering was slightly trickier than what I expected. What I wanted was someone to give me a scan gun and let me loose. What I needed was a significant amount of planning. Here are a few tips, tricks and questions to ask yourself before you go crazy with registering.<br />
<br />
1.) <b style="color: #cc0000;">Evaluate what you already have. </b>Matt and I have lived together for a year and a half. We tend to buy things for our house as we want them, so we didn't necessarily need all the "typical" registry items that couples starting from scratch might need. There's no sense in replacing a perfectly good item if the money can be better spent elsewhere.<br />
2.) <b style="color: #cc0000;">Pick items to be upgraded. </b>Some of our things are nice, but I would<i> love</i> to have a higher-end version. Items that we use all the time, like our toaster oven or a good coffeemaker, are always worth splurging on. Register for a few splurges - items that are a better version than what you would typically buy for yourself.<br />
3.) <b style="color: #cc0000;">Register for the basics.</b> I don't know about you, but I buy flashy. Brightly colored pieces and seasonal decor catch my eye and I love changing things up with them. As nice as they are, it's important to have a solid foundation to build on. Most of our registry items are white or neutral colors. They are classic and I can use them for years, regardless of my color-palette of the moment. Save the bright, trendy, timely pieces for your own purchases and stick to staples that will last you much longer. <br />
4.)<b style="color: #cc0000;"> Wait.</b> I know it's hard, but wait to register until the week before any invitations are sent. I guarantee that it will save you stress and headache. As is the nature of a retail operation, items get shuffled through stores, they run out, they are discontinued, they are gone. The next thing you know, the bedding set, shower curtain or dining set that you planned the rest of your decor around is gone and you have to replace more than just the missing item. This happened to me, so I am speaking from painful experience. <i><b>Ouch.</b></i><br />
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