6.27.2008
Dolla Dolla Dealz Y'all
6.23.2008
DIY Topiary
Power of a Single Flower
6.19.2008
Perspective - A True Story
Bob: I had to tell her no!
Me: You told her NO????
Bob: Yeah, like I said, you gotta stick to your guns! Now that I think about it though... that was hard core, huh?
Me (jaw still on the ground): I'd say!
But dang, that's hard core.
6.18.2008
I Don't Even Know Her Name
I found out Brides Against Breast Cancer had a gown sale in town back in February '07, 3 months after our engagement. The idea of that inevitable payment for a wedding dress going towards a good cause thrilled me. I had no expectations of falling in love with my wedding dress, for I do not think it's possible for me. I was simply looking for something that works, with my criteria being 1. champagne in color, 2. fits me.
Is it horrible that I don't feel the connection that most brides seem to have with their wedding dresses? I mean, I think the dress is gorgeous... for somebody. It's just that strapless, poofy, long train, sparkles everywhere... none of it is really me. As a matter of fact, I had it on when I showed my brother (who knows me very well and whose opinion I do not take lightly) for the first time, he was quite surprised.
Me: so what do you think?
Bro: ehh... it's a really nice dress
Me: so you don't like it
Bro: no, I just never pictured you choosing something like this
Me: what did you picture me in?
Bro: something more mordern looking, not all poofy I guess
Me: me too...
It's done, the purchase had long been made and I sure ain't throwing another penny on a dress. Could I have found a cheaper dress that I like more than this? Probably. It's actually really unlike me to make such a decision so quickly without shopping around. Though not tax deductable, I thought of the dress payment as a donation. It was the only way I could justify spending so much money on a dress I will wear once. I drool over gowns by Claire Pettibone all the time, I can't help it. But that's it. While I'm envious of those who get giddy just thinking about their dresses, I have to say that I would probably do what I did again. I'm not an altruist, I'm just practical and the wedding dress is much lower in my priority ranking compared to most brides. Oh and, bridal sales people scare the crap out of me.
Anywho, that's my dress story.
6.17.2008
Jumping for Joy
6.13.2008
Hello!
I shall leave you with some soft and gorgeous florals that I found here. Peony season is here people!! Have a fabb weekend!
6.10.2008
Spandex Pockets
One of the most common advice for wedding planning is 'stick to your budget'. So is it weird that a frugal bride like myself never had one clearly established?
I love weddings, but have never looked into it besides the floral aspects (being a floral design hobbyist) prior to our engagement. Like with most purchases I make, I did not go in with a preset idea of what I'm willing to pay. My pockets are far from deep, they're just made of stretchy material. My goal is not to spend the minimal amount I can, but to attain the highest Bang-Over-Buck ratio (affectionately referred to as 'BOB' in our household).
Working without a budget is not for the faint of heart, and I don't recommend it for everyone. But if you have self control, allowing for adjustments can yield great results. Splurging on the right deal can have high positive impact. The right deal should be one you can reasonably afford, make a noticable difference, and make someone happy. For us, it was this:
http://www.sfwhitecrane.com/vids/oakfestjong.wmv
Since we only want to spend money on one or the other, the Chinese Lion Dance beat out the photobooth for its festive nature and distinctiveness. For a good chunk of our guests, this may be the only time they will ever see such a performance. And even for the others, it is not something they get to see live often, not to mention up close and personal. We have attended so many weddings and to be honest, I'm not sure I will remember any of them in detail ten years from now. So this is our attempt to leave a slightly bigger imprint in their (hopefully fond) memories.
6.06.2008
Memory Lane
See the rest of their wedding HERE. They also had a fantastic reception 'reveal'. How awesome it is to open up doors to your guests and hear a gasp of excitment!
Spice of Life
Numero dos! I like mixing things up, so why not have some variety? I began thinking about having a second centerpiece when I couldn't find any more tea sets from the first one on sale. I also thought it may be easier to give away two different sets than just one when the wedding is said and done. This too, started out differently:
I had intentions of including a tea tin to hold real flowers, but the tin's red was a bit too orange for my liking. Since I decided to use the silk flower, I used the saucer to hold it instead. The varying height of the components work better with this set up. I also like how this second centerpiece compliments the look and meets the same criteria as the first.
- Tea-for-one sets - $5.95 ea*
- Tea lights - $0.12 for 3**
- 1/4 bag of red beans - $0.25
- Silk rannunculus - $1.00**
- TOTAL: $7.32 per centerpiece
* I bought six sets from HERE to get the bulk discount and I used a free shipping coupon (saved me 46%!)
** See details in cost breakdown from centerpiece #1
Cheap Tip #50: Always search for a coupon when shopping online.
6.05.2008
In the Know
Picture = 1,000 Words
6.04.2008
Evolution
1. Affordable
2. Low - to not interfere with conversation at guest tables
3. Fit the theme (Chinese Tea)
4. Reusable for the most part
5. Easy to transport and set up
6. Incorporate something with life (flowers or plants)
7. Include candles as part of the centerpiece (as oppose to just adding votives around the piece)
8. Unique
Version #1:
Added red velvet liner, red tealights, silk red hydrangea (meant to be replaced by real flowers later) to the original tea set Version #2:
Replaced velvet liner with red beans to add texture
Version #3:
So my final version does not satisfy criteria #6 above. Hey, you win some, you lose some. Not having to set up real flowers on the day of and not worrying about the real flowers wilting under the sun is more than likely going to be worth the sacrifice. Remember that the details should be fun! I also dig the look of the flower on the side, at the same time it keeps the teapot much more defined. The carnation just kinda 'took-over', don't you think?
Cost Breakdown:
- Tea sets - Average $9 per set*
- Tea lights - $0.16 for 4**
- Red beans - $0.50 per half bag
- Silk Ranunculus - $1.00***
TOTAL: $10.66 per centerpiece
** Red tea lights were on clearance (90% off).
6.03.2008
Let's hear it for the Boyyyyy!
- After his college graduation, he went backpacking for a month in New Zealand and Australia. He visited a place nicknamed orgasm point and took this picture.
- He once hit a grand slam while playing little league baseball. It just so happens that he had syrup stain on his uniform from the pancake breakfast that morning. Today, he is still known to some as Grand-Slam-Syruppy-Dan. (This is him below around the same era, unfortunately the infamous hit was not captured on film)
- My McMug doll was kidnapped from my car, by the aforementioned Grand-Slam-Syruppy-Dan, during our very early stages of dating. I was not aware of McMug's disappearance until I received this picture in my email. Nothing says love to a gril like a knife to her stuffed animal. It's what got me.
- He learned to play mahjong. My grandma loves to brag about how her future grandson-in-law, a white guy (she always adds), is good at playing mahjong.
I guess here is where I am suppose to tag others. This is a problem because the very little circle of blogs I read regularly have already been tagged! SO... if you're reading this, have a blog, and by some miracle haven't been asked to share this info - consider yourself TAGGED!
6.02.2008
Within Means
6.01.2008
Precious Vintage
We have advertised (begged, really) for wedding pictures from our happily married guests to incorporate in our wedding. Aunt Silvia was kind enough to mail this to us showing off her gorgeous self on her wedding day. We also asked for a quote to go with the picture (caption, advice...) and she noted:
"Ours was a wedding on a shoestring budget but it was perfect to me. The smartest thing we spent money on was our pictures. How grateful I am for those few pictures."
"Laughter is important. There is a binding quality to it."
She was also sweet enough to include an additional picture. Who is that handsome little fella, you ask? That would be the bride's youngest brother, my future father-in-law.