Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween Harvest Crostini!

IMG_3291Here at The One! we like to share the occasional recipe.  And this weekend, in honor of Halloween, I've got a good one for you- Harvest Crostini! Perfect for a rehearsal dinner- or an autumnal ladies night.  Its my little modified version of a bruschetta recipe I once found.  I suggest you make a double recipe, because this is quite popular!  And have a Happy Halloweekend!

Harvest Crostini!

Crostini:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (or more) baguette loaf

Squash Dip:

1 bag of frozen butternut squash, cubed

2 T butter

¼ c chopped shallots

1 clove finely minced garlic

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of sage leaves (optional)

Pinch of salt

Pinch of cracked black pepper

Garnish:

½ cup dried cranberries

2 tablespoons orange juice

¼ cup walnut pieces, diced

Combine the dried cranberries, orange juice and walnut pieces in a bowl and allow to stand for 30 minutes.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F.  Slice the baguette on a diagonal to create oval-shaped slices about 1 inch thick and place on a cookie sheet.  Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and bake for five minutes or until the bread is lightly toasted.  Set aside for dipping.

Add thawed squash cubes to a casserole dish.  Spread 1 tablespoon of butter over the surface.  Cook the squash for 1 hour or until fork tender.  Cool slightly and set aside.  Sauté 1 tablespoon of butter and all of the shallots or onion and garlic until translucent but not caramelized.  Add the squash to the pan and slowly cook the mixture about 10 minutes to evaporate some moisture and intensify the flavors.  Season the mixture with cinnamon, sage, salt and pepper to taste.  Blend the squash mixture in a food processor until smooth and thick.  Remove and add spread to a decorative dish.  Top with the cranberry garnish, and surround with baguette slices.

NOTE, you can also prepare this as bruschetta by spreading the squash mixture on the bread and topping with the cranberry garnish, but it is much easier to make ahead for a group if you keep all three elements separate.  I like to make it in the morning and then reheat the squash mixture before serving, adding the garnish after it has been heated.

image source

50 Days!

sarah and john50 days ago, I wrote a post about how I was 100 days from the "big day" and thus entering the twilight zone; and somehow we've gone from 100 to 50.  50 days left!  As my friend L. would say, that is bananas! 

During some of the past 50 days, I have been very good at staying grounded, while on other days I have failed miserably.  And as I predicted but didn't fully understand until now, the countdown to a wedding can be a wild roller coaster- the upside down kind.  I have found myself getting emotional, as in like a teenager, only I can't blame my hormones.   (Or can I?  Please comment if you know something I don't!)  And I have learned that in spite of my best intentions to the contrary, even I can fall prey to worries about whether my menus are appropriately centered on the page, whether I'll finish the programs in time, and whether my flowers will look tacky (a very real, irrational fear I'm working on getting over). 

Deep breath.  Reminder to self: I will prioritize my commitment to and connection with J. above all else.  No matter what happens in the coming madness, I won’t forget why I’m here.  A wedding is about love, about commitment, about caring, about family, about starting fresh and treasuring moments.  Who cares about the flowers?  It is time to regroup, to refocus on the joy, to allow small disappointments and details the space to pass by, because remember how they don't matter?  I am pretty sure I once said that, nearly verbatim on this blog.

 I am more fortunate than I could have ever hoped to be.  It is good! 

And it is coming!!

 

Photo by Jessica Morrisy

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wedding Programs: Take Two




When I first started my planning, I had what I previously believed to be an amazing idea for programs.  I was going to take our wedding monogram...






Sorry about the amateur redaction...
Sorry about the amateur redaction...
plus these little 4 bar cards...

[caption id="attachment_1144" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="from Papersource!"]from Papersource![/caption]

and these A7 booklets...

[caption id="attachment_1145" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Also from papersource!"]Also from papersource![/caption]

Plus some cream colored paper and cardstock.  And I was going to turn them into top-folding wedding programs.  Except, when I did so, my prototype was... well.. er.... um... ok I'll say it.  Fugly.  Totally fugly.  I hate them.  But I like certain elements about them- like our monogram on the ivory sticker, and the scalloped 4 bar cards are pretty darn cute.

[caption id="attachment_1147" align="aligncenter" width="223" caption="My first attempt- a catestrophic failure. Ok maybe its not that bad, but its pretty lame."]My first attempt- a catestrophic failure.  Ok maybe its not that bad, but its pretty lame.[/caption]

So back to the drawing board I went, hoping that somehow I could find a way to use some of the paper elements I had already paid for (indeed, I had already embossed stickers and printed the 4 bar cards, so they were not something I could return).  Enter Mrs. Cupcake and her amazing idea for accordian folded wedding programs!  (the below photos are Mrs. Cupcakes and can be found, along with her great tutorial, here).

[caption id="attachment_1149" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The presentation."]The presentation.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1148" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The overall look."]The overall look.[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_1150" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The template."]The template.[/caption]


As you can see, the template for this project requires some sophistication to create- with fold marks and cut lines, and perfect alignment.  This was not something I could do on my own.  But I do know someone, Sarah at Belletristics, who has agreed to help me!  And so we're going to take my 4 bar cards, and make templates on 11 by 17 paper.  I even found someone who can print on that size paper, and is going to do it for me for free since my home printer can't do it.

Will my second attempt at programs work?  Even I'm not sure, but it seems to me that anything I do will be more palatable than my first attempt.  I know they won't look as good as Cupcake's, because really, those are amazing, but I think ours will be cute once they're all in their presentation basket (to be shared at a later date).  And I suppose I should consider myself lucky that only a couple of my initial DIY attempts needed some fine tuning (don't worry, I'll be sharing those too).  Stay tuned for more!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

99 Little Tips to Save Money At Your Wedding

Birthday2It's Wednesday so I'm back with more "favorites"!  This week as a new take, I thought I'd share my favorite money saving tips.  99 of them.  Ambitious?  Absolutely.  J. thinks I am nuts and got annoyed by all the typing this list took.  But I love a challenge!  Here goes...

1.  Skip inner envelopes and blotters for your invitations.  Most people won't notice or care, and those who do won't mind (and if they do, they're not very good friends).

2.  Shop sample sales for designer gowns at David's prices.

3.  Google coupon codes for Michael's or JoAnn's and use them to buy things you'll need, like ribbon.  40% off is just a click away!

4.  Make your own aisle runner.  Save on the rental!

5.  Buy forever stamps before the prices go up again!

6.  Plan your wedding for the "off season."  Christmas weddings cost less!

7.  Skip the limo; ask a loved one to drive you in their luxury car (you know you know someone who would do it).

8.  The tried and true ipod-in-lieu of DJ!

9.  Who needs favors?  If you must, donate to charity and take the tax deduction!

10.  If you can, buy less expensive wine and put new labels on.  Check out Budget Savvy Bride to see how she customized bottles of "two buck chuck" from Trader Joe's!

11.  Skip the RSVP card and have guests respond by email. 

12.  Or, go with an RSVP postcard!  No envelope = less pricey.

13.  Find a photographer who offers complimentary engagement photos- many do.

14.  If your venue and ceremony are in the same place, the folks who work there may completely eliminate the need for a day of coordinator.  Worth the research!

15.  Buy bridesmaids dresses off season at stores like J Crew for major savings.

16.  Or, ask your bridal store if they'll do volume discounts.  My girls saved 20% that way!

17.  Shop stores like Oriental Trading.  Sure, the wares may not look so fancy, but all it takes is a creative eye.

18.  Visit PaperSource in person.  They will teach you how to make stunning invites for a fraction of the cost.

19.  Calligraphy is gorgeous, but with a little practice, your home printer can make those envelopes just as pretty for significantly less!

20.  Even if you splurge on a gown, look for a veil outside the designer boutiques.  $700 for tulle isn't necessary.

21.  Candles- they're tried and true for a reason: they're less pricey than flowers and create an ambient glow.

22.  Tell vendors your budget up-front.  They can't meet you halfway if they don't know where you are.

23.  Roses cost less than calla lillies where I live- ask your florist about what flowers are most economical in your area.

24.  If you want to get married in a church, going with your home church will save you big time.  Go someplace new and expect to pay for it (after all, you're not making a weekly offering in these new churches).

25.  I hate to say it but I'll say it.  Cut your guest list.

26.  The alchemy request feature on etsy can be the key to getting what you want at a price you want to pay.  We considered buying wedding rings this way and got some excellent options.

27.  Skip the fancy wedding cake and order cupcakes from the grocery store.  I know what you're thinking but I've seen it done, and it turned out well!

28.  Cake toppers can be a rip off.  Consider borrowing yours from a happily married couple!

29.  No you don't have to have toasting flutes, but if you register for them, someone else will buy them for you!

30.  Same story for the cake cutter.  And of course, many venues will loan you those!

31.  Buy your attendant gifts off-season.  Wait for semi-annual sales and go nuts!

32.  Instead of a sit down meal, ask about cocktail reception options. Most people are full at the end of cocktail hour anyways!

33.  Shop thrift stores for vintage table linens and lovely mismatched table wares.

34.  Think about new uses for inexpensive materials.  Burlap = table runners.

35.  Upcycle your canning jars by turning them into votive holders or vases!

36.  Shop for childrens' attire in the spring after Easter and First Communion season are over.  Genius, right?

37. Make your own save the dates on Vista Printfor about $5 for 100.  (You knew that my VP shout out was coming).

38.  Have a friend officiate.  Such a great way to add personalization while avoiding a potentially hefty fee!

39.  Arrange your own flowers.  No it isn't nuts, I know someone doing it!  They key is to keep it simple.

40.  You don't need a videographer.  Sure, they are great, but plenty of people have wonderful memories without them.

41.  But if you can't live without a videographer, see if you can pay them for raw footage now, and then pay for the editing at your one-year anniversary.  It won't save you money, but at least it will allow you to space out the expense.

42. Instead of photographer albums (which can be pretty but pricey) get the digital images and make your own on Snapfish.

43.  Stick with your theme.  It will help you say "no" to frivolous purchases when you want to say "yes" because it forces you to be thoughtful about what you buy.

44.  Shop ebay for accessories like gloves, shoes, and jewelery.  You'll be really proud of yourself when someone asks where you got the amazing vintage brooch!

45.  Ask if your hotel provides breakfast- if they do, see if they'll set it up in a private room for you.  Hello free morning-after-wedding brunch!

46.  Ask if your venue provides menus and escort cards.  Saves money AND time.

47.  DIY is popular for a reason!  And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to put together a flower girl basket or print out instructions for a guest book.  Just don't bite off more than you can chew- remember it is supposed to be fun!

48.  Ask vendors you like for recommendations.  We had trouble finding a band in our budget until our venue told us about a good one- and we loved them too!

49.  Remember, many tuxedo rental companies offer the groom's free with a minimum rental.  For example, Men's Warehouse.

50.  You can find brand new boys' tuxedos in a variety of styles on ebay for less than the price of a rental.

51.  If you decide to book a band, see if they will comp you some piano playing during cocktail hour.  Many will!

52.  Design your own wedding map.

53.  Ask friends to share their wedding photos with you, with a free Snapfish photo room!

54.  Shop your favorite dollar store early and often.  Jack's 99 Cent store in NYC sells toasting flutes, candles, gift wrap and more for a fraction of the cost of other retailers.

55.  Skip pricey bridal store unity candles by making your own!

56.  Host a rehearsal BBQ in lieu of a fancy dinner.  Guests will appreciate being able to unwind before the big day!

57.  Download free fonts for all your paper products!

58.  Recycle old gift wrap or wallpaper by making them into envelope liners! 

59.  Buy a kit for home-printable business cards, and instead use it to make cost-effective, custom escort cards!

60.  Or hang tags with guests' names and table numbers on your favors and set them on a table to double as escort cards (more bang for that buck)!

61.  Those mailing address labels might just double as cute stickers to close your out of town bags!

62.  Check to see if your church provides programs.  Many do!

63.  Have a crafty friend make your garter- something blue!

65.  Re-use bridesmaids bouquets on the tables at your reception- I've seen brides put them in vases for instant centerpieces, or in loose piles around the wedding cake.

66.  Artificial flowers ain't what they used to be (they're better!)- and can be a great way to save money by making your own alter arrangements.  They're far enough away from people that literally nobody will be able to tell. 

67.  Break the rules and splurge wedding shoes in your favorite color, happily knowing you'll wear them again!

68.  Talk to a travel agent about your honeymoon- they really can save you big bucks, especially if you plan to move around.

69.  Get a free wedding website!  No need to pay for such a thing if you don't want to!

70.  Buy an inexpensive ring pillow (or even a little birds nest) at the craft store and decorate it yourself!

71.  Dried lavender smells amazing and makes for great DIY centerpieces.  You can buy it in bulk and make it ahead.

72.  Or, tie small bunches of lavender and leave on at each place setting for a sweet, sentimental favor.

73.  Make your own getaway car sign using free downloadable templates!

74.  Rose petals are not just for flower girls.  They cost less than the full flower and you can use them to decorate tables!

75.  Take advantage of the various registry offers out there.  Many offer gifts with registry, and gifts with various purchases.  Who doesn't like free?

76.  Consider renting a timeshare for your honeymoon.  Great resorts can be found at significant savings.  Check VRBO and Redweek for a place to start.

77.  Make a point of specifically asking a few members of the bridal party to take copious photos at your rehearsal dinner, in lieu of hiring a formal photographer.  Make sure to think ahead about key shots you want to get, and let them know.

78.  Have your engagement and wedding rings appraised and insured (double check your homeowners policy even if you think you're covered).  God forbid something happens, this will save you plenty.

79.  Buy attendants a portion of their wedding outfit instead of a traditional gift (ties or cuff links, shoes or shawls); they'll love you for it.

80.  Instead of an open bar, serve a signature cocktail with beer and wine.  Limiting liquor can add up big time.

81.  Another fun rehearsal idea: pizza, beer, karaoke.  I mean, I think that sounds awesome!

82.  Buy candy after big holidays (think: Halloween) to use for favors, out of town bags, or those lovely candy buffets!

83.  Before you buy something online, always run a quick Google search for "store name + coupon codes."  I almost always save a percentage or get free shipping this way!

84.  Avoid planning your wedding near "flowers" holidays if you're planning lots of flowers.  Remember, prices go up in February!

85.  In lieu of costly out of town bags, surprise your guests at check-in with bags of popcorn tied closed with a cute, handmade tag.  Popcorn is really inexpensive and everyone loves it!

86.  Consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday.  It can cost 10-30% less.

87.  Or, forego dinner and have a brunch or afternoon celebration.  Guests will drink less, and the food will cost less but be just as tasty.

88.  Or, skip the appetizer. 

89.  Or, have a dessert reception featuring fancy coffees and champaign cocktails.

90.  Consider ordering flowers online- Bridesign, for example, claims they can save you 30-40% and my experience with florists has found this to be true.

91.  Delegate small tasks.  For example, your mother may not be able to give you $100,000 but she might like to be in charge of feeding your bridesmaids the morning of the wedding (which means you don't end up paying to order $100 worth of room service)!  As a bonus, delegating will also save your sanity.

92.  Can't afford the big, fontant-covered gorgeousness from your bakery?  Buy a small version to cut into, and then serve your guests slices from a plain sheet cake (tastefully hidden in the kitchen).

93.   Check local schools for students who might be looking to expand their music or photography portfolio.  They will often provide services for a fraction of the cost.

94.  Take a "mini-moon" after the wedding; then plan a full honeymoon for your one-year anniversary, to help spread out all the spending!

95.  Rent (rather than buy) your bridal jewelry.  Check out Adorn or even your local jeweler for more information!

96.  If you are inviting children to the wedding, make sure the caterer has a separate children’s menu.  Sometimes, kids eat free, so be sure to ask.

97.  Enter contests online and at bridal shows.  I know someone who won a free trip, and someone else who won free wedding invitations.

98.  Stalk the wedding blogs.  You don't really think I came up with all these myself, do you?

99.  Do not let the wedding industrial complex suck you in and make you feel bad about your wedding.  They might try to tell you people "will expect" things but it just isn't true!  Always heed yourself, your budget, and your values and don't forget to have fun doing it!

free image courtesy of www.fotosearch.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Showered with Love, Ohio Edition: The Deets!















 














As promised, recaps for the Ohio shower are underway!  First, I'd love to show you all the amazing little details my mother and sister (MOH) planned and executed to make the shower so spectacular.  Suffice it to say, I was well-fed and well-loved! 



[caption id="attachment_1205" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="It started as a gloomy, rainy day."]It started as a gloomy, rainy day.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1208" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="But I didn't mind. I took the opportunity to snuggle with Sebastian, the family cat. While we bonded, I attempted a cat photo shoot, which is tougher than it looks."]But I didn't mind.  I took the opportunity to snuggle with Sebastian, the family cat.  While we bonded, I attempted a cat photo shoot, which is tougher than it looks.[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_1206" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="And inside our house, the action was happening! First, the pinata-turned-card-holder was introduced. It was my favorite color- pink! "]But inside, the action was happening!  First, the pinata-turned-card-holder was introduced.  It was my favorite color- pink![/caption]

 

 



[caption id="attachment_1209" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="My mother had special pink and yellow pony cookies made just for the shower. And she and my sister dressed up my little ponies for the occasion too! Apparently their outfits were intended for stemware, but frankly I think the ponies wear them better!"]My mother had special pink and yellow pony cookies made just for the shower.  And she and my sister dressed up my little ponies for the occasion too!  Apparently their outfits were intended for stemware, but frankly I think the ponies wear them better![/caption]

 


[caption id="attachment_1207" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="My mother and sister got out other decorations too- like this cake topper from my mom's wedding!"]My mother and sister were preparing the other decorations too- like this cake topper from my mom's wedding![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1210" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="And of course, sister B. remembered to get out cards for the Snapfish photo room, a great idea from the earlier shower which was just as good the second time around!"]And of course, sister B. remembered to get out cards for the Snapfish photo room, a great idea from the earlier shower which was just as good the second time around![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1211" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="My mom home-cooked our menu from scratch and it was amazing. Balsamic-marinated veggies, chicken-almond salad in tomatoes, gourmet trail mix, pastry-wrapped baked brie, cider macaroni and cheese, meatballs, and yes, more. All served on heirloom china and crystal in honor of the occasion."]My mom home-cooked our menu from scratch and it was amazing.  Balsamic-marinated veggies, chicken-almond salad in tomatos, gourmet trail mix, pastry-wrapped baked brie, cider macaroni and cheese, meatballs, and yes, more.  All served on heirloom china and crystal in honor of the occasion.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1212" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="The baked brie was a definite highlight. I'm kind of drooling on my keyboard just remembering."]The baked brie was a definite highlight.  I'm kind of drooling on my keyboard just remembering.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1213" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Cookies and game prizes were readied for consumption..."]Cookies and game prizes were readied for consumption...[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1214" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="And the crème de la crème was the pink pony bride cake! LOVE!! And what makes it extra special (other than the fact that it was a tasty black forest confection) was that it was created by the same bakery that did my mother's wedding cake!  Didn't they do an amazing job?!"]And the crème de la crème was the pink pony bride cake!  LOVE!!  And what makes it extra special (other than the fact that it was a tasty black forest confection) was that it was baked by the same bakery that did my mother's wedding cake![/caption]



[caption id="attachment_1215" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="One of the most special parts of the day was when my mother gifted me the Noritake china set which had once been given to her as a wedding gift. It is from the 1930's and it is stunning. I was really touched."]One of the most special parts of the day was when my mother gifted me the Noritake china set which had once been given to her as a wedding gift.  It is from the 1930's and it is stunning.  I was really touched.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1216" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="With all the prep done, we ladies took a moment for a quick photo. Say cheese!"]With all the prep done, we ladies took a moment for a quick photo.  Say cheese![/caption]

Up next, the party begins! 



Dressing for the Rehearsal

As you may or may not know, I bought a rehearsal dress back in, um, July.  And I liked it- it was a high waisted Tahari satin dress with chiffon polka dots that actually looked better on me than on the model.  A rare occurrence which made me love the dress that much more.  But something happened on the way to paradise.  I started to have second thoughts.

[caption id="attachment_1110" align="aligncenter" width="259" caption="I cannot, for the life of me, figure out where I got this image. But the dress is from Lord and Taylor. If you know where the image is from, please let me know so I can give credit!"]I cannot, for the life of me, figure out where I got this image.  But the dress is from Lord and Taylor.  If you know where the image is from, please let me know so I can give credit![/caption]

And then it got cold!  So I tried my rehearsal dress on in this chilly weather, hoping I'd somehow talk myself into feeling it was ok.  And... it was too big!  Thank you white dress diet for giving me a much needed excuse to buy a new dress! Off I went to the internet superhighway to consider my options!

First, I found this cute sweater dress from BCBG.  I liked how it slouched, looked cute with tights, and it was white.  How often can you really wear white, you know?  Plus, cute belt!  But I wasn't 100% certain could wear this dress with the confidence required to pull it off, so I continued my search.

[caption id="attachment_1111" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="image courtesy of BCBG "]pBCBG1-5361901dt[/caption]



Next, I learned of this magical loveliness from D&G.  It was basically a bajillion dollars, but I had a 25% off friends and family discount, and it came in black too, which would be versatile.  Could I do it?  Nope, at the end of the day, I felt the splurge was a little too "me" and not enough "we" given the fact that it was for "our" wedding.  So I kept looking in the hopes that I could find a dress at a price that was a little more respectful of J.'s preference for avoiding ridonculously priced dresses!

[caption id="attachment_1112" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Hello gorgeous! From Saks..."]Hello gorgeous!  from saks...[/caption]

I decided to "downgrade" and went looking at J Crew.  Hilarious how looking at something really expensive leads you to think J Crew is inexpensive.  In any event, I did find one sheath that really appealed to me, and it came in loads of colors, but it was missing something.  Such pretty fabric though!

[caption id="attachment_1113" align="aligncenter" width="275" caption="the "Clementine""]the "Clementine" dress[/caption]

Onward to White House Black Market I went.   And that's where I found THIS darling.  Oh how I loved it.  I thought it could be the one.  So I decided to go try it on.  To my utter shock and delight, I went there and tried on a clothing size that was 3 sizes smaller than what I'd have worn a year ago.  I almost bought it for that reason alone, but also, it was cute!  Still, a little business-y.




[caption id="attachment_1114" align="aligncenter" width="239" caption="the "Yvette""]the "Yvette"[/caption]

So I let the ladies who worked in the store pick out dress after dress for me (I love how even in this jaded city people go nuts when you say "wedding") and they FOUND IT!  I'm not as crazy about it in this photo as in real life but the bottom line is that I felt great in it!  It channels the "Mad Men" vibe I so adore, fits like a glove, and its the ubiquitous LBD so it is re-wearable!  And furthermore, it was on sale and I got an extra $10 off because it is still my birthday month.  Which means it was meant to be!

[caption id="attachment_1115" align="aligncenter" width="239" caption="Cap sleeves and lace!"]Cap sleeves and lace![/caption]

"Oh but Sarah what ever shoes will you wear with this dress?" Why I'm so glad you asked.  These are, embarrassingly, Paris Hilton shoes.  Feel free to make fun of me.  I know they're pretending to be Louboutins with their pink-almost-red soles.  But they didn't have that Louboutin price tag, and they are borderline inappropriate for church fun and a little edgy.   I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!

[caption id="attachment_1116" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="No joke, this shoe is called "Destiny." Obviously."]No joke, this shoe is called "Destiny."  Obviously.[/caption]

Anyone interested in purchasing a brand new black and white polka dotted dress?  :)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Wedding Painting

ben2I just had an amaaaazing weekend in Ohio, celebrating a hometown bridal shower with some of my favorite peeps!  And I promise, recaps are coming.  But in the mean time, frivolity!  Can we talk for a second about what you should have at your wedding if you possibly can?  If I had unlimited budget (or at least more money to spend than I currently do) I would definitely hire a painter to paint at my wedding.  Yep, seriously, you really can do that.

My friend P., who is always finding new and creative ideas for weddings, sent this my way and I'm sold on the concept, hook line and sinker.  Apparently, there are vendors all over the United States who will do such a thing, but we're currently obsessed with the work of Martin Hardy.

His rate is $1200, so he's pretty reasonable when you consider what you're getting.  He paints in acrylic on a 24 x 36 canvas, which makes sense because no one would want fumes from oil paint at their wedding.  The way it works is that he positions himself close to the dance floor, and will paint a scene of your choice (first dance, cake cutting, toasts, you name it).  And the best part is that his painting is complete by the end of your event - though he cannot guarantee that it will be dry (which seems fair to me).  Can't you just imagine your guests captivated, watching a painter at work at your reception?!

[caption id="attachment_1064" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Absolutely loving the colors and his feature of the architecture."]Absolutely loving the colors and his feature of the architecture.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1065" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="This one is even more impressionistic to me, absolutely capturing the movement of the group and the joy of the event!  And PS, I would like to be invited to a party with acrobats on the ceiling please."]This one is even more impressionistic to me, absolutely capturing the movement of the group and the joy of the event![/caption]

Would you consider hiring a painter to document your special day?


All images from Mr. Hardy's website, http://www.hardyboyart.com/id1.html

Friday, October 23, 2009

Groomsmen Gift Idea: Pens

09_15_54_thumbIf you're like me, you find the typical groomsmen gifts kind of lame.  Well, ok, not exactly lame, but it seems that the whole world assumes that groomsmen are primarily interested in drinking, hence the prevalence of personalized beer mug options for gift giving.  Not that there is anything wrong with giving beer mugs- they can be fun and personal in the right context, and J. and I love putting his in the freezer for cold drinks- but what if your groomsmen are no longer in their 20's or aren't necessarily enthralled with the glory of drinking anymore?  Or what if you have so many friends who are already married, that the beer mugs have already been done?  And of course, one's next options are typically golf related (again, not a bad idea if appropriate, but not everyone loves golf).

So when my friend B. told me about his groomsmens' gifts, I totally loved them!  B.'s groomsmen are, much like ours, mostly professionals out there in the "real world" who live in NYC and don't have room for much clutter.  And so I thought these pens were a terriffic idea for a gift!

[caption id="attachment_1054" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Roller Pen from the Cross Townsend Collection"]The Roller Pen from the Cross Townsend Collection[/caption]

B. Purchased these at Joon New York and he received a considerable discount just by talking to them about his plan.  Using his finely tuned Fordham negotiation skills (which anyone can use), he basically said he would either be buying five pens or zero, depending on whether the price was right.  Needless to say, the store worked with B. and he got these great pens to give as gifts.  He's planning to have them engraved with each groomsman's name and job title, where applicable.

I have to say, I think this is a stellar gift idea.  I myself have received some good pens as gifts, and I even wrote my bar exam essays with such a gift (a gorgeous pen gifted for graduation from a family I used to babysit for- I used it for good luck, and I think it worked).  People always forget about pens, but I think even bridesmaids might like to receive one!

Free beer mug image courtesy of FreeFoto.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Wedding Makeup Looks

In addition to preparing for my upcoming hair trial, my stylist and I have been thinking about makeup looks.  In my past life (i.e., before I graduated from college) I worked in cosmetics and did a great deal of makeup myself, so I'm pretty sure about what I like.

For the wedding look, I'm thinking dewey and fresh makeup.  Something polished, in shades of gold and peach, with a slightly smokey eye and a glossy lip.  The glossy lip might be an issue, because lip gloss will need frequent re-application, but I think it will be worth it.  I can always put one of my bridesmaids on lip gloss patrol, right?

I'm planning to do a little bit of fake baking, along with some spray tanning, to get enough glow on my skin to feel comfortable but not-too-tan.  I know, fake baking is bad for me, but I'm only doing it just this once, and I promise not to do too much of it!

So here are my makeup muses- the looks I'm hoping to channel on our wedding day!

[caption id="attachment_1014" align="aligncenter" width="265" caption="Love her or hate her, Kate Hudson absolutely glows here- looks like there might be some sort of shimmer product under her foundation."]love her or hate her, Kate Hudson absolutely glows here- looks like there might be some sort of shimmer product under her foundation[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_1015" align="aligncenter" width="203" caption="My girl-crush Carrie is back with a smoky gray eye- I'd go with golds for me, but you get the idea of the look here."]My girl-crush Carrie is back with a smoky gray eye- I'd go with golds for me, but you get the idea of the look here[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1016" align="aligncenter" width="218" caption="Hayden Panettiere has the neutral shiny lips here that totally balance her heavy eyeliner. I think it works!"]Hayden Panettiere has the neutral shiny lips here that totally balance her heavy eyeliner.  I think it works![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1017" align="aligncenter" width="271" caption="I'm loving the way Jessica Simpson's artist applied her liner just into her lash line- its provides a hint of smoke, but its not too heavy, and it makes the whites of her eyes pop!"]I'm loving the way Jessica Simpson's artist applied her liner just into her lash line- its subtle, but it makes the whites of her eyes pop![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1018" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="I'll be honest- I think Lindsay Lohan looks a little malnourished here, but I adore the metallic tint of her lip color- not too bright but still has substance!"]I'll be honest- I think Lindsay Lohan looks a little malnourished here, but I adore the metallic tint of her lip color- not too heavy but still has substance![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1019" align="aligncenter" width="195" caption="And finally a non-blonde! Jennifer Garner might have perfected my look... she looks so healthy and polished, but not overdone!"]And finally a non-blonde!  Jennifer Garner might has perfected my look... she looks so healthy and polished, but not overdone![/caption]

Do you have a makeup muse?

all images from Project Wedding

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Best Online Wedding Vendors

It's Wednesday again, and that means time for more of my faves!  This week, I'm featuring some of my absolute favorite online vendors- places I have found with unique wedding wares at competitive prices.  Read on to see what I'm talking about!!


imageProd


Best Out of Town Totes: Inkhead.com


Inkhead is a downright fantastic resource for personalized items for your wedding.  My friend P. used them to custom print wedding tote bags for her out-of-town guests.  They even custom-designed a logo to coordinate with her wedding invitations.  While they are generally better for bulk items, with a little searching you can find great gift ideas for your OOT bags, or for your bridal party.  For example, P's fiance loves the customized playing cards, and she's planning to order custom bottle openers for his bachelor party.


 



photobookBest Photo Books: Snapfish.com

If you're racking your brain trying to come up with a cheaper way to create photo albums for your engagement photos or guest book, Snapfish Photobooks are for you.  A quick google search will locate frequent coupons for these books, and I can personally attest that the quality is excellent.  Make sure to use your highest resolution photos for your projects though, otherwise they'll look better on the computer than in real life.  We got our album at 50% off by using a coupon, and uploaded digital images from our photographer to make ours- and it turned out great!  Of course, we'll buy a professional album for our wedding, but since we didn't want to buy an expensive engagement album, the Snapfish book was a perfect solution.

1227973970356772938Farmeral_video-icon_svg_medMost Killer Wedding Videography:  Well Spun Weddings

Ok, I admit, this isn't technically an internet vendor, but it was found on the internet, so I'm counting it.  J. and I are not having videography (we had to prioritize, and sadly, videography didn't make the cut) but if I had the budget, this would be IT for me.  Their philosophy is that they create films, not videos,  and they use tools like high definition and 8mm film to customize a video you'll actually want to watch!  Hopefully my friend R. who turned me on to this place, will select them, so I can live vicariously through her!

Gift bagsBest Gift Bags: Dunwoody Booth

I've blogged about this before but it bears repeating because they are such a great deal!  Dunwoody booth sells high quality gift bags at really reasonable prices, and you can even get 5% off the price of your order if you join their "preferred program."  In addition, they frequently offer gifts with purchases, and who doesn't love a little something extra for free?

Save_the_date_side_1 Most Cost Effective Save-The-Date: Vistaprint.com

Sign up for those email updates (but expect a lot of email) and you too can get 100 postcards (custom-design them yourself!) for about $6.  Which will leave you plenty of money leftover to design your own Photostamp for them!  (I swear Vistaprint is not paying me, I just really like them).

ultimatechefstore_2072_73882058Best Place Cards: Chefsresource.com

My friend P. also turned me on to this great website, where she bulk ordered ceramic place tiles (typically used on cheese trays) as escort cards for her wedding.   Chef's Resource was, by far, the least expensive on this item and shipping was free!  She also had good things to say about the customer service, and everything arrived as promised and unbroken.

rhodium_rectangle_cufflinks1Best Cufflinks: Groomstand


This is THE place for affordable engraved cufflinks.  Sure, you could go higher end, but depending on your crowd you may not need to, because these come in many price points.   Plus, they frequently run free shipping specials, and you get a discount if you order 6 or more! 


img90mBest Place to Shop Offseason: Pottery Barn


When you think wedding, you probably don't think "home decorating store" but Pottery Barn is great for offseason finds.  For example, I found wonderful miniature christmas ornaments in green mercury glass, originally intended as vase filler, for $2.99 a package of 18 in the off season.  I'm using them as part of our favor packaging.  And these lovely galvanized metal containers you see pictured left are a mere $7.99 each.  I'm thinking you could fill them with spring tulips or summer daisies for a sweet, cost effective centerpiece, or throw some ribbons on them and use them to gather cards in lieu of the traditional mailbox. 


 


All images sourced from their respective websites, except for the video camera image from clicr.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I Guess Some People Deserve Each Other

Newspaper

I don't normally post mid-day but a friend just sent me an article that was so outrageous I had to share it:

Gross: People Who Reveal in the ‘Vows’ Column How They Cheated on Their Previous Spouse

I secretly love the different ways people react when I tell them J. and I met on the internet superhighway (people's reactions range from "how cool!" to "oh!" while their internal monologue says: I, um, don't know what to say about that...), but I would not love to do so if the story of our romance was more like those in this article.  Indeed, having previously been on the receiving end of such actions (which in the long run, did me major favors but in the short run, hurt like a @*&^*%), I believe it would be like rubbing salt in the wound to have it then publicized to the world this way!

To abbreviate, this article is all about people in the New York Times wedding section who talk about how they met- while cheating on their then-significant others.  Yikes!  And of course, then, the NYT goes and romanticizes the whole thing:

In fact, "Vows" columns such as this are not uncommon. We find they always use the same kind of language. The couple "faced many obstacles to happy romance," they'll say. Their relationship was "complicated." Their "road to love was bumpy." Except one of those bumps was, oops, a [f-ing] person. And that they have taken that person, having run them over, and are now dragging them down their personal road of happiness for miles, laughing gaily as they watch them bump along like some kind of tin can attached to a bumper with streamers, until in the end the ex falls off and is left on the side of the goddamn highway, all bloody and broken and gasping for air.



Double yikes!  I know not all happy endings start that way, but for goodness' sake, people.  Divorces and breakups happen for a variety of excellent reasons, but if a relationship ends on such a hurtful note, and that note happens to be the fault of the cheater, shouldn't that cheater be estopped from publishing their story as if they are the hero?  I know newspapers aren't exactly the keepers of morality, but should the Times have some sort of responsibility to, at a minimum, portray things as they are, and not as some riduculous story of star-crossed lovers?

What do you think?  Overreaction or totally tacky?

image source

Hair Inspiration

On Halloween, I'm heading to my hairdresser for my hair and makeup trial.  So one of the things I'm working on right now, is gathering inspiration for how I would like to style my hair!

At first, I thought I'd want to go for an old hollywood glam vibe.  But I wasn't sure how practical it would be, with my super long, super thick hair.

[caption id="attachment_1001" align="aligncenter" width="239" caption="Reece's 40's style barrel curls"]Reece's 40's style barrel curls[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1002" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="Jaime Pressly channels Marilyn"]Jaime Pressly channels Marilyn[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1003" align="aligncenter" width="185" caption="and Charlize pulls a Marilyn equally well"]and Charlize pulls a Marilyn equally well[/caption]

Since I wasn't sure about these stylized looks for my hair type, I began thinking about big hair.  I love big hair, a la Dolly Parton or Joan Crawford in the 80's.  Carrie Underwood does a modern take on big hair that makes me drool.

[caption id="attachment_1004" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="Carrie Underwood and I have matching bangs "]Carrie Underwood and I have matching bangs too[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1005" align="aligncenter" width="201" caption="Kate Beckinsale pulls off the look with a big veil like mine!"]Kate Beckinsale pulls off the look with a big veil like mine![/caption]

But my stylist has warned me that my hair, with all its length, might not hold curl for as long as I would like.  So I'm also considering doing big hair in an up-do.  Something low and loose, curly, and, most importantly, big.  Probably bigger than what is pictured.

[caption id="attachment_1006" align="aligncenter" width="251" caption="Eva Longoria nails this look"]Eva Longoria nails this look[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1007" align="aligncenter" width="256" caption="I am loving this Emmy Rossum 'do!"]I forget who this is, but I think she's pretty![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1008" align="aligncenter" width="245" caption="Taylor Swift's curls are exactly what I would want- soft, romantic, flowing"]Taylor Swift's curls are exactly what I would want- soft, romantic, flowing[/caption]

You're probably wondering why I have a thing for big hair... its because I have a belief (which many say is irrational) that I have a large head.  Its true though, my hat size is large.  So I want big hair to make my head look scaled to size.  It will be fun to meet with my stylist and make some decisions!

All images sourced from Project Wedding