Getting Ready: Should You Take Photos?

A friend recently pointed me to this fasctinating news article about a Long Island bride who sued her photographer claiming post-traumatic stress disorder, after the photographer posted photos of the bride online in her underwear while getting ready for the wedding.  Ultimately, the studio agreed to take the photos off the website, but it seems that it took a lawsuit for the complaint to be taken seriously.  Which begs the question: do I want myself portraited in various states of undress as part of the documentation of our wedding?

The truth is, I'm pretty comfortable with my body, especially since I've been on my superstar-prewedding-power-diet-and-exercise kick.  And my photographer, Jessica Morrisy, already did a boudoir session with me which resulted in a high quality set of amazing, tasteful photos.  (I highly, highly recommend doing one whether you're getting married or celebrating a birthday, especially with Jessica!)  So I'm ok with her photographing my process of getting ready.  I know she won't need to be told not to post my rear end all over her blog- she's cool like that.  And actually, I'm getting hair and makeup done before I even meet with her, so I know I won't be bare-faced or hair crazy in any of the photos.

But I think the point is well taken that brides should have a conversation with their photographer about their getting ready photos, and what they are comfortable with.  I won't go so far as to create a checklist of things to ask about, but one thing I'd be sure to ask is whether any such pictures will be, at a minimum, password protected so that at the very least, a supervising colleague might not be able to see your tushie with a quick google search.  Maybe you're fortunate enough to work somewhere where people wouldn't try, but I certainly don't, and let's face it, we women already have a few issues in the work place- we certainly don't need someone recalling our "getting ready pictures" when we're giving a presentation or reporting on research!

Have any of you brides out there had feelings or dealings on this issue?

image source

Black Friday Shopping Tip: Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow

Its "black Friday" everyone!  So in honor of this ridiculous day, I've got a not-so-ridiculous shopping tip for you...

Let's just say, hypothetically, that the country is mid-recession and you're invited to a wedding.  And let's imagine that you don't want to blow a ton of money on a dress you'll only wear once.  And let's say that, like me, you love the world of high style design, but not the price tags.  This is an easy exercise, no?

Enter Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow.   A company that rents out high style, of-the-moment designer clothing for a fraction of the cost of buying.  Hey, you can do it with handbags, and guys rent tuxes, so this isn't a far cry.  Should you choose to rent, you can score new, or nearly-new clothing for one week with 90% off retail prices, or a month with 70% off retail prices.  And when rentals for an item are finished, you can BUY it for 80% off.  I know, renting is a bit avant -garde, but think- how many dresses do you have in your closet that you've only worn one or two times?  I know I have more than I care to admit.  And this seems like the perfect solution!

I'm thinking this might be the perfect way to nab an amazing rehearsal dinner dress too.  Or if you're only having one or two bridesmaids, perhaps you could try one of these dresses.  At least you wouldn't have to worry about whether it could be worn again, per the usual bridesmaids dress cliche!  Have any of you ladies out there tried it? 

Here's some of my faves...

[caption id="attachment_1520" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="I totally call this Valentino number. If you know me, don't wear it to a wedidng in 2010."][/caption]

Tracy Reece, hubba hubba!

Get glam with Derek Lam?

Nanette Lepore does this whispy look better than anyone!

Go on and make me SWOON Carolina Herrera!

Ter et Bantine clearly has rehearsal dinners on the brain.

Abaete clearly loves us.

Catherine Malandrino defies you to say a real green dress is cruel!

Herve Leger anyone?

all images sourced from Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow

Happy Thanksgiving!

Its hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here again, but it definitely is!  At our house this means a day of good food and visiting.  And tomorrow it means we get to put up our holiday decorations!  With so much hard work ahead, I'll leave you with this lovely postcard, and my wishes to you for a wonderful celebration!

Oh, and I'll also leave you with this (family tradition).  Today I am thankful for:  my best friend and future husband J., my amazing friends, loving family, wonderful family-t0-be and of course, Chloe and Forest!

image source

Crafting Timeout: Regretsy

Anyone who knows me, knows I've been on a hellish crafting kick these past few weeks, as I prepare all of my final crafty details to roll out on the wedding day.  Programs, favors, gifts, OOT bags, and so forth, all are getting wrapped up and ready to go.  It's been insane.  And it's been awesome.   But I'm pretty sure I will not be going through crafting withdrawal after the wedding- I'm pretty burnt out, no lie.

Which is why when a friend recently referred me to Regretsy, I found myself totally loving it.  This is a blog dedicated to showcasing the wacky and wonderful world of crafting-gone-crazy.  It makes me feel significantly better about my craft do-overs (remember the programs and the fascinator?) and it has also helped me remember not to take my own crafting frenzy too seriously! 

Here are some of my favorite Regretsy finds so far... all images link to their Regretsy source (which, in turn, links to the etsy source- yes you really can buy these):

[caption id="attachment_1549" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="and here I had been wondering what to do with old dentures..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1551" align="aligncenter" width="217" caption="you could buy these for $85, or for $5 you could buy a pair of hanes and give your cat 24 hours"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1550" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="such a great passive-aggressive birthday gift"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1547" align="aligncenter" width="211" caption="Why yes, this hat IS made out of my cats' fur..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1546" align="aligncenter" width="233" caption="Nothin' says luvin' like embroidered TP"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1545" align="aligncenter" width="235" caption="Why yes, that is a copulating earth worm necklace"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1544" align="aligncenter" width="223" caption="For real..."][/caption]

 

 

Reason #6,875 Why I Heart Our Venue

So its not Friday, and I'm not going to do a full recap, but I absolutely had to share this wedding which was recently held at our venue, the Nyack Seaport!  And yes, we were there!  The bride and groom are actually good friends who will be attending our wedding too- I know J. and I had SO much fun at theirs!  When you see the photos, you'll instantly know why.  So go check it out already!

Congrats Josie and Bill!  And special props to their photographer Stacey Ilyse, who did an excellent job capturing their day!  (The above photo is Stacey's, swoon!)

Vintage Postcard Breakfast Invitations

One of the absolute most wonderful things about getting married so close to Christmas is that, in fact, it is so close to Christmas (!!), my favorite holiday!  And one of the things J. and I have been mulling over as the final countdown gets closer, is whether to have a breakfast the morning after the wedding for the guests, and if so, how to invite them!  So I began thinking about all how much I love those old victorian post cards you see in antique shops, and how fun it would be to incorporate them into our potential breakfast invitations.

After spending just a little bit of time surfing the net, I've already found three potential images which I think would work well, and I made a couple of little mock-ups for what such an invitation might look like.  These little cards could have the details of the breakfast itself on the back (postcard style) and could easily be printed at home or at my favorite place, Vista Print!  These samples are literally something I spent 5 minutes on, and nowhere near close to the final product (I'll need to spend some time in Photoshop getting the resolution and colors just right) but isn't it fun to see all the directions one might take this project in?  What do you think, is this a project you would attempt?

[caption id="attachment_1452" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="click on image to see source for original postcard"][/caption]

I cannot figure out where I got this image- if you know, please comment!

click on image to see source for original postcard

UPDATE:  Since writing this post, I have totally changed directions with this project.  The victorian thing ultimately didn't work out for me and I found a better format for shape to work with.  Stay tuned because I used some Mad Men-inspired fabulousness that was even better!

Our First Christmas Cards!

I'm SO excited because I just found out I won a contest (!!!) to have a free custom-designed Christmas card made by Lucky Designs!  I don't know all the details yet, but I love to read the Lucky Me! blog, and the work over there is absolutely wonderful, so I know its going to be amazing.  I guess now J. and I will have to find a good photo of us for the card.  Oh, and I just realized, we'll get to use MY NEW LAST NAME on it!  So excited!!

image source

Bridal Brew

My friend P. recently turned me on to this amazing idea that I just HAD to share with you all...  have you ever thought about brewing your own beer and giving  it as gifts to your bridal party or serving it at your wedding?!  I'm not talking about the kind you make in your garage (though I'm sure that is a viable option), I'm talking about going to an actual brewery and working out your own special blend.  How cool would it be to serve your very own customized bridal blend as part of your nuptual celebration?

The place P. and I are so psyched about is called The Brewer's Apprentice (images are all from their website).  Apparently, it is the first place in New Jersey to offer "brew on premises" services, and it seems to have been quite popular!  As an aside, I also love that this is a women-owned business!!

[caption id="attachment_1312" align="aligncenter" width="216" caption="The Owners of The Brewer's Apprentice"][/caption]

So here's how it works.  First, you pay $15 to get your brewer's permit from the great state of New Jersey.  Then, you choose a recipe, selecting anything from light lagers and pilsners to rich stouts and porters.  If there is a commercial beer you usually like, their staff will help you find something similar in their selection.  Next, you are given the ingredients, instructions and a kettle (yes, a kettle!) and you brew away!  Finally, the staff helps you put the beer into tanks where it ferments for two weeks.  When it's ready, you come back and bottle the beer.  They will work with you to select a label, or you can customize your own, so that its perfect for whatever use you have planned. 

[caption id="attachment_1314" align="aligncenter" width="243" caption="Yes, they seriously give you your own grain to work with."][/caption]

Oh but wait, that is not all.  They do WINE too!

 

[caption id="attachment_1317" align="aligncenter" width="253" caption="So sweet!"][/caption]

I haven't done all the research, but I bet this sort of activity can be found in other states too.  Is this cool or what?  Have you ever tried brewing your own beer or making your own wine, and do you have enough confidence in your skills to serve it to others?

The Skinny: Dress Fitting Day 2!

Iiiiiiiiiiits dress fitting day!  My second fitting- the one where we'll do most of our work!  Man oh man, have I been working hard to prepare for this day.  At the end of October, I started working out with a trainer two days a week, and I have either been running or horseback riding four more days per week (which, if you are counting, means only one day off each week).  Its not an official bridal bootcamp program, but I suffice it to say my heart rate has never been pushed this hard before!

I'm not trying to look like a doctored up ad for Ralph Lauren or anything (poor Filippa Hamilton, if she was too fat I don't stand a chance!) but I'd definitely like to look my best at my wedding.  And why not?  I've spent loads of time, effort and money to prepare for this day, why should I not also prepare my self?  "All eyes on the bride" isn't something someone made up- its what actually happens that day.  Not to mention the fact that all this exercise and healthy eating is really helping with stress and sleep!

But I'm not gonna lie, there have been some days where I've just felt downright frustrated.  I'm running more miles in faster times than ever before, and I'm lifting heavier and heavier weights with my trainer.  I can see my body looks better- but it doesn't seem to be any smaller, and it certainly doesn't weigh much less, despite the fact that I've been following Weight Watchers to the mili-calorie like my life depends on it.  Yeah yeah yeah, I know all about how muscle weighs more than fat, and how your body needs time, yadda yadda yadda.  I hear it, I understand it, but sometimes you just want to see a number move!

So, today is the big drumroll day.  I already know the dress fits, and I already know how much I adore it.  But I have never had that cliche bridal "moment" when I put the dress on and thought OMGITSTHEONE.  I've heard that lots of people don't have that moment, and for me, I'm pretty sure I didn't have it because I haven't been totally happy with myself.  But you know what?  I'm actually starting to feel ok with me.  I actually kind of like me these days, especially the Michele Obama arms I'm working on.  So I'm hoping that these last weeks of hard work and starvation (only kidding, Weight Watchers preaches balance, not starvation) will pay off tonight at the fitting!

Will today be the day I have my bridal moment?

image source

Eat, Drink, and Be Married! Rehearsal Dinner Details

Today we are exactly ONE MONTH AWAY PEOPLE!  Ok just had to get that out of my system.  Back to the regularly scheduled program!

Last week, I had so much fun sharing the invitations I made with FMIL and FSIL for the rehearsal dinner.  And I loved them!  But with so many cute crafting supplies, I just couldn't stop there.  Nope, I discussed it with FMIL and decided to make menus and seating cards as well.  Since its an informal buffer dinner, I didn't want to go too crazy.  Instead I decided to make two menus per table, something that could stand up and be read easily, that wouldn't take up much space.  I needed to include the menu, the beverage options (we're having a beer and wine open bar for the dinner), and a note from J.'s parents.   As I pondered how best to set up this information, it hit me.  Have you seen all those adorable "Eat, Drink, and Be Married!" invitations that are sold everywhere?  Well, I thought, why not use them for the menus?  So that is what I did!

Eat: the menu.  Drink: our beverage list.  And Be Married: the note from J.'s parents.  Perfect!  Love!  I printed the information on regular printer paper, cut cardstock (carefully counted and measured before starting the project to make sure we had enough) backers for the paper, and then glued those onto more card stock which I had scored using a ruler and bone folder, every three inches (leaving 2 inches to tape the fold under, as seen in the photo below).

[caption id="attachment_1499" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="All three sides together."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1500" align="aligncenter" width="188" caption="And the menu fully assembled!"][/caption]

 The escort cards aren't quite as catchy, but they coordinate and they are simple, and will be a perfect way for guests to reserve their spot at their chosen tables.

Note the two different styles at play!

 

Seating card closeup

Total project cost: $0, because I used only leftovers.  And as an added bonus, they match the dinner invitations!  Did you use up any old supplies on a crafty project for your own wedding?

 

 

Pashmina Valet- a Good Idea Gets Even Better

Yesterday I posted about those lovely flip flop valets that have been all the rage.  But guess what all your winter brides?  You too can participate in the fun, with a pashmina valet!  I love that this idea works just as well for summer nights as for winter festivities- and I bet guests love it too!  Of course, real Pashmina's can get pricey, but if you check ebay (or if you're near NYC, just check the street vendors) you can get them for $5 apiece, often even less.  Just think, if you really had some budget to work with you could tie one to the chairs at the reception instead of chair sashes, for guests to use and then bring home as their favor.  Check out this loveliness... (all images link to their source)

 

Understated elegance.

Plum prettiness!

Pretty in cranberry and craft paper!

Who wouldn't want to snuggle with one of these?

The One! Featured on Cheap Healthy Good!

Hey hey everyone!  Head on over to Cheap Healthy Good, where we've been featured in today's festival of frugality!  There you'll find excellent tips for frugal folks, along with suggested itunes to listen to while you read.  Suggested reading for The One! is Holiday by Madonna.  Love that!

While you're there, be sure to check out all the other cool links- including six questions you must ask before you get engaged.  And be sure to check out Cheap Healthy Good's many great postings for recipes and foodie resources galore!  Thanks to Cheap Healthy Good for this shoutout!

image source

Flip Flop Valets- Hot or Not?

Alright, I'll just say it up front, I vote HOT.    Flip flop valets are among the latest and greatest in wedding trends, and I have to say, I'm all about them!  You could easily and inexpensively make one of these for your own wedding- Old Navy has a sale every spring where they sell flop flops for $1, Jack's $.99 store near me sells them, and Michael's and Target often have them in their discount crafty bins for $.25-$.50.  If you live in NYC, you could also buy inexpensive Chinese sandals from vendors on the street and use them the same way.  What a fun easy way to personalize your wedding!  And think of all the cute little puns and sayings you could come up with for your basket sign.   From "sole mates" to "dancing shoes," the sky might just be the limit!

click image for source

click image for source

[caption id="attachment_1407" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="click photo for source"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1406" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="click photo for source"][/caption]

click photo for source

 Of course, if you love this idea but would prefer to pawn off the work, or don't feel creative enough to pull it off on your own, Kate Parker Weddings would be glad to make a flip flop valet for you... just be prepared for the accompanying price tag (starting at $225).

[caption id="attachment_1410" align="aligncenter" width="210" caption="Hello Kate Parker Lovelies!"][/caption]

 What do you think?  Do you love it?  Would you do it?

The One! Featured at 28th Carnival of Money Stories II

The One! has been featured at the 28th Carnival of Money Stories II, a blog carnival that is all about people's personal finance stories (in our case, the story of how we saved more than $10k on our honeymoon!) and it's well worth checking out, for more wedding related tips- like buying an engagement ring, or how to keep your credit info safe when buying online- something all brides are doing these days.  Thanks to the carnival and best wishes for their continued success!

image source: the vintage moth

Bridesmaids Gifts From Megan Lee Designs

Happy Monday ya'll!  Today I'm in a great mood because I'm so excited about my most favorite etsy discovery of late, Megan Lee Designs.  Chicago-based designer Megan Owdom-Weitz is a former corporate slave-turned brilliant crafty artist whose attentions have, of late, been focused on silkscreening.  And friends, she is GOOD at it!  And her prices are so utterly reasonable its kind of shocking ($36 for a dress?  I'm in love!)

Wouldn't these items make lovely bridesmaids gifts?  Instead of a mass marketed "bridesmaid" t shirt someone might only wear once, wouldn't it be fun to give your girls handmade, screenprinted tees, totes or scarves?  Sadly, I discovered this goodness after I had far-surpassed my bridesmaids gifting budget, otherwise I would be all over it.  But its not too late for all of you!  Note, all images below are Megan's and link to the item in her etsy store.  And as long as we're on the subject, don't miss her blog!  Enjoy!

Beautiful raspberry scarf with bright blue wildflowers

[caption id="attachment_1386" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Gorgeous Metallic Trees Hip Bag"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1385" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Take flight seagull scarf in shades of blue gray and green"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1384" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pretty and SOFT peacock tshirt in teal and ivory"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1383" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Red orange birdy headband / fascinator, hand painted one of a kind"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1382" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Peacock Love Tote, Screenprinted by hand"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1381" align="aligncenter" width="253" caption="Black dress with hand painted sparrows- hello rehearsal dinner?"][/caption]