Yay! Columbus Day - Long weekend! Today is Friday. And we "gotta get down on Friday." (Sorry for putting that song in your head for the next three days).
Yep. I'm jumping on this bandwagon, since I am always trolling Etsy, anthropologie and other sites for goodies I cannot have. I will list each item with a picture, then give the hyperlink at the end of the post. Here's what is on my Bride Brain today:
Vintage 1950's dress
From Etsy
Peacock Bobby pin
From Etsy
Vintage Blue Saphire Crystal & Rhinestone necklace
Something blue! From Etsy
Favors anyone?
From Etsy
This is a REAL rose preserved in poly resin!
Beautiful brooch
From Etsy
WAY out of my price range, but how beautiful ?
For the shower, rehearsal dinner, casual wedding?
From anthropologie.com
I have been eyeing this puppy for three weeks now
Need it. For the shower? Just because...Yep
From anthropologie.com
"Nadia" Triple Blossom Bridal sash
From Etsy
"Mandy" Something Blue Bridal Brooch
I may just buy this.
From Etsy
Blue and White Antique Coalport Teacup and Saucer
From Etsy
These are my Friday Finds for this week!!! All of them are inspirational in my wedding vision, I may or may not have given in and purchase one of them. (You'll have to wait and see what it is!)
I was reading Weddingbee this morning, (which is totally out of the ordinary a normal beginning to my work day) when I came across the lovely Miss Ladyfingers' post on Bride Brain! It seems this is an issue that most brides face at varying points in wedding planning. I love the post and just wanted to share the Urban Dictionary definition she feature as a supplement to my previous BB post.
Bride Brain [’ˈbrīd’-’ˈbrān’]: A less invasive, but more expensive version of a frontal lobotomy. Experienced by most brides, as they enter a catatonic state which renders them incapable of sustaining any thought or conversation that does not involve cake, caterers, flowers, wedding dress designers, Chinese wedding dress knock-off designers, updos, hair pieces, color schemes, wedding themes, and personalized M&M’s.
Bride Brain symptoms include, but are not limited to, driving erratically because they can’t stop staring at their shiny diamond ring; being amused by the resentment of all their single girlfriends, rewinding songs several hundred times while imagining themselves walking down the aisle, and starvation induced bitchiness which is generally followed by late night binging at a Dairy Queen. (Note that this can only occur outside of the bride’s native geographic area, where they can’t possibly run into anyone they know.)
Symptoms are ordinarily well controlled with valium, alcohol and endless hours of watching youtube “first dance” videos.
Thanks, Miss Ladyfingers! Any brides out there dealing with some BB lately? Unfortunately, I don't have any DQs next to me, but I have my trusty cupcake bakery to deal with the symptoms (I may or may not have brought a half dozen home from work with me yesterday).
I'm talking about my bridesmaids. My girls! There are seven of them, and I couldn't be more honored, more proud and happy to have them stand with me on my wedding day. They're awesome, and so supportive!!! (I wrote a ridiculously long and detailed wedding-update-email to them at 11:15 two nights ago and almost everyone responded right away!) They are all beautiful, talented and smart women, all have my respect and love. And all are very special to me.
Alex, Maid of Honor, sister
Claire, Patrick's sister
Amber, Patrick's cousin
Abbie, best friendie
Erica, best friendie
Katie, best friendie
Joelle, best friendie
To Alex, my little sister and Maid of Honor, I love you with all my heart. I am so proud of you. You are growing up to be such an amazing person! I love you, forever.
To Claire, I cannot WAIT to have you as my sister!! You are so sweet and unflinching in kindness.
To Amber, I also cannot WAIT to be a part of your family. You are an amazing woman, and I honestly look up to you.
To Abbie, Nyello --- you put up with my awkies sense of humour, cupcake/crafting soliloquies, and still manage to stay best friends with me! You are such a role model for me in your grace, creativity and passion. Love ya girl!
To Erica, you have taught me so much about what it is to be an actor in love. I have learned so much from you. You are beautiful, talented and one of the most generous people I know. Love you!
To Katie, you let me be myself! In all seriousness, you do. And that is something that I have rarely had in my life. Thank you. Love!
To Joelle, oh hai, you are amazingly, energeticly loving and you are always always there for me. And I will always be there for you!!!
I feel kind of silly writing this post, as I do not feel that words can really describe my relationships with each of these girls. I am honored that they will be standing with me as I marry Patrick, and I simply could not see my wedding without them. The are the ultimate gift I can have in my life for friends, and I am so grateful!
Love you girls. Thank you for your unwavering support, wise words, kind thoughts, consolation, encouragement, love and everything else that my grace-less thoughts have failed to mention.
I'm totally stealing borrowing the adorable Fiance-Warning icon from the Bees at Weddingbee to bring you this post (and other posts I want to share but DON'T want my man to read for the sake of surprise on our day! (We're not even doing a "First Look" so I need to be super careful about what I post where)). So you may see the icon of our cute kitty again. (Oh, I also will not post an actual picture of me in the dress or the dress on this post, just to be safe...I know, I'm being ridiculous, but he READS this blog, guys!!!)
For some reason, maybe its the fact that we are currently 286 days---but who's counting?---out that I decided two weeks ago that I had enough of shopping, browsing and lusting over dresses and it is high time I got me mine. I had been looking at dresses ever since we got engaged in January, had tried on my mother's GORGEOUS gown and had gone out twice to David's Bridal (hereafter referred to as DB) to actually try things on. After trying on a whopping nine, yup 9, dresses, I knew I found the one. Here's what happened...
Patrick, FOR SERIOUS, do NOT read this!!!
I went with my mother, and my sister and MOH (Maid of Honor) to DB in March; bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to see what style I liked. I didn't know that I would find my dress that day. I had thought I would want a classic A-line gown, I'm not into pick-ups or giant ball room skirts or anything like that. After slipping into a few gorgeous numbers, I found that my original idea of what I wanted for myself was not doing much for me. I thought, "OK...here's your first experience, and it's totally fine that you still have no idea what you want." But then, sudden twist of FATE! My mom spied something lovely that another bride had tried on that was hanging on a rack. She quickly asked our consultant to grab it and put it in my dressing room. I tried it on and....I was still indecisive about it. Mom loved it, my sister loved it, I also loved it, but I questioned, is this really theone???? I left that day without a firm decision, but I was OK with that.
In the months between that visit and my second return to DB, I found myself dreaming about our big day, with me in that one dress. The one my mom picked out, which means so much to me. The one that all the people in the store, consultants, families and other brides around me said I "came alive " in. I accepted that this was probably a good sign that I had either found my dress, or narrowed my search down to it's style. But there was only one way to find out...one way I could know for sure...
Because of my summer theater program I attended this summer, there were a few weeks between the end of my contract day job and the first days of classes when I had nothing to do in the day time. This. Killed. Me. I got so bored staying at home, and since a few months had passed I thought it would be smart to head back to DB and revisit the dress I couldn't stop thinking about. (Jeez--the way I'm writing, this sounds like an epic love story). I grabbed one of my best friends, and bridesmaid Erica, and we headed over one dark, stormy May day. Erica is wonderful, gracious and beyond supportive, and made this appointment in the wedding dress search fest both a joy and an emotional experience. I tried on The Dress, as well as my close second (totally different from The Dress, but I digress), and a few of the gorgeous Vera Wang pieces (just for funzies). BUT when I put on The Dress, Erica and my consultant confirmed what I knew all along. This is it. This is the dress I'd marry Patrick in.
Now, I did not cry, mind you. And I thought this was weird, because normally I am an emotional hurricane when it comes to love and romance, and now especially weddings (I cry when I listen to Glee's version of "Marry You" by Bruno Mars).
But before I let my Bride Brain take over ("Why did I not cry?" "Aren't I supposed to cry?" "Does this mean I won't have a "bridal moment", or do I not care enough?") I realized, I am having my own "bridal moment." Every time I stepped into that dress, I became giddy and smiley. I blushed. I got emotional and lovey. I did NOT want to take it off, and I knew Patrick would love it. All my friends liked it, and my mother picked it out, which made it extra special for me. There was no question in my mind. That day I decided that it was MY DRESS! Why did I not buy it then and there you ask? Well, there were a few reasons, the main one being that I didn't yet have a permanent job in place, nor would I for at least three months, the others being I had over a year to wait to wear it, and I also wanted to make doubly sure that it was The Dress.
Fast forward to now. I just accepted an offer for a permanent job! (Working with one of my best friends and bridesmaid Abbie! EEE!) Now, I could go get the dress! I had never stopped thinking about it when thinking about our day, had never stopped picturing myself in it, picturing the memories I'd be making in it, and hoping for that look in P's eyes when I came down the aisle. Last week, I decided; I'm doing this now.
I scheduled this Sunday, today, for me, my mom, my sister and my future-mother-in-law to go to DB (lucky visit #3) knowing full well that I would be purchasing the dress, and hopefully narrowing down some bmaid dresses. I am proud to say that we did both. (Bridesmaid dresses deserve a post of their own, so hang tight!) After my sister, who looks AH.MAY.ZING in any and all dresses decided on three that we liked, she had to jet. I gleefully hopped into my newly acquired wedding shoes and into my dress. My dreams were confirmed, and I was standing in my wedding dress. My FMIL teared, as well as my mother, and I got super giddy and pranced around for as long as they let me. I picked out a matching veil and a crinoline, and headed straight for the cash register. Here is the link to My Dress(not for you, P, stay away!!!) and I apologize for not posting actual pictures, I am so LAME!
SWOON.
I am so lucky!!!! It was a beautiful day hanging with my mom and future-mother-in-law and sister. I felt special, and so full of love. Not only because I purchased my dream dress, but because I was surrounded by love and support. As you can tell, I am excited and happy! You know how you just know some things are meant to be? Well, I just knew that this was The Dress that brought out my beauty and myself. And I want to be myself when I marry Patrick. I want to look like me at my very best, and I am absolutely certain I have found the right dress! I feel beautiful, confident, bridal and romantic and yes, blessed when I wear the gown. I can't wait til it comes in (15 weeks, UGH) and I can put it on again! And beyond that, I can't wait to take a deep breath on July 14th, 2012 and step into it for real to meet Patrick to be wed.
EEEEEEEE!!!! What about you ladies? Did anyone else not cry?
Best,
Micah
P.S. Sorry this is such a long post, but it's about THE DRESS! It HASSSS to beeee!!!
P.S.S. Also, not only did we get my dress and narrow bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids and flowergirl dresses today, we decided on a caterer, whom I hope to call and book TOMORROW!
...From talking about cupcakes. It's become kind of a central theme in my life lately. (I may or may not have more than two pictures of cupcakes I have sampled in my phone). A little Bride Brain-y, maybe. A little crazy, I know.
But I have been so excited about having cupcakes at the reception, I have been thinking of different flavors, different ways to display them, etc. And over the past few months, I have decided a few things (I'm so lucky that P is supportive of this crazy idea):
1. I'm going to try for four different flavors. (What they are, I do not know yet).
2. The display will continue our vintage/lacy feel with a teacup theme.
3. I will be making the central cupcake tower
I got inspiration to make it teacup themed when I saw a BEAUTIFUL cupcake tower at anthropologie that I intend to use as the inspiration to DIY my own. Here it is, in all it's glory:
From www.anthropologie.com
GORGEOUS!
Again, from anthro, I found and purchased these in L, O, V, E of the letters. I plan on purchasing some white plates, but I did a mock up with some plates that I have here at home. What do you think?
I think I need bigger plates, but I am pretty excited about this project. To continue with the teacup theme, I have found and purchased these from Paper Source!
I LOVE them! And I am so excited, I can have the four flavors each stuck into one of the teacups, and make a cute little sign to go next to them to say which cupcake is which! Yay! Crafting!
Needed a E-ring pic with the cupcakes!
I can't wait to see where this cupcake dessert table ends up! I'll post a final pic once I find my plates and complete the tower. (I'll probably make cupcakes with the excuse of making up a mock up of what the dessert table may look like. (No, I'm not obsessive...I just, OK fine, I am obsessive about this! It's fine! ).
Finally. The wait is over! I will post our Engagement Pictures! I have been teasing you for far too long! :)
Here's the story: In January, I was in a little musical called "Into the Woods,"by Mr. Stephen Sondheim. This was before we were engaged (actually the week before he proposed the show went up). Anywho---I got to perform alongside this amazingly talented lady: Kate Harper.
The Baker's Wife and Cinderella (personal shot)
Those were almost always our expressions in this play (personal shot)
Turns out that she, being amazingly talented, also is an excellent professional photographer and co-owns a prominent studio in Boston with her good friend Lara Woolfson. This is The Studio Nouveau. They are "two cheeky girls with one chic vision" and they are so wonderful! (Look them up!!!!!)
After we got engaged, I was thinking about researching them for our photographers. While it didn't quite work out and we are going with another photographer, Patrick and I did have the amazing opportunity to participate in an Engagement session shot by Lara from the Studio Nouveau. We shot in a beautiful house/mansion with Lara and what a blast we had! Here are some of our favorites:
All of these pictures are copyright Studio Nouveau unless otherwise noted
I cannot recommend The Studio Nouveau enough for photography. As you can see, not only are they great photographers, but they truly care and want to get to know the couple while having a good time. They made us feel very comfortable, and I loved being able to be a part of the session! Bottom line, if you are looking for a fun-loving duo for your wedding/engagement/maternity/boudoir (seriously, they do everything!) I would really look them up! http://studionouveau.blogspot.com/, http://www.thestudionouveau.com/
Thanks Kate and Lara, you gals are fierce, fun artists and we are so appreciative for the beautiful photos!
I mentioned that I recently had a birthday, right? Right. Well, lucky for me, it kind of kick-started my obtaining of accessories for the wedding!
I know what you're thinking; "OMG, she didn't share the dress? WHAT?" Well, I actually don't have a dress yet...in my possession. I have, however, found one that I simply CANNOT stop thinking about. It's gotten to the point where when I picture my wedding day, I picture this dress. I think it's safe to say that it's the one. (More on that later/I can't really share pictures because a certain someone who is NOT allowed to see my dress until a certain day reads this blog). But yeah, I fully intend on purchasing this dress, as soon as possible. Like, no later than October! (::squeal::) Anyway, I am one of those crazies who bought accessories before actually owning the dress. Stupid? Maybe. But am I excited? You better believe it.
Here's how it went down. Firstly, before my birthday I was filling in for a receptionist as one of the temporary assignments I am working on for a personnel group. That entails me sitting at a desk waiting to answer the phones and pick up the mail while reading Weddingbee and Style-Me-Pretty posts from 9-5. Also Etsy-ing. It is so dangerous to do these things because then BB takes over and I found myself obsessing over garters! Well, I found one! And it is being made by a wonderful shop on Etsy called "Rosebud Lips" that makes all different wedding/beauty items and I CAN'T WAIT to get it! (Here's a link to my garter, I just didn't want P to see it because he's most likely to read this post).
For my birthday Patrick, being adorable and all, set up a lovely weekend for me. First, we took a mini vacation to Vermont just me, him and Peanut. Simply to relax and de-stress. And I have to say it was wonderful. Two days of relaxing in the quiet woods; me working on wedding details and him composing. (I narrowed down the list of caterers we saw at the "Taste of the Towers" to five we actually like!)
Lovely little chalet in VT
When we came back that Sunday, he with my friends planned a great backyard BBQ where there were CUPCAKES and other delicious foods, games and good times with friends. Then on Monday (long weekend) we visited my parents. It was such a wonderful birthday, I had such a great time! What great friends and a wonderful fiance I have. As for prezzies (presents), I got some things that I would decide to use as part of my wedding day attire. Along with the amazing weekend he planned for me, Patrick bought me a beautiful necklace and...
BLUE ROSE EARRINGS!
I love them!
I plan on wearing them the day we wed, because they represent something that is very dear to me and they symbolize us. They are beautiful, and I am so thrilled! Also, Claire, Patrick's sister, got me a beautiful purse to wear. It is gorgeous and quite fancy and I think it would be wonderful to put tissues, chapstick, small mirrors, and other essentials in on the day of the wedding.
I am so grateful. It's absolutely stunning and inspired me to go out and find...my wedding shoes. Now, as you know, I had been looking at different kinds of blue shoes. I really love the color, and I don't think my clumsy self could keep ivory shoes in pristine condition through our wedding day. So, I decided on the Jeannettes, I took my debit card out and got ready to buy them online. But! But, but, but they were OUT of the royal blues! I confess, I did get a little upset. And then, I got mad. I started googling blue shoes all over the place but nothing seemed right. I found some I liked, but I never really loved them. I just knew they weren't it. I then kept remembering the brand that my friend Abbie had worn on her day. There was something about the pink shoe tote bag, the graceful brand name that just drew me to their website.
I proceeded through all shoes, all colors until I found one pair that I fell in love with and that I knew were the right ones for me. (Funnily enough, I found out afterward that they are the same exact shoes, except for color that Abbie wore in her wedding!) They are perfect:
1. They have a small heel.
2. They are blue.
3. They fit perfectly
4. They're BLUE!
So, guys...I have them! My wedding shoes came in last week and I couldn't be happier! I love how comfortable/stylish/beautiful they are and I can definitely tell that I could wear them all night! I am so excited! It just means to me that we are getting closer and closer to our wedding day! (I'm going to hold off on pictures just because again a certain someone reads this, and I am trying to keep my wedding day look a secret until the big day!)
If you made it this far, congratulations. You've survived my gushing over accessories. Thank you! If you couldn't tell, I am excited. :) So, I got earrings, shoes, a garter, and a purse to begin creating my own Bridal look! Did anyone else get their wedding accessories before actually purchasing a dress?
Nope, I'm not talking about a job in retail, I'm talking about my wedding inventory that my dorky self decided to take this lazy Sunday. I had snuck out to my favorite craft store; Michael's and grabbed some stuff for my DIY projects and realized I have no idea what I actually have to work with. I pulled out the step stool and began organizing all of my mason jars by size, and counted up our saved wine bottles. This is what I came up with for my wedding supplies:
Why am I telling you this? Because there are about to be a whole bunch of posts about DIY projects I have been working on! (And I am glad I did, 29 bottles is so many!) And now (some) of the goods!
I've got mason jars...
...Lots of mason jars...
My kitty is exploring my stocks
Look forward to some DIY stuff and my ideas to use all of the stuff I listed above! Did any of you have to actually look and take note of what you had been collecting for your wedding?
Last week was my birthday, with family time on Monday, Patrick being the sweetest, most giving person that I know gave me such a wonderful homemade dinner on Wednesday and planned a backyard BBQ with all of our friends on Sunday. Not to mention a surprise mini vacation to VERMONT this weekend. But all this is meant for a completely separate post. I have to write this post because I have been having some serious BB lately. BB, you ask? Bride Brain.
I have been so focused all this summer on my gig with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, and then right after, a few of us from the apprenticeship began our own theater company(which I will also talk about later)!! We ended the apprenticeship and I have since been temp-ing everyday and interviewing for a full time job at least twice a week. Not only that but I began to get stressed about all the wedding planning that I had slacked off on during the summer. Unfortunately, I didn't see that my stress/BB took over and I think I got a little naggy. I wanted to book the photographer, I wanted to book the caterer, I wanted my dress, and I needed it done yesterday. I was so anxious about not being able to book the right vendors that I made three separate checklists to complete to achieve this. This post is basically a reckoning for me. Remember when I heard that unhappy newlywed on the bus? It took Patrick telling me to realize I was headed in that awful direction. I think my swift kick in the tush to myself may have been too much.
This is not me complaining about how stressed I felt or how overbooked I am at the moment. It's a realization, and a submission of gratitude. An apology. And a sigh of relief.
Patrick pointed out that I had started to lose some of the romance in our wedding plans these past few weeks. I had become too militant in our discussions and plans. And guys, I shut him out. I realized he was absolutely right. I had allowed myself to become too nervous that things would not get done that I failed to take my own advice I gave in that post. This is why Patrick is my best and greatest friend. This is why he is my soul mate and why he is my partner. He is always able to see me. He always, always understands. And he is more than busy, lately. He is working a full time job as the Global HR Coordinator while devoting the remainder his time to his passion: composing music.
Our conversation last night was in no way confrontational. He just brought me back again to what this is all about: Us. Our love. And I am so glad we are able to talk about things together, and remain strong. We are a team.
I could not be more grateful to have someone who is always there for me, even when I have Bride Brain. Even when I have tunnel vision toward one thing. Even when I seem ungrateful for the wonderful things that I have. I feel like I am awake again, and the BB is under control. I am again not nervous about planning, and looking forward to our Marriage, which is what this is about. Patrick and I are so excited that now we are starting to move forward in the planning process and are getting closer to being husband and wife. I couldn't be more grateful, happy and in love with the man who sees me for who I am, who can be strong for me even though he too is burning the candle at both ends, and can bring me back from Bride Brain/disconnected zombie oblivion. I feel like myself again.
Thank you, and I am sorry for not realizing sooner.*
Best,
Micah
P.S. Sorry (I'm not sorry) this was kind of a mushy post. :)
Haha, get it? Like Blue Moon?...blue swoon?...nevermind.
OK, Patrick.
Don't LOOK if you don't want to know
about what I am wearing!
(It's not the dress don't freak out)
As we move further away from the one year mark, I am becoming more and more excited about actually making some decisions. So of course, a million different things are going on in my head at any given time throughout the day. And I saw these from Miss Sunhat on the Bee and SWOOOOOOOONED!
Needs them. Remember when I freaked out about the Me Too Stellina Satin shoes? Also blue shoes. Also Me Too but they are called the Jeanettes! Looks like I will definitely be hopping on the colorful shoe bandwagon, but hey, if I am this excited about them, it's probably the right way to go. Don't you think?
