My friend, Emily

I'll preface this post with the fact that my dear friend, Emily, has no idea that I'll be writing anything about her.  Typically, I only reference her with regard to her craft skills or hoping she'll help with something.  But, instead of just posting some additional pics and sending a shout out to thank Emily for finding my missing dress, I decided she warrants her own post.  :)  Which I then realize means all of the other wonderful women (friends) in our lives probably should have their own, too.  One day, ladies....one day.

This is a pic of my friends from college (taken somewhere around a year ago), who have been amazing and continue to be some very important women in my life:

Emily is the adorable pregnant one on the left in the purple

You see, Emily is great for a variety of reasons.  The biggest reason is probably her heart and very kind, generous spirit - and overall spunk.  Beyond that, sometimes I think we're pretty darn close to being the same person (with a few big exceptions - but, still).  Emily is very detail oriented, somewhat perfectionistic, crafty and definitely girly.  As crafty and creative as I always knew Emily was in college, she has blossomed into an even more wonderfully crafty and creative creature as an adult (I can say that since I'm older than she is).  :)  Emily blogs about beautiful showers she's thrown for friends having babies, homemade fabric flowers she whips up on a whim - not to mention all of the fun, DIY things she did for her own wedding several years ago.  So, I have called upon Emily to help with some wedding tasks - because I know she'll do it wonderfully and beautifully, and save my sanity.  For that, I'm incredibly grateful.

To add to Emily's list of talents, we can add "missing wedding dress finder."  Seriously.  I don't know how she did it.  In a mere two hours or less of me posting that I couldn't find the "Pretty Pink One," she had found a link for me.  While that link may be to a place that makes replicas, it gave me the info I need for the actual designer.  She's one talented lady, I tell you.  Because as much as I loved the front of the dress - check out the back:

And, check out the detailing on the top part:

So, a big thanks to you, Emily, for helping me find this dress so I can at least try it on.  I mean, it might make me look like an oompa loompa with the big full skirt, but I at least want to see....it's just so pretty.  And, pink.

Missing: One Pink Wedding Dress

In a tragic recent event, a dress has turned up missing.  After hours of searching high and low for said dress, authorities have deemed it missing.  Unfortunately, said dress is nameless and is hereby referred to as "Pretty Pink One."  Pretty Pink One is slender, sparkly and has a little junk in the trunk.  Pretty Pink One is most easily identified by her sparkly tank style top and her gorgeous full ballgown skirt.  Should you find Pretty Pink One, please advise.  A picture is posted of her below to aid in your search.

And we have lift off!

The last day or so has actually resulted in some wedding related things getting purchased, planned for, or being requested of someone else to buy.  Hooray!!!  Plus, we have a date and time set for some wedding dress shopping - plus a plan shaping up for a crazy wedding dress shopping experience in Chicago, too.  Things are actually starting to happen around here for this wedding.  :-)

For example, Crissy's parents have offered to help pay for/purchase some of the things we need for the wedding.  So, to start off the "purchasing," I sent an email to Crissy's mom last night with some things on clearance I found at Target and at Crate and Barrel that would be needed.  I mean, these cupcake wrappers and small cake molds are definite necessities:

These cake molds are individual size - and will be fantastic, I think, for the carrot cakes....

And, then we also found beverage tubs.  Now, I'll be honest - they're not the perfect shade of teal/peacock/whatever....but they're super duper on sale.  And, given the number we'll need to keep all of the beer, water, wine and cranberry & vodka bottles cold....these will do!

(Have no fear, dad....I actually checked the price to rent a big beverage table thing - and these are actually cheaper than the cost to rent one big table.  I really am being frugal.  Even if you don't understand my need for cloth tablecloths).

And, then, I went to Michael's today.  That's really where things started to happen.  I bought some fantastically fun ribbon for the ribbon wands.  So, once I get the white and brown ribbon, I can start to make them.  Really, I can't wait to have them done and post pics - I hope they're as great in reality as they are in my head.  I also found sheets of chalkboard stickers/labels/whatever....so I'm hoping they work with Emily's fancy crafty machine.  And, if not, we'll figure out another way to make them into hearts for the mason jar glasses.

But, the real fun part....I found wedding invitations.  Crissy and I have talked at length about making our own - and have found quite a few crafty ideas for them.  Beyond that, we just talked to Clare yesterday about seeing what she could whip up since she's one fantastic graphic designer (or something like that - sorry, Clare - I don't know exactly what you do).  But, then while I was at Michael's today and looking at all things that could remotely be wedding related....I stumbled upon these:

They have jackets and matching envelopes and everything!  And, they were mega on clearance.  So, less than $15 for wedding invites?  Yeah, I think I'll take it!  Plus, Crissy and I really like them - so bonus!  (Note - the invites are completely that apple/fern green color, not the weird looking sage/mint like color that the bottom one appears to be).  The only troubling thing with the invites?  Only 30 come in a box...and I can't seem to even find them online to order more if we needed to.  So, it looks like siblings might be getting something a little less fancy, if worst comes to worst.  Sorry sibs.  :-/

Anyway....hooray for really finally getting started, huh?!?!  Seriously, I cannot wait for this wedding.

Change

2011 is shaping up to be the year of change.  Now, normally I don't really like change.  In fact, it scares me more often than not.  However, the changes happening in 2011?  They all seem to be pretty great.  And, with the exception of only one, don't scare me one bit.  So, here are the changes that are happening:

• Crissy and I are getting married.  Seems like the pretty obvious change, huh?  Just as a note - this is definitely not one of the changes that scares me.  This is totally an exciting one!  (I almost accidentally wrote "expensive" - which must have been a Freudian slip or something...because weddings are totally expensive, even when you try really hard for them not to be).

• As blogged about previously, Crissy and I have really changed our eating habits, workout routines and well, our lives.  I mean, I was excited about having diet coke the other day at lunch.  If that doesn't signify "change," I don't know what does.  These life changes are equalling things like smaller bodies, lighter weights on the scales and just generally happier "Crissy's" and "Trish's"

• I got a new ring.  Now, you might be wondering "Who the heck needs a new ring after only being engaged for a measly 6 months?"  And, that's a darn good question.  But the answer - this girl.  Not because I didn't love my old ring....because I did.  I mean, I picked it out.  I loved it.  But, Crissy and I went shopping for wedding bands a few weeks ago at two different stores, which left me feeling really bummed.  She tried on wedding bands and things looked gorgeous with her ring.  When I tried them on, my ring looked like a dingy blah thing.  Every. Single. Time.  So, we had a long chat about what to do - and resolved to get a new setting.  Now, the extra part of this is that we incorporated a diamond I already had, used two of the aquamarine stones from my engagement ring from her (aka the original one she gave me in August), and then bought a new setting for it all.  I LOVE it so much and can't stop looking at it.  Want to see how it all looks now? (of course you do!)

• That last major change that seems to be happening in 2011?  A new job.  For those that haven't heard, I was offered a position with SIU's School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry about two weeks ago.  The job is pretty spectacular and incorporates several things I want to do in life, all into one.  So, I'll be able to be a therapist, teach seminars to psychiatry residents (students, not crazies), supervise residents and do research.  The downside:  Well, there's more than one.  I have to leave ABC - that's a big downside.  I love it there.  But, the upside of that is that I'll be able to still support the agency, attend fundraisers, and we'll be able to adopt through them without any conflict of interest.  Another downside of the new job?  Driving to Springfield. Every. Single. Day.  ugh.  But, they didn't blink an eye when I asked about taking the train when the roads are bad (aka arriving 2.5 hours late for work) - and it will totally be worth it.  Another downside....change scares me.  Yep, this is the 2011 change that creates fear.  I hate doing things that I might fail at.  New job is totally included.  So, I keep trying to remind myself that SIU wouldn't have offered me the job if they didn't think I could do it.

So, bring it on 2011 - change will be great this year!!!

Usher

I haven't posted a single video on this blog yet....so don't blame me when "OMG" is stuck in your head for days, ok?  And, so what if this post really has nothing to do with that Usher.  I was typing the title of the post....and had something stupid or ridiculous at first, BUT then I thought of Usher.  And knew that I had to post his video to "OMG."  Let's face it, no matter what Usher song I had posted, it would be stuck in your head...."Love in this club," "DJs got us fallin in love," or "Confessions."  Now you can blame me if all of these songs are stuck in your head.  You're welcome.  :)

In all reality, this post is really about ushers for the wedding.  Which we hadn't planned to have.  But, then recently, the wedding plan begged the questions "who's going to seat people" and "how will they know where to sit?"  It might seem ridiculous since we're only inviting 70-80 people and virtually every single one of those people are close to both of us.  Not to mention, isn't it just a given that the first row or two on each side is for family?  So, what the heck am I worried about?  Well, how about that one crazy guest who thinks that without an usher they can just sit whereever they want? Or, perhaps it's more about "tradition."  Who doesn't have ushers???  And, then I stumbled upon this, loved it, and decided it solves the problem for me.

I honestly really love old windows.  If you've never noticed, there's a mirror in our guest room that I made out of an old window.  I think this idea absolutely solves any concerns I've had....and sums up how we feel.  Because, let's face it - I can't really think of anyone we're inviting to the wedding who couldn't technically choose to sit on either side due to their friendship with both of us.  Heck, we might not even have a center aisle, so it might just solve all of the "side" issue also.  Plus, this means none of our loved ones have to stand there and show people to seats they could have found themselves.  AND, it means I (or we) get to make a fun window sign like this one above. 

LOVE, Sweet Love

No worries, folks....I won't be spouting off the million and one reasons why I love Crissy.  I mean, I could...but I'll spare you all of that mushy gushy stuff for now.  Instead, check it out:

I mean, I was all set (and excited) about doing cute little name tag flags to attach to the straws....but then I found these today.  Chalkboard heart labels for the jars?  What could be more perfect?!?! I LOVE them!!!  This is where there the differences between Crissy and I really shine through, though.  Given my love for wedding planning and all, I see these with the names and the number and automatically know that the "3" designates the table number.  Crissy on the other hand?  She saw them and was excited when she thought that meant people could keep track of the number of drinks they'd had - that the "3" designated the total number at that point.  Oh well.  I guess people can do whatever they prefer after we've made them pretty with people's names.  :)

And, speaking of love...it is Valentine's Day.  So, while we're keeping things pretty low-key this year, the love is still the same.  We certainly love each other - and love all of you, too.  Hope you've had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!!

To-do List

Warning:  This post is not exciting at all and contains completely mundane things like stuff that we need to do or buy.  However, there are probably going to be some pretty pictures along the way....  This post is really more so I can create a list of all of the things that I can think of that need to be done or purchased...and not potentially lose the list (which would be likely if it were on paper).

• Create a fabric "wall" with strips of fabric, to hang between the two trees where we'll be standing for the ceremony.  (The fabric will obviously be in our colors - not in shades of pink).  This fabric wall has taken the lead over the hanging paper flowers posted previously.

 

These pics are compliments of 100 Layer Cake - which I just discovered and love!

•  Make cloth napkins for the reception. 
• This also includes the need to purchase fabric, borrow a working sewing machine, and beg a friend to use a rotary cutter to get them all the same size and save me from the insanity of tracing squares onto the fabric and cutting by hand.
• Recruit Emily to make giant linen and tulle flowers instead of bouquets.  Hope you're really on board to help, Em!  :)
• Collect a million more mason jars
• Purchase candles for said mason jars
• Shepherds hooks (see about borrowing)
• Purchase burlap for table runners
• Purchase remaining bamboo plates and sporks
• Acquire cake stands/jars, etc.... for dessert table
• Remove labels from wine bottles and clean
• Make ribbon wands
• Create and make wedding invitations
• Mail wedding invitations
• Buy wedding dresses
• Collect spaghetti sauce jars (or something similar) for candles to line driveway
• Create wedding signs like this:

• Find tables for reception
• Find tablecloths for tables
• Make programs like one of these - either fans in case people get hot - or the second option that could hang from the chairs

• Buy striped straws and make name tag flags

• Buy mason jars for drinks

 

• Find paper lanterns.  White, brown, green, peacock....
• Buy more strands of lights
• Floating candles for pool
• Figure out speakers/music
• Create playlist
• Pick outfits for Bill and dads
• Kristy and Darci pick and order dresses
• Ceremony plan
• Get reading/poem/whatever ideas from siblings
• Beverage Tubs

Target

• Finalize menu and determine cost
• Make signs identifying food for reception
• Shoes, jewelry, accessories for wedding
• Flip flops for guests

• "Guestbook" painting

 

• Gifts for people
• Confirm Ariel for pictures
• Register (gifts/honeymoon)
• Fresh flowers day of wedding for food table and hanging jars on shepherd hooks - and MOH bouquets
• Fabric flower corsages and boutonneires

Source - Etsy

Source - The Sweetest Occasion

Source - Etsy

• Sign for end of drive
• Inquire about hotel shuttle (Washington) transporting
• Rehearsal dinner
• Desserts

Flowers

You all know I've posted about 50 pictures of bouquets - ranging from silk to hand-tied farmer's market like bouquets....to very obviously put together by a professional florist bouquets. I still love the idea of some farmer's market flowers adorning our day, but I found this a bit ago and think it's just perfect.

source Petal and Print

Now, as lovely as I think it is and as fantastic as I think it would be to be able to have something lasting and that doesn't die....their $230 price tag is a little steep for some linen and tulle.  So, I might have to enlist some help in making one - because I'm confident it could be done for less than $20.  Once the wedding dress is picked, I'll definitely have to start looking into this more...

Coming Together

Okay, so the title might imply that plans are actually coming together, as in being finalized.  I hadn't really thought of how far along most brides would be at this point until I had lunch with a friend recently.  When I explained we hadn't really confirmed/made a lot of plans beyond just figuring out what we wanted, she looked at me like I was nuts.  But, then we discussed all of the things that Crissy and I don't have to book and worry about that other brides do.  We're not using a florist and will instead just gather things from the farmers market or something....so no need to worry about that.  We're not having a wedding cake and I'll instead bake some goodies and we'll have a whole dessert table....so no worries there either.  We don't need to book an officiant....thanks Meghan!  We're not having a DJ...so no need to worry about that one either.  We do maybe need to come up with a playlist for the iPod, but beyond that, not much to do.  For us, the dresses are really one of the biggest things to take care of - and buying all of the little things. 

I decided to create an inspiration board with some of the pictures that really best represent things we'll be doing at the wedding/reception....so you can all see how it looks in my head.  :)

The Running of the Brides

Thanks to my dad, I was recently reminded of an event that could save me tons of money and get me a fancier dress than I can really afford.  One, yes - you read this correctly.  My dad is who reminded me of such a thing.  That, in and of itself, is a little crazy.  Two, yes - there really is a way for me to get a dress I can't really afford for a price that I CAN afford.  How?  To become a crazy bride.  Okay, maybe not so much a crazy bride....but, well, a little crazy.

Each year Filene's Basement hosts a "Running of the Brides" event in multiple US locations.  Chicago is one of those locations...which in my opinion, is certainly close enough to get a $7,000 wedding dress for say, $249.  Here's the deal:  on this one designated day, Filene's Basement will have something like 2,000 designer dresses which typically range in price from $1,000 to over $9,000.....all just waiting for brides to run in (literally) and snatch them up.  There are a few interesting notes, however.  Like, the fact that they actually have an email address to email for tips and suggestions on how to get the dress of your dreams.  Or, they have a tip sheet on how to make the day work for you.  They suggest things like matching shirts.  Having teams. Making signs.  Wearing sports bras or swimsuits so you can try on a dress anywhere in the store.  Personally, I wonder if they ever recommend padding for when you get knocked over by the other crazy brides. 

Now, crazy brides or not - that's a great sale.  All dresses are either $249, $499 or $699.  Who the heck could not pass that up?!?! It might just be the solution.  And, now I've entered myself to win a gift certificate for the day.  If I win, you bet your butt I'm heading to Chicago to fight the crazy brides and find myself one hell of a discounted wedding dress.  What I don't look forward to?  Pushing, shoving, yelling....and lots and lots of people. 

Maybe you think of this when you think of "running of the brides:"

This is more what I think of:

So, here's what I want to know: 

1. Would you be crazy enough to battle all of these brides for one hell of a discount???
2. Who wants to be on our team and go dress shopping in Chicago in April???

DIY

On the wedding blog that I read almost daily, there are frequently (and I mean FREQUENTLY) do it yourself (hereinafter referred to as DIY) projects and tips.  Don't get me wrong, I love DIY things.  And, I would typically classify our wedding as pretty do it yourself.  However, these brides put me to shame.  It's like they are the Martha Stewart of wedding projects and I am an amateur.  The things they take on...wowza.  However, one bride recently described these little paper lanterns she's making.  Here's what hers look like:

Honestly, to me, they look a little like pin cushions.  But, once I looked at it more closely and checked out the tutorial, it was pretty obvious that they were paper.  And, that they were pretty awesome.  The bride who submitted the picture above described contemplating stringing them over lights so the lights shine through the slits in between the paper pieces.  I think they would be great - with or without lights.  I really can imagine all of the uses for them.

In other DIY news, I don't think I've blogged about this other fun idea that I've seen other brides use.  You know how in days of yore (who even says that anymore, by the way?), people tossed rice at the bride and groom bride?  Or, blew bubbles? Or, set off sparklers and waved them around....just waiting for someone to catch on fire?  Oh, wait.  That might be my paranoia talking.  Anyway.  The fun idea.  Ribbon wands.  What the heck is a ribbon wand, you ask?  It's this delightfully fun thing for people to wave around in their excitement as Crissy and I are pronounced.....something (guess we should figure out what that pronouncement is, huh?).  They look something like this:

Source for tutorial

And, when put to use, it looks a little like this:

What great idea would you have - or would you suggest?  We're always open to ideas... The other nice thing about ribbon wands?  No mess in my parents yard, no sticky hands from bubbles....just fun ribbons waving in the wind.

Progress

Remember a long time ago when I said I'd be accountable and keep people posted about the whole weight loss thing?  That hasn't really worked out too well, huh?  Sorry about that.  Well, I guess maybe you haven't really been worried about it - but it does kind of stink for me to say that I'll be accountable for it and then not follow through with it.  I seem to be much more inclined to only blog about anything weight loss related when things aren't going so well or when I'm beyond frustrated with something.  Maybe other people are like that, too.  I don't know.

The good news is that the weight loss keeps moving in the right direction.  Since early September, I've lost darn near 20 pounds (as in within half a pound of 20).  I don't remember the exact starting weight, which makes it hard to say whether I've lost 19 or 20 pounds....but you get the point.  As Sam pointed out yesterday, things are different this time and I haven't gained back a single ounce along the way.  There's nothing up and down this time around, as there has been in the past.  So, that's a good thing.  Crissy is pretty much rockin it too.  I can't disclose her weight loss because we keep it a big secret, but she's doing great!  :)

So. Many. Choices.

I have no doubt that once I actually buy a wedding dress, I will stop feeling like every dress I see is better than the last.  But, in the meantime....I keep finding dresses that I like.  Some better than the prior ones - some are just different.  The one I like today?  This one:

I think I have settled on wanting a dress with color.  Since first seeing the dress with the tulle skirt a while ago and debating it in champagne, followed by the gorgeous blush colored Vera Wang dress, I can't imagine wearing an all white or ivory dress.  The color just makes it so much more fun - and unique.  I mean, every bride wears white or ivory.  How many wear champagne or blush?!?!  Well, I will, I've decided.  And, the dress above is much more in line with the budget than my beloved Vera Wang.  Don't get me wrong....I LOVE the Vera Wang dress still.  But, I am also moderately practical.  However, should someone magically gift me the Vera Wang dress, I have my shoes all picked out:

I should really note that the gorgeous Badgley Mischka shoes pictured above are currently on sale on Piperlime for only $79.99...down from $215.  I mean, some might take that as a sign that it's all destined to be.  Good thing I'm more practical than that, right?!?!  Don't worry, dad - I'm not buying the shoes.  Or, the Vera Wang dress.  But, I'm more than happy to dream for now....

Holy Snow, Batman!

In case you've lived in a bubble, the midwest is being hit by a "blizzard"....well, right about now.  I only put "blizzard" in quotes because the worst of it hasn't quite happened for us yet.  We have probably something like 8 or so inches right now - and I did shovel earlier, only to have the wind and continuous snowfall recover the drive somewhat before I even got back inside.  I know people have freaked out about this storm - and I'm not going to lie, it is the worst we've had in a long time.  But, I wonder if we have much to worry about after places like New York got hit with something like 30 inches in December or something.

In other news, they're now calling for "thunder -snow."  It has something or other to do with pressure and stuff - but it results in thunder and lightning like in a thunderstorm....but with snow.  Crissy is anxiously awaiting the thunder-snow.  We'll see.

In the meantime - we're hanging out inside watching tv and enjoying the warmth (with our fingers crossed that we don't lose power).  Hope everyone is toasty indoors!