A dress rehearsal for the dresses?

Okay, so it might seem silly, but Crissy and I had a dress rehearsal of sorts for our upcoming wedding dress shopping excursions.  You see, neither one of us are really in love with the idea of trying on dresses in front of lots of people.  And, neither one of us are overly comfortable with the idea of dresses not fitting necessarily - as is the case with most people when they try on sample gowns.  So, we had ourselves a mini dress rehearsal....complete with two whole friends.  But, this meant that we got feedback other than our own - and got to try on some dresses and get used to the whole thing (Crissy more than me) before we're in front of lots of people doing this in a few weeks.

Want to know what we found?  Yeah, we figured you did.  So, here's what Crissy ended up liking;

This is the Maggie Sottero "Sonya" dresss...and perhaps Crissy's fave of the day

This was the other one she really ended up liking - by Casablanca Bridal

And, then there's the dress that I liked:

Does mine seem a little bit familiar? Yeah, that's because I realize it looks very similar to this dress that I posted a few months ago...

They're not identical, but it was surprising to realize just how similar they actually are.  Especially since I'm not even the one who picked the Allure Bridals dress off the rack to try on.  Funny how that works, huh? 

We're in no way ready to buy a dress yet, but today was a good start.  And, I think it reinforced for me what style of dress looks best on my body type - and allowed Crissy to have a better idea of what type of dress she's really wanting, also.  So, all in all - not too shabby of a dress rehearsal, if I do say so myself.  :)

Dining Dillema

Okay, so I should really still be working right now (no worries - it's a Sunday night....I'm not being a slacker at work), but instead I'm contemplating how tables should be arranged.  I mean, seriously.  Table arrangements?  This is what I'm worrying about?  Apparently I'm all kinds of indecisive lately.  I mean why else would I post polls on this thing for you to answer?  So, let's add one more thing for you all to provide feedback on.  Again - this impacts you, too....so why not?

So, here we go:

There's the scattered (but neatly arranged) placement

There's the slightly more spread out arrangement (we won't have rounds)

There's the two long tables next to each other show here and here:

Or, there's a U-shaped arrangement (or whatever they call this)

So, since you're all attending the wedding (or are reading the blog anyway), which table arrangement would you choose?  How would you want to sit?

Color Wheel

Want to know our favorite part of the movie, Date Night?  When Tina Fey is yelling at the computer for the "color wheel" to hurry up.  Seriously, I think we both laugh each time we see it.  Okay, well we also laugh when Steve Carrell tells the guy at the end to "shut his vagina."  But, that's not what we're talking about right now.  Color wheels.

Know how a while ago we posted surveys on the right side of the blog for you to answer?  You know the ones, the all important cupcake question and the color that our guys should wear?  We all know that the cupcake question is what you all really care about.  I mean, who wouldn't.  Cupcakes.  Yum.  But, the color of suits/pants/whatever for our dads and my brother.....well, that's kind of a big deal, too.  And, you know what we found out from all of you - that you're as undecided as we are.  Yep.  Not much help at all.  So, I'm offering you some pics to help with the decision making. 

First up is a new pic I've seen recently on my favorite wedding website/blog.  It's not brown or black.  And, honestly - I might like them the best.  We'll see.  Tan tuxes.  I mean, I hadn't even considered it.  Honestly, I don't really want our dads and my brother to have to rent a tux.  I'd much rather they wear something they would wear again.  Because let's face it - that's how I feel about every expense with this wedding (well, except for my dress, you know).

And, then there's the brown suit/tux option.  This is clearly a "like" because of the whole color uniformity thing.  The ladies will be wearing brown - unless sometime between now and the wedding they change their minds.

And, of course there is the ever popular black suit option.  Which, I will admit is nice in the frugality department because I know at least my dad and brother own black suits...and maybe Crissy's dad, too.  So, it means they wouldn't have to buy anything new.  So, here's a pic of black suits with brown bridesmaid dresses.

So, now that you've seen all of your options....won't you please go re-take our poll on the right?  I've even reset it and everything.  Please?

In Case you Haven't Noticed

In case you haven't noticed, there are new "tabs" at the top of the blog.  They're not all entirely complete yet, but they're there.  So, now there's our main blog page where the website defaults to.  That's what you'll continue to read my ramblings on.  How luck for you, right?  :)  But, there's also a tab for the ceremony.  As of now, it has our current thoughts on how the ceremony might go and some details about that portion of the day/evening might look.  We have a tab for RSVP, that at some point (after you receive an inviation to the wedding), you'll be able to designate there that you'll be attending. Because we know none of you are going to have anything else going on.  I mean, isn't that what save the dates are for?  So you can prioritize us as the most important thing in your agenda for Labor Day weekend this year.  hahaha.....  Eventually, we'll have a tab for reception details where you'll be able to find menu information, drinks we'll have available, etc...  And, of course, we'll have a tab that gives you directions, what to do in case of rain, and where you can stay.

But, perhaps most importantly - there is currently a tab for Music.  Want to know why this tab is so darn important?  Because it means you can help pick the songs we'll have during the reception.  Otherwise, I might have to threaten to play Black Eyed Peas all stinking night.  And, no one wants that.  I mean, not even me.  Seriously, though.  We want our wedding and reception to be a really great and fun time for people.  And, by fun - I mean like the best darn wedding you've ever been to.  We want people dancing all night - and having so much fun that we all decide to go downtown Peoria later to finish the partying.  That's how much fun we want to have.  So, for us to ensure that all of our guests keep drinking (water, of course. *cough*cough*), dancing and having fun - you need to let us know what the heck you want to shake your groove thing to.  Seriously.  Go right now.  Because we want our reception like this:

Not like this:

Seeing Spots

Apparently I'm about 4 years behind a particular wedding dress trend - polka dots.  Who knew.  In looking through dress pics online recently, I fell for yet another dress.  It's blush colored, polka dots - and well, just fun.  Only to find out that it's discontinued - and appears to be from about 2007.  I mean, I had no idea I was so far behind on this polka dot trend.  And, 4 years too late or not, I think this dress would just be so much darn fun to wear.

And, then I stumbled upon this one (also from 4 years ago) for Crissy:

Don't they just scream "outdoor wedding" to you?!?!

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???