My fiance & me at a friend’s wedding on October 3, 2009 in Bucks County, PA.
With just about 6 months until our vows, the pressure is beginning to build. We have all of our major vendors booked and we’re now working on the details. I’ve enjoyed every second of wedding plans and I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We finished up all of our paper products and I’m in love with our invitations. We’re finishing up the guest list and getting ready to see the envelopes to the calligrapher. It’s all starting to feel so.. real.
I am ecstatic for the upcoming weekend – my mom and sister are throwing me a bridal shower!! I begged for no surprise so I can help with the details (I’m allowed to do the centerpieces, yay!). My future Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law are coming into town from Florida on Thursday. I also have a few girlfriends coming into town for the weekend and Saturday is the big day! We have about 55 guests coming to celebrate at my local favorite Italian restaurant. I’m really looking forward to having all my favorite women in one room!
Later that night, my best friends are throwing me a bachelorette party. I’ve been kept in the dark about all details but I fully except a crazy night – my girlfriends are fabulous! I am having 10 bridesmaids – my sister is my maid of honor, my two sister-in-laws, my fiance’s sister and 6 of my best friends. While this may seem insane to some, I can’t imagine it any other way. These ladies have always been there and I can’t imagine my wedding day without them by my side.
Cheers to a stress-free week and a great ladies weekend. I’ll be sure to return with pictures!!
October 26, 2009 No Comments
“Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased. Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever.”
Meet my gorgeous RSVP card, created by the lovely Elizabeth Khan, a friend of a friend. I sent her several ideas, and through the power of email correspondence she created my ideal invitation. It’s classic, elegant and timeless - exactly how I want my entire wedding day to be. The invitation itself will be on ivory card stock with an additional layer of chocolate brown behind it, and chocolate brown writing. I am including the invitation, RSVP and accommodations card — I can’t wait to send them out!
My next paper project is a menu for each place setting. I thought this would be a fun and easy project for me, as well as a great way for my guests to know what they’re being served. I found a seller on Etsy.com who I’ve hired to create our design, and I will be printing through Digitalroom.com. (I recently won a contest for 200 5 X 7 postcards from them – very exciting!)
I’m going to attempt the next few paper projects (ceremony programs and a welcome letter for my out-of-town bags) completely on my own thanks to the recent purchase of a new MAC computer. I’ll let you know how it goes!!
221 days until wedding day. I can’t tell if time is going really fast or really slow?? :)
September 16, 2009 3 Comments
“All of the biggest technological inventions created by man – the airplane, the automobile, the computer – says little about his intelligence, but speaks volumes about his laziness. ” ~Mark Kennedy
My wedding planning has been elevated to a whole new level. Last weekend, I purchased my very first Blackberry (or “Crackberry” as our generation has lovingly renamed it). My addiction to all things wedding related has now found a way to take over my life 24 hours a day. I am attached to all emails, text messages, pictures, phone calls and message boards by a little device that never leaves my side (or at the very least, my bag).
Planning a South Florida wedding from Philadelphia has made email my number one source of communication. Prior to the Blackberry, I looked forward to checking my inbox on my computer to read my daily wedding emails from the various wedding websites informing me of the best invitations, colors, hair styles, deals…you name it, I receive it. Now I no longer have to wait! I Can view my messages immediately.
I think the best feature of the Blackberry is the BBM (Blackberry Messenger) – an instant messenger between other Blackberry users. My list of “BBM Friends” is growing daily – but my most important contacts are my Fiancé Josh, and my wedding planner Letty. We are constantly bouncing ideas off each other and I’m learning new things every day. Wedding planning is taking over my life – in the best possible way :)
August 25, 2009 2 Comments
Me and my best friend Melanie on the day of her wedding
This past Sunday we celebrated the marriage of my best friend Melanie to her besheret Eric. It was a day that was filled with so much love and happiness. Melanie and Eric decided to hold their wedding at Melanie’s synagogue–a beautiful temple with special meaning to Melanie’s family. Melanie, as well as her two brothers, celebrated their bar and bat mitzvah there and her family is still very involved with the temple.
The ceremony was a gorgeous representation of the Jewish faith and the love of the new couple. Melanie’s brother Derek is in rabbinical school and co-officiated the ceremony. It was so touching to see him marry his sister. It really was a lovely ceremony.
Me and Melanie, with her new husband Eric
After the cocktail hour, it was party time! I had the honor of being Melanie’s Maid of Honor, and I was a bit on edge and nervous about my speech. After a beautiful first dance to Frank Sinatra (I cried thinking about our upcoming first dance to Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”) and a huge horah, we sat down for the blessings and toasts. My speech was first–it was a success! I decided on a two and a half minute dedication to my best friend, her new husband, and the life they will share. I was proud with what I wrote and I’m confident that it showed Melanie and Eric how much I adore them as a couple. After the speech, I breathed a sigh of relief and kicked off my shoes.
Me and my fiancé
The night continued with plenty of dancing and delicious food. I looked around the room several times in anticipation of my own wedding. I can’t wait to see everyone I love in one space, moving and swaying to the same music, knowing they are there to celebrate our love.
August 13, 2009 4 Comments
Me and my friend Melanie at her bridal shower, May 2009
“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” – Jerry Seinfeld
I’ve been in my fair share of weddings. I love everything about being a bridesmaid – the flowers, dresses, countless conversations discussing all wedding details, and the overall joy of standing next to the bride while she marries her love. I was the maid of honor in my sister Kimberly’s wedding, but at the time I was away in college in Orlando, and unable to attend most of the vendor meetings. I missed out on the best parts of being a maid of honor the first time around; luckily, I’ve been given a second chance. I am ecstatic to have the honor of being the MOH in my best friend Melanie’s upcoming wedding on August 9th. Melanie and I have known each other our entire lives. Our mothers worked together years ago and we grew up one block away from one another when we were younger. When we were six years old, Melanie’s family moved to a suburb of Philadelphia about 20 minutes away from our house. Luckily, we built a friendship strong enough to sustain anything, and 26 years later, here we are; helping each other plan the weddings of our dreams to the men we adore. [Read more →]
July 30, 2009 No Comments
“Fashion offers no greater challenge than finding what works for night without looking like you are wearing a costume” – Vera Wang
One of my idols: Miss Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City
The journey to finding my perfect wedding dress began in my living room, where surrounded by nine bridal magazines, a pair of scissors and my wedding planning book, I began my collection. I cut out 32 dresses before I realized I liked every wedding dress regardless of style. I had no solid direction. This was a serious problem–I was addicted to every wedding dress created! What direction should I go towards? A ballgown to embrace my inner princess? A mermaid gown to go with the trends? A trumpet style to show off my curves? What did I want?? I sat staring at the pictures, and decided my next step was to hit a bridal store.
I took along my mother and sister (my best friends and most honest audience) and we embarked on the dress-buying-adventure. The clerk at the store was amazing and friendly, and most importantly patient. I told her my ideas were all over the place and she started pulling dresses for me. The first dress was awful and huge and comical. Strike 1. The second dress was pretty, but a bit boring for my taste. Strike 2. (At this point I was certain I would never find a dress I loved.) Then I put the third dress on and it was love at first sight. I shimmied my body and ran my hands over the ivory silk. This was it. I was in love. I looked around the store, tried on two more dresses, put the first back on, and paid for it the following week.
[Read more →]
July 17, 2009 1 Comment
This past weekend, my fiancé Josh and I made the journey from Philadelphia to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for five days of fun, sun and wedding planning. Although I’ve relied on the phone and internet for the bulk of my long distance wedding planning, face-to-face meetings are by far the easiest way to get things done. I planned our vacation with the hopes of tying up some loose ends, and ensuring that the coming months would be (relatively) stress free.
Our first day there was more dramatic than I would have liked, but good nonetheless. We won a free engagement photo session with DB Images. (I wrote a story about how my fiancé refused to take engagement pictures unless they were free., and low and behold, we won!) We scheduled our photo session for 5:30 PM at the beach, but mother nature had other plans. Torrential downpours, incredible lightening and 100% humidity made for less-than-stellar picture taking opportunities. Regretfully, we had to reschedule our session for Thanksgiving break. I was bummed, but the show must go on. Later that afternoon, I had my make-up trial and was extremely happy with the results– I looked glamorous without the clown-effect. After the make-up trial, we decided to grab dinner and chow down on some yummy sundaes. I SWEAR, after this it’s serious dieting & working out until wedding! ;)
My Peanut Butter Gargantuan Sundae at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor. YUM!
[Read more →]
July 9, 2009 2 Comments
Who knew all the details that go in to planning a wedding?? A perfect example: My six gorgeous monograms, specially created to provide a consistent theme throughout the wedding. They turned out beautiful and will really add a great element – I plan on using all of them in one way or another.
The benefit of having an 18 month engagement is that our wallets don’t feel as huge of a pinch while purchasing small wedding items along the way. I have decided to space out my purchases, making it easier and happier for everyone involved. My latest acquisitions include a 50 foot white aisle runner (complete with our first names and wedding date) and a cake topper with the letter “E” in brown and pink crystals. Both of these items were purchased on Etsy.com, carry a small price tag, and add a great touch to our ceremony and reception.
While all of these little details seem silly and mundane to someone else, I take pride in them. I am delighted by all the little things that will bring our pending nuptials together to become an unforgettable night.
June 30, 2009 5 Comments
Couples Negril
“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation.” – Unknown
Wedding planning is sometimes comprised of moments of pure anxiety coupled with days of worry. Planning the honeymoon? Easy as pie! Initially, our ideas for our week of post-wedding bliss had included Costa Rica, Aruba and Hawaii. I was game for any place with a beach, sun, food, and fruity drinks. Josh wanted the same, plus varying activities. (I could lie on a beach for days, but he lasts about 5 minutes and is ready to move on to something else.)
The Pool at Couples Negril
Using several websites, as well as family and friend’s recommendations, we narrowed down our choices. I contacted a travel agent who insisted I look into Jamaica, specifically the Couples resorts. After clicking through picture after picture portraying utter paradise, and reading hundreds (perhaps thousands?) of great reviews, I was sold. The resort we chose, Couples Negril, is completely meant for a couple of honeymooners like us looking for a week of relaxation.
A Room at Couples Negril
While I love every bit of wedding planning and I can’t wait for our wedding day, I think we’ll both be (more then) ready for a week of unwinding afterward. It will be so lovely to spend an entire week away from the world and with my brand new hubby! Jamaica, here we come!!!
June 18, 2009 2 Comments
July 2007: Me in Israel, at the top of Masada
This past week my fiancé Josh and I decided on the phrase we’ll be engraving into our wedding bands. I initially sent Josh a list of twenty various engraving ideas ranging from the beautiful- “Amor Vincit Omnia” (Latin for “Love conquers all”) to funny like “You’re Stuck With Me.” He quickly dismissed all the of ideas until he got to the last one. “I like it!” he exclaimed, and just like that our wedding theme was born.
I first discovered my love for the phrase “Ani L’dodi V’ dodi Li” (Hebrew from the Song of Solomon: I am My Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine) while in Israel. I feel like it embodies us so well as a couple. It’s beautiful, it’s precise, and it’s perfect. My ring will have the first half (Ani L’Dodi) and his will have the second half (V’Lodi Li) – all in Hebrew. The jeweler was extremely receptive to our idea and he is currently working on our bands.
Then I starting thinking…
Why stop with the wedding bands? If we love this saying, we should incorporate it throughout our day! I contacted a woman whose company came highly recommended (Pink Design Events) and she is working on creating a personalized monogram for us. I envision the design incorporating our first names and wedding date, as well as “I am My Beloved’s and My Beloved is Mine.” The woman I am working with completely understands my vision and I look forward to seeing the end result.
The plan is to use our monogram in a variety of ways. I am thinking we could place it on our menus, programs, and seating chart. I haven’t quite thought that far ahead, but I know it will be an ongoing motif throughout our wedding. I couldn’t be happier to have a subtle theme, and Josh is thrilled we have one more thing checked off the wedding to-do list!
June 15, 2009 5 Comments
