Archives – February, 2011
It’s all fun and games, until someone lays down in the window treatments’ aisle of Bed, Bath & Beyond…
photo courtesy of Anne Taintor
Registering for our wedding day seemed like a dream… or so every other bridal beauty led me to believe. All my friends – both real life and social networking based – would gush about the excitement of picking out their China patterns or selecting his and hers salt ‘n’ pepper shakers. For them, it was a wonderful adventure and really made each couple believe in the thrill of making a home together. It seemed too good to be true!
And alas, as the Mister and I prepared to make the leap into Scan City for our bridal registry, my “too good” visions were sadly realized. The hopes and dreams of this being a magical event filled with rainbows and unicorns came to a screeching halt as I entered Bed, Bath & Beyond and overwhelming panic sunk in. Non-ladylike sweating ensued as my heart raced up and down the aisles wondering…
Which one of these table settings is the ideal choice for us? Are we more of a stark white or creamy eggshell couple? Which slow roaster best encompasses all that is Dietz (our last name)? Is this the right knife collection to cut all our newlywed feasts? Does this blender blend with our kitchen personalities? Do we need a juice extractor? What is a juice extractor? Do horses have socks? Is anyone listening to me?!!
All chances of future fun turned into a sense of overwhelming confusion, and while I’m hesitant to say what happened next, it is my firm belief that we all will be better people for knowing the truth – haha… kind of :)
I became a woman possessed. Frozen by indecisive nerves. More choices didn’t mean more opportunities; it meant more possible regrets, and after 4 hours (yes, FOUR hours!) of over dramatic theatrics, I took my dumpiness to a whole new level and sat my big asteroid down… right smack dab in the middle of Croscill and Waterford window treatments. Awesome.
“How old am I?” you may ask. Well, at the time, I was 26… yep… (shakes head in shame and disgust)… just embarrassing. I let the fear of picking the wrong stuff ultimately prevent me from picking any stuff at all, essentially sucking all the fun out of what should have been. I was a complete and total bridal registry fail. And before all you men out there get super jealous that this catch has already been snagged, I’m simply letting all your future Mrs. hear of my tragic tale in hopes to prevent them from making my same mistakes!
- Start by printing out check and priority lists and customize them accordingly.
- Browse online collections and narrow down favorites.
- Look into stores’ return and exchange policies and pick one that best suits your needs.
- Talk with friends and family who’ve had previous and personal experiences.
- Remember, this is the beginning, not the end!
- Don’t get hung up on having all PC, fundamental items.
- Pick out fun, non-essential stuff too!
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best :)
- Whatever you do, DO NOT GET OVERWHELMED!
- Keep the fun involved by staying calm.
- And even if you start to panic a little and end up with 100 things you don’t want, just be sure to register with a store who has an ahhh to the mazing return policy, and you’ll be golden!
Of course, one good thing did come out of my unbelievably childish behavior, it made me realize – now more than ever – that Tan Man was the one for me. He stayed, which in and of itself is nothing short of heroic, but he also discreetly went to the front, bought me some super soft slippers and after giving them to me said, “Here, Stinkerbelle (his pet name for me – hehe!), now you have something to comfort you; so, we can finish this already.” Sigh, love him :)
February 24, 2011
If you’ve ever attained the oh-so privileged status of MOH or Bridesmaid Beauty, chances are you’ve had your hands full on more than one occasion. Between helping the bride make, plan or finalize wedding plans, arranging the engagement party, hand placing Swarovski crystals on shower invites, etc., there leaves very little time to concern yourself with the Bachelorette party. But, every bride needs a last fling before the ring! So, here are some easy, no frill ideas that are sure to keep the bachelorette bash set to ”fun mode” the entire night.
Bridal Veil & Sash. No bachelorette party would be complete without the quintessential bridal garb. The ”ooh look at me!” veil will make any bride to be blush. while letting everyone else know whose final days in Single City have arrived! And what going to the chapel veil would be complete without a personalized sash, feathery boa, or Mardi gras beads for additional flair? Answer? None! So, go big or go home :)
Disposable Glam Cams. Sure, digital cameras are all the rage these days (heck, not even the rage… just the standard), but disposable cameras offer a fun touch of mystery and anticipated excitement! As far as bachelorette parties go, you never know where the night will end up, but it’s important to remember all the craziness that happens along the way! Arm each attendee with her own throwaway-another-day camera, and let the fun begin!
**Sidenote: just be sure all the ladies know the bride’s intentions – some may want every memory made public, while others shun the morning after shame of FB newsfeeds altogether.
Shooters. There’s no better way to start the shindig than with some personalized ”cheers” in personalized shot glasses. Designed specifically for the bride and her entourage, these stylish shooters are sure to be toasted all night long (all night!) and make for a very memorable, very functional bachelorette party keepsake.
Bachelorette Tanks. The bride can’t have all the fun. Deck the party out in matching bachelorette party tank tops! These feisty tops are usually studded in rhinestones in one of the bride’s favorite colors or a hue to match the night’s theme. Corresponding tanks will give the group a cohesive yet chic look.
Transportation. Whether it’s for safety or just for fun, renting a vehicle to drive the party around will free up a designated driver and ensures you all get home safely. According to the soon to be Mrs. taste, you can hire anything from a retro Volkswagen Vanagoon to a souped-up party bus limo! The sky (or your budget) is the limit, but as long as your party vehicle is decorated with playful clings, car decals, and bachelorette flags, everyone will know when the party has arrived!
Food & Drink. Food is usually super casual. If the group of girls goes way back, fix old dishes you used to enjoy as kids: s’mores, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly bites, etc. As for the libations, fix the bride’s favorite cocktail and dub it a “(insert bride’s name here)-tini”. It’ll be fun and original, and with full bellies and happy minds, you’ll be ready to paint the town red!
This covers the basic accessories that are sure to equip any bridal party with a night of fun. Don’t forget to plan the activities; scavenger hunts, dare lists, and bride/groom trivia games are all favorites. With close friends and fun accessories, a good time is guaranteed! Cheers!
February 22, 2011
photo courtesy of bhldn.com
You heard me right, ladies! Anthropologie – a Bohemian beauty’s fashion dream come true – has recently announced the launch of their antique-chic and highly hipster line of wedding dresses and accessories!
The spin-off shop, BHLDN (pronounced “Beholden”), is linked directly from their main site and has been causing “ooh’s and aww’s” since its launch on Monday, February 14 (aka Valentine’s Day, aka a day for lovers!) But this 24 carat nugget of golden information has left me with paradoxical pangs of bittersweet in my belly.
Why, bittersweet? You may ask…
Well, the sweetness comes in because A) I love love love me some Anthropologie diggs and B) with modern day weddings doing all kinds of rewinds back to vintage valor, no one could possibly dress a bride to impress better than Anthro-to-the-pologie!
So how could there possibly be a bitter? You might continue…
That’s easy. Because unlike all my bride-to-be beauties out there right now, I’m already hitched and can’t capitalize on this gem! Haha!
For cereal, their stuff is increds! Their gowns range in price from $600 to $4000, and it would be best if you didn’t even get me started on the accessories! If you’re a lady in waiting looking to be the ultimate vintage vixen, you needn’t look any further than their line of shut-up-these-SHOES-are-increds, jazztastic jewelry, couture cover-ups, ooh la la lingerie or adorably unique hair adornments!
Don’t believe me? Go their yourself or simply check out the sampling below:
Pleated Fantasy Gown $3600, Floral Artwork Dress $1800, Eyelet Medley Sheathe $1000 (courtesy of bhldn.com)
Floating Peony Headband $60, Botanical Garden Headband $460, Velvet Cocktail Hat $495 (courtesy of bhldn.com)
Agave Peep-Toes $350, Bow-Topped Slingbacks $310, Beaded Brocade Slingbacks $310 (courtesy of bhldn.com)
Portraiture Bolero $150, Feather Bolero $350, Bow-Topped Bolero $120 (courtesy of bhldn.com)
Neo Triple Strand $350, Pave Marvel Earrings $188, Namesake Beaded Bracelets $180.00 (courtesy of bhldn.com)
Vanity Table Peignoir $250, Joie de Vivre Netted Chiffon Bra $82, Knotted Gamine Thong $38 (courtesy of bhldn.com)
February 17, 2011
Call me sentimental or even a celebrity stalker… really it makes no matter to me, hehe! Buuuut, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Katy Perry’s performance at that 2011 Grammys wasn’t the highlight of the show!
For cereal, the girl can perform – no doubt, but when she paired her high flying performance of Not Like the Movies with moving pictures from her and Russell Brand’s wedding day, I was swooning in my seat!
There’s just something about seeing a happy couple on their wedding day that will always give me with the warm and fuzzies: The way a groom eagerly awaits for his soon to be wife at the other end of the aisle and the way the she glows from the inside out as she makes her way to him… (Sigh)… Idk. I just la-Louvre it!
So, once I saw the pictures shine behind Katy Perry’s beautiful lyrics, I couldn’t help but a little misty-eyed. After all,
“Just like the movies.
That’s how it will be.
Cinematic and dramatic with the perfect ending.
Oh! It’s not like the movies.
But that’s how it should be.
When he’s the one,
You’ll come undone.
And your world will stop spinning.
And it’s just the beginning.”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-aYOpBaFLI]
February 15, 2011
photo courtesy of karenlisa.com/blog
Blue 42! Blue 42! Seeeeeet. Hut, hut, HIKE!
Ha! Don’t act like you’re not impressed with my all star quarterbacking skills. Okay, okay, so I’m no Peyton Manning, but I am from the city where he hones his skills, which I fig allots me some QB talent based on proximity alone. Yes? No? Maybe?
Anyhoot, with Super Bowl XLV closing off the NFL season this past weekend, I couldn’t help but catch a little football fever and wrap myself up in the frenzy of it all. I’m a HUGE (American) football fan. Not that I don’t love European football / soccer as well, but there is just something about watching dudes in tight pants and shoulder pads battling for field position that gets my blood moving!
Mayhaps it’s my love of the game or my love of a wedding day… either way, I can’t seem to get enough of NFL themed weddings! I mean, themed weddings are already a ball, but pair it with the fun of fall tailgates, cold brews and hot athletes and what’s not to love?
Of course, to make NFL themed weddings go off without a hitch, it doesn’t mean you have to force the entire bridal party into eye black, helmets and jerseys; you can take a more subtle approach and simply play up your favorite NFL teams’ colors.
You can incorporate hue-inspired team spirit into everything from your bouquets and boutonnieres to your bridesmaid dresses and centerpieces; you may even venture into football shaped groom’s cakes, color coordinated candy bars or hand out Terrible Towel or horseshoe shaped favors.
It really is up to you! I’ve seen brides and grooms have NFL and football themed cake toppers, wedding garters, car decorations and candy coated favors. I’ve seen and even participated in a makeshift bridal party football scrimmages to be immortalized in the fun photography Hall of Fame.
From tasteful to tacky, NFL inspired nuptials can be as restrained or unhinged as you see fit. Finding your balance is half the fun! And for inspiration, please direct your attention below for weddings spun around Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers (green + yellow), the NFL’s second place finishers, the Pittsburgh Steelers (black + gold + white) and because I gotta show some love for my boys in blue (+ the most popular wedding color too!), the Indianapolis Colts (blue + white).
photo courtesy of coreyann.net/blog
photos courtesy of w-weddingflowers.com
photo courtesy of craigphotography.wordpress.com
photo courtesy of jessicaclaire.net
photo courtesy of christinamontemurrophotography.com
photo courtesy of weddingcreativoblog.com
photos courtesy of chelseaelizabeth.com
photos courtesy of mintsflower.com
photo courtesy of paperpassionista.com
photo courtesy of flickriver.com
photo courtesy of flickr.com
photos courtesy of schiemerentertainment.com
photo courtesy of simplyperfectweddings.blogspot.com
photos courtesy of redboxpictures.com
photos courtesy of truephotography.com
photo courtesy of firstfloorfilms.typepad.com
Ha! And this last one is from my wedding reception… My father-in-law, a huuuuuuge Colts fan, is surrounded by his daughter and son-in-law from Chicago… Bears fans. Haha!
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
February 10, 2011
In lieu of reports from the Washington Post that Prince William is suspected to wear a “custom-made, ceremonial military uniform, as his father Prince Charles did when he wed Lady Diana Spencer in 1981,” I can’t help but <sigh> at the sheer thought of it.
Like any other, red blooded, American woman, it’s no surprise that I find the notion of a groom in uniform, especially a Royal one, finger-licking lovely. (I ask in advance that you forgive any offense or vulgarity that may slip through my lips and into my keyboard, because ladies, I simply can’t help myself… Also, Tanner, I love you – hehe!)
For serious, is there anything more attractive than a man in uniform? I think not. I don’t care if a sport’s jersey, striped socks, fire proof pants or policeman pleats; there is just something about a man in uniform that easily turns this refined, young lady into this howling character…
photo courtesy of dir.yahoo.com
Oy vey.
But alas, I digress. Because while a slick uniform can turn any male up from a 6 to a 10, there is no kind of uniform that does this quite as well as the military. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard… you name it; I love it. So, even though Veteran’s Day has already come and gone, I would still like to salute all the military grooms and the lucky photographers who got to capture ‘em on film :)
photos courtesy of artfuljoy.com
photo courtesy of unitedwithlove.com
photo courtesy of atlasweddingphotography.com
photos courtesy of jessicafreyphotographyblog.com
photo courtesy of davidettinger.photoshelter.com
photo courtesy of lanierstar.com
photo courtesy of allantuan.info
photos courtesy of catiesphotography.com
photo courtesy of swuchererphotography.blogspot.com
photo courtesy of marinecorpstimes.com
February 4, 2011
