Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Our timeline - a full update

A lot has been accomplished over the past few weeks. I'm behind on taking pictures and posting, but hope to catch up over this weekend.

Here is my summary To-Do List:

-Schedule meeting with caterer (DONE 4/14)
-Select first dance and other special dance songs (DONE 4/14)
-Update registry lists for bridal shower (All 4 DONE 6/15)
-Pick readings and songs for Mass (DONE)
-Attend pre-cana (DONE)
-Select cantor and organist (DONE 5/22 - both BOOKED!)
-Schedule engagement photos (DONE - completed August 13th)
-Hotel blocks (DONE 5/4)
-Shop for engagement photo attire (DONE)
-Attend first dress fitting (DONE 7/3)
-Visit with Florists(DONE 7/9)
-Moms dress (DONE 7/17)
-Buy baskets for Programs, Bathrooms, etc (DONE)
-Test drive directions (DONE)
-Order wedding rings (DONE - September 3rd)
-2nd Meeting with Father Ken (DONE - September 3rd)
-Pick readers (DONE)
-Order Mothers' gifts (DONE)
-Finalize Invitations (DONE - September 6th)
-Schedule hair and makeup day after (DONE 8/5)
-Contact Parking Lots for discounts (DONE)
-Schedule discussion with cantor and organist (DONE)
-Purchase flip flop basket (DONE - July 15th)
-Order Unity candle and mothers candles (DONE Sept 23rd)
-Order Matches for Cigar Lounge (DONE Sept 23rd)
-Book Group Brunch for next day (DONE - September 28th)
-Order tuxedo (DONE)
-Custom Stamp (DONE)
-Order Cake Topper (DONE - waiting for arrival)
-Need to buy - garter (DONE) & cake cutters (something borrowed) champagne flutes (DONE - received as shower gift)
-Create song play and do not playlists (DONE)
-Find something old, new, borrowed and blue - DONE (Old - Mom Mom's Purse, New - Dress, Borrowed - Cake Cutter, Blue - a tiny blue tag in my garter)
-Book nail appointment at Nail Bar (DONE)
-Cake Tasting (DONE)
-Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas (DONE)
-Buy bags for Philly Food Bar (DONE September 27th)
-3rd Meeting with Father Ken (DONE September 24th)
-Discuss signage with Erin Proud - chair signs, menus, signature drinks, OOT boxes, thank yous, etc (DONE - Erin has full list)
-Apply for the marriage license (DONE)


Still need to do:
-Order Fur Wrap
-Discuss transportation options (Started - working with Erin Proud)
-Contact Philly Visitor Center for brochures for OOT Boxes (DONE - to be sent after Oct 15th - call if not rec'd by October 30th)
-Outfit for day before, day of, day after, evening after (DONE except for evening after)
-Collect family pictures (Started in September - complete by October 30th)
-Pick champagne/scotch for reception
-Buy box pencils for reception
-Purchase guest book pens (October)
-Create must take photo list (October)
-Buy Pauls wedding gifts (Mostly DONE - just a few more details to buy)
-Work on programs (Sent to Erin Proud - September 27th)
-Schedule dance lessons (Scheduled for Oct 23rd)
-Order Paul's dad's gift (Paul to do October)
-Order food for wedding day to be delivered (waiting on invoice)
-Print 3 8x10 Vertical Pictures for Card Box (October)
-Print Large Poster Picture and Frame for Entry (October)
-Mirror for Upstairs Bathroom (October)
-Confirm # of hotel guests and OOT Boxes needed with Erin (October)
-2nd Dress Fitting (October)
-Send out invites for Brunch
-Pick brunch sandwiches
-Order champagne for Brunch
-Check in with friends/family for hair/makeup timeline
-Order Pretzels (October)
-Gifts for Readers, Greeters, Programs, etc (October)
-Gift for Father Ken (October)
-Buy food for Philly food bar and OOT boxes - Pretzels, Salt Water Taffy, Tastycakes, Hersheys Chocolate, Goldbergs Peanut Chews (DONE), Herrs Chips (DONE), Bottle Water, Advil, Mints, Gum (October)
-Buy Bathroom Basket stuff - check Christmas Tree Shops (October)
-Buy cigars for cigar bar (October)
-Buy goodies for hotel room (October)
-Buy coolers and goodies for cooler for wedding day (to do October)
-Put together flip flop basket, OOT boxes, etc (planning party for October with friends to do this!)
-Prepare tip envelopes (October)
-Remind Erin about Sparklers
-Make sure all vendors payments are sent (October)
-Confirm hair and makeup arrival times (mid to late October)
-Confirm schedule with Cindy Guessford and Martin's Video
-Confirm with organist and cantor

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Our timeline - another update

Our focus over the past few weeks has been finishing our house. Now that the house is about 90% complete and our first floor is completely done, I feel like I can finally breathe and plan this wedding as my main focus (outside of work of course).

Here is an update on my to-do's. I've added some items to the list so it may seem a bit longer, but I'm really knocking things off!

Paul and I have been working as a great team to knock some items off our to-do list. Here's an update on what's been done.....

-Schedule meeting with caterer (DONE 4/14)
-Select first dance and other special dance songs (DONE 4/14)
-Update registry lists for bridal shower (All 4 DONE 6/15)
-Pick readings and songs for Mass (DONE)
-Attend pre-cana (DONE)
-Select cantor and organist (DONE 5/22 - both BOOKED!)
-Schedule engagement photos (DONE - completed August 13th)
-Hotel blocks (DONE 5/4)
-Shop for engagement photo attire (DONE)
-Attend first dress fitting (DONE 7/3)
-Visit with Florists(DONE 7/9)
-Moms dress (DONE 7/17)
-Buy baskets for Programs, Bathrooms, etc (DONE)
-Test drive directions (DONE)
-Order wedding rings (DONE - September 3rd)
-2nd Meeting with Father Ken (DONE - September 3rd)
-Pick readers (DONE)
-Order Mothers' gifts (DONE)
-Finalize Invitations (DONE - September 6th)
-Schedule hair and makeup day after (DONE 8/5)
-Contact Parking Lots for discounts (DONE)
-Schedule discussion with cantor and organist (DONE)
-Purchase flip flop basket (DONE - July 15th)
-Order Unity candle and mothers candles (DONE Sept 23rd)
-Order Matches for Cigar Lounge (DONE Sept 23rd)
-Buy Pauls wedding gifts (Mostly DONE - just a few more details to buy)
-Book Group Brunch for next day (DONE - September 28th)
-Order Paul's dad's gift (to do September)
-Order tuxedo (to do September)
-Custom Stamp (DONE)
-Work on programs (Started September 27th)
-Order Cake Topper (Started September 27th)
-Schedule dance lessons (Aunt Kathleen to help - scheduling for Sept/Oct)
-Need to buy - garter & cake cutters (to do September/October) champagne flutes (DONE - received as shower gift)
-Create song play and do not playlists (Started September 27th)
-Collect family pictures (September/October)
-Purchase guest book pens (to do in September/October)
-Create must take photo list (September)
-Find something old, new, borrowed and blue (to do September/October)
-Book nail appointment at Nail Bar (DONE)
-Contact Philly Visitor Center for brochures for OOT Boxes (to do October 1st)
-Order food for wedding day to be delivered (contacted caterer - will finalize in September/October)
-Print 3 8x10 Vertical Pictures for Card Box (September)
-Print Large Poster Picture and Frame for Entry (September)
-Mirror for Upstairs Bathroom (September/October)
-Cake Tasting (DONE)
-Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas (DONE)
-Confirm # of hotel guests and OOT Boxes needed with Erin (October)
-Make sure all vendors payments are sent (October)
-Discuss signage with Erin Proud - chair signs, menus, signature drinks, OOT boxes, thank yous, etc (DONE - Erin has full list)
-Outfit for day before, day of, day after, evening after (waiting til October)
-Buy bags for Philly Food Bar (DONE September 27th)
-3rd Meeting with Father Ken (DONE September 24th)
-2nd Dress Fitting (October)
-Order Pretzels (October)
-Buy food for Philly food bar and OOT boxes - Pretzels, Salt Water Taffy, Tastycakes, Hersheys Chocolate, Goldbergs Peanut Chews, Herrs Chips, Bottle Water, Advil, Mints, Gum, (October)
-Buy Bathroom Basket stuff - check Christmas Tree Shops (October)
-Buy cigars for cigar bar (October)
-Apply for the marriage license (to do October)
-Buy goodies for hotel room (October)
-Buy coolers and goodies for cooler for wedding day (to do October)
-Card box and order pictures for box (to do October)
-Put together flip flop basket, OOT boxes, etc (planning party for October with friends to do this!)
-Prepare tip envelopes (October)
-Remind Erin about Sparklers
-Confirm hair and makeup arrival times (mid to late October)
-Confirm schedule with Cindy Guessford and Martin's Video
-Confirm with organist and cantor


We still need to discuss:
-Speeches?
-Programs - who will hand out? (Tommy & Simon?)
-Who will bring up gifts? (need to discuss with Paul)
-Buy reader and witnesses gifts (discussing what to buy)
-Gift for Father Ken? (discussing what to buy)
-Discuss transportation options (working with Erin Proud)

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Hair and Makeup Trials

Today I had my hair and makeup trials. I could not have been happier with the outcome!

I took today as a vacation day and traveled to the Cheekadee Studio in Chestnut Hill. What an adorable space! Emily has been absolutely wonderful to work with so far. I am so excited that she is my MUA.

Natalie is my hair stylist for the big day and she met us there. The ladies worked hard and made sure I was absolutely thrilled with the final product.

Natalie went first. We tried the first style down which ended up being really pretty. Then we tried the second style which is completely back but still laying on my neck - it's perfect! I can't wait til the big day to see it with my real viel. I brought a trial viel so that it wouldn't matter if it was wrinkled or covered with hair spray.

Then Emily worked her magic with my makeup. GOODBYE undereye circles. WOW!!! I looked so young by the time she was finished. I decided to go with a semi-dramatic look over a natural look. Mostly because the wedding is at night and there will be a lot of flash photography.

That night I literally had to scrub my makeup and lipstick off my face. I just know it's going to last many hours on the big day.

I decided not to post pictures because I want to keep the small details a surprise. I promise it's going to be great!!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Our Wedding Rings

Paul and I went shopping for our wedding bands on September 3rd. We both wanted plain bands. Although in the back of my mind, I really want a diamond band, I know our budget is already through the roof so I'm saving it as my only request for our 1 year anniversary.

I decided to order a perfectly plain and thin platinum band to match my engagement ring. It's 2mm in size 4. Here is an example of what it will look like:






Paul picked a Tungsten ring. This is one of the new and alternative metals on the market. I really like the ring he picked.




A timeline update - really knocking things off the list!

Paul and I have been working as a great team to knock some items off our to-do list. Here's an update on what's been done.....
-Schedule meeting with caterer (DONE 4/14)
-Select first dance and other special dance songs (DONE 4/14)
-Update registry lists for bridal shower (All 4 DONE 6/15)
-Pick readings and songs for Mass (DONE)
-Attend pre-cana (DONE)
-Select cantor and organist (DONE 5/22 - both BOOKED!)
-Schedule engagement photos (DONE - completed August 13th)
-Hotel blocks (DONE 5/4)
-Shop for engagement photo attire (DONE)
-Attend first dress fitting (DONE 7/3)
-Visit with Florists(DONE 7/9)
-Moms dress (DONE 7/17)
-Buy baskets for Programs, Bathrooms, etc (DONE)
-Test drive directions (DONE)
-Order wedding rings (DONE - September 3rd)
-2nd Meeting with Father Ken (DONE - September 3rd)
-Schedule dance lessons (Request for help out)
-Pick readers (DONE)
-Order Mothers' gifts (DONE)
-Finalize Invitations (DONE - September 6th)
-Schedule hair and makeup day after (DONE 8/5)
-Contact Parking Lots for discounts (DONE)
-Schedule discussion with cantor and organist (DONE)
-Buy Pauls wedding gifts (Started August 1st)
-Purchase flip flop basket (DONE - July 15th)
-Order tuxedo (to do September)
-Book Group Brunch for next day (Started to research - Paul to book)
-Order Unity candle and mothers candles (Found company online - need to order in September)
-Order Paul's dad's gift (to do September)
-Need to buy - garter & cake cutters (to do September/October) champagne flutes (received as shower gift)
-Create song play and do not playlists (to handle in September/October)
-Purchase guest book pens (to do in September/October)
-Find something old, new, borrowed and blue (to do September/October)
-Book nail appointment at Nail Bar (to do September/October)
-Contact Philly Visitor Center for brochures for OOT Boxes (to do October 1st)
-Order food for wedding day to be delivered (contacted caterer - will finalize in September/October)
-Cake Tasting (September/October)
-Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas (Set for September 17th)
-Make sure all vendors payments are sent (October)
-Discuss signage with Erin Proud - chair signs, menus, signature drinks, OOT boxes, thank yous, etc (to do September)
-Draft wedding program information (to do in September/October)
-Outfit for day before, day of, day after, evening after (waiting til October)
-Buy bags for Philly Food Bar (September)
-2nd Dress Fitting (October)
-Buy food for Philly food bar and OOT boxes (October)
-Buy cigars for cigar bar (October)
-Apply for the marriage license (to do October)
-Buy goodies for hotel room (October)
-Buy coolers and goodies for cooler for wedding day (to do October)
-Card box and order pictures for box (to do October)
-Put together flip flop basket, OOT boxes, etc (planning party for October with friends to do this!)
-Prepare tip envelopes (October)


We still need to discuss:
-Programs - who will hand out? (Tommy & Simon?)
-Research signature drink options (still discussing if we are doing this)
-Who will bring up gifts? (need to discuss with Paul)
-Buy reader and witnesses gifts (discussing what to buy)
-Gift for Father Ken? (discussing what to buy)
-Discuss transportation options (working with Erin Proud)
-Sparkler send off (who to ask to photo with us?)

Sunday, August 16, 2009

My Bridal Brunch

My mother honored me on Sunday, August 16, 2009 by throwing a wonderful bridal brunch in my honor. It was quite an elaborate event. The food was amazing and it was so great to see so many family members and friends. Vendor reviews to come later, but here are a few photos in the meantime:

Some of my favorite pictures from the day:


Me and my future hubby - just as I arrived to the Whitebriar



The yummy and adorable cake!



I received so many wonderful gifts!



Me and my Mommy



One of my favorite gifts - an espresso machine



People know me so well - the gift I wanted the most - I received 3! My new 38 bottle dual zone wine cooler



The gift that "stole the show" - An original painting from my fiance that was painted over 20 years ago



The theme from the day - my mother and Erin Proud of Proud to Plan worked together on the theme - I loved it!



The adorable hat and bouquet my friends made



Sharing a laugh at the end of the day!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

And yet another timeline update

No huge progress over the past few weeks. Slow and steady win the race or so they say. I did accomplish some important tasks....and will be working on some of the big tasks over the next two weeks....more to come!!!

-Schedule meeting with caterer (DONE 4/14)
-Select first dance and other special dance songs (DONE 4/14)
-Update registry lists for bridal shower (All 4 DONE 6/15)
-Pick readings and songs for Mass (DONE)
-Attend pre-cana (DONE)
-Select cantor and organist (DONE 5/22 - both BOOKED!)
-Schedule engagement photos (DONE - scheduled for August 13th)
-Hotel blocks (DONE 5/4)
-Shop for engagement photo attire (DONE)
-Attend first dress fitting (DONE 7/3)
-Visit with Florists(DONE 7/9)
-Moms dress (DONE 7/17)
-Buy baskets for Programs, Bathrooms, etc (DONE! I think - more info to come)
-Test drive directions (to do in August - Paul to handle)
-Order wedding rings (to do in August/September)
-2nd Meeting with Father Ken (to do in August/September)
-Schedule dance lessons (TBD)
-Pick readers (Requests in - waiting for confirmations)
-Order tuxedo (to do in August/September)
-Order Mothers' gifts (to do August)
-Finalize Invitations (August)
-Schedule massage for day before (August)
-Schedule hair and makeup day after (DONE 8/5)
-Buy Pauls wedding gifts (Started August 1st)
-Book Group Brunch for next day (Started to research - Paul to book)
-Order Unity candle and mothers candles (Found company online - need to order in August/September)
-Contact Parking Lots for discounts (August - Paul to do)
-Order Paul's dad's gift (to do August/September)
-Need to buy - garter, cake cutters, champagne flutes (waiting til August/September)
-Create song play and do not playlists (to handle in August/September)
-Purchase guest book pens (to do in August/September)
-Purchase flip flop basket (DONE - July 15th)
-Find something old, new, borrowed and blue (to do August/September)
-Book nail appointment at Nail Bar (to do August/September)
-Contact Philly Visitor Center for brochures for OOT Boxes
-Order food for wedding day to be delivered (contacted caterer - will finalize in August/September)
-Cake Tasting (August/September)
-Schedule discussion with cantor and organist (August/September)
-Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas (Set for September 13th)
-Make sure all vendors payments are sent (September)
-Discuss signage with Erin Proud - chair signs, menus, signature drinks, etc (to do September)
-Draft wedding program information (to do in September)
-Outfit for day before, day of, day after, evening after (waiting til September)
-Create letter for OOT boxes (September)
-Buy bags for Philly Food Bar (September)
-2nd Dress Fitting (October)
-Buy food for Philly food bar and OOT boxes (October)
-Buy cigars for cigar bar (October)
-Apply for the marriage license (to do October)
-Buy goodies for hotel room (October)
-Buy coolers and goodies for cooler for wedding day (to do October)
-Card box and order pictures for box (to do October)
-Put together flip flop basket, OOT boxes, etc (planning party for October with friends to do this!)
-Prepare tip envelopes (October)


We still need to discuss:
-Programs - who will hand out? (Tommy & Simon?)
-Research signature drink options (still discussing if we are doing this)
-Who will bring up gifts? (need to discuss with Paul)
-Buy reader and witnesses gifts (discussing what to buy)
-Gift for Father Ken? (discussing what to buy)
-Discuss transportation options (working with Erin Proud)
-Sparkler send off (who to ask to photo with us?)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Another timeline update

Here's my update timeline. I'm still ok....Paul and I are going to start shopping for our rings soon. There are some to-do's that Paul is responsible for tackling. I have to remind him to work on those. I have a feeling a few of these will be pushed til September. All in all, I think we are still doing well with our timeline!

-Schedule meeting with caterer (DONE 4/14)
-Select first dance and other special dance songs (DONE 4/14)
-Update registry lists for bridal shower (All 4 DONE 6/15)
-Pick readings and songs for Mass (DONE)
-Attend pre-cana (DONE)
-Select cantor and organist (DONE 5/22 - both BOOKED!)
-Schedule engagement photos (DONE - scheduled for August)
-Hotel blocks (DONE 5/4)
-Shop for engagement photo attire (DONE)
-Attend first dress fitting (DONE 7/3)
-Visit with Florists(DONE 7/9)
-Moms dress (DONE 7/17)
-Buy baskets for Programs, Bathrooms, etc (Started 7/15 - still looking for more)
-Test drive directions (to do in July - Paul to handle)
-Order wedding rings (to do in July/August)
-2nd Meeting with Father Ken (to do in July/August)
-Schedule dance lessons (to do in July/August)
-Order tuxedo (to do in July/August)
-Order Mothers' gifts (to do July/August)
-Order Paul's dad's gift (to do July/August)
-Finalize Invitations (August)
-Schedule massage for day before (August)
-Schedule hair and makeup day after (August)
-Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas (August)
-Buy Pauls wedding gifts (have researched - will start to buy in August)
-Book Group Brunch for next day (Paul to handle in August)
-Order Unity candle and mothers candles (August)
-Contact Parking Lots for discounts (August - Paul to do)
-Need to buy - garter, cake cutters, champagne flutes (waiting til August/September)
-Create song play and do not playlists (to handle in August/September)
-Purchase guest book pens (to do in August/September)
-Purchase flip flop basket (DONE - July 15th)
-Find something old, new, borrowed and blue (to do August/September)
-Book nail appointment at Nail Bar (to do August/September)
-Contact Philly Visitor Center for brochures for OOT Boxes
-Order food for wedding day to be delivered (contacted caterer - will finalize in August/September)
-Cake Tasting (August/September)
-Make sure all vendors payments are sent (September)
-Discuss signage with Erin Proud - chair signs, menus, signature drinks, etc (to do September)
-Draft wedding program information (to do in September)
-Outfit for day before, day of, day after, evening after (waiting til September)
-Create letter for OOT boxes (September)
-Buy bags for Philly Food Bar (September)
-2nd Dress Fitting (October)
-Buy food for Philly food bar and OOT boxes (October)
-Buy cigars for cigar bar (October)
-Apply for the marriage license (to do October)
-Buy goodies for hotel room (October)
-Buy coolers and goodies for cooler for wedding day (to do October)
-Card box and order pictures for box (to do October)
-Put together flip flop basket, OOT boxes, etc (planning wine and cheese party for October with friends to do this!)
-Prepare tip envelopes (October)


We still need to discuss:
-Programs - who will hand out? (Tommy & Simon?)
-Pick readers (Paul and I are still discussing who to ask....)
-Research signature drink options (still discussing if we are doing this)
-Who will bring up gifts? (need to discuss with Paul)
-Buy reader and witnesses gifts (discussing what to buy)
-Gift for Father Ken? (discussing what to buy)
-Discuss transportation options (working with Erin Proud)
-Sparkler send off (who to ask to photo with us?)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Mother of the Bride Shopping

My mother and I started a search for her Mother of the Bride dress. Knowing (and loving) my mother, I thought for sure we would be going to many different stores. However, mom found her dress at the first shop we looked. I was quite surprised.

It's a lovely dress and not matronly at all. My mother is petite and needed to find a dress that would look appropriate for an evening wedding, and nothing that would be too "over the top."

Here is the dress she selected. It's shown in Pink, but she picked Moss Green which is a lovely color. The dress is made by Mon Cheri, a Montage Design, style #19944.



We bought the dress at Penina's in Marlton, NJ. The shop has a lovely array of gowns and dresses. The staff is helpful, but Penina can rub some people the wrong way. She is very assertive but she knows her stuff. Kathy who helped us is absolutely lovely and I can't recommend her enough!

Penina's website

Her dress will arrive in October and I can't wait to see it in the green!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

My favorite color is red. I can't imagine having any other color besides red for my bouquet. I like flowers, but have decided to use them minimally. Not only because flowers aren't a big priority to me but I will save a lot of money too!







Erin of Proud to Plan suggested that we meet with Brittany Gillespie from Petals Lane to talk about flowers. Brittany is great. She is young and full of energy. She has some amazing ideas. I toured her shop during our meeting. It's quite obvious she takes great pride in her work. During our visit she pulled flowers and created a mock-up bouquet. I'm impressed that she delivers flowers in water, unlike some florists who box them the night before and then just spray them down. She is going to do a great job!

Here is a link to Petal's Lane website.

The bouquet below is the same size and shape of my bouquet. The stems will be wrapped with satin from the bottom of my dress. The bouquet will be created with 3 types of red roses - garden, miniature, and plain red roses.