Monday, May 18, 2009

My Wedding Hair

My first choice of hairstylists was booked the day of my wedding. Which is bound to happen, so Erin suggested some other stylists.

I decided to go with Natalie Pagano. I'm a bit more nervous with this aspect because I've been going to the same salon for awhile. This will be my first dealing with anyone outside of my everyday salon.

Here is a look I like for my big day:



I like this look because I plan on wearing my hair half-up and half-down. I'm growing my side bang out so that it can be pulled back like shown above. I love the clip and I recently purchased one that is very similar (See Link).

My friend Sara wore her hair very similar to this but had tight curls which looked awesome! I want that same type of look in the back.

Here is a link to Natalie's website website. I am planning on doing my hair trial in August or September.

Update on To-Dos.....

Each day I think of more to-do's. I'm sure my list is just going to grow and grow. I added a few items to the list today, and haven't been knocking so many off. The issue is that I'm in a lull right now so there isn't a lot that I can do until summer.

Here's my update:

-Schedule meeting with caterer (DONE 4/14)
-Select first dance and other special dance songs (DONE 4/14)
-Update registry lists for bridal shower (2 DONE, 1-2 to go)
-Pick readings and songs for Mass (Readings Started, Cantor provided song suggestions)
-Attend pre-cana (Started, one session left!)
-Research invitation designs (Mock-ups in 5/22 - editing and deciding)
-Select cantor and organist (5/22 - both BOOKED!)
-Schedule engagement photos (talking to photographer)
-Research signature drink options (still discussing if we are doing this)
-Discuss flowers with Erin (still working on)
-Hotel blocks (DONE 5/4)
-Programs - who will hand out? (Tommy & Simon?)
-Pick readers (Paul and I are still discussing who to ask....)
-Unity candle and mothers candles (monogram will go on candle - need to discuss with Erin Proud)
-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)
-Test drive directions (to do in June/July)
-Order wedding rings (to do in June/July)
-Schedule dance lessons (to do in July/August)
-Order tuxedo (to do in July/August)
-Draft wedding program information (to do in July/August)
-Order Mothers' gifts (to do July/August)
-Order Paul's dad's gift (to do July/August)
-Shop for engagement photo attire (to handle in July/August)
-Moms dress (July/August)
-Schedule massage for day before (waiting til August)
-Schedule hair and makeup day after (waiting til August)
-Meet with hair and makeup stylists to discuss ideas (to handle in August)
-Buy Pauls wedding gifts (have researched - will start to buy in August)
-Need to buy - garter, cake cutters, champagne flutes (waiting til August/September)
-Create song play and do not playlists (to handle in August/September)
-Attend first dress fitting (to do in August)
-Purchase guest book pens (to do in August/September)
-Purchase flip flop basket (to do in August/September)
-Find something old, new, borrowed and blue (to do August/September)
-Book nail appointment at Nail Bar (to do August/September)
-Order food for wedding day to be delivered (contacted caterer - will finalize in August/September)
-Discuss Philly food bar and OOT boxes with Erin Proud (to do August/September)
-Discuss signage with Erin Proud - chair signs, menus, signature drinks, etc (to do September)
-Outfit for day before, day of, day after, evening after (waiting til September)
-Apply for the marriage license (to do October)
-Buy cooler 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!)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Ouch, my feet hurt!

How many weddings have I gone to where by the end of the night, my shoes are off? Probably every single one! I got a super cute idea from the girls of theKnot.com to offer a flip flop basket. What a great idea!

Here are the plethora of flip flops I have purchased:




Of course I'm not leaving them in such an unattractive container. I plan on putting them in one large basket. Each will be wrapped with a pretty band with one of our monogrammed stickers.

I bought them all in black (of course). And in 3 sizes - Small, Medium, and Large.

I'm hoping our guests think this is a great idea. Of course I bought quite a few, but not enough for every gal invited to the wedding. Once they start to go that night, they will go fast I'm sure!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Bling bling!!!

I'm still debating the type of wedding ring I want - I think I have been asking everyone for an opinion!

I started shopping for my other jewelry. I found a pair of earrings I really love and I think I'm going to stick with. Aren't they gorgeous?



Here's another shot:



Since I'm not planning on wearing a necklace, I think these offer the perfect amount of bling! Yeah yeah!!!

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Hotel Accomodations

Yay! Things are really falling into place now. The hotel blocks are booked! I'm super excited that I was able to post the info on our wedding website tonight.

I'm staying overnight in a suite at the Sofitel on Thursday evening. I can't wait to stay in a luxurious hotel room and drink bubbly before dreaming of becoming Mrs. Mullin!

Paul and I will also be staying in the same hotel room on Friday night. We are hoping to have our "after party" at the Sofitel.

Here's an overview of the hotels and the info I posted on our wedding site:



120 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Sofitel Philadelphia Website
RESERVATIONS - (215)569-8300

Located just 4 short blocks from the reception venue, the Sofitel Philadelphia is a modern Four-Diamond luxury hotel nestled between Philadelphia’s French Quarter and prestigious Rittenhouse Square. The Sofitel experience offers a charming blend of French elegance and American style.

We have reserved a block of rooms at this hotel for Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th. Please book your room before October 15th and mention the Tweedie-Mullin Wedding to receive the special rate.

Rates:
Superior King - $129 per night
(Deluxe Double/Doubles may be reserved at a rate of $149 based on availability)
(Third and Fourth persons in room with two double beds are subject to $20/per night per person additional fee)
Suites - $189 per night (based on availability)

All call-in reservations must be guaranteed to a credit card. All deposits are fully refundable if canceled by 4:00pm date of arrival.

Valet Parking is available for $32.00/per vehicle per day and includes in and out privileges.


237 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
RESERVATIONS - (215)893-1600 or (800)222-TREE
Tweedie-Mullin Wedding DoubleTree Website

Located less than 7 blocks from the reception venue, the Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia is centrally located in the heart of Philadelphia's cultural district on the Avenue of the Arts. Spacious guest rooms are decorated in warm Contemporary style, featuring the popular Sweet Dreams by Doubletree bedding.

We have reserved a block of rooms at this hotel for Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th. Please book your room before October 5th and mention the Tweedie-Mullin Wedding to receive the special rate.

Rates:
2 Queens - $149 per night
(Third and Fourth persons in room are subject to $20/per night per person additional fee)

All reservations must be guaranteed to a credit card. All deposits are fully refundable if canceled within 72 hours of arrival.

Parking is available at the Park America Garage Inc. adjacent to the hotel. Self-parking is available at a cost of $22.00 per 24 hours with in and out privileges. Valet Parking is also available at a cost of $26.00 per 24 hours.


21 North Jupiter Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
RESERVATIONS - (800)321-2211 or (888)887-8130
Philadelphia Marriott Courtyard Website

Located about 10 blocks from the reception venue, the Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown hotel opened after a grand $75 million restoration, recapturing the grandeur of its 1926 origins and placing it among the premier hotels in Philadelphia. This 18-story, 498-room Philadelphia hotel, listed on the "National Register of Historic Places", stands as a charming testament to time and now integrates state-of-the-art systems with unique architectural details like coffered plaster, stunning bronze work and striking marble finishes.

We have reserved a block of rooms at this hotel for Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th. Please book your room before October 8th and mention the Tweedie-Mullin Wedding to receive the special rate.

Rates:
Standard Room - $129 per night

Please contact the hotel directly at (215)496-3200 for Cancellation Policy and Parking Information.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Our 2nd Registry - DONE



Oh how Paul loves working on our Wedding Registry. Well the first experience was rough, but this second one was much better!

We completed our second registry at:



Love this store! They had a special event - "The Store Is Yours." We were the only couple that attended and it was awesome. The associates had coffee, orange juice and danish for us. Yum yum!

We spent about an hour picking out all sorts of fun kitchen gadgets including - cookie sheets, colored bowls, salt and pepper grinders, kitchen torch and creme brulee dishes, spatulas, All-Clad pans, a panini press, a wafflemaker, Le Creuset pots, and much more.

Now we just have to get a working oven and we are good to go!