The Ladies Weekend: Bachelorette Party, Part 3

I am going back and forth between bachelorette party posts and recaps, I realize. But I want to give you the wedding recaps with actual photos from my fabulous photographer, Dorothy Hatchel and I can't do that just yet. So party posts [and other pre-wedding posts that never made it to the blogosphere!] will have to hold you over!

MY FABULOUS LADIES AND I IN FRONT OF MR. TOAD!

After a full day at the Happiest Place on Earth, my ladies and I ventured over to Disney's California Adventure for dinner at Ariel's Grotto and to see the magnificent show World of Color. Disney has a very good promotion going on where you can have dinner at one of their restaurants and get a fastpass to see WOC- cutting out sitting around for a couple of hours. So knowing that we had a section waiting specifically for us, the girls and I took our time at dinner. The spread at Ariel's Grotto was pretty decent- it's a present menu, but it included an appetizer, dinner and a dessert tray. We got started with a vegetable anti-pasti tray with fresh fruit, grilled vegetables, a selection of cheeses and some darn good salad. After that came our main course of tri tip cooked over rock salt [very good!] and we finished out our time at the Grotto with a beautiful tray of desserts. There was more fruit, mini tiramisu cups, macaroons and some tasty tarts- I was in heaven!

DINNER AT ARIEL'S GROTTO WITH MY LADIES!

After letting our food settle, we grabbed our fastpasses from our waitress and made our way over to the pier where WOC comes to life. There were hundreds of people already waiting, but we managed to have a fabulous view thanks to our fastpasses. About fifteen minutes before showtime Disney castmembers came out and got the crowd involved in a little singing contest. My favorite part of this little preview was the amazing larger than life puppets that surfed through the crowd. Tigger, Genie, Sebastian and Mike all danced and sang along with the castmembers- silly, but fun.

WAITING FOR WORLD OF COLOR

After the mini-show it was time for the main event: World of Color. Let me say that there are no words that can describe the beauty and imagery that cascades in front of you during this show. I immediately had tears in my eyes- at the very first upshoot of water. Some have critized WOC of not having a consistant storyline, but any true Disney fanatic knows that World of Color is a tribute to the show of the same name produced by Walt Disney in the sixties. WOC is meant to act as a showcase- to show you what Disney can do and how amazing their technology really is and how amazing their imagineers are. Needless to say, Disney is fabulous and they know what they're doing. I was amazed at the beauty and precision of the show- two big thumbs up for Disney as it was my favorite part of the trip.

After WOC it was time to retire for the evening because really- there is no topping that experience.

Up next: Characters galore!

Bittersweet Symphony: The Rehearsal

I woke up Saturday morning and prepared myself for my last day as a single lady. I was trying to make sure that everything was done and that there would be no last minute loose ends to tie up. I remembered that I had to finish my online application for graduate school before I did anything else and so wandered around the house patiently while I waited for Mr. Yankee's friends to wake up. Note to Brides to Be- Do not, I repeat do not try to apply to graduate school the month of your wedding. Your brain will be mush. Just as I finished up the application my MOH arrived to take to me to a "surprise" in town. I was a little apprehensive- still feeling like I was missing something or forgetting to do something and that I was going to get frazzled if I left the house before the rehearsal. Alas, I let the control freak inside of me go and went with my MOH like I was told. And I was so happy I did because my fabulous friend got me a massage!!! So I took the hour to just let everything go- the wedding, the grad school application and the fact that my ankle was 4 sizes too big [which is a story that won't be told here, sorry!].

After the massage I was refreshed and relaxed- ready to tackle the rehearsal day full speed. I was finishing up some last minute things when I realized how close we were getting to rehearsal time. Eek! So I hobbled upstairs and started getting ready and had Mr. Yankee's friends drop me at my mom's house to pick up her car. I arrived exactly on time [to my great surprise] and we started to rehearse!

EVERYONE LINING UP

I have to say, rehearsing was a lot of fun. I was kind of nervous after reading all the wedding blogs about how chaotic the rehearsal can get. Maybe it was because we had a smaller wedding party. Maybe it was because our wedding party just truly rocked- either way, it was a gas! Jokes were flying, tears were flowing and everyone knew exactly where they needed to be. It was excellent.

ALL OF OUR FABULOUS FRIENDS GETTING READY FOR THE BIG WALK!

Once we rehearsed a few times, Mr. Yankee and I decided to disperse with our friends. He would take his friends to a late lunch, I would check into my suite and make sure my dress was hung properly. Of course, losing my mind right before the wedding, I remembered that I had forgotten a few key items back home. Luckily, Bridesmaid J had also forgotten a few items and so we rode together back our houses and told everyone we'd meet them at the rehearsal dinner.

ONLY MY FRIENDS WOULD HOP INTO AN EMPTY TUB!

Did you have a good time at your rehearsal?!



Next Up: We eat!

[all photos are personal]

The Ladies Weekend: Bachelorette Party, Part 2

PERSONAL PHOTO

Saturday morning the ladies and I dragged ourselves out of bed, changed into our Bachelorette Party gear and hopped on our early morning flight to John Wayne Airport. As soon as we touched down a shot of excitement soared through me and I couldn't wait to get to the park. After grabbing a shuttle and dropping off our bags we made our way over to the most beautiful place in the world and met up with Bridesmaid A's friend who so graciously signed us in.

The sun was shining, the music was as timeless as ever and of course there was that wonderful Disney smell that was in the air. We made our way through out the park and grabbed our fastpass for Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. There was a little sign in front of the entrance that stated the ride might be too scary for children, but the girls and I thought nothing of it. Space Mountain is usually a scary ride for kids- its fast, in the dark with lots of fast twists and turns. We didn't think the Ghost portion was going to do anything to increase its spookiness- I mean this is Disney, we're talking about. WRONG!

Let me just tell you that Ghost Galaxy is TERRIFYING!! I don't think I have ever screamed so loud on a ride in my life. It was absolutely without the question the most scary ride I have ever been on. I am sure there is a youtube video of it somewhere- if you have the guts, google it. But let me be clear that it is nothing to be played around with! It is spooky!

After practically losing our voices on Space Mountain [and most of us declaring our decision to never ride it again] we grabbed some lunch and enjoyed the park until it was time to head over to DCA [that's Disney's California Adventure for you non Disney folk] for our dinner at Ariel's Grotto and the majestic show that is World of Color.

Up next: Dinner at Ariel's Grotto and WORLD OF COLOR!

The Ladies Weekend: Bachelorette Party; Part 1

Authors Note: I interrupt the wedding recaps to share some much belated pre-wedding posts I've been meaning to share. Enjoy!

I realized that I promised you pictures from the bachelorette party- between battling a cold and falling down some stairs [another story for another post] and the craziness that is the week of a wedding I just never got the chance to sit down and write out the details... Forgive me! But alas- here were are about two weeks post wedding and five weeks post bachelorette party and I finally have the time to gab about all the fabulousness that was the Bachelorette Party!

The party started Friday night with my Maid of Honor picking everyone up and driving us to her friend's house which was closer to the airport. Because we were flying out so early the next morning, MOH thought it might be a good idea to sleep a little closer. We arrived a little before 10, had a few welcome drinks with her friend and proceeded to open our goodie bags.. And let me tell you- they were fabulous!

PERSONAL PHOTO- HOW AWESOME IS THAT SHIRT?

Inside the bags were candies, necklaces, buttons and matching shirts. We made the executive decision that everyone would wear their shirts our first day in Disneyland. Finally at about midnight we decided it was time to get some sleep. Making sure the alarms were set for 4am, we changed into our jammies and grabbed some shut eye.

What did you do for your bachelorette party?

Next Up: Disneyland, Day 1

Bittersweet Symphony.. Recap Part One: The Welcome Dinner

Author's Note: I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony [and heard it twice while we were on our honeymoon!]. I love the classical string in the song and feel that it was truly meant to be my song. So to tie all of my recap posts together, I will start each with the title of Bittersweet Symphony. I hope you enjoy the recaps as much as I enjoy sharing them with you! :o)

While I wait for the professional photos from the awesome, amazing, beautiful and very talented Dorothy Hatchel- I thought I'd share the details of our wedding weekend starting with our Welcome Dinner.

Our wedding weekend officially began the Friday before the wedding, where we had a "Welcome Dinner" for the family and wedding party. Being that I had some aunts fly in from out of town and members of the wedding party that didn't know each other very well, I thought it would be a good idea for everyone to get together in a relaxed environment and hang out. I was hoping it would be an opportunity to break the ice and while the house remained somewhat divided, I was happy everyone came together.

The dinner was held at my moms house, with her husband the creative chef at the helm for food. Since Mr.Yankee is Japanese, our chef was really insistent on combining the flavors of the east and west into the dinner menu. For some reason, J [my mom's husband] thought it would be a good idea to make a sushi pizza- combining Japanese and Italian cuisine... That was until my mom and I explained that we were German/Irish and not Italian. J thought this was impossible because my mom was from back east... I guess everyone from New Jersey/New York is Italian.

Luckily we had a pretty normal menu... but one thing J decided we had to have was Balut... If you'd like to know more about it, click here.... While I respect the cultural aspect of the dish, the idea of it makes my stomach churn... But the boys [and one of my rock star bridesmaids] took part in sucking down the egg. Their opinion? It was more gross looking than anything else and a little chewy. Still not enough for me to try it, but who am I to stop someone else?!

After dinner Mr. Yankee, myself and two of Mr. Yankee's groomsmen made the trip back to our condo where there were some drinks and conversation. At about midnight I was done for the evening and went to bed, trying to prepare myself for the rehearsal on Saturday.

...Did any other brides have a welcome event for their friends and family?

Next Up: We Rehearse!

And I'm married.

That's right, folks. I am now officialy MRS. Yankee. It is still surreal to think of myself as someone's wife. Or to think I have a husband. It was especially weird when we touched down in Florence [our first honeymoon stop] and our ride was no where to be found. I had to call our car service and I couldn't understand what the guy was asking for and I simply said, "Here I'll let you talk to my husband.." There was definitely a lump in my throat..and an odd look from the husband.

I will be writing recaps as soon as I get back into the groove of things... The wedding was beautiful and it went by very fast, but I think I did a decent job of soaking everything in. The one word I would use to describe our wedding day? Joyful. Everyone was so genuinely happy and I felt such absolute love from everyone. I was so humble and honored to be around such amazing people- all of our family and friends made the day something I will truly cherish and remember for the rest of my life.

So to those of you who made it all possible- thank you. I love you. You will always be the most important people in my life.

~ MRS. Yankee :o)

Gee wilickers, Batman!

It's the beginning of the end. After arriving home from my bachelorette party last weekend, I instinctively knew that it was go time. There are 15 days left until the wedding. 15 days.... That is just creepy! I have been planning this wedding for almost two years and now we're just days away?! Goodness.

What have I been doing to get ready for this shindig?! Well I've been cutting menus and programs, making sure I had an .mp3 of my entrance song, created a wedding day play list for us girls while we're getting our hair done. I've made a few appointments for last minute hair touch ups and been pulling my hair out over the seating chart. Brian and I created our wedding wish tree [such an adventure!] and looked into more wine for the wedding. I've worked on the dreaded wedding day timeline and tracked down missing RSVPs. Seriously, people- if you're invited to a wedding RSVP before the response date. You know why?! 1. Etiquette stipulates that if there was no RSVP the guest isn't coming [so imagine how surprised the Bride and Groom will be to see you there when they expected you not to attend] and 2. The Bride and Groom have better things to do 3 weeks before the wedding than to track down your meal choice. Even you if are completely positive that the Bride and Groom knows your coming, send your RSVP- we aren't mind readers and need to know what you would like to eat, mkay?!

But mostly I've just been trying to get mentally prepared for the big day. It's going to be emotional and exhausting, but also loads of fun! I am also getting ready for my honeymoon in Italy!! I am so ridiculously excited about visiting Europe I can barely see straight. I plan to eat tons of gelato, drink lots of wine and take a million pictures.

I promise pictures of the bachelorette party soon- I am battling a cold right now so most of my energy is being put towards getting healthy so I can focus and have fun come game day :o)

Invitations: The Reveal

I know I've rambled on and on about all the paper choices we've made and how hard it was to come to each and every decision. But listening [or reading in this case] to all of my babble is going to pay off. Why? Because with the RSVP deadline looming [Friday for all you slackers out there!], I figured everyone has seen what they look like.

As I mentioned before, Mr. Yankee and I went through the online dealer fourth and folded. Chelsea was an absolute dream to work with and responded to my multitude of emails with grace and efficiency. I am not joking when I say I have some of the best vendors in town. They really do rock my socks.

..Okay so enough yammering, right?! I present to you our invitations!

I gave her my ring, she gave me a piece of paper! [The Sequel]

Since there seems to be a trend in sequels in Hollywood these days [I mean really, did the Chipmunks need a 'squeakquel'?], I thought it fitting to share my wedding related sequel. No, my ring did not break again. Though I did have to fork over my engagement ring for the second time in exchange for a piece of paper it had nothing to do with being broken. It had to be re sized. Apparently, when you have an engagement ring and a wedding ring, they both should be a bit larger than normal so your fingers don't get all puffy and nasty. Who knew?!

As the nice saleslady was filling out my paperwork she asked me the estimated value of my engagement ring. Ergh... Awkward?! I have no idea! I never asked Mr. Yankee how much he spent on the ring [I only made sure he didn't over extend himself] and I could only guesstimate on its value based on the specs he gave me. But seriously- do other brides to be out there know the exactly dollar amount their fiances spent on a ring?! I guess I should know for insurance purposes, but I always felt that ring shopping, purchasing and presenting were all a part of the guys preparation for marriage.. Why spoil it by requesting a blow by blow account of the purchase?!

After I gave her my estimate she very nonchalantly said they request the information because they cannot control UPS and they need to make sure they have the right dollar amount in case it needs to be replaced. I tried to laugh it off like an impossibility when she looked at me and said "It's happened before."
WHAT?! Why, why would you tell that to a customer?! Especially a bride to be! For all she knew I could have been one walking hissy fit waiting to happen. It made me nervous, but I decided to let it go and keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't happen to me and mine.

So there you have it, folks. I gave some lady my ring[s] and received a piece of a paper and a cautionary tale that the UPS has lost their packages before. Yay!

Any other brides out there have to give up their ring multiple times?!

Bachelorette Party Cometh!

In t-minus ten days I will be on my way to my bachelorette party... in DISNEYLAND! I find myself constantly surprised that it is coming up so soon. But that doesn't mean I am any less excited! These pre-wedding events keep reminding me just exactly how close we really are to wedding day. Eek!

The current plan is to drive to down to one of my maid of honor's friends' house Friday night and sleep over. Early Saturday morning me, maid of honor yankee and two of my three bridesmaids are all hopping on a flight down to Orange county. As soon as we land we will head over to Paradise Pier, drop off our bags and trek over to the most magical, special, joy filled place ever! DISNEYLAND! [Can you tell I'm a little excited?]

So while Mr. Yankee jumps off a building, shoots guns and drinks himself silly, I will be sitting through Haunted Mansion Holiday, eating at Rancho del Zocalo and making my friends wait for ridiculously long periods to watch World of Color with me.

I have no idea what else is in store, but I am sure we will have a great time. I know the girls hope to get me smashed while in Southern California, but I am hoping to save the drunk fest for when we return and can have more participants. And I hope my bridesmaids will look at this time as a mini vacation rather than a "bachelorette" party. It will be nice to hang out, recharge and experience the awesomeness that is Disneyland together.

SOURCE

Name change debate... Not so much of a debate.

I read wedding blogs all the time. I utilize the sites for ideas of what to do and things to avoid and to make sure I am staying on task. One of the major themes in the wedding blog community is the idea of changing your name. I have read countless [at least a dozen] posts arguing back and forth as to why or how or in what manner a name change should take place. I've read stories of brides who get rid of their middle name, hyphen their last name and the ever amusing combo of both last names for both the bride and the groom.

When it came time to fill out our marriage license I wrote it without even thinking. I wrote my middle name and Mr. Yankee's last name. That was it. There was no fuss, no inner turmoil or angst. I was going to take his name- and there was really anything anyone could do about it.

Sure- I have my undergraduate degree in my maiden name and it's going to be a PITA to change everything over. But I am a traditionalist in the realist sense- Mr. Yankee is the man that I am going to spend the rest of my life with. If, I repeat IF we have children they will most certainly carry his last name. So why would I NOT choose his last name? I have no real bond to my last name. It carries no special meaning or weight with me. My mom doesn't have it.

This isn't to say that women shouldn't keep their maiden name. I am sure for every woman it is very different. And I am confident that for many women it is an intensely personal decision, racked with emotion, confusion and a sense of mandated loyalty. But for me- it was about joining my life with Mr. Yankee. To me it signifies the change from us being a dedicated couple who live together to a married couple. A family. Nothing else will really change after we get married- except for my name. And I couldn't ask for a better symbol of unity and family. To share the name of my hubby.

Any brides out there making the switch?! Was it an easy decision for you to make?!

We're Licensed!

PERSONAL PHOTO- HE LOOKS SO EXCITED, NO?

It is official! Mr. Yankee and I can actually, legally and truly get married. I am so excited, giddy, nervous, humbled and honored that we are almost at the close of this process. It really hit home for me that this is it- we are in the home stretch.
I was also thinking of the history involved in Mr. Yankee and I obtaining our marriage license. The fact that we can run down to the Civic Center, write a check and obtain permission to get married is a blessing [and a quandary] onto itself. Being a history graduate, I can't help but think of all the inter racial couples who came before us who did not have the right to marry. It's sickening to think California banned the miscegenation of Asians and Whites until a 1948 court case overturned it. I am amazed that the government felt [and still feels in the case of homosexual couples] it has the right to stipulate who can get married and who cannot. How can a government entity dictate who we love?! How we love?! It's no one's business.
So while I am thankful for the ability to be able to marry the sweetest, most beautiful person I know, I also keep close to my heart all of those who do not share in the same privilege.

Loved!

That is the best way I can describe the feeling I had on Sunday. Absolutely, positively, whole heartedly loved. I was so grateful for everything that everyone did for me and I thank each and every one of you who made the journey to the party- I hope you had a great time.

JUST SOME OF THE FABULOUS WOMEN WHO ATTENDED

The day started with my hair and make up trial - done by the FABULOUS Lindsay - and I felt so absolutely pampered. She is utterly flawless in her make up and hair; Lindsay has a real eye for what looks good and her hands just seem to sculpt you into a fabulous creation.

Then the ladies started to arrive and we enjoyed good conversation, great food and beautiful weather. I was so happy that everyone was able to make it and enjoy themselves. And again- so grateful to the wonderful women who threw the shower for me.

I loved the shower. It was a time for the women in my life to come together and bond. And I liked that it was just that- women coming together and bonding. It was relaxing and made this whole wedding thing real. I had to keep repeating to myself "This is a bridal shower. For me. I'm a bride. What the hell?" I fought back a lot of tears of joy [but couldn't fight them all] and really spent the day taking in the company of these wonderful women.

So, again I say Thank You!! I felt love like I've never felt before and am so excited about October. Thank you!!!

Wedding Induced Obsession: Shoes

Before this whole wedding planning thing started, I was pretty low maintenance. I hardly wore make up, had two pairs of jeans that I alternated between and wore the same tennis shoes pretty much every day I wasn't working. Since then?! Yeah- I've turned into a girl. Big time. The biggest change?! I am now in love with shoes!


During my outfit planning (for the shower, the rehearsal and of course the big day!), I scoured the internet for hours looking for the perfect shoes. I wanted my feet to look cute, sexy and playful- what better way to accomplish that then by getting fabulous shoes?! Some of my favorites?! Oh well just scroll down and take a gander...

Disobey - Steve Madden

JESSICA SIMPSON- ASTOR

 NINA SHOES- ELGA

Ahh.. shoes! I bought two out of the three I showed you- the Elga's I've written about before. And the Jessica Simpson Astor's?! Oh- perfection. My feet look tiny, they are comfortable and sexy as hell! I am telling you- I am a changed woman. I recently went into the city with my mom and was so excited to help her pick out shoes for the wedding. Of course, I was picking beautiful platform, peep toe heels- not exactly what she was looking for- but even my mom was looking at me with a funny look. After the wedding I hope to expand my shoe collection. It's official- this wedding is making me into a girly girl.

Any other ladies out there with a shoe obsession?

Still amazing...

::checks official countdown via Weddingwire:: Official countdown- 58 days! I still can't believe it's coming as fast as it is.
The next few weekends promise to be very hectic, but very exciting. I almost fell out of my chair yesterday when I realized my bridal shower was next weekend. Next weekend! Holy moly! Next weekend will also count as my official trial. The gorgeous, talented, super spunky stylist I call Lindsay will be manning the mane and the face. I am so excited about the look she will create for me- the girl is just BEYOND talented- for realz!
So what is on the calendar the next couple of weekends?! Well take a gander, shall we?!
This Weekend
Saturday- I am going to the city with my mommy! Where I hope to find my wedding day accessories (finally!) and recharge my self-doubting batteries.
Sunday- Off to Sea Ranch to spend some time with Mr. Yankee's family :o)
August 21/22
Saturday- Work on some DIY projects, prepare my thank you gifts to the hosts of my shower.
Sunday- Bridal shower! So excited to see all my friends and family :o) And, of course- my hair/make up trial
August 28/29
Saturday- First alterations appointment at 11am!
Sunday- I am going to celebrate my good friend Michelle's last Sunday being a single girl!
September 4/5
Saturday- Put together wedding wish tree, finish tissue pomanders and get all baskets done.
Sunday- The wedding of two of the most awesomist people in the world! JOSH AND MICHELLE!
September 11/12
Saturday & Sunday- Head down to Milpitas to have some non wedding related family time. Probably use Mr. Yankee's parents printer since it is super awesome to print menus, programs and other misc. paper.
September 17/18
Saturday-Monday: Bachelorette party in DISNEYLAND!!! And Mr. Yankee will be in Vegas. I am super excited about this for a couple of reasons:

1. World of Color!!!!!

2. Halloween Time!

3. The new dragon in FANTASMIC!

September 25/26
I am leaving this weekend open since I will probably have to have another/final alterations appointment. But I assume I will be calling late responders (so make sure you put the RSVP in the mail, k?!). I will also send out our Rehearsal Dinner invites!
October 2/3
Saturday- Seating chart! This will be my task to end all tasks.
Sunday- Finalize the wedding weekend timeline packet. Confirm details!
October 9/10
Saturday- Rehearse! Holy moly! And of course my final girls night of being a single girl!
Sunday- We get murried!!!!

..whew. I can't believe we're just a few weekends away. It's going to be fun, stressful, exciting and busy! Just the way I like it :o)

How did you get your mind around the last few weeks of singlehood?!

And there they go...

First of all I wanted to say a big CONGRATULATIONS!! to my fellow wedding blogger, Alyssa at Ring Around The Roses- today is her wedding day and I am sure she is going to be a beautiful bride. Have a great wedding, Alyssa- it's the start of a beautiful together!!!

Today is the day I let go of my beautiful wedding invitations. They have been labeled, stuffed, stamped and sitting a box ready to go for about two weeks. As excited as I am to put these babies in the mail, I am also kind of sad- these babies have been a labor of love. A lot of emails and a few moments of stress created what I think are the most gorgeous little pieces of paper known to weddings. I am so greatful for Chelsea at Fourth & Folded who responded quickly to my half a dozen emails and made me sit and think on the design for a few days before going through with the printing.

As you've read in my numerous paper posts, the invitations have been a massive evolution. When I first started planning I was determined to be simple and cheap. At the end of the process, they are beautiful and more than I wanted to spend, but bring me little flutters of happiness everytime I think of them and so I think they are worth it.

I will post a photo shoot of the invites next week, but here is a little teaser for you...

iphone photo- yes, I invited Mickey & Minnie- what?!

Did you fall in love with your invitations?

It all happens for a reason.

I've been vacant. I know. If you follow my personal blog then you already get a sense as to why I haven't been wedding crafts and blog posty feeling recently. It's been a hard couple of weeks, but I am doing my very best to let. it. go. and get back to enjoying this whole thing called wedding planning.

The biggest piece of news to break is that we received our invitations. And they are absolutely beautiful. I had a minor freak out when we received the wrong envelopes (and an even bigger freak out when everyone kept telling me it was no big deal. Just let a girl be irrational and crazy for 5 minutes, would you?), but Chelsea was an absolute gem and worked herself ragged to make sure we got the right envelopes by the end of the weekend. They are all currently stuffed and awaiting their trip to the post office- I was searching high and low for some pretty twine that wasn't going to cost an arm and a leg to tie it all together, but have since given up on that idea. They're pretty enough. I don't need to add anything, no matter how much I want to.

The countdown?! 72 days. Amazing how time has been flying since we hit the 100 day mark. I feel like before I am over with breakfast it will be time to get hitched. But I am not sweating the small stuff. If I have learned one thing about whats going on in my personal life is that everything happens for a reason. As much as I want to be able to control everything and plan everything out to the last detail, life will get in the way.

I guess what I am saying is that I am finally embracing the idea that life is what happens while you're busy making plans. So while I am still the type A, plan everything down to the minute control freak, I am also beginning to take a step back and just let it ride. Because no matter what happens I can't change it.


Any other brides out there learning some life lessons while in the midst of planning?!

You've GOT to be kidding!

I am going to forget for 5 minutes that I write this blog for people and rant. You heard that- I am about to rant my little butt off, so if you don't want to hear/read/deal with it- skip this entry right about now.

Planning a wedding is filled with the small things. All the little things that you normally wouldn't even let phase you suddenly become all you can think about. I imagine planning a wedding is a little bit how raising children can be- take an otherwise sane, normal person who is interested in plenty of activities and topics and once they start focusing on raising this child all else goes out the window. They become so concerned with what to do, how to do it and what other people will think that all other rationalization goes out the window.

Wedding planning... is stressful. I feel like that is the under statement of century. And because it's stressful I feel like you let yourself get ridiculously excited over stupid things. Example?! My invitations. I was so excited about these things for so many reasons.
It was the one thing about the wedding that I didn't have to compromise on. They were beautiful, in my budget and completely timeless. I felt like I could put them in a shadow box and look at them in 5, 10, 15 years and still find them beautiful and classic. They were also custom- not everyone and their mother was going to have these and therefore I felt special. And they had cute little touches that I came up to make them that much better.

I've waited patiently for these beautiful pieces of paper all week. I rushed home this afternoon after work and carefully cut the priority box open and was so excited- until I saw the envelopes. They were the wrong color. Instead of the rich chocolate brown they were supposed to be, they were green.

Stupid thing to be upset about, but I just felt like it was the tiny straw that was breaking the camels back. Unfortunately not much of this wedding planning has gone smoothly, despite my being organized and on top of things. And now I really just want to crawl into a hole and cry.

One piece of advice from brides out there: Evites. Problem solved.

SO over it...

Wedding planning, that is. At the time Mr. Yankee and I say "I Do," I'll have been planning this wedding for twenty-two months and three days. Yeah- twenty-two months and three days. I have thought and re-thought every decision, detail, vendor and color scheme imaginable and I am just ready for it to be over with. I try to remind myself every time I get in this mood that I need to step back and enjoy this time, but you can only enjoy budgeting and assembling and gathering so much before it starts to drive you insane.

SOURCE

Of course I was reading weddingbee this morning and it looks like another bride to be, Miss Taco, has been planning her wedding for quite some time and is so over it. Inspired by another Bee, she posted a list of things she was excited for Post Wedding. I think I will release some of wedding planning frustration and think of all the things I really can't wait for after wedding...

A Bride's Obsession: Paper- Part 2

In my last  paper post here, I discussed the obsession I was quickly developing with paper. Ready for the conclusion?! Waiting with breaths held, I'm sure.

So after becomming a crazy, paper obsessed wench of a bride to be and making the decision that absolutely nothing in the paper store would suffice, I bit the bullet and decided that I had to email an Etsy seller about her invitation designs. Again my love of weddingbee can be blamed for this desire. I saw a post by Miss French Fry on her invitations and just knew I had to have something like that. Especially if I couldn't have my pocketfolds.

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The name of said designer?! Chelsey- from Fourth & Folded. Isn't her work just gorgeous?! As Anjela Johnson would say, "You so pweety! Like moduw." I emailed Chelsey and was told that she had a waiting list- of course!- but that if I was willing to wait, she would love to work with me. Score! I sat and waited for Chelsey to give me the green light; and let me just say- it was totally worth the wait! The design is just absolultely beautiful and I am so glad to be helping out an independent designer rather than a huge cookie cutter corporation like Hallmark or Crane.

Once we had the design, we had to decide whether we going to be DIYers and have them printed and assemble them ourselves or would we bite the bullet and have Chelsey finish her masterpiece?! After a lot of budget analysis and finger nail chewing, the decision was made to have Chelsey print them up and send them our way.

We are in the final stages of the invitation process and let me just say that I am so excited!! I cannot wait for them to mailed to our door step.


Did you get excited about any wedding details?!

100 Days!

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It's official... This is my last 3 digit day in wedding planning. From here on out we'll be in the double digits. DOUBLE DIGITS. How did we get here?!

It seems like yesterday Mr. Yankee proposed to me in Disneyland on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. And it seems like only an hour ago I was at my engagement party. This week I gave out my list for my bridal shower, had my second consultation with my florist, finalized my invitation proof, registered at a third store and got the information from Disney about my bachelorette party. And I have a feeling it is only going to get more crazy from here.

A few of the things I've learned is that I need to remember to step back and remind myself what this day is all about. It is about becomming a part of a partnership that will last the rest of my life. To remind myself how entirely lucky I am to meet someone who challenges me every day and loves me more than words can say. I've also learned to let it go. This has been really easy in certain areas and really difficult in others- but when the going gets tough I have a great partner to remind me that when it all is over- it just isn't that important. I learned who my true friends are and who I can depend on- people who I never imagined would be so unsupportive have broken my heart, while people I never imagined to be so strong have been there for me in ways they could not possibly imagine.

In sum- I have learned that this will all be done in the blink of an eye and to try and enjoy these last three months. Because the good times are just getting started.

I forgot to do WHAT?!

Okay.. I am officially insane. That is the only plausable reason that for the first time in 7 years of paying my own bills that I forgot.. FORGOT to pay my car payment. Yeah- car payment. I woke up this morning in a cold sweat asking myself over and over again 'Did I pay my car payment?!' Needless to say I hobbled down the stairs, realized my error and made the prompt payment.

And how.. just how did a type A, pay everything early, e alerts for everything bank employee forget to pay their bills?! Because I spent my weekend worrying about this:

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Wedding crafts were on my mind big time this weekend. I had a mini freak out when I realized just how close we were getting to the wedding and the lack of progress that we were making with the wedding. My solution?! An impromptu visit to the local craft store (where I had no idea what I was doing) with a list in hand, hoping to get in and out in under an hour. Mr. Yankee and I went through aisle after aisle, picking up this and that and while Mr. Yankee tried to talk me out of taking too much on, I kept expanding the list of things I wanted to do or had to have. Yeah- when this bug they call a wedding bites, it bites hard.

Now that the crafts are actually inside my four walls I feel a little bit better. Add to that our second meeting with the florist tonight and I feel like we're back on track in terms of weddingdom.

Has planning an event made you crazy?!

Okay, time to get serious...

A week from today will be the 100 day mark till "we do." Holy moly!! What does that mean, exactly?! A few things, actually:

• It's account draining time. There will now be more money coming out of our wedding account then going in with things like catering bills, floral deposits and photography payments.
• I actually have to turn my ideas into concrete decor. A lot more crafting and a lot less inspiration photo collecting. It's weird, actually. I am a little afraid of how my ideas are going to turn out. I just don't know if everything that is in my head will translate into pretty decor. We'll see, right?!
• Vendor meetings. Now is the time we start meeting and remeeting- going over ideas, confirming details and going through all the little nuances that will make our wedding day come to life.
• No more thumb twiddling. I officially have something wedding related to do every week from now until the wedding. I don't mind this- I like the idea of getting a little bit done each week so that when it comes to wedding week, I'll be sitting pretty.

On the docket this weekend?! Return a dress (because in my bridal dumbness I bought 2 dresses thinking I needed a dress for both the rehearsal and bridal shower, only to realize I needed only 1), purchase shoes for rehearsal dinner, make a craft store run to Michaels to start the DIY projects I've been dragging my feet and attend a wedding workshop at Pottery Barn on Sunday morning.

How did we get so close so fast?!

A Bride's Obsession: Paper

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I've written in the past about my quick developing obsession with paper here. I thought I had made the decision and that everything was done. Boy was I wrong. First, a little more back story: 

I would classify my relationship with paper pre-enagement as a modest appreciation. I scrapbooked from time to time and therefore was aware of the all the different types and shapes and weights of paper, but never really had much use for them outside of my current craft of the day.

Then Mr. Yankee proposed. And it was on. On like donkey kong. My first obsession?! Invitations, of course. Then I read about Save the Dates and realized that I had to have those too! I wanted to set the tone for the rest of the stationary that was sure to be coming down the pike. They had to be fresh, colorful and above all- cute. Yeah, you heard me- I wanted to make sure our Save the Dates were cute. Sue me. I scoured the internet for ideas on how to make the perfect STD and combined my idea with my love of a good deal and ordered them through VistaPrint. 100 Save the Dates later, I thought my paper obsession had been squelched. Oh how foolish I was.

I soon became obsessed with finding the right invitations. I hopped onto the bridal wagon and was in love with pocketfolds and was so sad that there was no way to fit them in our paper budget. Resolved to "get over it" and find something that was just as pretty but more cost effective, I dragged Mr. Yankee to numerous stationary stores to find the invitation suite. Let me just say this- I have really expensive taste. Every suite I liked was upwards of $700-1000. Say it with me: OUCH. There was no way I could argue spending a thousand dollars on something that will end up in a lot of garbage cans.

I thought we were saved when Mr. Yankee and I agreed on a funky design (as hinted about here). But when we went back to finalize everything and place the order I just.couldn't.do.it. I didn't really like them. Not the way I felt I was supposed to. So the hunt was on, yet again.

Stay tuned for the wrap up of this bridal obsession.

The Family Factor...

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I have been thinking a lot about family recently. I am not normally a sentimental person, but I think the wedding has brought it out in me. Mr. Yankee just got back from doing the Mud Run in Camp Pendleton where he stayed with his Aunt and Uncle. And as he was telling me different antecdotes about his visit I felt this surge in my chest. These are great people who are apart of a wonderful family- they have a strong bond with each other and it shows whenever stories are shared.

I've posted about my not so wonderful relationship with my father before- and I had pretty much made up my mind months ago that he would not be a part of this very special moment in my life. There were numerous factors influencing my decision: I knew that if he was there I would be worried about what he was doing rather than focusing on what really matters- Mr. Yankee and I coming together as one unit. I would also worry about what he would do or say- alcoholics are famous for saying inappropriate things at all the right times. And a lot of my friends (pretty much all of them except for 1 or 2) have never met my father and I just didn't think a wedding was an appropriate venue.

I also worry about FMIL & FFIL Yankee- they are such sweet and genuine people and I would be so embarassed if my father did something stupid. I am the typical adult child of an alcoholic and feel responsible for my father's actions and feel like his actions somehow would be a reflection of me and who I am.

.. But my main reason for being so torn on this issue with my father is because my father has other children. Other children whom I love very much and who I want there on that day. I may not see them very often or get to talk to them every day, but they are my family- and being that I don't have a very big one, I would like to everyone there. At what cost, though, is the question. Do I risk being embarassed, stressed and worried about what my father would do?!

Mr. Yankee is wonderful in the sense that he supports me no matter what. He realizes that this is a very sticky situation for me and I am so grateful that he doesn't push one way or the other. He is always a great sounding board and gives advice only when solicited- one of the many thngs I love about him.

There is still some time and I am sure this will be a topic that weighs heavily on my mind no matter what decision I make. Any advice out there?!

Why do you want to get married?!

Simple enough question, right?! But believe it or not- I have never sat down to really formulate an answer to this question. Not in the concrete, literal sense. I know what Mr. Yankee and I's relationship means to me in my heart, but I had never really wrapped my brain around it until I was reading my favorite wedding planning blog, Weddingbee. Mrs. Pencils, as she is now referred, is in the middle of recapping her wedding to all of us weddingbee hounds out there and her most recent post discussed the exchange of vows and it struck me that this very simple question was not something that I had obsessed over.

Instead I have been busy thinking of Mr. Yankee and I's future: where we'll be living, future vacations we'll be taking and future career goals. I have also been busy thinking of bridesmaids dresses, where we'll be having our rehearsal dinner and how to word our invitations. It made me a little sad that I this was not fully prepared to articulate an answer to this question. And with our first appointment with our officiant coming this weekend, I figured I would get a head start on an answer to a seemingly easy question.

So why do I want to marry Mr. Yankee?!

I never have a bad time when we are together. Every adventure we take- even if I am stressed out to the max, Mr. Yankee can always make it better.
He is always happy to see and be around me. Even when I am as sick as a dog or have had a shitty day at work. He is attentive, affectionate and loving without being needy or clingy.
He is solid; mentally, emotionally- I know I can depend on him and that is something that has been severely lacking my entire life. I have never really felt like I could fully depend on anyone and felt like I always had to be on guard- I know that with Mr. Yankee I am safe. He is there.
I truly believe that we are ying and yang- the perfect balance for each other. Where I get hot and bothered over someone cutting me off, Mr. Y just goes with the flow. Where he rides by the seat of his pants, I plan every last detail.
His family. I have a very small nuclear family and an even smaller extended family- all spread through out the country. I never get to see them, never grew up with them in my daily life and therefore are not very close with many of them. Mr. Yankee's family, however, is amazing. I thank my lucky stars every day that I get to be a part of this huge, connected, loving family. I feel as if his mom is my mom, his aunts and uncles are mine too and that his cousins- apart from being totally awesome- are my family too.
I know that if the decision is ever made to have children, Mr. Yankee will be an amazing father. I know that partly by looking at Mr. Y's father- Mr. Yankee is very much like his father: reserved, intelligent, caring, kind and solid. They don't feel the need to be the center of attention but are very observant of every situation they find themselves in. And they both are dedicated to family- Mr. Yankee worries all the time about how he is going to care for his parents (who thankfully still in excellent health) and future father in law Yankee visits his mom every week. And it is this dedication to family that makes me so positive that if children were ever apart of our life together Mr. Yankee would do an excellent job.

..This was a total goo fest and for that I apologize. But hopefully this helps other brides out there stop and realize that a wedding is just a really expensive dinner party. And that it's the marraige that will last- not the party favors.

Just how do you say Thank You?

According to my weddingwire calendar, it is time for me to start shopping for my bridesmaids gifts. I have been thinking about it for a while now, trying to make mental notes of just what each girl would like and just how the hell I would gather everything and present it to my fabulous women.

I was also a little nervous because our budget is kind of small. I wanted to spend a little more than what was allotted for in the budget and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we find a few extra bucks somewhere. Luckily, I had someone drop out of the wedding party on my side- so I can spend a bit more on each beautiful lady. I've scoured weddingbee, theknot and projectwedding hoping that I would get enough inspiration and ideas to get started on these puppies, but I never imagined it would be so hard. I love the women that will be standing up with me and wedding day. How do I translate that love into the perfect gift?!

If you're in my wedding party- be gone! This is not for your eyes. I am serious- go away.

Let Me Upgrade You.... Accessories edition

Don't you just love that song by Beyonce?! Yeah, neither do I but it fit for a snazzy title, so deal.

I am admittedly not much of a girly girl. I love my jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts. I find comfort in my uggs and tennis shoes and the classiest shoes I've got are from Kohls for work. Other than my love of Sex and the City I have no real fashion sense. I don't buy Cosmo or stalk fashion websites. My fashion motto is: "comfort is key!"

However, this wedding of ours has made me embrace the little pieces of femininity I have and has created a mini monster. It has become important to me what my shoes look like, how my jewelery will match my dress and how to pull off a flawless look, despite my flaws. My first accessory obsession?! The wedding day shoes.

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Aren't those colors pretty?! If you haven't already guessed- I wanted colored shoes. And the shoes had to match the rest of the wedding, so I was looking for some apple green pumps that would rival Carrie Bradshaw's collection. So while on vacation a couple of weeks ago I went shopping with a work friend of mine whose taste I trust and whose opinion I value. I knew she would steer me in the right direction. We started at higher end shopping center in Marin and when we had no luck there, she suggested a quick jaunt into the city. Um, okay!!

We parked at Union Square and started the search at Macys. Yes, the same Macys we registered and the same Macys that has 6 floors of goodness! We went to the shoe floor (yes, they have a whole floor dedicated to just shoes!) and began perusing. I tried on a few pairs, hoping to find a shoe that fit my inspiration (pictured below), but nothing was clicking as 'the one.'

 

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Let me just say I have a new appreciation for shoes. Steve Madden is a God and Jessica Simpson has some great designs. But in the end, I fell in love with Nina. Design, color and comfort (something I didn't think was possible with heels). I met Nina's Elga at my local Macys. Who would have thought?! She was sitting my back yard. After the unsuccessful trip to the city I thought I'd give shoe shopping one more shot and went up to my local Simon Mall. I browsed for a few minutes before spotting her in the corner- all unassuming and delicate. I asked the sales lady if they had my size and when she returned with the box I nearly jumped from all the giddyness. They fit like a glove and were so comfortable- score! So now I present to you, my wedding day shoe, Elga.

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They aren't the Apple Green I was hoping for (I keep getting told that green was last season. Pshaw!), but I love them none the less. Did you go ga-ga over any wedding purchase?!

Sitting on my behind..

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Current countdown till the big day?! 140 days. Scary as it may seem, I am spinning my wheels with boredom in terms of wedding planning. There is nothing to do- we're too far away to complete a lot of the detail oriented tasks and are waiting on others to complete things like wedding stationary. I am trying to fill my time by working on the details that will probably consume me as the wedding gets closer, but again- we're too far out to have any concrete 'details' so a lot of what is done is half arsed.

Some of the things that have occupied my time?! Getting a feel for how our ceremony will go. I was gifted with a great book about planning out your ceremony and it has some great readings and texts to help you create your very own ceremony. Mr. Yankee and I sat down one Saturday and pulled things from the book that we really liked and things that were important to us to include during our ceremony. It was a little hard at first because we don't want the ceremony to drag on, but we also want to make sure that certain people are recognized- I feel that we have a good mix of both length and sentiment.

Another project that has been taking up our time is music. I've written about it before, but Mr. Yankee and I have vastly different tastes in music. I like a little bit of everything, where he tends to like really annoying (or as he classifies them: 'catchy') pop music and cares for nothing before 1980 or after 1998 (with some rare exceptions). We were butting heads for a while there before we decided on a compromise- we are both creating a must play top 10 list that will be given to our DJ and working together to find the right sound to create a loose playlist for our DJ for our prelude, recessional, cocktail hour, dinner hour and party time! I have 7 songs so far on my top ten:

1. "Empire State of Mind" Jay Z (to which Brian responded with the need for California Love)

2. "Shook Me All Night Long" AC/DC (I am white. I need some old school, drum filled gritty jams from one of the best rock bands in the history of Rock n Roll. Shoot me.)

3. "Don't Stop Believing" Journey (Bay area band. Awesome rock anthem. Enough said.)

4. "Stronger" Kanye West (this was really hard to put on here, because I HATE Kanye. But I bop my head everytime this song comes on the radio. Damn tune.)

5. "It's Getting Hot" The Team (another local group- with a sick bass line!)

6. "Sweet Dreams" Beyonce (unless she releases it as a single and it becomes played out like all of her other music)

7. "Feedback" Janet Jackson

.. Now that spots are getting limited I am finding it's getting harder to finish- I want to make sure the music is excellent and that everyone can enjoy it!

Any other brides out there finding they have a lack of things to do?! How are you coping?!

Blogger Stalker..

Funny title for a post, but it's how I've been feeling lately. I am absolutely obsessed with one former bride's wedding and am so in love with everything that she has done that I find myself reading over all her old posts hoping that some of her creativity rubs off on me. I think the reason I love her so is because she is like me in a lot of ways: extremely organized, type A and needs things to be plotted out in a definitive way. Structure- I love structure. And I have found myself getting frustrated in whimsical attitude that is wedding planning. Sure, it's pretty and fluffy and cute and all, but there is also a pretty extensive to do list that comes with the awesome party.

Who is this beautiful blogger I am so in love with?! Oh that would be Mrs. Daffodil over at weddingbee. She got married almost 2 years ago and her ideas are still timeless and most of all- helpful! Everytime I have had a question about how to do something I find the answer on her blog. So last night I broke down and just started combing through all of her old posts on weddingbee. Needless to say my devotion to her and her wedding has only increased and I bow to her and all of her templates- I plan on using quite a few of them myself.

What about the other brides out there?! Ever stalk another brides blog?!

The evolution of wedding planning...

Why does everything have to be so magnified for all things wedding?! And why does everything have to be able to be customized?! I am wishing for a socialist society right about now...

So Mr. Yankee and I went paper shopping on Sunday. We had narrowed down our choice in invitations, but of course, I was having doubts and so I decided we needed to go through the torture of looking through 20 different binders all over again. And there we sat on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, flipping through page and page of different colored paper trying to decide just what type of paper was going to be "the one" for our invitations. Of course I liked the expensive pocketfolds or embossed beauties and though pretty, I couldn't talk myself into spending that kind of money on something that people will throw away. But don't applaud me yet. Because I got home and looked up this invitation suite (wedding lingo, not my words) that I noticed a few days prior. And of course I started to swoon all over again and decided that I would *at least* email the designer to get an idea of the cost.

I then found out that she has a two month waiting list and of course that just increased my need to have these invitations and these only. Now I am officially on a waiting list to have someone else play in adobe photoshop or indesign or whatever it is these creative types do to make me a "custom" invitation.

.. bah wedding planning. Any other brides having paper planning snafus?!

Drowning in inspiration...

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I am in this weird place in terms of wedding planning... I have all of this inspiration surrounding me and all of these ideas that I like but nothing is cohesive. I am not what you would call crafty and so a lot of things I've seen have been other brides' long hard hours of work, but the things I like tend to clash. Damask patterns on invites with vines on the menus. Funky fonts on the programs with script on the escort cards. Perhaps the length of the engagement (20 months by the time we say "I do") is to blame or a suppressed fear that my wedding has to be the wedding that ends all weddings. For example, I have thought of at least four different things I can do for our table numbers- yes, at least four different ways to creatively mark a table number. I've changed my idea on the type of invitations I like a half a dozen times and have even re-thought my colors.

There are so many questions to answer and things to plan - which is normally something I love- but it is driving me a little bonkers. Trying to remain calm and keep perspective all the while secretely worrying on how my invitations will turn out or what peope will think of the wine we chose. I might need some therapy after this.

I am doing the bride to be thing and collecting any and all photos that interest me, hoping an impartial third party will see a common thread I am missing. And I am hoping that as it gets closer I will come up with some sort of theme, idea, look that I like and that I can pull all the way through the wedding.

How are you figuring out all the details?! Am I the only bride second guessing everything?!

The Great Cake Debate

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I blogged before about my utter shock at the price quote of flour, sugar and eggs- also known as a wedding cake. After the initial sticker shock wore off, I reassessed my budget to see what we could realistically accomodate. I added a couple of hundred dollars to the cake section, but something about it didn't sit right with me. So I looked into other options. I searched the net for budget friendly options like cup cakes, pies and perhaps not going through a posh little bakery. It is during this search that I found a beautiful cake in an unlikely source.

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That's right- Lucky food stores. At first I was a little apprehensive to the idea. I mean, it's Lucky! It's not a home grown bakery that has built their business from the ground up and all that. I felt a little guilty for being so "cheap" when it came time to something for the wedding, but I just couldn't sit with the idea of paying 300% mark up for a simple, three tiered, square cake. I wanted no fancy design or sugar flowers- so I didn't think $6 a person was an acceptable price. Sue me.

How I stumbled upon Lucky is actually pretty interesting. I was early to work one morning and decided that I would check one final local bakery to ask about their wedding cakes. I got the information from the owner of bakery one, surpressing my expected shock when she spoke of per person costs and delivery fees. I walked out into the cool morning air and looked to my left- then I walked next door to Lucky.

I popped into their bakery department and asked if they did special event cakes like weddings. The lady behind the counter was very helpful and handed me a book and told me that they definitely did wedding cakes, but that they didn't deliver. All of a sudden, I found it. The cake to end all cakes! It was square, in my wedding colors and under $400!!! I preceeded to get super excited, take a picture of the picture with my cell phone and email Mr. Yankee what he thought.

"I like it. It's simple, classic and CHEAP. :)"

..typical boy.

So I called and make a cake tasting/consultation appointment with the cake decorate for Tuesday at 1 o'clock! And barring any disasters- I think we may have found out cake vendor! Beautiful and within my budget?! Yes please! 

How about the brides out there?! Did your wedding planning take you to unexpected places?!

Dressing the 'maids

I know it's supposed to be all about the bride in terms of fashion obsession during the wedding planning process, but I have some pretty awesome ladies standing up for me this October and I wanted to make sure they were going to look FABULOUS come game time. And I wanted to make sure they liked their dress- and even though every bride says, I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and say- I really wanted a dress that they would be able to wear again. So I decided what any woman attempting to stay away from the title of bridezilla would do- let the girls decide for themselves! It was agreed I would have final veto authority, but that it was up to the girls do decide what the wear- and the fun began! Amazingly enough the girls picked out a dress the same day I bought my wedding dress- nearly a year ago!

excuse the grainy picture- personal photo

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While I liked these dresses at first I didn't love them. But knowing that we had a while before the girls had to actually purchase the dress, I kept quiet- hoping that they would change their minds and find something else they liked instead. A few months later my dress was in! Super excited to go try it on and make sure it was the same dress I ordered, I invited bridesmaid A along with me to look at me dress and take a look at the bridesmaid dresses again. We both weren't exactly swooning over the dress, so for fun we took a look around. That is when we found this absolutely gorgeous dress!!!

oh my gosh! gorgeous!

Isn't it puuuurty?! And it has pockets!! Bridesmaid A and I absolutely loved this dress! But not wanting to make a unilateral decision I decided that we would wait until the dress order date to make any firm plans one way or another. Then the march sunday was upon us- the dress order date! It was due or die time. Before making firm commitments, the girls decided they wanted to play dress up and take a look at the dresses. Unfortunately, though it looked gorgeous on the model, it did not look good on the girls. So the search was officially on- and luckily I have two gorgeous, easy going ladies who were more than willing to model dress after dress until we all agreed on the right dress. After about 8 dresses and 30 minutes, the decision was made!!

Isn't it purty?! And it looked fabulous on the two models and everyone thought it was a flattering look and that they would be up to wearing it again!! The final dress will be a dark brown like the first dress pictured and we'll be accessorizing it with green shoes and some other small pieces. I am really happy that all the girls liked the dress and that this part of our wedding planning is done.

Now to plan a shopping trip in the city.... My life is so tough! Did your wedding party find their outfits easily?!

The last time you'll get presents as an adult...

... that's right- registering! Being engaged for a really long time means that you get really excited about silly things because 1. you're finally checking something off of your to-do list and 2. well, free presents people I mean, come on! Originally, Mr. Yankee and I were unsure of how we wanted to set up our registry. Did we want to do a honeymoon registry?! An online only registry?! Conventional store?! Or a mix of all three?! In the end, we opted for the conventional store registry and I'll tell you why:

• Most stores put their registries online anyway
• It was really fun to go into the store and start scanning away!
• Honeymoon registries are a little hard to look like anything other than "please give us cash for our honeymoon" and since we weren't going through a specialized company for our honeymoon, that was pretty much exactly what it was going to amount to.
• I really, really, really, really want a Kitchenaid. Really.

After we decided to go the store route, Mr. Y and I had to decide exactly what stores we were going to use. All sorts of stores were thrown out there: Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Macys, Target, Pottery Barn and so on. After browsing through websites and getting an idea of the things we really need, Mr. Yankee and I decided to go for Macys and Target. We both felt these stores carried an array of necessities at every price range that fit out style. So we set a registry date and were off early on a Sunday morning to scan to our hearts content.

the mecca of Wedding Registiring in the Bay Area (source)

To say that I was excited would be an understatement. Seven floors of home decorating goodness?! Yes please! Mr. Yankee and I took some time outside to enjoy the gloriousness that is the Macys in Union Square and then proceeded to the sixth floor to initiate our registry process. The sales lady was very nice as she took down our information and tried to get us to apply for a Macys card. Then the real fun began- I got a registry gun!

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I have to admit that other than going to the store and picking up the gun, we had no real game plan. We knew we would be there for a while and we knew that we would take a break and try the burger bar on the 5th floor. Other than that- we were registry babes in the woods. We started on the 6th floor and worked our way down. My purse got heavy and so I decided to make a quick run to the car so that I was carrying as little as possible (word to the other brides out there- carry light during registering. leave the purse, sweatshirt and any other miscellaneous items in the car. you'll only need the gun!). After roughly two hours of looking around (and one fire alarm scare), Mr. Y and I decided it was time for lunch and to go over what we got, what we needed and what could go on the other registry list.

personal photo (he looks so excited, right?!)

After registering for pans, sheets, pillows, towels and yes, my kitchenaide, we decided it was time to head home and enjoy the rest of our Sunday. The registering bug must have hit Mr. Yankee something hard because as soon as we were home, he hopped on his computer and started asking me what our password should be for our Target registry.

"You want to start that now?"

"Yeah, why? You don't want to?"

"No, I'm fine. I just thought you were tired of registering."

"Shoot! Never."

So with that, we proceeded to start our Target registry- him on his computer and me on my laptop. I have to say- it was a lot of fun and I am really glad Mr. Yankee got into it as much as I did. It made it go by faster and was a lot more enjoyable.

What about the other brides out there?! Any fun registering stories?