Now Featuring - ME!

Blue Orchid Designs does a Meet the Readers segment that really lets us blog stalkers feel a little more like friends than just stalkers who make comments like its any of our business.

And today's feature is ME! =)

Go forth and read.....

Bouquet Sashay

So I had this idea...
Ok. Like before, it wasn't my idea. But I found it, and liked it. (And by found it, I mean, thanks Next Exit Photography care of Southern Weddings :-) ).

These days its seems like many are shying away from carrying traditional bouquets in lieu of more personal or themed items. For the Catholics, Bibles and Rosary. Fans, books, and candles seem to be favorites. But fans are just asking to be fidgeted with, the books we like are across the board and often unheard of thus would require some explaining, and we are outside in the late afternoon - a candle would just be a battle of matches vs wind and something tells me wind wins!

So when I came across the above picture, I liked it! It was different from a bouquet, but didn't have to be themed or personal. I could find some cool fabric for the ribbon and call it a day. I sent the link to my bridesmaids positive that the responses would be that they love it! It was fun, different, but not so different that even my uber traditional bridesmaid would dislike it. SWEET!
If we have learned anything through my blogging (for those of you still awake or paying attention) it is that I almost never get the response I am expecting. The general response was that they didn't want a corsage. Am I the only one who totally didn't see this as a corsage but a funky wrist sash? Oh, and then as before, trust my eldest sister to have the best response.
MOH pointed out that she wouldn't know what to do with her hands. Eldest Sister "I'd just pinch butts."

Bouquets it is!!!!

Anyone else have some crazy friends and family with entertaining responses?

Anyone else love an idea that got shot down like a duck?

What are your girls carrying?

Burning Cake to Burning Love

That cake has been around the blog world at least once now and most people react with WTF?

Then yesterday, Blushalicious posted this and it was all clear...
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26.8.08

Real Wedding :: Spy + Spy

Or should I say "Reel Wedding"? My very favourite thing about weddings is when a couple injects their personality into their special day. It's my very favourite thing.

This couple took that to an entirely new level; Nikki + David both work in the film industry and reflected that into their day.

View their Wedding Trailer here ::

'Getting Married' Trailer from David Malki ! on Vimeo.

And here are some details from the day ::


The entire bridal party wore Converse Chucks {did you know you can design your own?}, the groom designed the cake {note the second layer riddled with bullet holes}, and made by Mike’s Amazing Cakes.

This blog will self destruct in five seconds..... {jk!}

Posted by Lisa from Blush

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I thought that was just hilarious! Then I followed the link to go to their site and saw what might be one of my favorite "you may kiss the bride" pictures ever.

Now thats a kiss!

Anyone else not too concerned about who's around them and really want a knock your socks of kiss and maybe a picked up hug and twirl type of thing? Anyone else want all that AND have a pretty shy guy? =(

Noteworthy Noaki!

Part two of my new favorite Etsy jewelry queen Noaki! Lots of great stuff at her shop and on her blog... but as the obnoxious mind numbing song goes.... These are a few of my favorite things! And all photos are from Noaki and if clicked, lead back to her!

(Yes, I really do find that song annoying and yet Its a Small World or the Gummi Bears theme just make me smile. Deal with it.)

How fun is this? I can say I've seen a bazillion bridal photos and never seen anything like this; and frankly, thats just a shame.

Lovin this comb!

Something oh so beautifully blue

Me? Post a star shaped piece of jewelry? Only every chance I get! I just might rock this bracelet come next April.

For the pearl girl who's only stud is the one she's marrying!

And the perfect earrings for all those brides going with the bird theme. I hate birds, and I like these.

Don't forget to check out the Zenadia contest for Noaki's jewelry!
Also, if you see something you like, and you have a blog, post about it! Unleash the power o' the bridal blogs! =)

Anyone else up to their eyeballs with favorites marked in etsy for potential wedding day jewelry? Any tips for how in the world to make a decision!?

Blog Bliss: Zenadia Design to Noaki Jewelry

I was scrolling through my blogs on day... in the very marry month of August....

hmm - ok doesn't quite have the same ring to it, but oh well. (That is my absolute favorite video clip from Apollo 17. Actually, I think its my favorite clip ever... and it happens to be from Apollo 17. It and other video clips are available here. Did I mention I am an astro-geek?)

My google reader alerted me to a new Zenadia Design post. So I read, commented, followed the links, and ended up falling in love with some beautiful bridal jewelry options.
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Monday, August 25, 2008

Giveaway by Noaki Jewelry

I am so excited to announce that Noaki Jewelry is sponsoring a giveaway here on Zenadia Design's blog! One lucky reader will win a $70.00 credit to Noaki's online shop. Good for one of her beautiful pieces of jewelry, or a custom made item!
If you are not familiar with Noaki's jewelry, you are in for a real treat. Each piece is handmade using heirloom quality vintage pieces which are recycled into beautiful works of art. We featured Noaki a while back here on our blog, and since then, she has added so many stunning pieces to her collection on etsy.


To enter the contest, all you have to do is leave a comment here and answer one, or both of the following questions:

1. What kind of wedding jewelry are you as a bride looking for to match your dress (Chandeliers, Tiny drops, Pearl necklaces, Bracelets, etc.)?
2. Any suggestions on how Noaki might better reach out to brides.

If you are not a bride, or are a past bride, answer the question(s) with your own advice. Maybe what kind of jewelry you look for for everyday wear. The contest will be open until Friday, August 29, at midnight. We will then draw a winner at random and announce the winner here on Zenadia Design's blog on Monday, September 1. Good luck!

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She has so many B-E-A-UTIFUL options, and this post is getting long, so I'll start with some of my favorite necklaces.

With partial thanks going to Carrie of Sex and the City, peacocks and feathers seem to be all the rage. I will be going for a slightly more traditional bridal necklace, but I know there is some bride out there to rock this necklace in high fashion style.

This just seems like a GREAT destination wedding necklace. All the makings of a traditional bridal necklace with a fun funky twist.

I've said it before, (and I will probably be bridal blog flogged for saying it) but I am not into the vintage trend. Even my "something old" doesn't exactly fit the vintage category. That being said, I still think this Deco necklace is a BEAUTIFUL addition for anyone going the vintage route.

Loving this one. Old Hollywood meets something blue. It wont work for my dress cause I've got a lot of beading going on up top. But I've seen so many beautiful brides to be with bead/adornment free dresses that this would look so beautiful with!

Another beautiful deco style unique beauty. With green and white being such a popular color scheme I can imaging this could be STRIKING. ooohh... striking - that is definitely a word I want associated with my overall look!

If anyone is surprised that this is my favorite.. you apparently missed the title of my blog. LOVE LOVE LOVE the shooting star. Hate hate hate that it would definitely be too much for my dress.... which leads me to LOVE LOVE LOVE etsy! Noaki does custom designs so soon something like this will become my hairpiece! (But the hairpiece search is a WHOLE other etsy filled post.)

In case you are too impetuous to wait for my further posts on Noaki's creations... add her to your blogroll too! www.noakijewelry.blogspot.com

Stay tuned for more great jewelry!

Elation to Deflation in One Shopping Trip

I ordered the Bridesmaid's dresses!!

Quick recap. I decided to go the "easy" and bridesmaids friendly route and pick 1 company, a length, and let the girls pick their own dresses. How nice a bride am I? To me this also seemed like the easiest option. Pick company with color and several style options and let 'em at it. Everyone's happy, right?

HA!

Kill me. I made sure to go with a company that had at least 10 options in each color (2 different shades of blue). Getting girls to go through their options and pick one took MONTHS. Funny, I've been shopping with all of these girls and they can sift through a full rack and find a dress in 10 minutes flat. And then there was getting the measurement so I could order them. OY VEY! And I'm not even Jewish but OY VEY!!!

Last week, I finally had all the info I needed, double checked with one final email and round of phone calls. I went to the bridal shop. 30 minutes later I was done, the order was in.That was me. Ok, really thats Kerry Walsh after she and Misty won the gold medal... but that's how I felt! (Thanks LA Times for the image.)

Its been a long arduous journey and I am so excited! Considering how much time and effort I put into this.. I have to say, it was a big 'ol let down when I went to my task list and only got to check off one thing!! ALL THAT FOR ONE CHECK!? Yeesh.

Oh, and on top of that, several of my girls ended up saying "I don't care. Just tell me what you want me to wear."

Just call me Lolo. (Thanks here for the image.)

Anyone else go through a lot of effort for others only to feel like Lolo?
Is it just me or are bridesmaids dresses just a loose loose situation?

Why Marriage?

Yesterday on Weddingbee, Mrs. Daffodil posed the questions, Why Marriage?

Its a hot topic these days. Many people are arguing that legally, a power of attorney form and a Will will accomplish the same basic goal. Long term celebrity relationships including those of Susan Sarandon, Oprah Winfrey and Goldie Hawn are all the buzz with people wondering if they've got it right. Hollywood commentators say its "hot".

...ummm I know my sense of fashion might be lacking but this is sexy?

Goldie Hawn was quoted: "We've both been married. I`ve been married twice. It didn`t work. He was married once. That didn`t work either. I like being his girlfriend. I like that notion. I think it`s sexy. And I do think that it`s a way of saying, 'You know what? I don`t own you. And there is no paper that says that. ' "

Am I the only one who thinks that just sounds jaded?

Call me a hopeless romantic, but I think this says it all:

Why Marriage?

Mari Nichols-Haining

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person,
With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...

Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me,
Who won't hold them against me,
Who loves me when I'm unlikable,
Who sees the small child in me, and
Who looks for the divine potential of me...

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold...

Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship...

Because marriage is a discipline
To be added to a list of achievements...

Because marriages do not fail, people fail
When they enter into marriage
Expecting another to make them whole...

Because, knowing this,
I promise myself to take full responsibility
For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness
I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage
Together we create our marriage...

Because of this understanding
The possibilities are limitless.

I hope I keep this and remember it when the hard times of reality set in and the honeymoon is over. Its about more than just a legal binding, its a commitment to each other in front of family, friends, and God.

Thanks to Jessica Lynn of Tying the Knot for finding this photo.

Anyone else annoyed/appalled at the celebrity reasonings of avoiding marriage being "sexy" or wanting to avoid a messy divorce? What happened to picking your partner for life?

Blog Bliss: Style Me Pretty--> Yvonne

Guest posting for the wonderful (and new mom!) Abby of Style Me Pretty is Yvonne of Yvonne Event Florals and Decor in Hawaii. She posted two beautiful posts, so I went to check out her website.... and then had to find a napkin to wipe up my drool and also decided I needed to simply blog about the amazing things I had found all at once. The alternative to this blog post was probably 30 different emails to my bridesmaids and friends and family with "HOW AMAZING IS THIS!?!?!" subject lines.

Check out the amazing RANGE of these!
[All photos from Yvonne's Amazing Gallery]

This one actually has me rethinking my current ceremony plans!! There is a grass knoll (read: old putting green) right next to our reception venue where we could do something like this. Oh - I should mention that I am normally not an orange fan. I LOVE THIS!!

Also, not a monochromatic fan. But I can't get over the different textures and lines through this that go beyond the need for multiple colors.

Never seen a flower that looks like coral before but I am loving that crazy little green thing!

And for the bride who wants a little more drama....
who would ever have thought that one floral designer could be so fantastic in such extremes!

luuuuuuveeeee...

More drooling.... More wondering why we didn't just go back to Hawaii to get married....

Funky! and yet beautiful... my favorite kind of style.

I have no idea what those little flower globes are hanging from but they have a great affect!!

I wouldn't normally copy and paste and entire bio, but this one not only tells you of her background, but it also describes her styles and abilities far better than I could... especia9lly since my4 dr00ling my hav3 affected my k3yb0ard. :)

From Yvonne's Bio:

		Yvonne's passion for flowers developed early in life as she spent time between her family’s two floral design studios in her hometown in Washington State. Her unique and innovative style is influenced not only by the physical beauty of a flower, but also by its development and life process. It was during Yvonne's studies in psychology at the University of Washington where her passion was taken to a whole new level as she was inspired by the power of a flower. She intuitively learned that flowers have the powerful ability to touch the senses: smell, touch and sight by recalling a memory, evoking emotion and creating an experience. This interplay is felt as she skillfully weaves artistry and emotion throughout her designs. Before launching Yvonne Floral Design in Hawaii in 2002, Yvonne created floral designs for Donald Trump at his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida. It was designing for a plethora of celebrity events and weddings at Mar-a-Lago where her unique style truly blossomed. Yvonne's love of color and texture is obvious, and her natural creative flair and stylistic approach allows her to constantly invent fresh and imaginative ways to incorporate flowers into special celebrations. Yvonne takes a simple idea and turns it into an exciting and distinctive floral piece beyond the imagination. Clients often collaborate with Yvonne's creative ideas to refine their individual style and to discover adventurous possibilities to customize their event.

Oh, did I mention that there are several other sections of the gallery I haven't even seen yet?!
The only thing missing... is a blog! Beautiful creativity like that deserves to be stalked! errr.... shared and read!

And just to reitterate: [All photos from Yvonne's Amazing Gallery]

No Naked Necks!

You know how you are supposed to wear the jewelry and under britches that you will wear on your wedding day to your first fitting ? You know how I tend to plan everything a little backwards, be a tad scatter-brained, and somewhat lacking in the ability to accessorize well? At the intersection of those to realities was me picking up my dress and thinking... hmmm.. I have no idea what jewelry or under britches I am going to wear with this.....


In case you haven't deduced from the above... NO MORE READING ADAM!!

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*Sorry for all the asterisks but for anyone who has Google Reader AND stalks..err... reads WeddingBee... you know that the one line of "Mr AppleMuffin No More Reading" doesn't keep the picture out of the frame.
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*I actually trust that Adam doesn't scroll on these. He's the one that is insisting we not see each other before the ceremony.
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*But in case I'm wrong... Adam - SCROLL BACK UP DAMNIT!
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So what we realized was that I didn't (and still don't) know about under britches, hair ornaments, or jewelry. I like the idea of wearing a family heirloom (aka my mother's) but our tastes aren't actually the same. But we thought we would check 'em out to see.

Ok - no mocking the pictures! My mother (aka camera-dingus-batticus) took them and I only knew that some of the pictures were being taken. BE NICE!

Me in Mom's Mikimoto Pearls (theres a matching bracelet hiding somewhere in the depths of her closet.) I am NOT a pearl person, but I actually thought they looked nice. Maybe not enough oomph though.

Oy. Ignore from the necklace up please!
Thats a solitaire on a gold chain. It actually sparkled and showed up nicely in person.
Did I mention Momma Duck will never make it as a photographer?

I think I'm laughing. Or maybe sneezing.
This is a diamond V necklace. I liked the V part but I'm thinking it was a little much on the gold and a little tight on my neck. (Momma Duck is a whooping 4'11 so she has a smaller neck.)

And this is a bad picture of the pretty necklace in the store. It had a angled bottom edge that I liked. (There are matching earrings but it didn't occur to us at the time to try them on to. Did I mention I can be scatterbrained?)

So this last picture brings up the next question. What am I wearing in my hair? It should probably be taken into consideration when picking my necklace.... but the options I've come up with so far are a wide variety from flowers to stars to headbands.... and will all be shown in another post.

Anyone have a hard time with the accessories?

Anyone have opinion on the ones above or new suggestions?

Oh Holy Cow! The earring thing just made me realize something. I might want to build my jewelry around the earrings he gave me our first Christmas together... that match my ring!


They are sapphires with 4 little diamonds at the corners. And MAD points who recognized that as one of the photos taken just after he proposed! Anyone who didn't, click HERE and watch the slideshow.