The one where we choose our photographer

So, who did we pick? We'll get to that in just a minute but first let's discuss our options a little nit.

Both Red Apple Tree and R. Schindler Photography have styles that we really really love and would like for our wedding day. They are also both on the lower end of the spectrum price wise in comparison with the other photographers we checked out (but still far out of our original budget). Red Apple Tree is a two person operation which would mean we would have a second shooter while Russell is a one man show, although he mentioned he could find someone to shoot along side him if need be. Red Apple Tree is local while Russell isn't but we know Russell personally which would be a big plus.

In the end though, we decided that we would rather have Russell in the wedding instead of working at the wedding so Kyle instead asked him to be a groomsmen and we met up with Red Apple Tree at a local coffee shop to make sure we meshed. You guys, we ended up talking to them for two hours and it was natural and fun, exactly the feeling you want with a vendor. We decided to sign the contract that day and sent in our deposit later that week.

We just had our engagement photos done last month and I'll give you a little teaser before I post about our experience:



Coming up soon: gorging ourselves on cake and engagement picture extravaganza!!

A picture is worth...thousands of dollars? Oy.

Photography is one of the most important components of our wedding in our minds. While we originally budgeted low, we ended up blowing that out of the water and splurging because we knew that we would have these pictures forever and great photography is well worth the sacrifice to us. That being said, we did not have unlimited funds and had to stay within a certain price point. I'm confident that even if this wasn't the case we would still have ended up with our photographer.

I started my search by looking at the photographers listed on our venue's preferred vendor list but while the photos were great, they didn't make me feel anything. We really wanted someone who was going to capture moments and emotions, not just pictures. Next I turned to my good friend WeddingWire to browse through vendors on their site. We really wanted two photographers and to stay below $3000 so this helped somewhat in our search. After pouring over pages and pages of vendors and reviews and vendor websites/blogs, we finally narrowed it down to just one studio to meet with. Before I reveal who, I'll show you two of the stunners at the top of our list.

First up, R Schindler Photography:

R. Schindler Photography

R. Schindler Photography

I love love love all of his work. I'll also let you in on a little secret: Russell, the photographer is a friend of Kyle's and one of our classmates from college. His work is phenomenal and I love his style of photography.

Next, we looked at Red Apple Tree Photography

Red Apple Tree Photography

Red Apple Tree Photography

These guys are awesome. We loved their style and how great they were at capturing details and emotions at the weddings they shot. They're a two person operation which was also a plus.

What was your wedding splurge? Who do you think we chose?

Have your cake and eat it two

Yes, "two" as in we are having two cakes. I will regale you all of the cake tasting and how we chose our vendor later but I thought I'd kick off by showing you what our cakes are going to look like. As you all know we are having an October wedding and are really planning on embracing the season and incorporating it into our wedding. Early in our wedding planning (and by that I mean when I used to browse all things wedding before rocking this bling on my finger) I came across two cakes that I fell absolutely head over heels for and immediately bookmarked them.

Source

Source

When it came time to actually choose which cake we wanted, we just couldn't. So what did we do? We decided to get both! Now, these won't both be served at the reception. Instead, the first one will be our actual wedding cake and the second one will be served at the rehearsal. The only thing we're really changing will be the color of the birds on the wedding cake and the sign on the rehearsal cake. 

I cannot wait to tell you guys all about our amazing baker and fill you in on all of the delicious details of the tasting.

Are you having cake, or two cakes even? Or are you more of a cupcake or pie type of gal?

Bad Blogger, Bad!

I am so so so sorry. I know it has been almost a month since my last post but I had somewhat of a mental breakdown and just couldn't deal with it. However, I've realized quite a few things and I am getting ready to kick back into high gear. We are traveling this weekend but I will be back on Monday with a brand new post. I'm also finally starting on some DIY projects next weekend so I'll have plenty to talk about.

Hope you didn't miss me too much.

<3

EDIT: I lied :( I'll be back Thursday. Woopsie!

Operation: Bride Body

Let me start this by saying that I have never been a big girl. I danced from the time I was a child through college doing kick line, pom, and jazz dance. Since graduating and getting a full time job though I've packed on a few pounds. That is not to say that I'm overweight but I am definitely not in shape and about 10 pounds heavier than I want to be. I have just over 7 months until the wedding so it's time to get my butt into gear!

Image via Ashley Running

What am I doing to make this happen?
-Eat less, eat better
-Drink more water, drink less soda
-I, I, I, I work out

Now these things seem like pretty easy tasks but when you're used to eating fast food every day and have a slight soda addiction, it's no piece of cake (Mmmmm, cake). Working out is another issue because between work, grad school, and planning a wedding I barely have any time to myself and the time I do have I do not like to spend getting sweaty and gross.

Source

The eating less/eating better part of the plan has actually been a lot easier than I thought though I have fallen off the wagon a few times. I was doing really well with drinking more water and cutting soda almost completely but within the last few weeks I've gone back to my soda chugging ways.

Working out has been the hardest part of my plan but just last week I tried:

jazzercise

Now I know what you're thinking but it's actually a lot of fun and not at all awesomely 80s. No scrunchies, leotards, or neon tights and most of the girls are around my age. It's also loads cheaper than any gyms I've checked or even the YMCA where I was planning on trying Zumba and step classes.

Not even close to this

So, starting tomorrow I am back on track with Operation: Bride Body and I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes!

What are you doing to get in shape and stay in shape?

Hey Mr. DJ

When it came to music at the reception there was absolutely no question as to whether we would have a live band or a DJ. If you should know anything about me it's that I love love love to dance. Let's just say, girl got hips and she ain't afraid to use 'em. I think live bands can be great but it's just not the feel we're going for. I want to drop it like a hot potato all. night. long.

 Check me out at BM Crown's wedding: All photos personal 

Yes, I did dance in 3 1/2 inch heels all night

At a high school friend's wedding - I'm behind the guy

I even dance in the middle of Waffle House

Even easier than choosing between a live band and a dj was our choice for who would be working at our wedding. In order to narrow it down I looked at WeddingWire (aka my Bridal Bible) and cross referenced with our venue's preferred vendor list. I got it down to two different companies. When I went to their respective websites one was very professional with generous info and one was a very bright neon graphic with only a phone number.

The other thing you should know about me is that I live by email. I have my personal account and my wedding account both linked to my blackberry and I feel lost without them. I hate talking on the phone so having to call someone to discuss prices and such was just not what I wanted to do.

In the end we decided on Life of the Party for our DJ services. They were rated very highly and had all important information on their website. We met with Ric Larson and clicked immediately. On top of being a DJ he also has his own radio show on one of my favorite local radio stations. We met with him during our lunch break one day and signed the contract on the spot. This actually became a pattern with our vendors which I have loved so far.

Warning: The bride will be cuttin' a rug (Source)

Next time I'll share our vendor search philosophy but until then, what kind of entertainment are you having at your reception? Do you like to dance or are you more of a wall flower?

Money, money, money...

...MONEY!

I'm not sure if you guys are aware of this, but weddings can be expensive. Like, crazy expensive. Now it's not like I didn't know this going in. In reality, Kyle and I started researching how much we would need to have to have the wedding of our dreams before we were even engaged. Even with all of this research though it was hard to be motivated to save without a little bling a bling bling, if you know what I mean. So when Kyle finally popped the question we had something saved for the wedding but not nearly as much as we wanted.

Luckily, my mom and step-dad are making a small contribution and Kyle's parents are willing to as well. Kyle and I both make good money for being recent (ish) grads and we've been much better about saving since getting engaged. Our wedding budget isn't small by any means (at least in my mind) but it sure ain't unlimited.

Unfortunately we do not have one of these in our yard (Source)

Because we aren't loaded we have had to make some sacrifices. For instance, videography. It absolutely breaks my heart that we can't work this into the budget. I am over the top in love with wedding videos and am super impressed at how far they've come. However, there are more important things to us like having a venue and feeding our guests (or maybe they don't actually need food...hmmmm. Kidding!). Something else we had to sacrifice was a photobooth. I love photobooths. I love props. I love seeing my friends act stupid. I do not love the extra grand we would need to blow on something that is not absolutely necessary (or is it? Oh, Kyyyyyle).

One of the biggest reasons we are having to make these sacrifices is the guest list and how it snowballed out of control, but that's a horse of a different color.

Source

Are you having to make any sacrifices? Do you have a money tree you would like to get rid of?

Meet the 'Maids

Now that I've told you how I asked my girls, I'd like to introduce you to them. Each of these girls is very special to me for various reasons and I cannot imagine anyone better standing up for me on the biggest day of my life thus far. While I don't get to see all of them as much as I like because a lot of them are spread out across the south (and one currently across the world) I'm stoked to have them all coming together for the wedding!

First up is my maid of honor. MOH Vesty has been my best friend since freshman year of high school. She is one of the only people I have kept in contact with from that part of my life and we talk every day through text and email. We have a lot of things the other can relate to which is a big deal for me and I'm so glad I have her for support. This girl is one of the funniest people I have ever met and she'll tell me when I'm being crazy or dramatic. We have more inside jokes than I can even remember and even though we live several hours away from each other we don't have any trouble keeping up with everything that's going on in each other's lives.

All photos personal

BM Rooms was my roommate sophomore and junior year of college. We both transferred in the same year (I was a sophomore and she was a junior) and were placed together on a freshman hall. She was my first real roommate and thankfully we got along from the start. Since our graduations, we've both found jobs in the same town and frequently have game nights with our other halves. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding a couple of years ago at the same ceremony venue and now it's payback time ;) (kidding!). Thanks to her and her hubs, Kyle and I are not homeless for the next week while our house is being finished. You know you have a good friend if they're willing to house you, your fiance, and your cat for over a week!

BM Crown was my roommate during senior year of college. We met on dance team the year before and also had class together. I have had SO many good/crazy times with her and cannot wait to get down on the dance floor with her at our reception. From beauty queen to beautiful bride I'm thrilled I was able to be there for her and that she'll be there for me.

BM VeggieTales is part of a trivia team that Kyle and I are part of. She's also the girlfriend of one of Kyle's groomsmen. Our friendship may or may not have sprouted from copious amounts of alcohol and a trip to Steak and Shake. However it happened, I'm glad that it did. Out of all my girls, VeggieTales is my newest friendship but with how much our friendship has grown I can't imagine not having her up there with me!

BM Blondie was a member of the hall staff in my dorm sophomore year. We didn't really start hanging out until the end of the year but we made it count! We both stayed in town the following summer and hung out everyday, sometimes taking spontaneous road trips and watching hours of Dawson's Creek.

BM 'Roo is not only my bridesmaid, but she's also my future sister-in-law. She is absolutely hilarious and I'm so glad that we get along as well as we do. I'm a little bummed that she's currently studying abroad in Australia (hence the nickname: 'roo = kangaroo) so she's missed out on a couple of wedding festivities but I know she's having a blast and she'll be here for all of the important stuff. I've always wanted a sister and I don't think that I could have asked for anyone better.

So there you have it, my six lovely ladies. I cannot wait for all of us to be able to get together and have everyone get to know each other. Each of them knows at least one of the other girls and I know that they'll all get along when we're all together. I think I've got a pretty good group right here and feel lucky to have so many close friends who are willing to put up with me through all of the bride brain craziness.

How many bridesmaids are you having?

Could ya would ya ain't ya gonna if I asked you would you wanna be my

...bridesmaid tonight?

Soon after getting engaged I decided to ask six lovely ladies to stand up for me at our wedding. I could have just called each of them up or sent out texts but that just wasn't enough for me. Instead I gave them all this gem:

All photos personal

This book is filled with hilariously terrible bridesmaid dresses. As soon as I randomly saw this online I knew that I would be ordering six copies and sending them out. Inside the front cover I wrote: "If I promise not to make you wear any of these..." and inside the back cover I wrote: "...will you be my bridesmaid/maid of honor?"

Then I wrapped them in kraft paper and wrote them each a personal note which I put in an envelope and taped to the front. I was able to give 4 of these to the girls in person and I sent the other 2 in the mail. They all said yes and now I cannot wait to have them with me on the big day!

I'm going to introduce these amazing girls to you soon so you can see how awesome they really are.

How did you ask your wedding party?

I hate moving

I don't plan on writing very many non wedding related posts, but I feel like I need to offer an explanation as to why I have been MIA this week.

Kyle's parents bought a house here with plans to eventually live there when they retire (they live in Massachusetts right now and we live in South Carolina). In the meantime though, Kyle and I will be renting it as our own. The house is going through a major renovation and we were hopeful that we would be able to move in the first weekend of March and so we gave a notice with our apartment complex that we would be out by the end of February. We decided we would just move our stuff into the back building at the house and stay with a friend for a couple of nights. Well, somehow we greatly underestimated the amount of stuff we had in our two bedroom apartment.

Probably worse than this

I naively thought we would be done moving everything out Wednesday night (the last night of February) around 9 or 10 except for our bedding and then Thursday morning I could just toss that in my car and clean before turning in the keys. I was thinking I would be at work no later than 11 (I work 9 - 6). That didn't happen. Not even close. We were moving until 2 am when we finally decided to go to sleep and wake up early. We started moving again at 5:45am. I went ahead and emailed my office to tell them I would be taking the morning off and would be there at 2. We got done moving at 2 but still needed to deep clean our apartment...so I called again and said I would be in at 4. Cut to 5:15 when we finally turned in our keys. By the time I had dropped our cat off at BM Rooms' apartment where we will be spending some quality time and gotten to work it would have been after 6 so I ended up just taking the whole day off. Luckily, my company is very flexible when it comes to stuff like that (and Kyle's is, too!).

Well said. (Source)

Now to the news we got while we were moving. It turns out we can't move in until next weekend. Hello, emotional breakdown. Moving is a stressful process anyway and this just added to it. Luckily, BM Rooms and her husband are open to us and our kitty cat staying 9 nights instead of the 2 we originally asked.

I woke up today feeling every single muscle in my body and was so stiff that people at work kept asking if I was okay and why I was limping. Oy. No worries, I'll be back on track with the wedding posts starting tomorrow after my first day of Zumba! Operation: Bride Body is SO on.

Have you ever had a stressful move?

The Save the Date saga comes to an end

Promised I would be back tonight!

After many weeks of attempts and failures we finally finished our save the dates and sent them off. They were recently delivered to the mailboxes of our guests and I could not be more relieved. To refresh your memory, this was our inspiration:

Source

We eventually decided to completely nix the sleeve and insert approach and instead went with a card. Here is what we came up with:

The Front

Strategically blurred

The Back

It was such a relief to get these puppies out the door. Since the save the dates were so cheap, we decided to splurge on custom postage.

It's a tad blurry but the stamp says: J <3 K gettin' hitched

Now let's take a journey to the post office. I'm telling you, this was the biggest relief thus far so yes, I am dragging this out. 

Nestled in their box

So excited!! Please excuse the early morning bed head/naked face

Here they go...

Have fun sorting, USPS!

GONE!!!

Now to be honest, we're technically not finished. We still have three save the dates to address and send but we have yet to hear back from those in question about where to send this lovely piece of mail. I'm counting this as a finished project though and put a big 'ole checkmark on my wedding to-do list.

Did you DIY any of your paper products? Were you as excited as I was to add an item to the "done" list?

*All photos personal unless otherwise noted

Ahhhhhhh!

Hey guys!

I know I left you hanging there with the save the dates but we've been super busy packing up to move into our new house! I promise to come back tonight to show you how our save the dates actually turned out. Please forgive me!!

Yep, kind of like this

Have you had any big events that have put your normal routine on the back burner?

Don't You Forget About Me

First thing is first:

Oh Psych, how I love you so. Thanks, youtu.be!

Anyway, once we got engaged and secured a date we needed to figure out a way to make sure people didn’t forget about the biggest party of the year ;) Enter: Save the Dates. I am so sorry but I just can’t use the abbreviation. I love abbreves (Happy Endings, anyone?) but I cannot keep a straight face for this one. Maybe I’m stuck in junior high but just bear with me, please and thank you.

We knew right away that we didn’t want anything with our picture on it. I wasn’t really sure about having our mugs plastered on people’s refrigerators even though these kinds of save the dates can turn out amazing.

Source

Source

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I didn’t really have a clear picture of what I wanted. Add to that the confusion after browsing tons of super adorable and amazing creative save the dates:

Boarding Passes! Perfect if we were having a destination wedding. (Source)

Love this (Source)

So cute and creative! (Source)

Oh, Martha

Love the simplicity of this one (Source)

And then one day I stumbled upon this beauty:

Seven Swans

I. Love. These. We decided that we would attempt to DIO (do it ourselves) and just a warning, it did not go well. First, we decided that we would make kraft sleeves and have a green insert with white ink on both parts. In case you didn’t know, you can’t really just go print white ink. On top of that, Kinkos cannot print on the amazing linen paper that we had chosen. So, we decided to print in green ink on the sleeve and screen print white ink on the inserts. We decided to sew the front and back of the sleeves together instead of gluing and then we decided to cut out a rectangle on the front for the date on the insert to show through. Yes, it was ambitious and in the end it started to look too arts and craftsy.

Personal photo of save the date fail #1 before we started on the cut outs

Our second attempt was to make sleeves out of the green linen card stock and glue them together. I was still determined to have white ink on the kraft inserts so Kyle started making a screen print. After a couple of days, I nixed these too. It was just way too much trouble and it was taking too long.

Personal photo of save the date fail #2 and The Great Gatsby playing with a lamp

At this point I was frustrated and just ready to be done with the whole thing. We were already a month past the deadline we had set and had spent way too much time cutting and printing.

Stay tuned next time for a look at what our save the dates actually ended up looking like. 

Did you have a DIY project that turned out to be a major failure?