Hooray for DIY

Other than sucessfully completing a 12 hour shopping spree, eating some tasty turkey, and drinking some (and then some) wine this past weekend ... I did continue on a DIY project that I had previously begun.  This specific DIY project (one of the many we have on the to do list before our June wedding!) is one that we actually started on at the bridesmaid dress dinner a few weeks back.  And as promised, I wanted to share the details of our "send-off confetti cones."  So here goes ...

I have to give credit, yet again, to my mother for having the inspiration for this project.  She most likely came across the idea on one of her afternoons browsing wedding blogs on the web, but isn't life all about taking ideas and making them your own?  The "send-off confetti cones" will be given to each guest prior to the ceremony (by my students!) - in hopes that they will toss the confetti in the air as Mr. BB & I walk back down the aisle after we are pronounced husband and wife.  Here are the materials that we used:

• A variety of printed scrapbook paper (Micheals, $1 a piece)
• Doilies (Micheals, Less than $1 a piece)
• Double Stick Tape
• A Label (Can Be Made On Your Home Computer)
• Ribbon for Bows

Making our "send-off confetti cones" is super easy - but does take some time.  You simply (1) cut the printed scrapbook paper in the shape of a circle, (2) roll the circle paper into a cone and stick together with double stick tape, (3) tape the doile to the top, (4) glue on the label, (5) tie the ribbon into a bow, and finally, (6) glue on the bow. 

Here are completed cones:

 Notice the Saying: 

As Ashley & Joe Come Your Way, Toss the Confetti and Shout Hooray!

Of the 150 "send-off confetti cones" that we will need by our June nuptials, we have approximately 30 completed.  The plan is (despite my ADD and thus desire to work 5-6 projects at once) to focus on completing this DIY project before beginning another ... And before you know it, Mr. BB & I will be walking down the aisle as husband and wife as those closest to us shout HOORAY!

A Black Friday With A Wedding Purchase ...

Happy Monday!  (Is that an oxymoron?!)  Hope you all had a relaxing, love-filled holiday with lots of yummy food along precious time with your family & friends.  And if you are anything like me & my loved ones - time that included some serious Black Friday shopping.  For the third year in a row, my mother, sister & I woke up at 2 AM to join the crowds of dedicated shoppers in search of the perfect deal.  As seasoned Black Friday veterans, we knew exactly what to expect and even though none of us were in the market for a flat screen tv, Dell laptop, or $3.00 toaster - we each appreciate the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season and wouldn't miss it.  In fact - this November - as a direct result of the rather hefty tab of our June DIY garden wedding -  we needed the doorbuster deals at Kohl's & Macy's more than ever. 

Much Needed Caffeine Before Hitting the Crowds

Like most other years, the day ended at about 7 PM  (impressive, huh?!) - with a packed trunk & empty wallets.  We scored on a camera at Kohl's, skinny jeans at Penney's, and the usual jacket for Dad @ Old Navy.  However, we knew the day couldn't go by without a purchase for the wedding, and this purchase was for Mr. BB ... So, if you are Mr. BB, DO NOT READ ON!

As previously posted, I am lucky to have a future husband & mother who understand my desire for an informal wedding, one that doesn't necassarily follow the traditional rules of weddings.  So, as many other grooms - Mr. BB has expressed his desire to wear Vans on our wedding day.  I couldn't agree more - he wears his favorite shoe brand most other days - so why should this day be any different?!  We found the perfect pair - and knew we had hit the shopping jackpot when they were even on sale.  Here is the link to a picture of the pair we encountered at Penney's (at approximately 5:30 AM):

http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Shoes/Sneakers/Vans-Green-LaceUp-Sneakers-150478.jsp

So - another weekend down, another purchase for the wedding accomplished.  If only they had catering as a doorbuster deal ...

10 Reasons To Be Thankful ... For a Wedding

Since today marked the last day that I will see my students before Thanksgiving, I took the opportunity to have them create thanksgiving centerpieces to put on their dinner tables tomorrow.  I realize that I teach high school students - and this may not sound like the typical, rigorous high school assignment - but I understand the importance of getting their creative juices flowing and offering them a break from their demanding core classes.  And besides, I myself love any chance for an art project (Exhibit A:  My June DIY Garden Party Wedding!).

On each centerpiece, the students were asked to write what they were thankful for.  (Numerous times - one reason they were thankful for each leave on the tree).  See below:

From http://www.orientaltrading.com/:  $4.99 for One Dozen

(Great Website for Affordable Crafts, Supplies, & Novelty Items)

The students had a hard time thinking of one reason why they were thankful this Thanksgiving - and thus, filling the entire tree was quite the feat.  It made me think about how much a few years of age & maturity will do for you ... at about 10 years their senior, my years since high school have helped me to realize how thankful I am for many reasons in my life.

I know that those closest to me already know how thankful I am for each of them.  So, on this thanksgiving eve, I thought I would write a list of the 10 reasons I am specifically thankful to be planning a wedding.  And here they are:

10.  A wedding provides an outlet for my creativity.

9.  A wedding gives me a reason for shop ... not only for a wedding gown ... but for a rehearsal dinner dress, a bridal shower dress, an outfit for the bachelorette party, bridesmaid lunch, and the list goes on.

(Although I am not sure if I needed a reason to shop?)

8.  A wedding has given me the chance to go through tons of old pictures from my childhood ... bringing back a flood of nostalgic memories.

7.  A wedding allows you to attend lots of tastings ... for cake (my favorite) & yummy food.

6.  A wedding has given me extra time to spend with my future family, through not only celebrations, but days of DIYing & lots of wedding meetings.

5.  A wedding ends with a honeymoon - is is time for that yet?

4.  A wedding will entail a dance with my dad.  And as a "daddy's little girl," I know this will moment will be a memorable one.

3.  A wedding has given me the opportunity to spend lots of extra time with my mom - who has made this experience so much better.  And I know I couldn't do it without her.

2.  A year and a half of wedding planning will be worth it in the end - when I walk down the aisle to Mr. BB.

1.  A wedding is how the story begins ... to your new life as husband & wife.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy precious time with your own loved ones.

Feeling Fortunate

An apology is in order for the lack of post yesterday ... and for the record, I had every intention of a full post and was ready to write it when I returned home from school.  That was until I was greeted by a rather pesky virus on my Pink Dell Laptop - and soon after, had a mental breakdown at the thought of life without a computer placed conveniently by my bedside table.  (Is anyone else absolutely addicted to their computer - to the point where a world without it seems almost unbearable?!) Luckily - Mr. BB, who, was most likely motivated by fear of dealing with my world without that laptop - was able to successfully fix my computer last night and as a result, my Tuesday afternoon has been much better than my Monday one was.

The post I had planned to write yesterday was going to include details of my "bridesmaid dress dinner" this past weekend.  As I shared last week, I had invited my bridesmaids over to my mother's house for a seasonal dinner of chili & wine.  The reason?  To get their beautiful (if I do say so myself!) dresses that they will wear this June!  Here is how my creative mother displayed their dresses at her home (which, by the way, is already adorned in Christmas decorations - impressive or what?!) ...

The Jim Hjelm, Pear Color Dresses my 9 Bridesmaids will Wear in June

(Only Ones are Displayed for those In-Town Maids)

My MOH (& Sister) With Her Dress

The night was the perfect chance to unwind during such a stressful time with those special ladies who will be by my side this June.  It was the ideal opportunity to share some of the details we have been working on - and, additionally, to get a head-start on one of our many DIY projects for my June garden wedding.  Stay tuned for details ...

I can't overstate how lucky I feel to have so many supportive people in my life - those whoo are able to rescue me when I need to take a virus off my computer, make chili in a crock pot, or to simply be there to laugh on a Saturday night.  Thank you for making me one happy burgundy bride. :)  I am truly fortunate.

A Bowl of Chili With the Girls ...

So as another week comes to an end (and the countdown to my June wedding gets closer), I, as usual, get anxious for the well-deserved weekend.  It is the thought of relaxing and spending time with my family & friends that gets me through most work weeks, and I was especially motivated this week by the plans to spend Sat. night with my lovely bridesmaids.  I had sent them the following invitation a couple of weeks ago:

I recently had the opportunity to pick up their bridesmaid dresses (as stated on a previous post), and was super excited to give them their pear colored, strapless dresses that they will wear in June.  And after initially planning to take each dress by their house, I decided it was a better idea to have a girls dinner & make a night of it.  (Who doesn't jump at the chance to have yummy food & drinks with your girls?!)  So after my mom agreed to make season-friendly turkey chili in her crock pot, and I planned to get the (bottles of) wine ... I have been looking to our first "bridesmaid dinner" ever since!  And if you noticed that I said first, it was not by accident - I hope that we are able to have more nights such as this in the upcoming months before the big day.  I recognize the importance of my bridesmaids, and know that the day would not be the same without each of them standing next to me after I walk down the aisle.

My mom and I are also taking this opportunity (and advantage of the extra hands!) to complete one of our many DIY projects for the wedding.  Stay tuned for pictures on Monday ...  

A Rehearsal Dinner in (Cowboy) Boots

Why is it that no one ever tells you, upon your engagement, that you have to think about planning a rehearsal dinner - in addition to your ceremony & reception?  So in essence - you are planning three events rather than just the one that is most thought about.  And not to mention - planning must go into all of the prior events as well, such as the bachelorette party, bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon, esc.  NOT THAT I AM COMPLAINING ... I recognize how lucky I am to have such a loving family & friends to celebrate this exciting moment with us, that I am creating most of this extra planning on my own, and that I will (secretly) miss all of this when I am a married woman! 

*However, on a side note, I am currently considering proposing a "wedding planning leave" for the work force (Much like a maternity leave for pregnant moms-to-be, but instead, for brides!)  Genius, right?!  I wonder what my boss will think?!

So back to the point - being the type A/creative mind that I am - I have certainly put some thought into the night before my June 25th garden wedding day.  And Mr. BB's parents (my future in-laws) have been understanding with my somewhat eccentric personality and thus desire to have a "different/creative" rehearsal dinner.  I wanted the night to reflect the mood of the wedding ceremony & reception, and therefore could not think of a better place than a local barn, of course!  And much to my satisfaction (and surprise!), they do have barns available to rent  in Va. Beach for events such as ours!  I am super happy with the venue we have chosen (as you can see from my face below!) ...

Inside @ the Picnic Tables - Where Our Guests will Sit!

(Columns behind are the perfect blank canvas for decorating!)

Other Side of the Barn - The Bar

(Most Likely the Most Visited Spot of the Night)

Mr. BB & I outside by the petting zoo - which will be open the night of our dinner!

After my mom & I visited the Hunt Club Farm  - we knew it would be the perfect place!  And Mr. BB and his mom came back to visit and were also impressed!  Visions of cowboy boots, red tulle & plaid are already dancing in my head .... More inspiration for the rehearsal dinner to come soon ...

To First Look or Not To First Look ...

That seriously is the question.  And for those of you who have no idea what a first look is, don't feel bad ... I didn't either until about 3 months ago, after reading about couples who had gone this route on various wedding blogs.  A first look is when the couple sees each other before the traditional "walk down the aisle" moment.  It typically is done at a location previously decided, and with the photographer/videographer present to capture the candid moment.  And before I move on ... I fully understand the shock that this unconventional concept can bring to those who are first hearing it (On a side note - I am thankful that my dear grandmother, who is still having a hard time understanding the cornhole boards & cupcakes at the reception - does not currently read my blog.).  I also did not comprehend any potential benefits when first hearing of this new trend in weddings ... but after much thought & research on the topic, here are the reasons that I am on the verge of changing my mind:

1.  Yes, I do agree that a first look defies tradition, but so does the rest of my wedding, i.e. the cornhole boards & cupcakes previously mentioned, in addition to a garden ceremony, picnic tables, and sparkler send-off, just to name a few.
2.  A first look provides an opportunity for the (future) bride & groom to share valuable one-on-one time with each other ... time that may be hard to find amidst the excitement at the ceremony/reception. 
3.  After reading blogs from those brides who had done a first look (which, by the way, all say that they are satisfied with their decision - I am yet to read one from a bride who was not!) ... the consesus seems to be that it also alleviates a lot of the "pre-wedding jitters" you often hear of before that walk down the aisle.
4.  A first look provides more time for pictures (rather than doing them all immediatly following the ceremony), thus allowing more time for the bride & groom to spend at the wedding reception that you have spent months planning for.  Isn't the standard "It went by so fast" comment one you hear entirely too often?
5.  And lastly - as Istated by a recently married bride on a blog I was reading recently- even if you have seen each other prior to the ceremony, that official walk down the aisle, in addition to the first moment that you hear the words "husband and wife" is always going to be special, memorable, & an absolutely extraordinary memory as you begin your life as a couple.

In conclusion, if I haven't sold you on the idea yet (and YES, Mr. BB - I am talking to you, too!) ... Watch this couple's video (As you will soon see, they had their own first look!):

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/11/15/31-films-wedding-showtime-from-houston/

Yet Another Favorite Website ...

Lately, it seems like I am adding another favorite to my Pink Dell Computer on a daily basis.  (Which means that NO, I NEVER am caught on wedding websites while hard at work at my desktop computer at school, I promise!) :) While I have been a true "internet addict" for the past few years now ...  it wasn't until I was engaged that I found myself spending countless hours completely captivated by the numerous bridal blogs & wedding websites available in cyberspace .  I sometimes wonder what brides did before etsy, http://www.weddingbee.com/,  and other favorites like http://www.greenweddingshoes.com/?!!    The thought of wedding planning without them is almost unbearable ... and while the VAST AMOUNT of wedding resources can certainly can become overwhelming, my June garden party wedding would not happen without the inspiration, DIY projects, & advice I have benefited from online!

This weekend, I found yet another site that I have fallen in love with.  In fact, I am such a fan of http://www.thinkgarnish.com/ that I have officially added it to my list of "must-see" websites that I routinely check throughout the week.  And part of my fixation attributed to this site is that while it has several ideas specifically for weddings, the site also has a section with creative ideas for any occasion.  Here is one of my favorites:

Doesn't part of the beauty of gifts lie in the presentation?  These boxes, for the affordable price of $1 a box, are precious, right?!!  I plan to use these to package wine bottles for my bridesmaids, and maybe even for a wedding gift to a wedding that we attend?

Check out http://www.thinkgarnish.com/ for other affordable, creative products & tons of inspiration!  Is it weird that I get this excited over a new website?

My Fairytale Ending, And Beginning to LOTS of Planning!

Tonight is much like most other nights have been lately - I am unwinding after the day by getting lost in "real weddings" online and blogging on my own current wedding details.  The only exception is that (1) - with the time change, it is a little darker outside and (2) my heart is feeling a little heavier than usual.  Why?  My technologically savvy brother was able to upload our engagement video onto our website and simply seeing the first few seconds brings me back to the feeling of that special night.  It is astounding how watching a video or listening to a song can bring back emotions of an event so quickly.  Watching it reconfirms my thoughts of the importance of the videographer at our June wedding ...

I recognize how lucky I truly am to have such a signficant event caught on camera.  And Mr. BB, the thoughtful man that he is, planned it that way!  As mentioned previously, I am a fashion teacher and spend the better part of each year planning a fashion show that showcases clothing from local businesses in my area.  The annual show is attended by approximately 800 people, including my family as well as Mr. BB's, since his nieces both model childrens clothing in the show.  Last year the theme was "A Fairytale in Fashion," and needless to say, I got my fairytale ending ... After accepting flowers from the student leaders ON STAGE, I turned to see Mr. BB with a microphone in one hand.  He introduced himself to the audience, and then dropped to one knee amidst cheers and a shell-shocked (future) Burgundy Bride.

Visit Our Website For the Video: 

http://www.joe-ashley.com/

Mr. BB did good - I know!  I am one lucky girl ... and, additionally, a girl who had been waiting on a proposal for a while (this story to come later!). 

Wedding Party Weekend EXTRAVAGANZA!

As I mentioned in a previous post, my FI & I have a rather large wedding party - 9 bridesmaids, 9 groomsmen, 3 flower girls, & 2 ring bearers to be exact.  I guess it is fitting for us, since Mr. BB's high school senior quote was "Go Big or Go Home?" ... Didn't know I had such a good memory, did ya, honey?!!

And much like any other bride & groom, that large wedding party consists of family and friends from the many phases of our lives, and those who live both near and far from our hometown of Va. Beach.  So when Mr. BB's brother/best man suggested a wedding party weekend get-away,  we jumped at the chance.  Who wouldn't appreciate a relaxing weekend with those closest to you, and the opportunity to allow those special people to get to know each other better?  Throughout my wedding planning process, and especially through that of my recently married friends, I have gained a better understanding of what a wedding can really provide for a couple.  Other than that "piece of paper" and obviously "the best party of their life" ... a wedding provides an avenue for your true support system (those around you) to stabilize and to get to know each other better.  And it is truly that support system, and the bond that you have with each other, that will create that "happily-ever-after" ending that we all hope for!

Our wedding-party-weekend getaway is officially scheduled for Super Bowl weekend!  And look at the fancy house we found:

I couldn't think of a better place to kick-off the new year - and the countdown to our June wedding! 

How important do you think it is for "pre-wedding" festivities? 

Videography = Vital for the Burgundy Bride

As I mentioned yesterday - my mom made a MAJOR check off off our never-ending wedding to-do list this past weekend!  She met with and booked our videographer - and yes, Mom, I am truly thankful and now realize the importance of this element for our wedding day. 

When my I first met with of our day-of-wedding-coordinator, she asked me what three things were most important to me on the day of my wedding.  And while I have always known that the photography would be at the top of my list - I did not include, much less even think about, videography.  In fact, it wasn't until the past few months of "wedding website stalking" ... that I knew a videographer was one aspect of my wedding day that I couldn't do without.  I think it was Ms. Apple Cider's video, one of my favorite wedding bees, that officially sold me on the concept.  See hers here:

http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/16/our-wedding-video-is-here/

Pretty incredible, right?!  The interview with the two before they take that long-awaited walk down the aisle is enough to make you teary-eyed.  And not to mention - the sweet, magical feel of their day is one I am trying to emulate for my own!

Much like pictures, a video will live on long after the food has been eaten, flowers have died, and the dress is packed away.  The thought of showing our video to grandchildren one day certainly makes the money seem more than worth it.  And doesn't something about putting pictures/video/music together bring a sense of nostalgia - ESPECIALLY on a day as monumental as your wedding day?!

Blogging in Bed

Our Bachelorette, Karie

The Bachelorette & Her Bridesmaids

So I am "blogging in bed" (a term I haven't used before!) right now after a celebatory weekend in Charlotte, NC.  And as you can see from the pictures above - it was a success!  Our bachelorette and future bride (less than 5 weeks to go, Karie!) ... truly experienced a weekend she won't ever forget.  And now - complete with these treasured memories and a variety of lingerie - she is officially ready to be a bride!

While discussing last-minute details on the phone Friday before I departed for the exciting event - Karie made a comment that made me realize how meaningful the tradition of bachelorette parties really is.  When describing how eager she was for the weekend, Karie shared her realization that "this was the only time she would have her 7 best friends tearing around the city with her for a whole weekend without any other distraction."  I agreed - we will all OBVIOUSLY be front & center for her big day this December - but at the wedding, her attention will have to be shared with her other guests as well.  (Oh yeah - and maybe her husband, too?!!)  Needless to say - this weekend provided a one-time opportunity to have much needed girl time and to get to know the important women from all the various phases of Karie's life. 

It is crazy to think that the next time I will be in Charlotte for a bachelorette party it will be my own.  This weekend proved to make me that much more anxious!  Charlotte is an ideal place for a bachelorette party - and we definitely took advantage of the nightlife & yummy restaurants that the city has to offer! :)

More to come tomorrow ... my mom completed a big check off our list this weekend while I was in Charlotte and I can't wait to share it with you! 

Bachelorette Party Bound ...

As I mentioned in a previous post, although I lived 27 good years without one time down the aisle as a bridesmaid, I am now getting a lot of practice at the role.   In between the time of my engagement and wedding, I will serve as a bridesmaid twice, and then once again a few months after I become a wife myself.  After successfully serving as one of my friend Sara's attendants in Oct. (she is now hitched & happy!) ... it is now on to bride #2 ... my sorority sister, Karie, who lives in Charlotte, NC.

This weekend marks the beginning of Karie's festivities - and tomorrow I will head to Charlotte to help her celebrate her last weekend as a single lady!  I am super excited to see her and am almost more anxious for this weekend than her wedding (is that wrong?!).

My sister/maid of honor is planning my own "Last Fling Before the Ring" for this May.  My fabulous crew of bridesmaids will join me in traveling to Charlotte for a weekend of festivities before I am officially married off to Mr. BB.  And since I am a creative mind who always loves a theme - I have already been brainstorming ideas with my sister ... our current favorite is a get wild theme!  The girls will wear some sort of animal print and the invitations could look something like this:

With my name instead, of course!  Am I the only one who loves invitations?!  I must admit it - a cute invite like this gets me that much more eager for the event!

And lastly, what will I wear to such an event?  Not quite sure yet - but I did find these fabulous shoes at Nordstrom:

Jessica Simpson Waleo Pump from Nordstrom, $99.95



Could't think of a better pair of shoes for that Last Fling Before the Ring with your girls!  What do you think of the theme/invite/shoes?!!

  Off to Charlotte to commemorate Karie's final single days - be back on Monday!

A Lesson in Blogging ...

While I am completely aware that I am hardly an expert in blogging ... today, I took the opportunity to share the details of my new hobby with my students.  As mentioned in a previous post, I am a Fashion Marketing teacher and actually got engaged with many of my students in attendance at the fashion show I produce each year.  Since that memorable Feb. night, my students have been on this "wedding-planning" journey with me. I am constantly updating them with wedding details including DIY projects, fashion choices for my BIG day, and plans for the rehearsal dinner.  And since this blog has become one of the highlights in my OTHER current occupation (wedding planner/bride)- I decided that theburgundybride.blogspot should be no exception.

Today, my students learned the definition/meaning/purpose of a "blog" ... something that I learned myself just a few months ago.  I even pushed that giant computer cart into my classroom so they could each go online themselves ... and it didn't hurt that I ended up with a new total of 29 followers as a result!  :)

When my students get excited about all of the details for my June garden wedding, it gets me that much more anxious for the day to get here!  I can't wait to incorporate them into them into such a special day!

Details on how they will be incorporated to come ...

9 Bridesmaids = 1 Lucky Burgundy Bride

Leave it to me to be over the top.  And luckily, this time (for once!), my FI agreed to be over the top with me.  Immediatly after Mr. BB proposed to me on stage last February (have I shared this story?!), I knew who I wanted to stand next to me as my bridesmaids on our special day.  Even though integral details such as the SIZE of the wedding, PLACE where we would get married, or TIME OF YEAR had not yet been discussed ... it was never an option for me to not have these nine lovely ladies as a central part of my wedding day.  And yes, as mentioned before, I do realize that a total of nine bridesmaids is an extremely large wedding party ... but as soon as Mr. BB realized he had nine groomsmen to ask without having to involve our mail-man or neighbor across the street ... there was no turning back.

I wanted to ask my girls in a special way, so as hard as it was, I didn't immediatly ask ANY of them.  Instead, I spent my afternoons writing them each a letter.  It took some time - and there were SEVERAL instances in which I almost let the "icing off the wedding cake" (get it - instead of cat out of the bag?!!) ... but the wait was completely worth it.  After all the letters were complete, I mailed each bridesmaid their letter, along with the following collage ...

Which revealed all nine of my FABULOUS ladies!  Then it was time to wait for their phone calls/responses!  So fun!  I certainly am one lucky Burgundy Bride.