And the Bouquet Goes to ...

Much like fellow fashion-obsessed individuals like myself, Oscar night is one of my favorite nights of the year.  It would obviously be way more exciting if I was actually there (even if it was just shouting at the celebrities from behind a velvet rope, a secret dream of mine!) ... but for now, watching the red carpet arrivals on my HD-TV will have to do.  I live for the excitement of when the "it girls" of the moment first get out of their limo ... to see what color they decided to wear, how they had their hair "did", & what shoes made the cut.  The only part of Oscar night that I don't like is when the red capet (the best part, obviously) is done - and thus we have to wait an entire year until another one. 

This year's fashions did not disapoint.  And although it is not exactly wedding-related ... I wanted to take this opportunity to share my top three fashions from the evening.  Besides - as I will tell my students when we do the Oscar Fashion Police in class this week ... fashion is affected by everything going on in our society & culture at the time.  And weddings are no different.  Many of the fashion trends seen on the red carpet will soon be translated into bridal fashions ... Especially these romantic, feminine looks (my current go-to fashion style, perhaps b/c I am a bride-to-be?):

3 - Michelle Williams
Love the simplicity, color, & her makeup!

2 - Hailee Steinfeld
Again, the color!  Love how romantic it is & the headband!

1 - Mila Kunis
I am definitely obsessed with this dress ... the color, the lace, the draping, her hair ...

So it's official - the Oscars are over until next year.  I'm a little sad, but at least I have my own red carpet, or garden path, to look forward to. 



Tomorrow Marks ...

Four months until my June, garden party wedding!  And more specifically, one year exactly since the day that Mr. BB got down on one knee in front of 800 people at my school.  Remember this, honey?

Seriously, where does the time go?   When we first started planning and visiting florists, catering companies, photographers, esc. ... most commented that we were so "ahead" and "were going to have the whole wedding planned 6 months in advance."  They obviously didn't know us well.  While we have made major strides and been able to check items off our to-do list each week, planning a DIY wedding is certainly no easy task.  I am sure we will be in serious wedding mode until just moments before my dad walks me down that garden path to this exact spot ...

It is actually starting to feel real.  In the meantime, lots to do.  Tomorrow is not only the anniversary of our engagement/countdown to wedding day, but also Wedding Friday.  And there is no time to take a break from that ...

Happiest Birthday to my FOB ...

FOB = Father of the Bride

And more specifically, in my case, the best father of the bride there is.  I know, I am biased ... but if there was a picture next to great dad in the dictionary, I seriously think my dad should be it. 

Dad ... thank you for always being there for me.  One of the highlights of my wedding day will be when you walk me down the aisle to give me away ...  even though we both know that things won't change.  In fact, you probably will still bring my lunch to school when I forget it  (Just like a couple of weeks ago ... and a month before that).  That's just the type of person you are.  You will make a perfect father of the bride.  And it doesn't hurt that you can give a really, really entertaining speech either.

Happy Birthday!  Love, Your Boots

And The Winners Are ...

To my FI, friends, family, students, and co-workers ... it is no secret that I am a bit of a shopaholic.  Shopping - whether at Forever 21, H&M, Target, online, or even the grocery store - is certainly a favorite past time of mine. Where as some people describe a day at the mall as a painful experience, for me, it is always a stress-reliever and I instantly feel my mood lighten when I first arrive. 

So tonight's blog (an edition of my confessions of a shopaholic series) is dedicated to the stores that, throughout the wedding planning process, my mother & I have found to be most helpful in creating the garden party/backyard feel that we are striving for.  Congratulations to the following stores, and a heartfelt thank you for your assistance in my wedding day (and for help in filling up the wedding room, formerly the guest room, in my home!) ...

Gold:  Micheals - Our go-to spot on Wedding Friday ... where we have found endless amounts of ribbon, paper, bags, tissue paper, wreaths, stamps, stamp pads, Martha Stewart anything, and our new obession with storage bins to put it all in.  I am not sure what we would have done without those extremely helpful 40% off coupons in the newspaper each week and the additional 20% off everything ad that runs every so often, when you are really lucky.
Silver:  TJ Maxx - Specifically the Home Goods store on Virginia Beach Blvd., although we have had some good finds at the Nimmo location as well.  I am not sure if there is anything better than a weekend afternoon spent rummaging through their new arrivals, finding items to purchase that you had never realized that you needed.  For example:  the cutest napkins that you have ever seen & a watering can.
Bronze:  Jo Anne Fabrics - Although it pains me to admit it, JoAnne fabrics has been useful in providing 90% of the fabric that we will use for the wedding ... and there is a lot of it.  However, the sales associates could certainly be more warm & fuzzy, as you would expect women at a fabric store to be.  The good news is that they are becoming nicer to us after my mom called and complained to the corporate headquarters. 

Honorable Mentions:  Target, Etsy, & Marshall's ... We must thank you, too, for your contributions to our wedding day decor.  You came close to a medal, and we plan to continue to visit, even after the wedding.

Stay tuned for more editions ... the next one will be my thank yous to the stores who assisted in creating the final looks for our wedding attire.

Weekend Wedding Plans

I am happy to report that it is the night before my favorite day of the week - FRIDAY! (In case you didn't know ... )  This Friday is way better than last, mainly because I don't have the flu, but also because the weather man has predicted a 73 degree high.  The "It's Friday" song (the one my favorite DJs sing to me every Friday AM) is going to sound extra sweet in the morning.

But with a wedding less than 6 months away, there is no room for a break from some serious wedding planning, even with a delightful weather forecast.  So what is on the list of TO DOs for this weekend?

• Wedding Friday with my mom & I will consist of a lunch meeting at our favorite spot, Guadalajara, in order to discuss plans for our program, invitations, and other "paper" DIY projects.
• I need to get together pictures for my student/hair stylist so that she can see what "hair ideas" I have in mind for the ceremony & reception.
• Bridal Show on Sunday!  I know ... we don't really need to meet with potential florists, caterers, or photographers ... but we just want to be part of the fun!

Mom ... did I leave anything out?  Enjoy your weekend everyone. :)

It Takes a Village ...

The labor of love (or journey towards our final invitation) has begun.  It's official, it is definitely going to take a village to get it done.  Already, Mr. BB & I have been so fortunate to have the help of many in creating what looks to be quite the impressive final product. 

It wasn't until I was engaged that I truly understood & grew to appreciate what really goes into creating a wedding invitation.  And at times, I definitely question all of the thought/hard work that are going into ours.  But when I really do think about it, the invitation is truly the first look that your guests get into the ultimate vision for your wedding.  It "sets the tone" for what is to come, and I do believe that our invite (what we have done so far!) does just this.  A big thank you to the "village" who have already assisted us in creating the "sneak peek" into our June garden DIY wedding:

• Niki - My good friend/bridesmaid/graphic design extraordinare - who is definitely the driving force behind both our save-the-dates & invitations.  Without her, there would be no invitation.  She has been beyond patient in dealing with us, and has gone above & beyond what was ever expected.
• My mom, the other half of the force behind these invites/this wedding, understands my vision more than anyone, and certainly found a way to reflect that theme into our invitations.  And furthermore, she has been able to keep us motivated throughout this long process of getting them done!
• Mr. BB - who printed each & every invitation/RSVP card last night while I slept.  You are a good FI, honey.
• Kim - my future sister-in-law/bridesmaid - has the best handwriting of anyone I know.  And, among other things, has graciouosly agreed to address the envelopes for our invites.
• My mother's client - who, in exchange for free training sesssions - lined each envelope with a print of our "signature fabric" for the wedding.  The print really adds to the overall look of the invitation.
• Mr. BB's father - my future father-in-law - who went to get the extra ink cartridge to enable us to continue printing last week when both Mr. BB & I were too busy at work.
• The entire staff at Kinkos for cutting our invites/RSVP cards AND for printing the lining for our envelopes.
• Etsy/Weddingbee/Style Me Pretty/Green Wedding Shoes/Grey Likes Weddings for providing both my mother & I with LOADS of inspiration that was much needed.  (Mrs. Apple Cider ... I know you have no idea who I am ... but a particular heartfelt thank you goes out to you, from both my mother & I).

The deadline in which to send our invitations out is not due for a couple months ... so I am certain that there are more thank-yous to come.  In the meantime, stay tuned for the details on that labor of love that we are still journeying through .

Westin Bound

Another day, another check!  We officially have our block of rooms reserved for our wedding weekend, and it's official - Mr. BB & I will begin our married life together at the Westin Hotel in Virginia Beach.  The hotel, as most Westins are, is absolutely beautiful & centrally located between the house in which we will hold the ceremony/reception & the oceanfront.  Check out the link:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1568

For those who wish to book a room ... simply ask for the Wright-Brickner wedding (like how Wright came first?!) & you will receive a discount!  Complete details will be on our website & on our invitations to come.

And on a hotel side-note ... a special thank you to a few of my mom's clients who have graciously pulled together a room for me to stay with my bridesmaids the night before I marry Mr. BB.  Ever seen the Khloe Kardashian wedding on E?  The clip where she is jumping on the bed in the hotel room the night before her wedding with her sisters ... all three in white robes & chanting "You are getting married tomorrow!"?  Ever since, even before I was engaged, I have had the vision of this scene for my own "night before I get married" ... and now, my dream is a reality!  Thank you, and girls, get ready! :)

Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

It's no surprise that somone who has a blog entitled The Burgundy Bride would be a fan of Valentine's Day ... and I definitely am.  In fact, I thouroughly enjoy any celebration, and as a result, look forward to most holidays throughout the year.  (And by most, I mean all of the them except for Halloween, which I know is weird, but I have never liked dressing in costumes and would prefer to dress in one of my favorite outfits of the moment instead).  

This Valentine's Day Monday has been a particularly good one, and as the day winds down and I prepare for dinner with my FI ... I thought I would share the top 3 reasons that I enjoy this love-filled holiday:

3.  As previously stated, I enjoy the 14th of February year after year, but this year has been extra pleasant because I am finally feeling better after being sick since last Wednesday!  Yes - I was caught by the flu - and it wasn't pretty.  Thus my lack of blog entries ... my apologies.  I am so happy to be back in action.

2.  Hearts.  Yes - I love hearts.  Cheesy, I know ... but they are just so romantic, fun, & flirty!  And as a result of my love of hearts, my mother and I have spent the last few weeks scouring Target, Walgreens, Micheals, esc. for anything heart-shaped to adorn my tea party bridal shower.  Details to come.

1.  Mr. BB, who I have spent at least 10 Valentines Days with.  For us, Valentines celebrations date back to high school, when he covered my room with flowers & my favorite candy.  We still have the picture to prove it.  Mom ... perhaps this could make one of the frames for our tables at the wedding? 

In any case, Happy Valentine's Day to my FI ... and soon to be husband. (Still weird.)

3 Reasons Ms. BB Is Feeling Older

So I was talking to my sorority sister/beautiful bridesmaid, Karie, this past weekend about how we have both been experiencing moments where we actually feel like we are getting older.  And although I know that my age of 27 is hardly considered old, the fact remains that my transition from my early 20s to my late 20s has definitely been a quick one.  I often forget that I am closer to 30 than I am to 20, even though I certainly am excited about all of the new changes that are taking place.

Here are the top 3 reasons why I have recently felt my age:

3 - Not that I am considering it, but this years marks the last official year that I can audition for America's Next Top Model and next year will be the last year that I would be able to try out for American Idol.  Crazy, right?  And what is crazier - when Kelly Clarkson was crowned the first American Idol EVER (seems like yesterday), the kids trying out now were in elementary school.  That is enough to make you feel old.

2 - I actually took it upon myself to ask THREE different students in the assembly today to be quiet because they were disturbing others.  The exact statement that came out of mouth to one delightful young man?  "If I have to ask you one more time, I will personally escort you to the office myself."  Something I never would have had the nerve to do before.

1 - (And the real reason I am writing this post!) ... I am still feeling the effects of our couples shower over the weekend!  It was such a fun, celebatory night that I am still a little tired 3 days later.  But it was completely worth it!  It was so nice to be surrounded by our favorite people - some who even traveled long distances for one of our special days before the special day.  Thank you to you all, those near & far, for making us feel so loved!  The day wouldn't have been the same without each & every one of you.

Eight of My Nine Bridesmaids

My MOH/Sister & Brothers

I open the gifts ... Mr. BB Gives the Thumbs Up

And lastly, I must point out that we did take a "who knows the other best?" quiz ... and I won.  By one whole point.  Regardless, I was the winner. :)

And one more thing - even though I am feeling signs of getting older lately, I must share that I WAS also mistaken for a student in the bathroom last week.  Just saying ...

Celebrate Good Times ...

For me, most Thursdays are the cause for a celebration.  Why?  It is the day before my favorite day of the week, Friday (which over the last few months, can also be referred to as Wedding Friday!  Each Friday morning, as my favorite DJs on Z-104 sing the "It's Friday" song, I am certain that there is a different feeling in the air, one that provides a sense of freedom & exhileration at the start of a new weekend.

This Thursday is certainly no exception; in fact, I am more anxious than ever as this weekend officially marks my first shower:  a couples shower!  One of Mr. BB's groomsmen/childhood friend, graciously offered to host a party to commemorate our engagement/upcoming wedding.  And since both my FI & I enjoy any excuse for an afternoon of being around our favorite people, we of course, accepted the offer! 

My MOH/sister (who, as previously posted, has been 4 hours away at school since Christmas) - will be coming home for the event.  I have been looking forward to her arrival back since the minute that she left and am so thankful that the shower provided her with a good reason.  I can't wait to see her face!  And lucky me ... my sorority sister/loyal bridesmaid & her husband are driving all the way from Charlotte to join in on the fun. This will be the first time that I have seen the newlyweds since their own wedding this past December!

I am so lucky to have so many people to celebrate such a huge event in my life with - and thankful to each of them (those near & far) for taking the time to make us both feel so loved.  So, Happy Weekend to you all - I know mine will be. :)

Not Your Average MOB ...

MOB = Mother of the Bride ...

And while my mom has beyond surpassed the duties normally associated with such a role, she certainly doesn't look like one.  For those of you who know my mother, who is also referred to as fitatforty (for good reason), know that on my wedding day, she will not be dressed as your average MOB.  When I googled mother of the bride, this is what I got:

Not that there is anything wrong with either of the women pictured above, however, the posted image is necessary to prove my point.  My mom will not be wearing a suit on my wedding day, and to be quite honest, I don't know that she ever has.  Her career as a personal trainer does not require her to need such garments in her wardrobe, and additionally, it is this career (and her good genes), that make her one of the best-looking moms I know.  Sure, I'm biased, but I can't help but to brag on her, especially since throughout this wedding planning process (and my life in general), most ask if we are sisters, not mother & daughter.

My mom has put so much into me lately - my wedding dress, how I am going to do my hair, my outfits for the bridal showers/parties ... On the one Wedding Friday that we ventured to the mall to find an outfit for her to wear to my first shower, she ended up finding an additional dress for me instead.  And while obviously my fashion-loving tendencies are not complaining, I want to make sure that she feels her best on all of these celebrations too.  She deserves it.  So I was beyond excited when she finally agreed to one of the many pairs of heels that I email to her on a weekly basis.  Here are the extremely cute shoes that she agreed to wear with her dress on my wedding day (well, at least for a little bit ... ).

Mom, in the words of Rachel Zoe, I die over these.  I can't wait to see you in them, even if you do change into flats shortly after the ceremony.  You will look beautiful - not that you needed a pair of shoes for that.