More details...

It is coming down to the wire... 24 days to be exact!

The little details are falling into place.  Most recently, I visited the Heldrich to choose our table linens.  T and I were thinking of traditional black floor lengths with white overlays and purple napkins... however, when I saw it in person, I wasn't a huge fan.  Instead, I chose (after sending pictures to T and getting his OK) a floor length chocolate linen with no overlay and maize napkins.  This will go perfectly with our theme of "Enchanted Forest" by pulling in the warm browns and setting a nice backdrop for the wood-sy decor.  The coordinator helped a lot by dimming the lights and giving me an idea of what everything would look like. 

I originally bought about 20 beautiful leaf pattern table cloths but quickly realized they would not be appropriate and would not convey the feel that we wanted for our wedding.  The chocolate linens will make the white plates and silverware pop along with the many candles I am requesting for both the table and the centerpiece.  I figure if we make the table linens simple, the details will stand out even more.  Less is sometimes more... unless we are talking about glitter!

My School Bridal Shower!

More to come...

Our Guest Book arrived!

Using our engagement photos, we (by "we" I mean "I") utilized the Shutterfly picture book creator to generate a beautifully unique guest book!  We were able to completely customized EVERYTHING down to the spine font, size, color, etc.  Each page has a lovely picture and the adjacent page is blank for messages/signatures.  But you know me by now... those pages are not completely blank.  They have pretty frames in matching colors and designs. 

We were elated when our book finally arrived!  The quality of the book is exceptional.  The covers are beautiful and the pages are sharp.  We could not be happier!  I would recommend Shutterfly for photo books!  Check out a sample page...

We hope our guests will fill the pages with beautiful words and wisdom for a long, joyful life as husband and wife!

DIY continued!

Since my last DIY post I have decided to take on even more DIY projects to add a special touch to our very special day.  One project I decided to start (with help from my fellow Bride-to-be Tricia) was making cocktail stirrers! They are turning out to be the cutest personal touch yet, according to me of course! 

After conversing with Tricia, I did my research on the very inspirational Etsy (big surprise).  Once I visited the site, I found stirrers that I simply fell in love with!  They were scalloped circle cut outs with little circle centers with cute saying and greetings.  Thanks to Tricia, again, I was supplied with a bunch of wooden cocktail stirrers.  If you refer to one of my earlier posts you will discover that I bought cover stock from staples to save some $$ on a prior DIY project.  That cover stock has come in very handy and has been used to create some noteworthy documents and details... now, including cocktail stirrers!!  I visited one of my favorite font websites, chose a beautifully swirly font and went to town!  Making sure the saying would fit in a 1-3/8" circle paper punch, I printed out the sayings on the cover stock.  For the backing of the stirrer, I ventured out to the wonderful Michael's and purchased shimmery (are you surprised) plum heavy scrapbook paper... on sale!  Using a 2" scalloped paper punch, I punched out the backing paper, hot glued it to the stick, and then hot glued the circle with the saying onto the stick and backing.  Voila!  Sassy cocktail stirrers!  Check 'em out...

These are the cutest detail that our guests will throw out!  But they were so worth the time!

Hen Party...

I have been educated in Bride-to-be etiquette in Scotland thanks to my cousin's friend Ashleigh from St. Andrews.  Apparently in other countries, Brides forgo the traditionally American "Bachelorette party."  There is no party with the girls that results in bad decisions, head aches and lost days following the party (due to the activities from the previous night).  Instead, the Scots choose a more subdued (from what I hear) gathering of women involved in the impending wedding.  This is traditionally known as a Hen Party... mirroring the "Stag Party" for the men.

I have already been lucky enough to have a Bachelorette Party thrown for me last month by my beautiful bridesmaids and maid of honor (you can read about it in my earlier post).  However, I have been even more lucky enough to have moms in my life who care about me especially when my other half is enjoying his Bachelor Party.

Tonight, my mom, TJ's mom and step-mom, and I traveled to the beautiful and sentimental city of Princeton to enjoy a lovely Hen Party.  We chose Mediterra which turned out to be an outstanding choice.  The Cosmo was perfection, the dinner was delectable and the dessert was superb (especially the little candle the waitress added to it to celebrate my impending nuptials).  This night meant a lot to me and took my mind off of the Bachelor Party (the intention of the Hen Party). 

I was able to spend quality time with the magnanimous women in my life which means the world to me. 

The Guest Book

Thank goodness for Shutterfly!  

We received our engagement photos which are outstanding!  The pictures we immediately placed onto Shutterfly and I began placing them into a simple template of a photo book.  The photo books they offer are wonderful and perfect for what we need it for... a guest book for our guests to sign and add their words of wisdom.  We look forward to seeing this book when it arrives and then reading the messages our guests place into it on the day T and I become husband and wife!

My Bridal Shower!

Coming soon!!