Vermont's Finest

In lieu of table numbers, I will label them with Vermont counties. Or Cities. Or zip codes.

I want our Vermont's Finest theme to be subtle, yet evident. To see more of my wedding ideas, view my wanelo page.

Love,

Shannon

Exactly!

What a newly engaged bride needs to hear...

LOVE YOU RACHEL!

True Love Is...

I will be writing, from time to time, little snippets of what makes me love my fiance so much. Just little one liners that I hope I never take for granted.

True love is...

... never complaining about getting my glass of water after he just got into bed. He always gets up, goes and gets it after I've forgotten.

Love,

Shannon

What Makes Love True

These are real NYC couple love stories and proposal stories, brought to us by Tiffany & Co.

I have GOT to shoot Shannon and Gabe doing independent and couple interviews about their love for their shower or something! Oy! Too cute.

See the video here.

THEY EVEN HAVE A GAY COUPLE! I nearly lost it at my desk to "Harvey & Corrine."

Tiffany's also offers the "What Makes Love True" list. Here are some of my favorites:

No. 5
Small Square Boxes Are Dangerous.

Every woman knows there are only two kinds of rings:
THE RING. And, all other rings.
An unwed man presenting the latter had better prepare
a clever preamble or look for cover.

No. 9
Ask The Father Of The Bride.

Once upon a time, the ritual of asking a father’s permission for the hand of his daughter was an essential tradition fraught with danger. It still is today. The modern young man who ignores this wonderful piece of etiquette displays an alarming lack of civility.

Everyone wants to know that true love is true,

Kate

Mother of the Bridezilla

Please let this be a lesson in what not (or better yet NEVER) to wear to all the mothers of this world.

I looked on this "unique vintage" website to track down a particularly fabulous "second dress" find on Wanelo (all the rage with brides now-adays is the Gaga-esque mid-reception change into a shorter, cocktail number for dancing and partying-see below.)

Where I had expected fabulous cheap finds, I found the place where evidently the "mother of the bride" outfits go to die on cheesy models.








I wonder if this designer has a unique relationship between Bravo and the Real Housewives of New Jersey (it certainly would appear so!)

...See the whole hot mess here.

Love that I will never be caught dead wearing this,

Kate

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

Hold CTRL or Apple command and click here for musical accompaniment.

Almost every little girl dreams of their big fairy tale wedding, and what better embodies that then the Disney movies, especially Cinderella. Over the past few years, the mouse ears have gone seriously couture with jewelery, clothing, and even bridal lines.

It's only appropriate that Shannon keep with the Disney Couture-two year's back I got her the gold and swaroski crystal Cinderella Castle bling'd out chain:




The gown above is of the Alfred Angelo Disney bridal collection "Cinderella" gown, a favorite of Shannon's. I found it quite interesting that the newest memeber of the princess family, Tiana, got a shout out but Mulan did not. Imagine the beautiful Chinese-cut gown? I hope they include her in the near future.

Funny enough, Shannon's mom Cherie ended up in a Sue Wong Disney collection dress for her wedding just this last April. The Disney part was unbeknown to her until after the purchase, but made it all the more "beschert" according to her daughter (Yiddish for "meant to be.")

My cousin Lindsey played Disney classic love songs as her guests were seated at her wedding in May 2010; it was very sweet and so her. They even spent their honey moon at Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Perhaps instead of "something blue" shoes, Shannon and I will have to be on the hunt for something crystal?



We already know I can just make those!

Love that playing make believe has finally come true,

Kate

At Last

To get into the proper mood for this entry, hold CTRL or Apple Command and click here.

Familiar violin music? Yes? Well this is how I feel about my engagement yesterday. It felt like the accumulation of a lifetime in the making. Which I suppose it is. What surprised me, was in that minute, I didn't see a reel of things that we already have. I saw our life together going forward. All of these future milestone memories crept into my head and I started to cry.

My tears were filled with births, graduations, family parties and holidays. They were so filled with love that I couldn't contain them. This man, kneeling before me, was giving me the greatest gift I could ever accept: the promise of a wonderful life. The promise that our love together would build it.

The proposal itself was exactly as I always pictured it would be for me. Nothing frilly or over the top. It was us. His words were, "Some of the happiest moments of my life, have been here, in this house with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I love you. Will you marry me?"

Who could say no?

Now it's onto planning and paying. Both of which terrify me. However I have my MOH, Kate to deal with the stuff I simply can't. She will ensure that I show up to my wedding, looking flawless and without stress induced panic.

I cannot wait to marry him.

Love,

Shannon

IT'S REAL

Wait, just hit me-this is real.

Shannon is engaged, so there is a real wedding coming and a real engagement now.

THIS IS GOING TO BE SO FUN!!!



EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE,

Kate

Keep calm..it's just the engagement!

It's no longer playtime or make believe! This news is so wonderful I could just pee myself!

Today, Shannon asked me if I could "take a little Face-time chat break?"

We have never Face-timed. In fact the only time I have used Face-time on my iPhone 4 was when her now fiance called his older and younger brother out in California the day their son was born to show them their brand new nephew.

Obviously, I knew right away. I mean, either Henry, their son, had bypassed crawling entirely and started running OR Gabe had popped the question, which made all the hassle of getting us on the phone together even funnier. Shannon wanted to 'see' my reaction, not hear it.

What a fantastic, brave job Gabe did, going out all on his own to pick out the rings. It's just perfect, because it's not exactly what she had thought it would be, or had picked out for herself. Instead, it is what she never realized she had always wanted; perfectly perfect for her as Gabe is. Plus, as Gabe had said to me when he got it, "It's more flashy than she's expecting."

Here are some of the fabulous tender moments I caught when she told me and officially asked me to be her maid of honor.





Love my wife,

Kate

Someone Please Hire Me to Do This

What an interesting, unique, and EXPENSIVE idea: LIVE WEDDING ARTIST.

I would certainly do live painting at anyone's wedding! It would be so much fun to get back into painting live subjects, and as I'm not exactly 'reputable' I would be so cheap, like $500!

You can see my older oil and acrylic paintings on my art blog or Facebook albums.

LOVE the idea of live oil painting,

Kate

Ballin' Menu for $55/head

This is the "Wedding Package Two" from the Burlington Country Club

$55.00 per person

Your Choice of Three Displayed
Cheese Board with Crackers and Baguettes
Crudité with Ranch Dip
Grilled Vegetable Display
Mediterranean Display

Your Choice of Five Passed Hors D’ Oeuvres
Vegetable Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie and Grape Salsa Phyllo Cups
Chicken Satays
Beef Satays
Duck Bouche
Vegetable Egg Rolls
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms


First Course
Choice of House Salad or Caesar Salad
with Freshly Baked Rolls

Second Course
Your Choice of One or Two Selections
Crispy Potato Gnocchi Primavera
Chicken Marsala
Bacon Wrapped Cod with Pancetta Roasted Potatoes
and a Thyme Beurre Blanc
Prime Rib with au Jus
Pan Seared Snapper
Orchard Chicken
Your Choice of Starch Your Choice of Vegetable
Roasted Potatoes Asparagus
Wild Rice Pilaf Broccoli
Mashed Potatoes Vegetable Medley

LOVE these choices,

Kate

Fill in the Blank Vows

For Him:

"When I first saw you at ____, I know that we were meant to be together. In many ways, I felt like you ____ me, sharing the same ____ interests and preference for ____. In time I realized that you were, in fact, a better person than me, and over the course of our relationship, you taught me how to ____ again through your ____ and ____. What I love most about you is that you are ____, ____ and ____, but that doesn't even begin to sum up how extraordinary you truly are. I feel so ___ that I am ____ enough to be the person who can see all of these things on a daily basis. There is something ___ in everything you do, and I want to share it with the world. My love for you is ____. I promise, in front of everyone here today, that I will ____ and ____ you for the rest of my days. All these things, I pledge for the rest of my life."

For Her:

"When I first met you at ____, I have to admit, I thought you were a bit ____. But you proved me wrong right away and have been my main source of ____ for the past few years, helping me to find an abundance of ____ and ____. What I love most about you is that you are ____, ____ and ____. Standing here today in front of all our friends and family, I promise to cherish you and ____ you for the rest of our days. You are the most ____ person to come into my life, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share it with you forever. On this day, I make the vow to always be ____ and ____ to you so that our love can develop into something ____ as we grow old together. These things, I pledge to you for the rest of my life."

Marriage mad libs?

Kate

Inspiration Board 1

Guess who?


-Monogrammed treats and decor
-Vermont country home wedding
-Amethyst and eggplant purple
-Emerald green
-Grey and khaki
-Natural, pink/bronze make up
-Outdoor ceremony
-Friends and family
-Photo wall
-Variety of bold fonts in paper invites, signs, menus, etc.
-Vermont-themed decor and favors
-Bezel-set diamonds
-Hand drawn map to ceremony/reception
-Lots of bridesmaids
-Drinking lemonade from ball jars
-Candid photography



Love clipping magazines,

Kate

P.S. I can't believe I happened to have a picture of a cookie with the groom's initials.

No Ding Ding Without a Wedding Ring!

I don't care if she'll even use this, but I am making this ring bearing pillow like...TONIGHT...for Shannon and Gabe. VT-shaped and emerald of course. I literally already have everything I need to do this.



See her VT here.

While I'm at it, brides-I will make any state or shape for you for your wedding ring pillow for $10!

Thrifty crafty love,

Kate

Cute Attack Volume 1: Onesie

Just get ready to squeal. Etsy is the death of me! I should just say from now on, my favorite wedding theme is "ETSY." I love how DIY, feathers, vintage, and quirky is so in, not just for weddings, but across the fashion and style landscape. American woman are just so freaking fabulous.

Honestly? It's just insane how perfect this onesie is for the two mommy brides in my life, Laura and Shannon.



The etsy artisan who produced this isn't selling them for too bad of a price, $20-30 but, I will gladly make this for anyone, free of charge-just supply the onesie and paint color of your choice. Gerber or American Apparel + cheap craft paint = thrifty craftionista genius.

Many more cute attacks to come! Perhaps cute attack of the week? Post your ideas and links in the comments please!

Cute love,

Kate

Shannon's Not So Surprise Shower

Yes, I am a nutter, and I have already mentally planned out most of the details of my wife's future TBD ffany's Theme Bridal Shower.

After a very successful baby shower for Henry, one which many guests called "The best they had ever been to!" I have set the bar quite high for myself and aim to please and impress that same crowd.

Miss Fitzpatrick HATES surprises more than anything. This is the person who read the last chapter of the last book of the Harry Potter series, ran into my room of our then apartment, and asked "Kate, what's a horcrux?" before EVER reading ANY of the series. I think I threw something at her...

Back to bridal showers. If anything, she will love seeing previews of my ideas so we can collaborate, dream, and scheme together.

So for Shannie's Shower I see a lot of Breakfast at Tiffany's going on. I know it's been done, but it's like the LBD and pearls that Audrey dons in the first moments of the iconic film; never. goes. out. of. style.

First, I will need to do a creative drawing or shoot of Shan looking Ms. Golightly a la:


That will be the invite. Attire? Little black, white, or turquoise dresses/dressy clothing. If you don't show up in dress code? Oh well...but you suck and are no fun.

I will set up a cute little photo 'booth' station with a point and shoot set to black and white. There will be props set out for guests from the movie for gals to pose with. Then, prints will be posted to Facebook of course, and one tangible copy per guest will be given along with the thank you cards from Shannon.

For gifts that come in envelopes and monetary donations? I will construct this:

For those less crafty brides-to-be or maids, you can BUY this instead, again on the all mighty etsy.

All cups, plates, and decor will be silver to honor the Tiffany's aesthetic, with touches of gold, faux diamonds, and white. I will serve tiny white cupcakes with Tiffany Blue frosting and piped white ribbons, as well as these adorable cookies I found on Wanelo:

If I am going out of mind with planning, however, these are $33 on etsy.

Why do other stores even exist?

Little NYC touches will be around...I have to think more on these things, but in general, we've got a lot of glitz, fun girlie glamor in store, with treats, pearls, and gifts everywhere.

Love that Tiffany's,

Kate

Balls Out Ball Jars!

So funny how something I have been in love with as long as I can remember is cropping up all over, not only in wedding trends, but home and garden decor, jewelery, and even art!

The fabulous vintage/antique Ball jar.


Get art print here.

I have a whole concept in mind, where blue Ball jars will be used in both the centerpieces, as foundation and larger pieces to antiques/findings clusters placed on a large tree slice with our initials burned into them on each table, and through out the reception decor (as vases, lanterns, places for cards and notes.) See my sketch and one I found online that is very similar:




"Found Object Center Pieces"


What does my scribble say?

Along the left hand side: Bridesmaids in gray, gold, turquoise, celadon, and kelly with flowers and shoes in same colors, just not MATCHING. i.e. a gal with a turquoise flower in her hair in a gray dress with kelly shoes. Jordan immediately vetoed the idea of mismatching color bridesmaids. "What's this? A f*cking crayola box? It'll look like PROM. Bridesmaids wear same dress, same color, same fabric." I was certainly surprised at his knowledge and strong opinions on bridesmaid decor...

Below my sketch it says: pebbles, stones, wild flowers, antique glass, sea glass, shells, sticks (painted gold and silver), acordns, pinecones (glittered in wedding colors), birds, Legos, gnomes.

Note to trifling bitches: don't cop my steez!

Not to mention something like this on my save the date with a fabulous picture of my man and I?



Buy it here on the mecca of all that is fabulous, etsy. I would never buy those...I prefer to creatively rip off things and DIY!

I have decided it will be a quest for my wedding party to go junking after I announce my engagement for antique glass pieces (milk glass, old apothecary bottles, and vases) and of course, as many g.d. blue Ball jars they can grab! Lazy ladies can even buy them online here!

I'll be 'Ballin' on my wedding day!

Love that vintage hue for something blue,

Kate

A Shout Out to the Wedding Bloggers

Julie and Jeremy (married June 18th, 2011.)
Unfortunately they did not catalog the journey of the actual wedding planning but more all the blood, sweat, and tears and growth that can come from such a life changing event as a move across country, an engagement, and love.

This blog is from a lovely acquaintance, if you will, named Jessica. Try and follow along here: she is the fiance of my best friend's boyfriend/baby's father's older brother Colin. Ooof! They have quite the task on their hands, newly engaged, and pulling off a wedding in May 2012! Voila la "Bumbling Bride."

Blog love,

Kate

You Say Potato, I Say Vera Wang

Vera calls her green and purple "Moss" and "Amethyst."

However, Shannon calls her wedding colors "Emerald" and "Eggplant."

I just call this dress, which comes in green and purple fabulous for this future maid-of-honor (without the silly clover brooch!)



Some caveats:

The "Amethyst" is not shown as a full dress anywhere on David's Bridal's website, just a teeny tiny square. If the purple did not match Shannon's purple...bridal aesthetic disaster. Also, that's a LOT of cleavage for a wedding, but I did just appear as a bridesmaid and singer in June in this number:



Regardless, the greatest part of this gorgeous gown is that is costs $168! Cheaper than most ugly bridesmaids dresses, you get to claim the coveted name dropping of Ms. Vera Wang, and have money leftover for fabulous shoes!

Here's hoping I get to figure out how to maneuver around in this number next September out in Bristol.

Love that Wang,

Kate

Another Bloggin' Blog?

Yes-I know-another blog. This adventure tracking blog, really a place to share and track ideas for years to come, joins the ranks of my Art Blog and France blog and 'other blog.'

Sitting in front of me now on the dining room table, next to my laptop, is a 5" thick binder that I started accumulating contents for probably ten years ago.I'm thinking now why not move into the 21st century and have a digital binder?

This blog also coincides with my Wanelo list for Wedding Ideas, which truly is more of the binder in this internet universe.

Either way, I suggest following the stream of lovely photos I collect on Wanelo and this blog (you should be on Wanelo if you are not already.) My 'wifey' (I guess my first marriage) even has a collection on Wanelo for her wedding ideas, with the description "Stuff Kate has to deal with."

So true, and it all will be executed with love and enthusiasm.

This should be fun for both brides-to-be and those who, like myself, are not yet engaged or married but have an inexplicable obsession with not just the commitment of marriage but the beautiful celebration thrown to start one!

Happy reading, and please, please post your comments, thoughts, and ideas to share!

Love always,

Kate