Bridal Shows

I'm not the only woman who has dreamt of her wedding day since she was a little girl. I may, however, be of a handful of women who went to a Bridal Show before she was actually proposed to.

Guilty.

Thankfully, I have no Bride-shame. Bridal shows have quickly become a pleasurable pass time. Last weekend my Mom and I attended the Needleman's show at the Inn at Essex.

First of all, the Inn at Essex venue for weddings, is designed for 22 year olds who are marrying men with Roman numerals after their last names. Not that there is anything wrong with that, only that it's stuffy and has zero personalization.

Secondly, Needleman's sucks. I know I shouldn't be so judgy, but seriously?! The experience MOH and I had in South Burlington was disgraceful. We had gone there originally to look at potential bridesmaids dresses. Not only did the ill-informed garden gnome not have what we were looking for, the entire showroom was unavailable for reorder. That and she had a lisp. It was too much to bare. We quickly fled, making a pit stop for seltzer and beef jerky.

Back to the Bridal show...

They showcased a cake caterer whose cupcakes were so bad I literally had to spit out my mouthful of 'red velvet with cream cheese frosting.' I may or may not be a cupcake snob. However there is NO excuse for a frosting that burns your mouth with sugary sweetness and dry-as-the-Savannah cake.

Mom and I rounded out this experience forging signatures on my Bride-to-be registration card and buying an actual dessert from the culinary student's case.

Here's to this weekend's Bridal Show going much better!

Love,

Shannon

How Every Gal Feels the Day After...

Too funny...too true. Shannie is lucky in that she is already a teeny tiny bride. Most work outs we will be doing are triceps, and I do not mean push ups, I mean red wine glass from table to mouth.

<3 MOH

Prototypes

Kate and I started creating prototypes of the crafts I want to incorporate to the wedding. There are several different projects that we will work on over the next 10.5 months and getting an accurate timeline requires prepping materials. Sitting down and actually making one or two of each craft to see what works, what doesn't and how quickly we will be able to knock these out!

We want to make centerpiece lanterns, favors, ring pillow, photo-booth props, etc. By shopping Michael's sales and bringing along our coupons we are getting materials for a song and using our collective effort.

**Full disclaimer: Kate is truly the artsy one. I am merely an apprentice, although I'm getting some great on the job training. I want it to feel like these are my ideas and be fully involved with every touch of our wedding. I'm so lucky that my MOH was a studio art minor in college.

So, this past week, we started an art project that I don't want to talk too much about as they are surprises for my Bridesmaids. I'm really excited about this, even though it may take several weeks (ok, probably a couple of months) to finish all of them. Well worth it I think. I even created an original color!

As things come along, I will post photos.

Love ,

Shannon

Save-The-Dates!

It feels like it took forever, but our Save-The-Date magnets arrived yesterday! They look really great and I'm excited to get them in the mail early in the week. Gabriel has a few extra addresses he has to fish for but we are in great shape with our Google Docs Excel sheet.

MOH Kate originated an eight page private doc that has kept track of guest list, music selections, craft ideas and vendors. It was a bit overwhelming when it arrived in my inbox, however it has been such a help keeping track of key wedding items. The best part? It's totally free! It's totally replaced my need to buy Office for iOS for over $150. (Sorry Mr. Gates)

I sat down last night and got to work writing out addresses and I was smart when I ordered 80. Some are easier, as they go to whole families. I think our furthest invite award goes to Gabriel's brother and future sister-in-law out in Oakland! We are so excited to fly out there in June to visit and attend their wedding.

Another thing off the To-Do List. Look for the magnets coming to a mailbox near you!

Love,

Shannon

Keep Calm...It's just a TEMPLATE

Argh

Very odd...

Once I tried out "dynamic" blogging (which confused poor Shannon to death) I tried to switch back to the old turquoise/golden thing I had going on with the white lace dresses only to find it had magically disappeared from the blogosphere.

We'll have to settle for happy spring colors and dandelions for now!

-Kate

Who has the best MOH!?

THIS GIRL! I got a very special treat in the mail today...

Tell me this isn't the most awesome thing a future-bride could be wearing? I am so in love with it and see myself wearing it for years to come. Because I love it so much in fact, I have ordered one for my future-sister-in-law, Jessica. She is marrying Gabriel's older brother Colin in June 2012. We are commiserating on wedding planning together. It's been a great for ideas and support.

THANK YOU KATE POST! You are the MOH with the most! Love you.