Can I Just Say...

I CANNOT WAIT FOR SATURDAY!!!!

#1) You guys get to see me in my wedding dress finallyyyyyy (and I get to wear it again finallyyyy!)

#2) I get to give you all manicures with my cool new manicure tools! (Bring your nail polish color of choice if you don't want to be forced to pick from mine.)

#3) We get to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and hopefully chat about lots of fun wedding things. PLUS we get to catch UPPPP... i miss you ladies!

#4) We get to dress up and go out to dinner!!

Hooray!

My mom wants to have a little bday time with me, so if you guys could get here between 11 and 11:30, that would rock!!

xoxo

Silhouette

Hey ladiessss! Guess who gets married ONE YEAR FROM TODAY?!?! :D

What do you ladies think of this dress? It's black, so obviously it wouldn't work, but if we end up making the dresses, how do you feel about this silhouette? Are you a fan of the tiered fabric? (I wonder if we could put pockets in it, since my dress has a sweetheart neckline and pockets...)

xoxo

w00t!

I got my bustier from Fredrick's today, and it makes me nice and skinny! w00t! okay, well not really... but it fits. And it will fit even better when I do get nice and skinny for the wedding.

I can't wait 'til Friday... the official 1 year countdown begins!!

Also, I miss the crap out of all three of you. Like, SOOOO much it hurts!!! Why can't the 25th come sooner?

I wish I had the energy to call each of you right now. It's insane how drained I am at the end of the day. Cosmo school is not for sissies!

I loveeee you!

xoxo

hooray!

not preggo :)

if we want...

So if we want it, my friend Emma will work with us on the designs for the bridesmaid dresses and build them for us. So if we want to go with fabric that you love, Kim, we can totally do it. Just another option!

Why is this dress so short??

grrr... I love it.

http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Orchid+Grey+Dress

xoxo

It's Official

The wedding date is now 9.17.11!

A.K.A. the date I've been dreaming about since Travis and I first started dating. (Sara knows what I'm talking about, haha.)

I'm going to SC for the day to help my parents out around the house since they are already on a re-landscaping RAMPAGE! My dad is falling trees and renting a tractor next weekend, and my mom has plans to knock on the door of some house in Aptos to ask them what paint color they used for their exterior.

Dear God, it begins.

(And I could not be any more excited!)

xoxo

So, in case you didn't hear...

Travis and I are now getting married at my parent's house! Let me tell you, leaving Nicholson Vineyards was quite the dramatic whirlwind, but it feels like the right choice.

I just emailed our photographer, and assuming she's available to change the date, we're back to a 9.17.11 wedding date, rather than 9.10.11. Less cheesy, yay!

My parents are doing tons of renovations to their place, and I'd love to have you guys over there one of these Saturdays to show you what we're thinking for the big day. It's going to be really gorgeous!

On an unrelated note, I've been mulling over those bridesmaid dresses we found, and I just don't feel like they're me at all. It's really easy for me to get caught up when things are beautiful— and those dresses are really pretty!— but they just don't go with the feel we're trying to achieve. We want everything to be laid-back and unique. As lovely as those dresses are, they feel a little too run-of-the-mill for my taste. Am I being a bridezilla? Haha... I hope not!

I know we'll find something. But my guess is that it won't be at a bridal boutique.

I wish I could take you all to cosmo school with me on Monday because I'm pretty sure it's going to be the most hilarious/ridiculous/fun thing I've ever done. And I can't wait to tell you all about it.

What else? Oh yeah, I've convinced myself that I'm pregnant, which would really screw up every plan I have for myself at the moment. So, if you would, please put non-pregnant vibes out into the universe for me :) (Don't worry, I'll keep you updated on that front.)

Man, this is rambling. It's been a long week. And I miss you all terribly. I really want to have a girl day with the 4 of us, but I have a sad suspicion that we won't be able to do that 'til the dress fitting.

Ok, I'm going now.

xoxo

LOVE the dresses!

Hi guys

so the dresses are all super cute, and Kim, if you like chiffon we should stick to chiffon. When the waistline is lowered, it definitely looks better with your dress, and the sweetheart neckline helps.

i took the liberty of doing some bad photoshop/illustrator to put the dresses in "grey" and next to your dress to see how they look (bear with me, this is what i do for work...)

the bill levkoff one is the actual yellow. I think they all look nice, but the grey beaded top one and the yellow bill levkoff are my favorite. the grey looks more like nighttime elegance, while the yellow one is more daytime flirty.

i put a structured taffeta gown (love the silhouette, not the dress) in there for good measure, just for the contrast.

hope this helps! nice finds ladies! i am excited :)

Bridesmaid Dresses #2

These are the pictures we took of me trying on the dresses. They aren't the best quality (I took them on my cell phone!) and most of the dresses aren't my size. However, it still gives you a rough idea of what these dresses look like on someone who isn't a model! See what you think.

#1: The beading on this was beautiful but it didn't come in the best grey...

#2: Very much like the original J Crew dress.

#3 This one was my favorite and we could get it in a slate gray that isn't too shiny.

#4: Ignore how bad the boobs look! This dress was way too big for me. It would also need to be shortened (at least for me!)

Bridesmaid Dress

Hey Ladies,

Marina and I went to Trudy's Bridal today and found a couple of potential options. The only thing is that they're chiffon, and I'm still wondering if we should go with something more structured, since my dress is structured.

Gah! Thoughts?

Here were our top 4 favs (all of which are pictured in the wrong color, but obviously that can be changed!):

#1- We both loved the beading on this and the fact that it was structured on top. The only downside is that the grey it comes in isn't the best shade.

#2: This is super similar to the J. Crew dress and super cute! But it only comes in yellow, and it's a much lighter yellow than I'm using in other parts of the wedding.

#3: This one shouldered one came in the best color grey, but I'm a little worried that it's too bridesmaid-y :)

#4: This dress is also super similar to one of the J. Crew options and comes in a nice grey. It's the cheapest dress, but also super bridesmaid-y, which scares me. Haha...


Do you ladies love any of these? Do you think we can pull off chiffon BM dresses with my structured gown? Or should you wear structured dresses too? Thoughts?

xoxo

Moving Up The Fitting?

So, I found out the my wedding dress has already arrived! I am so so excited! So excited, in fact, that I'm wondering if you ladies are up for getting together sooner for the fitting.

I was thinking that it would be fun to go on Sep. 25th, which is the Saturday right after my birthday. I can't think of a much better birthday celebration than prancing around in my dress :)

Does this work for all of you? If not, we can keep the appointment we already have. (Just thought I'd check!)

xoxo

Lingerie, Bridesmaids, and fun, oh my!

Hi Girls!

Ok so a few cool updates. Found a cute bridesmaid boutique in Los Gatos called Bella Bridesmaid. After looking round the web for simple, non-shiny, non-taffeta dresses I found a lot of the more beautiful options in designers that they stock here. Yes, they are a bit pricier but have options around $200. It might be fun (since we don't get to do the traditional wedding dress fest) to go here sometime in the next month and try stuff on for Kim? We can get ideas of what works for us all, and Kim can decide what she likes best with her wedding dress.
check it out:
http://www.bellabridesmaid.com/#mi=1&pt=0&pi=149&s=0&p=-1&a=-1&at=-1


Also, Kim here's the lingerie option for the gown that I think you were looking for more. Yes, it looks like Frederick's has the best (so so classy...hehe) options. This one comes in white as well. There are also other types but they end more round natural waist.

http://www.fredericks.com/Ultimate_Satin_Corset/51552,default,pd.html?cgid=co7


Hope all is well with you!

Some Better Photos of Nicholson Vineyards

Hey, Ladies! Here are some pics we took of Nicholson Vineyards on Saturday when we signed the contract and made it all official!

Next Summer, you'll have to come with us when we do our wine tasting to determine which of their wines we want to serve at the wedding!

Here is the entrance to the venue, where guest will walk in. We'll have a welcome table/guest book set up on the lawn to the right of the path.

We will set up the tables on this big lawn area and have the music/dance floor on the patio in front of the barn.
As you can see, the grapes butt right up to the lawn... the view is gorgeous!
The current plan is to move these tables and wine barrels and to have the ceremony under these oak trees. We're planning on hanging white lanterns and twinkle lights from the branches.
I'm very excited to have a venue... beautiful, don't you think? :)

xoxo

Check Out Our Photographer

Hey, Ladies!

How are you all doing? (I'm missing your beautiful faces!)

I found a photographer this week, and I just wanted to share the link with ya! Her name is Nicolette Clark, and she's gonna come down from Sacramento to shoot our big day. Check her out here. (Go to her website and then the gallery.)

Tell me what you think about her style.

Hope you're all doing well!

xoxo

Mark Your Calendars: October 16, 2010

That's the day I'm getting my dress fitted, and I want you all to be there! I was bummed that we didn't get the chance to do the classic "try on a bunch of dresses" day, but I want you to come see it!

I bought the dress today, but it's being ordered and won't get here for a while. I have a fitting at 11 a.m. on Oct. 16th and I'd love for you to come. (Toni, you don't leave til the week after, right?)

Hope you can be there!

xoxo

We Found a Venue... and I've Chosen My Dress!

Yay! I am SO happy to report that we found and booked a venue today! We will be getting married at Nicholson Vineyards in Aptos! It's on Pleasant Valley Road— right between my parents' house and Travis' parents' house. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I can't wait to post pictures (we're going back next weekend to do all the paperwork, so I'll take a bunch of photos then and post them here.)

Our official wedding date is September 10, 2011. (I love the date: 9-10-11... so cool! Haha)

I think you all already know that my mom and I went to David's Bridal once to try on some dresses. I was positive I wouldn't find anything I actually liked there. I just wanted to get a better idea of the styles/shapes I liked. Well, I accidentally found the perfect dress! (Actually, it's not perfect... it has a horrid bow on the front that I will be removing PRONTO!)

I was hoping you'd all be with me when I found the dress, but I'll definitely bring you along when I have my first fitting, so you can see it in person and all that! (It has to be bustled and altered a little bit.) Wanna see it now, though? Remember... NO BOW! :)

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Another thing I love about it is that it has hidden pockets!!! How cool is that??

So, what do you think? I'm sooo happy to have these two major components picked out because now I feel like I can really start thinking about the details (and we can figure out what you lovely ladies are going to wear!)

I'm soo happy to be sharing this with you, and I hope you're all having the best weekend ever!

xoxo

Fabric Swatch

I got the grey chiffon fabric swatch from J. Crew today and it is BEAUTIFUL! I still haven't decided for sure what to do about bridesmaids dresses (mostly because I haven't figured out the venue yet, and I can't seem to make any decisions until I know where the wedding will be.)

Anyways, just thought I'd update you all!

Hope you ladies are doing well— xoxo.

Mindy Weiss

Mindy Weiss, a famous celebrity wedding planner writes an awesome blog. I have heard of her before and have seen pictures of some of the AMAZING weddings she has done, but never thought to check out her blog! Though she plans for mostly extravagant weddings/events, she has some great ideas. She even mentions JCrew's new wedding shop (See May 2010).
Check out her blog here.
http://www.mindyweiss.com/blog/
Check out her website here-- my favorite part is her eStore! It has some great favors, gifts, etc.
http://mindyweiss.com/

Enjoy :)

Scratch That

I think Travis and I may be looking at venues on July 24th, so we'll have to do the bridesmaid fitting #1 in August.

Let's stay in contact about it :)

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hey Lovely Ladies!

Here's a little update:

Travis and I found THE PERFECT location yesterday and got all teary and happy and excited. And then we found out that we can't afford it. (Lesson learned: when people tell you that a place is affordable, find out actual numbers. Apparently, affordable is a relative term!) Anyways, we're a little bummed out and we took the day off from wedding planning today.

For some better news, I have a cool update about bridesmaid dresses. I talked to the woman at J. Crew Weddings (she is the best, by the way) and she mailed me a fabric swatch of the dress I showed you all, so I can see if the color is cohesive with the palette Travis and I are going for. I should get the swatch by Friday or Saturday— yay!

I also decided that rather than forcing you all to wear that exact same dress, I'd give you guys the choice of 3 dresses, so that you're more sure to find something that you really like/that's flattering/that's in your budget. Here are the options:

The original dress is $215.00.

The second dress has straps and is the cheapest at $165.oo

The third option has a natural waistline and is slightly longer than the other two (just below the knees). It's priced in the middle at $180.00.

The color for all of them is "graphite" and assuming the swatch is good, you ladies can choose any combo of these. I don't care if you each wear one of these, if two of you wear one and one wears another, or if you all wear the same option. Whichever style suits you is fine by me!

Rather than ordering them online, we can go to J. Crew at Valley Fair and do a real fitting! (We'll have to book 2 appointments: one where they can do your measurements, then one with the dresses. They'll order the dresses to the store in the perfect size for you once they get your measurements.)

Are you ladies available to do the first appointment on the 24th? (Toni, will you be busy with your play during the morning/early afternoon?) Let me know and I'll book it!

xoxo

Wedding Music

I found this article on the Knot today and it cracked me up! Music is one of the most important aspects of the reception-- a good DJ can make or break you. I think it's a great idea to allow guests to request songs on the wedding website (good thinking Kim!) and an even better one to provide the DJ with a thorough list of songs to be played so that the music doesn't go awry. Frankly I agree with the article and sure hope the Chicken Dance isn't played!! ;)

Wedding Music: 8 Wedding Songs to Skip

Something Small...

...to help us all with the big day. Looking through my new "Inside Weddings" magazine, I found this handy little tool to keep shoes from sinking into grass, gravel, etc. Perfect for the outdoor wedding--cute shoes that you can still walk in.

http://www.thesolemates.com/index.php

Also, I love the color choices--a little lavender in there would be beautiful! Also, I am so ready to start DIY as soon as possible!

Let's Get It Started!!

Hey, Ladies!!

I don't know which of you thought of this blog idea, but it is totally brilliant! What a great way for us to keep in touch, post photos/inspirations, run ideas past each other/etc...

Sara, Marina, Toni: I am SO excited to have you as my bridesmaids! I couldn't ask for 3 more fabulous people to share my special day with (and all of the fun leading up to it!!) I want to warn you ahead of time that I am already overwhelmed, so please bear with me as we figure out this process together. I know you are all so wonderfully supportive, and all I ask is that you have my back when this process gets a little crazy. I promise to keep you updated on all the big decisions, and don't be surprised if I rope you in to a little DIY-action :)

Mom: The day has finally arrived!! I will never forget the moment I told you the big news— you are such an amazing support for me, and I can't wait to plan this day with you! You've already helped to keep me grounded, which is SO necessary and much appreciated :) Please feel free to post to the blog as little or as much as you want to!

Updates so far: Travis and I might be coming into town to drive around and scout out a few venues. I'm not sure how this will go down. If we are torn between more than one place, I'll likely be calling upon all of you to come out with us for a second time, so we can get opinions. If we find a place that we know is perfect right away (I'm hoping this will happen!), I promise to take lots of photos, so you ladies can see what the fuss is all about :)

I'm feeling stuck on the color palette. I am LOVING grey, yellow, and white and wondering if I should just keep those or if I should add a 4th color (we're thinking either navy, plum, or lavender.) Thoughts?

We're also working on the guest list (by WE I actually mean ME... I think Travis is overwhelmed/doesn't really care very much haha) and it looks much more manageable than I was anticipating. Yay!

I'm looking forward to future posts and whatnot! Hope you're all having a lovely Tuesday.

Let the process of becoming a Guiley Girl begin!

xoxo