DIY: Wedding Wishes

Shortly after the wedding, I wrote about the wonderfully poignant and funny words of wisdom and well wishes we received in this jar. So, I thought I'd share actual photos of the DIY set-up of our "guest book" table, where our loved ones wrote notes and drew pictures to us on little green cards.
The table welcomed guests and the wish station was set up right next to the seating cards. A framed a sign, explaining what do do, said "Welcome! Please share a wish, memory, or bit of wisdom with the bride and groom."A fun jar of colored pencils and pens and hand-cut pieces of chartreuse card stock helped make the task fun for guests of all ages.

This idea certainly isn't something brand new. Couples are making the traditional guest book into all kinds of fancy things: trees with tags hanging from the branches, clotheslines, photo booths, etc. You get the idea. So, this is just one of those many options. And it was fun; I love that we now have these little tokens in an album to remind us of the emotions our guests felt that day (drunk and sober, wink, wink).

Bragging: North Carolina wedding by Shea

I’m partial to Miss Halliburton of Tennessee-based photography by shea because she is a dear friend of mine (and our own wedding photographer!). So, I can’t help but brag about the real wedding she shot that was posted on the N.C. wedding blog White Thread. Brooke & Cleve’s beautiful Southport, N.C., wedding is breathtaking and chic. I love the tiny “cobbler” jelly bean recipe favors and the whimsical balloons. And if I remember right … the bride is wearing Vera Wang. Lucky! Go see!

(A-maz-ing photo above, of course, by Shea Halliburton.)

DIY results: Flowergirl basket and pomander

Wanted to share the day-of outcome of the basket and pomander I made for our flower attendants. They carried them around all day, and the end result was beautiful!

We saved money by decorating these items by hand. The ingredients are simple: a glue gun, foam ball, basket, 2- or 3-inch wide navy silk ribbon, craft moss (in sheets), one package of pearl-stud floral pins and one package floral clips (two-prong pins), and natural-looking silk floral accents. The total cost for all of this was only around $20, which is what the florists quoted me per item had they created them.

I am pretty sure that the small berry twigs really made these two items. They added the sweet, whimsical feel I was seeking. And the wreath and hairpiece my mom made for the girls really tied everything together.

The week before

This week, I've been reflecting on how I felt the week before our wedding. It's something no one can convice you of when you're planning, and you don't read about it in wedding magazines or blogs. 

The final week of April, my body and brain seemed to just slide into the checklist of last-minute stuff. I was walking in this euphoric state for five days. You feel centered, like you could hug every person you see, and like you're holding this awesome secret from the general public. I remember checking out at CVS or something and thinking to myself, "should I tell this checkout lady that I'm getting married in two days!?" 

The feeling is one that I heard best described by Lauren (she should know -- she's getting married this Saturday!). She called it "wedding Zen." Looking back, I think it's very much like the week after getting engaged, when I-can't-believe-this pretty much permeates your life. What an amazing time! 

So, happy wedding-Zen, Miss Lauren. Enjoy your last two days of engagement. I'll see you tomorrow morning! 

Non-traditional Wedding Party: Something blue

Be sure to visit the love, lillian blog today to see a guest post by me about my something blue (in the photo above!). I sent invitations, each with a handwritten note of thanks for our sincere friendship, asking 13 women to “stand up with me in spirit” by wearing a “token of blue.”which turned out to be one of the proudest and best decisions I made about the wedding party. I wrote about what they mean to me the week of the wedding. Sneak peeks of the photos featured with the guest post below. Check it out!

something blue brunch

something blue hand-painted pottery

DIY Aisle Runner: Oh, the dilemma!

When we set out planning the wedding, I knew there were some things I just didn't want to "mess" with. Most of these things were details that the wedding industry and tradition seemed to say must be done: a slew of bridesmaids, pew bows, a full mass, a gigantic and ornate wedding cake, lots of kitschy group dances (the bridal party dance, the macarena, etc.), favors, etc. One of these little things was an aisle runner. Long story short -- my mother really believed I needed an aisle runner.

The subject repeatedly came up. I tried to explain to her: "If I have one, I don't want a cheap paper one, and it's just not something I want to invest time or money in. But if you realllly want me to have one, go for it." It became a joke. I'd get home from work, and (since I always talked wedding with mom on the way home from work), Patrick would ask if I won the aisle runner debate yet. Well, I lost. But not in the end.

Taking matters into their own hands, my mom and wonderful friend and neighbor Marty crafted the beautiful aisle runner above from about 100 ft. of simple ivory muslin. In its center, they hand-stenciled the gorgeous "Sarah Jeanne and Patrick Dale" from our invitations.

It was stunning in the church, and I was glad she did it. Interestingly, it is one of the things about the wedding that guests have mentioned the most. "Oh I loved your aisle runner!" or "The whole day was so beautiful and lovely, especially the aisle runner." Mom's even had requests from others for homemade runners. This is hilariously ironic, but so sweet.

I like to think that piece of muslin took on the generous and loving hearts of its makers and that's why it was so adored.

Oh to be crafty ...

Above is another sneak peek. This time, it's our ring pillow, created by Lynn (my very crafty mom). The subject of this post is not about how crafty I am. Nope. It's about a recent discovery, and that is: I am not a crafty gal. I do not cut straight lines. I do not like measuring or gluing or precision. This is why backing all of our table numbers with colored paper nearly drove me over the edge. And this is why I shall not be a crafty, sewing kind of wife who scrapbooks. At least, not in the way of anything with straight edges or fine details -- and not until I've endured some training.

In fact, I should not be allowed to repair even a button at this stage of my skill. I sewed a button back on my pink winter coat a few months ago, and it is so far from where it is actually supposed to be that when buttoned the coat looks like maternity garb. The point of this post, I guess, is that I think it's important to recognize what you should not take on as a bride. Crafty details are great, but sometimes it pays to shell out the dough for pre-cut paper or pre-made place cards, etc. Or, in fact, skip it all entirely! The only things you NEED at a wedding are a bride and groom, people you love, good food, and good music! The rest is icing.

Happy Tuesday!

"Cool it chick"

So. When the ball dropped to mark 2009 and the four-month marker hit, a little switch went off in my brain. "Flip," it went. And so started my brain. Like a little furry hamster in a very small wheel. Spin, spin, spin, and so forth.

At the risk of feeling like a negative nellie instead of a positive penny, I am going to vent about this brain-on-overdrive feeling. It's always been a serious and very dangerous personality flaw that I claim. When an event or major project is on my plate, I get nearly obsessed (note the word "nearly") with the lists of things to do. I get worried about all of these timelines and deadlines and details. I think it comes from being in journalism. Deadlines are the most important element. Anyway, so poor Patrick has had to deal with these random outbursts of wedding-related information and decisions. They come without warning.

Here's a scenario: We're driving on I-65 on the way home from Indianapolis:

P: (singing to the radio, looking out the window...we're talking about a billboard or the additions to St. Francis Hospital or something)
Me: "So, where do you usually rent a tux? Do you want to wear brown, gray, black, a navy suit? Cause you'll have green on your lapel and you have blue eyes and blue would look nice. But then can you rent a suit or do you have to buy one?
P: "Where did that come from?"
Me: "I don't know, I was just thinking about it."
P: "You're ridiculous."
Me: "The wedding is only like 119 days away..."
P: "Why do you KNOW that?"

For the reasons above, I'm trying to put a speed bump in the wheel. I also discovered recently that rather than getting him excited, the constant talkign and questions build anxiety up so that the day-of is something scary. Ah-ha! moment! The spinning makes me exhausted and Patrick worried. Not fun. So, I made a new rule last night for myself. When I feel the spin starting...take 5 seconds to breathe deeply and think 'is this the right moment to discuss such a silly detail?' Then if necessary, I can say to myself "cool it chick!" Good plan? Am I going insane? Ha!

Trends, schmends...

Bulletin: I just got my "hot trends for 2009" e-mail from theknot.com. Ew. I would not consider myself a trendy person. More of a classic and timeless kind of person. So imagine my surprise to find out that things I decided to do all on my own are, apparently "hot new trends"... patterns on the tables (our runners), "rustic, homespun details" (birds nest flower girl basket, moss covered pomander, home-cooked style food, etc.), jewel tones and bright pops of color (navy, green, and orange!), two-tiered wedding cakes with other desserts to accent (Ugh...our small cake and pies!), and non-traditional centerpiece vessels (ball jars). I guess I'm either trendy or a trendsetter, then?This whole time of planning I've been pushing against the idea that things have to be a certain way. My two maids of honor and something blue girls are one example. I don't want to be trendy, but I'm trying to make the wedding about "us" rather than about the wedding industry. But, as we move closer and closer to the date, I surprise myself by reverting to things that are traditional: I will probably hire an organist after all; we're getting married in a church; etc. At first I thought there might be something wrong with that, but I'm coming around. These kinds of things are comfortable, tradition (in many cases) is good, and life is too short to worry about the perfect non-traditional song by which to float down the aisle. I guess that life is too short to worry about being too trendy, too, right? Why am I worrying about any of this....sigh. :)

Overwhelming love and gratitude

I adore Thanksgiving as a holiday. It is a day and time void of pretenses and expectations, designed to remind each of us of the many blessings we enjoy every day. This year, my mom's side of the family descended on my parents' home from all parts of the country -- Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, California -- to celebrate. And this year, especially, I was touched by so many precious and wonderful moments. I felt so much love, warmth, and genuine gratitude.

Our first bridal shower, held on Saturday, moved me to tears. It is difficult to explain what it feels like to be showered with beautiful and generous gifts simply because you are happy and in love. My neighbors Marty and Sue prepared a gorgeous brunch. Anna and Emma dutifully made ribbon bouquets and recorded gifts. We all laughed and the group watched as I opened beautiful package after beautiful package. (Above, I am demonstrating the wonders of OXO pop containers... "oooh" ... "ahhh") It was overwhelming.

Unpacking everything on Sunday, the gifts seemed to "fill" up the house. Through this process of planning and showers and gift-giving, the people we love and who love us are building our home. The coffee pots and wine glasses and throw blankets and baskets are daily reminders of those who grew us into the family we are now and will support us in the family we become.

Thank you. My cup runneth over.

It's all coming together now...

Here's a peek at the way inspirations are becoming realities for the big day. After all of the mind-changing, it seems like the big picture will be pretty, simple, and romantic. I'm starting to see it instead of have nightmares about it: pies, damask table runners, the blue ball jars, navy dresses, peach and orange accents, all accented by laughter and dancing! Paper products and other small details are the next step, so I'm starting to brainstorm.

T-minus 160-some days and counting!

Awfully wedded dreams

This morning I felt compelled to write about wedding dreams. Many friends have shared their nightmares with me. The dream-state scenarios range from "I'm about to walk down the aisle and I cannot find my shoes!" to "my bridesmaids ditched their dresses in favor of camo-printed outfits!" (Yes, both are real dreams of my friends!)

Last year, amidst a sea of wedding preparations (remember, 2007 was the 'year of weddings'), I found their stories hilarious. When the scenes play in your own subconscious, though, they become a little more disturbing. Especially if dreams mean something deeper than the absurd.

I mean, my dream that some random lady was practically running me down the aisle before I was ready ... that was funny. The one when wedding day came but none of the details (hair, makeup, flowers, etc.) had been arranged ... yep, that one was my OCD-paranoia coming into play. And then last night I dreamed that my veil wasn't ready and I had a giant crater-zit on my chin ... sadly, the zit is a current reality. Oy.

All brides must have these dreams, they all must wake up flushed and confused or remember the dream hours after waking up and think, "Was that real? What does that mean?"

Ceremony music

Help. I'm getting ready to research ceremony music options/musicians. Some favor the booming pipe organ, but I'm a little less traditional when it comes to music in church. I love the sound of a piano or strings or a flute. A harp? Soloist?

Questions for my blogstalkers (you know who you are ;)): 1) Do you find it strange when a bride/bridal party doesn't enter to Canon in D or "Here Comes the Bride"?; 2) does anyone even notice the music/is it worth going against the grain?; 3) Any suggestions?

Dum, dum, dum, dum

There it is. The long aisle I'll walk down with Dad. Staring down it in this photo, for me, evokes the same pit-of-stomach feeling I had when we scheduled our first premarital counseling session. Yet, so far the fear was unfounded. The sessions shake me back to the reality that we are planning for a marriage as well as a wedding. We're on the path to a deeper appreciation for one another. I'm sure that in the same way, my aisle-anxiety will cease, and I'll float joyfully to the front of the church on May 2.

On the subject, I want to share a really poignant question posed by Fr. Todd in pre-canna session #3: "What do you believe?" A daunting question. We both sat speechless for a moment, pondering how exactly a person articulates faith. On the drive into work the next day, I thought more. I think that faith is vital in a marriage, but it's about more than a church or denomination. It's about faith in one another, in something bigger, in the institution of marriage. So, I'm glad for that deer-in-headlights moment. We still have work to do on defining our answers, but I think both of us agree that we believe in unconditional love and in what we have together. That's a good starting point. And those two things alone make that long aisle seem shorter, the weight of those questions lighter.

Update: bouquet possibilities

Enjoy this little sampling of possible bouquet flowers. For a soft, romantic look and organic shape: sunrise pincushion protea, blush and white peonies, manbo spray roses, green hypericum berries, pom pom/button mums, and (hopefully) hanging amaranthys. Tulips and potentially snapdragon or hydrangea with bear grass and other fillers in the ball-jar centerpieces. T.G.I.F. To come next week: more tales of cohabitation.

Groom's eye view

In the planning process, I often wonder why Patrick isn't leaping for joy over menus or color shemes as I am. He's not thinking about the wedding most of the time. And, this morning, the husband of my dear friend and talented event planner, Tricia, let me in on a groom's psyche. His post is precious, and you must read it now at www.socialbutterflyjournal.blogspot.com.Here's how he says a groom should view the wedding day: "When I was standing at the altar, watching Tricia’s bridesmaids walking down the aisle, able to see her figure in the stained glass doors, the minister leaned over to me and said, “Don’t worry… in just a few seconds, no one will even be looking at you anymore.” I kind of laughed, but looking back, that was a very wise statement. Truth is it is all about her. Sure, you have input (and when you are asked for your opinion, the absolute worst thing you can say is, “Doesn’t matter to me… whatever you want”) in the planning and it will be important to be involved in the budgeting (but don’t let money play too big a factor), but remember, she is the one who has been planning this for longer than you’ve known her..." Awww! Sigh.

P.S. Happy almost-one-year anniversary to one of my fave couples, Tricia and Jon! There they are, above, at their gorgeous October wedding.

Planning paralysis

So. It's been a while. I know. Sorry! However, I'd like a minute to explain myself. You see, I'm feeling currently a pinch of "1-2-3 over it" syndrome, also known as denial or procrastination. Patrick and I enjoyed a pleasant, playful, engaged summer. It was largely free of detail-talk and wedding conversations. We put the guest list aside, I danced around in wedding gowns with my sisters for a few weekends and blissfully perused wedding blogs and magazines. Constructing daydreams --which are, by the way, free from any form of decision-making -- is way more fun than ACTUALLY planning something.

Alas, it is now late September. I decided a few weeks ago to check in on my handy "what you should be doing this month" checklist. "Uh-oh," I said, and went back to the business of checking things off of lists.

I must sheepishly admit that I've been slightly cranky about the whole business since then. We reopened the guest list can of worms. Ugh. That was about as fun as eating dirt. And we need to order bridesmaids dresses. So many to choose from! And I just got off the phone with a very perky florist who has lots of great ideas!!! (extra exclamations to convey the level of perkiness) But are they mine? Is that what I want? Will I really care on the day of the wedding? Are we really going to spend that much on flowers? Oooph.

So. It's been a while. But I'm back on track. And we have lots of work to do. Today, listening to Happy Perky Florist, I decided: I am EXCITED! Vooten for my wedding! Wahoo for the next 219 glorious days! I promise to be more active on this blog. Seriously.

It's alive...

Our wedding Web site, that is. :) Check it out at www.mywedding.com/futureandersons. It's been a beautiful Saturday in southern Indiana! See you Monday.

Pretty thing of the day

Cruising around theknot.com usually makes my head spin. So I swore it off. But they keep sending me these fun e-mails. Subject line: "__ months to go!" Now who isn't enticed by that? Anyway, I checked out some "hot florals" today. Wanted to share this very pretty, just-cut-from-the-garden looking centerpiece with you. Mom loves tulips. I've never been 100% sold. But the above is beautiful. Now. Just imagine it in shades of orange, peach, green... Happy Tuesday!

Eureka!

Nothing like best friends to sweep away doubt and help you clinch a final decision. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a color scheme! In a complete departure from my original thoughts... I am thrilled to say we're going with navy, coral/oranges, and chartreuse accents (see photo). With the dress, the venue, and the colors in place I can really start to "see" us on that day. Crazy.