A Dressing Room Made for a Bride

Doesn't this look like a dressing room just asking for a bride to get all fixed up in?

Source

From the calm swirled wallpaper, to the fluffy white hydrangeas, to the tied up velvet chair?

Swoon!

A Fresh Idea

I am still not quite sure what we will do with our place cards for the reception. I want to do something really unique and the florists we met with had some great ideas that we will consider once we actually make our final decision on the florist.

Isn't this a really gorgeous fresh idea?

Fits perfectly with our wedding colors.

Stairway to Heaven?

There is a grand staircase leading up to the front of the Chicago History Museum from the plaza which is just itching for inspired decor. My parents suggested gathering all of the guests before the end of the night for one great group shot on the stairs. It will be one of our few opportunities to enjoy true candlelight on our wedding night.

Wouldn't this be a great picture? So much joy!

Amanda Bevington via Snippet & Ink

The Tail of the Broken Prong

via Martha Stewart Weddings

Okay so that would hardly be a very riveting tale but that is exactly what I found today as I innocently folded my hands in my lap during a rather dull meeting. I felt a small shift in the side stone of my ring almost like a loose tooth feels when you are little. I looked down to examine my baby and lo and behold one of the prongs was missing on the setting of that stone.

Bummer huh? Well to M's credit after I called him in a panic, he observed that it would have been a much bigger bummer if I had not noticed the missing prong until after the stone too was missing. So off to the lovely jeweler my ring goes for a quick repair. It's funny though how it almost feels like a missing limb. I never realized how aware I was of the ring at all times. Throughout the afternoon, after I had locked my ring away in my desk drawer for safe keeping, I would have a near start when for a split second I would think my ring had fallen off of my finger.

All's well that ends well though I suppose. I'll feel much better when that ring is back on my finger.

Veiled Musings

My veil dilemma continues, now I'm leaning much more favorably towards the side of wearing a veil during the ceremony. I say this with unease because I have been so set on having a mostly untraditional wedding. After all, we're eliminating the bouquet toss, the garter toss, we're doing a first look, and I'm carrying bright colored flowers. All of which are not earth shatteringly unique decisions but they are modern wedding choices.

Source

So the veil feels like a throwback. But I love the beauty of a veil picture and they really do make one feel like a bride. I'm considering a very low fingertip veil that will perch on my low updo and will be easily remove for the reception. Much to my mother's sheer joy, I've relented enough to try one on when I have my first dress fitting in February

P.S. On a side note, the Vera Wang store called yesterday to tell me my dress had arrived! I practically had to restrain myself to not go running across town to Newbury Street to see it in person.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

I have to admit that meeting with florists last week may have been one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning so far. It was the first time that I felt like I could actually picture the day. All of the florists we met with were fabulous and they totally understood my vision for the day.

I am hoping to use the flowers as the pop of vibrant color against the neutral palette of the gray silver bridesmaids dresses as well as to liven up the classic sculptural feel of the Chicago Room at the CHM. We're now waiting anxiously to see the proposals that come back.

I cannot lie that one event designer / florist that we met with in particular really understood everything that I was thinking about for the design of the space. I felt like they could take it to a whole new breath taking level. Fingers crossed...if and when it works out I'll do the grand reveal.

Wedding Week Whirlwind

I hope all you dearies had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend filled with fun, laughter, and loved ones. I had a delicious time in Chicago with my entire family for the whole week.

We had a whirlwind of a wedding week as well. My mom and I spent most of the week going from appointment to appointment downtown, we met with florists, cake vendors, and stationers. M and I decided to postpone our engagement session as the weather was so not enjoyable on Tuesday (rain and cold) so we'll probably end up doing them in the Spring.

I have many stories to tell and I cannot wait to talk about the fabulous vendors we met with this week but that will all have to wait until I head back to Boston. I'm off to enjoy the last few hours in Chicago with Mamacita!

Throw Me That Bouquet

One of the first questions that people ask me when they find out I'm in the middle of planning my wedding is "What are our colors?" Before I had gotten engaged and started reading the lovely blogs and researching inspirational decor, I had never even considered that one would have a color theme for a wedding. I'm rather indecisive about many things and our colors is one that I have been particularly fickle about.

We decided to keep our decor in the neutral color schemes with the bridesmaid dresses silvery gray and the groomsmen in black with neutral ties. Therefore, we'll use the flowers, particularly the bouquets to add the pop of color to our celebration.

source

An all white bouquet is delightful for some brides, it is pure perfection (especially in peony or ranunculus).

Yet I am envisioning something a bit more vibrant for myself. I love a pink soft bloom against a white dress.

I've gather nearly 50 pictures of colorful bouquets to bring along to our floral appointments over Thanksgiving and I'm so excited to see what other ideas are out there.

A Blustery E-Shoot

source

Currently I'm gathering inspiration for a fall blustery engagement shoot. We're scheduled the week of Thanksgiving to have our e-session with our fantastic photographer. I had initially envisioned an e-shoot in the heat of the Chicago summer but alas it took us too long to get our little bums back home. So now while we may have to deal with chilly temperatures, I'm excited for the deep romantic autumn colors of Chicago in November.

Chicago Wedding Must Have

A kissy face picture in front of the Chicago theater! This is a definite must-have on the list for my photographer.

For more on this beautiful wedding - check out Honey Bee Weddings

What are your location based photo must haves?

Wedding Sign Me Up

I'm obsessed with the idea of hanging custom signs on the back of our chairs during the reception. I love these from thebackporchshoppe.

So help me dear readers...which sign should we choose?

Wedding Planning During Times of Sadness

The process of planning a wedding is a long and winding road. Throughout a year plus long engagement many different life events can occur. Some very happy like new babies being born and some on the sadder end. It can be a strange road for a bride to be.

My family has gone through many sad events over the course of my engagement. I know I'm not alone in this as I have read similar stories from my fellow bloggers. I have seen their stories of grief and hardship as they attempt to continue to plan their wedding and they have all inspired me with their strength and hope in love and their future. It is an on-going emotional roller coaster while planning a wedding, a milestone in itself. So it is an interesting conundrum when we are faced with these times of grief and struggle as we continue to plan for this event that symbolizes happiness and life.

In speaking with my mom tonight, her thoughtful words truly crystallized the struggle. I spoke to her about how selfish it felt at times to worry about such frivolous details while my loved ones are grappling with the sudden decline in multiple family members' health and the loss of two beloved dogs. My mom reminded me that a marriage is about a hopeful and promised future, between not only the wife and the husband but the extended family. It is a renewed vow to truly cherish the loved ones that you are surrounded by everyday and a reminder to always let them know the impact they have on your life.

Chandelier-ium?

source

So I've discussed my candle dilemma. And I'm slowly moving on...to bigger and perhaps more unlikely ideas. I have lately fallen in love with the idea of incorporating a chandelier into the realm of lighting solutions.

source

Chandeliers create an ornate and elegant focal point to a table setting. Vintage chic and uniquely quirky all at once. Which is the feel I'm digging this week.

source

Somehow I have fallen for a design element and lighting solution that is somehow trickier to include at a museum reception than open candle light. After all, the rules clearly state that no element of decor can be strung or hung from the walls, ceilings, or fixtures in the reception room.

A girl can dream though. After all, how neat would it be to incorporate the chandelier theme throughout the invitation suite?

The Great Bridesmaid Debate

Tying the Knot

It's no surprise that in the course of planning a wedding, you will have to confront many an unasked opinion from friends, family, and colleagues. It was quite challenging for me when we first started planning because I'm a born and bred people pleaser. I want everyone to be happy first and foremost M and my friends and family. It felt unnatural to make decisions that made little old me happy while learning how to "thanks but no thanks" those who gave unsolicited opinions and move on.

I was plagued by anxiety when the inevitable bridesmaid announcement was closing in. I have been lucky enough to have several brilliant and warm and funny women in my life who I would love to have stand by my side when I get married in June. Yet how many was too many? And how could I possibly bear the thought of hurting one of my friends feelings by not including them in the count?

I wavered and worried about this for months until M sat me down, looked me in the eye and said "Who do you want to be there by your side? Who are you going to remember standing in support of our marriage? Who cannot you not imagine this moment without?" And I stopped and I thought about these questions. I thought about how I would answer them totally unbiased from my own heart of hearts (rather than being influenced by everyone surrounding me). And I made the decision that was one of the hardest of wedding planning.

I am thrilled to have 8 of my nearest and dearest bestest girlfriends walking down the aisle and standing by my side as M and I pledge our lives together. While some have said that 8 bridesmaids are too many, I know that I could not imagine this moment without a single one of them and I would regret for days and years not having each of these ladies there with me.

What were your hardest wedding decisions? Did you have any bridesmaid dilemmas? How do you deal with the unsolicited opinions?

Star Light...Star Bright?

source

One of the (few) downsides of getting married at a museum or other historical site are the decor restrictions. I adore the space at the Chicago History Museum which is why we chose the museum for our ceremony and reception, yet the contract came along with a two page list of items that were not allowed for use as decoration.

Sadly, one of those items included is candles. I think that wedding receptions filled with soft candlelight are simply enchanting so I was bummed that this was not an option for us. So I'm on a mission to find other unique lighting options that can provide the illusion of soft candlelight without the cheesy look of flameless candles.

Did you run into any roadblocks in your wedding decor?

A Rehearsal Fiesta

I want our rehearsal dinner to be fun and kitschy yet chic. When we first started considering different restaurants in Chicago, I knew that I did not want the typical rehearsal dinner at a family style restaurant with limited personality. M and I are both HUGE fans of Mexican food so I got the idea of throwing a fiesta style rehearsal dinner. After all, who doesn't enjoy margaritas?

We finally landed on Zapatista in the South Loop. The restaurant has a fantastic party room which can accommodate our rather large guest list (upward of 100 peeps) and while the meal will be family style, it is sure to be anything but bland. Plus there is all you can drink sangria, cerveza, and margaritas.

Now I'm gathering photos of fiesta table settings. I love these lanterns.

And gathering inspiration from the 'bee's Mrs. Lemonade who had a fabulous rehearsal fiesta herself.

Mariachi Band, anyone?

What are your rehearsal dinner plans?

Who's Looking First

When we first began this crazy journey also known as wedding planning...I had several preconceived notions about how the wedding day was going to play out. Many of the more traditional rituals had been immediately tossed out, such as the garter and bouquet toss. But other more traditional moments, I had my heart set on. I had always envisioned that moment when my dad and I turn down at the beginning of the aisle and my eyes meet with M's down at the end. So symbolic and sweet...I can just picture the tears in his eyes and the tremble in his hands as he sees his bride to be approaching. Cue to reality where I will most likely be nervously focusing on not tripping down the stairs to the plaza or walking to quickly down the aisle. I realized in my planning and blog reading that perhaps there is a more intimate option to a first look.

Green Wedding Shoes

There are gobs and gobs of fantastic first look photos across the wedding web, capturing the surprise and delight with tears and arms thrown up in joy at the first sight of the one to be. I love how the photographer can set up such a surreal meeting in an intimate and picturesque setting and photograph the true emotions from both sides. Plus, I realized if we go with a pre-ceremony first look, we'll then get more time at the cocktail hour...and what could be so bad about that?

Are you doing a first look?

My Best Friends' Weddings

I'm lucky enough to be planning my wedding at the same time of two of my dearest girlfriends, who happen to be my MOH and bridesmaid. It is such an amazing experience to share together and so perfect to have each other as sounding boards when our soon-to-be-Mr's cannot bear the indecisiveness any longer.

The most interesting part of planning has been how our personalities have so distinctly differentiated our wedding plans. I've gathered "faux" inspiration boards for our 3 weddings as an example.

source

Bridesmaid S is having a modern chic wedding with a hot pink flare.

source

My peach and apricot faux inspiration board.

source

MOH is having an elegant and classic affair, lit with champagne accents.

Are you planning along side your besties?

It's In His Kiss

Ah...the kiss pictures. They can be the sweetest of the day or they can make others gag. I personally think that I look a little funny when photographed from the side while making a kiss face. But that will have to be forgiven...as I hope that our photographer can catch a smooch or two on our day.