Savannah & Justin ♥ September 22nd, 2012

[vannadear]

:hearts:The Couple:
Justin and I have been best friends for years, and dating for the last six. We're both complete dorks and Scorpios to boot. Our wedding will be traditionally *adorkable*. We chose September because we both enjoy the Autumn months, and 2012 so we would have more time to plan and save up as the majority of the wedding will be cheerfully paid for by us. I'm rather thrifty and enjoy diy projects but food and dancing (i.e. good dj) are very important to both of us as well ;) We have 6 Groomsmen and 6 Bridesmaids (or as I like to call them 'the Brides Ninjas').
:confetti: The Engagement Story:


A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away.....
(back in December of 2009 actually) the premiere Star Wars convention (Celebration V) was announced to take place in Orlando, Florida in August 2010. As this event only happens once every three years (maybe) Savannah & Justin knew they had to go!

As soon as he convinced her to make the trip, Justin was booking their hotel, and already hatching a dastardly dorky proposal plan for her

The convention was amazing, they geeked out to the max for four days straight, having amazingly good luck (what Savannah affectionately calls 'the Deykes' luck' as Justin's entire family has it!) in regards to free swag from amazing artists, discounts on meals and everything else you can think of! They spent the convention with hanging with good friends Joe Corroney, his awesome daughter Katie, Blasty and the Sideshow Freaks, Marc Wolfe, Chris Trevas and Ken Lashley and generally just had an amazing convention!

The Deykes' luck proved itself once more, when Marc just gave them tickets to Universal Studios, which they had planned to spend all of Monday at so that Savannah could frolic around the new attraction 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter'. (Seriously Marc, thank you SO so SO much!)

So the day after Celebration V ends, it's 107 degrees and so HUMID that these two Michiganders are melting at Universals 'Islands of Adventure' park. They get two frozen butterbeers each, and chug them while Justin runs off to find an employee to take their picture in front of Hogwarts castle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/2010%20Proposal/IMG_5551.jpg?t=1293565156

Hogwarts showed it's magical nature by answering Savannah's prayers for rain, it poured for over an hour while they huddled under and umbrella with a bemused park employee.

After the rain it was much much cooler and they were taking pictures of the Hippogriff ride when star wars artist Katie Cook seemingly popped out of nowhere with a tip on taking a 'walking tour' of Hogwarts castle, rather then waiting in the hour ride line, you could literally just walk right in!

Something extremely exciting happened after they took a tour of Hogwarts castle actually :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/2010%20Proposal/IMG_5663.jpg?t=1293565156
The kindly old British gentleman of conductor from the Hogwarts Express was taking their picture with the Hogwarts castle in the background, and when Savannah walked forward to thank him and take her camera back, he pointed behind her and proclaimed that he had one more picture to take!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/2010%20Proposal/IMG_5664_bigcrop_fix3.jpg?t=1293565246
Savannah turned around to Justin kneeling on one knee with a gorgeous diamond solitaire engagement ring in his hand! (Can we say OMG SQUEE?) Neither remembers what the other said actually, just a lot of smiles, happy and teary eyes and clapping from the crowds and crowds of people!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/2010%20Proposal/IMG_5665_fix2.jpg?t=1293565246


A perfectly magical ending to a perfectly magical vacation!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/2010%20Proposal/IMG_5743.jpg?t=1293565364

[ChibiAiChan]

I'm SUPER excited your posting on onewed!!! Seriously made my day happy! :lafhard:

[britTANNY]

How magical :) Very nice
Congrats on setting a date! Look forward to your journal!!!

[dearmissie]

Aww congrats!! Very cute story. Looking forward to reading more in your journal!!

[Nekochanpurr]

This is seriously adorable. XD

[yam102284]

Aww your proposal story is seriously adorable! I love how he did it in front of the castle! Those pictures are awesome!

I can't wait to read more about your plans! :)

[vannadear]

^_^ Thanks Guys! I actually went to David's Bridal on Monday with most of my 'ladies' and tried on dresses for the first time! There are a bunch of pictures too so I'll upload them later!

Date: 9.22.12
Wedding Location: Garden City Presbyterian Church (My fiance's family has been members of their church for 50+ years and his mom is the lead secretary there too, so she's assured us that the date for our wedding is already reserved hehe)
Reception Location: ???? (haven't started looking yet....)
Party: 6 Groomsmen and 6 Bridesladies (Two of which are 'Chibiaichan' and 'Nekochanpurr' here on OW!) ^_^
Colors: Black and White with Green, Blue and Orange Accents
Cake: Alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla cake, with chocolate frosting, green ivy and blue/orange flower decoration...actually based on this cake I made a few years ago:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3570459594_f2217ec44d_o.jpg

I have a really big family, so our current 'guest count' is looking to be around 200...minimum. Stupid giant-sized Italian family! The saddest part is that my cousin (she's 3 months older then me) recently got married and had to suffer the constant hounding and bitching from all sides when she had to make tough decisions about trimming down the guest list so I know exactly what awaits me when trying to make those same decisions! Ugh!

I've always daydreamed about making my own wedding cake, but with how much cake I'll need I'm thinking of just begging my step-mom to do it because she's amazing in the kitchen and 'professional' cakes are so insanely expensive...Laura bakes better then any so-called professional cake I've ever had anyways so if I can sweet talk her into it it would be soooooooo cool...

Um...I think thats all for now..other then we're going to try and bribe a couple of the Great Lakes Garrison Stormtroopers to be our Ushers...and hopefully will have an r2d2 ring-bearer!

[jennybaby]

OH MY GOSH! Best proposal ever! One of my best friends (and bridesmaids) works at universal and pretty much LIVED at the Harry Potter attraction. I'll have to ask her if she saw it! Sometimes I miss living in Orlando. I never got to go to Harry Potter. :(

SUPER SUPER CUTE story!! :hearts::hearts:

[britTANNY]

Lol when i read your story i was like hey Nekochanpurr is really going to hit it off with her they have a lot in common!
haha seems like you have! Cant wait to see dress pics! What kind of style are you looking for?
:)

[vannadear]

Lol when i read your story i was like hey Nekochanpurr is really going to hit it off with her they have a lot in common!
haha seems like you have! Cant wait to see dress pics! What kind of style are you looking for?
:)

hehe yeah Nekochanpurr and Chibiaichan and I have been friends for like ten years ^^;

I was actually surprised when I tried on a lot of the dresses I had loved in the catalog, most of the styles I liked on the models I didn't like at all on me...

I'm leaning towards the 'romantic/glamorous style' and sweetheart necklines with lace and lighter fabrics like chiffon. I love birdcage veils/blushers and feathers (like one or two...) Definitely not mermaid or trumpet style though because even though they are my favorite aesthetically I couldn't move at all in them and they were super heavy...at one point my maid of honor just grabbed me under the arms like a toddler and lifted me onto the podium because I couldn't actually step onto it myself with how heavy/constricting the dress was!

I'm more partial to range of motion, and dance-ability myself...but I mean...I still want my dress to be glamorous...I'm glad I started looking now instead of later though!

[britTANNY]

OOOO i am gonna love your dress then lol
I love the lacey romantic sweetheart look!
I have mine already! It is Maggie Sottero Sabelle, i am tall so i love that it is a drop waist! But no dance-ability or range of motion :) its a heavy dress!
It was the first dress i tried on and fell in love!

It is hard to tell how a dress will look until you try it on... Lots of dresses i look at and think wow that is beautiful but i know it won't look like that on me!

It is good you are looking now, i started early so i would have plenty of time to find the right one... I know you will find one that is perfect for you! But in the mean time dress shopping is so much fun! You can try on anything and everything, you never know how it will look till you try it!

[SweetVanity]

Congratulations on your engagement and that's so awesome he proposed at Hogwarts!

I'm excited to follow your journal as I too will be planning a late September 2012 wedding in MI! On Lake Huron though. And I'm planning from FL!

I hope you have a great day!

[vannadear]

OOOO i am gonna love your dress then lol
I love the lacey romantic sweetheart look!
I have mine already! It is Maggie Sottero Sabelle, i am tall so i love that it is a drop waist! But no dance-ability or range of motion :) its a heavy dress!
It was the first dress i tried on and fell in love!

It is hard to tell how a dress will look until you try it on... Lots of dresses i look at and think wow that is beautiful but i know it won't look like that on me!

It is good you are looking now, i started early so i would have plenty of time to find the right one... I know you will find one that is perfect for you! But in the mean time dress shopping is so much fun! You can try on anything and everything, you never know how it will look till you try it!

I just googled your dress and darlin' it is GORGEOUS!! hehe now I'm gonna go look at all the other Maggie Sottero gowns online! I'm definitely just gonna try on every dress I come across now!

[britTANNY]

OMG Thank you :)
I am definately a fan of hers! I had a hard time with dresses in magazines i would be like eh yea its pretty but nothing wow! Maggie i think has that wow factor! I'm glad you like it!

[vannadear]

Definitely a 'wow' factor with these gowns, they remind me of old Hollywood glamour and I looooove them!

[britTANNY]

Yes i agree :) takes me back to the old movie stars!
Did you say what theme or "feel" you are going with or are you just doing the color scheme...

[dearmissie]

I can't wait to see what kind of dress you end up getting.. :yesnod::yesnod:

[dodgercpkl]

Oh how awesome!! I love your proposal story and that it was while you were attending a Star Wars convention (Oh and I am SOOOO jealous that you got to attend that! I'd love to go for the Star Wars weekends that they host in June every year, but I haven't managed it yet)!

There are a few other geeky brides on this forum (including me!) so you are in good hands! Not to mention you have 2 fabulous OW ladies as bridesmaids and friends - how cool is that?

I can't wait to hear more about your plans and to see what all you come up with! :)

[Ninedays9]

I'm glad you decided to come back to OW! I'm looking forward to hearing more of your plans as they unfold... :)

[vannadear]

Hello again ladies! Sorry I haven't been on lately, my laptop died so I had to wait to upload these but as promised I've finally uploaded the pictures of the wedding dresses I've tried on so far (well the ones I didn't absolutely hate) there's about 20 pictures of front/back views at my photobucket account:

:hearts:The Wedding Dresses (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/Wedding%20Stuff/) :hearts:

I've yet to find what feels like 'the one' though...

[dearmissie]

I love the dress in picture 4, one of my friends recently got married in December and she had on that dress!! So lovely on her!!

And I have to say I love the little straps on the dress in picture 10!! Very feminine and very unique!!

Best of luck in your hunt!! You're doing great so far!!

[britTANNY]

OoOoO love dress pictures :)
My fav is definately the last!!! I like how the dress with sleeves looks off the shoulder especially with the blusher!!! TOO CUTE
You will definately make a beautiful bride! Keep looking for "the one"
You will know when you find it!

[vannadear]

Holy cow I haven't been on here in a while ^^;

I update with news: The church has been secured and our official date is now the day before we were initially planning (Now Friday September 21st, 2012) :lafhard:

so updated stats are:

Date: Friday 9.21.12

Wedding Location: Garden City Presbyterian Church (Date secured, deposit made, Officiant secured and Ring Bearer (R2D2) approved!)

Reception Location: Hopefully within a 20 minute drive of the church, I have an excel file with all of the local places but FH and I still need to visit all of them.

Party: 6 Groomsmen and 6 Bridal Ninjas (Two of which are 'Chibiaichan' and 'Nekochanpurr' here on OW!) ^_^

Colors: Black & White withbright jewel toned Green, Blue and Purple Accents

Cake: After pricing a lot of the local bakeries (and being as obsessed with cake as I am) We're probably going to get a small 2 tiered cake for the cutting and then have lots of delicious Awrey's sheet cakes in the bake for the guests. The sad truth is that most wedding cakes around here may look pretty but don't often taste very good. SO we get to go for taste over appearances and have lots of flavors for guests to enjoy :)

Centerpieces: I want something fun, bright and edible. I'm thinking either Cakes, Pies, or Candy as centerpieces.

Invitations: We're just going to get some clearanced out wedding kits from Target/Michaels and I'll work my typographic/graphic design magic on them. Honestly we don't even need them to match because who's gonna know right?

More to come once we get it squared away. :hearts:

[gwenshack]

:rofl: I love that you have Stacy and Dani as your bridal ninjas. Awesome. :heart:

[dodgercpkl]

YAY! I'm glad you are back! Did I read that right? Are you having R2D2 as a ring bearer??

[Nekochanpurr]

Yay!! :D So glad you are posting again. And yes ^ Teri, you have read correctly. :D

[ChibiAiChan]

Happiness is being a bridal ninja :p

[dodgercpkl]

Yay!! :D So glad you are posting again. And yes ^ Teri, you have read correctly. :D

Awesome! There better be non-prof pics of that taken and posted immediately! :D LOVE IT!

[vannadear]

I call them as I see them, and my ladies are certainly not maids in any form. As they are clearly much more badass hence they get 'Ninjas' titles :D

One of our groomsmen is obsessed with building a remote controlled r2d2 bot, and even if he's not done in time the local 501st/Rebel Legion garrison here in Michigan has offered to help with our little ringbearer.:crossfingers:

[vannadear]

Good Morning ladies!
So I threw this together yesterday to show aforementioned 'ninjas' what I was thinking having them wear 'little black dresses' the plan is to DIY the girls & my bouquets using silk flowers; since the flowers I want are either blue roses or purple & blue orchids (Also, peacock feathers, rock candy and random metal swirly things..) and would be insanely expensive if they were 'fresh cut' flowers. Plus I feel guilty cutting plants...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/Hakuchan/Wedding%20Stuff/INSPIRATIONBOARD.jpg

[vannadear]

I love my Moh (actually wait...I'll call her my 'Noh' for both 'Ninja of Honor' and as the actual word 'Noh' -short for Nogaku-which is derived from the Japanese word for "skill" or "talent"- because she's that awesome) actually I just love all my Bridal Ninjas because they're so kickass and not stressful or terrible in the slightest.

FH on the other hand seems to be keeping a running tally of how many times he can throw a wrench into my ideas. What's worse is that he gives no suggestions or help at all, just 'no' or 'that sounds weird to me' etc. and after like the 20th time last night I just had to stop thinking about wedding stuff at all.

Three things:
1.) I grew up very poor. I'm talking at one point it was 'we don't have a house' and 'standing in line for peanut butter at Wic' poor. As a result, I've never been comfortable (even as a child) asking people for anything. This is a cause of annoyance for my Grandma as she (as most Grandmothers) reveled in taking my cousins and I to Toys 'R' Us and letting us pick out the toys we wanted. I'd usually browse everything because it all looked so cool, but even she had a hell of a time getting me to actually pick something out and *gasp* spend money on it.

As a result, I've always been both extremely guilty and careful with money. When I started living with my grandparents and they wanted to give me $5 a week for allowance 'just because' I made them give me chores to do so that I could earn the money and not feel guilty about it. That was 2nd grade. I saved all my allowance for years and ended up buying my own TV and a really nice Leather Jacket in Junior High.

I understand its not common, but its me. I'm a tightwad, whatever. I've been saving for years for a 20% down payment on a house because the thought of higher interest rates on a 30 year mortgage gives me mini-freak outs.

So the thought of spending a lot of money on one, single day in my life is a little nerve-wracking to me to say the least. I've been crunching numbers on every conceivable outcome and none of them are desirable to me.

Mostly because FH refuses to have a wedding that isn't catered at a banquet hall with a stretch hummer limo and a photographer and a DJ. He won't let me make the cake (or even cupcakes) myself. Won't even hear my suggestions that we have a lower-key party at a barn or a backyard or a park with yummy BBQ food. Because it's not 'traditional' and blah blah blah.

Here's the thing. Weddings are all well and good, but I could marry this man wearing jeans and a t-shirt at a courthouse and still be completely happy with my 'big day'. Unfortunately he doesn't feel the same. He keeps maintaining that 'You deserve a big wedding' like he's being so stubborn about everything for my sake. I was never a little girl that dreamed of a big wedding; in high school I boldly stated that I would NEVER get married because it wasn't 'for me'.

My big dream is just getting married to Justin. Yet no matter how many times- or how many different ways I explain this to him, he's so stubborn he refuses to listen to any of the less expensive alternatives I've researched (and I've been researching budget weddings for years and years and years)

The outlook is getting bleaker that this will cost anything under $10,000.

2.) I'm a problem solver. If you tell me something can't be done, I will drive myself crazy

thinking of a million different ways to make it happen. It's a major issue with the fact that I cosplay (i.e. make my own costumes of popular superheroes/anime characters etc. and wear them proudly) and the 'tightwad' thing. As an artist I have high expectations for visuals, yet as a money conscious person I can't bear spending a lot of money for something I could probably do myself for a fraction of the cost.

3.) FH is neither money conscious, nor does he feel the need to get his money's worth out of anything. He's so concerned with 'traditional' and 'appearances' that I feel like I'm the stereotypical Groom and he's the 'going WAY over-budget' bride.

Problem is, I haven't really slept all week because I can't turn my freaking brain off about any of this. AHHHHH!

[dodgercpkl]

ooooo! I love the purple/blue orchids! Those always catch my eye. :) Rock candy! That's unusual but I love seeing it in that one bouquet! I can't wait to see what all you come up with when you put them together!

[dodgercpkl]

My sister in law had a similar issue when she married my brother. She came from a family in which her dad stole her identity multiple times and left her with horrible credit ratings because of it. Her family life was basically survival in many ways.

Enter my family. lol Very tight knit, very giving. She really had a hard time asking for help and accepting help, yet my parents and I loved to give it! It's taken her much of 10 years of marriage to really start feeling comfortable asking my parents or I for anything.

Is there a way to make it a middle ground? Maybe let a baker do the cake, but add in some homemade desserts that you did? Stuff like that?

I know it's tough to let things that you've been used to doing all your life slide to the wayside even if it's only for one day, but keep in mind that right now your at the time in wedding planning where it's easy to think big DIY-wise. I had those same thoughts with something much more simple as gingersnap cookies and blueberry muffins. I ended up delegating them to my husband and mom to make because I simply ran out of time. In essence it was like shopping for dinner when I was hungry. My eyes were much bigger then my stomach was!

[vannadear]

Thanks Teri (about the flowers and the advice) I really just needed to NOT think about it for a bit, and between that and Justin (FH) being his normal super-sweet self I was suitably calmed (plus the ranting on here definitely helped, in spite of it making me feel like a raging loony...

In OTHER wedding news about the flowers, I recently found out that most silk flowers 'stems' are actually made of latex!!!!! (O_O) which is really bad because Dani-chan is super allergic, and I don't know if covering up all the 'stem' with that florist tape & fabric ribbon will be enough (though I'm pretty sure both she and Stacy used silk flowers for their weddings so maybe that would be okay...?)

[Nekochanpurr]

I think you can mostly tell they are latex by feeling.. Are you planning on getting them online or at a store (hobby lobby, michaels, etc..)?

[vannadear]

I was initially planning to bulk order them online, but I've also found a lot of pretty good deals on real flowers locally (lol unless mother nature is making those out of latex too now? cheapa$$.) Even if we can't find a good enough deal on latex free fake flowers/real flowers. I'm not too concerned with having 'flower' bouquets-there's a million other adorable options I've seen (Coffee Filter/paper flowers, wood flowers, glass flowers, lanterns, etc. etc. (http://offbeatbride.ning.com/forum/topics/show-us-your-bouquet))

I'm much more concerned with Dani living. I like her alive. It's nice. :lafhard:

[ChibiAiChan]

I was initially planning to bulk order them online, but I've also found a lot of pretty good deals on real flowers locally (lol unless mother nature is making those out of latex too now? cheapa$$.) Even if we can't find a good enough deal on latex free fake flowers/real flowers. I'm not too concerned with having 'flower' bouquets-there's a million other adorable options I've seen (Coffee Filter/paper flowers, wood flowers, glass flowers, lanterns, etc. etc. (http://offbeatbride.ning.com/forum/topics/show-us-your-bouquet))

I'm much more concerned with Dani living. I like her alive. It's nice. :lafhard:



Thanks I love u too :)

[vivchan17]

Sorry to hear about the wedding stress, but happy to hear that you're feeling better about it. I find venting on my journal goes a long way at making me feel better too!

As for the flowers, I LOVE the blues and purples...so pretty!!! Good luck finding an alternative to the latex stems. I've seen lots of the flower alternatives that you mentioned (coffee filter/paper flowers with buttons, etc) and they are super cute! Let us know what you decide to do!

[vannadear]

You know, its funny how freaked out I was only a few weeks ago. Once I fully calmed down and took off the freaking blinders a lot more of the wedding stuff fell into place because I wasn't so freaked about every little expense.

So far we have our Church, Reception Hall, Photographers, Photobooth and I even have my Gown <3

Here's the album for my Gown pix (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n52/DaWeddingAlbums/The%20Immaculately%20Made%20of%20Win%20dress/)
Password is: shiny1

:lafhard:

[amisteratwisterandme]

Wow! So very pretty!!!

[vannadear]

:crossfingers:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n52/DaWeddingAlbums/The%20Immaculately%20Made%20of%20Win%20dress/2011_Augustweddinginspiration.jpg

[dodgercpkl]

Yowsers!!! That dress is stunning! Great choice! :)

ETA: I'm really glad to hear that things have calmed down and are falling into place! *hugs*

[hleef]

i love the dress its absolutley gorgeous!!! and the shoes are awesome too!!

[vannadear]

Thank you ladies! :)

now a checklist/update thingy!

Ceremony
Ceremony Site: Garden City Presbyterian Church
Officiant: Brenda Jarvis
Ceremony Music: Church Organist (Paul Harrington I think...)

Reception
Reception Site: Burton Manor
Caterer: Burton Manor
Chair Covers/Linens:
Bakery:
DJ:
Favors:
Lighting:

Other
Limo:
Florist:

Photography
Photographer: Tiffany & her assistant from Birch Photographers
Videographer: N/A
Photobooth: Fotofun
Picture Locations: Church, A to Z Comics, Westland Playground (I think...)
Engagement Pictures: Tiffany, haven't taken them yet tho

Beauty / Attire
Rings: Helzberg Jewelers for my eng. ring
Wedding dress: Eva's Bridal Outlet. 'Tamra' by Maggie Sottero
Alterations: Most likely Sofia's on Plymouth
Tuxes: President Tuxedo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Ladies will be picking out their favorite little black dresses
Hair:
Makeup:

Paper
Save the Dates:
Invites:
Programs/Menus:

[dodgercpkl]

You only have a few things left to do!! At this point prior to my wedding, I was still waiting to get engaged. lol I love seeing everything coming together for you! :hearts:

[jennybaby]

Everything is coming along GREAT! :) What a beautiful dress, too!

[vannadear]

Hehe thanks Teri! Though I'm kind of on a learning curve given that Justin and I have been dating for 7 years and have been engaged a full year already so it feels like I'm cheating the normal numbers or something because I've been researching and we've been talking about it for a long time :cloud9:

Aw thanks Jenny, I love my dress! and I can't wait to get the sweetheart neckline added in too! (I think it'll help 'balance' the top and bottom halves more)

Now that I have so many of the big wedding things out of the way I'm focusing a lot more on getting our house. Hopefully before October.

Because we're from Michigan after all, and Winter is Coming!