Carrie and Carlo's Wedding June 3, 2006

[CarlosHoney]

We met on Feb. 22, 2003. I was working at Dollar General, and my boss's husband called wanting Subway. Well, every night he wanted a burger from Jack in the Box, so this was a change of pace for everyone (It was my first night working, but my brst friend worked there and got me the job, and we had all gone home together a few times previously).

We stopped in the parking lot of Subway, and I noticed the guy that was helping my boss. He was so gorgeous! I mentioned that I thought he was really attractive and my Best Friend's Mom just said that I ought to help Eileen (my boss) order her sandwich. So, I went in.

I asked his name. Carlo. Then his sign. Aquarius. Then if he played any insturments. Guitar. Then if he was in a band, and the name of the band. I went on and on, nervous and blushing, thinking that this was a longshot. Then at the register, he asked my name, and for my number, then gave me his number.

Two days later, it was sleeting and freezing, which, for San Antonio TX, that's crazy dangerous weather. He came over, then the bridges iced over and he couldn't leave, so he had to spend the night. He asked me to be his girlfriend that night, both of us knowing that we had found someone special. Two months later we moved in.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/us.jpg
Carlo and I at his cousin's wedding, 9-11-2004

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0144.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0150.jpg
Here's our baby! He was born 12-27-05!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0026.jpg
Here's our kitty, born 4-20-2005. His name is Murray

[CarlosHoney]

We're officially engaged now. These are the wedding bands that we're looking at:

http://www.tiffany.com/images/products/zoom_images/17670301_xl.jpg
This ring is by www.tiffany.com (http://www.tiffany.com/) $175

http://www.twistonline.com/images/j_ri_pay-marin_xl.jpg
This ring is from www.twistonline.com (http://forums.onewed.com/www.twistonline.com) $220
"A mountain keeps an echo deep inside itself. That's how I hold your voice." -Rumi

http://touchwoodrings.com/aeucspruce.jpg

You can find these at www.touchwoodrings.com (http://forums.onewed.com/www.touchwoodrings.com) $170

http://www.fromthesky.com/shop/images/311_th.jpg
www.fromthesky.com (http://forums.onewed.com/www.fromthesky.com) $199

[CarlosHoney]

Thinking about locations. I think we'll probably get married on 'Marriage Island'. It's supposed to be good luck, plus, it's beautiful:

http://3cats.us/gallery/albums/San_Antonio/img_1618.sized.jpg
Our ceremony will be in San Antonio TX, on marriage island

For the ceremony, no decoration is needed. It's on the riverwalk, so I don't know if we'd be allowed to anyway.

Officiant is Carlo's Dad.. So, he'd be coming anyway. Still working on the vows. Not sure what we'll do.

[CarlosHoney]

My bouquet will be hand tied lavender roses. I am ordering them from www.organicbouquets.com (http://www.organicbouquets.com) so that we can use them on the cake, too. I only need 2 dozen. 17 roses in my bouquet, one for Carlo, one for each parent.

http://www.organicbouquet.com/images/products/lavender-2dz.jpg

This is the bout that Carlo will wear:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/bzbqw.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

I love the color of these hydraengas. I'd go with this, minus the limes and red flowers:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_20.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

Centerpeice Ideas:


This with purple petals:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/lrg_votive5.jpg

If I made these, they'd be only Hydrangeas, and there would be a few stripes of ribbon around the middle in different shades of purple.

http://www.michaels.com/online/images/w0196_lg.jpg

Since Carlo works at Home Depot, we might go with some of those clear glass tiles:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_2.jpg
It's not exactly the same, but hey, they're pretty close. I'm sure they make them smaller!

I LOVE this:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_13.jpg
I'd go without the orchids (they're pretty, but WAY expensive) and I'd use some wire instead of the curled sticks. Maybe some silver wire with some beads every so often.

[CarlosHoney]

He's picking his own clothes. He's a big boy now! ;)

[CarlosHoney]

I have to pare down the guest list. I'm thinking that family (and family-like-friends) only is a good idea. Maybe 25 people, including Carlo and I, total.

We will have dinner in a restaurant, I'm hoping to find a place that can put us in a different room for no extra cost. I will have the cake delivered to the restaurant, and pay the waiters a little extra to decorate the tables before we arrive. Here are places that I'm looking at:

http://www.biga.com/images/cater1b.jpg
http://www.biga.com/

http://www.hotelvalencia.com/images/river_eat_middle.jpg
http://www.hotelvalencia.com/r_eat.php

http://www.boudros.com/boudros/Assets/imes_thevault2.jpg
http://www.boudros.com/boudros/
http://www.acenar.com/images/tour/general/large/hori/Acenor26.jpg
http://www.acenar.com/index.htm

[CarlosHoney]

I want the cake to be 3 layers, the top layer will be frozen for our anavarsary. It's a white cake with buttercream icing. I want little icing pearls around the base of each layer. Maybe some little sparkly sprinkes on the top of each layer. 7 sugarpaste roses total, and a cake topper.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/88mgc.jpg
I like the color and size of these roses that are on the top of the cake.....

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/flowersberries.jpg
The pearls around the base of this cake....

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/e3tos.jpg
...and the placment of the flowers on this cake.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/caketopper.jpg
I'm making the topper myself with a cutout from http://www.craftcuts.com/BALTICWOOD.HTML

[CarlosHoney]

Music is still up in the air. I'm not sure if we're having dancing or not.

Photographer is a very good friend of mine. She's doing it for free, and I'm helping her with the cost of the film and paper. She's going to school to do it, so she can develop the pictures for free in the lab.

http://lotusflower987.deviantart.com/

We're giving away Honey as a favor. Step Mom's Dad is a Bee keeper, so I'm ordering empty jars, and I'm designing the labels. She's going to put it all together, and bring them down. Pretty cool.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/MeanttoBee_300.jpg

We're skipping the bouquet toss and the garter toss. I just don't like them. So, I'm going to get my bouquet preserved, and framed.

http://www.pressed-bouquet.com/NewImages071604/CollinsWorkModern16x20Photo1finalsmall3.JPG

Honeymoon is planned for Austin TX. We're going to stay at the Hotel San Jose, and there's a few restaurants that I want to hit up while we're there. Ausin has a lot of art and music, so we'll probably just eat, shop, relax, and have fun while we're there.

http://www.sanjosehotel.com/images/home/large_photo.jpg
Hotel San Jose

http://winkrestaurant.com/
http://austin.citysearch.com/profile/10212843/austin_tx/veggie_heaven.html
http://austin.citysearch.com/profile/10202532/austin_tx/saba_blue_water_cafe.html

[CarlosHoney]

We're making our own invitations. They'll be on cream cardstock.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/WED921073424.jpg

They're going to have a lavender and silver seal (instead of the burgandy and gold)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/burgMtg.jpg

And they will have this printed on the front. It's a really small group, though, so it'll be a snap to make them.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/M-blem.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

Attire:

- Dress = $178 - My dad is getting it for me.
- Alterations = $60 or less - I know a lady who is a seamstress.
- Accessories = $100 - Simply getting Shoes, Bra, Hairpiece and Panties. That's it.
- Hair/Make Up = Free - My Mom is a hairdresser, my Best Friend is an excelent makeup artist.
- Groom's Clothes = $150 - He's picking out his own clothes.

Total = $310

Ceremony:

- Marriage license = $30
- Officiate = Free - FFIL is an officiant.
- Location = Free - On the Riverwalk
- Music/DJ = Free - We are burning CD's with the songs we want in the order we want.

Total = $30

Reception:

- Catering = $500 - We're going to a restaurant and having a small reception.
- Cake = $250 - One of our splurges. We're going with a favorite bakery (http://www.nicavidsbakery.com/484483.html). It's only $2.35 per slice, decorations and all!
- Music/DJ = Free - We are burning CD's with the songs we want in the order we want.
- Tables, chairs, etc. = Included in the Reception Location.

Total = $750

Invitations/Stationery:

- Invites = $70 - Designing and Printing my Own, plus postage
- Thank you notes = $30 - Getting some standard blanks from Target, plus postage.

Total = $100

Flowers/Decor:

- Flowers = $55 - Ordering from www.organicbouquets.com (http://www.organicbouquets.com)

Total = $55

Photography:

- Photos = $60 - A friend in photography school is shooting the film, I'm helping with the cost of the paper and film.

Total = $60

Transportation:

- Getaway Car = Free - Borrowing a car from family.
Total = $0

Gifts/Favors:

- Guest favors = Free - Step Mom's Dad is a bee keeper. We're giving out honey. She's putting them together for us!

Total = $0

Grand Total: $1,100.00* estimate ( give or take a little )

[LaceyinPgh]

Wow, that is possibly the most organized and specific budget that I have ever seen. Nice work!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks Lacey! I'm trying to be exactly that-specific. I want to have it all worked out, and I'm still tweaking it to save as much money as possible.

[CarlosHoney]

Alright. I'm adding my dress here at the bottom, mainly because I don't want a certain someone to see it. So, if you're not supposed to see it, am-scray!!!

















































My step-mom's mom is making my dress. She made all of her daughters. Since she lives in Arkansas, and I can't really travel to and fro, she's going to make it big, and I'm going to get it altered here.

I like this dress, it was the first one I wanted. But, we're going for a less formal wedding now, so I'm going to alter the design of this dress. It's by Lazaro:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/Lazaro1.jpg

http://www.freewebs.com/7uckily/LZ5553extra.jpg

I'm combining the flowy nature of the sheer layer, the way the fabric lays, and the sleeves/back/neckline from the Lazaro dress with the full skirt, movement, and legnth of this dress:

http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/moniquelhuillier/knmlhuf05alicm.jpg

I'm going to forego the ribbon at the waist, though I am considering putting a very thin ribbon of laventer at the hem and the hip of the dress (where the seam lays below the ribbon).

[CarlosHoney]

Here's the Lingere that I'm thinking about.. All from Victoria's Secret. It's the only place I buy my undies from:



http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V240410.jpg
Backless bustier (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=UJ-178924&page=2&cgname=OSBRPSTPZZZ&rfnbr=2784)

The perfect partner to a slim-fitting, backless dress. Light boning detail. Underwire cups and adjustable, convertible straps. Low v-back with hook-and-eye closure. Imported nylon/elastane. http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/common/clr_spcr.gif
Sizes 34-38B-C. #178-924 $48.
Sizes 34-36D. #178-926 $50.

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V252966.jpg
Chantilly lace hiphugger (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=UJ-179974&cgname=OSKEYPTYZZZ&rfnbr=1939)

Pretty panties bring a little bit of heaven to your everyday lingerie. Imported nylon. http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/common/clr_spcr.gif
Sizes S-L. #179-974 $12


Well, now just to get my body to look like that! Any of these will be in white, of course!

[WebLady]

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V252966.jpg
Chantilly lace hiphugger (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=UJ-179974&cgname=OSKEYPTYZZZ&rfnbr=1939)

Pretty panties bring a little bit of heaven to your everyday lingerie. Imported nylon. http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/common/clr_spcr.gif
Sizes S-L. #179-974 $12

Ok, I want to know how you can stand on your tip toes in heels and squat like that? I don't know if I could do that without falling on my face ;)

But, the panties are still nice ... I have some kind of like that from VS in black :D

[CarlosHoney]

I have some in purple. I love the way they fit, and I don't want the VPL! I can't stand thongs, though! :bblol:

Plus, I bet she's holding onto something!

[CarlosHoney]

My Jewelry is from www.bluenile.com. There are matching ear rings and a necklace, though I want to accent the neckline, so I'm not wearing a necklace. Just the bracelet, and plain pearl studs.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/1bluenilebracelet.jpg

The shoes I like are from www.stevemadden.com, but they don't have them currently. They'll be very similar, though.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/DECORATE058.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

I want my hair like this, I'm still thinking about whether or not we'll use the flowers:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/whgallery019.jpg

Also using these hairpins:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/h2_phpivory.gif

I want to do my makeup similar to this:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/Rose_McGowan_01.jpg

[WebLady]

I have some in purple. I love the way they fit, and I don't want the VPL! I can't stand thongs, though! :bblol:

Plus, I bet she's holding onto something!

I love them too ... and she is probably holding onto something ;)

I love your hair and make up ideas too. I like this decorative pins over the flowers but that is just me. Both are nice :D

:goodluck:

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, if I were to do flowers, they would be smaller roses the same color as the ones in my bouquet. I think I am going for the pearl pins without anything else. I moved all this stuff down so that I could show Carlo the wedding plans without him seeing the things that he doesn't need to see until the big day!

[WebLady]

Yeah, if I were to do flowers, they would be smaller roses the same color as the ones in my bouquet. I think I am going for the pearl pins without anything else. I moved all this stuff down so that I could show Carlo the wedding plans without him seeing the things that he doesn't need to see until the big day!

I like that idea :) I saw where you posted the dress and said 'am scray' if you aren't suposse to see ;) *hehe* :bblol:

:goodluck:

[CindySue]

I like that idea :) I saw where you posted the dress and said 'am scray' if you aren't suposse to see ;) *hehe* :bblol:

:goodluck:

I thought it was cute too, but it would have been an open invitation for Brian to peek. Hes nosy!!!!!

[CarlosHoney]

I don't think that Carlo would peek, but hey, with these guys, you NEVER know!

:bbmrgreen:

[CindySue]

I don't think that Carlo would peek, but hey, with these guys, you NEVER know!

:bbmrgreen:

Brian would in a heart beat, just for the hell of it.
BTW - Everything looks AWSOME!!!!!!!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks! Now we're talking about the whens and wheres, so we're getting somewhere! Pro'lly early June, since my insurance stops covering me 31 days after my b-day. Maybe May 27, or June 3. Not sure yet.

I'm going to visit my Dad in Feb, so my step-mom and I are going to go shopping for paterns and material. I saw one at Sprawl-Mart last night when Carlo was looking for some material for a project he's working on.. Not exact, but pretty close. I'd just have to change the posistion of the straps, you know, make them off the shoulder instead of on the shoulder.

It's the McCalls M5001... Minus the sweetheart neckline! :bblol:

[LaceyinPgh]

In case you were looking for suggestions....I just want to say that May 27 is a pretty cool date. The pattern you have picked out is adorable. I love the little layer of tulle that sticks out from the hem. I'm sure a good seamstress could make the couple of little changes that you want with no problems.

How are things with your new little man?

[CarlosHoney]

Elias is latched on now as I type. I actually found another dress that my dad is going to buy for me.......

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/126417_fpx.jpg

I loves it!!

I was going to forgo the tulle, but this dress is just right!

[CarlosHoney]

Little man!!!!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/InBed.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/GiraffeBaby.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/Cutie.jpg

[CindySue]

Oh Carrie!!!! Hes gorgeous! Now I want one!!!!!!!! (just while theyre little)

[LaceyinPgh]

Oh Carrie! He is just too cute. I can't believe all that hair!

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, he's getting so big!!! I might have another, as long as the baby stays this little. I don't want him to grow up!!!

But, he will, and it's alright. I will have to find a cute little suit for him to wear to the wedding. He's getting cuter by the day.

I talked to my dad, and that dress is it!! It's locked and loaded!

[usahgrad]

Hooray for the dress, and while it may seem crazy, you may be able to save a bit of money if you go June instead of May (even though it's not a big date difference). May is a big wedding month so reservations at places tend to be higher...my guests are paying an extra twenty dollars a night at the hotel...shhh! Don't tell them.

As for Elias...


OH MY GOSH! HE IS THE MOST ADORABLE LITTLE GUY I HAVE EVER SEEN!

[CarlosHoney]

Well, the reason that we're thinking May is because my Birthday is June 11. I don't want to get married the day before my B-Day. Also, it's easier for my Dad to come down on the 27th, and since he's footing a good chunk of the bill, he's got a good chunk of say in the matter.

We're not married to a date yet (;) no pun intended) so I am going to talk to all of the restaurants and ask of there are any days that we will get a better deal. My main objective is to find a restaurant where we can have a reasonably nice sit down meal for 25 people for a reasonable price. I'm bringing my own decorations, and the baker does free delivery inside loop 1604, so we're covered! As long as the date is close to what we want, then we're all good. We might see about doing it on a Monday morning so that everyone can come down that weekend and relax, or just come down on Sunday. My dad has the farthest to drive, though, so it will be mostly to accomidate him. I figure that it's not too bad if everything can be wrapped up by 4:00, so that anyone who wants to get on the road can do that.

I'm not sure about any honeymoon plans yet. My Grandpa Joe might spring for the honeymoon (he did for all his kids) if we can find someone to babysit for a couple of days.

[CarlosHoney]

I'm putting together a list of the songs that we'll play at the reception. Well, not so much a reception.. It's just going to be dinner at a restaurant. But, we're going to make CD's of the songs that we want to hear and play them in the room where we are eating. We're not going to have a dance either, persay, but we are going to dance to one song as hubby and wife. Some songs have a special meaning, which I've included.

Here's the list:

First Dance: _________________
Cake Cutting: _______________
Roxy Music - More Than This (the song that Bill Murray sings at the Kareoke studio in Lost in Translation)
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 21 In C, K. 467: ll. Andante
Morphine - Let's Take a Trip Together (It's our song)
Elvis - Suspicious Minds
Led Zeppelin - Thank You
Bob Dylan - Girl of the North Country
Al Green - LOVE
Stereolab - The Black Art
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 20 In D Minor: Romance
Sade - No Ordinary Love
Frank Sinatra - Let's Fall In Love
The Beatles - Mother Nature's Son
Bach - Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Queen - My Best Friend
Stevie Wonder - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
Jimi Hendrix - You Got Me Floatin'
Aphex Twin - Flim
Bach - Air on the G String
Tori Amos - Love Song

[LaceyinPgh]

I like your music selections. You really got a broad base of genres covered there.

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks! I'm still thinking of more, and some might not make the CD's.. It just depends. Carlo has about 1000 CD's, so he will have even more ideas yet.

My dad found the dress at Dillards for a little less, and he's ordering it right now. Score!!

Well, it should be in by the time I go visit them in February, so I'll take some pics then....

So, without further adeu........

[CarlosHoney]

The OFFICIAL I-Do-To-Do's!!!

- Dress - DONE (Ordered)
- Alterations
- Accessories
- Hair/Make Up - DONE (Booked)
- Groom's Clothes
- Marriage Lisence
- Officiant - DONE (Booked)
- Ceremony Location
- Restaurant
- Cake
- Music
- Invites
- Thank you notes
- Flowers
- Photographer - DONE (Booked)
- Getaway Car
- Guest favors

[rainbowtreat]

OK for starters he is sooooo sweet. I just want to hold him and kiss him. Your so lucky. And great job on getting thigns in order and good luck with it all. It all sounds great. You mentioned you didnt want to get married on the day before you birthday ( June 10th ) its ok I will take that day lol. Sounds good keep us posted.

[CarlosHoney]

I found another picture of my dress:

http://www.alexevenings.com/styles/63601-ivory.jpg

You can't see it as well, but oh well. I still love the dress!

Oh, and guess what?!

JUNE 3!

We talked about it, and that's the date that we wanna do!

[bnd94]

WOOHOO!! you set a date!! Congrats Carrie! :D

That dress is perfect for a spring wedding! I love it! :D :D

[WebLady]

Congrats on setting the date :D And I love the dress too :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks ladies! I mentioned to my Dad over the phone that I received a Macy's Weddings catalog and there were a couple of pretty dresses in it. There was one in particular that I liked. He told me that in order to save the time and energy of making the dress (and risking it not coming out the way I want it) that I ought to look around online and see if there was one that I liked. So, I started on the Macy's website.

I found a few that were cute, but when I saw that one, something tugged at me. I posted something in another forum, thinking that I needed help deciding, but I knew.

:drool: It was my dress!!

I emailed the link to my dad, then called him and told him that I found one I liked. So, he said that he'd look at it. He called 3 hours later and said that he found the same exact dress at Dillard's for $8 less, and that he was on his way right then to order it for me.

So, I was floating on a cloud! :wub: I told Carlo that my dress was already claimed, and that I loved that dress, and that I couldn't have been happier. He asked if it wa really 'the one', and saked how I knew. I told him that I had the same feeling about him. So, he just sort of laughed... made a joke about my love affair with clothes, and that was that.

This morning, I woke up, and knew that June 3 would be the day. I asked him what he thought, and he said that he wanted to talk more about it, but that June 3 would be fine. He asked if I wanted to do it on my B-Day. I told him that I didn't, and that the whole reason I went for the 3rd was because I didn't want my birthday right on top of our wedding day. So, after that, we agreed.

I feel so much better! Really. It's like a weight has been lifted. I knew that we were going to get married this year, but I just hated being in limbo. I just wanted a definite 'yes, this is when', or 'no, we're not going to, after all'. Well, I didn't really want the second one, but you know what I mean. I was tired of waiting in the wings.

Ah, now I can TRULY start booking/planning everything!! :ura1:

[WebLady]

I hear ya about the 'limbo' thing, I was there for a while when we were planning to get married ;)

Glad you are out, now you can enjoy the planning :D

[CarlosHoney]

Minister: Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

FOB & MOB: We do.

• • •

Welcome, one and all. We have come together to witness and bless the joining of this man and this woman.

We are together as friends, relatives and family to mark the end of one beginning and to recognize officially a new beginning which for _________ and _________ serves as a public affirmation of their friendship and their love.

• • •

"Love one another, but make not a bond of that love. Let it rather be like a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
And stand together, and yet not too near together. For even the pillars of the temple must stand apart; and the oak tree and the cypress will not grow in each other’s shadow.
Remember that love gives nothing but from itself. Love possesses not, nor would it be possessed, for love is sufficient unto love.
And think not that you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, will direct your course." - Classic Reading from Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet"

• • •

Minister to Groom: _________ do you reach out in love to receive _________ and choose to share your life with her? Will you promise always to give to her your expression of your ever growing love, will you comfort her, be sensitive to her needs, express your feelings with her, listen to her, put your trust in her, and forsaking all others, be her intimate friend and honor her as your equal partner?

Groom: "I do" or "I will"

Minister to Bride: _________ do you reach out in love to receive _________ and choose to share your life with him? Will you promise always to give to him your expression of your ever growing love, will you comfort him, be sensitive to his needs, express your feelings with him, listen to him, put your trust in him, and forsaking all others, be his intimate friend and honor him as your equal partner?

Bride: "I do" or "I will"

• • •

Your rings are circles and a circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth, the universe, of wholeness, perfection, peace and unity. All of these things have no beginning and no end.

Minister to Groom: _________, please repeat after me.

I take you, ____, to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live.

Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed..

Minister to Bride: _________, please repeat after me.

I take you, ____, to have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live.

Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed..

• • •

Pronouncement of Marriage

Now that _________ and _________ have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

[LaceyinPgh]

Carrie you got your wedding date! I am so thrilled for you. I know that this has been weighing on your mind. Now you have a date and a dress so you can get your butt in gear and start get everything in order. I love the dress by the way.

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks Lacey!! I never thought that I would have a dress with lace until I saw this one. The Lazaro was sorta lacy, but not really. This one is just right for me!!

I'm just waiting to hear back from the restaurants that I've contacted, and to hear back from the bakery. My mom said that she would cover my flowers, the cake, and my stuff (bra, panties, shoes, etc.) so when she comes to visit in March, we'll do all of that.

[CarlosHoney]

The OFFICIAL I-Do-To-Do's!!!
- Date Set - DONE (6-3-06)
- Dress - DONE (Ordered)
- Vows - DONE
- Hair/Make Up - DONE (Booked)
- Photographer - DONE (Booked)
- Officiant - DONE (Booked)
- Restaurant/Reception - Working on it!
- Ceremony Location - Working on it!
- Cake/Bakery - Working on it!
- Groom's Clothes
- Decorations - At The Drawing Board
- Invites - At The Drawing Board
- Guest favors - At The Drawing Board
- Music - Working on it!
- Thank you notes
- Flowers
- Marriage Lisence
- Alterations
- Getaway Car

[CarlosHoney]

This is where we are getting married:

http://www.sanantonioweddings.com/real_weddings/images/real-wed-6.jpg
Beth and Erik Coignard


http://www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/Marriage%20Island.jpg
The view of the river from Marriage Island. Legend says that anyone married on this Island will have a long and happy marriage.

http://3cats.us/gallery/albums/San_Antonio/img_1618.sized.jpg
This sculpture was in commeration of the first Mass held here.

[CarlosHoney]

:bawling:I'm so dissapointed!!

There was a restaurant that I really had my hopes up for, and they emailed me back with a reasonalbe price per person to eat there (with the private room and all!) and they were avalable on our date.

The food would have been perfect. They had a few vegetarian dishes that sounded delicious. We could choose 3 menu items and it came with iced tea, salad, and everything. But, then they told me that there's a $2500 drink & bev minimum.

I'm back to square one. We can afford about $600 for the dinner. That's everything. I didn't think that it would cost so much just to eat dinner in a little party room.

:bbconfused: $2500 for 25 people?!

For that much, I could have 50 people. I'd love to invite that many, but we're keeping the guest list small for a reason. We really want to have something nice, not fancy. Just a few friends, our families, and a meal. Not so much to ask. :bbcry:

Sigh. Why me?!:bbfrown:

[WebLady]

Sorry to hear that Carrie :hug: Sadly some people offer great 'deals' like that to get you in and then require a drink minimum :bbrolleyes: Some vendors will bump things up just because it is a wedding!

Don't give up, keep looking, I am sure you will find something great!

:goodluck:

[CarlosHoney]

:bbrolleyes: Some vendors will bump things up just because it is a wedding!I'll be that had something to do with it. It really stinks. I mean, it's really frustrating that if it were a birthday party, or just a large ammount of people, it would be easy to feed 25 for $600. I would perfer going with an independantly owned restaurant. I don't want to eat my wedding cake in some chain. I don't know. It really stinks.

Well, back to the drawing board! :bbconfused:

[CarlosHoney]

Well, I checked out the place that we were originally going to have it, and it seems like it's the best option!

http://www.northernhillsgolfclub.com/content.php?link=banquet_catering.php

The Peacock Room is an excellent choice for a small get together, ceremonies and corporate meetings. It is 400 square feet and accommodates 25-50 guests. $250

Ample guests parking areas are secure and lighted.
We accept all major credit cards. Rooms Rental include the Following Amenities:
-Set up of tables and chairs, arranged to your preference
-Table centerpieces
-Six hours of entertaining up to midnight
-Dressing Area For the Wedding Party
-Clean-up
-Other additional amenities are available upon request


We are allowed to self cater, so we're going to probably do about half the food ourselves, and the more complicated stuff will be professionally catered. I immagine we can do it pretty easily, and fairly inexpensively.

So, the bad news is that I have to come up with a menu. :bbconfused:

The good news is that we can increase our guest list! :bbmrgreen:

So, when one door slams shut, another is opened. I guess this would be my open door? Plus, no $2 per person 'cake cutting fee'. More like a rip off. We can play our music without any kind of permission.. We'll just bring a stereo along.

But, now there will be more decorations to buy. I need to see the place to see what we're working with. If need be, I'll get some flowering plants from Home Depot and put them in some cheapy plastic pots to add some color.

Well, here we go!

[WebLady]

Sounds good :D

Yeah, one door closes and another opens ;)

:goodluck:

[CarlosHoney]

I think I found our caterer!! ;) Whole Foods to the rescue!!

Here's what I'm thinking:

Greek Garden Salad
Crispy romaine hearts, feta, dolmas, cucumbers, red onions, roma tomatoes and kalamata olives with kalamata feta dressing.
$80 serves 40

Continental Fruit and Cheese
Peak of the season fruits paired with sliced cheddar, Jarlsberg, Havarti, and Gruyère. Includes sliced baguette and flatbread crackers.
$140 serves 40

Mini Pinwheels
Our wraps are sliced into fun pinwheels great for appetizers or casual dining. Each platter has an assortment of carne asada, grilled vegetable and roasted turkey pinwheels with colorful wrap breads.
$100 serves 40

Zucchini, Corn and Black Bean Fritters
A savory combination of zucchini, corn and black beans with a touch of cumin and chipotle.
Served with tomatillo salsa.
$24 per 36

Shrimp Cocktail
A traditional favorite served with lots of lemons and zesty horseradish cocktail sauce.
Market price

We will do chips, salsa, guacamole, and other stuff on our own. Since Carlo's cousin works at Macaroni Grill, I'll see if they can help provide some artichoke dip, bread, stuffed mushrooms, mozzarella alla caprese and calamari.

[WebLady]

Sounds yummy :drool:

[LaceyinPgh]

Isn't Whole Foods the absolute best? I love their hot foods. I go over all the time for dinner when Sean is out of town. Their vegan blueberry muffins are great too! I think the idea of the golf club is wonderful. You can add a few more people and still get what you want. I can't belive you are lucky enough to be able to bring in your own catering too. That is hard to find in wedding locals anymore. The wedding is going to work out and be gorgeous.

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks, guys! I had my hopes set on a downtown wedding, but it seems that things might work out different. I talked to my Dad tonight, and the plan is that we're going to check out a few different restuarants (we're booking a family dinner and we're having a cake brought in) and see what they can offer. If we can't find anything reasonable, then we are going to go with the country club and the Whole Foods/Self Catering.

But, that means that we have to find plates and cups.. And I need to see the place so that I know what I'm working with.

Oh, and I think it's going to rain! Carlo actually had an idea tonight! :o He wanted me to check into a certain restaurant (Jacala) and see what they have to offer. I'm freaking amazed. This is one of the first things that he's had to say about the wedding. I'll stop talking about it, though, I don't wanna push my luck.

I think I can pull off all of the food for under $300. With the Reception site only being $250, I think that's pretty good. Plus, with a restaurant, we'll have about 2-3 hours, tops. With this place we'll have up to 6, though, I don't know if that's a good thing.

Now, just to figure out whether or not I want to have the ceremony around 4pm and start the reception at 6ish so that people have time to eat a real meal (since we'll have finger foods if we go with the country club) or if we should just start the ceremony around 2:30, go with a 4:00 reception, so that if anyone is hungry, they can duck out after an hour or two. ;)

[CarlosHoney]

I love Target, you know why?

Because they have shoes like this...
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BOYYZC.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg
..and they're only $20! I think these are the shoes for me!! :bbmrgreen:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009RPVX0.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg
These are on sale for $16.99.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BV4ULI.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg
And this is $14.99. Target baby!!! I'm going to order these shoes for sure, and I'm thinking about the bag. Not sure about the earrings, either, though the bag is cute!

[bnd94]

:D I am glad everything is working out! $2500 is way steep for only 25 people. I wonder what they would have said if you said it was just a gathering instead of a reception. That is awful that they would hike the price just because it is a wedding :censored:

Your menu sounds yummy! Everything is going to be great. :D

[CarlosHoney]

:D I am glad everything is working out! $2500 is way steep for only 25 people. I wonder what they would have said if you said it was just a gathering instead of a reception. That is awful that they would hike the price just because it is a wedding :censored:

Your menu sounds yummy! Everything is going to be great. :DThat's what I'm doing now.

[CarlosHoney]

New Budget:

Reception:
Reception Venue & Rentals.....$250
Food & Service....................$325
Beverages & Bartenders........$50
Campaigne Toast.................$90
Cake(s) & Cutting Fee..........$250
.............................Total....$965

My Stuff:
The Gown & Alterations.........$200
Bride's Accessories...............$100
Prewedding Pampering...........$50
.............................Total....$250

Ceremony
Ceremony Location Fee.........$250
Ceremony Accessories..........$10
.............................Total ...$260

Flowers & Decor
Bride's Bouquet.....................$29.95
Reception Centerpieces..........$90.90
Ceremony Decorations............$60.95
.............................Total .....$181.80

Photos
Photographer.........................$0.00
Prints...................................$30.00
.............................Total.......$30.00

Stationary
Invitations & Reply Cards..........$50.00
Other Stationery.....................$15.00
.............................Total........$65.00

Jewelry
My Ring..................................$30.00
His Ring..................................$30.00
.............................Total .......$60.00

.............................Grand Total..........$1,911.80

Oh my! :bbeek:

[CarlosHoney]

Okay, so looking at my new budget, I need to cut some corners.

So, Here are things that we are not paying for ourselves:

My mom is handling the cake and all of the flowers, and my accessories... So...

Cake $250
Flowers $160
Accessories $100

My Dad bought my dress, and will help with the deposit, and some of the food...

Dress $170
Deposit $125
Food $100

So, that's $905 that is already covered! :bbmrgreen: Yipee!

Now, just to cover the rest! :bbconfused:

My friend Stephanie (the photographer) got a digital camera, so that cuts the $30 for film and the $48 for paper. Now she's going to give me a CD with all of my pictures on it, and I can get whichever ones printed that I want.

My mom (just got off the phone with her) is also going to help out with some of the food by helping me make a bunch of stuff. I'm sure we'll hit up CostCo, too, and get some frozen foods.

My best friend said that as our wedding present, she's going to pay for the Toast. The country club also gives the B&G a free bottle of suds! So, that's another $90.

I can get ribbon for my bouquet, and for the centerpieces from work. I'm not sure what else is going to get paid for by others, but I know that we don't have a ton of cash to spare right now.. I'm hoping to find some of the stuff I need on eBay for cheap!

[CindySue]

Hmmmm.....your budget kind jumped up a little huh? Can you have the ceremony and reception at the same place? Or go with the cheaper park?

[CarlosHoney]

I think that we are going to go with the more expensive ceremony site. I talke dto my Dad and Carlo both and it seems like both would rather pay for the conveniance and asthetics of the country club ceremony.

With family help, though, we're right about where we want to be with the spending. With family, I'd rather them pay for something than give gifts. We have everything that we need, you know? So, heck, why not?!

I just got off the phone with Carlo, though. :censored: !!!!!!! I really don't understand him sometimes! He tries to make me feel bad for planning this thing. He said 'You just act like this is something that we have to do. You don't act like it's special!'

What am I supposed to do? Any time I want to talk to him about anything he acts like I'm backing him into a corner. Sigh. I'm very excited about our wedding, and will be glad when it's over though. :bbmad: I don't like that he is turning something that I should be happy about into something that I dread bringing up. I mean, he should be looking for what he wants to wear, but if I bring it up, he'll dismiss it just like nothing. Or, he won't respond. Grrrr!

When I asked him if 5:00 on Saturday would be okay to go look at the Club, he said that I'm 'always springing these things on him'. Okay, we haven't gone to look at the club yet, and I made the appointment for SATURDAY. I asked Carlo 5 days in advance if it would be okay.

We have yet to go talk to the bakery, and I've discussed more with my Dad about the wedding than with Carlo. Maybe I'm just overreacting, but it doesn't really feel like it. I know that guys aren't into wedding planning for the most part, but It would be nice if the one time I bring it up he doesn't act like I asked for a kidney instead of asking for an hour of his time. :bbconfused:

[CindySue]

[/URL] Dont feel bad, Brian has a tendency to be the same way. If I DONT talk about the wedding or work on anything concerning the wedding, he thinks Im backing out. If I DO say something wedding related or try to work on something for the wedding, he says Im letting it take over my life. Is there some invisible line I keep crossing? But when I have confronted Brian about "him" maybe wanting to back out since he doesnt seem interested - He says thats what guys are SUPPOSED to do.

MEN!!!!!!

[URL="http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm414CPUS"]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_2_204v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm414CPUS)






http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb066&pp=ZNxdm414CPUS (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb066_ZNxdm414CPUS)

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah. I do wanna rip my hair out. He's so :censored: immature when it comes to some things.

I guess I'm just going to have to sit him down and talk to him about it. I'm not even sure how to tell him how I feel. I wanna breathe fire. I really am tired of him acting like making plans is so crazy.

He keeps telling me that he wants to do a formal proposal. Well, on the 24th of this month we will have been together for 3 years. In 3 years he's had PLENTY of opurtunity to ask. He hasn't. We have talked about getting married, though, and did agree to a date. We agreed before I had the baby that we wouldn't worry about the wedding until after he was born.

Well, the baby is here, and my Dad's insurance will drop me after July 12. We agreed to get married in early to mid spring when I found out I was pregnant. Then, he wanted to wait until the summer. We went out to dinner a couple of weeks ago, and I told him that I was tired of waiting. I wanted to know for sure when. His reply? "Well, you know we're getting married sometime this year." Like that's a good thing, and that I should be happy that he's giving me an answer at all, because he really loves to ignore what I say and just go on with what he's doing..

Then, after dinner, I told him that I wanted to know when. Not a vauge answer. I wanted at least to know what month.. I mean, I've come up with all of the ideas, and all I need is a date to get these things done. So, he said September.

:realmad:

After two weeks of not bringing it up, he said that he thought that we could go ahead and pick a date. The next day we did.

It feels so good to get all that out. I've been so frustrated about it! I really feel much better now! :bbmrgreen:

So, I'll just have to tell him like that. That I'm so excited about it, and I want his input. I don't mean to talk endlessly about it (I don't think I do) and that I really want him to be comfortable with the plans. We only have a few months, though, and we really need to get these things booked. If we don't, then we'll end up never getting married.. Even though he'd probably be okay with it.:bbconfused:

[CarlosHoney]

Okay. I'm ordering two doxen of each of these:
http://www.organicbouquet.com/images/products/Moka-Roses-1dz-snipe.jpghttp://www.organicbouquet.com/Images/Products/Cream-1dz-snipe.jpg

I'm going to mix and match the roses inside the little boxes. They're just a vase wrapped in ribbon:

http://www.michaels.com/online/images/w0196_lg.jpg

So, I guess pink, lilac, and ivory are my colors now. I'm going to use tealights here and there on the food table, and two small vases with half a dozen flowers on each end of the table.

Each round table will have a dozen roses inside the little box vase. The table where we are sitting, I'm just going to put my bouquet into a vase in the middle and use them as our centerpiece. I am going to look into the hydragena (sp?) for a filler around the base of each centerpiece, so it will look sort of like the picture above, only the tables will have purple hydragena and ivory and pink roses. Our table will have ivory hydragena and lavender roses.

[CarlosHoney]

Well, Carlo just called and said that he wanted to go look at the Club on Friday at 4. That's fine. He didn't say it, but he had the 'I'm Sorry' tone of voice.

Marriage Island is avalable. It's $100, though it wouldn't fit everyone that is invited. So, we're going with the Club. I guess it's the hormones. I got pretty worked up there for a minute. I feel so much better now.

We're going to talk when he gets home, and hopefully, everything will be better.

[CindySue]

Carrie, this is just an idea and I dont know how youd feel about waiting but thoses little box things you could probably get REAL cheap right after Easter. They would probably have Easter designs on them but if you were going to cover them in ribbon, no one would know but you.

[CarlosHoney]

Carrie, this is just an idea and I dont know how youd feel about waiting but thoses little box things you could probably get REAL cheap right after Easter. They would probably have Easter designs on them but if you were going to cover them in ribbon, no one would know but you.Thanks!! That's a great idea, Cindy. I didn't think of that! :D When is Easter this year, anyway?

[CindySue]

April 16th. I got the lights I wanted to use for my reception after Christmas and saved a TON!!!!

[CarlosHoney]

Well, I found where I'm getting my flowers! I was going to go with
Organic Bouquets, but It's going to be $160 for 4 dozen. I can get 100
flowers for $100 from http://www.pickapetal.com/
So, I'm not going to use the pink roses after all, but I'm using these
instead:
http://media.redgaloshes.com/03/007485.jpg

My bouquet and flowers at the reception

http://media.redgaloshes.com/03/007491.jpg

The other flowers for the reception, and Carlo's Bout. I'm sure he'd rather have ivory than purple.

http://media.redgaloshes.com/02/007205.jpg
Plus, this way, I can definitley do bouts and corsages for our
families, and the site does rose petals. I can use them for the
ceremony, and pay the same price as I would have for the organic
blooms, and have a few to use in the reception room to decorate the
food table.

[CarlosHoney]

I found it!! I couldn't remember where Becky posted it, but I found it!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/Bnd94/aae.jpg

The chairs will be all white, and the petals will be the Lavender ones that are pictured above.

Thanks Becky!

So, it will look like this:

http://www.anniesiu.com/lavender/l5.jpg

Only, it'll be on the grass, and no aisle runner.

I like these too:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/Bnd94/silkpe14.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/Bnd94/aisles.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

Oooh, I LOVE this band:

http://www.worldjewels.net/_e/Wedding_Bands/product/ww%2D317/zoom_img/ww-317_1131347136.JPG
5MM Hand Braided Gold Wedding Band

Mine would be $169, Carlo's would be $219.

http://www.worldjewels.net/_e/Wedding_Bands/product/ww%2D317/5MM_Hand_Braided_Gold_Wedding_Band.htm

I don't know if we will be able to get fancy rings yet. I think we might stick to silver and on 5 years get fancy rings or something...

Like these:

4mm
http://oromi.com/images/milgrain/mirw04.jpg

6mm
http://oromi.com/images/milgrain/mirw04.jpg

http://www.oromi.com/cat_wrbo/cat_display.php?categoryname=Sterling+Silver+Rings

We'll have to think about it I guess.

[CarlosHoney]

I'm so indecisive!! Now I'm thinking about having a couple of bridesmaids. I mean, I cut the BM's when our Guest List went down to 25, but now that we're going to have up to 50 people, I really might have my best friends stand up there with me. I don't know.. I'm so wishy-washy.

Here's a bridesmaids dress that is only $50..

http://www.shopshop.com/Admin/Master/ProductImage%5CProdlarge716.jpg
It comes in Lilac. I would simply order an extra two dozen ivory roses and use those for their bouquets. I'd also have them hemed, since My dress isn't that long, I think it would look funny... I don't know, though..

Again. Wishy Washy.

[CindySue]

Those dresses are cute.....where did you find them for $50? And Carrie wanting your wedding to be perfect is NOT being wishy-washy.

[CarlosHoney]

Those dresses are cute.....where did you find them for $50? And Carrie wanting your wedding to be perfect is NOT being wishy-washy.It's not that I want ti to be perfect. I know that it's not going to be. Something is bound to go wrong, and chances are, unless my dress falls to pieces when I say 'I do', no one but me will notice.

I found them here:
http://shopshop.com/Bridesmaid_Dresses_B750.htm
They're not esquisite by any means, but they'll do, you know?

[CarlosHoney]

http://www.limogesjewelry.com/products/L4617L5533L461716507L.gif

Original Price: $79.99
Special Price: $59.99

















http://www.limogesjewelry.com/images/clearpixel.gif http://www.limogesjewelry.com/images/clearpixel.gif SKU# : 16507

The perfect gift for him or her any time of year. 10K Gold polished band with millgrain edge detailing is engraved with the message of your choice up to 25 letters and spaces. Band is 4mm wide or 3/16".


http://www.limogesjewelry.com/Custom.asp?productid=4617

[CindySue]

Those are pretty. Would you have the same thing engraved in both rings or would you two have something special engraved in eachothers kept secret till the wedding?

[CarlosHoney]

I think that we would keep it a surprise. More fun that way!! ;)

[CindySue]

I think that we would keep it a surprise. More fun that way!! ;)

Thats got to be difficult.......sitting down trying to come up with something 25 letters/spaces or less, and not being able to ask his help or he would know your secret! Well.....probably more difficult for him than you!;) Because he has to be mushy and cant ask you advice about it!!!!

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, I'm thinking like, a line of poetry, or something. I don't wanna do a song, or movie. That's kinda cheezy..

Today he mentioned those wood rings. So, maybe he'd rather do those. They'll do inscriptions, too, though. So, we could still do them as a surprise.:D

[CarlosHoney]

For the record, we ARE having attendants. I'll post more about it in the morning. :bbmrgreen:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright! Well, we're having 4 attendants each. He's having his brother, his cousin, and his two best freinds... I'm haiving my 4 best friends. I would really prefer that we only have 2 each, since 10 attendants (including the kids) is a bit much for a guest list of 50.

I'm going to talk more to him about it. I told him that they could be ushers, or do a reading, or something else to show them as a person of honor. Deep down he would prefer that he have his two best friends, but there would be a stink in the family if he didn't as his brother to be his BM. My little bro is going to be an usher, and he's going to be the one who will play DJ at the reeption.

Since the room that we're having it in has light green walls, I think that we ought to tie that in to the central theme. The guys can all wear green ties. They have these at Target for $20 each:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000CRKQ78.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg
I think that they're pretty.

I was also thinking about having Carlo's Neice be Elias's attendant. She could walk him down the aisle, hold him during the ceremony, bring him up to us when we exchange rings, and then take him back down when it's all over.

I'm going to let all of the girls choose their own dress, as long as it's light purple/lavender/lilac and not a shiny/silky material. I'd prefer it be knee legnth, but if it's floor legnth, it's okay. Three out of my four attendants are students, and they all aren't exaclty wealthy. The only specs for the FG's dress is that it's ivory WITHOUT a bow. It doesn't HAVe to have the lilac, but it would be nice.

So, now we're going to tell the whole familia! I want to make sure that they can all make it. And we can still invite two people with guests. It's all coming together!! We're going to look at the location tomorrow. I'm bringing my camera with me.

[CarlosHoney]

Well, these are on sale at David's Bridal for 99.99 each. We could possibly get them altered to be shorter, and remove the ribbon. They also come with a wrap.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/F05_8840_lavendermist.jpg


http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=2045&prodgroup=138

This is a pretty dress, too! But, it's $150.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s06_F11656_posey.jpg
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_bycolor_detail.jsp?stid=2043&sid=8064&cfid=54

Here is one from jcpenneys:

http://a603.g.akamai.net/7/603/175/2006012712/cache3.jcpenney.com/images/large/0900631b80e47d73L.jpg
Find it here. (http://www3.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=597&CatID=31577&CatTyp=LFS&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=0e47929&ProdSeq=25&Cat=bridesmaids&Dep=&PCat=&PCatID=31576&RefPage=ProductList&Sale=&ProdCount=26&RecPtr=&ShowMenu=&TTYP=&ShopBy=0&RefPageName=CategoryAll%252Easpx&RefCatID=31576&RefDeptID=597&CmCatId=597%7C31576%7C31577)

It's only $60, and we could easily get the sleeves removed. I think that this one would look the best with my dress, and it comes in plus sizes (which one girl would need).

I'm giving my attendants lip glosses and a bracelet as their gift.

[bnd94]

Love the ring idea! Very cool!! :D

I love this dress!! The last one is beautiful too. ;)
http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s06_F11656_posey.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

I like that dress, too, Becky, but I don't think that any of my girls could really afford it right now. I'm going to go with this one:

http://a602.g.akamai.net/7/602/175/2006012712/cache3.jcpenney.com/images/regular/0900631b80e29299R.jpg

It's the only one that is affordable, that comes in plus sizes, and has the asymetrical hem AND the draped neckline. I think that it looks good with my dress. I'm going to have Carlo's Aunt remove the sleeves, though, becaue I think that they look a little silly.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/126417_fpx.jpg

See? I think it looks the best with my dress. If I had gone with the A-Line Luhullier mock, I probably would have gone with the $150 dress.

[bnd94]

Oh yeah that dress goes perfectly with your dress. That's awesome. Great price too. I think it will look better without the sleeves too. :D

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, I just have to get ahold of all of the girls so that they know. I don't know how long they are on sale, and I'd like to get them ordered ASAP. I'll ask my mom if she'll order them all, and then have the girls reimburse her. I'm sure she'd be open to it.

Ohh!! I am so freakin' excited! :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

I'm giving my girls lip gloss and jewelry to wear at the wedding.. And I found the most fun lip gloss ever!!!

http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/5720/20060119190040/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P133805/P133805_hero.jpg

It's called Kiss and Tell by Hard Candy

Get gorgeous, glistening lips that shine with the truth. Extra juicy, these sheer, shiny popsicle-scented delights are the ultimate treat.

Packaged in a slim, transparent vial, each gloss is topped with a funky, fortune-telling cap, so these delicious lip essentials provide more than just fantastic shine. Unleash the power of lip gloss with gorgeous lips and telling messages revealed by the magical cap.

To use: Simply apply your favorite tint, ask a question, give the gloss a shake-shake-shake and voila! Your answer will be revealed. "Should I start a band?" OK. "Should I ask him out?" YUK. "Will I stay home tonight?" NO!

I'm going to get each girl a different shade, since each shade has different answers in the cap. I'm going to make the jewelry to save on cash.

[CarlosHoney]

I figured out what I'm going to have engraved inside his ring:

Love cannot be hid 6-3-06

It's from a quote by George Herbert. The complete quote is " Love, and a cough, cannot be hid." It was written in the book Jacula Prudentum in 1651. Pretty cool.

[CarlosHoney]

I just talked to my Dad. We discussed all of the budget stuff. He knows that we're tight on money, and that some of these expenses will be covered by our income tax. He's leaving me with the impression that whatever my mom doesn't pay, he's going to.. I think he'd rather us not spend our money on a wedding and spend it on us and the baby.

I feel much releived. So, Here's what we've got covered:

Reception:
Reception Venue & Rentals.....$250
Food & Service....................$325
Beverages & Bartenders........$50
Campaigne Toast.................$90
Cake(s) & Cutting Fee..........$250
.............................Total....$965

My Stuff:
The Gown & Alterations.........$200
Bride's Accessories...............$100
Prewedding Pampering...........$50
.............................Total....$250

Ceremony
Ceremony Location Fee.........$250
Ceremony Accessories..........$10
.............................Total ...$260

Flowers & Decor
Bride's Bouquet.....................$29.95
Reception Centerpieces..........$90.90
Ceremony Decorations............$60.95
.............................Total .....$181.80

Photos
Photographer.........................$0.00
Prints...................................$30.00
.............................Total.......$30.00

Stationary
Invitations & Reply Cards..........$50.00
Other Stationery.....................$15.00
.............................Total........$65.00

Jewelry
My Ring..................................$30.00
His Ring..................................$30.00
.............................Total .......$60.00

.............................Grand Total..........$1,911.80

$ 1090 covered!!!!!!! $ 822 to go!!!!!!!!

I feel so releived. When I go up to visit on the 16th, we're going to look at getting the invitations printed at Office Depot (with the cost of the paper and ink cartrige, we'd and up spending more). My Step-Mom and I are going to make the favors, and they'll bring them down with them for the wedding so that I won't have to worry about space for them. We might go ahead and make the boxes for the centerpieces, and we're going to look for rings. My dad's ring is exactly like the ones that we're getting.. Kinda weird. His has 'Forever Always Amen' on the inside.

He even asked if he could walk me down the aisle tonight. I told him that it was the plan, but given our past, and the way that our relationship has been before, I can understand completely why he asked.

So, I have to get in gear and have the invitation design and honey jar design ready when I go. Carlo is going to tell his family when it's happening, and he's going to ask his attendants to be attendants.

i'm hoping to have all the major planning finished and everything paid in full by the time April rolls around. I'm also thinking about allowing everyone 2-3 glasses of champaigne. If my dad covers everything, and my MOH is going to cover the toast, then I think we can cover a couple glasses for everyone.

Well, I'm going to bed. Good night!

[CarlosHoney]

The OFFICIAL I-Do-To-Do's!!!
- Date Set - DONE (6-3-06)
- Dress - DONE (Ordered)
- Vows - DONE
- Hair/Make Up - DONE (Booked)
- Photographer - DONE (Booked)
- Officiant - DONE (Booked)
- Restaurant/Reception - Working on it!
- Flowers - DONE (Ordered) :bbmrgreen:
- Ceremony Location - Working on it!
- Cake/Bakery - DONE (Booked) :bbmrgreen:
- Groom's Clothes
- Decorations - At The Drawing Board
- Invites - At The Drawing Board
- Guest favors - At The Drawing Board
- Music - Working on it!
- Thank you notes
- Marriage Lisence
- Alterations
- Getaway Car

[CindySue]

List looks good! I need to make one up myself......I have most everything done, but I would like to be able to look at something and see that.

[CarlosHoney]

You can copy mine if you want, I'm not greedy.

I just can't wait to see the whole thing red. Oh, wonderful!

[CindySue]

You can copy mine if you want, I'm not greedy.

I just can't wait to see the whole thing red. Oh, wonderful!

I did copy....only my "done" stuff is GREEN and my "need to do" is RED

[CarlosHoney]

Ah, that's cool. I think once everything is done I'll make the list purple. I should really do the whole thing in purple, since it's my favorite color (and the color of the wedding), but oh well. I like seeing all that 'DONE' stuff. It's great! :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

So, after searching online all morning, I found the *perfect* gift for him. It's a phoenix pendant (since that was almost his name) and we'll have his name engraved on the back:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006O1H8E.01-A2HSPHF972NM5W._AA270_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Pretty!! We're going to give it to him when he presents our rings to us. My mom heard that he was going to be our RB, and she didn't get it. "How is he going to be your RB? He's going to be 5 months old!" Once I explained that Carlo's neice was going to bring him to us, then take him back to his seat, all was clear. She just thought that it was a little weird.

Looking for a suit for him, and not finding much that looks like the suits that all of the guys are going to wear. Oh well. I'll find something.

[CarlosHoney]

I found one that is perfect!

To my groom: he knows all about me and loves me just the same.

[CindySue]

I found one that is perfect!

To my groom: he knows all about me and loves me just the same.

Ive heard one similiar: He knows all my secrets and loves me anyway!

[CarlosHoney]

Wow! Cindy, I like that one even better. That's the one I'm going with then!!

[CarlosHoney]

The OFFICIAL I-Do-To-Do's!!!
- Date Set - DONE (6-3-06)
- Dress - DONE (Ordered)
- Vows - DONE
- Hair/Make Up - DONE (Booked)
- Photographer - DONE (Booked)
- Officiant - DONE (Booked)
- Restaurant/Reception - DONE (Booked):bbmrgreen:
- Flowers - DONE (Ordered)
- Ceremony Location - DONE (Booked):bbmrgreen:
- Cake/Bakery - DONE (Booked)
- Groom's Clothes - He's picking them out and he's going to rent a suit.
- Decorations - Just have to make the vases and pick up a few votives.
- Invites - Working on the design and wording.
- Guest favors - Making them when I go visit my Dad.
- Music - We're coming up with all the songs.
- Thank you notes - Going to buy them and address them at the same time as the invitations.
- Marriage Lisence - Have to wait until May 3 to get it.
- Alterations - Going to get them 2 weeks before hand.
- Getaway Car - No Clue. I'm delegating this task to Carlo.

[CarlosHoney]

$1230 covered! My mom went ahead and paid 1/2 of the cost of the rental for the venue. We've yet to look at it, but it doesn't sound bad at all. The pastry chef who is doing the cake said that her husband used to work at that country club, and said that the room is beautiful. So, if we don't like it, the manager said that he would refund my mom. How cool is that?! :bbmrgreen:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, It's too cold out to go see the Country Club. Boo!! So, we're going on Tuesday. Yay!!! I just have to swing by the bakery on Monday and sign the contract (we're going to pick up a little cake on our 1 year anavarsary instead of freezing a layer). It's so awesome!

[CarlosHoney]

I feel restless. We're going the day after tomorrow to look at the country club. Carlo told his Mom about the wedding and she was very happy. I asked the flower girl and her mom last night to participate. She's going to find a lavender dress during the whole Easter thing. I've been looking at Formalwear places to see who has the best deal. Al's Formal Wear will give the groom a free rental and the wedding party 30% off with 7 rentals... Well, we don't have 7 people renting. My dad and Carlo's dad both have suits. So, it'll be the 4 groomsmen and my little bro.. So, we found this:

In honor of our 25th Anniversary, we've rolled back prices on over 8 styles to just $49.95 !


These 8+ styles range from classic to trendy, so you're certain to find the one that's right for you.

There's more to this great offer...Groom's Tuxedo is Free! (with parties of 5 paid tuxedos) Plus we participate in the the National Sizing System. This allows you easy sizing at any tuxedo store nationwide. Call or mail in measurements & have a tuxedo waiting for all of your groomsmen at the store that is closest to your wedding.

http://www.royaltuxedo.com/special.html

Pretty sweet. So, it'll be free for Carlo, and not too expensive for the guys. We're including the tie in the groomsmen gifts. I'm going to find 5 purple bags and 5 green bags, and give all of the bridal party gifts at the rehearsal. The girls are getting jewelry, makeup, and a little zipper bag. I know that the guys are going to get a tie, but the rest is up to Carlo.

We also looked at rings, and Carlo really prefers the wood rings, so we are going to get them after all. It was the original idea anyway.. But he doesn't want them inscribed. I do, though. I don't know what we'll do then.

I'm going to order the fans rom Oriental Trader and tie a bow around the handle, since it's going to be June. I'll leave one in each seat, maybe hanging from the back of the chair. It's only $30.

I'm going to make the flower basket, and instead of a pillow, we're going to get a necklace and put them both on, and during the ceremony take off the rings and give him a pendant as a gift.

[CarlosHoney]

Well, if we have the money from my mom in the mail we are going to the Club to see the room that we reserved!! Score! With gas costing what it does (and us driving what we do) we have to fill up to get there, so I sure hope the cash-ola is in the mail.

Finished the design for the favors. Now onto bigger and better things:

The invitations. :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

We looked at it, and it's awesome!! It's just right. Could stand for it to be a little bigger, but it will look beautiful with the purple decorations. I'll post a pic in a few.

[CarlosHoney]

Here's a picture of the room. There's a window to the right, and a painting of a white peacock to the left. I think I'll order some white peacock feathers just to tie it in.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/peacock.jpg

Also, here's the labels for the Honey Jars that I designed on Photoshop:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/HoneyLabel.jpg

[CindySue]

Um....Carrie, on your signature it says June 3rd but on the honey label it says june 6th. Is it supposed to be that way?

[LaceyinPgh]

The room looks nice and the lable is adorable. But I have the same date question as Cindy. Was the room already booked for the 3rd?

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks for pointing that out!! What a dork. I need to fix it.

The wedding is on June 3. I'm just a nut. So, the label is for 6-6-06. Scary!!

I'll fix it in a little bit. I think it's kinda funny. :bblol:

[CindySue]

Thanks for pointing that out!! What a dork. I need to fix it.

The wedding is on June 3. I'm just a nut. So, the label is for 6-6-06. Scary!!

I'll fix it in a little bit. I think it's kinda funny. :bblol:

Iwas hoping that if it was a mistake that you hadnt printed all of the labels off already!

[CarlosHoney]

No, no, not yet. Will do this weekend. Just glad that you caught it, since I would have probably just never noticed. :bbmrgreen: I'm like that.

That picture really doesn't do the room justice, though. The lights were off, and Carlo isn't exactly an adept photographer. Plus, it was taken with his phone.

There's a table set up for the food, plus there will be 5 huge tables for everyone to sit at. I doubt that there will be any dancing. We're thinking about the whole Alcohol issue. I'm really not down with it, but there are lots of people in our families who would be upset. The manager at the club said that we could have a coctail waitress come back and forth to take orders. We will probably do that. We're only paying for the toast, though. I'm going to talk to my family, and Carlo is going to talk to his, and if they want Beer, they have to pay for it. It's $255 for a keg, and I'm going to ask if they have a mini keg. We really don't need that much beer. I'll add up what it will cost, though, for different kinds of beer, because my family drinks Coors light, his drinks Miller lite, and some of our families like wine. So, I might do a coctail hour or something. Who knows. Not me (yet)!

I feel such releif. Everything is taken care of. Sigh. Yes!! :bbmrgreen:

[WebLady]

Thanks for pointing that out!! What a dork. I need to fix it.

The wedding is on June 3. I'm just a nut. So, the label is for 6-6-06. Scary!!

I'll fix it in a little bit. I think it's kinda funny. :bblol:

Yeah, I bet you were just thinking 'evil' thoughts when you printed those ;) I wouldn't get married on 6/6/06, but the whole Friday the 13th thing wouldn't bother me, go figure :wink: Anyway, glad you guys caught it, I wish I had :redface: I bet you are glad you hadn't printed them up yet!

The room looks very nice, I am glad everything is coming together for you.

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks!! June 6 is just too close to my birthday. At least the 3rd is little over a wee away. It's funny, our anavarsary is 1 month after Carlo's B-Day, and the day after his best friend's birthday. Now our wedding day is a week before my birthday. Har har har.

I think I'm going to order a dozen white peacock feathers. The next time I'm at the Country Club I'll take better pictures, but there's a painting of a white peacock on the wall. Not really what I was thinking, but whatever! I could use the feathers for the food table.

http://www.boxess.com/ebweybu.jpg

[WebLady]

I think I'm going to order a dozen white peacock feathers. The next time I'm at the Country Club I'll take better pictures, but there's a painting of a white peacock on the wall. Not really what I was thinking, but whatever! I could use the feathers for the food table.

http://www.boxess.com/ebweybu.jpg

That sounds like it would be nice :)

You know what I think is funny ... the peacock is the male and he is prettier than the female peahen. That happens alot in the animal world ... the males are just show offs ;)

Sorry, rambled thoughts :wink:

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, showboats!! ;)

My dad is going to cover the remainder of the reception venue cost today. Awesome!

[CarlosHoney]

After a much depressing time trying to find a linnen rental that wouldn't cost me, oh, and arm and both legs, I found one!! 22.50 per table, that includes the tablecloth, chaircovers, ribbons, and overlay. The food table will be about 35.00. Not bad at all!! I don't think I even want the ribbons, I think they look a little weird, but we're going to talk about it. Woo-hoo!! :bbmrgreen:

Here's an article about the Vendor that we're workign with:

http://www.sanantonioweddings.com/spotlight_article.asp?spotlight_id=14

They're super nice. They just called back and said that our date is not avalable for service (their daughter's graduation), but they would give us a better price if we want to pick up the linnens and do the tables ourselves. If I can get them to give it to me for $60-80, it's a deal!

[Jenn060306]

Thanks for pointing that out!! What a dork. I need to fix it.

The wedding is on June 3. I'm just a nut. So, the label is for 6-6-06. Scary!!

I'll fix it in a little bit. I think it's kinda funny. :bblol:

I have the same date.... and i get confused some days and say its June 6th as well.... I'm not exactly sure why though. But it's weird.
My birthday isn't too far after the wedding either. Mark's grandfathers is the 4th, my little cousins is the 6th, one of my BM is the 7th, and a good friend of mine from school is the 8th.... it will be a party week for sure! :D

Everything is looking awsome! The honey pots are so cute! The feathers will add a really nice touch! differen't textures will give the reception so much depth!

[CarlosHoney]

Well, tomorrow I'm going to Arkansas. Tonight I have to finish the invitations and work on the label. When I get home I'll post pictures of my dress, the favors, etc.

I'm tired and hungry. Carlo is coming home soon, we're going to eat lunch at PF Chang's. We'll be apart until Monday. I'll miss him. :bbcry:

But, I'll get the rest of the wedding stuff done. :bbmrgreen: And Carlo's Mom called to talk wedding with me this morning. She was so excited. We're going to get everyone together 2 weeks before hand to alter all of the BM dresses. Yipee!!

Well, gotta get dressed! TTFN.

[ikkin510]

Have a good time and I hope you get a lot done while your out there!!!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks!! I'm sure I will. Here's the fruits of my labor:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/HoneyLabel.jpg

Corrected!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/invitecopy.jpg

Done!!

[CarlosHoney]

OMG!! I just had to go back and correct the invitation. I put the 6th on there too. What's wrong with me?! :bbeek:

Well, I'll be back Monday night. Ciao!

[LaceyinPgh]

I really like the invite Carrie. You did a great job on it. Have a fun trip and travel safe with little Elias.

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks!! It only took me 30 minutes or so. I'm a little worried about taking him on the plane, he might freak out because of the air pressure. I'm hoping that he'll be alright. The flight is about 3 hours long, and there's a layover in Dallas. I wish it was nonstop, but oh well, right?

Oy, I'm tired, but there's too much to do to go back to bed. I got up to cook Carlo breakfast this morning at 4:45 and I've gotta pack all our clothes and clean up some before I go. It's going to be so cold in Arkansas all weekend. It might even snow. Yikes!

This morning I had Carlo look at the invitation, just so that he could look it over, and he acted like I showed him a picture of a dead dog. He couldn't have been less enthusiastic. First, he asks why mom is listed before his parents. Because that's the way it's traditionally done. Why does it say 3:00? Um, because? I don't want to be at the country club until MIDNIGHT? There are other things I'd like to do on my wedding night?

He was cranky I guess.. This wedding stuff has us all stressed out. Well, not me so much. Just him. He's acting like he's getting his period a lot of the time. I just wish that he would give me feedback every once in a while. Something other than "It's Fine."

I'm just ready to hear something like "I like it." It doesn't have to be a 100% improvement. Just throw me a friggin' bone here.

[LaceyinPgh]

I know you are breast feeding but make sure Elias has a pacifier or bottle or something to be sucking on, that will help the air pressure. Also, a drop or two of Benadryl (with doctor's, ok) will help too.

[StaceyMc]

Your invites are beautiful! Great job!

Enjoy your trip, sounds like you're going to get a lot of wedding stuff finished.

I have a feeling that I'm going to be saying the same things about Joe that you're saying about Carlo as the wedding gets closer. He's already saying "That's fine" "It's alright", etc.

[bnd94]

MEN!!! :censored: LOL!!
Danny is the same way and I give him :censored: about it all the time. He is getting a little better so I guess there is still hope. :bblol:


I noticed you posted your corrected honey label and invitation, but the date is still the 6th on the honey label.

The invitations look great! Good job!! :D I love the M on top. It is so pretty.

[CarlosHoney]

Says the 3rd to me! I'm off to the airport. I'll post pics when I can. Peace!!! :bbmrgreen:

[countrygirl]

Hi Carrie,

I saw a show on tv about the Hotel San Jose, it seemed really intersting. I love the eclectic (sp?) look of it!!!!

[CarlosHoney]

The OFFICIAL I-Do-To-Do's!!!
- Date Set - DONE (6-3-06)
- Dress - DONE (Ordered)
- Vows - DONE
- Hair/Make Up - DONE (Booked)
- Photographer - DONE (Booked)
- Officiant - DONE (Booked)
- Restaurant/Reception - DONE (Booked)
- Flowers - DONE (Ordered)
- Ceremony Location - DONE (Booked)
- Cake/Bakery - DONE (Booked)
- Jewelry - DONE
- Groom's Clothes - He's picking them out and he's going to rent a suit.
- Decorations - DONE
- Invites - Just have to order them.
- Guest favors - Step Mom is making them.
- Music - We're coming up with all the songs.
- Thank you notes - Going to buy them and address them at the same time as the invitations.
- Marriage Lisence - Have to wait until May 3 to get it.
- Alterations - Going to get them 2 weeks before hand.
- Getaway Car - No Clue. I'm delegating this task to Carlo.

[CindySue]

Looks good Carrie!!!!!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks Cindy! And, MetMyCowboy, yeah, it is eclectic. That's why we chose it! I'll post pictures in a few. The vases are still at my Dad's house, since I couldn't take them on the plane. He's coming to visit on April 1st, so he's going to bring all of the stuff. I found a great deal on votive candles, in the glasses and all, and I got a candle to put next to a picture of my brother, and a frame for the picture.. Also, found some pretty purple candles for our table (I just need to borrow some matching votives), and some little pearl thingies for the food table. I tried on my dress, but forgot to take a pic. It's beautiful! He's going to wrap it up and put it in a little box for me.

The dresses are ordered, and I just need to talk to my dad later and tell him that we can do the favors if need be. I just need the jars to be filled and sealed. That's it!

Now I'm looking for a baby suit. My dad has a suit that is all black, and his wife just got him a shirt that is eggplant and a tie that is eggplant with black/silver/ivory stripes, so he's going to wear that to the wedding.

Elias has started sleeping most of the way through the night *knock on wood* he ususally has his last feeding around Midnight, and wakes up around 5 to eat. So, I'm getting more hours in a row, and I'm feeling so great! Being a new mom is pretty good so far. I don't feel particularly tired, and get plenty of rest. When I want to nap, I just lay down with him (like Cindy said to do) and he sleeps for a good long while.

So, I got a Brides magazine for while I was on the plane. Most of the stuff was unrealisitc, expensive, and not my style. But there are a few things that I'm thinking about. Like, lighting up the tables from underneath, so that they "glow" and how to do the placecards. I'm going to need to do placecards, I fear. I don't want turmoil. But, I know it's a BIG no-no to have placecards at a meal served on paper plates. Serving place rental is $2 per person. That's $80, and I don't know if we'll have it. I think we're going to set aside money for little extras like that. I'm going to email a few different caterers and see what they have in mind for what we can afford.

[CarlosHoney]

Here's Elias!!
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0154.jpg

Look at those EYES!!
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0155.jpg

I ran out of rhinestones, so this is the cake topper so far:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0156.jpg

And my jewelry:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/000_0163.jpg

I'm going to re-do the invitations since I left some things off.. And I'm probably going to go for a more casual feel, since I really think that the invite is a little too formal.

I ran out of batteries, too, so once I get them I'll post pictures of the Bridesmaids and Flower Girl's jewelry that I made.

[CindySue]

He is sooooo pretty!

[CarlosHoney]

Well, after talking to a few caterers, I think that it will be easier, tastier, and more cost effective to go with Whole Foods after all. This is what we're going to do:

Grilled Herbed Vegetables - 2 orders
Herb-marinated, grilled seasonal vegetables served with a roasted tomato aïoli.
$40 serves 10 | $60 serves 20

Brie with Fresh Berries, Honey-Fig Spread and Toasted Almonds - 2 Servings
A creamy wheel of Brie served with berries, toasted almonds and our Adriatic fig and honey blend.
$25 serves 8–10

Mini Pinwheels - 2 Platters
Our wraps are sliced into fun pinwheels great for appetizers or casual dining. Each platter has an assortment of carne asada, grilled vegetable and roasted turkey pinwheels with colorful wrap breads.
$30 serves 10 | $50 serves 20

Mini vegetable spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce - 5 Dozen
$9 per dozen
Chicken pot stickers with Thai-style dipping sauce - 2 Dozen
$7 per dozen
Vegetable pot stickers with Thai-style dipping sauce - 2 Dozen
$7 per dozen

We are doing Bread, Salad, Artichoke Dip, and Berries. We are getting wings, pastry puffs, cookies, and whatever else frozen from CostCo. Corn Chips, Salsa, and 7 Layer Dip are what I'm taking care of. Hopefully Carlo's Mom can make a few of her decadent and delicious Cheesecakes. I'm not sure that everyone will like the Brie, so I'm just getting a little. Probably make a platter of Italian cheeses, and we'll do tea and lemonade, some cases of soda, and some bottled water.

I'm working on my invitations now. Wish me luck!

[CarlosHoney]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/invitationcopy.jpg

There it is!!

[WebLady]

Looks nice to me :D No lilac? It is hard to tell on my screen if the text and roses are suppose to me purple or not.

[CarlosHoney]

They're really light purple! I was trying to make them not so femminine, since Carlo helped me with designing them. The text is Eggplant.

Elias is throwing a fit, so I'll see you in the morning!

[CarlosHoney]

So, My mom didn't actually pay for the flowers and reception yet. :censored:

I called the manager at the country club and he said that he hadn't gotten a call from her. It was my DAD who did it. I'm pissed. She said that she ordered the dresses over the weekend, too. So, she's been lying to me. :bbmad:

She also said that she sent a little money to help us out, and it's never arrived. If I don't get proof TODAY that she purchased the dresses, I'm taking her off the invitation, and she's not going to be invited. My mom and I have had a rocky relationship in the past (remember, she begged me to have an abortion instead of having Elias) and I thought that the lies had stopped. I'm going to call her and give her a little piece of my mind. Right now. :chair:

[CarlosHoney]

The OFFICIAL I-Do-To-Do's!!!
- Date Set - DONE (6-3-06)
- Dress - DONE (Ordered)
- Vows - DONE
- Hair/Make Up - DONE (Booked)
- Photographer - DONE (Booked)
- Officiant - DONE (Booked)
- Restaurant/Reception - DONE (Booked)
- Flowers - Need to order
- Ceremony Location - DONE (Booked)
- Cake/Bakery - DONE (Booked)
- Jewelry - DONE
- Groom's Clothes - He's picking them out and he's going to rent a suit.
- Decorations - DONE
- Invites - Just have to order them.
- Guest favors - Step Mom is making them.
- Music - We're coming up with all the songs.
- Thank you notes - Going to buy them and address them at the same time as the invitations.
- Marriage Lisence - Have to wait until May 3 to get it.
- Alterations - Going to get them 2 weeks before hand.
- Getaway Car - No Clue. I'm delegating this task to Carlo.

[CindySue]

Carrie...the invitations look great. Sorry you are having problem with your mother. Ive had people do similiar to me. When I first started planning this wedding, my best friend that lives and hour and a half away was all into it. She was going to do the cake and the flowers, etc. She was even going to pay for all of it. Well, when I started really trying to make my plans, I tried to get in touch with her and couldnt. She wouldnt return phone calls or anything. I finally just started making my plans without her. Ive talked to her a few times recently and she acted like her feelings are her when I tell her everything ive done by myself.

[WebLady]

Sorry to hear about your issues with your mom, that sux. I know the feeling though, I have issues with my mom too. She was uninvited to my wedding until my dad made her appoligize to me.

Hope it all works out for you :hug:

[CarlosHoney]

Well, I talked to her and she said that she tried calling the club, and that he wasn't in (I called and checked....he really wasn't) so she's going to call back later. She promised that she would forward the confirmation for the dresses to me in just a few minutes, and that she would order the roses right after she did that. She knows that she's on my :censored: list right now. She knows she beter not press her luck. The last time she talked to her mom was when she was my age. After all of the lies, and B.S. and broken promises, I'm not far from there myself. I'm accepting her help with the wedding, and I want her in my life.. But Carlo can't stand her, and she doesn't have a polite or paitent bone in her body.

Anyway.. to help soothe the pain away, here are a few pictures:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/344439923232fp64ot2329877XROQDF2323.jpg
This is the look that we will have.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/thecake.jpg
Here's a poor photoshop of what I wanted the cake to look like. It won't have as many roses, but it's the gist of it.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/musttake1.jpg
We'll have to take one of these. So pretty!!

[ikkin510]

Carrie, sorry to hear about all the problems you are having with your mom. Hopefully she will make those calls today like she said.
YAY for getting so much done on your trip, that must have felt great to check all of it off your list of things too do.
I swear, that little boy of yours gets cuter in every picture you post!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks!! I know he's gonna be super cute in his little matching suit. I want to take a good picture of the three of us that will be framed to hang in our living room. :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

Seems like my mother isn't going to order the flowers. and I don't even know if she is going to pay for the reception room, and she hasn't sent me proof that she bought the dresses, either. So, I'm sorting all of this out, and if she doesn't do something substantial, I'm going to redraft the invitation and her name will not be on it. I'm sick of her lies and broken promises. :bbmad:

So, it's back to the drawing board with the flowers. I'm looking at what is avalable in June at the flower market here, so I might be able to get some variety into the bouquets and centerpieces.

One door closes, another opens. :bbconfused:

[WebLady]

I am so sorry you are dealing with this with your mom :hug: I know it will work out one way or another.

I don't know if you have a Hobby Lobby out there but the one here had a huge sale on all kinds of wedding stuff. We went out and got a bunch of flowers for my friends wedding I helping with. They even had some pre-made ones that were nice too.

:goodluck:

[CarlosHoney]

I really want real flowers. The two things that I want to splurge on were the cake and the flowers.

Here are the ones that are in season that I'm thinking of:

http://www.yunnan-flower.org.cn/pict/FREESIA/16.jpg
Freesia

http://www.freshroses.com/lisianthus.jpg
Lisianthus

http://store5.yimg.com/I/yhst-91158115785298_1801_9739596
Sweet Pea

http://www.freshroses.com/scabiosa.jpg
Scabiosa

I'd use these with Hydragena as a starting piece/filler.. I'm going to figure it all out. Don't you worry!!

[CindySue]

Sorry you are having family problems at a time like this. This is one of the reasons Brian and I wanted to do it on our own.

[WebLady]

I LOVE Freesia and sweet pea! Hydrangeas are nice too. Never heard of the other flowers but they look lovely! I am sure you will figure it out. 'You da man' :bblol: ;)

Hope all the other issues work out for you.

Here is something that might make you feel better ... my friends wedding that I am helping with is in 2 weeks (March 11th, I think Hayz's is that day too) and the baker cancelled so now we don't have a cake! We are looking into other options but we don't have alot of time or money. If we had more time and not so many other DIY projects, I could probably make a pedestal style one myself. Anyway ... see, it could be worse ;)

[CarlosHoney]

Aww. That stinks!! Cupcakes to the rescue. I know that our local grocery stores do weddings... Keep that in mind.

Yeah, I'm thinking about the flowers. I'm going to hit up the local flower market, and hope that they have peonies, but if not, I'll take whatever I can find, as long as it's purple and white. I hope I can find lavender hydragena, that's what I want for the centerpieces. That, and maybe something tall like Stock, just to give it a little height.

http://www.freshroses.com/stock.jpg
Stock

http://www.freshroses.com/statice.jpg
Statice sinuata for the big table

http://www.freshroses.com/snapdragon.jpg
Snapdragons in white for the centerpieces too.

So, it would be like a cluster of hydragena, a little tube of white snapdragons, and a big cluster in the middle, raised a little, of the Stock, all of the taller flowers just shooting right out of the hydragena.

[CarlosHoney]

Wow. We're getting close. :bbeek: I'm freakin' out, man.

So, we decided on Air by Bach. So beautiful. Hear it for yourself. (http://mfile.akamai.com/3164/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/673/544673_1_04.asx?obj=v50224)

Some of the music that we will play while everyone is being seated:

Moon River - Mancini
Four Seasons, Winter, Largo, - Vivaldi

I'm torn, though. I would love walk down to Flim by Aphex Twin (http://mfile.akamai.com/3164/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/785/263785_1_02.asx?obj=v10207). What do you think????????? I think that Aphex is more our style.

But, there's this song by Squarepusher (totally not his normal stuff) called Everyday I Love (http://mfile.akamai.com/3164/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/461/514461_1_15.asx?obj=v40323). I'm so torn!!!

What to do? :confused:

[WebLady]

Wow. We're getting close. :bbeek: I'm freakin' out, man.

I'm torn, though. I would love walk down to Flim by Aphex Twin (http://mfile.akamai.com/3164/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/785/263785_1_02.asx?obj=v10207). What do you think????????? I think that Aphex is more our style.

But, there's this song by Squarepusher (totally not his normal stuff) called Everyday I Love (http://mfile.akamai.com/3164/wm2/muze.download.akamai.com/2890/us/uswm2/461/514461_1_15.asx?obj=v40323). I'm so torn!!!

What to do? :confused:

I love the first one, but I don't know if I would use it for the brides entrance. I think it would be great for dinner music at the reception. But that is just IMO. The other one has more of the same feel as the other songs you are using ... again just IMO.

Here is the music we are using for the wedding I am helping with in March ...

Guest seating - Soft instrumental love songs

Seating of Mothers (light unity) - Because you love me - Celine Dion

Processional (enter bridesmaids) - Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke

Enter Bride - Wedding Chorus - Wagner

Unity song - Still undecided :bbrolleyes: (the wedding is in like 2 weeks)

Recessional - Wedding March - Mendelssohn

:goodluck:

[Jenn060306]

:bbeek:
98 Days?!?!
:bbeek: double :bbeek:

lol! That means i have 98 days to go!
My list of to do's is still oh so long!
I'm rootin for ya Carrie!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks for the replies. I think that we are going to do Flim as the song that the bridesmaids, flower girl, etc. walk down to. I think it's very modern and pretty.. There's another song by Aphex Twin called Alberto Balsam that I'm thinking would be pretty as the song we walk down the aisle at the end to. Hear it here. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000002HIK001010/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_010/102-9527269-0216149)

So, I'm still stuck. I don't know. I HATE the wedding march. I don't know what to do.

I took my Mom's name off the invitations and the guest list. I'm through with her. She's done nothing but lie to me and break promises.. So I'm finished.

My dad picked up the rest of the sparkles, and he's sending them to me tomorrow. So, I can finish the cake topper. I can't wait to see it when it's done!!!!

So, my Dad is getting the invitatiosns ordered tomorrow. Turns out he has a friend who will do them for a discount, and the little info sheet and rsvp cards will be included. Instead of me reserving a block of rooms, I just included some hotels that are close with a varrying price range.

Well, Elias is calling. :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

Elias!!!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/elias/eliassmiledark.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/elias/eliassmilebright.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/elias/wonder.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/elias/smile.jpg

Those were all taken with the camera phone, since the digital camera sucked the life out of the batteries in a matter of days. Oh well, enjoy!

[CarlosHoney]

Ah, new invitation.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/237b236a.jpg

RSVP

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/7b955d51.jpg

Info Card

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/680e6082.jpg

[LaceyinPgh]

Carrie, Elias gets cuter and cuter everytime that I see him. I LOVE his little Led Zeppelin tshirt. Teach 'em young I say!

The new invites look great. And thanks for including directions, I won't have any trouble finding the place now. :bbmrgreen: Don't worry I won't eat much.

[CarlosHoney]

Hey, all of you girls are invited. I'd rather have you guys there anyway! :bbmrgreen:

Woo-woo!! I hope you can make it Lacey. The San Antonio traffic gets bad at that intersection. ;)

[CindySue]

Dang Carrie.......Seeing your map, makes me wonder if we are going to need one! I guess I need to get with Brian tonight and check on that. We are going to put up signs for the directionally challenged, but maybe we need a map so people can find the signs.

[WebLady]

Everything looks great :D The link to that song didn't work for me though :(

[CarlosHoney]

Aww.. It should. I'll figure it out later... Elias is going to the doctor today. I'll fix it when I get back. :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

Well, Brandi, the song works for me.. Look up Alberto Balsam on Amazon. It's on the album "I Care Because You Do" by Aphex Twin.. It's really pretty. Elias loves it!

I think I'm really leaning torwards peonies and sweet peas with the roses, like this one, only lavender:

http://www.flourishdesigns.com/images/portfolio/spring/1-bottom.jpg

Here's a closeup of one with hydragena instead of peonies:

http://www.flourishdesigns.com/images/portfolio/spring/8-bottom.jpg

Pretty...

[WebLady]

Well, Brandi, the song works for me.. Look up Alberto Balsam on Amazon. It's on the album "I Care Because You Do" by Aphex Twin.. It's really pretty. Elias loves it!

The link you posted before didn't play for me but I looked it up like you said ... so is the song "Alberto Balsam" by Aphex Twin on that album? I listened to that one and it is nice.

I listened to several songs and I like them all ... but the face on the album cover is a little creepy though ;)

Oh and the flowers are pretty :D

[CarlosHoney]

Oh, Brandi.. That's Aphex Twin. His name is Richard D James. Here's a few more of his album covers:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000003MSH.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002HOF.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000002HIK.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00000I8U7.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Weird guy, right?? He's great, though. Not all his album covers have him on it. You ought to watch the Windowlicker video. It's hillarious. Plus, he does all his own dancing.

I'm pretty set on using at least one of his songs in the wedding. That song Flim is on a mix CD that Carlo made me just a few days after we got together. It's so sweet and pretty. I just want the music to fit us, and we're a little out there.

[WebLady]

Yeah that Aphex Twin dude is definitely a weirdo ;) I found the 'Windowlicker' video ... I think the intro was a little long, they could have cut quite a bit of that IMO, but overall it was funny. All of the music I have heard is really cool though ... I may have to get some of his stuff.

I am sure you can find a place for the music, the wedding is all about what you want to make it. I saw a wedding once where the bride danced down the aisle to some 'boody shakin' song ... it was nick named the 'ghetto wedding' ;) but, it was just what the bride wanted.

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, the Windowlicker video is a little long (especially the intro).. Oh, and you HAVE to download Come To Daddy and watch it. That's my second favorite Aphex video.

Carlo knows his material a lot better than I do, so I'll have him look through and find a few more songs. I just love the song Flim. Loves loves loves it!!!

We're looking into a comapny that we might start working for. So far, it sounds really good (Hey, the Donald says it's a great company...) so if it's as good as it sounds, I'll give you ladies a heads up.

I'm going to talk to my Dad later, and find out how the invitation situation is going.. And I hope I can get some good news out of it.

[WebLady]

Yeah, the Windowlicker video is a little long (especially the intro).. Oh, and you HAVE to download Come To Daddy and watch it. That's my second favorite Aphex video.
Ok, I found it and watched it ... a little creepy but cool ;)

Carlo knows his material a lot better than I do, so I'll have him look through and find a few more songs. I just love the song Flim. Loves loves loves it!!!
I like this song too ... big difference from Window licker and Come to daddy though ;)

We're looking into a comapny that we might start working for. So far, it sounds really good (Hey, the Donald says it's a great company...) so if it's as good as it sounds, I'll give you ladies a heads up. Sounds interesting :D

I'm going to talk to my Dad later, and find out how the invitation situation is going.. And I hope I can get some good news out of it. I am sure everything will work out well for you :goodluck:

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks Brandi!! ;) There's a video by Squarepusher called Come On My Selector.. I love it!! There's a WarpVision DVD that we bought (Warp is the label that they're both on) and it's got all these great videos.

We went to Target, and I tried on the shoes. They're cute, but they're not THE shoes. I was okay with them, Carlo said "Oh, Honey, come on. You need nicer shoes than that. If you look back, and think about the $20 shoes you wore to the wedding, you'll be sad. We'll go to Saks and look for a nice pair."

Oh, :wub: !!!!!

[CindySue]

I was okay with them, Carlo said "Oh, Honey, come on. You need nicer shoes than that. If you look back, and think about the $20 shoes you wore to the wedding, you'll be sad. We'll go to Saks and look for a nice pair."

Oh, :wub: !!!!!


Awwwwwww......see? Guys can be the absolute sweetest Goobers sometimes.

[StaceyMc]

That is the sweetest thing - about the shoes.

[Jenn060306]

Awww Elias is soooo adorable! I love the smile! Seeing his pictures make my day! I want to go see my nephue Christopher now! I need a good baby laugh! LOL

I loooove you're flowers! I am going to look at them on Friday so i might try the rose and peonies idea. They look so pretty in the pic you posted!

You're invites are so pretty. I really like them! YAY! When are you planning on putting them in the mail?!

That's so sweet that Carlo wants you to have 'The' shoes and not just settle on a pair! I love it when mark does that. He wanted to take me to the mall recently and offered to pay for the stuff i wanted to buy. Made my day!

[CarlosHoney]

I wrote this reply last night, and it didn't post. Stupid IE.. I use Mozilla and it's great. Anyway...

I need to make a few calls today. The country club. The caterer.. And I have to do something to get Carlo to actually think about wedding stuff. Ugh.

I'm in a blah mood today.

[WebLady]

I wrote this reply last night, and it didn't post. Stupid IE.. I use Mozilla and it's great. Anyway...

I need to make a few calls today. The country club. The caterer.. And I have to do something to get Carlo to actually think about wedding stuff. Ugh.

I'm in a blah mood today.

Sorry you are in a blah mood ... feel better :D It will all work out :hug:

[CarlosHoney]

Oh, yerah, I jhave good feeling that everytihng is going to change for the better soon. It's just this--ugh--drag. There's so much stuff to get done around the house, you know, and Carlo can be a big stinker sometimes.

We get into these litle fights, nothing out of the ordinary, really, but I just want more help. Like, I can't do EVERYTHING around the house, and take care of the baby all the time.. I'm a little behind on laundry, and instead of taking the initiative to fold the load that is in the drier and start a new load in the washer for me, he just complains that we're behind on the laundry.

I mean, it's much better than it was, and I'm getting adjusted to it all now, but I also haven't left the house since Monday and I just want to get out! Hopefully this new job that I'm looking at will help with the money situation.

I'm going to call and talk to people about these things, and I'll post my results!

[WebLady]

My sister fellt much the same as you after her baby, so I can somewhat relate. Have you talked to Carlo about your feelings? Try not to let it all get you down, it will get better :hug:

Good luck on the job hunt!

P.S. I found you on MySpace ;) I have a funny name, my MySpace account started as a joke, so ... you may recognize some of the pics though ;) I am listening to the Stereolab song on your page now :D

[CarlosHoney]

Woo-hoo!! Stereolab!! :bbmrgreen:

:bbcry: My bakery won't use organic eggs and milk. I told them that I would pay for the difference, but they don't feel 'comfortable' doing it. Why? I really would prefer that they use organic, as I only buy organic for my house.. and we're getting Whole Foods to cater ORGANIC food for the reception. :bbconfused:

I might try to ask why they're uncomfortable with it, and explain that it's an animal welfare issue with me. Plus, it tastes SO MUCH BETTER. I don't get it.. I'm also thinking about getting chocolate covered strawberries. What I was thinking is that I could get little purple pieces of paper cut into circles, and then get some wax paper to place on top of it, put the little circles on the plate, and set a strawberry at each place. That way everyone gets one, and no one hogs the (very expensive) treats.

Still haven't gotten ahold of the guy from the country club. He's either always on the phone, or always away from his desk!

Also, in the next little while I'm going to get those fans for the chairs. Oh!! Whole Foods just called. For the spring rolls, potstickers, pinwheels, and brie, it will be $345. Perfect!!!!!!!!! :)

[WebLady]

I don't see why the baker wouldn't do the cake the way you want?! I can see that something 'special' like that would cost more, but you are offering to pay the difference :bbconfused: I would ask them why it is such a problem for them to do what you want. If it is that important to you then look for another baker that will do it as a back up and if they don't do what you want, go with someone else.

I LOVE Chocolate Covered Strawberries!! We had some really awesome ones on our honeymoon ... they were the best I have ever tasted (I think they were like $35 for 6 though :bbeek:)

:goodluck: with everything :D

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, when I go in to bring pictures I'm going to ask about it. I mean, as a baker, wouldn't you want your cake to taste better? Everything is already paid, though, and I don't think they'll give us a full refund. So, if they won't do it, I'll live. I just really prefer eggs and milk for healthier, happier animals than the ones that are not organic.

I don't try to preach about it to people, but the difference in the way that they are treated is phenominal. With organic eggs, they're cage free.. Vegetarian fed (though it's gross that most chickens are fed ground up chickens) and the eggs taste SO MUCH BETTER!! Same with the cows. No hormones, fresh grass. Not only is the taste better, but the eggs and milk have more vitamins, and taste so much better!!!! I can't say enough, once you go organic, you don't go back.

[LaceyinPgh]

I understand how you feel on the organic thing. I try to make sure that all of the meat and dairy that I buy are certified organic. The growth hormones, steroids, and antibiotics they give just aren't something that I want. Everything else is pretty negotiable when it comes to produce or processed food.

Talk to your baker, tell them that this isn't a negotiable point with you. If they still refuse ask them for a reference of someone who is willing to work with you. If they won't do that, break out the phone book and start calling. You live in a pretty big metro area, you should be able to come up with something. How about Whole Foods? I know they have a great bakery. Can they do a wedding cake?

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I don't see what the big deal is. It's just better quality food.

I talked to the rental place, and it'll be about $175-$200 for the arch, greens, tablecloths, and chair covers. Woo hoo!!

[CarlosHoney]

Oh, how the universe works!! Our wedding budget is better than I thought it would be. Our tax refund is twice what I thought it was going to be, so I'm re-re-re drafting my budget, and let's just say, it's very nice!! :bbmrgreen:

New New Budget:


Reception:
Reception Venue & Rentals....$650.00...........$125.00 paid
Food & Service....................$625.00
Beverages & Bartenders........$350.00
Campaigne Toast.................$140.00
Cake(s) & Cutting Fee..........$250.00...........$118.00 paid
.............................Total....$2015.00.... ..... $243.00 paid

My Stuff:
The Gown & Alterations.........$200.00
Bride's Accessories...............$100.00............$20.0 0 paid
Prewedding Pampering...........$50.00
.............................Total....$250.00..... .......$20.00 paid

Ceremony
Ceremony Location Fee.........$500.00
Ceremony Accessories..........$80.00
.............................Total ...$580.00

Flowers & Decor
Flowers................................$400.00
Ceremony Decorations............$50.00...........$50.00 paid
.............................Total .....$450.00...........$50.00 paid

Photos
Photographer.........................$0.00
Prints...................................$30.00
.............................Total.......$30.00

Stationary
Invitations & Reply Cards..........$50.00.........$50.00 paid
Other Stationery.....................$15.00
.............................Total........$65.00.. .......$50.00 paid

Jewelry
My Ring..................................$50.00
His Ring..................................$100.00
.............................Total .......$150.00

.............................Grand Total..........$3,600.00
............................Already Paid..........$363.00

Not too bad. This new company is looking good, so I'll be able to cover so much more. I think we can actually have a sit down if we wanted, but I think that finger foods and dessert are really more our style. We're also going to put a couple of bottles of bubbly on each table, and if someone wants to drink, well, they can help out with the cost. I'm going to talk to my family who drinks, and Carlo is going to talk to his, and whoever wants to drink can help pich in for a keg. We might offer some wine, too, but that's up for discussion. We can also squeeze in about 20 more people, which is really nice, since we couldn't really invite people who we wanted to with it limited to 40.

Oh, relief. We can pay some bills, have some fun, and have a nicer wedding. With DANCING!!!!!!

[WhiskeyGirl]

Yay Carrie!! I am so happy for you Girl!! Have fun planning the wedding!! :ura1:

[CarlosHoney]

More food!! So, here's my idea of a menu:

Pastry Trio
Our freshly baked danishes, croissants and cinnamon rolls in abundance.
$99 serves 60

Grilled Herbed Vegetables
Herb-marinated, grilled seasonal vegetables served with a roasted tomato aïoli.
$180 serves 60

Brie with Fresh Berries, Honey-Fig Spread and Toasted Almonds
A creamy wheel of Brie served with rasberries, toasted almonds and our Adriatic fig and honey blend.
$150 serves 70

Mini Pinwheels
Our wraps are sliced into fun pinwheels great for appetizers or casual dining. Each platter has an assortment of carne asada, grilled vegetable and roasted turkey pinwheels with colorful wrap breads.
$150 serves 60

Mini vegetable spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce
$45 per 5 dozen
Chicken pot stickers with Thai-style dipping sauce
$10 per 2 dozen
Vegetable pot stickers with Thai-style dipping sauce
$35 per 5 dozen


Chicken Drumettes
$50 per 5 dozen


Buffalo — Traditional pepper sauce, vinegar and butter with blue cheese dip and piquant peppers
Sweet-Spicy Thai Style — Marinated in garlic and pepper, tossed with sweet chili sauce and served with edamame
Smoky Orange Chile — With chipotle and cilantro, accompanied by shredded red and green cabbage Delectable Dips
Served with tortilla chips and sliced baguette.
$150 serves 60

Artichoke Spinach — Artichoke hearts, spinach and roasted red peppers in a creamy Parmesan base
Green Chile Cheese — New Mexican green chiles, Monterey Jack and cream cheese with cilantro
Mushroom Gruyère — Sautéed mushrooms and Gruyère with white wine and cream cheese
Queso Blanco — A spicy blend of jalapeños, tomatoes and onions with Monterey Jack, cream cheese, sour cream, fresh lime and green onions

$894 for all of that. I'll see where we can improvise.

[WebLady]

Congrats on the 'fat' refund ... my sister got a big refund after having a baby too ;) So now you can have more of what you wanted for the wedding. Don't spend it all now :wink:

Oh, I think the menu sounds great :D

[CarlosHoney]

I'm hoping that we can have the ceremony on the patio of the View Room, and then just have everything else inside. There's a little dance floor, so we could have music and dancing, and we can have about 20 more people.

I'm going to see what the wings would cost frozen, and then see what wing stop would charge me. We were already planning on chips and dip, and srtichoke dip, so we can save about $200 there. I don't know if we really need the pastries.. I think that we can do cookies and cake and that should be enough sweets.

I want to get bottled water, sweet tea, limeade, sodas, and some juice. Well, time to think about what else I'm spending on! :bbmrgreen:

[Jenn060306]

Carrie the menu sounds amazing!
I think that will be really nice! I have to agree he pastries are the one that you could go without if you are looking to cut somthing out.
Having the ceramony on the patio sounds very nice. When i read that i got a very beautiful image in my mind!
Enjoy the boosted budget!

[CarlosHoney]

So, I worked it out with the club that we're going to have the bigger room (that means 20 more guests!!) and have the ceremony on the patio. I guess me and my bridesmaids are going to decorate around noon, get ready at 1:30, and be ready by 2:45 since the ceremony is at 3:00.

For the decoations, I'm going to get a few round paper lanterns to hang above the dance floor, get a few more candles for the tables, get some picture frames and put pictures of Carlo and I (as kids, teenagers, and a couple of us together) along the food table. I need 2 more vases for the centerpieces.. and I think that's about it. I'm going to sit down and work out my budget, guest list, and seating arrangement on paper tonight.

Oh, I'm so excited!!! :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

It's two in the morning. I'm tired, but I had to post this. I JUST FINISHED!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/MMMM.jpg

I glued every sparkle on one by one, with a hot glue gun, sfter opening the bracket and removing the rhinestone, one by one. It looks so pretty!

This pic isn't very good, doesn't do it justice at all. I took it with the camera phone, but I just had to post it. It took me 3 hours to make. Whew!

[CarlosHoney]

There was something I saw in Brides where the tables had lights underneath them, kind of making them "glow" yellow (the color of the tablecloth) and I want to know how much trouble it would be to pull it off...

Kind of like this:

http://www.bizbash.com/florida/content/editorial/mediafiles/e5318head2-02.jpg

Only, a table, not a bed...

Also wrestling with the flowers. I'm in the same boat as Cindy. I've done all I can for right now, so I'm antsy. It's 3am. I'm going to bed....

[LaceyinPgh]

It's two in the morning. I'm tired, but I had to post this. I JUST FINISHED!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/MMMM.jpg

I glued every sparkle on one by one, with a hot glue gun, sfter opening the bracket and removing the rhinestone, one by one. It looks so pretty!

This pic isn't very good, doesn't do it justice at all. I took it with the camera phone, but I just had to post it. It took me 3 hours to make. Whew!
Carrie that looks fabulous. Nice job! You have a new baby, how are you able to stay up til 2 hot gluing anything?

[StaceyMc]

The "M" is beautiful! I'll be you felt a huge sense of accomplishment when you glued on the last sparkle!! I can't wait to see a pic of the cake with that on top!!

[CarlosHoney]

Carrie that looks fabulous. Nice job! You have a new baby, how are you able to stay up til 2 hot gluing anything?He was asleep. ;) It's really the best 'me' time, when both my men are asleep.. So it's done!! I'm still going to work on it a little, I have a ton of sparkles left, so I'm going to fill in any little gaps and stuff.The "M" is beautiful! I'll be you felt a huge sense of accomplishment when you glued on the last sparkle!! I can't wait to see a pic of the cake with that on top!!Thank you, thank you, I did. And me too. I'm going to use some little spikes on the back to put into the cake to stand it up. Maybe I can get a light or two to aim directly at the topper so that it sparkes all the time.:cool:

[CarlosHoney]

I've decided that I'm going to have a little table with pens, stamps, stickers, and a guestbook. Each person will get to write as much as they want. I think I'll ask for Memories and Advice.

http://www.custompaper.com/Shop/Guestbooks/6x9book.JPG
This guestbook is made of pressed flowers!

I want some of these stickers:

http://www.custompaper.com/Images/stickers/lavender_hydrangea_flower.jpg http://www.custompaper.com/Images/stickers/green_leaf_flower.jpg

And these kinds of pens:

http://www.pilotpen.us/images/p_vrazorpurp.jpg
They're avalable in Purple, Pink, Aqua, Brown, Green, Red, Blue and Black.

[CarlosHoney]

My photographer, my friend, my pal!!

http://fs5.deviantart.com/i/2005/013/d/4/call_of_the_pacific_by_lotusflower987.jpg

Here's a few of her works:

http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/300W/fs4.deviantart.com/i/2004/269/3/e/Sweet_Necessity_by_lotusflower987.jpg

http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/300W/fs4.deviantart.com/i/2004/266/b/3/Under_the_Bridge_by_lotusflower987.jpg

http://tn3-2.deviantart.com/300W/fs4.deviantart.com/i/2004/253/c/8/J_Walking_by_lotusflower987.jpg

She's awesome. Check her out at http://lotusflower987.deviantart.com/

[rainbowtreat]

That "M" is awsome. You did a great job.

[WebLady]

That "M" is awsome. You did a great job.

I agree, the 'M' looks great! I like the idea with the 'glowing' tables and the guest book too. Everything is coming along :D

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks ladies!!

[CarlosHoney]

Neat ideas... I found this when getting ideas for Kacie. I think this could work for me, just on a smaller scale:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/elauradannon/Wedding%20Ideas/BaublesBowl.jpg

Oh, and this is POST 200!!!!!!!:cheers: My journal is having it's Bicentennial!! :bbmrgreen:

[LaceyinPgh]

I love the bulbs. I do somethingl ike that in the living room at Christmas. Just make sure you get big bulbs for space and little ones for filler. Plus you won't have to worry about tree decorations this year either!

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, I was thinking maybe on the food table or something.. but I'm not totally commitied to it. It is a little wintery....

[bnd94]

I love the M! It looks great. I can't wait to see it on your cake either. :D

I have seen those guest books they are so pretty!

Having lights under your tables would look awesome. I would love to do that at our reception too! :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

I think I found a poem that I like for a possible reading:

This Marriage
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade
like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our every day a day in paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.

--Rumi

[CindySue]

Oh thats pretty!!! I like it!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks. I love Rumi. One of my favorite Poets. EVER. I think I decided in the engraving, too.

Now comes the mystery. -Beecher

It's true in so many ways! Everything in the future is a mystery.

[CarlosHoney]

I think I have the flowers figured out.

Bouts-1 orchid (Carlo's has 2), little hydragena pieces. Similar to this:
http://ss1.secureprocessor.com/wcart/rfd/images/TF161_10_EH.jpg

My Bouquet-2 dozen roses, 15 sweet peas, 2 hydragena, 1 full stem of orchids. Nevermind the eucalyptus, immagine little orchids all over instead:
http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h//images.theknot.com/Galleries/Bouquets/BQG047m.jpg

BM's-1 dozen roses (MOH has 18), 10 sweet peas, 1 hydragena, 1/2 stem orchids. They will be a mix of pinks, lavenders, and ivory(Like mine, the orchids won't be sticking out on a stem, just wired into the buoquet):
http://www.dotflowers.com/imageslarge/largeimages/products/W17-3361.jpg

Corsages-1 rose, 1 orchid, little hydragena pieces
http://ss1.secureprocessor.com/wcart/rfd/images/TF174_03_EH.jpg

[CarlosHoney]

Here are some really grainy pictures that I took with the cell. They were in Brides, I don't have a scanner, and I can't find pictures these good online to illustrate my points.

First, here's those tables that I was talking about. You can see this picture on the Brides website, you just can't save it.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/0001.jpg

Here's some makeup that I really like.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/0002.jpg

Here's almost exactly what I'm doing for the bouts..

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/0003.jpg

And here's exactly what the guys will be wearing, minus the vest. Carlo just has to decide what color the tie will be. Either eggplant or sage green.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/0004.jpg

[Jenn060306]

The glowy under the table is nice. (technical terms lol) I was trying to think how you might do that. Maybe those touch lights that are battery opperated (i've seen them in dollar stores here) would do the trick. I'm not sure if it would be bright enough. My reception venue does fairy lights under organza along the front of the table. It's not quite that but it looks pretty.
I love that make up look! Very pretty! I have no idea what i will do. I like the smokey/natural look. I'm not sure i can pull off somthing do dark because i am so pale and pink.
You're ideas are looking great! The balls are pretty. maybe you might consider limes or green apples if you want a different take on it. I can't think of any small purple fruit right now. :bbconfused:

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks! I think I'm going to serve Limeade right after the ceremony, with thinly sliced lime pieces in it. :bbmrgreen:

[brewsells]

That's a good idea, Carrie. It will make them refreshing. I really like the ideas you have. I love the orchids!

[CarlosHoney]

The biggest Back and Forth that I have going on is the food. What to eat?!

So, I'm just going to post all of my ideas and see where we end up:

Wing Stop - Up to 4 choices, we'll get Hawiian BBQ, Lemmon Pepper, and Original Hot Wings. Ranch and Bleu Cheese.
75 Wings - 33.99
100 Wings - 43.99
http://www.litehousefoods.com/html/assets/foodservice/ph_tray_hotwings.gif


Whole Foods - Brie w/ berries and the mini pinwheels will be $300.

http://www.holiday-market.com/deli/party-trays/images/party-pinwheels.jpg


Subway - Cookie Platters consisting of 2 dozen Macadamia, 2 Dozen Chocolate, 2 dozen Peanut Butter, and 2 dozen Oatmeal Rasin.
http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/MenuNutrition/Catering/images/NEW_cookieplatter3.jpg
I'm still thinking, because I really think that we need something else that's served hot. The dumplings and egg rolls from Whole Foods are frozen (the kitchen manager told me so) and I can get them for cheaper myself. Carlo is interested in having Hummus there, which is fine with me.. So I'm going to figure out exactly how much we'll need and make a few calls.

Things we're doing ourselves:

Salad - Green & Red Leaf Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Whole Black Olives, Purple Onion, and Dressings. Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Italian.

Chips & Salsa

6 Layer Dip - Refried Beans, Diced Tomato, Cheese, Guacamole, Sour Cream, and Jalapeno on the Side.

Artichoke Dip and Bread


Fresh Berries - Strawberries, Blueberries, and Blackberies.

[LaceyinPgh]

Carrie, hummus is the easiest and cheapest thing in the world to make. You could totlaly add that to your list of food that you are doing. FOr some hot ffods, why not a lasagna or a pasta dish? You could do eithe rof those yourself a ahead of time and just heat up that day. I know you don't eat meat but some hams are easy to do. You just toss those in the oven, set out some cheese, mustard, and buns then youa re done.

[CarlosHoney]

True! I didn't think of that. I'll get a bigger food processor and make the hummus myself. Oh, I love hummus!

The ham might work.. I'll talk to Carlo's Mom. She wants to help with the food, so if I get each person to help with one thing, then I might get of pretty close to getting away scott free. Tha plan is that I'm going to make a bunch of stuff the day before, and then just throw it all in the oven before. This is something that really rocks--my friend Stephanie lives like, less than half a mile from the venue. So, we can use her house as a jumping off point, we can meet there (she's going to let me keep all of the decorations and stuff there, probably the bouquets too) and then we can take everything over to the venue.

My concern right now is how to get all of the hot foods to be hot when we're ready to eat them. I'm thinking that it might be best for all of the foods to be warming at Stephanie's, and maybe two or three people can run over really quick and pick up the grub. I don't know if the Club would let us use thier facilities to store/heat it up before hand.. But I might find out.

I'm going to see what I can do about finding some pretty and inexpensive serving trays that I could keep afterward. Something that matches to some extent..

I have a tablecloth for the food table. It's white with light green roses.. Carlo's Mom gave it to me a long time ago, and we've been using it as a curtain. I just realised that it totally goes with the theme!! So, I'm going to rent the table skirt, and use that cloth. It's so pretty!

Does anyone know how much it is to rent those serving pans that keep the food hot? That might be a better solution.

[LaceyinPgh]

I don't know how much it is to rent those serving pans. You would have to check with a company that does that sort of thing. But i know that you can buy the disposable ones for next to nothing. We used those for our engagement party. Also, ask around and see if any friends and family members have big electric roasters and crock pots.

[CarlosHoney]

Yeah, the disposable ones sound really good. I need to get some of that type of stuff (I know Carlo's Mom has a bunch of cooking stuff like that) and we're going to borrow a cake serving set from her (I'll tie some purple ribbon around the handle to fancy it up).

I'm going to see if we can make a trip to their house before the wedding. Ikea is in Houston, and we could go by to see about some serving platters and little decoritive things, and scope out the paper lanterns.

Carlo took me out to lunch today, got me ice cream, and apologised about last night. Elias went up a size in diapers. Aww!! He's getting so big. :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

So, I think we're just going to let all of the guys find a suit. No need in renting them, and chances are, no one will really notice. I don't know, though.. I'm still thinking. I am going to see if I can get a good discount at a rental place, and if I can find one for under $50, then we'll be in business. I just need to find one for baby boy. Probably check around pretty soon and see how much it'll be. Not too bad, I don't think.. I've seen them online for less than $50.

My dad is picking up the additional vases, bringing it all down in early April. I'm going to go to the craft store this weekend to check out more interesting stuff. I need to pick up a couple of charms for the bracelets, and I need to order my undergarments. He's also bringing my dress down. Oh boy!! I'm going to post a picture as soon as I get it down here. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture in it.

Here's the undergarments I'm ordering:
http://www.pamperedpassions.com/images_products/spanx_higher_power_body_shaper_b17944.jpg

These are supposed to be excelent!!
http://www.motherhood.com/Images/Products/1152.jpg
I'm going to need a nude nursing bra.. But I'm going to take my dress with me to make sure that you can't see through the dress. The dress is VERY sheer.

I've also found a necklace that I like for the rehersal. I'm still undecided as to whether or not I'm going to wear a necklace. I think that with the earrings and bracelet, it might be too much:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009GH012.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
I like this dress, but they don't make it in my size. I'm looking for something similar, though, for the rehersal:
http://us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/pinupgirlclothing_1887_49120637

[Jenn060306]

That dress is so cute!
I haven't even thought about what i am going to wear to the rehersal. I really should do that soon. I haven't found a necklast to wear to the wedding yet. I got some really beautiful earings this past weekend that were Marks grandmothers.

Everything looks like it is coming along great!! 12 weeks to go :ura1:

[CarlosHoney]

Oh my god!! 12 weeks!! Ack! I'm all nerves and excitement now! Like, I want to do carwheels, and scream, and smile, and laugh, and now I know I'm not going to be able to sleep!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!

:bbmrgreen: I'm a nut.

[Jenn060306]

Oh my god!! 12 weeks!! Ack! I'm all nerves and excitement now! Like, I want to do carwheels, and scream, and smile, and laugh, and now I know I'm not going to be able to sleep!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!

:bbmrgreen: I'm a nut.

I am sooo worried about not being able to sleep. I have enough trouble as it is. I'm feeling the same way these days. All bouncy and bizzar. I've completely lost track of my life at times.

[CarlosHoney]

I bought most of my bridal accessories. Just need a few more things, and that's it!

http://a248.e.akamai.net/www.clinique.com/images/products/250x250/clq_6FN5_250.jpg
From the moment you put it on, it shows up. You can darken it a little if need be. I'm going to experiment, and try it on, and see how many applications it takes to look just right. Probably no more than 2.

http://a1377.g.akamai.net/7/1377/5720/20050420180041/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P91120/P91120_hero.jpg
My lip gloss!!!!! It's so pretty with my skin tone, and it plumps without the trout pout.


My Shoes!!!!!!!
http://www.chineselaundry.com/img/shoes/BMIS01UAEALM_L.jpg
I got 'em for $20. They listed on Norstroms.com for $70!

[brewsells]

I love the shoes, Carrie! they are really cute!

I can never figure out that self tanner stuff. I always look like a kid was playing with paints on my legs...

[Kacie_bride]

I love the shoes Carrie! I mean I LOVE the shoes!!! I'm glad you chose the Clinique self tanner too. I have gone through the self tanner route myself and I've looked like an orange cheetah, but the Clinique and Lancome self tanners are the best that I've messed with. Let me warn anybody though to not use the spray on tanner at the saloons. I did it once last year and I looked awful and blotchy and it comes off in the water. They tell you not to bathe or get wet for 24 hours, but after 24 hours it still comes off and it's nasty looking. I'm just going to go to the tanning bed as soon as Justin gets paid again. Anyway, again I love the shoes! You got a great deal!

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks! I was really looking for bronzing gel more, but that goes on bronze and 'soaks' in, so you know what you're getting. I'm going to play with it here at home when I get it, and then before the wedding, I will apply it as needed.

The shoes were a steal! On the Chinese Laundry website they were $70. They had them at Amazon.com for $20.. I wanted the white ones, but for $50 off, I'll take the champaigne pink ones. They probably look better with my dress, anyway.

[Jenn060306]

Carrie! I want your shoes! Those are amazing!
I am tempted to order them for myself.... downfall is i have high arches so they may not fit properly. :( But oooohhhhh i love them!
You'll have to update us on the self tanner. I buy all ther stuff too.... So i am interested in how it goes!

[CarlosHoney]

Cool!! Amazon had that color, the mint green ones, and black for that price. White are $60something at Nordstroms.

I'll be reporting on the tanner as I use it. I hate tanning (so bad for you, wrinkles, cancer...) but I want to be a little bronze on the big day.

[CarlosHoney]

Reception: $1672.00 Due
Reception Venue & Rentals....$650.00...........$125.00 paid
Food & Service....................$625.00
Beverages & Bartenders........$350.00
Campaigne Toast.................$140.00
Cake(s) & Cutting Fee..........$150.00...........$118.00 paid
.............................Total....$1915.00.... ..... $243.00 paid

My Stuff: $50.00 Due
The Gown & Alterations.........$200.00............$200.00 paid
Bride's Accessories...............$100.00............$100. 00 paid
Prewedding Pampering...........$50.00
.............................Total....$250.00..... ........$300.00 paid

Ceremony: $80.00 Due
Ceremony Location Fee.........$0.00
Ceremony Accessories..........$80.00
.............................Total ...$80.00

Flowers & Decor:$200.00 Due
Flowers................................$200.00
Ceremony Decorations............$50.00...........$50.00 paid
.............................Total .....$250.00...........$50.00 paid

Photos: $0 Due
Photographer.........................$0.00
Prints...................................$30.00 (when we are ready)
.............................Total.......$30.00

Stationary: $15.00 Due
Invitations & Reply Cards..........$50.00.........$50.00 paid
Thank You Cards.....................$15.00 Thanks Jen!!!!!!
.............................Total........$65.00.. .......$50.00 paid

Jewelry: $150 Due
My Ring..................................$50.00
His Ring..................................$100.00
.............................Total .......$150.00

Other: $40.00 Due
Paper Lanterns........................$20.00
Paper Fans.............................$20.00
..............................Total.......$40.00

.............................Grand Total..........$2,830
............................Already Paid..........$623
............................Due................... ...$2,207

[rainbowtreat]

You are so organized. I felt that way once now I feel like every thign is up in the air. And yours is just a week before mine so I feel I should be doing more.

Love the shoes they are awsome and you couldn't ask for a better price. Way to go girl.

[CarlosHoney]

Thanks everyone! I'm trying.. If I slip, I'll get WAY behind. I have to stay on top of it all.

I came up with the BEST gift for the parents. A silver picture frame with a picture of Elias in it. Right? Isn't it great?

Groomsmen are all getting a tie to wear to the wedding, and something of Carlo's choosing.

Bridesmaids are getting lip gloss and jewelry, and a pair of flip-flops.

Stephanie, my photographer, is doing it for free. I'm going to pick out some really cool tarot cards and a purse for her.

My flower girl is going to get a purse full of little things, and her jewelry.

My brother, the usher, is going to get a tie and a necklace. He's into rap and all that, so I'm going to get him a silver rope chain. Probably a little picture of Elias in a small frame.

[Kacie_bride]

Wow you are super organized! Good for you! It's getting really close now!

[Jenn060306]

No prob hun!
Carrie everything is so great sounding! So organized! I'm jealous! lol! I'm off in la-la land here planning my wedding. Hopefully by Sunday nigth we'll be back on track!
I CAN NOT wait to see pictures and hear how your day went!

[CarlosHoney]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a36/rosesarestriped/bling.jpg

My ring! I'll post a clearer picture when I get the USB cable for the new camera. This ring is so incredible! :bbmrgreen:

[CarlosHoney]

Okay.. So here's my estimation of what I'll need for the desserts:

20 of each -- $53
Muffins....................1.10 each
Croissants (filled)......1.55

Platter with 3 dozen turtles and 4 dozen truffles -- $91
Truffles....................11.50 per dozen
Turtles.....................15.00 per dozen

30 Each of the Pots and Tarts, 5 Dozen Mini Eclairs -- $207.50
Pots de Creme.............2.50 each
Fruit Tarts..................2.50 each
Mini Eclairs.................11.50 per dozen

I'll do the fruit and brie myself. Easier that way!

I think I'm going to get all of the tea from Bill Miller's. They have the BEST sweet tea. I'll probably get about 5 or 6 gallons of the sweet, two of the unsweet, the country club can provide the coffee service, and I'm going to get the limeade from the grocery store.. Slice up some super thin lime slices, and have a bowl of limeade waiting when everyone comes in from the heat.

[CarlosHoney]

Each set of parents is going to recieve a copy of our Family portrait in a nice frame. I'll either paint and decorate them myself, or we'll hit up Big Lots and Target to find some frames that are suitable.

My attendants are getting chopsticks, flip flops, lip gloss, and their jewelry.

Carlo's Attendants are also getting a pair of nice chopsticks, their tie, and an engraved Zippo or Money Clip.

My Photographer is going to get a Tarot deck and a purse.
http://www.usgamesinc.com/product_image.php?imageid=83
http://www.usgamesinc.com/product.php?productid=525&cat=0&page=


My brother, an usher, is going to get his tie and a silver necklace.

The flower girl is going to get a few coloring books, some glitter crayons, stickers (for home), a toy of some sort, and her jewelry.

Elias, the ring bearer, is going to get a pendant with his name engraved on the back. We'll put it away for him so that he can have it when he is older.

[CarlosHoney]

My FMIL is the best! We're going to make Key Lime Cheesecake-lets for the wedding. Little Tart sized Cheesecakes. How fun!!

Here's the pricing on the stuff from the bakery:

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries $16.00 per dozen for plain dipped and
$18.00 per dozen for tuxedo

Decorated Sugar Cookies - we have a wedding cake cutter that we could
work with your colors and come up with a design - $15.00 per dozen

Fresh Fruit Platter with dipping sauces $2.50 per person

Mousse Cups $2.50 each
Individual Fruit Tarts $2.50 each
Mini Fruit Tarts $1.25 each
Truffles $12.00 per dozen
Turtles $14.25 per dozen

Oh, and here's that part about my Mom being an evil *****:

I did want to mention that we have never received the check your mom
said she was sending by certified mail...just to let you know you have
no money deposited.

So, I want to do the strawberries.. Maybe put some tuxedo strawberries on the plate surrounding the groom's cake? I think we can get the decorated cookies much cheaper from Cookie Bouquet. Carlo's Mom used to work there, and she ordered me cookies when I was in the hospital with the baby. So, we'll look at that.

So, my plan is to order the Wedding Cake, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and *maybe* the fruit platter (though I'll probably do it myself). I will most likely get some kind of hot appetieser from the bakery instead of more dessert.

Since it's hot, I'll probably want to stick with lighter flavors. We're going to have a balance of hors derves and desserts. Still doing the salad, artichoke dip, bread, and brie. I'm going to do the brie on my own. Much much less expensive. I'm going to drizzle it with honey and sprinke it with rasberries.

[CarlosHoney]

Okay. I ordered my Eye shadow:
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V253222.jpg
I ordered these lip glosses as gifts for my Bridesmaids:
http://www2.victoriassecret.com/images/prodlgvw/V254771.jpg

Here's the FINAL Menu:

Pinwheels from Whole foods - $150
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from the Bakery - $128
Artichoke Dip & Bread from Macaroni Grill - FREE
Mexican Wedding Cookies - FREE
Brie with Fig and Honey with Rasberries *diy* - $75
Key Lime Mini-Cheesecakes *MIL-DIY* - FREE
Salad *diy* - $20
Fruit Tray *diy* - $35

One of my best friends heard what happened with my Mom not paying and said that she was going to pay for our cake. It's her wedding present to us. How sweet!! :wub:

[Jenn060306]

One of my best friends heard what happened with my Mom not paying and said that she was going to pay for our cake. It's her wedding present to us. How sweet!! :wub:

Awww that is so sweet! I'm glad you were able to sort everything out!

[Kacie_bride]

One of my best friends heard what happened with my Mom not paying and said that she was going to pay for our cake. It's her wedding present to us. How sweet!! :wub:


Good for you! I'm glad that got taken care of! Your friends sounds awesome!

[CarlosHoney]

She is VERY sweet. We're going to see if she can work it out to come to the wedding. If not, she's going to get tons of pics! :bbmrgreen:

My dad is going to see about swinging through Tyler to go to the Rose Garden to get the flowers. We see saving about $200 if he can do that.

I'm going to call the cullinary Arts schools here in town and see if they want to cater our wedding. I know they'll usually do it at cost. ;)

[CarlosHoney]

Well, I talked to the Rose Garden. They don't sell them directly, but Carrie Nix Nursery does! $3 a dozen, $30 for a bag or petals. So, I'll be spending about $100 for like, 27 dozen roses and a bag of petals. How cool is that?!

Thanks sooooo much Cindy!! I really wanted an ALL ROSE wedding. Now I'm going to be able to get it! :bbmrgreen:

I'm trying to call the Cullinary Arts Program at the local community college. I want to see what they would charge me for doing a few things.. Maybe they can pull off the pinwheels.. And the dipped Strawberries. If they could, man, I'd be saving a bundle.

It's all coming together!! Oh boy, I'm getting excited. Oh boy oh boy oh boy!

[CindySue]

Well, I talked to the Rose Garden. They don't sell them directly, but Carrie Nix Nursery does! $3 a dozen, $30 for a bag or petals. So, I'll be spending about $100 for like, 27 dozen roses and a bag of petals. How cool is that?!
Hmmmmmm?.....I wonder why the Rose Garden sropped selling them directly. I didnt know that. Anyway Im glad it worked out for you.
Thanks sooooo much Cindy!! I really wanted an ALL ROSE wedding. Now I'm going to be able to get it! :bbmrgreen:No problem. Are you going to be able to get the lavender ones like you wanted?

[CarlosHoney]

Yep! Sure am. It's so wonderful. I might check the Wholesale market for the lavender sweet peas for the bouquets.. But if not, it's no biggie. :bbmrgreen:

[Jenn060306]

Well, I talked to the Rose Garden. They don't sell them directly, but Carrie Nix Nursery does! $3 a dozen, $30 for a bag or petals. So, I'll be spending about $100 for like, 27 dozen roses and a bag of petals. How cool is that?!
It's all coming together!! Oh boy, I'm getting excited. Oh boy oh boy oh boy!

That's pretty sweet Carrie! My roses are about $225 for 20 dozen at i think $15 a dozen.
I feel the same way! It's coming together nicely and it's coming SO FAST!

[CarlosHoney]

Almost too fast.

But it can't come too soon!

:D

I'm getting soooo excited!!

[CarlosHoney]

I just found this picture:
http://www.ooh-la-la-beaute.com/gallery/main/0020_.jpg
How pretty! Very dramatic. I'll probably stick to smaller blooms, but I really like this idea.

Here's a couple more pictures of the look I've been thinking of:
http://www.weddinghair.com/images04/sh/sh2detail1.jpg http://www.weddinghair.com/images04/sh/sh2detail2.jpg

Here's another idea:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/hair/5img_3982.jpg

[brewsells]

I love the updoes with flowers. I was really considering doing that. I think I have decided on a half updo. I have a complex about my ears, so I don't want them completely showing. I think I like the first one the best. I looks the most elegant. I do agree with smaller blooms though.

[CarlosHoney]

I like the first one too.. I just don't think I have enough hair to do it! I might get some extensions if I have an updo. I don't know if I will, though. The second pictures are different angles of the hairstyle that I'm planning on going with. Without the ivy! The third is just interesting. If I can find spray roses in Lavender, then we'll be in business!

[Kacie_bride]

My vote is for the first one!

[CarlosHoney]

I'm toying with the idea of a late evening wedding. I can serve some booze, it won't be so hot.. You get the idea.

I'm thinking this is the menu:

Iced Tea
Beer
Wine
Champaigne/Sparkling Cider
Soda
Wedding Cake
Groom's Cake
Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Truffles
Brie w/ Fig Spread, Honey, and Rasberries
Assorted Cookies

It's cheaper, easier, I'll have a lot more time to set everything up.. I can use the paper lanterns and candles outside and it will be REALLY pretty.

My dad is pretty much against this idea, but I think that it will be nice. We'll clear out by 11.. So it won't be a long drawn out thing. Just a few hours to hang out with family and friends.. and then we can have a little after party!

[CindySue]

Im having a Sangria punch instead of wine. Its a lot cheaper and you make it yourself.

And it you are worried about it being hot, one of those punches with Ice cream would be good too. (and cheap!!!) I had a really good one this past weekend and it was pink.....add a couple of drops of blue food coloring and you have a lavender punch!!!