landlocked bride® | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

Looks like Brady and I will have some big news to announce about the wedding soon…just need to finalize a few things. So, stay tuned!

Yesterday, my Mom and I when wedding dress shopping for the first time. Now, I have in my head the exact dress (okay, I have a few in my head) that I want. However, I though it would be a good idea to just go try some on and see what shapes look good (even though I know this too).

So, I made an appointment with one of the bigger bridal shops in the area, one I knew would have many appointment slots open on a Saturday. I was excited, and took the time to go online and look at what dresses they had available so I had an idea in mind of what dresses I would want to try on. I had a pleasant bridal consultant who was very sweet, but she definitely did not understand what I was looking for.

I had told her that I did not want anything poofy. I am too petite for a poofy dress. I do not like lace or beading at all. I was really looking for something fresh, chic and modern, yet classic. Basically, something simple. When we were going through all of the dresses, she kept pointing out dresses that had beading and lace. It was almost as if she did not hear me say, “No lace or beading.” You see, I am a very “untraditional, traditional” bride. There are some things I want to do differently and do not think there should be an over “tradition” for weddings. But there are some things I like.

After trying on the third or fourth dress, she asked me if I wanted to put on a veil and I told her I was not going to wear a veil. I was suprised at the reaction of not only her, but the other ladies around. They were shocked I didn’t want to wear a veil. She then asked if I was going to wear a tiara. Oh goodness no! I am definitely not the veil or tiara type. I simply want my hair in a chic bun with a simple white flower.

Anyone that knows me knows I am very simple and classic. I don’t always follow tradition; I like to start my own. I just want to do things on my terms. If that means no veil, tiara, no train and an ivory dress, then so be it.

Is it wrong of me to not want those things? I just have never dreamt of wearing a veil/tiara, having a long train or wearing a white-white dress.

Has anyone else felt this way? Do you feel like people think you are strange for not wanting the traditional things a bride usually wears?

So I have really been contemplating on what types of things I can DIY for the wedding. At first I was trying to avoid it, but then the dollar signs started showing up everywhere. After seeing that, it made sense to me that there are still a lot of the elements of the wedding that you can DIY and still have it be classy and tasteful. So, I think I am going to design our invites, save the dates and programs and assemble them ourselves. I really wanted to hire a calligrapher to address them, but that is too costly….so I am really weighing the options on that one. I may just have them printed in script. We’ll see.

I REALLY want to make my bridesmaids bouquets using local and seasonal flowers. Mom thinks I am nuts, but I think it is a nice touch and a great way to incorporate seasonal flowers. Not to mention I would be helping support the local economy and adding another green element to the wedding (which I am trying to do, but you have no idea how hard it can be!).

I still have a ton of time to think about the other elements of the wedding, but lately those two have topped my list. Well, those in addition to searching for a wedding cake vendor and reception site.

Oh, the decisions!

I am trying to refrain from blogging about wedding planning, but to be honest, it is really hard. Especially since it is all I think about.

Next on my to do list: book the reception venue and photographer and find my dress. I think I have them all nailed down, well except the dress. I know what dress I want, I just need to try it on to make sure it is really the one. I just haven’t had the time to do that, plus Mom really wants to go with (which I want her there too), but she has been out of town.

I must say we are obviously WAY ahead of schedule on getting things taken care of. I pretty much know what kind of flowers I would like to use, what our stationary would look like and have an idea of what I want the cake to look like. I am not going to spend too much time fretting over it now, seeing has we still have a year and a half. I am sure I will jump the gun and get it taken care of early or at least inquire now about different vendors.

On another note, I really have been racking my brain for something thoughtful to blog about and I have nothing. So for your readers, you’re probably going to be getting wedding blogs for now.

Cheers.

So I thought I knew a lot about food, and I mean a lot. Most people know that I am secretly an aspiring chef, so for me to come across something I have never heard of in the food world is strange.

So, I’m watching “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on the Food Network and the challenge was Moules Frites (Mussels and fries). I don’t know, but that just sounds like the strangest of combinations. Mussels and fries? Really? Burger and fries, yes. But, mussels and fries?

It is apparently a Belgian specialty (what about waffles?).

Anyway, so I am watching the episode and these people are just thoroughly enjoying “moules frites”. Enjoying them in the same way people enjoy chicken wings and beer.

Just food for thought.