My head is seriously spinning from researching photographers. I thought I knew who we were going to book, and then I come across some other great photogs on the area, so my decision just got harder.
I have been keeping the FI in the loop and asking for his feedback. I think he has seen more wedding photos of other couples than most guys planning a wedding.
It probably does not help the search when I have a small addiction (understatement) to photography and photographer’s blogs. Obviously my NUMBER ONE choice is out of the question. Her packages are quite a bit out of our budget. However, that has not stopped me from finding some absolutely wondering photogs (okay, really just two that I am torn between) to consider.
Did any of you struggle with your photographer choice? Did you know right away or did you do alot of research?
So, I’m pretty sure we’ve decided on colors for the wedding. And, as cliche as it is, we really want to go with reds and oranges. I had contemplated navy blue for a short period of time, but reds and oranges beat it out.
Even though our wedding is in the Fall, and reds and oranges are everywhere, I want to use them in a different way. My initial thought was to go with the color of Fall foliage, but it just seems too overdone. And, after re-doing the invitation suite recently, I thought the best thing to do is stick with “fresh colors”. So, with that being said, here are our colors:
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Below is my inspiration board for colors. We are going for a modern twist on the traditional wedding. We will be replacing old elements with new ones and just making it more about us and our relationship/personalities. I think that is more important than “traditional” wedding elements. The colors will be displayed everywhere as “pops” of color, making it fun.
Have any of you gone back and forth on color choices?
We finally have our reception venue booked! FINALLY!
So, here is the rundown of here it all started! Right after the engagement, we had both talked about having the reception at the Missouri History Museum. It just seemed like the right choice. It has beautiful architecture and it appealed to the FI, 1. because it is the History Musuem and 2. there is a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis airplane in the atrium. It was perfect….except that it was not large enough to hold all of our guests. Heartbreak #1 of wedding planning.
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So, after knowing that the Missouri History Museum would not work, we started our search over again. This time, we stumbled upon the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. They have a new ballroom that overlooks the Arch and Old Courthouse, and it has floor-to-ceiling windows. Perfect, right? It was a modern twist on the old-fashioned ballroom. I loved it, mom loved it and FI loved it. Only problem we were concerned about was what we got for the money. Trust me, I would give my left arm for this room.
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And, so began the search…again. This time, we knew we needed to stay downtown, but our choices were limited with what was available. I wanted something unique and not your traditional ballroom or reception hall. That lead us to our last option: Windows on Washington. After researching and asking friends who had or are having their reception there, the FI and I finally agreed this would be it. It has character, windows, a view of the city, it’s modern and contemporary, and for what we were paying, it was well worth every penny. And with a final confirmation of our date, signing of the contract and mailing of the deposit, we have booked the 8th floor of Windows on Washington. We loved that it was on the top floor, the bar was unique and there were windows galore! Take a look for yourself:
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The suspense is even killing me! I want to reveal our reception location, but I want them to confirm receipt of our contract and deposit (I know, petty details)!
I hope to have an announcement either tomorrow or Thursday. It’s eating me up inside!
Yes, I am designing our invitation suite. And yes, I have changed the design twice already. It will be interested to see what the final design looks like (and considering I pretty much have over a year to finalize this, it very well could change several times).
Anyway, on the way home from dinner last night, I had this great idea to change up the current design I had in mind. So of course I voiced this to FI and, per usual, he asks what it is. “Well, I cannot really explain it. I will design it when I get home and then show you.” He just shook his head thinking this is probably another one of my crafty adventures. So we get home, and I do a quick mock-up of them, and guess what? He loves them! Which is what I was really going for. The design is fun and organic, but still has a formal quality about it.
My original design was more of a reflection of my style, and he liked those, but this new design is a reflection of the both of us and our relationship. I like that the second round of revisions is a better fit. Sure, the design might change, but I actually think this one might stick. And, with some input from some design friends (Thanks J and K), I am very happy with the result. I have the STD and full invite suite designed. Only thing I want to tweak and redesign are the escort cards and table numbers. And honestly, I have forever to do this. It is just too much fun.
Guess I should go into the design business now. Just what I need, another hobby. I think I will stick to baking and building the photog business.
On another note, I won’t post designs of them until I have actually mailed them out…wouldn’t want to give away any secrets now, would I?
Have any of you thought about designg your invitations? Or, would you rather order them from someone so you don’t have to think about them?
Okay, so the big news blog from a few weeks ago, clearly was a joke. Okay, not really. I really thought we would have some big news to announce, but we had a change of plans. So, fingers crossed, we should have some big news in the next week or two. For real this time.
I’m actually hoping to have two bits of big news to share…so we’ll see.
Spent a weekend with the future in-laws for Easter. Hashed out some more potential wedding plans with the FML. Looks like we are on the same page about some things, but things have clearly changed since she and FFL were married over 30 years ago. I think she realizes this, but still has her heart set on traditions. And you all know me…not one for wedding traditions. She is excited though and wants us to make the decisions based on what we want for the wedding, which I could not appreciate more. We are lucky enough to have parents that want us to make decisions for the wedding based on what we want, even though they are paying for the wedding. So, no taking them for granted!
I will be dress shopping again this weekend. Really, I am just going to look to see what is out there. I do not have any intention of buying a dress until this summer/fall. Mostly, I want to get around to the different boutiques in town, see when they are having trunk shows and sample sales. Gotta love a good deal!
Sorry I dont have more exciting news to share…hopefully I will soon!
First off, I am sure most of you are even wondering why I am thinking about stuff like this so early in the game. What can I say? I’m a planner.
Any who…
I have really been racking my brain for ideas for centerpieces. We haven’t met with any florists, but I already get the idea that flowers (beyond bouquets, bouts, etc.) are going to be outrageously expensive). I cannot decide if I want something dramatic or simple. I surely know I do not want anything gaudy or too tall.
I found this today while searching around on Project Wedding. I really like the simplicity of it. By just immersing a few calla lillies into talk cylindrical vases of varying heights, it gives off a classic modern fell that I really like.
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I really like the idea of working several different looking vases or ones of varying heights just to give depth to the centerpiece. I would rather not have one big hunk of flowers in the middle of the table. Here is another idea similar to the other one:
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I also really like the idea of using local, fresh organic ingredients/elements. Sort of like the image below. It creates a good mixture of different textures and shades of green (my wedding colors are red, brown and orange….so I would go with elements in those hues). It is a different look than your standard vase with flowers.
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What sort of ideas have any of you thought about? Any ideas/suggestions for me?
So, I haven’t exactly began any work on the first project, but I have definitely purchased the stuff to start it (typical me…stockpiling on scrapbooking supplies).
Instead of a traditional guest book, I have opted to make a “scrapbook” of sorts. It will contain lots of photos of the FI and I over the course of our relationship. I will leave plenty of space for guests to leave encouraging notes and well wishes. I think this is a much more personal approach to the guestbook. I made one for a good friend of mine last year and she and her family absolutely loved the final product. The guests really enjoyed leaving a personal mark on their relationship, too.
Once I actually get around to starting this project, I will post images on how the project is progressing. It really is a labor of love.
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I was thinking something like the above, but a bit more scrapbooky and personal. And, lets not forget how much I love MyPublisher. Although that one is a great idea to have a photobook printed. Saves the time and hassel! However, considering I am a scrapbook and photo junky, I cannot pass up putting it together by hand.
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I do really like the idea of having a Photo Booth at the wedding reception and then giving guests the opportunity to put their images into a scrapbook and then sign by their photo. It is a different take on the traditional guestbook, which I think is a great way to get your guests involved in the wedding.
Are any of you thinking of reinventing the guestbook and trying something new?
