Brides Against Breast Cancer

For a few weeks now, I had been trying to figure out exactly what I was going to do with my wedding dress and flowers that had been purchased well before calling off the wedding. I had remembered hearing someone talking about donating it, so a simple google search brought me to Brides Against Breast Cancer.

They sell the donated dresses they receive at very discounted prices for cancer survivors/current cancer patients. I knew that would be the perfect cause to help.  So I sent them an email asking if they could use the silk flowers (bridal bouquet, toss-away, 3 bridesmaids bouquets, grooms bout, 4 groomsmen bouts, and 4 coursages).  And they can! They said that anything wedding related they can sell at their events.

So I am going to donate both my dress and flowers. I feel so great about the decision. Breast cancer is something that is close to my heart. Almost all of the women on my mom's side, including my 21 year on sister have had cancer or pre-cancerous tumors removed from their breasts. I remember the fear we all had when my sisters was removed (which came back pre-cancerous).  I can't think of a better way to give other brides something they can truly be able to enjoy.  If anything like me, I know the lucky woman that chooses the dress and/or flowers will love them!

Engagement Pictures!

Enjoy!  We had a blast.  My dad does photography on the side, so he graciously did them for us (beats paying a photographer!)

Engagement picture teaser

So excited! More tomorrow!

Wedding Flowers and Invitations

So, when I was coming up for a budget for my wedding, I basically listed splurge things I had to have, and everything else.  The things I was willing to splurge on was, Dress (thanks to my parents for buying it, although it wasn't as expensive as budgeted for), photography (who we booked a week ago!), and venue (which we already know I love).  The 'everything else' list was things I knew I'd have, but didn't want to spend lots on.  Flowers were on that list.  Yes, flowers are pretty, but they also die and don't last very long. And I didn't want to spend hundreds on something that would die a few days later. 

So, I decided to do silk flowers. I honestly had no idea where to start.  Could I do them myself? Did I know anyone who could help out?  Luckily, I happened to come across a listing on Etsy for bridal party flowers in my colors, orange and purple.  I was in love immediately.  This is actually a new listing, but features my exact flowers, if you're curious to the entire wedding party set.  The owner of the shop was fantastic and asked about my opinion along the way as she created them.  They actually came in the mail last week, and looked better than the pictures, and so real!

My Bouquet

Bridesmaid Bouquet

Invitations was also one of those things that I couldn't see me spending hundreds on.  So, thanks to a livingsocial deal, I paid $15 (I think) for $50 worth of product from Vistaprint.  A couple weeks ago, Vistaprint had a 50% off sale on wedding stationary.  I knew I had to take advantage, even if the wedding is still 5.5 months away.  So I ordered invitations, rsvp cards and thank you cards, with envelopes.  Reguarly, the total would have been about $150.  I paid $50, and shipping was free. I call that a damn good deal!

Now off to do a little work.  WW meeting tonight. Fingers crossed for a loss!

Wedding Dress!

I found the one.  It was the 3rd one I actually tried on.  I first picked out 3 or 4, but then realized the ones I picked wouldn't actually go on (stupid sample sizes) so they were just held up to me.  But of course there was no way I was going to buy a dress that wasn't actually on my body!

Thankfully my consultant was amazing.  She pulled the rest.  I would have never picked the dress off the hanger for myself, but I knew immediately it was the one.  And once she put a veil on me, it was over.  She asked if I wanted to try on the others, and my answer was no.  It is amazing. I can't wait until October to be able to share it with you all!

I went sort of a non-traditional way, and took my dad with my mom, my younger sister to pick it.  I thought he was going to cry.  I'm glad we chose to have him as part of the process.  He won't see anymore of the dress or veil/hair peice I end up picking until my wedding day.  And I haven't decided if I want the veil or a hair peice. I just can't decide. But at least I have some time for that. 

Now I need to work on my save the dates, find a caterer (that I can afford), baker and sign the photographers contract. Then I need to pick invitations. So much to do. But the "big" stuff is almost all taken care of!

Wedding dress shopping...

Commences tomorrow with my mom and sister. I'm so excited, but kinda nervous at the same time. I'll post an update sometime this weekend!

The place!

I found the venue of my dreams!  These pictures don't really do justice (stupid cell phone), but it is gorgeous and affordable. And the owners are super nice!


Gazebo and pond.  In the spring, I'm going to have some of our engagement pictures done utilizing this spot!

The "tree house".  Can be used for the bride or groom to get ready beforehand.

Inside the barn will be the reception.

The pavilion, where the ceremony will be, with a view!  It will be perfect in October with all of the fall colors!

Sample table set-up.  The venue provides all of the dishes, glasses, tablecloths.

The walkway (looking from the pavilion).

Another view of inside the barn

I'm super excited about it!!  Now I can actually start planning!

A Huge Relief

One of my friends, who is also getting married this fall (but has chosen to do so on her farm) sent me a link to a farm she had considered for her wedding. 

Oh.Em.Gee.

The price is about 1/4 of previous quotes I had gotten at only $450 for 26-50 guests (we are planning for probably 40 or so). 

You have no idea how happy that makes me.  An email has already been sent to them for more information.

Woo!

Photographer has been picked!
Date is set!
Now for hoping I hear good news from my pick venue tomorrow!

I'm definitely in a better mood that I was on Tuesday!


Night all :)

Funk Yesterday

So I was in a ginormous funk yesterday, and I apologize for that really long, sad post yesterday.  Granted it wasn't really sad, just funk-y?  I was horrible yesterday, and so emotional and on the verge of tears all day.  Ya know that lump in your throat you get if you're about to cry, but trying not to?  I had it all.day.long.

But today, I'm better.  I did create a budget last night.  First thing is to pay off my credit card, which I will do with part of my tax refund.  The rest of it will go into savings.  Then everything I've been paying on my credit card (400-500/mo) will go into savings. 

I definitely blew the wedding cost thing out of proportion yesterday (I apologize again, haha).  If I can get $450 (at least) into savings every month, starting in February, then by October (hopeful wedding date is the 13th) I'll have $3,600 (not including what is there now and the tax refund).  The two big purchases on my shoulder will be venue and photographer.  I already knew this wedding wasn't going to be out of the water expensive, and now I've become comfortable splurging a little for my big day.  Whew.  I feel better :)  If anyone in the area has photographer recommendations, send 'em my way!


In other news, Sunday will mark 3 full weeks of tracking!  They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, so hopefully it's a good sign!  This weekend I'll come up with another mini goal to concentrate on for 3 weeks.  Probably exercise related, but I'm not sure yet.

Now to make myself do some work.  It's so hard staying motivated when you don't like your job...

Wedding Planning

Seriously, what did I get myself into?  And I'm only half kidding.  I want to be married to my best friend more than anything, but I also want a really nice wedding to enjoy with my friends and family that isn't going to hurt financially (since I'm paying for it).  Nothing big (looking at less than 50 guests), but nice.

I've spent the last couple weeks looking into venues for the ceremony/reception and photographers, mainly.  I'm not so religious, so I really don't want a church ceremony.  Don't get me wrong, I have my beliefs, but have never really been apart of organized religion. 

Here is my want list
-outdoor ceremony with really nice views for really nice pictures
-the theme in my head is country/rustic chic
-I picture my guests drinking lemonade and tea out of mason jars (or having mason jars as part of the decor)
-a really good photographer. I want to be able to have pictures around our home and be able to remember the day for years and years to come.

Now I've gotten quotes from 4-5 venues that would hold the ceremony and reception.  The smallest quote I've gotten is $1695 (without catering included).  I mean, since it is going to be a fairly small, intimate gathering, I, along with mom and nana, could easily cater it ourselves (would be more like heavy hor'dourves-I'm thinking probably a 2pm ceremony and I'd list that it would be hor'dourves on the invitation, so no one would expect a 4 course meal).  I actually picked that place before I was engaged because 1. it is a farm, so I'd get my country/rustic feel. 2. my reception would be in a barn. 3. the views are amazing.

I haven't emailed any photographers in the area, just getting a feel for average prices online, and for the ones that have a decent amount of samples online, I'm looking at probably $1500-$2000.  A photographer is something I WILL splurge on.  Other than memories, that is the only way I'll be able to relive the day.

Then of course is the other things
-dress
-decor
-food
-flowers
-you get my point.

And then of course, a honeymoon.

I mean, I'll do a lot myself in the way of decor for the reception.  I'm feeling I wouldn't need much for the ceremony, because I want something that has a natural beauty to it anyway. 

Now for the delimma, money.  My mom has said they will pay for my dress, so that is one thing down.  But everything else will come from me.  Clayton doesn't have the best paying job, so he doesn't have the extra disposable income to put towards a wedding.  And lets face it, he's done this before and he'd rather just elope and be done with it.  I mean, I was already planning on using my tax return (well putting it in savings until I need it) and it will be a decent amount.

Why I'm so worried, I don't know.  I've always been fiscally responsible, and I just know I don't want to have to use my credit card for any of it. Starting a marriage off with unneeded debt wouldn't be a good idea. 

Tonight I'm going to sit down and figure out a budget that I can live with, and if it means making cuts somewhere, I'll do it.

For anyone that has actually read all of this, kudos to you.  I promise my next post won't be so word vomit-ty :)

New Year, New Goals

I hate resolutions.  So for the first time in my life, I don't have any. I've never kept them anyway.

So this year, I have goals instead.

1. Health first: I'm going to really stick to my WLJ.  I have a number in mind that I'd like to get to by the end of the year, but I'm going to keep it to myself for now.  But I do have it written down.  I've renewed my Weight Watchers membership, and I'm ready to do this.
2. Get in an exercise routine.  My first goal is going to be 3 days a week.  I'll increase as I get into it more.  But I don't want to burn myself out too soon.
3. Plan my wedding. Pretty self explainatory.  We haven't set a date yet, but I'm thinking probably October or November.
4. Pay off my credit card and get a decent amount in savings.
5. Get a new job.  This has been a goal for the last 1.5 years now.  I'm going to up the job search and re-vamp my resume, and I will get a new job this year.

Mentally Checked Out

I've yet to get hardly anything done at work today. I have gotten some things done, but not many.  I'm mentally checked out. I want my 10 day vacation. I want to spend time with my family. I want anything but to be sitting at this desk right now. 

I want to start wedding planning. I want to look at venues and for photographers. I want to plan the details--I already know what my father/daughter dance song will be and my wonderful sister has already accepted the maid of honor title--I'll still find a better way to ask her again, than a text 24 hours after I have a ring on my finger.  I want to look at wedding bands. 

Most of all, I want to be able to see my future husband on a daily basis.