Im back, but just barely. I’ve been contemplating for some time what to blog about. It’s hard to do, this whole blog thing. Okay, so I guess its not “hard” per se just intimidating. I’m not sure how Bekah Buttons does it, but she does, and well! I decided that I would be patient with myself this year. Not rush into any serious blog commitments and just roll with it, if you will.

Wow. That came across a lot more serious than anticipated.

Here we go… A co-worker of mine, Meghan is her name, came to work beautifully adorned. I work @ Urban Outfitters and I see some pretty amazing outfits/accessories/hair-do’s, and Meghan happens to be one of those gals who always looks GREAT. She came in a few weeks ago and to my heart’s delight…

A scarf, a head wrap, a rosette! So cute. We chatted for a bit on how to create this darling look and then a few days later I gave it whirl…

Okay, so Meghan’s was a little more polished, but this is super cute, right!? RIGHT! Now you’re thinking, “Liz, you’re so cool, share your goodness with us!” Ah, I will. I made a “how to.” My first “how to” and not my last! You can “how to” almost anything on YouTube and so I thought I’d get in on the fun. Be warned: THE WORD “ROSETTE” IS USED FAR TOO MANY TIMES!

Again, my first “how to”

As you know, I am an avid follower of some pretty awesome photography blogs. I have linked my way from page to page occasionally coming across some people who blow me away. Amy Wenzel happens to be one of them. I think I have mentioned her in previous posts, but her photography is phenomenal and ironically she happens to be married to a man who went to CU. My first memory of Dave Wenzel is ELLIV. For those of you who are not familiar with what that is, think cheesy non-provocative dance competition-like awards show. I was a freshman, visiting Cedarville University (where I eventually transferred and graduated from) and he was a guest host. What a couple. Gorgeous and God-fearing and both extremely successful at what they do. Needless to say, I follow both of them as much as possible and recently read about David’s shocking announcement that he has a brain tumor.

Another ridiculously-amazing photog is Jasmine Star. Jasmine posted a beautiful picture of the couple that I would love to share:

Please, if you get a chance today, tomorrow, or anytime in the near future visit David Wenzel’s blog. I don’t need to tell you how incredibly he seems to be living with this news. You will read and believe!

I frequent this blog quite frequently! These “chicks” know what they are talking about and this site is one of the best for inspiration boards. They always have unique color combo’s and original ideas!

I particularly love this post about these amazing headbands…

How cute is that!? Shopbando.com has a beautiful selection of headbands that range from pretty pricey to adorably affordable. Do me a favor and shop around on there! You KNOW I am dying to wear something like this on my wedding day…

we will see!

It started out gloriously. I had just met with my wedding photographer, the talented David McClain, and was excited for an afternoon of dress shopping with my mom and sister. We ended up at Cincinnati Bridal and Formal and got started. I was set up with a consultant, who would typically annoy the crap outa me, but this broad was great. She was silly, quirky, and not pushy at all! I tried on dress after dress, sticking mainly with the more fitted mermaid shaped gowns and wasn’t having a ton of luck. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I was looking fabulous, but nothing jumped out at me. Finally, I tried on a sample Pronovias gown and loved it. The shape was perfect and the fit was to die for, but I just wasn’t sure.

Oh, perhaps I should let you in on a little secret. I am indecisive. It takes me a ridiculous amount of time to order food from restaurants (ask Art)…. at that is just the tip of the iceberg. It makes me anxious thinking about the finality of a decision and what if its the wrong one!? Needless to say, I couldn’t decide on a dress, besides it was my first dress excursion and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to buy a dress from a bridal retailer. So we left…

And decided to go back the next day. I couldn’t stop thinking about the Pronovias dress and hadn’t visited the bridal boutique across the street from CBF where my sister and Kelly got their dresses. I brought along two dear friends, Kel and Ash. These were the girls who would definitely help me be more decisive…. or so I thought. Cincinnati Bride has a smaller selection than CBF but often has a more budget friendly array. I looked around for a long time and only came up with a few dresses that looked remotely similar to what I liked. Then I saw it. A form fitting a-line gem. Different than most in the store…. delicately embellished across the chest and the most intricate of trains. I was in love with the vintage look of this dress. When I put the dress on I felt gorgeous, looked great, and felt like a timeless bride. One thing that was very important to me was the timelessness of the gown. This dress was beautiful. When I stepped out in front of Kel and Ash, they were immediately taken back. It was different than anything I had imagined myself in, but flattering all the same. I could tell my mom loved this one as well. I felt the eyes of the ladies around me watching, heard some very encouraging whispers and felt like this dress was possibly the one I would be walking down the aisle to. I started to sweat.

No. No decision yet… lets go across the street… try on the Pronovias. My consultant from the day before was there, she had set the dress aside as promised (even though it was against the rules b/c of the price) and was giggly and happy to see me. I pulled another gown back to try on as well. This dress was awesome! But it was a little too much we decided. I need you to see it anyway…

As soon as I put on the Pronovias….. Kelly’s face lit up. I knew she loved this one, and I did too, but I wasn’t sure. Was this it? It couldn’t be. The other dress looked so vintage, this dress was so modern.

I had to try on the other one again.

I know what you are thinking. I think. I was acting ridiculous. Was I? My anxiety began to build and we decided to go to lunch… to think about it. Lunch was excruciating. I couldn’t focus. We went over the pros and cons. I called my sister. I called Art. I was leaning strongly towards the vintage inspired gown, but something about the Pronovias called to me.

Back to Cincinnati Bride, straight into the dressing room that they saved for me and I slipped into the bejeweled wonder which awaited me. I picked up the bottom and scurried back out to the platform to show my maids. “What do you think” “Is this it” After much debate…. and gazing…. squinting…. and posing I think we had found the dress.

“Wooooo hoooo,” shrieked Ashley Patrick!!!! I heard claps and giggles and smiles all around. It all happened so fast. Flash. flash. FLASH. Pictures of the final product. F L A S H.

I hustled back to the fitting room, Mom racing quickly after me. Was this it? I stood and stared, unsure again, the consultant came back, she stared. I saw the pictures of me in the dress and felt sick to my stomach. Kelly came back. Ashley came back. They all stared, their eyes begging me to say this was the dress. “I need a moment alone with the dress.” My exact words. They left. It was just me and dress. I looked at it. I held it. But the more I looked and glared the more I wasn’t sure. The beading, the impeccable embelishment that I fell in love with was starting to grow. larger. and LARGER. The sparkles began to overcome me and I truly felt as if the beading was going to leap from the gown and swallow me whole. I couldn’t do it. I rushed out to my mom, Kelly, and Ash and told them I just wasn’t convinced. I couldn’t see spending $900 on a gown that I wasn’t 100% sure of.

My mom looked at me… with the most understanding of eyes…
“I’m going to go distract the consultant, run across the street and try on the other dress!”

We ran. It was raining. I bounded through CBF front doors looking disheveled and unsure. And their she was… my wonderful consultant. “Oh, dear” she said, “you look crazy girl.” I had to try it on one more time. I wanted to be sure it wasn’t the one. It was getting late, we needed to leave… this would be the 3rd time I would try on the Pronovias. I jumped out of my clothes and into the gown… zipped it up, hopped up on the step stool and squeeeled!

I LOVED THIS DRESS. I smiled from ear to ear and for some reason, this time it felt different. I felt so beautiful and so perfect and so happy. Kelly and Ashley were giggling with shear excitement because they truly were not only glad I had made up my mind, but more importantly they were so happy to see me relieved. My mom swooshed in and teared up. She knew.

All that being said, I FOUND MY DRESS FOLKS. It was half off and then half off again! I am so happy and so excited to wear this dress. I wish I could show you…. but I cant. I can show you the other one however. This dress looks awful on me in the picture, but really did look flattering in real life.

Oh, and these make me extremely happy…

She also offered a link to her photographers blog. Greg Gibson is freaking AAMAAZING! I mean come on. I absolutely love the coloring and vintage actions ran on these photos!

I’m super jealous of Greg’s sweet skills and even more jealous of Justine’s incredible wedding. Lisa Loeb was there and sang a Bright Eyes song. I mean COME ON! Check this wedding slide show! You will surely enjoy it.

I love photography! It recent years it has become a huge passion of mine and honestly I just have a blast taking pictures. While I am planning a fabulous affair on a budget, I am excited to spend a larger percentage on my photographer. I browse wedding blogs daily and wanted to give you a glimpse of my taste:

This first site is by far my favorite. Bobbi and Mike shot the wedding of my beautiful friend Andrea about a year and a half ago! First of all, what a fabulous photographer:

Secondly, Bobbi has to be one of the top ten most fun people on the planet. Bobbi and Mike truly have 4 of the best eyes in the business and then the personality to top it off!

I don’t know how I came about finding Amy Wenzel’s photography last January, but as fate would have it, I did. By browsing her site and profile I realized that Amy’s husband went to the same college as me. I had heard his name a few times and know we probably had a few mutual friends (considering its a small private school). I’ve been hooked ever since. Amy shoots senior portraits and lots and lots of babies. She is phenomenal. No, shes not a wedding photographer, but her quick pics from this post and her obvious skills prove she would make a fabulous one!!!

And now, for my photo guy! I wandered upon David’s site through The Knot and was impressed. I could tell David was super talented, but hadn’t shot millions of weddings yet. And again, through some much talented facebook, blog, and world wide interweb stalking… I found out that Dave and I attended the same school too! I mean come on! I have not met with David but we are meeting next week! I am super pumped to take a look at what he has to offer and chat with him about what I’m looking for. I hope to be unlike any bride he’s ever shot and I wanna help him get some crazy business since he just moved to Cinci!

I’ll let you know how the meeting goes and if I come across any new blogs! You can usually follow links on wedding blogs to some great things so click around my friends.

One thing that I am very excited about is the Cake. I love sweet and delicious treats and a scrumptious piece of cake just can’t be beat. I am not sure what kind of cake I will get or where I will get it from yet, but I’m hoping it is awesome. In addition to a dessert cake, I want to have a “cheese” cake. I know what you are thinking…. “oooh yah, I love cheesecake!” But its not that kind of cake folks! I am envisioning rounds of delicious cheeses tiered to look like a cake.

A goal of mine this yeah is to become a cheesemonger. I mean, cheese rules. It tastes like heaven, goes with both wine and beer, and most importantly it TASTES LIKE HEAVEN!

This picture is obviously a wee bit cheesy….. ha ha ha. But seriously, doesn’t this seem fun? I had never heard of this and saw two articles in some UK bridal mags that incorporated these into their reception. What do you guys think? I would want to pair some wines with each of the cheeses and have little info cards letting the guests know whats up. Also, since I’m hoping to serve heavy hors d’oeuvres instead of a plated meal, this would totally mesh. Next on the itinerary… what cheeses???

In case you are wondering: I don’t have a dress, a venue, a church, a cake, or a set date! BUT… I do have a photographer! More info to come my friends.

Can’t wait to see my ladies “strut” down the aisle in these puppies!

HA! Just kidding. But isn’t that AWESOME! I was cracking up when I found that. The costume is from Oriental Trading. Remember that magazine with the tacky cheap kids toys that you used to beg mom to order in bulk; that’s them! While that outfit is a bit wack they do have some fun things that could work into a wedding and they even have a wedding section. If you ask me the wedding stuff is pretty cheesy, but if you are on a tight budget it might be exactly what you need. You could really utilize this site for puzzles to entertain children at your wedding or for silly wedding favors such as this:

Back to the blog at hand. I really wanted a dress that was hot and affordable; something my bridesmaids will ACTUALLY wear again. I have been in enough weddings (9 if you’re counting) to know that no matter how awesome the dress is, you will never, ever, wear it again. This gem you actually might. Unless… you spill tequila all over it the second the wedding is over and then have to awkwardly pose for pictures the rest of the night as to not show the large liquor spot strategically located right where one’s bosom may be! I’m just sayin’!

Here is the real dress:

I love this dress. It is so flattering and will look awesome on all my precious hens. The blue is a bit deeper than it appears in the picture and I am considering tights with it as well. Depends on the weather. Either way, what a great find. Right around Christmas and New Years is a good time to look for bridesmaids dresses in department stores and boutiques b/c they pull out all their best mini’s and cocktail’s. I know my chickadees will be just gorgeous and will most likely outdo me. Doesn’t bother me a bit. This wedding is for them too. A celebration of my friends, our lives, and how each one of them has had a major role in this journey of love that led me to Art. I hope all of you look at your wedding this way too. It doesn’t make it any less stressful, just a lot more exciting to think about.

It isn’t all about me. That’s why I love your suggestions. Keep ‘em coming!

I am officially obsessed.

“What is your style? Where are you looking? A-line, ball gown, mermaid?”

All of these are valid questions, but all these questions go unanswered. I’m just not sure. I am a picky bride, a detail oriented bride, an unbride, but alas, I am an indecisive bride! Aaaghr! I scour websites day and night looking for unique gowns that fit my eclectic style, but I am yet to be wowed. I cannot make up my mind on whether or not I want a vintage gown that is altered toward my style or if I should go for a new gown that has the vintage look. All these decisions aside, there is one thing I am sure of…

Okay, 2 things:
– I will be hot in it!
– It will not be over $1000

Yes, that is a risky statement, but a true statement none the less. I admire those brides who have endless budgets for their dress… I mean it is their WEDDING DRESS, but I am not that type of bride. I want a dress that is beautiful, unique, AND fashion forward. I know that I will be able to find this to fit within my budget. It takes time and effort and patience to find the perfect dress. But as my new years resolution stated, I vow to leave no link unclicked! I am looking everywhere! One amazing wedsite (did I just coin that term?) that I have come across for adorable vintage gowns is Posh Girl Vintage. This site offers a wide array of styles to choose from and really helps me push past the stereotype of white, ivory, long, and lacey! For example, this dress, if not sold already, would be mine:

How amazing is that? And oh so peacock if you ask me! Another site that I frequent, but that is absolutely beyond my price range is The Frock. These are GORGEOUS designer gowns that cause me to drool.

Hope these sites give you a little glimpse into what I am into! I am off to the salvation army right now to hopefully purchase my 3rd used wedding dress of the year! I will take pics soon to show you what I have already! I am excited and nervous and giddy at the prospect of wearing something vintage but what girl doesn’t dream of getting that gorgeous, brand new, only mine, one of a kind, dress!?! Did I mention how much I am loving planning a wedding!?

What do you guys think? Any site suggestions?

We spent this new years eve down in Manayunk a suburb of Philadelphia. It was a lot of fun, but as the ball dropped and the champagne flowed I was reminded of what the first of the year brings. It brings carte blanche. The free rein to choose whatever course of action we want. This is music to my wedding planning ears.

I’m making a planning resolution. I resolve to leave no link unclicked, no dress unzipped, and no idea un-pondered.

I am planning an Ohio wedding from Pennsylvania. Over the holiday’s was a good time for me to sit down with my family to make some decisions. This turned out to be not so convenient. Most of the venues, churches, and bridal shops I have been trying to contact are not around for the holidays. Come Monday, the 5th, their phones will be ringing. I have a lot to do and not too much time to do it. We are planning on an early September wedding, but are flexible with dates dependent upon the venue. I love the look of an old ornate church and a reception center with lots of windows. Currently we are checking out the Schuster Center in Dayton, Weaver Chapel in Springfield, and potentially the Springfield Art Museum. I’m enlisting all the help I can get in getting pictures, prices, and reviews of these venues in order to help make my decisions from so far away. I will frequently fly home to sign contracts and give down payments, but other than that it will all be happening from 8hrs away.

If you are a bride in 2009, I encourage you to make the same resolution. Look far and wide for ideas and use your friends and family as much as possible for help. From my experience they love to be involved and are full of great ideas.