Alyssa

Quote: Originally Posted by Rhonda I'm posting this question for my mom, who's trying to plan a bridal shower for me in NY (where she and many of my other friends and family are). The problem is that I live in California. I will be going to NY in December, so, she wants to plan the shower for when I'm there. She is trying to figure out a way to have a shower without all the big gifts, which I would either have to carry on the plane (not going to happen) or I would have to ship to California (expensive). I've told her that it's really not necessary to have the shower since it might be impractical, but, she really wants to do this because she feels that some people who won't be able to attend the wedding will want to participate in the shower at the very least. Anyway, does anyone have any ideas on how to handle having a shower without real shower gifts? Thanks! I just recently hosted a baby shower for family that are currently living in Germany and came home to visit for a week - they had to lug everything back on the plane. On the invite, i put something like "While gifts are not expected, if you choose to purchase a gift for the couple, please consider gift cards or gifts shipped to their home directly from their registry in lieu of the distance they ahve to return home. we appreciate your consideration." something like that would work!

beautiful pics Leia!!!! how exciting to be getting married att the same time

OMG I highly recommend Hotel Punta Islita - one of the best places i stayed in CR and perfect for a HM!

Martha!!! those are really GREAT pics - you look beautiful and i love your bump - little Noah - aaaahhh AWESOME

Welcome Jenna and Congrats!! Where in PA are you?

Quote: Originally Posted by JoLo908 This sounds so freaking evil... but spill coffee on them... then order new ones, and say you couldn't send them because they were all stained... or red wine... OMG... this is so evil, but it may work! <last resort lol I don't think you sound ungrateful at all - i can't wait to see a pic!!! i really like this idea of spilling coffee/wine on them - i wouldn't bother sending one to her anyway - just say you were devasted when they got ruined and the Bridal Party took over so you didn't have to deal with it/

Maura - i can't wait to see the rest! you look amazing - i especially LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that last pic you posted - the colors are so intense it is gorgeous!!!

Kristy - aren't there additional villas / hotels nearby that overflow guests can use to stay?

they are GREAT! what is the crest for? a family crest?

very cool Katrina - thanks!

Kathi - you also need a memory card - do you already have one?

Hi Lyss, my name is Alyssa (HAHA) - funny! Welcome to the forum - you will find a lot of helpful info. Good Luck with your planning

Erica! no pics what? you better take pics at the 2nd fitting!!!! lol

Quote: Originally Posted by jamaicabride09 Everything looks amazing! I love the robes - defintely have to borrow that idea The robes came out SO NICE!!! Joy, the owner of SmartyPants is so nice too - i really liked working with her. I have been using the "Sloop" font for all my wedding stuff and she didn't have it but worked with me uploading it so that all of my stuff could be consistent. I also ordered a robe for myself that says my name on the front like the girls and then on the back it says "Mrs. Bxxxxxxx" "est. 09/05/2008" FI is going to love it!!

April - i am moving this to Bride Referrals for you OK? That SUCKS!!!! You should send them a letter requesting that they immediately take down that review - they can't change your words - you could really be a bitch about this and get an attorney to send them a letter about that. I would NEVER use a company like this!

girls - i am done everything - i just have to pick up my dress next week and FI's suit this week. if anyone needs any help just shout out ok?

Quote: Originally Posted by Lillie09 2. We come from NY where everything is expensive. We are having a DW to save money and only have our very close family and friends. That being said, we are paying for everything and having a RD with just immediate family. We cannot afford a welcome dinner. We honestly cannot afford anything but the reception. Does anyone have any ideas on how we can incorporate all guests in the celebration. We were thinking about meeting for drinks after the RD but don't think we can afford paying for everyones drinks and then having the open bar for our reception the next night. You don't need a welcome dinner - Are ALL of your guests invited to the reception? I'm so stressed/upset. I want everyone to enjoy themselves and not look at me as if I did nothing to "treat" them because they came to an Island to see us get married. I don't know what to do! Please any suggestions will help! Thank you all so much. The OOT bags are a 'treat'. your FMIL means well but she is seriously stressing you out and needs to chill out!

they are really nice bags - i love how the colors work for you and the water-resistent part. they are a bit on the pricey side but how many did you have to buy? if not that many , then keep them. if you need a lot - you can get the canvas bags for about $1 each and then the transfer paper and printing figure another $0.75 to $1 so total $2 per bag

on the border is good too - anywhere they have margaritas LOL

FUN!!! it looks like you guys had a BLAST and Lisa is the cutest preggo woman - all belly and boobies and just glowing - seriously Lisa you look amazing! i love how your FI / DH's joined in

Quote: Originally Posted by NewOrleansbride Sooo... I am so sad that I have been absent this last month because I ended my engagement (and subsequent marriage) over three weeks ago. So I have been busy with dismantling a wedding and household. I'm going to be completely honest... I had been having feelings throughout our whole engagement that we were not right for each other. Since we had been engaged I kept seeing couples that were so happy, and would do little things for each other, things I never had in my relationship and really wanted. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never have that in my life. I couldn't do it. It wasn't right. He said it wasn't right too. So, this is a VERY good thing. I am so happy that we found out now, rather than ten years from now (probably with children). But... I have a load of stuff to sell. I was only 5 weeks away from my wedding, so I basically have everything. I've been trying to sort through all the wedding stuff for you girls (I've got a lot of good stuff- including a ton of OOT bag goodies) but I've been too consumed with cancelling the wedding, taking apart my household, trying to work, etc. that I have not gotten to it. BUT.. I promise that by next week (as long as I can learn how to use paypal) I will be posting goodies for sale. Lots of them! So, wish me luck, and I hope somebody wants the stuff I have. I don't want it anymore. XOXO Rachel, Wow - I am so sorry you are going through this but it sounds like this is the best decision for both of you. I am so proud of you for having the courage to follow through with your gut feelings and not just go along with the engagement / wedding / planning b/c it was easier. You will have the man of your dreams b/c you are in touch with who you are as a person. All of the lessons learned from this experience are going to help guide you in the direction of true happiness and what is coming next. Stay strong and I hope you stick around with us and keep us updated on how you are doing! xoxo alyssa Quote: Originally Posted by Kat81 Rachel, I am so sorry you are going through all this. It sounds like it was for the best but that never makes it any easier. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Seriously, anything. I can even post things for you if you need me to. Rachel, I am with Kat - i can help you post stuff and learn how to use PayPal - just PM me OK?

that is really cool - i like the significance

Quote: Originally Posted by karahmia Everything looks wonderful! Congrats and have a wonderful day! Yay! I love, love, love your monogrammed parasol. Where did you end up getting yours from? Hey girl - i got the Parasol from http://www.idooriginals.com/index_files/Page643.html. And thanks everyone - i am getting really excited

Quote: Originally Posted by lauren yamille, if we wind up near a train station, someone could pick you up. i can if it's around here (morristown), but idk where train stations are south of here. lol, that's totally north jersey! ok, looks like 1/3 are from nyc and north, 1/3 from philly area, and 1/3 from nj. maybe that'll help narrow a location.... with this mix of people i would vote for Trenton - Jessica suggested KatManDu - what do you all think of that?

WOW! What a killer gift Danielle - that is AWESOME!! i am dying to get a Dyson . Do you have pics from your shower to share?