blkladylaw

sent them to you...if you need any other tips on the locale let me know!

Here is a link to a slideshow of photos of people wearing the white gardenia from the seller I purchased from.

 

RT Gardenia Vivian Slideshow by Laura Bennett

 

Been working long days my first week back to the office but promise to take pictures of everything this weekend!

Here are some pics a friend took that have the petals in them.

I have some items for sale and plan to get around to taking photos this weekend. I just got back Sept. 14th so I am just doing a quick post from the top of my head right now in case someone has one coming up soon. I can put them on ebay if you want, I am a powerseller with 100% feedback.

 

Fuschia pink silk flower balls - I used these on top of vases that I filled with water pink floralytes covered with fuschia silk petals. Most got demolished during shipping back home but if someone wants to glue or otherwise reattach the flowers back into the styrofoam ball that came apart during shipping you can save some funds off real ones or your own order for silk. I think I have 8-10 (I had 10 there but will have to check the box and confirm what actually made it in the box back home)

 

2 real touch gardenias medium or large size

 

Pink floralytes 10-20 I think, these are the one time use version

 

Tons of fuschia silk petals and white with fuschia tip silk petals...I had ordered 2000 and 1000 so I'll have to confirm how many packs were not opened and what I have left.

 

A diamond white waltz length mantilla veil with black lace trim..hit me mid thigh when the comb was in the very front of my head and I am 6ft and wore 4 inch heels

 

A white mantilla veil with black lace trim that came past my shoulders

 

Kissing bells - silver , some are also placecard holders

 

Bubble wands

 

Tons of black/white damask fabric and black lace fabric that I used as overlays and table runners. Some were hemmed with hem tape and some were just cut without hemming (waited until the last minute and couldn't finish but no one noticed as they were cut in straight lines). I covered 10 dining tables that were 8 x 3 inches? and also round guestbook and cake tables and had a ton left over...could have covered 20+ tables I think. I alternated tables with black lace and also the black/white damask.

 

Table numbers 1-10 but #3 is missing...unless I have overlooked it.

 

If anyone needs black/white damask tissue paper, mint tins, stamps, programs, return address labels...I can recommend my vendors that I got them from.

I have 2 real touch gardenias I didn't use...no orchids though

I just had my wedding at Lake Las Vegas at Chapel Fiorenza and the reception on the La Contessa Yacht the first week of September. Everyone is still raving about how unique the yacht experience was. The views were beautiful and we watched the sunset. I just left a review on weddingwire...

 

Lake Las Vegas Marina & Yacht Charters, Wedding Venue, Nevada - Las Vegas and surrounding areas

Just decided...it was the only thing we BOTH liked

 

New Edition - I'm Lost in Love

 

we are taking it back in the day

thanks, I am not sure...either gardenias or roses...I didn't really ask...all I knew was that they were fuschia/hot pink!

I never really asked officially. My 3 closest girlfriends all were there from the beginning helping me consider venues, dresses, etc. and I just went to the bridal shower and bachelorette party they threw for me this past weekend. I gave them gifts after my shower and wrote them each letters thanking them for their friendship over the years and for all their help through my wedding. I'll have corsages or hair flowers for them at the wedding but no special attire and no standing up with us...just want them to attend and have a good time. It was all very simple and one less thing for me to worry about in coordinating other people. No wedding rehearsal or dinner. It will just be our parents walking down the aisle before us and no practice needed for that....they'll get instructions 30 minutes before the wedding.

Here are some pics I was playing with at home. The vase will be different I used things I had at home to try and simulate the look. Will your hotel accept a delivery in advance? I've never known a hotel that would not accept a package before arrival. I can't use flames on the yacht so the battery floralytes worked for me to have some lighting effect. I'm using some battery candles that flicker to use next to a memorial photo of my grandpa that I will have there....they work well.

Air - DC to Vegas, Vegas to Oahu, Oahu to Kauai, Kauai to Oahu, Oahu to DC - $2315

 

Hotel - Ritz Carlton at the Lake before wedding and Trump in Vegas afterwards until we leave for honeymoon in Hawaii - $1000 (used some AMEX points to discount)

 

Hawaii - Oahu renting this amazing private home with our own pool...I am imaging lots of romancing in this house Came out to less than getting a room at the Kahala that we were considering and it is not far from the Kahala resort. Kauai staying at Grand Hyatt (used some AMEX points to discount). Total accommodations in Hawaii $2910.

 

Trip to Vegas to preview location & sample cake - $360

 

Invites - $1600

 

Decor - $1000 - did a lot myself and used silk flowerballs for centerpieces

 

My dress - $1650 which includes one $1k dress that I bought that I changed my mind about that I have yet to sell.

 

Transport for guests from wedding in Henderson, NV back to their hotels on the Strip & our rental cars - $700

 

Cake $350

 

Vase rental from florist - $70

 

Travel scales & personalized mint tins for favors - $650 - includes gift bags and tissue paper (I'll also get about $100 cashback because I used live.com in about 45 more days)

 

Wedding website - $70

 

Photography addon- $1300 for negatives on DVD and 3.5 hours and 2 photographers. We'll get them developed cheaper on our own on Shutterfly or something. Also includes personalized cameras we will have on tables for guests to take pics for us during reception after photographer is gone.

 

Hair/Makeup - $270 (stuff I purchased on my own to do it myself, including $150 at the Mac counter!)

 

Video - $465 for our own video camera and will have someone tape for us

 

Ceremony site at Chapel Fiorenza, minister, coordinator, any bouquet you want no matter how elaborate, boutenairre, 20 photo package from photographer, bottle of champagne, toasting glasses - $3400

 

Yacht rental for 3 hours - $2595

 

Catering for 50 guests (salmon, chicken, sirloin), reception setup of centerpieces/favors/etc., open bar 2 hours, chocolate covered strawberries, crabcakes, and some chicken thing served as they arrive on the yacht before dinner starts - $6700

 

VIP section at nightclub on the Vegas Strip day after the wedding (as we figured we'd be too tired the night of), 5 bottles of liquor and guests get in free and can bypass the lines - $1874

 

Gifts to my girlfriends who through my shower (I'm not doing bridesmaids) - $219 - Dolce & Gabbana pearl earrings (major savings on sale) that were place in a damask custom coin purse from an Etsy seller

 

Rings - $1900

 

We are at almost $30k right now...my goal was $25k which I would have hit if I had 1) downgraded my desire for the 5 star hotels and luxury vacation rental home took the hotels way higher than they needed to be but I can't wait to stay in these places!, 2) I could have done less dramatic invites for less but I wouldnt change it I love them!, 3) VIP at the club the next day is not necessary but something I want to do, 4) I could have skipped appetizers and did 2 meats instead of 3 for the dinner, and 3) if I never got the 1st dress I bought or if I end up selling it...I'd be under $25k with those changes.

 

9 days to go...I wouldn't change a thing really from what I know at this point except for the 1st dress I wasted money on! If I did it locally I would have easily been at $28k and over 80 guests not including the honeymoon.

I am planning to do it myself and use clip on indian remy pieces for extra length and fullness (nothing new for me as I use these in my hair daily already). I was considering using someone but scared about hating it and I dont get there til the day before the wedding so no time to practice. I plan to play with some hairstyles this weekend when I finally have some time.

I just got my silk ones from balsacircle.com in fuschia (about $200 shipped for 10 I think though I knew I could resell to recoup some of my cost vs. real flowers) and I am sitting them on top of vases I am renting from the florist. I am putting pink floralytes in the bottom and covering them with silk fuschia rose petals and filling the vase with water. Balsacircle did ok, I wish they had been shipped in better packaging as some of the flowers came off the styrofoam during transit and I had to put several back together. I shipped mine yesterday to the caterer who is setting everything up for me and UPS ground it was less than $20. My centerpiece will sit on a black/white damask runner and/or black lace...I am considering alternating tables.

I used weddingveil.com

Needed black lace trimmed Mantilla veil and it was the only place I could find one. I sent the standard size offered back and had her make me a custom size as being plus sized and very tall it didn't hit me like I wanted it to. The standard was $93 + shipping and the custom was another $20.

I purchased a "real touch gardenia" one from ebay seller seasyrn and it is fabulous and so realistic. I mean the petals and even kind of moist and she had it scented like a real flower. I may not use it for the wedding as I am still undecided about my hair but I love it!

I just added a lot of my fuschia/black/white wedding items here

 

Photos : blkladylaw's Gallery

I still need to create a slideshow also. There are two plasmas on the yacht. I am a Windows user. Any suggestions for software or should I just use Microsoft Powerpoint?

Here are my Zazzle stamps in damask for use with our Thank you Cards when we send them out!

I'm liking If I Aint Got You by Alicia

Thanks for the tip...considering this one.

This is what my FI wants. This one is such a common wedding song that I want something more unique so we are torn right now. I have flashbacks to high school when it was out and at least 4 or 5 couples would sing it at the talent shows and it was on the radio nonstop . I like Mary J Blige I Found My Everything but his aunt used it at her wedding last year already.

I'm torn. I am 37 and attorney with a lot of assets and it will be a pain in the butt to change everything at this stage of my life. That said I have no desire to keep my fathers name for various reasons that I'll spare you guys. I'd be going from Williams to Johnson....both common names so hyphenating those seems silly. He doesn't care. Also it is kind of stereotyped that as a female lawyer that I don't cook, don't want kids, work all night and don't take care of home or do typical 'wifely' things and that female lawyers are these "ball busting" (not my term) career women and for many not the "cater to you" wife material that some seek. I've faced those stereotypes my whole dating life from certain types of men and hyphenating my name or not taking his is kind of what they'd expect and falls right in line with the stereotype so I kind of find myself also wanting to change it just to not play into that. I've already gotten the look of shock from male colleagues (all of who have stay at home wives) like wow you are actually going to change your name to his. So right now I am planning to do it but still am not totally sure. The though of all the paperwork is daunting. If I did not own a lot of assets and had not had a long professional career it would be easier. I have power of attorney documents for family members that I guess I'll have to change. There is so much to consider.

I used

Cheryl Lofton

she's located at 7th and T st NW her # 202.483.5929.

 

She was recommended to me by a custom male suit designer out of NYC who also does work out of DC that is the friend of a friend. He has her do his custom shirts. I basically had two ivory cocktail dresses and had her cut the bottom off of one and sew it on to the other making a seamless full length wedding dress. She also altered some jeans for me that fit me great everywhere but the waist. She did an excellent job and was very professional. Mine was a unique project but she does regular bridal alterations also and has also made custom clothing for people. I'm 6ft and plus-sized so clothign fit is not always the best for me off the rack so I plan to take more of my clothing to her for alterations and plan to have her do a custom suit for my 6'5+ FI who has a hard time finding good fits.

 

Welcome to Cheryl A. Lofton’s Wardrobe Salon

I still need to finalize ceremony/vows with FI

finalize ceremony and reception songs and burn to CD

make table runners using hem tape

make photo dvd play during reception

i finally found my jewelry...last item is on the way from ebay

need to do programs still

need to book transport for guests from reception in Henderson, NV back to Vegas strip

FI needs to book our rental car

we need to finalize choice of our first dance song

 

shockingly we just booked our accommodations for the Oahu & Kauai honeymoon last week! but it worked out because prices dropped and we got a private rental home for the Oahu part of the trip for a steal at the last minute Waialae Iki Ridge Resort vacation rental in Honolulu

 

I picked up my dress this weekend

 

latest weight loss is 32 lbs! dress is looking great!

 

Got a corset in the mail from ebay....it is making my waist fabulous in the dress!

 

I finished an initial draft of the ceremony script ...adding on some things to what the pastor sent me...FI needs to review

 

Got my non-bridesmaids gifts

 

My shower is this weekend...they told me to pack an overnight bag and brings several outfits for different scenarios and I have no idea still where it is or what is going on!

 

Some delay on progress this weekend as we fell out over all the things I need help with not just for wedding but I've fallen behind on housework but he has been playing freakin Playstation with his cousin for multiple nights and not helping out at home or doing his wedding tasks. Friday, We got into it and both were like lets call it off and we told our moms and were packing his stuff (half of it is still piled up by the front door now). His uncle kidnapped him and gave him a good talking to and we made up and all is well again. Well until we start talking about the prenup I want and opening a joint account...then we are disagreeing again!

 

STRESS! I need to go for some of my spa treatments!

I wanted to be by the water as well but easy to get to for guests and fiance was keen on Vegas so I researched several "near water" options in and near Vegas as a compromise for us both.

 

Ceremony : Minister Los Vegas : Marriage License Info Vegas : Lakesideweddings.com was one option

 

and the spot I chose Lake Las Vegas Resort which has several locations to get married at. The Ritz hotel even has a sand beach with a waterfall that you can wed at there.

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas: Weddings

 

Room Detail

 

Weddings at Lake Las Vegas

 

Wedding at Lake Las Vegas SouthShore Yacht & Beach Club

 

Outdoor Las Vegas Wedding Locations and Las Vegas Wedding Sites in Henderson, NV

 

Photo Tour Loews hotel has a pretty gazebo area overlooking the lake

 

Always and Forever Wedding Chapel & Destination Weddings

 

 

no bridal party

no garter toss

no father daughter or mother son dances

no bouquet toss (every wedding I have been to single women cringe at being called out and no one really wants to do it)...I am gonna give it to my grandma or split it in two and give half to each one of my 2 single friends who will be there in a seas of couples

no giving away

my brother is escorting me down aisle and not my dad

no engagement party

no rehearsal dinner

no ring bearer or flower girl

no dancing at reception (well I am making a CD of slow songs so they can if they want)...it is a yacht an not a ton of room for dancing...there is an afterparty in a VIP area at a Vegas club though

staying together night before...we have lives together for a year

no gifts for parents

no gifts for each other (writing letters to each other that we'll read before we go to the chapel instead)

no traditional wedding dress...(a cocktail dress that I had lengthened into a long dress...if I had found a long silver dress that I liked I would have married in that...didnt want to do white and I can't stand big stuffy wedding dresses...I'm 37 I don't need to look like a fairytale princess and have a long train)

not wearing white or ivory or typical shoes...(hot pink and black feathers!)

 

I'm sure there is much more..we are not very traditional at all!

The colors are jewel tones. In one set I opened there are two votives that are a purple or dark pink, 2 are a dark green like an emerald or olive and 1 votive is an amber color. Here are more pics.