sunsetbride1

Hi Ladies, A few quick updates: 1) There will be another girl joining us. Her name is Shawn and she works with me! She is super sweet and is getting married in October 09. Not a destination wedding; so I can't bring her into our BDW family! 2) Kamila can get Dream Hotel... with the addition of Shawn its only an additional $17.25 per person. King size room, 285 sq ft, for $219. 3) Here is an idea of how the day would go.. personally, for me - I don't mind if you girls are there when my pics are done and like the idea that we can all hang out and drink champagne and relaz together... It will probably help me relax more if we are all just having fun. But, its a completely personal decision for everyone. I am good with however you all want to do this... "We will start at about 11:30 - so the first girl can arrive at that time and start the hair/makeup process. The actual shoot will start at about 12:00ish, so the next girl can arrive at about 1:00, then about 2:00 and about 3:00 - if you want to be all separate and not have anyone else in the room at the same time as your shoot. The last shoot I did in NYC the room was relatively small so Michelle had all her equipment set up in front of the bed, with plenty of room for me to move around, move my ligths around and pose etc. All of the girls arrived at once and just hung out, drank champagne and chatted - it was a good time. The girl that went last, after everyone else left, actually said that it was "more fun" when everyone was in the room cheering each other on and chatting and it made her feel more self-conscious to be alone in the room with just me and my cameras and lights! If any of you feel very uncomfortable about being seen by others, you may want the later spot. I think you mentioned Shawn needs a later timeslot so she can arrive at 4:30 and be finished by about 6:00. However if you want to chat with other brides, listen to music and hang out drinking champagne etc - you can all arrive at once. The photo shoot is still just one person per shoot, so you get at least an hour of shooting devoted to each person." Let me know what you all think!!!

Okay, here is mine and I have never, ever told anyone this .. it's a doozy. I worry that I will disappoint FI eventually. That I am cheating him out of something that he should have. Here is the background- I was married before and it was the head over heels; stuff fairytales are made of, totally reckless head first kind of love. We were one of those disgusting couples that were always happy (up until we got married... LOL); never fought and I worshipped him (yes, it was unhealthy worship). I changed everything about myself so I was good enough for him (yes, I know now that that was stupid) and I completely/totally trusted him. I did everything for him and then some. Well..when that went south bc I eventually learned he was an *ss.. I went into a deep depression and it took a lot of counseling to get me "better" (FI knows that part). So, here's the confession.. I worry that FI is missing out on that. I will never, ever do that again as long as I live. Give up my identity, worship someone, totally depend upon someone ever again.. Is that a kind of love that he should experience? I don't know.. I love him with all my heart. He is an amazing man who is my best friend and soul mate. But, I worry that maybe he deserves someone who is his 'fairy tale romance' without all of my baggage.

Quote: Originally Posted by samanthag HA! That's how I feel after watching these shows! I'm like, Wow I really don't have it bad after all!!!!! OMG!!! That's one of my dirty little secrets.. I love Rock of Love!! I can't help it; I am helplessly addicted!

Quote: Originally Posted by KatyKo So sorry you are stressing! Sounds like as long as your date is available and you can switch your stay to the new place, you should be good to go. Some girls face the issue of needing to switch long after their guests have booked, so hopefully this will work out in your favor. And of course, all of us BDW girls are always here for you to vent to if you are having a bad day! I absolutely agree... I can't really add anything to what Katy said!

Ooo.. that's a tough one. I am so sorry for all the losses your family is experiencing! I can offer a few words from my personal experiences... Losing yourself is never good; no matter what the circumstances. When you get married it should be a partnership of two equal and different people who love eachother and respect eachother's individuality. If one of you loses that, then the marraige will suffer. I was married once before, and completely lost myself (and needless to say, the marraige never worked bc of that and MANY other reasons). But, the main challenge I had was that I forgot who I was and my wants/needs. Now, its a daily balancing act and communication/comprimise are key. I would honestly, take a deep breath and look inside of yourself. Maybe.. write down what you want out of life. Experiences that you would like to have, where you would like to live, etc... then sit down with FI (who sounds SO understanding) and go over these wants. Then see which ones are needs and which ones you can happily comprimise. Maybe have FI do the same and compare notes. If you truly want to move, then I agree with Abbie- can FI move with you? My current situation is that I am pretty much done with being a city girl.. have worked in NYC for almost 10 years and Im sick of the cold and crowds. So, I have discussed it with FI and he has agreed after the wedding; we save some $$, pay off all debt and both start looking into moving down south. That is a comprimise he is making for me; bc it doesn't matter to him that much where we live and it matters SO much to me. I think that that your wedding doubts may come from a place of extreme stress.. it sounds like your lives have been a rollercoaster. Perhaps when you get back from your trip you and FI should commit a weekend to reconnecting. Every relationships hits lulls and needs recharges every once in a while. Whether you stay home and have romantic/sexy picnics in your living room with candles, wine and cheese (which FI and I do) or go away to a little B&B - it helps to just have the two of you. Sorry this is so long.. but hang in there!!! Keep talking to FI and all of us on here.. You will get through this!

It happened to me as well.. so, here is what I did- I highly recommend taking a little sojourn. Then.. once u feel a bit less overwhelmed - break it up into pieces and prioritize. After that, do what I did .. and force FI to make a date with you to do wedding stuff. That made me feel better... And.. then sometimes as I do when Im at work feeling overwhelmed - take a deep breath and remember that nothing you are doing is life or death. Enjoy things for what they are and stop stressing the little stuff (I know.. easier said than done!).

Ooohh.. I actually tried that dress on; its so flattering - the pictures don't do it justice. I am sure that you will have no problem selling it. I would consider it for my TTD; but it's more than I can spend!

Tylersgirl: We ordered them off of http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/ Quote: Originally Posted by Erika J I love them, I think they are beachy and romantic Is there supposed to be a line under the 3rd place for songs that remind you of us? Or is it just the border? I think that its just the proof... Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege I really like these a lot. The color choices are great and I like the fonts too. The only suggestion that comes to mind is the invite possibly having the words (NOT your names) right aligned? Not sure if that would work, but the space on the right hand side looks just a little... I don't know... blank? BUT... I love them just the way they are too, so that certainly isn't a MUST make this change type thing! We actually tried that but it interfered with the palm tree! Thanks everyone.. we ordered them today. We only changed the RSVP slightly and put the will attend/will not attend above the number of people field. So excited! Can't wait to get them and send them out.

We are not paying for anything for our WP. Like the others said, they are getting a vacation out of it and they knew when we asked them to be in the WP that they would have to pay for their accomodations and transport. If we had the $$, we would love too.. but it would be thousands of dollars that we don't have. We are getting them some nice gifts, but other than that - its the pleasure of our company for the week and the honor of standing up for us at our wedding that they will get out of this! LOL!

Those are so cute!! I too, love the bow in back!

I would only send out STD's if you feel you have to send out something more formal... IMHO I would send out a friendly newsletter type note telling your loved ones that you are planning a DW and are looking at this week in PV. That you will send out STD's and/or invites as soon as the date is confirmed along with other information to coordinate their travel. There are tons of newsletter templates on this forum.

I received my online proof for my invites today! What do you all think of them? Any suggestions or changes that you would recommend before I approve them? Invite: Response Card: Enclosure Card (the enclosure card will be much smaller than the invites; more around the size of the RSVP card):

Very pretty!!!

great job!!

Outdoor girl 1010.. great sites!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Kelly C I agree. I would just sent out a type of announcement stating only immediate family are attending and a AHR to follow. So they can be included later. I absolutely agree! That's a very good idea Kelly. And if people still chose to take it the wrong way; then they will get over it!

Those are adorable!! Great find.. color is beautiful!

All I can say.. is AMAZING!! All of you DIY diva's are killing me. I am going to be embarrassed when I finally do mine! You look so gorgeous in your dress and I may steal your idea for the FI's BD book. I can't wait to see pics of the actualy wedding; your guests are so lucky to be there with all the time and attention to detail that you spent.

Wow...Andrea!!! That is all absolutely incredible.. you are so talented!!! Can't wait to see wedding pics!

Quote: Originally Posted by samanthag I'm soo sorry this is going on. And I'm sure your Dad just didn't want you (his daughters) to worry about him. You know how parents can be! Things will work out sweetie! I agree.. I am sure that you Dad just didn't want you to worry or to see you upset by the whole thing; if he truly feels that she is coming back. As far as the not-contacting you thing over the holidays, etc.. I am sure that he just isn't thinking straight right now. I am honstly amazed that it was a secret for so long... In my family, noone can keep a secret! Either way, just be there for your Dad and your sister.. Since he is far away, maybe send him cards, emails to make him laugh etc. Family stuff like this is always tough.

Thank you for merging Abbie!!! I am sorry Jacilyn; I didn't see your post for some reason and I was so excited that I jumped the gun on sharing!

That is so great!!! Can't wait to see pics when you are all done. It means a lot to have family jewelry. I have FI's grandmother's engagement ring and almost every time she sees it; she gets a misty eyed.

He he! Actually the one I bought to show them all the dress, fabric, styles etc.. I am exchanging for a different color so I can have one too. They are so comfortable!!! And cdc0427 - I actually did think that their dresses may be 'more dress' than mine. Unfortunately, we can't try them all on together as mine isn't in yet and they are on sale now; so I would rather they buy them now to take advantage of the price. I think it will be okay; but fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your feedback.. I can't make a decision without running it by all of you anymore!

Almost too good to be true; but I am hearing from everyone that this is really happening. Enjoy.. I plan on stopping by Macy's on my way home tonight! Check out this link: Free makeup available while supplies last - News- msnbc.com Free Makeup at Department Stores Next Week! Jan 15, 2009 @ 8:16am When we read about the following, we didn’t believe it either: Because of a major lawsuit filed against major department stores in California in 2003 (it seems some of the big name stores were purposely holding back inventory to up the price of high end beauty products), everybody is getting paid back in a major way next week. Starting January 20th, major stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s are being forced to give away $175 million worth of beauty products nationwide, for free, to anybody who walks into their stores. Shoppers only get one item per cosmetic company, while supplies last - Think Chanel, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, etc. Click here for a full list of stores/beauty brands. And please, put all those eco-friendly totes to good use on Tuesday. The stores: Bergdorf Goodman Bergner’s Bloomingdale’s BostonStore CarsonPirie Scott Dillard’s Gottschalks Herberger’s Macy’s Neiman Marcus Nordstrom Parisian Saks Fifth Avenue Younkers The cosmetic companies/products: Boucheron (USA) Ltd.: Femme Eau de Toilette (1 ounce/30 ml) Chanel, Inc.: Coco Mademoiselle body lotion (3.4 fluid oz) Christian Dior Perfumes, Inc.: J’Adore Eau de Parfum (15 ml) Clarins U.S.A., Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last): Clarins Energizing Morning Cream (30 ml) OR Clarins Beauty Flash Bomb (30 ml) Conopco, Inc. (distributed by Coty, Inc. on behalf of Conopco, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of three products, while supplies last): Calvin Klein Euphoria Bathand Shower Crème (6.7 oz) OR Vera Wang Princess Body Polish (5 oz) OR Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker Shower Gel (6.7 oz) The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (customers will have a choice of ONE of two products, while supplies last): Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (15 ml/0.5 oz) OR Clinique Moisture Surge (30 ml/1 oz) Guerlain, Inc.: My Insolence Eau de Toilette (15 ml) L’Oréal USA, Inc. (formerly known as Cosmair, Inc.) (customers will have a choice of ONE of eight products, while supplies last): Lancôme UV Expert 20 OR Lancôme Cils Design Pro Mascara OR Lancôme Fatale Mascara OR Lancôme Courbe Virtuose Mascara OR Lancôme Primordial Skin Defense OR Ralph Lauren Romance Shower Gel (6.7 oz.) OR Giorgio Armani ACM Shower Gel (6.7 oz) OR Lancôme Hypnôse Shower Gel Parfums Givenchy, Inc.: Very Irresistible Givenchy Eau de Toilette (15 ml) *

Very pretty!! It is super flattering on you; the shape is perfect... I love the corset back as well.. Great choice; you are going to make a beautiful bride!