*kellis*

I swear I'm with the rest of you, I think I may need this forum more now that I'm married. I need a place to not feel so crazy! Confession #1 I know we've agreed to wait and that our finances are not at a place they should be for us to be starting a family...But I wanted to cry when I got my period last week(the first one since the honeymoon.) Before the wedding it was, I wanna wait until we're married to try, and now that we are my mind knows it's not the right time but my heart reeeeally wants a baby. Confession #2 I also want to curl up into a ball and cry because we STILL don't have our professional wedding pictures. Everything didn't go hunky dory at the wedding and I was all excited to see the pictures people put up on facebook for me so I could see that they were all enjoying themselves, but I really wanted to see the professional pics to know that it was all worth it(especially since this guy was anything but professional, even if he is talented and has a good portfolio). And as of right now, it's been over a month since the wedding and I haven't heard from our photographer in 2 WEEKS! No preview or teasers or even an update e-mail. He said he had to cancel our appointment to pick up the pictures 2 weeks ago because he needed one more day and hasn't answered any of our calls or e-mails since. My mom sent him an e-mail today and gave him until Monday to contact us. Then she's going to do a paypal dispute on the deposit. That should get his attention. But it's not about the money, those are our wedding pictures!!! I'm also pissed off about it because DH's Gram turned 74 yesterday and all she asked us for as a birthday present was a small album of wedding pictures she could keep in her purse to show off to people. We both love this woman so much and it made me so mad that 5 weeks after our wedding we had nothing to give her but some blurry facebook pictures and a promise of an album soon. Phew...thanks for the vent. Sorry if I sound like a B....:/

Thanks ladies:)

By the way, good to see more Nor Cal girls on here. My family lives in the Bay Area and hubby and I are moving up to San Ramon in September:)

Quote: Originally Posted by AtteGirl If you're having a dinner reception at a restaurant where are you having it? After allll my research and suggestions I'm stuck between 2 places: The Plantation House in Kapalua or Leilani's in Lahaina. I've received quotes from both places for the same price point per head and Leilani's has come in a little less which I like. But The Plantaion House is nicer but with more restrictions but seems more appropriate for a reception dinner. And Leilani's offers steak & lobster as one of the dinner options and my FI is all over that, and I was told Leilani's is a little more casual. Have you been to either place? Are they both appropriate for a reception dinner? Any advice/suggestions would be helpful! Thanks! If you can afford it, The Plantation House is INCREDIBLE! I have been there a couple times, we have a family friend that works there, and I took my husband(still love getting to say that) there for his birthday dinner during our honeymoon a couple weeks ago. It is beautiful, the food is great, and the view is to die for. We have also been leilani's for a drink one night of our honeymoon and it is pretty, right on the boardwalk and whaler's village shopping center, but it is a bit more casual and has been packed every time we've been by there at dinner time. I don't know if they have a separate area for wedding receptions but there are definitely a lot more people there then The Plantation House which is off by itself in Kapalua. Please let me know if you have any other questions, I've been to that area of Maui many times and have friends there.

Quote: Originally Posted by skadow Wow...Everything thing looks amazing. A few things that really stood out for me was 1. Your reception/cermony area...So beautiful 2. Your hair in the practice shot with out the viel....I would kill for hair like that omg! My doesnt look that good even when I have extension is. Lucky Lady 3. Your guest book/ picture is such a great idea. I love it. So practical and it looks amazing Congrats! You really did a great job. Oh and also your engagment photos looks so classy and cute. I love them Thanks so much! And I hate to say this but...this weekend I chopped all that hair off. It is now chin length. I have to say I will miss it especially looking at pictures but I knew that I wanted to keep it until after the wedding and then donate it. Plus having short hair when it was 112 degrees today was kinda nice:)

It won't let me edit anymore so here is a picture of the menus...

Wedding Rings Mine was from Ben Bridge, I knew i wanted something simple that I could wear always wear, even if it wasn't safe or smart to wear my engagement ring there(such as the beach). His was from DirectBuy(picture is kinda funny but we were bored on the plane ride to HI) Bridesmaid's Dresses We got a great deal on these at DressBarn of all places. MOH dress was from White House Black Market(awesome store) (sorry for the creepy faces, couldn't figure out a better way to blur their faces) Flower Girls One was a crazy find at David's Bridal for half off five minutes before they closed, the other was ordered from Dillards.com Guy's outfits FI insisted on tuxes for all of them. They got them at Men's Wearhouse, shirts were ivory and vests and ties are "Fern". Ushers had silver vest and the dads had black vests and ties. They were all very warm, but their choice I guess:) Flowers My bouquet was Peonies, cymbidium orchids, sweet peas, and some other flowers I can't remember off the top of my head. It was surrounded by banana leaves. My flowers were possibly my favorite part of everything(other then marrying him of course) Guys had single orchid boutonnieres Bridesmaids Gifts/Flowers We got these from Etsy seller hairbowswonderworld, dupioni silk roses, pearls, and vintage pins and buttons. Groomsman Gift Cigars in cigar cases from Things Remember Welcome Bags Stamped Paper bags from Michaels Contents included... Welcome note Water bottles Bunch a Crunch Arizona Highways magazine Toys for rooms with kids Candy First aid kit Sunscreen Alka Seltzer Shout wipes After sun gel Our Guestbook A wrapped canvas portrait from our engagement shoot that we had people sign, it turned out better then even I expected it. This is how it turned out Escort Cards We stamped pre-cut name cards with a sepia design, carved a slit in the corks(which we saved up over the year not in 3 months, that's my story lol) and sanded the bottoms. They were displayed in front of the chapel during the cocktail hour in a tray filled with lentils(sounds weird, but looked awesome). One of my favorite DIY ideas. Menus This was a last minute decision and I'm so glad we did it. We got a great Brides self print invitation set at Michael's(with a 40% off coupon of course) and just tweaked the supplied template a little. I was so excited with how they turned out. We even made kid's menus with the RSVP cards in the set for the four little girls at the reception. Favors Ivory boxes from Michael's filled with green and pearl m&ms and fortune cookies with a thank you message, tied with a dark green ribbon(do yourself a favor and buy more then enough ribbon if you're doing a project like this so you aren't driving around to different stores trying to match colors when you run out) and a little thank you charm. Decor We got these great wax vessels that look like candles but you put the candle inside them so they just glow, they were lined down the aisle on rose petals(another DIY project, we got 5 bunches of costco roses that morning and had the girls take the petals off, saved a ton of money but took a little time) then they were used in groups on the tables. When I have pictures of the centerpieces I will post them. They were groups of the candles with alternating clear vases filled with tempered glass(looked like ice) topped with floating gardenias(they smelled amazing!) on an olive green natural silk table square. [Pictures to come]

Invitations My brother is a graphic designer and did our invites as a wedding present to us. They were modern and simple. Wedding Attire Dress I fell in love with this dress the first time I saw it. I second guessed myself a few times but every time I put this dress on it convinced me even more. Hair (Hair Trial-flowers in place of where a clip was going and pre-veil decision) (Day of) My veil was by Etsy seller BellaBridalVeils I got the ivory waterfall wedding bridal veils scattered Swarovski crystals. Shoes last minute find on Zappos.com. For someone who loves shoes I had a terrible time finding wedding shoes. Jewelry Earrings were a gift, Vera Wang at Kohls. My "something blue". Necklace was a christmas gift from FI the first year we were together. I didn't want much and it had sentimental value. Garter from Etsy seller Crystal Creations by Jen. After-wedding undies:)

(Formerly Future Mrs. Kt Ellis) My turn! Well, better late then never. I did what I always do and put off starting to write my planning thread until AFTER the planning:) So here goes, hope you all enjoy. I'll be adding more pictures as I get them.(My own camera battery charger went missing sometime in the weekend so this is a mash up of pictures I took before the wedding, pictures other people sent me, and some low quality ones from my phone camera.) Engagement We were window shopping over a year ago and he talked me into trying on rings "for fun". I fell in love with this ring, he came back two days later with his mom and bought it:) I knew he had the ring hidden(having to move it around due to my snooping) in our apartment for 3 months before he asked. And he still managed to surprise me. Matt popped the question on a camping trip for HIS birthday. He asked for a beer which I (reluctantly) got up to get him. I turned around and he was kneeling(impressive considering he's had surgery on both knees) in front of the campfire with the ring. (best picture I have, with my wedding band) Engagement Pictures Kara at Illuminated Moments was amazing, so bummed she couldn't do our wedding pictures. She also did my boudoir shoot as well. Save The Date Vistaprint is probably my new best friend. We got 50 free STDs magnets, a couple sheets of return labels, and a personalized canvas tote bag that I used so much during the planning for less then 10 bucks, for shipping. The magnets were a little flimsy so we put them on a piece of cardstock and they still worked great. Location After having to compromise and give up our dream of having a beach wedding due to our family's traveling restrictions, we stumbled upon our resort while driving around in Scottsdale. We walked in and felt like we were in another country. It definitely felt like a destination wedding even though it was only 40 minutes away from our house. Intercontinental Montelucia, Paradise Valley AZ We're getting married in Castillo Lucena, the wedding chapel at the resort. With cocktail reception in the plaza. -set up for our actual reception-

Just saw it. I kinda wished I could have gone last night to get that midnight showing energy of everyone but oh well. I did like it better then the last one. The only thing that really just gets me, other than Kristen Stewart's acting of course, is that if felt so rushed and like they just touched on some parts. I remember in the book how the whole love triangle was so drawn out and it really made you feel the confusion and heartache of her loving both of them. But in the movie it jumped around and all of a sudden you're like, wait she's kissing him like there is no tomorrow(the only convincing sign of life or feeling from our "favorite" actress), and then we're back to it's all about Edward and it's like Jacob never happened. It just seemed really scattered and not at all like you didn't know what was going to happen. If that makes sense. And can I just say, Edward is not really the same character as he was in the first movie. Is it really impossible for him to smile in these movies? It's like he either is emotionless or frustrated. Ok I'll stop now before I start sounding too much like a preteen

Quote: Originally Posted by ErinB Soooooo, how was it? I'm a little pissed. There was a mis-communication and I thought a friend was supposed to buy my ticket and she thought I had it. Now the show tonight is sold out so I'm missing the movie and GNO! So I want details! I don't know when I'll have the chance to see it anytime soon. Although, I did hear that a local drive-in theater is showing all 3 back to back this weekend! I might just have to clear my schedule! lol That happened to me too, my sister was supposed to look into the tickets but she thought it was tonight midnight not yesterday so it was sold out by the time we realized it. So no midnight showing with a bunch of preteens for us. Oh well, we'll see it today and enjoy the extra sleep we got last night:) I really hope what I hear is right that this is the best one because I really didn't like New Moon.

Quote: Originally Posted by bahiabride2010 I'm still waiting to receive him...I hope he comes soon! We leave on Saturday! Do you have any idea about when he should be arriving *kellis*? I'll be very gentle with him and pack him in my carry-on! It should be getting to you tomorrow. I just sent you a pm about phone number to supply to DHL just to make sure it gets to you. It is repaired and packaged in a TON of bubble wrap so hopefully it makes it to you in one piece:)

Quote: Originally Posted by Tam I hear you on that, and I got to choose my ring. It just didn't turn out as I had thought it would... so I might make some changes to it later on. I also confess that I did not enjoy my wedding experience. I want to do it all over again keeping it a destination wed. still but only have my immediate friends/family. There ended up being so much drama from certain people who came down and really ruined the night. That and I felt really sick all night so I didn't enjoy myself from that as well. I hate most of our pictures too and how I look in them. I have said this to my DH and told him I want to do it again, just another symbolic/vow renewal, just a relaxed atmosphere where we can have fun. Maybe for our first anniversary?? I think there are more women who are frustrated about their wedding experience then they want to admit. That's not how it's supposed to be, its supposed to be the happiest day of your life and if it's not then you don't feel right. The other night I let myself feel sorry for myself for a little bit and feel that heartbreaking feeling that I had spent so much time on this wedding and I didn't enjoy it. After that I am still kind of bummed but I'm able to remember some of the good things and know that we have the rest of our lives together so we have plenty of time to have some other type of vow renewal/anniversary celebration that we can truly make about just me and him and whoever wants to come can but we won't stress or make it about anyone else than us. I've come to realize that our wedding just wasn't really our style. We're really more laid back and that's how the wedding started out but not what it became when we factored family politics into it.

dc22173's CLEAR starfish should be coming to Bahiabride2010 very soon but I'm worried about the little guy. I've had to fix it three times before sending it and I'm not so sure he will hold up to the transit or how many more weddings he'll be able to make it through. I'm not sure where it is originally from but maybe the company who made it can repair it?

I love my curve! The only thing that isn't great is how much more my provider charges for internet access. We had to cut back financially this year so now I have an awesome phone that is great for texting but no email or internet connection. The camera is also really good on it.

I'm so sorry that happened to you! We had something similar happen, we went to the post office and spent 80 bucks on postage then found out a week later they raised the price of postage so we had to re-buy stamps for the outer envelopes AND open all the invitations to replace the stamps on the inner rsvp envelopes too. All in all we spent about 150 for postage.

I don't have chair sashes, but we do have 10 20" table squares for centerpieces and 2 long table runners(fit on two 11' tables). They are olive green, a natural silk material. I would be happy to lend them to someone.

Everything looks amazing! And thanks, now I don't feel like such a slacker for not posting my planning thread yet. Yay for June 5th!

Hi Kimberly. Good to see another Arizona girl on the forum:) I've been to Maui many times and just got back from our honeymoon in Maui and Oahu so if you have any questions I'll try my best to help. West Maui is a great place for weddings, especially if you want a more laid back quiet feel. I haven't been on the other side much but I hear there are a lot of hotels and stuff going on. It's really what you're into. Either way, it's impossible to not be blown away by how beautiful it is no matter where you go in Hawaii. What's your budget? That might help narrow down some areas to look at.

We got married in Scottsdale/Paradise Valley Arizona. It was 105 the day of(yikes right?) and this was my dress... I won't lie, I was hot! But really only when we were standing outside for an hour taking family pictures(grr dont even get me started on the photographer who thought that was a good idea...) and I had to tell him I couldn't take anymore outside or I might pass out. And to be completely honest I think my Spanx was what was making me so hot. But I wouldn't have worn anything different. The dress was one of my favorite things about the day. It's worth it. Try on that dress, it is incredible. Also, I know this is going to sound strange but if you find yourself getting really warm, standing in water really helps, so for you ladies having your reception by a pool this could be a cute picture and helpful lol.

Welcome and congratulations! This forum can be your best friend for sanity and planning in the next few months. Hope we can help. My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon in Maui & Oahu and I've been to Maui many times so if you have any questions please feel free to ask:)

Guys say dumb stuff about clothes, we all know that. Plus gowns like that look "shiny" in pictures but looking amazing in person. If Hubby would have seen my dress before the wedding he most likely would have made a comment too. Don't let that one comment make you change your mind about a dress you love that makes you feel amazing. I guarantee he will be speechless when/if he sees you in it.

Quote: Originally Posted by teslalove I'm glad I found this thread. I have 3 sisters, and he has one brother, one sister. He is very opposed to the idea of having his sister be a "groomsman", but I don't want to be forced into choosing one of my sisters over the others to match his one brother. Our wedding is family only, so I'm stuck as to how to balance it out. I want to be able to ask all three sisters to be my bridesmaids, but I don't want his sister to feel left out if he refuses to include her, and I can't very well have 4 attendants to his 1. I think I'll have to work to convince him that a female groomsman is okay... Quote: Originally Posted by msredd3129 I am relieved to see that I am not the only one with this problem. I have at least 3-4 very close friends and a 19yr old dtr.My FI on the other hand, only has our 20 and 9 yr old son as grooms men and possibly one of his brothers I am torn between just having our children in our wedding or adding my very dear friends, but there would be 4-5 bm to his 2-3 grooms men. I need some advice. Have either of you thought of having your kids/siblings/friends walk down normally(and dressed similar) as if they were attendants and then have them seated in a place of honor at the front? If you want parents at the very front you can have them next to them in the front row on both sides or in the row just behind, the point being that they ARE attendants and have a distinction as such but then you don't have to worry about how it looks having uneven numbers of people standing beside you and your groom. I think the look of just the couple and the officiant at the alter is really romantic anyway. We had an uneven ratio, 4 BMs to 5 GM and it looked fine. Granted it's only one off but we just did some creative processional/recessional work and it turned out being different and really touching for the guests(best man stood with officiant, DH escorted his Gram with whom he is very close to her seat). It was a little difficult to figure out the logistics but in the end it's up to you, these are the people that mean the most to you, you shouldn't feel like you have to add random people just to make things even. Plus a lot of guys are really touchy about being told who they should have as GM.

Three months ago I got my first Brazilian so that I could be used to it and it not be terrible when I did it a couple days before my wedding and honeymoon. I will never go back to shaving after that. They definitely made a believer out of me. I'm not usually too comfortable having people down in that region and I'm a huge baby with pain but it really wasn't as bad as I expected. Sure the pain was terrible(the first time, each time is easier and easier) but that was only because I was tense and it was pretty bad down there. I didn't see what the big deal was, FI(now hubby) tried to explain why guys like it to me once but I think that ended up becoming some sort of feminist rant at some point. Oops. But now I get it, I am so much more comfortable not to mention how much he likes it and bikini season is so much easier haha. Just make sure you find a good place to do it. Regular wax is not a good idea. The place I go to is GREAT, they use these black/purple wax beads that don't stick to the skin(I've heard of that happening a lot at other places, ouch) plus they have an amazing skin care line for relatively cheap that have kept the ingrown hairs at bay. And the person waxing you should take as much time as YOU need. Let them know if you need a break. Also, my rule is to take two Excedrin before I go in, it helps a ton not only with the pain but but it also helps you to not be expecting it to hurt. Being tense makes it hurt more.

We did do OOT bags for the people that were staying at the resort(so only about 6 bags total). I had a good time stamping designs on the bags so they matched the escort cards and we probably spent about $15 for the contents in each which wasn't bad considering there weren't that many but I think looking back I wouldn't have bothered. We spent precious time the week of the wedding stuffing them and then they all ended up in my MIL's room because of the valet not knowing she had brought some of our things in her car. Her room happened to be on the opposite side of the resort and we didn't have time to go get them before the rehearsal the day before so my MOH and I ended up having to walk all around the resort the morning of my wedding fetching the bags and delivering them to everyone. Some like my parents appreciated it but barely anyone used anything in the bag except maybe the water and alka seltzer. Plus somehow my mom's father didn't even end up getting his until the day they left. So all that to say, they were a cool idea but not worth it. Put the money toward something else, you're not being selfish at all.