~*petals*~ everlasting planning thread: ***LOTS OF PICS***!!!

[~*petals*~]

It’s finally time for me to post my planning thread! I’ve been a part of this forum for over a year and it’s given me so much inspiration & support throughout the planning process… so THANK YOU to all the BDW girls!

 

Engagement

We got engaged on January 27, 2008, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t42534

 

Right after he proposed:

 

The ring:

 

Engagement pictures:

I won the services of my wedding photographer (travel expenses only) through a destination wedding giveaway she had last year. She gave us an engagement shoot for free. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21680

 

The Resort:

We were originally planning on a location on the cliffs in Negril, but after a site visit, we weren’t comfortable with having young children up there, although the hotel insisted it was safe. During the visit, we happened to be staying at Grand Palladium, and moved the wedding there instead.

 

 

 

We’ll be married at the gazebo (photo courtesy of caroline):

 

With a private reception at the Blue Lagoon restaurant:

Honeymoon

We’re heading to Idle Awile in Negril for a mini-moon:

[~*petals*~]

Invitations, etc.

I hired a graphic designer/artist friend to work with me to create our own unique design.

 

For the STDs, I uploaded everything to Vistaprint and used a 50% off coupon.

 

Save the date card (we had these made before we switched resorts and by default, dates):

 

 

The total package:

 

DIY Invitations

I had these printed and cut at Office Depot, and then assembled everything by hand, with the help of my mom and sister. We used #10 backings and matching envelopes from Paper Source. Each invitation was fitted with brass or silver-tone eyelets, and threaded with brown ribbon.

 

Here’s how they turned out:

 

I also got a palm tree monogram from BDW member Rebecca, which I used on my programs, welcome letters, and favor tags. Thanks again Rebecca!!

 

Our wedding rings

Mine:

 

His:

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Wedding Attire

Day-of tank--DIY iron-on from JoAnn Fabrics:

 

My dress:

 

I am a 2-dress bride…. Here’s the saga: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t32020

 

And how I found my final choice! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t32852

 

Before alterations:

 

After alterations:

 

Wedding Day Accessories:

 

Earrings and Bracelet (both from Carson Pirie Scott):

 

DIY Birdcage veil:

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FI’s suit from Bachrach:

 

Groomsmen attire: (same as the groom, minus the suit jacket, except now only FI is wearing this tie)

 

Honorary Ringbearer Attire (from Target):

 

My nephew is too little to be trusted with a ring, so he’s escorting his Grandma down the aisle.

 

BM Dresses

 

They all got to pick their own dress in the color “Pool.”

Maid of Honor/Sis

Bridesmaid #1

Bridesmaid #2

 

Flowergirl Dress

 

BM Gifts

Boat tote bags purchased from another BDW bride:

 

I stuffed each one with the following goodies:

 

Coin purse (from India):

 

DIY Maid of Honor/ Bridesmaid tanks:

[boscobel]

Wow,I love the place you are going to for your honeymoon! It looks awesome.

[~*petals*~]

Starfish Necklaces (normally $30, found on clearance for $9.99 at Kohls):

 

Silver Bangle (Kohls):

 

DIY flip-flops ($1 +$1.99 jewels at Michaels):

 

Pashminas in their own little pouch ($5 on clearance at World Market):

 

Passport Holders ($4 on clearance at World Market):

 

Luggage Tags ($1 each at Michaels):

 

 

Small Gifts for Mom & Dad:

 

Father of the Bride cap

 

Mother of the Bride shirt

(was showing up HUGE so I removed the link to Vistaprint) and a bracelet from Kohls.

 

Ceremony Details

Bouquet and MOH bouquet by Flowers by Grace, in Miami. We’re bringing these down with us and using the flowers included in the package for the two bridesmaids.

MOH Bouquet

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DIY Flowergirl pail

I found a flowergirl pail for my niece for $1 at Target. I got some turquoise ribbon & starfish charms from Dollar Tree, and voila!

 

 

Programs (free from Vistaprint):

 

Bubbles w/ monogram stickers (Dollar Tree)

 

Reception

 

Centerpieces

The hotel provides white linens and votive candles in small glass holders as standard, so I created this to place down the center of the tables.

 

 

 

 

I found everything (except the chocolate brown raffia) at Dollar Tree! Each centerpiece probably cost about $2.

 

OOT Bags

We decided to do these last-minute after I was able to get some Jamaica totes through a friend at the Tourist Board. They contain the welcome letter, wedding weekend itinerary with hotel map, some playing cards, hand sanitizer, and mini-bottles of Appleton Rum.

 

We got these bags in black, red, and blue. They’re a really cute souvenir for the guests!

 

WOW, that really was long… but I think that’s it! We leave on Thursday!

[JulieG]

Everything looks great. I absolutely love love love your earrings, they are stunning.

[Blkatz]

it looks great!!! Congrats and good luck!!!

[boscobel]

Ok, I had only seen post #1 before, so wanted to say that eveything looks great! I alos love your earrings, and gerat job on the birdcage veil! It looks awesome.!