My Missing "R"

Remember when I was looking for the R so I could totally use this at our guest book table? I thought it was perfect and so I went to about sixty TJ Maxx stores and never found it. Well, last night I was in a TJ Maxx and found the missing "R". I actually laughed out loud! (and then bought it...).

A is for Agitated...

Even though it was over the phone and I could not see his expression - I know he was giving me that "Are you kidding?" face. I usually get this when he thinks I am being ridiculous (now this is usually whenever I am talking wedding plans). So around 5 p.m. last night I called him to inform him I was going to be late for our friend's dinner party because I was hitting every TJ Maxx store in the Chicago area looking for these...

It all started out innocently that day. I actually had stopped in our local TJ Maxx store looking for possibly a cool storage box that could be made into a card box and then I found these - Brown leather alphabet letters with white stitching for 6.99 each. I thought how perfect for our guest book table or escort card table! And it was like fate too - I found A for my fiance's first name and an S for his last name, but I needed an R for me...so three TJ Maxx stores later...no luck. I am bummed, but have not given up hope. I actually now have my mother on a mission to hit all her TJ stores. Keep your fingers crossed.

Flower Power

We had a florist who I was thrilled with, but we have to use certain vendors with our place and I guess she has decided not to work with them anymore. So it meant we had to find another from their preferred vendors. I was nervous, but actually now really love Lauren - our new florist. Plus - I will give the other florist some credit - she had actually faxed over to Lauren all my ideas which was huge so we were not having to go through the details again. It is funny...a year ago I was dead set on using gerber daisies and or tulips for our bouquets. Since meeting with our new florist - It has changed. She came with these beautiful ideas using another of my fave flowers - peonies. They were gorgeous and the color was beautiful. So here is what we decided on: Centerpieces - peonies in glass vases and votive candles around it. I want something like this.

(www.theknot.com)

We are doing peonies for the bouquets. She did tell me that a lot of brides are going away from the white flowers with their dress, so I have decided to stay with the same color as my bridesmaids. (And funny - I actually just came across this argument on Blue Sky Designs).

( www.theknot.com)

And some more bouquets- I absolutely love these because they are so lush and gorgeous.

And then for the boutenaires, we will probably add some color, but might go with tulips or roses.

(www.brides.com)

Some of this might change when she emails me the bill estimate tomorrow, but for now I am so excited on our choices.

Busy Day

Despite the fact that there was a Winter Storm Watch in effect on Saturday afternoon, I made the treck to my venue and met with my wedding planner, florist and wedding cake baker (I guess this is what you would call her?). We spent three hours going through EVERYTHING. But it was great! I was so psyched that after I left I didn't mind that I was driving in horrible, horrible weather to get home. I first met with my planner (who I hate saying it - is not you Aletha, from Pearls Event!, but I do like her). She came with a ton of ideas. Then I met one of the florists I could work with and I loved her even more! She definitely was happy to hear that all the flowers that I like - we can get in May (Tulips, Gerber Daisies and Peonies, etc.). Then my cake maker came with a ton of books of her work and I couldn't decide. My homework for the weekend was to find out exactly what I wanted as the centerpieces and any ceremony decor. I am passing these along to my florist... (I will apologize now - I found all of these on the knot - and some community knot websites. I right now cannot log on to find out from whom? So if they are yours - please tell me and I will credit you!)

I am in love with these pomanders...I am totally doing these for my ceremony decor...

I love these - very simple which is what I want.

Then these because I love bringing in the green of the stems.

And if I had a million dollars left in my budget, I would do these!

Inspirations from Snippet...

If you have been looking around at different wedding blogs, there is one you have to go to before heading off to your florist or wedding planner. Snippet & Ink does these wonderful inspirational boards. She does take requests, so I am definitely sending in one for a romantic chocolate and deep red theme for me.

I did noticed on An Excited Bride's blog her feelings on chocolate ...and I so agree!

Centerpieces

Love, love this arrangement as centerpieces. I want something very simple so the glass vase is perfect and then these lilies are beautiful. I might change it up and do something with my fav flower - gerber daisies.