I love the feathers, but we just can’t seem to make them work. Plus, my family hates them, and while I like to think that it’s our day, it’s also their time to celebrate with family, friends, etc.
We’re going to do two different centerpieces to mix things up a bit. I found these pictures that I absolutely LOVE. I’m thinking that we could make similar lamps with short vases of flowers underneath for some tables, then use tall dendrobium orchid centerpieces for the other tables.
Seeing these pictures makes me think that adding a bright color to our black/white/silver scheme would be fun. I guess we’ll see. For right now, we’re planning on making the centerpieces white, then having crystal and silver accents.
I talked to our venue today and they mentioned that they could do square tables, which I’m super excited about. The square tables look very chic and modern. I’m working on a seating layout that incorporates the square tables for guests, a rectangle for the wedding party, and three round tables for our parents (my parents are divorced).
***I think I’ve mentioned this before, but if I’ve used any of your photos, please let me know and I’ll credit you or remove them. I have tons saved on my computer and have no idea where they came from.***
First, is “getup” one word or two? I googled before writing that, and it appears it’s one word… but it looks strange to me.
Moving on…
Pictures of what I’ll be wearing at the wedding! I finally bought a dress, which should arrive mid-September thanks to rush shipping.
Enzoani - Arlington
After ordering the dress, I decided to go shoe shopping with a budget of $50 (no one will see them! why spend money!). I can hear you laughing right now. Don’t feel bad - the saleswoman laughed too. Especially when I walked up to the counter with these beauties… they are PERFECT. Lowish heel, diamond white, peep-toe, super comfy, etc.
Stuart Weitzman - Tallulah
I made up for the shoes with my veil, which I got for FREE! The original price was $307, but I was able to talk the store into throwing it in with the dress. Lesson learned - you can ALWAYS negotiate!
Erica Koesler - You can’t really tell from the picture, but the veil is fingertip length and has very fine lace edging. It matches the dress perfectly.
Now I’m on the hunt for the perfect jewelry. I think I’ll probably wait until the dress comes in to decide on a necklace, etc. Something sparkly, sort of vintage looking, elegant, etc.
Finally ordering my dress has really cemented the fact that we’ll actually be getting married in around 5 months. I can’t wait for it to get here so that I can stop worrying about it and relax that I won’t be walking down the aisle naked.
Next up: wedding party gifts!
A lot has been accomplished in the last month. So much, in fact, that a list is in order:
On the wedding front:
- We met with the venue and finalized costs, menu, etc.
- I killed myself making 20+ damask table runners, but they are quite stunning and I’m very proud of them.
- ordered supplies for DIY pocketfold invitations
- I ORDERED A DRESS. it’s about damn time…
- found veil and shoes for dress
- ordered bridesmaids dresses
On the moving and getting settled front:
- FINALLY unpacked all of the boxes that we had previously shoved into closets and corners.
- bought lots of decorative items, then returned 90% of them. our walls are bare and it
- I decided to go back to school for a masters program and started taking classes 3 weeks ago - the classes have moved quickly and i’ve been swamped.
Let me start by saying that I’ve loved wedding planning. I’ve seen so many beautiful pictures, that it’s hard to decide on one color scheme, etc. So hard.
I want a vintage/funky/fun reception that is formal, but not uptight. Is this possible? I think so. The secret ingredient (I think) is black/white damask print.
So, let me give you an idea of the decor I’m thinking about…
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For the reception, we’re planning on doing damask table runners over either black or white tablecloths. The white chair covers will have a black sash. Right now, I’m thinking that the black tablecloths look really sharp, but that also adds about $400 to the budget, because white linens are provided at the venue. Worth it? Still trying to decide.
For the invites, I’m planning on DIYing black pocketfolds (where they open up and the map, rsvp, etc. are stored in a pocket on the side) with touches of damask. I love this invitation suite:
Favor Boxes (just ordered!)
And now, for perhaps the most controversial thing I’m dying to use. I know, most people think they are hideous and gaudy and tacky and…. but I love feathers. And I think they would be perfect as centerpieces on the tables (especially if I do black tablecloths). I don’t like eiffel tower vases, so I’d probably try to find a frosted, tall, thicker vase. Without further adieu….
**I know I’m a picture thief, so if any of these are yours please let me know and I’ll credit you or remove them. They are all saved on my computer, so I don’t know the origins.***
This is my favorite cookie recipe. The best part is that I usually have the ingredients on hand, so if I decide to whip up a batch spur-of-the-moment, I don’t have to run to the store. Cookies usually seem sickeningly sweet to me, which I why I think these are great. I’m not usually a fan of things with jam/jelly in them, but these are delicious. The dough is slightly sweet and the jam is sweet with a little kick.
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JAM THUMBPRINT COOKIES
- 1 1/2 c. flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2/3 c. butter
- 1/3 c. sugar
- 2 egg yolk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 slightly beaten egg whites
- 3/4 c. finely chopped pecans
- 1/3 c. jam or preserves
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together flour and salt. Beat butter for 30 seconds; add sugar and beat until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating until well blended. Cover and chill 1 hour.
Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in egg whites, then roll in finely chopped walnuts. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press down centers with thumb. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Just before serving, fill centers with preserves. Makes 36.
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My favorite jam for these cookies is black raspberry, because it’s sweet but has a bit of tartness. I can’t remember where this recipe came from, but there are many variations if you just google for it. If anyone tries this, please let me know what you think!
