Mrs. Fishback

I just found this cute site, and think it'd be so cute to get undies that say "Mrs. Fishback" on the bum, for the honeymoon.

Trashy? Come on, it's the honeymoon!

Bud-get

Not the most fun thing to deal with.  It looks like the reception venue is going to take up the majority of the cash for this event, which means it's time get creative with the following: invitations, flowers, DJ, favors (if we even have any--I don't think this is necessary unless you're actually giving something meaningful), flower girl dresses, and all the other cutesy stuff.

Time to be a DIY bride.

(I'm actually excited for this.)

My Maids

I know this is awful.  I still haven't finalized my bridesmaids.  (Does there need to be an equal number of bridesmaids/groomsmen?)  I know it's anything goes, but I'd like for it to be even.   

Anyway, as far as the fashion, I love these dresses.  And, they're $88 each.  I'm about to go try them on at J. Crew.

I may even have my bridesmaids add a cute little sweater or go crazy with some awesome accessories.  

The Dress Saga

On Monday, I went to Alfred Angelo to try on this dress.  It was modest (ish), and most importantly within my budget (under $800).  It worked, but I didn't love it.  They totally tried to pressure me into ordering the dress right then and there, but I was not having it.  I told them if I wanted it, I would call them.  

So the next day, I dove deep into all my options.  I actually searched craigslist, and guess what, I found a dressmaker that I think is going to work out really well!  The best thing is I'll be able to be here during the whole process.  I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm feeling good.  I am naturally picky when it comes to my style, so I think finding a dressmaker is the only way for me.  Every dress I've tried on, I've wanted to change something about it, and this way I can!  Below are some rough sketches of what I'm envisioning.  

Hope this works out!

Never did I think I wanted a video...

...until I watched this amazing video shot by Joel Serrato Films.

Loving...

this bouquet.

I'm excited because I just found out anemones are in bloom November to April. And they're awesome. Anyone know of some other great winter-bloom flowers?

Peach and Navy

I'm thinking this board from Snippet & Ink could be the inspiration for my wedding colors.  

LOVE Peach.  And love Snippet & Ink.

The Summit House

We visited The Summit House on Saturday, and loved it.  Unlike some of the other venues we visited, it feels like it was created for the purpose of a wedding reception. It has charm, intimacy, and indoor/outdoor use. There are big windows in the banquet room, so even inside, you have a great view outside.

The grounds will be great for taking pictures as well. The price is not outrageous either and given the fact that our event will be on a Tuesday shouldn't hurt either. Carmen Kaiser, the event coordinator, was not there when we visited, but I'm really hoping we can work something out that fits within my $10,000 budget.

Finding a Modest, Fabuous Gown for under $800

My first thought was to have it made, but after Mina's Tailor quoted me at $3,000-$4,000, I felt a little defeated.

On Friday, I went to Montclair Bridal on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. It was a great little dress shop and my first go at trying on wedding dresses. The first dress I tried on was the one I loved. The Ian Stuart Inez.


But, oh, like 80% of all the beautifull dresses out there, it is strapless. I need a dress with sleeves. Because I'm getting married in the gorgeous Los Angeles Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I will be wearing undergarments that cover my shoulders. Popular wedding dress sites for LDS brides include Latter-day Bride, Totally Modest and Beautifully Modest. But I just can't see myself in any of those. They are fashioned after several popular strapless gowns. They just add sleeves to create either a square or round neckline. To me, the neckline is VERY important as several photos are taken up close. The neckline frames your face, which has the most important accessory you wear all day -- your smile!

So... the challenge remains to find a modest gown, that frames my face beautifully. I will most likely end up buying one that is not to the LDS modesty standards, and then modify it to create the perfect dress. Another dress I love is this Alfred Angelo. And the price is right.

Finding a Venue

What I want: 150 people, indoor venue with an outdoor feel, oceanview (not counting on it), Spanish architecture.  Different options for beautiful photography of the husband-to-be and me.  Catering included would be a plus.

Today I'm going to look at the Redondo Beach Historic Library as a possible reception site.  To be honest, I think this place would be perfect: old charm, indoor AND outdoor facilities, and it's right on the beach!  

HOWEVER, the $15,000 quote I received does not fit with my $10,000 budget.  I know, it's almost laughable.  But I at least want to see it.  AND, I'm getting married on a Tuesday in November.  Is anyone else really going to book their site that day?  We'll see.  

If there's time, we're also stopping by The Summit House in Fullerton.  

Inspirational Dress Photo

I've been loving this photo, found in ELIZA magazine's marriage issue for the whole length of my engagement (all 2 weeks of it).  I thought this could be the perfect dress for me, until I found out it was Monique Lhuillier and about $7,000.  But I still printed it out large, and slipped it in the back of my wedding binder.

It gives me inspiration, and, let's face it, with the challenge I'm under, I'm gonna need a lot of that.

The facts...

He proposed July 30, 2009.  (Read story here.)  The wedding date is November 24, 2009.  That's technically 3 months and 25 days, or 117 days--a pretty short engagement by today's standards.  We live in LA.  We have a budget of $10,000.

Can we have an amazing wedding?  Yes.  

How?

Let's find out...