Flower-feather design

Instead of paying $10-15/piece for live flowers (and then supplying them for 13 people) I can probably make the flower accessories for about $70 total.

On top of which, these would not need to be misted, refrigerated, delivered, etc.

Below are the designs I saw on etsy which are the baseline inspiration for the corsages and boutonnieres I want to make.

Below are the relatively inexpensive supplies I found online.

These feathers were found here.

Guinea feathers

Peacock body plumage

Goose biots

Below are the silk flowers (also relatively inexpensive) found here.

Pansies
Miniature ranunculus

Larger ranunculus


Gerbera daisy


African violets

Be sure to wear flowers in your hair

I thought these flower-inspired clips are fun. Found at etsy.

Update: found these also at etsy.

More Bridesmaid Dresses

Overstock
and
Macy*s

I found some other purple dresses recently.

Spiegel Nordstrom

Macy's

Hey, What Could Go Wrong?

Second guessing the Roman pools at our ceremony.

Oh My God, Shoes

I think these are going to be my wedding shoes. So cute.

Flower's First Day

Frank's little cousins are hopefully going to be our flower girls (we haven't officially asked yet). Lexi is the older sister - it's her first day of school. Rory is the younger sister, who is still too young to drive.  Hip shades, Lex.

Take Me Out

I am thinking about taking my bridal party out wine tasting the day before my wedding as a thank you for their participation (and a pre-thank you for the next day, for finding my shoes/earrings/underwear and with holding judgment regarding the many permutations of the f-word when I sit on my bouquet).

I found this super-cute little sandwich shop, where maybe we can take a bagged lunch before we head out to wineries.

Sonoma Cheese Factory

"Guests from around the world visit us here at the Sonoma Cheese Factory. Our gourmet deli and store features made - to - order sandwiches, picnic items including cheeses, cold meats, salads, specialty food and gift items, along with premium wines from the Sonoma Valley."

Located next to the plaza, steps from where we are staying, and where we are getting married.

Location Confirmed

In case (for some reason you read my blog but don't speak to me and) you haven't heard, we have chosen the Depot Hotel as our location - beautiful setting, nice owners, great price.

Here are some more pictures of the location*



(Above) This is where the ceremony will be. I think, however, we will be eating inside the restaurant.


The dance floor/patio. Careful, or you'll waltz right into the pool - if you're hammered and have no distance perception.


*These are actually images from a Sonoma photographer, and they sent us these pictures from another wedding

Bridesmaids Dresses

  

Macys

I told my bridesmaids the color is eggplant, or a deep purple.

  

Nordstrom

My mom purchased fabric for my sister's dress in that color.

Ann Taylor

I looked around online to get an idea of the spectrum of purple dresses that are out there right now.

Bluefly

This is what I found that is in the web that is in the right color family.


  
Nordstrom

A Wedding Photographer

After all of Frank's hard work, we have chosen a photographer who meets our budget and does great work.

He's based in Albany and I have nothing but wonderful things to say so far. Friendly, patient, great photos, great products, clear communication, and has a lot of helpful suggestions for taking great pictures.

A Wedding Portfolio

I can't post the pictures here but I recommend clicking on "view your wedding" at the top, and seeing the pictures from various weddings. Choose a couple's name and look at the folders at the bottom right. I recommend looking at the Coffee or DVD album to see what are their top choices.

The portfolio tab at the top gives you a selection, but I don't think those pictures are nearly as good.

Dress Decided

I decided to go crazy and have a dress made. I am modeling the dress after this:

The dressmaker is going to put a V in the back, and the straps are not rouched.  Having the dress made instead of buying it, then having it altered is saving $$$ which is a good thing, no doubt.

My mom and I went to a silk shop in Oakland Chinatown, and we got a nice diamond white silk

and pearly buttons.



I'm excited. Excited!!!!

The Coveted Dress

Saw a girl trying this one on at RK Bridal. She had the shoulders pulled down like a portrait collar. Really lovely.


Close up - probably would get a less hideous brooch, though

Watters 9055B

Gorgeous

Seen on Preowned Wedding Dresses, but I think non-preowned is okay too.



I think the back is lovely except for those dumb flowers.



Seriously, they gotta go and fuck it up every time with too much shit all over it.

Movie Star Bride

This dress has the 1930s silk charmeuse movie star look that I love. LOVE!


I'm ready for my close up.


Found at Amy Michelson.


The back.


Also much cheaper at Bella Rosa.



I also like Faith.


Oh but I need some time off from that emotion


Time to pick my heart off the floor


And when that love comes down without devotion


Well, it takes a strong man, baby


But I'm showing you the door


Cause I gotta have faith