Plus One

Time flies

2011-01-11T15:46:00.003-06:00

I cant believe its been almost a year since I updated this blog. Im sorry! That is, if anyone is still out there... Hopefully soon I will do a wedding recap. Our wedding was incredible and one of the best days of my life. I would do it over again and again and not change anything if I could. We are leaving for our honeymoon soon to Hawaii! I cannot wait to get out of this snow covered city. Im so glad we decided to wait to go on the honeymoon instead of leaving in September or October.

If you want, please check out my personal blog over here iheartsharks.wordpress.com as I dont know when or how much I will be updating this blog in the future now that the wedding is over.

Love,
Gan

Love at first bite

2010-03-03T18:56:00.000-06:00

This Sunday we went to our second cake tasting. This time with Sweets Bakeshop in St Paul. We first met Ly, co-owner, at the Independent Wedding Fair last month. She was so sweet and her cupcakes were so adorable, we set up a tasting on the spot. (It didn't hurt that they also have beautiful macarons, my favorite treats, and Ned had already told me we could have macarons at our wedding.)

Once at the shop, we were allowed to fill up our plate with amazing mini cupcakes, macaroons and brownies. Ly left us alone to try everything and gave us a sheet with all the flavors on it and space to write down our own thoughts on each one. Ned and I got to work on the most difficult task of eating all the goods!

Two cupcakes in and we were hooked. The cupcakes were so moist, the frosting so light. But unlike with our first tasting, Ned was actually wowed. The flavors were delicious. They had so much flavor for something so tiny. With the exception of the red velvet/Southern Belle and the triple chocolate, we weren't disappointed at all. (The red velvet was too heavy/didn't enjoy the cream cheese frosting mixed with white chocolate and the triple chocolate was too rich.)

Ned accidently ate way too much at the tasting and I was worried that the nausea was going to ruin the tasting experience altogether, but thankfully it didn't and we were able to book our baker this week! We've already narrowed down the flavors we want to go with, now we just need to decide on how many and what flavor of macaroons.

A few other photos from our tasting...

(All photo credits: me)

- Gan

Posh

2010-02-27T15:08:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to post once more about how wonderful my dress experience at Posh was. But not only that, I ran into Tina (one of the sales girls that helped me) at the International Market Square wedding fair and she ran over to me and gave me a big hug. It was such a sweet moment.

I was flipping through the Resource Guide in the back of the newest Knot Minnesota magazine just now and saw the Posh profile. Their description in there couldn't be more right on. My experience is something that I will remember forever and I cannot wait to put my wedding dress on again.

"Your visit to Posh Bridal Couture in historic Semple Mansion will be unlike any other bridal salon experience. You'll receive our undivided attention with every detail to ensure the dress of your dreams is the one you are wearing when you walk down the aisle."

So very true.

(Photo credit: Posh)

- Gan

Ned is smooth

2010-02-27T10:47:00.004-06:00

Yes, he is one smooth guy. I'll have to tell the story of how he got his first kiss on our third date some time. But what I'm really talking about here is fondant. Yes, I'm talking about cake again. Ned loves the smooth fondant look so much. But where he is all smooth, I am all texture. (Wait till you see my wedding dress!)

We've been trying to collect ideas of what we like and it's funny how different our tastes are sometimes.

This is me:

(Yes, I know this one was done with fondant, but I would love it with creamy frosting.)

And this is Ned:

What I've been thinking about, is that if we do cupcakes, maybe we can do a combination of smooth and textured? That way we both get what we like and I think it'll make for a beautiful display.

Something like this:

- Gan

Coverage

2010-02-25T08:05:00.000-06:00

This post doesn't have to deal with tattoo covering this time, but my upper body that is going to get quite chilly as the night goes on. See, I'm one of those people. The kind that is always cold. The kind that is always asking to have the heat turned up. I can never seem to get warm unless I am lying out in the sun, which, living in Minnesota, doesn't get to happen all that often. In the winter time we have to keep our thermostat in the mid 70's just to keep it semi tolerable for me. Everyone else I know can somehow manage with theirs in the 60's. I'm sure they save on their heating bill, but how they can last through the winter, I do not know.

Now that I have my dress purchased, I've been thinking about how I will keep myself warm as the evening sets in. I bought a strapless dress, and even though I am having off the shoulder short sleeves added on, I'm going to be freezing. Our outdoor ceremony will thankfully be during the afternoon, but in MN, who knows what the weather will really be like that day. And even though our reception will take place indoors, I know that Ned and I are going to sneak off at some point to have some evening city shots taken. Brrrrrrrrrr!

I saw this cute post on Green Wedding Shoes about bridal sweaters and it totally got me thinking that I should get myself a little knitted shrug or cardigan for the wedding. Something that I can cuddle into as I get cold or we are out running around downtown taking photos. I started searching Etsy for some pretty ivory shrugs to choose from since I know that I can't knit myself something, and these are the ones I have found so far:

This is adorable, but would not keep me warm at all. I just had to post it because it is so pretty. It's from Magical Laboratory of Fashion and they have a bunch of beautiful things.

I also liked this one from Mucar, but again, not gonna keep me all that warm with the short sleeves.

These are also pretty, but not really my style or what I'm looking for. From reflectionsbyds and moocow.

These two are also from reflectionsbyds and are the two that I like the most so far.

But after looking at all the beautiful ivory shrugs and cardigans, I started checking out the beautiful color ones and now I can't decide if I want one to match my dress, or a bright one to match my shoes!

- Gan

Ate our weight in cake

2010-02-22T16:34:00.004-06:00

(Photo credit: me)

Well, we didn't really eat that much cake, but we ate a lot! Sunday was a busy wedding day for us. We had a meeting with our florist, a wedding fair at International Market Square and our first cake tasting. I'm kinda lost on the whole cake thing. How does one choose their wedding cake?

When Ned and I first started planning, I was thinking cupcakes because, well, I love cupcakes. Everything about them just screams cute. But Ned really wanted a wedding cake. When else do you get to have an enormous, elaborate cake? Then there was this whole moment where we went of on that pie kick. I love pie. Ned loves pie. They ate lots of pie in Pushing Daisies. I even found this incredible pie shop in Stockholm, WI that makes the absolutely most delicious pies. How cute would little individual pies have been?

But then I slowly started to move over to the cake side of things and when we were at the wedding fair at FIVE, Ned saw some beautiful wedding cupcakes and he became sold on that idea. Not that there is anything wrong with pie, but we weren't sure if everyone else would love wedding pie as much as us. Ned and I are both pretty flexible though and if one of us was leaning strongly in one direction, the other would be ok with that. If Ned said he HAS to have cupcakes, then I would be like, sure, why not?

The only thing we are differing on is fondant. We both love the look of it, but only I can say that I dislike the taste. Ned has never had real fondant. I've spoiled him with delicious marshmallow fondant that is yummy and tastes nothing like the real stuff. He's really into the idea of fondant covered cupcakes or cake right now, but has no idea what it tastes like. Fondant is beautiful, but really, is it edible? I always have to pick it off. And fondant cakes aren't cheap. You are paying for the look, but not something everyone is going to enjoy eating.

Not only do we need to decide between cake or cupcakes, but also between some sort of frosting or fondant. Oh, and then we need to decide between millions of flavors. Red velvet? Georgia peach? Amaretto? Bailey's Irish creme? Lemon raspberry? Yep, I'll take all of them. Can we just have a 15 tier wedding cake?

- Gan

Unmatched bridesmaids dresses take 2

2010-02-18T10:49:00.001-06:00

One of my bridesmaids, I wont say which one *wink*, was asking me if I was sure that I didn't want to pick out their dresses. If I was sure I didn't want them all to match. I asked her if she really wanted me to do that. I had no idea what I was looking for in my own dress to begin with and that was taking into consideration my body, my style, my taste. How would I even begin picking something out for all of them?

I've been really open with their choices. I'm trying to be supportive and considerate about what they like and their own personal styles. I don't know why she thinks I'm going to go all bridezilla over this and change my mind later. She keeps saying, "Well, that's what you say now." But really, it's how I feel. I won't be changing my mind about this. I do not like the matchy matchy look at all. It's not me, but if for some reason they all picked the same dress, that would not bother me either. If they want my opinion on something, I'm more than willing to give it. Maybe I need to take a bigger role in helping them choose? I'm planning to schedule a day where we can all go out and look at dresses together and the girls can try some different ones on. I just know that what I like and my style differs a lot from theirs. What I might feel comfortable wearing might not be what they feel comfortable wearing. I'm really not someone who thinks, "Oh my god! That dress is so ugly and she looks horrible and it's going to ruin my pictures!"

And just to prove my point about how cute unmatching dresses are, check out these adorable photos.

(From Ashley Brockinton Photography. Seen on http://everylastdetailblog.com)

These dresses aren't all the same length, style or even shade and they look so pretty and sweet.

(Originally from Green Wedding Shoes and Our Labour of Love. Seen on http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/)

Again, different styles, colors and lengths; still very beautiful.

(And this entry was not to call out my wonderful bridesmaid, but just to show off some lovely photos and give more inspiration. I know my bridesmaid loves me and I love her.)

- Gan

The story of a girl and her wedding dress

2010-02-16T16:43:00.010-06:00

Once upon a time there was a girl searching for the most beautiful dress in all the land....

I wanted to write this entry when everything was fresh in my mind. When I was all excited and buzzed over finding THE DRESS. Yep, thats right, I bought my wedding dress this weekend. But it's good that I waited and I can put down all my thoughts coherently. I don't know if you would have even been able to understand my excited gibberish from this weekend. It would have gone something like OMG!!1!!!11!IFOUNDMYDRESS!THEDRESS!OMG!!!11!IMCRYING.BUTSOSOSOSOSOSHAPPYANDEXCITED!

Really, I was waiting to get some photos back from Robyn that she had taken. What good is a blog post without the photos? I also was a little bummed out about some blogging news I got last week and it kinda threw me off my game, but oh well. Time to move on. And I'm really happy with my blog and in the end, I'm just doing this for myself. I love if others are enjoying it and reading it, but I started it for me and Ned and that's what I need to remember.

So you wanna hear about my dress? Really? Because it's amazing. And perfect. And beautiful. And it makes me feel like a million dollars.

(Photo credit: Tina from Posh)

I should start at the beginning which was some time last week. Well, maybe even before that. If you remember, I was planning on having my wedding dress made for me. After one very horrible experience and searching the internet to find dresses I liked, I figured there was no way I would find something in a store that I liked. But even though I was planning to go shopping again a couple weekends ago, I was still putting it off. Thankfully, I have Rue constantly pushing me and reminding me to get things done.

After a dozen texts/emails/calls from Robyn telling me I needed to set up an appointment, I finally got around to making some calls. Unfortunately, or for my sake, fortunately, none of the first shops I called had appointments available for this weekend. I was able to set up an appointment for a couple weeks out for The Wedding Shoppe. No one was answering the phone at Grace and my voice mail wasn't immediately returned. And there was no way I was going back to Brides of France.

Then Robyn suggested I look up this place called Posh Bridal Couture that she happened to run across an ad for just by chance at a salon. It's a couture shop in the Semple Mansion and in the ad they had a dress in the exact style she knew I would love. Ok, so a couture shop in Mpls with awesome dresses....yeah, probably not going to have anything in my size. Or, that's what I was thinking. And again, I'm pretty average when it comes to clothes. I can wear a medium to large top from a normal department store and my dress size is usually a 10/12. I don't mind admitting that. I'm considered fairly average. But....wedding dresses run incredibly small. I was told at the shop that how they do the sizing is to take your normal dress size and add 4 sizes to that. That's your typical wedding dress size. Nice, huh? Lets make all the brides feel really fat in what's supposed to be the most important dress they will ever wear. Frustrating.

(Photo credit: Robyn)

To get on with the story, I looked up Posh online and after checking out some of their lovely designers, I thought what the hell and gave them a call. Marie answered the phone and I was immediately hooked. Not only did she reassure me that they would have dresses in my size to try on, she was so amazingly friendly and as luck would have it, had an appointment available for Saturday morning. I booked it.

Now here is where I start getting overly gushy and go on and on about just how amazing my dress shopping experience was. I am so lucky to say that I had that wonderful and beautiful dress experience that you see in the movies. The experience that little girls supposedly dream about, but I never thought would be me. Remember, I love dresses, but wedding dresses? It's not like I ever sat around and imagined what mine would be like. And wedding dresses scare me because, wow, they are expensive and beautiful and everyone is going to be looking at you on that day. But I am so happy to say that I had that magical experience that brought tears to my eyes. But again, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Saturday morning Robyn picked me up at my house in Minneapolis and we headed over to the Semple Mansion. It turns out that Posh has only been open since November and that is why I had never heard of them before, but they are located conveniently inside the mansion along with some other businesses. We were lucky to be the only customers inside the shop at this time and we were greeted with comfy slippers, champagne and fancy cheese and crackers. (I have to add that they don't skimp on that champagne either!) I was also lucky to have not one amazing sales girl helping me, but two; Tina and Stacey. They were both dolls. I really need to mention here just how incredible they made my experience. They were sweet, considerate, non judgmental, not pushy, not fake and they really listened to what I was looking for and what I wanted. They got to know me as a person. It really felt like they wanted to find me the perfect dress that not only looked good on me, but showed off who I am.

So...caring sales girls, champagne, beautiful dresses, what else could make this even more wonderful? The shop itself. It was like out of a fairy tale or something that you would see in a movie. From the chandeliers to the textured wallpaper to the gorgeous couches to the plush rugs to the tin ceilings...everything was beautiful. I don't even think photos can do this place justice. It's just something you should experience for yourself.

(Photo credits: Robyn)

Now to get back to my dress. The girls asked me about myself and what I was looking for and Robyn mentioned the dress from the ad she saw. Tina knew exactly the one and brought that in along with a bunch of other gorgeous dresses. Of course though, it was the one that Robyn suggested that I tried on first and it was THE DRESS. I glowed. I teared up. I laughed. I didn't want to ever take it off. It was perfect. But, like a good girl, I tried on other dresses. There was another contender in the mix, but as lovely as it was, it wasn't the same. Marie was incredible and put together a good offer for me. Even knocked off the price of some alterations and since it was a trunk show, I was offered 10% off if I purchased that day. Wow. Tough decision. Luckily I had Robyn with me to keep me thinking straight. She encouraged me to go to some other stores to try on more dresses before buying the most perfect and beautiful dress in the world.

And off we went. I could not stop glowing. I could not stop talking about the dress. It was beautiful and perfect and...over budget. Ugh. Even with the discounts, it was more than I wanted to spend. Total heartache. So Rue and I went to another shop and there was nothing there I could bring myself to even try on. I remembered Hallie mentioning a couture shop to me that is located in St Paul so I quickly called them up and asked if they had any time available that afternoon. Incredibly enough, even with their Vera Wang trunk show going on, they could squeeze me in.

I need to mention that during all of this, I called Ned and told him about THE DRESS. I told him it was over budget, but just how amazing it was and how it made me feel. His response? If it made me happy and if I knew it was THE DRESS, then I should buy it. He even offered to pay the deposit for me. Seriously, best fiance ever.

Back to trying on dresses. Brilliant, lovely dresses. Vera Wang dresses. And yet, they didn't compare. Wow. I thought that if I ever fell for a dress of the rack, it would be a Vera. But nope. All I could think about was MY DRESS. Thats how I was thinking of it by then. Mine. Like it had been designed just for me. What were the chances that Rue would see it in a magazine while getting her eyebrows waxed? What were the chances that they would have an appointment open for that Saturday? What were the chances that they would have that dress there for me to try? Everything just fell into place and I fell in love.

(Photo credit: Robyn) (No idea what I'm looking at here.)

Is this getting too mushy for you yet? Because really, I could go on and on and on about this dress. But to make a very long story just a tiny bit shorter, I bought the dress. After trying on the Vera Wang dresses I knew that it was the one. Robyn and I rushed back to Posh to make the purchase. Again we were treated to more champagne and tons of hugs and I got to put my dress back on and Robyn took a million photos. Photos that I will not share. At least, not until after the wedding. Call me old fashioned, but my dress is going to remain a secret from Ned until the day of. Which really wasn't a big deal to me before, but then Robyn drilled it into my head that I should not ruin the surprise. Poor Ned.

The end.

- Gan

Check, check and check!

2010-02-06T15:10:00.008-06:00

(Photo credit: me)

It's so awesome to get things checked off of your to do list. It makes you feel so accomplished. Ned and I had a very wedding-y day that lead us to checking off quite a few things from our list. I'm so proud of us.

Today was the first Independent Wedding Fair in Minneapolis. Normally I go to the wedding fairs with Ama***, but this one I wanted to take Ned with me because it was held at FIVE Event Center- the venue where our reception is going to be. We love our reception venue so much that any excuse to hang out there is perfect. We got so excited over the venue all over again. They have such a great space and I love being there. Not to mention the most amazingly friendly staff.

(Photo credits: me)

The fair itself wasn't that big of a deal. I mean, it was really nice, don't get me wrong. And honestly, I probably enjoyed it a lot more than the huge crazy fairs held at the convention center or wherever with all the vendors pushing stuff at you and getting you to sign up for junk mail that never ends. But there wasn't a lot there. If you want to get a huge selection of vendors with lots of things to try and check out, then this really isn't the fair for you. But for us, it was great. Not just for 1 reason, but 3. We found 3 new vendors that we want to book! How cool is that?

We still need to meet with them and discuss the finer details and everything, but we found a florist, event planner/decorator/coordinator, and a baker all at this fair. I had found a florist and a baker at previous fair that I wanted to check out some more, but the vendors today blew them completely away. Especially the florist. Some of her stuff took my breath away. Her style fits me perfectly. And we even booked a tasting with the baker for later in the month.

Seriously, look at these bouquets! The colors and textures are incredible. I love the use of the green feathers in the first one and the grass in the second. She really has some neat ideas. I can't wait to meet with her again and see what she can come up with for our wedding.

(Photo credits: me)

Another fun thing about the fair was getting to chat with a vendor we already have booked that was there- The Original Traveling Photo Booth. I just adore these guys. I'm so glad we already have them booked. I also love any chance I can get to use their services. Ama and I have at a couple of the other fairs and at The Knot party last fall. This was the first time Ned and I got to use their photo booth together.

And one last check for us today. After the wedding fair, we swung by Patina, a favorite store of mine, and picked up our wedding cake topper. I don't have a picture of it at the moment so it'll have to wait for another post.

***I usually go to the wedding fairs with Ama because we have so much fun doing it together, not because Ned isn't interested. He is enjoying the wedding planning as much as I am and is totally up for going to any wedding events that are going on.

- Gan

Mmmmm babies

2010-02-04T19:36:00.005-06:00

I have a confession to make. I haven't been working on the wedding this week. I've been distracted by work as there are a lot of issues going on and also another project has been taking up my free time.

I've been working on a baby shower for a long time friend of mine. I thought another friend of hers was going to throw it, but when I found out she had no plans to, I jumped at the chance. I love my friend, I love babies and I love planning parties!

She is due the first week of March and I'm planning an adorable milk and cookies baby shower with an animal theme for the end of February. I know this isn't wedding related, but I just wanted to show off these incredibly cute invites I put together with craft supplies I already had. The image was from a Google search and I feel terrible that I can't remember who the artist is. (But as soon as I do, I'll share her name.) The fonts are the same ones I used for our engagement party invites. These were really easy to put together and I'm glad I have a ton of craft supplies stockpiled for such a situation. Didn't have much time or extra cash, but I think these turned out wonderful.

I can't wait to meet her little boy in a few weeks! Tomorrow I get to go squish Hallie's new little one some more. Have to admit, with all these babies around, I've got a bit of the fever.

New wedding website!

2010-02-02T07:47:00.003-06:00

NonPareil is actually a beautiful online magazine dedicated mostly to stylish DIY wedding projects. Here, they can explain it a little better:

"Nonpareil Magazine is the result of a collaboration between Maddy Hague of the Inspired Bride and Kristen Magee of Paper Crave. Nonpareil is an online magazine that approaches weddings and other occasions with a focus on hip, stylish, do-it-yourself projects and inspiration, and our goal is to awaken your creative side and to help you plan a beautiful wedding in a more accessible way.

At Nonpareil, we’re always looking for fresh, talented vendors and creatives to contribute do-it-yourself inspiration, craft tutorials and projects, printables, templates, and tips and tricks for weddings and other occasions. If you’re interested in contributing, please see our submissions area. We look forward to hearing from you!"

This is just genius! Amazing tutorials and downloads all in one space so you can DIY your wedding (or other fabulous party) all you want! I can already tell I'll be using this site a ton over the next 8 months. Hopefully I'll even be able to contribute a project or two.

(Photo credit: nonpareil)

- Gan

Not sure I'm ready for this

2010-02-01T08:52:00.001-06:00

I decided that this coming weekend I'm going to try on wedding dresses again. I got my W2s last week and immediately filed my taxes. According to TurboTax, they have already been accepted and I should be getting my return direct deposited any day. That means it's definitely time to try this again. (Notice the lack of exclamation points here.)

The last time I attempted this it ended better than it started, but it was still pretty hard on me. You would think this would be my favorite part of the planning as much as I love dresses, but it's emotionally and physically draining for me. I wish I had a fairy godmother who could just wave her wand and stick me in a beautiful dress.

Unfortunately, I don't have a fairy godmother and I have to actually go to shops to try on dresses. I do plan on having my dress made for me, and in my head I have an idea of what I like, but I need to try on dresses with a similar style to see if I will actually look good in it.

If you had asked me 10 years ago what I imagined getting married in, it would have been something like this:

5 years ago it would have been this:

Now I have a completely different style in mind. Something fuller like the first dress, but different cut, different top, different material. I wish I had some pictures on this computer to share, but I'm at work and I also want to check with Ned before posting something like that. I guess I don't care if he sees my dress before the wedding, and I'm sure he would be fine with it, but I also don't want to ruin the surprise.

- Gan

Waiting

2010-01-30T12:24:00.004-06:00

I'm currently sitting at home, waiting for a call, then heading to the hospital. I am so excited to say that my bridesmaid, Hallie, had her baby last night. I got a text at about 4:30 this morning that her water broke after we had dinner last night and little baby Lowell was delivered by c-section. Mom and baby are doing great and I can't wait to go see them and snap some pictures.

Dinner was awesome last night as it was the first time since our engagement party that I was able to hang out with all three of my girl friends/bridesmaids at once. I do love those ladies so much. I wish I would have snapped a couple of photos, but the restaurant was so dark. (If you haven't been to one of the Chatterbox locations yet, you should definitely stop in. Great food, drinks and all the board games and retro video games you could want- http://www.chatterboxpub.net/)

(Photo credit: Chatterbox)

In other exciting news, Ned and I have settled on our caterer. We have been going back and forth between using a great caterer that specializes in using locally sourced ingredients and can manage to put together awesome vegetarian and vegan meals, or going with a favorite restaurant of ours. We have been in discussion with the caterer, but didn't book them as we weren't 100% sold on them. They are amazing and their food is delicious, but it didn't feel completely like us. And one of the big reasons for booking our reception venue is that we are allowed to bring in any caterer/restaurant we want. We decided we should just go with our favorite food. Someplace that we always take out of town guests and they have the best time and are blown away by the food. I wish I could share it with you now, but I want to make sure we book them first. I think everyone at the wedding will enjoy the meal though and there will definitely be tons of vegetarian and vegan options. And it will definitely be a buffet set up.

I'm hungry just thinking about the amazing food!

- Gan

Award winning photographer - half off

2010-01-29T13:26:00.004-06:00

I got an email from our photographers this afternoon asking us to spread the word that they have a cancelation to fill. If you know of anyone looking for an amazing photographer for May 29th, please send them their way.

"We recently had a couple call off their wedding (which we were sorry to hear about) and so now the date has re-opened. It is for this Saturday May 29th 2010. If you know of anyone who is getting married we would appreciate it if you would spread the word that pricing is 1/2 off for this date.

It is very, very rare, especially so close to the date as we tend to fill up about 12-18 months out. When this happens and because it is soooo close to the date, we offer a 50% discount on the date. We realize that many people may have already booked with another company so we offer that large of a discount in case people are still searching or in case people ended up having to book with someone who was not a first choice etc. It is a great opportunity for brides who may be on a budget but are looking for higher end photos.

Anyways, below is regular pricing and shows the discounted pricing.

4 hours: 1800 50% off: 900
6 Hours: 2450 50% off: 1225
8 Hours: 3100 50% off: 1550
10 Hours: 3750 50% off: 1875"

Check out their blog for some amazing work: http://www.graddyphotographymn.blogspot.com/

Wow

2010-01-28T20:27:00.002-06:00

I am so buying these. Now.

You can get them from Williams Sonoma.

No plans to use them for the wedding, but I can think of a million other times I would use them.

(As seen on The Knotty Bride Wedding Blog)

- Gan

This is overdue

2010-01-28T09:47:00.002-06:00

Ok, I promised this months ago, specifically at the end of this post. It's about time for me to pony up.

My best friend is awesome. Seriously. She is creative, intelligent, funny and incredibly beautiful. I'm lucky to have her as my bestie and my maid of honor. She's always there to talk. Always checking up on me. And she is completely selfless. Amanda always puts her family and friends first. If she needs to change anything, it's to take a little more time to herself. She deserves to be spoiled every once in awhile.

(Ama looking damn sexy on Halloween. Photo credit: Ama)

Last fall she made me two amazing gifts. A wedding planner and a file folder. They rock. They have everything I could ever need in them for all my wedding planning. The planner is a 3-ring-binder that has tabbed sections for the ceremony, reception, honeymoon, bridal party, vendors, beauty/fashion... There is a timeline/checklist, a guest list tracker and tons upon tons of worksheets. The file folder is so cute and has tons of pretty folders inside for me to keep track of things I rip out of magazines or flyers I pick up from wedding fairs. There is also a pocket for pens and she tossed in a mini stapler. The binder also came with tons of heavy duty paper clips and 3 colors of post its! Isn't she amazing? She thought of everything.

Now I just need to get my butt in gear and fill it out. Ned said we could take some time this weekend to go over all our worksheets and start working on the checklist. We have so much we need to get done.

But how great is this- I'm right on track with my 8 months list with working on fitness and nutrition!

- Gan

Brilliant advice

2010-01-27T12:56:00.002-06:00

I read some great advice today. I was over checking out Weddings Unveiled and they have a darling interview with Abby Larson. Abby, if you don't know, which of course I'm sure you do, is the creator of Style Me Pretty. And we all love Style Me Pretty, don't we?? Yes. So I had to read this interview and I just loved what she had to say. Specifically this little piece:

"WU: What is the best advice you can give to an engaged couple?

AL: The best weddings are those that truly reflect the style and personality of the bride and groom. Before you get into the wedding planning hoopla, sit down over a bottle of wine and write down the ten things you love the most as a couple. Perhaps it's family and friends. Perhaps it's the small town you grew up in. Perhaps it's going to the movies, sharing a cozy meal, having a cup of hot cocoa. Whatever those little things are that help to define you as a couple, write them down. And make the words on the piece of paper your focus throughout the entire process. Design a wedding that is about you as a couple, about what makes you love, laugh and smile. Mark my words, you can't go wrong if you take this approach."

This is such perfect advice. So many couples get caught up in the whole wedding planning that they lose sight of who they are as a couple. They start trying to please everyone who is coming, they want to incorporate every amazing idea they see online, they start reworking their budget to fit ridiculous plans. Stick to what you know. Stick to who you are as a couple and what makes YOU happy. Show off who you are and everyone who comes will love it and have a fabulous time. Don't get carried away in millions of unnecessary ideas. Remember, your friends and family are coming to your wedding because they love you and want to celebrate you as a couple and the things that make you guys amazing.

(Photo credit: Jenn Barnett)

It is always a lot easier said than done though. I know I've gotten caught up with amazing things I have seen online and have wanted to incorporate, but they just aren't me and Ned. We do have some great ideas up our sleeves for our wedding though. Ideas that will make our wedding special to our guests based on who we are. I can't wait to share them all with you.

(Photo credit: Jenn Barnett)

- Gan

Contest alert

2010-01-26T18:16:00.001-06:00

This is a great time to not only alert you to a great contest giveaway over at Style Me Pretty, but to show you a little something Ned and I are planning.

First, Style Me Pretty is running a contest this week featuring a Paloma’s Nest Giveaway. These are lovely little bowls that some couples have been using in lieu of ring pillows or on top of ring pillows. They are completely adorable. The contest is for 10 of these lovely little bowls that would make great gifts for your bridesmaids, or decorating your lovely new home, or even placed around your wedding reception venue. (Winner will be chosen on Friday afternoon.)

(Photo credit to Palomas Nest)

Second, Ned and I are going to be doing something a little similar to these lovely bowls for our rings at our wedding, but a bit more personal.

This last summer, Ned took me to visit where he grew up- Humboldt County, California. I had the most amazing time running around in the red wood forests, trekking up and down the beach on a photo hunt for seals, and hanging out with Ned's wonderful dad.

(Photo credit: me)

One morning while combing the beach, I came across some amazing shells and sand dollars. Now, being a girl raised in Minnesota, but who has worked with aquatic sea life in an aquarium, this was totally brilliant. I've been to the ocean before, but never on a hunt for treasures.

(Photo credit: me)

Ned and I decided that one of these beautiful shells would be the perfect ring holder for our rings on our wedding day.

(Photo credit: me)

I'm thinking this shell set atop a really pretty pillow will be the perfect thing for Cal, Ned's son, to carry down the aisle.

- Gan

Being a fit bride part 1

2010-01-25T15:11:00.004-06:00

Something I dread blogging about is my fitness. Not just because I'm out of shape, though there is that too, but because once I start, Im going to have to keep it up. It's so embarrassing to blog about how you are going to stick to something and/or kick butt at it and then never blog about it again. I don't want to fail at getting in shape AND blogging about it. Double whammy.

I do need to get into shape though. I'm not incredibly out of shape. I can still easily jog a mile or three. I can roller skate my butt off. I can still climb quite a few sets of stairs since climbing a mountain in Austria this last summer. But I do need to be honest here. I could stand to lose quite a few pounds and tone my body up.

This was me in San Francisco a little over a year ago.

This was me, and Ned, this last summer for our engagement photo shoot at the MN State Fair:

I hate to say it, but I've put on 20 lbs or so since Ned and I met. That sucks. Like, really, really, really sucks. I wasn't thin to begin with. I'm someone who is normally considered curvy, but I was definitely healthier and in way better shape than I am now.

I'm trying to set some realistic goals for myself. I know I can take off the weight I've put on, but I would also like to lose a few pounds on top of that since I want to feel amazing on my wedding day. And not just because of the wedding, but because I really want to be fit and healthy. I want to feel good about myself. There have been many times in the past where I have set very unrealistic goals and totally failed at them. I'm hoping that by keeping things simple and not over reaching, I should be able to accomplish the things I want.

This past Christmas, Ned and I picked up a Wii along with the Wii fit board and Fit Plus. We were hoping it would be a fun way to keep us motivated to work out over the long and cold Minnesota winter. At first it was awesome. We were using it every day. Then I dropped down to a couple times a week. Today when I logged on, it said it had been 13 days since my last weigh in. Shit. Total fail. The good thing was, it told me I was down 5.1 lbs since my last weigh in when I thought for sure I had put on weight.

Me in the summer of 2008.

Since I'm going to make myself accountable, as much as I hate it, I'm going to be blogging about my fitness/exercise/nutrition here at least once a week. Starting today.

My favorite workout on the Wii Fit Plus is the 30 minute run. And taking a cue from my niece, Maddi, when I use the running program, I don't just run in place. I've taken to jogging around my living room and dining room to make it a bit more interesting. I'm lucky to have quite a bit of open space to run around inside my house. Yeah, I might look a bit dorky. And yeah, the Wii might be a bit off in the distance it's telling me I'm running. But I can tell the workout I'm getting. And if I use my heart rate monitor, I can easily keep track of where I need to be with my intensity and how much more I need to push myself.

I got quite a nice workout in this morning. 10 minutes of yoga stretching, 4 minute warm up walk, 30 minute run, and about 20 minutes of boxing. I felt great afterwards and was quite a bit sweaty. I'm planning on doing the 30 minute run at least 3 times a week, but I want to get a Wii workout in at least 5 days a week. I'm not sure what my routine will be, I'm going through a schedule change at work currently, but once I get it planned out, I'll be posting about it here.

Me and Rue in the summer of 2009.

I also have a gym membership at the local YWCA. I have not been going as of late, but Ned has quit his gym so he can join mine and we can go together. I'm hoping that we will be more inclined to go if we are going together and not losing any of our valuable "together time". We both have incredibly busy schedules and between our jobs and our other ventures, it seems like we don't see each other as much as we like. Working out together seems like a win win situation.

- Gan

Jeff & Erin's EPIC Wedding Trailer: Save the Date

2010-01-25T13:34:00.004-06:00

Have you seen this yet? If not, then you most definitely need to. It's not only the most creative Save The Date I have ever seen, it was so absolutely sweet that it brought tears to my eyes. (And it's even action packed enough to keep you on the edge of your seat.) If there was ever a wedding I wanted to crash, it's this one. Mad props go out to Ned for sending me this link this morning.

- Gan

Wait...What?? 8 months?!?!

2010-01-25T11:38:00.006-06:00

Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday Ned and I were headed to the Pantages Theater in downtown to see the very brilliant Henry Rollins when, after a short picnic dinner by Lake of the Isles, Ned pulled the car over on Franklin Avenue to propose to me. Wasn't that just yesterday? I swear it was.

Or, was yesterday when Ned took me to San Francisco for the first time and I got to spend time in the city where he went to college and spent 7 or so years in his twenties?

Or, maybe yesterday was when Ned and I purchased our first house together in the quiet neighborhood of Nokomis Heights in Minneapolis?

But really, all those things happened some time ago. It's quite shocking that its been over a year since Ned proposed. Over a year ago that we went to San Francisco. And almost a year ago that we bought our first house. Now it's time to face reality that there are just 8 months left to go until the wedding. That was something I was shocked with this morning when I opened my email to find an update from TheKnot.com that said exactly that. 8 months. 8 months left until we throw one huge kick ass party with all our friends and family. 8 months until I get to say, "I do" to the man of my dreams.

As I sip out of my giant latte cup from The Knot that I scored at a wedding fair, I'm realizing that we are still pretty far behind. No dress. No caterer booked. No florist. Haven't even sent out our Save The Dates. Haven't even finalized our guest list. But we do have a caterer we want to book and have discussed things with. We do have some ideas for the florist we want. And Ned has designed our Save The Dates already. It's all just a matter of taking that next big step and finishing things.

I find it a bit funny though that my email from The Knot says that we should be registering for gifts right now. Gifts? 8 months from the wedding? Really? Seems a bit early to me. I have no idea what we are going to register for as we already have a lovely home with lovely things. And wont stuff change between now and the wedding? Wont we just have to redo the registry as items become unavailable? Waste of time in my opinion. For now, we just need to focus on the other things. I think the project for this week will be getting those Save The Dates out. Especially to our friends and family in Austria.

- Gan

Dresses

2010-01-22T11:20:00.007-06:00

I love dresses. No, let me rephrase that. I LOVE dresses. Like, really, really, really LOVE dresses. I have a closet full of them. Nothing makes me feel more feminine and pretty than a light, fluffy dress. Nothing makes me feel sexier than a little black dress. I know its not the same for all girls, but Im just that way. Unfortunately, I don't get to wear them as much as I like. I live in Minnesota and obviously the weather doesn't always want to cooperate. Wearing a dress in -20 degrees or when its pouring rain out isn't always the best option. And some days I just feel like wearing pants. I also really love a good pair of comfortable jeans. (Ill also add that Im that girl that can pair her most favorite comfortable jeans under her pretty dress and pull it off. See photos two posts ago.)

(via theimageisfound.com)

I decided with my bridesmaids that they should be able to wear a dress that makes them feel pretty or sexy or just plain comfortable on my wedding day. That they each should choose the dress that they LOVE. They are there to support and help me and I want them to enjoy it. I don't want them to spend the day in some hideous, god awful dress that makes them feel uncomfortable and unattractive. I don't want them to spend money on something that they will never wear again.

That being said, I did have a few stipulations. I just asked that they are black, at/below the knee, and they have the same formality to them. (I also suggested that they choose a neckline that allows for a necklace, but thats not crucial.) But other than that, they are free to choose their own dresses. I didn't want them all matchy matchy as that's just not my thing, and my bridesmaids are all beautiful, unique girls with their own styles. What one girl feels comfortable in might not be the same for another. I also really love how photos look with the bridesmaids all showing off their own style and wearing all different dresses.

The non matching dresses also helps since one of my bridesmaids will be flying in from Austria. I don't want things to be complicated or hard for Nadine. If all the girls are ordering/buying dresses in the US, it might be a bit frustrating for her. Im sure she's going to want to try on her dress instead of just ordering something to her measurements.

And then there is the fact that all my girl friends have different incomes and different amounts that they feel alright with spending on a dress. Im not going to ask them to go buy some $250 dress. It's just not reasonable.

I set up a Flickr folder where I have been dumping photos of dresses to help give them an idea of dress styles. I'm sure they are all more than capable of picking out their own dress, but I know Nadine especially wanted some hints on what dresses might look nice as this will be the first American wedding she has attended. These are some of my favorite dresses so far.

- Gan

Gwyneth Paige

2010-01-21T13:59:00.007-06:00

From their website:
"Gwyneth Paige is a couture letterpress company dedicated to being the perfect beginning to a couple’s ‘happily ever after’. Sustainably printed on 100% luxurious cotton tree-free paper and only using vegetable-oil based inks; we are committed to protecting our environment as well as adding back in more beautiful pieces in the form of cast-iron pressed, miniature works of art."

My lovely friend, Andrea, is the Creative Director for Gwyneth Paige and recently posted a blog entry with me in it. Nothing to do with the wedding, but with a cute little find having to do with cupcakes. (We all know how much I love cupcakes.) To be honest, I wouldn't have even known about the cute item if it weren't for Ned.

Anywho, you should go over and check out Gwyneth Paige, and if not for the blog entry and to find out the secret cupcake item, at least for their amazing letterpress work.

- Gan

Hello? Anyone still here?

2010-01-19T17:07:00.010-06:00

Wow. Has it really been 3 months? Seriously? Damn. I kinda suck at this.

Well... Hmmm... Now what?

I guess I should just jump right back in? Probably. Ned and I are trying to get moving again on the wedding stuff. We have 8 months to go and a lot to get done in that time.

In the last three months, we have done....nothing....absolutely nothing. Well, nothing really wedding related. We had an amazing engagement party, but other than that, nothing. We've just kinda put the wedding on the back burner. Not really a good idea if you ask me, but sometimes those things happen.

We had Ned's father here for a visit and during that time we celebrated our engagement with our amazing family and friends. Halloween came and went and I didn't really celebrate. That was followed by a wonderful Thanksgiving, again, with amazing family and friends. Really, it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever. At the beginning of December I took a week vacation down in Miami/Key West with Nadine who was visiting from Austria. We had an amazing time and she said yes when I asked her to be a bridesmaid. We both cried and it was a super sweet moment (followed by a lot of partying). Christmas seemed like a mad rush. I really didn't get much of anything done. If Ned hadn't taken over, I don't think anyone in the family would have gotten gifts. He really pulled everything together. And in the end, we celebrated the new year with Robyn and her husband, Pat, playing games and having a lot of laughs.

It was an amazing year. I only hope 2010 can live up to the legacy left by 2009. And with the wedding coming up, Im betting it can. It's going to be one beautiful day. I just hope it doesn't go by as fast as the engagement party did. The whole day/night was a blur. It was so much fun, but I felt like I didn't even get to talk to everyone or thank everyone for coming. I was busy in the kitchen with Robyn for most of the day and even a bit during the party. The food was so amazing and went so fast that we actually had to throw more together. (Good thing I had extras in the fridge just waiting to go.) But overall, it was such a beautiful time.

The engagement party was a cupcake theme with the phrase "Love is Sweet". I not only made sweet cupcakes, but yummy savory ones too! And with tons of help from Robyn, the food was a complete success. There were 4 different types of sweet cupcakes, including a vegan version of one- chocolate with white buttercream, lemon with lemon buttercream, lemon with raspberry buttercream and pumpkin with cream cheese frosting. And then 3 different types of savory cupcakes- mac n cheese, mexican cornbread and vegan shepherds pie. I kept the color scheme from the invites going with the decorations for the party. It turned out really beautiful and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

Here are some photos either taken by Robyn, her husband or me:

My sister, my dad and me

Pumpkin with cream cheese frosting

Chocolate with buttercream frosting

The full spread

Me in the kitchen

Shepherds pie

Vegan pumpkin with tofutti cream cheese

And here is one beautiful photo of me and Ned by my lovely friend, Ericka Bailie-Byrne.

- Gan

Card reader? Whats a card reader?

2009-10-15T08:16:00.010-05:00

"Why dont you just use the card reader?" he asked. Doh! The card reader! Why didnt I think of that? Thats how I get my photos off of my D50, of course it would work with my Coolpix too.

Before we left for Chicago, I was trying to find a way to get my photos of our engagement party invites off of my point-n-shoot. For the life of me, I could not figure out how to do it. For some reason when I plugged the cable from the cam into the laptop, the laptop wouldnt recognize it. The Eye-Fi card software is not loaded on this laptop either. I was getting so frustrated and finally decided to give up. Thats until my lovely Ned came home and suggested the most basic of ideas. I still did not get time to post the pictures before we left, but I would like to share them now.

Since Ned purchased my lovely engagement ring and my birthday necklace (that I wore for our engagement photos) from Tiffany & Co, I wanted to incorporate that beautiful blue color. I also decided on fuchsia and chocolate brown. I started out by going to the Paper Depot in Minneapolis (their website seems to be down) to get inspiration as I really wasnt quite sure what I wanted the invites to look like. I decided on a half sheet of Tiffany blue cardstock overlapped by a sparkly white paper and chocolate brown envelopes. After leaving the Paper Depot, I headed over to two craft stores to get the rest of the supplies, ribbon and a paper punch. (Im a sucker for ribbon when it comes to paper crafting projects. Remember the black ribbon on my bridesmaid cards?)

Ive been wanting to have a "cupcake" theme party now for awhile. I figured our engagement party would be the perfect time. My friend Andrea sent me an adorable font called "Fling" that became the starting point for our "Love Is Sweet" cupcake invitations. I even scored a cute cupcake paper punch at one of the craft stores.

After gathering all the supplies, this is what Ned and I put together:

Supplies and the mock up I made.

Close ups

Completed stack. You can kinda see how sparkly the white paper is here.

And the chocolate colored envelopes.

Now these might not look as professional as something Andrea can create, but then again, she is a professional. :-) Im really impressed with what Ned and I accomplished and Im glad we decided to work on this together.

(Sorry for the crappy photo editing on the pictures, but there are just some things I cant share with the internet and I was kinda in a hurry when working on these.)

We currently have 30+ affirmative RSVPs for our party this Saturday. Im excited, but also a bit stressed as there is so much that needs to be done before then. Im also trying to imagine 30+ people in our house at once! I have today and tomorrow off from work and need to get my butt off this computer and get stuff done.

- Gan

Next Post: How amazing my Maid of Honor is and the wonderful things she created for me!

Getting behind

2009-10-06T19:00:00.004-05:00

I feel like Im getting behind on posting. There are so many things I want to write about, so many little details I want to share. The biggest set back has been having my Nikon D50 crap out on me. I need to get it into the shop before our engagement party, which is now less than two weeks away! I have my backup pocket Nikon that Ned got me for Christmas last year, and as much as I love it, Ive never quite got the hang out of using it. Funny that I can manage my DSLR, but have problems with a little pocket point-n-shoot.

I have been taking photos here and there of things, but not too much to document yet. Hopefully Ill be able to post some pictures of our engagement party invites tonight when Ned gets home. I took them on my pocket cam, but cant find the cable to get them off. I have an Eye-Fi Share card in it so Ive never needed the cable before. But thats set to sync up with my laptop which is also out of commission for the time being.

I would like to get some pictures up before Ned and I leave for Chicago tomorrow. Yes, thats right, we are going on another vacation. But just a quick 2 day trip down to the windy city. Just enough time for me to see Kylie! Im so excited that I just might explode!

I feel like Ive been waiting ages to see her. Im also looking forward to having some alone time with Ned. It feels like ever since we got back from Austria we have been so busy. Not to mention we have both been sick, Ned with pneumonia and me with the flu and then a head cold. I think this little trip will be just what the doctor ordered.

Kylie Minogue - WOW
by Elo_pitchounne56

Now if only I could decide what to wear to the show.....

- Gan

Officially less than 1 year...

2009-09-26T09:01:00.006-05:00

Wow! Time is flying. We officially have less than one year to go. I couldn't be more thrilled. There is still so much to do, but we are slowly knocking those things off the to do list.

I really wanted to blog yesterday since it was the one year mark. But with working overtime and an amazing date night with Ned, there was just no time.

To celebrate our one year to go mark, we had a lovely dinner of amazing vegetarian and vegan sushi at Midori's. We then followed dinner up with the lovely sounds of Joshua Radin at the Pantages Theater.

Yesterday, I received an email from TheKnot.com. It was my official "you've got 12 months to go" newsletter. It was comprised of the things we need to be working on this month:

- Research vendors - Check!
- Finalize your budget - Budget? Whats a budget? Budget shmudget.
- Wedding style ideas - I think weve got this one down. This has been the most exciting part so far. (Besides the part where I get to call Ned my husband.)

Id say we are about right on track if not still ahead of the game. And Im just joking about the budget part. We don't really have one, but its all about being responsible and not going overboard. We know our limits, but that doesn't mean we aren't going to have one hell of a shindig.

Today Ill leave you the beautiful music of Josh Radin. Im sure there will be plenty of his songs played at our wedding. (Which is kinda funny because he made a bunch of jokes about weddings last night.)

- Gan

Poster contest!

2009-09-24T17:07:00.004-05:00

Make sure to stop over at Diagnosis Deferred for your chance to win a 18x24" rolled poster print of your choice from LargeFormatPosters.com. "These posters are photo quality prints of any file you choose." How awesome is that? I can think of a million photos I would love to have blown up.

- Gan

Everyone loves a good party

2009-09-24T15:58:00.005-05:00

Im so excited about our upcoming engagement party. The invites are already in the mail and Ive been working on decoration and food ideas. Unlike our wedding, our engagement party even has a theme! I wish I could post some of the ideas, but I don't want to ruin any surprises for our guests that happen to read this blog. Once guests start receiving the invites Ill at least be able to post those.

I think the main reason for all the excitement for me is that this will be the first time we are having an actual party at our new house. We bought our house in March and besides having family over for a bbqs, we haven't had a real party yet. This will be sort of a combined engagment party/housewarming party. A lot of our friends haven't even seen our new home yet.

I'm also very thrilled that Ned's father will be in town from California for our party. Well, he was already planning on coming to town to visit us, so we just scheduled the party during his trip. I think it's awesome that Ned will have someone from his family here. We spend a lot of time with my family since they live so close and I think sometimes he really misses his dad. We were out in California spending time with him in July and I could really see how close those two are.

In other news, I finally started uploading some photos from our trip to Austria. For now Ill leave you with a photo of me and Ned:

And a photo of me and my bridesmaid, Nadine, and our friend Nikki:

- Gan

You can never have too many bridesmaids

2009-09-19T07:00:00.006-05:00

A couple years ago, a coworker told me that you can never have too many bridesmaids. For me, thats not so true. I once heard about a girl that had 18 bridesmaids! Wow. I wondered who was left to be an actual guest at the wedding. Maybe she has like 300 friends or something. Either way, thats way too many bridesmaids for me.

Ned and I are having a smallish wedding. 100 guests invited tops. I think maybe itll end up being 65 to 75 that actually make it. We definitely want a small wedding party. It would be strange to have half of our guests be in the actual wedding.

Choosing my bridal party wasnt that hard. I knew I wanted my three closest (American) girl friends to be bridesmaids, my 2 neices to be jr bridesmaids, my step daughter to be my flower girl, and to somehow have my closest guy friend be in the wedding, either on my side as my man of honor or on Ned's side as a groomsman. But I have to admit, I did feel bad. I have quite a few other girl friends I wanted to choose or that I felt obligated to choose.

My older sister really isnt into the whole bridesmaid thing so I only felt a little bad leaving her out. Shes just happy her daughters are in the wedding as it means a lot to them. I cant imagine not having those two beautiful girls in the wedding. But I have a couple other friends who are important to me that I want to be a part of my big day, but we just arent that close anymore. That doesnt mean that they arent important to me.

N., A. and S. are three amazing friends. I really do adore them. But we just arent as much a part of each others lives as we used to be. I dont think its necessarily a bad thing, its just what happens when people get busy in their own lives and live in different cities/states. Its hard to stay close. That doesnt mean we dont care about each other, weve just drifted apart a bit. I wish I could have them all be in my wedding, but I just dont think it would work.

There is one girl though that I feel terrible leaving out. She is someone that I adore so very much. I love her like family and I wish I could see her more often. She has been there so much for me and helped me through some very hard times. When Ned met her for the first time he said we were cut from the same stone. I just click with her like Ive known her my whole life. And thats why Ive decided to ask her to join my wedding party.

I initially didn't ask Nadine because she lives in Austria. We only get to see each other once a year or so. But having my wedding without her in it would just be wrong. I really need her by my side on that day. She is such an important part of my life and who I am. Since she will be at the wedding for sure, I need her to be a part of the wedding party. Shes flying in at least two weeks before the wedding to spend time with me and be a part of the activities and staying for a bit afterwards.

I haven't asked her yet, but Im very excited to. Im trying to decide between mailing her a card, calling her or asking her in person in November when I see her in Miami. Such a hard decision. I want to ask her in person because its much more sincere, but I also dont want to wait. I can be so impatient. I should have asked her a couple weeks ago when I was in Austria, but I didn't know until then that she was for sure coming to the wedding. I should have known she would be though since shes such a good friend.

My bridal party now consists of the four most lovely friends a girl could ever have. Im so happy to have these girls be a part of my life and a part of my big day.

Nadine:

- Gan

And the winners are....

2009-09-16T16:59:00.002-05:00

These are my favorite of our engagement photos:

- Gan

Totally worth the extra $200

2009-09-15T16:57:00.005-05:00

We got our engagement photos back from Jenn Barnett yesterday and Im completely blown away. It was worth the extra money to hire another photographer so we could get these done. Im so happy with them. They express everything I was feeling that day, all the love Ned and I share. Here is a little teaser until I can get the rest posted here.

- Gan

(I hate how this layout crops photos.)

My Ned

2009-09-11T17:04:00.002-05:00

Some months before Ned and I met, I posted a blog entry in my personal blog about how I only wanted to find my "Ned". I was referring to Lee Pace's character from the tv show Pushing Daisies and I posted the same clip that is posted at the bottom of this entry. The year before I had ended a long term relationship and dated casually after that, but was unsuccessful at finding that perfect someone. The one who I wanted to fall asleep next to at night. The one I wanted to wake up next to in the morning. The one I wanted to spend every day with for the rest of my life. I was starting to think I would never find my soulmate.

See, Im a very romantic, dreamy sorta gal. I do believe in soulmates. I believe in your lover/significant other also being your best friend. I believe in finding that one true love and spending the rest of your lives together. Call me old fashioned. Call me unrealistic. Call me silly. Whatever. Thats just who I am and Im not ashamed of it.

And then I met my darling Ned.

Ill admit it, it wasn't quite love at first sight. Not because I thought he was unattractive! In fact, I thought he was quite dreamy. As I like to call him, "tall, dark and handsome- without the tall." *smirk* But I wasn't really looking at that moment for a boyfriend. I was just trying to get out there and meet new people. He also had some "red flags" that threw me off. But right after our first date, I called my dad and told him all about it. I was smitten, I just didn't know it yet. Ned pursued me for the next few weeks and after our third date I knew. I knew I wanted to be with him. I knew I had finally found my Ned.

He was the one I was looking for. He was the one who could make me laugh no matter how sad or frustrated I was. He was the one who could make my heart melt with just one look. He was the one who was just as romantic and dreamy as I am. He was the one who made me feel complete. A lover and a best friend all rolled into one.

When we first started dating, I introduced him to the amazingness that was Pushing Daisies. Only the first season was out then and it was something we enjoyed watching together in the evenings while curled up on the couch. Thats when he started calling me "Chuck" as a petname. And also why, now, I refer to him as my "Ned". Because he is the one I was always looking for.

- Gan

Home sweet home

2009-09-09T11:51:00.003-05:00

We got in from our lovely adventure to Europe last night. I feel rested and refreshed even though a majority of the time was spent hiking and exploring. Even a 1,400 stairs hike inside a mountain (700 up and 700 down)...and that was after hiking up the mountain itself! But we had a great trip and once again we saw how well we travel together.

I have not had time to really go through our photos yet, but trust me, we have some cute ones. I figured I should post a small entry about our to-do list for now. I think its growing, instead of shrinking, every day.

Things we have done
- Photographer booked
- First set of engagement photos shot
- Reception venue booked
- Photo booth booked
- My wedding party chosen and informed
- Ceremony location chosen
- Caterer chosen

Things that need to be finalized in the next few weeks
- Ceremony location booked
- Caterer booked
- His side of the wedding party
- Cake tastings
- Save the dates need to be finished & mailed
- Guest list (!!!)
- Wedding dress search continues
- Engagement party/housewarming party

We haven't even seen a teaser photo from our engagement shoot and Im getting a bit restless. I know its only been 2 weeks, but I was hoping to get at least one photo emailed to us while we were on vacation. Im excited, but also nervous to get them back. Just an email to let us know they turned out ok would have been nice! Im totally impatient. But Jenn is a great photographer so I have no need for doubts.

Hopefully tonight Ill get through some of our vacation photos. And maybe we can start tackling some of our other to-dos.

- Gan

Excited (and a wee bit nervous!)

2009-08-24T15:18:00.009-05:00

Thursday is the day! Not for our wedding, silly. That's still over a year away. But Thursday is the day that we not only skip out of the country for Ned's first visit to Europe, but it's the day of our first engagement shoot!

You might be wondering why I say "first" engagement shoot and that's because Ned and I decided that we needed not one, but two engagement sessions! Im incredibly excited, but at the same time super nervous. I can't really figure out if the butterflies are due to the photos or the trip or everything combined. Im a seasoned traveler and have been visiting Austria multiple times a year for almost a decade so Im thinking the nervousness is due more to the photos.

See, I'm someone who loves to be behind the camera, not in front of it. Just the thought of someone taking a picture of me starts to get me going crazy. I wonder about my hair; how will I style it? Does it need to be colored? What about a haircut? I wonder about my teeth; are they white enough? Do I have time to bleach them? What about my clothes? What will I wear? What will look just right? Dear god, what about SHOES?! I cant forget the shoes! Oh, and then I freak out that all this worrying will cause my skin to break out.... It just goes on and on and on.

Ive been trying to get things taken care of ahead of time to avoid going crazy over the little details at the last minute as much as possible. I took care of coloring my hair about a week or so ago. Ned and I both went and got haircuts together this last weekend. I started going through all my clothes (which, if you know me, you know is a huge task) and started to not only put together the most perfect outfit, but also pick out what I want to pack for our trip. It still feels like there is so much to do though.

We are probably overdoing it by planning our photo shoot for the morning of the day we are leaving for Europe, but it's the only day we will be able to visit the Minnesota State Fair this year. The Fair opens the day we leave and ends before we come back! We both love the State Fair and would be so sad if we missed it. Last year we had so much fun that we actually went twice. It only seems fitting that our engagement photos are taken there. Unfortunately, our wonderful wedding photographers, Graddy Photography, are booked on the only day we can make it to the Fair. (We get a free engagement shoot with our wedding package.) But we are super lucky to have the amazing Jenn Barnett instead! We are still going to use our engagement session with Graddy at a later date, maybe this winter or in the spring.

Im really excited to have our engagement photos done, but tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind. So much to do in such a short time. Im keeping my fingers crossed for nice weather!

I wanted to make a post about getting an email from The Knot yesterday that we reached our 13 months mark, but I just don't have time. Expect a big update when we get back! For now, here are some photos of us from the MN State Fair last year.

To cover or not to cover?

2009-08-22T18:00:00.004-05:00

I wanted to make this post yesterday, but I got sidetracked by life. I also had to reschedule a tattoo appointment to finish up my newest piece till next month. By the end of the day I just forgot I promised this entry, but it's definitely something important to me so I want to write about it.

Something Ive been asked quite a few times is if Im going to cover my tattoos for my wedding, either with makeup or my dress. The answer for me is really simple; no.

I love my tattoos. If I didn't, why would I have them? They make me who I am. I chose to get them for a reason. I don't see the point in covering them for my wedding, or any day for that matter. Im actually incredibly confused by those that choose to cover. I guess I just don't understand why you would cover them. Maybe you don't think they are appropriate? Or they will upset relatives? Or they aren't classy enough for your wedding? Or....I just don't know. But I ask again, why have them if you want to hide them or you don't think they are classy or appropriate?

(Credit to Allebach Photography)

There are some tattoos you get in places that aren't seen on a daily basis for a reason. They aren't ones you want to show off to the general public. They are personal or private or whatever. Or maybe you have a career where you just can't pull off visible tattoos. I guess it makes sense that if you don't normally show them off that you would cover them on your wedding day. But mostly because they are in spots that are naturally covered.

My tattoos are pretty visible and I like it that way. Not because Im screaming to be looked at, but they are an expression of who I am. I consider them artwork. They are in places that are seen on an average day and will be visible when wearing my wedding dress. I wouldn't want it any other way.

I want to be myself on my wedding day. That means not hiding my tattoos or taking out my piercings or keeping my hair at whatever color I think is beautiful at the time. To me, the most beautiful woman is a woman not afraid to be herself. And on such an important day, you should be yourself. It's YOUR wedding. And this also goes for grooms, too! They should be able to express themselves and be who they are on their wedding day.

(Credit to Rebecca Peters Photography)

I guess it's easier for me because I think tattoos and piercings are attractive, especially on brides. I don't have to put much thought into the fact that I'm going to show my tattoos on my wedding day and that I'm going to have a dress that compliments them. I'm also fine with the fact that my bridesmaids have tattoos and theirs will also be visible at my wedding.

This is me and my MOH, Amanda, at GWG '09. My chest piece, that is still lacking color, along with my back piece, will be completely visible at my wedding and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Brides with tattoos?

2009-08-20T12:26:00.003-05:00

One more quick post for the day since I just got a call from my tattoo shop reminding me of my upcoming appointment. Make sure to check back tomorrow as I discuss my thoughts on being a bride with visable tattoo work.

(Credit to Tasha Hundahl and Offbeatbride.com)

After thoughts...

2009-08-20T09:34:00.003-05:00

I wish I could say that trying on wedding dresses was magical and amazing and that I had such a great time. That all my fears just disappeared. I will say, in the end, I did have a good time, but thats just because I have amazing friends. Unfortunately, it did turn out to be exactly what I was afraid of.

The first shop we went to, which I wont mention by name anymore cause they suck, was horrible. I knew going there that they are a consignment shop so I was taking a big chance not only that they would have something I liked there, but also something in my size. But they do carry the La Sposa line which ranges in sizes from 2-24 so I figured they would have SOEMTHING in my size to try on. Im considered pretty average as far as American sizes go. I didnt really expect it to be too much of an issue. I had also heard really good things about this shop.

I was pretty frustrated from the beginning though. The store was really small with maybe 2 tiny dressing rooms. The ladies working there didnt seem too thrilled that we stopped in even though you dont need an appointment and I had even tried to make one earlier that day. I started going through the dresses while Rue snapped photos and we waited for Ama and Hal to get there. I really didnt see much I liked except one vintage dress that was very simple. Definitely not my ideal wedding dress, but I would have bought it for another special occassion.

I picked out that one to try on and one of the ladies suggested a couple others. Nothing really fit though. She shoved a couple dresses at me in the dressing room (I should mention she just kept walking in without asking me if that was ok or not) and there were a couple I could get on, but they were not what I was looking for. She repeatedly told me that the La Sposa line comes in all sizes so they can order me something, but why would I want to order a dress I cant try on and have no idea how it would look or fit? Maybe thats the way the bridal world goes, but I at least need to be able to try on something similar so I can get a feel for it. She also knew this was my first time trying dresses on so I had no idea what I liked or what looked good on me.

After dealing with this bitchy lady, I may or may not have left the store in tears. Of course the only thing I wanted at that point was to cuddle up in Ned's arms and cry about how Im never going to find a dress so we cant get married, but I was with my girls and they were determined to get me excited again. My idea of cocktails was postponed until I checked out another shop. The only one we could think of where it didnt matter if we had an appointment or not was David's Bridal.

Im not a big fan of David's. Most of the dresses seem pretty basic and I find the materials to be a bit on the cheap side. I know that I want a more unique dress than something at David's. But what the hell, right? What did I have to lose? At least I knew there would be tons of stuff for me to try on and I could maybe get an idea of what style I like. And that I did.

I only tried on about half a dozen dresses there, but I did get a feel for what I like and what I feel pretty in. The first dress was awesome. It totally made me feel good about myself again. There were a couple dresses I didnt like and two more that I thought were really pretty, but probably not right for my body type.

(I will also mention that Robyn threatened the sales lady at David's that if she made me cry she would kill her. Haha. My bridesmaids are very protective! Dont mess with them!)

And even though David's Bridal is not for me, I was happy we went there. They did have really nice sales people working there and a huge selection of dresses in all sizes. I definitely felt better after the whole experience after visiting them.

So what now? Well, now Im going to Europe to forget about all of this for a couple weeks! But not really. Ned and I are going to Europe and we leave in a week, but all this wedding stuff will still be on my mind. Im actually looking forward to resuming my dress search when I return. There are a few more shops I want to check out. But to tell you the truth, Im pretty sure Im going to have my dress made for me. I dont think Im going to find that one magical dress and I would rather just design it myself. I have a lot of ideas in my mind after this first dress experience and Im determined to have that amazing dress that makes me feel like a million bucks on my wedding day.

I only have one photo to share from the night right now and that is Robyn on her bike. She road all the way from Lake City to my place in Minneapolis wearing pearls and still had fabulous hair! I love this girl!

The magical dress

2009-08-18T11:38:00.012-05:00

I have butterflies in my stomach today. Not quite sure if they are the good, excited butterflies or the nervous, 'oh my god I dont want to do this' butterflies.

See, today my bridesmaids and I are going to look at wedding dresses for the first time. And even though I want to be jumping up and down with joy about this, I cant help but think it might be a disaster. There is a part of me that is just dreading it.

Normally I love shopping. I cant get enough of it. I go every other week or so to my favorite shops. And I LOVE dresses. I have a closet full of them. But wedding dresses....scare me.

I dont mind that its a lot of money to spend on something Ill only wear once. I want to feel amazing on my wedding day and I want that special dress. But spending the time and effort to find it does not sound like fun.

But maybe it will be. I dont know. Ive never done it. Ive never been a bridesmaid before either. I did go with two different girl friends to help them pick out their dresses and their experiences werent horrible. Maybe mine wont be either.

I guess the reason Im dreading it most is that Im worried Im going to look in the mirror and hate what I see. What if Im not pretty enough for the dress? What if I look fat? What if I hate the way my ass looks? What if I cant find a style that is flattering for me?

Most girls seem to have an idea before they go to a boutique of the style they like. Or they even have that one dress in mind that they found online or in a magazine. I have neither. Ive gone through countless magazines and webpages and havent found a dress I can call THE DRESS. I went through over 3,000 dresses on The Knot and didnt find a single one that moved me. Ive been able to find bits and pieces of dresses I like, but not a single dress that Im dying to try on. And Im not talking about dresses within a certain price range, Im talking about ALL the wedding dresses Ive looked at.

So far, this has been the least exciting part of wedding planning for me. I would rather stay at home and work on DIY projects with my darling Ned. I have a year to go though. Hopefully during this time Ill be able to find a dress I not only love, but that I feel beautiful in. Something that makes Ned's jaw drop.

Im just gonna cross my fingers that tonight isnt too hard on me. The shop we are starting with is a bridal consignment shop so they have all sorts of different style dresses from different designers. Its kinda exciting when you dont know what you will find. But also a bit terrifying when you dont know if there will even be something in your size to try on. And let me just also add while Im talking about size, that I hate that wedding dresses are sized so differently than normal clothes! If I wear a certain size at The Gap or H&M (normal places I shop), then I want to be that same size in a wedding dress, not 6 sizes bigger! I thought the point was to make brides feel beautiful so they spend thousands of dollars on a dress, not to make them feel fat.

Brides of France

-Gan

DIY BM Cards

2009-08-16T11:16:00.001-05:00

Im a pretty sentimental girl. Ill admit it. I like doing things for those I care about. I like making things special and having them stand out. I like creating memories.

When it came to asking my girl friends to be my bridesmaids, I knew I wanted to do it in a special way rather than just blurting it out. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was planning to ask all three at our Girls Weekend Getaway, but unfortunately Hallie couldnt make it. So I asked her the previous weekend when we were spending the afternoon together baking cookies and taking the dogs to the dog park. With Amanda and Robyn, I was able to wait until we were up at the cabin.

I didnt really have a specific image in mind when it came to making the cards for my girls. I just happened to be at a craft store looking at paper when I came across this really cute pink swirly pattern and a chartreuse stripey pattern. I knew I somehow wanted to use them, but wasnt quite sure how. I also picked up some ribbon, envelopes, basic white card stock and some sparkly cardboard letters. At another trip to the craft store I also picked up some little mini black frames and a dress stamp. (The swallow stamp I also used was one from my own collection.)

When I sat down to make the first card, it just sort of fell together. I left the pink paper as is, but reinforced it by gluing white card stock to the backside. I wrapped the ribbon around it and affixed the letter "H" for "Hallie". Then I used the dress stamp and cut it out and put the little frame around it. Inside the cards I wrote a very heart felt message to each girl. I lined the envelopes in the stripey green paper and tucked the cards in. I also wrapped a wider ribbon around the outside of the envelope and repeated the process with the swallow stamp and the frame.

And for each girl, I got a gift bag full of LUSH products (bath bombs, bath bars, massage bars) and tucked the card in there with a picture frame, journal and imported vegetable French soap.

-Gan

One Year

2009-08-15T10:52:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, my Ned and I celebrated our one year anniversary. Crazy, huh? One year together and we are planning our wedding. What I always tell people when they comment on the fact that its been such a short time is, "when you know, you know." Its pretty simple actually.

I think we both knew right away we were smitten. Our first date was a blind date and even though I like to say that I wasn't so sure about him in the beginning, I also have to admit that I called my dad right after that date to tell him about it. Thats how I know, I know he's the one.

The first couple weeks I joked about all the "red flags" and how I liked Ned, but I wasnt sure he was right for me. But then there was that night...the night he first kissed me. All questions were gone after that moment. It was just a small goodnight kiss at my front door. But that little kiss changed everything for me.

Not even three months later he proposed. And now here we are - 406 days until our wedding.

Last night on our anniversary date we sat reminiscing about all our favorite moments from the last year. The list of things that meant something to us was pretty long. From our first date to his proposal on Franklin Avenue to our trips out to San Francisco to buying our first house...this year has been packed with so many incredible moments. I wish I could share them all here, but it would take me all day.

And as I sat here writing this entry, I got confirmation from a photographer/friend that she is available to shoot a session for us the day we leave for Austria in two weeks at one of our favorite MN events. Im so happy and excited.

For now, Ill leave this entry with a couple of my favorite photos of me and Ned from last September. This is us at Mill City for one of our early dates. We were there for the Kid Dakota show and it was such an incredible night.

And as a little teaser of our photo shoot to come...

-Gan

My amazing bridesmaids

2009-08-14T12:27:00.001-05:00

Since I officially asked the last two of my bridesmaids this last weekend to be a part of my wedding, I feel like its alright for me to start talking about them. Im so excited to have these three amazing women in my life. I couldnt be more thrilled that they all said yes.

The 4 of us had been planning a girls weekend getaway (second annual one) for a couple weeks. Unfortunately, I knew one of the girls, Hallie, wasnt going to be able to make it due to morning sickness as shes 11 weeks pregnant. I had been planning to ask all 3 girls at once, but realized that wasnt going to be possible.

The weekend prior to Girls Weekend Getaway '09, I got Hallie's gift bag ready and headed over to her place to spend the afternoon. She was incredibly surprised by the gifts and card, but immediately said yes and I could tell she was truly excited. I dont think she had even considered I would choose her, but I have no idea why I wouldnt! She is one of the sweetest and kindest girls I know. She is always there for her friends and has such a positive attitude about life. I have been so blessed to have her in my life this last year.

Amanda technically already knew that she was not only one of my bridesmaids, but actually my maid of honor. I let that slip the night we went to The Knot party at the Graves hotel. I had already ran it by my fiance that I was going to ask her, but wanted to wait until GWG. But when we got to the party I introduced her as my MOH and told her the plan. Thats kinda what happens with best friends, its hard to keep secrets. I dont think there is anything I can keep from Ama. She totally gets me. I know she is always there if there is anything I need and is incredibly supportive and always encouraging me.

I brought Ama and Robyn's gift bags with me to the cabin for Girls Weekend and surprised them when we got there. Robyn also seemed incredibly blown away by the whole thing, but she jumped up and down and gave me a huge hug. Robyn is one of those people that has an infectious smile. She is always finding something to laugh about and has this incredible way of looking at the world. Shes always ready to take on a project and I dont think there is anything she cant conquer. Ive known her for about 5 years and my life has definitely been for the better with her in it. She inspires me so much.

Heres to the amazing women in my life! Thanks for not only being a part of my wedding, but for being in my life. I dont know what I would do without you.

Girls Weekend Getaway '08. Hallie (Hal), Robyn (Rue) & me (Gan).

Girls Weekend Getaway '09. Robyn (Rue), me (Gan) & Amanda (Ama).

-Gan

Yah but it's the Nebraska Game...

2009-08-10T09:27:00.007-05:00

"Eye to Eye"

I was late rushing into work this morning.

Gan was finishing up her four day weekend today and it took every ounce of strength on my part to go into work and not to call in with a severe case of common sense. However once I got to work, or more appropriately as I was riding the elevator up, as my luck would have it, some women just happened to be talking about weddings.

"So it sounds like they are going to have a short, quick honeymoon, maybe two days" one woman was saying. "And then a longer one later in month."

"But why," her co-worker asked. "That seems like a large waste. Especially for Hawaii."

"It is, but he really doesn't want to miss The Nebraska Game."

At this point, the women started talking about how Hawaii was a terrible place to go on a honeymoon and Fiji was just SO much better, but I had already tuned out.

The Nebraska Game?

You could tell just by listening to the conversation that the bride wanted nothing to do with the truncated honeymoon, but the groom was going to have his dream wedding and his dream football game too. To be honest, I felt kinda ill.

But then it occurred to me that I would do anything for Gan and who knows, maybe she has a "Nebraska Game" out there just waiting. I mean, we have agreed on everything up to this point. Heck, that's really an understatement. Every idea Gan has had I've been excited and enchanted by and I've received pretty good feedback on the two or three ideas that I've had.

Everything about the wedding has just been all so easy up to this point. And think it's because Gan and I see eye to eye on a lot of the details. I really believe that we are going to have an amazing day because when we think about the wedding, we are seeing the same thing.

That isn't to say that I wouldn't do anything for her if she had a Nebraska Game out there. Lurking. Just waiting. But I'm sure whatever comes along, we'll roll with it. Keep that communication open and flowing.

The story of Plus One

2009-08-06T16:56:00.003-05:00

When I was very little, I used to have these competitions with my dad over who loved who more. He would say he loved me, I would say I loved him more. He would say he loved me most, I would say I loved him infinity! And then he would say he loved me infinity plus one. Nothing could trump the "plus one". No matter what I would say, he would add the plus one to it. If I would say I loved him times a trillion, he would love me times a trillion- plus one.

When my fiance and I first started saying we loved each other, I introduced him to the plus one rule. He never could have guessed that there was something out there more than infinity.

After that he wrote the cutest, albeit a bit dorky *wink*, blog entry about Plus One. It was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever written for me.

"Magic.

As a child, I learned of true magic playing Dungeons and Dragons. I discovered, early in the game, there were normal, forged items, such as swords, shields, and rings, and then there were objects that were imbued with... something extra - the blades that glowed when orcs were close or a suit of armor that enhanced a person's strength. Magic always meant something extra - the usual plus a little more. Magic meant +1.

Magic trumps just about everything. For example, in science, there is nothing larger than infinity - it's a concept that has no equal and no end. Infinity is supreme, practically its own damn theology, and there's nothing larger. Nothing, that is, except for Infinity +1. I love you. I love you more. I love you infinity. I love you infinity +1.

When it comes to weddings, dates are commonly referred to as +1 - you and that someone extra. Suddenly magic axes are replaced by a partner or a child or a true friend. It's no longer just you by yourself on your adventure, exploring the dark passages by a flickering torch. Suddenly it's you and your +1 - one upping infinity - being with someone else, someone extra special.

If I had a wish, a wish that knew no limits, I would wish that every person could have a little magic in his or her life - that every person could have a +1. Even if it is merely access to magical Potato Salad (+1 to constitution) or an enchanted pair of shoes (+1 to charisma), I would wish that every person in the world would have access to an additive that would shine against the darkness.

Have you found it?

Do you possess that object that gives you that extra strength to battle the demons?

Have you found that special someone that gives you the power to one up infinity?

I wish with all my heart that, if you haven't found it yet that you find your +1.

Because the only thing that's better than a world with you in it - is a world with you in it +1."

Now whenever we are across a crowded room, or a store, or a park, or wherever from each other, one of us will hold up our hands in the shape of a heart. The other will then follow by making a plus sign with his/her fingers and then the number one. Its our way of being able to tell each other that we love each other without speaking. We love each other- Plus One.

-Gan

Was it Shakespeare?

2009-08-06T13:48:00.006-05:00

Wasn't it Shakespeare who said, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"? Well that's swell, but who goes to a wedding to smell the flowers?

Me? I want color. In fact, I want, like, SHAZAM!, kind of colors. Nothing to upstage the bride mind you (like that would be possible) but something that can bring the magic and dynamic of the outdoors through precise and careful placement.

And what better way to do this, in my humble opinion, than flowers or maybe I should say "colorful" flowers to be precise.

Gan and I had no easy task finding colors that we wanted so late in the season. We wanted the pop of spring but the sophistication of late summer. And we wanted to do this while trying to avoid the fall, pumpkin Halloween colors. So, we focused on royal colors that would contrast well against the "PARTY ON" green and give the event the prestige it deserves.

So, I'm always on the lookout for colors, especially in flowers, and especially in a season that is almost a year away from our special day.

I snapped this picture today with my cell phone at the farmer's market on Nicollet Mall downtown. It's slightly over-exposed and this washed out the richness of the color, but you can get the idea. Darn close to our colors without getting too trick or treat-ish.

Now, in truth, this flower is a little too round for me and doesn't go with the lilies and other flowers that Gan and I were looking at. At least, for the main table, this isn't the right flower. But the colors... ah yes... I think they would make great decorative flowers for other areas where we wanted a splash of color. (Bathrooms, distant bar tables, Uncle Mike's why-didn't-I-get-one corsage, flower pedals for the flower girl to throw, etc.)

I have no idea what KIND of flower it is, but as for colors... well this flower is pretty damn nice.

Quick update

2009-08-06T13:39:00.003-05:00

Very excited to have my fiance be a guest blogger on here. Or maybe he will be a full time blogger? Hes definitely way more entertaining than I am. (And more dedicated to blogging.) Im very happy to have him be a part of this.

-Gan

14 months to go...

2009-07-28T11:27:00.002-05:00

To say my fiance and I are ahead of the game is probably an understatement. At 14 months out, we have got so much picked out and decided on. Not all the little details of course, but the big important things (reception location, ceremony location, photographer, caterer...) have all been decided upon, if not already booked.

14 months left sounds like a lot of time to pull everything together, but for two people who love to plan parties, down to the smallest of details, I have to wonder if 14 months will be enough time for something this big. Im sure it will be more than enough, but when I think about all that has to be done, I get nervous. I get especially nervous because of all our DIY projects we need to complete. Im just glad I have a partner who is as excited as I am and is completely involved.

I don't believe a wedding is just about the bride. Its about the couple. Im lucky to have a fiance who understands this and wants to be a part of everything involved with putting our wedding together. Im so happy that this wedding will be a reflection of both of us as individuals, but mostly who we are together.

-Gan