The Dudes

I spent a looong time thinking of groomsmen attire.  Not so much a fan of the tux, especially with the setting at the camp.  The final piece came in the other day, a custom tie from Cyberoptix TieLab I think I love it.  It's hard to step back and be objective though.  I was telling my friend: It's like when you look at a word for too long.  It starts looking odd! haha  Here are some pics (forgive the quality, they were taken with my phone).

 Derek was just THRILLED to try on the outfit for me, while 

I was anxiously stuffing invitation envelopes (can't you tell?).

I also ordered my ring bearer's bow tie from Me and Matilda and 

olive drab suspenders. He is going to look beyond adorable.  

I'm hoping to find a cute newsboy cap for him to wear too.

 

Side note: I got my first RSVP today!!!  So happy to be D-O-N-E with the invites.  Such a labor of love!  Pics to follow :)

Bridal Tea

I am so a failure at blogging!  Such a lack of posts.  Anyways...

My shower was two weekends ago, and it was so fabulous!  My mom hosted (which some people think is taboo...silliness!) along with help from my maids of honor and the bridal party.  It was a tea and people were encouraged to wear hats.  Mine was vintage from the 40's, I totally adored it!  My grandmother was wearing my late Great Aunt Tina's hat, which really meant so much to me.  I was named after her, and she has a very special place in my heart.

Everyone did such an amazing job putting it together.  We each had our own real tea cups and saucers- from my collection as well as my grandparents and many others.  I had so much fun seeing all the ladies (well, most!) in my life in one spot. Here's a shot of me and 4 of my bridesmaids (one is about to give birth in KY and the other lives in Canada).   They were such an amazing help.  I was a bit nervous about opening presents in front of everyone, but they made the experience painless and quick!  Love them!

On the planning front, I've done quite a bit lately.  Found the bakery: The Icing on the Cake in Newton.  The cake tasting was so much fun, and we decided on two different flavored cupcakes: golden with strawberry mousse filling and chocolate with amaretto filling.  Mmmmmmmmmm.  The caterer will be providing milk to go along with dessert per my request.  A cupcake is just not as amazing without nice cold milk!

We have most of the groomsmen outfits picked out and purchased.  I've just been wavering on the tie...Oh- and I got my dress!  I looooove it!  It was made by KT Jean Designs; her gorgeous custom dresses are sold on Etsy.  Finishing up my invitations and those will be sent soon!  Just a lot of little details left to do :)

Save the Dates

All my save the dates have been sent! I had fun making them all. I used a picture from Flickr that was "shared" (aka you can use it!) and had a blast finding the right fonts. I got a sweet deal from VistaPrint, being a first time customer I received about 1/2 off and it was under $40 for 100 magnets!!!

Major Updates

Wow does this thing need an update!!! A lot has changed in the past year. I'm glad we're no longer using Memorial Hall. They have been HORRIBLE. I'm still waiting for my refundable deposit to be returned, over 3 months later. Ceremony and Reception are in the same spot, Camp Kiwanee in Hanson, MA. It is so beautifully rustic!



Ceremony will take place on a porch overlooking a lake. It's going to be tricky for people to see, but it so serene and perfect for Derek and I!




My guests will be able to stay over in the cabins if they like!




I ordered shrugs for the bridesmaids from an Italian seamstress on Etsy: larimeloom MOH has ivory




And my other 6 bridesmaids have dark beige



Just today I bought my wedding shoes! I've decided to go with cowboy boots and know that these ones will look fab with my vintage slip dress gown. They were 50% off at a local tack shop Crazy Horse Tack!! They just happened to carry the exact brand I was looking for, Ariat. They're not just amaaazing looking, they also are constructed like an athletic shoe making them comfy and durable. The toe of these boots are amazing. I'm soooo excited!




Derek will be wearing a vest (which we still need to find).




And Groomsmen will rock out the suspenders

Our photographer will be the one and only Ryan Birchall. She's extremely creative and also happens to be our friend! We also have friends catering the reception. My Dad's buddy works for a BBQ company who will be grilling up dinner. My friend Erin McKenna is starting up her own catering biz: Simply Wholesome Catering. She'll be doing the apps and desserts, as well as staffing. I was able to taste some of her food at my friend's bridal shower and I just have one word: YUM! My friend Janice will be officiating our wedding with a temp JP. She exudes positivity and has always supported our relationship. I am so happy to have people I know involved in my wedding. I've been trying to avoid anything that screams "wedding factory" at all costs, and so far I'm succeeding!

So much done and still a yr & 1/2 to go!!!

What I've Accomplished

1) Picked out church:






2) Found Nearby Reception Hall:

3) All bridesmaids have their dresses:


Shrugs being made:



4) Found a woman to design my dress:
(just what the train will look like!)



5) Picked a Date:

Sept 12, 2010. It's a Sunday, which I hope won't be a problem for anyone. We didn't want it on Sat for obvious reasons, and the weekend before is labor day.



Now I just have to sign those contracts!!! I feel like planning has recently come to a standstill...maybe because I charged ahead so fast!

Bridesmaids

I have SEVEN wonderful bridesmaid. 3 cousins, 2 future sister-in-laws, 1 high school friend, and 1 college friend. I know it's alot for an informal wedding, but there are even some more girls I wanted to be in it!!!

To me, the bridesmaid dresses are uber important because it really sets the stage for what the whole feel of the wedding will be. I found a pretty dress from Victoria secret that I love. I ordered 1 so I can check it out close up. I think it will look great on all of the girls, esp with daisy bouquets!! I hope I like it, then I can check 1 thing off the list!!!

Location, location, location!

This seems to be the toughest decision. I want my wedding to have a certain feel: light, airy, casual, fun. In order to get the right feel, I need the right place. And do I do it near Medway, my home town? The Cape, my fiance's home town? Or in between? Here are my possible choices so far:

Plimoth Plantation

Camp Kiwanee

Camp Wingate Kirkland, Yarmouth

Or just a tent somewhere. I left a msg with Capeairfield, a grass field with biplanes and such. Its so pretty and the sunsets are gorgeous. Considering Derek & I met on a plane, this would be awesome! Here's a painting of it:

My head is spinning from all the choices!!! I'm hoping find a place that allows outside catering (we know a caterer personally) and outside alcohol (Derek's rents own a liquor store). These are only a few of the many places I've considered.

I also feel like the date I choose will depend on the site.....Either early summer or late summer of 2010, I'm thinking....at the moment! lol