Drowning In Numbers

The other night we went over Tom's side of the family's guest list. We got a grand total, including children, of 228 people. My side should be about another 40 or so, plus our mutual friends. I always knew our wedding would be around 250 people but it's actually just hitting me now. It's easier to say that's how many people we are having than to actually start planning for it. My biggest challenge is dinnerware.

I know that I am making it more complicated and hard on myself by being anti all things catering, including china, but eclectic plates is what I want. To me, that's completely shabby chic and beautiful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder though and I just know that people are either going to love or hate my vision.

Yesterday I went plate searching. I visited a Value Village, Goodwill, and Dollar Tree. All three were successful for me. However it is becoming abundantly clear that buying not only plates but also dessert plates, glass chalets, and silverware is more costly than I realized. At first I told everyone that it's about .99 cents to buy a plate verse .40 cents to rent a plate so after the fact we'd either keep these plates, donate and tax write them off, or just have a beautiful theme for our wedding it didn't seem like such a bad idea. Now, the price is really starting to add up. Most plates I'm finding are $1.99 which is doubling the already doubled cost! At this point though I do love my vision but it's becoming such a challenge and I'm literally drowning in the numbers - both financial costs and just how many more plates I still have to buy for 250 guests!

I will add pictures later tonight to show you guys my collection so far. :)

Would you nix the idea before I get half way done and lose out on more money, or push through the challenge to get to my ultimate vision? Should I just do catering all together and nix the homemade food idea, too? Ahh, somebody help!!!

Ring Things, Bling Bling Bling!

It's time I share our ring story! As I've previously mentioned, I am an admitted planner. So when we had first talked about seriously getting engaged I knew that I had to be a part of picking out a ring I was going to wear FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. It's kind of a big deal! Unlike some brides, I don't think I could ever "upgrade" my ring; it just loses the meaning, memory and beauty behind it. So for a while I had searched online to find rings I liked. My top favorite brand ended up being Natalie K because of the bling factor. Often I saw diamond rings on other girls where they just had a plain band and one stone yet it still costed them thousands. To me, those kind of rings don't look like thousands. Sure, when you just get engaged, carat size and cuts are somewhat interesting (never really to me) but ultimately I cared more about having a ring that looked like a million bucks even if it wasn't.

Tom picked out a promise ring for me for my 21st birthday that I absolutely adore. It's perfect and he couldn't have done a better job - little bling diamonds forming a heart on a twisted band...it's just gorgeous! So it took a long time but I finally convinced him that we should go at least look at rings together to get some idea of what would look good on my petite hands. My ring size is a 5 so we needed to figure out what stones and how many would actually look good without separating my fingers too much. However, no stores in Wisconsin carry Natalie K so we drove down to Illinois on a weekend.

When we arrived at a jewelry store and looked at Natalie K. I was, of course, in love! The rings just had so many little diamond accents that made them sparkle. Exactly what I wanted, or was it? We couldn't find anything that fit my finger or was exactly what I wanted... I soon fell in love with the pave' style band. "Pave’ (pronounced Pa Vay) comes from 'pavement' as in cobble stones laid down close together. Clusters of tiny diamonds can create great accents at very reasonable prices because very small diamonds are not expensive." (source)

Somehow that day we ended up getting talked into designing a ring. We discussed and decided that we wanted three circular stones in a pave setting, and I wanted some sort of a halo around one or all of the diamonds. I often was told to walk away for a bit so the jeweler could discuss with Tom the actual details of the ring. So he actually pretty much designed it himself once he got a feel for what I was looking for.

Heres how it ended up looking:

Side view. Since Tom knows hearts are my favorite shape, he got hearts on both sides under the middle stone.

Regular view. A beautiful center stone with a halo around it and two smaller stones on the side. Talk about bling! You can also see the pavet band.

Don't worry, I know it's not all about me! ;) We also picked out a Tungsten band for him that day and got a guaranteed sales price for it which we just haven't bought yet. You'll have to wait on pictures for that one as well as when we get a custom band for my ring.

*All personal photos. Do not steal!

Semi-DIY

I like my title. It's totally a rip off from Sandra Lee's Semi Homemade Cooking on the Food Network!


I started my first (semi) DIY project for the wedding. Last night at Target I found these two serving trays on clearance for $5.00 each! Any other ones I had been looking at were at least around $12 - 15.00. So I decided that since I already have white paint and primer at home that I can easily cover up the inside of these since they didn't go with my Shabby chic theme. I also say semi DIY because Tom was over and kind enough to help me. Apparently I was putting the primer on too thick! Oops... gotta love a handyman around. ;) Right now I'm thinking I'll put one of our desserts in them. Perhaps caramel apples with twigs?

(source)

The tray's are not done yet as I've only primed them, but here's what they look like so far "AFTER." I think they are turning out great. So simple to change and such a drastic result! Now only if the other 25+ DIY projects on my list are that easy...

What do you think of how they look so far? :) Have you found any steal of a deals that you only had to touch up a bit to make fit with your wedding theme?

*Personal photos unless stated otherwise. Do not steal!

Age Isn't Just A Number

(This post may be more on the rant side, so I apologize in advance. Although I feel a lot of you younger brides will be able to relate.)

Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. A few people in my fiance's family tend to be forgetting the golden rule: "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all." Because of this, it has lead me to be anti-wedding planning for a few days. (Along with dealing with an overwhelming guest list...)

Anybody who knows me knows that I am the ultimate planner. I started researching and planning our wedding before we were even engaged. If it's clear that you will have a short engagement, I think it's a great idea to start figuring out all of the small details ahead of time so that it is as stress free and fun as possible. Seriously, I've thought of near everything needed for our outdoor reception...even bug spray!

Constructive criticism does not bother me. However, criticism and plain ol' judgment does. One comment I recently heard through the grapevine was, "Tom and Brittany are getting married? Oh come on, what are they-- 12 years old?"

As you can imagine, I was floored. A little angry, a little hurt, but mostly disgusted that someone would say this. Almost all of Tom's relatives have gotten married young (18-19 years old.) The cousin in particular who made this comment about us got married herself when she was 20 years old. For the record, Tom will be 20 when we are married and I will be 22 a MONTH after. We are young, yes, but not anything out of the ordinary especially for all of his family. Most everyone is happy for us, but the few who aren't have just overpowered in my head lately.

Age isn't just a number, though. That is a lesson I've learned now. People will still judge based on it and that is something I am going to have to accept. At the end of the day we know this is the right thing for us and over the years I'm sure there won't be anymore comments, but having people rain on my parade really stinks. It's people like his cousin that I'm not looking forward to having to invite to our wedding. Obviously she thinks we're too young (and apparently, age factors with immaturity...always?) and it'll just be a fake congratulations.

I am such a shy, intimate person that having a big wedding is fun, but scary for me. It bothers me I have to invite people that I've never met and Tom has only spoken to once or twice. It's our day and people shouldn't be there unless they are truly there for us. Just another thing I'm going to have to get used to.

When I marry into his family, it might be a shock but I'm willing to stand up for myself unlike a lot of the other sister-in-law's, etc. "This is just how it is in a big family" doesn't work for me. Hopefully, people will not be talking behind my back about my choices anymore and they will learn to come to me about my choices if they have an opinion on it. Otherwise, they need to follow the golden rule!

Did you experience any criticism based on you (or your fiance)'s age? How did you deal with it?

Imma Be, Imma Be, Imma Be...

looking all fly and (stuff),
I'm a be the flyest chick - SO FLY!
I'm a be spreadin' my wings,
I'm a be doin' my thing...

...End of Fergie lyric nonsense. ;)

But seriously, I'm a B(rittany)! and I'm a be a BRIDE! But what about our bridesmaids and groomsmen? Are they gonna 'be'? Well, we decided early on that we wanted to do something more official to ask them. We ordered special custom invitations of "Will you be my..." for the girls and for the guys that we are planning on hand delivering. (Can't wait to see their expressions!) This way they'll have the actual invite and know it's a serious, set in stone, kind of thing. Mainly though because it will put my mind to ease about the officialness of it as well.

They finally arrived! We ordered the MOH/Bridesmaids cards from SDezigns and the Best Man/Groomsmen cards from DetailsBeyondDesign. (Both sellers are from Etsy...seriously, who doesn't that site?!)

Here's what they look like:

Above is the Best Man invitation. The groomsmen invites are pretty much the same. Sorry about the flash glare making it look so awful! We asked for blue cardstock instead of white because our colors are blue for the guys and pink for the girls. On the inside it has a saying we thought of ourselves:

"It would mean so much if you were by my side as a witness to me taking my bride. Will you be my (Best Man/Groomsman)?"

And here are the Bridesmaids invitations...

They are pink sparkly dresses. I added the glitter with a gluestick so of course it shows up awful in this photo, but in person it looks much better and was the sparkly touch I wanted. These open up to an inside which says "Nothing would give me more joy and pride than to have you at my special day by my side... Will you be my (MOH/Bridesmaid)?"

Although these were completely unnecessary, we thought they were perfect for us and our fellow bridal party members. We also have the invitations above for our ring bearer and flower girl, too.

Have you considered giving out formal invitations to your bridal party members? How did it go?

It's a Date!

Sorry sweeties! I haven't been able to update for a few days. Since Tom and I live an hour apart, I usually get to spend most weekends at his house with his family. This weekend was especially crazy because I had a job interview test on two hours of sleep, toured potential reception venues, and we went house hunting. The fun planning of our wedding and after life (house hunting) has began all because we got the date we wanted from our priest! :) *twirling in bliss*


October 2nd, 2010 - ten two ten - 10/2/10...Ahh, what a beautiful date!

Since we've got an official date, we were able to get the chance to look at some potential wedding reception venues this weekend. One was a barn that was beautiful on the inside (very rustic) but unfortunately the set-up was the weirdest thing ever. The bar was in a completely different room, we could not have fit all of our guests on the main floor for dinner, and the dancing was upstairs. Awkward. Another place we visited was on Lake Nagawacka. It just wasn't for us with all of the children that will be attending the wedding, and it was SO WINDY. Yuck!

My favorite potential spot was county fair grounds up by where Tom's from. They had a cute "small animal barn" that would be large enough of a shelter and place if it were to rain the day of our wedding. Outdoor next to it was a huge, beautiful pond and bridge as well as a huge open space of land for putting up a tent. For $300, we'd have both spaces so we could decide a week or so before the wedding once we know what the weather would be like.

However, our hearts are set on taking a risk. We've always been the couple dating that goes out and does fun, new things every few weeks. (Rock climbing, the beach, amusement parks, etc.) So if I were to place a bet, I'd say it's an 90% chance we will be having it at a park. It's just beautiful and more intimate than the county fair grounds. Unlike the fair grounds, we wouldn't have to track all over for pictures. There's also a huge playground for children and a huge fire pit to warm up by. At the beginning of the trail leading up to the park there is even a sign that says "Where Memories Begin..." Seriously, how cute is that?!! I'm such a sucker for any photogenic spot!

We've got the park on hold until tomorrow, and some other big decisions to make regarding house hunting. It's getting more and more exciting every day!

Did you get a special feeling right away at the place you ultimately choose your reception, or did you take a safe route and choose something 2nd best but ended up loving (or hating) it?

We're Going To The Chapel And We Are...

going to get an OFFICIAL date to plan our wedding around! I am thrilled! Well, I'll be thrilled unless our priest crushes my fantasy of having a 10-20-10 date for the wedding.

Tom and I are both Catholics. After we first started dating, I began going to church with him by my own request and interest. It resulted in taking classes for my conversion and over this past Easter I was lucky enough to be baptized and confirmed. There is still a lot to learn and many ways for me to grow in my faith, but I couldn't be happier and more excited to embrace this life style. I know that everyone has their own beliefs so I will try to stay away from preaching in this blog. Although, we do have certain beliefs I will bring up because they are related to the wedding planning process. For example, we do not eat meat on Friday's so that is something that we have to take into consideration for a wedding reception. (Although I'm not opposed to pasta! It's gotta be cheaper!)

Since we're engaged, Tom let our priest who has helped in my conversion know and now tonight we will be going for a meeting with a new purpose -- marriage lessons. This is something else I'm very excited for. Any tools that can help us understand each other better and improve our relationship is something to be grateful for. I've been told by my future SIL, who is also a convert, that the lessons are very engaging and fun. So tonight we will see. Potential dates we can be married and begnning of our marriage lessons -- what a huge step in our lives that I didn't foresee a year ago. I cannot wait and will let everyone know how it goes. It's definitely the most important thing to figure out.

Did you take marriage lessons through your church? Were they required or recreational? What did and didn't you like?

Mr. and Mrs. Indecisive

It's only been three days since we've been engaged, and I'm already feeling some stress from planning. Our church ceremony will be in a Catholic church, but the biggest hurdle for us will be picking a place to have our reception at. I feel that after we lock down a place that means we have an official date and can get to all of the fun planning - decor, invites, music, food, etc.

My vision (I guess I should say our, but I'm sure you ladies know that most men are pretty relaxed about decor, etc.) includes a flower petal pathway, Shepard's hooks and pails full of flowers, eclectic plates I plan to collect at second hand stores, mason jars, lots of string lights, DIY tissue paper pom poms, DIY rustic wood signs, etc. As we had talked about this stuff prior to getting engaged, it seemed pretty clear that we would use someone's backyard and just rent a tent, chairs, tables, and a dance floor as we wanted an outdoor Shabby chic wedding. It was not only a pretty idea and open-ended for decor, but it was a cheaper alternative than an expensive venue.

The idea of an outdoor reception is still our main focus but we are now considering barns as well or a indoor venue that looks outdoor. This is because we do need to take weather into consideration. The problem with barns is that all of the wedding-designated ones are hours up north and we're not sure how to approach locally owned farms to see if they could use extra cash and would consider renting one out -- although this is something I am interested in pursuing as I've read it as a suggestion on another website. The other problem is that we could find an outdoor venue through places but it may run us a lot more cost wise. I say this because at venues, they typically require a specific catering cost which is per plate/head plus a facility fee. Although, paying for plate/head could make up for what we may pay for a tent/tables/chairs/dance floor at a park if the venue includes all dinnerware and tableware.

One of my biggest pet peeves is catering. This is one of the reasons we are being extremely indecisive right now when it comes to venue options. For a large number of wedding guest attendees, a buffet-style would be our choice. Frankly, the food I've tasted at wedding style buffets hasn't held to my personal high standards and expensive taste buds for the sole fact that if we are paying the ridiculous amount that catering charges I would like for it to taste like that. Slabs of ham, a bucket full of mashed potatoes, and some warmed up corn doesn't cut it for me personally. Also, I feel that catering doesn't allow enough creative freedom. There are things I want -- such as caramel apples with twigs for the sticks (to fit with the rustic, Shabby chic theme.) I just feel it would be much more delicious, just as pretty if not prettier, and mean more if we were able to get our family and friends to help us prepare our own menu.

What do you think? Do it outside so that I can have homemade food or consider a venue which requires a caterer?

Big wedding for a small town girl

Having a large wedding was never really a dream of mine growing up because I'm an only child. I had been to two or three weddings in my entire childhood. However, becoming a part of a big family WAS a dream of mine. Entertaining guests and the comfort of a large family has always appealed to me, and lucky for me, Tom has a HUGE family! Tom is one of thirteen kids in his family and he's the youngest (only unmarried) guy. His aunts and uncles are all the same and have large families so the number of his cousins is just ridiculous - in a good way. Having so many families members can be such a wonderful thing because your family (should, anyway) always be there for you. I am going to be lucky enough to marry into such a large family with wonderful people.



At first (and sometimes still) it can be overwhelming though. With such a large family, there is always events to attend. They've got birthdays every month of the year, weddings, etc. So of course in their family everyone is invited to each other's weddings.

My mother is also a child in a large family. She is one of twelve. However, most of her siblings (my aunts and uncles) only have a few kids. Still, my side of the family will bring a good number to the table as well.

More guests to think about are family friends, and Tom and I's personal friends.

This means a big wedding for a small town girl like me. We're thinking around 250 people. It also means additional struggles - finding a venue large enough, costs, and making sure nobody is left out. There will be times where my head is spinning and I'm drowning in stress, but I have vowed to myself never to forget the purpose of this all which is to be married and start my life with the one I truly love.

Have any of you had struggles adjusting to a bigger or smaller family? How has this affected your wedding planning process?

He Proposed!

Tom and I had talked about getting married in depth before he proposed. This is the best way for any relationship so that you don't go into it blindsided or not knowing what each other's needs, desires, and dreams are. So although I knew one day it would probably happen, I wasn't sure of when or how!

On Saturday, April 10th, 2010, Tom proposed to me. It is a memory very sweet and genuine to me with all of our personal quirks involved. The one life lesson I learned from this is to stay true to your roots and try not to be such a perfectionist. IE: Don't make silly requirements like "I must be dressed up the day you proposed," and "It cannot be in front of people!" -- which I totally did...

I feel it is a very special memory for us that doesn't need to be explained in depth to every one, but here is the general gist of how it happened. We were planning to go to a church dinner so I was dressed up. Since Tom and I live an hour from each other and our church is in the middle, we made plans to meet there a few hours early to kill time. This is not unusual for us because as I have taken my conversion classes to become a Catholic, we have met early before just to spend time together. Well, I left my house and let Tom know I was on my way. Little did I know he was already in my town hidden around the corner from my house. We actually drove right past each other. He, of course, was freaking out that I might have saw him and he didn't know what he would do in that case. I, of course, am a typical blonde who was off in my own world and didn't even notice him! :) He went to my house, asked my mother if he could have my hand in marriage, and proceeded to set everything up. Then he called me and said he thought he could beat me to my house. I turned around, came inside the house, and was obviously surprised when he proposed!

The most special part to me was the fact he had a family friend photographer there to document the very first moments of us being engaged, including the first time he put the ring on my finger (as shown in the picture above.) There were even pictures of him setting up before he proposed. To me, these photos help ignite the butterflies inside of me. I can appreciate just how genuine, sweet, and thoughtful Tom was on this day. His vulnerability as he was on one knee with an open heart gives me such a special feeling that I now know it would not have of mattered how or where he proposed because in the long run it's just about us being together as one.

Since photography is precious to me, he arranged for us to go for a mini photo shoot in the city. Then, we hit up a delicious wine and steak house. Soon after that we headed directly to my cousin's house to ask her to be my Maid of Honor (I couldn't contain my excitement! Can you blame me?) and then celebrated the evening with champagne and some of Tom's fraternity friends.

Now we are happily engaged and eager to get the wedding planning process started.

Did your engagement proposal live up to your expectations? Did you know it was coming and previously discuss just how serious marriage is?

A little about ME

When I was 13 years old, I convinced my best friend I didn't believe in love. There was a pre-conceived notion I had that I would never find my prince charming because, of course, that's what fairy tales are for. So I wrote off love and went on with growing up. Obviously from growing up, there were many life lessons learned along the way. Relationships came and went, with sparks that gave me temporary satisfaction of dating, but never could I have imagined where my life would lead me...

My college career (and more specifically, my decision to join a sorority) was the best thing that could have happened. It has been a path to success before I've even graduated and that's all because I met the love of my life, Tom.

Anxious and determined to go to a fraternity's highly rated formal last year, I got word around that I would be interested in going if anyone needed a date. Long story short, I pretty much persuaded Tom to ask me. (I was determined I tell you!) We had met once before briefly which worked out for the best. The night was so care free and fun. We looked good together in pictures. We started hanging out more. We simply just hit it off. He eventually asked me to become his girl friend, and luckily we've been dating ever since without any rocky relationship paths.