Hive, I've been feeling a little off lately, and I'm hoping you can help me. I was once the most enthusiastic of all brides to be. I spent most of my free time researching wedding related paraphernalia. I was the queen of wasting my time doing unsuccessful DIY projects.
Lately, though, I've lost that spark. I can't bring myself to make a decision about anything wedding related. I have a list of things to do a mile long but can't seem to get anything on it done. I have nightmares that I get to the wedding only to realize I never had a final meeting with the florist and she uses only calla lilies (the one flower I asked her not to use), or that I never finished writing our ceremony, or that I didn't make sure our officiant is actually licensed, etc. etc. etc. Even after one of those nightmares, when I wake up sweating and freaking out, I still can't bring myself to get stuff accomplished.
So hive, I'm asking for your help. Get me out of this funk!
Have you had the wedding blahs? If so, how did you cure them?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Fun With Fonts
I was browsing Dafont.com the other day when I realized just how many amazingly fun fonts there are! Unfortunately, I couldn't think of a use for most of them, but decided to download a bunch just for funsies. (PS there is most definitely a Harry Potter font that I now have downloaded- totally using it for invitations to a HP themed party!) Anyhoo, I got to screwing around and after a few minutes I had created this cute little story about me and Mr Elk.
Now my question for you, hive, is what the frick do I use this for, if I use it at all? Is it too cutesy? I was thinking I could put it in the out of town bags (which I will hopefully be discussing soon-just waiting for them to arrive in the mail) as part of a packet with info about the area/day after brunch. Any other ideas?
Have you created a project just because you had the resources? And is anyone else addicted to dafont.com?
PS- in case you are wondering, here is a list of the fonts I used in order of their appearance:
1)Dawning of A New Day
2)Universal College Draft
3)Cocktail Bubbly
4) Batman Beat The Hell Outta Me
5)KG Heart Doodle
6)Skyline
7)Doggart
8)Before The Rain
9)Janda Fabulous
Now my question for you, hive, is what the frick do I use this for, if I use it at all? Is it too cutesy? I was thinking I could put it in the out of town bags (which I will hopefully be discussing soon-just waiting for them to arrive in the mail) as part of a packet with info about the area/day after brunch. Any other ideas?
Have you created a project just because you had the resources? And is anyone else addicted to dafont.com?
PS- in case you are wondering, here is a list of the fonts I used in order of their appearance:
1)Dawning of A New Day
2)Universal College Draft
3)Cocktail Bubbly
4) Batman Beat The Hell Outta Me
5)KG Heart Doodle
6)Skyline
7)Doggart
8)Before The Rain
9)Janda Fabulous
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Costa Rica Dreaming
As the weather in Syracuse seems to have finally decided that it is in fact winter, I can't help but dream wildly about the amazing time that awaits us in a short 132 days on our warm honeymoon! Since I'm dreaming about it all day and night, I figured I should let you in on the details.
So last we talked about the honeymoon I explained that while we had always thought we'd go to Greece, we just didn't think it could reasonably happen. After many back and forth conversations that didn't lead anywhere, we FINALLY agreed on Costa Rica! The decision was helped by a number of Bees before me who have gone and only had amazing things to say.
Originally I was dead set on staying at Oxygen Jungle Villas- the place where Mrs Brooch and Mrs Lox both honeymooned. Their recaps looked out of this world, and the resort looks to die for!
This photo of TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This photo of TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
So why did we ultimately decide on TikiVillas instead of the originally planned OJV? Honestly, it came down to price. Me and (especially) Mr Elk- we're cheap. The price of OJV was 30 dollars more a night. Moreover, TikiVillas price includes a daily freshly prepared breakfast. Even though that only comes out to saving us about 250 dollars (when 5 dollars for breakfast per day is included), that 250 bucks could be used to go on 2-3 fun outings in Costa Rica!
Overall, I'm super excited and can't wait for our romantic, exotic, fun filled vacay!
Have you planned your honeymoon? How much did cost factor into your decisions?
So last we talked about the honeymoon I explained that while we had always thought we'd go to Greece, we just didn't think it could reasonably happen. After many back and forth conversations that didn't lead anywhere, we FINALLY agreed on Costa Rica! The decision was helped by a number of Bees before me who have gone and only had amazing things to say.
Originally I was dead set on staying at Oxygen Jungle Villas- the place where Mrs Brooch and Mrs Lox both honeymooned. Their recaps looked out of this world, and the resort looks to die for!
photo by Mrs Lox
While researching OJV, I came across another little resort in the same area of Costa Rica. TikiVillas Rainforest lodge is a small resort with just 5 Balinese style raised bungalows in the heart of the jungle overlooking the ocean. It has been open for just over a year and has gotten some great reviews on tripadvisor.
This photo of TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This photo of TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This photo of TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This photo of TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
So why did we ultimately decide on TikiVillas instead of the originally planned OJV? Honestly, it came down to price. Me and (especially) Mr Elk- we're cheap. The price of OJV was 30 dollars more a night. Moreover, TikiVillas price includes a daily freshly prepared breakfast. Even though that only comes out to saving us about 250 dollars (when 5 dollars for breakfast per day is included), that 250 bucks could be used to go on 2-3 fun outings in Costa Rica!
Overall, I'm super excited and can't wait for our romantic, exotic, fun filled vacay!
Have you planned your honeymoon? How much did cost factor into your decisions?
Monday, January 16, 2012
Musaq
Before we get into the juice of this post, I have to tell you that we've had a DJ booked for quite some time. We looked into having a live band, but just could not justify the (at least) $3000 extra that would be spent. I was quite honestly a little bummed, because every wedding I've been to with live music has definitely had that extra umph. Anyway, DJ booked.
So when I started talking to Mr. Elk about what music he wanted to walk down the aisle to, he agreed that Beatles songs and other classics would do the trick. I've never pictured myself walking to here comes the bride or Canon in D, and Mr Elk is big into music, especially from the 60's, so it was easy for us to be on the same page on this front. Mr Elk didn't seem thrilled, though, that we would be walking to radio versions of songs. Please note that this conversation happened at least 6 months ago. He seemed to think that this wouldn't be special enough for such a big day. Even the Vitamin String Quartet version of songs wouldn't do it for him. At that point I was a little peeved that he hadn't said something sooner, but fine, no biggie. If he wanted real strings to make the ceremony more special that was fine. But since I couldn't care less about this, it was totally and completely up to him! I gave him the contact for 2 reputable string ensembles in the area and told him it was his responsibility to make it happen. Fast forward till about 3 weeks ago, and he STILL hadn't contacted anyone. I was pretty convinced he had decided he didn't care either, as I had reminded him every month. But no, he finally got his act together and we now officially have a string duo for our ceremony.
So what are we planning on walking down the aisle to? Well Mr. Elk is still deciding what he wants playing while he is walking, but I'm pretty certain it will be something from The Beatles. As for my walk, I think I've made up my mind: God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
I like that it is upbeat but not too fast, sounds happy, and I happen to love the song. I also find it pretty obnoxious that Mr Elk and I are pretty serious about not including any religion in our wedding, but I am walking down the aisle to a song with god in the title.
As for the recessional, I had my heart set on Great Balls Of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis, which is our song.
Unfortunately, I don't think it will translate well into strings, so I'm going to save it for our entrance into the reception. Instead, I think we will use When I'm 64 by the Beatles.
I think it is fast, upbeat, and a fun song in general. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with our musical choices. I know that these songs represent us as a couple, and they are songs that we will truly enjoy walking down the aisle to.
How did you decide on your processional and recessional songs? What did you decide on- traditional/classic or popular?
So when I started talking to Mr. Elk about what music he wanted to walk down the aisle to, he agreed that Beatles songs and other classics would do the trick. I've never pictured myself walking to here comes the bride or Canon in D, and Mr Elk is big into music, especially from the 60's, so it was easy for us to be on the same page on this front. Mr Elk didn't seem thrilled, though, that we would be walking to radio versions of songs. Please note that this conversation happened at least 6 months ago. He seemed to think that this wouldn't be special enough for such a big day. Even the Vitamin String Quartet version of songs wouldn't do it for him. At that point I was a little peeved that he hadn't said something sooner, but fine, no biggie. If he wanted real strings to make the ceremony more special that was fine. But since I couldn't care less about this, it was totally and completely up to him! I gave him the contact for 2 reputable string ensembles in the area and told him it was his responsibility to make it happen. Fast forward till about 3 weeks ago, and he STILL hadn't contacted anyone. I was pretty convinced he had decided he didn't care either, as I had reminded him every month. But no, he finally got his act together and we now officially have a string duo for our ceremony.
So what are we planning on walking down the aisle to? Well Mr. Elk is still deciding what he wants playing while he is walking, but I'm pretty certain it will be something from The Beatles. As for my walk, I think I've made up my mind: God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
I like that it is upbeat but not too fast, sounds happy, and I happen to love the song. I also find it pretty obnoxious that Mr Elk and I are pretty serious about not including any religion in our wedding, but I am walking down the aisle to a song with god in the title.
As for the recessional, I had my heart set on Great Balls Of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis, which is our song.
How did you decide on your processional and recessional songs? What did you decide on- traditional/classic or popular?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Poochasaur Part Two
A while ago I told you how I wanted our dog involved in the wedding without actually being in attendance. Well, I think I found a way! A while ago while browsing (aka stalking) my favorite wedding websites, I saw something that made me look twice! This adorable picture:
via Style Me Pretty/Photo by Shutterbird PhotographyAn
And then I saw this post by Miss Unicycle about Vistaprint business cards and using them for photosharing cards. I had always planned on having photosharing cards at the wedding since I'm super impatient and want to see any photos ASAP, but wasn't planning on making them so delectable! So, I completely copied her (imitation is the best form of flattery), and here is what I came up with:
And here's a snapshot of my newly arrived business cards! For seven dollars (shipping included!) I can't really complain that they are a bit grainy and darker than the original photo.
Anyhoo, I still may display a larger photo of the pooch in his black tie garb at the reception, and I'm torn about the chocolate lollipops; while I think they are cute I'm not sure they are worth the time/effort I will be putting in to make them. Plus, I've never worked with chocolate before. And moreover I'm not the biggest proponent of favors- most of the time I can take em or leave em.
Anyway, what dya think hive; is this enough pooch for the wedding? And what are your thoughts on favors? A must do or a don't bother?
via Style Me Pretty/Photo by Shutterbird PhotographyAnWhat you can't see is the adorable caption that goes along with those stylish doggies in the photo, which says "What do you mean we can't come?" I saw this, and immediately thought I should do something similar. I therefore grabbed a bow tie and a camera and started snapping. I figured I too could display an adorable photo, add some sad words about not being allowed to go, and maybe have some paw print chocolate lollipops as a favor. Look how cute the pooch looks in a bow tie! (personal photos ahead)
And then I saw this post by Miss Unicycle about Vistaprint business cards and using them for photosharing cards. I had always planned on having photosharing cards at the wedding since I'm super impatient and want to see any photos ASAP, but wasn't planning on making them so delectable! So, I completely copied her (imitation is the best form of flattery), and here is what I came up with:
And here's a snapshot of my newly arrived business cards! For seven dollars (shipping included!) I can't really complain that they are a bit grainy and darker than the original photo.
Anyhoo, I still may display a larger photo of the pooch in his black tie garb at the reception, and I'm torn about the chocolate lollipops; while I think they are cute I'm not sure they are worth the time/effort I will be putting in to make them. Plus, I've never worked with chocolate before. And moreover I'm not the biggest proponent of favors- most of the time I can take em or leave em.
Anyway, what dya think hive; is this enough pooch for the wedding? And what are your thoughts on favors? A must do or a don't bother?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Beauitfying my Hands
Hive, I have to tell you that I have never for a minute cared about my nails. Sure, I've gotten some manicures in my life for special events! But on a daily basis, my nails are not treated with respect. If I'm being 100% honest, I'm a nail picker. I say this because I don't really bite my nails (although I will if they are breaking). Instead I pick at the cuticles (I know, gross). It's a bad habit that got started during stressful schooling.
So I don't know what has happened to me lately, but I have become completely and utterly obsessed with my nails! Like, I have literally acquired about 7 new nail polish colors in the past 2 months. And not only have I been playing with color, but I've been playing with techniques as well!
Thanks to my obsession with Pinterest, I have discovered crazy techniques to make your nails over the top ridiculous, like water marbling (as you can see modeled on my hands above).
Currently, my favorite color has become Mink Muffs by Essie (shout out to Miss Mink!). It's the perfect combination of darkness for the winter with a hint of taupy lightness.
via Simply Said
So I don't know what has happened to me lately, but I have become completely and utterly obsessed with my nails! Like, I have literally acquired about 7 new nail polish colors in the past 2 months. And not only have I been playing with color, but I've been playing with techniques as well!
Thanks to my obsession with Pinterest, I have discovered crazy techniques to make your nails over the top ridiculous, like water marbling (as you can see modeled on my hands above).
Currently, my favorite color has become Mink Muffs by Essie (shout out to Miss Mink!). It's the perfect combination of darkness for the winter with a hint of taupy lightness.
via Simply SaidAll of this unexpected nail obsessioness has created a positive outcome- longer, thicker, beautiful nails! You see, everytime I do my nails (which is becoming a biweekly event) I use Rejuvacote nail growth system as my bottom and top coat. I know many hive members are true to Nailtiques, but Mama Elk used Nailtiques for a decade and now swears by this.
Now that I have beautiful nails, I can't help but think- what the frick will I do with them for the wedding? I know most brides pick a pale pink color that is almost natural, and I'm definitely leaning towards the natural route. But every time I think I've decided, I get blindsided with a gorgeous picture of a bride with bright nails! I mean blue? how awesome are those?
via Flora Fauna
Essie Island Hopping:
Now that I have beautiful nails, I can't help but think- what the frick will I do with them for the wedding? I know most brides pick a pale pink color that is almost natural, and I'm definitely leaning towards the natural route. But every time I think I've decided, I get blindsided with a gorgeous picture of a bride with bright nails! I mean blue? how awesome are those?
photo by Project Duo Photography
And have a look at these stunners. Ummm can you say GORGEOUS? Honestly, I adore this!
So now, I am utterly confused! I don't really think a dark color would suit my more pastelly color scheme, but I can't help but be intrigued by a bright splash of color. As a reminder, this is my bouquet inspiration:
via Flora Fauna
And here are just 2 of the colors I've been considering
Essie Island Hopping:
via Everere
What do you think? Brighter is better or almost nude for the win? What will you be doing? Oh, and do you have any color suggestions?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Wedding Curmudgeon
Although I love weddings, there are some things about weddings that I'm not the biggest fan of, and therefore will not include at my own nuptials. I thought I'd share my thoughts about those traditions that will not be making an appearance at my own wedding:
1. Cake Toppers
While this is probably my favorite cake topper out there, I'm still not having one. It's not that I don't like cake toppers. I think most are adorable, especially with all of the options there are these days. It's more that I don't understand their purpose. Like why is there a little bride and groom on top of a cake? It doesn't make ANY sense to me! Therefore, I don't feel like wasting money/DIY time and energy to have one.
2. Sand Ceremony- While I like the idea behind this ceremony, I just can't get over the nagging feeling that I am a second grader making those sand bears at a birthday party.
3. Line dancing- I always feel like a line dance song comes on, people get excited and start doing it. But then, the song lasts WAY longer than necessary, and people feel like they have to keep doing the dance.....until they just don't want to do it anymore. They lose all enthusiasm! Therefore, there will be no songs played that dictate a very specific dance. (definitely no ChaCha Slide, which I just can't seem to like even though every one does).
4. Something Old, Something New- While I'm sure I'll have one of each of these items at the wedding, I'm not really going out of my way to make sure. I'm not quite sure why exactly I don't care about this tradition, but I'm just not.
5. Bouquet/Garter Belt Toss- This is quite possibly my least favorite tradition of weddings. I can honestly say that I've only been to one wedding (out of 6) where these were done, and it was super awkward- which may be why I don't want to do it myself. I have always just felt like its kind of strange that girls should be fighting over who will be getting married next. It seems to add to that sense of competition that already exists in the minds of women that they should be living the best life out of their friends.
As for the garter belt toss, I also find it super awkward when the groom is like all up in the bride's crotch. I'm just not that open in front of my family. And then, the worst case scenario is ALWAYS that some young kid catches the garter and has to put the garter on some 30 year old woman's leg. I'm getting nauseous just thinking about it!
1. Cake Toppers
While this is probably my favorite cake topper out there, I'm still not having one. It's not that I don't like cake toppers. I think most are adorable, especially with all of the options there are these days. It's more that I don't understand their purpose. Like why is there a little bride and groom on top of a cake? It doesn't make ANY sense to me! Therefore, I don't feel like wasting money/DIY time and energy to have one.
2. Sand Ceremony- While I like the idea behind this ceremony, I just can't get over the nagging feeling that I am a second grader making those sand bears at a birthday party.
3. Line dancing- I always feel like a line dance song comes on, people get excited and start doing it. But then, the song lasts WAY longer than necessary, and people feel like they have to keep doing the dance.....until they just don't want to do it anymore. They lose all enthusiasm! Therefore, there will be no songs played that dictate a very specific dance. (definitely no ChaCha Slide, which I just can't seem to like even though every one does).
4. Something Old, Something New- While I'm sure I'll have one of each of these items at the wedding, I'm not really going out of my way to make sure. I'm not quite sure why exactly I don't care about this tradition, but I'm just not.
5. Bouquet/Garter Belt Toss- This is quite possibly my least favorite tradition of weddings. I can honestly say that I've only been to one wedding (out of 6) where these were done, and it was super awkward- which may be why I don't want to do it myself. I have always just felt like its kind of strange that girls should be fighting over who will be getting married next. It seems to add to that sense of competition that already exists in the minds of women that they should be living the best life out of their friends.
As for the garter belt toss, I also find it super awkward when the groom is like all up in the bride's crotch. I'm just not that open in front of my family. And then, the worst case scenario is ALWAYS that some young kid catches the garter and has to put the garter on some 30 year old woman's leg. I'm getting nauseous just thinking about it!
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