GlamBrideV's biography
Greetings from Boston!
My name is Valerie and my fiance Jon and I are tying the knot on October 1st of 2011. I am originally from Iowa and am a proud Hawkeye. We are keeping our wedding in Boston because that is where we met and where we live now. I would love any tips or advice anyone has on having a Glam Boston wedding without spending a fortune. Some of my pages are Friends Only, so if you want to see everything, please add me! Happy Planning everyone!
On Saturday, October 1st 2011 I married my best friend. It was the most perfect day I could possibly have imagined. All of our hard work paid off x100! It was just so overwhelming to have everyone we love all together supporting us. Now we get to begin the next adventure: married life!
Rather than explaining the day, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy them and feel free to message me with any questions. Please give credit if you take any photos for inspiration!! All photos are credit to Black Thumb Studios, Boston MA.
How We Met:
I am originally from Iowa had moved to Boston in March of 2007 for a fantastic job opportunity after college. It was about a year after I moved here and I was still enjoying being single...but my work friend Angela kept insisting she knew "the most perfect guy for me". Unbeknownst to me, she was also telling Jon the same thing about me! Neither of us really acted on it because we weren't really looking to be set up. But finally, after almost six months, we facebooked each other and both liked what we saw! We arranged for a time to meet for happy hour drinks, nothing formal. We met on Boylston Street, in the Back Bay area of Boston at a bar called Whiskey's. The moment I walked out of the cab and saw him standing there, I knew he was something special. We had a fantastic time that night getting to know each other and we've been inseperable ever since!
The Proposal
It was March of 2010 and we had been living together a year and dating for two. Jon tricked me and told me that a friend of his and his girlfriend wanted to have dinner with us. I thought that sounded great so Jon put me in charge of making reservations ("Keep it in Back Bay, close to our place"). I fell for it and that day I got ready for dinner, drinks, and a double date. I should also mention that Massachusetts had an incredibly rainy March and this happened to be a random 75 degree and sunny day! So...I was all dressed up and waiting to leave when he suggested that we go up on our roof deck to "check out that meteor shower thats going on!" I said sure and up we went. It was 6:30 and the sun was starting to set...I kept looking around and saw no meteors! Finally he pointed and said "Oh my god, there it is!" I looked, found nothing, and when I turned back, he was on one knee...The best part is that when we collected ourselves and went back down to our apartment, my parents were there! He had them fly in from Iowa to be part of our engagement. So special
So I have been obsessing over venues and dates the past three weeks. There is so much to think about!! Who offers what package, what are the perks, and does it have a "wow" factor. Not to mention trying to negotiate (I've had successes and failures). Should we go with the Saturday or the Sunday of Labor Day weekend? Whats more convenient for people? SO MANY QUESTIONS! So I decided to return to thinking about choices that I feel more comfortable thinking about...fashion!
And of course, my (current) favorite dress! Its a Jim Hjelm and I am dying to try it on!
UPDATE: 7/28/10: Currently totally obsessed with this Lazaro:
We'll see how many times I change my mind about the dress!
I have my first official wedding item! My wonderful future in-laws got us the "Happy Celebrations" toasting flute set from Waterford. I am so excited to use them at our wedding!
Ceremony
Jon and I will be tying the knot at St. Cecilia church in Boston's Back Bay area. The church is only a few blocks from where we live and we have been going there for about a year. The Priest, Father John, so soo nice and always has such a wonderful message, the choir there is amazing too! I know they are going to do a great job! And, of course, the church is *gorgeous*. Here are a couple pics:
We'll be taking formal photos in the Boston Public Garden:
The Reception
After seeing nearly every venue in Boston, Jon and I have finally decided on our perfect place: The Omni Parker House Hotel! What I love about it:
1--Its in the best area right in the middle of the city overlooking the Boston Common
2--It boasts the only rooftop ballroom in the city. It occupies the entire top floor of the hotel!
3--The food is spectacular!!
4--Their wedding package includes everything, even an amazing cake from a great local bakery. We even get a 5 night stay at their Cancun property included in our package!
5--The hotel is SOO historic and classic Boston (see below for more history)
6--Gorgeous chandeliers, an outdoor terrace for cocktail hour, a neutral pallette, what else could I ask for!
A bit of history on The Omni Parker House;
Historic Luxury in a Downtown Boston Hotel
As you pass through the sculpted bronze doors of this luxury Boston hotel, you will be enveloped by the timeless beauty that has made the Omni Parker House a landmark since 1855. Experience the perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm at America’s oldest continuously-operating hotel.
In Boston, the historic Omni Parker House is the perfect location for your dream wedding. As you pass through the doors of this luxurious hotel, you are instantly embraced by the historic charm and timeless beauty. Our beautiful settings and impeccable service will make it clear why the Omni Parker House has been one of the most sought-after Boston wedding locations since 1855.
Our enchanting ambiance will make your guests feel as though they are part of a bygone era. Our Rooftop ballroom, the only one in the city, occupies the entire 15th floor and can accommodate up to 250 guests.
To read/see more: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/weddings/20/main.html
Now that the date and venue are set, I've made my final decision on a color scheme and overall feel for the wedding. I would call the theme "Elegant Fall Romance". I want it to a be a more modern, sexy version of a fall themed wedding. The main colors will be chocolate, dark red, and gold. I also want candles to play a major role in the decor, along with uplighting.
Here are some of my favorite photos for inspiration:
My Favorite Inspiration Pic:
Here are some of my favorites from our engagement session. The first photos were taken in our neighborhood (Back Bay, Boston) and the second group was taken in the Boston Public Garden.
I am going to do a half up half down style with big curls. I also definitely want to have some volume at the top. I have been trying to take really good care of my hair lately so I can get it really long by next year!!
My parents threw us an informal engagement party on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Jon and I were in my hometown in Iowa for the week. It was so fun! It was just family and close friends and we really had a wonderful time.
