Hi ladies, some of my pages are open and some are viewable by friends only. They have specifics for the wedding that I dont want any of my guest to know beforehand. I like friends, send me a request!

Hi everyone,  Im very excited to plan one of the best days of my life.  Im originally from Chicago, moved to the east coast a few years ago where Im now teaching and working on my PHD. I love spending time with my family and friends and traveling whenever I find the time.

Creating a biography on an internet site is definitely something that is not typical for me and out of my comfort zone. But I found project wedding about two years ago while helping my friend plan her wedding and Ive been addicted ever since.  Now that its my turn, Ive decided to come out of hiding, make some friends, and share some ideas with other future brides. 

Mr.Faith and I met almost five years ago. I was celebrating my birthday, when one of my coworkers invited me to a pool (the game of pool, not swimming) party in Harlem. When I walked into the hall, there was a gentleman standing in the doorway of the kitchen who caught my eye.As I got closer, my friend introduced me to the other people she had brought and to the gentleman in the doorway, Mr.Faith. He, along with his lodge, were hosting the pool tournament to raise money. He asked me if I wanted to play, and I nicely declined seeing that there were no other women there playing in the tournament. After some time, there were many men gathering at the back of the hall and coming in and out of the kitchen looking at myself, my friend, and the other two women that were there. Eventually, Mr.Faith came to sit next to me and asked, "Is it ok if I sit here or would you rather me let the vultures come next to you" which I quickly responded, "no you can sit here". We started talking and laughing, within that conversation, we talked about present and future plans and Mr.Faith revealed that his birthday was actually tomorrow. After more chit chat, we exchanged contact information. At midnight, I wished him his first happy birthday, he looked up and gave the biggest smile ever with a pleasant yes it is a happy birthday.  We have been together ever since.

Soooooo we are sort of officially but unofficially engaged.  I know crazy right.  But what that means is that Mr.Faith hasnt gave me an official proposal with the one knee and ring.  Over the course of our relationship weve casually discuss marriage, families, engagements, etc.  After four years, we had an extensive conversation about our desires for our future together and where our relationship was heading.  During that conversation, we decided that we wanted to get married and have a family relatively soon.

Fast forward a couple of months, we had more discussion about dates, venues, and budgets.  Eventually we set a date, September 1, 2013 and decided on a city, New York.  Now we are planning our wedding.

The ring and official knee proposal is on the way and I will update you as soon as it comes.

*Update November 6, 2012*

Im a little late on updating my profile, the official proposal happened in Septemeber.  It wasnt a surprise but wonderful all the same.

He asked "will you marry me"...I said "Yes!"... He asked " Are you sure"....I think for a millisecond "ABSOLUTELY!!"

Heres the ring, I wanted something different and I got it, its rose and white gold twisted band

with band     Ignore my crusty hand

I have looked at several venues, when I say several, I mean several.  There were numerous discussions about what city the wedding should take place in.  All of my family is in the midwest.  All of his family is on the east coast.  We originally thought that we should host the wedding somewhere in the middle.  We looked at venues in the midwest, east coast and in the middle of both of our families.  Eventually we came to decide, or more so, I came to decide that it would just be easier to host the wedding where we are currently living.  So New York it is.

The next step was deciding the style of wedding. I knew that I did not want a typical banquet hall, and I originally thought that I wanted a loft style wedding.  But with soooo many out of town guest, including the bridal party, I decided that it just might be too much work for me and I dont want my family to come here and have to deal with all of the set-up and other things.  So we set out to find something in the middle that could accommodate both ceremony and reception, and that wasnt too expensive.  So we found this:

Ceremony in the Gallery

Cocktail Hour on the Rooftop

I wanted the ceremony on the rooftop, but they do not have an elevator and my poor grandma cannot walk up all of those stairs.

Reception in the ballroom

We put our deposit down last week to book our date, YAAAAYYYY!!!!

Since we have the major things out of the way, date, budget, venue, we've said that we wouldnt do anything else until next year. But I cant help but at least think about the smaller details. One thing about me is that I can be very indecisive, especially when there are too many options and too many things that I like. Hence, choosing colors has been a little challenging. I still have a ways to go so I dont have to finalize any color choice right now, but just thinking about all of the color options that I like tells me that when I do have to finalize the colors, it may be a little difficult. I love black, but I was trying not to incorporate it because I think everyone would expect it.  I also love teal but Mr.Faith doesnt want that color for the wedding, hes not too keen on pink either but he has to compromise somewhere, lol. Here are three of the combination that I love:

black and gold

Eggplant and Fuschia (without the chocolate)

Blush Pink and Black

Which one goes with my venue?

*these images were found on google a while ago, if they are yours I will give you credit*

*UPDATE 5/15/12- I have officially decided on the colors, Ive changed my mind a thousand times, I know, but finally the colors will be champagne and black with ivory and deep red accents.  So I have to redraft most of my bio with my new ideas, but I will leave the others up for inspiration for others.

Our theme is "Our NYC Love Story".  Im very excited about our theme.  Elements in our wedding will be based on us and our story.  Here are some of my ideas so far:

Ceremony Readings: FI and I have written many poems to each other over the course of our relationship, we're going to have three-four of them read.

Table Names: Our favorite, memorable neighborhoods in NYC.

Escort Cards: Either a large NYC subway map with names, mini toy cabs or NYC metro cards (havent really decided)

Cake Topper: Eight Ball, I havent decided if it will be a toy or edible, but we met at a pool game so I thought this would be cute.

Favors: Popcorn Bar, We love watching movies and eating popcorn, three x-mas ago I bought FI a old fashioned popcorn machine. As an ode to my home town Chicago, we will have Garrett's popcorn.

Signage: Im thinking that all other signs will be on chalkboards, I am a teacher and FI works for the teachers union.

Still figuring out other elements.

I completed my first DIY last week. I decided to formally ask the ladies to be a part of the bridal party. I knew that I wanted to give them a card and after looking through other post with inspiration from Kalena (http://www.projectwedding.com/biography/list/kalenalena/will-you-be-my-bm) , I decided to present them with these boxes I changed up her idea a little I've only completed one and gave it to her this weekend. I have three more to do. I wrote personalized poems for each person.

The Cards will have each persons name like the first one, I did them in their favorite color.  Then the poem on the inside with a card that gives my expectations of them, my promise to them, and the current details.  The back of the card has a scripture from the bible.

The I Promise says:

I promise to not turn into a bridezilla.  I promise to keep things light, fun, and exciting. I promise to listen to your thoughts and ideas about the wedding.I promise to do my best to not ask too much of you.  I promise to remember that this day is about LaSheanma and Juan, not dying flowers or unlit candles, so keep me focused if I get too worked up. Thank you for being a part of all of this.

The Expectations card reads:

I expect for you to attend the rehearsal the ceremony, and the reception.  I expect for you to give your participation and support in what ever way you can for the bridal shower, but there is no obligation to be there. I totally understand the expense of flying back and forth for some of you. I expect your participation in my oh-so-fabulous bachelorette party. I will let you plan as much of that as you are interested in. I expect lots of laughs and reminiscing about old times. I expect you to be in many pictures dancing the night away.  I expect us to make new memories.

I got the boxes from michael.  Each box has the card on top then you open it and it has a small card with what is in the box.  I changed Kalenas idea a little.

the contents are

• Notepad – to jot down all of your ideas, which I promise to at least listen to
• Calendar- to keep track of important dates and events
• Marbles – an extra set; in case I lose my marbles along the way, you can lend me a few
• Play Doh– you can squeeze this instead of me when I call you again to bent about planning
• Tylenol – for that headache you’re bound to get the hundredth time I change my mind on our wedding theme and want to tell you all about it
• Patron – in case the Tylenol isn’t enough (<------ they got their drink of choice: one got patron, ciroc, absolut, cranberry juice-she doesnt drink)
• Picture of Us – a reminder of why you signed up for this in the first place. (it is a picture of me and that bm in a frame that says friends.

Bridesmaid Card and box Budget break down

Boxes: $2 each (michaels 40% sale)x 5= $10

Monogram Notepads: $1.50 each (michaels)x5= $7.50

2 year Calendar:$1 each (dollar store)x5= $5

Play Doh= $7 case of 12 (toys r us) = $7

Tylenol= $4

Drinks =varied prices from liquor store= $16

Frames= $4 each (marshalls) = $20

Paper: Free, paper from previous projects

Printing: Free, did it on my home printer

Grand Total $69.50  between 5 people= approximately $14 each

My MOH's reaction this weekend to the box and card= priceless; so worth it.

I thought that wasnt so bad, of course you can save on liquor and you can find cheaper frames at the dollar store. You also can buy cheaper playdoh individaully but i plan to give the rest to my little cousin.

What do you think?

For the moment, Ive decided on Fuschia and eggplant as the colors, with touches of teal.  Im going to really try to stick with these colors, but everytime I see tables or dresses in black my heart skips a beat so I have to find a way to incorporate black into the mix or change my colors altogether.   So here is what Im thinking for the tables.  Gold chargers, gold chivari chairs, eggplant table cloths, teal napkins, and fuschia flowers.   Here is some of my inspiration:

Maybe I can incorporate black with the centerpiece? (pics from JL designs)

  Bella Signature Designs

    from bkpinkbride

***UPDATE 5/15/12

Well you knew it was coming, I just couldnt get the black out of my system. I have finally caved into my love for the color and switched colors champagne, black with ivory and red accents.  Which means new inspiration for table decor.

Champagne table clothes, black chargers, black vases/boxes, red flowers

weddingbeepro.com                                      & nbsp;   http://genevieveleiper.com/site.html

trendsettingwedding.com

I LOVEEEEEE CAKE!!! I love cookies and doughnuts too! For the cake, Im thinking that I want either three or four tiers, white butter cream, with my eight ball cake topper.  I would like the cake to be in varying sizes on the layers, Im not sure of the design but I am sure of the shape....I want simple but different.  Here are some of my inspirations:

      Love   LOVE IT  

To incorporate our theme, im thinking either a cutout of the skyline on the bottom layer of the cake, or I might make it part of the cake stand, something similar to this but not on all of the tiers:

     Love- Love-

For the first year of our engagement I have focused my efforts on finding inspiration to help develop my vision for the wedding.  Below is a short list of sites I visit regularly for inspiration and wedding guidance.

Project Wedding

thebridescafe.com

weddingbee.com

apracticalwedding.com

stylemepretty.com

thebudgetsavvybride.com

Since May started, I feel like the ball has finally started to move for getting things checked from my to do list.  In order to organize myself and the thousands of things I have going on, I am making the ever so famous to do list.  I will cross out as I get things done.

General

Decide on a date- 9.1.13

Create Initial guest list  10.31.12

Choose wedding party-Done

Ask party to be in wedding- Feb 2012

Decide on Colors

Take Engagement Photos- July 2012

Purchase wedding bands

Finalize guest list

Finalize Menu

Mail invitation

Decide on honeymoon- Book honeymoon

Get marriage license

Purchase gifts for wedding party

Details

Decide on Wedding Gown- May 2012

Purchase wedding gown- June 2012

Final alterations and fitting for gown

Purchase bridal accessories- necklace,bracelet,earrings, shoes April 2013

Decide on bridal party attire- 08.25.12

Purchase Serving Knife/Toasting Flutes June 2012- Gift from friend

Get veil from friend 08.25.12

Purchase I Do letters for shoes

Purchase rose pedals for ceremony and cake table-May 2012

Register for honeyfund- April 2013

Put together invitations

Make appointments for hair and make-up

Have a hair and make-up trial

Purchase food, drinks, materials for weekend festivities

Vendors

Reserve ceremony/reception venue- October 2011

Book a photographer- provide photo inspiration- 1.24.13

Book a Videographer- March 2013

Book a DJ/Band- Provide must play list/finalize order of reception- 11.02.12

Book a Bakery- Order a cake- May 2013

Book an Officiant- Review/finalize order of ceremony

Book Day of Coordinator- Finalize all details for wedding

Decide on Florist or DIY Flowers

Book stationery designer for e-file invitation-April 2013

Book space for Welcome Party- finalize details of time/set-up-April 2013

Figure out area for beach party

Ceremony

Pay balance for ceremony

Purchase aisle runner- May 2013

Purchase wood for aisle stands- June 2012

Purchase fabric for aisle swag

Purchase fabric for arch

Candles for aisle

Order sign for ceremony entrance

Reception

Pay balance for reception

Purchase boxes for centerpiece (5) Dec 2012

Purchase vases for centerpiece (5) June 2012

Purchase chargers for table- June 2012

Order gold lace overlay for table (4)- June 2012

Order popcorn for favors, jars

Order table names online

DIY

Create wedding website- Finished August 1, 2012

Create and mail STD cards 10.31.12

Create a toss bouquet

Create garter

Create programs and menus

Create escort card board

Create brochure for OOT guest

Decorate card box

Paint/design Initial letters for door

Design monogram on aisle runner

Purchase wood fabric for cake stand/put it together

Welcome bags for OOT guest

Taffy Apple favors for Wedding

Background prop for photo booth

create water bottle labels

Order flowers for wedding party

Create corsages (6)

Create boutinneres (8)

Bouquets for bridal party (5)

Decide on and create guest book

Create bathroom baskets

Labels for popcorn bar

Hi ladies I have 10 black candelabras-With its 42 inch height,swoops down to a base that is 8 inches wide and up to a top that is 19 inches wide (5 arms) and 100 black beaded charger plates that I will rent to anyone in the NYC area. 

$20 per candelabra and $0.60 a charger which includes delivery and pickup.  PM me if you are interested.

A friend sent me this, not sure of the source, but is very funny!

Dear Tech Support ,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as:

· Romance 9.5 and

· Personal Attention 6.5,

and then installed undesirable programs such as :

· NBA 5.0,

· NFL 3.0 and

· Golf Clubs 4..1 ..

Also Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2. 6 simply crashes the system.

· Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,

Desperate.P>

DEAR DESPERATE,

First, keep in mind,

· Boy friend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while

· Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html and try to download Tears 6.2 and do not forget to install the=2 0Guilt 3.0 update.

· If that application works as designed , Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5 , Happy Hour 7.0 or Beer 6.1 ..

· Please note that Beer 6. 1 is a very bad program that will download the Farting and Snoring Loudly Beta.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0 -program These are unsupported applications and will crash Husband 1.0 .

<br>20In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend

· Cooking 3.0 and

· Hot Lingerie 7.7.

Good Luck!

Tech Support