We have a thirst for life. We like to travel, collect antique cars and much more!

R has a 1938 Chevy, we dressed the part and had fun taking these pics.

We took our professional pictures last weekend. We were trying to go for a Mexican theme. They were shot at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood. Here are a few samples. Of the 150 that were shot, I liked 25 the best. Now we have to choose the one that will be displayed at the reception. We are also using it as a signature board:

What do you think?

This is going to sound silly but back in August when I had no clue about a future engagement, I purchased a car and received the license plate.  The plate read 6FBW012.  I saw it as a sign.  FB will be my married initials.  It was nice to see these letters together.  As we began to set a date for our wedding, we thought of 6/26/10.  I told FI that I thought something would get in the way and cause the date to be moved up to 6/12/10 because I felt the license plate was a sign...As you know, having a Catholic wedding is not possible because we had a pretty traumatic experience with the priest when we met.  That delayed setting the date.  When I called Rio Hondo, I asked for 6/26/10 and they said it was booked and that they only had 6/12/10...I asked R if we should go with the sign and he said YES! So the message of the license plate is F(first name) B (married last name) W(wedding) 6/12/10.  It may sound silly but that's the date the venue has available and we're going with it :-)

We ordered our Save the Date's today. It was hard to decide on a picture. We chose a close up.  We purchased them on www.weddingpaperdivas.com. 

 I've been thinking about the dress and have noticed that although they are all pretty, none really stands out.  They are all beautiful but they don't call my attention. I've begun designing one and perhaps I'll ask my mother to make it.  She made my first communion dress, and quinceanera dress and all the prom dresses my sister and I wore so if she's still up to it. Maybe she might agree. 

I love the Grace Kelly look!

I have to make appointments to the following: Mon Amie and Alfred Angelo.  Thanks to ashvalley for finding the grace kelly-like dress at jays bridal.  It's the Justin Alexander Style 9552. thanks!

This is it, after much research, I finally found my dress! My BM and I went to Mon Amie and ordered this beautiful dress. It didn't look that great on the hanger but when I put it on...wow! Now I understand what they mean by "knowing when it's the right one".

ALTERATIONS: Coco is charging 100 250 for hem and 150 for alterations and bustle. What a deal!

martinez valero-149 nordstroms

martinez valero april pump at nordstroms

I would like these martinez valero daltons. They are 148 on Zappo's

 Touch Ups by Katrina on Zappos

Stuart Weitzman-325.00 I love these shoes but they are too expensive and the heel is too high for me :-(

Christin Michaels Janielle on sale for 107

I looked everywhere for shoes. I saw so many beautiful shoes but I couldn't walk in any of them, so I bought these.  JC Penny 29.99. I added a rose clip on to make them more interesting.

I plan to wear a head band with an updo. The veil will fall under the updo.

My BM is lending me her veil. I'm torn. Which headpiece?

Not sure if I should wear hair up or down. Depends on the dress which I'm still trying to find.

I took these pics from the general photo library of PW. Not sure who they belong to. If they belong to you, let me know so I can cite.

The dress has a lot of detail. I plan to wear a bracelet and earings. No necklace. The veil will be very simple and long to show the details on the dress. Not sure if I want long or small earings.

Headband-$60

Earings-$15

Bracelet-$24

I don't like the way my eyes came out. Too much purple, I'm looking for something more natural in the eyes. Had a cascading hair style initially and then liked the one that goes to the side.

We really love this place, we would like to have it locally because we love our community!

 5/14/09-I called Rio Hondo and our appointment to sign the contract and provide the deposit is May 16. I'm so excited! We're having the ceremony and reception there

5/16/09-Today we booked our venue. It's official. We are getting married 6/12/2010 at the Rio Hondo Event Center! (the one pictured above) Hooray!  We got a good deal with a downpayment of $2,750.00.  We are planning on 150 guests. Here are some pictures of the wedding taking place at the time.

Guapo just enjoying himself while our contract is completed. muaaa you are gorgeous!

We switched gears and officiants. Rev. Charlie Sinatra will officiate our wedding and I'm feeling more informed and confident about the ceremony.  The following is the ceremony:

• Procession
• Welcome
• Candle Lighting-Both Mothers light candels at the beginning of the ceremony
• Opening Prayer
• Scripture Reading-One in Spanish (by RP-My Uncle)  and One in English Readings (RB-FI's Brother) TBD
• Exchange Wedding Vow-Rev. Sinatra will ask us to proclaim publicly our willingness to enter this relationsihp of marriage
• Marriage Vows
• Blessing and Exchange of Wedding Rings
• Pronouncement of Husband and Wife
• We light Unity Candle that was lit at the beginning of the ceremony
• Thanks and Appreciation to Parents-We will give the a long stemmed rose
• Presentation of Arras-L C and B C
  
• Lazo-A C and J C
  
• Lord's Prayer and Final Blessing
• Kiss
• Presentation of Mr. and Mrs. :-)

I feel very good about this ceremony. Rev. Sinatra has many years of experience and he was able to clearly walk us through the ceremonies he has done and adapted it to us.

Here is the program idea. I got quotes and they are very expensive so we will make them ourselves.

Design Idea (Let me know if these pics belong to you):

Purchased this cake topper from lynnslittlecreations on etsy.  She modified my figure and added my head pice and more bangs. Waht do you think?

with bangs and headpiece

When we ordered the cake, we asked for sage ribbon and green flowers. Instead the baker made an ivory cake with vomit colored green and brown flowers and a gross brown ribbon. The coordinators tried to solve the problem by inserting orchids in the cake.  Also, the cake topper was beautiful but the skin color for the bride and groom was too dark.

This is the invitation sample. I asked that they change the B on the background of the monogram to a sage color. I'm very pleased with the result and I've approved the print job.  There is a reception, RSVP and directions card.

Here they are...all ready to be mailed:

Inspiration

Went to Flower Mart in Downtown.  These are the flowers we'll use for the centerpieces.

The 1st centerpiece.

Hare are all the centerpieces

aisle runner

ceremony flowers

bouquet

sweetheart table

sweetheart table-back view

table design

memorial table

cake table

orchid in every napkin

ceremony altar flowers

close up of altar flowers

BM's flowersmanzanilla tree by guest sign-in. It needed bling up top

From Marii143's page. Beautiful ring.  The one to the right is a lot like mine but I can't remember where I copied it from. If it's yours let me know.

These are our rings. We purchased them 3/28/10. We love them!

Just Married Signs brought to you by Ebay

A cultural element we would like to add to the wedding is a folklorico performance. Grandeza Mexicana has performed for my school and I booked them for the reception.  They will dance songs from Veracruz and Jalisco.  I'm very excited. I wasn't quite sure how to incorporate the cultural piece to the wedding but we think it'll be nice.  Now we have to find a good Mariachi :-)

Not sure how it all works in a Catholic Wedding but I've asked my friend to be a bride's maide and for my twin sister to be my Maid of Honor but apparantly there is no Maid of Honor in a Catholic wedding (Mexican). So many traditions, not sure which is Catholic, which is Mexican or which is American. These are the roles so far:

• Ushers-RP (cousin) and JP (cousin)
• Lazo-(decorative chord wrapped around us during the ceremony) A and J
• Arras-(coins to symbolize prosperity) B and L
• Anillos-(Rings) R's mom and dad
• Maitron of Honor-Sister
• Bidesmaid-MF
• Flower Girl-NV
• Readings-RB-FI's brother and RP (My uncle)

 I would like to make invitations for this.  I'll use monogram and DIY them.

This is the final product, they will be mailed tomorrow.

I am combining Mexican and American traditions to our wedding. My aunts have had a significant role in raising my twin and I.  They will be our madrinas.  Here are the dress inspirations:

                                                                     by Nale Castner

My Matron of Honor is my twin sister.  We graduated from UCLA in 1994.  She hates taking pictures so this is a very old one.  She's been wonderful with helping me with planning. She wants to be involved with everything.  She's a wonderful sister and a blessing from God :-)

Here were her selections.  Very out of the ordinary.  I just couldn't see her in your typical wedding MOH dress.

We went to Windsor's.

This is the one we chose:

My wonderful BM is MF.  She is a wonderful friend and we are having a lot of fun planning this wedding. We went to a Bridal Show today and next month we'll go to a Bridal Makeover day! Hooray!

Important Facts:

• Favorite Color: Green
• Hobby: Watching Classic Films
• When did you meet the bride? At the Career Ladder in 2001
• Favorite Food: Mexican
• Favorite Place to Visit: Disneyland and any Farmer's Market
• Favorite Movie: You Can't Take it With You-1938
• Advice for the Bride: "I'll get back to you on that one"

This is her dress!!!

We went with the champaigne instead.

Another option for bridesmaid dresses:

This is us in our matching BM-Bride shirts.

Her dress. She looks lovely!

She'll be wearing this. I think she'll look like a little angel!

Here are pics of our parents.  We love them :-)

Here are a couple of dresses mom tried on. They both look great but we went with the short sleaved one.  Not our color scheme but mom looks great in this color.

Mom's Hair Trial

l

She looks so beautiful. Her hair was dyed and blowdried. We also went to get alterations for her dress.

Here are some ideas for FMIL dress.   Here we are in Maui.

Here are the dresses:

this brown one in light pink

Mother of Groom Hair Inspiration:

picture from Beauty and the Bath

The one on the right is it! It's from Nordstrom's. Very beautiful in person.

The Rehearsal will be June 6, 2010 and the dinner will be held at the same location.  The menu will be the Classic Buffet at $16 per person:

• Mixed Green Salad
• 4 Chef's Choice Cold Salads
• Roast Beef Tenderloin with Brown Mushroom Gravy
• Blackened Filet of Salmon
• Breast of Chicken in a Lemon Butter Caper Sauce
• Sauteed California Deluxe Vetegabels
  
• Roasted Red Potatoes
• Roles and Butter
• Assorted Desserts :-) YUMMY!

We will have 28 people there.

The things I still have to do are:

• Send out invitations a month in advance
• Create IPOD music list
• Arrange for drinks
• Create name tags and ways for people to get to know each other

$10 at Staples

Here is my proposed budget:

• Engagment Dinner-ACTUAL COST $435
• Ceremony and Reception-13,917 ACTUAL COST $14,557.89
  
• Officiant-ACTUAL COST $650 PAID FOR 1 (350)AND THEN CANCELED AND THEN GOT ANOTHER ONE FOR $300
  
• Wedding Coordinator-ACTUAL COST $1,000
  
• Flowers-1,500  ACTUAL COST-FLORIST-1,150 DIY COST-500=1,650
  
  • Ceremony-FLORIST
  • Bride's Bouquet-FLORIST
  • Bridesmaid's Bouquet-FLORIST
  • Flower Girl Basket-DIY
    
  • Boutonnieres-FLORIST
  • Corsages-FLORIST
  • Aisle Flowers-FLORIST
  • Centerpieces-DIY
  • Flower Cake Top-DIY
  • Toss Bouquet-FLORIST
  • Sweetheart Table Flowers-DIY
  • Seating Card Table Flowers-FLORIST
  • Guestbook Table 0
  • Orchid in ever napkin-DIY
  • Memorial Table-DIY
  • Cultural Table-DIY
• Misc.
  
  • Card Birdcage-ACTUAL COST $39
    
  • MyPublisher Book Collage-ACTUAL COST-78.74
  • Cake Topper-ACTUAL COST-25.00
    
• E-Pics-Free (DIY)
• Save the Dates-ACTUAL COST $140
• Monogram-ACTUAL COST $25
• Invitations-450 ACTUAL COST $622
  
• Programs-ACTUAL COST 30 (DIY)
• Seating Cards-ACTUAL COST 30 (DIY)
• Favors-100-ACTUAL COST-60.00 (DIY)
  
• Photographer-1500 ACTUAL COST-$1,756
  • Candids
  • Portraits
  • Table Shots
  • DVD and Album
    
  • 11X14 Mounted on Frame
  • 11x 14 Signature Board with E Pic Mounted
  • 4 8x10
  • One 30 page album with 11 x 14 flush mounted digital album with design
• Mother's Dresses-300 MOM'S DRESS ACTUAL COST-228.00 FMIL DRESS ACTUAL COST-190.00
  
• My Dress-900 ACTUAL COST $2,500
• Accessories-300
  • Earings-ACTUAL COST $15
  • Headband-ACTUAL COST $65
  • Bracelet-ACTUAL COST $24
  • Veil-Borrowed
    
• Grooms Tux-150 ACTUAL COST-97 PAID FOR FIL AS WELL=194.00
  
• Hair/Makeup/Nails-200 ACTUAL COST-815.00 FOR ALL FIVE US TO HAVE HAIR AND AIRBRUSH MU
  
• DJ-Free-My wonderful BM is paying for it :-)
• Mariachi-600 ACTUAL COST $700
• Live Band-ACTUAL COST 1,000
  
• Folklorico-300-ACTUAL COST $600
• Rings-600-ACTUAL COST-689.48
  
• Cake-600 ACTUAL COST $450
  
• Transportation-(1938 Chevy) Free
• Champagne Flutes-50-ACTUAL COST-57.90
  
• Servers-40-ACTUAL COST-113.00
  
• Arras-15-FREE
• Lazo-20-FREE
• Candles-15-ACTUAL COST-30.00
  
• Guest Book-30-NONE
• Ring Pillow-ACTUAL COST $5
• Rehearsal Dinner-500 -ACTUAL COST-$304

GRAND TOTAL: 29,079.01 I WENT OVER BY ABOUT 1,000 IN OUR BUDGET. STILL WONDERING IF I'VE CALCULATED EVERYTHING. THERE WERE OTHER MISCELLANEOUS COSTS.

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Rio Hondo Event Center

10627 Old River School Rd.

Downey, CA 90241

$50/person

CAKE

Rosita's Bakery

7007 Pacific Blvd.

Hungtington Park, CA 90255

(323) 583-2927

$405

FLOWERS

M's Flowers

801 W. Washington Blvd.

Montebello, CA 90640

(323) 728-4604

1,200-1,400

PHOTOGRAPHY

Alex's Photography

(323) 773-8192

alexsphotography.net

1 11x14 wedding day enlargement mounted on frame, 1 engagement 11x14 w signature mounted on 20x24 frame, 4 8x10, 1-30 pg 11x14 flush mount digital album with design-will begin photography at 2:00 pm

ENTERTAINMENT

Grandeza Mexicana

4 Couples-Veracruz and Jalisco

www.grandezamexicana.com

(323) 756-0338

600.00

Mariachi Amigos

www.mariachiamigos.com

(562) 500-6013

$700

DJ Richard Varela

(Cost-Marcela-Thank you!)

COORDINATION

Simplicity Events

SimplicityEvents_wec@yahoo.com

$600

OFFICIANT

Rev. Charlie Sinatra

$375

DRESS

Mon Amie's Bridal

355 Bristol St.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

714-546-5700

HAIR AND MAKE UP

Paloma and Friends

12922 Hadley St.

Whittier, CA 90601

(562) 693-6500

INVITATIONS

Rene's Printing and Graphics

3515 Tweedy Blvd.

South Gate, CA 90280

323-567-8560

$622 for 75 invitations including RSVP, Reception Card and Map

TUXEDO

Rent-A-Tux

802 I Florence Ave.

Downey, CA 90240

(562) 927-4795

$82.00 for tux , shirt, vest, tie and shoes.

Before Bling

After bling

• pomanders
• bird cage for cards
• table numbers
• escort cards
• ceremony program
• favors-IN PROGRESS
  
• memorial table-IN PROGRESS
  
• flower petal holder cones for each guest
• cake decoration letters-DESTINO IN PROGRESS
  
• unity candles
• basket for programs
• ribbon-bell-wands for send off

I purchased the Card Birdcage for 39.00 from Exclusively Weddings. I still have to decorate it.

I am not creative at all but somehow I managed to pull off a part of it. FI  had to come to the rescue to secure it all and make sure the final touches were in! Thank you FI muaa!

Thes reserved signs are from auditgirl's on PW. I really like them.

Our cake servers from topperswithglitz.com So happy about them!

Our toasting flutes from exclusiveweddings.com

Lazo from Jerez, Zacatecas:

Thinking of getting these for the end of the ceremony. They are from Oriental Trading at 4 dozen for 7.99.

Program Basket. One of the BM's will be carrying this and handing out programs.

I made these reserved signs for ceremony chairs. debating on whether to use brown ribbon or green or alternating.

5/30/10 Reserved Signs completed. Don't know if the ribbon is long enough but plan B would be to place them on the seat and tape them down.

I created the programs on Word. I purchased the program paper at Michaels. 100 programs were about 15.00 or less. Not bad. I was going to insert our monogram but it didn't look as elegant as the scroll did. I'm pleased with them.

unity candle and roses for rose ceremony

during the OUTDOOR CEREMONY, the wind interfered with the lighting. I knew it but took a risk. The candles did not come on for the mothers but they did for us and it stayed lit. Cool feeling.

rose ceremony-we showed our appreciation and our love to our new in-laws.

ringpillow

lazo to symbolize unity

arras ceremony-coins were given to groom and he gave them to me as a symbol of providing for me

program basket and programs. BM handed them out.

Reserved signs

mariachi at the conclusion of the ceremony

champagne flutes

servers and DESTINO letters

Planning on having a cultural candy table. This is a start. Will probably have larger containers.

Version 1

Version 2

We're incorportaing our picture book which has pics of us traveling throughout Mexico.

Here is our mock up Memorial Table. I have to get more votive candle holders and display a special message.

These favors will be displayed on the Mexican Candy Table. They are tied in gold ribbon with stickers with our monograms.

These are from http://www.hewj.com It's holly sew on Etsy.

This is the one I ordered and received today.

I chose the white on white and you can barely see the monogram. I made a mistake of ordering it this way. The ribbon is in the mail. If you order, order in silver.

We created a book through MyPublisher. We really liked the outcome. FI was really impressed.

The quote reads: "What a greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined...to strengthen each other...to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories." -Geore Eliot

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." -Judy Garland

Other quotes: " I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you."-Roy Croft

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take our breath away." -Unknown

amberevents

So we've been working on a theme for the Escort Cards and we came up with having the Mexican Loteria as a theme. I came up with some ideas but our Coordinator-Simplicity Events, did a great job. They took each card and wrote guest names and will use the cards at each table and blow up the legend. Totally excited about this.

Legend with our names in the center                                     Individual Escort Card w/ guest name

each card will be displayed on a table. anyone who has the rose card will sit at the rose table. anyone with the flag card will sit in the flag table.

Corks to hold cards. I had to drink 150 bottles of wine! ;-)

The venue offered a sample of the linen.Torn between brown linen or sage. Thinking of going with brown. Very elegant. Sage is very cheery.

This is the brown:

Did not like this one.

I think it's the brown chair I don't like

napkins to choose from:

the rosebud

the pocketfold

the diamond

the rosebud

the bird of paradise

We had a table mock up appointment these are the possibilities:

The food tasting was April 18. It was offered family style. This is what we had and its not inclusive of everything they can make.

raspberry vinagrarette salad with walnuts and cranberries

4 different chickens: picatta, marsala, stuffed and another type of marsala i forgot.

red potatoes, rice pilaf and delicious vegetables.

Their bread rolls were fresh and warm and the butter was lightly melted. We are going with the stuffed chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and rice pilaf. They'll love the flavors. It's not a summer meal but it's a delicious one.

So we met with our DJ today and he is spectatcular. They are called C&R Productions. We have to come up with music and I'll use this site to jot some ideas. I wish I knew what music was in to create a music list but I have no idea. So far these are the kinds of music:

As of 5/31 here's the selection:

Prelude

• Today I Met the Boy I'm Gonna' Marry-Darlene Love
• Chapel of Love-Dixie Cups
• Morning Has Broken-Cat Stevens
• 3 Regalos-Los Panchos
• Amaneci en Tus Brazo-Javier Solis
• Amorzito Corazon-Pedro Infante
• El Condor Pasa-Mariachi Tecatitlan
• Because You Loved Me-Celine Dion
• Memories-Dean Martin
• I'm Yours-Jaxon Mraz

Processional-Cannon in D Major-Pachelbel

Bridal Entrance-Here Comes the Bride-Vanessa Batten

Unity Candle-Cinema Paradiso-Ennio Morricone

Interlude-Love Theme of Cinema Paradiso-Ennio Morricone

Recessional-Wedding March-Classical

Postlude-Mariachi Plays

RECEPTION

Entrance-What a Wonderful World-Louis Armstrong

Dinner Music

• Because You Loved Me-Celine Dion
• Can't Take My Eyes Off of You-Neil Sedaka
• Could it be I'm Falling in Love-The Spinners
• At Last-Etta James
• El Reloj-Los Panchos
• Mexico en la Piel-Luis Miguel
• Si Nos Dejan-Jose Alfredo Jimenez
• El Zacatecano-Pepe Aquilar

First Dance-El Destino-Rocio Durcal y Juan Gabriel

Cake Cutting-The ice-cream and cake song by Baskin Robbins

Bouquet Toss-It's Raining Men-Weather Girls

Garter Toss-Let's Get it Started-Black Eyed Peas

Dance Music

• That's the Way-KC & the Sunshine Band
• Get Down Tonight-KC & the Sunshine Band
• Tainted Love-Soft Cell
• The Party Has Begun-Freestyle
• Don't Stop the Rock-Freestyle
• Lookout Weekend-Debbie Deb
• Let's Get it Started-Black Eyed Peas
• Show Me-The Cover Girls
• When I Hear Music-Debbie Deb
• Let the Music Play-Shannon
• Point of No Return-Expose
• Party Train-Gapp Band
• Hey Ya-Outkast
• It Takes Two-Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
• Oye Mi Amor-Mana
• Corazon Espinado-Mana
• Rubo Al Sur-Los Prisioneros
• Smooth-Carlos Santana
• Entre Dos Tierras-Heroes del Silencio
• Hold Me Closer Tiny Dancer-Elton John
• El Son de los Aguacates-Banda El Recodo
• El Sinaloense-Banca Recodo
• Arriba Pichatarro-Banda El Recodo
• La Vaca-La Banda Chula
• Merengue Con Pique-Banda Loca
• Dulce Muchachita-La Makina
• Sopa de Caracol-Banda Blanca
• El Venado-Banda Blanca
• La Mesa Que Mas Aplauda-Climax
• El Ultimo Rodeo-Tamborazo Zacatecano
• Oye, Habre tus Ojos
• Tu de Que Va-Franco de Vito
  
• Los Ojos de Pancha-Banda Sinaloense
• El Sirenito-Rigo Tovar
• Perfume de Gardenias-La Sonora Santanera

Last Dance-Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodo-Bye-Steam

3:30-4:30 Formal Photography

4:00-4:30 Photography with Bridal Party

4:30 Bride Freshens Up

4:30-Guests take their seats and DJ plays instrumental music

5:00-5:30  Ceremony 

5:30-7:00 Pictures are Taken (Guests have D'oeuvres and Mariachi Plays)

7:00-Bride and Groom Enter (Song-Kick it Up by Digimon)

7:00 Dinner Begins

7:10 Toast and Bride and Groom Addresses Guests

7:15-8:00 Folklorico Performs

8:00-8:10 First Dance

8:15 Circulate to Tables and Guests Begin to Dance

9:30 Money Dance

9:45 Bouquet Toss

9:50 Cake Cutting

9:50-11:50 Dancing

We go home and live happily ever after ;-)

I am reflecting on what I would do differently in looking at the elements I chose for our wedding. Here are some thoughts.

• I should've coordinated all stationary better. It was such a mix and match of everything. I should've stuck to one monogram instead of using two different ones.  Take a look.

Save the Dates-purchased 3/09 and didn't send them until 1/10

Invitations to Padrinos and BM's to participate in Wedding Party. I used our monogram.

The invitation had our monogram

These were our rehearsal invitations-we used our monogram

Escort Cards have a cultural theme to them

These reserved signs had decorative elements in them that I really appreciated.

These were the programs. My initial attempt had our circle monogram but the paper lent itself to a more formal look so I added the scroll.

The Program Basket Sign 

Our favors had our circle monogram

CARDS sign for birdcage-I glued on letters from a package I bought at Michael's

I'm sure my thank you cards won't coordinate either but i'll try.

The only thing that has coordinated is the colors.

Elise's Tea Parlour

We had a great time today. My wonderful BM gave me beautiful lingerie for THE BIG NIGHT :-)

We had our rehearsal and it was great. Our officiant was recommended to us by a PW bride and he is wonderful! outfit is a strapless dress from Banana Republic. Bolero top from Ann Taylor.

rehearsal-6 days before I do!

Centerpieces in action

Picture with BM

Picture with MOH

One of R's many talents is storytelling. He has seen me on PW a lot and was inspired to tell this story about a bride...scary.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak108MwUJ6I&feature=channel_page

We're getting our tuxedos at Down Rent a Tux.  They are charging $82.00 for tuxedo, shirt, vest, tie and shoes. Not bad. These are the options:

We went for a tuxedo fitting today and my FI looks so handsome in his tux. We took this pic without the vest, shirt and bowtie.

I must lose 20 pounds by the wedding date. Which keeps changing. I anticipate it will be in December 09.  I need to start exercising. That's probably the area I need the most help with. I eat ok but my exercise routine is non existant. I also have to get regular facials and take care of my skin.  So much to do...Where do I begin?

I think I can commit to doing sit ups and weights. I don't think I can do cardio for health reasons.  Here are my measurements:

• 4'11 ft tall
• 138 lbs.
• 37 in. chest
• 33 in. waist
• 40 1/2 hips
• 23 in. thighs
• 11 1/2 upper arms

There's too much going on, maybe I should include cardio...

 4.30.09-Came across a Dermatology place to help with my skin pigmintation which is very light but to help with my overall complexion. I might also get teeth whitening. I like my smile but it needs to be whiter :-) Wow, the possibilities for getting beautiful are endless.

• Thinking of having a Mariachi at the ceremony and during the reception CHECK
  
• Perhaps a folklorico can provide entertainment during the reception as well. R is from Jalisco and what better way to honor our culture than to have a folklorico. CHECK
  
• Would like my cousin to design our monogram
• Set up flickr account for guests to upload pics
• Display collage or self-published book of us and our experiences together CHECK
  
• Favors: CD? Wine with personalized label? Water bottles with personalized labels? Traditional Mexican favors? Mexican candy in clear bags with monogrammed stickers.
  
• Entrance?
• Exit the ceremony-Prior to the wedding hand out stones for guests to make good wishes and collect them in a decorative/symbolic container? Later display in our garden?
• Reception Mexican/American Traditions-La Vibora, Money Dance? Definitely not doing the garder throw.
• Cake Table Decoration-Make letters that say DESTINO CHECK
  
• Grooms gift-R loves his 38 Chevy. I'm thinking of getting an artist to paint/design a portrait of his 38 chevy. :-) He'll love it!
• I gave him engraved cuff links a while back with WT engraved in it= Wondertwins. He'll wear the day of the wedding. CHECK
  
• Still debating cultural artifact table or homage to our beloved deceased? Day of the Dead Table if it's a Halloween Wedding...Decided on a Candy Table with Mexican candy and sweet bread with cultural artifacts.
  
• Table Numbers-on pictures of us/family or name tables by states of Mexico, loteria cards
• Due to outside wedding, I'm thinking of getting umbrellas
• Exit with bubbles
• Candy table
• One and Only cake topper-Ordered Clay Cake Topper from lynnslittlecreations on etsy
  
• pinwheel for ceremony to honor those who have passed on
• apples for each plate setting to accent the green and as a symbol of what we do-we're educators
• instead of a runner have the florist create the monogram out of petals of roses for the aisle CHECK
  
• Day of wedding, set up a hors d'oeuvre station as we are all getting ready
• bouquet brooches
  

Thinking of 1940's wedding...perhaps. I found this dress but it's from the 50's.

I'm pear-shapped so a mermaid dress would look horrible on me.  Here's a web site with 1940's info. http://home.att.net/~design-house/history/history_1940_hairstyles.htm

 Here's an article written about 1940's wedding. Lots of war time items. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/353484/the_perfect_1940s_wedding_pg4.html?cat=23

We got engaged on February 14, 2009.  He invited his mom and dad to dinner and he proposed to me.  We are planning an Engagement Dinner.

-The Engagement Party will be on April 19, 2009. We are inviting both our families.  The venue will be Cafe n Stuff in Downey and we've sent evites.

Things left to do:

• Order cake-Tres Leches
• Get nails done-mom, sister and I
• Create play list on ipod for background music
• Think of what we are going to say during announcement
• Pack children's entertainment-paper, crayons, board games
• Don't forget cameras and tripod
• Update contract with Cafe N Stuff to reflect 35 guests and dinner choices. Inquire about liquor.
• Create cards with our web site address to keep family updated
• Bring address book for guests to update address and phone numbers.

-We posted an ad in the Downey Patriot to announce our engagement. 

-I'm trying to do most research online and I'm trying to stay away from spending on magazines and planners. I've created my own binder with tabs and have organized my materials that way so far.  There is a book I recomend which has provided lots of guidance-The Wedding Book by Mindy Weiss with Lisbeth Levine. I have not gone to many weddings and I have not dreamed about a big wedding since I was a child like most women have, so the book has been very helpful.

-The date was originally set for June 26, 2010 but it might change.  We might move it up sooner to perhaps October 31 or December 6, or 12 2009.  If we go with a December wedding the colors will change a bit and I'll have lots of fun incorporating Christmas decorations throughout.  I'm excited.

-Thinking of hiring Simplicity Events to help with the planning. If this turns out to be a short engagement, I'll need a lot of help.

 4/10/09-I'm going to marry the most wonderful man. He spoke to mom today and asked for her approval to move forward with the planning of our wedding. She was touched. She shed a few tears. I love him, he is the most wonderful man in the world!

4/18/09-Tomorrow is our Engagement Dinner and I'm excited. We just created our Playlist which is quite eclectic.  I'm nervous. We went to the Flowermart and flowers and vases are extremely inexpensive. I want to take a class in floral arrangement. We can save a lot of money making them ourselves.  Tomorrow I have to buy wine and transport our centerpieces to the restaurant. I'm nervous and I don't know what to say.  As I was creating the playlist I heard a song "Because You Love Me" by Celine Dion and word for word it describes what I feel for R.  How do I express that in my own words tomorrow to tell everyone just how happy I am to be marrying R?

4/20/09-Yesterday was our Engagement Announcement Dinner and it was great. I was nervous the entire time and the dress I wore was a little tight which means I have to try dresses on with the undergarments I intend to wear. That's what the books say.  I learned that a coordinator is a must because we were troubleshooting little things like the sound being out.  Both families met each other and it was nice. The food was DEELISH! Hoping the wedding plans go through and that we're able to get a date for December. We drove the 1938 to the venue and it was very hot.  A winter wedding would be great!

 This is the close-up of the ring :-). Picture taken by jeslynn02's photographer Don James. we have the same ring and we got engaged the same day 2/14/09 Hooray!

This is where we got engaged 2/14/09.

8 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

We decided to make our own centerpieces after meeting with the florist and getting  a rediculous quote on our final order. The quote was different than what we had discussed last summer.

7 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

We went to Downtown to price items, we met with florist to cut our order in half and made centerpieces for the rehearsal dinner. Had tea with BM at special tea house. We met with our DOC's to talk about new plan of action with centerpiece set up included.

6 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

We had our rehearsal and dinner. It was very special.

5 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

I created a flower planner with all flowers I would need and the unit cost for each item.

4 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Staff at my school had a Bridal Shower for me.   I shared the celebration with my friend who was graduating from college with her Master's. It was special.

3 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

I took dress to get pressed. I also picked up a couple of bottles of champagne, cheese, crackers and strawberries to set up at the hair salon.

2 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

I went to the Flower Mart in Downtown to buy flowers we would need for the centerpieces. I purchased the following:

• 2 bunches of Twig
• 16 bunches of Hydrangeas
• 21 bunches of Green Mini Hydrangeas
• 13 bunches of Snapdragons
• 4 bunches of Bells of Ireland
• 17 stems of Orchids
  
• 3 bunches of Tea Leaf
• 4 bunches of Ivory Roses
• 8 bunches of lizies
• 6 cylinder vases
• 24 square vases at 3.50 each
• We had 17 buckets for this operation. 
• our total was approximately $500 for flowers and vases

The goal was 19 centerpieces but we ended up making 25 to include in our Sweetheart Table and 3 cylinder vases. We also placed an orchid in every napkin.

I went to a vendor for orchids at the Flower Mart and the worker would only give me 2 stems. I needed 17. I was so disappointed! I thought I would not have my orchid in every napkin but then, I asked the cashier who was the owner and said I could have as many as I needed so I bought 17 stems! Each step had about 10-14 orchids...hooray!

After picking up flowers, I unloaded the car and quickly hydrated the flowers and turned on the AC in the house. It was freezing at home. There were a lot of flowers to unpack.

After doing this, I had to pick up my dress at the cleaners.

1 DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING

My sister and I went to the spa and had a wonderful treatment.  It was a wonderful experience. We went to Burke Williams. 

After that, we came home and had a quick bite to eat and made our centerpieces.  My sister invited one of her in-laws and they helped make the flowers. I was having a bitchy moment and almost scared my help away. Don't know why I had a tough temper. Or maybe I do but it's over and I tried to get over my anger quickly to tackle the flower project. 

After making the centerpieces, we went to get our nails done and buy sweet bread for our cultural table. My DH picked up his tuxedo.

Inspiration

Went to Flower Mart in Downtown.  These are the flowers we'll use for the centerpieces.

The 1st centerpiece.

Hare are all the centerpieces

Our wedding day was absolutely magical. I learned so much through Project Wedding and I incorporated many elements I was inspired by other brides on this site. For that, I am greatful.

The day began at 2:00 a.m. DH and I live together and we could not sleep. I guess it was the nerves. We went back to sleep at 3:30 a.m and woke up at 6:30 and everything went super fast from then on. DH went to the market to get his brother a small cake to acknowledge his 40th birthday.  At 8:30, my MIL and FIL arrived and I tool MIL to hair salon. My bridal party was there: MOH, MB, Mother, MIL and I. It was lovely.  We had champagne and enjoyed the "girly" time together. They made us all look gorgeous!

By 11:30 my MIL and I went home, I asked DH to pick up lunch for us and he did. When he arrived, I asked him to close his eyes and he did and when he opened them, he was so shocked. The look was priceless. We spent the entire time together, there is no big reveal or anything. (very different than any other bride) We helped each other stay calm and relaxed and that was important. There was a glitch with his tuxedo and he had to go exchange it because the shirt size was too small...ladies, make sure DH tries on his tux or suit before the big day. Also, I forgot to get socks for DH...didn't realize how important that was until the day of...DH and FIL also had to transport our centerpieces to the venue along with the help from our coordinators. He transported them down the street to our venue...the selection of our venue was strategic, we did not want extra stress. 

By 12:45 the photographers arrived and began shooting pictures of my dress and details. It was special. Mom and MOH arrived and we all had to quickly get ready. My sister helped me with my dress. Mom was in the other room and was oblivious about what was happening. Mom is an interesting lady. I love her dearly but she is very absent, even when she is present. Lots of pics were shot at home. DH pulled the 1938 Chevy and lots of pics were shot of us boarding the car and heading out to our venue. 

From 1:00 to 4:00 pictues were taken with bridal party and just DH and I. Lots of pics were taken. I have to tell you, one of the frustrating things of the wedding was the photographers. They did not give enough direction and couldn't complete a phrase or thought. We made the best of it.

By 4:30 I was tucked away into the bridal room and things began to happen super fast. I was so nervous when DH left me there. I had to take deep breaths.  Then it was time to walk down the aisle and mom walked me down. It was surreal. It was amazing. It was like nothing I ever dreamed of. I looked at DH and he smiled. My bangs covered my eye and I couldn't entirely see where I was going, thank God for two eyes.

The ceremony was so special. What made it super special was having friends and family there to witness our vows. It was also special to hear the music we selected being played throughout the ceremony. During the unity candle lighting, our candle stayed lit and that was really nice, given that the ceremony  was outdoors. I cried during our vows.

After the ceremony more pics were taken with all guests and we mingled, and sang happy birthday to BIL. He was surprised. Mariachi sang Las Mananitas to him.  After that we went back to the Bridal room to wait for our grand entrance. We practiced our toast and then went in for grand entrance. Everything was perfect. Our toasts went well, dinner was delicious (we had filet mignon), our first dance was emotional. I cried. The entire night was magical.

We  had a folklorico perform and guests thought it was the best thing. We got so many compliments from guests and they said it was the best wedding they'd ever gone to. 

The cake was super delicious. Hope it's just as good in a year. 

My MOH and coordinators helped pack everything and DH and I went home. We showered and enjoyed the night... :-)

I'll write vendor reviews later along with small things to be aware of for your big day.

I have to tell you, everyting went perfectly. I can't think of one thing that didn't go as planned.

Here are some pics of our special day!

hoodie

DH cufflinks-WT=Wondertwins

Just ordered our Thank You card from www.weddingpaperdivas.com

I purchased this Keepsake Box from my local Cleaners. It was $35. They come in a smaller size. It was sad to put her to rest but I guess, everything comes to an end :-(

The box has this neat plastic see-through top to see the dress clearly. Once you close the box it seals with velcro and the box goes into another secure box (if you wish to use it).

It's in the attic now. I forgot to place my veil in it, so at some point I have to go up there and store it. My dress was so good to me.