Wedding Recap

The events began on Friday night for the rehearsal.  It went well with a little chaos.  It can be challenging getting the attention of that many people for more than a minute or two.  We then celebrated with an incredible dinner hosted at the beautiful home of my DH's parents'.

Set-Up:  We caravan'd down to the hotel Saturday afternoon (day before wedding) with all of my DIY projects, wine, etc.  We spent the evening setting up the ceremony area (DIY fabric backdrops and Persian spread "sofreh").  A few times, I took a second to look around.  It was really an experience to remember.  Seeing our parents and siblings coming together like that for our wedding was so special.  I stayed at the hotel with my Mom and my MOH while my DH went home for the night.

The big day:  I was surprisingly calm and collected throughout the entire day.  A huge relief for me was having my DOC there.  Once she arrived I knew that I didn't have anything to worry about.  My girls and I all got ready in the suite my Mom and I had stayed in.  What seemed like a spacious suite quickly turned into a small space and a bit chaotic once my girls and "beauty team" arrived around 11am.  It was strange, almost like an ordinary day...until I opened the card(s) from my DH.  He had sent over with my BM a stack of cards.  Each one represented different parts of me and us as a couple.  The last one was a picture of a sweet elderly couple.  It clicked...we were finally getting married and building the rest of our lives together.  The emotions were huge.  Thankfully it was before my makeup had been done :) 

Pre-Ceremony Pics:  We had decided to do pics before the ceremony.  I'm so glad we did.  The "Wow" moment was still very much there.  As I came down the glass elevator I saw my DH as his back was toward me.  The anticipation was incredible.  Our BP, parents and grandparents stood close by.  The look on his face as he turned to see me will forever be in my mind.  For another 20 minutes or so, he couldn't stop repeatedly saying, with a giant smile, "Wow!"  Here's our "first look":

Ceremony (traditional Persian spread "Sofreh"):  The ceremony was breathtaking!  It felt like forever as I stood there with my Dad waiting for my DOC's que.  The BP had already gone down.  The music changed.  Our DOC pulled back the drapes for us to walk through.  Our closest family and friends looked back at me while we made our way down the aisle.  The room was gorgeous, romantic, warm and elegant.  I felt the emotions building.  Just before I lost it, I locked eyes with my DH.  He was standing there so proud with that giant smile still on his face.  The officiant was so eloquent.  He combined Persian and American traditions so beautifully.    Our guests have all mentioned how special and personal the ceremony was.  As our officiant pronounced us as "Husband and Wife," we practically did a victory dance back down the aisle.  During the cocktail hour, we took a few minutes to get a few pictures of just my DH and I before joining our guests for the remainder of the cocktail hour.  The reception was so much fun.  The food was good, the cake was delicous.  The highlight of the reception was definitely the music and dancing.  The dance floor was packed the entire night.  My DH and I hardly left the dance floor ourselves.

The new Mr. & Mrs.

The Reception:

Some of the details:

Next day "brunch":  A lot of our guests stayed the night at the hotel.  The next morning we all joined for breakfast.  It was really fun as they all cheered as we entered the restaurant :) 

Overview:  We definitely met our goals for the wedding.  We wanted an intimate ceremony and a FUN reception.  There is no way to fully explain the joy and excitement throughout the day.  I felt more close to my DH than ever before.  We lived together for some time before getting married, so we thought things wouldn't feel much different once married.  To our surprise, things have changed.  Its slight, but definitely different :)  My DH described it best as a great sense of calmness.   

 

My FI and I live in beautiful Sonoma County of Northern California. I'm an Interior Designer and FI is an "Account Exec" for a medical supply company. We are recently engaged so we're just at the beginning stages of the planning process. Currently, we're experiencing extreme sticker-shock over the outrageous price-tags weddings come with! With that in mind, we've yet to set a date, but we're tentatively thinking of holding off for a couple years to give us some time to save and plan what we want, rather than settling. He's Persian and I'm American. We plan to incorporate traditions of both cultures setting the way of our lives together. As an Interior Designer, I am loving planning the decor and setting for our wedding vision.

*UPDATE*...We've decided on the date. We're scheduling for August 31, 2008 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Rafael, CA. Its the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. With that said, I now need to kick the planning into high gear. With it being a holiday weekend, I'm booking vendors asap.

Well, I can't say that it was a shock or that I was completely surprised when he popped the question. We had been discussing marriage and our lives together so much, that we both knew it was coming soon. My birthday was quickly approaching. While on a weekend celebration with friends and family, he proposed the day before my birthday while we were all on the bow of our friends yacht. It was beautiful! My FI made sure our friends had the champagne ready! Apparently he had asked for my parents' blessing TWO months before proposing. I don't know how my mom kept it in!

   

It is custome made, cast white gold and platinum prongs. Our jeweler measured the exact space between my middle and pinkie fingers to ensure a perfect fit for my petite finger. I have to say, the fit is amazing and the sparkle is gorgeous!

*Update*  We were originally going to just stick to just the engagement ring for budget reasons, but my FI recently decided to have a matching wedding band made.  He had the wedding band engraved with "Ishkaman" (Farsi for "My Love").  He has called me that for years :)

My friend and I started playing around with the rings and my crystal tree centerpieces.  The pics below are the result of our spur of the moment, late-night photo-shoot...LOL!

   

Snapped by Robert Valdes Photography, we had a great time at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. To see some of our other favorites, see my photos under tag "Engagement."

The original inspiration is elegant, yet too simple for my taste. For our Centerpieces, we'll be doing half with Crystal Trees and half with a the submerged orchid (above). ***Update*** My DIY Mock-up is finally complete! My FMIL picked up a few manzanita branches from the SF Flower Mart and I couldn't resist playing a little. I found the urns on sale at michael's.

Supplies purchased/used:

Crystals: www.shopwildthings.com (crystals sold as "beaded curtains") They're acrylic crystal stands.  I simply cut the strands from the curtain rail and then cut them into various lengths to hang on the branches.  **They're also the same crystal strands I used as a prop in my boudoir pics...lol**

Branches: SF Flower Mart And from www.bloomsandbranches.com

Base/Vase (Urn): Michael's (local craft store)

Silk Orchids: Michael's (Purchased on stems)  I trimmed blooms with wire cutters and used low-temp glue gun to adhere to branches.

Ribbon (on "table"): SF Flower Mart

Votives (not pictured): www.FlowerSupplies.com

Tools needed for this project:

• Low-temp Glue Gun & Glue sticks (to adhere flowers and crystals to branches)
• Spray Foam Insulation (found at hardware stores & is typically used to fill cracks and crevices around doors and windows during construction).  Its inexpensive, light-weight, extremely easy to use and VERY sticky!!!  Be careful when using...whatever the foam gets on, its there forever...seriously.
• Painter's Tape (to hold branches in place in the Vase/Urn while filling with foam insulation)
• Wire Cuters (to snip silk flowers off stems).

*Total Cost: Approx. $25 each centerpiece (not including Tools, Ribbon, and Votives)

Directions: 

Once the crystals were cut from the curtain rail, I cut them into varying lengths (approx. 24"-30" or so)  Drape crystals on the branches.  You can add as many as desired.  I've seen some trees that are filled with crystals and look like Weeping Willow trees.  I preferred less.  For my branches, I used about 15 strands of crystals for each branch.  I placed the strands so the hang on the branch about midway of the strand. 

Add silk blooms (if desired).  I put 2 blooms together (back-to-back) so that the back of the bloom didn't show.  I placed five of those throughout each branch (10 blooms per tree).  In terms of design, odd numbers are best for arranging things like this. 

I used spray foam insulation to hold the branches in place.  It worked really well...inexpensive, light-weight and easy to use.  I used "painter's" tape to wrap around the base of each branch and secured to the vase/urn just the way I wanted it to set.  Once the tape was secure, I sprayed the foam according to the directions.  Remember to allow for the expansion.  Most foam insulation doubles in size.  To ensure it dried thuroughly, I sprayed one layer at a time.  It took about an hour to dry to the touch.  Once filled and dried, I removed the tape and used extra crystal strands to cover the foam.  It looks almost like the vase/urn was overflowing with crystals.  *TIP: Between use of the spray foam, leave the straw on the can and leave it filled with the foam.  It will expand within the "straw" by oozing out a little.  Let it dry like that...it will keep from the entire can from drying out.  When you go to use it again, gently press the "trigger" and the dried foam in the straw will push right out.  Use wax paper on your work surface to keep the foam from sticking to your table/work surface.

I used votive candles on the tables for ambiance and to add sparkle to the crystals.  Extra crystal strands were used as filler/cover on the top of the base.  In place of table runners, I used ribbon.  I pre-cut them into desired lengths (same length as table linens) and re-rolled them for easy storing and transporting. 

I purchased my crystals from www.shopwildthings.com.  They're acrylic crystal stand "curtains."  I simply cut the strands from the curtain rail and then cut them into various lengths to hang on the branches.  **They're also the same crystal strands I used as a prop in my boudoir pics...lol**

At Wedding:                               

Close-up (with rings):

 Above is a sketch of our cake. It will be 2 square tiers and 1 round tier, all ivory with ivory dots, and ivory "lace" on middle layer. Red ribbon will wrap each layer at the base. To top it off will be the crystalized monogram.

Cake-topper Inspiration ($95):

DIY Cake-Topper (approx. $35):

The lighting is a bit off, but it looks great!  I had concerns that it would be a bit cheesy with the crystals but I love it :)  I purchased the monogram online for less than $25...I think about $22-$23.  The crystals were about $12.  I already had the glue from all my other crystal projects. 

Actual:

I struggled for some time before our wonderful florist suggested the simple design. The end result will be the design shown in the large image above. It will be made with the flowers as seen in the smaller images. Leaves will also be used at the base to give more structure. I'm so relieved I finally decided on this!

Actual:

Sample (original design) on me:

I love this dress! In Ivory with Ivory sash. The bow is removeable...thankfully. I'm also changing the neckline to a 'sweetheart.' I think it looks so much more flattering and feminine that way. The sample happens to be my exact size so I tried it on with my shoes and veil. It was beautiful. I didn't want to take it off! ***Update*** I had my first fitting and it was so great to finally see the dress with the changes. It finally feels real now that I have "the" dress.

First Fitting:

The Big Day:

 My cousin married last July and his new wife graciously offered her veil as my 'something borrowed.' The veil is gorgeous, simple, elegant and Cathedral length...very long :) When I tried it on with my dress, it really looks as though it was made to go with it. My Cousin-in-law had her seamstress add a few clear snaps on the veil to bustle it for the reception (see pic above), but I plan to wear it completely down for the ceremony and replace the veil with an orchid for the reception.

I ordered custom Garters from MiaVonMinksGarters (seller on www.etsy.com).  I absolutely love it!  I searched everywhere and couldn't find the perfect garters.  Mia makes beautiful items, but none were in my colors.  I contacted her and she does custom designs!  I gave her the overview of my style and the colors and theme of the wedding.  I told her that I like "vintage with a twist of modern."  Colors: Brown & Red; Theme: Crystals and Monogram ("M").  This is the keepsake garter she created:

The toss garter is identical except instead of the "M" charm she used a crystal rhinestone.  I love it!  Here's the link to her store:  http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5278690

  I found these sparkly babies on the sale rack at Macy's. They're perfectly suited with our crystal theme...bling, bling :)

***UPDATE*** After wear the sparkly Alfani shoes during a fitting...I quickly realized I wasn't going to make it through the wedding in them.  I quickly started looking for another pair.  I couldn't justify spending more money on another pair of "wedding" shoes that I'd likely never wear again.  That's when I decided to get a colorful and FUN pair.  Thanks to the ladies here on PW, I found Zappos.com.  Their prices and customer service have been excellent.  You can't beat their return policy and free shipping.  I found this hot, sexy and fun pair from Zappos.com.  They're much prettier in person...red satin with red rhinestone accents.  They have a really nice vintage feel.  I'm in love...lol!

The plan is to wear the silver sparkly Alfani pair for pre-pics and the ceremony.  I'll "turn up the heat" for the reception by changing into the red pair :)  ***Post Wedding Update: I loved the Red shoes so much, I ended up wearing them the entire day and through the night.  Surprisingly, the comfort wasn't too bad.  My feet hurt, but considering the hours and hours I was on them all day and then dancing into the night...not bad :)

Inspiration:

I love the look of this half-up do. I even like the sparkly clip. This has been the motivation for growing out my hair. My FMIL is my stylist and always wants to keep my hair at my shoulders. Once I showed her this pic, she's been on board with letting my hair grow...thank goodness!! I'll have a chapel veil with just under my hair in the back for pics and ceremony only. Then I'll remove it and place an orchid or something pretty in my hair for the reception.

***Update***  Lets just say that Hair trial #1 didn't go very well.  Within an hour of leaving the salon the entire style fell.  I just went back for round 2.  It went much better.  Thankfully I'm feeling much better and love the results. 

The day of we'll be using clipiin extensions for length and volume.  I also have some tiny crystal hair accessories.  The veil will slip under the top portions of the curls in the back.  My FMIL does my hair (cut and color) so the next time she does my color we'll be keeping my overall color close to my natural dark brown and toning down the highlights so it doesn't look streaky in the "half-up do."

Actual Hair on Wedding Day: (with clip-in Extensions).  You couldn't even tell that I had extensions...people thought I grew my hair-out :)

 A dear friend of mine is an incredibly talented makeup artist (Makeup Designs by Heather). I'm so glad she is going to be able to do mine for the Wedding! Here's a sample of her work and what I'm hoping she does for me.

Inspiration: (smokey & sultry)

***Update***  I had my makeup trial yesterday.  Heather is an amazing artist.  She's so sweet yet professional!  Since our wedding is a semi-formal, evening wedding, I decided to go with more dramatic makeup.  I love the way it turned out and it really didn't feel heavy ;)  I asked Heather to do a smokey eye with everything else soft.  She executed it perfectly!  Here are pics (please don't mind the hair...it was a long day, lol!!)

Day of Wedding:

Each of my girls are selecting the style from the After Six collection from Dessy. The dresses will be in Espresso Brown and if the style they choose has a sash it will be in Burgandy. I still have one more girl left to pick out a style.

Day of Wedding:

I'm put together basketS of goodies.  In each basket I'm including V.S. loungewear set for getting ready in, custom jewelry rolls embroidered with their first initials, flip-flops to wear while getting ready and/or during reception, body glue (to hold straps and what not in place), hand lotion, nail file, etc.

I designed the Monogram and overall layout with Microsoft Publisher. From there I relied on my friend at a local print shop. They're printed on beautiful metallic cardstock. I added two slits to hold the keepsake magnets printed by VistaPrint.com (GREAT prices!!!). To add a touch of our crystal theme, I glued a small swarovski crystal to the monogram. Overall, I'm beyond happy with the final result. I'm looking forward to completing more projects!

To keep things simple and within our slim budget, I designed our RSVP cards as postcards.  Not only were they less expensive to make, but we saved on the postage too!  With Microsoft Publisher (PowerPoint can also be used for the same purpose), I designed the front and the back of the postcard.  Including all the information necessary, I was careful to carry the monogram theme through.  The PW boards were extremely helpful in the wording.  There has been a lot of talk regarding unwanted +1's and more.  To avoid that, I included a line that states how many seats are reserved in their party.  After uploading the design to VistaPrint.com, I received 100 postcards for less the $20 during one of the many promotions!

Since our wedding is a fusion of two cultures, we felt that programs were necessary to clarify some of the Persian cultural traditions not common to American weddings.  With our tight budget, I of course took this project on as another DIY!  I designed them in Microsoft Publisher and had the inserts printed and cropped (to save time) at my local print/copy center.  They took a lot longer to assemble than I thought, but the end result was worth it!

Assembly process: 

Binding/backing:  I first measured, marked and cut the paper for the outer protion of the programs.  The programs were approximately 3.5" wide.  I used 8 1/2" x 11" sheets and then cut them to size.  When I designed the programs, I took in consideration the the 11" length and worked around that. 

I then made a crease with a Bone Folder to make a clean fold (approximately 3/4").  This will fold over the inserts and act as the binding for the finished program.  **Tip: Be sure to consider the 3/4" fold at the top when designing the inserts.** 

Inserts:  I designed the inserts myself and had them printed and cropped (per my specifications) by the local print/copy center.  I started with 8 1/2" x 11" paper and designed each "layer" of the inserts about 3/4" different in length to give it the 'tiered' look.  They are about 3 1/2" wide, so I got 2 inserts per sheet.  Once the inserts were back from the printers, I correlated them and then added the dark brown paper ("backing").  Once assembled, I used my super-duper hole-puncher and punched 1/8" holes through all the layers of each program at once.  The holes are about 1/2" in from each side and centered from the top-to-bottom of the backing "flap."  I then used Mini silver brads to bind them.  You can also use ribbon or eyelets to bind the programs.  If using eyelets, you will need an eyelet tool to firmly secure them. 

I designed these on the computer as I did with all the other stationary projects.  I then had the local print/copy center print them on the same creamy shimmery paper used for all of my stationary.  I then mounted them onto a dark brown paper, cut just a 1/4" larger than to create a border.  I carefully cut the corks to hold the card.  Once placing the card into the corks, I quickly realized it wasn't stable enough.  I then added a 3rd cork to stabalize the stand by glueing it with a low-temp glue gun.

Another project checked off the list. We're not registering for gifts, so I wanted to be sure we had an eye-catching card box.  I had seen this somewhere and made a mental note of it.  When Michael's (thank goodness for that store!) had frames 50% off, I started laying out my plan.

Materials:

• (4) Frames of choice, I used 11x14, but you can use 8x10 frames. (Craft Store)
• Foam Core board; enough to use as a base and a top to the box.  (Craft Store)
• (4) 4-pack L-Brackets (or Corner Brackets) - 16 brackets total (local Hardware Store)
• Roll of Duct tape (local Hardware Store)
• Lazy-Susan, inexpensive and small enough to fit under your box without showing (local hardward store)
• Roll of Shelf Liner OR cover of your choice for the top of the box.

Tools:

• Tape Measure
• Power Drill (with bits and srew head)
• X-acto Knife

Notes/Tips:

*Before purchasing the brackets, be sure that the length of them doesn't interfere with opening and closing the back of your frame (to put in picture).  Also, be sure that the screws are not longer than the thickness of the frame.  You don't want screws coming through the front of your frames.

*When cutting foam core, make sure your blade is sharp.  Don't try to cut through it in one pass.  Score it and score it again.  Keep doing it until you finally slice all the way through.  If you try to cut foam core in one pass, you'll probably end up with really jagged edges.  Taking it slowly, layer by layer will give you a clean cut.

Assembly:

Remove the glass, matting and any other picture insert stuff in the frame, leaving you with just the frame.  This will make assembling much easier, and help the glass and matting from getting damaged during the project.  Carefully measure the placement of the brackets.  Two brackets will go on each side of the frames to hold the frames together. One bracket will go in the center of each frame at the top and the bottom to hold the foam core as the 'base' and the 'top' of the box.  See pics for clarification.

After measuring and marking bracket placement, pre-drill holes.  Attach brackets to frame starting with just the two centered on each frame at the top and bottom.  This is much easier to do while the frames are still apart.  Then begin attaching the rest of the brackets on the sides of the frames, attaching them together. 

Once your frames are together and you have a box, trace out the exact shape and size of the bottom and then top of the box onto the foam core.  Use the x-acto knife to trim the foam core.  Then measure and mark the card slot opening.  I made mine about 8" wide by about a 1/2".  Carefully cut out the opening of the foam core for the "top".  Then cover the "top" piece with the shelf liner or desired cover.  I was lucky to find shelf liner that looked and felt like brown suede.  The bonus is that it was already sticky-backed and inexpensive.  Carefully press the shelf liner onto the foam core while smoothing away any air bubbles.  Using the x-acto knife, cut a slice down the center of the card opening, lengthwise; and press the shelf liner down through the hole. *Note:  I also put the liner on the bottom piece of foam core to give a finished look.  When I looked through the card slot hole, I didn't like that I could see the foam core...its completely optional and up to.

Use duct tape to secure the "bottom/base" foam core to the 4 bottom brackets.  Once the base is securely in place, you can then attach the lazy susan, also using duct tape.  Add the "top" to your box and Viola...a finished photo card box.  I must say that after finishing this project, I'm really amazed with my handy skills...lol. I purchased the materials and completed the entire project in an afternoon. The approximate total cost was $50-$60. The best part is that I can remove all the brackets, and re-use the frames after the wedding.

The corks were saved, collected and "donated" by friends and family. Luckily, we have a lot of friends and family that drink a lot of wine :) I love that there's a large variety of corks with different designs.

I sliced just a sliver off one side of the cork so it stands flat on its side. I then sliced a groove down the center for the card to sit in. That's right...I single handedly cut each cork with a very sharp xacto knife. The blade had to be changed pretty regularly, but they turned out great.

Wedding Day (with DIY place cards):

Our venue has the typical tacky bold carpet.  For the aisle runner, I chose a heavier muslin to avoid the patterned carpet from showing through too much.  This prevented me from being able trace the monogram through the fabric.  Thankfully my FI is a gadget guy and has a projector.  After measuring out the fabric for approximate placement, I hang the fabric on the wall with a few tacks.  My FI then set up the projector.

Using a pencil, I traced the monogram onto the fabric.  Once the pattern was traced, I put wax paper on the table to protect it from any paint that might soak through.

 After mixing up the paint, I began with the lighter color...then the darker.

The Wedding: (Non-Pro Pic)

My house has a great open layout, perfect for parties, so the Bridal Shower was at my house :)  The favors were lavendar saches with a DIY bustier tag.  The centerpieces (sorry, no good detail pics) were wire form bustiers decorated with ribbon, flowers coming out and string of balloons tied to the back of the bustier.  If you look closely, you can see a bustier in the distance on the far right of the 2nd picture.  The decorations were all pink & black.  The cake leaned a little and was way too much cake for our party, but it was cute :)

As usual, I used Microsoft Publisher to layout the design for my final DIY wedding project.  PowerPoint can be used if you don't have Publisher.  I then uploaded the design to VistaPrint.com's folded photo cards.  Their prices are unbeatable.  In the end, each card will cost about 75 cents (including the envelope, tax and shipping).  I took advantage of their "holiday card" sale.  Since you upload your own design, it's not 'holiday-ish' at all :)  The card itself appears more like an announcement so we can send them to guests and vendors as a 'thank you,' but also to guests that couldn't attend.  The inside is blank for our handwritten message (as per propper ettiquette).

After much thought and discussion, FI and I have decided to head to Rome for 10 days following our wedding. A BIG thanks to FMIL and FFIL for their contribution! With their help, we're staying at their gorgeous time-share.
FI and I are both lovers of history, art, and architecture so we are extremely excited about this trip! We've already booked a couple tours. We plan to soak in as much of the "Eternal City" as we can.

My Husband :) and I had such a great time on our HM!  Thanks to his parents' time share, we stayed in the beautiful Marriott just outside central Rome.  The hotel was GORGEOUS and the service was spectacular.  We chose to stay in Rome for our entire trip so we could relax, see everything we wanted, and not rush.  I'm so glad we did it that way.  We were able to see all the amazing, breathtaking monuments, while taking our time.  We strolled and saw so many beautiful places: countless churches, piazzas & fontinas, the colleseum, Vatican & Sistine Chapel, and soooo much more.  I was in heaven with the art, architecture and history.  As an Interior Designer, I have studied Roman architecture and history for years.  It was sureal to finally see it all person.  I snapped a ton of architectural shots while my DH made sure to get pics with us :)

Here are some of my pics of the architecture (just some of my favorites):

Rome is really a place to see.  If you haven't already, make a point to get there sometime in your life.  Its gorgeous!!!  The food is yummy, the language is beautiful, and there is so much to see and do.

Completed:
-Venue
-Officiant
-Photographer: Axiom Photography (Now called 'Robert Valdes Photography')
-Caterer: American cuisine Included with Venue, Persian cuisine: Apadana
-Florist: Grant Ave Flowers (by Millita)
-DJ: BIG FUN Disc Jockeys (Woohoo!!!)
-Engagement photo session
-DIY Save-the-Date Magnet and note card (Assembled & Mailed!)
-DIY Invitations (Assembled, addressed and Mailed!!!)
-DIY Crystal Trees (8 total)
-DIY Cork Place Card Holders
-Dress, veil, shoes, and undergarments
-Toasting Flutes
-Cake Knife and Server
-DIY Photo Card Box
-Cake
-Menu Selected...Finally!
-BM dresses selected and ordered...woohoo!
-Tuxedos (FI thankfully completed!)

-DIY Monogram Cake-Topper (with crystals)
-Obtain Marriage License

-DIY Programs (including Menu)

-Finalized with Officiant

-Bathroom Baskets

-DIY Photo Guestbook

-DIY Backdrop (Fabrics purchased & sewed)

-Wine & Champagne selected and purchased

-DIY Table #'s

-Favors (lotto scratchers)

-DIY Aisle Runner (with monogram)

-Bridal Party Thank You gifts

-Rehearsal invites Sent

-Pick-up Dress & Veil!!!
-DIY Place Cards
-DIY Ceremony and Sweetheart Table backdrops

-Rehearsal Dinner

-Pack for wedding day/night AND for honeymoon!*

Still Need:

-Edit Wedding & Honeymoon Pics

-Create photo books

-Design, Create & send Thank You cards

  

I had the pleasure of working with Carmen Perez of Studio by Carmen. She was so wonderful to work with. Carmen flew to San Francisco (from Miami) for the weekend and did boudior shoots for a total of 6 ladies. I was a nervous wreck the week leading up to photo shoot. As soon as I met Carmen, I was at ease. She knows her stuff. I highly recommend doing this type of photo shoot to any woman wanting to feel liberated and sexy. Trust me, the photographer knows the angles and knows tricks to disguise those "flaws."  See full review for more info.

I did my own hair. Makeup was done by lovely Audrey Crandell of Glowing Bridal. She is amazing!!! Truly an artist! I left a thorough review for her. Check it out for more info.

Here are a few images of DH response to his GIFT:

 Needless to say, he LOVED it!  He was a bit shy opening in front of my girls that delivered the wrapped book and took the photos, but he really loves the book.  He keeps saying that he wished he had been there for the shoot...LOL!

***UPDATE: The TTD session was a success!!!  We had such a great time!  Everything seemed to work out just perfectly.  The weather was sunny and beautiful (anyone familiar with SF knows that a sunny day without any fog is rare).  Carmen and her husband, Favio were so fun to work with.  They give such great direction and Carmen's attention to detail always amazes me :)  She is so creative!   I can't wait to see the pics.  I know we got some great shots!!!  We started at the Marina, then the Legion of Honor.  We finished things up at the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths.  The sun had set by the time we made the hike down so we did some night photography with flashes near the cave and on the rocks.  It was really fun and I'm so glad we did it!*** 

My DH and I are beyond excited...ok, I'm beyond excited.  My DH is excited that I'm excited to be doing a TTD session with Carmen (of Studio by Carmen).  My boudoir pics were taken by Carmen last April and I not only LOVED working with her, but Carmen's work is beautiful!  She's coming back to SF for another boudoir marathon and my DH and I are lucky enough to be snagging her for an afternoon.   I don't plan to really "trash" my dress, but we hope to get some creative, out-of-the-box shots in various places in SF.

Locations:  Time and weather will play a role in the final locations, but here are some spots I'm thinking of (thank you PW girls for the help!!!)

Golden Gate Park, Stow Lake:

Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf:

Legion of Honor:

City Hall:

Ferry Building (Marketplace):

Sutro Bath Ruins (Thank you Prismis for the inspiration!!!):

Westfield Shopping Center SF: