Hello, and welcome to my bio! My name is Ashley, my fiance's name is Nickolas, and we're getting married July 14, 2012. Our wedding is going to be a very handmade, casual, and {hopefully} fun celebration of love. Our colors are soft and neutral: light grays, tans, ivory, and white. I've added an inspiration board below to give you an idea of the colors and theme:) Some of my DIY projects include treat stands made out of antique bowls and plates, a paper lace doily and kraft paper banner, homemade bunting, recycled starbucks bottles turned vases wrapped in burlap and lace, our table centerpieces, and our save the dates/invitations/paper products for the reception. I'll be picturing all the details and inspiration here, so enjoy!

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Hooay! Our photographer has already posted the preview of our wedding pictures on her blog. I can't wait to see the rest:)

*Please give our fabulous photographer, Amber Nicole Photo, credit if using any of our pictures. Thank you!*

*If using any of our pictures please give myself and my fabulous photographer, Amber Nicole Photo, credit*

Here are some non-pros stolen from Facebook to suffice until we get our pros here in a few weeks:)

Me in my dress                                       Adorable flower girl #1

My adorable little sister/flower girl Elyanah

The little ladies walking down the aisle together

Me and my Daddy walking down the aisle

My bridesmaids and flower girls during prayer.

Our handsome ringbearer present the pastor with our real rings

The ring exchange...I had to help him out! Lol. My hands were swollen from the heat.

The smooch!

Mr. & Mrs.! YAY! I think that's actually what I was saying. Haha!

Leaving the ceremony as newlyweds! Pictures like this make me happy I wore a veil:)

Our treat table.I wish I had a piece of our cake right now...it was so freakin' yummy.

Yeah...we got down n' dirty.

Daddy and I turning our first dance into a karaoke duet. Lol.

That's all for now...we should have our pro-pics back in about four weeks. I can't wait!

*Please give our fabulous photographer, Amber Nicole Photo, credit if using any of our pictures. Thank you:)

http://www.ambernicolephoto.com

I had been single for well over a year when she finally said it, "I know someone who wants your number". The dreaded phrase. Why? Because I'm great at being in a committed relationship. But I SUCK at dating. Especially first dates, and especially with younger guys who typically have a zero maturity level rating. But let's be honest...I'd seen pictures of my co-workers youngest son, and wowzers. DEE-licious. He wants my number? Give it to him. I'm game for a free dinner/movie combo with a cutie pie three years younger.

So she did.

We texted back and forth, and I was surprised how easy it was to be myself around him. I found that because he was younger, and I didn't really expect our relationship to go anywhere, I was more relaxed. I said what was on my mind, and didn't hold back. Which, interestingly enough, didn't scare him away. We set a date to go to the movies, and go to the movies we did.

I was pretty sure he didn't like me.

He said next to nothing the entire time, but he had an adorable smile. So I made it my mission to make him smile as much as possible. At the end of the night, he told me he had fun, but I was positive it was just one of the obligatory statements that you say at the end of a first date, and didn't expect to hear from him again.

I was wrong.

He did like me! I found out that he's just quiet and shy until you get to know him. Which was actually really refreshing. He wan't like other guys I'd dated, and he certainly didn't act his age. Actually...he reminded me much of myself. Something of an old soul with a silly streak:) We continued laughing and dating, and eventually we got around to kissing, then dating only eachother and talking about the future. And just when I least expected it...

Yep. The day before my birthday. By a gorgeous lighthouse on the lake. And through my happy tears, I said, "Yes. I would be honored to marry you."  And I meant it. Sometimes he leaves dishes in the sink, usually he throws his clothes on the floor next to the hamper, and he always eats us out of house and home. But all in all, I couldn't ask for a more perfect partner, and I thank God every day that we found each other. Now we're ready to start this first chapter of our lives together as husband and wife...but first comes the wedding planning!! Oh...and the pictures of my gorgeous engagement ring, of course;)

I just purchased Nick's ring yesterday...SO COOL!! And pretty reasonably priced. If you like it, check out the sellers here. They're also on Etsy as Fabuluster. I can't wait to get the kit in the mail and get started:)

UPDATE: We recieved the kit to obtain my prints in the mail a few days ago. And holy moly, does it ever look intense. Lol. The thing came with about 20 steps of instructions, a thermometer, special tweezers, and five mold strips! But it'll be worth it for FI to have his fun, unique bling. I plan on taking the plunge  tomorrow...wish me luck;)

UPDATE 02/23/12: The fingerprints are all finished and shipped out! I got a convo from the Etsy seller yesterday telling me we'll have Nick's ring in 8-10 weeks. Hooray!

UPDATE 5/4/12: We recieved FI's ring in the mail! We had to send it back once to be sized, which took about a week, but this should be the final one. Yayyyy:) We couldn't be more pleased. They did an awesome job!

So, since I'm new to Project Wedding, but already have some wedding planning done...I need to catch you up!! So I'm starting with the most important detail. The dress. Here she is. Only the fifth wedding dress I ever tried on, but I knew she was the one. I started crying and my entire entourage started crying as well. And when my grandma said, "You look like the picture of my grandma at her wedding!", it sealed the deal. I added a full length chapel-length veil, and voila! I was a bride. Nickolas wants zero details, and he plugs his ears and sings every time I even mention it. But it's killing me!!! I am so insanely excited to have him see me in it!                                             

Allure bridals, style 8800.

First fitting! 5.14.12

What girl doesn't love her some high heels?? These are mine.

Rocket Dog Ownit in Ivory Silk. Image courtesy of www.shopstyle.com

And here's the veil. I don't think this is the actual one, but similar. One tier, ivory, pencil edged, 90''.

Image courtesy of www.wedding-veil-shop.com

Inspiration Hair

I'm thinking a low updo like this one (sported by the always lovely Emmy Rossum) would suit my curly locks, or maybe one twisted back on the sides?

Inspiration Makeup

Digging the slightly smokey eye, with natural color everywhere else, like Natalie Portman here:

Hair & Makeup Trial

My hair/makeup artist did a lovely job, but it's not at all what I asked for. I have cancelled my appointment, and will handle this myself. I'm just that picky. Lol.

DIY trial

I have three gorgeous bridesmaids, and since they're all super fashionable and always look adorable, I'm letting them pick their own dresses. It's Ohio in July, so odds are it's going to be hotter than blazes. I just want them to be cool and comfortable, and buy something they'll wear again {no, seriously. I know brides say that, but I mean it. Lol.}. So the only requirements are: gray, short, cool and comfortable, affordable, non-shiny, and soft/romantic looking. Here's the inspiration picture.

Here are my two precious flower girls:

Elyanah, my little sister, who will be three in April (with our furbaby Maggie, who unfortunately passed away 16 days before our wedding. Have fun frolicking in heaven, sweet girl!)

and Kylee, my cousin's little girl, who is four.

And here is their look for the day:

Inspiration:

{source}

Reality:

I made them flower crowns for their hair using silk rosettes and a small grapevine wreath.

 And these are their sweet dresses. I had to re-order them a few times to get the sizes right for both girls, but they're totally worth it. Biscotti "Barefoot Wedding Dress", available at www.zappos.com.  

FI wants to wear gray, and we both love this ensemble for him. Only I prefer the sleeves partially rolled up, and a light cafe-colored tie.

The groomsmen will look the same, only in tan with gray ties.

 UPDATE 6/3/12: We made a trip to Men's Warehouse, and the only way to get the above look was to have the guys buy all the different pieces. I didn't want them to have to do that, so we went with the following tux for the gentlemen. Nick will have an ivory vest and tie, while the guys will wear the light gray pictured. It's very thin, and the lady assured us that it was one of their coolest (temperature wise) options, so I suppose it will work. I'm bummed that I won't see Nick's forearms during the ceremony, but I'm sure the jacket will come off and the sleeves will get rolled up for the reception:)

source

Our handsome ring bearer is Kylee's big brother Kelan, who will be six.

His look for the day will be a cross between these two. Khaki pants, white dress shirt, gray suspenders, tan bow tie, gray cap, and gray converse. He's gonna be rockin' it:)

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We're having an outdoor ceremony for about 100 people at our favorite date spot, Gorman Nature Center. I can't wait for the beautiful photos!!

We looked FOREVER for the perfect reception venue. It took us two months to find the perfect one, but found it we have. I sent the deposit and the contract in today, and I couldn't be happier. So here it is! Snow Trails Ski Resort. Only...there won't be snow in our pictures. At least I hope it doesn't snow in July!!

Image courtesy of http://www.funcoast.com/node/59221

Image courtesy of www.snowtrails.com

 And some pictures I took of the inside for planning purposes...

Um, can I just say that if you haven't checked out www.bhldn.com , you should. It makes me drool a little. It usually makes my wallet want to run and hide in the closet, but that's neither here nor there. Some of the keepsake items are affordable, but I mostly use the site for inspiration. Lots of these gorgeous items could be totally replicated at home for much cheaper. So, without further ado, here's some of my inspiration eye candy:)

Inspiration

I'm DIYing all of my paper products for the day. Here's the inspiration. I'll post pictures of the actual stuff as soon as it's finished. If you like all of this, there's plenty more to drool over here.

Reality (Save-the-dates)

The Invitations

Our theme is sort of a feminine meets masculine type thing going on. Seemingly opposing things coming together to create surprising combos. Burlap and lace. Soft candlelight and gravel. Delicate flowers and log slices. Beautiful gray linens and twinkling lights in a dusty, rustic old ski lodge. So here's what I'm thinking for part one of the centerpieces. Different sized candles in different sized mason jars clustered on a log slice. My dad has already agreed to cut me some slices when he chops wood this winter. Can't beat free!!

The second log slice will be a trifle taller...and have a teacup filled with wedding mints {wedding mints are FI's ONE wedding request. Who can deny that??} and a sign with the table word, and a quote about the table word sticking out of it like a plant stake. There will also be a little plate of munchies...haven't decided exactly what yet. The second part of the centerpiece will also have a vase of flowers...

To save money, I've decided to order all my flowers online from www.fiftyflowers.com and arrange them myself (well, me and my 6 closest ladies). They are all being shipped to my grandma's house on Thursday, and we'll be arranging them and taking them to the venue on Friday before the rehersal:) 

Inspirations:

 source source source

To get the look:

In order to achieve the above look, I have ordered the following flowers. In order, they are (1) Dinner Plate Dahlias (2) Creamy Ivory Peony Roses (3) Peachy Cream Carnations (4) Scabiosa Pods (5) Dusty Miller

Scratch the cake. We want Little Debbie! Hahaha. But seriously...a treat table is the verdict. It was going to be doughnuts, until we decided that we love all things sweet too much to limit ourselves;) We're still using the treat stands that I'm working on (pictures can be found in the DIY section), but we're loading them with Little Debbie snacks and homemade cookies in addition to a few dozen doughnuts. It'll be more cost effective, and we don't have to worry about the logistics of displaying all 17 dozen doughnuts on the table at once.

UPDATE: After a a little good-natured harassment about the traditions of wedding cake from my Mama and Nanny, we've decided to add a small, simple wedding cake to the center of center of the treat table. I found a lady here in town that makes to-DIE-for-delicious wedding cake, and we have a tasting 03/12/12. The two flavors are buckeye (chocolate burbon cake with peanut butter filling/frosting) and strawberry shortcake (sugar cookie flavored cake with strawberry jam filling and cream frosting). YUM!

Cake Inspiration

Dessert Table Inspiration

Tissue paper pompoms

http://www.blueeyedyonder.com/home/bedroom-blooms.html

Vingtage Plate Cake Stands

www.thegreenblog.com 

Lace paper doily lantern

http://ruffledblog.com/diy-paper-lace-doily-lanterns/

 Book Page Table Runners

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/fabric-paper-projects/stylish-projects-from-vintage-books/?sssdmh=dm17.558055&esrc=nwdiy110211t&email=1344044141#page=5

Paper Roses

http://www.ellinee.com/paper-rose-gift-topper-gift-tag/

 Wooden wedding signs

"Here comes the Bride" sign

http://somethingturquoise.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/diy_chalkboard_here_comes_the_bride_sign_cover.jpg

Fabric strip curtain

http://bride2be.tumblr.com/post/8832933165/this-would-make-a-great-photo-booth-backdrop

Plaster dipped silk flowers in old jars

Image A: villabarnes.com Image B: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/bottlecrate.html

Ring bearer pillow

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87709895/burlap-lace-ring-bearer-pillow

Pinwheel wall (!!)

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/03/30/diy-ombre-pinwheels/

Burlap & Feather Boutonnieres

http://greenweddingshoes.com/diy-a-burlap-boutonniere/

Recycled Starbucks Frappucino vases, take two

I promise not to tear them apart this time! Lol. I really like how they turned out:)

Tissue paper pompoms

After I finished the vases, I told my grandma about the tissue paper pompoms I wanted to make (see "cool DIY ideas" section) and this is our very first trial run using the leftover tissue paper she had from Christmas. I think we need some practice...

Nanny decided it made a better hat. Lol!!

UPDATE: I figured it out, and have made some poof balls! There are more, but the rest are folded, cut, and tied and stored away. The day we decorate the venue, we'll fluff them out. They're much easier to store and transport before they're fluffed.

Card Box

I stained a pine crate brown, and covered the side and top and side slats with burlap. Then I made the little burlap bunting to hang on it, and the paper roses out of book pages. The candle holder may be replaced with a mason jar...not sure yet.

Table word cards

Instead of table numbers, we're doing table words with matching quotes. There won't be any assigned seating, but the DJ will dismiss guests by table word to dinner so they all don't rush the buffet at the same time. These little signs will stick out of the fresh flower arrangements at each table like garden stakes:) I stuck this one in my grandma's fake dining room table arrangement just for effect. Lol. 

Ring bearer pillow

It only took me five hours, and I only accidentally sewed it to my blanket once, but it's finished now and I'm so proud! Lol.  

"Here Comes the Bride" sign

For one of our flower girls to carry down the aisle.

Pinwheels

We made about 50 of these in varying sizes. Once transported to the venue, they will be glued to a 4 x 6 lattice panel to make a pinwheel wall:)

Paper Lace Doily Lanterns

"Take home a treat" favor bags

Instead of traditional favors, my Mama, Grandma, and I are making peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, fruit filled pastries, and nut filled pastries the week of the wedding. These little bags will be at each place setting for guests to take some homemade goodies home:)

Burlap & Feather Boutonniere

I got the original idea from a Green Wedding Shoes DIY, and added a golf tee since FI and his family are pretty into golfing:) He really liked the personal touch!

Treat stands

There will be six of these (two of the tall and four of the short) on our cake table to hold our homemade goodies. There will also be some smaller log slices acting as treat stands and a giant log slice acting as our cake stand. There's really not much to making these--they're just some wooden taper candlesticks (found in the "finished wood products" aisle of Hobby Lobby) painted gray and hot glued to $2 plates from Wal-Mart (they're actually really nice heavy plates).

Garter

We're not doing a garter toss, but I still wanted to have on for FI--plus I was lacking my something blue. Lol. It's just a piece of lace hot glued to itself to make a circle, with fluffy white feathers glued on. I took a blue permanent marker and got the ink all over my thumb and index finger, then gently rubbed the tips of some of the feathers between my fingers to tinge them blue. Voila! Problem solved.

Cake table backdrop

We used an old picture window frame that was out in our garage, covered it in cotton batting and fabric, hot glued ribbons accross it, and hung up kraft paper and paper doily letters with clothespins to make this fella. 

Ceremony chalkboard

It started out as an Ikea Ung Drill frame (black) that I spraypainted "pebble". I painted the paper that came inside the frame with several layers of chalkboard paint, and voila! A fancy chalkboard. Easy peasy.

Ceremony direction sign

FI had to help a bit with this one as it required power tools;) It's just a log slice (available in the finished wood aisle at your local craft store) and a square dowel rod screwed together. I painted it with some gray paint and hand wrote the wording with a white paint marker.

Book page table runner

We had a dilemma with our venue...they have ten giant 8' tables that need to be pushed together (in order to fit in the space) to make 5 giant tables that seat 12. Which is lovely, but leaves a big seam down the middle that needs to be covered with a runner. The fabric ones were out since I don't sew, and they're too expensive to buy. But book pages from old romance novels that I had laying around the house are free! Add a little double sided scotch tape, and there you have it. Some practically free table runners. I think they'll look really neat all covered in mason jar candles. Plus they show off my love of reading and literary things, which makes our wedding more personal.

I have tried to find photography similar to the environment we'll be in...the middle of the forest! These are all from a google search, and I can't remember all the sources.

First look, bride and groom only {in the woods}

Bridal party shots

Details

We're eight seven six five four three TWO ONE (omg!) month out, and all mostly all the major stuff (i.e. DJ, Photographer, catering, venues) is booked...but LOTS of DIY projects and smaller, easily forgotten stuff left. So here it is, in no particular order:

Talk to Pastor about officiating ceremony

Pre-marital counseling

• Session one
• Session two
• Session three
• Session four

Finalize ceremony

Purchase battery powered speaker for playing ceremony music

Find an iphone operator for the ceremony

Obtain layout of tables and sizes from venue

Book rental of ceremony chairs and reception linens

Talk to/book caterer

Help girls find their bridesmaid’s dresses/shoes

Make sure FI and the fellas go shopping for their attire

Decide on bridesmaid’s/flowergirl gifts, purchase or make

Order groom’s ring

Finish treat stands 

Find a cake server

Finish cake table backdrop

Finish treat take home favor bags

Get log slices from Dad

Make (5) 8' book page table runners

Make "Here comes the bride" sign

Finish wrapping vases with lace and twine

Finish ring bearer pillow

Purchase tea cups at antique store

Make table signs

Make tissue paper pompoms

Make lace lanterns

Paint “L-O-V-E” letters

Make “reserved” signs for ceremony rows and reception tables

Purchase string lights for reception

Purchase supplies for mason jar candles and put together

• Mason jars
• Course sand
• Candles

Make paper roses

Create preliminary "day of" timeline

Purchase large glass jar for guestbook

Finish ripping out chapter headings for guestbook

Make sign for guestbook/drink ticket table

Make curtain and banner for behind sweetheart table

Get fabric for curtain behind the cake/to cover fire extinguisher

Purchase supplies for and make card box

Make pinwheel wall

Make boutonnieres for fellas

Make chalkboard sign for ceremony

Make "WELCOME" sign (kraft letters) for pinwheel wall

Make wood pointy signs for ceremony

Hair and makeup trial

Make drink tickets

Get addresses from Mama and FMIL

Obtain supplies for save-the-dates

Nail down design of save-the-dates, print, assemble, and mail/deliver.

Have e-pics taken

Order flowers online

Shop for/buy flower girl dresses

Shop for/buy ring bearer attire

Order supplies for invitations

Design invitations, print, assemble, and mail/deliver

First dress fitting

Final dress fitting

Communicate music, "do not play" list, etc. to DJ 3 weeks before wedding date

Communicate final numbers to caterer, deposit due 10 days before wedding.

Cake tasting and design

Order cake toppers

Make golf flags for denoting different treat types

The week of the wedding:

• Bake treats for treat table with Mama and Nanny
• Pick up linens and chairs on Friday
• Decorate the reception venue
• Assemble bouquets and centerpiece flowers with the ladies.
• TIE THE KNOT:)

Five days to go, and I'm on "the list" along with my two date twins:) I can't hardly stand it I'm so excited!!!

Fri, July 13 - jwylie 
Fri, July 13 - JeffreyNicole 
Fri, July 13 - FabTara 
Fri, July 13 - AmandaLachelle 
Sat, July 14 - Faithk08 
Sat, July 14 - littlebit07 <-------Hooray!
Sat, July 14 - pavez19 
Sat, July 14 - FleurdeLisBride 
Sat, July 14 - agrove 
Sat, July 14 - HeatherRN10 
Sat, July 14 - ajescale 
Sat, July 14 - dmcgee 
Sat, July 14 - Suellyn