Hi ladies!  I want to apologize to those who have sent me messages and have not received a response.  After the wedding, DH and I were busy enjoying being married and last July we welcomed a beautiful baby girl!  Needless, to say it's been a bit hectic the last year and some months!  I have a lot of requests for my passport STD's.  I think I have the file somewhere.  My old computer crashed one day but I was able to salvage most things on it.  I will look for it and get back to you all soon.  So sorry if your timeline has passed!  Hope you all have beautiful weddings!!!

Courtesy: Paul van Vleck Photography

Courtesy: Paul van Vleck Photography

Heading to the aisle...

Getting mom's blessing before the big moment...

My co-MOH's reaction to our exchange...

It's time...

Let me start by saying I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day, setting or wedding. We had the absolute perfect day even though there were a couple of things that didn't go as planned. ;-) The day started perfectly with DH and I waking up together and getting an outdoor couple's massage at the resort. It was one of the BEST massages I've ever had! DH loved his too and sometimes he's a little hard to please in that department. We left the spa for a quick lunch together and then we went our separate ways. I spent the next few hours with my girls and my parents. It was nice and I didn't feel anxious at all. We had a slight problem with timing in that my hairstylist and MUA was running late because she decided to do hair and makeup for one of our GUESTS (ok that was my slight bridezilla moment of the day). Either way...we got to the venue and the bridal suite was amazing! My girls got to work right away making sure everything was going as planned. They were truly amazing! As I was driving to the venue I realized I forgot my vows!!! So my best friend tried for quite some time to retrieve them from my email without success. Thankfully, DH saw them laying on the bed of our hotel room and brought them and my hairpiece (which I apparently also forgot) with him. =)  He’s the best!  

We were running about 30 minutes late, but our wedding coordinator, Carlos, did everything he could to ease my nerves.  He assured me that the officiant would be ok to stay and that there was no way they could get started without me.  =)  I was a little apprehensive about Mom.  Carlos and I had talked about it the day before and he told me they would try to get her down to the ceremony site but if she refused they would bring her down to the lowest platform directly overlooking the ceremony location so that she could see us down below.  As it got closer to showtime, Carlos came by the bridal suite to tell me they had to go with plan B but that Mom had a speaker setup nearby so that she would be able to listen to the entire ceremony!  I was so happy to hear that!  It was the second best thing to having her right in front of me.  

It was now time to take our places at the top of the winding stairs leading down to the ceremony site but before that I had to stop by to get Mom's blessing. As soon as she saw me she burst out crying. Of course, she made me burst out crying too!  I was trying so hard not to mess up my freshly done makeup but ultimately it was a moment I wouldn't have missed for anything. Even my dad started crying! =)

Once we got into position at the top of the stairs, I heard Leona Lewis' Footprints in the Sand playing for my girls and that’s when it hit me! We were FINALLY getting married! I was so happy and thankful that everything turned out fabulous and that I -- in just a few moments -- would be marrying the love of my life. My girls went first and the plan was that I would follow a short time later and that the kids (two flower girls and a ringer bearer) would dispatch from the bottom of the bridge as I approached.  Well, our ring bearer did his thing but when it came time for my little niece to go she burst into tears and her father had to rush her upstairs.  

The ceremony went perfectly and our minister said he was so inspired by the emotion that was captured in the words. Yes, it was a bit long and I was sweating in places I didn't think I could (I know TMI) but it was so magical! There is no other word to describe it!  The readings by my girls and the guys were perfect and touching and the sand ceremony with my new daughter actually turned out beautifully!  We hadn’t even practiced!  At the end when our minister presented us as husband and wife everyone was so happy and hot and ready for a drink that they forgot to make use of our petal cones!!!  Of course…I didn’t even realize it until my sister pointed it out hours later.  =)

Pictures down below were a bit rushed and DH wanted desperately to get back in time for our mariachis to start playing.  So we rushed upstairs and the mariachi introduced us with their first song. They were great!!!  It was a great sight to see as the 9-10 piece band sprawled out on the stairs before us.  Our guests really enjoyed them and we were happy we booked them at the last minute!  

The dinner was really, really good.  It consisted of a lobster bisque, tenderloin and shrimp entrée with mashed potatoes and a white chocolate mousse for dessert.  Even though my corset dress was tied quite tightly…I managed to get most of the dinner down.  =)  It wasn’t going to waste…that’s for sure!  After dinner came our first dance.  DH and I danced to Solo Para Ti by Camila.  It was a song DH introduced to me about two months before our wedding and when I heard it, it gave me chills and I just knew that was the perfect song for us.  Our first dance kicked off dancing for a short time and then it was time to cut the cake.  So the cake didn’t turn out quite the way I had thought but it was ok nonetheless.  It actually looked quite tropical and beachy.  =) 

The reception went by in the blink of an eye! Next thing I knew our coordinator was telling us it was 11:30pm and last call was coming up!!! Wow! We had so much fun...I danced all night and so did DH (even with the bad knee). Everyone commented on how wonderful everything looked and how beautiful a location it was. I really couldn't have asked for anything more!!! Now I want to do it all over again. Haha!

Our wedding was on Friday, May 1st and the following day we were supposed to go ziplining with all our guests but having been up till 7am on May 2nd...things didn't quite go as planned.  That night we got together for our farewell dinner at Pipi's (a very famous restaurant in PV).  Look at their ginormous margaritas!!!  It was a fun time and a great way to end the week with our family and friends. 

The next day, we dropped off everyone at the airport and it was time for DH and I to finally start our alone time!!  We headed up the coast to Sayulita.  It was a nice place but way too many gringos and way overpriced for us.  So we drove back down to Punta de Mita where we found a fabulous place to stay right on the beach.  It's called the Hotel des Artistes and I can't recommend it enough! 

We had a fabulous two-bedroom suite with a full VIKING kitchen and a balcony that extended from our living room through the master bedroom.  It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  We spent one night there.  We would have loved to stay longer but I really, really wanted to make it to Guadalajara.  So off we went...

The next day we traveled to a little town in the mountains called San Sebastian.  It's a little place that was originally founded as a mining town back in the 1600s.  In 1900 the town claimed a population of 20,000.  Today, there are about 600 people living there!  The town has a lot of character and is representative of colonial Mexico but there isn't much to do there after 8pm so it's a great place for honeymooners (wink, wink)!!!

We spent one night in San Sebastian.  That was all the rest and relaxation we could muster before heading off to the big city.  =)  We crossed through the Sierra Madre mountains of the West.  Wow...just wow.  Beautiful scenery and tranquility abounds but after a while you get sick and tired of seeing mountain after mountain after mountain.  Just when you think you're finished there are 3 more ridges on the horizon and lord only knows how many behind them!  Still we stopped at a couple of places along the way so that made the ride a little less monotonous. 

Finally it was time that we arrived in Guadalajara.  The city is such a huge metropolis these days.  DH was scared to drive there but together we made a good team (driver and navigator).  The city is supposed to play host to the upcoming Panamerican games so many of the streets and venues are undergoing remodeling.  This is how a lot of the streets look:

It's a zoo but the beauty of the city's architecture and culture still shines through!

We stayed at a wonderful hotel that recently underwent a complete remodeling.  It's called the Hotel Morales and it's located right in the historic city core.  It's perfect!

While we were in Guadalajara we decided to visit the "number 1" restaurant in the city.  It's a Japanese place called Suehiro.  It's very similar to a Benihana but with a much better sushi bar.  Just wanted to share of a pic of DH with the Mexican geishas.  =)

On Friday it was finally time to return to PV for the following day's shoot with our photographer.  We shot all over the Zona Romantica...along the cobblestone streets...beautiful Mexican villas and of course...the beautiful waters of the Bay of Banderas.  Sunday it was time to say goodbye to the wonderful city of Puerto Vallarta!

For as long as I can remember I was never the "big wedding" dreamer type.  I always wanted to get married on a bluff somewhere, in an exotic land with just my very close friends and family by my side (well, his too).  That's why when I met my FH we clicked.  We both love to travel and a small, intimate destination wedding was right up both of our alleys.  So how did I end up planning a local, non-beachy wedding?  Your guess is as good as mine.  I've decided the reason why I didn't want to do the big wedding is because I know how compulsive I can get.  Still, I'm welcoming the process with open arms.  After all, it's our special day and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Luis and I met 5 years ago while working together at our local news station.  One day he asked me out for drinks after work.  We went to a local bar in Santa Monica.  That night we talked for HOURS.  From the time we left work...to the bar...to the horrible breakfast place we visited at 2am...it was as though we had known each other for years!  We talked about everything that night.  To this day I tell him there are things I wish I would have never said that day.  Still, our relationship just kept growing and growing.  We both share a passion for travel and have made it our mission to do just that.  We are the type of people who can't do the all-inclusives.  We like to rent a car and go explore on our own.  We love adventure.  Our most amazing trip to date has been our visit to his native Nicaragua.  The country is amazing and I think I left part of my heart in a little town called San Juan del Sur.  The sunsets are just amazing, the culture is divine and the people are the nicest ever.  We would love to go back soon.

Luis was there for me through the toughest challenge in my life...my mom's diagnosis with cancer.  When she was first diagnosed she had so many complications and setbacks.  By the time the doctors were able to operate her ovarian cancer was at stage 3.  The prognosis was grim...doctors told us to enjoy the time we had with her because they couldn't guarantee much.  It was a tough time for our family and Luis was there for me through it all...racing to emergency rooms all over the city everytime we had to take her in.  He's amazing.  There is a silver lining to this part of the story.  Contrary to her prognosis, my mom went through a trying bout with chemotherapy and has been cancer-free for 3 years now.  She's such a trooper. 

Luis and I moved in together in March of last year.  At that point, I acquired not only a live-in boyfriend but also an 11-year-old daughter.  I never imagined myself as a step-parent but now I couldn't imagine anything different.  She's a great girl with a love of sports and a great sense of humor.  We've gone through our fair share of adjustments and there are still things we figure out as we go, but for the most part the three of us are a happy family.

Luis and I had decided that since it was our first Christmas in OUR first place together we wanted to host Christmas Eve dinner and have both our families under our roof.  It was better than having to choose between both families or shuttle between the two.  We cooked up a storm...cochinita pibil, chancho asado, beef ribs, frijoles puercos, tamales mexicanos...and everyone had a grand 'ole time.  My parents spent the night at our place since they live over 40 minutes away and we didn't think it was a good idea for them to drive home so late.  We all woke up Christmas morning to open gifts.  We opened everything addressed to us under the tree and when we were almost finished, Luis said he had one more gift.  He grabbed some wrapping paper that someone had torn off one of their gifts and quickly disappeared.  He came back with something wrapped several times with the wrapping paper.  I was sitting on the ground on my knees, he was standing.  It was the sweetest proposal ever. He proposed to me and promised my parents to try his best to be the best man he could be for me.  By the end of it, I had tears streaming down both cheeks!

We are so so so happy with our photographer!  I can't even pick a favorite!

We have finally set a date for our special day.  It will be October 10, 2009.  It seems far away but I know it will be here so soon.  We will try our best to do this on a budget because we don't want to start our life together in debt for the expense of ONE day.  I will do my best to make it magical and affordable!  I have a ton of ideas and am fully prepared to DIY where I can to save money.  We are leaning toward a garden wedding with a Japanese inspiration.  I just keep finding myself drawn to the Japanese aesthetic of clean lines and simple, elegant design.  Wish me luck!

Because of the wow factor of my gown, I want to be able to show off the intricate detail of the lace.  I'm thinking I want an updo, but I don't want something too stiff.  I'm calling it a romantic updo.  Something a bit messy but with some structure topped off with a pretty feather hair pin.

I was watching an episode of Platinum Weddings (yes, I know) the other day and I fell in love with one of the cakes.  It was elegant, stunning and yet quite simple.  The closest picture I could find is below, but the cake in the show had round tiers as opposed to square and the crystal bands were a bit more understated.  It was also fondant which, in my opinion, added to the elegance of it.  Anyway, this is our cake inspiration.  I'm sure I can find a crystal or rhinestone strand at an affordable price in downtown LA.  Maybe my seamstress can help!

Although, I really like this design as well. Maybe we'll still do the pink flowers up top...

I'm so ecstatic! FI and I are back to the original plan...we're going to Mexico for a small, intimate destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta.  I've always said I didn't want the big huge wedding with all the bells and whistles.  I just wanted our very close friends and family together for an intimate ceremony on a cliff overlooking the ocean in some tropical place.  And...I found it.  It's perfect!  Everything about this feels so right...while the planning for the "other" local wedding was already frustrating me.  I'm sooooooooooooooooo excited!

Just a few minutes ago I just received the deposit confirmation receipt from our venue in Puerto Vallarta.  I am so excited!  It now feels sooooooooooooooo real!  One more time-woohoo!

Ever since we decided to have a DW, I have been attracted to everything turquoise.  I guess maybe it's because of the connection to the ocean, but I just think it would be a great color to incorporate into our wedding.  Only problem is that I had already purchased a number of items in the azalea pink color when we thought we would have a local japanese garden inspired wedding.  I didn't want the stuff to go to waste, but in my mind I couldn't wrap my head around turquoise and pink.  It sounded too bubble gummy.  So thank heavens for the wedding of Lindsy and Scott King in Grayslake, Illinois.  Their wedding provided the perfect inspiration for our beachy affair.  So there you have our colors...the only thing that changes is the grey...it becomes turquoise.  Turquoise, pink, green and white.  Just beautiful!

And on that note, here's my new inspiration board!

So I was on another site and came across this fabulous wedding that made my jaw drop! Photography is provided by Bumatay Studio.  Isn't it amazing?  And it fits perfectly into our colors!

And another wedding with the turquoise water...this one shot by Flower Allie (thanks to HMM for sending me that way).

*****UPDATE: Because of the price of orchids in Mexico, I've come up with a plan.  I will have four centerpieces using the vases in idea #1 and the orchids in idea #2.  I wanted to use a single orchid stem in some bud vases I bought here, but at $45 a pop, I find it ridiculous.  So, instead I'm going to trade in the turquoise bud vases for these white ones a IKEA:

And, the best part...instead of fresh flowers I will be using short willow pieces covered in turquoise glitter.  Thank God for Xmas sales at Michael's!  I got each spray for $0.41 and I will be using two in each vase for a total of 8.  That goes from $368 to less than $15!!!!!!!!!!!  Woohoo!

When I saw it, I knew.  This was the dress I had to have for my wedding.  Be it a beach wedding, garden wedding, fancy dancy wedding...it didn't matter.  That was IT.  I tried on the gown during a trunk show at a local bridal shop.  I went in with no expectations and actually kind of talking myself into believing it wasn't such a fabulous gown.  Of course, once the gown touched my body, there was no denying it.  I fell in love...again.  :-) FI doesn't know yet, of course.  It is the gown of my dreams but of course it comes with a very hefty price tag that almost equals our budget for our entire wedding.  So, not wanting to be denied, I found a wonderful seamstress who is willing and able to recreate this dress to a tee for me and for only a fraction of the designer gown's cost.  Whew!

Ok, so I've come to the realization that the fabulous St. Pucchi just wasn't meant to be.  It was a rather over ambitious project and while the result was ok it wasn't fantabulous as I had hoped.  So...on to plan B!  From the day I first started thinking about my wedding gown (but before St. Pucchi came along) I had always wanted a halter style dress.  I really like the way they look on me.  So I was looking for something halter, romantic, flowy and well, just me.  Thanks to fellow PW'er jamichael I found a wonderful Casablanca gown that was just gorgeous!

However, that gown wasn't meant to be either as it was from a very exclusive line that only a handful of salons carry.  The dress didn't exist in the entire state of California if you can believe that!  So while I could order from the manufacturer through a licensed salon I wouldn't be able to try it on beforehand.  Talk about pressure!  So off I went to try on wedding gowns again.  I begged the girl to find something similiar to the picture above.  She kept coming and going and coming and going with just the WRONG dresses.  Finally, she came in with a Maggie Sottero.  I had never seen THAT gown before!  I tried it on and it was LOVE.  It's so sparkly, so romantic, so flowy, so sexy and best of all it's a corset top so strapped in it makes my waist super duper skinny!  Well Maggie's take a fairly long time to ship.  If I were to order it regularly it wouldn't SHIP until April 30th!  Very very bad considering we leave for our DW on April 26th!  Haha, that's not going to work.  Rush ordering only pushes up the ship date 2 weeks.  While that might work, I'd be cutting it REALLY close!  Well, in my search for the Casablanca beauty I came across Lynn at Jinny's Bridal Center in Huntington Beach.  She was so helpful...beyond helpful!  I told her about the Maggie beauty right after I tried it on and guess what she did!  She got up early Monday morning when all the stores order their samples and ordered a sample for ME!  So while it is 2 sizes too big I will have my gown in early March and her seamstress Liz will make it all work.  Woohoo.  So without further ado...here she is!

And here I am in it (sorry about the cellphone pic and the cut off head). 

If there's one thing I've always pictured myself wearing on my wedding day, it was a veil.  I love the way a veil just completes the look of a bride.  However, in choosing my dress, I had a very hard time deciding what kind of a veil I wanted.  I don't like the birdcage veil look...not for me.  And since my wedding is outdoors the cathedral length is out of the question.  I also debated whether I wanted any detailing or not.  So many options! I don't like the look of scattered crystals nor the ribbon edging.  So, I was searching through Etsy and I found this veil.  I think it's perfect.  Just the right amount of bling, but still not overpowering so as to take attention away from my gown...and for a great price!  (No tiara will be worn)

UPDATE: Well...so much for not liking the scattered crystal look.  I went by a bridal store the other day that was having a total liquidation sale.  I wanted to see what they had in terms of veils.  Well I asked the girl for a white veil and despite the fact that most of the veils hanging from the rack looked white to me, lo and behold most were not.  She found one 2T chapel length veil with drop crystals on the edge and scattered crystals throughout.  I scrunched my face at it since I KNEW I didn't want a chapel length veil.  She said "let's just try it on."  So I did...it was gorgeous!  G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!!  But still, I had it in my mind that I wanted a fingertip veil and gosh darn it that's what I was going to get.  So I tried on a couple others. One fingertip and one a bit shorter.  Neither compared the first one.  So I bought it!  I justified it by thinking that the second tier is fingertip length...after all that's what I wanted right?  Haha!  I can't find a picture similar to the veil I got.  It's a drop veil in that it doesn't have much bulk which I love and it has drop crystals like this:

and then it has scattered crystals all around.  The thing I love about it the most is that they used full crystals, not the ones with the backings that you see all too often on veils.  I hate those.  This way it will reflect the most light.  Is it possible to be in love with a veil?

Well it doesn't get any more perfect than finding a shoe for your wedding with a heart on the sole of each shoe.  They're just perfect!  My gown has a little bit of silver detailing so I thought these silver satin shoes would go perfect.  I love them so much!

Finally got pics of my completed shoes...

And here are my shoes blinged up!

And for when I inevitably get really tired of my oh so perfect shoes...I bought these!  They are soooo pretty. 

I came across this wonderful creation from Sweet Sue's Bake Shop in North Beach, Maryland.  Since it's not practical to have them make our DW cake, I'm going to use this as an inspiration for our tropical locale.  Isn't it fab?

So, our venue's package includes a three-course meal that comes with dessert.  I like the idea of having an alternate dessert for those who don't like cake but I LOVE cake and gosh darn it I want one.  I always envisioned having the classic "cake cutting" shots.  So, I went on the search for something that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg and this is what I found.  It's classic, elegant and romantic all in one!

For our wedding I really want to incorporate new and unique ideas.  I saw this bouquet and thought it was perfect for our destination wedding.  So simple, chic, and romantic all in one! 

Here's the hair piece I decided on.  I'm having it recreated by a seller on Etsy.  Can't wait to see the final product! 

UPDATE: After what felt like a super long wait because my hairpiece was stuck in customs hell for THREE WEEKS, I finally received it!  I am so in love with it!  Here it is:

So I had originally purchased these earrings because I loved them so much...

And then I found this bracelet to match. 

It seemed like a match made in heaven...until the bracelet arrived and didn't look as classy as it appeared online.  It's cute, but not perfect.  So then LoriDecter posted a blog in which I found this (cue the music...):

It's so different!  And I loved it! So I ordered it.  But now, the earrings don't match.  I'll wait to see what it looks like in person since the internet can obviously be deceiving, but I suspect I will be searching for a new set of earrings soon.

*****UPDATE: Ok, that didn't take long...I just ordered a new pair of earrings to go with my new fab bracelet! 

UPDATE: My jewelry is the first thing I have been very indecisive about.  I have now jumped on the Dana Saylor bandwagon, but without the pricetag...I made my own for much less than the $159 she charges...

I will be wearing it with my original earrings.  Ironic, no?

So FI and I were pretty much on the same page when it came to his and his groomsmen's attire.  We didn't want to do the suit thing at the beach since he'd probably be very uncomfortable, so we decided to go for a little more casual look for them.  Here are some inspiration photos. 

Here is FI's guayabera...direct from Merida, Yucatan!  His BM will be wearing a black one with white trim. 

So my girls and I have been going back and forth trying to decide on their dresses.  I initially didn't want strapless gowns because I know they don't necessarily fit everyone's body and tastes, but I found myself strangely attracted to only strapless dresses.  We had decided on some J. Crew dresses but then my sister and I went looking around and found a really cute satin charmeuse dress at Express.  Well, she liked it a lot and I could tell she was much more comfortable in it than the J. Crew dress.  We bought those but as soon as she got home and showed it to DH he told her it looked like a nightie!  So scratch that idea.  We kept looking and my other MOH found this dress.  It fits our location.  It's turquoise and it's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy affordable!  The only thing I ask is that they have it tailored right above the knee.  Woohoo! Dress crisis averted!

And they can wear some cute wedges like these!

BOUQUET

I like the look of the nautilus shell so I think I will keep that standard in their bouquets.  Maybe I'll use a smaller one for them.  I've been searching around for inspiration and this is what I've found.  I'll be creating a mix of all of these:

HAIR

Since I want to find that floral pattern for my girls' dress, I thought it would be cute for them to wear a flower in their hair as well.  This one coordinates with mine in that it has the pearl center and feathers in the background.  Of course, it will be white instead of ivory.

JEWELRY

I need to go downtown one of these days to find materials to make the girls bracelets similar to this one.  Yes I said MAKE.  Another DIY project in the works!

And the matching earrings:

I don't think I'm going to have them wear a necklace either, but I haven't decided for sure.  If I do, it will match the bracelet above and I will make it myself.  :-)

****UPDATE:

Well I decided to make them a bracelet too!  Here is the three piece set I made each of my girls.

Hair Flowers!

The ceremony will take place at the beautiful terrace of love at Le Kliff:

We will have a similar setup to that above.  Except from the arch I plan on hanging capiz shells and acrylic beads similar to this (but longer and more spaced out of course:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2245/2131250985_cf6a712414.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors." width="447" />  

The guests will be seated on Chiavari chairs:

Each chair will have a petal cone hanging from it:

On the seat of the chairs will be a palm fan:

Topped with our wedding programs with built-in tears of joy packets.  (I still have yet to make these)

The bridge where I will make my grand entrance will be lined by a DIY aisle runner:

And the aisle will be lined by mini turquoise lanterns on shepherd hooks and roses.  Kind of a fusion between these two setups:

DIY aisle tiles:

I'm making 6 of them.  They will be lined up straight down the aisle and then flower petals will line the edges of the aisle.

The centerpieces:

We're having a long rectangular table to accomodate all our guests. We will be having 4 centerpieces similar to this: the long, tall vases with colored water and pink orchids.

In between these large centerpieces we will have these vases filled with turquoise glittery stems I bought at Michael's over the Xmas holidays.

These will be surrounded by lots and lots of votives!!!

Above we will have these hanging paper lanterns:

Arranged like this:

 Change of plans...J Crew ran out of the dress I liked for my FG.  We ordered it and they sent us a note back saying they ran out.  But it's ok, because I found another dress that is even more perfect!  It's white with turquoise hearts!!!!!!

How cute are these sandals to go with my darling niece's FG dress??

Despite all my other projects I have been also been stealing time here and there to build our wedding website.  It's  finally coming together -- well more or less anyway.  I've had to completely transform it to fit our destination wedding motif but I'm happy with how it's turning out.  It's much more our style now...

http://nidiaandluis[dot]wedquarters[dot]com/

I've been going back and forth and back and forth as to what to do about favors.  I wanted something that was easily transportable seeing as we are having a DW.  I also wanted something that was a fairly simple DIY project.  Today I finally got it!  We'll be making something similar to these:

They are cards made from plantable papers that are embedded with wildflower seeds.  They will be attached to another card that explains how a relationship needs roots to grow and wings to blossom.  Our guests will be able to take these home, stick them in some dirt and watch flowers grow!  It will be a constant reminder of our wonderful day!

Well I love, love, love putting my creativity to work, so you can bet I am looking forward to all the DIY projects in the months ahead.  My only problem is that once I start something, I can't stop thinking about it until I complete it.  Yeah, I'm a bit OCD that way.  Anyway, here's a list of my proposed DIY projects.  I'll post updates as we go.

*STD's-DONE! Yay!

*invitations -- DONE!

*aisle runner- DONE

*memorial candles-DONE!

*Will you be my MOH (will have 2 only) cards-DONE!

*bridal newsletter-DONE!

*menus--in design process

*programs w/tears of joy packets -- in design process

*place setting cards -- in design process

*"I Do" letters -- DONE!

*bride and groom chair signs -- in design process

*guest welcome kits -- bought half bags/working on welcome letter

*day of timelines

*MOH jewelry -- DONE!

*flower girl pomander -- DONE!

*monogram parasol -- DONE!

*just married/do not disturb sign

*customized matchboxes -- DONE!

*cocktail umbrellas

*boarding passes -- design in process

*luggage tags -- bought now just need to design

*RB ring -- DONE!

*my bracelet -- DONE!

*aisle tiles -- bought now have to get on it

*vellum votives -- bought materials

*petal cones -- MAKING IN MEXICO

*plantable paper favors

Ok, I never really realized how much there is to do until I posted this list.  It's a bit overwhelming now!  Whew!  We'll get through it!

• Reserve ceremony/reception venue-DONE! (Le Kliff Restaurante & Bar in PV) 
• Book wedding officiant-DONE
• Choose wedding party and confirm the participants-DONE
• Buy wedding bands--DONE (Woohoo! I love love love my ring!)
• Draw up an initial guest list-DONE!
• Order wedding dress-It's being made...yay!
• Buy wedding jewelry-DONE
• Buy veil-DONE
• Buy garter-DONE!
• Make everything up there^-
• Book photographer -- DONE (Paul van Vleck)
• Book videographer -- in negotiations (www.photovallarta.com)
  
• Reserve a caterer-DONE! (Le Kliff Restaurante & Bar)
• Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens-DONE
• Book live entertainment or DJ for reception-IPOD
• Reserve florist-DONE
• Order cake-DONE
• Register-DONE
• Book timeshare rooms-DONE
• Decide menu-DONE
• Reserve musicians for ceremony-
• Make STDs-DONE
• Make invitations-DONE
• Choose outfits for mother of the bride-
• Get marriage license-
• Finalize guest list-DONE
• Finalize order with the florist-DONE
• Groom's attire-DONE
• Mail the invitations-DONe
• Write wedding vows-DONE
• Write wedding ceremony-DONE
  
• Finalize menus-DONE
• Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy or officiant-
• Make programs-WORKING ON THEM
  
• Purchase gifts for attendants- DONE
• Make appointments for nails and make-up-
• Schedule final dress fitting-DONE
• Plan the rehearsal dinner-
• Meet with photographer and videographer-
• Finalize reception details-
• Call any guests who have not replied-DONE
• Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation-
• Deliver song lists to musicians or playlists to DJ-
• Confirm honeymoon reservations-DONE
• Finalize seating plan-
• Determine the order for the procession-
• Have rehearsal-
• Confirm accommodation reservations-
• Confirm the final numbers with the caterer-
• Confirm details with the limousine company-
• Deliver marriage license to the officiant-
• Draw up a seating arrangement for the reception and write out the place cards-
• Write any checks required for the wedding day-
• Pack for weddingmoon-

I want to take b-pics as a gift for FI.  I'm terrified of it though so I'm going to have to revisit the idea early next year.  Still, here are some inspiration photos of outfits, accesories and SHOES! 

 Boudoir photo inspiration

Well I haven't been able to get this topic off my mind since Elle1009 posted about it.  I think I will go ahead and get FI one.  I found an Etsy seller that makes really cute sterling silver promise rings with personalized messages on the inside.  Now I just have to decide what to inscribe and when to propose!

Aren't they just so beautiful????!!!!!!?????!!!!

We got our rings on Monday and we are both soooo soooooo sooooooooooooo happy with them.  FI had gotten me the top ring as my engagement ring.  So, instead of getting a wedding band we decided to make it my wedding band and he got me the middle ring to match it.  His wedding band is the one on the bottom.  He absolutely LOVES it!

For me! Thanks to kblovelee I was able to get this little number at the VS semi annual clearance sale for $29.99 plus tax.  Woohoo!

And my hanky panky "I DO" panties!

When I think about my makeup for the wedding day, I definitely think I want to look natural with dramatic lashes.  I love Kim Kardashian's look here (minus the red lipstick).

Now here is the sunkissed.  I have to figure out a way to mesh the two.

It feels like a first contacted Holly from Hollysew on Etsy a lifetime ago.  We've been working on this hanger for what seems ages but I love the final result!  Here it is:

The first time I saw TheBunny's DIY posts I was in awe!  She just did such an amazing job on her wedding.  It's unreal!  When I saw the hanger she made for her hubby I just knew I had to have one.  I thought about DIY'ing it but really I have a ton on my list already.  So...I went on TheBunny's page and lo and behold she is making them to sell now.  I ordered one...can't wait to see it!

So Erin has been working with me tirelessly to get this perfect.  Here is the finished product!

DIY aisle tiles

                                                                 Inspiration:

                                                                        Mine:

DIY cocktail umbrellas

DIY vellum votives

                                                                      Inspiration:

                                                                            Mine:

DIY petal cones

DIY "Muchas Gracias parasol

                                                                     Inspiration:

                                                                      FI did this one:

DIY bride and groom chair signs

DIY hanging placecards

                                                                  Inspiration:

                                                                         Mine:

DIY do not disturb/bridal suite signs

DIY accordion fold welcome letters

DIY boarding passes & luggage tags

DIY cake topper

DIY fabric covered menus

DIY gatefold programs with tears of joy packets

I've been looking for a clutch for a while now and couldn't find something I loved.  Finally on a weddingbee troll I found it...

It's here and it's perfect!!!

I've been looking for a dress for our civil ceremony forever!  I couldn't find one I liked.  I knew I didn't want white and I didn't want something overly dressy.  So I looked everywhere and finally found this!  I think it's perfect and definitely wearable again!

FI and I took a trip to the Erica Koesler warehouse yesterday and looked around her off-price corner.  I found the perfect accoutriments for our civil ceremony next week! 

Prelude:

Quinta Estacion -- Algo Mas

Luis Miguel -- Solamente Una Vez

Gloria Estefan -- Con Los Años Que Me Quedan

Aleks Syntek -- Sin Ti

Luis Miguel -- Delirio

Processional:

Footprints in the Sand -- Leona Lewis

Bride's Entrace:

Ingrid Michaelson -- Can’t Help Falling In Love

Recessional:

Etta James -- At Last

PROCESSIONAL

GATHERING WORDS

On behalf of Nidia and Luis I’d like to welcome you all and thank you for being here to share in this happy occasion.  Because Nidia and Luis feel a great closeness and respect for all of you here, they have chosen each of you to witness their vows today.  By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their decision to commit themselves to a life together. 

Today, two lives that began on separate paths will be joined as one in the ceremony of marriage.  It is one of the oldest celebrations in all the world – commemorated thousands of times per day – but to be true it must be a symbol of something inner and real: a sacred personal union which nature might mirror, a church can solemnize or a state declare legal for some, but which only love can create and mutual loyalty fulfill. 

To last, a marriage should be a devotion of each person to the other, and of both to the wider community of which they are a part.  In marriage, we give ourselves completely as a gift to one another. Together we’re better equipped to comfort the sorrows of life and to magnify life's joys.  A marriage must stand, not by the authority of the state, nor by the seal on your wedding certificate, but by the strength and power of the faith and love
you have in one another.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FAMILY & FRIENDS

Today represents not only the joining of Nidia and Luis in matrimony but also the joining of their families and friends.

Before us we have two candles blowing freely in the wind and representing Luis’ parents.  Although they are not here with us physically, we feel blessed they are with us in spirit. Nidia and Luis would like to recognize their parents…offering profound gratitude for all the love and care their parents showed in raising them.  The unconditional gifts of love and support they continually offered have inspired Nidia and Luis to become who they are today.  Without them this day would not be possible. 

This couple feels so blessed to be able to share their wedding day with all of you.  They are honored to have had each of you make the long journey here and while it may seem like a long way to go for a simple ceremony, they feel like the magic of Vallarta truly encapsulates their love.  It is a place of simplicity and beauty…a place for family and togetherness…a place of wonder and discovery and a place with so much heart and soul.  They ask that you open your hearts and minds to the timelessness of this place and to the love we are here to celebrate today. 

GROUP DECLARATION OF SUPPORT

I now ask all of these friends and family to stand and that you – Nidia and Luis – turn and acknowledge them as they acknowledge you…

[Audience stands]

As family and friends, you form a community of support that surrounds Nidia and Luis.  Each of you, by your presence here today is being called upon to uphold them in loving each other.  Always stand beside them, never between them.  Offer them your love and support, not your judgment.  Encourage them when encouragement is needed and listen to them when they ask for advice. In these ways you can honor this marriage into which they have come to be joined today.  Do you offer your love and support to strengthen their marriage and bless this family created by this union? 

Please answer by saying: WE DO

[Guests: WE DO]

Thank you, you may be seated.

MARRIAGE STATEMENT OF INTENT/CONSENT

Nidia and Luis, do you – with family and friends as your witnesses – present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined today in marriage?

[Nidia & Luis: WE DO]

Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?

[Nidia & Luis: WE DO]

READING #1: ROBERT FULGHUM’S POEM, UNION

Please welcome the co-matron of honor – Nidia’s sister, Marlen – who will read Robert Fulghum’s poem, Union.

[Marlen reads]
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.

The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.

For after today you shall say to the world –
This is my husband. This is my wife.

MARRIAGE ADDRESS

Nidia and Luis have opened their hearts to one another and today, in just a few moments, will share their vows of marriage together.  Any of us who has been fortunate enough to find and express the kind of loving devotion we are celebrating here today knows it is a wondrous and beautiful thing. 

This understanding brings me to the first of three suggestions I will offer you, Nidia & Luis:

Be constantly grateful for the presence of this precious person who has chosen to make a life with you. 

Throughout your lives together you will inevitably have the words you will speak today challenged in countless ways.  Whether it be hardship or loss, illness or tragedy…always remember that above it all you have chosen each other with which to embark on this journey.  Together you can make the world just a little bit brighter for each other.  

My second suggestion is this:

Make each other the receipient of daily kindnesses.

This world can be a really tough place.  Daily stresses can take a quick toll on our mental state.  Be generous with compliments for each other.  Be attentive and helpful. Enjoy each other.  Each of you can, by your tenderness toward each other, kind words and thoughtful actions, make your marriage and your home an uplifting refuge.

Last, but perhaps most important:

Make truth the unfailing bedrock of your lives together.

A happy and loving marriage is built on trust and respect.  That trust and respect can only be sustained if you are both deeply committed to always being open and truthful in every exchange no matter how small. 

My hope for you is this: that you have many long years to delight in each other’s company, to feel gratitude for your good fortune in having found and loved each other, that you make a home together that is both sheltering and welcoming and that you love and are loved by the friends and family who have come here today to support you…

The relationship between the two of you will keep growing and changing - realize that you are two separate people with different ideas; and that you don’t belong to each other, but that you belong with each other and share a mutual bond.

By entering into this covenant, you offer what is of most value to each other -your joy, your dreams, your tenderness, and your love. Even your disappointments, when faced together, can be a path to greater understanding. By a mutual commitment to love one another, to work towards creating an atmosphere of care and consideration and respect you can make your married life come alive.  Nidia and Luis, remember then that love is the source of strength -being together in good times and being together in bad times.

Love is the source of unity - an understanding so complete that you feel as if you are a part of the other person, accepting the other person just the way they are and not trying to change them to be something else. Love is the source of sharing - giving and taking in a daily situation, being patient with each other’s needs and desires. Love is the source of security - knowing that the other person will always be with you regardless

of what happens.

So, Nidia and Luis love deeply, but let not your love be possessive. Love wisely...so you do not hurt each other. Love generously ...without thought of getting in return. Love highly... so your eyes see only good and by so doing you will bring much harmony and joy into your marriage.  Love is stronger than your conflicts, bigger than life’s changes, the miracle always inviting you to learn, to blossom and to expand.  It is to love that you must always return. 

WEDDING VOWS

Nidia and Luis please turn to each other now as you share the vows you have so thoughtfully written. 

Luis’ Vows:

Nidia’s Vows:

READING #2: THE HANDS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

Please welcome the co-matron of honor Haydee and the best man John who will offer a reading about the hands of a bride and groom. 

Haydee:

Nidia, please face Luis and hold his hands, palms up, so you see the gift that they are to you. 

These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too feels his child stir within your womb. 

These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. 

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief fill you. 

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you. 

John:

Dad, please face Nidia and hold her hands, palms up, so you see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands that are smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope each time she tells you that you are to have another child; that together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it’s time to let go. 

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as you build your future together.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. 

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving.

Officiant:

Together, these hands will be your armor and shield against the evils and temptations of the world.  They will reach out, first to each other, then united, will spread your love to all they touch.  They will be a sign to friends and strangers alike as to just how wonderful married life can be. 

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another.  Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment.  Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love.  May Luis and Nidia see each other’s hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide for the rest of their days. 

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Nidia and Luis, in exchanging words and vows, you have declared your intent to live together in love for all your days.  For thousands of years, lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their vows.  They are round like the sun, like the eye and like arms that embrace.  May these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, illuminates; your love, like the eye, must see clearly; and your love, like arms that embrace, is a grace upon this world. 

Luis, take Nidia’s ring and place it on her finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a symbol that I choose you as my one and only great love to be my partner, my lover, my wife and my best friend till the end of days.  To you I will be true for always and ever.

Nidia, take Luis’ ring and place it on his finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a symbol that I choose you as my one and only great love to be my partner, my lover, my husband and my best friend till the end of days.  To you I will be true for always and ever.

SAND CEREMONY

Today, Nidia and Luis have chosen to commemorate their marriage and family through the celebration of the sand ceremony.  This ceremony symbolizes the inseparable union of Nidia and Luis into a new and eternal marital relationship.  Each grain of sand in their separate containers represent a unique and separate moment, decision, feeling or event that helped shape Nidia and Luis into the separate and unique individuals that they are today.  

But for Nidia and Luis the ceremony also symbolizes their union as a new family unit.  Before you are three separate vessels of sand.  One representing you, Nidia, and all that you were, all that you are and all that you will be.  One representing you, Luis, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will be and a vessel for Sabeena.  This child will share in this marriage and be deeply influenced by the joining of this new family.  

Each vessel before you holds unique beauty, strength, and character.  They can each stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else.  However, when you blend the three together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity.  Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the union.  

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers of sand represent your lives up to this moment: individual and unique.  Nidia and Luis, as you pour your vessels of sand together and the grains of sand become inseparable, I ask Sabeena to add her sand to yours.  As you combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family.  The individual containers of sand will cease to exist and will be joined together as one.  Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be. 

PRONOUCEMENT

May the love that has brought you two together continue to grown and enrich your lives.  May you meet with courage the problems that arise to challenge you and may your relationship always be one of love and trust. 

Nidia and Luis, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage.  We recognize and respect the vows you have made today before each one of us as witness.  In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife.  What God has joined together let no man put asunder.  You may seal your vows with a kiss. 

I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tijerino! 

RECESSIONAL

Luis, from the day I saw my future in your eyes, I knew you were the man I was destined to spend the rest of my life with.  I have come to love you more than I ever thought humanly possible and now I know this love will only continue to grow from here until eternity.

Our path together hasn’t necessarily always been the easiest, but through all our struggles and through all the tribulations I have come to see you as my best friend, my love, my joy, my rock…my all.  

Today, as I take you as my husband, I make these vows to you.  When spirits are high and I’m riding the rainbow of success, I will look to you in celebration.  When times are hard and the world is bearing down on my shoulders I will look to you to lift me up.  When God has been gracious and blessing have come our way, I will look to you to share in joy. When uncertainty strikes and I’ve lost my way I will look to you for inspiration.     

From this day forward I will be your loving and faithful wife.  I promise to love you, cherish you and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you and face all life brings our way standing right here by your side.  I give you my hand, my love and my heart for the rest of our days. 

Ever since I first heard about it, I thought the sand ceremony was something I wanted to incorporate into my wedding.  I have always had a profound connection to the ocean...not sure why but the ocean waters profoundly impact me and when I am there I am completely at peace. So I ran the idea by FI and he was a bit skeptical about it until he read the words I put together for our special sand ceremony.  See, FI has a 12-year-old daughter.  She lives with us a couple days a week and we have tried very hard to make sure she feels like she is part of OUR family always.  She's very tomboyish so I knew she wouldn't want to be a junior bridesmaid, but I wanted to make sure she had a part in our wedding day.  So I figured the sand ceremony would be a great way to incorporate her into the ceremony and strengthen our family unit as well.  Here are the words I put together (with inspiration from several sources) for our ceremony:

Today, Nidia and Luis have chosen to commemorate their marriage and family through the celebration of the sand ceremony.  This ceremony symbolizes the inseparable union of Nidia and Luis into a new and eternal marital relationship.  Each grain of sand in their separate containers represent a unique and separate moment, decision, feeling or event that helped shape Nidia and Luis into the separate and unique individuals that they are today.  

But for Nidia and Luis the ceremony also symbolizes their union as a new family unit.  Before you are three separate vessels of sand.  One representing you, Nidia, and all that you were, all that you are and all that you will be.  One representing you, Luis, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will be and a vessel for Sabeena.  This child will share in this marriage and be deeply influenced by the joining of this new family.  

Each vessel before you holds unique beauty, strength, and character.  They can each stand on their own and be whole, without need of anything else.  However, when you blend the three together they create an entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity.  Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the union.  

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers of sand represent your lives up to this moment: individual and unique.  Nidia and Luis, as you pour your vessels of sand together and the grains of sand become inseparable, I ask Sabeena to add her sand to yours.  As you combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family.  The individual containers of sand will cease to exist and will be joined together as one.  Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be. 

Well it's no secret FI and I had many, many DIY projects for our wedding.  We enjoyed each and everyone of them and I must say our guests absolutely took notice of it all!  Below is a rundown of all our DIY's!

Well I've been playing around with making monograms.  I have created quite a few.  Here are the ones I think we may incorporate into the wedding. 

Here's my new one:

Woo hoo! I finished my first DIY project!  I had an inspiration from a "will you be my bridesmaid?" card I saw on Etsy and ran with it.  I still need to get a few rhinestones to dress it up a bit more, but the ones I have are a bit too big so I have to make my way to Michael's.  Anyway, here's my creation. 

Woohoo! I finished my first edition of my newsletter for my two co-matrons of honor.  I plan on sending it out with their "Will you be my matron of honor?" cards.  I love the way it turned out!

And here's Part 2!

So since we're now starting the planning for our DW, I've kicked around several ideas for STD's.  I couldn't really decide what I wanted to do though I knew I wanted to include magnets.  So, I've finally decided to embark on my first official DIY project...my passport STD's!  I will include the magnets on the last page of the book. 

SO HERE IS MY INSPIRATION:

AND HERE'S THE REAL DEAL:

FH is now the embossing king!  We had so much fun making these.  They were truly a labor of love!  Can't wait to send them out.  Just waiting for my cute 59 cent stamps to put on them!

***UPDATE: SO AFTER ALL THE STAMP DRAMA (WHO THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE A PHRASE!) OUR STD'S FINALLY WENT OUT TODAY 10/20.  YEAH, IT'S 10 DAYS LATER THAN I ANTICIPATED, BUT OH WELL.  I'M JUST HAPPY THEY ARE ON THEIR MERRY LITTLE WAY!

When I started thinking about our invitations, I wanted something different than the usual and I wanted something that conveyed the old world charm that FI and I love so much about PV.  I am beyond happy at how wonderful our invitations turned out!  FI helped out in his usual task of embossing ALL of them.  He's amazing! 

Supplies:

vintage brooch

pearl beads in size 6mm and 8mm(you can get 4 mm beads as well if you want 5 strands)

rondelles in sizes 6mm and 8mm

clear beading wire

silver crimps

jewelry long nose pliers

one multi-strand clasp (3 strand in my case)

Directions:

1) Cut a long piece of beading wire (longer than the circumference of your wrist--you will cut it down later)

2) Attach it to one side of the brooch by looping it through a crimp bead, then through a middle opening on the brooch and then threading it through the crimp bead again.  Take your pliers and set the crimp bead in place by squeezing it flat. 

3) Repeat step 2 twice.  Once on an opening above the middle and once on an opening below. 

4) Now repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other side.

5) Now you're ready to start beading.  Start with the middle strand.  You will use the larger pearl beads (size 8mm) here.  Thread one pearl bead through the wire and follow it with a rondelle.  Now bead two pearl beads and follow those with a rondelle.  Continue alternating two pearl beads and one rondelle until the strand reaches about halfway around your wrist. 

6) For the next two strands on either side of the larger beads, you will use the next size down (size 6mm).  You want to make sure your rondelles alternate with the middle strand.  Use 3 pearl beads followed by a rondelle.  Continue that pattern until it reaches the length of the middle strand. 

7) Now repeat steps 5 and 6 on the other side of the brooch.

8) You may have to play around with the length of both sides to ensure proper fitting around your wrist.  Once you are happy with the lengths, you are now ready to attach your clasp.

9) Thread your wire through a crimp bead then through the corresponding loop on the clasp.  Finally thread the end of the wire through the crimp bead again and close it with your pliers.

10) Repeat step 9 for all strands.

FI and I have been working hard on our bridge runner.  We finally finished it!  Here it is:

We're using it to line the bridge that connects our ceremony site to our venue:

Here is my inspiration for my "I DO" letters.  Mine will be black with turquoise and clear crystals.  Stay tuned for the finished product!

***********************************************************************************

UPDATE: Here's my finished product...

FI and I just finished our first DIY project together!  Not only does he now know what embossing is (and he's good at it), but he actually enjoyed it.  These are the memorial candles we created for his mom and pop.  I love the way they turned out!

I sooooo love how these turned out.  The hardest part was getting the size of the wrap right.  After that, just print, trace, cut, glue and voila!  I added some ribbon at the bottom to tie them in with our memorial candles.  =)

Why oh why do I have to keep looking for things to add to my list?  Ok, to be honest I wasn't looking for things to add, I just sort of found this one.  And since FI and I are big fans of collecting matchbooks or boxes wherever we go (even though we don't smoke), I couldn't resist but add this new project to our DIY list.  Isn't it the cutest?  I think I saw the individual matchboxes at the 99 cents store!

                                 INSPIRATION                                                      MINE

So I started working on my monogrammed parasol a while ago and when I was close to being finished I spilled some paint outside of the letter.  I was so annoyed with myself!  I tried everything to get it off but it wouldn't come off.  I knew I'd be able to fix it but I just needed time away.  So last night I brought it out and tried to fix it.  I think it came out great! 

So FI offered to help me out with a DIY project and ended up taking it over completely.  He did a fabulous job!

My little niece will be our flower girl.  She will be officially 2 years and 2 days old on our wedding day which I think is still a bit too young to expect her to walk down the aisle AND throw rose petals as she goes.  So I've decided to make her a pomander to carry as she walks down the aisle instead (I'm crossing my fingers that she does that!).  I like the look of pomanders but I want something a little bit different.  I love the idea of the circular pomander to represent marriage and the circle of love.  Here's what I'm planning to make (yes, another DIY):

                   INSPIRATION                                             MINE

Ok, so I was at Michael's today and I saw these giant diamond looking things and -- most importantly -- I found one in my color.  So I started thinking what I could do with it and it hit me!  Rather than have our RB carry a pillow or shell like I had originally thought, why not have him actually carry a ring!  So I made one...voila!

These are our accordion-fold welcome letters.  They were a bit time consuming to put together a couple days before we left for our DW but they turned out great! 

We put the welcome letters along with water, chips, pastries, luggage tags, maps and activity planners in our guests' welcome bags.  I got these cool insulated totes at Dollar Tree for...you guessed it...$1 each!

Here are our thank you cards for our wonderful guests!!!

FRONT:

BACK:

I loved the way these turned out!  They started out as a vision in my head.  My coworker had come across some cardboard someone was throwing away and she salvaged it.  She said she didn't know what she was going to do with it but maybe she'd give it to some of her friends who scrapbook.  So I asked her if she wouldn't mind sharing some with me.  She agreed and my vision was born!