PDX Bride - My Oregon Wedding

Home Day After Portraits

2010-07-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

So my Mom clicked a few pics of M and me in the yard while we were still in our wedding garb from our day after portraits! Just thought I would share!
Deanna (my bro's girlfriend) who did my hair and makeup again!
Front Yard
Front Yard
Chairs in the backyard
Houston!
Swinging
M upside down!
Love this quilt!

Anyway . . . I don't think it ever gets old looking at my wedding pics!

My amazing photographer

2010-06-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share these forever ago, but apparently I just got way too busy. Oh well. So, my photographer, Alyssa Jul, is amazing. When we went to take our "Day After Pictures" I had a serious problem . . . and I must really like you guys, cuz this is something I wouldn't ever talk about. But I had a spot (yes a zit) on my back (yuck!!!!) . . . anyway, Alyssa made it disappear!

It is a little hard to see (thank god), but it is so nice that Alyssa could make it go away (and still look nice)

The other thing I had her fix was a hair issue. Somehow my bangs decided to do something crazy . . . and no one told me . . . and it was like I had a weird bald spot. But Alyssa was able to make my hair reappear! I really think this is truly amazing, but you can decide for yourselves.

Better huh? Well, I really appreciate it!

My birthday

2010-06-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is my 26th birthday! That seems really crazy. We are heading out to a concert this weekend so it should be a really good time.

But to keep myself on track, since it has been so long since I have been posting, I thought I would share something that has been missed the last few months.

We got a PUPPY!!! and she is adorable. She is not really a puppy (she is a bit over a year and a half), but she still totally looks like a puppy. We adopted her on mother's day and have been in love ever since! Her name is Charlotte, which fits her totally.
Mother's day when we brought her home.

Just the cutest sweetest dog ever! Here is a little video, just for a bit more proof!

My cute friends

2010-06-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put a couple pics up of my cute friends that are getting married in September! We are so excited for this wedding. Not only are these two just some of the funnest (that is not really a word) people I know . . . but they are getting married in a tiny town in Missouri, so it should be a super fun time!

Anyway . . .

Photographs by CR Portraits

Parasols on Sale

2010-06-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys . . . I know it has been forever. I really should put some more stuff up here!

Anyway, my Mom has retired this year from teaching (Congrats Mom!), but she is on a cleaning spree! So, we have 35 parasols on sale on craigslist! We are asking for $90 for all 35, (that is only a little over $2.50 a parasol) but we will take the best offer. We would prefer to sell them locally (Portland-ish area), so we dont have to ship them (it would actually be quite a bit of cash to ship them anyway). So, let me know if you are interested!!

Here is the link!

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/for/1806874545.html

Small Details

2010-03-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

So, I realized I really need to finish up showing you all the details of my wedding. It was now over 6 months ago, so I am behind the mark. I have a bunch of small details that I should be able to post quickly, so I will see what I can get out in this busy life of mine.

So . . . here is the first little detail. My mom and I bought fabric to make table squares, not runners, but cute little squares. I love all the fabric, which is good because I still have all of it to play with now.
Pretty huh?? You remember seeing it on the tables?
Just a bit of extra color! I love it! And good thing I guess.

Engagement Party Favors

2010-03-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Did I ever show you guys the favors I made for our engagement party?? I found the idea somewhere forever ago . . . it is just champagne flutes that we bought from IKEA, and then I filled them with Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Plus I made little tags with an olive branch stamp. I think they turned out cute!

Cute and not super expensive . . . gotta love it!

I love Bulldogs

2010-02-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have wanted a bulldog for years!!! This makes me want one even more! Loves. Found via The Sweetest Occasion

Drinks anyone?

2010-02-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

So . . . these are cute!
Found Via Anna and the Ring

Cutest Flower Girls

2010-02-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I think this is just an amazing photograph!! These kids are all so cute!!
Found via Utah Bride

15K Dress

2010-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do you remember that I tried on a dress that cost $15K?? Well, I just spotted it in a real wedding . . . wait wait . . . apparently it is just a photo shoot. Anyway . . . you can still enjoy the dress . . . sooooooo pretty!
Amazing!!!!
I wish the crazy lady at the bridal salon would have let me take a pic in this dress!!

This was just a sweet inspiration from the same Elizabeth Anne Designs Post . . . Christmas Ornament guest book. I love Christmas Ornaments, so this is really awesome to me!! Love it.

Cutest Jacket Ever

2010-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Why oh why can't I have an extra $648 sitting around?? This has to be the cutest jacket ever!!!

Jacket by Malene Birger found via Mrs Lilien

KITTEN!!

2010-02-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Why didn't I think of this . . . a kitten in your wedding pictures . . . I don't think anything could be cuter!!Found via The Wedding Chicks

Blue Signatures

2010-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

I think this is such a neat idea. It is a Turkish tradition where you have all the single ladies sign the bottom of your shoes with a blue marker and at the end of the night, whichever signature is the most worn off is said to be the next to marry. Sweet huh?? Plus . . . it is your something blue. And . . . you could replace your bouquet toss if you so desired! Found Via Soolip

Flower Boxes

2010-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love these flower boxes. They are rustic and pretty. They would have fit right in with our wedding . . . but they look hand made, which means a lot more work!
Aren't they pretty??
I originally thought they were planted flowers, but it looks like there are little vases inside the boxes.

Oh this cute wedding has sweet wood cookie cake stands too!!

Found via The Brides Cafe.

2010-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

When I first saw the wood cookie cake stands I fell in love, hence why I had one of my own. But, I never thought to use one as a guest book!!
Found via Stylish Events. Now I only wish I could see a pic of the finished bench that they made this into!

I love this Wedding #19

2010-01-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Another Thursday Edition of I Love This Wedding!! Ok, I may love this wedding because of the location more than the wedding. Barndiva is in Healdsburg, CA . . . wine country! It is such a neat place and it you ever make it to the Napa/Sonoma/Dry Creek Valley area, you should go to Barndiva!!! From their website "Barndiva is a celebration of all things local. Our food is sourced from farmers, ranchers and small batch purveyors who live and work in the magnificent food shed surrounding us." Loves! I love the background of pic of the bride and groom.
Yellow seriously is my new favorite wedding color . . . if I ever do a vow renewal or a second reception . . . I want yellow!
Love the brides dress . . . and the lovely yellow JCrew bridesmaids dresses.
There is that pretty background again!
Such a sweet space for a ceremony.

Yay Barndiva!

Sweet huh?? Seems really casual and intimate . . . just the kind of wedding I love.

Found via OnceWed . . . here and here

Just because

2010-01-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

I had to post these just because they make me laugh!! Our friend that took our guestbook photos . . . he took these too and they just crack me up. They will probably make you laugh too if you know my brother . . . maybe not too . . . anyway . . . Ha!! Loves.

Ha! Did you all see this

2010-01-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is very rude, but very funny!!

Can you read what it says?? Click on the pic to make it bigger if you can't read it!! I love it, but cannot for the life of me think of an appropriate place to wear it to!

Mr Mort found via East Side Bride

Hair beauties

2010-01-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

I found these pretty hair beauties on Something Old, Something New. They are marketing them to the bridal world, but I think I like them for everyday life too!!
This actually looks like an Olive Branch . . . would have fit in with my whole Olive Branch theme.

They also have these sweet blossom pieces as well! You can check them all out on Monique Leon's Etsy shop.

I love this Wedding #18

2010-01-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

This wedding, photographed by Rebekah Westover found via With This Ring, is so super cute. I don't think it is really my style, but there is something about it that is just so sweet.
Such a pretty dress!
I love these bridesmaid outfits. So unique and original. And sweet . . . really sweet. Love the flower belts!
And a super cute flower girl too!
Ok . . . so this trampoline has to be the coolest/smartest thing ever. I am sure the just dug a hole the the ground so that the regular trampoline wasn't 3 feet off the ground . . . seems like it would be so much safer with kids and whatnot . . . plus it just looks cool. If we ever get a trampoline I want it like this!!
Cake is so cute!

Wouldn't you describe this wedding as sweet. I just love it.

Guestbook photos

2010-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

So you have all seen the Our Labor Of Love Blog, haven't you?? They always have all the photobooth/smilebooth photos?? Anyway . . . I had a friend take pictures for our guestbook . . . and they are a bit like a photobooth. We picked up some empty picture frames for a bit more fun. I think they turned out great. I only wish there was one of M and me too!!!

These first two were before I found the frames in the house and had to have someone run them outside.

I love this one with each of the kids in their own frame!! So cute.The second youngest guest at 2 months old! Finally people start playing around a bit!
These are our family friends that traveled from Australia!!!
Love the cockeyed frame.
Always hard to get babies to perform!
And here is our photographer for all these wonderful portraits!!
See he got the right idea . . . should have gotten more people to be goofy!!
Caught the old man too!
And here's the whole shebang!
Oh look, I'm in one!!
Our photographers even got in on the action. Alyssa Jul and Corey
M's parents got one. The Koning Clan . . . I need to remember to send this to them!
My brother got the whole bridal party together for one too . . . still wish he had grabbed M and me too!!
I think the only ones missed are one of me and M, my Mom and Dad, my Bro with his girlfriend, and M's sister with her kids. So much fun!!

My Dress On Love June

2010-01-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Sara went and found pics of my dress (and me) online and put them on her blog . . . kinda funny to see pics of me elsewhere on the Internet! Plus a little blog mention from Sara . . . "Cat has a great blog that is updated frequently, all notes from planning her wedding and the details therein! " I love Sara . . . I have a surprise for her, but I haven't given it to her yet . . . I will share once she gets it!

Love June Bridal

2010-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share another custom dress by Love June Bridal . . . my designer. I think it is beautiful!! Loves!!

Best Ring Pic Ever!

2010-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

I think I found the best ring pic ever!! Well, at least for M and Me! Wish we would have had one like this . . . maybe I will play around with our rings here!!

Isn't that a neat pic?? Oh man, is it just me?? I love it! Found it on Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Did you see this??

2010-01-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

Did anyone else notice this cake topper??? I thought pictures of brides and grooms with bicycles built for two were cute, but this may be cuter!! Found Via Ruffled

Bridal Party Program

2010-01-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love the look of this ceremony program found on Style Me Pretty.

It is just so visual, or something. I love the look of it!!!

I love this Wedding #17

2010-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I really really love this wedding! The style is amazing. Everything looks so personal and intimate. The lighting and decor . . . just so beautiful. Not to mention the grooms suit . . . amazing! Found via Elizabeth Anne Designs. Doesn't this just seem so intimate?? The chandeliers and dark wood of the barn. Just beautiful.
Cute little flower-girl pomanders.
Man I love this tweed suit!! I want to get one for M just to hang out around the house!
I wish we had done a just married sign.
Love the twine on the bouquet.
I really like these table numbers too. They would have fit in at our wedding too.
Cute cute!
I guess people would have tossed the rose petals at our wedding too if there had been a note! Too late for that I guess.
This couple is so cute!!
So this venue may be perfect. I just want to go visit.
Seriously, love the suit.
This is a pretty amazing shot.
And I always love these signs!

All photos by Susan Stripling

I kinda LOVE this!

2010-01-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

So . . . I think this is really cool! Beer in a Bathtub. I already showed you some pretty bathtubs with brides in them . . . and even took some myself, but beer in a bathtub seems even cooler!Found via Tried and True

Funny ones

2010-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

When were were taking our quilt pictures . . .
. . . I noticed something funny with Loo sign . . . it was pointed right at the ground, like "pee right here." M of course ran right over to take some pictures . . .
Funny right?? Well I love it!

Day After Portraits

2010-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

So, not that we didn't have enough pictures of ourselves from the wedding we went ahead and did Day After Portraits!! I really just wanted pictures in Downtown Portland and at the Rose Garden . . . we had all the beautiful country pictures, but I really wanted some in my hometown. Plus it really wasn't that much more to add it to my wedding package! Anyway . . . I think they turned out well.
This is one of the ones we used on our Christmas Cards.
So these are in Downtown Portland, the Pearl District.
This was funny . . . all the people were like, do you want us to move??
This is one of my favs. M hates it though . . . he think he looks pissed.
This is one of my absolute favorites!!! I just love everything about it!!!
We stopped at the Rogue Brewery for a couple beers. It was pretty fun. This cute little boy colored a picture and brought it over to us. His Dad said he "had to give a present to the princess bride." So, cute. That coloring is definitely one for the scrapbook. I will have to scan it for you all!!
I must say the new rings look great with the beer!!
This one is funny.
Now we moved onto the Rose Garden.
This is a sweet one.
I hate these crooked angles, but it really is a great shot of M and me.
Yay! Portland in the background.

I love this one too with Portland in the background. I have a couple other shots to share as well, but Alyssa is fixing them . . . just a couple issues that only I couldn't stand!! Anyway . . . I think I am officially done with all the professional pics!! I still have more wedding related posts to share too!! Hope you enjoyed all my wedding pics though. I still love to look through all of them. I discover new favorites every time. Still haven't made any albums yet . . . but hopefully that will be happening sooner than later.

All photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography.

Umbrellas

2010-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else noticed the amount of wedding photos with Umbrellas recently?? I kinda love them . . . even more so when there is actually rain in the picture. They were calling for Thunderstorms the day of my wedding so I am really glad that we didn't have to take ANY umbrella photos!! No rain for this Oregon girl. Enjoy the mass amount of photos today!!
See, real rain is pretty!!
See, real rain!! So Pretty!!

Anyway . . . I love them, but glad I didn't have any!!

You can find all these pics at these wonderful sites:

Once Wed again

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Rock 'n Roll Bride

A Cup of Jo

Budget Savvy Bride

Southern Weddings

Rock 'n Roll Bride

Bravo Bride

Jolie Jolie Design

My dress designer

2010-01-08T00:01:00.001-08:00

Not sure if I ever shard this with you, but my dress designer, Love June Bridal, was on the cover of Oregon Bride twice this last season and won custom designer of 2009!! Here are the two covers she (well, her dresses) were on. I am so proud of her!! I had saved these images ages ago, but forgot to share them while I was sharing my wedding . . . anyway, I saw this board on Marry You Me with one of Sara's dresses . . . so I just had to share!
This board is "part old Hollywood glamour, part red carpet paparazzi wedding. The focus is on fashion, looking celeb-fab, and a glam reception with minimal effort" . . . I love that description from Annie.

I love this Wedding #16

2010-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

There is something about winter weddings that is just so beautiful! Serene maybe?? But if I was going to have a winter wedding, I would want it to be something like this . . .
I kind of love this escort card log for any time of year!!
And the flowers are amazing too!!
Fun coozies!
And skis for a guest book??!!!?? Love it!
Looks so warm and cozy!! Found on RitzyBee

A very special song

2010-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

M and I had one more special song that we new we had to dance to. It is a little funny because the song is actually about a woman that gets around (ha!) . Anyway . . . I met M because I was taking banjo lessons from a guy named Lee Ruth, who taught at the store Crazy Music that was owned by Ken Shepherd, that M worked at - and eventually I did too. (ok I tried to keep that as short as possible). Anyway . . . this special song was written by Lee Ruth and sung by Ken Shepherd . . . so they are the reason we met and we both love the song. You can listen to a tiny piece of it here: Ken sings Ramblin' Woman. I highly recommend going to listen to it!
This one is my favorite! It is a great "final photo" to our wedding.

Well . . . this one is pretty good too!! I am pretty sure this was taken when the photographers were actually leaving!

All photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography

The Party

2010-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

You gotta love the party!! I wont say too much with this one . . . we all know what happens when people drink and dance.
These two were both in our wedding and they are getting married next September!
Desert! Wonderful berry pies. Too bad I only got a bite!
M and I actually dancing together . . . we both seemed to be running all over the place talking to people. I am glad we actually found a moment to dance together.
This sweet thing was there all night. I think they were the last to leave! Such a cutie!
I love the two five-year-olds dancing together . . . so super cute.My brother with my Mom, so super cute. My Dad dancing from his chair.
The song must have been Lollipop! Love the baby binkie ring on her finger! These are the proud parents of my tiniest guest!
What a dancer he is!
My oh my.
I don't know why I always take these crazy mouth wide open pics.
The non dancers.
Anyway . . . I think I am almost done with the posts!! Well . . . I have a few go-back DIY projects . . . but my last couple wedding day posts will be coming up soon!!

All photographs (except the first) by Alyssa Jul Photography

Special Dances

2010-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope you all had a good New Years!! And . . . since one of my resolutions is to finish posting about my wedding I am going to get started today!!

Besides my first dance with Marshall, and the father-daughter/mother-son dances I had a couple more special songs to share, one with my Mom and one with my Brother. They weren't directly after the "traditional" ones, later in the evening . . . and a surprise to both of them!! The choice for these two songs was actually easier than the one for my Dad. For my Mom: We went to see the Down From the Mountain tour years ago . . . it was where my family discovered Patty Loveless. She had a song "Pretty Little Miss" that would bring me out of my teenage hiding into the living room singing at the top of my lungs. My Mom and I would belt it out . . . so much fun. Anyway, long story short, I went away to college and a couple months later my Dad put the Patty Loveless CD on and when "Pretty Little Miss" started my Mom started crying . . . when you hear the song, it is not something that would normally make anyone cry . . . anyway . . . I knew it was the perfect song for Mom and me at the wedding!
My favorite lyric from the song:

"Mama says he's not my type
He really loves another
But he's gonna marry me
When I turn twelve this summer"

And we dance!!
My Mom is so cute!

Now . . . the song to my Brother takes us back to childhood . . . we would always sing and dance around to the Chieftains Long Black Veil album. The song "Changing You Demeanour" we would just make up "lyrics" because they go into lilting (not really words)!! So fun.

Changing Your Demeanour by The Chieftains

More The Chieftains music on iLike

Dancing with my Brother . . . the song is so fast . . . and long when you are doing a jig!

I think we got tired and just started hugging.
Look at me go!

Ha! So funny! Anyway . . . super fun. So glad I was able to do something special with my Mom and Brother as well as my Dad.

Photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Everyone Dancing

New Years Eve Couple

2010-01-01T14:37:00.001-08:00

I told you I had one more friend who got married in 2009 . . . aka last night in 2009. Congrats to April and Hans! And thank you for updating Facebook immediately!

Cake Stand

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am sure most of you saw this post on The Wedding Chicks, but did you notice the super cool wine cork cake stand?? I love it!!
I may have done something like this if I had seen it before the wedding!

Congratulations to all the Newlyweds

2009-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

As 2009 comes to a close I just wanted to say Congratulations one more time to all my Newlywed friends/coworkers/old friends (that I maybe haven't talked to in awhile)!!! And through some Facebook stalking and "stealing" I have pictures of all the 34 couples (35 if you count me) that I know got married in 2009!! Yay!! Enjoy all the love.

Chris & Abby!
Amy & Adam!
Alexa & Ryan!
Amy & Dan!
Andy & Annie!
Becky & Justin!
Courtney & Jake!
Tasha & Dan!
Josh & Danielle!

David & Adina! Drew & Patti!
Meghan & Elijah!
Andy & Emily!
Erica & Jason! Erik & Callie!
Lauren & Greg!
Kelley & Gregg!
Mark & Hannah!
Jamie & Jami!
Jenn & Mike!
Amanda & Josh!
Julie & Jonathan!

Lauren & Troy! Mandy & Chris!
Megan & Steve!
Mike & Meghan!
Sarah & Jamie!
Shannon & Patrick! Doug & Stephanie!
Suzanne & Jonathan! (who were on the same cruise as we were for our honeymoon!!)
Julie & Ted!
Chad & Toni!
Wesley & Emilee!

and Yvonne & Hector!

I actually have an old friend who is getting married today, so I will have to add her picture later! And of course one more of my and my new hubby who I will get to kiss at midnight tonight!!

Lots of love for 2010!!!

Christmas Cards and More

2009-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

I guess I should show you guys our Christmas Cards!! I am so excited about sending them for years to come, adding pets and babies, and all that fun stuff. Anyway, I bought them on Snapfish for I think $0.19 a piece . . . not bad!
I like how each pic kind of matches up with the word below . . . kissing for love, hugs for joy, and laughing for laughter!! --- I think my Mom is the only one who actually noticed that!
This is a pic of our friends fridge (you can see our pic up towards the top)!! Fun to be part of the whole Christmas Card thing this year. I can't believe how many we received this year too! It's like we are part of some club now!

Here is our mass collection of cards too!!

Anyway, hope everyone had a good Christmas! We sure did. Here are a few highlights:

Are we dorks for taking pictures with the cats?? Probably, but I don't really care!
Here is . . . some of our Christmas Dinner, a rib roast, roasted potatoes, gravy and brussel sprouts. Yummy!!! Also, it looks like we have spilled our wine glasses, but they are special tasting glasses . . . anyway . . . kinda cool.
And Candles!! And . . . cheesecake I made from scratch!! It is super yummy. I haven't ever made any before, but I thought it turned out really good!!

My families big thing was actually Christmas Eve we always had close family friends over for good food, good drinks, and good company . . . I made my Mom's traditional fair . . . Cornish game hens (everyone gets their own) with walnut stuffing, wine current sauce/gravy, mashed potatoes, and cinnamon rolls from scratch (I wish I had taken a picture because everything turned out beautifully this year, especially the cinnamon rolls, they were huge!!). Our friend supplied some other delicious food . . . a spinach salad with homemade lemon Dijon vinaigrette with pears, cranberries and homemade candied walnuts, a pickled hearing and beet salad (sounds weird, and maybe looks even weirder because it it bright pink, but it is actually pretty tasty), a green bean casserole, and deviled eggs!! Can you say gluttony??? Plus I had actually made the Cheesecake for Christmas Eve and someone brought an Apple Pie made without any sugar - just honey - it was wonderful!! Ok . . . a few pics now that you all are drooling . . . ok maybe its just me!
Gotta love the funny paper crowns found in poppers!! So funny. . . . oh and now that I see a mug, I made Mulled Wine too!!
Oh, you can see the bright pink hearing salad!!
And some deviled eggs!

And these were a beautiful early Christmas present from my Mom. Love the candle light! Hope you all had a good Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas . . . here is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever. Bruce Cockburn sings some very untraditional Christmas Music, so I bet most of you haven't heard anything like it before. Enjoy!

Early On One Christmas Morn - ...

I hope you enjoyed it! If you want to listen to more of his Christmas Album, click here.

I'll be back in the New Year . . . one of the resolutions . . . finish posting about my wedding!!

I love this wedding #15

2009-12-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

I think my favorite part of this wedding is the color scheme. Beachy, but not tropical. Simple and understated. Just sweet looking.
See?? Pretty Colors, simple look.
Beer favors!??!! AWESOME! I love the shall favors for when people get cold. So sweet.
Even the tequila matches the color scheme!!
Via Inspired By This

Another Baby Quilt

2009-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished another baby quilt! It is a little later then I wanted to send it, oh well I guess. They waited to find out if it was a boy or a girl, but they had painted the room orange and put up these baby blue colored paintings . . . so . . . there was my color scheme. The baby ended up being a boy that they named Finnegan, super cute name!! I put Baby McKinney, cuz at the time I didn't know the name.
I think it turned out pretty! Now I just need to get it in the mail. Only 4 more baby quilts to go (that I know of!)

Update: I just found a cute pic of the little guy with his new quilt!

Bouquets and Garters

2009-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

M and I like all the "traditional" things, even though we are a bit untraditional. So we did decide to do the bouquet and garter tosses!! The bouquet toss was a little bit different . . .
It is such an awful pic of me!
And you can see . . .the bouquet split into multiple pieces.
So . . . multiple girls got to take home some pretty little flowers.
There we all are!

Then the garter. A little weird to have your new husband go up your dress in front of all your friends and family . . . but at least it didn't last too long.
It was a Mizzou garter . . . and we had the Mizzou fight song playing, which is pretty funny I think.
And that's my brother with it. Can't decide if that is weird or not!
So funny!

All photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Special Songs

Best Bachelor Party Invites Ever

2009-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Project 10K Wedding is absolutely correct. These are the best bachelor party invites ever!!!!

Seriously awesome!! I am hoping M will be in a wedding soon so I can makes these for some other grooms bachelor party!

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances

2009-12-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

I knew I wanted to dance with my Dad to an Alison Krauss song . . . so I picked "The Lucky One."

It is a sweet song, although the lyrics don't really relate to any father/daughter moments . . . but Alison Krauss has always been a favorite of my Dad and mine and she just always reminds me of him. It was actually pretty amazing that my Dad actually could dance. Remember?? But he decided he had waited long enough and wanting to have the wedding day for me that he always pictured as well.
He did step on my toe once in his big boot . . . it was only kinda bad!
So much fun.

M danced with his Mom to Harvest Moon by Neil Young.

It is such a sweet song, and his Mom was so excited to dance with him.

Super sweet!! I promise to get videos put together soon!!

All Photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Bouquets and Garters

I Love this Wedding #14

2009-12-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

This wedding is so cute and so original. I have a friend who really loves bunnies and it would be really fun if she had a wedding like this one, but probably not her style. Anyway . . . I just had to share. It is really cute.
See!! Bunnies!
This Bride DIY'd a ton . . . paper crane garlands
They read the "Rabbits Wedding" as one of their ceremony readings.
Umm, I am not sure what this is exactly, but it is amazing . . . and I really want to take pictures in it too!!
Hand made napkins!! Lots of Amy Butler fabric in there I see!
They reused mason jars and tin cans for their centerpieces.

Cute huh?? I love it!

Images from Snippet & Ink

First Dance

2009-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Our first dance! We both really wanted to dance to "Our Song" because we actually have one, and we love it. The only problem . . . "Our Song" is super, super, fast!!

It may not sound like a super romantic song, but the lyrics are super cute!

"stickshifts and safety belts
bucket-seats have all got to go
when we're driving in the car
it makes my baby seem so far

i need you here with me
not way over in a bucket-seat
i need you to be here with me
not way over in a bucket-seat

but when were driving in my Malibu
it's easy to get right next to you
i say "baby, scoot over please"
and then she's right there next to me

i need you here with me
not way over in a bucket-seat
i need you to be here with me
not way over in a bucket-seat

well a lot of good cars are japanese
yea but when we're driving far
i need my baby
i need my baby next to me

well

stickshifts and safety belts
bucket-seats have all got to go
when we're driving in the car
it makes my baby seem so far

i need you here with me
not way over in a bucket-seat
i need you to be here with me
not way over in a bucket-seat"

When M and I first were dating we both drove cars with stickshifts and bucket-seats . . . so I would always sing this song. Anyway . . . here are some pics (and again I will have some video of it soon as well - wish I was more on top of things lately!!)
We basically did a swing dance.
With a lot of twirls and spins.
I stepped on my own dress about 50 times.
And, we forgot the routine.
But I think it turned out cute!!

Photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances

Wish we had Guitars

2009-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I know we had a guitar . . . well 2 if you could the ceremony musicians, but I wish we had done something like this couple! Had a guitar for all our guests to sign. I had seen the idea before, but decided against it. Now, I wish I had decided for it!!!

This couple actually had a whole Music themed wedding . . . so they had lots of guitars!

So fun!!

Via Rock 'n Roll Bride

Cake With Surprises

2009-12-14T00:01:00.001-08:00

Of course we went to have out traditional cutting of the cake moments!! M knew better than to shove anything into my face, so it was a fairly relaxed experience. Although, there is video of it and you can here everyone yelling things at us the whole time (I really don't remember that), I will get the video put together at some point to share as well!! I did have a surprise Grooms cake . . . a guitar. It was yellow cake with basically no frosting (M's favorite) . . . oh . . . our cake was white cake with raspberry cream filling and white chocolate butter cream frosting, seriously delicious!I love all the cute little faces you can see in the background . . . they want their cake!! The the guitar cake!
Isn't it cute???

Then . . . we had some surprises . . . and I swear to god neither of us knew what the other one was doing!!

Yes, those are instrument cases!
M bought me a banjo.
And I bought him a guitar. See, we really were meant to be together! I gave a little speech . . . that someone got on film, so I will put it up soon.
And M played a little guitar.
Everyone wanted me to play, but it wasn't tuned correctly, so I couldn't make it sound right. And I am not a good enough musician to tune it on the spot. Oh well. Love this pic!
Anyway . . . so funny that we both bought each other instruments. Too bad I have been really bad about playing mine. Just so you know, the guitar I bought M is a Breedlove . . . an amazing guitar company out of Oregon. I had to buy M a Oregon guitar from his Oregon girl!!

Photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography (except the last 3)

Up Next: Our First Dance

Fun idea

2009-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

What a fun idea . . . a monogrammed veil!! Cool huh?

Via Weddings Unveiled

I love this Wedding #13

2009-12-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

My wedding is over and I am still falling in love with other peoples weddings. Is it ok that I just had my wedding and I already want to have another one?? (to the same guy, I promise!!) Well, this one is Cori and Evan found via The Brides Cafe. More than anything I want one of these Boleros!!
I love this combo . . . M is not so stylish . . . I could never get him to wear boots like that!
Love it right at sunset.
Such a cool pic. Just amazing.
An old beat up truck! I have a soft spot in my heart for old cars like that.
Pretty, pretty, pretty!
So amazing. I just love it!

Beautiful Dresses

2009-12-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Have you guys seen the dresses from Rose & Ruby?? They are so pretty . . . and very expensive! Why can't I have unlimited spending money??Aren't they pretty??

Found via Eat Drink Chic

Speeches

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

We had lots of speeches . . . most of our bridal party as well as both of our fathers said something. I wish it had all gotten recorded, but oh well I guess. Our friends got part of the best man speech on video, but I still don't have a copy of it.
Funny!

Love everyone raising their glasses. My cute little Matron of Honor with her Southern Accent and everything.
M's Dad's speech was super short, and my Dad (who is just like me) talked for just about forever.
And my brother . . . well . . . I am not really sure what to say about his speech.
A funny little poem.
More raised glasses.
I told you we had lots of speeches.

So much fun. I do really wish we we had the speeches taped (so I could remember all that was said).

All Photos (except #1) by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Cake With Surprises

Gifts for our Parents

2009-12-07T00:01:00.001-08:00

Remember that I made Hankies for our parents?? Well, these are just some detail shots of me giving them on our wedding day.
Of Course one for my mom.
Such a cute shot! I look so excited.
The Dads. I don't even think I got a Thank you from them.
And M's Mom.

Yay!

Photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up next: Speeches

Reception Details

2009-12-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Yay . . . more details . . . Our reception tent.

Vino. Somehow we ended up with a two extra wines (I think someone grabbed the wrong case from the garage) . . . oh well, more selection.
Our cute little Bride and Groom Signs. I am trying to figure out what to do with these now. Any ideas?? I would like to have them up somewhere just cuz they are so cute. Our menu!
This is the "Head" Table. Which had me, M, and our Matron of Honor and Best Man. Here is a zoomed in shot of the champagne flutes that my mom wrapped with wire and beads. They are so super cute. Can't wait to toast with them 8 months from now.

My Mom surprised us with these cute little Mr and Mrs. Tags. She is so cute.
The shots of the tables are so cute. Too bad our table numbers are switched out with these boring ones. I will show you what they were supposed to look like soon. Love the olive oil jars. A friend of my Mom's created the little sticker and put all of them on the bottles. Plus tied the raffia.
I made little baby bibs for our too little newborns. I also made hats for a couple of the babies as well, but somehow there aren't any pics of those.
These cards talk about our photosharing site.
Coloring books and crayons for our toddlers.
Then lots of cake shots.
I really like this one.
Too bad our topper isn't there. I am so glad we got the wood cookie to put the cake on. It looked so pretty.
And pie. Yummy, yummy pie. Too bad I only got one bite of this (the same amount that I got of our cake!)
Sorry I have been posting so sporadically, it is amazing how busy things get. I will finish eventually, I promise.

Photos (minus the first two by friends) by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Parents gifts

Sweet Cake

2009-11-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

This cake is so unique. I love how the designs sit on top of the layers. Just so cool I had to share.
Via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Lela Rose

2009-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

These new Lela Rose Bridesmaid dresses are super cute. Totally something that could/would be worn again (if in a good color). I kinda want one just for fun anyway! Super cute!

Found Via The Bride's Guide

More Details

2009-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

So here are so more details!!! Mostly pre-wedding and ceremony decor.

Here are two different shots of our pretty little B&B. It looked so cute with all the tents set up in the yard!!

The ceremony space. Our pretty ribbons and greenery for the archway.
Friends getting everything set up. Signs, signs, signs. I think there are pictures of most of the signs except for the two that were out by the road!!
I love this one with the little flower bucket on it! Our guestbook! The fun guitar pics we had made. I don't know if I ever showed this either, but I stamped pages on the inside of the guestbook for people to write. I think they look cute.
Yay!! People signing the guestbook. And my hand made escort cards.
The programs that M put together. I think they turned out so pretty!
And of course our moveable shade!! We didn't really need it though.
The isle flowers on shepherd hooks.
And flower cones!!

It is amazing how everything came together. Not only how everything got set up, but how each individual item looked so good with all the other details!

All Photographs by Alyssa Jul Photography

Next up: Reception Details

Tiny Prints

2009-11-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

I know so many of you are looking at buying your holiday cards soon, so I knew I had to share this deal for Tiny Prints.

If you haven't heard about Groupon, you should! Basically they feature something cool to do/buy at an unbeatable price every day, but you can only get the deal if enough people join (i.e. buy the deal) that day . . . so you need the group to get the good price! Anyway . . . it is pretty cool and they have sites for cities all over the country.

Today they are offering $50 worth of personalized Holiday Cards, Invitations and More for only $25 . . . kinda cool. There is a bit of fine print, but pretty easy to work around.

Expires 01/31/2010
Limit 1 per person.
Valid for online purchases only, not including photo books.
Due to the holiday, please allow 3-5 days to receive redemption code; use this code at check-out.
New clients only. Groupon will be invalid for existing customers.

Anyway . . . great deal if you want some holiday cards!!!

Some Details

2009-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Over the next few days I am going to share some of the details of our wedding. I am really all about the details so these are really special to me. So . . . here we go.

My umbrella, rings and some presents. This was just as it looked while we were getting ready.
Some ring pictures. I really like this one, but wish Alyssa had done it on one of the BR Cohn bottles (because that is the winery we got engaged!). Oh well.
Our rings with our programs. I really like this one cuz you see our new last name underneath (well, you don't see it . . . but I do!)
This is one of the girls bouquet.
We had corsages made for our important guests.

My pretty bouquet. I love that it is tied with burlap and lace!! Here was my inspiration. A pic of the pretty cufflinks we made. I don't think we ever shared that process . . . I will do that soon.
My flowers next to the farm equipment. I love the mix of dirty/old with feminine.
Here are the guys boutonnieres!! I loved them. With the leather, they are so masculine. My inspiration.
I love this shot of the guys coats hanging on the fence. So casual and such a great moment captured by Alyssa or possibly Corey on this one!

All Photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Next up: More Details

Some Funnies

2009-11-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

These make me laugh so I had to share them.
I needed the Busch to get a bad taste out of my mouth . . . and the photographer caught it!! Nice to see a bride drinking out of the can.

uuhhh?? Well . . . at least they are having fun. Fun.
Not sure what was just said, but I am sure cracking up! Ha!

Ok . . . so the chiffon on my dress kept acting like a fly net or something. Bugs and flies kept getting stuck in between the layers of my dress. So this is Clayton, the best man, trying to get a fly out. He kept going up and up and all a sudden he was getting up into the lace. M's sister was the best at getting them out, but at least he tried!

All photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Some Details

Other Kid Photos

2009-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

So . . . I think kids are just too adorable. So here are some photos of our littlest and most precious guests! Toilet Paper binoculars.
This is my Mom's teacher friend Lori (a kindergarten teacher) that came to help entertain the kiddos. She read stories and make binoculars and had the kids go look for bugs . . . she was amazing. We got lots of compliments from parents and others at how good she was with the kids. I think she needs to start a new business! Babies playing with babies.

Me getting to meet one of our newborns. So cute!!

First two photos by Alyssa Jul Photography.

Up next: Some Funnies

Kids Vs. Flip Flops

2009-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

So . . . you know how we had Dancing Shoes?? Well, the kids got to them before anyone else did! These totally make me laugh and made for some cute shots!!All the flip flops sitting nicely in their bucket!! Then they start to explore.
The kids are very excited about the shoes.
They want to take them all out!
And they accomplish their mission!!

Photos 1, 2, 4, and 5 by Alyssa Jul Photography all others by friends.

Up Next: Other kid photos

Family Photos

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

We did take some family photos of course . . . I am sorry but they are much more boring than our bridal party ones!!
M and I and his niece and nephew. They are not super good at posing for the camera . . . as you will notice, but super cute kiddos!!
My two "little" cousins who are 13 and were also my hostesses!!
M's Mom and Dad M's family.
M and I with our siblings. M and I and my folks.
Me and Mom and Dad!! (You like how Dad's tie goes with Mom's dress)The whole shebang. Parents.

My family!

All photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up Next: Kids Vs. Flip Flops

Test

2009-11-07T16:51:00.001-08:00

License, Entrance and Cocktail Hour

2009-11-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just more of the day . . . signing the marriage license, our entrance to the cocktail hour and other pictures. This one was taken by one of my bridesmaids . . . it is one of my favorites!! Signing!
More signing.
Excited to join everyone.
Yay! We're married!
Taking some pics!!
Some Family photos!!
My brother!
M and Jeremy doing . . . well . . . I am not sure what! All my cousins (well at least the ones who were there!) My newly engaged Bridesmaid and Groomsman!
So, of course a ring photo!!

All Photos by Alyssa Jul Photography (minus the first one)

Up Next: Some Family Photos

Group, Guests, and others!

2009-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

So, I am not sure what to call this category but it includes some of my favorites! Right after the ceremony we had all our guests gather for some group shots. I love having all my guests in one big picture!!! I also love that M and I picked up the two flower girls . . . it just fits our personalities!
See, so cute!!
So cute that the flower girls are looking at us kiss!! Ha.
Ok these are more of my favorites!! These actually happened before the ceremony. I picked up Eve and we are looking at something . . . a toy maybe?? Cute pic though. I love this one too. We went to check out the ribbons hanging out in the archway. Just such a great shot and a great moment captured by Alyssa!!
Our littlest guest! Guests hanging out at the cocktail hour. Guest getting appetizers that I never got to eat!!
Well, they look good!
You can see a bit of the set up here.
Some of the bridal party hanging out. One of our oldest family friends took photos for the guest book, I don't have all the photos yet, but when I get them I will put them up here too. Here is my bridal party taking one together.

All photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Next up: Signing the Marriage License our entrance to the reception

The Ceremony

2009-11-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Our Ceremony was perfect!!! We laughed, we cried, our guests laughed, our guests cried . . . what more could you want?? Ha! It was really personal, and fun, casual, meaningful, special, unique . . . just everything. Our ceremony musicians. I think I am the only bride who really didn't have specific songs picked out for the bridal party and herself to walk down the isle to. I just told them to play . . . and when it was me just make sure it featured the banjo! They did great.
Everyone hanging out before the ceremony begins!
Me watching everyone gather outside. It was totally a weird feeling to be able to watch everyone I care about gather in one place.
M with my Dad and his sister Martha, who was our officient.
Cute ring bearer, M's nephew.
Super cute flower girls. M's niece and one of the groosmen daughter.
Becuase my Dad had his achilies issue, and really wasn't even supposed to be walking, AND I had to go down about 9 steps, I had my brother hang out with me inside and then get me down the stairs. I met my dad at the bottom of the stairs to walk me down the isle! I love the pic above because a little breaze came through and picked up my viel.
Me and Pops
Everyone all lined up.
Waiting for my Dad to give me away . . . and wondering what he will actually say. At the rehearsal he jokingingly said something like "go forth my virgin dove" . . . that sure got a crack up! The girls.
Joe Lewis reading something for us. I will actually share what he read later. Him and I and M brainstormed for months about what to read and none of us ever found anything that we really loved so he ended up writing something just for us. It was really so special. Plus, it had some laughs in it as well. M and I listening. Our programs in use.
Pretty flower shot. The boys.
M giving me my new wedding band.Smiles! Tears!
Laughs! Me giving M his ring.
Me struggling to get M's ring over his giant knuckle! Still trying.
We had flowers for our Mothers. I gave one bouquet to M's Mom and M gave one to my Mom. It was a surprise for both of them!

We are almost Man and Wife!

Yay! We can kiss!

I love this photo! We walked back down the isle to "Black Water" by the Doobie Brothers, so some dancing was in order!> There is some dancing! More Dancing.

And my brother being my brother!

Next up: Guests, Funny Moments, and some other random ones!

Most photos by Alyssa Jul Photography (a couple are from friends and family!)

Haven't seen this in awhile

2009-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a very long time since I have posted about a dress!! This one is very very pretty and I probably would have fallen in love if I had tried it on.

It has everything. Organza, lace, a little flower, a bow in the back, buttons . . . seriously everything I fell in love with along the way.

(Image from OneWed)

Bridal Party Fun

2009-10-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

This was seriously one of the most fun parts of the day. The boys had already been drinking, and they are a silly bunch to begin with . . . so mix the two together and it is just shenanigans.
My brother is the one facing the camera in this pic . . . looks like a happy boy!
I remember watching the photographers run over to take this shot . . . the boys just gathered on M's truck before we drove over to the orchard.
We are actually cracking up in this photo . . . the guys were being so goofy behind us that it was impossible to actually kiss seriously!
Just looking at these make me laugh . . . McGill is looking straight up!
There's a cute one.
Notice the laughing. My girls are so cute!
Not sure how the cigarettes came out . . . but it just made everything funnier . . . notice how uncomfortable M looks with that cig, definitely not a smoker.
I like this one!
More laughing. Yes, that is my brother kissing my husband.
So cute.
God, this one cracks me up too. Of course I only trust my brother to actually lift me up . . . and Clayton with his funny little hand pillow. What funny memories.
These skipping pictures are some of my favorite! We have like 8 of them. They are just too fun.
Love this!
Love this more! Me and M's sister. Yay new sister in laws!!
Oh my bro.
Such a funny one.

Gotta love this one too!!

I know these are totally not as fun to anyone else but me, but seriously . . . they are fun pics. I am so glad we didn't do the boring standing in a row pics!!

All photos by Alyssa Jul Photography

Up next: the Ceremony