A DIY Love Story

I come from a pretty crafty family. Several of my great grandmothers quilted, as does my paternal mamaw and my mom, so I've had the bug since I was little. My mom was always into some sort of crafts project as well, so anything hands on and creative, I love (that could explain my love affair with Etsy). So blame it on the genes (and slightly on the frugalness of our budget) that once the wedding plans were put into motion I knew there would be a whole list of DIY elements. First on the list: Tissue Poms!

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Martha Stewart made me fall in love with these things. I was browsing the website one day, ran across the poms and luminarias and knew that I had to incorporate them in my decor somehow. Not only were they simple to make, tissue paper comes pretty cheap :) Ideally, I wanted to use the large poms to hang from the ceiling at our reception location. Unfortunately, the tall ceilings would require a tall ladder and then my Mom and future MIL would be responsible for getting them all down at the end of the night. So I had to go to a backup plan.

Instead of the large poms, I'll be making smaller ones in royal blue and red to string on twine to use at the ceremony site to mark off sections of chairs that we don't want guests sitting in (it's a large church and we'll have more than enough seating in the center sections). I'm also planning on revamping the napkin holder idea that Martha suggests by using twine and tying off the favor bags with an individual blue pom (not only will it be adorable, it'll help give a pop of color to each table, all of which will have silver table covers). You can see a few of my first attempts at making the poms here and here.

Stay tuned for more crafty shenanigans (and complaints from Justin about how the wedding stuff is taking over the back bedroom).

Pretty in...Well, You'll See

Ah, wedding colors. So many combinations out there to tempt and tease you while you're waiting for the day to come that the love of your life asks for your hand in marriage. And even more combinations to make you say "Oooh" and "Aaah" and "Arrrrggghhh!" Eh, such is wedding planning.

I knew that I wanted to do something different (I mean, that's sort of my M.O. for this whole shindig) in terms of colors for mine and Justin's wedding. Although red is a favorite of mine (I can't get enough of those deep, vibrant reds), several of my friends have had red weddings. Blue always came to the forefront of ideas when I was pondering, so I kept trying to figure out a good way to take it up a notch.

And then I started seeing inspiration boards like this:(source)

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And I knew that this was it. Yellow and blue. Perfect for a happy, spring wedding. Unfortunately the Mister disagreed. He wasn't too keen on the fellas wearing yellow (just the first of many things I figured he wouldn't have an opinion on). Sigh. So back to the drawing board I went. Blue and chocolate brown? No, didn't like the brown. Teal and red? Nope, not a fan of green-ish blues. Yellow and gray? Hello...I don't like the yellow (oh, how I still pine over the yellow and gray combo). Shew, I didn't think I was ever going to put together a combination that we could both agree on.

But lo and behold, it happened. The skies parted and I finally put together the magic three: Royal blue, silver and red.

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And yes, it just so happens that our last friends to get married used Navy blue and silver, but the silver was underdone and my blue will be a different shade :) Oh, and did I mention the best part? I'll still get my blue and yellow combo via my and my bridesmaids' bouquets (bwahahaha). And I think that the dispersing of the colors will go something like this: bridesmaids in blue, the groom in a blue tie and vest, the groomsmen in silver ties and vests, and the flower girl & ring bearer in red with silver accents.

Now here's hoping that it looks as pretty in person as it does in my head :)

Let the Dreams Begin

I am a vivid dreamer. Most of the time my dreams are in color, are in depth and I can recount most of one the next morning when I wake up. For that matter, sometimes I end up doing silly things in my sleep (it's just gotten worse with age). It seems that my triggers for more intense dreams are running on empty, lots going on at work and/or stressful situations in every day life. Like wedding planning.

It came as a surprise to me that my first wedding related "nightmares" started happening 10 months before the big day. I've read the stories of all the horrific happenings in dreams recounted by numerous brides, but they always seemed to be a little closer to the wire than what I was at that point.

My first dream occurred while I was searching for my wedding dress. It was a pretty stressful month for me trying to find a dress (that's a story for another time though) and I remember having dreams several nights in a row involving the wedding. One in which I realized about an hour before the ceremony that we hadn't had a rehearsal the night before so no one knew what they were supposed to do. I borrowed a long jacket from one of the bridesmaids to cover up my dress in order to go upstairs and hunt down the rest of the wedding party to pass along instructions. Turns out I had no idea who the groomsmen were and I never did make it back downstairs to my girls. In the second dream, it hit me that it was the night before the wedding and we had forgotten to send out invitations. I was making lists of the guests for family members to call the next day (as it was already almost midnight) to beg people to ditch already made plans and show up. Leave it to me.

The second wave of dreams started when we were in the multiple week hunt for bridesmaid dresses. If nothing else, my dreams don't make me a selfish bride, since I was just as concerned for the girls as I was for myself. So funny the things that trigger our imagination and subconscious.

Anyone else have wedding nightmares during the planning process?

The Man Behind the Lens

I left off with Justin and I having a very big decision to make concerning our photographer. After our meeting with Reggie, we went home and sat down for a little chat.

One of the great things about Justin is that he's never willing to settle when there are other options out there for us to find. He made sure to point out that both of these photographers, while completely qualified in both personality and skill would work, there was one little thing that they were both lacking- a second shooter. And as is was one of my "must have's", where did that leave them (and me) standing?

My main reason behind wanting two photographers was that it simply afforded more special (and candid) moments to be captured throughout the day. No one can be two places at once, let alone fourteen with as much as goes on before, during and after a wedding and I wanted to make sure that all the little bits and pieces got documented. With that said, I had to remind myself that we have so many friends who, while they're not professional photographers, love to drag the cameras out at events to catch the funny (and sentimental) happenings. Because of the number of those friends, in the end I was comfortable in having just one professional photographer, so long as they fit the rest of the criteria.

After some discussion, it was decided that Justin and I would go with Reggie. And as I told Pablo in my very hard to write rejection note, it was nothing against his talents and I would be sure to sing his praises to others whenever the opportunity presented itself ("Do re mi!"). Overall, with Reggie we felt a better connection in personalities, vision for the wedding day, number of images that we'd end up with, willingness to experiment in order to get "those" shots, and a free engagement session (can't pass up free if it's good!). His pricing fell at about the halfway range of what I had budgeted and for goodness sakes, the man ends up with images like these:

(all photos by Reggie Beehner http://www.beehnerphotography.com/)

I am beyond excited to see what Reggie does for us on our wedding day. We actually had the first part of our engagement shoot over the weekend (post to come soon) and I was nothing but reassured in our choice. Reggie made us laugh, he kept us moving and I could see all the wheels turning in his head when he would look around at our surroundings to see what we could do next. Can't wait til part 2!

Breaking It Down

I have a confession to make. Actually, a reiteration since I've previously stated my inherent ability to over complicate any situation. I am constantly worried that I'm not including Justin enough in the decision making process for the wedding, whether it be about colors or songs or the number of pictures to hang at the reception. And at the end of the day that he'll walk away thinking that all of this was just one big waste of money (and my fault). And when he tells me that this is all me, that he really doesn't have an opinion about some things, my brain translates that into him not caring about the wedding at all. Enter being a complete girl and possible tears stage right.

I know that Justin cares about our wedding. I mean, it's the day he gets to marry me for goodness sakes :) No, but really, although he would love nothing more than to go to Vegas to get married and throw a big party when we get back, he realizes that there are some limitations that just don't allow that. So this is our option. Emphasis on "our". Justin's never been afraid to throw his thoughts and opinions out there to be heard, so I don't know why I think it's going to be any different in this situation. Oh wait, it's because I've already had bridal remorse. Yes, I know that when he says that he doesn't care about something, he really means "I could care less what color flowers you want to put on the tables, I just want to marry you." As a woman though, it's hard at times to wrap my brain around the words' true sentiment.

Over the weekend, I had a breakdown. A real, live, we're having a "discussion" over friggin' music, I need to take a break and then upon me starting the "discussion" over again, end up asking if I can cry because it'd make me feel better (not asking permission, more of a warning that I'm about to cry. I hate for people to see me cry). And then spent the next half hour doing so. Ugh.

I get caught up a lot with wanting to make this day equally us. This day isn't about me, it's not about him, it's about the two of us coming together. And I want our guests to walk out afterward and think to themselves "Wow, that was so Justin and Shana." But there are genuinely areas that guys just don't get into, like flowers. And handmade tissue poms. And the color of the table covers. He pointed out that the reception venue speaks for itself in being a nod to his love of bourbon when I made the point I was trying to incorporate as much of him into things as I could (I actually suggested using a Metallica song as the first dance, too). He's so good to me, even when I pick tiffs over nothing of substance.

Ladies, the planning can be overwhelming sometimes if you let it be. It can crawl under your skin, make you irrational and over analyzing and down right out of your mind stressed even if it's simply over whether you should use round or long tables (believe me, I've seen it). And when it gets to that point, cry. Yell into your pillow, sing an Alanis song at the top of your lungs in the car, just do something to help get it out. Then start with a fresh set of eyes and an open mind. And maybe apologize to the boy with a bowl of ice cream. That is the way to a man's heart, right?

My First Best Friend in Life Bridesmaid

My first best friend in life Bridesmaid, Cassie!

Cassie with her (almost) husband Ryan and his daughter Alexia

Cassie and I have known each other from birth practically. We grew up in the same church and lived no more than a quarter mile apart.

Cassie and I in the "horse show" at the fair when we were 5 (personal photo)

My mom babysat her and her brother Craig before Cassie and I started school, so my normal 4 year old routine was waking up before daylight, riding a minute up the road and then climbing into bed with Cassie to go back to sleep for a bit. Our days were spent playing, swimming and trying to "run away" (although Mom did catch us once).

Middle School Dance Team (personal photo via Brock Studio)

I lost touch with Cassie a bit during high school, although when we did get a chance to talk it was always as if no time had gone by. After graduation, we went our separate ways to college and several years later I ran into her at a high school football game. Our friendship was rekindled and we've been back together so to speak for several years now. And she was even there the night that Justin and I became official.

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Cassie herself has some happy things to celebrate in her life. She just finished up her MBA, and later this month she'll be getting married on a beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic, gaining a step-daughter in the process and then coming home with her new husband to celebrate with family and friends. I can't wait to see the video of the ceremony! She also completes what I lovingly call my group of "Married Maids", seeings how once she says "I do", all of my girls will be wives :)

Smile and Say Cheese!

Just as food was on the top of Justin's priority list, a good photographer was at the top of mine. Since memories sometimes fade slightly as time goes by (and you can't be everywhere or see everything at once), pictures are one of the best ways to help retell a story. And the ones that just simply take your breath away? Well, for this hopeless romantic, those are the shots I always love to see.

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I began by setting my budget at a number I felt comfortable with and  that I had determined from reading various wedding blogs (Weddingbee anyone?) to be a fair amount. Justin was more than taken aback when I informed him my photography budget was only a bit shy of our overall food and alcohol budget, but then again, he's not really privy to the going rates. I then scoured the Interwebs for any and every photographer's website that offered wedding services around our general area. Turns out Lexington is a haven for artistic people :)

First, I put together my list of must haves. 1) 2 photographers. 2) The cost had to fall either at or below my budgeted amount (or if more, items included in a package that could be negotiated out). 3) Hands down, no matter what, print rights to the photographs so I could print however many I wanted, whenever I so pleased. I didn't want the expensive, fancy picture books (I could make my own) and I didn't need an engagement session because we have a good friend who is an up and coming photographer herself.

Plenty of photographers grabbed my attention at first glance. After making my initial list, I went through and delved deeper into the galleries and the price lists (when available) to get a better overall opinion of their work, availability and cost. After the first round, I found myself staring at about 8 names that made the cut. I sat Justin down to take a look at some of their work (such a trooper- not an artistic bone in his body but he'll tell you if he thinks something looks good or not) and we narrowed the list down to 4 possibilities. After not getting a response from one, and being a bit confused about the actual location of another (turns out they're based here in Lexington but do a lot of traveling to the Caribbean), Justin and I set up meetings with two locals (both of which turned out to be single photographers with the option of a second for an additional fee).

Pablo Alcala was the first to meet with us. A quiet guy with a great smile, Pablo's day job is a staff photographer for our local daily newspaper. It's actually funny because I may have met him during my senior year of high school when I was job shadowing with another staff photographer one day. He got a good laugh out of that one.

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Pablo's style, despite being a news photographer, was not entirely documentary. He seemingly had a good eye for good lighting and candid shots. His work also showed a lot of bright colors, which was exactly what I was looking for in the overall (don't get me wrong, I like black & white shots but I don't want a whole album full of them). He had also been a second shooter several times for Ian Lozada, who photographed our friends Brittany and Mike's wedding (and their recent family pictures with newborn Drew!). We left our meeting with Pablo feeling comfortable with him as an option, although there were a few small concerns The number of shots that we would ultimately receive (with rights to print) seemed a little low for what we were expecting. And Pablo usually didn't do an all day shoot, just a few hours before the ceremony through the end of the reception. Still, he was a contender.

Our second meeting was with Reggie Beehner. I think he brought his toddler son along to tug at my heart strings :) Reggie started out in journalism, started playing around with photography and in the more recent years began teaching classes at Eastern Kentucky University. Reggie was very laid back, open to suggestions and questions that we had. He only works about 10-12 weddings a year, but I'd say as the interest continues (and his kids get older), he may start considering adding a few more along the way.

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There was just a good vibe that Justin and I got from talking with Reggie. It was easy conversation and his style was definitely artistic. From the pictures on his blog, I could tell that he liked to play around with different angles and ideas, and he confirmed the fact for me by saying he normally came away from a wedding with about 4,000 images, half of which may be total garbage because he liked to take risks to try and make that amazing shot (he said on average his couples received 1200-1500 images because he reserved the right to maintain his dignity, lol). And the bonus? We would get a free engagement session.

As with any major decision for a wedding, Justin and I were left with a lot of thinking to do. Coming away from the day with great pictures to help cherish the memories was a big thing for me, and I wanted to be sure that we made the best decision about who could accomplish that.