Pricy Headbands

If I had an unlimited budget, I would surely have a Swarovski Crystal Headband like this stunning bride.....

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It's really not as expensive as I thought it would be. But at $180.00 (for a headband!?) that's way outta my league! Even the headband with fewer crystals is still out of my reach at $125.00. But are they not gorgeous!?

Relief for Aching Feet

Weird blog title, I know. ;)

While in Payless last week to return some shoes, I found some adorable white eyelet flats. They were originally $22.99 but they were on sale for $12.99. Payless is having their by one get one half off sale though so they ended up being just under $7.00 after tax!! They are so adorable and will be perfect for me to wear at the reception. I can't find them on their website but I snapped a pic to show you.

(Source: yours truly)

Cute huh?

New Accessories for Little Ol' Me!

If you've been following my blog for a while now or have stalked the archives then I'm sure you've seen posts about my accessories for the big day. I blogged about the brooch for my bouquet, my earrings, my headpiece, and my clutch. I've made some changes to my accessories though.

There is only one wedding related purchase that I've regretted (thus far). I've been having major doubts about the earrings I purchased when I ordered my dress and veil. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love them but I don't think they're right for my dress. My dress is covered in very delicate lace and also has some beading and embroidery as well.* I had begun feeling like the earrings I purchased would look to "heavy" and "chunky" compared to the style of my dress. Not only that, but all my other accessories have rhinestone detail. While the earrings are crystal (and rhinestones are crystal too), I was still worried about this. See said earrings below:

(Source: yours truly)

While Charles were out shopping over the weekend I found some earrings I absolutely love! I think they will be absolutely perfect with my dress and other accessories! Just like the bracelets for the flower girls, I found the earrings at JcPenny's for 50% off! They were originally $22.00. They are Austrian Crystal Rhinestone earrings, here they are:

(Source: yours truly-click to enlarge)

The rhinestones look black because they are so clear that they picked up the black from my camera.

I also saw a stunning bracelet that I instantly fell in love with. I'd been contemplating a bracelet for a while since I won't be wearing a necklace and when I saw it, I knew I had to have it. Charles saw me holding it and said something like "That would look so good on you!". So of course I bought it. The original price on it was also $22.00 and it was also 50% off. It is also made of Austrian Crystal Rhinestones, here it is:

(Source: yours truly-click to enlarge)

Again, the rhinestones look black because they are so clear that they picked up the black from my camera.

So now here are all of my accessories and what they look like together:

(all images source: yours truly-made using mosaic maker)

So what do you think, do the new earrings and the bracelet look better with everything else? I'm completely loving the look of everything together!

*I know you haven't been able to see pics of my dress and once it comes in (hopefully in the next few weeks) and I'm able to go try it on and get pictures I promise to somehow make it so you (but not the FI) can see them!

Miscellaneous Stuff

This is going to be a random post. I've mentioned a few things here and there in previous posts and I'm finally able to update you on some of them!

Thanks to my dear friend Patti, we were able to get the socks I wanted for the guys! She was kind enough to go the mall in Knoxville and get them for me. I don't think the picture on the BR website does them justice though.

(Source: yours truly)

I scored these baskets at Michale's for an amazing $7.99! They were originally priced at $29.99 but the largest basket was damaged so they were marked down. I couldn't have bought the smallest basket for the price I paid for all three of them. The damage on the large basket (not pictured) can easily be covered with some ribbon and no one would ever know. We'll need baskets for all kinds of things...napkins, forks, bubbles, ceremony programs, etc. so I'll have no problem putting them to good use. And after the wedding we'd be able to use them as well!

(Source: yours truly)

As I talked about here, instead of having a unity candle ceremony we are having a unity sand ceremony. There's all kinds of unity sand sets out there that you can purchase but they come with an outrageous price tag (for what you get) and I don't care for any of them. When I stumbled upon a picture of an apothecary jar and cruets used for the sand ceremony I knew I wanted to somehow replicate that look. I found our pouring vases at Michael's some time ago for $2.99 each. Then my search for an apothecary jar began. I finally found one at Michael's several weeks ago for $14.99. I love how they look together! My sand is purple sand (from Michael's) and Charles will be using white sand that I collected from a beach in Hilton Head Island, SC. back in March while I was on vacation.

(Source: yours truly)

Remember one of my more recent posts where I talked about the silver heart boxes I got for our flower girls? I mentioned that I wanted to either make or purchase bracelets or necklaces for them so I could put them in the hearts. Well, over the weekend when I was out shopping with Charles I found the perfect thing. JcPenny was having a 50% off sale on all their costume jewelry. I was on the search for some earrings to go with a new outfit when I came across these:

(Source: yours truly)

Unfortunately I didn't realize the picture was blurry until after I got it on my computer. So sorry about that! Are they not adorable? They were originally $12.00 each but I got both of them for that price since they were 50% off.

Also in this post I mentioned that the flower girls would have a headpiece/wreath to wear. My mom has been working on them and here is a sneak peak at one in the process of being made. More on these when they are complete.

(Source: yours truly)

And to finish off this post I will leave you with a sneak peak at one of the bouquets for my maid of honor and bridesmaid. Mom hopes to complete them this week sometime and whenever they're done I'll post more about them.

(Source: yours truly)

Up next: Changes to my accessories.

All About The Little Girls

Our Flower Girls that is! I shared pictures of them here when I "introduced" them to you. But now it's time to share more about our little girls and their details.

First up, their attire. Obviously it is wayyy too early to order anything for them now. But I have found some dress that I am absolutely in love with. It was a bit hard finding dresses I like since our girls are on the younger side but I did manage to find some!

Even though my dress is ivory, I have decided to dress them in white. My criteria for their dresses: 1) not too formal, 2) no dresses that will make them look older than they are, 3) affordable - must be under $100 and 4) they need to be white.

Anyways, here's what I finally found....

#1

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I love this dress! It's so cute and it even has a little bling on it!
Price $79.99.

#2(Source)

This dress is very similar to the one above and I love it as well. It too has a rhinestone brooch on it to provide a little bling. The neck line is the big difference between this dress and the one above.
Price: $89.99

#3

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I also really love this dress. The lace on the hemline is beautiful!
Price: $49.99

#4

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This dress is only available in off white but it could work I think. I love the cutout detail along the bottom of the skirt. However this dress is silk and more on the formal side compared to what I'm wanting.
Price: $79.99

I've searched high and low for dress I like that fit my criteria and this is all I could find! I'm really leaning towards dress #2 or #3 right now. Which dress do you like best for our outdoor spring wedding?

On to their accessories! Instead of a flower basket or anything of the sort, I've opted to have the girls carry lace parasols. I found them at Michael's for $9.99 each. But of course, I couldn't leave them the way they were so a few additions were made.

Before:

(Source: yours truly)

After:

(Source: yours truly)

They will also have a headpiece/wreath with white and purple flowers and purple ribbon streamers to wear but we aren't finished making them. I'll have to share those with you when they are complete.

On to their gifts. I found these adorable little Red Velvet Lined Beaded Antique Heart Shaped Jewelry/Keepsake boxes at Exclusively Weddings when I ordered my toasting flutes and serving set. They were on sale for $9.99 each (originally $14.99 or more, can't remember). I paid the $5 (each) engraving fee so I could get the girls names on the boxes. They are so beautiful and I love them to pieces! These are something the girls will be able to use and treasure for years and years. I'm hoping to either make or purchase bracelets or necklaces for the girls and will put them in the boxes.

Eden's box:

(Source: yours truly)

Maggie's box:

(Source: yours truly)

Not bad for $29.98 huh? And I had a $25 off coupon so I basically got these beauties for $4.98!

What are your plans regarding the details for your flower girls?

Up next: Two Rings and a Little Bling

I Won!

Remember last week when I posted about the Giveaway over at Mismikado's Journey? Well, Friday evening Sebrina e-mailed and let me know that I won!! Woo hoo!! So....early next year I will be ordering this beauty from April Hiler!

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Of course I won't be ordering a "B" but instead a "P" for my new last name! I love this item and already know the perfect place for it at the venue!

(Source: yours truly)

I'll attach some purple ribbon to our "P" and hang it on one of the tress pictured above that the guests will walk through to get to their seats. The bird feeders that are currently in the trees will be taken down come the wedding and the spotlights at the base of the trees will be hidden most likely by live potted ferns. The swing however will be used the day of. The seat will be covered in deep purple velvet and the ropes will be covered in tulle. I cannot wait to get pictures of me and of the flower girls swinging away! However, during the ceremony we'll have to find a way to hook it up onto the tree so the little ones don't make their way back to it. :D

Sparkles!

So over the weekend I was finally able to get pictures of a lot of the things I've been wanting to show you. Two of those said items are our toasting flutes and cake knife and server. I ordered them from ExclusivelyWeddings.com and am so happy with them! They are gorgeous and I can totally see us breaking them out for special holidays and our anniversaries. :) The toasting flutes and cake set we got are from the Glitter Galore collection.

Anyways, on to the pictures. First off, I will say these are not the greatest pictures. I had one heck of a time getting decent pics of them! I had to wear latex gloves while handling them so I wouldn't get fingerprints all over them! But never the less, here they are:

(Source: yours truly - click to enlarge)

Charles and I are not drinkers...neither of us have ever had alcohol but I still wanted us to be able to toast with punch or sparking cider or something. I also really wanted the flutes so we could use them for other special occasions throughout our marriage. :)

So what do you think? Have you already bought your toasting flutes and cake serving set or are you still on the hunt?

The Look for the Guys

Yesterday evening the Mr. and I went on over to our local S& K Menswear store to solidify my vision for the guys. The gentleman working when we went in was so helpful! As I mentioned in Men's Attire, I had no idea what kind or color shirt the guys should wear. I already knew what suit I wanted them in and have already bought the ties they'll wear. Rob (the guy at S&K) was very honest with me about what color shirt would look best with the suit and tie I had picked out. He didn't tell me to pick whatever I wanted because it's my wedding, he told me truthfully what he thought would be best and I was very thankful for that!

He even went so far as to partly undress two mannequins so we could really visualize the look we were going for. He put one of our ties on a mannequin that had on a black shirt and then placed the gray suit coat over it. And let me tell you, it looked SHARP and different/unique too! (Silly me forgot to take the camera so I could really show you what it looked like. sadness.) Anyways, here is what the suit and black shirt will look like together.

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Now picture that paired with the ties I bought for the guys.

(Source: yours truly)

I know you have to use your imagination a little to be able to visualize but what do you think?

We decided against a vest (even just for the Mr.) because it was going to add another color and texture and I was afraid it would look too busy. Plus, I think he'll be more comfortable without one.

The Mr. was a little surprised at the price tag for the tux rental but it doesn't seem bad to me. Yeah it is a little more than it would have been because the shirts I want are considered an upgrade and you have to pay an extra $10 for them. And the shoes I picked out are also a $10 upgrade. But again, the total which comes to about $200 (including tax) doesn't sound unreasonable to me.

In your opinion, is $200 too much for a tux rental that includes the suit, shirt and shoes? (It also includes a vest and tie but we won't be using those.)

P is for Powers

Yesterday our cake topper monogram came in the mail! Woo hoo!! It is even more beautiful than I could have imagined! I found it for an incredible price at the Elegant Bridal Shop on Ebay. If your looking for a stunning cake topper, bouquet embellishments, cake servers, etc be sure to check out their shop! I highly recommend them!

(Source for above photos: yours truly)

Isn't it stunning?? (These pictures do not do it justice!)

Men's Attire

I am not afraid to admit that I know nothing when it comes to menswear. And believe me, I mean NOTHING. So, on Tuesday me and my Mr. are heading to our local S&K Menswear store to see what they have and get some pointers on finishing the look I'm going for.

Ok, the look I'm going for with the guys is a medium grey suit. I like this look from After Six:

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This suit is called Catalina and is a 31.5" 2 button single breasted self notch coat with a self top collar, flap pockets and no vent. Matching pants (as shown) are available. The fabric is a 55/45 polywool blend. I also like the look of the grey vest (as shown) with it but would only have my man in the vest and not the other guys.

I also like these looks I put together using the S&K Menswear Build-A-Tux feature. Please ignore the ties that are shown because it doesn't give you the option not to choose a tie and I've already bought the ties for the guys (more on them later in this post). Also remember I'm clueless about menswear so I have no idea what kind or color of shirt I'm looking for.

This would be the general look for the guys except with the ties I purchased. And again, I'm going to have to get pointers from the S&K Menswear staff about what kind and color shirt to have the guys wear. (Source)

This would be the general look for my Mr. Except the vest color would match the suit and he would be wearing the tie I bought him. And yet again remember what I said about the shirt. (Source)

Here I played around with a black shirt since I have no idea what to pair the suit and tie with. (Source)

And without further delay, the ties I found at Kohls for $16.80 each regularly $28.00 each. I wasn't on the search for ties at Kohls when I found them. However, I fell in love with them once I saw them. They are perfect and just what I had been scouring websites trying to find (with no luck I might add). The ties feature both of our wedding colors, purple and silver. I am so glad I went ahead and bought them even though I got puzzling looks from the Mr.!

These are the ties for the best man, groomsman and my brother.Close up of the wedding party ties. Aren't they pretty? :)

And this is the tie I found for my Mr. I wanted his to be a little different so he would stand out from the other guys. This tie was perfect because it has the same colors as the other ties and the same pattern but it's still different.

Close up of the Mr.'s tie.And this picture shows all the ties and the differences between the two styles. I absolutely love them! (Tie Pictures Source: yours truly)

On to the socks. I haven't bought these as of yet. I found them online at Banana Republic and really like them. I totally stole these socks from JessicaLynn over at Tying the Knot. I had been on the hunt for purple argyle socks and was having no luck at all and then I stumbled on her blog and found the socks I'd been looking for. Me and the Mr. are going to a local Banana Republic Outlet store on Tuesday to see if we can find the socks there so we won't have to pay shipping. And hopefully we'll find them there cheaper too!

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Why I care so much about what kind of socks my guys wear:

I love sock shots like that one! I know, I know, I'm crazy. :P
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And now for the shoes. I'm not too picky here. They just need to be nice looking, shiny, black and comfy for the guys. Something along the lines of this shoe:

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Are you clueless about how to dress your guys? What look are you going for with the groom and groomsmen?

Up next: the stationery.

Where Do I Start?

I have sooo much to post about that I'm not even sure where to start! lol I don't want to overload you guys but you have to understand that I've had tons of ideas stuck in my head and now they can finally come out! I guess this will be a kind of random post so just hang in there. :)

Over the weekend, I was finally able to get the supplies I needed to be able to make my DIY Light Box. It was really easy to make and as a result, I've got tons of pictures to share with you. If you're interested in making a DIY Light Box just check out this tutorial. The only thing I did differently was use a hot glue gun to glue the interfacing fabric to the box so I wouldn't have to worry about it sliding off. I highly recommend doing that if you decide to make a light box and use if often.

So now on to the pictures!

As promised in More Purple and More Sparkles, I have some more pictures of the brooch I will be using on my bouquet.

(Source: yours truly)

Next I'll be showing off the gorgeous earrings I found when I got my dress! I absolutely love them and cannot wait to wear them!

(Source: yours truly)

Next up...my bubbles! I found these at Michael's back in March while I was on vacation with mom and snatched them up! I bought 6 tubs of 36 wands for a total of 216 bubble wands. I also bought some purple ribbon to tie around the tops of the wands to give them a personalized look and to incorporate my main color. No, I wasn't engaged yet when I got these but I'm really glad I bought them when I did. They seem to be really popular and Michael's has trouble keeping them in stock in large quantities. While on vacation enjoying doing nothing much but going to the beach and relaxing, I went ahead and put the ribbon on all 216 wands! That was awesome because I was able to get that DIY project out of the way so I won't have to worry about it now!

Why I want bubbles instead of rose petals, rice, confetti, sparklers, etc...because you get pictures like this one!

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What the bubbles look like when you buy them:

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And what my bubbles look like now that I'm done with them:

(Source: yours truly)

I found the wands looked nicer with the ribbon around the base of the "love knot" instead of through the "love knot". I simply wrapped the ribbon around the base of the love knot and double knotted it once. I didn't think it was necessary to knot it twice as I believe once will hold just fine. I love how they turned out!

Ok, I think that's it for this post.

Are you using bubbles, sparklers, rice, birdseed, confetti or something else for your send off?

Up next: I'll give you a look at what I'm thinking of as far as the guys attire is concerned.