258 dtg!!!

Worked on the invitations a little bit today, after getting frustrated
with my painting and broken computer. I swear, I want to burn and
destroy that piece of crap.

Casey and I may have our favors picked out, or at least the idea.
That..... will still be a secret. Or at least kept under wraps since
we could change our mind......again!

259 dtg!!!

Well, today was very productive in a way. I was home all day, with painting and soul searching on the agenda. So of course I threw in some wedding researching as well.

• www.freshrosepetals.com has about 35 cups of white/ivory petals for $45- we'll see what the florist has available
• www.flowercouncil.org has the coolest flower website where you can search by color, season or flower to see what you are looking for
• Sugar Butter Flour- OUT! Didn't like the cake or frosting on their cupcakes....plus they don't have that diverse of a selection

We'll see what tomorrow has in store for us.

260 dtg!!!

So, I know I mentioned earlier that I thought I might want to get a teal garter! Well, it is DEFINITELY possible!!!

Check out what I found at Etsy.com from "The Garter Lady"

Yeah, that's right! Edmonton Oiler inspired garters.

I've started to gather my order info for a Sharks garter.

261 dtg!!!

Casey and I are leaning more and more towards cupcakes. We feel like
it would cut back on price, since they charge a $3 cake cutting fee at
the venue, and cakes are generally $4 a slice..... That's basically at
least $700 for a cake!!!! Not important enough for us.

So we'll be doing our research.

262 dtg!!!

I would like to introduce to you, our flower girl....the lovely Hannah Avery Maguire

--Casey's Neice--

And hopefully.....depending on his developmental progression over the next 9 months....

our ring bearer, Logan Dean Ward Powell

--Alisha's Newphew--

I'm sure they will both look adorable in their little formal outfits.

263 dtg!!!

Part two of my papers for the invitations arrived today. I was not able to buy them just yet.........got so busy at work today, which is a great thing actually. I hate being bored.

......And I think I'm getting sick, either from Casey, or Annie at work, or Logan-my nephew who I was just visiting with. I need to sleep....hopefully I will feel better in the morning.

264 dtg!!!

Well, Casey still wants to marry me after watching 5 hours of home videos at my parent's house this morning. It definitely was a treat, as he got to see how annoying, attention-grabbing, high-pitched.......but cute I was.

265 dtg!!!

(This was meant to be posted on Saturday, January 24th--out of town, no internet)

Went shopping today with my sister, in looks for a dress for her, and shoes for me. We didn't find anything, but definitely got some ideas. We actually went back to Renfro's in Placerville where my dress is being stored. It's still as beautiful as ever, and I was able to try it on again with some shoes. EEEKKK!!!! So excited!

266 dtg!!!

So my co-worker thought of another flower that I might like. Alstromeria? Otherwise known as princess lilies or peruvian lilies. Either the orange or the green would work for me obviously. But they don't clump very well together. But I could see putting two or three of them in a very tiny, short vase at the bar, or on the cocktail tables.

267 dtg!!!

I realized I need to get a specific list going of EVERYTHING that
still needs to be done. I mean, I always have a general idea, but I
forget after a while.

So when I mentioned this to Casey, and gave him an example of the
boxes that need to be done for the manzanita trees........he wasn't a
big fan. Said they looked "old ladyish".

How much of his opinions should I listen to.... And how much should I
pass over? He isn't the decorator..... If he was, I think I would be
worried.

268 dtg!!!!

I've begun my search for the perfect shoes. I haven't tried anything on yet, which is the real test.....since whatever I choose HAS to be comfy. Well, as comfy as a high heel can be. Hopefully I can find something this weekend.

269 dtg!!!

I finally found the rest of my paper for the invitations!!!!! A rep
finally called me back and pointed me to a vendor that carries the
green Bazzill paper that I need! Eureka!

Now I just have to order it in February!

270 dtg!!!!

So, we've got half of the first stage done for the invitations. Yeah....there are 5 stages, or like 5 parts....and we're only half way through with part one......so we've still got a long way to go. But hey, I'm not complaining.....I would be if it was July and only have another week or so to do it. Casey just doesn't get that concept though........ "But we've got like 6 months to do it!"

Men.

271 dtg!!!

Even though this sounds REALLY cheesy, I wish that Ikea had a registry. Furniture is expensive!!!! And yes, some of Ikea's stuff is CRAP with a triple capital C. I would know....I've got a $40 coffee table in my living room that is broken....you can't move it without it falling apart.

That being said....there are decent furniture pieces that Ikea makes that are classy, modern and not outrageously expensive. Oh well.

On another note, Casey and I still haven't picked out all of our "special" songs. We were really into it right after we got engaged.....we listened to songs left and right. And now we've just forgotten.

We actually had OUR song picked out for about a week, and then Casey changed his mind. Now he's just HOPING that Michael Buble will perform this one song on his next album....wishful thinking eh?

272 dtg!!!

Went to Macy's and Crate and Barrel today to update registry, since the save the dates went out and people may start looking.

• Turns out Casey hated the everyday dinnerware that I picked out.......back to the drawing board.
• Changed our china, since the 5 piece set actually went up in price, and Wedgewood filed for bankruptcy. (The first reason was more important.)
• Found out Macy's carries Reidel wine glasses. Yeah!
• We still are looking for a nice wok, knives and sterling silverware.....and of course, everyday dinnerware. Yeah, he said they looked like something that you would find at The Brady's house. Great.

273 dtg!!!

(Obviously should have been written on Friday, January 16th....but the night was complicated.)

Had a discussion about flowers today with one of my co-workers at Pavia. She started throwing out ideas for inexpensive orange flowers....and these are what she came up with....if I remember correctly.

Crysanthemums- My first choice, coz they look great bunched together in a big modern cluster.

Dahlias- These also look great in a cluster....but are very similar to sunflowers and gerbera daisies, which I don't find as formal.

Roses- The ever popular standard, which I am trying to stay away from, although they are pretty.

Carnations- They surpisingly look great combined in a big bunch, and are very inexpensive.

Tiger Lilies- One of the more expensive of the bunch, and looks more elegant in a loose bouquet, so probably not these.

And, my favorite....but the most expensive. Calla Lillies....ahh.

Just need to do some more research as to which ones are the best buy.

274 dtg!!!!

Save the Dates went in the mail!

Updated the wedding website for guests, although our registry is not done, more like a work in progress. Maybe we'll get to add more on Saturday. Need to make another trip to Macy's to pick out towels.

275 dtg!!!!

Mucho done today on the wedding front!!!

• Save the dates arrived!!! They are addressed and stamped and ready to mail! Whoo hoo!
• 21 black invitations traced, cut and folded.....only the BEGINNING of the invitation process, but we are on our way!
• Saw Bride Wars with my maid of honor. Very cute, definitely laughed at some points. Didn't get any ideas, but loved the Vera Wang dress, even though I know it's not my style, and I would never wear it.

276 dtg!!!!

Looking through theknot.com, found some of these new reception ideas.

This I never really thought of for some reason! Instead of having to buy/rent glass vases, I could make a wooden box, stain it/paint it and fill it with moss around the manzanita tree. Natural and elegant with the added crystals and lights.

This would be cute either hanging from the altar/trellis, or in the hallway alongside the courtyard.....I'm wondering how they did the wire to hang it safely.

277 dtg!!!

Found all these unique ideas on RealSimple.com. Using old items for newer uses.

Serve drinks on picture frames.....it would be cool to have black and white pics of old movies to go with our theme.

Display candles on cake platters for a dramatic effect.

If I do end up wanting to do my own centerpieces to save money, use a clear elastic band to hold the flowers together for a full, lush bloom.

278 dtg!!!

Let's see.....today I.....

• researched florists. Possibly found one in Fremont, although there were no price lists, but they only had $$ compared to The Flower House's $$$.
• looked over the Pleasanton Rentals website. Their vases are actually only $3, and are larger than the ones found at Ikea, which are $2.99. So I'd actually be getting a bigger, squarer vase for the same price, but I wouldn't get to keep it, and would need to pick up/return. I guess it all depends on the flowers I end up choosing, which will determine which size would look best.
• looked at purple! I think I may be adding hints of that to the decor to add more depth to the orange and green.
• am still waiting for the save the dates....they will hopefully be in the mailbox tomorrow!

279 dtg!!

Casey and I cleaned out our garage to sell at a garage sale, give away or throw away. Great to start the new year off clean and organized!

We agreed to both start thinking of a new idea for a guest book. Trying to think of something original that hasn't been overdone.

280 dtg!!!

Great night of drinking and eating and girl gossip plus wedding talk. Good times!!

281 dtg!!!!

• I realized today that there will be a point where I need to practice writing my new name, and get used to it. It will be one of those changes like when the new year starts.........I still keep writing 08.....I'll need to practice my Maguire in cursive/chicken scratch for my new signature! Weird eh?
• We found out who our wedding coordinator is at Martinelli. Her name is Becky, and we should probably meet with her at some point to go over ideas and details to keep her in the loop. And then when it gets closer, it really will just be if Tara needs anything, she is her go to gal.
• We also found out that since we can't make the tasting appointment this month, we can try to go to the another one in April which is on a Thursday, probably better for our scheduling.

282 dtg!!!

( Meant to be posted on Wednesday January 7th, 2009......I was too tipsy to remember)

Had a wonderful chat with my Maid of Honor today, who does understand my color debacle, and agrees that Black would be a good choice to go with for the bridesmaid dresses. We could dress it up with a white ribbon sash or bow, or some other detail.

283 dtg!!!

Today was, in a way......judgement day.

Casey had a dentist appointment, in which, whatever was finalized by the doctor........would determine the fate of the rest of our lives together.

Or at least that's what Casey said.

He's been sick with what seems like either a tooth problem or a sinus infection. We've been praying for the last few days that it is just a sinus infection coz God knows we can't afford ANY more dental bills right now.

Lucky enough, it's just a sinus infection.

We're gonna be alright. :)

284 dtg!!!

I really should be in bed right now. Too late.

Where/what should we do in Las Vegas? Any suggestions?

I mean, I've never been there before. Casey has......but he was really only there for gambling.

I would like to see the Belaggio fountains, and the eiffel tower (even though I have been on the real thing.)
I would like to go the Venetian and New York, NY.
I think it would be fun to go see a Cirque du Soleil there. I mean, hey, you're in Vegas!
I'd love to go the theme park and ride the roller coasters.
I'd like to see the volcano/pirates show thingy.

I can't really recall what else is there..........besides shopping, gambling and getting drunk.

285 dtg!!!!

I better make my mind up quick about this color issue I am having with the wedding and the tux/bridesmaid dresses. Fortunately, it is really early in the planning process, and nothing has been purchased.....except for the runners, and I know I'm keeping those.

But I am debating on the tangerine/burnt orange color.......Although that is a "fall" color to go with the green that I have already chosen.

I guess that would just mean that I would have to find different flowers to go with, because that is mainly why I picked the orange tone. So many beautiful flowers in that color, that go with the green.

I think I will stick with it, but I really don't know about that color for dresses. It seems hideous.....I bet you I would look back on my photos and go, what was I thinking!

I could just go with black. It's a staple, and the girls could wear it again since it's so basic. They could even buy any style they wanted, as long as it was black!

We'll see.

286 dtg!!!

WELL!!!! It's great to start the new year off fresh. Today was a major cleaning day (although we are nowhere even close to finished). After taking down all of the Christmas decor, and organizing the office, it's a nice feeling.

I was able to get a lot done today, but also realize that a lot needs to be done soon!

• I ordered the Save the Date cards today, after re-designing them. Hope they turn out alright.
• I started to go through the bizillion bridal magazines, so that I can tear out the pages I really want and throw the rest away. I swear, 80% of the magazines are pictures of dresses....I don't need to see that anymore!
• I actually organized all of my wedding/invitation making stuff into one box.
• I think.................I may be changing the bridesmaids dresses. I don't want them to look too matchy matchy, and since I LOVE the green vests for the guys, I would rather change the dresses. Hope the girls won't hate me.....we'll see. I really just need to see Casey try on the tux first...then we can go from there.

Let's see what I can get done tomorrow!

287 dtg!

Casey and I think about opening up a restaurant/diner every once in a while..... Well, pretty much everytime we watch the Food Network's "Diners, Drive ins and Dives". Such a good show; I drool everytime.

We really should start some kind of business together. Good thing he's taking business and marketing in school.

I think we'd be a good team together. We kinda work together already!

Which reminds me, I need to get cracking now that the new year has rolled around! First thing....Save the dates!

288 dtg!!!

What a great start to the new year! Casey and I watched some hockey, attempted to go to the movies, and then ended up at urgent care. Turns out he may have a problem with one of his teeth..... Or a sinus infection.

We're rooting for the sinus infection obviously. Much cheaper than dental work.

Casey still thinks I should leave him..... With all the stuff that happens to him, he's like a walking Friday the 13th black cat!

But I don't care. Nobody's life is perfect.

P.S I think I finally picked out our everyday dinnerware from crate and barrel!