Floral Fate: Choosing the Florist and Finding Inspiration

After Mr. Seal proposed, my aunt and I took a couple of floral design classes together and briefly entertained the idea of arranging all of the flowers for my wedding. Ha! As it turns out, though I am still deeply in love with flowers, my patience for floral arranging is nearly non-existent. So, to a local florist it was!

The Sealman attended a bridal fair with me sometime early last year (what a champ!) and as it so happened, we ended up meeting three of our vendors there. Amongst the three was our florist - I am a sucker for sparkle and was immediately drawn to the bouquets she had on display.

One was an amazingly full beauty with a supremely blingy bouquet holder, a bit similar to this one.

Image via A Love's In Bloom

Anyhow, I wasn't the only one zeroed in on the beautiful display of bouquets, so I quickly introduced myself to the florist, grabbed a business card, threw it in my swag bag with the millions of others and navigated my way out of the crowd. Finding a florist was really low on my list of priorities at the time, so I kind of forgot about it and moved on. 

Thankfully I tend to believe in "signs" and was later nudged back in her direction.

About six months later, I was browsing through my invitations' designer site (her fun story to be told later), and she had only one "creative recommendation" for a florist listed. Would you guess who that one person was? Yep, you got it. The same florist at the bridal fair with the beautiful bouquets! (Cue the creepy music!) OK, not that creepy, but it gets a bit creepier.

Recall how I mentioned taking that floral design class with my aunt? Well! Our instructor frequently told tales of helping out a friend with a floral business and my aunt even met said friend at one point during the course. Who was this friend with the floral business? Oh yes, hive - the florist from the bridal show! Oh, and the coup de grâce? She lives in/works out of my hometown. CUHREEPY.

Based on all of the aforementioned coincidences, I figured I needed to, at bare minimum, schedule a consultation. Oh and wouldn't you know that her preferred meeting spot is at the Starbucks within a two minute walk from my apartment? Oi! 

The consult went swimmingly! We discussed tall, luscious centerpieces framed with a tiny hint of ostrich feather.

Image via Style Me Pretty/Floral Arrangement by Exquisite Blooms/Photo By Joielala

Intermingled with shorter centerpieces.

 

Image via Style Me Pretty/Design + Planning by Amber Events/Photo by Picotte Weddings

And feather kissed bouquets...

Image via Blow out Party!/Flowers by Jenny McNiece Flowers/Photography by Allyson Magda Photography

 

Image/Photo/Bouquet via Karen Tran Florals

Do you sense a theme here? Yeah, I didn't know it before the meeting, but I was head over heels for ostrich feather accents! 

Valarie of A Love's in Bloom had so many creative ideas and was so easy to talk to that I was quickly 99% certain that we'd book her...and then she amazingly gave us a quote on the spot (an affordable one at that), and I was completely sold. We put a deposit down before hugging goodbye. (We became fast friends and hugging is my thang.)

Anyhow, I am sooo glad I had some signs pointing me back in Valarie's direction because I am absolutely confident in her abilities and so excited to see the finished products!

Did some sort of unknown force point you in the direction of certain vendors? What inspired your florals?

Wedding Day Accessories: My Head Stuff

I know I've taken a firm stance of not showing you my wedding gown, but I think I'm beginning to crack. Maybe! Anyhow, I do want to share with you some lovely pieces I've picked out for my noggin in the time being.

First up: the veil!

Shortly after we made the decision to get married in our big, beautiful church, I knew I wanted a big, beautiful veil to match. My dress doesn't have a train (spoiler!), and the thought of having a long, cathedral-length veil was very appealing. I love the extra bit of drama and regalia the feet upon feet of tulle adds.

I was still torn as to whether I wanted to cover my face with the veil and therefore unsure if I wanted a single-tiered veil or double. I didn't want too much volume and sometimes a second tier adds lots of it.

Image via The Russian Standard 

I'm not saying this look couldn't work for some people - I just knew it wouldn't work for me!

After some careful consideration I decided I did indeed want to cover my face (the mystique!) and had to find a two-tiered cathedral length veil sans volume overload. Then, kids, I got smart and started browsing through etsy and found the perfect veil for me. (Etsy has yet to let me down, I swear.)

I swooped this bad boy up real quick:

Image via etsy seller Teri Huang

It's even better in person, let me tell you! The long tier is a standard cathedral length: 120 inches. The second, shorter tier is still a good 40 inches long so when I flip it over my face it hits right above my belly button - and it feels perfect. 

When I tried on my veil with my dress, my adorable little niece/flower girl wanted in on the dress-up. Luckily, my aunt just happened to have a whole spool of tulle handy to fashion her up an outfit.

Isn't she a cutie? Look at that smile!

I knew I wanted another hairpiece for the reception. (Dancing with 10 feet of veil? No thank you!) I stumbled upon a very appealing headband from another etsy seller and scooped that up too. It's absolutely stunning and goes with my dress wonderfully, but I'm not quite sure if I am going to rock it or not yet - it really depends on how I decide to wear my hear I suppose.

But here it is. Sigh. So pretty.

Image via etsy seller BrassLotus

My precious!

I should hopefully be doing a hair trial within the next couple of weeks, so I'll be better able to show you the whole head package then ;)

What kind of headpiece, if any, are you wearing? Are you wearing a veil?

Shoes it or Lose it: My Solemate, So Close...Yet So Far.

I come to you today with both good news and bad. I typically like to lead with bad news to leave off on a happy note, but that just won't jive well with my story.

So, here goes.

After my unenthusiastic start to shoe shopping and my online shopping fail a couple of weeks ago, I finally decided it was time to physically head to the stores to touch, smell and taste (ok, maybe not so much smell, and definitely not taste) some footwear.

So Mama Seal and I decided to hit the stores this past Sunday in search of my wedding shoes. We probably could have planned this trip better - stores tend to close early on Sundays and we didn't exactly compensate for that, but off we went nonetheless.

We headed to Macy's in Union Square first and nothing jumped out at me. Nothing. Mama Seal is an employee of Macy's and finding the perfect shoes there would have had an amazing monetary perk: 20% off. But for whatever reason, despite having a lovely selection, not a single pair of shoes spoke to me...so onward we went.

Our next stop was at Nordstrom a short walk away. I should mention that, at this point, the store was about 30 minutes short of closing, so we were in a bit of a rush. Anyhow, we made our way to what I like to call the "danger zone" (aka the "Salon Shoes" section - think Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Kate Spade). My eyes could hardly focus on a single pair and my heart started pounding - there were so many viable options. I eventually honed in on a set of particularly sparkly shoes just as Mama Seal picked them up and said, "What about these?!"

What about those indeed! Mama Seal handed the champagne colored shoe off to me and something wonderful and unexpected happened - I fell in love. And I fell hard. They were a bit out of my initial shoe budget but my dress came in way under budget and I was therefore able to contently rationalize the difference.

I anxiously fidgeted on the couch as the helpful sales lady went to fetch my size. The minutes seemed like years and she eventually returned with some of the worst news a shoe salesperson can deliver, "We don't have them in your size, but..." I was relieved to hear there was a qualification, "...I have them in your size in a different color and we can always order them in the right color if you want."

OK. I could handle that.

After one more exchange for the next size up and a comfortable stroll around the department, I had concluded that these were indeed my wedding shoes. Well, not the exact pair I tried on - the currently intangible pair that needed to be ordered in the correct color and size.

The sweet gal seemed confident that tracking me down a pair would be no issue and I followed her to the check stand ready to swipe my card and give her my information.

And then, the terrible began.

Her computer system informed her there was only a single pair available in my size and it was at a Nordstrom that was actually closer to my home. Sounds like great news, right?

No. A call to the store revealed that the shoes were returns and looked visibly worn. And I was not prepared to spend such a large chunk of money on pre-worn shoes. I was defeated. Heartbroken. I even asked the lady, "Are those the only pair of shoes left in my size in the whole wide world?" and she said yes.

Obviously this was not true - but they were the only shoes left at Nordstrom so my hunt needed to continue elsewhere.

If you've made it this far without pictures you deserve a treat. A sparkly, amazing, fantastic treat that will make your heart skip a beat! (Ok, maybe that's just me.) I present to you the elusive pair of Jimmy Choo shoes that need to be on my feet come November.

The 'Isabel' Pumps (shown in gold) via Jimmy Choo

The pictures really do them no justice at all. They are so much more sparkly and striking in person and the ones I want are a slightly different shade (but I was a terrible blogger bee and forgot my camera). For some pictures that will better express their beauty, check out Mrs. Panther's equally blingy shoes. She settled on a different (yet totally stunning) style, but the champagne Choo's she first purchased are the same material and color as the ones I lust for and will give you an idea of how my dream shoes shimmer.

My favorite part? They're the most gorgeous pair of short-heeled pumps I've ever seen and are the exact perfect height to ensure that I won't tower over Mr. Seal.

Sigh.

Yet. They are not mine. At least not yet. By the time we left the store empty-handed, all of the nearby stores that carry Jimmy Choo were closed and I was forced to deal with an emptiness in the pit of my stomach. They need to be mine! They will be mine.

I hope to come back with better news next time, hive.

Did you hit any speed bumps on the road to your perfect wedding-day shoes? Did you eventually overcome these obstacles?

Welcome to San Francisco!: A Preview of our Welcome Bags

I have no idea what my deal is, but I am weirdly obsessed with Out-of-Town/Welcome bags. Sometimes as I lay in bed, I fantasize about the day in which I walk into the local warehouse store and buy all of the yummy snacks to fill said bags. Strange? Most likely.

Anyhow, whatever it is, there's something truly exciting in knowing that my guests will be welcomed by a bag of goodies at their hotel room. I know I hate getting into a hotel room, thirsty and hungry from traveling, only to be met by $10 bottles of water and candy bars. It'll be a nice treat for them and another way for us to express our supreme gratitude!

Plenty of lovely bees have put their own twist on the welcome bags/boxes and I intend to follow suit! About a year ago (yes, a year ago), in keeping with the skyline theme from our Save-the-Dates, I purchased customized welcome bags from Favors You Keep. With my new found DIY confidence, I know that I could have perhaps attempted these myself for a fraction of the cost—but, honestly, I'm glad I let someone else take on the task, because I love what I ended up with!

Close-up of the bag detail

An empty bag just waiting to be filled!

In terms of what will actually go in the bag—I've got a few ideas. Mostly some bag staples like water, snacks, and gum. However, I do want to include a few items to help drive home that SF feel—for example, I'd like to include a few Ghirardelli chocolate squares, an SF map and travel guide, and maybe a couple of pre-postaged postcards.

And last, but certainly not least, I intend to tie one of our little mini Moo welcome cards onto the handles.

 Our assortment of Moo cards (each has the same note from the top on its backside)

I can't wait to get the bags stuffed, tagged and settled into our guests' rooms...four months from now. Hehe ;)

Which wedding projects excite you into early action? Are you doing welcome bags?

Open Bar Vs. Cash Bar: Zach the Beverage Guy Reigns Supreme

Prior to planning my own nuptials, I had never attended a wedding expecting an open bar. I kind of always hope there will be beer, wine and perhaps spirits for purchase, but in the rare occasion that a full on open bar is provided—I am legitimately surprised and grateful.

 The Seals at my cousin's wedding reception (Not only was it open bar—it was at a bar!)

When it came time to decide upon the type of bar that we would be providing at our own wedding, I'll admit I was a little naive. I figured, because I never expected free alcohol, that our guests would come to our reception with a pocket full of cash ready to purchase their own drinks—and was thus set on a cash bar.

Now, let me clarify for a moment here—I am by no means implying that having a cash bar (or no bar, for that matter) is naive, simply that my initial decision (without weighing all of the options) was such.

It was soon brought to my attention that asking guests to fly/drive out to San Francisco, pay for hotel accommodations, buy us a wedding gift and then purchase their own alcohol at a party for us was a decision at least worth thinking twice about.

So I did.

And I had a complete change of heart. I soon realized that, for me, having an open bar was something I really cared about. I've never hosted a party and expected guests to pay for refreshments before, so why start with our wedding? Plus, our families really do like to drink—paying for a bar service on their behalf would likely be a much better bargain than having them dish out "per drink" rates.

So I decided I would at least look into it and honestly, hive, I was really surprised by what I discovered. Our venue has only one preferred vendor when it comes to beverage catering (yeah, I didn't know "beverage caterers" existed either), which definitely initially scared me. What if their rates were outrageous? How much would it cost to buy them out and provide my own alcohol? How much is alcohol insurance?! I was a nervous wreck while I waited for the quote.

 

But then the clouds parted, a light shined down upon me and Zach the beverage guy (whom I've never met but imagine to look A LOT like Zeus) said, "HEY CRAZY FACE, YOU CAN TOTALLY AFFORD US! AND WE'RE AMAZING! BOOZE FOR ALL." (Ok, I paraphrased a bit, but you get the point.) I was even more surprised to learn that their "service only" (cash bar) option was only marginally cheaper than the full on open bar.

Background photo via EyeFetch/Photo of Zeus via Peperonity/Tastefully edited by me

(For full disclosure—our reception is scheduled to run from 5pm-12am, but we are closing the bar at 10. It's a bit of a compromise, but I figure five hours of gratis imbibing should do the trick, no?)

I know that the "Open Bar vs Cash Bar" debate can be a bit of a hot button topic and I want to make something clear—though Emily Post would have likely disagreed, I truly believe that each couple knows what works best for them. For example, not every family likes tequila as much as mine does and not every budget allows for five hours of free-flowing booze—definitely consider each option thoughtfully, but do only what you can.

OK. I'll get off my soap box now. Time for a drink.

What, if any, type of bar are you providing at your wedding? How did you come to make that decision?

Squee! A Bridal Shower for ME?!

I'm going to a bridal shower next month, kiddies. Oh, and not just any bridal shower—MY bridal shower! The other day, I got this lovely little thang in the mail and I squealed with joy.

 Forgive the crappy iPhone photo!

How cute are those flowers?! MOH Brandi sure knows the way to my heart with those new "Love" stamps (she went to three different post offices before tracking them down). I hadn't even opened the envelope and I adored the invitations already!

But don't fret, hive—the actual invite is equally adorable.

 A fête hosted by Mama Seal and MOH Brandi? Count me in!

 She included two recipe cards with each invite and boy am I lookin' forward to acquiring some tasty new recipes!

There had been some wavering as to where the shower would be held which caused some delay in invite production—so as soon as the place was set, MOH Brandi (and her sweet BF) feverishly toiled over these during a long weekend to ensure they got sent out with enough notice.

Brandi sent me this photo (which I promptly edited) showcasing some of her hard work:

The task drove her to (5%) alcohol. Ha! She didn't think I'd notice.

Don't tell her this (because she'll use it against me one day!)—but I am so thankful to have this lady in my life, and so honored that she will be standing next to me on my wedding day. We've been friends for nearly 20 years (since she asked if I wanted to play with her "Skip-it" in 2nd grade—remember those?). And despite her move to Delaware a few years back—we've remained just as close. I can't fathom how she is managing to help Mama Seal plan my shower from nearly 3,000 miles away, but she's doin' it and I appreciate it (and her) more than words can convey.

Brandi and Me in back 3rd grade on the left and some time a couple summers ago on the right.

My second lovely MOH (Meghan) and BM Sarah hosted an engagement party for Mr. Seal and I last year and it was amazing, so I am super excited for another wedding get-together! I really have no idea what's in store for me at this event, but I know it will be fabulous in the hands of my ladies and I cannot wait :)
 

How much did you *love* your shower invites? Who is hosting your shower? 

An Impressive Decision: Wax Seals

...and no, I don't mean wax versions of these Seals:

I mean these wax seals:

Image via Tampa Bay Calligraphy

 Image via RageHaus

I gave you a all a sneak peak of our invites a few weeks back, and though I still can't reveal the final product, I can tell you about the seals we've made for them.

We're going the pocket-fold route and I long toyed with how we would keep that flailing little flap at bay. I truly and honestly don't know where the wax seal inspiration stemmed from, I just recall waking up one morning firm in the decision that seals were the way to go. (This may or may not have been subconsciously influenced by my bee moniker.)

Despite my confidence, however, I found the thought of pouring hot wax onto our (not so cheap) invites extremely unnerving. So, I did as any savvy kid would do and logged onto the 'bee for some guidance—and guidance I found! Thanks to Mrs. Sewing's awesome DIY tutorial post, I was introduced to the ingenuity of hot glue gun faux wax.

Going with faux wax had a few perks—1) no mess on my invites, 2) I could make these bad boys far in advance and 3) I am super prone to burns and the further I stay away from open flames...the better. Seeing as how I couldn't think of a single downside (perhaps other than to its minimal associated cost?) to using faux wax, I ordered some wax sticks and a monogrammed stamp from Nostalgic Impressions.

I invited FSIL Tracy over for a crafting date and we got to work.

Our tools of destruction!

I have to make mention (for any of you thinking of attempting this project) that using a glass casserole dish as your wax surface, as Mrs. Sewing did in the aforementioned tutorial, is totally the route to go. We first attempted using wax paper but this had some disastrous and frustrating results and lots of ripping was involved.

FSIL Tracy's steady hand at work atop the casserole dish!

I'd say we spent a total of maybe an hour stamping these little guys and I now have a hearty stash just waiting to be adhered to our invites.

They, quite literally, look like gold!

Are you using seal stamps on your invites? Did you use traditional or faux wax?

Our Favors, Part II: The Grandmother I Knew

Last post I wrote about our See's Candies buffet guest favors and explained the family history behind that decision. I had mentioned that there was a bit more to be told on the favor-front and I will now (finally) explain what that "bit more" is!

And this time it has to do with this pretty lady:

My Nana Sayra Laverne