Shoe Week, Day 3

I really like lace and am going to have some on my dress. So, when I came across these cute flats on Rock 'N Roll Bride, I had to do some more searching.

I am not sure how, but somehow I found these too. This time on WeddingAccessories.net.

I want flats, but I still not sure if these were really what I was looking for. I found a pair on the Brides Cafe that look like someone just added a bit of lace to an existing pair of shoes. This might be the perfect idea!!
They look good to me . . . but then I still have to find some shoes to add lace to.

Shoe Week, Day 2

My search began a long time ago when I saw these babies on Green Wedding Shoes!!

Everyone loved them, you could tell from all the posts where people where asking where to find them. At some point I finally did some searching and found them on 6pm.com.

Too bad they didn't have them in my size. So, if you wear between a 6.5 to 8, you are in luck!! Plus, they are not only cute, but they take care of your something blue!!! Oh I wish!

Tips for the best man

In an e-mail newsletter from New & Blue, I found a cheat-sheet for best man speeches. I thought it was some pretty nice guidelines so I thought I would share. Personally I want tons of speeches at my wedding. Best Man, Maid of honor, all the bridesmaids, all the groomsmen, parents, anyone else who wants to talk. I just feel like it is a great way to learn a little more about everyone . . . I love it. Anyway . . . her is the advice . . .

Open the speech

Okay, duh. But some guys may be so nervous they'll forget something basic like introducing themselves. The Best Man should make sure to let everyone know who he is and why he's special enough to be standing there (or, you know, just how he knows the Groom).

Give thanks to others

It's always nice to thank those involved in the wedding, including other attendants, the couple's parents (since they're probably footing the bill for the party!), and family and friends.
Unsettle the Groom

This is where everyone gets hooked, anticipating the embarrassing stories that only a best pal is privy to.

Give thanks on behalf of the bridesmaids

As a true gentleman, the Best Man should thank the Groom for any gestures he's made of gratitude toward his wife's friends.

Congratulate the couple

Although this is a necessary component of a celebratory speech, we're sure the couple, who has heard "Congratulations!" on a repeating loop for hours, would like to hear a funny or original version this time around. Get creative!

Admire the Bride

Again, this is a chance to prove chivalry isn't dead. Of course, that doesn't mean some good-natured teasing of the groom (How did he snag someone so gorgeous?) isn't in order.

Put in some humorous anecdotes

Here's where it gets fun, with stories of the buddies' past shenanigans, the folly of their youth, and bonding moments. Audiences also love to hear stories about the couple, like how they met and how the Best Man noticed the Groom falling in love.

Ridicule the Groom

Everyone loves a good roast, but considering the occasion, some things are probably best left alone: bodily functions and past relationships, to name a few.

Get serious

Genuine sincerity adds heart to the speech - love, pride, admiration, and/or appreciation for the Groom and the couple should be expressed, as hard as it is for dudes to talk about feelings.

Offer some advice

Whether it comes from personal experience or a women's magazine article, the tips can be serious or funny. (Don't go to bed angry - just stay up all night to argue!)

Read some messages

If anyone couldn't be there, the Best Man can act as a messenger of congrats. Famous quotes or poems also fit in here.

Close the speech

Hopefully the speech hasn't drawn on for two long; best to wrap it up before people start nodding off! Especially because we all know everyone just wants to get to...

Propose a toast

...Champagne!

(Image from'> here)

Shoe Week, Day 1

Oh how I wish I could have shoes like these!

(Images: 1. Jcrew via Green Wedding Shoes 2. Gilt 3. Keg Design 4. Gilt )

There is only one problem with all of these shoes . . . anyone know what it is?? Let me tell you. I am 5'11" and my fiance is 6'1". I don't really want to be taller than him on our wedding day. I do have big shoes that I wear often, but on our wedding day I want him to be taller than me. So all of these big beautiful heals wont work for me. Sad! So the search for some stylish flats have begun!

Dress shopping

I guess I have not talked about my dress yet. It is obviously a very important part of this whole wedding process. I guess I will use this blog to talk about my first dress shopping experience. I knew that I wanted my first trip to be with my mom, so that meant waiting about a month to travel home to Oregon after the engagement. I also knew that I wanted to go to Charlotte's, which is a tiny bridal shop (with tons of reasonably priced dresses) that is right around the corner from the house I grew up in. I basically drove past it everyday of my life . . . so it was a must. Here are some pics of that fun event.
This is me and one of my bridesmaids, K, she is the one who actually lives in Portland, hence why she is actually getting to be part of the process!! Can you see the skirt on this thing . . . the shape of the dress isn't bad, but the skirt is just tons of strips of fabric!!
This dress was actually a major possibility. The only thing that was missing was lace . . . I really wanted some lace on my dress!!

Me and K messing around . . . at least we were having a good time!!

Flower Girl Dresses

I found my flower girl dresses!!! And at $15 a piece (including shipping), I say they were a steal.

(From Kohls)

Aren't they cute?? I think so! And they will still look like little girls, and they will for sure be able to wear them again!!! The only thing I want to add is a little more fluff to the skirts. Does anyone know where I can buy petticoats for little girls?? (and not spend a fortune) I love them!

I {Heart} Galvanized Metal!

So, no board this time, but still lots of pictures!!! I love the look of galvanized metal . . . so it will be a theme throughout the wedding. Here is some of the inspiration I found that started my love!!!

I love these flower girl buckets!! So much cuter then a basket . . . I think!!

Centerpieces . . . I think we are going to do something similar . . . except we are actually going to plant the flowers! It should save a bit of money that way, plus guests will be able to take home a beautiful growing gift!
There are buckets for everything!!! How perfect for the isle. I already have the shepherd hooks!! I think it is pretty!! You?

(Images: 1. Project 10K Wedding 2. Style Me Pretty 3. Style Me Pretty 4. Classic Bride 5. Bravo!)

Wedding Day Timeline, First Draft

The last time I was up in Portland I met with Alyssa Jul, our photographer, to do a wedding day timeline, for photos. This is the plan so far.

11:30 Alyssa arrives
2:00 Cat and Marshall meet
3:00 wedding party
4:00 family
4:30 done with photos
Photo of the guests on the lawn with wedding party in front
Photos of extended family
Cat with everyone 6 feet or taller (this is no joke . . . I am going to have a picture of me and everyone over 6 feet tall!!!)
Cat and Marshall sign their marriage license
Enter Reception

I will obviously have a more detailed one in the near future . . . but this is a nice beginning!! And wont it be nice to have a big group photo of all my guests?? . . . like this one!!

(Image from Style Me Pretty)