Easy as Pie

... but it's cake. Wedding cake to be more specific.

When I met Mr. O's parents for the first time he and I made the trip to South Carolina. The O Crew live right off of this long, hilly road. Well, the one thing that stuck out in my mind was a bright pink sign. It read, "Jennifer's Cakes" and it intrigued me. We tried to stop on our way back, but the shop was closed. Oh well, why do we need a cake anyways?

{How cute is this cottage? It's even "sweeter" on the inside. Professional iPhone picture.}

It wasn't until Mr. O proposed that I revisited the idea of stopping in to see what was happening inside that little bakery cottage.  Let me say this: The area where The O Crew is from isn't necessary hip to the idea of the Internet. This statement isn't even about Jennifer's Cakes (I, eventually, found her on Facebook) but it's been really hard to find ANY vendor by Google searching. I digress...

Once I found her, we talked back and forth via email and set up time to talk about wedding cake right before Mr. O left. I'm pretty specific about what I want with a lot of the plans that have been made and this is no exception. Mr. O and I walked in with my binder in hand and tried some cake. I'm not really a baked goods eater - Lets be real for a second: I love me some cake, but I love to bake it more than I love to eat it. So, this was Mr. O's job - Was it good enough to be our wedding cake (because apparently there's a difference between regular bday cake and wedding cake... jk I KNOW there's a difference)?

{Love the tower of flowers, but we want icing. Source}

{Love the square tiers, but we think fondant is gross. Source}

We talked about what I liked, what we didn't like, what I invisioned, and she gave her input. Mr. O's requirement was simple: Did it taste good? The meeting was awesome and very friendly. She understood exactly what I wanted and that was that. She filled out a form for the two of us to have so we were all on the same page and then said, "Whenever you get a chance can you give me a swatch of the color green that you want?" Bam! I whip out my wallet and grab my trusty swatches that I'd been carrying around since I first started planning & let her cut a piece off. Mr. O and Jennifer thought it was hilarious! What can I say, I'm prepared.

This wasn't our only cake appt, but we'll just say it was the best one. We really like the idea of using a more local vendor, too! Did I mention that she has some amazing property and is allowing us to take some wedding photos on it? Oh I didn't? Well, I'll talk about that later.

Tweets, Pokes, and Status Updates

The beautiful world of social media is one that I'm very familiar with. I have a Facebook, Twitter, and FourSquare account. I've participated in Meetups, have a Flickr account, I've been blogging since I was in middle school and was cool enough to have MySpace. Oh yeah, I said it, MySpace.

How does this relate to my wedding? Well, I've been wondering how "connected" I'll be on the day of our wedding. Will I be updating my Facebook Status? Checking in when I arrive at the church? Tweeting about how nervous I am that I'm going to fall on my face walking down the aisle? I really don't know.

{source}

I do know that, once the ceremony starts, I don't want our vows to be exchanged by reading them off of our smart phones or iPads (Hopefully by the wedding I'll OWN a iPad). I want it to be a special, between Mr. O and I, lovey dovey, disgustingly cute ceremony.

{Isn't this cute? source}

With that said, I told you how I'm completely photo motivated. So that presents another issue. How do we handle those guests that want to get some great pictures throughout the ceremony? I have no problem with people taking pictures (and actually look forward to seeing what people can capture), but I'm worried about someone stepping right in front our photog as she's about to capture the best picture! I'm completely guilty of trying to get a picture of THE kiss or of the bride walking down the aisle with her dad and I apologize right now if I've ever screwed up a professional picture. Honestly, I didn't even think about it. I know, how terrible of me! It just didn't cross my mind that I was going to be in the way until I read a post from Offbeat Bride.

I'm not nearly as bad as the guy behind the officiant, but I may have leaned into the aisle to get a good photo, maybe. That, my friends, will no longer be happening. I have a greater appreciation and, hopefully, our ceremony will be as "unplugged" as possible.

A Callus Builds Character: Invites Part II

I mentioned last time that I did some "serious trial and error" when trying to figure out the best process for the invitations. When I say serious, I mean serious! I, initially, bought some pretty big poster board-like paper and was going to do pocketfolds. Well, the craft demons stopped me in my tracks not long after I started.

{Thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?!"}

First of all, pocketfolds are difficult. Yes, there are some great tutorials out there but they just weren't cutting it for me. I think there are a few reason for this: 1) I'm crafty, but I also want it to be as easy as possible (read: I'm lazy) 2) When there is so much cutting, attaching, etc... I start to get anal about wanting straight lines and when it comes to a pocketfold I just couldn't get it perfect, which drove me insane.

These problems weren't all my fault. For example, my bestie (BM Coach), was in town and we decided to tackle this project. Well, we bought the poster board stuff and then proceeded to run into a brick wall. No, not a real one, but a "this paper isn't cut straight to begin with," wall. We had intended on using the outside edge of the poster board as a guide to assure that our other cuts were straight. Turns out, that wasn't going to work. Seriously!? Someone please tell me a instance when they bought poster board and every single piece was cut at an angle. Yeah, that would happen to me.

 {Off by a lot. Ugh!}

At this point, I decided that pocketfolds weren't going to be in our wedding future so I moved on. Since then, I've ordered the correct cardstock (it's cut straight, yay!) and have working diligently on our new style of invites. It's going great and I love them!

Flower Power: Part Uno

First of all, I love flowers. I don't think I can really express how much I love them. I don't know when my love for them started, but it started and hasn't stopped. They smell amazing, they look awesome, and you can't deny that they don't cheer up a room. Okay... I'm going a little overboard. Sorry.

 

{I'm not sure where I got all of these photos because I did a random Google search long ago.} 

Flowers also mean a lot to me. Not just because they're pretty, but because of all my great memories associated with them. When I was growing up my grandma always loved tiger lilies and I've carried that love on with me after she passed away. She even told me a story once about how her and my gpa, whom I never had the pleasure of meeting, had planted some outside their house. Then, after he passed away and she moved into a new house, the lilies just bloomed right outside her door. 

They also mean a lot because throughout our relationship Mr. O has gone above and beyond by sending me flowers -- lots of flowers. Just a little way of saying that he loves me and misses me. Once, when we first started dating & he was away, he sent me flowers. The card said "I miss you." - Not signed. Nothing else. Just three happy (kinda sad) words. This was the first time that he'd ever said he missed me. Small victories! He's so awesome and thoughtful that it's out of control, but a nice bouquet always makes me think of him. 

When I was searching for a florist, way back in February or March, Mr. O named a few local shops that he knew of and we decided to stop in while we were visiting his family. I barely had any inspiration of what I wanted and the things that I thought I wanted I no longer want (shocking). Well, when I walked in with my little binder (that has tripled in size since then) they were so rude! Total Pretty Women on Rodeo Drive moment. 

 

I mean, I wasn't wearing that outfit but now that we're on the topic, have you seen the Toddlers and Tiaras latest controversy??  Whoa, we are way in left field! We were talking about flowers, right?!

Ah, yes... So they were rude to me & acted like they didn't have time to talk. Unless, of course, I wanted to pay the $25 fee for a "formal meeting." I mentioned this was over a year out from my wedding, right? Mind you, they were doing nothing when I walked in. Sitting. That's it. Why in the heck would I pay $25 for a meeting that was 9 times out of 10.. okay 10 times out of 10... not going to mean squat by the time the wedding came around. I left feeling sad. 

{source}

Mr. O took me to the next place. Still feeling discouraged, I walked in and met one of the happiest florists I've ever come in contact with. This lady was so darn nice to me! That's all I wanted. Someone to be nice to me, humor me. I'm really that easy to please. Not only did she greet me with a smile but she went into full blown wedding talk! She was even nice enough to go to the back to grab some stems as examples NUMEROUS times. Sealed.the.deal. I knew that some way, some how I wanted to use them for our wedding.

{Yay! So exciting! Source}

About a month ago, I went to visit Mr. O's family and was able to meet with this lovely little lady again. She was just as chatty and happy as she was when I met her the first time. This time was the more formal meeting and it was free. Yeah, eat that Meanies. Mr. O's sister went with me and was such a big help! I would have forgotten to ask about 5,000 questions had she not reminded me. I left feeling really good about what we talked about. Ahh, it's so nice to feel progress happening.

After I spend the floral budget at Happy Floral Shop* I have an itch to walk into Meanie Floral Shop* and say, "Big mistake. Big. Huge."

*Did you really think that was the actual name of the floral shop? No, it's not. 

Do-it-yourself ADHD

I tend to change my mind, a lot. Just pay attention closely and you'll notice I change my mind about 62 times every 5 seconds, not to mention the 62 projects that I have going at the same time.... and the 62 I plan to start "tomorrow." One thing that I can say about all of these projects is that my main motivation is the pictures that I want to see after the wedding. It might be weird, but I'm more photo motivated than real life motivated when it comes to the wedding (besides the part where I get to marry Mr. O).

This addition of DIY ADHD has to do with the little ones in our wedding. I talked about what I wanted them to carry in the previous post and I mentioned that I didn't love the FG basket. Actually, I find it really fugly (after a few days to think about it). What I really want is an awesome pomander for her to carry that magically dispenses petals. Cue the creative brain. First, I ventured to the wonderful world of Weddingbee Boards to see if anyone has ever seen a "pomander basket." The answer was something like, "No but that sounds cute..." but I did get some suggestions on how to execute it.

{See! Adorable picture.}

{Another adorable little girl w/ a pomander via Weddingbee Classifieds - these are fake flowers!}

I headed to Michaels to get a styrofoam ball and I walked out with over $100 worth of merchandise. I feel a pattern evolving. When Mr. O gets back I'm making him go to the store with my list to avoid any overindulging in craft supplies! I digress...

I purchased the 8'' ball. I was a little afraid that it was going to be too big thatswhatshesaid but then I remembered I made a pomander (reception decoration say whhhattt) a while back and it turned out perfect size.

{personal photo - I know you were wondering who the professional photographer was.}

Then I decided to dig into the project (pun totally intended). Now, I like to think I'm crafty but what you're about to see is mildly embarrassing. Below is my first attempt to scoop out the "bowl."

{Yes, that is a screw driver. Yes, this was a fail.}

I'm really not sure what I was thinking. It probably had something to do with my DIYADHD (I hear they're prescribing stuff for that soon), but at the time it sounded brilliant. I'll just stab the screw driver in there... it'll be great. Um, no. While I was working really hard stabbing and not making any progress I was brainstorming what else I could use. Then, I had my "ah ha" moment.

{I tried to find an ice cream scoop, but apparently we only have very large spoons}

This method of spooning *hehe* worked much better than screwing?? That set up way too easily. Anyways, I ended up with styrofoam all over the place, but I was okay with it because I think it's going to work!

{It looks pretty ugly here, but I promise there's some nice bowl action going on.}

I want to use real flowers, but after seeing the 2nd inspiration photo I'm thinking that fake flowers could give me the same look I want (read: cheaper). I also ordered the petals from Oriental Trading Company that will be concealed in this puppy. I'll test those out and follow up afterwards.

DIY Sunday

My schedule is back on track and Sunday (at least 1/2 of the day) is being utilized for DIY projects again. Yay! Today, I made a trip to Jo Ann Fabrics and Micheal's with my list of supplies in hand. Huge Sales and they have iPhone apps with all of their coupons!  I was able to purchase everything that I needed + some. Seriously, who doesn't buy cardstock when it's buy one get one free?! Oh, you don't.... never mind, then.

Thanks for the picture, mayanrocks.com!

When I got home I organized all of my purchases and decided to dive into some Flower Girl and Ring Bearer projects. I started out with the FG basket. I would talk about a tutorial that I used if I had actually used one, but I didn't. I just made it up and I have to say I'm wondering if I'll actually have our FG carry it. It's not bad, but I just have something specific in my head and I'm not sure I pulled it off. I'll revisit the project somewhere down the line and see what I think at that point.

I made the RB pillow, too. I actually really like it. I think it'll be nice for our RB to carry down. I added a bow around the button to attach the "rings." I say "rings" because they won't be our actual rings. I like to consider them as stand-ins that will add more cuteness to our RB's ensemble.

The button in the middle is lime green.

A little color goodness on the backside of the pillow.

The last project that I worked on was a test run. I've been trying to figure out what to do for table numbers. Everything, before now, has just not done it for me. Today, I tried something and I heart it! It's currently on my desk right now and I keep looking at it and thinking about how much I like it. haha :) Perfection! I don't want to spoil the surprise but it does have to do with vellum and picture frames. Owww!! Ahhhh!!!

**Mid-August has come and gone and there has been major progress! The trip to South Carolina was super productive and helpful. It was a very busy weekend, but that included a meeting with the florist and 2 catering appointments. I haven't signed contracts, but I'm just waiting to hear back from them with official numbers.

Mr. O hard at work.

**We're over halfway through the deployment! I also found out on Friday that Mr. O made the boards for Career Designation! That is amazing news and I'm so excited for him because I know that's what he wanted. I haven't been able to talk to him so I'm not sure if he knows or if he's super excited or anything. I can't wait to congratulate him!

The Beauty of Making a Decision

It sounds so much easier than it actually is: Just decide! That's too simple, isn't it? Today, and for the last few times that I've visited the wedding to-do list, I can't make a single decision! Trust me, there are plenty of things to decide on. I just can't do it!

So far the biggest thorn in my side has been the bridesmaids dresses. Not because I don't love my 5 lovely ladies, because I do! It's just super, super hard to make a decision about something that has everything to do with someone else. The only trouble is, you're making the decision and then asking... basically telling... them to pay for it! I struggle with this. Yes, I want something that I like and all of that but it is important to me that they like it, too.

My family was in town this past weekend. After I got done trying on my dress for the first time **more on that later!!**, and doing a lot of spins while grinning like a child, my sister tried on A LOT of bridesmaids dresses. We have narrowed it down, once again, but I think I just need to decide and roll with it. So far, I haven't second-guessed any decisions that have been made. What do I need to do? Oh yeah, "Just decide!" Seriously, the beauty of making a decision is that you don't have to think about it again and you can mark it off of your list!

Today, I was dragging my feet about blocking off hotels. HOTELS! I knew it was a good price and location for all of our out of town guests. I even knew that I wanted to block it off, but I just kept checking, double checking, and checking again.... for WHAT?! So, if that gives you any idea about how indecisive I am about things that other people have to pay for, you can see why I'm running into trouble. Thank goodness for my mom, who finally was sick of hearing about it and told me to reserve them. *Thanks, Mom!*

Oh my! I feel like I've written this post 30 times and I'm sure if I reread all of my posts I'd find a time or two where I have mentioned it before. Moving on... for now...

 Excuse my "I'm tired and don't care" face. Check out those tabs!

I have done a lot of reorganizing! I went through my wedding binder and got rid of all of the ideas that were no longer interesting to me and make a ton of more tabs! I feel SO organized and love it. However, I think I need a bigger binder. Ha!

 The one bag that I made that took me forever to do. No thanks! DIY fail!

I also started a new DIY project and then decided to stop because it was taking a ridiculous amount of time and turns out, I can't sew. I take that back, I CAN sew. I'm just not good at it and this project would have taken months. I'm not interested in all of that, especially when I have much more important things to make! Not to mention, I found some awesome Etsy sellers that are so affordable.

I need to get back to the Sunday invitation routine. I've just been busy doing fun stuff (not to say making our invites isn't fun) and haven't had a solid Sunday to work on them. This weekend, that will change!

*My dress!!!! I love her. She loves me. It's definitely a love/love relationship. I hope it stays that way. I won't see her again for a lot of months, but oh-em-gee I adore her. Yay!*

 He's handsome.

**Mr. O is doing awesome and makes me proud every day. We're coming up on the halfway point of the big D. Holy cow, that's awesome! There is one thing that I'm not digging about Mr. O: he currently has a mustache. That's GOTTA go! lol

I'm trying to keep him updated about wedding planning as much as possible, but not much movement has been made recently. In mid-August I should have a ton of more things to discuss: food, flowers, invites, etc...**