Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust! Jenn & Kevin 10/12/14 Italy/ADH/France - The End (7/2016 New TR Link!)

[elphie101]

Yesterday my aunt sent me a progress pic of the brooch bouquet - and I was absolutely floored!!



It's coming along AMAZINGLY well!! I didn't think I'd like the fake hydrangea around it but now that I see it, it's actually kind of nice. We'll see what it looks like when I next see it in person & with the additional brooches.

Also yesterday came the ties I had ordered for the men - the striped one for Kevin & his best man and the solid for the other groomsmen. I compared it to the color swatch from Alfred Angelo, because color matching is SUPER important to me:



Hooray! The striped wasn't as close a match but close enough that I could live with it. Then for kicks this morning I decided to take a different picture (the above one was taken last night with a mix of window & fluorescent lighting):



And now I'm less thrilled. I'll be seeing my MOH this weekend so I'm going to bring the ties with me to compare to her dress in the morning outside light. If they look good then I'll give all the men the go ahead to buy - if not I'll just return them. There is a 30-return policy after all!

Finally the other thing of note yesterday was we only got one RSVP - a No from two of our friends. This is important as this means we can formally expect less than 100 people, which means we 100% won't max out on our ceremony venue! We never really anticipated we would, but it is nice to know for certain.

Just 87 days to go!

 

[NeeNeeBell25]

yeah, not ecstatic with the cobalt during the day either. great to hear you are under your max! maybe find a tie in a store as opposed to buying online? they might let you take it out of the store just to look at it in the light.

the brooch bouquet looks AMAZING and i'm not even a big fan of them! the hydrangeas pull it all together! Really really impressed!

87 days!!!

 

[alyaki]

It's amazing how different the colors of the ties looked in different lighting. It'll be interesting to hear how you find they compare to the dresses in morning light. Hopefully they work out. =/

Also, yeah, flight prices are insane right now - I was taking a glance at prices for next March on some carriers.. over $500 pp for their cheapest seats. Our flights for mid-late September (which we got in May, so before there was the mention of the $25'ish dollar increase of TSA fees) were $500 total roundtrip. I'm going to keep an eye out - Southwest won't put out their prices for March until around the time we're gone for our PS (can't book until return date is 6 months out - bleh), so I'm hoping things will look a bit better price-wise then. But airlines are using the fee increase as a reason to charge some pretty insane prices.

 

[elphie101]

yeah, not ecstatic with the cobalt during the day either. great to hear you are under your max! maybe find a tie in a store as opposed to buying online? they might let you take it out of the store just to look at it in the light.

the brooch bouquet looks AMAZING and i'm not even a big fan of them! the hydrangeas pull it all together! Really really impressed!

87 days!!!

If these ties don't work out we're definitely going to start browsing stores in person - what I loved about these was that they were super cheap, at least compared to what I've been seeing when browsing stores online (do ties really cost $30-$50?!)

It's amazing how different the colors of the ties looked in different lighting. It'll be interesting to hear how you find they compare to the dresses in morning light. Hopefully they work out. =/

Also, yeah, flight prices are insane right now - I was taking a glance at prices for next March on some carriers.. over $500 pp for their cheapest seats. Our flights for mid-late September (which we got in May, so before there was the mention of the $25'ish dollar increase of TSA fees) were $500 total roundtrip. I'm going to keep an eye out - Southwest won't put out their prices for March until around the time we're gone for our PS (can't book until return date is 6 months out - bleh), so I'm hoping things will look a bit better price-wise then. But airlines are using the fee increase as a reason to charge some pretty insane prices.

Definitely check Southwest the day their bookings are released - I know I wish we had booked on opening day because we would have saved even more money. We still got a good fare, but not as cheap as opening day. That long weekend is really screwing us over

I looked at the ties again this morning with the swatch and they didn't seem as bad as the photo (my phone also photographs really dark) so I'm holding out hope.

 

[andeesings]

I think they're going to read as the same blue-- it's a VERY subtle shade difference, and remember the ties will be around the guy's necks with a tux or suit, and they won't be pressing the ties next to the girl's dresses! I'm a big matching shades girl too, and I think you're definitely going to be fine!

 

[elphie101]

So today has been an exciting day at work for sure (and not because of work ) I've decided on my bridesmaid gifts! I'm super excited.

So I'll be getting my girls their jewelry, which you've already seen, but I'll be putting it in this:

(Disney Vera Bradley cosmetic case)

I'll also be getting everyone one of these, from Etsy:

Excuse my crappy MS Paint job - I wanted to see what the green text might look like before I ordered it (plus me and our 2 moms - they're on sale!)

And one of these, from Amazon (plus one for me too):

And putting it all in one of these! (from Exclusively Weddings.com):

I'm so excited I can't stand it! I'm also just really glad to be able to cross another to-do off the list (well, the deciding at least - still got to buy everything).

 

[elphie101]

I think they're going to read as the same blue-- it's a VERY subtle shade difference, and remember the ties will be around the guy's necks with a tux or suit, and they won't be pressing the ties next to the girl's dresses! I'm a big matching shades girl too, and I think you're definitely going to be fine!

Haha yeah, that picture yesterday really made me nervous but after seeing it again this morning I think it'll be ok. I just want to see it with my MOH's dress to be sure, but either way I have a feeling I'm going to keep them.

 

[twinkybel81]

So today has been an exciting day at work for sure (and not because of work ) I've decided on my bridesmaid gifts! I'm super excited.

So I'll be getting my girls their jewelry, which you've already seen, but I'll be putting it in this:

(Disney Vera Bradley cosmetic case)

I'll also be getting everyone one of these, from Etsy:

Excuse my crappy MS Paint job - I wanted to see what the green text might look like before I ordered it (plus me and our 2 moms - they're on sale!)

And one of these, from Amazon (plus one for me too):

And putting it all in one of these! (from Exclusively Weddings.com):

I'm so excited I can't stand it! I'm also just really glad to be able to cross another to-do off the list (well, the deciding at least - still got to buy everything).

I have that same robe! It's comfy, feels nice on the skin, and keeps you surprisingly warm, considering it isn't heavyweight or bulky.

 

[allysetraskos]

Loving all your updates! Your bridesmaids dresses are amazing and that brooch bouquet is turning out fantastic!

 

[alyaki]

Love the gifts you picked up. Especially the cosmetic bag...because I've been thinking of getting a hipster in that same pattern (such awesome colors!). Hope you don't mind me asking, but which shop did you get the tumblers from?

Sometimes seeing your posts make me wish I had a bridal party...but then I realize that I would be expected by my family to deal with my sibling's drama.

I've started working on parent gifts (really only for Raist's side, since I don't know about mine), it's fun to cross things off! And you guys are getting so close - feels like time is just flying!

 

[elphie101]

I have that same robe! It's comfy, feels nice on the skin, and keeps you surprisingly warm, considering it isn't heavyweight or bulky.

Great to hear!! It got good reviews from Amazon and other brides so I figured it was a safe bet.

Loving all your updates! Your bridesmaids dresses are amazing and that brooch bouquet is turning out fantastic!

Thank you!! I can't wait to see what the finished product is.

Love the gifts you picked up. Especially the cosmetic bag...because I've been thinking of getting a hipster in that same pattern (such awesome colors!). Hope you don't mind me asking, but which shop did you get the tumblers from?

Sometimes seeing your posts make me wish I had a bridal party...but then I realize that I would be expected by my family to deal with my sibling's drama.

I've started working on parent gifts (really only for Raist's side, since I don't know about mine), it's fun to cross things off! And you guys are getting so close - feels like time is just flying!

I love that pattern too! Partly because it has my favorite colors and partly because it's DISNEY!

The tumblers I will be ordering from etsy, shop name SweetSouthernCompany. I can't speak to much else since I haven't actually placed the order yet, but here's hoping they're good

Don't get me started on parents' gifts - in that field we're both totally clueless

 

[Seia]

Love all of your bridesmaids gifts! I've been looking into different robe options to buy for everyone too. The one you chose will look so beautiful in pictures!

 

[Aschenputtel]

Wow those gifts are gonna be amazing - I love the patterns on the cosmetic and the big bag! And the robes are also really beautiful!
And your brooch bouquet turned out really good! Already eager to see everything together!

 

[alyaki]

I love that pattern too! Partly because it has my favorite colors and partly because it's DISNEY!

The tumblers I will be ordering from etsy, shop name SweetSouthernCompany. I can't speak to much else since I haven't actually placed the order yet, but here's hoping they're good

Don't get me started on parents' gifts - in that field we're both totally clueless

Thanks for the shop name, elphie. I have one or two people I need to buy something for (for something else) and I've been thinking about picking up tumblers like those!

One thing (the only thing, even -.-) I picked up for Raist's mother was a nice sized Vera Bradley bag, since I know what colors are her favorite and she keeps trying and failing to find something that works for her. I'm betting it's still going to be considered a bit small (wish I was better at visualizing sizes), but it was also on sale for..oh $25 (normally $60+ I think)?

I know we're giving parents frames with an engagement session picture and wedding picture, but that may end up being for next Christmas as opposed to wedding, depending on if we want all the parents to have them at the same time. And with Raist's mother, we'll probably mod it a bit so she also has a family picture, since that is something she always talks about.

Whenever you come up with parent gifts, let me know - I could use suggestions. At this point, it's looking like we'll be getting Raist's dad a nice bottle of whiskey.

 

[elphie101]

Love all of your bridesmaids gifts! I've been looking into different robe options to buy for everyone too. The one you chose will look so beautiful in pictures!

I can't wait!! I just adore the color

Wow those gifts are gonna be amazing - I love the patterns on the cosmetic and the big bag! And the robes are also really beautiful!
And your brooch bouquet turned out really good! Already eager to see everything together!

You and me both! Especially the cosmetic bag - we don't plan on getting that till we go to FL (since the AP merch discount makes it cheaper than ordering from the Disney store site. I'm just hoping they have them

Thanks for the shop name, elphie. I have one or two people I need to buy something for (for something else) and I've been thinking about picking up tumblers like those!

One thing (the only thing, even -.-) I picked up for Raist's mother was a nice sized Vera Bradley bag, since I know what colors are her favorite and she keeps trying and failing to find something that works for her. I'm betting it's still going to be considered a bit small (wish I was better at visualizing sizes), but it was also on sale for..oh $25 (normally $60+ I think)?

I know we're giving parents frames with an engagement session picture and wedding picture, but that may end up being for next Christmas as opposed to wedding, depending on if we want all the parents to have them at the same time. And with Raist's mother, we'll probably mod it a bit so she also has a family picture, since that is something she always talks about.

Whenever you come up with parent gifts, let me know - I could use suggestions. At this point, it's looking like we'll be getting Raist's dad a nice bottle of whiskey.

Oh that's great!! We'll definitely get them some kind of frame, and for my parents additionally something to frame a picture of me and my brothers (we really don't have many now that we're older). Other than that we're totally stumped. Oooof.

 

[elphie101]

Hello my lovelies!! Just 82 days to go till I Do! I really need to restructure my to-do list; every time we cross something off we seem to add about 10 more things - and they all require $$$ Mostly gifts right now are making me bonkers - gifts for parents, gifts for Kevin. Eeeep!

We unofficially have 53 people coming (unofficially meaning there are people like the bridal party that haven't formally returned their RSVP but we of course know they're coming), with an unofficial no more than 89, so things are looking right on track. We've already had a few mail day though where there have been no RSVPs - those are sad days

Last week the bridesmaid jewelry came - and I am in LOOOOOVE!! It's stunning and perfect and everything I hoped it would be.


Modeling the non-MOH jewelry - pardon my just walked in the bus stop in 90 degree heat face


The whole spread - the colors are just awful - I guess you'll have to wait for the pro pics to see how they really look!

I also went to Providence this weekend, where I did a 5K with MOH (her first!). I didn't do as well as Everest - 11:44 minute mile. I was totally unprepared though



While there, we color matched the ties I bought to her dress - and they were a very obvious no match. AA's cobalt has this purple-y tone to it and the ties just aren't cutting it. Of course, this picture doesn't really prove my point - they look almost perfect! Sigh.



So I've ordered another tie from another online store, should be coming by Saturday.

Also.......I was a little bit spoiled on my bridal shower. Well, just the invitation. I got a notification from Instagram that my friend had tagged me in a picture and I went to check the app. As soon as I saw the photo I immediately recognized it as an invite design I had sent my mom in a "HINT HINT This Is Super Adorable" kind of way, so I backed out of the app and asked her to take the photo down so I won't be spoiled on any details. I only have so many free weekends, but other than that it's still a surprise (which I know is very important to my mom). But here's what I know the shower invites look like:

So stinkin cute!!!

This weekend will be a big one - we're picking up our bands on Saturday!! Until later friends

 

[LadyD]

The details of your wedding are coming together so nicely! Everything looks beautiful. I love your color scheme so vibrant. The invitations for your shower are adorable! It sounds like it will be a wonderful surprise for you.

 

[Aschenputtel]

The jewelry is really beautiful (and if this is really you heat face, I definitely do something wrong).
I think you can see from the left tie in the picture that they don't really match - fingers crossed for the new tie!

The bridal shower invites are so darn cute - Belle's my favorite!

 

[alyaki]

Such a fun invite. Everything seems to be moving right along for you!

 

[elphie101]

The details of your wedding are coming together so nicely! Everything looks beautiful. I love your color scheme so vibrant. The invitations for your shower are adorable! It sounds like it will be a wonderful surprise for you.

It's killing me not knowing!! I can't wait for the shower to happen, I'm so excited

The jewelry is really beautiful (and if this is really you heat face, I definitely do something wrong).
I think you can see from the left tie in the picture that they don't really match - fingers crossed for the new tie!

The bridal shower invites are so darn cute - Belle's my favorite!

I just not notification that the new tie should be delivered today - fingers crossed it's a match! I'm glad you can tell they don't match, I thought people would think I was crazy based off the photo, but in person they really were two different colors entirely.

I love Belle too! She's always had a special place in my heart as the brunette princess hahaha

Such a fun invite. Everything seems to be moving right along for you!

Now if only time would slow down a little! No time for anything nowadays