N & D at home wedding (6/12/2010) + BLT DM ~Wedding today, tomorrow DISNEY!

[Sillybowtie]

I have been getting ideas for the wedding here and decide to make my own planning journal.

PJ Contents:
Attire
Wedding Dress #4
MOH Dress #16
Swimsuit and Brunch Dress #21
DF Suit #23
Veil with green flower #24
Hair #27

Invitations
Save the date & invitations #3
Mickey Seed Favors #11
Invitations finished #20

Ceremony
Cake Topper #15
Cake idea #17
Sand Ceremony #18
DF Ring #21
Reserved table cards (DF idea) #24
Guest Life Ring #21 #27

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Ace and Fry, my hedgehogs! <3

About us
We met at college and he just lived 2 doors away in the dorms. After a hurricane and out of school for a month, we talked on the internet at our homes. We found that we had a lot in common. On the first day back my roommate asked if we were dating. We looked at each other and said OK we are a couple.

Engagement
After I graduated from college I started to pressure him to pop the question. We got engaged on 12/31/2008, he wanted to propose at the airport when I arrived to Dallas on the 30th but the ring was not ready till that night. He could not sleep so he woke me up at 7ish and with my eyes not open I saw this box with a light in it, then I saw the ring. I was so mad at him for asking me then because it would be a stupid story to tell friends and family. He picked out the ring and I love it.

The ring
It is a "floating" setting so you can see the whole diamond.

 

[littleangie]

hey welcome and congrats on ur engagement. I see your having a at home wedding and disneymoon. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[Sillybowtie]

Wedding
We knew a Disney wedding was not an option because we did not want the parents there on our Disneymoon and our friends could not afford to go. We were going to have the wedding at my local church but while I was researching places in the Houston area we decide to have our wedding on a yacht in the area. I was raised on the water and thought this would be an experience everyone would remember. The yacht is 95’ and we can have 100 guests including us. We thought that we did not know that many people and would have plenty of room but the guest list is very tight now. We get the yacht for 4 hours and goes around a lake and the bay. They provide everything on the boat including a custom wedding cake, photography, DJ, and food and drinks.

Announcements
I was very lucky and found 2 boxes of 30 count Brides printable invitation kits at Michaels for $9.99. They were open and had a few of a different invitation kit inside. I went to 2 more Michaels and found 2 more boxes for the same price. The envelopes are not the best quality but most people are just going to throw away your invitation after the wedding. For the price of one box I now have 4!
I am still looking for another cheap printable kit for announcements but have not seen any I like. I might just make them in photoshop and get them printed by vistaprint because we probably will be tired of printing out invitations.

I did not find any save the date postcards I liked so I made my own with photoshop and printed them out with vistaprint. I am very happy with what I made and how it printed. I would suggest VP to other couples. Make sure you sign up with their emails because VP printed 100 of them for free. You will get an email everyday from them. Make sure your reading and clicking on the right links when you are checking out because you might be signed up for a monthly service on your credit card. Also just get the cheapest (sometimes free) shipping. I did my order the slowest and it came before it said it would be shipped. I also got some free shipping address labels but we have moved so I will have to get some more before the wedding.
This is just a blank copy of the postcard.

Wedding Organizer
I like to use the computer for everything and after taking a basic computer class in college we learned how to use Microsoft Access. I knew this would be great program to use for my addresses and other information for the wedding. I was lucky someone already made a program for weddings. If you do not have Access you can download a free 60 day trial from Microsoft. I have 2 files going, one for the wedding guests and the other is people who get announcements. It is very easy to use and I love how I can export the names and address to Excel to see them on paper.

 

[Sillybowtie]

The Dress
After one bad trip to David’s Bridal (never go on the weekend during a sale) I went back during the week and had much better service. I did not know what I wanted for a dress but I knew I did not want it like Cinderella or a long train because of space requirements on the boat. My Granny was the one who picked out the dress because it had a sweep train and very good looking beading for that price range. They did not have my size but one smaller and somehow I fit into it. The only alterations I needed one bustle and it needed to be shorter. There is room on the sides to let it out some but every time I eat something bad I think about the dress. I tried on the dress yesterday and it still fits!



The Shoes
After buying the dress we went to DSW and in 10 minutes I found the shoes for the dress.

Veil (work in progress)
After seeing prices of veils (over $100) and knowing how much tulle really costs at a fabric store I decided I could make the veil. I really like the look of the birdcage style but did not think it would look good with the dress. I have the veil at my elbows now but might shorten it some. The metal hair comb at JoAnn’s cost less than $3 with a coupon and the tulle was less than $2 a yard. I folded the tulle in half so the fold would be at the top of the comb so it will look nice. I made a running stitch at the top and pulled it together so it would fit on the hair comb. I hand stitched it on to the hair comb. It took less than 15 minutes. To cut it I had a yard stick and a rotary cutter. I cut one layer at a time. For a wedding project for my DF I gave him the duty of rounding the edges. We have not done it yet but going to make a template on a piece of cardboard and then cut it out with the rotary cutter. I picked out some beads that match my dress and going to do a running stitch around both layers.

 

[Sillybowtie]

Wedding Favors
The guest are getting bubbles for when we get off the yacht and we go down the dock but the wedding coordinator kind of suggested that other couples give something else. I thought of giving the paper seed gifts but seeing the prices and not have it Disney themed I did not like that. I decided to fill store bought envelopes at an office supply store (a little bigger than you get the extra buttons for a shirt) and fill them with wildflower seeds that I buy in bulk. Then put a Disney themed label on the top.
I was lucky to receive a Cricut Expression machine for Christmas and created this design for the seed packets using Inkscape and Sure Cuts A Lot. I did some practice cuts but I do not think my idea is going to work. I wanted to see the image with the date and put velum or clear plastic to see the seeds.

The only way I think I could get the date to show is put it on the bottom of the face in a curve like the D and N at the top. I am still learning Inkscape and Sure Cuts A Lot so this took a long time to do it but I think I could redo the changes without getting upset but that will have to wait till tomorrow.

 

[Sarah <3 Disney]

Hey there! Just saw the seed favors in your title and had to read on.

I know you mentioned that you could not find Mickey shaped ones, but they do have them on the Disney Movie Rewards website. You redeem them for points. Unfortunately, you are having 100 guests, and only six come in a pack! Would need a loooot of points! These are them:

But, they do make seeded printer paper. You get 25 sheets for about $12, plenty if you want to try cutting out your own Mickey heads on your Cricut. Here are a couple sites that sells some:

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/halosecopa25.html
http://www.flowerseedpaper.com/seeds/flowerseed_lotka_computer_paper.html

I think it would be cute to continue making the envelopes, then slipping in one of the seeded papers on the inside. Of course, you may already have purchased the regular seeds, so this information may be coming a bit late!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Sillybowtie]

I have seen that paper but do not know how the Cricut would handle the seeds when it is cutting it. With the machine going slow I think it could handle the corners in his ears without tearing. I think it will be more cost effective than going with the seeds. We cannot have any glitter or confetti on the yacht so no one will have the chance to open their seed packet and spill them everywhere. I will still use that logo on some other items for the wedding. I hope Joann’s or Michaels has some so I can try it out today.

 

[Sillybowtie]

I have printed the addresses on my STD postcards to the people I know their address is the same. There are a few people who have not replied back on their address or we do not know if we are going to invite them (mostly very extended family that we never see or met). I think it is weird that the post office only has one design for postcards. I am glad it is winter time because it is a polar bear.

I went out to Michaels today and they had no papers with seeds to practice on with the Cricut. I went and ordered the paper from this company because it was a good deal and shipping was not bad.

My next project I need to start working on is the veil. I have decided to glue down white cording or embroidery floss around the edges. Then glue on some seed beads. I have made a sample of the design but want to transfer it to the computer so it can be exact all the way down. She has 2 videos, not the best quality of camera but has been the best idea I have seen.

 

[bunny_pop]

You're ring is so pretty. I don't think I've seen one of those before
I like the sounds of you wedding plans. I like the idea of the seed favors. I've been playing around with that idea. You'll have to let us know how that turns out.

 

[Sillybowtie]

I received the paper today and already cut out all of the mickey heads for the wedding. It took about 1.5 hours to cut 100 of them.
I thought of the idea of giving them away from the picture below.

The paper I used for the card is just scrap that I had extra of. I have not decided to do them in multiple colors or just one. I will decide once I see the selection at the craft store. The card is about the size of a postcard. I am going to get 8.5 x 11 card stock and print a thank you and instructions on planting the seeds. I can fit 4 on a page. The strip with the date on it I typed on Word. I centered the date in the middle and cut them out. I tried to center it to the mickey head and folded it till it met up with the other side and taped it. Then I taped the strip to the card so the head will come off with no problems. I had some issues with the seeds causing rips or not letting the machine cut it out but only 2 I had to scrap. Once I get the card stock and tape it should not take that long to put together.
I am excited to see if they really do grow, my garden is going to look good this spring.

 

[Sillybowtie]

I finished all of the wedding favors! One thing off the list. I am very happy with the result and now they are going in the safe until the wedding so nothing happens to them.

I have 4 designs. I am thinking that I need another hat but cannot think of any ideas. Please post if you think of anything.

Sorcerer Mickey

Minnie Mouse

Black tie Mickey

Mickey

On the back I have this written in Walt Disney font. The paper is in multiple colors.
Thank you for being here to share our special day!
D&N
Cover your Mickey/Minnie head beneath 1/4 inch of loose, dry soil. Moisten regularly, and expose to daily sunlight.

 

[pezaddict231]

great job! Those are really adorable! Have you tried planting any of them yet? I'm curious to see what they grow into.

 

[Sillybowtie]

I have planted some scraps today. The package says it has 15 different kinds of seeds inside. I will update once they start to sprout. I am ready for winter to be over with and see green.

 

[Sarah <3 Disney]

Oh I am so glad the paper worked with the Cricut (minus those two )! The favors turned out wonderfully!

 

[Sillybowtie]

I am so glad I have the favors done, I still have a lot to do with the wedding. I finally picked out the cake topper. It looks so cute!

It is packed away with the favors so I will not have to buy another one closer to the wedding.
I have picked out the cake shape. It will be 3 layers, the base and the top will be squares and the middle will be a circle.
I have made an envelope on the Cricut that will fit tissues for Tears of Joy packets for family members. I think I might make around 75 of them. I am thinking about making little mickey heads for one side of the envelope or just cut out the Mickey Mouse paint chips that I got at Home Depot. (I have about 40 collected).
For the Disneymoon I am planning places we would like to eat at. I think we are going to buy the quick service DDP. We do not eat much and think the other regular plan will be too much food. Also we are going to buy the refillable drink mug so we get it free with that plan. We do not mind paying extra for a sit down meal.
I have also planned what parks we should see depending on the extended hours. Being at BLT we will start out with MK.

 

[Sillybowtie]

I am only having my MOH and a JrBM for my side of the wedding. My MOH finally picked out the dress she wants to wear for the wedding. She has not ordered it but we have plenty of time.
It is from David's Bridal, style F13301 in clover green.

I am thinking about going to DB tomorrow and see it in person. Might try it on also! lol
Now I just need to find a dress to match it for my JrBM

 

[Sillybowtie]

The Cake
We finally decided on what my cake will be. French vanilla cake with chocolate mousse filling. The frosting is going to be butter cream and the piping is just going to be white. Because of humidity she recommended to keep both colors the same. I am having a 3 tier cake with a square bottom and top and the middle will be a circle.
On the top and bottom layers it will have this type of design.

On the middle circle layer it will have the Mickey face dots but the face dot is going to be a little bigger than the ears.

I also bought the cake cutter and had our names engraved. The lady at the store forgot to put the last letter on our name and tried to put it on but was not successful and had to redo our order. Now I am afraid they will use it for display now!


MY RING!
This is the ring I picked out for my wedding band. DF wants a tungsten ring and going to buy that online for a lot cheaper for the same product.

RESERVATIONS
I called about a week ago for Fantasmic dinner package but they had nothing. I called back today and they had a reservation for Hollywood and Vine! Also have a reservation at 'Ohana the second night we are there. DF does not want to have our trip scheduled by each second so these will be our only dinner reservations before the trip. I might secretly schedule a meal in Downtown Disney before La Nouba so we do not have to be rushed.

 

[Sillybowtie]

There are less than 2 more months till the wedding and I have a lot to do. This weekend we are going to be printing out the invites and mailing them out in a week. I have made a map for the back of the directions that looks like we paid good money for. Also we are buying a suit and ring for DF.
I have decided to get real flowers for the wedding, one less thing I have to worry about.

Sand Ceremony
We both went to Hobby Lobby and picked out some vases for the sand ceremony. I let him pick the vases out because I have picked everything else out. I do not like the shape of the round vases but I put some green ribbon on them and it looks good. I think it will be cute to add a Mickey and Minnie to the ribbon.

Vase we will pour sand into


Vases we will pour the sand from
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Veil
I have been looking hard for the perfect/not expensive birdcage veil. I finally bought some Russian netting today online. They should be shipping that out on Saturday and can not wait to get it and make it.
I already have the feather/flower I am going to put in my hair to complete my look. I know I want my hair up and so glad I have not cut my hair since July. I think this is the longest I have had my hair since I was in elementary school.

Pre-wedding events
We do not get a rehearsal on the boat but having a dinner at a Mexican restaurant that my family likes and can hold a large crowd the night before.

The morning of the wedding my MOH family is having a bridal brunch for just the ladies. It is Mad Hatter themed and this extends my Disney touch. It will be so much fun and I will at least get a meal in before the wedding. After the brunch I will be getting my hair done.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Hi! I just subscribed to your pj, and it is looking great so far! I love your favour ideas, very unique. I have a cricut too (including Disney cartriges!) and I love love love it! There are so many things you can do, I love how you've incorporated it into your wedding. I look forward to reading more!

 

[Sillybowtie]

I spent Friday making a map of the area using Inkscape (a free Illustrator) and Google Maps. Most of the guest are not from the area so I knew I needed a map but wanted to look professional. Because of my Cricut machine I have been using Inkscape a lot so this was easy to make but did take 3+ hours. I found this great tutorial and my map looks so good behind my direction cards.
Saturday I printed out the invitations, direction cards (front has written directions and the back has the map. The only mistake I made the whole weekend was I printed out the same amount of invitation and direction cards even though there are 2 to a page for directions. I realized this before I printed the maps on the back.
Sunday I printed the RSVP cards with their name on them so they know who is invited and who is not. I have to get an exact total of adult to children so they will have the proper amount of life jackets on board.
This is what the RSVP cards say:

Name
____Accepts
____Regrets
Due to Coast Guard regulations only those invited may attend. The favor of a prompt reply is requested by May 15.
____Number of adults
____Number of children

Please initial the entrée of choice
____Top sirloin medallions
____Chicken Parmesan

I have all of my addresses on a Excel document so I was able to do a mail merge on Word. I just changed the size of my Word document to fit the size of the envelope, imported my Excel document and was able to print out all envelopes for both the RSVP and invitations. I also made a business card that had our wedding website and our phone numbers. I printed them out on resume paper and stuck that in the invitation.
Once I had everything printed DF and I made an assembly line putting them all together. It did not take us long to finish them.

I bought the invites on clearance at Michael's in March 2009 for $11 for 30 invites. We went to 3 different Michael's and found 4 sets. I have never seen another invitation kit that I liked or have them at this price. We only needed 2 sets but I can use the supplies for my other hobbies.

The printer I used was a Cannon iP1800. This is the only printer style you can get everything printed without any paper jams. I have 2 versions of this printer. At Fry's Electronic they regularly have a deal if you buy a computer monitor you get a free printer. I keep this printer upstairs in my craft room so I do not have to go downstairs.

I am ordering my announcement cards with Vista Print. I have already designed it but just need to figure out how many cards to order.

I took a picture with my cell phone but did not turn out too good, I will post pictures later this week of them before I mail them.