Picture Perfect

After months of toying with many different photog possibilities, Russell and I finally found the perfect fit! We met with the nice folks at Studio One Photography last night for our consultation, and we knew almost immediately that our search had ended. They made us feel special, unlike many of the previous vendors we have met. The whole place was very modern, with nice flat screen televisions where they could show you DVDs of whichever photographer you decided to choose, so you could get examples of their work before sealing the deal. For the past couple of months we had been eyeing the photos that Studio One has posted on their webpage, and there was one photographer in particular that stood out. His photos stood out so much, in fact, that even Russell was captivated. We looked at each other and smiled....we found our photog, right? Well.......you see, our favorite photographer was also the most expensive man for the job, and I thought that this would make Russell want to bolt immediately. Instead, he said, "This is the guy for us". Immediately I felt my happiness surge. Yes, I surged with happiness upon the decision of a wedding photographer. Hard to believe, I know. But so very true.....And so be it! We got the best photographer. The photographer we chose is the ever elusive Michael. B., as it turns out. I say elusive because everyone who was at the studio last night only knew him by name, not by face. It was interesting. I was like, "This picture is amazing", and the girl would answer, "Well, of course it is, it's a Michael B." I responded, "Who is this Michael B., what does he look like?" and she replied, with a smile on her face, "I have no idea, I've never met him, but he is just fabulous". Well, I am proud to announce that everyone at the wedding will be able to meet the infamous Michael B. in person. Here are some examples of his work:

He takes a photo-journalistic approach rather than your traditional "say cheese!" and smile style (which Russell and I definitely prefer!) I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

If you want to see more, click here.

Hydrangea Heaven

Only three months to go and there is still so much to do! I've recently been toying with possible centerpieces for our reception hall, but of course, everything I fall in love with is WAYYYY out of the price range I'm looking for...what can I say, I have great taste : ) I originally wanted to go with something like these:

Aren't they beautiful? When the lights are dimmed in the hall, and all the candles are lit around the piece, it looks as though the flowers are hanging from the ceiling! How cool! But at about $300.00 a pop for these puppies, forget it! I'll find something simple, yet elegant, and affordable. I have become really good at that lately...and let me tell you, it is an asset while planning a wedding : ) My internet search for the perfect centerpiece continues.....

Speaking of internet, I wonder how brides back in the day did anything without it. Almost everything I have done for the wedding: registries, favors, dresses, photographer, videographer, dj's, etc., have all been made easy by my trusty computer. The bridal industry would be in shambles without it. I suppose that is also why the wedding industry has been gaining quite a bit of steam in recent years, not surprisingly since the advent of easy access internet, climbing to a $161 Billion dollar industry. I guess that's amore, right? Only if you're a wedding planner! The days of having the reception @ church and your honeymoon in Florida are long over. This pressure to have the perfect wedding doesn't just stem from the brides, however. Even the guests expect the weddings they attend to be some lavish affair. Whatever happened to just being happy for the love you were invited to witness? What do you think of extravagant weddings people are 'expected' to have these days? Is it getting out of control?

p.s. I am finished with my wedding spending, so don't think I'm asking to see if I need to get more or less stuff! I guarantee a perfect wedding day for all invited, I'm just trying to stir some debate! : )

Classic

This has nothing to do with weddings or love or anything, but I came across this t-shirt and it made me laugh out loud. It is just the type of humor I live for. To this day I may never figure out why, but every time someone uses their fingers to make their spoken word become a quotation, I laugh. I just wanted to share this quality t-shirt (courtesy of Palmer Cash T's), and keep in mind you will probably see me wearing this around town sometime soon. Feel free to make fun of me for it too!

Bridal Bootcamp

It's good to be back! This past Memorial Day weekend four of my best girlfriends and I went on a mini-vacation to the Wisconsin Dells...one of my favorite destinations. They have it all: ducks you can ride, wonder spots, lavish water parks, canoes, rivers, lakes, go-karts, rollercoasters, human sling shots and almost anything else you can think of....However, one of the greatest things offered at the Dells is Paul Bunyan's breakfast buffet (served family style). After indulging in this breakfast yesterday morning (I am still full from all the food!), I realized it is time to kick myself into high gear. Starting today I am back on my workout plan, and I refuse to allow myself any breaks until my big day. Three months is the perfect amount of time that I need to lose those extra pounds I have come to despise. No slacking! Today I even found a fun way to keep me motivated, and best of all: it costs nothing! I was almost as surprised as you are. A free bridal bootcamp, with a possible prize for all your efforts! We'll see how I fare!