Jumping The Broom

Going Out of Bisiness

2009-01-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

What a great sign to see in the toy store window. How amazing the sales are when everything must go. So you know I had to go in and shop. I bought gifts for my flower girls and ring bearer! I knew I wanted to buy my flower girls a dress up gift (crown, wand...) and this fashion bag set is perfect. No dress up outfit is complete without a purse full of essentials, sunglasses, and shoes.

For the little man I got him a toy guitar so that he can party like a rock star (t-t-totally dude).

Watch Out Weddingbee

2009-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I completed my first DIY project: a postcard! Don't laugh at me I'm making baby steps toward becoming a DIY Diva. This project was very simple with the help of Microsoft word postcard templates (a blessing from the Lord). I added an engagement picture, typed in my message, printed it on card stock (thanks Office Max), and trimmed with scissors. The purpose of the postcard was to make sure the flower girls' parents knew our wedding date (basically a STD), wedding location, and that I was on the look out for flower girl dresses (so get your checkbook ready).

Did I Vacation or What

2008-12-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

I am back from visiting my family in Florida (don't be jealous). Since tonight is new years eve I thought I should share my new years resolution (yeah that's right I only have one):

Stop biting my nails

I was going to post a picture of my hands but I am too embarrassed. Any advice?

I Got Our Epics Back!

2008-12-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a little tease

Think Outside of the Cake

2008-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

You can display your wedding cupcakes like a cupcake buffet:

If cake stands are to pricey for you, use plates on top of upside down champagne glasses (or candle holders) like this bride did:

Wedding Cake Alternative

2008-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I started planning my wedding I knew I wanted to do a wedding cake alternative. When my wedding reception was going to be in my parents backyard I wanted to have an ice cream sundae bar. Now that my reception will be during lunch and indoors I am going to have wedding cupcakes! Most bakeries will charge for wedding cupcakes as much as they charge for wedding cakes (sorry not a cheaper option on this end) but you don't have to pay your reception venue to cut and serve your cake. Wedding cupcakes in my opinion are not a good idea for formal (black tie) wedding receptions unless you display outside the banquet room as a favor for your guest to take as they leave. I meet with my baker (can I call her that) next week!

Here is a display that I really like:

(source)

What Are You Wearing?

2008-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The question commonly heard on the red carpet of grand events. I wanted to share with you what my bridal party will wear down my white aisle runner.

MOH

Bridesmaids

Did You Think the Elections Were Over

2008-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've decided that my bridesmaids will vote on which dress they like the most. They have until January 1, 2009 to vote or die

dress #1

dress #2

dress #3

I'm up for suggestions. What do you (anyone) think?

Or Should They Wear Green

2008-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

(source)

Everybody is going green maybe I should join them (just kidding). I don't have to decide today on the bridesmaid's dress but according to my timeline the dresses need to be ordered 4 - 6 months (Jan-March) before the wedding. Where has the time gone? I'm excited to get married but I'm behind on my to do list that should be completed 6 months before the wedding

Keep Your Fingers Cross

2008-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Not only am I on a tight budget but also my bridal party. All three of them do not have a full-time job like me so I am on the look out for bridesmaids dresses that are simple, elegant, and under $125. Well, it has not been hard finding dresses with that criteria it has been hard finding the right shade of pink.

I found this dress at Target. As much as I love Target I have never bought clothes from there so I'm not if I can trust them. I'm also not sure if this dress is even elegant.

Keep your fingers cross as I continue looking

Targét, Oh How I love thee

2008-11-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Since Mr. Josh left for boot camp last Sunday and we wanted to register together so our registry is done. I've read blog post about wedding colors making its way into the house decor. As much as I love pink Mr. Josh will not let that color make its way into our future house decor but we do have a color theme for our future house...

Having a color really helped the process. Not knowing much about glassware (why is there a different glass for red and white whine?) did not.

We're Officially Engaged

2008-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

We took our engagement pictures last Friday at the Hotel Roanoke

I really enjoyed the photographer. She's great!

It was so much fun taking pictures, changing outfits, smiling, grinning, and laughing (trying to be candid). My only regret was not having a manicure. I bite my nails (bad habit) so they are not the prettiest site. I should of known that she wanted shots with my ring. I really thought I was prepared reading tips but no one mentioned that. Well, Stephanie if you are reading this I wouldn't mind if you give me nails in the pictures. With photoshop anything is posible...right?

Tips

2008-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

before taking your engagement pictures from a bee

Be sure to have some ideas of photos in mind ("must takes"). However, it is also beneficial to be open to whatever creative poses that your photographer suggests - you could be pleasantly surprised!
Remember that one of the reasons for an engagement photo is to have something to print in the newspaper. As this will frequently be printed in black and white, try to consider your attire from that standpoint.
While it's good to have a variety of photos, even the most creative photojournalists will be able to take one or two formal poses.
A formally planned engagement shoot isn't mandatory; a friend's snapshot of the happy couple may be able to express their love and excitement just as well.

I Got a New Face

2008-11-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

on this blog! yay! 2 months blogging strong

What's Great About the Beach?

2008-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Free Studio! It's better to take pictures outside anyway because of the great lighting from the sun. What a better back drop than the beach (ocean, sand, boardwalk ...). I actually know this couple they attend my home church (she's so photogenic). Their photographer, Keith Cephus, is the best in town (she's so lucky). Check out his blog for the rest of the pictures

Note To Self:

2008-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

bring our bikes next week...just kidding

What Makes You Officially Engaged?

2008-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Proposal? No. Ring? No. Taking engagement pictures? Yes...just kidding. We booked our photographer last week to take our engagement pictures in a couple of weeks so I have been surfing blogs to find inspiration. I just had to share with you some that I found. This couple graduated from the school I attending Liberty University (Go Flames!). Their photographer is fantastic.

The Winner Is: Me!

2008-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I bought my gown and my venue was booked but there is one more thing that happen that amazing day. I won a Dunkin Donuts Gift Card! I am receiving this wonderful prize from Isha Foss Events. Isha Foss Events is Virginia's #1 luxury wedding & event planning, coordinating, and design company (well, at least to me). I love their blog because I get to see their creative, stylish, Southern Weddings Magazine worthy events. You should check them out.

Thanks again Ladies!

I Found the Last Clue

2008-11-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen get excited because last Friday our venue was booked for

our ceremony and reception!

This amazing place is called the Hilton Garden Inn. The inside looks just as great as the outside (I'll post pictures in a couple of weeks). The staff is cool because they put up with my indecisiveness/S personality (I don't want the ceremony there, I change my mind I do want the ceremony there but I think after I sign the contract I can't make anymore changes...that scares me).

To stay in budget I am having a lunch reception. Sometimes brides have a breakfast or brunch reception to stay in budget.

Do whatever you have to do to stay in budget

Clue #?

Congratulations you found the right place!

dah dum da dum

2008-11-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I saw the title to this post on a wedding program featured on style me pretty. This post is not about that o so cute program but the fact that I can not get "Here Comes the Bride" out of my head. I have a feeling it's stuck in my head because of the amazing day I had Friday.

I bought my wedding dress!

The first time I went gown shopping at Davids Bridal was in June before I had a ring and a budget. I don't recommend going before you have a budget. I wasn't worried when I went because I thought I wanted an empire style dress which is usually under $500. I tried one on and I didn't like the way it looked on me. I felt like I was wearing a sleeping gown. So back on the racks went the empire style dresses and in came the A-lines, ball gowns, beads, and lace (over $500). It was fun I went just to try on gowns I wrote down the information of my top 3. Then reality hit in October aka budget. My wedding dress did not make the important list (will pay at any cost list). So I knew I needed to wait for $99 sale.

Wednesday I received an email that they are having their $99 sale Nov 1 - 17. I thought I was going to wait until I went home to go shopping Nov 16 or 17. But that same day 2 other girls who are also engaged here at my internship asked me if I wanted to go with to try on dresses for fun (they already have their dresses) on Friday. I went with them but I wasn't excited (probably because I don't have a dress) I didn't even tell Mr. Josh or my mom I was going. Our first stop (and our only stop) was Davids Bridal and I was their ticket in since I honestly was still looking for a dress. I was excited to be able to see what dresses would be on sale starting Saturday. The manager told me since they are already advertising it she would honor the sale that day (Friday)!

I was preparing myself to have to settle with a less formal gown because that is usually what is $99. To the surprise of myself and the sales rep there was a beautiful ball gown on sale. The dress ended up on the rack because somehow the store forgot to mark it down from $700 to $399 (I think the dress was discontinued). With that price ($399) I am sure they would have sold all of them. I tried it on and called my mom to inform her I found my dress.

I still can't believe it

dah dum da dum

Guess what Martha told me

2008-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Even with my small budget I can still have real flowers

That's great now I am excited and I need to find a florist

She says, "for big-impact table decor on the cheap, consider carnations, which come in so many colors. Long used as inexpensive filler, the familiar flowers have a chic style all their own when clustered in modern, minimalist [simple in form and color...I think] vases that offset their ruffled softness. Plus they're readily available throughout the year. Arrange them by color for an array of color that really makes the gradient."

Will do Martha, thanks again

Did I say...

2008-10-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

that this is my ceremony decor?

I've been thinking about if I can pull that off with my budget. Since the ceremony might be less than an hour. I'm thinking it wouldn't be smart to spend a lot of money on the decor. I researched how much it would cost to just to rent white 30" columns and wedding canopy...it was close to $500 (if those prices were for the day and not the hour). Unless I (or someone) makes me columns and a wedding canopy I can pull that off on my budget (maybe I should research it before I say that...how much is wood?).

I think I found plan b.

Thanks Martha!

Who else thinks Martha is the (wo)man?

Quote of The Week

2008-10-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Planning a wedding is like coloring when you're 4:

There's no right or wrong way to do it. And everyone will love it because they love you!"

-Joel Daly

Meet Miss. Diva: My Maid of Honor

2008-10-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

sister

extrovert

dreamer

talented

creative

gorgeous

Her duties:

Lead the bridesmaid troupe

Help shop for dresses

Offer to help the bride with pre-wedding tasks

Offer to help pay for the wedding (just kidding)

Spread the news about where the bride and groom are registered

Lend an ear

Co host a shower for the bride

Plan the bachelorette party with the bridesmaids

Hold the groom's ring during the ceremony

Hold the bride's bouquet while the couple exchange vows

As needed arrange the bride's train and veil during the ceremony and help her bustle the train for easy dancing at the reception

Sign the marriage license as a witness

Toast the couple after the best man

Troubleshoot emotional crises

Keep the bride laughing

Her favorite verse:

"You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

1 Corinthians 6:20

*I don't know why she like to take pictures in the bathroom*

It's Time to Celebrate

2008-10-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my blog one month anniversary! Judging from the profile views is not just my immediate family, future in laws, or mr. josh reading this blog whom I originally started this blog for since I am far away from them (I am in MO they are all in VA). To celebrate I wanted to share some pictures of a real wedding I saw on the southern weddings blog (I wish they would have interviewed this couple) by drewBphotography.

The wedding that almost made me change my colors

(pink and green)

Ceremony decor

2008-10-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking all white:

(source1 & source2)

Are you into soap operas?

2008-10-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

I thought that I wasn't into soap operas. Then I realize I read soap operas twice (sometimes more) a day on: The weddingbee.

I'm excited when their weddings go well and I'm sad (close to crying) when they don't go as planned. I sometimes include them in prayers (at least they are real people). Of course I have my favorites characters (bloggers) and I'm tempted to enter a t.v. talk show contest to meet them. I also have my favorite shows (post). I'm so glad it's shown on a local channel (the Internet) because my pockets can only handle so much inspiration from wedding magazines (now I usually go to the library or sit in Barnes & Noble). Everyday I have a story for Mr. Josh about what happen on the soap opera that day (even though he could careless). I've been a faithful viewer ever since I became bored with the knot (I didn't know that I could view all the pictures and articles...well close to it) but I think they recently updated (this past summer) with new pictures and website format.

Who knew a soap opera show could consist of real people (or should I say brides)

Searching for the clues ?

2008-10-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

I started this series because I thought I had found a place and my scavenger hunt was over

but I'm still looking (as of yesterday).

So now I will busy researching, calling, and emailing venues until I find

the last clue congratulating me for finding the right place :(

with the Holy Spirit reminding me of Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight" :)

Searching for the clues IV

2008-09-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

"Sorry ma'am but we close down in November"

-front desk at the Holiday Inn

clue #5

look for a place that will stil be open next year

Searching for the clues III

2008-09-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

"Some things are for the rich and the famous"
-my wedding planner

Well, atleast on my budget...

clue#4

look for a cheaper place

Searching for the clues II

2008-09-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Close to my church is the Bide-A-Wee golf course. I had high hopes with this place the golf course is so pretty. They have an on-site caterer but you have the option of bringing in an outside source. When I finally got in touch with the event manager (she is a hard lady to get in touch with) she informed me that with my guest list I would pushing the limit for a seated dinner and my date was not available :(

clue #3

look for a bigger place

Searching for the clues

2008-09-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

The next place I looked at to have my recption was my church. The sanctuary doesn't have pews so you could remove the chairs and use it as a banquet space but they don't let anyone do that (unfortionitely, i tried). The sanctuary is really nice and can sit close to 900 people (i think) but they never expanded the fellowship hall. The fellowship hall can only sit 100 (with no room to move). No help there...

clue #2

look for a banquet hall

Let the game begin

2008-09-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

The original plan was to have the reception in my parent's backyard. This can be a budget friendly option (if you want to be casual or have a standing reception with just cocktails and dancing) but with my vision of my reception (and guest list) it was not:

I had to have tents but I couldn't get one huge one because of the pool in the back I needed three tents to form a 'U' around the pool. ($)

I like to wear heals but they like to sink in the grass so I wanted to rent floors (usually you just have to rent the dance floors). ($$)

I also would have to rent the tables and chairs (usually you just rent the table decor). Oh yeah plates, cups, silverware, and a serving set because my mom didn't want to hire a caterer (who would come with these supplies). ($$$)

Then there was the issue of parking. My guest could park at the school and we could shuttle them to the house but then gas prices went up so even a school bus was out of the question. They are still building up my parent's neighborhood (they build streets before the houses) so my guest could park in the back of the neighborhood and I could rent golf carts or valet parkers. ($$$$)

There are extra things you could rent like sides to the tents and air condition units. ($$$$$)

You always need a plan b if there is a thunderstorm or strong wind. You can only fit so many people in the house and you have to pay whether you use a banquet hall or not. (Oh no...this is not going to work)

So off I went on a scavenger hunt for the right place

clue #1

look for a building

The word for today (yes today)

2008-09-24T13:42:00.001-07:00

Repeat after me (repeat after me)

Motif (motif)

According to dictionary.com a motif is a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure …

A wedding theme can be more than the color scheme; you can also have a motif. Since fall is around the corner popular motifs are fall color leaves, pine cones, oak trees …

(source)

Monogram motifs are great too, whether it’s your combine initials or just his last name initial.

(source)

For me I didn’t want to just use the usual spring or summer motif. I also didn’t just want to use the usual monograms. These ideas inspired my motifs (but I need to meet up with a graphic designer who will make it more professional):

(source)

She used a variation of motifs with their favorite love song, names, wedding date, and a simple flower head. I love this idea

I too want to use a variation of motifs. For the STD, wedding programs, wedding party itinerary, and welcome letter/card I will use something like this motif:

For the wedding invitation and maybe the cocktail napkins I will use something like this motif:

For the gift tags, wedding favor tags, cake topper, and maybe cocktail napkins:

I choose “Hallelujah to the King” because God deserves the honor for us meeting, dating, and getting to spend the rest of our lives together.

What is your motif(s)?

Goal: a combine guest list of 100 people for the reception

2008-09-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

One day I wrote a guest list and came up with 285 names. Now you know how to pray for me because I can't invite them all to the reception and I'm sure Mr. Josh wants to invite people, too.

any advice? (I'm thinking list A, B, and C)

What do you think STD stands for?

2008-09-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

In my internship we learned to use “children-ese” which is using words and phrases that children can understand. In the wedding world they have their own terms, abbreviations, and acronyms (STD) that could make your head spin if you don’t study up (or roll on the floor laughing).

STD: save the date(s)

It takes awhile to get use to reading this acronym and not laughing (or maybe for some gagging). So put on your serious cap (that is what I tell the kids) and learn on.

Mailing out (or even emailing) STD information is a great idea. They force you to make a guest list, it’s helpful for family or friends who need more than a 8 week notice, and for a family as spread out as mine (or a family that is not close) it’s nice that they get to see how Mr. Josh looks (and his family can see me).

I love magnet STD. I like this design:

Post card STD is great, too. Postage is cheaper, on the back you can write the accommodations information (that is one less insert for your invitation which means less weight), and you can make on them yourself on your computer.

STD gives couples the opportunity to show their personality. I have seen couples who enjoy playing the wii together use their miis instead of a picture of them. Couples, who love to read, write books, or full-time students would send their guest a book mark with the STD information. If you are having a destination wedding, you can send your guest STD using post cards from your destination (who would not want to get a STD with a beautiful picture of a beach). I could go on and on.

For me and Mr. Josh I tried to think of a creative STD that would show our personality. The only thing I could think of is a movie theme (a picture of us in the movies/concession stand, a movie ticket shape with our info, or a movie poster) or basketball theme (take a picture with Kevin Garnet, do you know him personally? If you do, hook us up…or take picture on the Celtic’s court, another hook up is in order for this). I have to think about it some more.

Oh yeah. In order to send out STD you have to have a solid date. Well, we don’t have a solid date we have perspectives dates:

June, 2009
September, 2009
December, 2009
March, 2010
June, 2010

I’m praying that the first date will work out (and that I will know early enough to send STD)but if it does not I have back up dates.

Have you seen an amazing and/or creative STD? If so details please.

I knew it was coming

2008-09-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

So that night we went to the movies. I paid close attention to the advertisement the movie theater shows before the previews. I was thinking that “Miss. Meme will you marry me” would pop up on the screen or they would show a picture slide show of us then he would get down on one knee but nothing happened. We went out to eat and I just knew that he was going to ask me there because then we could watch the fireworks as a newly engaged couple. He did not propose before, during, or after the meal. We went up the mountain to a park to watch the fireworks but everyone in the city had the same idea. So the park’s small parking lot was full and so was the street that led up to the park. I was running out of patience as we are looking for a place to park. He got mad at me when I told him to park right in front of a no parking sign (please forgive me). We walked to the park and watch the fireworks. It was so pretty because you can see city lights and 3 different fireworks sites going off at the same time. I wasn’t sure if he was going to propose there because there was a lot of people (and it wasn’t the great of an atmosphere as in some people were smoking and some people were really loud). At the end of the fireworks it started to rain on the mountain. So I had to speed walk to car because I didn’t want to mess up my hair (you know I made sure to have it done). I could tell that really bothered him so I just knew that it would not happen that night. So on the way down the mountain traffic was really bad. I tried to talk to him but I was really tired so I went to sleep in the car and I thought I would wake up at his family’s house. He woke me up and we were at a pond (It wasn’t raining anymore). We walked around the pond and over a bridge to the gazebo. In the gazebo I was trying to take pictures with my cell phone but I couldn’t take any good ones because I had no flash. I think he said something like use my cell phone and I turned around. He was on one of his knees. I don’t remember everything he said before he asked me to marry him, I think because I was crying. We dated for 2 years and 5 months and we have been engaged for 2 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days.

I have a confession: I picked out my ring. So I really like my ring and yes to this day I still catch myself staring at it.

Ladies, did you pick out your ring?

Meet: My Fiance

2008-09-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

On here we’ll call him Mr. Josh. He is a Man of God (MOG). He is also tall and handsome. He joined the Navy so in November he heads to boot camp (another cause of my wedding nightmares and I guess reality).

He is so funny, always telling jokes, and being silly. Basketball is his favorite sport (insert kamp cheer here). He is also an introvert and would prefer to stay at home and chill with family and friends (Why must you test me, Lord…just kidding). So he brings laughter to my life and I take him to the outside world.

How opposite are you from your significant other?

Meet: The Writer

2008-09-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am in love with God because He first loved me (1 John 5:6). I graduate in May with my bachelor's degree! I would like to be a children's director at a church after I finish school but we'll see what God has planned (His plans are always better than mine).

I am an introvert but I do not enjoy staying home, curling up in a blanket, and reading a good book. I enjoy people and doing fun things by myself, with family, or friends.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Buckle Up!

2008-09-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

I love (maybe obsessed) with reading wedding related blogs. I am here to give it a try.

Let the planning begin!