"I Do" Budget Weddings

No Regrets...OK, Maybe a Couple

2011-09-05T01:59:00.000-07:00

I wrote before on the topic of having no regrets, absolutely loving your day regardless of what trouble/mini disasters came your way.
Well, I still believe in that positive affirmation, and regardless of what happened, whatever detail wasn't immortalized in our wedding album, our wedding was truly a very special day for the both us.
But...I would be lying if there are a couple things that I would reconsider if some magic time machine took me back to the moment we sat down and said, "Let's plan this thing."

1) Daytime versus Nighttime
We had a lunch wedding. It saved us a ton of money. Our wedding venue was a fantastic place. But...I still wonder, what if we had a nighttime wedding? Would more people have danced on the dance floor? Thanks to our fun-loving, energetic college buddies and my adorable flower girls, the dance floor wasn't empty. But my usually-dance-happy Filipino family just wasn't feeling it at 4 p.m. I don't really think of this as a regret, but it is something I do think about. We did search far and wide for a dinner option that fit our budget (that included everything else in our wishlist), but we decided that we could forego dinner for all the other things we deemed more important. The money we saved was a great asset to us--without it, we would have struggled big time financially. I wouldn't give up the things we did have in lieu of a dinner wedding, but sometimes I do wonder if there was a possible dinner venue out there for us.

2) The Guest List
Yes, I know, I've discussed the trials and tribulations of deciding who the "lucky" folks to be present at our wedding would be. I never would want to go through that torture again. I never really felt comfortable with putting a value on people I did care about -- who we like more, who would be rather see at our wedding. Growing up, my family always threw parties and it was always the more the merrier. I wish I had more of my family sharing in our special day. I wish I could have invited more of our friends. We couldn't invite children, and although our was a sophisticated affair, having children at the wedding probably would have made it more light-hearted and fun. But throwing a budget wedding, you have to be conscious of the number of people you invite. I still wouldn't have caved in to the pressure of the obligatory invites, but I think we would have tried to add more people. Of course, something else would have had to give...don't know what, but no use in worrying about it now!

So, yes, now you have it--sure there may be some things you would change if you had the chance, maybe researched a little more, and maybe some things you regret. But in the end, worrying about it, or dwelling on it, doesn't really do you any good. I say, when you plan your wedding really think about what's important to you. Realize that you may have to give up some things, but be at peace with it.

I say, thinking about the would-have, could-have, should-haves every now and then is normal. We're human and our weddings were a big one-time deal. But I think about all the positives that made that day the unique, memorable, unforgettable moment it was for the both of us, and those tinges of regrets fade away.

Head to your nearest Borders...Now!

2011-08-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

The wedding aisle at my nearest Borders -- some helpful planning tips at deep discounts!

When I heard Borders was closing and clearing out all of their books at discounted prices, of course this bookworm and book hoarder had to get her goods.
My finds? Well, they might bore you...
A book on digital photography (for the aspiring, ahem, wanabe, photographer here), travel novels by late great travel writer Freya Stark, Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron, recipe books on baking and tea...
I'm a nerd.
But while combing through each aisle (had to make sure I didn't miss a gem), I found the wedding aisle, still with some useful resources - The Crafty DIY Bride, and other wedding planning books. I know when planning our wedding, a few books were pretty helpful.
Now each store might have different stock, and who knows how cleaned out your nearest Borders can be, but it's worth the looksey!

In case you didn't see it...the paper crane chandelier

2011-08-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, our cranes made it safely north to Canada. Yes, they joined thousands of other cranes from around world in a gorgeous paper crane chandelier.

For each crane 50 cents was donated to cancer research.

Beautiful

*All photos from the Wedding Co.

Hello Again

2011-08-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

No, your eyes are not deceiving you.

I am writing a post after, oh, nine months of letting this wedding blog languish untouched.

Obviously, I knew posting would be light after the big day...but I didn't expect complete abandonment.

So what's bringing on this renewed motivation for wedding blogging?

Well, the hubby and and I just celebrated our one-year anniversary.

It was a quiet, low-key affair. We went back to the restaurant/banquet hall where had our reception for a romantic dinner. We ordered our favorite dish on our reception menu. Still as delicious as we remembered it.

But we were a little sad to see our wedding cake wasn't on the menu anymore.

Things change, that we know. But the memory stays the same, always there to come back to when we want to.

We sat there, held hands and reminisced. Even with all the crazy drama, guest list issues, things we probably would have done differently, we truly had a wonderful, memorable wedding.

And as time passes, new memories are created, new adventures, new lessons are learned...together.

I still love weddings, and as life goes on from our own special day, I start to realize yes, there are weddings going on every day. The day that you spent months planning becomes special only to you and your husband (or wife). You'll see a fabulous idea at someone else's wedding and wonder, "Darn, why didn't we think of that?"

But even then, I still enjoy being at weddings. I enjoy browsing over wedding porn (of course, not as much as I did during the planning stages). And I enjoy talking to brides-to-be and listening to the ideas and providing advice when I can, and when they want it (Beware, newly wedded wives! Do not be come a Wedding-Know-it-All once you tie the not! Engaged couples do not want to hear, "Well in our wedding..." )

A friend of mine snapped a photo of me walking down the aisle on the big day. It was of the beautiful veil my aunt made for me for free, basically with $20 of tulle and lace. She posted it on Facebook a year later to wish us a happy anniversary.

A reminder to thank my aunt again!

Real Wedding in MN

2010-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

What a pleasant surprise it was to see Kayla's photos of her lovely MN wedding waiting for me in my inbox after returning from the Thanksgiving weekend. The lovely ceremony, the adorable details (those cookies with the couples' names are steal-worthy), the bright purple color scheme -- and everything was $11K! But the best thing about these photos? The look of pure joy on Kayla's lovely face! So how did Kayla pull off such a gorgeous wedding on a modest budget? Take it away, Kayla!

My husband Elliott and I were engaged December 21st, 2009 (more on that at my blog www.elliottkayla.blogspot.com - with a video that will make you cry!) and one of the first things we did was sit down and make a VERY comprehensive and detailed budget, and then we STUCK TO IT! Our budget included wedding bands, thank-you notes, all postage, deposit on our new apartment together, and our honeymoon - some things that other couples budget for separately.

BIGGEST MONEY SAVER: involve friends and family every step of the way. Our pastor was also one of our closest friends, and his wife is a phenomenal wedding photographer (www.emilysteffenphoto.com). Elliott's dad made our cake stand, my hairstylist was a good friend (and professional!) Elliott's sister made the flower girl dress, family and friends rallied together to decorate the reception hall (with many homemade decorations), we borrowed, borrowed, and borrowed some more.

The Dress - we started shopping for the dress early, because if we couldn't find something wonderful (and I was limiting myself to only $600 - INCLUDING alterations!!!) my mother and I wanted lots of time to start creating one ourselves. Mom did make my veil, but at the very last bridal store we went to (which also carried stylish consignment dresses) we found THE ONE!!! Our best decision: be very upfront with the salespeople and tell them your absolute budget. Our saleswoman (HIGHLY recommend www.bridesoffrance.com) treated us with the utmost respect and was able to give us extra discounts, bringing the total to $400! A friend altered the dress as a wedding gift to us - we were thrilled! Elliott bought his suit for $100 and his vintage tie for $3! Our bridesmaids dresses were on sale for less than $50 at Ann Taylor Loft, shoes were $20 from Rocketdog.

Flowers - our photographer recommended a fresh, innovative young florist. Met with her and FELL IN LOVE! Gave her pictures, we talked colors, and then gave her our very small budget $300 - she said yes!!! The boutonniere were made out of quirky, cute supplies that were on clearance at JoAnns. Our centerpieces were also clearance flowers, pieces we borrowed, and wine glasses/mason jars we had been saving all year.

Stationery - my sister, a scrapbooking-fiend, helped us create invitations and programs that we created from supplies we only bought with coupons from Archivers.

Food - we wanted a "down-home" feel, so decided on fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Called around for prices and the local grocery store's deli quoted us a price that was less than $4.00 a person! We had tons of food left over, and it was absolutely delicious. My sisters and I spent a lot of time over the summer baking food for the dessert table. We included lots of family recipes, and asked grandmas to bring something to share.

Cake - a friend's mother makes wedding cakes as a side business. For $100, we had a beautiful chocolate with peanut butter filling cake that we COULD NOT stop eating!

DJ - We created the playlist ourselves on iTunes and asked a friend to DJ for us - he also brought lights and a sound system that he was able to borrow for free!

Honeymoon - we drove to Door County (drove because we wanted to take our bikes with us) and stayed in an absolutely adorable and SUPER afordable suite (complete with kitchen, so we saved money by making some of our own meals) www.cornerstonesuites.com Total cost: about $1100 (including spending money!).

Our Purple Table Linens - I spent time all summer buying purple fabric when I saw it on clearance - we turned these in to table runners, over "linenlike" tablecloths, which were great because they looked MUCH better than plastic AND kids could color on them (we put crayons on every table!).

It was such a fabulous day, and we're so excited to share it with others!

Keeping up a wedding blog...post-wedding

2010-11-18T22:40:00.000-08:00

So....it's been very obvious that it's been very quiet here lately...well, obviously my wedding came and went and what I have are very special memories from that day.
But now that I'm not planning a wedding anymore, I'm wondering where that leaves my wedding blog. Planning my own wedding and gazing at tons of wedding porn was really fun, but most of all, reading about other brides' personal journeys is what kept me sane and grounded during that year of planning. I was happy to be part of the wedding blogosphere, coming from the lower end of the wedding budgets and being mighty proud of it!
So where does that leave this blog? Many blogger brides have bid adieu once the their wedding is over, and I thought about going that route as well. But I was surprised to still see mail from new readers, even after my wedding. The truth is that there will always brides out there planning weddings. And there will always be budget-savvy brides looking to stretch their dollar and make their day amazing.
So, no, this won't be completely goodbye. This site is going to get a fresh makeover. There are more giveaways, inspiration, Real Weddings and DIY tutorials on the horizon, so stay tuned!

BTW, you are a newlywed? Was your wedding a budget-savvy affair? Wanna show off your amazing wedding pics? I'm looking for Real Budget Weddings from all parts of the country (a budget wedding in New York or Los Angeles will probably be quite different in terms of actual budget than say a budget wedding in small town Tennessee). Send your photos to idobudgetweddings@gmail.com
and tell me all about your wedding!

Wedding Recap: Our Kauai Honeymoon

2010-11-01T02:28:00.000-07:00

So, how do we recap nearly a week in heaven? In short, our honeymoon to Kauai was everything we could ask for -- romantic, beautiful, relaxing, adventurous and truly memorable. Hawaii was the perfect place to cap off our wedding. Our wedding was a celebration of our Asian/Polynesian backgrounds and Hawaii's eclectic cultural vibe surely encompasses that. My hubby's parents met and got married in Hawaii. So we set our sights on Garden Isle of Kauai, an island we both had not been to before and, from we were told, is considered the most beautiful of the islands.

But, if you have been reading my blog for awhile, we weren't initially headed to Hawaii for our honeymoon. Actually, we thought we were headed to the Caribbean when I won a complimentary lodging package to a resort in St. Thomas at a bridal expo. Sadly, the package expired a week before our wedding and the company that awarded me the package could not extend the deadline for us. Great...what was unbelievable good luck had become stinky luck!

But no worries. Not long after that fiasco, we found a great deal for a week stay in Kauai. Even better! (Ok...it's not free, but it's Hawaii!)

So here it is, our faves of our honeymoon in Kauai

1.The Island Life:

We arrived in Kauai the Monday after our wedding, giving us a little time to pack and recoup after Saturday's festivities. We both had been to other Hawaiian islands before (I had been to Oahu and my hubby had also been to the Big Island), but Kauai struck us as the most laid back and rural of them all. If you thought Hawaii was slow-paced, then go to Kauai and you'll feel like everything is at a crawl!

And we liked it that way! We weren't interested in late-night clubhopping or raging night scenes. All we needed was romantic scenery (check), the sound of crashing waves (check) and a comfortable bed (er..more on that later). We wanted peace and quiet, not crowded beaches you would probably find in Oahu. Sure, there might be some downsides to this, which to us were slight inconveniences, but the slow, quiet island life was what we craved.

2. Our View

We checked into our condominium resort, the Outrigger at Lae Nani in Kapaa. The room? It was comfy, but kinda generic. The bed? A little too firm and flat for me. Oh, and there wasn't any AC. Apparently, there aren't too many resorts in Kauai with AC and it does get pretty warm and humid (hey, it's a tropical island!). But the suite came equipped with plenty of fans that went on full blast nearly the entire week.

But what the room lacked, it made up for it with it's breathtaking view. Seriously, who wouldn't want to wake up to this each morning?

We decided that candlelit dinners on our balcony patio listening to the waves and feeling the island breeze were so much more priceless than going to a posh, pricey restaurant.

3. The Beaches

You can spend an entire week in Kauai just scoping out the island's beaches. The beaches on the northern side of the island were our favorite, less crowded and touristy as you would see in the southern side. But head out toward the north shore and there are dozens of secluded beaches just waiting to be explored. Most beaches aren't even marked -- no signs alerting passerbys on the road--just trust your adventurous side, park your car and explore.

4. The Adventure

If there was anything we splurged on, it was excursions. Most guided tours come with a pricey tag, so we limited our adventures to the ones that came most recommended. First was the kayak excursion on the Wailua River and jungle hike to Secret Falls. I have to admit, the view of the Wailua as you kayak right along it is amazing -- picture a winding river headed deep into a lush tropical forest below a large green mountain jutting through a blanket of low white clouds. All the while you listen to the foreign sounds of island birds and animals emanating from the trees and bush as you float by... truly a life experience! But we're pretty uncoordinated when it comes to kayaking. And just getting to our destination was a challenge! The hike in the muddy terrain was even more difficult as we didn't have the right hiking shoes (uh, I know it should be a no brainer, but make sure to pack real hiking shoes if you plan on going for a hike...in a tropical jungle!)

But the views were gorgeous!

But none more thrilling than coming to our final destination: Secret Falls.

OK, so it's not exactly a secret (there are dozens of group tours to the falls each day), but a chance to swim and bathe at the base of a Hawaiian waterfall...check!

Another excursion that most people take when visiting Kauai is an island helicopter tour. Most parts of the island is not accessible by land, so the only other way to see the rest of the island is by air. Sure, it wasn't cheap, but we decided, why not? Despite coming down with motion sickness, the views helped me fight off the urge to use that barf bag.

But one fun adventure that didn't cost us a thing (well, maybe a tank of gas)? A drive to Waimea Canyon!

Think of it as Hawaii's Grand Canyon.

5. Food

The best thing about having a room with a kitchen was that we could cook our own meals. We made the best of the island's fresh produce (the fruits are amazingly juicy and sweet). But when we did eat out, we stuck to the local fare. Our favorite local Hawaiian food is always the plate lunch. Simply put, it's just rice, a main entree (usually some kind of grilled or BBQ meat) and a side dish (mac salad is quite popular). Simple, but oh so delicious...and cheap! A few dollars and you have yourself a hearty meal.

Word from a Hawaiian friend was that Pono Market in Kapaa served the best plate lunch, and the tip did not disappoint!

The hubby tried fried chicken and mac salad, a combo that's always good!

I went a little more authentic...pork laulau (pork baked in luau leaves) and lomi lomi salmon. The laulau was juicy and tender with a smoky flavor. Quite delicious!
We trusted another local tip for breakfast. Word was Ono Family Restaurant had some of the best macadamia nut pancakes.

Drizzle some warm coconut syrup...(this is where my mouth starts watering!)

After our tiring hike and river kayak on the Wailua, our tour guide told us where to get the best smoothies on the island. The place had no name, and the person responsible for the best smoothies on the island was known simply as "the smoothie lady." We were told to just look for the purple shack next to the furniture store at the end of town. Sure enough, we found the purple shack and the smoothie lady!

And, yes, the best smoothies on the island!

6. Sharing it all with Each Other

But the best part of our honeymoon?

Each other.

After the craziness of wedding planning, and the whirlwind of the wedding day, spending some time to unwind and enjoy each other is truly priceless.

That is what it was all about, really. From beginning to end and ever after.

Each other.

Not so favorites:

Thankfully, there isn't too much to bitch about our trip. Just remember, Hawaii is expensive. No, really expensive! We saved a ton of money shopping at the local supermarket and making most of our dinners and meals.

For excursions, we called around and price compared.

We talked to the locals and asked about the best deals, like where is the cheapest place to get gas. Overall, we pretty much stayed within our budget of $3,000 (including airfare and lodging for two, rental car, gas, food, excursions and souveniers).

Oh, and these cute little chickens...

...are Everywhere! Not cool if you nearly crash trying to avoid these suckers on the road!

Attitude of Gratitude

2010-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Our thank you greeting cards from Uprinting.com

Whenever I think of our wedding day, I have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Truly, it would not have been possible without the help of our dear family and friends. So I was very excited to send out our thank you cards...but geez, who knew how time consuming they are!

Thanks to winning a blog giveaway, I won free greeting cards from Uprinting.com. I made a simple Thank You card design on Photoshop, and there you go, our Thank You cards were finished! We needed a few more thank you cards for our vendors, so I ordered several more postcards from Snapfish.com. I think Snapfish has the better deal if you just want a few (like less than 25). I paid a $1 for each and a minimal shipping fee.

Our postcards from Snapfish.com. When you send out postcards, postage is just 28 cents!

We knew we wanted to hand write out each card with a personal message for our guests, but times that by about 60 cards...that's a long time at the desk...and potential carpal tunnel! So, we didn't get them out as soon as we wanted (yeah, nearly two months later is a wee bit late), but we got them out.

As an added bonus from our photographer at Bliss Imagery, we received little business card-sized photos from the wedding day. We put the photos in each of our cards to our guests as an another momento from the day.

We headed to the post office and sent out our thank you cards and, in a way, I was a little sad.

The last item on our seemingly never-ending wedding list was checked off. Well, there are still wedding photos to get printed, and other random items, but really...that's about it.

While we're happy the planning part is done and we're finally MARIEEED, the whole process was a fun, exciting, sometimes stressful and emotional ride, but truly memorable time for the both us. It was a project we both successfully completed together and it was a true partnership and team effort. We will always be grateful for the memories and every time I think of our special day, I'll always be reminded of how truly blessed we are.

Now it's time for an even greater team project...and this one lasts for a lifetime!

Real Wedding Budget: Under $12K in Vancouver

2010-10-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have already seen this on Wedding Bee, but I just had to share: a $12K wedding, all inclusive (including honeymoon!) in Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver isn't a cheap town and to score this gorgeous wedding for under $12K is amazing!

What seemed to really work in our bride's favor was finding true gems on Craigslist -- vendors who are just starting out and are willing work for pennies (or in her videographer's case-- FREE!) just to build their portfolio. She certainly struck gold because her vendors all did an amazing job!

Now. finding the same kind of deals on Craigslist is very possible. It's not guaranteed, but they are out there. But remember, trusting a novice at their craft is extrememely risky. I, sadly, had bad luck in that department. So, yes, definitely check out deals on Craigslist--you might score big like our Vancouver bride did, but definitely have some caution when dealing with newbies. If your gut says no, it's not worth it!

But on the upside, our Vancouver bride also scored huge on giveaways and contests (a free wedding band and a honeymoon!). As a winner of several giveaways, I say yes, enter those contests! The more you enter, the more chances to win...just use a separate email account for those potential spam messages!

Wedding Recap: Cranes end their journey north

2010-09-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Our cranes head more than 2000 miles north to Toronto, CA

Don't use masking tape if you're going to ship through the post office...we found out the hard way. (personal photo)

After nearly three months of folding and watching our flock of little white paper cranes grow to 1000 birdies strong, and another several months figuring out what to do with them, we packed them on their way for their final flight north to their new home in Toronto, Canada.

For awhile before our wedding, I had this crazy vision of folding 1,000 paper cranes. Cranes are symbols of great fortune across Asia and according to Japanese tradition, the couple who folds 1,000 paper cranes is granted a long and happy life together. Since my husband is half Chinese, and cranes are auspicious birds in Chinese folklore as well, I thought this would be a great project for our wedding. But with neither one of us knowing how to fold a crane, the thought of folding 1,000 of them was daunting. For a few weeks, I kept talking myself out of the idea, thinking folding 1,000 paper cranes on top of everything else we had to do was just crazy talk!

Then I heard about the Crane Chandelier Project by the Wedding Co. in Toronto, Canada. In celebration of turning 10 years old, the wedding planning support organization is collecting paper cranes from newlyweds around the world, which they plan to display in a massive chandelier at their 10-year bash in 2011. For each crane they receive, the Wedding Co. is committed to donating 50 cents to cancer research. Since we decided to make a donation in lieu of traditional wedding favors, we thought this would be a great cause to donate our efforts to.

Personal Photo

So we started with our first paper crane. With my laptop propped on the coffee table, we followed a youtube clip on how to make a paper crane. Slowly but surely, we began our huge task. As we began to get the hang of it, we made it a goal to fold 100 cranes a week. Each week, we put 100 cranes in plastic bags to keep track of our numbers. It took many movie nights on the couch/crane folding to get to that goal. Finally, more than two months later and watching our upteenth rented movie, we folded our 1,000th paper crane! We almost couldn't believe that we had finished 1,000 little birds that we recounted our bags to make sure that we really did have 10 bags, each containing 100 paper cranes. Sure enough, they were all there!

Ironically, folding 1,000 paper cranes wasn't the hardest part. It was figuring out what we were going to do with them that really stumped us. We knew we wanted to display them at our wedding, to show our guests the fruits of our labor. But with limited set-up time at our reception venue, we had to think of a quick and easy way of hanging 1,000 paper cranes. After scouring the Web for ideas, I decided that we would make 10 chandeliers, each containing 100 cranes.

Making our DIY Paper Crane Chandeliers
Using jewelry beads, a needle, and some sturdy, translucent jewelry string (all purchased at Michaels), I followed this DIY crane-hanging tutorial to help me make my first chandelier. I started out by stringing 25 paper cranes on one strand, taking my needle (with string attached) through the top of each crane to the bottom until there were 25 cranes strung up on one strand. I made sure that I left a little slack on top, and attached a bead to the very top of the crane so they don't slide off. I attached another bead to the bottom crane as well so all 25 cranes stayed in one place. I made four strands each containing 25 cranes and tied them all together about five inches from the very top crane. Voila! I made my first chandelier!

Photo by the Wedding Co.

What I didn't account for was how time-consuming making one chandelier would be! We unwisely put off making our chandeliers until the week before the wedding (yikes!) With a bunch of other wedding-related stuff demanding our attention, there was no way we could add making 10 chandeliers to our list. So I enlisted the help of my MOH who thankfully helped us make half of the chandeliers. Seriously, give yourself at least a couple weeks if you want to make chandeliers out of 1000 paper cranes!

When we finished, we handed our birds to our reception venue staff. All they needed to do by set up time was hang each chandelier to the overhead beams in the dining hall.

Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

Photo by Regina Bunye

When I saw them all hanging at the reception for the first time, I was amazed at how gorgeous they all turned out! The cranes became the focal point of the room, adding something truly unique to the look and ambiance of our wedding. Each of our guests received a card at their table telling them about the cultural meaning of the cranes and our donation to the Wedding Co. We constantly heard compliments about the cranes from our guests -- how much they adored them and how many of them appreciated the donation we made for them. Even weeks after our wedding, we still hear the compliments!

Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

Cards explaining the cultural significance of cranes and the donation to the Wedding Co. were placed at each seat. (Photo by Regina Bunye)

But alas, we had to say goodbye to our little friends. We packed them up in boxes and shipped them to Toronto. As a side note, if you plan to ship the cranes, you'll have to find a box large enough to hold them...and the bigger the box, the bigger the shipping cost is. Add in international and postage fees, shipping 1000 cranes can be pretty expensive (it cost us more than $100 to ship from LA). Also, make sure you know about packaging protocol...don't use masking tape (like in the above photo). You need clear packaging tape...yup, that was us pulling off the our original masking tape and repackaging five huge boxes at the post office!

Our boxes arrived beat up and weathered, but our cranes made it just fine to Canada!
Photo by the Wedding Co.

But really, it was all worth it in the end. One thousand paper cranes will bring in a nice donation going toward cancer research! Luckily, the cranes all arrived safely in their new home in Toronto. Catherine from the Wedding Co. blogged about our donation! They're moving closer to their goal of 10,000 cranes by January 2011 and need just over 1300 more to reach their goal!

A huge thanks goes to the Wedding Co. for putting on this awesome, worldwide effort! Over the months of planning we've come to see our cranes as symbolic of the time, effort, energy and patience we put into planning our wedding. It was a long, sometimes tedious, a little stressful, but overall fulfilling and fun journey. I'm happy to see our cranes' journey end someplace where they'll continue to hold a special meaning and purpose long after our wedding!

Wedding Recap: The Rococo Room

2010-09-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

Sure, I've shared my disgruntled opinion about a couple of vendors who turned out to be duds (Hello, MIA hairstylist and unorganized, shady hotel staff) but there were, thankfully, amazing people who seriously went beyond expectations.

One of these star vendors is the staff at the Rococo Room.

We had our daytime reception at their intimate banquet room in downtown Pasadena, and it was perfect for us. Why?

1) They were extremely organized and super generous from beginning to end.
When we first met with Keith, the venue coordinator, he was very thorough of what he could offer us and how much everything would cost. He was very patient and willing to work within our budget. He even threw in some amazing freebies, like extra appetizers for our guests, or a very minimal room setup fee. Normally, parties have two hours to set up before the event, but Keith gave us extra time on Friday night to get the room prepared. Their staff knew exactly what was going on -- from set up, to the schedule of events, to clean up. The wait staff was professional in demeanor and attire, and the service was simply excellent.

2) Our guests loved their food. One of the things we did not want to compromise on when first planning our wedding was the food. I've had my share of dry, rubbery chicken at wedding receptions, and we did not want to go that route. Even it meant sacrificing a giant guest list, or the grand hotel ballroom, or even thousands of dollars of flowers--we did not want to go cheap on the food. Unfortunately, even if more than half of our budget was dedicated to catering and the venue, the menus in our price range were...disappointing. Luckily, the Rococo Room offered Zagat rated food that was D-lish.

Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

Guests were well-fed with plenty of appetizers, salad, a main course and the OMG cake. No, that not what it's called (chocolate mouse cake, really) but the looks and tastes of this cake had you saying that over and over. It's what our photographer deemed the best wedding cake EVER!

The OMG cake. Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

3) Location. Nestled in the trendy and historic downtown Pasadena district, The Rococo Room is a rare combination of prime location and affordability. The room was the right size for our intimate gathering of 100 people. The outside doesn't look like much, but the room has a rustic charm to it. With Chivari chairs, elegant linens and silverware, there isn't much you need to add to decorate this place. All we had were our orchid centerpieces, the lovely ceremony arrangements a family friend made for us, a few orchid flowers strewn about and some candles.

Photo by Regina Bunye

Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

4) We could afford it. With two appetizers, salad, plated meal, cake, open bar, champagne and apple cider toast, set-up and cleanup, labor, audio and tech equipment, taxes and gratuity all for 101 people, we paid about $5300 out-the-door. Not. Bad.

Wedding Recap: Unveiling my surprise

2010-09-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Our dancers perform a Tahitian Dance

For those who didn't know, I planned to surprise my half-Samoan husband with the Taualuga, a traditional Samoan dance at our reception. The last I told you about the Taualuga, I was stressing about the dance moves. I seriously only had 2 hours to really learn and practice the whole thing...not the ideal situation for a rhythmically challenged gal like me.

Performing a Tongan dance

For those who don't know, the Taualuga is a traditional Samoan dance which traditionally was reserved for the daughter of the chief, or someone of high importance. Nowadays, it's performed at Samoan gatherings, a grand finale where everyone gets up, dances around the dancer and throws money at her. Since we didn't have the usual money dance planned (nope, no time or patience to slow dance with folks for money), I thought this would be a fun alternative.

After our toasts, and the cutting of the cake, the Polynesian dancers came out and performed a few dances--one Tahitian dance, a Tongan dance and a Samoan dance. During their last number, I snuck out to the hallway (told the hubby I needed the ladies room) where I waited to make my entrance for my number.

While waiting, I was kinda nervous because the crowd was a little reserved. During a lot of Polynesian gatherings, the crowd usually makes noises and gets really into the performances. But our curious crowd was just politely watching, and not so much as a "Woo" from them. Turns out, most of my hubby's Samoan extended family couldn't make it to the wedding, and our guests were mostly non-Samoans except for my Father-in-law, my hubby's sisters and brother and of course, my husband. While our Polynesian dancers did an awesome job, our guests just didn't know they were supposed to be loud. Great, I thought. No one's gonna know what they're supposed to do during my dance!

While trying to recall all the moves I learned just the day before in my head, our wedding coordinator asked me if I had the CD with the song I'm dancing to.

I looked at her blankly. Uhhh, sure, let me pull it out from my dress....No, of course I don't have the CD! She told me that our DJ didn't have the song!

At this point, I started to panic. What do you mean he doesn't have it? I uploaded it to his public server. I even sent him the file by email. Turns out all the music files I sent him by email were dead files and he didn't see the song on his server.

What am I going to do???

Our coordinator headed back to the DJ to have him check his server again and I watched nervously as they talk. After a minute, and just when the dancers wrap up their final routine, our coordinator flashed me a thumbs up.

We're good to go.

Our MC, a good friend from college with a fun and boisterous attitude, introduced my number as a very special performance where everyone needs to get involved. And by involved, he meant get your bills ready!

The music started and I heard my cue. I bounded out and I did a little Samoan bow toward our families.

That's when I heard the cheers and the clapping, and I just smiled and let go.

Me performing the Taualuga.

I don't think I got the routine exactly right, but I recall my instructor telling me, when you lose track of where you are, just smile and wing it. That's really all you have to do. Well, I'm sure there are people who do it much better, but I did my best.

People came up and out of their seats and joined me. First, my SIL, then my FIL who seemed to be really enjoying it. Then a whole crowd of people surround me. The money was flying in all directions. I saw the smiles and laughter, and man, I was really enjoying myself!

Working hard for the money!

I kinda forgot what I was doing at one point, and that's when the DH came to join me. There's a part in the Taualuga where someone (usually a male) jumps onto the floor in front of the female dancer. I recall my instructor telling me if that happens, to step my foot lightly on that person and continue to dance gracefully. I don't know the exact meaning of that portion of the dance (apparently to signify the high status of the person dancing), but the hubby does exactly that and I do exactly as I was taught. People loved it!

The hubby joins me in the Taualuga.

When the music wrapped up and I took my final bow, people cheered and clapped. My MOH, my FSIL, our coordinator and even one of my flower girls took part in gathering all the cash which turned out to be more than I've ever earned in an entire day's work...much more in three minutes!

Money, money, money!

In the end, I'm so happy to have shared that performance with our guests. People still tell me that the dance was their favorite part of the reception! Most of all, I think my hubby and his family really appreciated and enjoyed it. It was a gift, my husband told me later, that he will never forget.

And neither will I.

*All photos courtesy of Don Le from Bliss Imagery.

Wedding Lesson #8: Obligatory Invites...Don't do it

2010-09-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'd hate to post something negative, especially since our wedding was such a beautiful, joy-filled day. Maybe I've got a grudge I have yet to bury, but I've got to get this off my chest: Don't fall victim to the obligatory invite. Nope. Don't do it. It's not worth it. If someone has to force you, I mean literally scream and pout about inviting someone who clearly was so far off your guest list you asked "Who?" when their name was suggested, then nope don't do it.

But we caved in. We only have ourselves to blame for that. So my only resolution is to make sure other couples don't make the same mistake. When the auntie and uncle who mom and dad insisted on inviting never responded to our invitation, I called. And I left a message. Two weeks before the wedding, auntie calls to casually say that they're coming after we had assumed they weren't. Oh, and their grown son who lives with them wants to come, too. Whahhh? Never mind they're totally being rude by responding a month late, but they're adding another person on the invite! But I cave in. Not only does said auntie and uncle pull this on us, but so does another aunt who insists her grown granddaughter who lives with her can't stay home alone. Another aunt who's been MIA in our family for more than 10 years inexplicably shows up two weeks before the wedding. Mom insists that we must invite her now. She RSVPs for herself and her two adult kids, only to find out through the grapevine two days before the wedding and after our meal count has been locked in, that her two kids are not coming. Mom tries to tell me that I shouldn't expect too much from our guests.

"Filipino weddings aren't like this. We don't do RSVPs," she says.

"But we're not paying for the entire village either," I say.

Come wedding day, auntie and uncle and their wedding crasher son don't even bother to show up to the wedding. Nope, no-show. So is the 20-year-old granddaughter who can't stay home by herself. MIA aunt shows up, but with two complete strangers in place of her kids. Yes, at least she brought people to replace her kids, but geez, did the two said strangers have to sneak out of our reception venue with two of our centerpieces (which were reserved for one person per table)?

We lost nearly $300 on guests who did not show up at the wedding. One table was completely empty. And nearly all (but one person) were obligatory invites, people who weren't on our list on the first place. $300 is not chump change for us and I'm still fuming over it. I feel really bad, especially since I justified to my already-annoyed fiance why they deserved to be added to the list. And they don't even bother to show up? Seriously, culture should not be a reason for your lack of courtesy. I don't care if the wedding cost $5 or $100 per plate, you don't tell someone you're coming and not show up.

So, couples, grow a backbone. Don't let people dictate your guest list. Guests, have some manners please. Don't insist on bringing along someone who wasn't on the invite, it's not your place, no matter how much you think this person should be there. And don't flake out. You might think we won't notice because of all that's going on, but we do.

Too bad. Your loss. Food was D-lish.

Wedding Trailer: Hazel + Isaac

2010-09-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to share with you our wedding trailer courtesy of Bliss Imagery! It pretty much sums up the joy of the day. Enjoy!

I have been asked whether or not I think wedding videography is necessary, and from a personal view, I'd have to say that if your budget allows, it's always nice to have footage from the day rather than just still pictures. Sure, I think your main focus should be photography -- those are irreplaceable and if you don't have the budget, means or opportunity, stick to the photos--but I'm really grateful we have a cinematic perspective of the day.

If you can't afford videography, I've seen cool videos taken from a simple flip camera. Yup.

Wedding Recap: Our First Dance

2010-09-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

Photo by our coordinator, Regina Bunye

We never practiced our first dance. We still were as stiff as two awkward junior high kids. But I dunno, I still look back and think what magical moment it was for us.

We decided to do our first dance number right after our introduction as Mr. and Mrs. T. We danced to Etta James' "At Last," a number I gather from wedding blogs and forums is considered quite overplayed, but we chose it because we both liked the song, and it was, thankfully, short and sweet. To add a little personal feel, my sister took to the mic and did a wonderful rendition of the number as we swayed the best we could to the track.

Sure, it wasn't a meticulously choreographed number. No funny dance moves. Nothing that would garner thousands of Youtube views. But I remember every moment. I remember how it felt being there with my new husband and everyone's eyes on us. I remember seeing our old high school and college friends' start to tear up. I remember what it felt to look into the eyes of my new husband. And to me, that's all that really mattered.

Wedding Lesson #7: No regrets

2010-09-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

My friend's lovely wedding @ Irvine Presbysterian Church in Irvine, CA. (Personal Photo)

I apologize for the little break from blogging, but I had a busy Labor Day Weekend, which included going to one of my good friends' wedding. Let me tell you, I'm still so amazed about all the creativity that turned a regular printing warehouse into an elegant, contemporary, modern-chic banquet hall!

Please forgive my blurry photography! Long strips of white material (purchased at the LA Fashion District) covered up walls and printing machinery. Lighting and paper lanterns certainly did the job!

Another blurry photo. Amazing what you can do with some lemon, rocks and sticks!

Food (a mixture of Filipino, American and Korean food...an ode to their Filipino, Korean and American backgrounds) was yumm! Catering by LA Rose Cafe in Los Angeles. (Personal Photo)

This was the first wedding that I've attended since my own, and while I'm still ecstatic for my two friends' wedding, the inevitable comparisons come up. Their wedding was a fantastic, low budget DIY fair. It was an evening wedding where guests danced to the wee hours. I started thinking, gosh, would we have afforded a dinner wedding? Could we have done what they did? I started worrying that we had not done our best research, we hadn't fully explored our options. Perhaps we could have had a dinner wedding for nearly as much as we spent on a daytime wedding. I was wondering if I was regretting our decision.

I finally snapped out of my insane worry-wort ways, and realized, sure, we could have done what they did, but it would have been an entirely different wedding. We wouldn't have had the intimate vibe our smaller venue had, we wouldn't have had the rustic, vintage-y feel that was more us. And...I look back at our photos, and I loved the natural lighting only a daytime wedding could offer. And, sure we had a daytime wedding, and yes, the feel would be much different at night, but that didn't stop us from getting down!

My friends' wedding was gorgeous and lovely, proving you don't have to spend a lot to have a great, chic and stylish wedding. The artsy vibe was sooo them. But at the same time, our wedding was more us. It fit us. And I can't transplant what we had and try to fit it into what our friends had without coming up with something totally different. Not better or worse. Just different.

So don't worry about what's done already. There are no do-overs when planning your wedding...unless, of course, you want to do a vow renewal ceremony but for us, that would be way down the line. Yes, you might see something in the future that, had you known about it before, you might have done things differently. It's inevitable. But don't beat yourself up over it. The fact that you didn't have "Mrs." and "Mr." signs on your chairs wouldn't have made a huge difference in your wedding. What matters is not how much money you spent or if you had it during the day or evening, or if you could have afforded those favors instead of the ones you actually did hand out. Honestly, the best memories I have of our wedding are not the things we ended up buying or making, but the joy, the laughter, the love and loved ones, and the opportunities to share our love with the people close to us, that truly made our special day. For that, I'm truly grateful for our own amazing wedding!

So no regrets...Ok, maybe except for caving into obligatory invites who insisted on adding more people to their RSVP and never even bothered to show up! But that's another post....

Wedding Lessong #6: Let Go

2010-09-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Me actually dancing at the reception! Photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

People used to always tell us that the wedding day would go so fast we would never remember it. But what I loved about the wedding day is that I did remember everything. I had time to actually enjoy everything, soak everything in.
Not that I didn't have anything to worry about (oh, yes, there were more bombs thrown at us through the day, but none half as bad as the MIA hair and makeup stylist!), but once the ceremony started there was always at least one person I could hand over the reigns to, giving me time to just...enjoy!

Earlier in my blog, I pondered whether or not hiring a wedding coordinator or a Day of Coordinator was necessary. From my own experience, I would have to say, no you don't need to hire a day of coordinator... but you do need someone who will be the point person and who will coordinate the day. Someone you can had over the reigns and say, "here, it's all yours!" It may be a family member or a friend. But keep in mind, someone who's involved in the festivities and also wants to enjoy in the day, might not be as attentive (read, might not do as good of a job) as someone whose main purpose and job is to make sure things are running smoothly...not how Aunt so-and-so is doing cuz you haven't seen her in so long!

We had a wonderful DOC and she came to us like a blessing. We knew we couldn't afford to hire a DOC, but she offered her services to us for free. My MOH just happened to have a friend who was looking to break into the wedding coordinating industry and wanted to take on our wedding to build her portfolio and references. And she was wonderful to work with, very organized and on top of things! She grabbed all of our reception items and set up the room (saving us money on the room setup fee). When we arrived at the venue 15 minutes late from taking photos after the ceremony, she brought our schedule back on time. When the Samoan dancers arrived, she welcomed them and showed them where to get ready.

The whole time, my fiance and I could chat with our guests, we can laugh, we can enjoy our yummy food (oh yeah, the food deserves a post of its own!) and we could dance...and dance we did!

mmmhmmm, that's my new hubby gettin down!!! photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

Wedding Lesson #5: You're not Martha Stewart

2010-09-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

As you know, I'm all for DIY, or even better -- DIT (Do-it-Together). But as we got closer to the wedding date, I started to get real with all of my crafty, DIY ambitions. As I've said before, I'm a crafting wannabe, a complete novice. I've had some successes that actually turned out pretty nicely, and then some fails. Ummm, the flower girl baskets I was determined to make? Ultimate fail!!! If you're not the crafty type, don't take on projects you know you don't have the skills or time to accomplish. Be real with what you can do amd you'll save yourself a headache.

One area I knew we had to be real with ourselves were our centerpieces. I met with different florists, but I was pretty unsatisfied with what our budget could buy us: a few flowers in a vase and a ribbon. yippee. Forget about orchids. They were too expensive. Needless to say, we skipped the florist. But with our wedding in the morning, we knew we had to come up with centerpieces that didn't require a whole lot of time, work, and of course, money.

Then we saw our inspiration while walking through the Asian Mall in Westminster, CA: a display full of tall, potted purple orchids. They were gorgeous, made a great impression, and yet so simple! We loved the idea of a potted centerpiece instead of cut flowers. These were centerpieces we knew our guests would want to take home with them, and they would last long after the wedding. Put them in nice pot, top the soil with moss, and they're good to go!

Potted orchids can be kind of pricey depending on where you buy them. We decided to order our orchids, moss and pots wholesale from the LA Flower Mart. We wanted double stem orchids as they looked more lush than single stems. We went through a vendor who offered us $13 for each orchid and we ordered our pots from another vendor for $4.50 each. We purchased all 12 of our centerpieces for less than $20 each.

The Friday night before the wedding, we were in a time crunch and with me fighting through a migraine, the last thing I wanted to think about were centerpieces. Luckily our centerpieces were so easy my husband-to-be put them together.

And I must say, they turned out nicely.

All photos by our coordinator, Regina Bunye

Wedding Lesson #4: Trust Your Gut

2010-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Trying to relax while my stylist works on me. Personal photo.

Saturday morning came around, bright and early...ok maybe not really bright, but it was definitely early. We woke up at 5 a.m., and with my headache gone, I was ready to start the day! I had resolved to not let anything keep me from enjoying the day, that no matter what freak-out inducing bomb might appear, I'd just file under the "worry-about-later" category and move on. Little did I know that one big one would drop on me real soon!

At 5:45 a.m., my stylist, the wonderful Michelle Kimme, arrived at my hotel room to set up for my hair and makeup appointment at 6 a.m. Two of my bridesmaids, my mom-in-law and mom, met in my mom's hotel room for their hair and makeup appointment where my second stylist would work on them.

Ok, this calls for a little background info.

I was about to go through the Paul Mitchell School's Design Team (at $65 a person, they were a great deal), but they couldn't offer on-location styling, which we needed since we all had to be at the church by 9 a.m. I decided to book my own hair and makeup stylist through my wedding coordinator who gave her a great reccomendation. She offered on location hair and makeup styling, including a trial, for $221.

Since my mom, mother-in-law and two of my bridesmaids wanted hair and makeup as well, I had to find one that fit their budget. I didn't have much to work with: less than $60. So I hit Craigslist, since that seemed to be the mecca of deals and bargains.

I contacted several stylists and I found one with a good portfolio and an affordable price. She offered to work on all four ladies for $210. She was a freelance stylist who was in her last year of styling school. I decided to take a chance on her.

Before the wedding, we met and talked about the styles.

The thing is, I should have trusted my gut about this girl. For one, she said she would have her own freelance contract for me to sign, but she didn't. Luckily, I brought my own contract stating the services and the time, date and location of the agreed services, which she and I both signed. I mean, what professional doesn't have their own business contract?

And also...she didn't make a whole lot of eye contact with me. She also seemed like she was in a hurry to leave. These should have been a no brainer...I should not have trusted this girl. But I was under a lot of pressure to find a decent on-location stylist at an affordable price in a hurry (we were two weeks out from the wedding) and in my naive thinking, I thought a contract and a deposit (I paid her half the fee) would seal the deal.

But I guess I was wrong...6 a.m., our agreed upon call time, came and went. At 6:15 a.m., I called our stylist. No answer. I emailed. I texted. No answer. At 6:45 a.m., still no stylist and my bridesmaids and moms gave up. They had waited nearly an hour, taking an hour out of our already tight schedule. My stylist worked on the two bridesmaids, but there was no time to work on the mothers. We all had to be at the church at 9 a.m.

I felt horrible. I felt soooo bad. My bridesmaids and moms assured me that everything was fine (the moms said they would rather do their own hair and makeup anyway). Although my stylist's fees for bridesmaids' hair and makeup was considerably higher ($100 per bridesmaid) she was a lifesaver. A true professional. We decided to cover the difference for the bridesmaids and they looked fabulous! And, yes, I loved my hair and makeup! Sometimes it is worth it to pay more for piece of mind and a true professional.

I was still determined not to let this debaucle ruin the rest of the day. So, once we got our hair and makeup done, and I got helped into my dress, we sprinted to the cars (yes, sprinted) to make it to the church at the call time of 9 a.m. I had forgotten everything else by then.I was getting married. Nothing was going to get in the way of that. Not even an irresponsible, shady stylist I found off of Craigslist.

So 1) trust your gut about people you enter into a contract with. Do they seem like trustworthy, dependable people? If not, walk -- no run -- far, far away!, 2) Always have a contract. After the wedding and honeymoon, I had to bug this girl for 2 weeks before I was able to receive my deposit back in full. (Her excuse was that she got into a car accident the morning of the wedding...um, sure). I reminded her that I had a contract which she signed and if she didn't return my money, she would receive the full legal wrath. 3) I'm not saying Craigslist is bad (it's been a lifesaver for a lot of budget brides) but have caution when dealing with people there. There are definitely some crooks.

Wedding Recap: Gifts for the lil ones

2010-08-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Personal photo

Our Flower Girls (minus one) and our ring bearer

We had four flower girls. There was no way I wasn't going to include my four nieces. They're just too adorable and we have both known them since they were born. So what do we get little girls ages 2-7 years old? Nearly all of them are flower girl veterans. They have all of the flower girl books and picture frames from previous weddings they've participated in.

Since our wedding was an adult reception, except for the kids in the wedding party, we gave our flower girls little items they can enjoy and keep them busy on the wedding day. This included Disney coloring/activity books and crayons, as well as bottles of bubbles (Dollar Store, yo). I also put together a DIY wedding coloring book, courtesy of bridalbuds.

And as an extra little gift, I gave them each freshwater pearl stud earrings from etsy seller Orien Jewel. They have a promotion that offers free 6.0 freshwater pearl stud earrings in the colors of your choice for each referral you make to their store.

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For our ring bearer, who was a little older, we decided to give him what he asked for...we thought giving him something he'd appreciate would be better than giving him something we thought he should appreciate (can't really see him digging a T-shirt that says "Ring Bearer") . So we got him a Bakugan set (apparently the new kid fad in toy collectibles. Our ring bearer loves those things!).

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With an Amazon.com GC I won in a giveaway and the Orien Jewel promotion, we only paid for the girls' coloring books, crayons, and bubbles...all less than $5!

Wedding Recap: Gifts for our Parents

2010-08-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

We knew we wanted to give our parents a nice thank you...but what do you give your parents for, oh, raising you for all of your life and their support (whether financial or emotional) during this entire wedding process? You simply can't put a price tag on that. Nothing we can buy can be enough for what they've done for us. But we still wanted to give them something. But what do we give our parents on a beer budget?
So, to say thanks for the years of memories and the wedding they've helped put on, we gave both parents each a digital photo frame. We thought about a photo album, but knowing our parents, we knew another album would collect dust in a cupboard somewhere never to be seen again. At least a frame can be displayed and instead of one photo, they can display multiple photos at once.

We purchased two 7 inch Matsunichi digital photo frames from Amazon.com for, get this, $15 each! Regular price is about $70, but we found these two at a steal.

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The picture quality is actually pretty good (480 by 234 pixels). But for our tech-challenged parents, we knew we would have to set everything up for them. We purchased memory cards and downloaded our childhood photos and engagement photos onto the cards. So all they needed to do was plug in the frame and press the on button! Easy peasy! We also figure we will download our wedding pics onto the frames when we get them.

When we gave them their gifts, both parents really enjoyed them. They love staring at the photos in frame. Really, they sit down staring at the frames like it's a television!

Wedding Recap: Gifts for our groomsmen

2010-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

photo by Don Le of Bliss Imagery

So what do you get these crazy guys?

Groomsmen gifts are always hard. It's hard enough finding gifts for guys, so what kind of wedding momentos can guys really appreciate? Let's face it...not every guy wants a wedding-y gift. But we still want to give them something to show our appreciation for their friendship and support. We decided to give something different to each of our four guys, something that fit each one's taste and personality--even if it wasn't a traditional flask or money clip.

For the Best Man:

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A New Zealand Kid Leather Wallet from the Office of Minor Details. With our Best Man being a grilling type of guy, we also gave him a $20 GC to Omaha Steaks.

For Groomsman #2:

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We gave our groomsman a custom engraved mug from Picture It Creations, only his mug featured the logo of his favorite team, the San Francisco Giants.

For Groomsman #3

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A $20 GC to Sunglass Warehouse

For Groomsman #4

Personal Photo

Yes, we got him a moneyclip, but for the Lakers fanatic, it had to be purple and gold! We got this one at the Lakers' official team store at the Staples Center.

How much did all of our groomsmen's gifts cost us? Many, many thanks to my blog sponsors and the blog giveaways I won, our groomsmen's gifts cost us no more than $10. Enter giveaways. Start a blog.

Seriously.

Wedding Recap: Our Bridesmaids' gifts

2010-08-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

We had a pretty big wedding party--Four bridesmaids, four groomsmen, four flower girls, a ring bearer, our parents and, according to Filipino tradition, six sponsors. We decided we wanted to give everyone thank you gifts for their participation and help. This also included gifts to our ceremony readers, wedding shower hostess gifts and thank you gifts to people who helped us out for free (our MC, the family friend who made our gorgeous ceremony flowers, etc). That's 29 gifts! Even if we spent $20 a gift (which hardly buys anything these days) it would have really killed our budget.

But thanks to connections at work, blogging, online discounts, bargain hunting and giveaways, I was able to score some really awesome gifts for everyone on our gift list for under $300! First up, our bridesmaids' gifts. My bridesmaids really helped us out, whether with planning, performing tasks, hooking us up with great vendors or giving us a generous amount of money for the wedding. So obviously I wanted to spoil them with nice goodies! Instead of going for one expensive gift (which I couldn't afford) I decided to go with a grab bag full of smaller awesome gifts. Sure, I may have gone overboard with the gifts...but I really wanted to show them how much I appreciated them!

Each bridesmaid got a small clasp clutch purse from brands such as Lena Lime Studio, Amanda Pearl (thank you Merci New York!) and Stila Cosmetics.

Personal photo

Lena Lime clutch purse for my MOH

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Amanda Pearl clutch for my Matron of Honor (her's was actually pink)

I purchased two Stila makeup clutches from Beautycrunch.com for my 2 bridesmaids (both for less than $22 each)

I filled each purse with makeup from Stila, Urban Decay, Loreal, Senna, Sephora and Clinique.

I also scored some beauty products from Moroccan Oil, Loreal and Morning's Mist Country Store through connections at work and sponsors of my blog.

They also received handmade soap from Morning's Mist Country Store and Sweet Sally Soaps (thank goodness for blog giveaways!).

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On top of all that, they received handmade Hawaiian jewelry from Kreations by Kawai: and this Hawaiian jeweler on etsy

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The blue Tahitian shell pearl necklace I gave to bridesmaid #2

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The Lotus Flower Necklace for my Matron of Honor

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The Opihi shell necklace I gave to bridesmaid #1

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The Opihi shell necklace I bought for my MOH

And, wait, there's more! They each received genuine pearl earrings:

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Guy and Eva mother of pearl earrings for my MOH

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Mother of Pearl earrings from House of Peltier for my Matron of Honor

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Freshwater pearl earrings from Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls for Bridesmaid #1

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and Freshwater Pearl Earrings from Bellalu and Me for Bridesmaid #2

I put their gifts in cute lauhala bags I ordered from Ailana Kai, an online shop based out of Honolulu. Each tote was only $2.50 each!

Personal Photo

So, for four grab bag of goodies for each of my bridesmaids (including tax and shipping), I spent a total of $120! A huge thank you to my blog sponsors and blog giveaways!!!!

I also gave my MOH and Matron of Honor extra gifts for being so helpful and hosting our wedding shower. I gave my MOH a bangle bracelet from Guy and Eva:

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And my Matron of Honor received a handstamped mother of pearl necklace with each of her three daughters' names from The Vintage Pearl

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And since my mom helped my ladies put on a nice party, we gave her a gift certificate for a free massage at a nearby spa. Total for all 3 hostess gifts? $30. For realz. Enter those giveaways!!!

Coming up: Our groomsmen's gifts

Wedding Lesson #3: Forget DIY, Be a DIT Bride

2010-08-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

(personal photo)

The boutonnieres my aunt and cousin made as I nursed a migraine

So when I last left you, I was stressing out big time over my last minute Taualuga dance and my DIY flowers. By evening time, when I planned to work on the bridesmaids' bouquets and flowers, my headache had gone from bad to worse. I was feeling nauseous and dizzy. I couldn't stand up upright without feeling like I would puke. We decided to work on the flowers in the hotel where everyone was staying in the night before the wedding. My MOH, Matron of Honor and even one of our groomsmen came to help me cut the leaves, stems and thorns from flowers. Thank goodness our potted orchid centerpieces were pretty much already done. My FH simply put them all in their pots and covered the soil with moss and voila! Our centerpieces were taken care of!

But by the time I had put together one bridesmaid bouquet, I decided to give up. My head was pounding and my body was telling me to get some rest.There was no way I could finish the rest of the flowers. I needed to go to bed.
But then my aunt and cousin came knocking on our door. They had just come to see how we were doing and bless their souls, they took on the rest of the flowers! They knew exactly what to do because they've done bouquets and corsages for church-related events before. They did an absolutely beautiful job--even better job than what I could have done without a migraine! My aunt and cousin used several leftover roses from the bridesmaid bouquets, baby's breath and purple orchids to make the bouts. I was able to get the sleep I needed while they made the rest of the bouquets and all the pretty bouts for our groomsmen, sponsors and parents.

My aunt scolded me by saying I should have asked her earlier for her help. There's no reason for me to try to do it all on my own. She's right.

My lovely bridesmaids with their bouquets (photo taken by a friend)

So don't be afraid to ask for help. Forget being the super-DIY bride all the time. You can't do it all on your own. Do-it-together -- with friends and family who really do want to help -- and take some of that load off your shoulders. A bride needs her beauty sleep you know!

Wedding Recap: My Surprise

2010-08-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

(Source)

The Taualuga, a traditional Samoan money dance

For a few months before the wedding, I had been planning a surprise for my future husband and his family. As I blogged before, my husband is half Chinese and half Samoan. In honor of his Samoan roots, we booked a Samoan dance group to perform at our reception.The dance group was actually the daughters of my MOH's friend. We were really excited because professional Samoan dance groups run up to $1000 per performance. My MOH's friend agreed to have his daughters perform for a minimal fee as a favor to my MOH. On top of their performance, his daughters offered to teach me the Taualuga, a traditional money dance which Samoan brides usually perform at the end of the program. The dancer comes out and a group of people throw money at her and dance really raucously around her. Here's a Youtube example of the fun!

Now this was a really big deal for me because...well, everyone knows I don't dance. I'm not a dancer and I hate having the spotlight on me. At first I was hesitant, because of 1) my limited dance skills, and 2) the Taualuga is a very big traditional Samoan dance. Oh, and me not being Samoan, I would hate to really screw it up. The last thing I would want is for my rhythmically-challenged Filipino feet to mess up the Taualuga. But my MOH's friend insisted. It would be a surprise, a gift to my FH and his family. I thought, sure, why not? I thought they would really appreciate it and it would be a huge honor for me to perform it. Besides, usual money dances at other weddings tend to be long and boring. Why not put a little Samoan spin on it?

But a week before the wedding and before I had a chance to learn the dance, the dancers were hit with a family crisis. Their mom was diagnosed with cancer and needed emergency surgery in San Francisco the weekend of the wedding. My MOH's friend was so sorry they couldn't be there at the wedding (no money had been exchanged yet). Sure, I was disappointed...OK, I was bummed... not to be able to perform the Taualuga, but I told him to take care of his family first. His wife's health was much more important than a dance.

I had all but given up on the Taualuga at that point. How would we find another Samoan dance group in our budget a week before the wedding??? Then something amazing happened...

My MOH told me an old college friend (who also happened to be Samoan) contacted her out of the blue on Facebook just to say hi. My MOH messaged her and asked her if she by any chance knew anyone who could teach me the Taualuga. And wouldn't you know...she did! Her mom teaches Samoan dance and offered to give me a brief lesson. She also had cousins who could perform a few dances for us well within our budget!

What luck!!! So the Thursday morning before the wedding, I had a Taualuga 101 lesson. It was so much fun, but a little stressful. How was I going to find time to practice in 2 days among a zillion other things I had to do? After the Flower Mart venture on Friday morning, I snuck off to my sister's apartment where she let me practice for a couple of hours. By then, I was really stressing out thinking about how I didn't have a whole lot of time to practice. I just hoped I wouldn't look ridiculous, or worse, No One would get up and dance with me. Just a bunch of blank, bored eyes staring back at me!

I was getting a major headache running around trying to figure out my dance and do a bunch of last minute details before the wedding. This was not good because I still had our bouquets and flowers to worry about.

Coming up: A migraine forces me to give up on our flowers and our DJ loses the song for the Taualuga!!!

Wedding Lesson #2: Get organized in advance

2010-08-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Source

We didn't have a main coordinator taking charge of the entire wedding. We had a church coordinator and a reception coordinator, but the FH and I were responsible for everything leading up to the day of the wedding. In the months of planning, the guest room in my house had become stacked with wedding items. Our table runners, our ceremony programs, our birdage cardbox, our guestbook, the DIY coloring books for the flower girls...every little random item I had acquired. But all of that doesn't mean anything if you can't get all of your items organized so they can actually be used the day of the wedding.

I needed to separate all ceremony items from reception items. I needed to make a list of items as well as instructions for our church and reception coordinators of what to do with them. I didn't realize what an undertaking it was until I found myself at the wee hours of the morning trying to organize everything. We had 50 palm weave fans my aunt brought from her trip to the Philippines to pass out during the ceremony. We even took time to decorate each one with a purple ribbon. These nearly weren't used when I almost forgot to put them with the items labeled "Ceremony." I bought a cute little wooden sign that said "Forever and Always, No Matter What," at a thrift store. I wanted to display it at our guestbook table. But, alas, I forgot to put it in with the reception items, so it was never used.

So definitely, don't wait until the final stretch to get your wedding stuff organized. As soon as you acquire something for the wedding, start organizing them by places of where they should end up. Start keeping notes of where the items should be and how they should be arranged (because you'll definitely won't be doing it all yourself the day of the wedding!) You'll save yourself a lot of headache in the end.

Wedding Lesson #1: Conquer the Flower Mart Mad Grab

2010-08-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Photo by Bliss Imagery

We woke up bright and early Friday morning to pick up the flowers for the wedding. After visiting the LA Flower Mart several times already to scope out vendors and pick out flowers for tester DIY projects, I thought we had this Flower Mart thing down real good. I had a list of everything we needed. Easy Peasy, right? Well, try shopping at the Flower Mart on a Friday morning, along with hundreds of other DIY brides and florists with the same mission in mind -- must. get. flowers. for. big. day!!!!!

So what rules should you follow when getting your flowers at the Flower Mart?

Rule Number 1: Want first dibs on your flower selection? Arrive early. The Flower Mart opened at 8 a.m. We arrived at 9 a.m. It was grab what you can find by then.

Rule Number 2: Have a list of flowers you need and the quantity you need. This is what we did right and fortunately we found almost everything on my list.

Rule Number 3: Can't find what you need? Have a list of backup flowers ready. I couldn't find billy balls for the bridesmaids' bouquets! Every vendor was out of them! I had to scour the Mart trying to find a reasonable alternative. I found some flowers that looked somewhat like billy balls, but I still have no clue of what they're called.

By the end of the Flower Mart excursion we purchased:

1. Our centerpieces: Purple double stem potted orchids. We ordered these 2 weeks in advance from our favorite orchid vendor. Along w/ moss and the pots, our 12 centerpieces came out to $233

2: Bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, sponsors and parents, as well as cake flowers and extra decorative flowers: $100

So all together, our flowers cost us $333 (not including the flower girls's petals which had to be silk per church policy, my bridal bouquet -- won through a blog giveaway, tester flowers or ceremony flowers -- a gift from a friend).

Rehearsal Dinner Deets

2010-08-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

People have described to me the moment that it finally hits them, the OMG feeling that tells them that Yep, this is really happening...When did I have that feeling? My fiance and I were sitting at our spots at the altar of our church during our ceremony rehearsal and we looked at the faces of our wedding party sitting in the pews. We both turned and looked at each other.

Yikes! We're getting married!!! And it feels sooo good!

We scheduled our rehearsal dinner the Thursday evening before our wedding, giving us all of Friday for any last minute prepping -- which we definitely needed. We planned a lowkey, casual backyard get-together after the rehearsal.

The rehearsal dinner invites I made using a free template from Download & Print, free 4X6 prints from Snapfish, leftover envelopes from our Save the Dates and leftover cardstock from our invitations. Cost for 22 invites plus postage: $10.

Our church coordinator did a thorough job going through each step of the ceremony, which was a Catholic ceremony without communion.

It's starting to sink in...

Feeling the excitement!

But the rehearsal went much longer than expected. We ended at 7:30 p.m. and our rehearsal dinner was scheduled at 7:30 p.m. We still needed to drive to our family's house to get the backyard ready for the dinner! We invited other guests who didn't need to be at the ceremony rehearsal so we had to get there as soon as possible.

But of course there was bumper to bumper traffic moving at a glacial speed on the 210 freeway. Oh, LA traffic, must you rear your ugly head now???

Despite being nearly an hour late, our rehearsal dinner was still a fun, casual affair at our house.

We used our own tiki torches and my father-in-law borrowed tables and chairs from his work.

For centerpieces and added lighting, my mother-in-law gathered old candles from around her house. It added a nice ambiance to the evening.

The food was a mixture of home-cooked Filipino food, catered Chinese food and grilled short ribs.

Saying thanks to our wedding party. Yep, that's me wearing a silk Chinese top in traditional red and gold, in honor of my fiance's cultural heritage. My guy's wearing a traditional Filipino barong, in honor of my Filipino family.

It was a lovely evening with both of our families coming together and getting to know each other. And yes, the rehearsal dinner was part of our wedding budget. Including the food, drinks, utensils and all decorations for a dinner to feed 30 people, we spent $230.

Next up: Getting ready for the big day!

Sneak Peak

2010-08-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to share with you several pics from the wedding day! We're still pouring over more than 4000 proofs (How do you choose from 4000???), so many more to come! Stay tuned...

All photos by Bliss Imagery

Oh, and did we make our budget? We sure did...and then some :) Full budget breakdown and recaps later!

Shower us w/ your love: Our Wedding Shower/Bride's night out

2010-08-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes, we have returned home from our honeymoon and as we start getting settled into married life, I've realized...I haven't blogged -- really blogged -- since right before our wedding shower. That was more than 2 weeks ago, yo! So, to make up for lost time, I'm starting where I left off, culminating in wedding and honeymoon recaps galore!

So, to start off, let's talk shower shall we?

First, I insisted on couple's shower. I don't feel comfortable being the sole center of attention. Besides, I've always felt like this wedding was our wedding, not some me, me, me lovefest. The shower also fell on the weekend on my fiance's birthday, so it became a shower/birthday party. I let my mom and Maid and Matron of Honor take over the shower planning completely, which they insisted on doing. The only thing I did was give them addresses for the paper invites and email addresses for the evites. Oh, and I did win these cute shower paper invites from a blog giveaway:

Amanda from Dawn Correspondence customized this design for our wedding shower

I told my MOH and Matron of Honor not to spend too much money on the party, either. I think they pulled off a fun, cute event on a limited budget very nicely! The shower was a laidback, intimate affair with a few of our close family and friends. My MOH organized some fun games, including wedding taboo (which the fiance and I totally kicked ass in since --ahem--we're pretty knowledgeable on wedding stuff by now), a couple's trivia quiz and this game:

Those are my nieces trying to grab as many safety pins (closed of course) from a bowl of rice blindfolded. Actually a lot harder than it looks. The adults played, too, but the kids pretty much showed them up! I thought my MOH was pretty generous in prizes, too -- Coffee Bean and In N Out gift cards and 2 movie passes!

Playing Wedding Taboo

My MOH also made this wedding scrapbook for us and had guests write notes of advice and well wishes to put in it:

My Matron of Honor made these cute favors for guests to take home:

My niece admiring the pretty bouquet my Matron of Honor (her mom) arranged.

And there was food...lot's of it!

And there was cake -- a wedding shower/30th b-day cake!

Afterwards, we opened gifts...just some advice for folks attending a bridal/wedding shower: if you're going to give a naughty gift to the bride, let her know before she opens it...chances are, her mom or dad might be right there as she opens it (yes, it did happen!)

And later that night, my MOH and Matron of Honor took me out for a mini-bachelorette party at nearby Sevilla's for drinks and salsa dancing:

The day was such a lovely day and my fiance and I were really happy with how it all turned out. We gave our hostesses each thank you gifts: a massage at a nearby spa for my mom, a bracelet from Guy and Eva for my MOH, and a handstamped pearl necklace (with names of her three daughters) from The Vintage Pearl for my Matron of Honor.

Next up: Rehearsal Dinner recaps!

We're hitched!

2010-08-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

Yes...the day finally arrived and now the "FH" is officially my new hubby! We're married!!!!! So please forgive my MIA status for a little longer while the Mr. and I enjoy our honeymoon in Kauai. Full recaps of the day, plus bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and honeymoon are on the way soon!

Love in paradise...

Getting pampered

2010-07-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Source

I did include any pre-wedding grooming services in my budget, and I allocated only $50 to it. I thought I would just bite the bullet and sacrifice full bridal pampering. But thanks to my sisters and my mom, I'm enjoying a very cool spa package the week of our wedding as a neat shower gift. The package includes a Swedish massage, a complete Body Salt scrub (a great exfoliating experience ;) a manicure and facial. While my package was a gift, you can get the same kind of services at a spa near you for 70-80% off (with proceeds going to charity) through Spas for a Cause.

All that is left to take care of is a pedicure, waxing and my favorite -- threading. Threading has been around for awhile (mainly in the bigger cities), but if you don't know what it is, check out this video! It's a great way to remove facial hair without chemicals as waxing does. Some say it's better than waxing as it doesn't remove a layer of skin or decrease the elasticity of the skin around the eyes. I just got a full face threading and the results were great! A little uncomfortable at first, but I got used to it!

So even with all that I'm doing for my pre-wedding beautification (massage, body salt scrub, manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing (for the non-facial areas) and full face threading, I'm running just $10 over my $50 budget. Not bad!

Winner of the Lena Lime Studio Giveaway and Freebie Friday

2010-07-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! I have nearly one week left before our wedding! How the heck did that happen? Am I worried, nervous, a crazed wreck? No not really. Believe me, there is a lot to do (and some obstacles I have to deal with), but I'm staying cool and calm as can be. The bottom line, I'm getting married soon, and nothing can get in the way that!

So first thing, I must announce the winner of the Lena Lime Studio clutch! Drumroll please!

Aik who said: "I'm an old follower." Congratulations! I'll be emailing you shortly on your prize and you have three days to respond!

Now onto Freebie Friday!

Wedding Accessories

*Win Vera Wang champagne flutes from Get Married!
* Enter for free Kodak disposable cameras for your tables!
* Win a custom card box, pen and guest book from Brenda’s Wedding Blog!
* Every Last Detail is giving away a wedding gift basket

Stationery and Printing
*Win 25 free thank you cards and 15% off Calligraphy by Jennifer via Bustle
*Win 100 free postcard print or a 16X20 rolled canvas print!

Wedding Favors
* Wedding Nouveau is giving away a $50 GC to Beaucoup favors!

Freebie Friday

2010-07-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, The Freebie Friday feature is baaaack! I know it’s been MIA, but I’ve been busy planning something called a wedding ;)
But I know there are quite a bit of people who’ve been waiting patiently, so here you go! Enjoy!

Attire
*Ohh la la! Stock up on your honeymoon “attire” and enter for Smart and Sexy lingerie!

Accessories
*Everything Up Close is giving away a free bridal headpiece or a veil from Damselfly Studios!

Jewelry
*Win a St. Tropez Statement Necklace at Homemaker Honey

Stationery
*Head over to SMP and enter for a Shutterfly stationery package valued at over $500!
*Win 100 free postcards from My Postcard Printing at Happy Hour with a Housewife!
*Win 100 free postcards from Tigerlily’s Book!

Wedding Favors
*Win a $100 GC to Beau-Coup Party Favors!

MISC
*$100 gift card from Freebies and Much More
*Harriet and Friends is giving away a $50 Target GC
*Win a $100 GC to CSN Stores!
*Win a cute wallet from Menopausal New Mom…a great wedding party gift!
*Mom’s Mutterings is giving away a $25 Amazon GC
*Win a $25 Visa GFC from Shining to Save
*Just for fun or a nice wedding party gift, win a $50 GC from Athletica!

Do me a favor...the debate rages on

2010-07-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Source

Three years ago, I attended my FSIL's wedding and she and her husband donated to Doctors Without Borders instead of giving the traditional favors. I remember thinking that it was the coolest favor ever! Don't get me wrong, I can awe over the tasteful handmade soap or the delicious pieces of chocolate as a token of the couple's gratitude (take a look at my previous wedding porn posts about oh-so-cute favors), but I also appreciate knowing that the efforts and money that would have gone to all of that were put toward a worthy cause. So if you've been reading my blog, you'll know that we are not doing the traditional favors. We decided that there wasn't anything we wanted to give 100+ guests on our measely favor budget that didn't scream tacky, cheap or completely useless. So we decided to nix favors completely and spend our time and efforts in donating to cancer research and support and awareness programs (the 1000 cranes we spent three months and nearly a 100 hours making will be donated to the Wedding Co. who then will donate 50 cents per crane to a cancer research organization. Do the math and that's a pretty penny going toward a worthy cause!).

But apparently, there's an arguement within the wedding industry and the blogoshere on whether or not donations in lieu of the traditional favor is a good idea at all. For some, not sending guests home with homemade soap or chocolates and then telling them where their favor went instead is incredibly rude. The first arguement is that a donation going toward something else other than me, is not a gift to me. And telling me that you did it in my honor is baloney. I get the logic, especially if I had no say on where the donation went. But on the contrary, I did see my FSIL and her husband's donation in lieu of a favor as a gift to me, because I truly felt much better with the knowlege of where the money went to instead. Let's face it, you're not always going to care for the favor -- the porcelain figurine or monogrammed shotglass is thoughtful, but I really don't have a place to put the figurine and um, I don't drink shots, much less hard liquor. With a donation, it felt good knowing that money that would have gone toward a gift with little functionality or short shelf life that I, too, had no say in, was spent on something with more lasting impact. I also knew that the favor came from the couple's heart and was meaningful to them (they're doctors). In a way, I feel like I did share in the donation because without us the guests, a favor wouldn't have been an issue. Without us there, the donation would not have been made. No, the favor does not affect me personally, it's not something I can hold, see or personally use. But I can see how the favor will do more good in the bigger picture and how it will affect more people than myself. The thought is rewarding in itself, and I'm happy the couple chose that favor for me.

The second argument is that not everyone will agree with the cause or charity organization, no matter how harmless and worthy it may seem (read further into the comments of the Manolo post and you'll see how some might even consider donating to cancer research offensive). True, someone's objection to a cause or charity might trigger a more sensitive response than a lousy picture frame would. If you are making a donation in lieu of a favor, it is important and wise to stick to a cause that would be less controversial. But, in my mind, I still can't see how giving a cupcake or candy is somehow better than a donation to what most would consider a worthy cause such as cancer research, relieving global hunger, natural disaster aid, etc. One commenter implied that it's better to give a cheap favor that will get tossed in a day or two to avoid ruffling the feathers of one or two guests (I read the few comments against donations to cancer research, and while I do feel for their reasoning, I did not feel it was enough to not consider donating to what I truly feel is a just cause).

Lastly, I don't think it's rude to let people know about the donation. Favors are usually far from my mind at a wedding, but I think it would nice to know about the donation and it would make me feel better knowing that something thoughtful was done on my behalf. So no, the statement "in lieu of favors, we have decided to donate to ___________ in your honor" would not offend me at all. On our cards for our guests, we did not explicitly state "in lieu of favors," but we did say that a donation was made in their honor. Perhaps if I felt I was entitled to something tangible or a something edible that I can call all mine, I would be annoyed by it. But as in any favor or gift, not everyone will appreciate the thought. From a guest perspective, I think a donation favor is very rewarding, not just for me but potentially for many people. To me, that's one of biggest favors I can ask for!

Table "Places" Revisited

2010-07-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Remember a ways back when I found the inspiration for our table numbers? Yup, these very cute table "places" postcards from My Modern Vintage Wedding!

So the inspiration becomes reality when a friend of ours designed our table "places" postcards, each named after a city or place in the countries of our families' cultural heritage -- China, Philippines and Samoa. Here's a few of them. Enjoy!

Oh, no you didn't!

2010-07-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's one thing for someone to try to pull a fast one over me...I just call them out on it, avoid falling into their trap and move on. But when someone tries to dupe my wedding guests -- my friends and family -- it curdles my blood! It infuriates me like nothing else!

Such was case with our hotel room blocks. Basically, when you reserve a block of rooms, you sign a contract with the hotel detailing the number of rooms, room details (single or double), the group rate and the deadline until the rate is valid. But make sure your guests know the details of your hotel block. Apparently, at one hotel, several of my OOT guests who wanted to book double rooms for their families were told there weren't anymore (not true since we should have had plently of double rooms available according to our contract). The situation required a strongly worded letter to management to get everything resolved.

Another friend tried to book her room over the phone in another reserved hotel block when the agent told her that all the rooms in the block had been booked and the group rate was not available anymore. Sure enough, I checked and there were plently of rooms left in our block with time left before the rate expired.

So when you book a hotel block for your guests, I suggest to you double check with them to make sure they received the rate you agreed upon with your hotel. If you signed a contract with the hotel, your guests are entitled to the discount. Perhaps hotels assume your guests won't know and they'll do anything to make an extra buck. But for people coming the distance for your wedding, you definitely want to look out for them!

Our Music Playlist

2010-07-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our DJ is a friend who has offered his services for free...the thing is, he's not an actual, professional DJ. He just happens to have all the necessary equipment. So out of necessity, we've been very involved in picking and supplying the music (We have an MC to help him along). We came up with a list of music (a long process scouring our ipods and the Internet) and divided it up of Cocktail Hour, Meal songs, and Dance songs. We even designated songs for cake cutting and the bouquet toss.

Our playlist on Excel.

The hardest part, actually, was agreeing on what songs to play. The future hubs and I have very differing musical tastes. He loves hip hop and R&B and I would much rather be jamming at a Coldplay or Muse concert. So we came up with these guidelines for picking the soundtrack to our wedding day:

1) The lyrics should be pretty clean, meaning no cuss words! We purposely looked for Radio Edit of all the songs.
2) The lyrics shouldn't be about breakups or anything ominuous. I was at a wedding once where the bride and groom danced to "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" as their first dance song and I almost died!
3) Diversify the list. We came up with a list of healthy doses of hip hop, pop and alternative, as well as some the older crowd will appreciate.
4) Cocktail hour music could be upbeat or mellow, Meal songs are mellow tunes to play softly in the background, and Dance songs are any popular tunes to get people excited to get onto the dancefloor.
5) We decided that our wedding wasn't really the time to expose our guests to majorly obscure tracks that we love, so we thought a good mix of pop music was essential.
6) No Macarena or Chicken Dance. Nope!!!

Did you come up with a Music Playlist for your DJ? What were some of your Do Play or Do Not Play songs?

My DIY bridesmaid bouquet, part II

2010-07-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

OK, I know I've missed my weekly installment of Freebie Friday this week, but I promise to have a lengthy batch for next Friday! But in the meantime, we got much done this weekend. Such as another bridesmaid bouquet trial! I tried one months ago with carnations, but this time we got a little more adventurous. Here's the inspiration photo:

Here's what I came up with:

I used 3 yellow orchids, 10 yellow roses and 2 calla lillies. The bouquet was pretty easy, except for the orchids which can be kind of tricky. You'll need floral wire to insert into the stem, as they their stems aren't long enough. After that, just bunch them together, tape with floral tape, wrap your favorite ribbon around the stems and secure with corsage pins (make sure you pin in a downward motion). For the final run, I'll replace the calla lillies with billy balls (they're cheaper), and use a more lighter shade of yellow for the roses. I made four bouquets for less than $40 (using flowers we purchased at the LA Flower Mart).

I also made a trial boutonniere for the groomsmen. I didn't think we'd be able to give boutonnieres for our groomsmen since our ceremony is in the morning and I assumed that boutonnieres needed to be made the day of to stay fresh for the wedding. But I tried one anyone using a leftover rose from our DIY bouquet.

I simply cut a rose two inches down the stem, added a little baby's breath, taped down with floral tape and wrapped a ribbon around the stem. Use a corsage pin to pin it down on the jacket and voila! You have a boutonniere!

I refridgerated the boutonniere in a corsage box overnight and the boutonniere stayed fresh for two days.

Are you DIYing your flowers? Any advice for brides going the DIY route?

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Lena Lime Studio

2010-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Clutch purses are very popular items to give to your bridesmaids, but they can pretty pricey. As much as you love and appreciate your bridesmaids, your budget may not allow for showering them with $100 clutches. But when I came upon Lena Lime Studio on Etsy, I found affordable, yet completely darling clutches at reasonable prices. Dana from Lena Lime Studio handmakes clutches with a cool retro vibe. All of her clutches are made to order and you can chooese from a variety of fabrics. Check out these cuties!

I received an awesome 7" clutch from Dana and I was digging the mod 60s pattern of the cotton fabric! The purse is small and cute, but still pretty useful. Put a small wallet, some makeup and your phone in each purse and you can step out for the day in style! Each purse comes with metal clasp and make wonderful bridal party gifts or an accessory to compliment any outfit.

Without further ado, here's Dana from Lena Lime Studio!
When did you start Lena Lime Studio?
I started my business officially in January of 2010. I had dreamed of doing it for months but never could find the time to sit down and do the prep work for my site: research, website, pictures, etc. But then one evening, I broke my foot! I was grounded in my chair for a couple weeks and found plenty of time to do lots of work!

How would you describe the products you sell?
Beautiful, useful, and handmade!

What got you started in creating handmade bags?
My passion for sewing and wanting to make things I could use everyday. What's more useful than a gorgeous new bag?!

Which from your collection is your favorite and why?
It's so hard to choose! I'd have to say my clasp purses. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I'd be able to make one, I would have laughed and shook my head. They symbolize a successful business that I had never known was possible!

Tell me something unique about your bags.
My bags are loved. I take a lot of time to make each one and make sure its perfect (probably too much). From spending hours at fabric stores to make sure I have the right color match to spending hours planning the best outcome for each textile before I make a single cut. I won't make it or sell it if I'm not completely in love with it!

You can tell a lot about a person from what they wear. What can we tell about a woman and her purse?
I'd say, the bigger the purse, the more prepared that woman is! A woman who can leave the house with a small bag that just holds a phone and keys is brave. A woman with a giant bag full of answers for the "what ifs?" is talking my language! Got to love a big purse that can even hold the kitchen sink.

Links where we can find out more of your work:
http://www.lenalimestudio.etsy.com/

WIN IT:

Win a 7" clutch, or $20 gift certificate towards a large bridal order. Winner can choose from Dana's collection of fabric patterns.

The Rules

1) MANDATORY ENTRY! Go to Lena Lime Studio on Etsy and comment on your favorite item and which fabric you would choose (visit Dana's Flickr account to view her list of fabrics). This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

Additional entries (remember to leave separate comments for each additional entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog. You must follow publicly (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries)
5) Become a facebook fan of Lena Lime Studios (2 entries)
6) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to Lena Lime Studio in their post (3 entries) Please include a direct link to your blog post in your comment.
7) Buy anything from Lena Lime Studio (5 entries)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)
10) Grab my button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
11) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings emails (1 entry)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., July 21, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck!
*As the host of this giveaway, I received a clutch purse for review, however the opinions expressed here are my own honest observations of the product and shop.

Winner of the Custom Printables Giveaway!

2010-07-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July! Today we're spending it with our good friend, Jinny, whose birthday just happens to be today! Happy B-day, Jinny!

One other person has a reason to celebrate: the winner of the Custom Printables giveaway!

And the winner is... Becky who said:

"I "liked" you on facebook!"

You have 3 days to claim your prize, Becky! Please email me!

Tracking down the elusive RSVPs

2010-07-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

So our RSVP deadline came...and went. And at the end, we counted nearly 60% of our guests had taken the time to tell us whether or not they're coming. Not bad of a response, considering we went the nontraditional route with online RSVP's, but it could be better. I was rather surprised because even some of the "older" folks logged on to our web site to give us an answer. People commented on how so much fun and easier it was to respond online. The other 50 or so people who didn't RSVP? I think they probably wouldn't have responded regardless if it was snail mail or online.

So, we're hitting the phones this week! Wish us luck!

Freebie Friday

2010-07-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Jewelry and Accessories

*Win a free headband (in white and yellow) from the etsy shop Yellow Elm and Oh, My Darling.
*Win a freshwater pearl necklace from Ten Talents

Wedding accessories
* Win a custom parasol made by Kio Kreations from Wedloft by Wedding Window. Ends on July 5.
Photography and Printing
* Babybix Blog is giving away a 12X12 Vistaprint photobook!

For the Honeymoon
*Things I Can’t Say is giving away a $96 GC to Hapari Swimwear

For the Home
Two of a Kind and Select Comfort is giving away a True Silver Mattress Pad!

Misc.
*Because a bride needs some relaxation! So Much More than a Mom is giving away a Deluxe Lavender Spa Relaxation Basket!

*A great groomsman and Dad gift! Win a Lawry’s Grilling set from There are Two Sides

Setting up House

2010-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

As a newlywed to be, I’m always looking at items to decorate our new home. The things I’m gazing longingly at? Right now, bathroom and toiletry items. I always love a beautiful, nicely organized bathroom. Especially a gorgeous vanity.

I’ve been logging onto CSN Stores a lot recently because they seem to have everything for your new home. Like these vanity items:

This white neo classic look is lovely!

I am digging the glass bowl contemporary look.

The his and hers vanity set

Stay tuned for more from CSN Stores!

Birdcage "Cardbox" Transformation

2010-06-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

This was the $9 bird/butterfly cage I bought on Ebay before...

This is our birdcage "cardbox" after a bottle of $3 gold spraypaint. I attached a purple ribbon and made a little sign using leftover cardstock from our invitation kits. Not bad, eh?

The Name Game

2010-06-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

One other thing about applying for your marriage license in California is that you can determine your new last name right when you apply. (be sure you're certain about the name you list down because I've heard it's a hefty fee to change it again!)

I debated for awhile what I wanted to do with my last name once I got married. I've had my maiden name all my life. I'm proud of it, and it will always be a part of me. I can't really bring myself to fully let it go. But at the same time, I want to recognize the new union I'm entering into. My husband and his family are now part of my family. And I want that union to be a part of my new identity. So, what to do?

Someone suggested having two last names. Like, I would go by my married name in public but my maiden name would exist just on paper...just another name like my middle name. That didn't seem right for me either.

Enter the hyphen. In fact, I've told people this is what I wanted to do for years. They're reaction? Oh but your names will sound wierd together! Your name is long, his is hard to pronounce, it's just going to confuse people!

I have to admit, a hyphenated last name comprising of our two names will be a challenge for most. All my life, people always had trouble prounouncing my Filipino (actually Italian sounding) last name...the same for my fiance's Samoan name (man, those apostrophes!). Put the two together...I can see the look of horror of folks trying to figure it out! Does it bother me? Honestly...to me, it won't be any different -- it will just another hard-to-prounounce-ethnic-name to other people (just as my maiden name was). To me? It's a name I'm truly proud of!

Almost there!

2010-06-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Photo via source

Almost a month away...OMG! It's sending chills up my spine saying that! We picked up our marriage license at the Orange County Recorder today and now we're a step closer to saying our vows and "inking the deal."

Crazy, huh?

I was a little nervous about picking up our license after all the horror stories I heard about couples waiting for at least an hour in a crowded office. Nope, not the case. We headed to the small downtown Fullerton branch, went right up to the counter where we signed, raised our hands in oath, and handed over our $61.50 check. Easy peasy!

If you're getting married in California, no blood test is needed and you can get your marriage license at any county branch in the state. There are different fee ranges and in Southern California, Los Angeles is the most expensive (the fee hiked up to $90!) Even though we're getting married in Los Angeles County, we drove over to Orange County office to get the same license for much less. You can even start the application process online. For folks used to driving here in LA, it's worth the 30-minute-drive!

Freebie Friday

2010-06-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Attire
* Win a handcrafted wedding veil of your choice at Brenda's Wedding Blog
* Souris Marriage is giving away a gorgeous feather headband
* I love this store! The Snyder 5 Reviews is giving away a dress from Shabby Apple!

Printing
* Once Wed is giving away 50 save the dates + envelopes + mailing labels from Wiley Valentine
* Oh, My Darling and Pear Tree Greetings are giving away custom address labels
* Win free brochures from Upstate Ramblings and Digital Room. Great for ceremony programs!

Misc
* Extreme Personal Measures is giving away a $20 Amazon.com GC!
* Win a $15 Walmart GC from Get Along Home
* Win 3 bars of handmade soap from Sheri's Soap Opera and Sampler Village
* Lather up with free handmade soap from Sweet Sally's Soaps
* Harriet and Friends is giving away a $50 Target GC
* Win a $25 GC to Marshall's/TJ Maxx from Freebies and Much More
* Win a $25 Visa GC from Momma Told Me...
* Tight Wad in Utah is giving away a $10 GC

Get there early

2010-06-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

If I learned anything from standing in line at the last Monique Lhuillier sample sale in Los Angeles, it's to get there early...like camping out, lawn chair "no-I'm-not-a-homeless-woman" early. I got there 30 minutes early, yet waited in line for two hours while I watched lucky brides walk out with their gorgeous finds. When I finally got to the showroom, all was left were way too expensive damaged goods. Tomorrow, So Cal brides have another chance at finding a Monique Lhuillier dress at up to 90% off! So rise and shine early for your place in line!

You've been warned

2010-06-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

Up to this point, I never considered myself a bridezilla. I've been pretty mellow, calm and patient about a lot of things. If something doesn't work out, I let it go...what's done is done, no need to waste precious time worrying about it, right?

But if you renege on a signed, written and legally-binding contract, fail to own up to any wrongdoing or refuse to assume responsibility for your own actions, I will go mad, crazy, fuming, you'll-be-sorry bridezilla on yo ass! For realz....

Pretty parasols and more!

2010-06-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

We visited Chinatown in LA and scored some pretty parasols for our bridesmaids and myself! Check them out!

These were sold for 3 for $10 and we purchased 5

We also bought these cute little parasols for our flower girls for just 4 for $10

We also purchase 20 purple and gold paper lanterns for $30

We also found this ready-made manzanita branch centerpiece for $18 in the nearby Flower Mart!

I'm decorating the branches with purple orchids where I'll also hang photos of our parents and grandparents -- our very own family tree to display at the reception!

Graphic design for beginners

2010-06-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly familiar with graphic design programs like Photoshop and InDesign (I can make pretty basic but decent looking files), but I do not own any of the programs nor would I call myself a graphic designer...by no means.

The programs I do own for graphic design purposes are elementary compared to what's out there. Yep, I have trusty old Microsoft Word and Paint. So how do I create decent stationery with the limited software I have?

Luckily for me, I was able to score some free printing for rehearsal dinner invites, donation/favor cards and ceremony programs. The problem is, I didn't have anyone readily available to design them for me. Finding free, high resolution clipart can be difficult. So what to do?

There are a few good sites out there that offer free design templates for your stationery needs, like Download & Print where I nabbed this simple, yet cool bamboo design for my rehearsal dinner invites:

The designs come in Microsoft Word and can be easily resized (I had to resize the design for my 4X6 postcards).

Then I came across One Heart Weddings. You do have to pay for a year subscription for unlimited access to all designs, but sign up for a free trial and you can download two free clipart designs (just be sure to cancel before the 7-day trial ends or you'll get charged). I designed our donation cards which will also double up as our name cards using this background:

With just a little tweaking on Word and Paint, I came up with a design that matched our wedding colors.

I also created our ceremony programs using a free background on One Heart Weddings:

Not bad for a graphic design novice!

You can also find free downloadable photos/graphics at http://www.sxc.hu/ and free downloadable fonts at http://www.dafont.com/

Go Lakers!!!!

2010-06-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

Awww, yeeeahh! Our Lakers are the NBA champs! Just basking in the afterglow of victory!!! As you might know, our wedding colors are Lakers-inspired - purple and gold. But I thought the actual Laker shades were, well, not exactly what I had in mind for wedding colors, so we decided to go with a plum purple and a more subtle gold than yellow. But when I saw photos of this wedding at the Turnip Rose in Orange County, CA, I thought...wow, these colors might actually work! BTW, loving her shoes!!!!

Photo by Hoffman Photography

Freebie Friday

2010-06-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a very busy week in wedding planning, but I do have a batch of very awesome giveaways for you this Friday! Good Luck!

Attire
* Enter for $50 of cute swimwear for your honeymoon from Pink Doll Boutique at Blissful Bee blog

Accessories
*Win a $75 GC to Clutch That! from Mint Green With Envy!
* Win a $75 GC toward a bag of your choice from Twisted Orchid at Star Impulse

Jewelry
* Busy Working Mama is giving away a lovely coin pearl necklace

Photography
* Photos from guests are always fun to look at. Win 10 disposable cameras for your guest tables!
* Midday Escapades and Inspired Gifts is giving away a 12X30 photo banner

Misc
* Win a $40 GC to CSN Stores at Oh, My Darling!
* Wow you know us brides can make use of gift cards! My Life with Rats is giving away a $100 GC of your choice!
* Holiday Inn is giving away home items, and one lucky winner can win an entire gift registry!
* Win a set of Claus Porto Gift Box of 5 Classico Soaps from Busy Working Mama!
* Engineer for a Debt Free Life is giving away a $50 Amazon.com GC
* Get a $50 Sears GC from Engineer for a Debt Free Life!

* Major OMG for book nerd like me...Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is giving away 2 $100 GC's to Borders! I love Borders!
* Get along Home is giving away a $40 GC to CSN Stores!
*Sensible Shoppers is giving away a $20 Amazon.com GC!

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Custom Printables

2010-06-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

At some point in your wedding planning you're going to come across these...and yes, I admit, they're irresistable. They're the wedding monogram, the lovely designs that make you and your future hubby's names look so darn cute together! Put them on your wedding invitations, address labels, wedding programs, favors...just anything you can think of! But having your own custom monogram can be a pretty penny if you don't have the graphic design skillz to pull it off. But don't fret, Valerie from Custom Printables offers an array of monograms to choose from all for an affordable price! Choose from contemporary and classic, traditional and unique designs to fit your budget-savvy, yet stylish tastes. Instead of paying for the design and the print, Custom Printables sends a custom design directly to you so you can print on your paper. Imagine my delight when Valerie made us our own monogram:

Adorable ain't it? And yes, some of you might recall, we used the design to make our own monogram rubber stamp for our invitations. The result? These embossed cuties on our envelope!

Not only does Custom Printables also offers custom wedding programs and water bottle labels! Go to their site, and you can even download free, yes free, invitation and place card templates!

So here she is, Valerie from Custom Printables!

Why did you start making wedding designs

I picked up an interest in graphic design at a young age, but actualized it mainly through school art projects and posters. A few years ago when I started a new job, my office computer came with the entire Adobe Creative Suite and so I just started playing around. I took a few classes in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator through the local community college, and got great feedback from my classmates. When I discovered Etsy and some wedding blogs that I read regularly (including I Do Budget Weddings!), I decided there might be a niche market for folks who want great wedding stationery and artwork, lots of choices, and the option to be able to use the designs however they choose. In particular, I found that couples want someone else to create an elegant, unique wedding program but be able to print it themselves to save money.

Your custom work are great for the couple looking for a personalized touch at an affordable price. Which of your designs are the most popular?

The monograms and wedding programs for Jewish couples are quite popular. I offer a variety of designs with Hebrew phrases that come from Jewish texts and traditions, such as "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" and "I have found the one in whom my soul delights." Additionally, I can include the Hebrew text of the seven blessings said at a Jewish wedding, and for all weddings, depending on the length of the program, I can include descriptions of the traditions and rituals. Of course, any design offered with Hebrew can be made with English text and vice versa! My most popular monograms are Erin, Renee, Amelia, and Ellisha, and the most popular invitation is based off the New Orleans Save-the-Date found on Zazzle.

Besides invitations and programs, what are some of the unique ways you've seen couples use your designs?

One couple asked for the word "Love" in a swirly frame that matched their monogram and wedding stationery. This was given to their baker, who printed out the image onto a sheet of edible paper and placed it on one of the cake tiers! The cake was then decorated to match the swirls.

What was the most unique detail you've seen at a wedding?
When my best friend got married, on the morning of her wedding she found that her soon-to-be husband had written love notes all over the bottom of her shoes. I thought it was such a cute and unexpected surprise! At another wedding I attended, the entire event was vintage-themed with mint green, black, and white. The bridesmaids wore these lovely vintage dresses that evoked the 20s and 30s, and their hair was coiffed to match the era. The bride, instead of a full-length gown, wore a sailor-inspired white dress that was not at all costume-y. It was an elegant theme wedding that strayed far from kitsch!

Anything else you'd like to share about your shop?
I don't just do weddings! I have created designs for baby showers and birthday parties, military homecomings and retirement celebrations. Additionally, I offer candy wrappers and water bottle labels. Finally, I'm beginning to delve into the world of printing myself - I have found a remarkably reliable and inexpensive vendor - so I am able to offer the complete package for my clients.

Links where we can find more info. on your shop:

Store: http://www.customprintablesonline.com
Blog: http://customprintables.blogspot.com
Zazzle: http://www.zazzle.com/valie520*
Etsy: http://valie520.etsy.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrboro-NC/Custom-Printables/60997847258?ref=ts

Now onto our GIVEAWAY!

WIN IT:
Valerie is giving one lucky winner five catalog monograms and a custom two-page wedding program (or, if the couple wants more than two pages, the price of a multiple page program minus the cost of a two-page program, or $20).

The Rules
1) MANDATORY ENTRY! Go to Custom Printables Online Shop and comment on your favorite monogram or design for one entry. This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

Additional entries (remember to leave separate comments for each additional entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog. You must follow publicly (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
4) Like “I Do” Budget Weddings on Facebook (2 entries)
5) Like Custom Printables on Facebook (2 entries)
6) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to Custom Printables in their post (3 entries) Please include a direct link to your blog post in your comment.
7) Buy anything from Custom Printables (5 entries)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Follow Custom Printables on Twitter (2 entries)
10) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)
11) Grab my button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
12) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings emails (1 entry)
13) Become a follower on Networked Blogs (1 entry)
The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Saturday, June 26, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck!

Freebie Friday

2010-06-11T01:42:00.000-07:00

Attire
* Need swimwear for that poolside/tropical honeymoon? Win an $85 GC to Hapari Swimwear at Ladybug Mama of 2!
* Mom Living the Life of Riley is giving away a $50 GC to Oh Cheri!

Jewelry
* Audrey's Giveaways is giving away a beautiful Sterling Silver Tear Drop Pendant with Natural Paua Shell from Aimee Klee Handmade Jewelry!
* Win a a custom pair of earrings or necklace from Etsy shop Graycat Designs
* Win a $50 GC to Novica from Slice of Heaven... I LOVE browsing all the great jewelry from around the world on this site!
* Win a $100 voucher at Portobello Jewelry!

Photography/Printing
* Tell me why you think you and your future hubby make a great pair and you can win a free engagement photo session from Bliss Imagery!

Accessories
* Win a silk clutch from Designer Apparel at Manolo for the Brides!
* Brenda's Wedding Blog is giving away a Wedding Guest Book Box with Lid and a Monogram!
* Win your choice of a personalized toasting glass set or a personalized 25 oz. sports mug at Everything Up Close!

Misc.
* For the Love of 2 Cents is giving away a Kodak PlaySport Pocket Video Camera!
* Piece of ME is giving away a Personalized BBQ Set from Things Remembered
* Audrey's Giveaways is giving one lucky winner winner's choice of handmade Goat Milk soaps!
* Get a $10 Starbucks GC from Coupons are Great!
* Baby Loving Mama is giving away a BBQ Grill Set with choice of engraving from Things Remembered!
* For the Love of 2 Cents and Virgin Mobile is giving away a Broadband2Go device
* A Few Shortcuts is giving away a $25 Sam's Club GC plus some Pillsbury Brownie baking items...who doesn't like brownies?
* Making time for Mommy is giving away a $25 Target GC!
* Sage and Savvy and Simon Graham and the Extraordinary Timepiece is giving away a $10 itunes GC!

Honeymoon/Travel
* Want to win a couples massage for you and your honey? Enter your love story and win a couples massage at the Robert Andrew Spa in Gambrills, MD

The best DIY list. ever.

2010-06-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Look no further, DIY brides! Austin Wedding Blog's got you covered!

When I saw this tutorial for a DIY Cathedral-length veil at Rock My Wedding, I just about squealed. Yes, I did. Thank goodness no one was in the room!

Source

BTW, in other money-saving news, Snapfish is offering free shipping on any order today. Just type in the code DADSAVINGS!

dum, dum, da-dum....

2010-06-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Source

dum, dum, da-dum....Don't act like you don't know what that is! Ok, that's Wagner's "Bridal Chorus," or for those less familiar with classical pieces, the very popular "Here Comes the Bride."

I do not want to this played as I walked down the aisle with my father. It's a great dramatic opener, but I just don't feel it for my own ceremony. For one thing, our church does not have an organ, just a piano and I thought the piece wouldn't sound as great on piano. Our pianist suggested the other often-used piece Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," but as stately and regal as it is, I didn't feel that either.

After scouring classical pieces on Youtube, I decided on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" for the rest of the wedding party's entrance (sponsors, parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) and then switching to the ever-lovely "Cannon in D" by Pachelbel for my father and I. No, it's not as grand and dramatic as the other pieces, but I have always loved the piece. I love the exquisite build up in the first few bars. I think it's a gorgeous piece as I come walking toward my new husband-to-be!

This past week, aside from trying to find the great soundtrack to my "dramatic entrance," I had been trying to come up with a music program for our ceremony. My sister's choir and pianist have so graciously agreed to perform for our ceremony. I did, however, need to provide them the music selections (which, according to our church's rules, must be Christian hymns or classical pieces).

While I am familiar with a lot of hymns sung during mass, I couldn't think of any songs that were appropriate. I wanted the songs to reflect our readings as well (Song of Songs 2:8-10,14,16a;8:6-7a, 1 Corinthians:12-31-13-8a, and Mark 10:6-9). There are several resources on the Web (and good ole Youtube) that helped me narrow down my choices. Here's what we came up with for our Catholic ceremony (without communion):

Prelude:
"Where there is Love"
"I Have Loved You"
"Set me as a Seal"

Processional:
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Johann Sebastian Bach
"Canon in D" - Pachelbel

Psalm 145: The Lord is Compassionate (sung by cantor)

Lighting of the Unity Candle
"When Love is Found"

Recessional:
“Ode to Joy” by Beethoven

Yay! Our musical program is complete....now onto the reception!

Freebie Friday

2010-06-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Attire
* Thank you to Bridal Gown Blog who told me about this great giveaway! Bonny Bridal blog is giving a very lucky bride a free bridal gown from their Bonny Collection!
* Need swimwear for that tropical honeymoon? Get an $85 GC to Hapari at TAOPN
* Win a $50 GC to Eden Fantasys at Review Retreat! Oooh la la! Sexy lingerie for the after-wedding celebration ;)

Jewelry
* Win a pair of Guy and Eva earrings at One Savvy Mom
* Enter to win your choice of lovely jewelry at Wild and Precious
* Win a freshwater pearl necklace from Be Adorned Jewelry
* Bees Go Buzz is giving away a piece of jewelry from A Room of Your Own
* Win a $75 GC to Novica at Go Graham Go...lots of gorgeous jewelry and gifts from around the world!
*(un)paint is giving away a $20 GC to Pacific Jewelry Designs

Photography/Printing
* Katie's Nesting Spot is giving on lucky winner a 12X12 photobook from Vistaprint
* Hope's Cafe is giving away $30 credit to Picaboo Photobooks
* Win a set of monogram cards from Too Much of a Good Thing at Heavenly Savings!
* These make a great alternative to the traditional photo album -- enter for a free 12X12 photobook at The Coupon "High"

Misc
* Win a bar of Orange and Ginger Milk Soap at On the Search for Hidden Treasures
* Win a pack from High Sierra Sport at One Savvy Mom!
* Win a $25 GC to WalMart at Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls
* Tatum's Family Review is giving away a $25 Walmart GC
* Making Lemonade is also giving away a $25 GC to Walmart
* Win a $25 GC to Amazon via Look What Mom Found...and Dad too!
*Enter for a $25 GC to Costco from Spice and All That's Nice
* Nice! Win a Canon Digital Camera at Unexpected Bliss!
* Savvy Housewife is giving away a compact photo printer!
* Get a $100 American Express GC from My Life with Rats!

Nice! Our engagement portrait print

2010-06-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a win in a recent giveaway, the FH and I received a free 18X24 poster print from Uprinting. We decided to use the print for an enlarged portrait to display at our reception. The process was relatively easy. Just upload your design and voila! You have your own print ready to go! Thanks to our graphic designer friend, she put together a simple but very nice layout for our photo.

Word to the wise, whenever you do a print job, always opt for a copy of the proof, whether it's electronic or hard. And then really check it. Go through it with a fine tooth comb! The last thing you want to see is a glaring mistake after you get the final copy in your hands! Luckily, Uprinting offers many chances for you to view a proof before you send the job to the press. Their pre-press team even sends you an evaluation of the initial proof to check for resolution and other image quality concerns! Great, because there were a bunch of things I missed after I sent in my first file!

After just three days, here's what waited for me on my doorstep:

We're going to frame it and place it on an easel for display at our reception. I'm really pleased with how the print turned out! Not bad for a free print!

Just a thought

2010-06-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

I read an interesting post over at Wedding Bee. A bride-to-be and her groom-to-be enters a tuxedo shop looking for a suit. The groom wants to wear a white shirt, but when the bride discloses that she will be wearing an ivory gown, the salesman is clearly disturbed. He insists an ivory dress and white shirt will look "dirty" in pictures. His is so strong in his reaction (and in my opinion, I find it overreacting) that it's no wonder people tend to have such poor confidence in their choices. There are folks out there, with no real say-so in your wedding plans, filling your head with total paranoia. Really, did the salesman have to call the look "dirty"?

The thing is, no one who really cares about your wedding will care about white vs. ivory. My sister wore a white wedding gown while her groom wore a traditional Filipino barong which is decidedly more ivory. Did I notice? Not really, not even 7 years later until I read this post. All I remember was what a great-looking couple they were! Maybe it's because I truly cared about the couple getting married, that their happiness transcended anything they wore that day and that I was emotionally connected to the wedding. For those who aren't, I can see how an ivory dress vs. a white shirt would be such a big deal....well, maybe not a big deal, but I can see how they would maybe notice.

I read a post about a person who attended a wedding and rolled their eyes to high heavens when the father of the bride read his speech from a piece of paper. How tacky, they declared!

But my father read his speech off a piece of paper at my sister's wedding. It brought tears to my eyes because knowing my father, he rarely gets emotional. He hates speaking in public and is very shy. With English being his third language, he wanted to be sure he said his speech with perfect English, so he wrote it out and I helped him correct his grammar. But the speech was heartfelt and genuine, and I was really proud of him. I don't think I cared for a second he read off of a paper, and it touched a lot of people, and most of all, my sister.

Look, it's not a crime to care about these things...the little details that might matter to you. But don't let other people's ideas of what you should worry about get to you. And don't let the little details get in the way of things that truly do matter.

Free Invitation Downloads!

2010-06-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Found this on Etsy It Up! and I just had to share: Head over to Download & Print and you have yourself a great selection of invitation templates to choose from!

All you need is Microsoft Word, or you can pdf the doc to have it professionally printed! I scored 100 free postcard prints in a blog giveaway and I'd loved to use them for rehearsal dinner invites. Having access to free design templates is a great timesaver for us, as we're pretty limited in graphic design skills and we don't really have the money to hire anyone for the design.

So if you haven't already done so, browse all the cute templates! You might find one perfect for your Bridal Shower, Wedding or Rehearsal Dinner!

Winner of the Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls Giveaway

2010-06-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! And, yes, we do have a winner of our $15 Gift Certificate to Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls! And the winner is....

Leela! I will be emailing you soon on how to claim your prize! You have three days to respond or I will have to pick another winner. Leela has a fabulous blog so do check her out!

There are more giveaways lined up, so stay tuned!!!

"Faux-to" Booth

2010-05-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

So you don't have the budget to rent a $1000+ photobooth. And, yes, I've been secretly wanting one, but darn it...why do they have to be so expensive? Well, if you have a Mac computer, a do-it-yourself photo booth can be yours! I saw this video on Youtube, and I thought...this is definitely doable!

Think of it as more of a photo station rather than a booth, but your guests will still have a blast! Hook a photo-printer to the Mac and your guests can print their own keepsake of your wedding day! Read more about this "faux-to" booth here!

$25 GC....for $2?

2010-05-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Budget Brides, if you're looking for a gift to give your wedding party, or maybe a little something to give to people who volunteered their time for your wedding, but you don't have loads of money to shell out for all the little thank you's, why not try a $25 gift certificate at Restaurant.com? Your attendants can use the $25 GC at any restaurant registered with the site, and there are lots to choose from in each region! Great for all the foodies out there...and who doesn't like food? Your party can try out a new restaurant or visit one of their favorites.

But wait....$25? Multiply that by all the people you'd like to give it to and it can still be a chunk out of your budget! Right now you can use the coupon code FLAG and hit Apply at checkout to get 80% off each gift certificate. This makes the $25 gift certificates just $2!

Once you buy the gift certificate you can print it out and your party can use it some time over the next year.

But hurry! Coupon expires May 31, 2010.

Freebie Friday

2010-05-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Freebie Friday! I'll probably be adding more to this post throughout the week as I haven't been doing as much giveaway scouting lately (I've been really busy this past week!) , but here are some giveaways that you can try your luck at!

Jewelry
*Manolo for the Brides is giving away a $50 GC to Dejarnette New Orleans
*Win a $75 Novica GC from An Optimistic Beauty!
* Hope's Cafe is giving away a $50 GC to The Vintage Pearl
* Audrey's Giveaways is also giving one lucky winner a $50 GC to The Vintage Pearl
*The Indie Bride is giving away an ocean pearl beaded necklace
*Win Vintage Bridal Jewelry courtesy of The Recycled Bride
* Audrey's Give Aways is giving away a $20 GC to Vibrant Vows
* Leslie Loves Veggies is also giving away a $75 GC to Novica!
* Win a free bracelet from Pearl Paradise via Review Retreat.

Accessories
* Bride on a Budget is giving away a bridal clutch from DesignerApparel!
* Win a very cute purse from Morelle via Mint Green with Envy!
* Get $80 credit to Twisted Orchid purses at Growing a Baby in Seattle

Photography and Printing
*I'm hosting a contest, this time it's for a FREE engagement session from Bliss Imagery! Just upload a video of you (and maybe your fiance :) telling me why you deserve a free engagement shoot! The are NO entries as of yet, so even if I just receive one, that person is a lucky winner! So what are you waiting for??? Enter today!
* Happy Healthy Families is giving away a Vistaprint Photobook!
* Mint Green with Envy is giving away a 12X12 Vistaprint photobook!

Wedding Favors
*Brenda's Wedding Blog is giving one lucky winner a $150 shopping spree to Nai's Wedding Favors!

MISC
* Win a CEIVA Pro 80 Digital Frame Starter Pack from CEIVA Logic Inc via Mommy Living the Life of Riley.! (ARV $148)
* Born 2 Impress is giving away an $85 GC to Hapari Swimwear
* Simply Stacie is giving away an Amazon GC
* Enter for $50 GC to Macy's from Engineer a Debtfree Life
* Win a $50 GC to Sears from Engineer a Debtfree Life
* Win a CLC leather portfolio book from Hope's Cafe
* Win a $25 GC to Amazon.com courtesy of Mom to Bed by 8

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Bliss Imagery

2010-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

OK, as promised here's our latest giveaway! I have been really excited about our next vendor spotlight and giveaway because 1) he's our very own wedding photographer and a very talented one I might add, 2) you have a chance to win a very awesome prize and 3) this giveaway is a little different than what we've done before! First, let me introduce the subject of our next Vendor Spotlight -- Don Le, part of a two-man team that make up the wedding photgraphy studio Bliss Imagery. He and his partner Nate Fu offer highly stylized photography and videography from a truly photojournalistic perspective. As you might know from an earlier post, Bliss Imagery will be shooting our own wedding in August and we are really honored and lucky to have them for our wedding! Looking at their work, you can see why. Not your usual run-of-the-mill wedding photography, Bliss Imagery offers great angles, truly genuine moments, rich color and texture and amazing perspective. Seriously, major swooning!

What I also loved about Bliss Imagery is that they were willing to customize a package that fit what we wanted while staying within our budget. With an attentive ear and a truly creative eye, I bring you Don from Bliss Imagery!

How did you get involved in photography?
It all started out in high school when I just felt the urge to satisfy something inside of me creatively... especially the visual core of myself. I've always wanted to be a director because I love films, tv, music, cartoons, videogames, and just the medium of visual entertainment as a whole. It always seemed like photography was one extension of that world that I could enter into and continue to evolve and express myself. Expression was the most significant part to me when it came down to photography. Once you get the technicals of it all down pat, the process is that much simpler to express yourself in ways you never thought imaginable.

What made you get into wedding photography?
I love the single fact that I get the chance to experience one of the major milestones, probably THE milestone, in these couple's lives. I'm actually a romance junkie; one of my favorite movies is "The Notebook". If you throw something schmaltzy in front of me, book, movie, music... I'll probably
bawl my big softie eyes out.
I actually never thought that I would ever get into wedding photography, but I was given the chance to photograph a friend's wedding two years ago on a whim. They just asked me do some quick photography and they loved it dearly. After that experience, I had such a great time that I slowly thrust myself headfirst into the art and fell in love. I'm still in love with wedding photography more than ever and am learning about the greatest nuances of it everyday. In time, I just hope to continue to grow the wedding studio with my partner, Nate Fu, into one of the premier outfits in the OC/LA area.

What is your photography style? What would you say makes it unique?
I have a mixture of styles both photojournalistic and traditional. I'm very photojournalistic in the sense that I can blend into the shadows and everybody who sees my pictures afterwards would be surprised, not having remembered me there in the first place. At the same time, I'm traditional because I'm able to work with clients and help pose them. I can work with big groups or one-on-one to make subjects feel comfortable.
My background flows from a love for film, TV, and overall pop culture, as well as producing background in music videos, commercials, short films, etc. All of that contributes to a very cinematic style in my photography and videography. I like to think outside of the box and create products or items that people haven't ever seen before. And if they have seen it before, I want to turn it upside down, shake it, and make it anew.

What would you say would be the most interesting wedding you ever shot? What was it that made it so awesome?
The most interesting wedding I ever shot had to be a yacht wedding with a couple by the name of Peggy and Alee. They are the owners of a couple of Paul Mitchell schools, so naturally, they had the co-creator of Paul Mitchell and Patron, Jean Paul DeJoria, as an MC of the festivities. The whole affair was very much like a lazy Sunday. Everybody was maxing and relaxing (approx. 80 guests), and the Patron was flowing on the boat all night. The couple was very chill, and we just all had a good time. To me, it was not only picture perfect, it was immaculate in the spirit of love.

As a wedding photographer, what are the components you look for that make a great wedding shoot?
I always make sure that I bring my "A" game to every wedding shoot, so everytime I come into a wedding shoot, I intend to create memories that not only I would enjoy, but that the couple could look back on in 40 years and it would remind them of their magical day. As a photographer, I try to make sure that every picture is timeless. It's not about shooting 1000 pictures in the span of an hour. You could hire a monkey to do that. It's more along the lines of figuring out how to compose the shot in a style that moves you. If it compells, shoot it. That's my motto. At the end of the wedding shoot, if I'm still energized by the whole day's worth of photos and am able to look at the pictures afterwards on my computer with a jug of tea, then I'll know that I had a great wedding shoot. I have to be amped up before and after the wedding!

What advice would you give to couples out there as they pick their photographer?
Couples need to look out for three specific components when choosing their photographer: chemistry, innovation, and style.
Chemistry because the couple should be able to click with their photographer. If the couple isn't comfortable being around their photographer, it will reflect in the pictures. That one is key.
Innovation is important because it's important that your photographer constantly strive to improve themselves, their craft, and their vision on things. A wedding photographer who's been doing it for years upon years becomes complacent, almost lazy in their vision of weddings. For every photographer, a wedding with a new couple should always bring a new energy and unique vantage point. If the photographer's portraits start looking like other photographers you've scouted, walk away because your photos are going to look exactly like their other clients' pictures.
Lots of photographers tend to copy each other's styles. You deserve a fresh, raw outlook on your wedding;
not the cookie cutter treatment.
Lastly, style is something that you should able to spot from the very get go. It's just that visually tangible something that makes their work stand out to the point where your jaw just drops and you're unable to describe how you feel about the work as a whole. You have to be able to appreciate their style, color scheme, framing, otherwise, there's a sea of photographers out there waiting to cater to your hopes, memories, and wedding dreams!

Now, onto our GIVEAWAY!
Bliss Imagery is giving one lucky couple a free engagement session! Wow your guests with great photos for your Save the Dates, invitations or photos at your reception. Also, these would be precious images to keep for years to come!

* All photos by Bliss Imagery

ELIGIBILITY
This contest is open to US and International residents. If the winner lives outside of the Los Angeles/Orange County area, winner must pay travel and/or lodging expenses for the photographer. Contestants must not have already booked a photographer for their wedding. Session can not be scheduled on a day Don is already booked. Session must be scheduled no later than Janurary 2011.

CONTEST RULES
OK, I said this is going to be different!

1) To enter, follow me on Google Friend Connect. Then grab a camera or anything with a video recording device and tell us why you and your fiance would make a great engagement shoot. You can tell us anything you want -- how you and your fiance met, how you got engaged, your favorite hobbies, your favorite places...anything! The most creative, interesting or compelling video (really, the video with major "awwwwww" factor) wins!

2) If you don't already have one, set up a Youtube account. Upload your video to your Youtube channel.

3) Come back to this post and comment with a link to your youtube video. You must comment back on this page with a link to your video or your entry will not count!

4) I will favorite the video and you can view all the videos entered into the contest in the My Favorites section of my channel

5) You must complete steps 1-4 or your entry will not count!

This contest will close 11:59 PM, Thursday, June 24, 2010.

Remember, have fun with it! You and your fiance are the directors and stars! Good luck!!!

* I received no monetary compensation or product for this review or giveaway. The views expressed in this feature are truly my own observations.

Wedding Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha

2010-05-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite artists is Art Nouveau icon Alphonse Mucha. The Czech artist is renowned for his ethereal, sensual portraits of women. His paintings captured each woman's natural grace and beauty in their long cascading tresses and flowing frocks. In college, I would plaster his work all over my dormroom walls, admiring how each woman seemed free and confident; feminine yet bold.

And what great inspiration for a vintage wedding! Think warm colors of gold, purple and green. Think bohemian chic with long, natural hair and lots of flowers. Think empire waist gowns evoking turn of the century vintage chic!

Ahhh...*swoon*

Freebie Friday

2010-05-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

Attire
* Win a $100 GC to Headpiece Heaven or Vintage Bridal Jewelry from Everything Up Close.
* Win a free swimsuit from Two of a Kind and Hapari
* The One is giving away 100 free tees from Bridal Party Tees!

Photography/Printing
* Win a 16X20 canvas print from Largeformatposters.com via Luv My 2 Girls
* I know you probably see a bunch of giveaways for 100 free postcards, but if you don't already have your STDs, Thank You cards, or even bridal shower or rehearsal dinner invites, you should definitely enter all the postcard or printing giveaways you can. It will definitely save you a lot! Here's one: 100 free postcards from Uprinting via Wee Share

Jewelry and Accessories
* The B Keeps us Honest is giving away a $75 GC to Novia
* An Island Life is giving away a $50 GC to Initials, Inc

Beauty
* Girl with a Ring is giving away bronzer from Clinique

Misc
* Win Prizes galore at the Budget a Weddings. It's the blog's official launch so what way to celebrate than with a fantastic giveaway?
*$40 GC to Walmart via The Snyder 5.
* A $35 GC to Jiffy Lube from Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls
* You know the guys in your party will love this...win a $35 GC to Jiffy Lube via Guide to Surviving Motherhood! 2 winners!
* YachtCandy.com is giving away a $100 GC to Nautica
* Win a $15 GC to itunes or WalMart courtesy of Jodibee Designs

Upcoming giveaway

2010-05-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give all my lovely readers a heads up on a special giveaway I'm hosting very soon. Here's a little teaser:

All photos by Bliss Imagery

Stay Tuned!

Up and away!

2010-05-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

Source

For those who've seen the film Up!, this one's for you! And if you haven't, rent it now! Worth it for the tear-jerking beginning scenes!

Very Superstitious!

2010-05-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

There are a couple wedding superstitions we're keeping in mind. I am wearing a sixpence in my shoe (Thanks, Mon Amour Boutique!) and the FH refuses to see my gown until I'm walking down the aisle (nope, no First Look shots for us!) But there is one superstition I just don't get!

Along with making my veil and the flower girl dresses, my aunt is so kindly altering my wedding gown. She did afterall work as a seamstress in a wedding dress factory! Yes, I do feel really grateful for relatives offering their convenient services! But what's not so convenient in this case is my aunt's strongly held Filipino wedding superstition -- I'm not supposed to wear my wedding gown until the day of the wedding! That means no fittings before then. Ummm...not going to happen!

I've told my aunt too late, I've already tried on the dress. But she refuses to work on it with me in it! It's bad luck, she says! You see, in the Philippines, dresses were always custom made. The seamstress would take the bride's measurements so it was a good chance the bride wouldn't need a whole lot of alterations come wedding day. But this superstition doesn't bode well here where most dresses come in standard sizes! What will be truly bad luck is an ill-fitting wedding gown!

So what's a girl to do? Luckily, because I have tried on the gown before, I know what alterations need to be done. Nothing major, just a tightening of the shoulder straps, which my aunt can do in 10 mins. But this situation still doesn't ease my mind!

Are you adhering to any wedding superstitions? If so, which ones and why?

Winner of the 6 oz. Champagne Toasting Flutes!

2010-05-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yay! We have another winner! This time our lucky winner gets a pairs of customized engraved champagne toasting flutes!
Who is she?

Lindsay who tweeted about the giveaway!

Congratualtions, Lindsay! I'll be emailing you soon and you three days to respond with your mailing address.

Thank you to all those who entered the giveaway! I have more planned in the coming weeks so stay tuned!

* Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a $15 GC to Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls!

Our Semi-Homemade Invitations

2010-05-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, our invitations are finally done! We put 60 cent postage on each of them (not excited about the ugly 10 cent stamps the post office gave us) and sent them on their way. I think it's safe to say that I'm happy to see them go!

Not to say that I don't love our invites. I'm actually really pleased about the way they turned out...overall. From the very beginning, I knew that stationery was low on my list. Not that I don't appreciate a nice piece of pretty paper, I just don't think spendng $700 on an invite that most people will discard after the wedding is worth it. But I did know I that I wanted something decent to send to our guests.

At first I had visions of making our invites from scratch...like purchasing our cardstock wholesale and assembling our own trifold invites. That would have been truly homemade! But considering my limited crafting skills, I knew that was never going to happen. So we purchased 3 DIY invitation kits at Michaels for $26 each (thanks to 40% off coupons!). There were 30 ivory and gold invitations in each box, and I only needed 60, but it turned out I really needed those extras for the "oopsies"...and there were many! Being a complete crafty novice, I should have kept it as simple as possible. The kits and the instructions are pretty simple. Grab the templates online and just print. Easy peasy, huh?

But no, I just had to take it a step further and emboss images onto the envelope! The invites are nice as they are, but our colors are purple and gold...where was the purple? We chose a cute floral stamp from Michaels to dress the front of the envelope. Using a monogram design from Custom Printables, I created a stamp and ordered it via Rubberstampchamp.com. I loved the customized design Valerie from Custom Printables made for us (more from her in a later post), but transferred onto a stamp was a different story. The stamp from Rubberstampchamp.com was made slightly lopsided, thus my many discarded "error" envelopes!

The embossing process took much longer than I had anticipated -- stamping each envelope with purple embossing ink, shaking purple embossing powder over the stamped image and heating the image. Long, tedious and pretty messy when going through 60 envelopes! But in the end, we came out with some pretty neat purple images to go along with our color scheme. We also purchased purple ribbon to replace the ivory ones.

My sister and her husband helped us with the printing since they had a better, faster printer. This part took us a lot longer (insert all-nighter here) because the main, front card didn't have enough room for reception information. So we created another card to glue onto the right flap, as well as another card for our menu items. We also made even more edits to our invitation wording and format (thanks to the extra eyes that helped us!) FYI. if you're planning to do any of your own printing, make sure you have a good, fast printer! Nothing sucks more than watching your printer slowly print. It's like watching grass grow!

My FH was insistent that we should write out each of our guests' addresses to make our invites more personal. At first, I wanted to kill him...seriously? Who has the time and talent to do that for all 60 of our invites? Since we have no money for a calligrapher, and our penmanship is craptastic, I printed out our addresses in a nice cursive font in very light ink on our address labels and traced them over with a purple pen. Haha! Calligraphy issue solved! They actually came out pretty nice, and we received some nice comments about the labels. No one seemed to notice we cheated ;)

So in the end, I got the trifold envelope invitations I wanted, my FH got the handwritten addresses he wanted, and we have the cute invites we're really pleased with for a reasonable price.

However, we did go over our budget with the invites. We budgeted only $150, but with the toner we had to purchase for the printer and the extra materials for the embossing, we came out to nearly $200 (including postage). Had I not made so many newbie mistakes, that number would have been more like $150 or even less! Oh well, live and learn.

I love that our invites were made by us, and yes, I do feel more of a connection to them. The more I look at them, the more I think, wow, we made those! It was a true DIT project (Do-it-Together). But considering the time, money and labor that went into them...I don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon!

So...did you make your own invitations? How did the process go? Did you enjoy it?

(FYI: If you want to save money on postage, make sure your invitations are flat and lightweight. We were warned that the knots from each ribbon in our invites created a bump and might cause some invites to be rejected when cancelled through the machine. I wanted to be sure our invitations went through, hence the more expensive postage.)

Freebie Friday

2010-05-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Jewelry
* Win a silver block print monogram mini for you or your bridesmaid from Merci New York!
* Win a genuine pearl necklace from Pearl Paradise via The Adventures of Paul and Natalie
* Enter for a pair of earrings from Silpada Designs. Ends (5/18)

Photography/Printing
*Win a Uprinting Canvas Print from All Because Two People Fell in Love
* Bless their Hearts is also giving away a Uprinting Canvas print!
* Broken Teepee is giving away 100 custom brochures from Digital Room
* Bride on a Budget is also giving away 100 free brochures!

Accessories
* Win a purse from Twitsted Orchid via All Ruby Cakes!

Misc
* Win a gift basket of handmade bath and beauty products from Elegant Roase Boutiue via Audrey's Giveaways.
*3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires is giving away a family organizer and a $25 Target GC!
* Win a $50 Visa GC at A Nut in a Nutshell
* Win 3 old fashioned bars of soap from Mirasol Farm
* 3 Kids and Us is giving away a set of Mead organizers plus a $25 Target GC!

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls

2010-05-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Pink tear drop shell pearl earrings

If you've been following my blog for awhile you'll know that I love pearls! Pearls go great with any wedding day style--from classy vintage to a more modern look. And when the opportunity to review and host a giveaway from our next sponsor came up, I jumped at the chance! Really, the name of the shop really says it all. Etsy shop Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls is your place to find classy, genuine pearl jewelry with a handmade touch all at affordable and reasonable prices. Bonnie from Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls makes all of her jewelry with the best quality materials, including genuine cultured pearls and Swarovski crystals. Her sets of bridal inspired jewelry will make any wedding day ensemble really shine!

.Double strand stretchy cultured white freshwater pearl bracelet

As the host of this giveaway, I received a pair of silver and white freshwater pearl earrings from Bonnie and I love the delicate beauty of the pair. The pearls exude a lovely shine that only great quality, genuine pearls can give off. I can see myself wearing the pair at a formal occassion or rocking it with a pair of jeans. That's a huge plus for me--elegant, affordable jewelry that can be worn again and again!

Triple circle white freshwater pearl dangling earrings with sterling silver ear hooks

Don't forget to check out Bonnie's jewelry sets! Not only would these pieces go very well for wedding day or even in your everyday jewelry collection, they make wonderful gifts for your bridesmaids.

Delicate illusion freshwater pearl necklace and earring set

So who puts the dazzle in Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls? All the way from Cincinnati, meet Bonnie!

What sparked your interest in creating jewelry?
I am a very crafty person since childhood. I have always loved to make stuff and wanted to run a business of my own. While taking maternity leave, I took some jewelry making classes where I made very beautiful items using unique techniques. It was so much fun! From thereon, I have decided to run a jewelry shop online. My dream is to one day quit my day job and focus on what I love to do.

How long have you been creating jewelry?
Over a year.

What words would you use to describe your work?
Elegant styles with high quality. Dazzling yet affordable. I only use the finest quality material while making jewelry pieces. I have very sensitive skin. Almost all my earrings are finished with 925 sterling silver earring hooks.

Which pieces of your jewelry would you say would be perfect for weddings? Why?

Back drop bridal jewelry set with Swarovski crystals and pearls

Among all, this is my most favorite bridal creations.
This necklace and earring set looks very simple and elegant. They won’t over power the beauty of any bride. Yet the sparkles emitted from the Swarovski crystals are incredibly blinding. The back drops add a touch of fanciness and subtlety. It’s perfect for any bride. The wires are 925 sterling silver. Please see feedbacks on this jewelry set on Etsy.com under seller name “thebinster2009”.

Tell us one interesting tidbit about your jewelry.
My daughter is a night owl. She usually doesn’t go to bed till after mid-night. All my jewelry pieces were created after she went to bed at night. I tend to work till 3 or 4 am to finish a design. Creation is my outlet these days and I love it.

Which piece is your favorite and why?
In addition to the above mentioned, other favorite jewelry sets of mine are shown below. When you see them, you will know why. They’re just so beautiful and unique, aren’t they?

Original design stunning bridal pearl and Swarovski crystal necklace and earring set

Made for you - Stunning bridal Swarovski and pearl crystal flower necklace and earring set

.Something blue - Original design necklace and earring set with filigree highlight

Any advice for brides-to-be out there?
No need to over spend for exaggerated glamour. All you need is simply taste.

Links where we can find out more of your work:
http://dazzlingjewelryandpearl.com/
http://dazzlingjewelryandpearls.com/

The Giveaway
Bonnie is giving one lucky winner a $15 gift certificate to her store!

The Rules1) MANDATORY ENTRY! Go to Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls Etsy shop and comment on your favorite item for one entry. This is mandatory! Contestants who do not do this will be disqualified. Remember to leave your email address or some way to contact you with each entry!

Additional entries (remember to leave separate comments for each additional entry)

2) Become a new follower of this blog. You must follow publicly (1 entry)
3) Are currently a follower of my blog (2 entries)
4) Become a facebook fan of “I Do” Budget Weddings (2 entries)
5) Blog about the contest and include a link to the giveaway. Each entrant must also include a link to Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls in their post (3 entries) Please include a direct link to your blog post in your comment.
6) Heart Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls on Etsy (3 entries)
7) Buy anything from Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls (5 entries)
8) Follow “I Do” Budget Weddings on Twitter (1 entry)
9) Tweet on this giveaway and include a link to this giveaway in your tweet (1 entry)
10) Grab my button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
11) Subscribe to "I Do" Budget Weddings emails (1 entry)

The deadline to enter this contest is 11:59 p.m., Thursday, May 27, 2010 (PST). A winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck!

*As the host of this giveaway, I received a pair of earrings from Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls. The views expressed in this post are my honest observations of the product.

Cartoon Maps

2010-05-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

I love cartoon maps as they add a lot of fun character to your wedding location. Our wedding will be the Pasadena area so my sister (defintely the one with better artistic skills) drew one for us!

Adorable! I love how she added icons of area landmarks!

We Google Mapped the area to figure out key locations, but trying to convert it to a drawing was actually a little harder than it looks. Well, at least that's what my sister says, and her being an animation major in college, I believe her! Good thing I didn't attempt this myself as I can't even draw a straight line with a ruler without messing up!

We'll place this map on our Web site with directions and we may print some out to hand out to our OOT guests. Thank you, sister!

Freebie Friday

2010-05-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Attire
*Chic N Cheap is giving away a free birdcage veil!
* Get an adorable fascinator from Ink and Button via Ever Ours.
* Get a $100 GC from The Men's Wearhouse at An Islan Life. Your groomsmen will love you!

Jewelry
* Win these pearl and rhinestone bridal earrings from Mint Green With Envy
* Etsy It Up is giving away a $40 GC to You Are My Sunshine
* Win a Pearl Bracelet from Pearl Paradise via Jabbering Jessi
* An Island Life is giving away a pair of diamond stud earrings from Kohl's

Printing
* A fellow blogger is giving away 100 free invitations courtesy of Vistaprint! Check out details at Shanna & Brandon's blog.
*Need Thank You cards? Heavenly Savings is giving away 50 TY cards from Uprinting

Misc.
* Jewelry, a fab top, a gorgeous clutch and more at Globetrotting in Heels!
* Ahhh, lingerie...a lil something for after the wedding? ;) The Mom Reviews is giving away a $50 GC to Lingerie.com
* Win a $25 GC to Ruche via All Ruby Cakes!
* Win ecofriendly custom wedding totes from The Wedding Chicks
* Win a Ceiva Digital Photo Frame via Jabbering Jessi
* Win a $50 GC to Kohl's. Check out the new line from Candies

Winner of the Office of Minor Details Giveaway

2010-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't forgotten about our winner of The Office of Minor Details giveaway. I realize this is quite delayed, but things have been quite busy lately. Not only have I picked up more hours at work, but we are in the midst of putting together our DIY invitations! Not an easy process for crafty wannabes like my FH and I, but it's coming together (nervously laughs). Of course, I'll write a post about that process later with photos! And, yes, today is no exception to the craziness...It's my birthday!!!! Woohoo! Lookin' forward to that ice cream cake!

But now, let's get to our winner!

And our winner is Elena who friended me on facebook and now has a sweet New Zealand kid leather wallet from The Office of Minor Details! Congratulations! I'll be emailing you soon. I must hear from you within 3 days, or I'll have to pick another winner.

I have more giveaways lined up, including one this weekend! Stay Tuned!
* Of course, don't forget about my current giveaway -- engraved toasting flutes from PictureIt Creations!

"I Do" Budget Weddings

No Regrets...OK, Maybe a Couple

Head to your nearest Borders...Now!

In case you didn't see it...the paper crane chandelier

Hello Again

Real Wedding in MN

Sponsored Post: CSN Stores

Keeping up a wedding blog...post-wedding

Wedding Recap: Our Kauai Honeymoon

Attitude of Gratitude

Real Wedding Budget: Under $12K in Vancouver

Wedding Recap: Cranes end their journey north

Wedding Recap: The Rococo Room

Wedding Recap: Unveiling my surprise

Wedding Lesson #8: Obligatory Invites...Don't do it

Wedding Trailer: Hazel + Isaac

Wedding Recap: Our First Dance

Wedding Lesson #7: No regrets

Wedding Lessong #6: Let Go

Wedding Lesson #5: You're not Martha Stewart

Wedding Lesson #4: Trust Your Gut

Wedding Recap: Gifts for the lil ones

Wedding Recap: Gifts for our Parents

Wedding Recap: Gifts for our groomsmen

Wedding Recap: Our Bridesmaids' gifts

Wedding Lesson #3: Forget DIY, Be a DIT Bride

Wedding Recap: My Surprise

Wedding Lesson #2: Get organized in advance

Wedding Lesson #1: Conquer the Flower Mart Mad Grab

Rehearsal Dinner Deets

Sneak Peak

Shower us w/ your love: Our Wedding Shower/Bride's night out

We're hitched!

Getting pampered

Winner of the Lena Lime Studio Giveaway and Freebie Friday

Sponsored Post: Our donation/placecards from Vistaprint

Freebie Friday

Do me a favor...the debate rages on

Table "Places" Revisited

Oh, no you didn't!

Our Music Playlist

My DIY bridesmaid bouquet, part II

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Lena Lime Studio

Winner of the Custom Printables Giveaway!

Tracking down the elusive RSVPs

Freebie Friday

Setting up House

Birdcage "Cardbox" Transformation

The Name Game

Almost there!

Freebie Friday

Get there early

You've been warned

Pretty parasols and more!

Graphic design for beginners

Go Lakers!!!!

Freebie Friday

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Custom Printables

Freebie Friday

The best DIY list. ever.

dum, dum, da-dum....

Freebie Friday

Nice! Our engagement portrait print

Just a thought

Free Invitation Downloads!

Winner of the Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls Giveaway

"Faux-to" Booth

$25 GC....for $2?

Freebie Friday

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Bliss Imagery

Wedding Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha

Freebie Friday

Upcoming giveaway

Up and away!

Very Superstitious!

Winner of the 6 oz. Champagne Toasting Flutes!

Our Semi-Homemade Invitations

Freebie Friday

Vendor Spotlight and GIVEAWAY: Dazzling Jewelry and Pearls

Cartoon Maps