Quiet Sundays
“The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible — and achieve it, generation after generation.”
~Pearl S. Buck
Photo: Myrtle & Marjoram via Snippet & Ink
“The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible — and achieve it, generation after generation.”
~Pearl S. Buck
Photo: Myrtle & Marjoram via Snippet & Ink
Oh my gosh. Something just snapped.
I probably should have known that it would. I should have relaxed and waited for the moment that everything started to feel like it was falling into place.
But… I didn’t. And right now, in my ecstasy, I’m pretty sure poor Mark is more than a little scared… since I’m certain I must seem manic.
But it’s true. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve bought a dress, settled on a color palette (more daunting than you might think), envisioned a rough outline of our BBQ and brunch, sipped a possible champagne, and finalized nearly every appointment and plan for our trip in May.
I’ve gotten a whole lot done. But it wasn’t until now that it suddenly hit me… I think I can finally breathe.
I’m sure it’s different for everyone… but there is a certain point in planning, well, anything… where the really tough, really crucial (whether it’s that crucial or not who cares… the point is it matters to you) stuff is set and the fun can begin. You can start to enjoy.
I know there are a lot more plans in my future… and of course there will still be challenges ahead… but by and large, this is the place where it starts to get fun!
Photo: Jen Huang via Snippet & Ink
This Austin, Texas celebration is both classic and fun. Kara and Anthony planned the perfect traditional celebration with their own bit of southern flair.
Photographer: SMS Photography / Caterer: Austin Country Club / Event Planner: BZ events / Floral Designer: Merveille Flowers, Events LLC / Reception Venue: Austin Country Club / Cake Designer: Michelle’s Patisserie / Lighting: Ilios Lighting / Linens and Coverings: Marquee Rentals / Makeup Artist: Face Kandy
1) Do your homework. What brands does your bridal shop carry? Are there a few specific dresses you just have to try on? Know before you go, and don’t be afraid to share.
2) Plan ahead. Start shopping early. You don’t have to make a decision right away.
3) Bring pictures. Be specific here. If there is a dress you want to try on, bring a picture of it. If it’s just a type or feel that you like, that helps too… but I found in my appointments that the more specific, the better.
3) Bring a camera. Some bridal shops won’t let you take pictures, but some will. It never hurts to ask, and pictures of yourself in the dresses can really help you make a decision later on.
4) Know your budget. And stick to it. Don’t try that gorgeous Amsale on if it’s over, no matter how much you would like to.
5) Take care when choosing your undergarments. Seriously, you might find yourself down to your skivvies in front of more than just your bridal consultant. Some of these rooms are small.
6) Be adventurous. Try some dresses on that you don’t necessarily love at first glance, especially when you first start your shopping. You might be pleasantly surprised.
7) You don’t have to limit your entourage, but choose wisely. I’m not going to lie, I took a big group. And I couldn’t be happier that I did. They were all wonderful and supportive and so much fun to celebrate with after the fact. It was a good experience. So don’t be afraid to take a few (I took five) along with you… but choose wisely. Don’t take that friend who always has something snotty to say. She won’t help your cause.
8) Buy something you love now. Whether you’re planning a crash diet or not, if you don’t like the way the dress looks now, you might be setting yourself up for disaster.
9) Just buy something you love. I did have that feeling, but I’m not certain that everyone does. And it wasn’t as dramatic as you might think. I didn’t cry. I did get a little giddy. I did feel like a million bucks. And I didn’t want to take it off.
10) Take your time. No matter what anyone tells you, there is no hurry to decide. Take your time and don’t be pressured into making a rash decision.
Photo: Jose Villa via Once Wed
Forgive my conspicuous absence this week. I’ve been playing tour guide for my family on a whirlwind little trip through NYC and DC. It has been loads of fun and I have so much to share as soon as things return to normal, but for now, I’ll just be stealing moments aside here and there to put up a post, or maybe a tweet… maybe even a pin. So be sure to stay tuned in all forms.
P.S. Are you following me on facebook? I would love it if you would.
Photo: Pinterest
I’ve returned a successful lady!! And I am so sad I can’t share the dress that I bought. You’ll just have to wait for the wedding pictures… but I promise it’s worth the wait.
Dress shopping was quite the experience, and in the course of a weekend I think I experienced nearly every emotion in the book… but the most significant came as a bit of a shock.
After purchasing my dress I found myself having a funny conversation with my friends. They asked if I had “that feeling.” The one that Hollywood tells you you’re going to have… that crazy moment. But the funny thing about the conversation was not as I had expected… that I didn’t. That the dress had just been the best I had tried on and through a process of elimination I had settled on it. The funny thing about the conversation was that when I put it on… I really did know.
Working off of about three hours of sleep, but settled in and super excited to be on our way to New York for the weekend… wish me luck!!
Here are a few things I’m loving this week…
Mismatched vintage china in a unique place.
This beautiful baby shower brunch.
The super creative ribbon runner on these tables.
Wouldn’t that big menu be a fantastic DIY? Just a little chalkboard paint would do the trick.
This gorgeous shot.
This lovely timeline.
Photo: Kensington Blue Photography
Of course, I can’t help but compile some of my favorite dress details before our trip this weekend.
I love a classic dress with an extra little detail. Some lace here, a ruffle there… the perfect touch that makes it stand out from the rest. These are a few of my favorites I’ve pinned over the past few months.