Jessi, Quinn, Jaime, Cassidy, and me
Love love love all these crazy photogs (and one doodler!)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
More Wedding Stuff
Just ordered 25 postcards to send out to our married (or soon-to-be-married) guests! We want to display the wedding photos of those in attendance (and the ones who couldn't make it, too) to honor their marriage. It's a big deal for us!
I made these in about an hour, not my best work, but I think they look pretty good!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wedding Wedding Wedding
One thing I'm learning through this wedding planning process is that you can only do so much.
I never wanted a big, lavish wedding with insane centerpieces, etc etc. When it comes down to little things, you have to make decisions- if we splurge on photography (which we did), where can we cut back? I thought for a long time I would just do my own flowers and that would be where we saved a lot. To be honest, flowers don't matter all that much to me.
And as I've gone through this journey so far I've seen some awesome DIY bouquets and centerpieces. But I've also seen some really, really bad ones. I went as far as to purchase (it was 10 bucks) a wholesale flower license, which means I could buy them wholesale from specific vendors in DC. I started pricing things out. I was blown away by the prices when you're buying a small amount- SO EXPENSIVE. I got super bummed.
I also started getting this image in my head of me, my mom, Joe's mom and a few of my good friends sitting at our table making flower arrangements a night or two before the wedding and getting super stressed about it. And the last thing I want is for *anyone* to be stressed about this wedding. It should be fun and a nice day, and the fear of not having the expertise made me nervous.
But then a florist in DC I met on Twitter asked me to meet her and I did that today. She showed me what she could do for me on my budget. Since she does 4-6 weddings a weekend she can buy in super bulk. And so when she added everything up, even with her design and delivery fee, it was still cheaper than the prices I'd pay for just the flowers. So, now I have a florist, even though I never thought I would. Aaaand, I am going to get to have the flowers I really want- peach peonies, which I couldn't ever have afforded on my own.
Since we're not having groomsmen/bridesmaids, we're saving A LOT of money on flowers. But I still wanted to do something for the moms. The florist had the wonderful idea of doing lavender bouquets for the moms, which I love! I know they'll love it too.
Then for ceremony decor, I wanted to use the vintage jars we bought. I love this idea. I think we decided one of these will go on each outside aisle chair. We'll be using similar flowers but in different colors.
And then one more floral detail... centerpieces. I want these simple and sweet. Using the jars, we're going to have a mish-mash of summer flowers on the table, something like this:
So, maybe I'm turning around a bit on this planning... this was sort of fun and enjoyable. We booked the transportation earlier this week. Next is hotels and rehearsal dinner.
Maybe I'm getting excited...
I never wanted a big, lavish wedding with insane centerpieces, etc etc. When it comes down to little things, you have to make decisions- if we splurge on photography (which we did), where can we cut back? I thought for a long time I would just do my own flowers and that would be where we saved a lot. To be honest, flowers don't matter all that much to me.
And as I've gone through this journey so far I've seen some awesome DIY bouquets and centerpieces. But I've also seen some really, really bad ones. I went as far as to purchase (it was 10 bucks) a wholesale flower license, which means I could buy them wholesale from specific vendors in DC. I started pricing things out. I was blown away by the prices when you're buying a small amount- SO EXPENSIVE. I got super bummed.
I also started getting this image in my head of me, my mom, Joe's mom and a few of my good friends sitting at our table making flower arrangements a night or two before the wedding and getting super stressed about it. And the last thing I want is for *anyone* to be stressed about this wedding. It should be fun and a nice day, and the fear of not having the expertise made me nervous.
But then a florist in DC I met on Twitter asked me to meet her and I did that today. She showed me what she could do for me on my budget. Since she does 4-6 weddings a weekend she can buy in super bulk. And so when she added everything up, even with her design and delivery fee, it was still cheaper than the prices I'd pay for just the flowers. So, now I have a florist, even though I never thought I would. Aaaand, I am going to get to have the flowers I really want- peach peonies, which I couldn't ever have afforded on my own.
these are pink peonies, but you get the idea... love them!
Since we're not having groomsmen/bridesmaids, we're saving A LOT of money on flowers. But I still wanted to do something for the moms. The florist had the wonderful idea of doing lavender bouquets for the moms, which I love! I know they'll love it too.
they will be smaller than this, but similar.
Then for ceremony decor, I wanted to use the vintage jars we bought. I love this idea. I think we decided one of these will go on each outside aisle chair. We'll be using similar flowers but in different colors.
And... my very very VERY favorite part of the ceremony decor! I have wanted to do this since the very first time I saw one. The groom made it and I almost died! Soooo beautiful! Well, the florist's husband is a master carpenter and is GOING TO MAKE THIS! Ahhh! I want to stand under it right this minute! :)
And then one more floral detail... centerpieces. I want these simple and sweet. Using the jars, we're going to have a mish-mash of summer flowers on the table, something like this:
But my favorite part is that I'm making the boxes! I am taking a woodworking class (starts in two weeks!) and am going to make these and a few other projects for the wedding. I'm thinking of maybe painting the table numbers on the boxes, or maybe our names? Any other ideas?
going to make something like this in the class as well
I like the idea of this as well... maybe?!
So, maybe I'm turning around a bit on this planning... this was sort of fun and enjoyable. We booked the transportation earlier this week. Next is hotels and rehearsal dinner.
Maybe I'm getting excited...
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The New Year is Here.
2010. Whoa.
A lot of great things are going to happen this year! I'm very excited about the next twelve months and beyond. So much to be grateful for.
New Years resolutions have always bothered me. There was a study published in the WaPo yesterday that 99.9% of people never stick to what they promise to do. (main ones from the article: relax more, eat healthy, stop smoking, exercise, keep in touch with family/friends) So I don't make them. Instead I make changes in my life when I see a need. And I started this October.
In October, my laptop and I had become inseparable. I was replying to client e-mails at midnight. At 6am. I was editing during movies on the couch with Joe. While he was patient about it, I knew he wasn't happy. But at the same time, I run a business by myself and no one else is going to do the work that needs to get done. It's tough. So I decided to do a few things: set "office hours" for clients (9am to 5pm for e-mails, calls, etc) and 8pm for all work. We also got a small desk from IKEA to put in the living room. My laptop, if it's downstairs, is to stay on that table and not migrate to the couch. It's been a great solution so far.
I also want my business to grow. I want to a part of my new city. While I've done that pretty well so far, I want to do it even better. So I've been going to more community activities and really using the groups I'm a part of (Chamber of Commerce, GFAF, BNI, TweetUpFrederick, etc) to make great connections. I've started some great lists using Bento (it's awesome!) and hope to continue growing them. This can only lead to better business partnerships and new friends... nothing wrong with that!
For the past few months I have truly been aching to go to classes, learn, and be a student again. While I'm not interested in a full-fledged degree program (at least not right now) I really want to continue learning. So I've signed up for THREE classes. One is in art class at the local community arts center, and the other two are lecture classes at the local community college. I'm super excited about all the classes!
In mid-November I started with a trainer. I know myself. I loathe working out. It's not fun for me. If I wanted to make a big change, I was going to have to enlist some help. I signed up for three months of one-on-one training. It was a huge investment, but honestly, what's more important than your health? It's an investment in my well-being, mental health, and even my business. I train three times a week for an hour, and then I do an hour of cardio. So far I've lost 14 pounds. While I'm pretty happy with that, there's more to go. Recently, on days I don't train, I've started to go to the gym with Joe when he goes to PT. Losing weight is not about a number for me. I don't have a goal weight. I just want to feel comfortable with myself again and be excited to wear a wedding dress. (fat brides are the worst!) Since I started working out, I haven't been sick, haven't had a migraine, and have had more energy. I hope to continue this trend!
And the wedding. I never thought I could do everything myself. I knew that. But it seemed crazy to pay someone to help me. But I finally decided to get a planner. I know so many great ones so it was tough. But now that I've made a decision, it feels good to know that someone else is helping me and guiding me. I also found out quickly that planners SAVE you money- they have great connections and know where the best prices are. They do the research for you. Plus there can be so much family drama involved in these things, and it's nice to know that someone is there to tell me "this happens all the time!" and get me through it unscathed. And Joe and I have been doing a great job of sticking to our budget (except for the photography, but I mean, COME ON! ;) ) and making good, solid decisions that aren't dragged out. I even booked the guest transportation this morning. In the next two weeks I have my final dress fitting, meeting for invitations, catering tasting, and flowers. That only leaves a few things to go and that makes me happy.
So while most of these changes aren't earth-shattering and weren't made on January 1st, I'm pleased with them. The key is to be consistent and have support.
A lot of great things are going to happen this year! I'm very excited about the next twelve months and beyond. So much to be grateful for.
New Years resolutions have always bothered me. There was a study published in the WaPo yesterday that 99.9% of people never stick to what they promise to do. (main ones from the article: relax more, eat healthy, stop smoking, exercise, keep in touch with family/friends) So I don't make them. Instead I make changes in my life when I see a need. And I started this October.
In October, my laptop and I had become inseparable. I was replying to client e-mails at midnight. At 6am. I was editing during movies on the couch with Joe. While he was patient about it, I knew he wasn't happy. But at the same time, I run a business by myself and no one else is going to do the work that needs to get done. It's tough. So I decided to do a few things: set "office hours" for clients (9am to 5pm for e-mails, calls, etc) and 8pm for all work. We also got a small desk from IKEA to put in the living room. My laptop, if it's downstairs, is to stay on that table and not migrate to the couch. It's been a great solution so far.
I also want my business to grow. I want to a part of my new city. While I've done that pretty well so far, I want to do it even better. So I've been going to more community activities and really using the groups I'm a part of (Chamber of Commerce, GFAF, BNI, TweetUpFrederick, etc) to make great connections. I've started some great lists using Bento (it's awesome!) and hope to continue growing them. This can only lead to better business partnerships and new friends... nothing wrong with that!
For the past few months I have truly been aching to go to classes, learn, and be a student again. While I'm not interested in a full-fledged degree program (at least not right now) I really want to continue learning. So I've signed up for THREE classes. One is in art class at the local community arts center, and the other two are lecture classes at the local community college. I'm super excited about all the classes!
In mid-November I started with a trainer. I know myself. I loathe working out. It's not fun for me. If I wanted to make a big change, I was going to have to enlist some help. I signed up for three months of one-on-one training. It was a huge investment, but honestly, what's more important than your health? It's an investment in my well-being, mental health, and even my business. I train three times a week for an hour, and then I do an hour of cardio. So far I've lost 14 pounds. While I'm pretty happy with that, there's more to go. Recently, on days I don't train, I've started to go to the gym with Joe when he goes to PT. Losing weight is not about a number for me. I don't have a goal weight. I just want to feel comfortable with myself again and be excited to wear a wedding dress. (fat brides are the worst!) Since I started working out, I haven't been sick, haven't had a migraine, and have had more energy. I hope to continue this trend!
And the wedding. I never thought I could do everything myself. I knew that. But it seemed crazy to pay someone to help me. But I finally decided to get a planner. I know so many great ones so it was tough. But now that I've made a decision, it feels good to know that someone else is helping me and guiding me. I also found out quickly that planners SAVE you money- they have great connections and know where the best prices are. They do the research for you. Plus there can be so much family drama involved in these things, and it's nice to know that someone is there to tell me "this happens all the time!" and get me through it unscathed. And Joe and I have been doing a great job of sticking to our budget (except for the photography, but I mean, COME ON! ;) ) and making good, solid decisions that aren't dragged out. I even booked the guest transportation this morning. In the next two weeks I have my final dress fitting, meeting for invitations, catering tasting, and flowers. That only leaves a few things to go and that makes me happy.
So while most of these changes aren't earth-shattering and weren't made on January 1st, I'm pleased with them. The key is to be consistent and have support.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010
I am: a wife, daughter, best friend, business owner, photographer, artist, dreamer, bride, pet owner.
I think: positively.
I know: that I am a lucky, lucky girl.
I have: an amazing life with my little family.
I wish: for 2010 to be even better than 2009.
I hate: negative people, negative thinking, and complainers.
I miss: college and taking classes.
I fear: not living up to my potential.
I hear: so many good ideas and need to start implementing them.
I smell: sleepy dogs on each side of me :)
I crave: a simple, beautiful life.
I search: for creative outlets.
I wonder: what 2010 will bring.
I regret: not spending more time with friends.
I love: the flexibility and passion I have for my job.
I ache: for a day when I can feel completely relaxed.
I am not: very good at telling people "no."
I try: to see how lucky and blessed I am every day.
I believe: in using your talents to help others and make your community a better place to live.
I dance: with Joe in the kitchen almost every day :)
I sing: in the car.
I cry: at movies.
I fight: to help those who cannot fight for the rights they deserve.
I lose: my keys and phone. Every single day.
I never: go a day without working on some aspect of my business.
I always: enjoy doing something unexpected.
I confuse: the Army rankings and everything military-related.
I listen: to This American Life on road trips and LOVE every minute of it.
I can usually be found: in my office or on the couch downstairs on my laptop.
I need: to workout more than three days a week.
I am happy: when I'm settled in for the night with Joe and the pups.
I imagine: how crazy 2010 will be. All the weddings: our wedding, photographing weddings, and Kate's wedding. I imagine the dogs not being puppies anymore (amen!) and really getting their personalities. I imagine all the people I will meet this year and how each one will affect my life and my business. I imagine my 5th year in business and how far I've come and where I'll be going. I imagine our travels- the ones already planned (Florida in Feb, Hawaii on our honeymoon) and all the ones yet to be planned.
I think: positively.
I know: that I am a lucky, lucky girl.
I have: an amazing life with my little family.
I wish: for 2010 to be even better than 2009.
I hate: negative people, negative thinking, and complainers.
I miss: college and taking classes.
I fear: not living up to my potential.
I hear: so many good ideas and need to start implementing them.
I smell: sleepy dogs on each side of me :)
I crave: a simple, beautiful life.
I search: for creative outlets.
I wonder: what 2010 will bring.
I regret: not spending more time with friends.
I love: the flexibility and passion I have for my job.
I ache: for a day when I can feel completely relaxed.
I am not: very good at telling people "no."
I try: to see how lucky and blessed I am every day.
I believe: in using your talents to help others and make your community a better place to live.
I dance: with Joe in the kitchen almost every day :)
I sing: in the car.
I cry: at movies.
I fight: to help those who cannot fight for the rights they deserve.
I lose: my keys and phone. Every single day.
I never: go a day without working on some aspect of my business.
I always: enjoy doing something unexpected.
I confuse: the Army rankings and everything military-related.
I listen: to This American Life on road trips and LOVE every minute of it.
I can usually be found: in my office or on the couch downstairs on my laptop.
I need: to workout more than three days a week.
I am happy: when I'm settled in for the night with Joe and the pups.
I imagine: how crazy 2010 will be. All the weddings: our wedding, photographing weddings, and Kate's wedding. I imagine the dogs not being puppies anymore (amen!) and really getting their personalities. I imagine all the people I will meet this year and how each one will affect my life and my business. I imagine my 5th year in business and how far I've come and where I'll be going. I imagine our travels- the ones already planned (Florida in Feb, Hawaii on our honeymoon) and all the ones yet to be planned.
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