Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Paper EVERYWHERE!

I have started the one thing I have been dreading about this whole wedding planning process...assembling the invitations.  I am aware that it is early and I don't need to send out invitations until June or July.  BUT like everything else I have been doing with planning, I just want it done and out of the way.  I truly did not think it would be that long of a process to get the invites thrown together but there are these little glue dots that came with the invitations and they are driving me CRAZY!

Printing them out was not a big problem.  I had a little confusion on paper size when sending them to the printer but thankfully my dad helped me figure all that out.  Let's just say I am a laggard and I am still used to the old version of MS Word. I was able to get the RSVP cards printed, the RSVP envelopes printed, and finally after messing with some spacing and font sizes I got the invitations printed.  I do have to say though I felt ridiculous when I went up to my mother and asked her, "Where should the scroll detail be on the RSVP card? On the top or on the bottom? What looks better to you?"  I felt a little bit crazy because I was obsessing over such a minuscule detail.

The problem is the whole process of finishing the invitation to make it look pretty and all that girly stuff.  I will post pictures to help illustrate the confusion I am about to bring upon you.  My invitations are a part of a kit.  There is the actual card stock the invitation is printed on, a black backing with a scroll detailing on the upper and lower corners of the invitation, the RSVP card, the RSVP card envelope, and the inner and outer envelopes for the entire invitation.  The black backing is what you need the glue dots for.  I have to take the invitation and glue it to the backing and then put even more glue dots on the scroll details so they stick.  I spent a good two hours or so last night just getting four glue dots on just the backs of all the invitations.  Now 75 invitations may not seem like a lot, but when you have to assemble each invitation one by one and you have to pay attention and make sure everything fits right and is centered correctly, you realize 75 is a whole lot.  Needless to say I will be doing just a few here and there for now instead of trying to tackle them all like I did last night.  Stupid idea on my part.  My hands were turning black, sticky, and dry because of all the paper and glue dots.

The dining table littered with all the invitation junk
 The RSVP card and invitation
 The invitation and the backing
 Stupid glue dots, they are so hard to take off the tiny piece of paper, that's why I hate them so much right now.
The backing and the scroll details 
All the glue dots that need to be put on the invitation
The finished product

I don't want to think about addressing the endless pile of envelopes that will need mailing addresses, return addresses, postage, and to be sealed.  I am hoping  my lovely fiance and mother will help address and stuff all the envelopes when we get around to that task.  Licking wedding envelopes just makes me think of that one Seinfield episode (obviously I have been around Danny too much if I am thinking about Seinfeld episodes) where George's fiance dies from licking so much cheap envelope glue.  The whole thing about licking an envelope grosses me out so much.  You are licking paper, that was probably touched by a few other hands, and the glue tastes disgusting.  So I will be using a little trick that I learned from Martha Stewart...use a damp sponge and dab the sponge over the glue strip and seal.  Thank you Martha for saving my tongue from the dreaded envelope glue.  WOW after that envelope glue rant I probably sound like a FREAK.  Sorry everyone I had to share.

Along with the invitation assembly line, I just finished addressing the hard copies of the save-the-dates that I ordered.  If you need something printed and you want to get it online, I suggest Vistaprint.com.  It was super easy to create what I wanted, it was affordable, and the finished product looked great.  They came within a week of ordering them too!  I only needed a few of them since we sent out electronic save-the-dates.  But addressing maybe about 15 envelopes gave me an idea on how long it's going to take to get the invitations addressed...bleh I don't want to think about it.


Besides drowning in piles of paper, wedding planning is going well.  I found shoes for my bridesmaids and they all liked them; which is awesome that they all agreed!  I have such great and cooperative bridesmaids.  Danny got his groomsmen gifts ordered.  We ordered the cakes for the reception.  My dress arrived at the store I purchased it from so I will have to make a fitting appointment soon!!  I am excited to get back into that dress.  I just love it so much.  We reserved two blocks of hotel rooms at two different hotels downtown.  I updated our wedding website with all the accommodation information.  Here is the link again in case anyone needs it: Our Wedding Website
And we are looking for a hotel in Westlake to reserve a block of rooms too.  

Other than all that not much else is going on.  I was in Columbus last weekend and Danny and I started to look at furniture for our apartment.  I think we found a pretty cool sectional and chair to go in the living room.  Next we are going to look at dining tables and chairs.  So many grown up things to go out and look for.  I think it overwhelms Danny sometimes haha. During our furniture shopping we manage to take breaks and watch all the basketball games that are going on, so it won't be too draining.  AND speaking of basketball...I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE UK IN THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!!!!! GO CATS!  Danny and I are awaiting the possibility of an OSU v. UK rematch...I don't think we will be watching it together this year since last year it was a little intense (mainly because UK WON!!!).  Oh and just in case those of you who follow me on Facebook were wondering, I already beat Danny in brackets this year, so that is 6 out of 7 times!  Woohoo!  Now that my blog entry has strayed away from wedding planning I guess I will wrap it up.  Good luck to my wildcats this weekend! And if any of you have any suggestions or comments feel free to share!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

It's Been a While

I feel like I haven't blogged in a while so it's time for an update of what's going on in my wedding planning life.  I have been working on what seems to be the final touches of the guest list for the past few days.  I have about 98% of all the addresses.  (Thank you Danny for being so helpful!)  I had to constantly refer to proper wedding invitation etiquette guides; so that was actually a learning process.  I feel so informed now haha.  For those of you that will also be working on addressing invitations soon, here is a helpful link:

Invitation Etiquette

I had one other thing that made me think while I was gathering addresses; do you have to hand write out every person's address that you are inviting, or can you just print the address onto the envelope or just use a label?  I researched the question at hand and I saw numerous arguments for both approaches.  What are your thoughts?  I am very interested in your feedback.  What about the return address?  Can you use a label or print it out on the envelope or do you need to hand write it on each invitation envelope and every response card's envelope?  Such a thought provoking topic of wedding conversation, I know.  Let's settle down now and calm our brains haha.

I also worked on save-the-dates.  Now I am using two different styles of save-the-dates.  I am working on the usual order and mail out save-the-date.  It is super simple just white and black with a little design on it, similar to the invitations.  Then I'm sending out electronic save-the-dates too.  I know many people don't feel that is traditional, but like I've probably said before, neither is getting married at a ballpark.  It's not a formal wedding or wedding venue, so I feel you don't necessarily have to have a formal save-the-date.  For people that don't have e-mail, we will be sending out the hard copy save-the-dates; it's a balance I feel.

After working on the guest list and the save-the-dates, I decided to go ahead and download the template for the invitations we picked out.  I think I said in an earlier post that we decided to go with an invitation kit.  The kit is actually really cool because it has all the envelopes, the RSVP cards, the invites, and then you just go to the manufacturers website and download the template and just put all your information in and PRINT!  Hopefully all goes well when it comes time to print all those invites.  I worked on the wording and it just needs to be approved by both families. Then I even jumped the gun and started working on the programs!  Those are exactly like the invitations.  They come in a kit and it's the same thing you just go online and download the template and go to town with putting in whatever information you want and print like crazy.

Other things I have looked into are details for the reception, gifts for my bridesmaids (which I am very excited about), favor ideas (no solid decision yet just a few ideas here and there), looking for ceremony musicians (which I have found), figuring out the ceremony music (pretty much done), and booking an alternative location to take pictures in case of rain.  Our photographer, suggested that we book the Cuyahoga County Courthouse to take pictures indoors.  I am not very familiar with the building but last time Danny was in Cleveland we drove by it and it's beautiful on the outside.  I found some pictures of what it looks like on the inside too!





If we do have the opportunity to take pictures outside (fingers crossed it doesn't rain) we will go to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.  The gardens are very unique and gorgeous.  There are over 20 different gardens and each one represents a different world culture.  I have seen so many wedding photos from the gardens and even when I visit them I tend to see wedding parties there for pictures.  Here are a few of my favorites.








I guess next on the agenda will be addressing those envelopes and printing out those invitations.  I'm in no rush to start that now.  The invitations don't need to be sent out until June or July so I can take my time either hand writing out addresses or working on a system to print out envelopes or labels haha.

Outside of the wedding planning, Danny and I have been apartment hunting.  We found out future place and he will be moving in around April or May.  Then of course I'll move in in September.  Just one weekend of hunting was enough for both of us!  What an exhausting process.  Luckily it's over with!  I may post pictures of the apartment after Danny has moved and settled.  So keep a look out for those!

I feel like I haven't done very much, but thankfully I have a group of people that constantly reassure me that I am ahead of the game and I don't need to worry about falling behind in planning.  Thank you to those people. If you have any thoughts, ideas, or opinions you would like to share please do!


Photos courtesy of:
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/ohio/cleveland/courthouse/courthouse.html
http://allthingsclevelandohio.blogspot.com/2009/08/cuyahoga-county-courthouse-justice.html
http://www.metafilter.com/59540/Cuyahoga-County-Courthouse
http://cleveland.about.com/od/architectureandbuildings/ig/Cuyahoga-County-Courthouse/Courthouse---Lobby.htm
http://gocleveland.media.officelive.com/cleveland_websites.aspx
http://www.clevelandseniors.com/family/italian-gardens.htm
http://brentdurken.com/hungarian-cultural-garden/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theclevelandkid24/sets/72157623733194197/detail/
http://lightboxphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/cleveland-cultural-gardens.html
http://www.digitalphotoacademy.com/DpaObjects/viewObject/9017

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

To Be OR Not To Be (Traditional)?

I have recently been browsing the internet for photo ideas to give our photographer.  After looking at hundreds of photos I have caught myself falling in love with a variety of "First Look" photos.  For those of you who don't know what the "First Look" is I will tell you. Typically, what the "First Look" entails is the bride and groom decide to do photos before the ceremony usually due to time crunches in your wedding timeline.  The groom usually is pictured facing away from the bride with the bride behind him and then he turns around to see the bride and BOOM you have some beautiful and emotional photos of the bride and groom.

I like the idea of this because the pictures will look amazing and because you get a little time to talk as soon as you see each other and take in all the emotions that you are feeling plus you are get an intimate and private moment with your future spouse that only you two get to share.  This is something you don't usually get when you first see each other after walking down the isle and meeting at the altar (or in my case, home plate).  I know this is completely non-traditional and for many they think it will be bad luck because the bride and groom are seeing each other before the wedding.  I am very torn on this subject.  I would love to know what you all think.  If you did a "First Look" did you regret it at all?  If you didn't do one do you wish you did?

Here are some of the photos that have caught my eye.  This website has a great set of "First Look" photos as well. http://www.theweddingcentral.com/what-is-a-first-look-wedding-photography/











Photos courtesy of:

Sunday, January 22, 2012

What a Successful Weekend of Crossing Off the Wedding To-Do List!!

As I mentioned this weekend was filled with getting some major wedding planning out of the way.  Danny came home and we got all kinds of things booked up and organized for the wedding.  

The first stop on Saturday (of course after watching an awesome UK win against Alabama) was our rehearsal dinner location.  Sammy's used to be a restaurant located in The Flats area of downtown Cleveland.  Now they are exclusively a catering company with the ability to still use the restaurant for different events.  The room that we will have has a nice view of the Cuyahoga River (yes that is the river that caught fire...twice).  I feel like it's the perfect size and it is very cozy and intimate.  Danny and his family did a great job at selecting the location.  We went over the contract, put down a deposit, and talked about the menu and floor plan.  

 Pictures from the website
 One of the views 
The table settings with a look at the view in the background...lovely Cleveland scenery I know...if only it wasn't so grey here!

After our successful trip to Sammy's we headed over to the ballpark and met with our photographer and event coordinator.  Sadly, since we got about 4 inches of snow this Friday, the field was covered in snow and because they were deconstructing the Snow Days slides and ice rink, we were unable to get a tour of the field and dugout suites.  We stayed in the Terrace Club (the reception location) and went over a time line and menu for the day.  Our photographer was able to get an idea of the area and came up with a few ideas for photos.  I am really excited about some of the ideas he came up with. 

This is pretty much what the field looked like that day but it was covered in real snow and the ice rink was totally taken apart.  

The last time Danny and I were at the field with our coordinator I didn't really notice how nice the dinner location is.  I knew it had an awesome view of the field but it is nice because there is a lounge area for all of our guests and it is nicely lit.  We went over a few more details about the day and then we were done.  

Then it was off to one of the hotels nearby to get an idea of how they block out their rooms for weddings.  Unfortunately, we didn't really get that all figured out since the person in charge wasn't there BUT they did take the time to explain it to us a little bit.  Plus, we got an idea of what the hotel looked like, where everyone could park, etc.

After our busy day downtown we went over to Michael Symon's restaurant Lolita's for an early b-day dinner since Danny can't make it home next weekend.  We went over some ideas for favors for the guests and talked about other planning we need to get done.  It was difficult to talk about the wedding details though because our meal was DELICIOUS!  To all of my guests that will be coming from out of town and may be looking for a place to go to dinner that is about 5-10 minutes from downtown go to Lolita's you will not be let down!  

Now back to wedding planning details after my little commercial for another Food Network chef's restaurant...I think we are going to take a little break since so much is done.  All the vendors are booked except for the baker like I said in the last post.  I think we may start working on our invitations and the wording.  Danny has been appointed by me to look into blocking out hotel rooms, since I think he does a good job with talking to vendors and things like that.  Other than that I think I am just going to be looking all over Pinterest for inspiration for favors, centerpieces, and other details.  If you see any cute little things please let me know!!  And if you have any tips on decorating, photo ideas, selecting favors, blocking out rooms, or whatever please share!  

Photos courtesy of:

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

I Finally Stopped Being Lazy and Over Analyzing!!

Today I finally decided to drop off deposits for my florist and photographer!  Both are booked, contracts are signed, and ready to go!  I am so glad to get that out of the way.  I honestly don't know why I waited so long to do that but I kept thinking I would look at more vendors even though I knew that I chose the right ones for us.

This week is FILLED with wedding planning.  Besides getting two major vendors booked we are meeting with our wedding coordinator and photographer on Saturday to tour the field, set up a timeline for the big day, and to get any questions answered about the venue.  On top of that we are putting down the deposit for our rehearsal dinner location.  Danny has been on a roll this month in finding where the rehearsal dinner will be.  He looked at all kinds of places all while booking up our honeymoon!  After all that we are going to try and get some information on booking some hotel rooms for our out of town guests too!  It's crazy how much goes on during the weekends when Danny comes to Cleveland.

Our honeymoon is going to be in San Francisco/Inverness (Point Reyes)/Napa Valley, CA.  We are both super excited about it!  We are staying at a cute little cottage in Inverness.  Then we are going to drive over to San Fran a few days to check out the different sites and catch a Giants game!!  One of the things I am most excited for is going over to Napa to eat at Bottega which is Michael Chiarello's restaurant.  I am a Food Network/Travel Channel junkie and the fact that we are going to a Food Network chef's (who was on The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs) restaurant makes me soo happy!  The way we usually map out places to go and eat is based off which places we have seen on Food Network and Travel Channel.  We may even try to go to Citizen Cake which is Elizabeth Falkner's ice cream parlor/restaurant (since she was also on The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs)...I know I'm a total nerd.  I cannot wait for our trip thought it's going to be fun!

 Napa
 Point Reyes/ Inverness
San Fran
 Bottega
 Citizen Cake!!! I am dying to go there!  

The rest of the planning seems to be going well.  I am pretty sure we decided on a baker we are going to wait a few months before we book them up and sign a contract.  I love going on theknot.com and crossing off items on my checklist.  Apparently there are still 117 more things I need to do...CRAZY!  I feel like I can take a breather after this weekend because we have our major vendors booked up finally.  I can take the time to figure out the little details now like what kind of favors to give the guests.  The little details are going to be exciting to plan out because that's what will make the wedding feel more personal and fun.  I'll keep everyone updated on what happens Saturday especially if anything exciting happens!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Marking Off The To-Do List

Danny and I did so much wedding planning last week it seems.  We decided on our photographer, selected and ordered the tuxedos for all the men, picked out our invitations/programs, finalized the bridesmaid dress selection, and notified our florist that we are going to be working with them.  Tomorrow we are going to go to another baker and try some more cake!  I can't believe we have so much done.

We went with the bridesmaid dress from David's Bridal.


Then we decided on a tuxedo from Men's Warehouse.


Here are the invitations and programs.

Invitations
Programs

The photographer we went with is the one that has worked with Danny's family a few times.  I was very impressed with how in depth the meeting went and how enthusiastic he was about taking pictures for our big day.  We now have to decide on where we want the photos to be taken and what kind of pictures we would like to see.  I have found a few ideas that I really like.  To see more you can go to my pinterest of course!  http://pinterest.com/karabeth55/wedding-engagement-photo-ideas/
http://pinterest.com/karabeth55/wedding-inspiration/
http://pinterest.com/karabeth55/wedding-ideas-baseball-wedding/


Too cute!


I LOVE this ring picture!

I am really excited about all the ideas that are out there for this baseball wedding.  We do have to find a place around Cleveland that is indoors just in case of the rain so we can take some pictures.  Thankfully at the ballpark we have a back up place there in case of rain so that's taken care of.  Besides figuring that out I am pretty sure the wedding planning is going to slow down for a while.  We will meet with our coordinator from the ballpark next month to get a timeline for the day and tour the area with our photographer so he can get an idea of what the venue is like.  Maybe after this weekend we will even have our baker picked!  As always I'll keep everyone updated!

Photos courtesy of:
http://apaperproposal.com/2011-3-29a
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timelesssnapshots/6027459590/
http://pinterest.com/pin/38421403040687563/
http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/2010/11/1/real-wedding-marrying-on-home-plate-of-a-baseball-stadium.html
http://pinterest.com/pin/38421403040687561/
http://www.joeelariophotography.com/kate-alex-a-fenway-park-engagement-session/
http://alldressedinargyle.tumblr.com/page/20