These photos were accumulated from Stephanie (my beautiful Bridesmaid) and our Best Man's girlfriend Erika. Our pro pictures should be here tomorrow or Saturday and that is super exciting!
Click here!
Also, today I sent in my paperwork to get my new Social Security card. Once I get that, I'll go to the DMV and change my name there, and then all the other stuff like the bank, credit cards, etc.
Life is crazy, work is busy, the cat is lazy- but I couldn't be happier.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
We're Married!
We did it. It was amazing. The day was perfect- we had such a beautiful wedding, surrounded by all of our wonderful friends.
I heard people crying as I said my vows, and will have to check and see which parent cracked first. I was good until I told Dean I was 'honored to become his Wife'. I was just overwhelmed with emotion. I didn't cry nearly as much as I had anticipated until Dean's Dad gave his speech and I was all waterworks. Saying the word "Husband" still feels really weird as it comes out of my mouth, but it's so great. In an effort to avoid any of the "How is married life" questions, I'll answer this as simply as I can-
Married life in unto itself is quite literally the same as things were before. Our lives haven't changed, but what we are to each other has. Things are much deeper for us and as we had written in our ceremony: "Jen and Dean, you were once told by a stranger who had seen you holding hands to ‘Hold tight and never let go’. Today, as you make your promises to each other remember this motto that has existed throughout your relationship and carry it over to your marriage. No matter what happens in life, remember that no ceremony can create your marriage, only you can do that through love and patience; dedication and perseverance; talking and listening, tenderness and laughter; by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest."
Over the span of our relationship I have learned a lot of lessons on what it really means to be a good friend, a good daughter, and a good girlfriend. After the wedding, I am taking all of that with me as I strive to be the wife that Dean needs and deserves.
So, how is married life you ask?
Exactly as it should be.
I heard people crying as I said my vows, and will have to check and see which parent cracked first. I was good until I told Dean I was 'honored to become his Wife'. I was just overwhelmed with emotion. I didn't cry nearly as much as I had anticipated until Dean's Dad gave his speech and I was all waterworks. Saying the word "Husband" still feels really weird as it comes out of my mouth, but it's so great. In an effort to avoid any of the "How is married life" questions, I'll answer this as simply as I can-
Married life in unto itself is quite literally the same as things were before. Our lives haven't changed, but what we are to each other has. Things are much deeper for us and as we had written in our ceremony: "Jen and Dean, you were once told by a stranger who had seen you holding hands to ‘Hold tight and never let go’. Today, as you make your promises to each other remember this motto that has existed throughout your relationship and carry it over to your marriage. No matter what happens in life, remember that no ceremony can create your marriage, only you can do that through love and patience; dedication and perseverance; talking and listening, tenderness and laughter; by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest."
Over the span of our relationship I have learned a lot of lessons on what it really means to be a good friend, a good daughter, and a good girlfriend. After the wedding, I am taking all of that with me as I strive to be the wife that Dean needs and deserves.
So, how is married life you ask?
Exactly as it should be.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Final Countdown....5 Days
It has been a roller coaster of a ride in the past few days... On Saturday when I got my hair done (and was at the salon for way too long!) I had a mini-panic attack. My hair in between the blonde streaks that I have in my hair, turned orange. When I saw myself photographed, my hair looked orange. Now I'm not talking a soft tone of warmth. I'm talking Vitamin C, amber, burnt orange. Hayley from Paramore might be able to rock that hair but sorry no, not me. The only time my hair has been that orange has been when I have been trying to get red out of my hair. I have an unbelievable disdain for that color. Luckily, we weaved back in another color so my hair looks great now!
This week is insane. Last minute things to do, but really things are done, and in spite of a few OMG-WHAT-IS-HAPPENING-WHY-IS-EVERYTHING-GOING-WRONG moments I'm feeling fantastic about everything. I made our reserved seating cards for our few handicapped family members (they require an end seat), Mom has been working on the head table runner, today my dress is being taken to get steamed, I finished the playlist last night- and then quickly deleted it on accident. /Sigh at self. However, I now at least know all of the tracks I want to use, it's just a matter of them being in the playlist in the order that I want them. SUPER frustrating, but it's all worth it.
On the agenda this week-
Tonight: Dad's birthday dinner at 9:30 Sushi and my Make up trial
Tomorrow: Picking up Graham from the Airport, my last day of work
Thursday: Going out with everyone
Friday: Spa day with my Mom, then dinner/wine at Sparks downtown (OMNOMNOM), Picking up dress from cleaners
Saturday: Go to salon for pre-wedding hair wash (my hair will need to be semi-dirty to cooperate). Rehearsal Breakfast, Erin stays with Dean and I
Sunday: Wedding
This may not sound horribly busy to anyone else, but it's pretty daunting to me. I also have a list of things I want to accomplish tonight/tomorrow- dishes, pack things for our Honeymoon, more laundry, etc. Everything is in place, all that's left to really do are the things I mentioned above and just getting married. I cant wait for everyone to see the tables and how hard we worked on everything. I cant wait to be married, and I absolutely cannot wait to show Dean the island of Moorea. We're going to have so much fun.
This post has gotten a little garbled in its point but that's just how my brain works these days...
This week is insane. Last minute things to do, but really things are done, and in spite of a few OMG-WHAT-IS-HAPPENING-WHY-IS-EVERYTHING-GOING-WRONG moments I'm feeling fantastic about everything. I made our reserved seating cards for our few handicapped family members (they require an end seat), Mom has been working on the head table runner, today my dress is being taken to get steamed, I finished the playlist last night- and then quickly deleted it on accident. /Sigh at self. However, I now at least know all of the tracks I want to use, it's just a matter of them being in the playlist in the order that I want them. SUPER frustrating, but it's all worth it.
On the agenda this week-
Tonight: Dad's birthday dinner at 9:30 Sushi and my Make up trial
Tomorrow: Picking up Graham from the Airport, my last day of work
Thursday: Going out with everyone
Friday: Spa day with my Mom, then dinner/wine at Sparks downtown (OMNOMNOM), Picking up dress from cleaners
Saturday: Go to salon for pre-wedding hair wash (my hair will need to be semi-dirty to cooperate). Rehearsal Breakfast, Erin stays with Dean and I
Sunday: Wedding
This may not sound horribly busy to anyone else, but it's pretty daunting to me. I also have a list of things I want to accomplish tonight/tomorrow- dishes, pack things for our Honeymoon, more laundry, etc. Everything is in place, all that's left to really do are the things I mentioned above and just getting married. I cant wait for everyone to see the tables and how hard we worked on everything. I cant wait to be married, and I absolutely cannot wait to show Dean the island of Moorea. We're going to have so much fun.
This post has gotten a little garbled in its point but that's just how my brain works these days...
Friday, October 22, 2010
DIY Black Lace Cupcake Tower
First things first- As a completely unrelated side note, all of you brides that do cupcakes for your wedding and make them yourself, Kudos to you. My Mother and I have both realized that while we are good at baking treats, we FAIL at icing them. I ended up with frosting on my jeans, in my hair....and not very pretty cupcakes. Our cupcake icing was amateur at best and I'm convinced pastry bags with icing are the devil. I think we are going to end up making desserts like brownies, and cookies (which is actually an East Coast tradition). Oh well.
If you are interested in doing this project I made some instructions. This could be cool for people throwing a Halloween party or etc.
What you will need for this project-
1) Two Yards of Black Lace
2) Glue
3) Black Acrylic paint
4) Black Spray paint (optional)
5) Something to cut a pattern from (we used an old pillow case)
6)Sharpie (or fabric pen)
6) One cardboard cupcake tower
7)Scissors
My mom and I DIY'd this cupcake stand using a cardboard tree and since our reception is Horror themed, I wanted to do something very Edgar Allen Poe, romantic, and we thought black lace would be perfect.
I opted to paint the parts where the cupcakes would sit with Acrylic paint because it carries less odor than the Spray paint. I did however spray paint the outer parts that separate the tiers, since cupcakes wont be sitting directly on those. I didn't get pictures of this part of the process (sorry!!) but I think you can use your imagination.
Each tier of the cupcake tower has a different sized circle. We placed the largest circle on top of our white pillow case and drew a circle around it. We then cut just outside the circle to have a small overhang. Make sure to check that your circle has your desired length of overhang by placing your pattern over the cardboard circle that you are working on, and once it is the correct length, put your pattern on the lace and cut to your desired size.
Once your lace is cut, use your glue (I used a glue stick) and put it around the border of your cardboard and apply lace. To ensure that the glue adheres to the lace, use a square of paper or fabric to push along the edges. You could use your finger, but I dont want you to glue yourself to your project. I went this route, and it was quite messy. Repeat this process until your tiers are covered.
Sorry my camera was acting kinda wonky but this gives you the idea. Ignore the rose petals and lanterns in the pic we were playing. This is NOT the set up for the actual cake table, but this was fun to do.
If you are interested in doing this project I made some instructions. This could be cool for people throwing a Halloween party or etc.
What you will need for this project-
1) Two Yards of Black Lace
2) Glue
3) Black Acrylic paint
4) Black Spray paint (optional)
5) Something to cut a pattern from (we used an old pillow case)
6)Sharpie (or fabric pen)
6) One cardboard cupcake tower
7)Scissors
My mom and I DIY'd this cupcake stand using a cardboard tree and since our reception is Horror themed, I wanted to do something very Edgar Allen Poe, romantic, and we thought black lace would be perfect.
I opted to paint the parts where the cupcakes would sit with Acrylic paint because it carries less odor than the Spray paint. I did however spray paint the outer parts that separate the tiers, since cupcakes wont be sitting directly on those. I didn't get pictures of this part of the process (sorry!!) but I think you can use your imagination.
Each tier of the cupcake tower has a different sized circle. We placed the largest circle on top of our white pillow case and drew a circle around it. We then cut just outside the circle to have a small overhang. Make sure to check that your circle has your desired length of overhang by placing your pattern over the cardboard circle that you are working on, and once it is the correct length, put your pattern on the lace and cut to your desired size.
Once your lace is cut, use your glue (I used a glue stick) and put it around the border of your cardboard and apply lace. To ensure that the glue adheres to the lace, use a square of paper or fabric to push along the edges. You could use your finger, but I dont want you to glue yourself to your project. I went this route, and it was quite messy. Repeat this process until your tiers are covered.
Sorry my camera was acting kinda wonky but this gives you the idea. Ignore the rose petals and lanterns in the pic we were playing. This is NOT the set up for the actual cake table, but this was fun to do.
Long time no post
Things have been insanely busy for us!
Last weekend Mom and I ran around like crazy women. We went to Old World and solidified all the details for the reception, including talking about our set up and making sure there were enough chairs and etc set up. I tested the sound system while there and I put on The Decemberists "Engine Driver", and I damned near cried. I had that all consuming moment of 'it's all happening'.
After that, we ran a couple errands looking for some red votive candles that are unscented. Apparently I am the only person who wants UNSCENTED RED CANDLES. We were at Bella Terra and there were plenty of red ones but all cinnamon scented or apple...holiday candles. Sorry, but I dont want my wedding to smell like cinnamon (particularly because I find that scent nauseating unless it's being cooked in something. We also took care of the catering which is a huge relief.
I'm being ridiculously organized and have an itinerary made for the wedding day and set up instructions for all parts of the wedding. Does that make me anal? Maybe. But this way my Dad knows how to set up and he can oversee it all and I wont be asked inane questions. My goal is to keep myself as relaxed as possible.
I also found my wedding jewelry, and my gifts for my Bridesmaids. I'm wearing pearls for jewelry, and that's all I'm giving up ;).
Today Dean and I got our Guest book, which is adorable. It was being held at customs and it was a big stress for me to think of having to possible get another one last minute! Things are working out and I'll be making a post tomorrow or Sunday with all the final things that I have DIY'd- i.e. the boutenieers, the table runner for head table, and some final pictures of reception decor.
The wedding is 16 days away. I'm elated, but oh so ready.
Please note: I have also initiated this with my bridesmaids/family- if ANYONE asks me 'Are you EXCITED' in that girly sing song voice from here on in, I will rage at you. This also counts for 'you're getting maaaaaarrrrrrieeeeeeeeeeed'. Let's not do that. I'm aware I'm getting married, I have been planning it for 9 months. Yes, I am excited and nervous and I do not need you to exacerbate my anxiety by asking me these sorts of questions. /end rant
I've written my vows- apparently Dean has his too. And in 16 days I will be married to the love of my life.
Last weekend Mom and I ran around like crazy women. We went to Old World and solidified all the details for the reception, including talking about our set up and making sure there were enough chairs and etc set up. I tested the sound system while there and I put on The Decemberists "Engine Driver", and I damned near cried. I had that all consuming moment of 'it's all happening'.
After that, we ran a couple errands looking for some red votive candles that are unscented. Apparently I am the only person who wants UNSCENTED RED CANDLES. We were at Bella Terra and there were plenty of red ones but all cinnamon scented or apple...holiday candles. Sorry, but I dont want my wedding to smell like cinnamon (particularly because I find that scent nauseating unless it's being cooked in something. We also took care of the catering which is a huge relief.
I'm being ridiculously organized and have an itinerary made for the wedding day and set up instructions for all parts of the wedding. Does that make me anal? Maybe. But this way my Dad knows how to set up and he can oversee it all and I wont be asked inane questions. My goal is to keep myself as relaxed as possible.
I also found my wedding jewelry, and my gifts for my Bridesmaids. I'm wearing pearls for jewelry, and that's all I'm giving up ;).
Today Dean and I got our Guest book, which is adorable. It was being held at customs and it was a big stress for me to think of having to possible get another one last minute! Things are working out and I'll be making a post tomorrow or Sunday with all the final things that I have DIY'd- i.e. the boutenieers, the table runner for head table, and some final pictures of reception decor.
The wedding is 16 days away. I'm elated, but oh so ready.
Please note: I have also initiated this with my bridesmaids/family- if ANYONE asks me 'Are you EXCITED' in that girly sing song voice from here on in, I will rage at you. This also counts for 'you're getting maaaaaarrrrrrieeeeeeeeeeed'. Let's not do that. I'm aware I'm getting married, I have been planning it for 9 months. Yes, I am excited and nervous and I do not need you to exacerbate my anxiety by asking me these sorts of questions. /end rant
I've written my vows- apparently Dean has his too. And in 16 days I will be married to the love of my life.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Trooper
Dean was such a trooper this weekend- I'm really lucky to have him.
On Saturday, we weren't feeling very well and he embarked on a shopping excursion with my Mom, Dad, and myself. He tried on quite a few suits and shirts (to my great amusement) and finally he landed on getting an English Laundry suit.
The only difference is that Dean's suit is black, and he'll be wearing an Ivory shirt and black tie. My Dad also picked out a very nice Perry Ellis suit (with the help of our own personal Macy's shopper Ken) and a beautiful shirt/tie that will be stunning for sure. I also bought myself a pair of jeans because of my...unfortunate ripping accident that I will not go into any more detail about! (Nothing scandalous, just totally embarrassing). Thank goodness for our personal shopper also helping Mom find her outfit. She got a fantastic blouse/skirt that I can tell she felt gorgeous in. She tried on a fantastic skirt/shirt combination but it was just too formal for our wedding. She said it made her feel like Meryl Streep!
Yesterday we went to Huntington Beach Central Park for our engagement photos (finally, after almost 8 months of being engaged). We are not very photogenic, and my hair was blowing around WILDLY near the lake but we should have at least a few good pictures. I just hope that our personalities came out on film. I managed to stay away from the evil, evil geese at the park and we even saw two horses! Though, there were some typical Huntington Beach characters in the park that were there while we were taking pictures. One guy was fishing on the small dock by where Alice's cafe used to be and said that there were 'small carp' in the lake and he accidentally ripped one's eye out. How romantic. The second was actually a group of teenage boys who were imitating the geese and although it was funny at first, it started getting kind of weird towards the end of it.
I also bought the groomsmen's ties, as well as Dean's and I will be buying my bone socks today as well.
I cant wait to see the pictures that Kevin took, and all in all it was a really productive weekend!
On Saturday, we weren't feeling very well and he embarked on a shopping excursion with my Mom, Dad, and myself. He tried on quite a few suits and shirts (to my great amusement) and finally he landed on getting an English Laundry suit.
The only difference is that Dean's suit is black, and he'll be wearing an Ivory shirt and black tie. My Dad also picked out a very nice Perry Ellis suit (with the help of our own personal Macy's shopper Ken) and a beautiful shirt/tie that will be stunning for sure. I also bought myself a pair of jeans because of my...unfortunate ripping accident that I will not go into any more detail about! (Nothing scandalous, just totally embarrassing). Thank goodness for our personal shopper also helping Mom find her outfit. She got a fantastic blouse/skirt that I can tell she felt gorgeous in. She tried on a fantastic skirt/shirt combination but it was just too formal for our wedding. She said it made her feel like Meryl Streep!
Yesterday we went to Huntington Beach Central Park for our engagement photos (finally, after almost 8 months of being engaged). We are not very photogenic, and my hair was blowing around WILDLY near the lake but we should have at least a few good pictures. I just hope that our personalities came out on film. I managed to stay away from the evil, evil geese at the park and we even saw two horses! Though, there were some typical Huntington Beach characters in the park that were there while we were taking pictures. One guy was fishing on the small dock by where Alice's cafe used to be and said that there were 'small carp' in the lake and he accidentally ripped one's eye out. How romantic. The second was actually a group of teenage boys who were imitating the geese and although it was funny at first, it started getting kind of weird towards the end of it.
I also bought the groomsmen's ties, as well as Dean's and I will be buying my bone socks today as well.
I cant wait to see the pictures that Kevin took, and all in all it was a really productive weekend!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Guest Book Purchased
I ordered our Guest book. This lovely lady on Etsy is making it for us. It will look like this one: 
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