I'm having a hard time thinking of what to write about this week. There is a reason, which I will now share.
I have several projects that I have either just finished or am working on this week (yay!). However, most of these people are family or friends or friends of friends, so I don't want to blog about their invitations before they're able to send them out. That just isn't right.
So even though I am so very excited to share what I've been working on, I have to wait. But I still have committed myself to consistently updating my blog, after listening to this Dani Johnson webinar. So I'll just blog about what I am doing right now.
Right now, I am printing out 120 programs for a very special wedding.
You see, my brother is getting married on Friday - the one I talked about in this blog post. He's the last of our three siblings to get married and I could not be more excited about it. My husband, my youngest brother, and I head down tomorrow right after work to make it in time for the Bachelor/Bachelorette parties that begin on Wednesday. On Thursday, we'll celebrate with just their closest friends and family at the rehearsal dinner. Then on Friday, they'll be married by my dad at The Mill at Fine Creek. My brother, Scott, will stand up as the best man. My husband is a groomsman and I'm a bridesmaid. My mom, as usual, will be a stunning mother-of-the-groom. We'll celebrate our third and final family wedding with good food, good company, and of course, dancing.
And then our family's wedding season is over. To be honest, I'm a little sad about this. But we've celebrated to the fullest. Each wedding has been wonderful and I have no doubt that this last one will be too. And now we move on to the season that my mother has been waiting for....babies!
To Jeff and Ashley!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Happy Birthday To My Man
In honor of my husband's birthday, I thought I'd take a look at our own wedding (a fabulous occasion if I do say so myself). But first, let's take it back a little...
Luke and I met in 2005. I walked into my Michigan History class at UofM-Dearborn and saw Luke across the room. I had seen him before at the church we both attended but didn't really know him at all. Therefore, I promptly sat as far away from him as possible. (If you do not know me well, I am the girl who will duck behind a rack of clothing in the mall to avoid seeing the person I only partially knew from my 9th grade math class/church/old job/wherever.)
After class, I did the only rational thing to do. I made up an excuse to go talk to the professor so I could avoid awkwardly running into Luke in the hall after class ("um...professor...when you said that Michigan is shaped like a mitten, what exactly did you mean...").
Luckily, my man is who he is.
As I was waiting to talk with the professor, Luke came over, sat down, and began talking with me. It was as if he actually liked making friends. Who was this guy?
This was the guy that I would be great friends with for four months before we decided we couldn't go on as friends because we liked each other too much.
This was the guy that I would date for over two and a half years before realizing that I could not possibly live without him.
This was the guy that I would walk down the aisle towards after three and a half years, knowing that I had never been more sure of anything in my life.
This was him. This was the guy. The guy I'd been waiting for.
So let's jump to August 1, 2009. After 11 months of planning, our wedding day had finally arrived. We were married at five in the evening in my parent's backyard. This had been my dream and my parents and brothers worked tirelessly to make it happen. I am still, to this day, so grateful.
We were married on the back patio. My dad married us, after walking me down the aisle. The guests filled in around our pool. We had a 200 person tent set up in the back of the yard, complete with a dance floor. It was perfect.
Then it was time to meet our guests back at the reception tent. The fun was just beginning.
The wedding party was introduced to "The Final Countdown". You can guess who picked that song. :)
We made our way to the head table where we were showered with love by Luke's brother, my maid-of-honor, and Luke's best friend. Out of all the things we kept talking about over and over on our honeymoon, the speeches came up the most. Each person put so much thought into what they said. It was one of my favorite parts of the day.
After we listened to speeches, ate, and attempted to greet all 190 of our guests, it was time to party.
I have several favorite things about this set of pictures.
#1 - The fact that apparently my husband and I can't get enough of bumping, whether it be chest or side.
#2 - My brother, Jeff, and his girlfriend (now soon-to-be wife), Ashley, dancing in the top right picture. Jeff transforms into the life of the party at weddings. It's just delightful.
#3 - My mother, in the second picture down on the right. That woman doesn't mess around on the dance floor.
#4 - The little switcharoo that was pulled towards the end of the night. The bottom picture on the left is my brother and I dancing, while our significant others danced behind us.
#5 - The guy in the green shirt in the bottom right? None other than the pastor who said a prayer over our meal. You've got to love that.
I remember our DJ coming up to me at the end of the night, wanting me to make the call. I had to decide when the last song was played. It was up to me to end our perfect day. Even though my feet were so tired that I could hardly lift them anymore, I still wasn't done dancing. I wasn't finished with having my best friends, many who lived out of town, right there with me. I wasn't ready for the day to be over.
But I did it. It had to be done. We finished out the night by dancing to none other than "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie. And we would have done just that if we could have.
The day surpassed every expectation I had of it. That didn't mean everything went perfectly. There were glitches. There were a few hiccups. But I was marrying my best friend and it was as great as everyone said it would be.
The best part is that it only got better from there.
Here's to my man. The one who felt compelled to come over and talk to me that day in Michigan History.
I cannot tell you how very thankful I am that he did. :)
Luke and I met in 2005. I walked into my Michigan History class at UofM-Dearborn and saw Luke across the room. I had seen him before at the church we both attended but didn't really know him at all. Therefore, I promptly sat as far away from him as possible. (If you do not know me well, I am the girl who will duck behind a rack of clothing in the mall to avoid seeing the person I only partially knew from my 9th grade math class/church/old job/wherever.)
After class, I did the only rational thing to do. I made up an excuse to go talk to the professor so I could avoid awkwardly running into Luke in the hall after class ("um...professor...when you said that Michigan is shaped like a mitten, what exactly did you mean...").
Luckily, my man is who he is.
As I was waiting to talk with the professor, Luke came over, sat down, and began talking with me. It was as if he actually liked making friends. Who was this guy?
This was the guy that I would be great friends with for four months before we decided we couldn't go on as friends because we liked each other too much.
This was the guy that I would date for over two and a half years before realizing that I could not possibly live without him.
This was the guy that I would walk down the aisle towards after three and a half years, knowing that I had never been more sure of anything in my life.
This was him. This was the guy. The guy I'd been waiting for.
So let's jump to August 1, 2009. After 11 months of planning, our wedding day had finally arrived. We were married at five in the evening in my parent's backyard. This had been my dream and my parents and brothers worked tirelessly to make it happen. I am still, to this day, so grateful.
We were married on the back patio. My dad married us, after walking me down the aisle. The guests filled in around our pool. We had a 200 person tent set up in the back of the yard, complete with a dance floor. It was perfect.
After we were pronounced man and wife, the entire wedding party headed to a nearby golf course to take some pictures.
Then it was time to meet our guests back at the reception tent. The fun was just beginning.
The wedding party was introduced to "The Final Countdown". You can guess who picked that song. :)
We made our way to the head table where we were showered with love by Luke's brother, my maid-of-honor, and Luke's best friend. Out of all the things we kept talking about over and over on our honeymoon, the speeches came up the most. Each person put so much thought into what they said. It was one of my favorite parts of the day.
After we listened to speeches, ate, and attempted to greet all 190 of our guests, it was time to party.
I have several favorite things about this set of pictures.
#1 - The fact that apparently my husband and I can't get enough of bumping, whether it be chest or side.
#2 - My brother, Jeff, and his girlfriend (now soon-to-be wife), Ashley, dancing in the top right picture. Jeff transforms into the life of the party at weddings. It's just delightful.
#3 - My mother, in the second picture down on the right. That woman doesn't mess around on the dance floor.
#4 - The little switcharoo that was pulled towards the end of the night. The bottom picture on the left is my brother and I dancing, while our significant others danced behind us.
#5 - The guy in the green shirt in the bottom right? None other than the pastor who said a prayer over our meal. You've got to love that.
I remember our DJ coming up to me at the end of the night, wanting me to make the call. I had to decide when the last song was played. It was up to me to end our perfect day. Even though my feet were so tired that I could hardly lift them anymore, I still wasn't done dancing. I wasn't finished with having my best friends, many who lived out of town, right there with me. I wasn't ready for the day to be over.
But I did it. It had to be done. We finished out the night by dancing to none other than "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie. And we would have done just that if we could have.
The day surpassed every expectation I had of it. That didn't mean everything went perfectly. There were glitches. There were a few hiccups. But I was marrying my best friend and it was as great as everyone said it would be.
The best part is that it only got better from there.
Here's to my man. The one who felt compelled to come over and talk to me that day in Michigan History.
I cannot tell you how very thankful I am that he did. :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
A year ago today...
A year ago today, I left my full time job to follow what I knew to be my true passion: teaching. Little did I know what a year it would end up being.
Anyone who lives in Michigan right now knows that getting a teaching job is not easy. Even so, I spent all of May taking the three classes I needed to make sure my certification was up to date (6 weeks/3 excellerated online courses = kill me now) and I was completely 100% ready to get a job in the fall.
Except....there were no jobs.
Well, to be fair, there were some jobs. But pair a social studies/history/psychology certification with no teaching experience and you have one super unattractive job candidate.
(Isn't it nice to just be honest with yourself every now and then?)
But I cannot even begin to tell you how assured I felt that I was right where I belonged. I just had that feeling. I remember leaving my job so unsure of what my future held, but being fully confident that I would look back one day and think "that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me". Even in the midst of uncertainty and complete lack of interviews during the summer, I still knew that I was exactly where I needed to be. Of course, there were times where my husband, my mother, and friends would have questioned if I really believed that, but those were the moments when I just needed someone to listen to my fears and insecurities and then remind me of what a good move it was. And they did.
That was my year. A lot of insecurities, fears, and uncertainties, but also a peaceful, calm feeling that told me that what I was going through would only get me to a better place.
It's a year later, and I'd say I'm in a better place.
I've learned more this year than I had in the previous three years combined...
I've learned that you have to be able to take risks.
I've learned that even when things are rough, you have to pick yourself up and move on.
I've learned that stepping out in faith and moving in the direction you know you're suppose to be moving in is a lot more satisfying than staying in a place where you feel safe.
I've learned a lot, but the thing that I am absolutely the most excited about is that another passion of mine came out in the last year. When I wasn't doing something that I didn't love 40 hours a week, I was surprised to find what I actually did love.
And if you're here on this blog, I think you can figure out what that is.
Looking back, it was a good year. Not easy. Scary. Lots of uncertainty. But totally worth it and really, really good. :)
Anyone who lives in Michigan right now knows that getting a teaching job is not easy. Even so, I spent all of May taking the three classes I needed to make sure my certification was up to date (6 weeks/3 excellerated online courses = kill me now) and I was completely 100% ready to get a job in the fall.
Except....there were no jobs.
Well, to be fair, there were some jobs. But pair a social studies/history/psychology certification with no teaching experience and you have one super unattractive job candidate.
(Isn't it nice to just be honest with yourself every now and then?)
But I cannot even begin to tell you how assured I felt that I was right where I belonged. I just had that feeling. I remember leaving my job so unsure of what my future held, but being fully confident that I would look back one day and think "that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me". Even in the midst of uncertainty and complete lack of interviews during the summer, I still knew that I was exactly where I needed to be. Of course, there were times where my husband, my mother, and friends would have questioned if I really believed that, but those were the moments when I just needed someone to listen to my fears and insecurities and then remind me of what a good move it was. And they did.
That was my year. A lot of insecurities, fears, and uncertainties, but also a peaceful, calm feeling that told me that what I was going through would only get me to a better place.
It's a year later, and I'd say I'm in a better place.
I've learned more this year than I had in the previous three years combined...
I've learned that you have to be able to take risks.
I've learned that even when things are rough, you have to pick yourself up and move on.
I've learned that stepping out in faith and moving in the direction you know you're suppose to be moving in is a lot more satisfying than staying in a place where you feel safe.
I've learned a lot, but the thing that I am absolutely the most excited about is that another passion of mine came out in the last year. When I wasn't doing something that I didn't love 40 hours a week, I was surprised to find what I actually did love.
And if you're here on this blog, I think you can figure out what that is.
Looking back, it was a good year. Not easy. Scary. Lots of uncertainty. But totally worth it and really, really good. :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Flower Girl
I love weddings.
As I've grown and moved past the time in my life when I planned my own wedding, I've wondered why I still hold this great love for all things wedding.
I started thinking about my own history in weddings. I've played different roles over the years. I've been a punch server (a running joke in college because of my mother's "try-outs" for her own punch server), a bridesmaid, an honorary bridesmaid, and a piano player (dreadful). But when I think about my time spent in weddings, I often forget where it all started. Today I stumbled upon a collage frame of this blessed event and it brought me so much joy that I had to share it here.
I present to you me, as a flower girl in my Uncle Tim's wedding (circa 1988...maybe?) :
I don't know if I only remember this day from pictures or if I really remember it, but it went down as one of my favorite days as a child. I loved everything about it. I loved that I got to dress up in what I thought was the best dress ever. I loved getting to carry my little basket of flowers down the aisle. I loved how my hair was done and I loved the flowers in my hair. And of course, I thought that my uncle and aunt were the best looking bride and groom I'd ever seen.
(I must insert here that it wasn't until much later in my life that I looked back at pictures from this wedding and realized that my Aunt Sheryl sported a dress with puffy sleeves and a butt bow. Classic 80s.)
It's been twenty-some years since the wedding and I still remember those emotions. How much more will I remember exactly how I felt at my own wedding? Isn't that reason enough to make sure that it really is the most fabulous day?
Yes.
I loved the wedding. I love the memories. Thanks for giving them to me, Uncle Tim and Aunt Sheryl.
As I've grown and moved past the time in my life when I planned my own wedding, I've wondered why I still hold this great love for all things wedding.
I started thinking about my own history in weddings. I've played different roles over the years. I've been a punch server (a running joke in college because of my mother's "try-outs" for her own punch server), a bridesmaid, an honorary bridesmaid, and a piano player (dreadful). But when I think about my time spent in weddings, I often forget where it all started. Today I stumbled upon a collage frame of this blessed event and it brought me so much joy that I had to share it here.
I present to you me, as a flower girl in my Uncle Tim's wedding (circa 1988...maybe?) :
I don't know if I only remember this day from pictures or if I really remember it, but it went down as one of my favorite days as a child. I loved everything about it. I loved that I got to dress up in what I thought was the best dress ever. I loved getting to carry my little basket of flowers down the aisle. I loved how my hair was done and I loved the flowers in my hair. And of course, I thought that my uncle and aunt were the best looking bride and groom I'd ever seen.
(I must insert here that it wasn't until much later in my life that I looked back at pictures from this wedding and realized that my Aunt Sheryl sported a dress with puffy sleeves and a butt bow. Classic 80s.)
It's been twenty-some years since the wedding and I still remember those emotions. How much more will I remember exactly how I felt at my own wedding? Isn't that reason enough to make sure that it really is the most fabulous day?
Yes.
I loved the wedding. I love the memories. Thanks for giving them to me, Uncle Tim and Aunt Sheryl.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
2011 Wedding Trends
I spend a considerable amount of time checking on the latest trends in weddings. I'd like to offer my brides suggestions that are current and inspiring, not outdated and lame. The other day I spent about 3 solid hours looking at photos on The Knot. I am not ashamed. It was awesome.
So I figured I'd put all of that hard work to good use and let you all in on some of my personal favorite trends of 2011. They are all great. I love them and I think you should too.
Trend #1
Brights
(If you know me, you know how very much I loved putting this wonderfully colored palette together.)
1. If you choose to have kids at your wedding, this cute little favor is perfect for keeping them occupied. And it's presented in a way that's so not kiddish.
2. This is just the best thing ever. If I were getting married tomorrow (and enjoyed playing pool), this would be seen at my reception.
3. A pretty way to display your seating chart. And I'm partial to outdoor weddings so it makes me happy.
4. Please, someone call me up and have me make these for you right now. Simply amazing.
5. So simple and modern. And I think lime green is my favorite. color. ever.
6. I am giddy just looking at this picture. How great is it?! So great. That is the only acceptable answer.
7. I'm in love with this type of font and extra in love with the fact that I can download so many like it for free. If you know how expensive fonts can be, you will appreciate that.
8. Oh, how I love orange. These programs are adorable and double as fans for your guest for those hot summer weddings.
And one more that was so awesome that it needed a space of its own.
Amen, and amen. We're all done here.
Trend #2
Grey
I love that I'm about to say this next statement as if I am an authority on wedding trends.
Grey is the new brown.
Take it in. Accept it as truth.
Trend #3
Modern with a vintage twist
1. Add a little vintage twist to your tables with these super cute table numbers. You could use vintage postcards from places that are significant to you and your honey.
2. Bravo to whoever came up with this idea. It's so light and airy and is perfect for a spring wedding. You could either hand these out as favors for guests (vintage napkins tucked inside) or have guests write a wedding wish for you and your new hubby and leave it inside one of these vintage envelopes.
3. I'm not going to lie. I have no clue what this is, but I love it.
4. Super cute place cards. This would be a great DIY project.
5. Adorable little vintage flowers. You could line a walkway with these for a garden wedding. Or line your aisle with them. Oh...I like that idea even more.
Trend #4
Yellow
How can I mention wedding trends without mentioning that yellow is IN this year. I'm seeing it a lot in invitations. Here's just one pretty little picture from a happy, yellow wedding.
I have nothing more to say. Happy Wedding Season!
So I figured I'd put all of that hard work to good use and let you all in on some of my personal favorite trends of 2011. They are all great. I love them and I think you should too.
Trend #1
Brights
(If you know me, you know how very much I loved putting this wonderfully colored palette together.)
1. If you choose to have kids at your wedding, this cute little favor is perfect for keeping them occupied. And it's presented in a way that's so not kiddish.
2. This is just the best thing ever. If I were getting married tomorrow (and enjoyed playing pool), this would be seen at my reception.
3. A pretty way to display your seating chart. And I'm partial to outdoor weddings so it makes me happy.
4. Please, someone call me up and have me make these for you right now. Simply amazing.
5. So simple and modern. And I think lime green is my favorite. color. ever.
6. I am giddy just looking at this picture. How great is it?! So great. That is the only acceptable answer.
7. I'm in love with this type of font and extra in love with the fact that I can download so many like it for free. If you know how expensive fonts can be, you will appreciate that.
8. Oh, how I love orange. These programs are adorable and double as fans for your guest for those hot summer weddings.
And one more that was so awesome that it needed a space of its own.
Amen, and amen. We're all done here.
Trend #2
Grey
I love that I'm about to say this next statement as if I am an authority on wedding trends.
Grey is the new brown.
Take it in. Accept it as truth.
A few combinations to try:
1. Grey/Purple. Not only are these colors adorable, the letters are adorable. Also, I need to immediately make a cake just like the one in the picture. The problem is that mine would inevitably fall apart and even though it would look like a completely hot piece of mess, I would still serve it because it was a Paula Deen and I knew it would taste good. Yes, this has happened to me on multiple occasions and it's a good reason why you shouldn't ever ask me to make your wedding cake.
2. Grey/Green-ish. I love the simplicity of this menu card, as well as the fork/knife/spoon artwork at the top.
3. Grey/Pink. This color combo is just so pretty. And though I am in no way the least bit scientific, I think this is a super cool idea for table numbers.
Modern with a vintage twist
1. Add a little vintage twist to your tables with these super cute table numbers. You could use vintage postcards from places that are significant to you and your honey.
2. Bravo to whoever came up with this idea. It's so light and airy and is perfect for a spring wedding. You could either hand these out as favors for guests (vintage napkins tucked inside) or have guests write a wedding wish for you and your new hubby and leave it inside one of these vintage envelopes.
3. I'm not going to lie. I have no clue what this is, but I love it.
4. Super cute place cards. This would be a great DIY project.
5. Adorable little vintage flowers. You could line a walkway with these for a garden wedding. Or line your aisle with them. Oh...I like that idea even more.
Trend #4
Yellow
How can I mention wedding trends without mentioning that yellow is IN this year. I'm seeing it a lot in invitations. Here's just one pretty little picture from a happy, yellow wedding.
OK, let's do another. Even though only one of these is yellow, let's just add it in here. I think this idea is so cool. SO cool. I love it a lot. It makes me want to make a project out of it and hang these in my entryway, because it's really not only on your wedding day that you should remember all of the awesome things about your significant other, right? Right.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Virginia is for Lovers.
My brothers have scored big when it comes to their significant others.
I mean, seriously. They're great guys, but the girls they have ended up with have surpassed my expectations. When I am around them, I'm constantly grateful for how much I genuinely enjoy time with them, how fun they are, and how wonderfully they complement my brothers. They are both excellent additions to our family.
These women also have great style. Thus the reason for this post.
My brother Jeff is about to get married to his girlfriend of five years, Ashley. They're getting married in Virginia at a beautiful old mill on a creek over Memorial Day weekend. Their colors are pink and green - perfect for a Virginia wedding in May (yes, I am an expert on Virginia weddings and their colors).
So when my sister-in-law, Heather, and I came together to plan Ashley's wedding shower, we naturally decided to go along with the color scheme for the wedding. Starting with the invitation, of course.
The front:
(Aren't they so cute?!)
And the back:
I mean, seriously. They're great guys, but the girls they have ended up with have surpassed my expectations. When I am around them, I'm constantly grateful for how much I genuinely enjoy time with them, how fun they are, and how wonderfully they complement my brothers. They are both excellent additions to our family.
These women also have great style. Thus the reason for this post.
My brother Jeff is about to get married to his girlfriend of five years, Ashley. They're getting married in Virginia at a beautiful old mill on a creek over Memorial Day weekend. Their colors are pink and green - perfect for a Virginia wedding in May (yes, I am an expert on Virginia weddings and their colors).
So when my sister-in-law, Heather, and I came together to plan Ashley's wedding shower, we naturally decided to go along with the color scheme for the wedding. Starting with the invitation, of course.
The front:
(Aren't they so cute?!)
And the back:
Another simple invitation. I didn't feel like the paisley card stock needed anything more than a picture and a ribbon to dress it up ever so slightly. And the pink and green provided the perfect color palette for the invitation.
I love it. I love my brother. I love my future sister-in-law. And I cannot (cannot!) wait for May. :)
Monday, March 21, 2011
WEBSITE!!!
It's here. It's here! It's HERE!!!
I am ever-so-excited to announce my brand new website, Vivian Elle Invitations!
(Lots of loud cheering and celebration inserted here.)
Not only did I get a new website this week, but my little blog got a makeover too. So, it's been a pretty good week for Vivian Elle Invitations, I'd say.
I have to give credit to the wonderful and fabulous designer that took on Vivian Elle Invitations as a project - Danielle Moss//Graphic Design and Photography. She designed the site, I love it, and I all but asked her to be my best friend in the process. Seriously, if you are ever in need of a "blog site" or even just a really cool personal blog, go visit her. She'll hook you up. (Also, while you're visiting her website, check out how many times she featured my site. She kept saying how much she liked it, but I thought she just said that to all of her customers!)
So, please. Take a look around Vivian Elle Invitations. I can really take no credit for it (except for telling Danielle a few things I liked/didn't like when we first started) but I am 100% completely satisfied with the result.
Now on to marketing this thing (I'm on it!) and posting more invitations I've been working on. Vivian Elle Invitations is officially in business!
I am ever-so-excited to announce my brand new website, Vivian Elle Invitations!
(Lots of loud cheering and celebration inserted here.)
Not only did I get a new website this week, but my little blog got a makeover too. So, it's been a pretty good week for Vivian Elle Invitations, I'd say.
I have to give credit to the wonderful and fabulous designer that took on Vivian Elle Invitations as a project - Danielle Moss//Graphic Design and Photography. She designed the site, I love it, and I all but asked her to be my best friend in the process. Seriously, if you are ever in need of a "blog site" or even just a really cool personal blog, go visit her. She'll hook you up. (Also, while you're visiting her website, check out how many times she featured my site. She kept saying how much she liked it, but I thought she just said that to all of her customers!)
So, please. Take a look around Vivian Elle Invitations. I can really take no credit for it (except for telling Danielle a few things I liked/didn't like when we first started) but I am 100% completely satisfied with the result.
Now on to marketing this thing (I'm on it!) and posting more invitations I've been working on. Vivian Elle Invitations is officially in business!
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