Vendor Reviews

My DH and I were married on July 24, 2010. The day went smoothly and I give almost all the credit to these wonderful vendors. ;) It was also one hot day and an outside wedding....I think I lost 10lbs that weekend.

Victorian Villa Inn...A
We had our wedding here, rehearsal dinner and stayed the whole weekend. It is truly a wonderful place. It is off of Lake Wylie and it has a victorian style setting. The staff is absolutely amazing. The wedding coordinator helped me with everything (I had never met with her before the weekend). She also had water at my service every time I blinked. I probably would have passed out if she hadn't done this, it was just that hot. The kitchen staff set up my candy buffet, my reserved signs, extra pictures I received last minute,...all those little details you are wondering if anyone actually listened to you the day before on what those were for. The cake, centerpieces, dj, glassware, tables, linen, lighting, chairs, EVERYTHING is included. Except alcohol and that saved me a bunch. If you want to know more, just send me an email at jaguter@live.com. The only reason I gave them an A, was because I didn't agree with the DJ. But I think that can be fixed and/or just hire your own separate DJ for that place. I won't explain here because the inn is awesome.

Suaraz Bakery...A+
This wonderful bakery gave me an amazing cake. Plus my ring bearer and flower girl are allergic to egg, so they sent two decorated doughnuts for these too. Awesome. The cake alternated layers of vanilla pound and strawberry chiffon. Yummy.

Dana Arndt Photography...A+
This girl is amazing. She stayed out of the way and took a ton of pictures. She also did our engagement pictures. She is real easy to work with and timely on everything. She didn't demand a whole lot and did everything my needy family asked without complaint. I have seen a lot of photographers at other weddings who seem to demand a lot of time or special pictures of the bride and groom. She didn't do any of this and I loved working with her. She and her sister photographed our wedding. My package included engagement photos, 6 hours wedding coverage with 2 photographers, all digital prints at 4x6 size (engagement and wedding)... for $1850. I am sure there might be better deals, but I just love her work! You can also purchase a cd of all your wedding photos for a low price. She is out of Charlotte.
http://www.danaarndtphotography.com

Harris Teeter, Morocroft/Southpark in Charlotte... Florist, A++
There is professional designer named Michael. I ordered calla lillies and white roses and he designed the rest. He listened to everything I wanted (I had a slight problem with other florists) and gave me a low price of just over $700, including delivery, tax, etc. Keep in mind, I needed bouquets, bouts, flower girl basket and petals, and that was it. I didn't need centerpieces because of all the decorations the inn provides. I also received two peace lillies on accident that wasn't originally in my order. I think I just got lucky there.

Diamonds Direct...A+
We bought our wedding bands here. These salesmen seem to know their stuff and they don't hassle you. I didn't feel like I was being pushed into buying a ring here. Plus they have every kind of warranty and insurance you can imagine.

JMajors...A
We purchased our bridesmaid dresses here. They are wonderful and very helpful. The dresses were ordered and arrived 2 months earlier then projected. We had no problems and they also called me with updates on who had paid, and who still needed to order by the deadline.

Wedding Mall...B+
I purchased my wedding dress here. I give them a B+ because the owner is rude and drove me nuts. However the lady who helped me was wonderful and told me my dress would be on sale the next weekend. I received it for 60% because of her. They do require you to pay $20 to look at dresses, but however they didn't require me to do so. Haha, they said something about my personality and how they thought we were serious customers. It was just me and my mom, and it was our first time looking at dresses!!

Men's Wearhouse...A
We didn't have any problems with them, but I have heard horror stories. My DH also called them a few times to check up on things and to double check orders. That probably helped. We ordered the gray suits and it was around $160 rental.


I believe this is all my vendor reviews. Like I said, the Victorian Villa Inn does most of the hiring. My glass of wine is kicking in and I am running out of steam :) If I think of any others I'll add them later. Hope this helps, and good luck to all the brides.

Rehearsal Dinner Invite

I designed these postcards in Publisher for the rehearsal dinner. All I had to pay was postage and I got the design from one of those free downloads. I can't remember the website right now, but if you want the design, shoot me an email at jaguter@live.com or find me on the knot nc board.

Lingerie Shower Invite

Yes, I did design and order my own lingerie invites. BUT that was because my sister was going to spend a fortune getting them printed, when I just ordered them from Vistaprint for 15 dollars/20 invites with envelopes. Cool deal.

Bridesmaid Earrings

I ordered these from a seller, Indigo Moon, on Etsy. I thought about making them myself, but Michael's is a 45 minute drive from where I live. I just realized that I might not have the time to make them, so I ordered them for a great deal. I love them, I hope the BM's like them too.

RSVP Stalking

We finally got all of our invites sent out last Thursday, and now the RSVP's are coming in! It is a lot of fun, just like everyone says. I actually look forward to checking the mail! I still need to post what our invites look like and how I did it. Coming soon...

I stopped by the JCREW outlet store last night. I bought a navy sleeveless dress for just under $60 dollars!! It is a lovely dress and I can wear it to my bridesmaid luncheon and some of these weddings I am going to that are coming up. Did you know that if you are a student or a teacher, you receive a discount at JCREW?? Bring your id :)

Hair Trial

I had my hair trial done a few weeks ago. I was so nervous since I haven't met her and had no idea what to expect. But the lady I hired is wonderful. She had tons of ideas and listened to what I wanted. I knew I wanted big loose curls (more of a natural look) and half up. This is what we came up with. She will also add more curls the day of the wedding, we were just coming up with ideas. FI was in the car sleeping, lol. (I also looked drugged in one of the pics, ugh. I'm not just groggy.)

Earrings!

My mom bought me these earrings. I am going to wear them for the wedding! I don't plan on wearing a necklace since I have a halter dress and it has beading on the halter. I need to find something to wear in my hair now and I am not wearing a veil. I'll post pictures of my hair style soon and I will need advice on picking out hair accessories!

check, check, check!!

We are getting so much done lately, its wonderful! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous too, which always brightens my life. Here's what we've gotten done recently:

* Engagement pictures at the barn
* First shower... luau party, excellent....received 2 blenders
* Printing out inserts for the invitations, and the invitations are a quarter of the way assembled I'd say
* Hair trial done, love it!
* Earrings for the day
* Program design is done
* Flowers booked with Harris Teeter (My bouquet will have callas (large and small), BM will have white roses with a few callas, Groom will have a calla, and GM will have a white rose..yada yada flowers who cares really? IMO)


I believe that is all. We still have a ton to do. I am ready to bust out those invitations and I know I have said that a million times. But seriously....
I will also post pictures soon, I finally got my camera back!!

wedding planning is tough stuff.....

As I was reading my favorite blog, Wedding Bee, I was inspired to post. The post I read was about a bride reflecting on the planning process after the wedding.

While reading this post, it made me think of all the emotions/actions that come with planning the wedding. Some of these are stress, financial burdens, worrying, breakdowns, trying to please both worlds (all the families), anxiety...etc. Planning a wedding is tough stuff. Besides stressing on how to pay for it all (probably FI's biggest stress) is trying to please both families. Before moving to the beach, I hadn't been able to really connect with the in laws. Sure we have spent time together and we took one trip together to Jamaica. However, I didn't really see them much before we were engaged. Now, I am trying to make life decisions with them and it is so hard for me. So that is a stress of mine. This doesn't even mention all the projects and trying to complete them all! Plus the scheduling with vendors, emails, etc. and all in a timely manner!

The conclusion is that wedding planning is complicated and involves a lot of people's opinions... I am looking forward to the wedding day and the happiness it will bring!!

Florist

I started my new nannying job this week. It is going really well shadowing the other nanny and trying to get to know the girls. They are 3 year old twin girls who have been with this nanny since they were 6 months..WOW. I know it is really hard for them (the whole family) and I feel like I am the bad guy, even though its not my fault at all. Its just a phase and I know things are only going to get better.

Well, after I work all day at their house on Friday, I have to drive to Charlotte for a florist meeting on Saturday...ugh. I love the planning, but I don't feel like driving 3 hours to meet with a lady about flowers. Oh well, vent over. I am meeting with Wilmont Florist in Charlotte and when I get back, I'll let you know how it goes!!

DIY Pearl Necklaces

For those of you who don't know, I read the boards on The Knot a lot. If I didn't have these ladies on TK, I would be stressed to the max and swimming in the unknown of wedding planning. They have been so helpful and the ideas are endless. One of the ideas that are popular, are diy pearl necklaces for the bridesmaids. I love them and they are simple easy to do. I have never created something like this before, and it was super easy.

There are several brides on the TK with these directions posted, but I received mine directly from birdcagebride's blog which is called Feathers and Pearls. She has put the pictures of the supplies and step by step instructions. Extremely helpful and if for some reason you can't read her blog later on, feel free to page me on the NC board.

I went to Michael's and bought all the supplies for under $50. I would give you the exact amount, but I bought ribbon, a basket and some other stuff too. I bought two of the bead wire just in case, you won't need it. I still have leftover from one spool. I also used 50 beads per necklace. The pictures are my finished product. You will be saving tons of money by doing if you consider spending $20-$25 per necklace per bridesmaid. Plus, you can't go wrong with pearls!! I ended up making 7 pearl necklaces. I needed 6 including the flower girl.

Shoes!

I love shoes. I don't shop for them all the time, I prefer to have a few really good pairs. But I like bright colors, fun shoes. So for the wedding day, of course I would want fun colorful shoes. I really love red shoes, I know a lot of brides wear red shoes and its not so out of the ordinary. But its more than just your silver beautiful shoe. Or that's what I keep telling myself.

I picked out some red slingback peep toes wedge shoe. I went back to look and they no longer carry them in my size. On any website. Humf.


My mom, also love shoes. Actually I would consider her to have a shoe obsession. She found me some similar shoes and ordered them for me as present. There's a picture of them above. They are also in key lime green (called hunter green but it looks more key lime to me), black and maybe sand/gold color. Hopefully these will work and I'll wear them on my wedding day.

30 Day Shred

I am sure you have heard of Jillian and her work out videos. If you haven't, she's one of the trainers on the Biggest Loser. I ordered her dvds 30 Day Shred and Boost Metabolism. So far, I've done 2 days of the level 1 shred. It is a 25 minute workout, strength, cardio and abs repeated in that order. The first day, I tried to complete it with 8lb weights (normally these are fine and I have used 10lbs to work out too). Little did I know, I couldn't complete all the reps with those weights!! The next day I rushed to Walmart and bought a pair of the 5lbs weights. Tried it again and perfect, I was sore. I will complete it again today.

Saturday, I worked on the Boost Metabolism dvd. It consists of several circuits (maybe 7 or 8?), with no weights. Its all kick boxing, jumping, squats, punches, and abs. I did well but couldn't complete the last 2 circuits. My advice, is to not take a break. I mean I would take a quick sip of water than hopped back to it. But before the last 2 circuits, I PAUSED the dvd to talk to fiance. My advice: DON'T DO IT. Haha, I quit after that. The next circuit was jumping, and my thighs had already had enough. Maybe I will attack the dvd again later in the week or just complete some of the circuits at a time. However, I think completing the whole dvd at once will probably give the best results.

My goal: to lose 10lbs (?) and definitely tone up for the wedding events this summer. Plus to be healthy and have more energy. I always feel better when I work out consistently.

Save the Dates- CHECK

I'm about to put the stamps and seal the save the dates. I have 69 of these cheap easy babies that need to go out in the mail. Honestly, I didn't put the time and effort in these that I would have liked, but I don't think they are that important. And if I had to skimp on something, I'd rather it be these. I'm ready to move on to shoe shopping, invites, or making appointments. So here we go!!!! Off to do the 3 S's....STAMP, SEAL, SEND

Snow Day... but no snow and no cable boo

Today, it snowed over most of NC. Reading facebook messages and watching the weather channel, everyone is out playing in the now or snuggling up watching movies. Well living at the southeast part of the state, we received rain, and more rain. Then our cable went out. Darling FI has settled into a good book and I am reluctant to pop in a movie now. Maybe when I get done with this post.

Anyways, after the hair research, I've decided to post pictures of my dress. I am pretty sure FI accidentally saw pictures on my computer the other night, eek. He played it off good and quickly scrolled down, so hopefully he didn't see. I'd like to post the pictures here and get them out of my wedding file. The dress is designed by Private Label (not sure who that is but who cares! I love it!) and I got it on sale for around $500 which is 60% off!! Before I even knew that information, I fell in love with the dress. It was exactly what I had in mind. I knew I wanted a halter style dress vs. strapless because my shoulders are broader compared to most girls. I look a little funny in strapless, where as halter compliments my structure better. I want something snug but flowy in the waist. I also wanted something with rhinestones, pearls or shiny just not too much. This dress is my perfect dress.

Hair Inspiration

I've been thinking about hair lately. I came up with some ideas a long long time ago and pushed it aside. I have been growing my hair out since April 09 which my last cut turned my hair into a "bob". My hair is finally just past my shoulders and I can't wait for it to grow longer. I doubt it will be the long flowing locks I want for the wedding, but one can hope. Here are some pictures of hair that I like. Have you decided on your hair?

Men's Attire

So after spending a weekend in my hometown, I got a lot accomplished towards the wedding. Talking about parties, registering, and tuxes!! FI actually picked them out online, but I of course had questions to ask Men's Wearhouse. But they answered all my questions and concerns, so the tux will work out tremendously! They will be wearing the Calvin Klein gray tux, with silver geometric patterned vest and tie. FI will wear the white vest and tie in same pattern. Yayy!

Here it is online

Oh The Places You'll Go!

This is one of my favorite books. It was given to me by my family at high school graduation. I like to read it to my students, I like to reread it for myself. Lots of people read it for graduations and at weddings. So here's a lovely reminder of this book by Dr. Seuss...

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care.
About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
You’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you’ll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you’ll head straight out of town.

Out there things can happen
And frequently do
To people as brainy
And footsy as you
And when things start to happen,
Don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

Save the Dates Yay!

I just ordered our save the dates from vistaprint. Bought the magnets with the photo, etc... 80 stds for $71.48 with shipping. Alright pretty cool.

Went to paperandmore.com to order linen envelopes. Ordered 100 A2 bright white linen envelopes that are discontinued.. for all of $10, $15.97 with shipping. SWEET.

Can't wait for these babies to come in so we can address and resend. Our six month mark is in 5 days, so we are cutting it close with the std's. Oh well, silly wedding rules.

On another note, I went to have my car inspected this morning. Didn't pass, I need new front struts because the cobalt's are leaking. A grand total of $497 to fix these and I need to make an appointment to do this. OUCH. I propose I walk from here on out. I'll kill two birds with one stone, don't have to pay to have my car fixed and I'll lose the weight I have been striving to lose. CHECK CHECK.

bridesmaid thank you poem

I came across this lovely poem while reading Wedding Bee's blog. It is a little thanks for the bridesmaids. I will definitely include a personalized note with all my bridesmaids, but I think this is a perfect way to start.

This poem is a gift to say How dear you are to me, And offer you my heartfelt thanks For being there for me.

When I am walking down the aisle A very happy bride, Please know it means so much to me To have you by my side.

So, do not think that things will change Because I'll be a wife. You'll always hold a special place Of honour in my life.

Save the Dates #2

Well I found some other pictures of FI and I that are better. After getting opinions from fam and knotties, this is probably the final one. Not sure if we will get it with the blue design or the gray, or both. But here's the picture.

Save the Dates

Last week, we ordered a few trial save the dates from vista print! I am very excited to finally began working on paper stuff. I know the paper stuff takes forever to work on and it makes me anxious not starting. We have to get together with FI's parents and still decide who they want to invite, plus addresses. Every time we've talked about it in the past, it just goes nowhere. Not anyone's fault, its just how it works out. I should also mention that my side isn't complete either, haha.

We ordered the business magnets with photo for our save the dates. What do you think? If both come out how we like it, we will order several in one design and some in the other. We both like the idea of sending out more than one design. The blue one actually goes with our color scheme better though.

Bridesmaid Dress

Recently, I've come to the decision on bridesmaid dresses. I love the idea of everyone picking a style dress they like, with the same color. However, all my bridesmaids are similar in figure and height. Which is unreal and they all fell in love with this dress.

Its a Wtoo dress style #628 in color Brook. Its a taffeta dress and so is my dress.

Website Change

So I decided to change my bio into a blog. They are a lot more fun to read and easier to upload and add to! The site, I won't mention, drove me effing nuts. I am in the process of changing all my stuff to this new site and add more stuff to it.

Happy Friday!!

Invite inspiration

I think this invite is gorgeous too. I found it in a CardsandPockets contest on fb. I'm not going to cite the work because of privacy issues. But its definitely where I got my color inspirations from.

Invitations

So I decided to make my own invitations, thanks to the lovely knotties on the DIY board. They have inspired me and I would never have concerned this if it wasn't for them. Invitation research took me forever and I looked at a million designs. Plus not to mention how to create them since I am no expert.

I got a lot of my inspiration from knottie mcdonaldka. So far I am planning on borrowing the roses font she used to decorate my invites too. It takes a lot of time to figure out how you want to design your invites especially if you are trying to budget. Ahhh... at this point, I just can't wait to start cutting and addressing.... Here's a picture of hers and a link to her EXTREMELY helpful bio.

McDonalka's bio

To Do List

The List:
(in no particular order)

DIY:
Photo share cards (probably using shutterfly and free business cards on vistaprint)
Invitations - paper purchased. cutting and assembling!!!!!!!
Program Fans
Save the Dates - CHECK. Sent on 2/3/10
Pearl necklaces for bridesmaids to wear- CHECK. 1/10/10

Wardrobe:
Dress: done. Need alterations & lose weight!!
Bridesmaid dresses: Ordering on Feb. 15th.
Groomsmen suits: CHECK; 1/21/10
Shoes: CHECK; red shoes for me! silver shoes of bm's choice.
Flower Girl:
Ring Bearer:

Candy Buffet:
Candy: reese cups, dum dums (thats all I have so far..)
Jars: 6-CHECK.


Flowers: need to sign contract, March 6th appointment made.

Photography:
Engagement Pictures:
Picture guest book:
Parent albums:

Rings:

Cake:

Scrapbook

Clippings, quotes, etc that are wedding related.

Save the Date Poem
It still may be early,
But we hope you're delighted,
'Cause we've set the date and we're very excited.
In the month of blank our vows will be made,
Saturday, the twentieth-fourth is the day to be saved....

Name and Name will marry on date in wherever.

I don't remember where I got this one. However, I bet I am not the first to know it either.


Memories of Loved Ones
Not sure yet, what we are going to do about representing our grandparents/loved ones who have passed at the wedding. I know I will do some kind of collage or presentation of pictures for us. But we might have some pictures of the people who are looking down upon us.

Here's a great poem I found on Knottie Scarlet 856 planning bio that we might use:
We thought of you with love today.
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We remember how you look.
Now all we have is memories.
And your pictures in our book.
Your memory is our keepsake.
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our hearts.


Passage, possibly to be read at wedding/ or on programs...
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.

The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”

Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.

For after today you shall say to the world –

This is my husband. This is my wife.
Borrowed from Knottie apple_green.

Written by: Robert Fulghum


Camera Scavenger Hunt
So, I love this idea. It gives the guests something to do and a better way to interact with others around them. I would like to supply some cameras, but maybe suggest that they us theirs and have photocards where they can upload them? Maybe do both, in case someone wants to do it but doesn't have a camera? Thoughts....

Found this on a knottie southernprincessblur19 who actually borrowed this from a knottie whose name is unknown. Cool idea! I don't know what I'd without the knotties and their ideas.

Vendors

These are the vendors I am using for the sundrop wedding. I'll add reviews of course after the wedding.

Victorian Villa Bed and Breakfast Inn: This is our location for the wedding day! Our ceremony will take place on the back lawn. We will be in the gazebo overlooking the lake. The Inn is located inside a cove and it makes a gorgeous view. I can't wait!

Dana Arndt Photography: Dana and her sister will both photograph our wedding day. They are both from the Charlotte area and I love their work.

Wilmont Florist : calla lillies! For an excellent price, turns out better than DIYing the flowers myself.

Suarez Bakery: cake is included with the venue. All I have to do is go taste test and consult about the design. It can be anything I want, we are already paying for it.

Make-up Artist, Katie O'Neil: Still need to book a trial, but turns out she lives five minutes from my venue. Also, another NC bride recommended her, so I'll probably go for it. Her prices are $50 per person, cheaper for a trial.

Wardrobe:
* Wedding dress: The Wedding Mall in Charlotte, NC.
* Bridesmaids: JMajors in Charlotte, NC.
*Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse (Charlotte)

Fun Websites

These are a list of websites I have found through the wedding research!

This site has everything from vases, cool lighting, to things for centerpieces, and other wedding decor.
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/

FRIENDS tribute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjG7hqdQd6s

NC BRIDE BIO
very very helpful site for a NC Bride!
http://www.ncbridebio.com/

Our Story

We met in college at UNCC a few months before I graduated in December 07. He had spring semester and a summer class left. After going to a Montgomery Gentry concert together with friends, we began to see each other often. It didn't take long before we realized we were in this for the long run.

A year and a half later we were watching March Madness late in the night. He was born a UNC-Tarheel and I was born a DUKE-Blue Devil. He had asked the question a dozen times, but he asked again. I of course said YES which is what I always said. But this time, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a ring!

Website Change

So I have a wedding planning website through weebly.com, but the site drives me nuts. Adding pictures, extra paragraphs is a little annoying. Not to mention after reading so many blogs, I thought it would be fun to start our own website.