First comes love

Venue scouting 1

We're going venue hunting this weekend!  This trip we'll be concentrating on west Scotland in the county of Ayrshire.  We've made appointments to see:

• Moorpark House
• Lodge on Loch Lomond
• The Gailes Hotel
• Savoy Park
• Lochside House Hotel
• Menzies Hotel

Some of them look like they have some wonderful views so we'll have to see if reality lives up to Photoshop magic.  Impressions on Monday!

Bridesmaid dresses: The LBD

I am fairly sure that I am going to ask my bridesmaids wear black dresses and maybe not even the same exact black dress.  For my particular situation, I feel this is the best route.

• My bridesmaids are scattered across the US and England, getting the same "official" bridesmaid dresses (ie like Watters) would be far too complicated.  We'd have to find an international brand, a very common style, find local vendors to organize fittings, etc...
• I know the bride is supposed to shine, but I really do want all my attendants to be happy and comfortable because I want them to have a great time.
• I don't feel comfortable with the idea of using a dress that will never be worn again.

So the ubiquitous Little Black Dress seems like the solution.  I won't say this is absolute because you never know, miracles sometimes happen!

While I have yet to start dress shopping for myself, we've been having fun collecting pictures of black dresses that we love.  Black definitely does not have to be boring!

The one shoulder dress has been an early favorite:

A bubble hem adds some interest to a simple strapless dress:

A halter dress is super versatile to suit any shape:

Black dresses also allow for the possibility of mix and match, so long as the general style and materials complement one another:

The best part is, I just might find a fun dress (or two) for myself!

Bridal style: Modern romance

This gorgeous bolero from Etsy seller Bonzie inspired me to throw together a bridal outfit that exuded sophisticated romance.  The short Vineyard dress (Drew) has a simple bodice that lets the ruffles of the bolero stand out and the tulle hem keeps it sweet and pretty.  I originally tried to look for a cute box hat, but this French style veil from Unveiled Bridal Designs is just perfect.  To finish it off I selected a pair of Grace Chelsea Bridal shoes with a simple bow detail. 

Perfect backdrop:  Central Park

Pretty customized lanterns

Aren't these so pretty?  They would be perfect for an outdoor wedding in the countryside.

From decor8.

A question of location

I grew up in California (San Francisco and San Diego).  Craig grew up in Scotland.  We currently live in England.  So, soon after we got engaged the big question on everyone's mind, including ours, was: Where are you getting married??

Come on, I gotta admit that I'm a lucky gal when I'm trying to pick between San Diego, San Francisco, Scotland or England for our wedding!

But we did have to pick just one (boo) and after about a month of thoughtful questioning, discussion and debate, we've picked Scotland!

What we thought about when selecting the location:

1. Who do we want to attend?  I mean, really really want to be with us on that day?  It won't matter that all your co-workers can come if your gran can't.  I think it's a lot more common for people pick the location first before creating a guest list, but our situation required we do a quick jot of The List first.
2. When do we want to get married?  It will take longer to organize a wedding remotely.  For example, when picking a venue, popular places often get booked a year in advance.  If you can't see the location for at least 6 months then you may have just added at least another 6 months to your wedding date.
3. Do we feel a connection to that area?  This was the main reason we rejected England as a location.  It has beautiful areas, our own town is historic and lovely, it would be convenient, but neither of us would call this place home and don't feel any strong bond to it.

There were lots of other questions we asked ourselves (Does it have nice weather?  Is there a cost difference?) but those were the three that made the decision.  The other questions we either didn't have control over (weather) or we had complete control over (cost) regardless of the location.

Now, where in Scotland is the next big location question.  Venue scouting is organized for next weekend!

Idea Board 1

A small collection of things my bridesmaids and I have been fawning over:

• Black, white and green with damask accents - Although I keep trying to tell myself not to get too enamored with this combo until we pick a venue, I can't help myself, I love it!  It's so fresh and classy!  I don't really know which shade of green yet, the one on the board is like a pear/chartreuse but I have also been partial to kelly green.  I know it sounds like a silly issue but as the only color in the scheme I think it will be important to select a specific green.

• Bridal bouquet - Are those gardenias?  If so, I know that's out of my price range but I do think the single flower bouquet is stunning.

• Hair - If I can't have gardenias in my bouquet, can I please have this beautiful fake one for my hair?  Oh heck, she even makes fake gardenia bouquets!

• Bridesmaid bouquets - Clover shaped flowers. Too cute.  Can you spot the ladybug accent?  I could just die. I also like the idea of long, wide ribbons, maybe black and white polka dots?

• Chopstick favors - If we used tartan ribbons, that would be just about perfect (I'm Korean, Craig's Scottish)

• Eyelet globes - Simple, pretty, relatively inexpensive. It would have a great effect in a marquee.

• Grass display for reception cards - Scotland is all about the golf courses.

• Velum wrapped candles - DIY magic

The Ground Rules

Things to remember:

• Average wedding costs are just that, an average. It includes the weddings that cost $1,000 to $100,000.  They had 3 to 300 guests.  Approach and use these numbers with caution.
• That said, I will not feel bad if we spend more than the average on any item if we agree it is truly important to us and our day.
• I am smart. I am crafty. I have smart and crafty friends.
• First comes love.