Carla & Ben~April 29th, 2006

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[NYjerseygirl]

Finally!

Carla you are so beautiful, and you guys make a great looking couple :)

[ca_dawson]

Finally!

Carla you are so beautiful, and you guys make a great looking couple :)
Aww...thanks! He hates that he looks so young. He's 4 years older than me, but people still think he's 18! He got carded twice that last time we went out for drinks and they didn't even card me! BTW, I wanted to tell you that your dress was just absolutely gorgeous! You were such a beautiful bride! I hope I look half as pretty on my wedding day!

[ca_dawson]

We are having an outdoor garden ceremony (weather permitting). The site decorates the gazebo in floral in your wedding colors and does the pew bows so two less things I have to worry about!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/WeddingPtygazabo.jpg
And our backup plan in case of rain
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/inside.jpg

Another view of the ceremony site
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/ceremonysite.jpg
And a closeup of the gazebo
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/ceremonygazebo.jpg

[ca_dawson]

The reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the ballroom. The ballroom is very lovely with hardwood floors and chandeliers. Okay here comes pictures of the ballroom!


It's actually been expanded so the dance floor is set up in the middle and the tables and chairs are to the sides (if that makes sense)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/reception.jpg
here is a groud level shot
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/ballroomtables.jpg
This is the balcony overlooking the ballroom (and the only reason I'm tossing the bouquet!)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bouquettoss.jpg
Here's a view of the site from the head table.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/receptioninside.jpg

Geez, I've tried everything to make these pics smaller. Sorry for the mega huge pics!

[ca_dawson]

I've found my dress! I haven't ordered it yet, but I hope to order it by the end of July! It's a Maggie Sottero "Tiffany" in all white. Okay now that I finally got the picture thing figured out here are some pics!

From the Maggie Sottero website:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Tiffany.jpg

[ca_dawson]

For the bouquets I want classic handtied roses with the crystals in them. For my bouquet I want red and white "fire and ice" roses and I'm thinking just plain white roses for the girls tied with a pretty red ribbon and red crystals. I am planning DIY flowers so once I get to that point I will post those.

This is exactly the look I'm wanting except with "fire and ice" roses for my bouquet and red crystals for the girl's bouquet
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/rosebeads.jpg
And the insipration for the BM boquets except of course in red
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/rosecrystals.jpg
And the look I'm going for with the two toned roses
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/FOTO33.jpg
And finally some pics of fire and ice roses
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/redwhiteroses.jpghttp://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/fire_and_ice.jpg

[NYjerseygirl]

I just looked at the new pictures you posted and you guys look like such a fun and adventurous couple! :p

[ca_dawson]

I just looked at the new pictures you posted and you guys look like such a fun and adventurous couple! :p
We like to take vacations! Neither one of us had parents that took us on vacations so we've taken one every year since we've been together! We want to take our children when we have them too! So far we've been hiking in the mountains, white water rafting, and to Florida. We hope to go Lake Tahoe to ski for Christmas!

[NYjerseygirl]

We like to take vacations! Neither one of us had parents that took us on vacations so we've taken one every year since we've been together! We want to take our children when we have them too! So far we've been hiking in the mountains, white water rafting, and to Florida. We hope to go Lake Tahoe to ski for Christmas!

That's so sweet! :p

[ca_dawson]

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[ca_dawson]

Mackenzie Michaels, possibly in that exact shade of red
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/MM88162.jpg
And here's the back of this gown
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/MM88162_back.jpg
This is also a fave, but it is about $50 more than the one above and the girls really aren't crazy about strapless, but they all like this dress.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Barijay719.jpg


I also like this one, but I'm afraid it may be too promish with the sparkly top.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/RDElle.jpg

[ca_dawson]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/groomtux.jpg

And this look for the guys
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/tuxes.jpg
But with the vest and tie having some detail like this
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/tux.jpg

We will probably go through the Men's Wearhouse for the tuxes because they have a show special (huge bridal show in houston that comes twice a year) for any designer tux with all asseccories for $50 for each groomsman and free for the groom.

[ca_dawson]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/invitation.jpg

I'm not sure who the manufacturer is. THe only place I've been able to find this invitation is on www.theamericanweddding.com (http://www.theamericanweddding.com) so I suppose I will be ordering through them. Luckily they claim they sell "discount wedding invitations" so the price isn't terribly outrageous.

[kyth]

I love the location for your wedding and reception! It's beautiful. It looks like you have a lot of great ideas too. The last tux that you have a picture of is one that I am looking at as well. The vest and tie also come in a charcoal grey that is really elegant. At first, I thought it would be too many dark colors, but I really liked how it looked (and since your FH likes black, he may like it as well). If I stick with that tux, I am going to bring in color with the flowers.

Your dress is gorgeous. Of course, you already know how I feel about Maggie gowns. I love the corset back. I'm heading out on Monday to look at a few with my mom. (You remind me of my best friend from high school in that picture.)

[ca_dawson]

I love the location for your wedding and reception! It's beautiful. It looks like you have a lot of great ideas too. The last tux that you have a picture of is one that I am looking at as well. The vest and tie also come in a charcoal grey that is really elegant. At first, I thought it would be too many dark colors, but I really liked how it looked (and since your FH likes black, he may like it as well). If I stick with that tux, I am going to bring in color with the flowers.

Your dress is gorgeous. Of course, you already know how I feel about Maggie gowns. I love the corset back. I'm heading out on Monday to look at a few with my mom. (You remind me of my best friend from high school in that picture.)
Yeah, we feel in love with the site as soon as we saw it! The pictures really don't do it justice. It's just breathtaking! It's actually the first (and only) site we looked at and I just fell in love so we signed the contract that day! Funny enough, the gown is also the first one I tried on! Of course I tried others on, but always kept coming back to that one! I think I just fall in love with things as no others compare once I have my mind made up! :p Good luck gown shopping! And have lots of fun!

[ca_dawson]

Okay Ben loves my hair down and curly so I'm thinking of doing and halfup do with lots of curls.

I love this girl's hair!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/hair3.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/47b3da25b3127cce95bbec4cc5d50000001.jpg
This one is great also and I like her makeup too
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/47b4d728b3127cceb666e919e6db0000001.jpg
For makeup I like dramatic eyes and bright lips
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/main1.jpg
This one is less dramatic but still pretty
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/47b4db29b3127ccebe60436aed690000001.jpg

[ca_dawson]

Here are the favors we are thinking of.

Votive Candles
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/CandleFavors.jpg

And the bags we would put them in, except in red
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/favorbag.jpg

[SarahK]

I am so glad you started a journal and I love all the pics and ideas you have posted!!!

I love your site!!! That gazebo is beautiful and even the back-up site is awesome!!!!

[ca_dawson]

I am so glad you started a journal and I love all the pics and ideas you have posted!!!

I love your site!!! That gazebo is beautiful and even the back-up site is awesome!!!!
Thank you! I found out very quickly that this journal can get very addicting! I think I spent like 4 hours just uploading photos from photobucket to the journal! It's like once I start, I just keep going and getting more and more ideas! It does help my sanity to have all the ideas in one place!

[SarahK]

Thank you! I found out very quickly that this journal can get very addicting! I think I spent like 4 hours just uploading photos from photobucket to the journal! It's like once I start, I just keep going and getting more and more ideas! It does help my sanity to have all the ideas in one place!

LOL... I was addicted from day 1. I'm glad you're here though. I love your taste so far and I'll be keeping tabs on your journal quite a bit. :p

[ca_dawson]

LOL... I was addicted from day 1. I'm glad you're here though. I love your taste so far and I'll be keeping tabs on your journal quite a bit. :p
That is so funny! I was looking through your journal and thinking that we seem to have similar taste because I loved everything in yours too! Haha, we must both be on too because we keep posting back and forth in each other's journals! :p

[SarahK]

That is so funny! I was looking through your journal and thinking that we seem to have similar taste because I loved everything in yours too! Haha, we must both be on too because we keep posting back and forth in each other's journals! :p

LOL- i was just thinking the same thing. we should just consolidate our journals and get it over with. LMAO!!!

[ca_dawson]

LOL- i was just thinking the same thing. we should just consolidate our journals and get it over with. LMAO!!!
Good Idea! LOL! :D But it would probably be like the world's longest journal!

[ca_dawson]

My favorite movie of alltime! This was my favorite scene in the movie since I was a little girl!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/autogrf1.gif
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/l13.gif
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/l3a.gif
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/lobby1.gif

[Kelly1Mickey]

The Labrynth is one of our favorite movies too! One of our cats is named after the baby in the movie! LOL

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

Necklace and earring set
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/jewelry.jpg
Here's a picture of it on. (obviously not me!) It's not as gaudy as it looks in the above picture!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/jewelryonperson.jpg

Forgot to mention $20 on ebay for the set. Ebay store: Park Ave Boutique. They have tons of jewelry sets and tiara ect.

[ca_dawson]

This has been a tough search for me because I am so picky, but I have finally found the perfect tiara....

Here it is....
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bigtiara.jpg
Just kidding! :p Okay I'll stop being silly now!

Here's the real tiara! I like the little hearts! http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/tiara.jpg
And in the hair
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/tiaraupclose.jpg
On the person
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/tiarainhair.jpg

Also under $20, same ebay store as above!

[ca_dawson]

Okay, I must admit, I'm not too big on big poofy viels, so I want something simple and not super poofy! I think I'm just going to wear it for the ceremony to be all "bride-y" and stuff, but I think I'll take it off for the reception.

This is the one I tried on with the dress in the salon, and I like the "crystal drops" but it is waaaaayyyyy too poofy and too many layers!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/poofyveil.jpg
Oh no, the picture is so small you can't see it too well, but in the top left corner is a closeup of the little crystal drop things.

Here's another one with the same crystal drops, but not as poofy
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/viel.jpg
The only thing with this one is I can't seem to find it anywhere but bridesave and it sells for $117 there (that's savings?!:confused: ) It says the designer is JL Johnson so I guess I'll just have to find it somewhere else!

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[SarahK]

I am doing DIY save the date magnets. I made this on Microsoft Publisher in the business card section. They sell business card size magnets so I figure once I print these up I just stick it to the magnet and I should be good to go! But I'll let you all know how the final product turns out. I had to copy and paste into paintshop from Microsoft publisher so some of the images are a bit blurry and distorted, but this will give you an idea of what it will look like!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/savethedate.bmp

I may also play around with it some more. I feel like something doesn't quite look right, but I can't put my finger on it. And that isn't the actual picture that will go on it. When we get our engagement pictures one of those will go on it. This is just the idea of how it will be layed out.

I like the second veil much better. I agree with you about poofy-ness. Your tiara is really pretty as well. :)

[ca_dawson]

I love the look of the cakes with the fountains and stairs! I think they are so pretty. So I assume I will have those two things on my cake. (I had heard the comment that those were so 80's but I like them!)

Here's a couple of pretty ones. The actual designs on the cakes have too much going on but I like the layout.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/juventudencantada300.jpghttp://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/crystalcascade300.jpg

This one is pretty too, but way too much going on for me!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/castlecake.jpg
And this is the above when the lights were turned out. Pretty but too much!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/castlecake2.jpg

I will probably update this when I get a better idea of what exactely I want.

[ca_dawson]

I like the second veil much better. I agree with you about poofy-ness. Your tiara is really pretty as well. :)
Thanks! I'm not really into the whole big veil thing and poofy is not my style!

[ca_dawson]

Well, I just found out that my MOH is pregnant again! She is the mommy of our flowergirl in the above pictures. She wasn't planning on having another one so soon, but she difinately wants lots of kids. So the due date is March 27th, 2006, almost a month exactly before our wedding! At first we though she was not as far along as she is and would be in labor at the alter, but she's 7 weeks so the month before it is! I am so excited! I get to be *Aunt lala* again! Kiari (flowerbaby) can only pronounce lala instead of Carla so I am Aunt lala right now! So now I get to do wedding countdown and baby countdown! So much fun! Lots of joy at the same time. I guess we better go measure her now before she gets big! We can't measure her for her dress 6 months pregnant! She was the only one of my bridesmaids that had the possibility of being pregnant at the wedding and she was saying she wouldn't do it if she was all fat so I am so glad she timed it perfectly! I would have wanted her up there in all of her baby belly glory, but she was refusing so now I get a new baby and my MOH! I love good news!

[AmandaJ]

I got my items from the Park Ave Boutique too...You'll love them! The quality actually amazed me when you look at the price of the things.

Love the cakes too!

[Kelly1Mickey]

Well, I just found out that my MOH is pregnant again! She is the mommy of our flowergirl in the above pictures. She wasn't planning on having another one so soon, but she difinately wants lots of kids. So the due date is March 27th, 2006, almost a month exactly before our wedding! At first we though she was not as far along as she is and would be in labor at the alter, but she's 7 weeks so the month before it is! I am so excited! I get to be *Aunt lala* again! Kiari (flowerbaby) can only pronounce lala instead of Carla so I am Aunt lala right now! So now I get to do wedding countdown and baby countdown! So much fun! Lots of joy at the same time. I guess we better go measure her now before she gets big! We can't measure her for her dress 6 months pregnant! She was the only one of my bridesmaids that had the possibility of being pregnant at the wedding and she was saying she wouldn't do it if she was all fat so I am so glad she timed it perfectly! I would have wanted her up there in all of her baby belly glory, but she was refusing so now I get a new baby and my MOH! I love good news!


Heehhee...you are lucky! My wedding is March 19 and my MOH's due sate is March 29. Should be interesting!

[nette]

I love the look of the cakes with the fountains and stairs! I think they are so pretty. So I assume I will have those two things on my cake. (I had heard the comment that those were so 80's but I like them!)

Here's a couple of pretty ones. The actual designs on the cakes have too much going on but I like the layout.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/juventudencantada300.jpghttp://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/crystalcascade300.jpg

This one is pretty too, but way too much going on for me!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/castlecake.jpg
And this is the above when the lights were turned out. Pretty but too much!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/castlecake2.jpg

I will probably update this when I get a better idea of what exactely I want.



my cake was like the 1st one with the waterfall, my coordinator tried to talk me out of it but we loved it & so did our guest, plus she didnt give us a dime for it

[taylorsmom]

My cake will be the same kind. We are having 5 layers in the main cake with a waterfall underneath it with pink water, then there will be some columns in the middle and then there will be a ladder going down to a cheesecake. I love those kind of cakes. It will also be decorated with flowers :D

[ca_dawson]

Now let's see how far behind I am!

6 - 12 Months
before wedding date

set a wedding date~Done! April 29th, 2006
discuss wedding budget~Done!
determine the size and style of your ceremony
make a list of possible sites for the ceremony
select the size and style of your reception
make a list of possible sites for the reception
arrange to meet with your ceremony officiant to discuss service
visit reception sites to check availability, prices, and menus~Booked!
select your wedding attendants
comparison shop, and order your bridal gown (6 - 9 months)
comparison shop, and order gowns and accessories for attendants (4 - 6 months)
begin your guest lists (Bride, Groom, and parents' lists combined)
comparison shop, and hire your florist(DIY), photographer, videographer, musicians, and wedding consultant
begin making notes for bridal registry choices

Okay green is completed and red is not done. Most of the red ones are in the works, but not paid for. I am hoping to order my dress within the next couple of weeks (it's difficult with school in August paying for it all out of pocket!) Then September and October I am really going to buckle down and start buying everything! Time has flown by so fast! In a couple of weeks I will be engaged for a year! I can't believe a year has already gone by! April will be here in a heartbeat!

[ca_dawson]

So it's still over 8 months away....well 8 months and 10 days to be exact:rolleyes: ...but I have been having wedding nightmares the whole time! Usually everything is going wrong but in the end it ends up okay, but last night was the first one that didn't end okay! It was fifteen minutes until I was supposed to get married and somehow I forgot to book someone for hair and makeup so there I was trying to figure out what to do with my hair and face so I don't get married looking gawdawful! And the worst part was that I was 2 months pregnant :eek: but nobody knew except my sisters and one of my sisters told my mom (who I can't stand) and I was so angry at her for telling her! It was so bad! Usually wedding dreams can be chalked up to the fact that I tend to look at wedding stuff before bed, but last night I didn't! I think the preggo thing was that my MOH and her husband and their 1 year old were over hanging out last night. She is two months pregnant and we were cooking dinner and drinking margaritas (well not her but everyone else!) and talking about her having two kids now and if she was ready for it and all that! And then we talked about the future when we all would have kids running around. I guess I was thinking about all that before I went to bed. And I guess I'm getting nervous because I am down to 8ish months and I have so much to do! I think I'm going to have a nervous breakdown if I don't order my dress soon! :rolleyes: Ugh, August just sucks with school starting and paying for that and such. Okay I am done ranting now!

[ca_dawson]

Oh why do I always fall in love with things I can't find! I have now decided that I really like the "shimmer" veils, but I still want the crystal drops on it as well. So now I just got to find someone who can custom do it. I know I'll never find that combo! Here's the pic:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/shimmer10.jpg

[braxi]

Oh why do I always fall in love with things I can't find! I have now decided that I really like the "shimmer" veils, but I still want the crystal drops on it as well. So now I just got to find someone who can custom do it. I know I'll never find that combo! Here's the pic:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/shimmer10.jpg

Hi There!

Did you ever think of making your veil youself? I have the instructions for making them...
http://www.wegotgame.net/jen/veils.html
I haven't done it myself, but I've overheard it's doable!
Take care!

[nikki325]

after all the chatting yesterday had to check out your journal...you're ideas are so nice ... makes me almost want to change my colors..but not quite lol. I may steal that first hairdo as well toooo pretty!

[ca_dawson]

after all the chatting yesterday had to check out your journal...you're ideas are so nice ... makes me almost want to change my colors..but not quite lol. I may steal that first hairdo as well toooo pretty!
LOL! Thanks! Pics are there for the taking! Most likely I stole it from someone else! :p The hair is amazing! I hope it looks that great on me!

[ca_dawson]

Hi There!

Did you ever think of making your veil youself? I have the instructions for making them...
http://www.wegotgame.net/jen/veils.html
I haven't done it myself, but I've overheard it's doable!
Take care!
Thanks! I've considered it, but I still haven't decided if I have that much faith in myself! And I'm already taking on alot of DIY's with work and school too. I will definately look into it! If it looks easy enough! :p

[alley06]

Thanks! I've considered it, but I still haven't decided if I have that much faith in myself! And I'm already taking on alot of DIY's with work and school too. I will definately look into it! If it looks easy enough! :p

When I was looking at a bridal shop for dresses and such, I was commenting on how I wasn't going to spend $150 for a viel. The very wonderful consultant to me that if I really wanted to do it myself that they are very easy. All you need is the comb and the tule. And if you know someone that has a sewing machine they could sew on a ribbon to the edge for you. If you want to add jewels or something you can either hand sew them on or she said elmers or some other kind of glue (not hot glue, melts the tule) and they go on very easily. I'm considering doing it.

[ca_dawson]

When I was looking at a bridal shop for dresses and such, I was commenting on how I wasn't going to spend $150 for a viel. The very wonderful consultant to me that if I really wanted to do it myself that they are very easy. All you need is the comb and the tule. And if you know someone that has a sewing machine they could sew on a ribbon to the edge for you. If you want to add jewels or something you can either hand sew them on or she said elmers or some other kind of glue (not hot glue, melts the tule) and they go on very easily. I'm considering doing it.
Well maybe it won't be too difficult! Does anybody know if there are like patterns for the veil? The one with the jewels has scalloped edges and I have no idea how to do that. They should have patterns somewhere right? Maybe I will go to the craft store this weekend and look. How much tulle do I need? Thanks everybody!

[alley06]

Well maybe it won't be too difficult! Does anybody know if there are like patterns for the veil? The one with the jewels has scalloped edges and I have no idea how to do that. They should have patterns somewhere right? Maybe I will go to the craft store this weekend and look. How much tulle do I need? Thanks everybody!


I would look through the pattern books at maybe JoAnns or Hobby Lobby near you (or what ever craft store or fabric store) or ask the people there and they can help you. Usually on the back of a pattern it will tell you exactly what you need to make them and how much of everything. I know some of the girls found patterns online also.

[ca_dawson]

Okay so I'm getting down to the wire so I really need to make these decisions. I still really want the fountain, but I am thinking about decorations too. So here goes:

For decoration, I like the swirls on this cake. I also really like the flowers, but not daiseys like shown on this cake:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/cake.jpg
And on this one I like the way the frosting "cascades" down the cake. I don't know if that's the correct description, but you see what I mean! I also like how it has the flowers at each point of the frosting stuff:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/cascadecake.jpg
So now I'm thinking I could do the fountain underneath like this except the tiers would be directly on each other with no dividers in between:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/cake2.jpg
Okay next thing is that I really like flowers and the cake jewelry like this:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/cakejewelry.gif
But Ben really wants the traditional bride and groom topper. So I was thinking having three tiers stacked and then put the column things and then have the "anniversary" top tier seperated by the colums. So then I could do the flower and cake jewelry on the 2nd to top one and then the cake topper on the very top. Also since everything is pretty much roses and "crystal" I was thinking this bride and groom topper would be best:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/crystalcaketopper.jpg

So I guess put these all in a blender and get a cake out of that! Why do I have to be so difficult! :rolleyes:

[ca_dawson]

Okay I've decided that I like the concept of the "candy bar" idea as well. And since we are getting married after Christmas and Valentine's day, it shouldn't be too hard to get an excess of red candy without breaking the bank

Here's some examples:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/candy2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/candy.jpg

Now I don't know if I want this as the favor or just a little extra. I also like the little chinese take out boxes, but would that look wierd if nothing else had an asian theme? More stuff to figure out. I would still like to do the candles, but I think everyone would appreciate the candy too!

[ca_dawson]

I wasn't originally going to do programs at all, but these were so cute I couldn't pass it up! Now all I have to do is figure out how to do it!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/layeredprogram.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/layerprogramvellum.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/programcollage.jpg

So this will be a work in progress. I like the vellum overlay, but I would just want that over the top layer, not every layer. The first pic is what I want it to look like. Now if I can just figure out the monogram thing! I tried to do one in publisher, but it wasn't working too well. Maybe I'll work on it in word today. Does anyone know where you can download cute fonts for free? I've looked but can't find anything.

[alley06]

Okay I've decided that I like the concept of the "candy bar" idea as well. And since we are getting married after Christmas and Valentine's day, it shouldn't be too hard to get an excess of red candy without breaking the bank

Here's some examples:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/candy2.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/candy.jpg

Now I don't know if I want this as the favor or just a little extra. I also like the little chinese take out boxes, but would that look wierd if nothing else had an asian theme? More stuff to figure out. I would still like to do the candles, but I think everyone would appreciate the candy too!

You could always just get small bags or something in your wedding color. I've seen some white tule ones at Hobby Lobby

[ca_dawson]

You could always just get small bags or something in your wedding color. I've seen some white tule ones at Hobby Lobby
Yeah, I've seen those too. I was also thinking I could do those celophane (sp?) bags that are bigger and cheaper. I want them to be able to get plenty of treats!

[ca_dawson]

Okay since I had waaayyyy too much time on my hands today I worked on trying to figure out the templates for the programs. So here is a very rough draft of the wedding programs:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/programroughdraft.jpg
Sorry it's so small, these were taken with the only ***era I have...my ***era phone! :p
Here's the front page:

It's a start. Of course I will add ribbon and print it on cardstock later. I was just trying to figure out the logistics of it today. So here's what I did:
*For page one and two I printed it on regular letter size paper 8 1/2" X11".
*I found that you can fold the paper to the correct size by using letter size paper for page on and two. The only thing is you have to print it front and back.
*Page one monogram has to be on the bottom of page one and page two has to be on the top of page two, only up side down so when you fold it over it's all rightside up.
*Page three and four are done the same way, except on legal size paper 8 1/2" X 14".
*Page 5 can be done on any size paper, but it's best to do it on the bottom of the page, so that you don't have to worry about cutting straight lines.
*I cut the paper in half so that the programs are 4 1/4" wide and you can fit two on each page.
Dimensions for each layer:
*Page one or cover page is 5 1/4" tall.
*Page two is 5 3/4" tall.
*Page three is 6 1/4" tall.
*Page four is 6 3/4" tall.
*Page five is 7 1/4" tall.
Each "flap" is showing 1/2".

So that is all really confusing and it took me literally all day to do, still needs some tweeking with allignment and such, but after I get it perfect, I will format templates to share with anyone that is interested. I know this is way early and I have tons of time to work on this, but I was super bored so I got productive!

[alley06]

I love the look of your programs. I thought about doing that but inside of the blank programs that match my invitations.

[ca_dawson]

I love the look of your programs. I thought about doing that but inside of the blank programs that match my invitations.
Thanks! I wasn't even going to do programs, but then I saw this idea and fell in love with it! And it's DIY so it will be relatively cheap to do! I just have to do it! LOL! At my cousin's wedding last April I sat up all night tying stupid bows and ribbons to her hundreds of programs so I will definately not wait until the last minute to do these!

[ca_dawson]

Yay! I'm so excited! I set up our engagement pics for next Thursday! I can't wait! Now I have to find us 3 sets of outfits to work with! We are getting them taken by the same people that did my Senior portraits so I know they will turn out great! And best of all, they are $200 cheaper than any other place. It's a very small company in my home town so they don't have tons of business so they really give you lots of attention! Now what to wear, what to wear! I guess I should go home tonight to see! I know I'll have to take Ben's nice shirts to the dry cleaners. I am so excited over such a small thing! I can't wait!

[airka02]

He proposed on September 5, 2004. We went down to the Kemah Boardwalk which is a place on the water that has lots of little shops and restaurants and carnival rides. Then we had dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse which is our favorate restaraunt. After dinner we went back to the car so he could get his change of clothes and then we went sailing at sunset. I love to sail so this was extra special to me! So he proposed on the sailboat in the middle of the water at sunset! It was beautiful and romantic and just perfect! He bought me a beautiful platinum 3 stone ring with round diamonds. He said he liked the symbolism behind the 3 stones so that's why he picked that one! I never thought he would think of something like that!
Congrats girl!!!!I love Kemah Boardwalk...Isnt it so awesome....My dad used to work in Laporte and they brought there travel trailor down there so he would have to drive...and I would meet mom up there on weekends and we would go...i havent been in like a year though....Jeff my FH has never been and he doesnt understand why its so awesome...so i told him one weekend we will have to go stay on the boardwalk....and watch the water thingy in the middle of the floor...i cant think of what it is called...but u know...lol...well congrats again...yall make a great couple

[ca_dawson]

Congrats girl!!!!I love Kemah Boardwalk...Isnt it so awesome....My dad used to work in Laporte and they brought there travel trailor down there so he would have to drive...and I would meet mom up there on weekends and we would go...i havent been in like a year though....Jeff my FH has never been and he doesnt understand why its so awesome...so i told him one weekend we will have to go stay on the boardwalk....and watch the water thingy in the middle of the floor...i cant think of what it is called...but u know...lol...well congrats again...yall make a great couple
Thanks! It is great! Ben had actually never been before so I *thought* we were just going because I had been saying for a while that I needed to take him there! It was also Go Texans day with the football players and cheerleaders in the morning so I thought he wanted to go hang out with David Carr! LOL! He's a huge football fan! So we got to do that in the morning and then the engagement in the evening! It was a very fun day! Even if he hadn't proposed it would have been one of those fun times you remember forever!

[sgaitan]

I meant to post this on your thread but I accidentally sent it to the wrong one! OOPS!! :o

Anyway.....Just wanted to say that I love many of your ideas!!

I have the same colors too!! And I am trying to incorporate Swarovski crystals into the color scheme as well but I am wondering if it will be a little out of place and too much with my Baseball wedding theme!! The reception will be centered around Chicago baseball and I am thinking that maybe Swarovski crystals are a little much for that kind of theme?? Not sure yet though cuz I am buying a Maggie Sottero dress, embellished with Swarovski crystals and I am looking for a veil with them, as well......

And my bridal bouquet... same idea!! We think alike!! And I am definitley going to Ebay to get my jewelry. So much of it is beautiful and affordable!

Just wanted to say that everything looks great and your wedding looks like it is going to be absolutely gorgeous!!! I wish I had time to make a journal, but I only get 3 hours --if I am lucky-- a night to myself!!

[ca_dawson]

I meant to post this on your thread but I accidentally sent it to the wrong one! OOPS!! :o

Anyway.....Just wanted to say that I love many of your ideas!!

I have the same colors too!! And I am trying to incorporate Swarovski crystals into the color scheme as well but I am wondering if it will be a little out of place and too much with my Baseball wedding theme!! The reception will be centered around Chicago baseball and I am thinking that maybe Swarovski crystals are a little much for that kind of theme?? Not sure yet though cuz I am buying a Maggie Sottero dress, embellished with Swarovski crystals and I am looking for a veil with them, as well......

And my bridal bouquet... same idea!! We think alike!! And I am definitley going to Ebay to get my jewelry. So much of it is beautiful and affordable!

Just wanted to say that everything looks great and your wedding looks like it is going to be absolutely gorgeous!!! I wish I had time to make a journal, but I only get 3 hours --if I am lucky-- a night to myself!!
Thank you! You could probably incorporate both very nicely! What are some of your ideas, like for centerpieces and decorations? A baseball theme is a great idea. Hmmm, I will look around today and see what I can find on baseball themes! I have lots of free time at work! LOL! Especially on fridays! I wish you coule make a journal! I would love to see some of your ideas too!

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

Okay well I had a pretty productive weekend. I got with my little sis and took her to try on bridesmaids dresses. I couldn't find any of the ones I wanted in the stores, so I just started finding things and having her try them on. So here's some pics: Sorry they are so small. Once again taken with my ***era phone!

Here's the first. Front is plain, but I liked the back:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bm3.jpghttp://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bm3b.jpg

This one is similar to the Mackenzie Michaels one I like, except the MM one is halter top. I think I'm really going to go with that one.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bm2.jpghttp://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bm2b.jpg

Okay I don't know why these 2 pics decided to shrink even more, but I can't seem to fix it! I really liked this one as well, but I can't figure out who the designer is. I want to see if it's available in black and red. This one was in champagne/red, but I think the champagne might look dingy next to my dress. I love the corset back! It's like my dress!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/94986157_325012507_0.jpghttp://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/94986157_325012506_0.jpg

[Justplainme]

I love all the pictures! You are really pretty!! So are your sisters! I wish I had at least 1 sister growing up. I have 3 brothers instead. :(

You and your man looks great together!!

About the dresses, I like the 1st one and 3rd one. They are really cute!

[CKNEET]

ahh, Carla, you'r family is beautiful . . . sounds like you all have lots of fun together . .(i mean your sisters) haha . . . I like the 1st dress best . . it would fit your sis' ****s best!

BEAUTIFUL!

[ca_dawson]

I love all the pictures! You are really pretty!! So are your sisters! I wish I had at least 1 sister growing up. I have 3 brothers instead. :(

You and your man looks great together!!

About the dresses, I like the 1st one and 3rd one. They are really cute!
Thank you! I loved having sisters growing up, but I always wanted at least one brother! Haha! I guess you're never satisfied! I love my sisters!

[together4ever]

I just wanted to tell you that all your planning looks great and we are date twins :) Ya!! Lol. I can't wait to see more of your ideas.

[ca_dawson]

I just wanted to tell you that all your planning looks great and we are date twins :) Ya!! Lol. I can't wait to see more of your ideas.
Yay! You picked such a great day! :D

[ca_dawson]

Okay I just ordered my dress through bridalgown.net. I will keep all you brides who are considering ordering off the internet updated! So far so good. The communication is great, which is a major factor for me. I get email responses almost immediately! Now the waiting game! I don't want to wait another 4 months! I want the dress now! LOL! Well one more thing checked off my list! That's a big relief. I was beginning to get really worried about the dress ordering!

[lyndsaynicole]

You and your sisters are beautiful Carla! That's so crazy that you have all sisters-I have just one sister. No brothers. But it's really nice-that sisterly love :D Anyway, cute pics!!

[Justplainme]

Okay I just ordered my dress through bridalgown.net. I will keep all you brides who are considering ordering off the internet updated! So far so good. The communication is great, which is a major factor for me. I get email responses almost immediately! Now the waiting game! I don't want to wait another 4 months! I want the dress now! LOL! Well one more thing checked off my list! That's a big relief. I was beginning to get really worried about the dress ordering!

Is there a picture on here of your dress?

[ca_dawson]

Is there a picture on here of your dress?
Somewhere on here, but I'll repost cause I don't feel like looking! :p

This one but in all white. Maggie Sottero "Tiffany"
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Tiffany.jpg

I have a better pic of it in white at home, but you can kinda see the white one in this pic:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/mgj811m.jpg

[eca1027]

Somewhere on here, but I'll repost cause I don't feel like looking! :p

This one but in all white. Maggie Sottero "Tiffany"
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Tiffany.jpg

I have a better pic of it in white at home, but you can kinda see the white one in this pic:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/mgj811m.jpg


Well you know I love it!!!!!!!!! ;)

[Justplainme]

Somewhere on here, but I'll repost cause I don't feel like looking! :p

This one but in all white. Maggie Sottero "Tiffany"
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Tiffany.jpg

I have a better pic of it in white at home, but you can kinda see the white one in this pic:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/mgj811m.jpg

OMG!!! I LOVE IT!!! It is beautiful! I know you will look great in it!!

[ca_dawson]

Thank you ladies! I can't wait! I'm so excited!

[together4ever]

you sail too??? OMG. That's my newest sport of choice, I started racing them last year. I race the hobeycats too!! Your dress is lovely and you are BEAUTIFUL!!! Ben is one lucky guy. I'm so glad were date twins, lol. Now we can vent when the time gets closer ;)

[ca_dawson]

you sail too??? OMG. That's my newest sport of choice, I started racing them last year. I race the hobeycats too!! Your dress is lovely and you are BEAUTIFUL!!! Ben is one lucky guy. I'm so glad were date twins, lol. Now we can vent when the time gets closer ;)
I am a total waterbaby! I guess because I'm an aquarius and I'm under the water sign! I was basically raised on the river and ocean! I actually didn't sail until I was 16 and just loved it! It's the best! You are beautiful too! We will definately have meltdowns together! LOL! It'll be fun! 7 months and 10 days left! I'm so excited! Now we can be excited together!

[together4ever]

I am a total waterbaby! I guess because I'm an aquarius and I'm under the water sign! I was basically raised on the river and ocean! I actually didn't sail until I was 16 and just loved it! It's the best! You are beautiful too! We will definately have meltdowns together! LOL! It'll be fun! 7 months and 10 days left! I'm so excited! Now we can be excited together!

Well I'm glad your excited as me lol. I'm a sag...ya know, half horse half man.probably why I've rode horses my whole life :) I love the lakes and everything, however, I'm not near any oceans :( I haven't met anyone young that likes to sail. So exciting. Anyways..now it's 7 months and 9 days...WHOOHOOO I'm so excited. I just want it to come already don't you?? Well, enjoy your week and I'll speak with you soon I'm sure :D

[ca_dawson]

Well I'm glad your excited as me lol. I'm a sag...ya know, half horse half man.probably why I've rode horses my whole life :) I love the lakes and everything, however, I'm not near any oceans :( I haven't met anyone young that likes to sail. So exciting. Anyways..now it's 7 months and 9 days...WHOOHOOO I'm so excited. I just want it to come already don't you?? Well, enjoy your week and I'll speak with you soon I'm sure :D
Yeah oceans can get pretty scary! Actually Ben and I almost drowned on our trip to Florida 2 summers ago! :eek: When we were there the water was so choppy and red flags were up, but we went in the water. Well Ben was just floating on a boogie board and he was starting to drift out a little too far for comfort. So I took like 2 steps to pull him in and we both got sucked out! Luckily we were on boogie boards, but we were fighting so hard to get back up and we just kept getting sucked out further and further. And we couldn't get the attention of my brother in law and sisters until Ben finally just raised his board all the way up and then they knew something was wrong. We fought the current for like 30 minutes and then finally got a wave that we rode with the boogie boards to shore! I had never been so scared in my life! And the funny part was if we would have just swam sideways there was a sandbank and the water was only like ankle deep! **** rip tides! We just freaked out and forgot that you're supposed to swim sideways when you get stuck in a rip tide! It was so scary and I sucked up so much water! But then was back in the water like a couple hours later! It's funny now but boy was it scary then! So yeah I prefer lakes and rivers! At least you know you are surrounded by land worst case scenerio! And no sharks to worry about! I am so ready for the wedding to be here! Especially after a year of being engaged! LOL! Our 1 year engagement anniversary was on Sept. 5th! But it's coming fast so that's good!

[together4ever]

Yeah oceans can get pretty scary! Actually Ben and I almost drowned on our trip to Florida 2 summers ago! :eek: When we were there the water was so choppy and red flags were up, but we went in the water. Well Ben was just floating on a boogie board and he was starting to drift out a little too far for comfort. So I took like 2 steps to pull him in and we both got sucked out! Luckily we were on boogie boards, but we were fighting so hard to get back up and we just kept getting sucked out further and further. And we couldn't get the attention of my brother in law and sisters until Ben finally just raised his board all the way up and then they knew something was wrong. We fought the current for like 30 minutes and then finally got a wave that we rode with the boogie boards to shore! I had never been so scared in my life! And the funny part was if we would have just swam sideways there was a sandbank and the water was only like ankle deep! **** rip tides! We just freaked out and forgot that you're supposed to swim sideways when you get stuck in a rip tide! It was so scary and I sucked up so much water! But then was back in the water like a couple hours later! It's funny now but boy was it scary then! So yeah I prefer lakes and rivers! At least you know you are surrounded by land worst case scenerio! And no sharks to worry about! I am so ready for the wedding to be here! Especially after a year of being engaged! LOL! Our 1 year engagement anniversary was on Sept. 5th! But it's coming fast so that's good!
Very true. I would be scared to death! I got stuck in one once and I had a panic attack and almost passed out, it was not good. Lol. Plus the ocean is soooooo cold! Lol. Yup, no sharks, land near by. The lake I sail on is supposed to be one of the hardest lakes to sail in the US because of how many wind shifts it gets. I remember, we had an over night race. The second day it was blowing like 35-40 and we are on a 28 CAL...so it does best in light wind ya know. It's an all girl crew, I was the youngest...and also pretty much the strongest. One of our lines were tied wrong up top and we went to tack and lost complete control of the head sail. We ended up rounding up and trying to pull it down because we couldn't handle it. It was really really scary. I definetly didn't like that. Plus the lady who owns the boat gets nervous easily and she starts yelling and freaking out which doesn't help matters... I'd rather sail with someone calm lol! But we made it back safe and sound :)
7 months and one week :D Cannot wait. Luckily for me, our engagement is only 10 months long and I've almost gotten three out of the way.

[together4ever]

Girl!
Only 204 days till we get married!!! WHOO HOOOO

[ca_dawson]

Girl!
Only 204 days till we get married!!! WHOO HOOOO
Haha! Wedding Channel's countdown says 206! How funny! I am so far behind! I think I am going to get busy this weekend. My little sis will be with me so I can drag her around! LOL!

This is what I plan to get this weekend:
tulle to attemp DIY veil
veil comb
crystals for veil
ribbon for bouquets
24 guage wire to do DIY crytal stems for bouquets
carstock for programs
vellum for programs
ribbons for programs

From ebay & web:
tiara
flowers
crystals
jewelry

Hopefully I will have a productive weekend! I guess I'll have to wait and see!

[together4ever]

Haha! Wedding Channel's countdown says 206! How funny! I am so far behind! I think I am going to get busy this weekend. My little sis will be with me so I can drag her around! LOL!

This is what I plan to get this weekend:
tulle to attemp DIY veil
veil comb
crystals for veil
ribbon for bouquets
24 guage wire to do DIY crytal stems for bouquets
carstock for programs
vellum for programs
ribbons for programs

From ebay & web:
tiara
flowers
crystals
jewelry

Hopefully I will have a productive weekend! I guess I'll have to wait and see!

204, 206 same difference :D... I'm on painpills I have an excuse lol!!!
Hope you get everything done. I find out tomorrow if I have to have surgery :(

[ca_dawson]

204, 206 same difference :D... I'm on painpills I have an excuse lol!!!
Hope you get everything done. I find out tomorrow if I have to have surgery :(
Good Luck! I'll pray that you don't and that everything will be okay!

[mike's bride]

Carla,

I just got done looking at your wedding journal and I love everything that you have put together!!! Very nice! You are going to have a beautiful wedding! you and Ben your Fh make a very cute couple... You remind me of one of my bridesmaids, Carolyn she lives in Calhoun, Ga... you remind me of her though... Your dress is stunning!!! I have a journal up but I haven't posted much in it yet... I need to take pictures of my dress and post them up...My dress is at my FMIL's house hanging in a closet... Waiting for me to wear it! I miss it!! :) Well i wish you all the luck with your wedding and if you need anything just ask....I'm still in the midst of planning my wedding...... Nice pictures also!!! Texan Girl! ;)

[ca_dawson]

Carla,

I just got done looking at your wedding journal and I love everything that you have put together!!! Very nice! You are going to have a beautiful wedding! you and Ben your Fh make a very cute couple... You remind me of one of my bridesmaids, Carolyn she lives in Calhoun, Ga... you remind me of her though... Your dress is stunning!!! I have a journal up but I haven't posted much in it yet... I need to take pictures of my dress and post them up...My dress is at my FMIL's house hanging in a closet... Waiting for me to wear it! I miss it!! :) Well i wish you all the luck with your wedding and if you need anything just ask....I'm still in the midst of planning my wedding...... Nice pictures also!!! Texan Girl! ;)
Thank you! I've been engaged for over a year now so I had plenty of time to look for ideas! LOL! I'm kinda at a standstill. It's coming up so fast though! I just waiting for my dress to come in the most! I want to put it on so bad! It's nice having people on here semi-close to you!

[mike's bride]

Thank you! I've been engaged for over a year now so I had plenty of time to look for ideas! LOL! I'm kinda at a standstill. It's coming up so fast though! I just waiting for my dress to come in the most! I want to put it on so bad! It's nice having people on here semi-close to you!

It's nice having people on here semi-close to you![/QUOTE]


yes IT IS! :)

[ca_dawson]

200 Days Left!

Man how time flies! So much to do still! I have got to get on the ball!
Waiting...waiting...waiting! I hate waiting for my dress! I want it now! LOL! It hasn't even been a month since I ordered it! I am so impatient! My mission this weekend is to get the material for veil, flowers, and programs. I need to get my butt in gear with the DIY's!

[ca_dawson]

Well I am offically into the 100's now in the countdown! Well 198 days to be exact! So I really need to get in gear! So I have let my family know what I need for Christmas and my birthday (in January)! LOL! I gave them the list, unity candles, toasting flutes, etc! So almost done with paying off school (credit card!) so it's time to buy more wedding stuff! Ack so close now! And with the holiday season it's all going to fly by! Okay so here's the unity candle set I want:

Crystal Chandelier Set from Things Remembered:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/unitycandle.jpg

It's pretty small but the big candle has crystals on it and the ****r holders have crystal drops hanging from the heart and then the heart of the base is engravable. Here's the link if anyone would like to see it more close up:
http://www.thingsremembered.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_543457_-1_537

[ca_dawson]

Okay I was sorting through my journal and realized that I never put up a pic of my engagement ring! So here it is:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/myring.jpg

[mike's bride]

Well I am offically into the 100's now in the countdown! Well 198 days to be exact! So I really need to get in gear! So I have let my family know what I need for Christmas and my birthday (in January)! LOL! I gave them the list, unity candles, toasting flutes, etc! So almost done with paying off school (credit card!) so it's time to buy more wedding stuff! Ack so close now! And with the holiday season it's all going to fly by! Okay so here's the unity candle set I want:

Crystal Chandelier Set from Things Remembered:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/unitycandle.jpg

It's pretty small but the big candle has crystals on it and the ****r holders have crystal drops hanging from the heart and then the heart of the base is engravable. Here's the link if anyone would like to see it more close up:
http://www.thingsremembered.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_543457_-1_537

Carla,

I Like those!! Nice! and your ring is beautiful! I haven't posted a picture in my journal either because I haven't taken a picture yet of it... I need to do that! Thanks for reminding me girlie! The wedding bands are nice also!!! Mike wants a simple band also. His brother got his ring from James Avery...

[ca_dawson]

Carla,

I Like those!! Nice! and your ring is beautiful! I haven't posted a picture in my journal either because I haven't taken a picture yet of it... I need to do that! Thanks for reminding me girlie! The wedding bands are nice also!!! Mike wants a simple band also. His brother got his ring from James Avery...
Thank you! It's really the only unity candle that I had to have! But it's like $60 or so, so it's on the Christmas list! LOL! And since my "theme" is kinda like roses and crystals, the crystals on it works great! And I love the fact that you can engrave so like a keepsake! Thanks! I love my ring! And the reason he got the 3 stone is for the meaning behind it, so knowing that he actually thought about that makes me love it even more! Ben's only requirements for his ring is that it's cheap and not too "shiny"! LOL! He's got this thing against "shiny" objects! Like when we went to get him a tie for his sis's wedding he kept complaining that the ties were too shiny! Whatever that means! LOL! That poor girl helping us!

[mike's bride]

Thank you! It's really the only unity candle that I had to have! But it's like $60 or so, so it's on the Christmas list! LOL! And since my "theme" is kinda like roses and crystals, the crystals on it works great! And I love the fact that you can engrave so like a keepsake! Thanks! I love my ring! And the reason he got the 3 stone is for the meaning behind it, so knowing that he actually thought about that makes me love it even more! Ben's only requirements for his ring is that it's cheap and not too "shiny"! LOL! He's got this thing against "shiny" objects! Like when we went to get him a tie for his sis's wedding he kept complaining that the ties were too shiny! Whatever that means! LOL! That poor girl helping us!

He's got this thing against "shiny" objects

So does Mike!!! He can't stand a shiny ring... Except for mine he wants it to be shiny!!!! :) Men are silly sometimes! ;)

[CKNEET]

I LOVE everything about your wedding . . i have a question, are you haveing a sit down dinner, buffet or what, cause I might be in texas around that time . .how weird huh? caleb and i are taking a road trip in late april early may.

i mean what are the chances, and if you don't have room, I understand :)

[ca_dawson]

I LOVE everything about your wedding . . i have a question, are you haveing a sit down dinner, buffet or what, cause I might be in texas around that time . .how weird huh? caleb and i are taking a road trip in late april early may.

i mean what are the chances, and if you don't have room, I understand :)
OMG! Hell ya I'll have room for you and Caleb! Are you serious? That would be awesome! We're having buffet so there will be plenty of food! OMG yall gotta come now!

[CKNEET]

OMG! Hell ya I'll have room for you and Caleb! Are you serious? That would be awesome! We're having buffet so there will be plenty of food! OMG yall gotta come now!

We not for sure what days we'll be in houston . .so i'll figure that you, but its **** possible we might be there the 29th :)

[NYjerseygirl]

LOL, I almost fell out of the chair with your tiara joke! that's one big piece of bling for someones head. LOL


and I never saw your picture before and you are sooooo pretty, you're going to make a stunning bride!

Love this picture.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/BenandCarlasVacationPicture.jpg

And I saw that you're in the market for an inexpensive shimmer veil. I have to admit it does look really nice!! so i'll keep my eyes peeld for you. ;)

[ca_dawson]

LOL, I almost fell out of the chair with your tiara joke! that's one big piece of bling for someones head. LOL


and I never saw your picture before and you are sooooo pretty, you're going to make a stunning bride!


And I saw that you're in the market for an inexpensive shimmer veil. I have to admit it does look really nice!! so i'll keep my eyes peeld for you. ;)
Thanks girl! I added alot of pictures! I just looked at your updated website. AMAZING!

[ca_dawson]

Okay this past weekend I actually got alot accomplished! I bought stuff for my DIY veil I am going to attempt. (thanks to the support of you ladies!) I also bought the materials to do my crystal stems for the bouquets and some ribbon and charms for the programs.

For the veil:
*shimmer bridal illusion tulle-Joann's: $4 for 2 yards
*swavarski crystals for veil-Michael's: $2 for package/32
*needle and thread for veil-Joann's $2 (cause I didn't want to look for mine at home! Haha Lazy I know!)
I still need to find some teardrop swarvarski crystals for the "crystal drops" and a comb since I totally forgot about it!

For my crystal stems:
*8mm red crystals-Joann's: Package of 315 on sale for $1! I bought 2 packages just in case.
*24 guage wire-Joann's: $4/30yrd spool. The wire was pretty expensive. I'll have to find it somewhere cheaper!
I started putting these together since I couldn't wait. I've been twisting them by hand, which is doable, but it would probably be so much easier to use a drill like the directions said! I don't have a drill and I haven't gotten around to going to dad's to borrow his.

I also bought some pretty ribbon and charms for the programs. I can't really start on the programs yet, but I figured I might as well get them while I was there.

I am going to start my veil this weekend. I must admit I'm a bit nervous that I might screw up! But the material was only $4 so it won't be too bad if I do! And I need to see if my mom's sewing machine works so I can borrow it. Everything is coming so quickly! But I plan to get alot done in the next few months!

[Jen062406]

Sounds like you got a great deal! I am sure it will turn out awesome. Post some pics when you get some. I know my veil is about $150. It's ridiculous. The only reason I got it is it comes with my dress thankfully! :p

[ca_dawson]

Okay I set up my engagement pics again! The hurricane ruined our first appointement! So this Thursday we will be getting our pics done! I'm so excited! Now I just have to figure out what to wear and bring Ben's shirts to the dry cleaners. I should probably get my nails done too! They aren't very pretty right now. :rolleyes: Ok only 2 days! I'm really excited. I'll have to finish laundry tonight so I can see what we have.

[ca_dawson]

Sounds like you got a great deal! I am sure it will turn out awesome. Post some pics when you get some. I know my veil is about $150. It's ridiculous. The only reason I got it is it comes with my dress thankfully! :p
Oh I definately will! The material is so soft and shimmery and pretty too! I can't see how bridal shops can charge hundreds of dollars for a few dollars worth of material! That's like a 90% labor markup! What a ripoff! And they probably have 7 years olds sewing them together in some sweatshop somewhere. :rolleyes:

[Jen062406]

Oh I definately will! The material is so soft and shimmery and pretty too! I can't see how bridal shops can charge hundreds of dollars for a few dollars worth of material! That's like a 90% labor markup! What a ripoff! And they probably have 7 years olds sewing them together in some sweatshop somewhere. :rolleyes:

I know it's robbery! I found some pretty ones on ebay too if you or anyone is interested. http://cgi.ebay.com/Bridal-New-2-T-satin-White-veil-Wedding-Tiara-dress_W0QQitemZ8225680176QQcategoryZ15719QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting That one is only $15 and it looks really pretty. LOL 7 year olds. :p

[ca_dawson]

Okay I took some pictures with my wonderful ***era phone last night! (Yes I desperately need a real ***era! :D ) So the pictures will be super tiny.

Here's the beads:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/beads.jpg

And here's the stems that I've started doing:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/stems1.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/stems2.jpg

I've been twisting them by hand so they aren't perfect, but the wire part will be hidden in the bouquet so it doesn't really matter!

Here's some pictures of the veil material:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/veil.jpg

And closeup of the shimmer:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/shimmer.jpg

It's so pretty in person! I am planning on trying to begin my veil this weekend, but with a test coming up, I may not be able to. So we'll see!

[shannabelle]

Hey! Everything is so pretty. You have great ideas! When I pmed you it said you didn't have any empty space!

[ca_dawson]

Hey! Everything is so pretty. You have great ideas! When I pmed you it said you didn't have any empty space!
Ok! I'll clear it! I'm about to put up the engagement pics too!

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[Marsha]

verry attractive couple! i like them all.

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[ca_dawson]

removed for privacy issues...

[shannabelle]

Those are beautiful! Which one are you going to put in y'all's anouncements?

[ca_dawson]

verry attractive couple! i like them all.
Thank you! We were very pleased with the way they all ***e out!

[BearPawGal]

Beautiful pics!! Thanks for sharing with us! :)

[CKNEET]

SO FREKIN GORGEOUS CARLA!!! I love them! you guys look so good!!!!

[alley06]

They turned out really good. I like a lot of the last ones where you are wearing a dress and some of your outdoor ones. The one of you guys leaning into the tree makes it look like he's doing bad things to you! Can you tell what's on my mind! :D

[fmil0625]

Awwww! They turned out great, how exciting for you. You're a cute couple :)

[ca_dawson]

Thank you all ladies! Alley, LOL about the tree one! He was joking about that as we were taking the picture!

[ca_dawson]

Those are beautiful! Which one are you going to put in y'all's anouncements?
Thanks! I don't know, we have so many favorites! LOL! The photographer really did a great job!

[Vixen]

those are sooooo good!. omg you two are really take good pics!

[LinzGirl]

Those pics are REALLY good. You two look so cute!!! :D

[milnes06]

You guys look soo cute and happy. I think i like the ones in the jersey's the best!!!

[StephandMike06]

Cute pics!! It's cool all the different outfits you guys changed into. I could barely get Mike to go for engagement pics, nevermind if he had to change between shots :D

[Jen062406]

They turned out really good. I like a lot of the last ones where you are wearing a dress and some of your outdoor ones. The one of you guys leaning into the tree makes it look like he's doing bad things to you! Can you tell what's on my mind! :D

I love them all too..very nice!! Yeah..I did think the same thing about the tree one too Alley!! LOL. :p

[lyndsaynicole]

Very nice pics Carla! You guys look great! That's awesome that you got to see them so fast too.

[mike's bride]

Beatiful Pictures Carla!!!!! ;)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v449/liz1974/liz.gif

[ca_dawson]

Thank you wonderful ladies for all the feedback! Now I have the task of choosing between them all! :rolleyes: Oh well, I guess when the problem is too many good pics to choose from, can't really complain too much! Everyone's favorite is different! But most everyone loves the outdoor ones and jersey ones!

[ca_dawson]

I had another busy weekend! Between tests, quizzes, homework, and coming in to work on Saturday and helping a friend move, I still managed to squeeze in wedding stuff! Whew! It was a very productive weekend though. I bought more wire for the crystal stems. Found it at Michaels for cheaper. I also bought the cardstock for the programs since it was half off! So now I have everything for the programs but the vellum overlay. I also cut my veil this weekend. It ***e out good. If I could only get my mom's sewing machine to work I could finish the veil. :rolleyes: It looks like a piece is broken so I need to find a replacement piece. I'm also going to try to order the flowers this week so I can start the bouquets this weekend. I also still need to order tiara and jewelry. And find ribbon for the bouquets. I am having the hardest time finding double sided satin ribbon! I might have to end up ordering off the web. So things are rolling along smoothly! I just gotta keep up the pace!

[together4ever]

Hey girl... 186 days.... On Sat it will be six months.... are you excited?? I am. Your engagement pics are gorgeous!! Love them. I feel like I'm so far behind since this is definetely not my year and I've had so much unfortunate stuff happen to me....like my shoulder.... and my uclers....lol.
Oh well, hopefully things will only look up from here.
I hope everythings great with you and you have a really good week. :D

[ca_dawson]

Hey girl... 186 days.... On Sat it will be six months.... are you excited?? I am. Your engagement pics are gorgeous!! Love them. I feel like I'm so far behind since this is definetely not my year and I've had so much unfortunate stuff happen to me....like my shoulder.... and my uclers....lol.
Oh well, hopefully things will only look up from here.
I hope everythings great with you and you have a really good week. :D
Hey girl! I was wondering how you were doing! Are the ulcers better yet? Any news on whether or not you will have to have surgery on your shoulder? I feel so bad for you! All this stuff seems to always happen at once! LOL! At the beginning of the year I got a kidney infection that put me in the hospital for 2 days, then not even a month later I got shingles on my face! It was horrible! But I've been healthy ever since! Maybe your bad luck it over too?! Better now than closer to the wedding, right?! So how far along are you now? Everything is coming together. Working on my DIY's and gotta make some payments, but it's going okay. I can't believe how fast it is all coming up! Gotta hurry and finish things!

[together4ever]

Shingles??? That sounds painful. The uclers are better now that the stress is off ;) But I hate that we aren't date twins any more!! It was so fun. But, I gotta do what I gotta do. I really hope I start to feel better here soon. They are thinking that my shoulder is going to heal it's self. I sure hope so! I cannot afford to be in the hospital again.
You guys are so cute I cannot get over it.
I am so excited though. I can't believe in less than two months I'll be Amanda Frye! Lol. I hope your planning is coming along well! It sounds like you've got it all together!! Good luck girl!

[ca_dawson]

Shingles??? That sounds painful. The uclers are better now that the stress is off ;) But I hate that we aren't date twins any more!! It was so fun. But, I gotta do what I gotta do. I really hope I start to feel better here soon. They are thinking that my shoulder is going to heal it's self. I sure hope so! I cannot afford to be in the hospital again.
You guys are so cute I cannot get over it.
I am so excited though. I can't believe in less than two months I'll be Amanda Frye! Lol. I hope your planning is coming along well! It sounds like you've got it all together!! Good luck girl!
Yep it was painful! They attack your nerves so that makes it even more painful! I literally felt like someone hit me in the head with a brick! Even pain meds weren't helping! I'm glad your shoulder is doing well! I'll miss ya as a date twin, but I'm so excited for you! I would be floating on clouds if I knew we just had a little over a month to go! And your health is most important! Don't want to over stress yourself! That's not good! It's so soon for you know! You'll definately have to post pictures of it all! It'll be so gorgeous!

[together4ever]

Yep it was painful! They attack your nerves so that makes it even more painful! I literally felt like someone hit me in the head with a brick! Even pain meds weren't helping! I'm glad your shoulder is doing well! I'll miss ya as a date twin, but I'm so excited for you! I would be floating on clouds if I knew we just had a little over a month to go! And your health is most important! Don't want to over stress yourself! That's not good! It's so soon for you know! You'll definately have to post pictures of it all! It'll be so gorgeous!
Yes ma'am. It will be gorgeous... Christmas time :) My mommy is going to take our pics. She's awesome, she took our engagement pics. I am just floating away. I feel so giddy. I cannot wait.
I really need to focus on my health and that's why this feels so good. Plus it's spontaneous, which is something I've always wanted to be, but never have. I was always a planner!
I just can't wait. And I thought six months was soon!!! haha.

[Kelly1Mickey]

Carla, your pics turned out great! You guys are adorable!

[blushing_bride_2be]

I love the look of big sparkly jewelry so I figured I'd go all out on my wedding day! Kinda the same look as my above Labyrith pics!

Necklace and earring set
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/jewelry.jpg
Here's a picture of it on. (obviously not me!) It's not as gaudy as it looks in the above picture!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/jewelryonperson.jpg

Forgot to mention $20 on ebay for the set. Ebay store: Park Ave Boutique. They have tons of jewelry sets and tiara ect.


I bought my jewelry from that store as well. I didn't get it as cheap but I was fighting for it with another bride. luckily I won. Mine's a set that comes with the tiara and earrings and bracelet as well as the necklace. I won it for 35 plus shipping so like 49 or something dollars. Still good to me. I have a pic on my journal. Have you looked at veils yet? I got mine from ebay and so did my FSIL from the same store. I also bought oh whats the word oh that puffy thing under the dress from there. I paid 25 for it and its perfect. Sorry not to be bragging just throwing out some tips. I will have to get you the address for the site if you want it. Well everything is beautiful and you're right she is to adorable. The wedding plans are going great and can't wait to see more!

[blushing_bride_2be]

Thank you! We were very pleased with the way they all ***e out!

I love the pics of you two. You're very photogenic you and your FH. i love the ones with the jerseys. We're doing the same thing but with our fave college team. Just wanted to compliment you again. Sorry for the late post! Good luck and congrats once again!

[jmlls07]

I love your pictures. Can I "steal" your program idea? :p Those are so sharp, they look amazing. And since we are doing our own invites, we should do our own programs too!

By the way, your dress is insane. You are going to look like a gorgeous princess! :D - I also loved the pics of the hair.

My favorite - the two toned rose bouquet!!!

[ca_dawson]

I love your pictures. Can I "steal" your program idea? :p Those are so sharp, they look amazing. And since we are doing our own invites, we should do our own programs too!

By the way, your dress is insane. You are going to look like a gorgeous princess! :D - I also loved the pics of the hair.

My favorite - the two toned rose bouquet!!!
Thank you so much for all the nice compliments! Of course you can "steal" whatever you want! I love to help people out so I'm glad you found something you can use! I can't wait until my dress actually comes in! LOL! I am still waiting for it! I love it! Actually I love all Maggie's so it was a tough choice, but exactley what i was looking for! I love the two toned roses as well, but am having trouble finding them. Actually most of my ideas are hard to find! If you need any pointers on the program just let me know!

[ca_dawson]

I bought my jewelry from that store as well. I didn't get it as cheap but I was fighting for it with another bride. luckily I won. Mine's a set that comes with the tiara and earrings and bracelet as well as the necklace. I won it for 35 plus shipping so like 49 or something dollars. Still good to me. I have a pic on my journal. Have you looked at veils yet? I got mine from ebay and so did my FSIL from the same store. I also bought oh whats the word oh that puffy thing under the dress from there. I paid 25 for it and its perfect. Sorry not to be bragging just throwing out some tips. I will have to get you the address for the site if you want it. Well everything is beautiful and you're right she is to adorable. The wedding plans are going great and can't wait to see more!
I am in the process of making my own veil because I couldn't find exactly what I wanted! But I'm getting alot off of ebay! Don't be sorry for bragging! You got a good deal and that's very brag-worthy! Thanks for all the wonderful compliments!

[ca_dawson]

Novemeber 1st already! Man time is flying by! I am down to 178 days. I just ordered my flowers for the bridesmaids off ebay. I got 84 velvet white roses for $14.95, well like $23 after shipping. Still not bad for all my bridesmaids. The ebay store is "Silk Flowers and Artificial Plants" and the seller is Abyersmkt. I looked into efavormart, but for some reason I didn't like their velvet roses. I don't remember why, but I prefer this store. I have 225 out of the 300 crystal stems completed for the bridesmaid bouquets. I need to get more wire to complete those. I also need to find some ribbon. Hopefully I will get the flowers by this weekend so I can do that. My veil is on hold right now. I have cut it and it's ready to be sewed, but my mom's sewing machine is broken. So I need to find this part so I can get it working. Okay, so all the things I need to do in November:

*purchase tiara off ebay
*purchase jewelry off ebay
*get flowergirl basket and ringbearer pillow
*get ribbon and finish bridesmaid bouquets
*finish veil
*pay photographer and videographer
*pick up items for my bridesmaid gifts

I started getting items for bridesmaid gifts. So far I have got them pedicure set and bubble bath. I want to get them all sorts of spa stuff and make them soap and cute stuff like that to fill up their totes I will get for them. So much to do! I got all the materials for the programs except the vellum overlay. If I finish everything that needs to be done in Novemeber I will have this left before the wedding:
*pay for catering
*pay for alcohol
*honeymoon
*night of wedding hotel
*limo arrangements
*pay off dress balance
*alterations
*arrange hair and makeup
*figure out music
*bridal bouquet~ still looking for the flowers I want, unsucessfully!
*Groom/Groomsmen attire
*Invitations
*marriage liscence
*rings
*favors

Ahhhh! Stay calm! You can do all this between work and school! I'm just going to take things one day at a time! LOL!

[lyndsaynicole]

Novemeber 1st already! Man time is flying by! I am down to 178 days. I just ordered my flowers for the bridesmaids off ebay. I got 84 velvet white roses for $14.95, well like $23 after shipping. Still not bad for all my bridesmaids. The ebay store is "Silk Flowers and Artificial Plants" and the seller is Abyersmkt. I looked into efavormart, but for some reason I didn't like their velvet roses. I don't remember why, but I prefer this store. I have 225 out of the 300 crystal stems completed for the bridesmaid bouquets. I need to get more wire to complete those. I also need to find some ribbon. Hopefully I will get the flowers by this weekend so I can do that. My veil is on hold right now. I have cut it and it's ready to be sewed, but my mom's sewing machine is broken. So I need to find this part so I can get it working. Okay, so all the things I need to do in November:

*purchase tiara off ebay
*purchase jewelry off ebay
*get flowergirl basket and ringbearer pillow
*get ribbon and finish bridesmaid bouquets
*finish veil
*pay photographer and videographer
*pick up items for my bridesmaid gifts

I started getting items for bridesmaid gifts. So far I have got them pedicure set and bubble bath. I want to get them all sorts of spa stuff and make them soap and cute stuff like that to fill up their totes I will get for them. So much to do! I got all the materials for the programs except the vellum overlay. If I finish everything that needs to be done in Novemeber I will have this left before the wedding:
*pay for catering
*pay for alcohol
*honeymoon
*night of wedding hotel
*limo arrangements
*pay off dress balance
*alterations
*arrange hair and makeup
*figure out music
*bridal bouquet~ still looking for the flowers I want, unsucessfully!
*Groom/Groomsmen attire
*Invitations
*marriage liscence
*rings
*favors

Ahhhh! Stay calm! You can do all this between work and school! I'm just going to take things one day at a time! LOL!

Hey Carla-

Looks like everything is coming along nicely! You are getting down to the wire-well, not really-you still have like 5 months left-but you know, it's gonna come fast. I keep telling myself I have plenty of time to get everything done and the reality is that it will be here before I know it and I need to get some more things done!! I think it will help after we get our tax refunds (we get our taxes done in January as soon as we get our W2's in the mail). We are probably gonna use that money to pay for a lot of stuff. And we are having help from our parents on things. I've been picking up little things along the way-you know how that goes. Well, keep up the good planning!

[jmlls07]

Thank you so much for all the nice compliments! Of course you can "steal" whatever you want! I love to help people out so I'm glad you found something you can use! I can't wait until my dress actually comes in! LOL! I am still waiting for it! I love it! Actually I love all Maggie's so it was a tough choice, but exactley what i was looking for! I love the two toned roses as well, but am having trouble finding them. Actually most of my ideas are hard to find! If you need any pointers on the program just let me know!

the program idea is so beautiful. I was thinking of printing it on ivory linen paper, with the first overlay as vellum. I think most florists have vendella roses in two tone, if you ask them. I know Boston has a ton. Not vendella, but regular ones. I cant wait to see more of your posts. You really do have great ideas :)

[ca_dawson]

Hey Carla-

Looks like everything is coming along nicely! You are getting down to the wire-well, not really-you still have like 5 months left-but you know, it's gonna come fast. I keep telling myself I have plenty of time to get everything done and the reality is that it will be here before I know it and I need to get some more things done!! I think it will help after we get our tax refunds (we get our taxes done in January as soon as we get our W2's in the mail). We are probably gonna use that money to pay for a lot of stuff. And we are having help from our parents on things. I've been picking up little things along the way-you know how that goes. Well, keep up the good planning!
Thanks lyndsay! I kept thinking I had all this time and then it just keeps flying by! We have stuff going on every month until the wedding. First the holidays, Thanksgiving, then Christmas. Then Jan. is my b-day. February Valentine's. March our anniversary and then the wedding in April! And time just flies by so fast! The holiday season always soars by! We can't really afford to get gifts for Christmas too so that sucks too! We will do our refunds early this year as well. Mine is usually like $3000 since I pay for school out of pocket and we are estimating Ben to get $1000 this year. Plus he gets 2 more bonuses before the wedding, so we should be alright, but I hate to plan with money we don't have, ya know? And then school really stresses me out too! And I am applying for the master's program this year too, so alot going on at once! Thanks for the encouragement!

[ca_dawson]

the program idea is so beautiful. I was thinking of printing it on ivory linen paper, with the first overlay as vellum. I think most florists have vendella roses in two tone, if you ask them. I know Boston has a ton. Not vendella, but regular ones. I cant wait to see more of your posts. You really do have great ideas :)
Thank you! I think it would look great on the linen paper. I know there is a place downtown where I can get the two toned roses, but I was really wanting to do my bouquet in silks so I could keep it forever. I guess I could always get it preserved. I bought an all white silk rose this weekend and I'm going to test it to see if I can dye it, but not sure how that will turn out. :rolleyes:

[Marsha]

Do U Have A Pic Of Your Crystal Stems?

[ca_dawson]

Do U Have A Pic Of Your Crystal Stems?
Yeah but they're tiny. The only ***era I have right now is my ***eraphone! LOL!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/stems1.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/stems2.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/beads.jpg

These are when I first started them, but I have a ton now. I'll have to take more pics tonight and post what I have now.

[together4ever]

Hey my former date twin :D
How are the plans coming along? Hopefully nicely. I'm getting really freaked out lol!! Its in just about ummm..... 40 days!!!!! YIKES. We booked the chapel though so that gave me piece of mind. I cannot believe that it's so soon.
And yours will be here before you know it as well!
How is everything else coming along? I just wanted to check on ya. Have a great week!

[ca_dawson]

Hey my former date twin :D
How are the plans coming along? Hopefully nicely. I'm getting really freaked out lol!! Its in just about ummm..... 40 days!!!!! YIKES. We booked the chapel though so that gave me piece of mind. I cannot believe that it's so soon.
And yours will be here before you know it as well!
How is everything else coming along? I just wanted to check on ya. Have a great week!
Hey girl! Things are coming! I am kinda getting freaked out, but I'm just taking it one day at a time. I've actually got a lot accomplished these past few weeks! So if I keep up the pace I should be good! But I also gotta keep up with work and school so it's really a balancing act! How's everything coming with you? You are almost there! I'm glad you have less stress now!

[ca_dawson]

Wow I just ordered these flowers this morning and I already have received a tracking number! Yay! I can't wait for them to come it! They are coming from Florida so according to my guide at work it takes 2 days from FL to TX. Hopefully so! Can't wait!

[blushing_bride_2be]

Congrats girl. You're wedding is getting closer. Yay! Good luck on your planning and you seem to be on top of things!

[ca_dawson]

Congrats girl. You're wedding is getting closer. Yay! Good luck on your planning and you seem to be on top of things!
Thank you! :)

[Marsha]

excuse me for being iggnorant, but how where those beads going to be in the flowers? with 300 of them im thinking it was a whole BQ of them? im hard headed sometimes

[shannabelle]

Hey, did you get your package from apt mgmt. yet?

[ca_dawson]

This weekend I finally finished twisting all 300 crystal stems for my bridesmaid bouquets! I got my flowers in on Thursday. They were gorgeous. So Saturday my little sis ***e over. We started to put one bouquet together and 2 hours later I wasn't liking how it turned out. I love the look of the handtied stems showing at the bottom, but I bought rose bushes (much cheaper) so the stems are supper skinny. So it didn't turn out like I envisioned. So I went to Walmart in search of something. I wasn't really sure what, just something that would make them better. I was ready to get the bouquet holder thinging with the handle. Wasn't really what I wanted, but at this point it was my last option. Well I'm looking through and walmart has these things that is styrafoam at the top and then stems at the bottom! It's called freshlook bouquet or something like that. Anyway it was perfect! So I did two bouquets this weekend. With this styrafoam I needed more flowers than I originally planned for so I have to order more. Didn't get a chance to get pics yet, but tonight I will and get those posted!

[JenandTony]

This weekend I finally finished twisting all 300 crystal stems for my bridesmaid bouquets! I got my flowers in on Thursday. They were gorgeous. So Saturday my little sis ***e over. We started to put one bouquet together and 2 hours later I wasn't liking how it turned out. I love the look of the handtied stems showing at the bottom, but I bought rose bushes (much cheaper) so the stems are supper skinny. So it didn't turn out like I envisioned. So I went to Walmart in search of something. I wasn't really sure what, just something that would make them better. I was ready to get the bouquet holder thinging with the handle. Wasn't really what I wanted, but at this point it was my last option. Well I'm looking through and walmart has these things that is styrafoam at the top and then stems at the bottom! It's called freshlook bouquet or something like that. Anyway it was perfect! So I did two bouquets this weekend. With this styrafoam I needed more flowers than I originally planned for so I have to order more. Didn't get a chance to get pics yet, but tonight I will and get those posted!

Ohhh....I'm glad you found something that you liked. Can't wait to see what it looks like!

[blushing_bride_2be]

This weekend I finally finished twisting all 300 crystal stems for my bridesmaid bouquets! I got my flowers in on Thursday. They were gorgeous. So Saturday my little sis ***e over. We started to put one bouquet together and 2 hours later I wasn't liking how it turned out. I love the look of the handtied stems showing at the bottom, but I bought rose bushes (much cheaper) so the stems are supper skinny. So it didn't turn out like I envisioned. So I went to Walmart in search of something. I wasn't really sure what, just something that would make them better. I was ready to get the bouquet holder thinging with the handle. Wasn't really what I wanted, but at this point it was my last option. Well I'm looking through and walmart has these things that is styrafoam at the top and then stems at the bottom! It's called freshlook bouquet or something like that. Anyway it was perfect! So I did two bouquets this weekend. With this styrafoam I needed more flowers than I originally planned for so I have to order more. Didn't get a chance to get pics yet, but tonight I will and get those posted!

Can't wait to see what they look like. I'm sure your more talented then I am! I really can't wait to see what they look like. Sorry for repeating myself!

[alley06]

I really need a digital ***era! Sprint and my ***era phone are being gay and annoying me! LOL! My ***eraphone pics used to come out normal size, but now they come out super tiny and after trying everything, still can't enlarge them and have it look normal! So I will have to try again tonight, but here's this one for now:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bmbouq1.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bmbouq2.jpg

Well since you can't really see, I found some cute heart charms with all my girl's names on them so I put a little name charm on their bouquet as well. The roses I ordered were very beautiful, even though you can't really see too well. I will try to get my mom's digital ***era and get better pictures.

Those turned out really cute! I thought of doing something like the beads but not beads to add silver detail to my bouquet. And those were done using the holder from Walmart?

[ca_dawson]

I really need a digital ***era! Sprint and my ***era phone are being gay and annoying me! LOL! My ***eraphone pics used to come out normal size, but now they come out super tiny and after trying everything, still can't enlarge them and have it look normal! So I will have to try again tonight, but here's this one for now:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bmbouq1.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bmbouq2.jpg

Well since you can't really see, I found some cute heart charms with all my girl's names on them so I put a little name charm on their bouquet as well. The roses I ordered were very beautiful, even though you can't really see too well. I will try to get my mom's digital ***era and get better pictures.

[ca_dawson]

Those turned out really cute! I thought of doing something like the beads but not beads to add silver detail to my bouquet. And those were done using the holder from Walmart?
Thank you! Yeah the holders were called fresh look or something like that. They were in the craft section with the wedding stuff. At our walmart they were all the way at the bottom. It's like a styrafoam ball at the top and then the stems are connected at the bottom. They were $6 something each. It's perfect if you love the look of handtied bouquets with the stems showing, but order flowers by the bush for price reasons!

[ca_dawson]

I looked at the box. Wilton manufactures these bouquet holders:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bouquetholder.jpg

This is what I used to get the "fresh stems" look. I found it at Walmart, but also available at www.wedding.wilton.com (http://www.wedding.wilton.com)

[wdluvbug]

I bought my jewelry from that store as well. I didn't get it as cheap but I was fighting for it with another bride. luckily I won. Mine's a set that comes with the tiara and earrings and bracelet as well as the necklace. I won it for 35 plus shipping so like 49 or something dollars. Still good to me. I have a pic on my journal. Have you looked at veils yet? I got mine from ebay and so did my FSIL from the same store. I also bought oh whats the word oh that puffy thing under the dress from there. I paid 25 for it and its perfect. Sorry not to be bragging just throwing out some tips. I will have to get you the address for the site if you want it. Well everything is beautiful and you're right she is to adorable. The wedding plans are going great and can't wait to see more!

I bought my tiara from this store and it was perfect and cheap. I got a bracelet and tiara for $20 and they are prefect! I may even do my hair like the model here :-)

[lyndsaynicole]

I really need a digital ***era! Sprint and my ***era phone are being gay and annoying me! LOL! My ***eraphone pics used to come out normal size, but now they come out super tiny and after trying everything, still can't enlarge them and have it look normal! So I will have to try again tonight, but here's this one for now:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bmbouq1.jpg http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bmbouq2.jpg

Well since you can't really see, I found some cute heart charms with all my girl's names on them so I put a little name charm on their bouquet as well. The roses I ordered were very beautiful, even though you can't really see too well. I will try to get my mom's digital ***era and get better pictures.

Those are BEAUTIFUL Carla!!!! I love them-you did great!

[ca_dawson]

Those are BEAUTIFUL Carla!!!! I love them-you did great!
Thank you! It was definately trial and error, but 3 hours later, I finally had something I liked! LOL!

[ca_dawson]

excuse me for being iggnorant, but how where those beads going to be in the flowers? with 300 of them im thinking it was a whole BQ of them? im hard headed sometimes
Sorry Marcia! I just saw this post! Must have missed it in the chaos of the posts being all out of order again. Each bouquet will have 50 beads in it. I have 6 girls so that's 300 beads total. I should have been more clear about that! I finally got pics up so you can see what I'm talking about!

[airka02]

I looked at the box. Wilton manufactures these bouquet holders:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bouquetholder.jpg

This is what I used to get the "fresh stems" look. I found it at Walmart, but also available at www.wedding.wilton.com (http://www.wedding.wilton.com)
LOl girl those are the same ones I bought to make my flowers....Same taste...

[ca_dawson]

LOl girl those are the same ones I bought to make my flowers....Same taste...
Great minds think alike! LOL! Aren't they great?!

[blushing_bride_2be]

I looked at the box. Wilton manufactures these bouquet holders:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bouquetholder.jpg

This is what I used to get the "fresh stems" look. I found it at Walmart, but also available at www.wedding.wilton.com (http://www.wedding.wilton.com)

Those are cute and very helpful. How much is it? I really like that idea!

[blushing_bride_2be]

Thanks! $6.49 each at Walmart. On the Wilton website they sell for like $7.99.

Thanks! I have a wal-mart and I shop there alot so I might just go check em out! Hopefully they got them! Thanks girl!

[ca_dawson]

Those are cute and very helpful. How much is it? I really like that idea!
Thanks! $6.49 each at Walmart. On the Wilton website they sell for like $7.99.

[Kelly1Mickey]

Carla those bouqets look great!

[ca_dawson]

Carla those bouqets look great!
Thanks Kelly! I'm hoping to get better pictures of them and finish the rest soon!

[ca_dawson]

Ok so my BIL David (older sis's hubby) was in town for business last night. He has been like an older brother to me since I was 8 (sis and him met when they were 12!) so he's been there longer than any other man in my life. He used to pick me up from school and everything. So I wanted him to walk me down the aisle. So last night I asked him. He was so proud! He even got teary eyed! It was just such a sweet moment! So now I oficially have someone to drag me down the aisle! LOL! Just kidding! :D

[ca_dawson]

Yay! I officially won my jewelry off ebay today! I won it for $19.98, well $24 after shipping! I'm so excited! Now if it will just hurry up and get here! I'll post pics when it arrives!

[alley06]

That's great about your BIL! I had always said if my dad wasn't around, I would want my BIL to walk me down the aisle, he's been in my life for so long and I love him like a brother. Congrats about your jewelry, isn't ebay the sh it?!

[ca_dawson]

Thanks Alley! Yes I love ebay! It was a very touching moment between us. I'm so glad he will be there! There's no one else in the world that I would want! I think my sis is happy I finally asked him because I made her keep it a secret all this time! LOL! And I wanted to do it in person so I had to wait for his next trip to Houston!

[Tonya-N_Josh]

I've found my dress! I haven't ordered it yet, but I hope to order it by the end of July! It's a Maggie Sottero "Tiffany" in all white. Okay now that I finally got the picture thing figured out here are some pics!

From the Maggie Sottero website:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Tiffany.jpg
This picture was sent to me by another bride who wore it in all white. It was immposible to find pictures of the dress in white!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/front.jpg
And here is a bad picture of me in the "replica". I called the salon ahead of time to make sure they had the dress and they said they did, but when I got there, they only had the imitation version. The imitation didn't have the corset back and I wanted pics of the back the most! It also isn't as sparkly as the real version. Again, pic taken with ***era phone, so it's kinda blurry
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/me.jpg
The viel was way too poofy also. I want the skirt to "poof" out like in the pic from the manufacturer's website. I hope to get better pics of me in the dress.


Wow you found it in white, I bought that exact same dress! I have been surching for a picture of it in white, cuz I don't think the color they show does it justice! I bought mine in diamond white!

http://www.GlitterMaker.com/created/1180012.gif (http://www.GlitterMaker.com/)

[MayFlowers]

I just love they way it all looks. gorgeous spot!!!!


The reception will immediately follow the ceremony at Ella's Garden in the ballroom. The ballroom is very lovely with hardwood floors and chandeliers. Okay here comes pictures of the ballroom!


It's actually been expanded so the dance floor is set up in the middle and the tables and chairs are to the sides (if that makes sense)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/reception.jpg
here is a groud level shot
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/ballroomtables.jpg
This is the balcony overlooking the ballroom (and the only reason I'm tossing the bouquet!)
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/bouquettoss.jpg
Here's a view of the site from the head table.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/receptioninside.jpg

Geez, I've tried everything to make these pics smaller. Sorry for the mega huge pics!

[ca_dawson]

I went to Hobby Lobby today because they were having their bridal blowout for 1/2 off all wedding items. So I went ahead and bought the ceremony accessories!

Flowergirl Basket: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/fgbasket.jpg

Ringbear Pillow: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/rbpillow.jpg

Guestbook Pen: $5.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/pen.jpg

Toasting Glasses: $8.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/toastingflutes.jpg

So I spend $30 for all of those! I'm very pleased!

[ca_dawson]

Wow you found it in white, I bought that exact same dress! I have been surching for a picture of it in white, cuz I don't think the color they show does it justice! I bought mine in diamond white!

http://www.glittermaker.com/created/1180012.gif (http://www.glittermaker.com/)
Yay! I have a dress twin! I haven't found anyone with the same dress yet! The pictures do not do this dress justice at all! It's absolutely breathtaking! Do you have any pictures of you in it? I'm waiting for mine to come in. That one pic of me in it was a replica version, not the actual maggie, but I tried on the actual Maggie in the ivory/gold. It's just so stunning, but I guess you know because you're wearing it too! LOL! When is yours coming in?

[ca_dawson]

I just love they way it all looks. gorgeous spot!!!!
Thank you very much! It's actually the only site we looked at. It just had us hooked when we walked in!

[ca_dawson]

Someday I am going to have to decide on a menu choice! So here are my choices:

All Menus come with:
Gourmet cheese and crackers
Fresh Veggies and assorted dips
Seasonal fruits

Menu Choice #1: $8 pp
A choice of 3 of the following:
assorted petite quiche
chicken tenders
Italian meatballs
cocktail sausages
Chili con queso
Croissant sandwhiches
Menu Choice #2: $10 pp
Choose 1:
Chicken tettrazini
Beef Lasagna
King ranch chicken
Choose 3:
Assorted petite quiche
Chicken tenders
Itialian meatballs
Cocktail sausages
Chili con queso
Crossant sandwiches
Menu Choice #3:$10pp
Italian meatballs or smoked sausages
Garden or ceaser salads
Rolls and butter or garlic bread
Choose 1:
Chicken tettrazinni
Beef lasagna
King ranch chicken
Menu Choice #4: $11 pp
BBQ Brisket
Smoked Sausage
Baked Beans
Potatoe salad
Bread and butter
Menu Choice #5: $12 pp
Beef & chicken fajitas
Tortillas
Baked Beans
Tortilla chips & queso
Gua***ole, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapenos, grated cheeses
Menu Choice #6: $12pp
Croissant Sandwhiches or chicken tenders
Italian meatballs or cocktail sausages
Garden or ceasar salad
Rolls and butter or garlic bread
Choose 2:
Chicken tettrazinni
Beef Lasagna
King Ranch Chicken
Menu Choice #7: $14 pp
Choose 1:
Roast beef au jus
Bourbon glazed pork tenderloin
Chicken cordon bleu
Glazed honey ham
Smothered chicken topped with onions, mushrooms and cheeses
Grilled chicken breast with cajun cream sauce
Southwest chicken topped with peppers and jack cheeses
Chicken Fettecinni alfredo
Choose 1:
Scalloped augratin potatoes
Rosemary new potatoes
Garlic mashers
Broccoli cheese rice
Steamed veggie melody
Choose 1:
Green bean cassarole
Buttered corn
Butter glaze carrots
Choose 1:
Gourmet pasta salad
Garden salad
Ceasar salad
Choose 1:
Rolls and butter
Garlic bread
Menu Choice #8: $16 pp
Same as above plus:
Choose 1:
Chicken tettrazinni
Beef Lasagna
King Ranch Chicken
Menu Choice #9: $18 pp
Same as Menu choice #7 plus
Chilled boiled shrimp with cocktail sause
Choice of 2 8 oz portions of first group of meats


Decisions, Decisions!

[fmil0625]

Ok so my BIL David (older sis's hubby) was in town for business last night. He has been like an older brother to me since I was 8 (sis and him met when they were 12!) so he's been there longer than any other man in my life. He used to pick me up from school and everything. So I wanted him to walk me down the aisle. So last night I asked him. He was so proud! He even got teary eyed! It was just such a sweet moment! So now I oficially have someone to drag me down the aisle! LOL! Just kidding! :D
Aww, that was so sweet! I'm all teary eyed :o

[Kelly1Mickey]

I went to Hobby Lobby today because they were having their bridal blowout for 1/2 off all wedding items. So I went ahead and bought the ceremony accessories!

Flowergirl Basket: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/fgbasket.jpg

Ringbear Pillow: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/rbpillow.jpg

Guestbook Pen: $5.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/pen.jpg

Toasting Glasses: $8.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/toastingflutes.jpg

So I spend $30 for all of those! I'm very pleased!
Wow, Carla, you did get some deals! I don't have flowergirls anymore (their mom, my MOH, is pregnant with twins and can't make it to the wedding), but I was making their baskets.

The toasting glasses are a real steal! I think mine were $40, but they are a shower gift from my mom.

[ca_dawson]

Wow, Carla, you did get some deals! I don't have flowergirls anymore (their mom, my MOH, is pregnant with twins and can't make it to the wedding), but I was making their baskets.

The toasting glasses are a real steal! I think mine were $40, but they are a shower gift from my mom.
Thanks Kelley! I was hoping to find something cute and cheap. I didn't really want to spend $30- $50 on each item. I just can't justify spending that much. So I am so glad I found it so cheap and on sale! Gotta love Hobby Lobby! The original toasting glasses I wanted were like $300! :eek: I just couldn't spend money like that on glasses! Now if I can only get my unity candle set! It's like $50 for the entire set which isn't too terribly bad, but I just don't want to spend the money! So it's on my christmas list! LOL!

[ca_dawson]

Aww, that was so sweet! I'm all teary eyed :o
We were teary eyed too! It really was a special moment! Now we just got to try not to cry before I even make it down the aisle! I am so happy he will do this honor for me! It really means so much!

[ca_dawson]

I am now at 165 days!!!

So here is my list of things left to do. I am probably forgetting a million things, but it's a start!

November:
*Purchase tiara
*Purchase Invitations~ This week!
*Finish bridesmaid/MOH bouquet
*Purchase bridesmaid totes
*Purchase rose petals

December:
*Pay photographer
*Pay videographer
*Purchase wedding rings
*Finish veil

January
*Select Groom/Groomsmen tuxes and put deposit on
*Book limo
*Book night of hotel
*Pay dress balance

February
*Get alterations done on dress
*Pay caterer
*Book hair/makeup people
*Book honeymoon

March
*Do bridals
*Hair/makeup trial

Well these are mostly all the major purchases I have left to do! Goodbye hard earned money!!! I am going to have so much extra money when this wedding is finally over and I can stop spending all my money on wedding stuff! LOL!

[ca_dawson]

I love Hobby Lobby, I'm going there tonight to get some stuff. Cute choices you made!
Thanks! I love that store! I am in there every weekend! I'm either browsing or buying!

[lyndsaynicole]

I went to Hobby Lobby today because they were having their bridal blowout for 1/2 off all wedding items. So I went ahead and bought the ceremony accessories!

Flowergirl Basket: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/fgbasket.jpg

Ringbear Pillow: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/rbpillow.jpg

Guestbook Pen: $5.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/pen.jpg

Toasting Glasses: $8.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/toastingflutes.jpg

So I spend $30 for all of those! I'm very pleased!


That's so awesome Carla! Is Hobby Lobby still having that sale or did it end on Saturday??

[alley06]

I went to Hobby Lobby today because they were having their bridal blowout for 1/2 off all wedding items. So I went ahead and bought the ceremony accessories!

Flowergirl Basket: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/fgbasket.jpg

Ringbear Pillow: $7.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/rbpillow.jpg

Guestbook Pen: $5.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/pen.jpg

Toasting Glasses: $8.50
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/toastingflutes.jpg

So I spend $30 for all of those! I'm very pleased!

I love Hobby Lobby, I'm going there tonight to get some stuff. Cute choices you made!

[ca_dawson]

That's so awesome Carla! Is Hobby Lobby still having that sale or did it end on Saturday??
I think Alley posted that it's still going on this week. I'm not sure though, but they do these half off sales quite often. I actually just lucked out. I had to go up there with my little sis to get her some stuff for her english project and of course couldn't pass up the wedding aisle and that's when I saw it was all half off!

[alley06]

They do an ad in our Sunday paper and it said that it was this week. Maybe in your area it was last week; who knows, I didn't get the paper last week. I'll check their website to let you know.

Yup, front page of their website has the sale going on. I'm going there right after work!

[blushing_bride_2be]

Please don't tell me I missed the sale I've been waiting for! Is it still going on? I have to go to it. i was afraid I missed it! Please tell me I didn't! Please! :D :p

[blushing_bride_2be]

I hope you didn't miss it! Alley posted saying it was still going on. You can sign up on their website to have the weekly promotions emailed to you. For some reason my filter now blocks Hobby Lobby :mad: so I can't access the website from work! :confused: I don't know why it started blocking Hobby Lobby!

Thanks girl. I'll have to go look into that. What is their webpage anyone know? I could use it! I thought I had it but I don't!

[ca_dawson]

Please don't tell me I missed the sale I've been waiting for! Is it still going on? I have to go to it. i was afraid I missed it! Please tell me I didn't! Please! :D :p
I hope you didn't miss it! Alley posted saying it was still going on. You can sign up on their website to have the weekly promotions emailed to you. For some reason my filter now blocks Hobby Lobby :mad: so I can't access the website from work! :confused: I don't know why it started blocking Hobby Lobby!

[Tonya-N_Josh]

Yay! I have a dress twin! I haven't found anyone with the same dress yet! The pictures do not do this dress justice at all! It's absolutely breathtaking! Do you have any pictures of you in it? I'm waiting for mine to come in. That one pic of me in it was a replica version, not the actual maggie, but I tried on the actual Maggie in the ivory/gold. It's just so stunning, but I guess you know because you're wearing it too! LOL! When is yours coming in?

I think it will come in, in January! I hope!! I also have my bridesmaids in the black and beaded dresses you have on your site!! We have a lot of the same taste for things, Your rings are very simular to mine and even the cake and cake topper. I am going with the Initials in the cake Jewlery, for my topper. I am sure I read this already but what are your colors, mine are black, white and pink.

Tonya and Josh
May 20, 2006

[alley06]

Thanks girl. I'll have to go look into that. What is their webpage anyone know? I could use it! I thought I had it but I don't!

www.hobbylobby.com

[blushing_bride_2be]

www.hobbylobby.com

I thought it was something else!

[ca_dawson]

I think it will come in, in January! I hope!! I also have my bridesmaids in the black and beaded dresses you have on your site!! We have a lot of the same taste for things, Your rings are very simular to mine and even the cake and cake topper. I am going with the Initials in the cake Jewlery, for my topper. I am sure I read this already but what are your colors, mine are black, white and pink.

Tonya and Josh
May 20, 2006
Wow we do have alot in common! LOL! My colors are black, white and red! I love the pink! I tried but Ben wasn't going for the guys in pink! LOL! So we did red! My dress is scheduled to come in in January as well, but I am really hoping it comes in next month! Wishful thinking but maybe! I love the monogram cake topper too, but Ben wanted the traditional bride and groom thing! He doesn't ask for much so when he voices an opinion I usually give it to him! I think I'm also going to surprise him with a chocolate fountain. He really wants one but said not to do it because of the money but I think I'm going to do it anyways! His face just lights up when he sees them!

[ca_dawson]

I thought it was something else!
There's a link craftsetc that takes you to the online catalog. I usually click the link from the hobby lobby site, but maybe it's just www.craftsetc.com (http://www.craftsetc.com) Try that. I can't tell though because my job filters it out so when I click on it it just says access denied.

[together4ever]

There's a link craftsetc that takes you to the online catalog. I usually click the link from the hobby lobby site, but maybe it's just www.craftsetc.com (http://www.craftsetc.com) Try that. I can't tell though because my job filters it out so when I click on it it just says access denied.
Hey girl...only five more months. You getting anxious? Wait till your at three weeks like me. I think I'm going to go out of my mind! All your planning looks so great, your going to have such a beautiful wedding!
Well, I better get back but I'll keep checking in....even after I'm married! By the time you are getting married, we will be going on our delayed honeymoon!

[ca_dawson]

Hey girl...only five more months. You getting anxious? Wait till your at three weeks like me. I think I'm going to go out of my mind! All your planning looks so great, your going to have such a beautiful wedding!
Well, I better get back but I'll keep checking in....even after I'm married! By the time you are getting married, we will be going on our delayed honeymoon!I'm actually getting more excited and a bit freaked because it's time to pay everyone! LOL! Since I've started buying stuff it makes it feel more real. I've been engaged for so long! And then I get excited because it's been so long and now I'm like this is really happening and soon! And then I'm like Oh my where am I going to get the money to pay this vendor! LOL! I'm trying to spread it out so I don't hit the pocketbooks too hard at once! I'm hoping to finish mostly everything by the time I get to where your at so I won't be stressing! LOL! Hopefully that will happen! When I'm stressing over the details you will be having the time of your life on your honeymoon! LOL!

[blushing_bride_2be]

There's a link craftsetc that takes you to the online catalog. I usually click the link from the hobby lobby site, but maybe it's just www.craftsetc.com (http://www.craftsetc.com) Try that. I can't tell though because my job filters it out so when I click on it it just says access denied.

Thanks girl I did. I also went to the store and bought alot of stuff. They have a guestbook and matching stuff that I like. What sucks is the sale ends saturday! Maybe I can sucker my mom into buying them for me! :D

[alley06]

Thanks girl I did. I also went to the store and bought alot of stuff. They have a guestbook and matching stuff that I like. What sucks is the sale ends saturday! Maybe I can sucker my mom into buying them for me! :D

They have sales a few times a year, this is the 2nd or 3rd already this year. You can also get 40% off coupons at any time to use at their store (one per visitor), but if you go with your mom or girls, you could load up on coupons and have them each use them. The coupons are on hobbylobby.com but their online catalog is at craftsetc.com. I will be waiting for their sale again to see if there's anything else I need to buy when the wedding gets closer, those last final details.

[blushing_bride_2be]

They have sales a few times a year, this is the 2nd or 3rd already this year. You can also get 40% off coupons at any time to use at their store (one per visitor), but if you go with your mom or girls, you could load up on coupons and have them each use them. The coupons are on hobbylobby.com but their online catalog is at craftsetc.com. I will be waiting for their sale again to see if there's anything else I need to buy when the wedding gets closer, those last final details.

Thanks! I really appreciate the help and info! I owe you big time!

[alley06]

Thanks! I really appreciate the help and info! I owe you big time!

What are we here for? I love sales so I will always pass the info on!

[blushing_bride_2be]

What are we here for? I love sales so I will always pass the info on!

Thanks girl!

[alley06]

Thanks girl!

Be sure that I will post it again as soon as they have another one!

[blushing_bride_2be]

Be sure that I will post it again as soon as they have another one!

Thanks once again!

[Kelly1Mickey]

Hey Carla! I just wanted to tell you something.


I know I have mentioned it before, but I work at a resort where a lot of our guests come back every year. Well, one particular lady from Texas always brings a handful of us some sort of Texas themed thing. SO, I have coffee mugs, snow globes, T-shirts, etc from Texas and the only time I have been there was a layover in the airport! LOL Anyway, this year, she brought us more T-shirts. We got to pick which style we wanted and she had just one T-shirt from Houston. So I snagged that one in honor of you! LOL I figured I had no other reason to have all this stuff from Texas, at least I can have a shirt that reminds me of my girl!!

[ca_dawson]

Hey Carla! I just wanted to tell you something.


I know I have mentioned it before, but I work at a resort where a lot of our guests come back every year. Well, one particular lady from Texas always brings a handful of us some sort of Texas themed thing. SO, I have coffee mugs, snow globes, T-shirts, etc from Texas and the only time I have been there was a layover in the airport! LOL Anyway, this year, she brought us more T-shirts. We got to pick which style we wanted and she had just one T-shirt from Houston. So I snagged that one in honor of you! LOL I figured I had no other reason to have all this stuff from Texas, at least I can have a shirt that reminds me of my girl!!
Haha! That's great Kelly! My little sis moved up to Alabama for a little while and she bought a whole bunch of Texas tees before she moved so she could "represent"!!! LOL! So she has this one she loves that says "Everything's bigger in Texas" and she just so happens to have like double D's so we went to Florida a few years back and the comments on her wearing that shirt never stopped! :rolleyes:

[ca_dawson]

My jewelry ***e in a week or two ago but I just got the pics off the digital ***era! So here they are!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture018.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture013.jpg

[ca_dawson]

Here's some better pictures of the wedding stuff....

The whole set
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture006.jpg
Closeup of ringbearer pillow
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture007.jpg
And the serving set
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture005.jpg
And the flowergirl basket
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture023.jpg
The pen
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture022.jpg

[ca_dawson]

This is what it looks like so far. Still haven't fixed the sewing machine so this is just the first stage of it.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture021.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture020.jpg

I just love the shimmer!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture019.jpg

[Jen062406]

Everything looks great together! I love how your jewelry sparkles..you're going to be beautiful. :)

[ca_dawson]

Here's my cabinet of goodies for the bridesmaids!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture024.jpg

So far there is 9 piece pedicure set, travel manicure set, foot scraper thing with foot stone (not sure what it's called exactly!) wine glass gel candles, and bubble bath.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture025.jpg

Over the weekend I added bath fizzles and sachets of bath salts, but no pics of those yet! I actually made those myself!

[ca_dawson]

Everything looks great together! I love how your jewelry sparkles..you're going to be beautiful. :)
Thanks Jennifer! I just love sparkly stuff! (as if you couldn't tell! :D)

[ca_dawson]

As promised I took better pictures of the bridesmaid flowers!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture026.jpg
Another view
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture027.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture008.jpg
top view
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture009.jpg
And the charm
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/ca_dawson/Picture011.jpg

In the first two pics, the bouquet on the left has the crystal stems all in singles and the bouquet on the right has some singles and some bunches. I think I like the one with bunches better. What does everyone else think? Also is the charm with their names on it cheesy?

[alley06]

Your flowers turned out fabulous! I love that idea, I might steal it if I make my own flowers. I think that for the single or bunches, you should either do all single or all bunches, I think it looks better than singles and bunches. I also love the heart charms. I've bought some heart charms to do different things like that with.

[shannabelle]

Your stuff is beautiful! You have great taste!

[fmil0625]

Love your necklace and earrings, they're so "sparkley"! You're veil looks like it's going to be VERY pretty when you finish it, I can hardly wait to see it. Flowers, very nice and great going on your bridemaids goodies. Everything looks great! You're so organized.

[alley06]

I just looked at the rest of your pictures, everything looks awesome!

[ca_dawson]

Your flowers turned out fabulous! I love that idea, I might steal it if I make my own flowers. I think that for the single or bunches, you should either do all single or all bunches, I think it looks better than singles and bunches. I also love the heart charms. I've bought some heart charms to do different things like that with.
Thanks Alley! I will have to try that with all them in bunches and see how that looks. I saw a pic somewhere of singles and bunches so I tried it that way. I found the charms with the names on them at a local bead shop. I found all the girls names except Twillia and Darla (2 of my sisters) so they also had blank ones so I took there's to things remembered to have their names engraved.

[ca_dawson]

Your stuff is beautiful! You have great taste!
Thanks girl! We gotta catch up! I was super busy at work today but I will try to not be so busy tomarrow so I can talk to ya! LOL!

[ca_dawson]

Love your necklace and earrings, they're so "sparkley"! You're veil looks like it's going to be VERY pretty when you finish it, I can hardly wait to see it. Flowers, very nice and great going on your bridemaids goodies. Everything looks great! You're so organized.
Thank you very much! I can't wait to get it all together either! I wish my dress would hurry up and get in so I can put it all together! :D

[Jen062406]

I just noticed your veil..I LOVE the sparkle in it...soooo pretty. I can't wait to see it when it's finished. I also really like the charm you added to the bouquets...it really adds to it. :)

[ca_dawson]

I just noticed your veil..I LOVE the sparkle in it...soooo pretty. I can't wait to see it when it's finished. I also really like the charm you added to the bouquets...it really adds to it. :)
Thanks Jen! I can't wait to finish the veil either! I have to get a replacement part for the sewing maching. So I'm waiting on that. I also have some crystals to add to it, just a few, nothing too much!

[Jen062406]

Thanks Jen! I can't wait to finish the veil either! I have to get a replacement part for the sewing maching. So I'm waiting on that. I also have some crystals to add to it, just a few, nothing too much!
That'll look really nice..mine has crystals on it too..

http://forums.weddingsolutions.com/showthread.php?t=4568&page=19&pp=10&highlight=veil

I love sparkly stuff too. :)

[ca_dawson]

That'll look really nice..mine has crystals on it too..

http://forums.weddingsolutions.com/showthread.php?t=4568&page=19&pp=10&highlight=veil

I love sparkly stuff too. :)
Oh that is gorgeous! Those will look so great with your dress! Sparkly stuff is great! I love the whole princess feel! LOL!

[TropicalBride]

Everything looks so beautiful!
Your wedding is going to be great!
Great choices :)

[blushing_bride_2be]

You're going to have a beautiful wedding girl. It's going to be the wedding of your dreams. Everything is beautiful and I am anxious to see the wedding photos from the big day!

[ca_dawson]

Everything looks so beautiful!
Your wedding is going to be great!
Great choices :)
Thank you so much! I've put alot of effort into it so I can only hope it comes out well! But at the end of the day none of this will matter and the only thing that matters is that me and Ben are married!

[ca_dawson]

You're going to have a beautiful wedding girl. It's going to be the wedding of your dreams. Everything is beautiful and I am anxious to see the wedding photos from the big day!
Thanks girl! I am ready for the wedding too! But it's coming up fast!

[alley06]

I was just wondering with how great your flowers turned out where you got them again and are they buds or open flowers (sometimes I cannot tell). Also do they have dew drops on them? I wanted to order from efavormart but I don't like the dew drops on them. Thanks!

[ca_dawson]

I am exactly 5 months away!!!


Ahhh! So much to do still! Well everything major is done. Just a few little things now.

Here's my to do's:
*Order invitations!
*finish veil
*finish bridemaids bouquets and begin my bouquet
*order tiara
*pay photographer/videographer
*finalize honeymoon details
*figure out limo details
*figure out wedding night arrangements
*catering
*pay off dress and do alterations
*get totes for bridesmaids
*order rose petals
*do programs
*finalize day of hair/makeup
*get unity candle set
*get marriage liscense

Not too much left to do! But I'm sure I'll think of a million things before then to add to the list!

[ca_dawson]

I was just wondering with how great your flowers turned out where you got them again and are they buds or open flowers (sometimes I cannot tell). Also do they have dew drops on them? I wanted to order from efavormart but I don't like the dew drops on them. Thanks!
Hey Alley! I got them off the ebay store Silk Flowers and Artificial Plants and the seller's name is Abyersmkt. They are velvet buds with no dew drops. I got 84 for $14.95. I was going to order from efavormart, but like you I didn't like the dew drops. I really liked them alot. I stripped all the greenery off of them. I liked this store alot better because it seemed to have better variety. And the day I ordered them she shipped them out, so I got my flowers 2 days from the day I ordered them!

[alley06]

Hey Alley! I got them off the ebay store Silk Flowers and Artificial Plants and the seller's name is Abyersmkt. They are velvet buds with no dew drops. I got 84 for $14.95. I was going to order from efavormart, but like you I didn't like the dew drops. I really liked them alot. I stripped all the greenery off of them. I liked this store alot better because it seemed to have better variety. And the day I ordered them she shipped them out, so I got my flowers 2 days from the day I ordered them!

Thanks, I'll look into it!

They do have a good price. I'm still up in the air weither to make my own order then all ready done.

[together4ever]

Hey girl! You beat me to it. I was going to say, "hey five months left!!!" lol! I'm so excited for you. I have 11 days left. Tell me about it...it's INSANE. I can't believe it. This weekend is my bachlorette party! So much to do and this is my last weekend as a single girl...YIKES!!!!!!! All your planning is going great. I love your jewelry! And the accessories are amazing. Your doing a great job. YEAH :) lol.

[ca_dawson]

Hey girl! You beat me to it. I was going to say, "hey five months left!!!" lol! I'm so excited for you. I have 11 days left. Tell me about it...it's INSANE. I can't believe it. This weekend is my bachlorette party! So much to do and this is my last weekend as a single girl...YIKES!!!!!!! All your planning is going great. I love your jewelry! And the accessories are amazing. Your doing a great job. YEAH :) lol.
How exciting for you! Wow 11 days! And the big bachelorette party! Lots of fun in store for you this weekend! Congrats girl! I'm really happy for you! And I really can't wait to see your pictures! Yay! Almost a Mrs. now!

[ca_dawson]

My coordinator called me today! She is the best! She's really my day of coordinator but she does so much and such a great job and she's always so nice! So we finalized the timing and she's getting my minister set up. As soon as she sets me up with him, he will send me the ceremony and then we can tweak it from there. And the cakes are also through my site so I get to set up my cake tasting and meet with the baker! Yummy! Things are coming together and it all finally feels real! Now it's gonna freak me out! :D

[blushing_bride_2be]

I'm glad everything is comign together. Your wedding is right around the corner and I am excited for you. I can't wait to see what else you plan! Yay!

[shannabelle]

Hey! I can't PM you, too full! :D

[Kelly1Mickey]

Carla...sorry I am so far behind on everyone's journals! Those bouquets look great! I think I like the mix of singles and bunches the best...have you decided yet which way you will stick with?

And I don't think the charms with their names are cheesy at all! I love it! THis is going to sound so conceited, but I love things with my name on it. Maybe it is just because I know it isn't something someone regifted! LOL Anyway, if I was a bridesmaid, and got to carry that bouquet...WITH my name on it....I would be thrilled!

The wedding is so close! How are the rest of the plans going?

[ca_dawson]

Carla...sorry I am so far behind on everyone's journals! Those bouquets look great! I think I like the mix of singles and bunches the best...have you decided yet which way you will stick with?

And I don't think the charms with their names are cheesy at all! I love it! THis is going to sound so conceited, but I love things with my name on it. Maybe it is just because I know it isn't something someone regifted! LOL Anyway, if I was a bridesmaid, and got to carry that bouquet...WITH my name on it....I would be thrilled!

The wedding is so close! How are the rest of the plans going?
It's okay Kelly, I'm so far behind on my journal! LOL! I've kinda been neglecting my journal lately! I think I like the singles and bunches best too. I think the singles looked too "polka-dotted", you know?! Thank you so much for liking my flowers! Thanks for the nice compliments on the charms. I though they were cute, but wasn't sure if I was dorky! Sometimes what I think is cute others think I'm a dork! Things are coming together. Basically all that's left mostly is paying everyone! And that's the worst part! LOL! But I'm at the point now to where I'm just ready to get married and get on to the honeymoon! I've got enough done to where if the rest of the little details don't fall into place, it'll still be okay! How about you? Yours is coming up fast too!

[ca_dawson]

Hello, Guest! Do you like my journal? Come in and say hi why don't ya!

[lyndsaynicole]

Hello, Guest! Do you like my journal? Come in and say hi why don't ya!

Are you scoping out newbies Carla?? LOL ;)

[Kikki]

Are you scoping out newbies Carla?? LOL ;)
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b4/Kikki_14/Two/rofl3.gif