I'm getting a vision--Wait! No, I'm not--HELP!

[Jennimac]

Okay....we are finally getting close to set a date--we finally got the annullment paperwork done and just a couple of more weeks with that. I have no idea how booked up my church is, but I would love a November/December wedding. I'm on overload from the tons of information out there in the wedding world. I thought I knew what I wanted, but now I'm second guessing everything to the point that I'm major stressed out and we don't even have anything to decide now. All that everyone tells me, is to not take too much on right now, I'm really busy, etc. Every idea I talk about is shot down. SO, now I need help getting a vision, putting it into work so I can be firm about things and go from there. I'm even thinking about a coordinator just so it's a neutral 3rd party and also I know I want one the day of since there will be so much going on.

Here's background. I'm a girly-girl that is testing for her brown belt in karate, I love to sing, I am pretty much happy and energetic all the time, don't like fake people, loves how I can be myself around my FI, can talk to anyone--or a wall for that matter, oldest girl of four (so the first big wedding for the family--plus mine will probably be the biggest), Chinese-American, fashion-forward (at least I think so =)) girl who is marrying a quiet-until-you-get to know him guy who likes video games and being with me.=) He also loves the hogs and red sox.

I want our wedding to be special for us and fun for friends and family. It will be a Catholic service--no Nuptial Mass since FI isn't Catholic--I'm big time Catholic, my choir will sing (the one from my church that I am in), so I'm not really worried about the service. I know the things that I want from singing in lots of the weddings there. It's the reception that has me stumped.

My sisters will be my bridesmaids and will wear black, formal gowns of their choice. I have a pretty formal dress. I love formal parties, but can get down with the rest of them. I like funny things, but mostly love traditional looks.

I'm not sure what florals---I can't do lots of flowers b/c I'm pretty allergic. My favorite flowers are daffodils, but I don't know how to work those in. I do love roses also, but don't like costs.

I'm guessing we'll serve heavy hors d'ouvres and cake b/c the service is at 7 (we have two choices 2 or 7 and I like 7 better) so we won't be at the reception until about 7:45 or so. Let me know if I need to give more info. I just feel really lost and the people I am talking to about it can't and are not helping me.

FI wants to help but isn't good at coming up with ideas. FI is better at helping to decide. I asked him what colors he thought and he said, "Weddings have colors?!?". So, there you go.

[Jennimac]

I added the karate part in there b/c people usually figure they have me figured out and then I do something that they are surprised about. I love Michael Buble and some hard-core rap then old school country. Just random things like that. Hopefully that helps.

[~*Kate*~]

Jenn, I remember in college you really wanted to encorporate some Chinese elements. Are you still thinking of that? Your "fashion forward Asian" comments got me thinking. We have a few Asian inspired signature boards that might get you started-- it wouldn't have to be hardcore Chinese traditional, but might give you a thread to weave through the whole event-- bamboo, for examples, or fans. *tosses random ideas*

[Jennimac]

No that's great! I've bought some paper lanterns and I found a cool centerpiece that would incorporate that. I do want to incorporate that in there somehow. It's not going to be as Asian-y as I probably thought it would be in my mind. I"m still think of having the flower girl wear a traditional Chinese dress and changing into one myself for later in the reception. I thought about wearing red heels and that idea was quickly and adamently veteoed by people, but I found beautiful shoes that are perfect, so I wasn't that upset.

We're going to do Fortune cookies for favors. =) Once again, FI said, "You give a favor at the end?!?" Oh, the difference between me and ex-wife. =)

I've also got some tealight lantern holders. I do want to line the steps and sidewalk to the reception hall (it's just down the block all on the same street--if that makes sense) with luminaries so people would know they go outside to the right to the next builiding. Since it will be dark, I thought that would be a simple, yet very pretty, elegant look.

I'm banking on you, Kate, since I've known you for so long. =) Love you!

[~*Kate*~]

Don't bank on me too hard-- I'm terrible at this stuff. I mostly tinker with tech stuff and break it behind the scenes. :lol:

If you go to the blog (linked up top), there is a tag cloud in the right side bar, and Asian should be a choice-- check those out. :)

[Jennimac]

Here is the picture of the centerpieces I was loving. Not a prob. You know me though, so that gives you major points IMO. =) I'll check it out.


http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://pics.gallery.weddingbee.com/277.decor_lanterns.jpg.resize&imgrefurl=http://gallery.weddingbee.com/photo/lantern-centerpieces-1&usg=__H9HJ9EK2pPl-hQxgKZfG8XNcAOk=&h=267&w=400&sz=23&hl=en&start=5&itbs=1&tbnid=S9XJK8I2t5v2UM:&tbnh=83&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlantern%2Bcenterpiece%2Bwedding%26hl% 3Den%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1

[BizBis]

I will work on finding a few things. It's funny, I was just thinking ab you and wondering what kind of fun things you were going to do. (And by the way, Red shoes? I totally woulda said that was awesome! I looked and looked for green for my wedding, but found brown ones instead)

You can count on us to bring you some ideas!!! :hearts: You are awesome, therefore, deserving of an awesome wedding.

I LOVE the idea of lighting the way to the reception. Absolutely love it.

[BizBis]

Okay, so I saw this on weddingrumors.com and thought of you. (I think it's b/c of the red shoes. :giggle:)
http://weddingrumors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/redandgreen.jpg
http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/red-wedding.jpg

[*Diane*]

Your pew decorations were red. Any other colors that you are leaning towards strongly... regardless of what other people say? :)

If you marry in December, will the church already be decorated? That is a huge time and cost saver.

What about a "fire red and ice" signature? Crystal bouquets instead of flowers,
lots of candles and shiny silver (like these) http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showpost.php?p=808679&postcount=21

some other ideas with that signature:
http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showpost.php?p=808679&postcount=21

see these chandeliers? Those are from Eventures, the rental place that I use here.
http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showpost.php?p=956262&postcount=38

I know we have some pictures of crystal bouquets. Let me look for them.

[*Diane*]

and I think your exit would be lovely done with sky lanterns:
http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showpost.php?p=969157&postcount=7

[Jennimac]

I love my Hodge women....you guys are helping out so much.

If it's in December, the church won't be decorate unless it's after Christmas. We will be in 'Advent' mode before that. The church is so gorgeously stenciled, that it's not going to need a lot of stuff.

I am going to use those pomanders for the family pews (I think!) Weirdly enough, I love black. I also like the sunniness of Yellow.

If I did something with the lantern and luminaries, maybe something with a light theme? I don't want it Star Wars, or look into the light, or anything like that. Traditional with a twist.

I'm going to check out the other decorations and links that you provided.

[Jennimac]

I love those chandeliers. So beautiful. I don't know if the city will let us release anything like that. I had thought about those jingle bell sticks and something like "Ring a bell and wish them off well!" or something equally hokey. =) Micah and I both into music...me being a music teacher and every time we are with his Dad's side of the family, we sing and play music. Those crystal bouquets would be gorgeous at the reception.

We also have a lot of battery tea-lights to stick in whatever.

[Jennimac]

Biz---I love it! I think I'm going to use red and stuff at the reception....maybe change into a red Chinese dress and then rock the red shoes. I think the dislike of the red shoes was inside the Cathedral church and the worry of people thinking while I was kneeling and stuff. =) I really love the shoes that I have.

BTW, my dress has a lot of beading and bling on the top of it, so the shiny, lighting theme stuff might work with that. I love silver and sparkly stuff.

[hellobethie]

Hi,
So I am at work so I have no pics...but I had many Asian elements incorporated into my wedding including personalized fortune cookies as part of our favours and a great wall of China cake (we got engaged there). We used a lot of lanterns too. Our theme, sorry signature, was more of a travel theme, but because of the cake we focused more on Asia than other places. I will dig up some photos on a break from Olympic mayhem this weekend (I'm in Vancouver). We also came across tons of amazing red stuff during our hunts (our main colour was Blue, which was deeply frowned on every time we went to Chinatown!) Plus our accent colour was silver sparkle...so I may be able to give you some info And potentially some stuff! :)

[~Sherry~]

:word: Beths wedding was gorgeous! I loved her flowers, totally popped and totally unexpected. Along with everything from their wedding, I just love it!!

Here are some things I've googled :)

Since you said you are allergic to most flowers.. What about bamboo centerpieces?
http://farfallawedding.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bamboo.jpg
http://farfallawedding.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bamboo2.jpg
http://farfallawedding.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/bamboo2.jpg

I'm not sure how fragrant cherry blossoms are, but here are some ideas.
http://www.asianlampcompany.com/images/cherry%20blossoms/300/round_pink_cherry_3.jpg
Or this so they might not be strong?
http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/files/InStyleCenterpieces.jpg
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=4534539
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lUSuL83a3Og/SbVm6r_u3_I/AAAAAAAAApc/_xwN3UofvfM/s400/Cherry_Blossom_Floral_Arrangements_large.jpg

http://lotushaus.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8357c6b5b69e200e553a64c1b8834-800wi

http://www.favorideas.com/com_images/186/lg_186893_1.jpg

http://www.stylemepretty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/53.jpg

[Jennimac]

Beth--too sweet! Thanks!

Sherry---I love those pictures at the end. Cherry blossoms are cool. I can't do lilies or orchids. One time, I'm singing at a wedding and they had this huge arrangment of lilies right beside me and I was like, "Great!". I had to keep my head turned away from them the whole time.

I love the one with the bride and the bridesmaids. THose floral arrangments are gorgeous. I love, love, love the black and white damask. That's actually something i was thinking about.

I don't want it to be totally Asian-y, but to maybe just have some accents. My dad isn't pushing me to do everything as tradition dictates it. I know I don't want it to be Asian-themed as the main idea. I just would like to incorporate some elements in there, if that helps clarify my thoughts.

[hellobethie]

I also have major allergies in my family, so we had non allergenic bouteneers and completely allergenic sensitive flowers (including a non allergenic orchid).
Thanks for the complements Sherry :) I swear pics coming!

[~*Kate*~]

Are you getting married here or in C-town? (If I call it C-town, will that make it a cool place? :lol:)

[Mimzy]

Think about hydranga. Very hypo allergenic. Also, as said before, Orchids.

http://www.wishspecialevents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/tall-hydrangea-green-white-wedding-centerpiece.JPG

http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/files/Centerpiece%20hydrangea_monkees_meow.jpg

Love this simple but elegant look:

http://www.wishspecialevents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/vic-mike-formals.JPG

http://www.wishspecialevents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/capitol_decor_ises_expo_2008_black_white_yellow_da mask.jpg

http://www.wishspecialevents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ceremony2.jpg

http://www.wishspecialevents.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/davincis_florist_centerpiece_hydrangea_limes.jpg

[Mimzy]

http://www.porterhousedesigns.com/colorsizzle/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/limes-tulips-l.jpg

http://bp2.blogger.com/_E6Mo8ALDLS8/SIPpiTQE1_I/AAAAAAAABlg/2jBn8fqWO00/s320/centerpiece6.JPG

[~*Kate*~]

^^ Mimzy is our resident florist. :) We :heart: her.

[Jennimac]

Love Hydrangeas.......Think they are gorgeous....can I get them in December? that's really a flower look that I love. I just got a Gocco and thought about doing some stationary for myself with that flower on there. So pretty.

We're getting married in Little Rock at my church there. So, FYI, get ready for a road trip. =)

[BizBis]

Love, love, love hydrangeas!

[Jennimac]

Okay, tell me if this is too dork and what it would actually be--signature---theme---other wedding terms to throw out there.....

Black, White, and Love all over or Black, White, and Joy all over....something like that.

Main colors could be black and white (or maybe an ivory so it's not so stark)

Then add accents of red, green, yellow because I really can't pick one (or maybe I need to)

We could do damask patterns--very classy, elegant, slightly formal

I don't even know if this is making sense or sounds good. Everytime I start to feel like I'm making progress, I end up falling four steps behind.

[BizBis]

:hug: I think you need to call my Mom. My cousin Crimson was having much the same issues and Momma helped her out, big time. :giggle:

I think everything sounds gorgeous! And very much like you- classy, bright, beautiful, and fun!

[*Diane*]

Okay, tell me if this is too dork and what it would actually be--signature---theme---other wedding terms to throw out there.....

Black, White, and Love all over or Black, White, and Joy all over....something like that.

Main colors could be black and white (or maybe an ivory so it's not so stark)

Then add accents of red, green, yellow because I really can't pick one (or maybe I need to)

We could do damask patterns--very classy, elegant, slightly formal

I don't even know if this is making sense or sounds good. Everytime I start to feel like I'm making progress, I end up falling four steps behind.

Red with black and ivory damask- very classy, very elegant, still can be lots of fun.

As a wedding coordinator, I always ask these questions:
What makes Jennifer and Micah unique as a couple? What drew you together? When did you know you were in love?

When people think back on your wedding/reception, you want them to say, "J&M's wedding was ...?

The most important thing about your wedding is... (by the way, I always trump with this answer- at the end of the day, you are married) but besides that... the focus of your wedding is?

These might sound like esoteric questions but to build the most emotionally significant wedding signature, you have to have the end game in sight.

[~Sherry~]

I love it. Have you seen Tanya's damask wedding?

Here are all the colors together so you have a visual. (Bizzzzz... don't harass me!! :lol1: )
http://www.everafterplanner.com/Images/DAMASK-INSP-BOARD.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_cwUPxwTrv08/SsKWwY9yJoI/AAAAAAAABic/47gn6_Mh6gM/s800/black_yellow_damask_wedding_motif_inspiration_colo r_board_560.jpg

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/b/0/0/57/2/AAAAC_qm1KMAAAAAAFcpIw.jpg?v=1246052005000

I love them all separate but I'd focus on one main color (green or yellow or red). Or maybe do a say bright yellow with soft green and pink. Or whatever YOU like best. It's hard to make everyone happy, but in the end it's your wedding and you should be the one that is happy with everything :hug:

ETA: the pink with damask
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_q3VawqKcjpI/SWz1SZXSg3I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/BtTtVTjTDu4/inspirationBoard_08.jpg

[~Sherry~]

http://www.thebridesofoklahoma.com/Websites/thebridesofok/Images/TaylorToddWedding.jpg

:biggrin:
http://stylisheventsblog.com/wp-content/gallery/garden-wedding/garden-red-green-and-yellow.jpg

[BizBis]

Harrass you? :caught:

Sherry is rockin' it out today!!! I am in love with that black chandelier. May I have one in my room please?

[~Sherry~]

:nod: You may have it in your bedroom. But I'm not sure where to buy one at :lol:.

:biggrin: Well. It's my down time and I must love weddings right?


:giggle:

[BizBis]

:laugh3:I so :hearts: you.

[Jennimac]

Yes. I do need to call Diane.

Sherry--I loved that first one that you had up with the chandelier and damask. So pretty.

Diane....I'm PM-ing you with my answers.

Loves to all you fabulous people for helping me.

[Mel]

i know i'm uber late, but i agree that damask with red would be classy, traditonal, and modern all at the same time - plus it makes it easy to incorporate some of the chinese traditions mentioned before....
yay mama d for being a rockstar helper!

[Mimzy]

^^ Mimzy is our resident florist. :) We :heart: her.


Sweet! :sappy:
You just heart me so much cause I'm never here :snort:


Look at this site. In the gallery, not under wedding but on of the other menu options. There is a great centerpiece with white hydrangea and yellow tulips and Orchids.
Very understated but with a really pop. I liked them and thought of you :) Also under media look at the video of Platinum Wedding. There is a very pretty damask cake.
When I saw that episode, I again thought of you. And was surprised to find it on his site. I liked it best without the flowers. And thought that a Art Deco type cake topper would have been better. JMO LOL

www.lunagardens.com/ (http://www.lunagardens.com/)

[Mimzy]

Oh - and the table colthes at that wedding also are great!

[Jennimac]

Okay....I'm totally seconded Kate's statement about hearting you because I am hearting you!!!!!

I loved that arrangement. It is so beautiful. I've already printed it off so I can take it with me to floral appointments whenever I start going.

I also loved that cake.

I'm really feeling the whole damask thing. It's so classy and formal, yet cool. I'm really liking the simplicity of black and white, too. Maybe the vision is getting clearer. Maybe.

[Mel]

With the love for Damask, have you looked at member Tanya's wedding story or planning journal? It was a big element she used.... If not, let us know and we'll dig up the links for ya!

[hellobethie]

Okay, so I really like the Damask...But just to go back to incorporating elements into your wedding such as fortune cookies...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/2801992584_66a92beab4.jpg?v=0

Or incorporating Banana Leaf into our bouquets...Also the colours in my bouquet weren't used anywhere else (except the green) and it totally worked!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2762173362_2d90a638b8.jpg?v=1218843656
My parents had this made for our greeting table
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2801180327_c58cec773d.jpg?v=0

Our seating plan helped to tie it all together!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2759256216_399d96c7e3.jpg?v=0
Our cake...my favourite part!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2801178205_654f1aaa35.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3013483315_756d91554f.jpg?v=0


Just some thoughts :)
http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346&page=2#

[hellobethie]

Also, I had killer blue shoes. They were AWESOME. I still love them. Coloured shoes are very in for brides!

[Jennimac]

Mel---I checked out Tanya's wedding journal and wedding day story....very awesome!

Beth---those are great pictures--thanks for the great ideas!

[Mel]

:aok:

[Jennimac]

I'm about to lose my ever-lovin' mind. Turns out ex-wife did fill out the questionaire we need to finalize the annullment, but guess what---the documents we have for her first marriage are NOT her first marriage.

The type of annullment we had to get is called a legamund (sp?) which means that my church (Catholic) does not recognize FI's first marriage because his ex-wife had been married before. We had to get the paperwork to prove that she had been legally married and divorced before hers and FI's marriage. Well, the paperwork he got was not from her 1st marriage. Apparently, there was another one from before that he didn't know about. Now he has to go back and get THAT paperwork--a task he just loves doing (can you get the sarcasm?) He's mad at my church, I'm mad at her, and I just hate that it was not really known. Now we have to get the documents from THAT marriage to turn in. FI is frustrated with my church, I'm just so freakin' upset that I have to deal with this now. I just want a wedding day with my Fi, in my church, with our families, and when we would like to have it. Who knows when we will get to decide anything. I'm just so over her and I don't even know her. I'm not a mean person, I don't like feeling this way about someone, but COME ON!!!!!!!! I'm the one apologizing for the fact that FI has to get this information and do all this stuff that he is not liking at all, when it's all something that deals back to HER!!!!! ARGHHHH!!!!! I'm over getting a vision. I'm over it all.

[Mel]

:hug99:

[Mimzy]

Double :hug:

[Winter_Bride]

:sigh: I can't even begin to imagine how frustrating that must be for both of you!! :hug:

[*Diane*]

Oh Jennifer, it will get better, I promise! :bighug:

[BizBis]

:glomp: I'm so sorry. You, of all the people I know, don't deserve all this stuff.

[Jennimac]

Okay, so FI and I talked and he's going to work on getting the papers sometime this week so we can give them to our advocate this weekend. Hopefully, once this is done, everything should then be totally ready to be approved and all this will be okay and done. Whew!

[~*Kate*~]

:hug99: For what it's worth, it sounds like your church is moving about 100x faster than Becky's did. :lol:

[Jennimac]

Praise the Lord! He got the paper work. I'm going to give it to our advocate on Friday....maybe even tomorrow if I can go out there later. I just hope this is it because I don't know how much more he will do. =)

[BizBis]

If he loves you as much as I think he does, he'll do whatever it takes. :giggle: He may whine ab it, but that's just to ave face. :hehe: I'm so glad ya'll got the paperwork. That was super quick!

[Jennimac]

We got the annullment!!!!!!! I get to call Monday and set a date!!!!!!:laugh3:

[*Diane*]

:bliss: :bliss: :bliss:

[BizBis]

:monkeydance: Ooooh yeah! That's the best thing I've heard all day!

[Mel]

:stars:

[Winter_Bride]

Woohoo!!!! Congratulations!!! :bliss:

[Jennimac]

WE HAVE A DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 2011 AT 7 P.M.

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:sappy::jump4joy::)

[Mel]

:whoop:

now you need to start an official wedding planning journal!

[*Diane*]

Oh, that is soon (in the world of wedding planning :lol: ). I am so excited for you guys! :bliss:

[BizBis]

How exciting!!!! :stars:

[Jennimac]

Okay...this is dork....how do I doing the wedding planning journal? What all do I do in there?

[*Diane*]

Just go here
http://www.mustloveweddings.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=184
and start a new thread for you and Micah. Most people start with an introduction but usually it is just a place for you to keep all your wedding planning ideas, checklists and favorite pictures, links, etc. It is a way for us all to follow your planning and live vicariously through you. :lol:

[Mel]

yup, pretty much that!
its a great way to keep all your ideas and questions/answers organized too! i would have been so lost without my journals!

[Jennimac]

Winter Wonderland themed wedding!!!!

[BizBis]

Ohhhh!!!