So it's been quite the while since a post has gone up. Between a back injury, a cold, and generally being busy, prioritizing is the key. I apologize to anyone who looks forward to these posts - tee heee... bow to the right, bow to the left.
We have been quite the busy bees. Robert is working on a top secret project. Details to possibly be revealed in T-minus 61 days, 21 hours, but who's counting - WE ARE!!! It'll bring a tear to my eyes when it is complete. Robert has done quite the job of making many of my life goals come true and this is one of them. He's quite the clever one and movie story romatic.
Another bridesmaid dress done... love it. And several new projects to get started. I think of it this way: we have 1,485 hours to complete everything. We're doing okay.
Today is our 6th year anniversay of togetherdome, and a short time away from the big day. We were lifers from the start.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
First Post A Little Too Late for a Too Efficient Bride
Hiya!
We'll hello there! Here we are, only 80 more days until the official ShelleyWed, adding another project to our very full plate. Many of you are interested in the planning process, know that we take on self inflicted creative challenges, and then request that we share the outcome with you later. So, at the suggestion of so many of you, we are now attempting to embark on maintaining a blog about our interesting, frugal, and creative wedding planning process.
It's a good idea, really, to keep a blog. There is soo much going on that I'm kicking myself for not starting sooner. It almost feels like it's a little too late. But I digress. Please bear with me as I spew what has happened to date in a disorderly fashion, then fix the typos later, or never... that would be just another project.
I'll begin by attempting to share everything from start to....well, this will never be done as we have a whole life ahead of us. So, stay tuned in!
Don't mind the posting dates as I'm trying to work my way backwards until I'm all caught up.
The Ask
Where did it all begin..... oh yes! When he asked and I said "YES!" The world spun and the wheels started churning. I haven't slept since that day (which will happen to be one year and two months by the time we get married). I am very in love and very sleepy.
The Devil is not in the Details
When I look back on it, the hardest part was 1) keeping cool enough to just sit and make a budget and 2) find a venue. I felt like it was "the chicken and the egg" problem. Which comes first!? We still didn't have a date set at this point. How could we have a date if we didn't know how much everything would or should cost, and how long it would take to save, let alone what would happen in our lives between that time, and how does it all come together! And the question... "when's the big day?" I still don't know how couples should answer that when they announce that they are engaged. How would they know?
Never the one for hesitation, I crunched, I searched, I fought, I cried. My mom crunched, she searched, she fought, she cried. Robert was with this through it all...poor guy. This was certainly those most frustrating experience so far. I felt like it wasn't supposed to be this way, so difficult, so emotional. I considered all extremes. My mom helped search for venues. While she was supportive of all the different places that I found, we had a hard time in the vision department. I'm a little bit of a rebel when it comes to her ideas, and we are so very different when it comes to style. Even if I ask, I'll go with the opposite of what she picked...it's practically subconcious, and I've had to apologize my entire life for it! I pick Virginia City and see a simple and plain pallet. She sees corsets, lace, ruffles and poof. She knows I'm allergic to ruffles and poof..... and this is how the dust cloud begins.
I considered City Hall, I considered eloping, I considered throwing it all out the window and just making it work and having a Cinderella wedding and figuring it all out later. But then tomorrow, came and so did logic and peace. These options might be right for others, but for Robert and I, none of those options were right for us. It's amazing how much energy went into this process and what can become of it quickly.
At about this point, my sweet bridesmaid Sarah (my best childhood friend, and girl who knows me best) sent me the following email: "Deep breaths, remember your mantra "I've already done the hardest part, I found my groom, the rest is just details":) and despite what you may have heard the devil is not in the details."
Guerillas and Penguin Suits
Here's what I found about searching for wedding venues. Poor planners, money rakers, corkage fees, and paying for too many forks to the left and right of my plate... I only need one please.
What we wanted was ease, to have fun, do our own thing, add our own style, our favorite people, and sprigs of our love sprinkled everywhere - rather than caterers in penguin suits, and blase over-used plans. Plus, I already got overzealous and bought nearly an entire receptions worth of vintage style plates. The venues didn't like this very much and wanted to charge more. Pffff!!!! I quickly rinsed off the bad taste in my mouth and moved on.
Wedding commercialism is so tiring and generic. We wanted a cost-effective way to have the wedding of our dreams, do something meaningful, use our resources and creativity, and really put forth a LOT of energy on what this day means to us, rather than get wrapped up into contracts and debt.
When the Planets Aligned
Call it what you want, but the planets finally aligned. Rather, we faced humility, self reflected, and humbled ourselves once again. We took it back to square one. What was the very minimum that one can do to have a beautiful ceremony and reception? Oh, we scrubbed and scrubbed until it was wedding no more. Can I ask again what's so wrong with a guerilla wedding!?
The Cutie in the Boonies
I can't really recall how we found this stumble-upon. I think the spark ignited when I called my dear friend at her non-profit and asked if she or her partners had any chairs that they could lend us for our guerilla wedding.
After the covert wedding idea didn't pan out, then I think we realized how easy it was to ask for help. We were willing to budget for fair market value (sans taxes and tiny print mystery fees) for the use of anything borrowed in order to enhance that organizations mission - it was a win,win - winner!! So, then the real hunt began: venue, food, chair rentals, etc. Who do we want to support who could supply these things?
And there she was! A cutie in the boonies, built by the most honorable men and women in our country.
So, I called the Chamber of Commerce to ask if they had any details and can help me get in touch with the Vet Hall. Accordingly, she set down the phone to check if there was anyone at the Vet Hall that I could speak with. It sounded like a screen door closed in the distance while I was on hold, and the Chamber came right back on the line with "I can't see her now, but I'll have her call you." A quick Google search for Foresthill, CA had me realize that this is a town that needs no phones. A quick shout out across the street will do just fine. This is our kind of town!
Stay tuned while I patch you in to the next phase of the wedding planning...
We'll hello there! Here we are, only 80 more days until the official ShelleyWed, adding another project to our very full plate. Many of you are interested in the planning process, know that we take on self inflicted creative challenges, and then request that we share the outcome with you later. So, at the suggestion of so many of you, we are now attempting to embark on maintaining a blog about our interesting, frugal, and creative wedding planning process.
It's a good idea, really, to keep a blog. There is soo much going on that I'm kicking myself for not starting sooner. It almost feels like it's a little too late. But I digress. Please bear with me as I spew what has happened to date in a disorderly fashion, then fix the typos later, or never... that would be just another project.
I'll begin by attempting to share everything from start to....well, this will never be done as we have a whole life ahead of us. So, stay tuned in!
Don't mind the posting dates as I'm trying to work my way backwards until I'm all caught up.
The Ask
Where did it all begin..... oh yes! When he asked and I said "YES!" The world spun and the wheels started churning. I haven't slept since that day (which will happen to be one year and two months by the time we get married). I am very in love and very sleepy.
 |
| San Francisco Trolley Museum - 4/9/11 |
The reactions were MORE than supportive (thank you all for believin'....don't stop believin'). We fretted over getting married right away. After all, Robert did propose on the day of our 5 year anniversary, so we thought "why wait." Others asked "why so soon" and teased that we were shot-gunning it. I have you know... I wear the same dress size now as the day we became engaged - love you all. Thanks for keeping it interesting.
The Devil is not in the Details
When I look back on it, the hardest part was 1) keeping cool enough to just sit and make a budget and 2) find a venue. I felt like it was "the chicken and the egg" problem. Which comes first!? We still didn't have a date set at this point. How could we have a date if we didn't know how much everything would or should cost, and how long it would take to save, let alone what would happen in our lives between that time, and how does it all come together! And the question... "when's the big day?" I still don't know how couples should answer that when they announce that they are engaged. How would they know?
Never the one for hesitation, I crunched, I searched, I fought, I cried. My mom crunched, she searched, she fought, she cried. Robert was with this through it all...poor guy. This was certainly those most frustrating experience so far. I felt like it wasn't supposed to be this way, so difficult, so emotional. I considered all extremes. My mom helped search for venues. While she was supportive of all the different places that I found, we had a hard time in the vision department. I'm a little bit of a rebel when it comes to her ideas, and we are so very different when it comes to style. Even if I ask, I'll go with the opposite of what she picked...it's practically subconcious, and I've had to apologize my entire life for it! I pick Virginia City and see a simple and plain pallet. She sees corsets, lace, ruffles and poof. She knows I'm allergic to ruffles and poof..... and this is how the dust cloud begins.
I considered City Hall, I considered eloping, I considered throwing it all out the window and just making it work and having a Cinderella wedding and figuring it all out later. But then tomorrow, came and so did logic and peace. These options might be right for others, but for Robert and I, none of those options were right for us. It's amazing how much energy went into this process and what can become of it quickly.
At about this point, my sweet bridesmaid Sarah (my best childhood friend, and girl who knows me best) sent me the following email: "Deep breaths, remember your mantra "I've already done the hardest part, I found my groom, the rest is just details":) and despite what you may have heard the devil is not in the details."
Guerillas and Penguin Suits
Why CAN'T you have a guerilla wedding!!!!? Oh goodness. I wanted sooo badly to get married in a random pretty meadow with maps for our guests that give them clues to the undisclosed location. Or not. But the logistics and all those silly laws just nixed that idea quickly. I'm perfectly fine with high-tailing it out of an impromptu location like some romantic movie, where there's a big chase, everyone is laughing, the bride miraculously never trips on her dress or breaks an ankle, and its all stars and banners. I seriously weighed in the cost of the fine for such an event, and it wasn't in the budget for so many reasons. So, we move on....
Here's what I found about searching for wedding venues. Poor planners, money rakers, corkage fees, and paying for too many forks to the left and right of my plate... I only need one please.
What we wanted was ease, to have fun, do our own thing, add our own style, our favorite people, and sprigs of our love sprinkled everywhere - rather than caterers in penguin suits, and blase over-used plans. Plus, I already got overzealous and bought nearly an entire receptions worth of vintage style plates. The venues didn't like this very much and wanted to charge more. Pffff!!!! I quickly rinsed off the bad taste in my mouth and moved on.
Wedding commercialism is so tiring and generic. We wanted a cost-effective way to have the wedding of our dreams, do something meaningful, use our resources and creativity, and really put forth a LOT of energy on what this day means to us, rather than get wrapped up into contracts and debt.
When the Planets Aligned
Call it what you want, but the planets finally aligned. Rather, we faced humility, self reflected, and humbled ourselves once again. We took it back to square one. What was the very minimum that one can do to have a beautiful ceremony and reception? Oh, we scrubbed and scrubbed until it was wedding no more. Can I ask again what's so wrong with a guerilla wedding!?
The Cutie in the Boonies
I can't really recall how we found this stumble-upon. I think the spark ignited when I called my dear friend at her non-profit and asked if she or her partners had any chairs that they could lend us for our guerilla wedding.
After the covert wedding idea didn't pan out, then I think we realized how easy it was to ask for help. We were willing to budget for fair market value (sans taxes and tiny print mystery fees) for the use of anything borrowed in order to enhance that organizations mission - it was a win,win - winner!! So, then the real hunt began: venue, food, chair rentals, etc. Who do we want to support who could supply these things?
And there she was! A cutie in the boonies, built by the most honorable men and women in our country.
A Town that Needs No Phones
There it was. Our venue!!! They had a great website, and better yet a great price. They could lend it to us because our parents are also veterans. It was gorgeous. When I called to get specs, it took quite longer than I anticipated to get a response from the contact there. After all, I was anxious, we were now only eleven months out (Gasp!) and I was worried that another bride would nab the space like all the other places that had been booked a year in advanced.So, I called the Chamber of Commerce to ask if they had any details and can help me get in touch with the Vet Hall. Accordingly, she set down the phone to check if there was anyone at the Vet Hall that I could speak with. It sounded like a screen door closed in the distance while I was on hold, and the Chamber came right back on the line with "I can't see her now, but I'll have her call you." A quick Google search for Foresthill, CA had me realize that this is a town that needs no phones. A quick shout out across the street will do just fine. This is our kind of town!
Stay tuned while I patch you in to the next phase of the wedding planning...
 |
| Main Street, Foresthill, CA |
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Three Omlets, Ten Dresses, and a Tearjerker
All Our Own
I only bought three wedding magazines. Two for inspiration and one to bring to the dress shop. Since we don't believe in the commercialism of the wedding industry and corporate capitalization of the idea, we simply took what we found from our own inspirations and blogs about wedding planning created by people with the same objectives as us, and then put our spin on it. Once we made a decision about something, we stuck to it. It was never a problem, there was never endless appointments, magazines, or decisions.
We went right to it, got a few fun trades through Etsy, my bridesmaids all took unique roles, and then there were brunches, dinners, and movie dates to see every new bridal movie that comes out. It has certainly been fun.
Robert hosted my first bridal brunch, by cooking omlets for the first time for me and two other of my girls, and set up a mimosa table for us in the back yard, so that us girls could have a private setting to discuss wedding dresses before heading out for the day. Which reminds me...
The dress
I will not go into too much detail about the dress process, but it was fun and I felt giddy the entire day. Kristen and Megan planned for two store visits. The first to Alfred Angelo and the next to David's Bridal. Alfred Angelo was amazing. The salesgirl never put me in a dress that wouldn't have worked. David's Bridal was a waste of time and it is now impossible to get me off the calling, mailing, and texting list from them and their affiliates. I had already made up my mind at Alfred Angelo anyway. But, the dress was only about $1,800 out of my price range.
UC Davis Hospital Weighs In
My mom had a medical emergency that put her in ICU a few days before I tried on dresses. Needless to say, it was concerning for everyone and I didn't feel right continuing on with the wedding planning. She asked me to go to my dress appointments so that she could have something to look forward to while she was in recovery. I'm so glad that I could have provided her a distraction and some hope.
I hung out with her and my dad in the cardiac ward of the UC Davis hospital and we looked through about a hundred photos that Megan and Kristen took of me in all the dresses. I was torn between two dresses that looked extremely different but suited my dual personalities. Knowing that my mom enjoys a laugh, I presented the photos of the dresses to each of the residing nurses that came to visit her that night and asked them to vote.
By the way, UC Davis is a teaching hospital. In two hours that I was visiting, there were at least ten student doctors that came to visit her. We tallied up the votes and found a winning dress!
Buried in Muslin
Do you know how much fabric it takes to make a wedding dress? Let me tell you..... A LOT. I promptly bought a dress pattern with a coupon, that I thought I would use to make my Alfred Angelo replica, and a sea sized amount of muslin to practice with. If it came out well, then I would use it as the lining to my dress.... I was after all on a budget and not too picky so long as the general appeal of the dress was resembled in the final product. I was also willing to be flexible and do a very natural looking dress since our theme involved lots of cotton and texture.
The pattern alone had me in shambles. I'm a pretty good seamstress, if I can toot my horn for a moment. But, I'm not entirely confident that I wouldn't have cried a whole lot while making this thing, let alone keeping the design a secret from Robert. I could see it all falling apart from the moment that I asked for help creating a bust form shaped on my body, using muslin, duct tape, and an old mop handle. *cringe*. See here for a tutorial: http://shannonmakesstuff.blogspot.com/2010/06/duct-tape-dress-form.html
What mine should have looked like:
What mine began looking and feeling like:
I'll try this again another time, and also when it's not 102 degrees in my garage.
Coincidentally, I received an Etsy order that just so happened to require as much of material as I bought for the dress, so I happily reimbursed myself and made a small profit to put towards other wedding investments instead.
IeIe Oooooohhhh!
Wendy at IeIe.etsy.com to the rescue! I interviewed and researched about 100 illegitimate websites for a discounted Alfred Angelo before deciding that it wasn't going to work out. I really wanted American made and I really wanted to support the crafting community. When I found Wendy, I put her through the ringer. I set up a 20 question trap to figure out her ability to design and sew replica and custom wedding dresses on her own, all from her New Jersey home, within this girls budget. She was everything I wanted and more. She went along with participating in my interrogation gracefully, and my dream dress would be made for 88% less than the designer version, and allowed me to make an initial deposit to prove her sincerity. To say the least, she saved me heartache, tears, and money on materials that I would have had to buy on my own.... IF it had worked out.
My next post will begin stitching together all the pieces of our planning adventure.... Stay tuned in.
I only bought three wedding magazines. Two for inspiration and one to bring to the dress shop. Since we don't believe in the commercialism of the wedding industry and corporate capitalization of the idea, we simply took what we found from our own inspirations and blogs about wedding planning created by people with the same objectives as us, and then put our spin on it. Once we made a decision about something, we stuck to it. It was never a problem, there was never endless appointments, magazines, or decisions.
We went right to it, got a few fun trades through Etsy, my bridesmaids all took unique roles, and then there were brunches, dinners, and movie dates to see every new bridal movie that comes out. It has certainly been fun.
Robert hosted my first bridal brunch, by cooking omlets for the first time for me and two other of my girls, and set up a mimosa table for us in the back yard, so that us girls could have a private setting to discuss wedding dresses before heading out for the day. Which reminds me...
The dress
I will not go into too much detail about the dress process, but it was fun and I felt giddy the entire day. Kristen and Megan planned for two store visits. The first to Alfred Angelo and the next to David's Bridal. Alfred Angelo was amazing. The salesgirl never put me in a dress that wouldn't have worked. David's Bridal was a waste of time and it is now impossible to get me off the calling, mailing, and texting list from them and their affiliates. I had already made up my mind at Alfred Angelo anyway. But, the dress was only about $1,800 out of my price range.
UC Davis Hospital Weighs In
My mom had a medical emergency that put her in ICU a few days before I tried on dresses. Needless to say, it was concerning for everyone and I didn't feel right continuing on with the wedding planning. She asked me to go to my dress appointments so that she could have something to look forward to while she was in recovery. I'm so glad that I could have provided her a distraction and some hope.
I hung out with her and my dad in the cardiac ward of the UC Davis hospital and we looked through about a hundred photos that Megan and Kristen took of me in all the dresses. I was torn between two dresses that looked extremely different but suited my dual personalities. Knowing that my mom enjoys a laugh, I presented the photos of the dresses to each of the residing nurses that came to visit her that night and asked them to vote.
By the way, UC Davis is a teaching hospital. In two hours that I was visiting, there were at least ten student doctors that came to visit her. We tallied up the votes and found a winning dress!
Buried in Muslin
Do you know how much fabric it takes to make a wedding dress? Let me tell you..... A LOT. I promptly bought a dress pattern with a coupon, that I thought I would use to make my Alfred Angelo replica, and a sea sized amount of muslin to practice with. If it came out well, then I would use it as the lining to my dress.... I was after all on a budget and not too picky so long as the general appeal of the dress was resembled in the final product. I was also willing to be flexible and do a very natural looking dress since our theme involved lots of cotton and texture.
The pattern alone had me in shambles. I'm a pretty good seamstress, if I can toot my horn for a moment. But, I'm not entirely confident that I wouldn't have cried a whole lot while making this thing, let alone keeping the design a secret from Robert. I could see it all falling apart from the moment that I asked for help creating a bust form shaped on my body, using muslin, duct tape, and an old mop handle. *cringe*. See here for a tutorial: http://shannonmakesstuff.blogspot.com/2010/06/duct-tape-dress-form.html
What mine should have looked like:
 |
| Disclaimer: This is not me, but doesn't she have a great bod!? |
 |
| Disclaimer: This is not me, but doesn't she have an odd waist? |
I'll try this again another time, and also when it's not 102 degrees in my garage.
Coincidentally, I received an Etsy order that just so happened to require as much of material as I bought for the dress, so I happily reimbursed myself and made a small profit to put towards other wedding investments instead.
IeIe Oooooohhhh!
Wendy at IeIe.etsy.com to the rescue! I interviewed and researched about 100 illegitimate websites for a discounted Alfred Angelo before deciding that it wasn't going to work out. I really wanted American made and I really wanted to support the crafting community. When I found Wendy, I put her through the ringer. I set up a 20 question trap to figure out her ability to design and sew replica and custom wedding dresses on her own, all from her New Jersey home, within this girls budget. She was everything I wanted and more. She went along with participating in my interrogation gracefully, and my dream dress would be made for 88% less than the designer version, and allowed me to make an initial deposit to prove her sincerity. To say the least, she saved me heartache, tears, and money on materials that I would have had to buy on my own.... IF it had worked out.
My next post will begin stitching together all the pieces of our planning adventure.... Stay tuned in.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
A ShelleyWed with a Cherry on Top
Much to our delight, the venue was all inclusive. Yep, had everything WE needed, depending on how much we really wanted. First off, the venue had a full kitchen, two large rooms, a fireplace, a club house, a park, a gazeebo, museum. Whip it all together and what do you got? I super awesome wedding with a cherry on top!
All we needed was a little insurance, chairs, and some minor equipment if we so dare cared. The Assembly of God Church and the local school district were prepared to assist with donating chairs for our outdoor wedding on the lawn by the gazeebo, though it became a bit stressful to think about the logistics and number of people who would be involved in setting it up, let alone asking them to be responsible for the equipment being outdoors and securely packing it up after the wedding.
We considered standing, then hay bails, then logs. I'm still diggin the logs with plank seating idea, but I feel bad for the boys that I'd be recruiting to lug them on and off their trucks.
During one of my Foresthill love fests and oogling the pictures we took while there, I came across one hidden little gem. Take a looky here...... a little baby chapel!!! Not only was there a cherry on top, but also a CHAPEL? It can't get any better than this.
It All Gets A Little Easier With Time
At this point, I'm so glad we didn't rush towards the fall wedding that we really wanted. It takes time to come up with clever ideas for a frugal, DIY wedding. After enough research, ideas start popping in and out of your head about what a modest wedding really looks like and means. Even when I thought we were being the most frugal and we couldn't pinch any more paper out of a penny, there we still opportunity to push it a little but further, and there still is to this day....it's all about finding the balance about the things that matter to you most and your vision. Secrifices aren't sacrifices, they are usually modifications or realizing that the ice sculpture just really isn't meaningful. I'm only kidding..... we never wanted an ice sculpture.
The Chamber hooked us up with the contact at the Chapel. I have to remember to speak slowly when I call there or I sound like the overly eager bride. I already feel silly enough that I pack my big planning binder with me to our meetings and that Cathy at the Hall has encouraged me to breath on more than one occassion. Although she probably thinks I'm quite silly, I find her endearing and she gives great hugs and has some impressive ideas that fit along nicely into our plans. Although Foresthill is not far from Sacramento, it's like stepping back in time. These folks have no where to be and nothing but time, and stories to share. Steve and Cathy are now on my "Christmas card list" and a little dear to both of our hearts.
Steve got us set-up on a very small donation requested basis for use of the chapel, which just so happens to be community owned (and now we are proud keepers of the keys too...how's that for trust). Seating problem solved, mission accomplished, guest list being built (they say build the guest list then find the venue that will fit your guests. My advise for the frugal fiances.... find your perfect venue and then figure out who is most important to you to fit into your space.)
To Share or Not to Share
I won't overly share too much about the exact costs involved until after the wedding, but I can give tidbits on where we scrimped and saved. It all began with a spreadsheet.
Next, we won't be posting a lot about the actual details that will be seen at the wedding, because we want it to be magical when our guests arrive, but will share places that we discovered our little gems.
And finally, I want to tell the WORLD about Foresthill and at the same time I don't. We learned that the road leading to Foresthill didn't get paved until the 1980's. Until then it was a dirt road. There's no commerce in Foresthill, with exception to some wedding$ at two popular and exclusive location$, and about three total weddings a year usually by local folk at our venues. I fear that it will become corrupt, or that someone will come in and build. What I hope is that it will stay so quaint, but that Ma and Pa store owner and deli can stay in business at the same time.
Paving the Way
We already knew that we wanted a primarly DIY/handmade wedding, but because of Foresthill's generosity, we wanted to take it a step further and support the small town, local, and then eventually be as eco-friendly as possible when it came down to the details in our wedding. Finding our venue and our new friends in Foresthill paved our way to what we now think of as our dream wedding.
Enjoy the ride and read on for more.....
 |
| Who couldn't be happier? Mr. Shelley in a gazeebo. I had him at Foresthill Road. |
All we needed was a little insurance, chairs, and some minor equipment if we so dare cared. The Assembly of God Church and the local school district were prepared to assist with donating chairs for our outdoor wedding on the lawn by the gazeebo, though it became a bit stressful to think about the logistics and number of people who would be involved in setting it up, let alone asking them to be responsible for the equipment being outdoors and securely packing it up after the wedding.
We considered standing, then hay bails, then logs. I'm still diggin the logs with plank seating idea, but I feel bad for the boys that I'd be recruiting to lug them on and off their trucks.
During one of my Foresthill love fests and oogling the pictures we took while there, I came across one hidden little gem. Take a looky here...... a little baby chapel!!! Not only was there a cherry on top, but also a CHAPEL? It can't get any better than this.
It All Gets A Little Easier With Time
At this point, I'm so glad we didn't rush towards the fall wedding that we really wanted. It takes time to come up with clever ideas for a frugal, DIY wedding. After enough research, ideas start popping in and out of your head about what a modest wedding really looks like and means. Even when I thought we were being the most frugal and we couldn't pinch any more paper out of a penny, there we still opportunity to push it a little but further, and there still is to this day....it's all about finding the balance about the things that matter to you most and your vision. Secrifices aren't sacrifices, they are usually modifications or realizing that the ice sculpture just really isn't meaningful. I'm only kidding..... we never wanted an ice sculpture.
The Chamber hooked us up with the contact at the Chapel. I have to remember to speak slowly when I call there or I sound like the overly eager bride. I already feel silly enough that I pack my big planning binder with me to our meetings and that Cathy at the Hall has encouraged me to breath on more than one occassion. Although she probably thinks I'm quite silly, I find her endearing and she gives great hugs and has some impressive ideas that fit along nicely into our plans. Although Foresthill is not far from Sacramento, it's like stepping back in time. These folks have no where to be and nothing but time, and stories to share. Steve and Cathy are now on my "Christmas card list" and a little dear to both of our hearts.
Steve got us set-up on a very small donation requested basis for use of the chapel, which just so happens to be community owned (and now we are proud keepers of the keys too...how's that for trust). Seating problem solved, mission accomplished, guest list being built (they say build the guest list then find the venue that will fit your guests. My advise for the frugal fiances.... find your perfect venue and then figure out who is most important to you to fit into your space.)
To Share or Not to Share
I won't overly share too much about the exact costs involved until after the wedding, but I can give tidbits on where we scrimped and saved. It all began with a spreadsheet.
Next, we won't be posting a lot about the actual details that will be seen at the wedding, because we want it to be magical when our guests arrive, but will share places that we discovered our little gems.
And finally, I want to tell the WORLD about Foresthill and at the same time I don't. We learned that the road leading to Foresthill didn't get paved until the 1980's. Until then it was a dirt road. There's no commerce in Foresthill, with exception to some wedding$ at two popular and exclusive location$, and about three total weddings a year usually by local folk at our venues. I fear that it will become corrupt, or that someone will come in and build. What I hope is that it will stay so quaint, but that Ma and Pa store owner and deli can stay in business at the same time.
Paving the Way
We already knew that we wanted a primarly DIY/handmade wedding, but because of Foresthill's generosity, we wanted to take it a step further and support the small town, local, and then eventually be as eco-friendly as possible when it came down to the details in our wedding. Finding our venue and our new friends in Foresthill paved our way to what we now think of as our dream wedding.
Enjoy the ride and read on for more.....
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Donald Draper Everywhere
Donald Draper Everywhere - It's a Mad World
I should preface this post by saying that beyond this wedding, I also coordinate two annual conferences that make up a 40-hour a week job. So, it was only natural to be on planning hyperdrive and feel a little bit of stress, which is not necessarily a bad thing (to me) and can be rather motivating.
Our engagement came around the time that I discovered Mad Men and created an addiction by catching up from the very first season. Which easily turned into three-hour marathons on most nights to watch the conflicted life of Donald Draper. I'd go to bed and wake up concerned about Don's colleagues at Sterling, Cooper, Draper (Pryce), and his family. And then disecting all the underlying messages and dipiction of the 1960's lifestyle. It was a good distraction from everything. For the next few months I accidentally called my neighbor Don. His name is Frank.
I needed help.
Employee of the Month and Love of My Life
Since I'm trying to wrap the last nine-months up in a nutshell for you, it's been quite the ride. Robert graduated from UC Davis in June, I had two conferences, and BeauMelange was getting busy. I carved a little niche for myself in my online Etsy store that I've shared with my mom for the last three years, and at times things can get very busy with birthday party favors and some other regular customers that I do some sewing work for.
It's such a blessing - the work always comes when it's needed the most. With me being busier than I could ever imagine, I recruited Robert's help and let him take over that sector of BeauMelange completely.
It's been such a life saver to have Robert's help at BeauMelange and at home. He's become quite the chef since graduating and the house is most always clean and dinner gets made, which is typically not our strongest suit when we are both running around ragged. The kitties get a lof of attention, the orders at BeauMelange have been getting done, and we are able to spend more time with each other.
I should preface this post by saying that beyond this wedding, I also coordinate two annual conferences that make up a 40-hour a week job. So, it was only natural to be on planning hyperdrive and feel a little bit of stress, which is not necessarily a bad thing (to me) and can be rather motivating.
Our engagement came around the time that I discovered Mad Men and created an addiction by catching up from the very first season. Which easily turned into three-hour marathons on most nights to watch the conflicted life of Donald Draper. I'd go to bed and wake up concerned about Don's colleagues at Sterling, Cooper, Draper (Pryce), and his family. And then disecting all the underlying messages and dipiction of the 1960's lifestyle. It was a good distraction from everything. For the next few months I accidentally called my neighbor Don. His name is Frank.
I needed help.
Employee of the Month and Love of My Life
Since I'm trying to wrap the last nine-months up in a nutshell for you, it's been quite the ride. Robert graduated from UC Davis in June, I had two conferences, and BeauMelange was getting busy. I carved a little niche for myself in my online Etsy store that I've shared with my mom for the last three years, and at times things can get very busy with birthday party favors and some other regular customers that I do some sewing work for.
It's such a blessing - the work always comes when it's needed the most. With me being busier than I could ever imagine, I recruited Robert's help and let him take over that sector of BeauMelange completely.
It's been such a life saver to have Robert's help at BeauMelange and at home. He's become quite the chef since graduating and the house is most always clean and dinner gets made, which is typically not our strongest suit when we are both running around ragged. The kitties get a lof of attention, the orders at BeauMelange have been getting done, and we are able to spend more time with each other.
A Time Out To Reflect - A Few Things That I Have Been Appreciative About In My Fiance Over the Years
 |
| Love messages from his desk to mine |
- His quick and whitty sense of humor that always keeps me laughing
- His ability to know when I need calm and how to remedy my problems
- His unwaivering commitment to do what he can to keep our house running, safe, and balanced in challenging times
- His love of family - his, mine, and our three little monster kitties
- His ability to make me feel secure
- His patience and help to get me through my last quarters of school when my life couldn't have felt more trying
- When he and supported me for weeks while I recovered from surgery and while he was in his Finals at school
- His interest in my life goals list (even more on this later)
 |
| Us on Mount Whitney, 2009 - Life Goal Item |
Friday, March 16, 2012
Love Takes Thyme - Budget Savvy Shopping and Recipe
The frugal DIY bride can save for the special things that she want to splurge on by cutting elseswhere. Something that we have always been good at but didn't always implement until the engagement was couponing and getting even more creative with our food budget.
More recently, I tremendously hurt my back and was on couch rest for nearly two solid weeks - picture usually shaped pillow walls, heating pads, medicine, four yellow walls, and a Sissy Kitty. Robert had to tend to me because I had such a hard time moving on my own. He has been through several episodes exactly like this and I am very impressed now by how strong he is and how little he complains when it happens. If it didn't hurt to breath, then I would have been screaming in agony.
In anycase, our food supply had become severely depleted because I hadn't gone shopping for at least a week and a half before the injury. Sure, the situation(s) were uncomfortable, but Robert stayed home to help and I'm so glad he did. Using what we had, Robert cooked meals that were eachunique and delicious. And, they were all made from leftovers and things hidden deep in the freezer and cabinets that I would have never given a thought to otherwise.
When I was able to walk long enough to do a shopping stint, I challenged myself to a grocery budget that would have implied I was single. I beat that budget by $22 that evening. Now I'm motivated! It's two weeks later and we still have many of the groceries I bought in the freezer and cabinets. Both situations gave us perspective and another level to our budget wedding challenge.
Here is one of our favorite budget recipes:
Mel and Rob Pizza adapted from Betty Crocker
1 can tomato paste
seasonings to taste (garlic salt, basil, marjoram, italian seasoning, thyme and love)
Directions:
Mix 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons oil and the warm water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves sides of bowl. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 5 to 8 minutes or until dough is smooth and springy. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Continue as directed below for thin crusts or thick crusts.
For Thin Crusts: Heat oven to 425°. Grease 2 cookie sheets or 12-inch pizza pans with oil (sometimes I skip the oil and powder the pan with cornmeal). Divide dough in half. Pat each half into 12-inch circle on cookie sheets. Poke vent holes in the crust using a fork. Partially bake 7 to 8 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings and bake as for 10-12 minutes.
For Thick Crusts: Grease 2 square pans, 8x8x2 inches, or 2 round pans, 9x1 1/2 inches, with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide dough in half. Pat each half in bottom of pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place 30 to 45 minutes or until almost double. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 375°. Poke vent holes in the crust using a fork. Partially bake 7 to 8 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings and bake for 20-22 minutes.
More recently, I tremendously hurt my back and was on couch rest for nearly two solid weeks - picture usually shaped pillow walls, heating pads, medicine, four yellow walls, and a Sissy Kitty. Robert had to tend to me because I had such a hard time moving on my own. He has been through several episodes exactly like this and I am very impressed now by how strong he is and how little he complains when it happens. If it didn't hurt to breath, then I would have been screaming in agony.
 |
| Sissy Noodle and Rice a Roni |
In anycase, our food supply had become severely depleted because I hadn't gone shopping for at least a week and a half before the injury. Sure, the situation(s) were uncomfortable, but Robert stayed home to help and I'm so glad he did. Using what we had, Robert cooked meals that were eachunique and delicious. And, they were all made from leftovers and things hidden deep in the freezer and cabinets that I would have never given a thought to otherwise.
When I was able to walk long enough to do a shopping stint, I challenged myself to a grocery budget that would have implied I was single. I beat that budget by $22 that evening. Now I'm motivated! It's two weeks later and we still have many of the groceries I bought in the freezer and cabinets. Both situations gave us perspective and another level to our budget wedding challenge.
Here is one of our favorite budget recipes:
Mel and Rob Pizza adapted from Betty Crocker
- Crust:
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- package regular or quick active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
- 1 cup very warm water (120° to 130°)
- Leftovers (meats, cheeses, and vegies)
1 can tomato paste
seasonings to taste (garlic salt, basil, marjoram, italian seasoning, thyme and love)
Directions:
Mix 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons oil and the warm water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves sides of bowl. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 5 to 8 minutes or until dough is smooth and springy. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes. Continue as directed below for thin crusts or thick crusts.
For Thin Crusts: Heat oven to 425°. Grease 2 cookie sheets or 12-inch pizza pans with oil (sometimes I skip the oil and powder the pan with cornmeal). Divide dough in half. Pat each half into 12-inch circle on cookie sheets. Poke vent holes in the crust using a fork. Partially bake 7 to 8 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings and bake as for 10-12 minutes.
For Thick Crusts: Grease 2 square pans, 8x8x2 inches, or 2 round pans, 9x1 1/2 inches, with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide dough in half. Pat each half in bottom of pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place 30 to 45 minutes or until almost double. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 375°. Poke vent holes in the crust using a fork. Partially bake 7 to 8 minutes or until crust just begins to brown. Add toppings and bake for 20-22 minutes.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Delilah's Hokey Pokey
Meet Delilah:
Since I was eight years old I had been working with my baby Brother. I remember the first thing I ever made...it took an entire weekend - a half apron made with vintage cowboy print. My mom helped me and Sarah (bridesmaid) make them. It was quite a sophisticated first project, but I remember being pleased after I bandaged up my seamripped and pin-torn hands and stopped crying in fury because I still didn't know how to make a straight stitch.
I trust that my baby Brother was a great machine. He got me through hundreds of projects and I recall even making my 7th or 8th grade dance dress, which is when I learned how to make a ruffled flounce, darts, and install a zipper, and increase the hem. I wish I had saved that dress. I remember it being suprisingly good (then again, I might have cried enough that my mom made most of it for me "showing me" how to do it.) I can hear my mom still saying "before you start that next project, you need a new needle and to oil up your machine." I'm sure I did my required maitenence as directed, but I'm not so confident that I took care of it as well as I should have: dust, wretching at the poor thing when thread became bound up in the machine's insides, and for the life of me, I can't remember where I had it stored which makes me think not in a good place. But, he got me all the way through age 28 when I realized..... I've invested the last 20 years into my sewing. It's the one thing in this world that I know I'm very good at, so why is the proof not showing in my work!" Come to find out that my Brother is growing old and his timing is becoming slow. He forgets a stitch here and there, and his feed dogs are no longer graceful. So he sits in a closet where I have memorialized him.
Then I met Delilah and my mom's phone stopped ringing. I'll always love my Brother, but Delilah has made me a better person, a better sewer, and a better daughter. There's no more of me screaming my point of the phone in frustration: "what do you mean I need a new bobbin! I just made ten of them!" Yes, I've rethreaded my machine, a new needle, and it's spewing oil!!!! Click."
The only over sight that I have made with Delilah so far is that I have been much too excited over the last two years to really dig in and find out what she's all about. She is capable of taking my sewing skills beyond my years, but what else can she do and what did I miss out on during all these years making new bobbins and detangling knots from my Brother?
It's starting to prove as I have taken on the project of sewing my bridesmaid dresses. For the first time ever, I sewed with chiffon and felt confident. But best of all, it came out as it should have. No stretching tearing, shifting, or sliding. Her dress is goregous and I can't wait to hear how it fits her:
Trial by fire at age 12 or so taught me how to install a zipper like no other. If I take my time, they come out quite perfect. However, this is where me and Delilah need to read things over. My zippers haven't been installing like I want and I'm make-shifting my installs. They come out pro-status, but I'm not pleased that I'm doing a work around. Still hestitant to use what looks like the appropriate foot because it ivolves a nut and a bold (agh!), I try a new foot and it's magical. What the heck is this thing though:
Anyway, it's called a blind hem foot. Shoot, gotta go look that up now too. I don't care what it is. It does the job and it's amazing. Invisible zipper complete!
So, until I decide that I have more time to get to know Delilah, I'll continue to play her Hokey Pokey and pull the straight foot out, and put the hem foot in.....
I know, I'm a nerd. Good night. :)
I trust that my baby Brother was a great machine. He got me through hundreds of projects and I recall even making my 7th or 8th grade dance dress, which is when I learned how to make a ruffled flounce, darts, and install a zipper, and increase the hem. I wish I had saved that dress. I remember it being suprisingly good (then again, I might have cried enough that my mom made most of it for me "showing me" how to do it.) I can hear my mom still saying "before you start that next project, you need a new needle and to oil up your machine." I'm sure I did my required maitenence as directed, but I'm not so confident that I took care of it as well as I should have: dust, wretching at the poor thing when thread became bound up in the machine's insides, and for the life of me, I can't remember where I had it stored which makes me think not in a good place. But, he got me all the way through age 28 when I realized..... I've invested the last 20 years into my sewing. It's the one thing in this world that I know I'm very good at, so why is the proof not showing in my work!" Come to find out that my Brother is growing old and his timing is becoming slow. He forgets a stitch here and there, and his feed dogs are no longer graceful. So he sits in a closet where I have memorialized him.
Then I met Delilah and my mom's phone stopped ringing. I'll always love my Brother, but Delilah has made me a better person, a better sewer, and a better daughter. There's no more of me screaming my point of the phone in frustration: "what do you mean I need a new bobbin! I just made ten of them!" Yes, I've rethreaded my machine, a new needle, and it's spewing oil!!!! Click."
The only over sight that I have made with Delilah so far is that I have been much too excited over the last two years to really dig in and find out what she's all about. She is capable of taking my sewing skills beyond my years, but what else can she do and what did I miss out on during all these years making new bobbins and detangling knots from my Brother?
It's starting to prove as I have taken on the project of sewing my bridesmaid dresses. For the first time ever, I sewed with chiffon and felt confident. But best of all, it came out as it should have. No stretching tearing, shifting, or sliding. Her dress is goregous and I can't wait to hear how it fits her:
 |
| Beatrice - The trusty, not so busty mannequin |
Trial by fire at age 12 or so taught me how to install a zipper like no other. If I take my time, they come out quite perfect. However, this is where me and Delilah need to read things over. My zippers haven't been installing like I want and I'm make-shifting my installs. They come out pro-status, but I'm not pleased that I'm doing a work around. Still hestitant to use what looks like the appropriate foot because it ivolves a nut and a bold (agh!), I try a new foot and it's magical. What the heck is this thing though:
Anyway, it's called a blind hem foot. Shoot, gotta go look that up now too. I don't care what it is. It does the job and it's amazing. Invisible zipper complete!
So, until I decide that I have more time to get to know Delilah, I'll continue to play her Hokey Pokey and pull the straight foot out, and put the hem foot in.....
I know, I'm a nerd. Good night. :)
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