Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Passport to Love

Ok so I mentioned before that we are trying to include an underlying travel theme into our big day. In our beginning stages of planning, I quizzed my bridesmaids on what's the one thing that Mark & I love to do - two of them said travel, the other two said go to New York... all the same to me! And it's true - whenever we have "extra" money (non existent at this point) or consecutive days off at work (also unheard of these days) - Mark, being the history buff that he is, and me being a devote culture junkie, seek out near and far places, anything pleasantly unfamiliar.

[end of tangent]

For our wedding we have planned subtle and not so subtle details incorporating our love for travel. Most of the paper products and favors will carry this theme. For example, I am attempting a Do it Yourself Version of this passport invitation...
(From Marsupial Invitations)


Please note the word Attempt. Though I find myself becoming quite the little graphic designer these days, these passports look like they might take some time and headache to perfect. I mean I'm not that techie, or at least not yet. Stand by for results....

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Best Wedding Dance EVER!

I know it's been around your web ring several times already, but I am still no less impressed watching it for the umpteenth time...

Friends, I know you are thinking that is soooo Markessa! But Mark's reaction was, "but my grandma will be there" He He I guess no Big Butts routine for us. Like I would really tell you anyway... ;)

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Tour

Mom & I just signed up to volunteer at the Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown Sale, made possible by the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. I am so excited for the tour to make its stop in Anaheim, CA on February 15th & 16th. The event give brides the opportunity to peruse and try on over a thousand designer and couture dresses available for purchase at generously discounted prices. Best of all, all proceeds allow the Making Memories Foundation to grant one last wish for a man or woman losing the fight against Breast Cancer. I love the cause and the concept. My mom and I will be helping dress brides on Friday; if you stop in, come say hi!
*Click on the flyer for event details & more info

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Oh the Places You'll Go!

Whenever I feel discouraged or unmotivated, I look at this Dr. Seuss book next to my bed - a gift from my wonderful fiance'. Shown here, it's kind of long but well worth the read! I'm also posting some pictures of some our favorite places we have been. If Mark & I could do only one thing the rest of our lives, it would be to travel. I'm not sure if I had mentioned before but our wedding also has an underlying travel theme. I will post some of our travel related wedding projects later. But for now - Enjoy :)
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
by Dr. Seuss
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll look up and down streets.
Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say,
"I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
That you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course, you'll head straight out of town.
It's opener there in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen,
Don't worry. Don't stop.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.
Oh! The places you'll go!
You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers who soar to great heights.
You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang
and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't.
Because sometime, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so but sadly, it's true
that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.
You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.
And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
You will come to a place
where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted.
But mostly, they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And if you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper
to make up his mind.
You can get so confused that you'll start to race down
long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place
The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come,
or a plane to go or the mail to come,
or the rain to go or the phone to ring,
or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a yes or a no
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake,
or a pot to boil, or a better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants,
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.
No! That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape all that waiting and staying.
You'll find the bright places
where Boom Bands are playing.
With banners flip-flapping,
once more you'll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.R
eady because you're that kind of a guy!
Oh, the places you'll go!
There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball
will make you the winning-est winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.
Except when they don't.
Because sometimes, they won't.
I'm afraid that sometimes
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win'
cause you'll play against you.
All Alone! Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something you'll be quite a lot.
And when you're alone, there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants.
There are some, down the road between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much you won't want to go on.
But on you will go though the weather be foul.
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl.
Onward up manya frightening creek,
though your arms may get soreand your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.
You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know,
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft,
and never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you'll move mountains!
So...be your name Buxbaum or Bixy or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places! Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Say CHEESE!

Pictures from Cheesyphotobooths.com
The reception photo booth - What a ultra fun crowd pleaser!
The increasingly popular photo booth is a simple concept. Guests can take individual, couple, or group photos that will print out in minutes. The prints make a priceless favor for guests, and additionally, most companies offer cds of all the proofs and/or double prints. Put it next to the guestbook table and have your guests make you a unique, fun scrapbook using their pictures!


This idea, unfortunately will not find a place at our wedding. And I mean that literally - as it is, we are already experiencing a hair pulling space issue (growing guestlist to blame!) and I know our friends well enough to know that the traffic jam at the photo booth will be an all night occurence. Still, it is too entertaining of an idea to not pass along. Here is a picture of me and bridesmaid, Linette, taken by Cheesy PhotoBooths (that's their name, isn't is cute?)



Here's an idea: Have your photographer set up a similar station like photographer, Jonilyn, did for this rehearsal dinner party! Click to view slideshow

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A BIG FAT Checkmark!

All Bridesmaids dresses have been ordered! Thank heavens!!!
Tanya beat me to making the collage - * 2 Stars * ;)

Click on the picture to see enlarged version

The 4 of them will wear the 4 dresses pictured here, all in the chocolate mink color. Dresses were ordered from Net Bride.com - While I will refrain from my reviews until their dresses arrive, I can say that the customer service thus far has been exceptional. Every email I sent was replied to promptly and every question I had has been given above & beyond explanations/answers. I am very confident about our order, but don't take my word for it. Here are the perfect reviews I read on Project Wedding: http://www.projectwedding.com/vendor/show/1323

Monday, January 21, 2008

Fat Kid Creations

My sister, Tanya, & I have always had this exclusively secret club we refer to as Fat Kid Creations. It is the result of our love for all the taboo things we were not supposed to eat frequently and definitely not combined all at once.

Let me give you a few examples [WARNING: Not for those with weak stomachs]...

  • Cheesy rice - a delicious ENTREE (yes, entree) simply combining spanish rice and melted, grated cheese mixed together to form a sticky like texture. The key to this concoction is more cheese then rice. (Dont judge me!)
  • For a sweet tooth, we would recommend dipping milano cookies in uncooked (i know, i know) brownie batter. This same concept works wonderfully with nutella hazelnut chocolate spread and rice krispie treats.

I know it is awful but this is coming from 2 little girls who wanted to buy shares in Country Crock Margarine when they were little (we were obsessed!) If it makes anyone feel better (it makes me feel better) we rarely eat like this anymore. In fact, we try not speak of it at all in public. But then I come across the drool-worthy photo below, at a time when words like "fat" and "cupcake"have been exiled from my everday vocabulary.

Cupcake in a Jar from Fat Daddy Bake Shop



This might call for a mini rebellion/Fat Kid Creation Reunion!

http://www.fatdaddybakeshop.com/ is a fully licensed bakery in Chicago. See their website to select from their huge variety of flavors, available for shipping nationwide. The Packaging makes it a super cute, delicious option for wedding favors, bridal showers, and all occassion gifts!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Teasers!

Last Sunday I dragged Mark out of the "OC Bubble" to the busy and festive streets of downtown L.A. Dressed in our finest (compliments of Nordstrom Rack - we LOVE that place!) we met up with the uber-talented, Jonilyn Brown of Jonilyn Photography. We started at the Union Station, an appropriate location to represent our love of travel, and then headed to Olvera Street, which made for a fun, culture filled afternoon. Jonilyn posted a few teaser photos on her blog.

A few favorites...




My Favorite <3>


Thank you Jonilyn for being so sweet & patient! We cant wait to see the rest of the photos :)
To visit Jonilyn's blog, go to http://jonilynphotographyblog.com/?p=32


More Pictures Coming Soon...

Thursday, January 17, 2008

What could I possibly complain about now?!

Glad you asked! lol


For the love of all things bridal, can the USPS please make a postcard stamp other than the blue panther one they are featuring right now?!

I FINALLY finish addressing 100 save the date postcards and they are ready to go, pending postage. So as a proud bride, I lined up at the post office (quite an adventure of its own!) , waited nearly 20 minutes only to find out that this is the only 26 cent stamp the USPS is printing...

Nothing about this stamp screams wedding, vintage, love, markessa, nothing! The thought of placing them on my color coordinated stationary simply kills me. Here are my options...
  • Zazzle - zazzle.com is an awesome sight that allows you to create your own custom stamp or purchase one that someone has designed. This is real US postage and they ship free overnight but its gonna slice a good $60 off our bank account. It's not too terrible unless you compare it to the incredible price of $9.99 which we spent on the postcards (I love VistaPrint!) And I was so stoked on my savings...
  • Option 2 is to buy the cool looking 41 cent stamps at the post office and use it on our 26 cent postcards. Mark hates this idea and can you blame him?!
I asked around for some second opinions and the general concensus was that I should just get over it. And I promise, I swear, I did try! But unfortunately, if no one in the world notices but me... that is usually more than enough reason for me to do the irrational - in this case, purchase the unneccesary po$tage for the postcards. PEOPLE, it took me 2 days & 3 different stores to find the perfect pen I should use to address the damn things! [ I recognize I have a problem - Im hoping its just wedding related, but truthfully I know it's not :/ ] Mark, if you are reading this I bought the 39 cent ones instead of the 41 cent ones if that makes it any better. I already know what you're going to say, just like you already knew how this would end. Another reason I adore you :)

I can easily be called a lot of things at this point but I think every bride has moments like this. Maybe it's not postage, but everyone gets caught up on something. I hate to end on a negative note so I will find the positive in all this..... give me a minute.....

I guess the positive would be that if this is the only thing I can think of ranting about, then I'm doing alright. I am laying in my warm bed, amused with my obsessive compulsive behaivor, and I can hear Mark in the shower singing "holla back girl" - Life is good :)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

You say Taffeta, I say Ta - FETA!

However you say it, the bridesmaids and I decided that it was pretty much the biggest upset of 2007...

Realizing that it is all a matter of opinion, I cautiously warn you not to fall in love with a brown palette taffeta. Wait, that's not fair... How 'bout DO NOT fall in love with any dress you have seen only online and not in person. Unless of course, you are looking to be disappointed when all of your bridesmaids pick out dresses online, only to find out that their choices would be comparable to that of a paper mache do it yourself project. Thankfully, this truth was discovered before we had ordered but still, I should have known better.

My next piece of advice... I hate to break it to you, but you DO care what they wear. You may think you don't, but you do; Trust me on this one. It's not that I blatantly didn't care - I just wanted them to pick out their own dresses & wear whatever they feel amazing in. I honestly thought this was the simplest way to do it. SHA-RIGHT! Fast forward 10 weeks later and I think we all have learned that all brown dresses are not made equally, in any sense of the word. Lesson learned: if you are going to go this route, do the research before throwing your bridesmaids to the wolves. I would recommend nailing down the designer, fabric, and color beforehand so that you have seen the dresses they are picking from before they even start searching. Ok I'm getting off my soap box now...

Good news - GREAT news actually - 2 of 4 bridesmaids have chosen a dress! Thank you Bari Jay for making a chocolate brown charmeuse that looks like chocolate brown charmeuse :)
They are going to be smoking hot in these...



Woo hoo! Just 2 naked bridesmaids to go :)
(oh and 2 moms, 2 flower girls, 3 ring bearers, 4 groomsmen, and a groom - *sigh*)

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

2008!

I am so excited for this year!
The only thing more exciting than our upcoming wedding,
is the thought of being married to my bestest friend in the whole world!
I am anxious of what the new year holds for us and our future plans.

Happy 2008 Everyone! :)

Cupcakes by Mark!