the night in.

Alfred Angelo

Maggie Sottero

Allure Bridal

More to come on the wedding dress front... 

Today we're going to look at another venue and then I don't really have any other plans.  I just feel lucky to be with the one I love, planning our future together...with another year to look forward to.

Here's to hoping that 25 is a good one to add to the books! 

Image Courtesy of Pinterest.

I bought these gems from French Style Events on Etsy.  They come in a standard set of 4 bridesmaid and 1 maid of honor card with matching envelopes.  I contacted Marie to create a custom listing for me so I could save one to put in my wedding scrap book!  I was worried that they would not get to me quickly, but it only took a week for them to appear in my mailbox (which is amazing since they are handmade and she gives each card a special ink staining treatment to give them a vintage look).

I also printed off cute/funny little notes telling the bridesmaid what they should expect if they accept the role of standing by my side on the big day!

My maid of honor received a special addition in her envelope...

Thankfully, all of my lovely ladies said yes!  Now I know for certain that I have the best of the best with me every step of the way.

The winners are: blush, gold, and navy blue with accents of ivory where needed.

I'm a huge fan of spring colors and originally wanted yellow and grey.  But, after exploring other options, I am in love with the combination of colors and the possibilities.  

I can definitely see a theme of vintage keys, large pink peonies, and paper hearts cut from classic books forming.  

gorgeous?  I think so.

These glossy pages are the most addicting thing in my life right now (aside from pinterest, but I'll save that for another day).

It seems that in the city I live, finding a rustic, vintage looking venue on a budget is impossible (unless the "vintage" look i'm aiming for it 1970's retro).  So, I've reworked my vision and am aiming for an elegant vintage feel instead.  We may have a winner already, but it will be a bit over our desired budget.

I also invested in a wedding organizer, which is pretty much amazing.

I was debating between Martha Stewart's Wedding Keepsake Planner and the Mindy Weiss Wedding Planner and Organizer.  After reading many reviews, I decided to go with Mindy Weiss and it is absolutely wonderful and helpful!  It features tabs for budget, location, guests and invitations, the dress, menu and flowers, music, photography and videography, rentals and making it official.  Within each of the tabs, more in depth information is covered in a simple (non-stressful) manner.  I purchased mine from Amazon, but you can it from just about any book retailer. I can't wait to keep using it over the next 13 months to help me plan the wedding!

there have already been many bumps in the road this week, when N and I should be celebrating.  disagreements with family and too many tears shed.  however, when it all comes down to it- this journey is not about everyone else.  it's about us.  

the wedding planning process has already begun and i'm excited to pick an official date and start our lives together as a married couple. 

and hopefully the rest of the pieces will fall into place...

Image courtesy of Pinterest