Let me start off by saying: I'm not a stingy bride. I have not cut corners on cost when it comes to the comfort and enjoyment of my guests. I have hired professional vendors for everything. We have a fabulous photographer, DJ, caterer, bartenders, wedding coordinator, venue, etc. Now I don't claim to know everything about weddings so that is where my fabulous wedding coordinator comes in...
During our last meeting she mentioned how we need to have a meal planned for each of our vendors. No problem! We are having a buffet style and I figured we would have an additional table in the back for the vendors to be able to sit and have a quick bite to eat. After all, I want everyone to do their best performance for my wedding!
So today... I was filling out some information for my photographer. At the very end of the questionairre it said "You must provide 3 meals for your photographer the day of the wedding. Otherwise, a $100 fee will be charged for each missed meal." Seriously?! I don't even get to eat 3 meals on my wedding day... and it's MY day!!! So does this mean that I have to run to my photographer with a plate of eggs and bacon in the morning and make sure before the ceremony we drive through the drive through at McDonald's to get a happy meal? Now let me be clear... I am in LOVE with my photographer. I love my photographer so much that I am paying quadruple (literally) of what my budget was supposed to be. But for that kind of money, I feel like they can buy their own happy meal at lunch... and pack a box of granola bars if they get hungry!
I understand providing a meal for the vendors... after all they can't leave at dinner time. They have a busy day. But to provide multiple meals for my vendors seems a little extreme... especially when I don't even have meals planned for myself!
Thanks for listening. Pulling myself together now.
After a summer of grilling chicken and eating broccoli... and then having ice cream for dessert, I have decided that with 45 days to go until the wedding it is time for extreme measures to aid my weight loss. I have not gained any weight this summer - but I certainly haven't lost any.
Now before I continue, let me say this:
I love your comments. I love your concerns. Suggestions are always welcome. But on this... I don't want critism. Just support.
Okay disclaimer aside. I weight 160 pounds. I am 5'4''. My goal in 45 days? 25 pounds. I can do it. I just know I can. I will work out harder. Use small portion control and focus, focus, focus. Of course, I would love to stay at my goal wedding weight of 135 but I am thinking of this as a diet, not a lifestyle change. I don't plan on doing this forever.
I thought about kicking off this venture with a 3 day juice detox. The problem is "googling" weight loss is just not a good idea. I quickly became overwhelmed and confused. So, I am heading to the book store to read up on some fast weight loss ideas.
Here's what I promise to you during this 45 -day weight loss journey: I won't lie to you. I will NOT take money or free products to push a weight loss product to you. I will give you as many details of what I eat and physical activity as possible. If you brides are like me... you don't want scams, you don't want the nutritional food chain, you don't want to be pushed products that don't work and make you waste your money. You just want something that works!
So, plan on at least once or twice a week hearing from me on my progress! Ladies, keep your fingers crossed... 135lbs - Here I come!
xoxo,
Tara Sue
It's an age old tradition. You sit in a chair, everyone gathers around, your new hubby gets on one knee and then promptly puts his head up your skirt to go surfing for that elusive little piece of elastic fabric around your thigh... Yes, ladies - It's the garter toss!
Like everything else when it comes to weddings I was shocked to see that garters can be $100+. I mean it only gets to be seen for less than 1 minute before some poor bachelor grabs it from the air. However, I have been searching for something femine, unique and fun. I can't help it. I don't want to spend $100 on a garter - I really don't. But after going through some of these websites I just feel more and more compelled to spend big money on this little thing.
The Garter Girl has an array of beautiful garters. I found this one and fell in love with the vintage corset style. It is SO unique!
Serendipity By Suzanne has this fun feather/rhinestone garter set for under $20.00!!!
As most of you know by now, my wedding is all about vintage hollywood glamour. My wedding is complete with lots of bling! I saw this one on etsy by Garter Lady and about died!!! She even adds a cute little horseshoe charge for good luck! It's all in the details after all!
I also fell in love with this beautiful feather and rhinestone one from Belles and Crystals.
How in the world does a girl choose? Why can't we all have multiple weddings?! Where did you get your garter? Did you splurge or save on this wedding tradition?
As my wedding looms closer, I have been faced with the inevitable question... what to wear under my wedding dress? (I would love to post pictures but you never know who is looming in the shadows waiting to catch a sneak peek!!!!) Regardless, my dress is not strapless. It is sort of a halter style.
Now my first debate is what sort of bra to wear underneath? The lady at the bridal shop suggested that I wear nothing! *GASP* No Way! In order for me to feel comfortable, I have to strap my girls down! I consider myself having a boyish figure... no waist or hips. The only thing that is girly about my figure is my bust. This is actually the part of me that I am most self conscious about! So as for my bra I have decided on a few and need some help deciding!
This U-Plunge Cami may help create a bit of a waist for me since I don't already have one! The straps are removable.
This one is just a regular bra style. The straps are not removable but can be changed as a halter style. It does come in a nude color.
Lastly, when searching for solutions I found BraStick. It definately peaked my curiousity and looks like it could be a contendor. I just am not sure if I am brave enough to just rely on a sticker to keep my girls perked up!
Now that my girls are lifted and supported, it time to decide on how to tuck my stuff in and create a waist! Let me preface this by saying that I want to look as tiny as possible... Comfort comes in second when it comes to looking good. I know that for some people disagree and that is just fine. I understand. Would I love to be comfortable? Absolutely. It's just not the first priority on my list. SO - if you have a way to make me look tiny and comfortable... then PLEASE share! In the meantime, here are some options I found that may work. All of these are available on http://www.herroom.com/
Just a plain nude waist cincher with thong
A plain waist cincher.
I love this one. It has a pretty, vintage flair to it that may actually be a little sexy as well as flattering?
Plain skirt style that I would wear with a thong or something similar.
I really love the last 2. At least they are pretty as well as flattering! So many decisions and so little time! What are your thoughts? Help me decide! In the meantime... I am off to look at garters and wedding night lingerie!
XOXO,
Tara
I have found that one trend no wedding can do without is the Wedding Monogram! I have done over 50 monograms for my own wedding. (Of course, I ultimately decided on just one.) It is so exciting to see my name combined with Mr. K's. I have had to make a serious effort to not go overboard!
In the meantime, I have had lots of requests for custom monograms to be made for my customers. I have so much dreaming up new ways to do monograms. I thought I would post a few of my designs for all you readers out there.
Monograms are the perfect touch for your wedding stationary: invitations, menus, programs, thank you cards, etc. I have also had lots of Brides ask me for a plain black and white high resolution image that can be used for Gobo machines to put their monogram on the dance floor or a backdrop. It can be used for home decor items too! Towels, sheets, pillows, candles, etc. Regardless of what you want to do with your monogram make sure that it expresses your style! If you would like help creating your own monogram, contact me! I only charge $10.00 for your own custom monogram. With this you will receive a monogram in your custom colors and a black and white monogram. They will be emailed to you as high resolution files for your own use!
Happy Planning!
XOXO,
Tara
I knew what I wanted to do for my wedding ivitations back in February. In fact, I had decided that I was not going to do them myself. However, as time flew by, I had a difficult time finding anyone that could execute it the way I wanted it done. SO - off I went ... trying to find the best way to do them myself. After a few weeks and a lot of help - I was finally finished. They are in the mail and today friends and family started recieving them. Over the next few days I should have my guests getting all hyped up about my wedding! I just hope they love my invitations!!!
