Bridesmaid Dress Search

Today Allie, Deena, Sarah & I went to look for a bridesmaid dress.  My hope was to find something that all of them would be happy to wear....and that would flatter all figures.  I want my girls to look amazing, and be comfortable in what they're wearing.  The search for a sassy bridesmaid dress began at MB Bride in Greensburg.  We tried on MANY dresses, and finally decided on one that all three were happy with.  I sent a picture of the dress to Allison, Jamie, and Shanna, and all three approved.  The only problem with it is I'm not totally sold on the shade of pink it comes in.  As Allie is a redhead, I promised her I wouldn't put her in red.  Luckily, she looks good in the shade of that dress....I'm just not sold on it myself.  We decided we'd keep looking, but it's definitely a consideration.

After shopping, we went to dinner together.  We looked at some possible dates for the shower/bachelorette, and made some more pre-wedding decisions.  I am so lucky to have girls who will use their days off from work to come shopping, and give their time to me.

                                                           Deena, Allie, me & Sarah
I have such pretty friends :)

Cermony music

Last night Jamie and I went out since she's home for the holidays.  We went to Atria's for dinner, then out for some drinks.  Conveniently, we ran into Jess (MOH Allie's younger sister) and I was able to ask her if she'll sing at our wedding.  I've known Jess for years (the Reynolds family refers to me as 'the 5th sister') and she has an absolutely amazing voice.  And by amazing voice, I mean she tried out for American Idol online, and out of 40,000 people, she was 1 of 40 chosen.  She'll add so much to our ceremony, and whatever she sings will be beautiful.  She's currently at school in Philly, but she said just give her the date, and she'll be there!

Cross that off my list!

Pops picks the place

So tonight at the restaurant, I was talking to my favorite Lamplighter employee, Dinah.  I've known her ever since I can remember, and she's always been really generous with my brothers and I.  More than that, she's the only employee I can say is "close" with my Dad....and will let me know when he's not feeling well or even what he wants for Christmas.  :)

Anyway, today she told me a story that happened earlier this afternoon.  The health inspector came for a regularly scheduled visit.  She checked everything, and toured the building with my Dad.  Once she was done, they had this conversation in the dining room, which Dinah overheard:

Health Inspector Lady (HIL):  Well Dan, everything looks great!  I'll be back to see you in a few months.

Papa Ferri (PF):  Okay.....But don't come see me in May.

HIL: Ummm...okay?  Why?

PF: My daughter's getting married in May.

HIL:  Oh, how exciting!  Does she know where she'll have the wedding?

PF: This place called Springwood.  It's in Verona.

HIL:  Wow, Daniel.  That's really exciting for you!

....conversation probably carried on, but that was the important part.

So, let's review:

1. It's not exactly protocol to tell the health inspector when a visit would be convenient for you.  Visits are scheduled depending on the month, and how well you passed the last time.  Not to mention, it is standard for them to do surprise visits, unscheduled.

2.  No, I did not set a date yet.

3.  While I did really like Springwood, I had not officially said that's where I'll have the wedding.

The good news is: my Dad is involved!  And apparently likes Springwood enough to announce that's where it will be held.

All in all, great news for me....since I loved Springwood :)

Today I bought a wedding dress

Yep.  It happened.  I found a dress I love, and I bought it.  There were only two in the state available at stores to try on.  So my Mom and I drove out to New Castle to see it in person.  It.  Is.  Amazing.  I fell in love instantly.  After trying on tons of Maggie's at the trunk show in January, and again a few days ago with Sarah, I had a pretty good idea of what I was looking for.  Each dress I tried on looked beautiful, and I liked them all for different reasons.  Until I started looking, I had no idea how difficult it would be to pick one dress.  They're all gorgeous, white, and designed to make you feel amazing. 

But thankfully, I found the one.  Luckily, I found a store who ordered one (in the exact color, and size, I am looking for) as their sample.  It ships in a week, and it will be mine when it arrives.  So, not only do I have to take the time to place the order, but I also don't have to worry about watching the calendar for my ship date.  Score!

HUGE task crossed off my checklist.  Go me.

Wedding dress shopping

Today I went wedding dress shopping with Sarah and my Mum.  A local bridal store was having a Maggie Sottero trunk show, so I made an appointment to see the gowns.  I've known for a while that when I did eventually look at dresses, Maggie was where I wanted to start.  She makes gorgeous gowns, unique and individual.  I tried several on, but unfortunately they didn't carry the gown I would really like see.  I found it in a magazine and instantly fell in love.  All I have to do is see what it looks like on me.  I did find a gown that would be a second option, if I can't find the one from the magazine.  Seriously, trying on gowns is SO fun.  I can see why it takes some girls so long.  Talk about decisions!  Too bad I can't wear three :)

Wedding Venue #2

Today I took my parents to see Springwood Conference Center.  It's amazing.  Gorgeous property, amazing and intimate building...definitely a unique venue.  Photography is HUGE for me, so I need a place that is beautiful in its own, without needing much to dress it up.  Also, we'll need a place we can hold the ceremony and reception.  There are several different areas to choose from for the ceremony.  I really liked the stone patio.  Simple, but would be great for photos.  Also, there is a huge outdoor wooden deck, perfect for the cocktail hour to entertain my guests (while I take hundreds of photos).  Dinner would be in the atrium...with a gorgeous chandelier hanging above.  I want an evening wedding, so watching the sun setting from inside the atrium....I get chills just thinking of it :)

My parents both really like it, as does Fred.  My only complaint is that they don't allow candles.  Which is really disappointing, since all along my theme was an evening, candlelit wedding.  (Everyone looks better in candlelight, right?  Not to mention, talk about romantic).  However, if that's the only thing I don't like about the place, is it really a reason to pass on an otherwise perfect venue?

We still want to look at a few other places, but it's definitely number one so far.

This is where we'd get married.  Gorgeous, right?

Wedding Photographer Nightmare

Allie came to book club tonight, and just finally got her pictures back from her wedding....over two months later!  Unfortunately, she is incredibly disappointed.  For several reasons:

1. Her photographer did not do ANY Photoshopping.  Glare on glasses, hair bands on wrists, her sister sticking out separate from the group instead of being tucked in, etc.  Minor things that with a little effort and Photoshop work could easily be retouched.

2. There is only one group photo of the bride and groom and their immediate families.  Only one picture.  In that one photo, her Mom's face is blocked.  Also in that picture, the photographer placed the groom's parents directly in front of the bride and groom.

3. There are no pictures of the groom alone.

4. There is one very nice photo taken at dusk....except there is a car speeding by behind them.  When Allie emailed to ask if he'd be able to take it out, the photographer said it was artistic and refused to edit it.


The photographer refused to do Photoshopping or editing of any kind.  On the wedding day, her sister Colleen realized she'd had a hair band on her wrist, and the photographer assured her he would edit it out afterwards. 

I feel so bad that she's so disappointed in her pictures.  I can only imagine how devastated I would be in her position, as wedding pictures are so important to me.  I offered Fred's assistance for some, since he is pretty amazing with Photoshop.  After all, two years ago, he was able to take a picture of my family in front of the Christmas tree and: button my Dad's shirt, zipper his pants, button them up, belt them, and basically give him new legs since he was in Captain pose.  (He was on his way up to bed when we called him back for one last photo.  You'd have to know my Dad for this story to make sense).  Oh, and also, he made my Dad smile by switching heads from a different picture.  AND removed the glare from my brother's glasses.  And that's just one picture.

Anyway, it really makes me think about a photographer.  I know it will be one of the most important wedding details I choose.  I'll definitely be doing my homework on this one.

Part Two, Re: Venue Visit #1

At 7:14pm this evening, I received the following email from the wedding coordinator, who did not show to the appointment we scheduled:


Hi. I regret that I was not able to meet with you today.  I hope you took the opportunity to look around while you were here in the daylight.  After seeing our venue, if you are still interested, please send any questions you have to me or call us. Again, I apologize that I was unavailable to meet with you today.

Proprietor


.........Proprietor?  So, this was not the fault of a lady who just works there, but the owner herself.  If a first visit, confirmed by an email the day before, slips her mind....I don't want to find out what other detail she may forget. 

I'm not a harsh person.  And I definitely understand that everyone makes mistakes.  But we've been doing weddings since before I was born.  And not once has this ever happened.  Not to mention, had she sent an email with even a hint of apology, I'd have rescheduled. 

I think I'll schedule with Venue #2.

REALLY?!?! Re: Venue Visit #1

Well.

Mum & Dad, Fred and I piled in the car on a Sunday afternoon and made the hour drive to the site.  Upon arrival, the hostess sat us, and let us know someone would be with us.  We sat, reviewed the photo albums, and waited patiently. 

After about fifteen minutes, the hostess returned and let us know that the lady we made the appointment with was running an errand, but should return shortly.

Next, the hostess returned to let us know she tried to get in touch with her, but so far was unsuccessful in reaching her.  Again, she reassured us that she should be returning soon.

Finally, after over 45 minutes, the hostess returned to let us know that she did finally reach the lady we were supposed to meet.  However, apparently, the lady was not coming to meet with us.

Not only did we not meet with anyone, but the hostess was unable to provide us with any print information on prices, packages, or any information on weddings at their site.

As a business owner, my Dad was obviously not happy.  Not to mention this venue is in a remote location...where basically everyone must travel for a visit.  We left, and my Dad wondered aloud if the owner of the venue knows how the wedding consultant handles things.  Good question, Pops.

Driving home, I was mortified I had wasted my parents time.  My Dad was supposed to be at a charity event that he missed because of this meeting.  I couldn't believe we made the trip for nothing.

I am anxious to hear from them.  I guess we'll see.

Venue Visit #1

Today I am taking my family to visit a venue.  My Mum and I went a few years back to see a country club in Edgewood (I think?) but I was unimpressed.  I'm looking for something a bit more unique.  And probably outdoors.  So I set up and appointment for the four of us to go give it a look.  My MOH Allie actually was married here a few years ago.  It was a gorgeous wedding.  One of the prettiest, if not the best, wedding I've ever attended. 

Wish us luck, because this could be it!

I have found a photographer!

Today I found the most amazing photographer.  AMAZING.

Back story:  I am HUGE on pictures.  I take hundreds.  Well.  Perhaps I should say Fred takes hundreds, of me.  Either way.  I love photos.  I document everything, from a good meal, a chance meeting, dinner with a friend, going to the movies, etc etc etc.  Sometimes, in one weekend alone, I'll have 200 new photos on my camera.  This also is the reason why I go through a camera a year.  I never break or lose them...I just wear them out. 

So, wedding photography is pretty key for me.  If I'm going to splurge on something, I can guarantee it's going to be the photographer.  I look at tons of photographers.  Every wedding I go to I try to see the professional shots.  I look at photo blogs and creep on any wedding photo album people put up on Facebook.  (Slightly creepy?  I think yes.  But if it could lead to me finding an amazing photographer....I'll creep away).

Okay.  So dream photographer lives several states away.  She's willing to travel, and open on my date.  But, I emailed her...and she called me within five minutes!  She was so nice to talk to on the phone.  She's sending me both an email of her packages, and print package for me to look at in the mail.  From what I've seen though, I.  Say.  Yes.

I made my bridesmaids cry

...In a good way!!

Several members of my book club are also bridesmaids.  So before the other girls arrived tonight to talk about the book, I played the song I found that I'll walk down the aisle to.  Sarah started crying!  She is one of the most sentimental people I know.  When I was in her wedding, she cried the day we went to try on bridesmaid dresses, thanking us and saying she really appreciated us.  I'm not talking all out crying, but a few tears.

Over the weekend, when I was in Boston, I played the song for Jamie.  And whadda ya know, she started crying too.  Jamie and I have been friends for ten years, and have been through everything together. 

I will say, it's a pretty awesome feeling knowing your friends are so excited and happy for you, that it makes them cry. 

I'm a lucky girl.

My inner bridezilla broke through

Over the weekend, during the trip back from Boston (which took 13 hours.......instead of 8ish) I had the opportunity to listen, repeatedly, to the song the girls and I will be walking down the aisle to.  I'm completely in love with it, and I can't have any of it cut off, so I decided to time it out.  The walk they'll be making is actually pretty long, so it won't feel dragged out just to get the song to fit.  In trying to keep my sanity during those hellish 13 hours, I timed and spaced it out, so now I know exactly what second mark each girl will be cued at.

Psycho, much? 

What would you do if you were in the car alone for 13 hours?!

Allie tied the knot

Last night, my MOH Allie was married!  Her and Mike had a beautiful ceremony, followed by a reception at the Palace Theater.  As a bridesmaid, it was my duty to shake my stuff all night on the dance floor.  I think it would be safe to say I did my part. :)  Allison has three sisters, and we had SUCH a good time celebrating.  Allison is my oldest friend, so I've known them for years.  Allison wore a stunning BLUE dress...and looked absolutely amazing. 

Here's proof:

Pictures don't do it justice

 

We basically danced all night.  Here I am with the four Reynolds sisters:

                                                     Vanessa, Colleen, me, Jessi, Allison

                                              Her husband Mike is one of the best guys I know

                                                           Now that's a beautiful bride


Such a wonderful and fun wedding.  Congrats to my MOH and her new husband!

Deena got hitched!

My bridesmaid Deena got married yesterday!  It was a beautiful wedding, and she chose really really pretty bridesmaid dresses.  She has great taste, and I love her style, so it isn't like I'm surprised.  She made such a pretty bride!  Her and Casey did the cutest thing when they went to cut the cake.  First, they brought out clear ponchos and put them on for a photo...as if they were going to get covered by cake.  After a few photos, they took them off and cut the cake as usual.  It was such a neat idea, and a fun photo opportunity.

                                                        Shanna, Deena, Casey & me



Also, I had so much fun with Shanna (also one of my bridesmaids) dancing and taking pictures. 

                                                                          love her :)



My favorite of the night was a spur of the moment shot that Fred caught...

Congrats Deena & Casey!  So happy for you both!

Meet Shanna

Shanna and I went to Clarion together.  We lived on the same floor together.  Fourth floor Campbell housed Jamie & I, Shanna, Fred, and also two of our groomsmen, Dave and Derek. 

                                                      At a martini bar in Cleveland

                                                           The 3 of us at a rooftop bar

The 3 of us before sushi & dancing

Ever since we met freshman year, Shanna & I have kept in close touch.  Since Deena came around, now it's the three of us.  I love having girls weekends to catch up.  Sometimes we road trip to Cleveland.  Other times Shanna comes out to see us.  Each time we get together, it feels like it's only been a few days.  Friends like that are ones to hold on to.

Meet Deena

Deena and I met at Clarion, through my bridesmaid Shanna.  After graduating, we remained close, and we get together for a girls weekend as often as we can coordinate schedules.  She used to live in an apartment in Oakmont, and I'd go stay with her for visits.  On Valentine's Day 2008 Fred was away for work, and Deena was single, so we were each others Valentine's.  That summer we took a girl's weekend at the beach to Put-In-Bay. 

                                                         Put-In-Bay Girl's Weekend

                                       Put-In-Bay.  We got stuck in the rain.  So we danced in it.

                                            Deena, Shanna & I at Deena's Bachelorette party


Dropping Deena off at the end of our beach weekend, I met her boyfriend Casey.  They will be married at the end of the month.  I know she'll make the prettiest bride.

Meet Sarah

Sarah and I met at Clarion.  Fred graduated one semester before I did, and moved back to Beaver County.  Sarah and I started a Wednesday night tradition of trivia and $1 cheeseburgers (a college kids dream meal).  Now, she's married and lives in Greentree.  I started a book club, and even though Sarah doesn't really read, or even enjoy to, she joined.  Each month she makes the drive out to my apartment, and usually stays much later to chat. 

                                                         Sarah & I at my 25th Birthday

                                                           SJ was such a pretty bride

                                                 Sarah & I on my search for a wedding dress


She married two years ago, and I was proud to stand by her side.  I am lucky to have a bridesmaid who is so thoughtful and willing to do anything to help me.

Meet Jamie

On a beautiful September day in 2001 our high school science teacher took us outside to do a field experiment on the wind.  I sat down in the grass soaking up the last of the late summer sun, right next to Jamie Abraham.  I told her I liked her toe nail polish.  I think she complimented my hair.  And that was the beginning.  We quickly became best friends.  We spent most of our senior year together.  We went to Clarion together, and moved into a dorm room together.  She was the first person to meet Fred, and watched our relationship unfold. 

                                                    April 2009.  My first trip to Boston.

                                                              At the pool this summer

                                               I laugh more with Jamie than with anyone else

                                                      Fred flew her in for my 26th birthday
                              We sang and danced to my favorite song.  Bare feet.  In the grass.


Some of my very best memories ever are times with Jamie.  Aside from Fred, she is the person I am closest to.  When I'm upset, she's my first call.  When I'm happy about something, she's the first person I tell.  She lives in Boston now, but it doesn't keep us apart.  We have several lunch phone chats a week.  Every time I see her, it feels like it's been only a week since we saw each other last...even though usually it's been several months.  She is the best friend a person could have.  And I'm so honored she chose me to be hers.

Meet Allison

Yes, I have two Maid of Honor's.  Yes, they're both named Allison.

Allison Catherine Potter and I met at the fine establishment Captain Loomis Inn.  More specifically, the bar bathroom.  We both went to Clarion, both Communication majors.  In January of 2007 Allison moved to Pittsburgh to a cute little apartment on Shady Ave.  From there, we were pretty much inseparable.  In my pre-engaged days, we'd frequent the night scene in all areas of the city.  We share a love of sundresses, flip flops, Coldplay, food, shopping, and Glamour Puss wine. 

                                            This is from our summer.  ACP used to be blonde.

                                              This was from the Coldplay concert in May '09.
                                                         (one of the best days of my life)

                                       But most of the time when we're together we look like this


ACP is fun and we have a ton of awesome memories together.

Meet Allie

I've decided to do a spotlight blog on each bridesmaid.  I am fortunate enough to have six amazing girls who I love dearly, and are super excited to stand next to me on our day.

Meet Allie.  She is my MOH #1.  We went to high school together, and she is my oldest friend.  We met in 1998 (wow) when I transferred to PT.  We were in plays together and chorus, and a few classes.  She's in my book club, so we see each other at least once a month (but it's always much more than that).  Since our earlier photos are from so many years (and several hair colors for me) ago, I've decided to choose more current pictures.

                                                 This is Allie.  Sometimes she has curly hair.

                                                         Sometimes her hair is straight


Allie is getting married in September.  My bridesmaid dress for her wedding is clover green and has pockets!!!!  Allie is fantastic.