If Looks Could Kill

Stacey and I decided to do a little research and development regarding my wedding attire. Since I didn't have my mom there I wasn't too keen on finding "THE ONE". I just wanted to get an idea of what style worked best for me and to get a general idea of what I was looking for. Unlike the typical bride, I have not been dreaming of my wedding since I was 4 years old, so I've never had a clear vision of what my dress will look like. Anyway, I won't show you the dresses that I'm considering but I will show you the dresses that did not make the cut for whatever reason. I will also say that the "maybe" dresses are just that. Maybe. I took issue with each of the dresses I tried on for different reasons but I don't want to rule them out entirely.

So, to begin the day we head on over to House of Brides. Now, I was operating under the impression that places like this - places that market themselves as Wedding Malls, didn't require an appointment. I was wrong. We roll into HOB all smiles and greet the woman at the front desk. She was pleasant, asks if we have an appointment. Still, all smiles I say "No, I didn't know I needed one and we sort of just decided to do this last minute, I'm sorry." Now, you would think that we just told this woman her car was being towed. This was how disgusted she was at the fact that we did not have an appointment. I couldn't even be upset that she was so annoyed because it was so funny. Like a switch had been flipped. I almost died. She was so put out. The hood part of me wanted to tell her off and say "Look lady, I realize we don't have an appointment, but I am not demanding to see your inventory this very second. Pick up your damn pencil, pick the next available time and put my GD name down." I didn't say that though. Always pleasant, I apologized again and said we would take the next available appointment. LESSON LEARNED. Make an appointment - for everything. People don't like when you just show up.

Anyway, we head over to David's Bridal where you also needed and appointment (who knew?! It's David's Bridal!) but they were very nice and accomodating and we were in within 15 minutes. I didn't try on much at either place and to be honest, HOB was very, very underwhelming. Thankfully, I have plenty of time to find something so I'm not discouraged.

So, the moment you've been waiting for. The "No" Dresses.

Tulle - NO.

For obvious reasons, this is a bit FAT no. There is not a single part of me that looks thin. Not even my fingers. Maybe my hair. Yes, it makes my hair look thin. Other than that, the most unflattering dress I tried on. It had a very pretty detail around the waist though. The only reason I tried this monstrosity on was because I heard you are supposed to try on several different styles, just so you know. Plus, Stacey made me.

Old Lady - No.

I felt very old in this dress. The consultant made me try it on because she'd never seen it on anybody before. It has all types of detailing and flowers and some satin - which I am trying to avoid. Pretty, but no.

CHA CHA - No.

I really only tried this on to be funny. This is really not me - with all those bullsh*t ruffles on the bottom. I'm getting married, not performing on Dancing with the Stars.

Too fancy - and heavy.

This dress actually looked pretty good on (in person). I'm not really a big fan of this material. It's super shiny. Not to mention, this is better suited for a more formal affair, which I don't plan to have.

Well, that's it. Now I know what works and what does not. My advice to people who don't have a clear idea of what they are looking for is to just go and try on different styles. Don't focus so much on finding "THE DRESS" the first time around, you could end up very discouraged. Knowing what style you are looking for really helps narrow down your options and your dress consultants will LOVE that.

Who Knows Where Thoughts Come From They Just Appear.

DISCLAIMER: We have not started "officially" planning yet. I'm currently in the Research and Development phase of this project. Yes, project because if I *really* had it my way, we'd be on a plane to a far off place where the weather is always 75 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze.

When I picture my "dream wedding" I don't picture crystals, roses, sparkles or excessive tulle. I picture soft colors, simple decor, home, vintage, warm. I've had some trouble describing my "vision" for my our wedding. Summer picnic is too casual and vintage-chic is too dressy. I'd like to say it's a combination of both. I want it to feel fun and casual, but still have that element of class that most normal weddings have. I'm not trying to re-create the wheel here. I'm not trying to blow the wedding industry's mind with my totally unique, crazy fun wedding, I'm just trying to make it unlike any wedding *I've* ever been to as far as style. Not too much to ask, right?

My Our number one priority is location. I refuse to get married in a banquet hall - or rather - your typical banquet hall. While these places offer great prices and packages, it is just not something I see for myself US (I've got to stop doing that!) The mirrored walls, the big crystal chandaliers, the crazy hotel carpeting everywhere - Just not my scene.

NO.

I've had my eye on this place for quite some time:

This is the Winnetka Community House. Um, in Winnetka. So far, this is the front runner.

As far as decor goes, let me distinguish between my "vision" and what Brian believes my vision is:

Brian's vision of my vision:

Okay, I'm not going to rule out this last scenerio. It *is* a party after all.

My vision:

See? That's not *too* country, right? My advice to Brian:

Just put your pickle on everyone's plate college boy and leave the hard stuff to me.

Thoughts?

I'm Like The Ringleader...I Call The Shots.

Setting: Tuesday evening. Our kitchen.
Topic: Wedding Decor.
Participants: Brian and I.

Me: Hey babe - Do you have a minute to look at some of these ideas I found and tell me what you think?
B: Sure. *Quickly looks through the six photos I've printed out*
B: I hate it. I hate it all. *Takes second look at one photo* Well, this is okay. I can get behind this.
Me: What do you mean you hate it?
B: This is way too country.
Me: What do you mean country? What did you have in mind?
B: Something more modern, contemporary.
Me: Such as? Colors? What?!
B: I don't know, like a nice brown..with a nice TEAL.

*******************************************
Did someone not explain to Brian his role in all of this? Maybe he needs a list.

1. Contribute Monies.
2. SHOW UP.

I'm only partially kidding. He gets to be responsible for music and his attire. That is enough responsiblity for one man to handle. If I wanted to be a beast, I could take away his attire responsiblity but I know how he likes to look as fresh as possible.

It's "our day" but really, it's my day. Let's not get that confused.

Coming soon - A few ideas. With pictures!

Here Comes The....Disaster.

My friends and I used to joke about my future marriage. Tagline: "You're getting married…..someday!" Well, someday is here. I'm engaged. This is not a test. This is the real deal. Please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times. If you know me at all, you know that I get into full blown panic mode just thinking about planning this event. Event? Is that what I want to call it? Event seems too...big. Reception seems too…formal. Party. Let's call it a party. Anyway, I would be lying if I said I have not been gathering ideas for this party for quite some time. It's been fun, thinking about this "someday". But now, it is frightening. I actually have to, *gulp* make decisions. I can't decide what to have for lunch on a daily basis without doing "eeny, meeny, miney, mo". This should be interesting.


I decided maybe I'll try to keep this blog. To talk it out so it's not all stuck inside my head and to perhaps keep you mildly entertained? I don't know. Probably not. Who am I kidding? This is a purely selfish undertaking – a storage bin to hold all the mental files from my internal filing cabinet.

I hope to keep all three of you who will read this (Stacey, Jennifer, and person who found this place on accident) up-to-date on all things "Stephanie and Brian's Trainwreck of a Wedding".

Enjoy! Or Don't…whatever.