Is it tempting fate to use the words eternity & forever?

I'd love to have some kind of graphic poster print with a sweet saying to set on the mantle (see above) at the reception. But since so many people get divorced, is it poor taste to say that we'll be together forever when some of the guests couldn't hack it?

On the other hand we've both agreed that even if we are miserable with each other, ain't no divorce happening. So, guess maybe it'd be OK.

I want to hang some kind of festive banner across the fireplace too. I'm leaning towards a cute home-made string of pennants, but balloons and words are sweet too. Or we could do something cool with our monogram.





Also, love this "how they met invite". That would be a fun thing to display for people to read. Anthony and I had oddly parallel lives and I like displaying something like that instead of a photo slideshow. It could go on the great built in china hutch that they have.



These friend and family geneologies and "how-we-know-each-guest" trees are fun too. But probably better with assigned seating and table numbers.



I always love a good clothes line and this is a great way to display photographs.


On the table decoration front, I've settled on Apple green to go with my dark purple dahlias. I plan to fill tall, straight vases with pretty granny smith apples along with perhaps a small, low arrangement of garden flowers, preferably dahlias. And maybe a couple votives?


Finally, I love this embroidered canopy (probably a chuppah) and hopefully I can embroider some pretty fabric like this to hang across the front of the communion table at the ceremony.

Dahlias!

I wanted some yummy strawberries. So, I was looking through the list of pick-your-own berry farms in Minnesota and came upon Two Pony Gardens. They sell over 150 varieties of large garden "pick your own" DAHLIAS! And they use and support sustainable gardening practices. They are West of the cities in Long Lake. They don't have a website or an email, so I gave them a call and asked about the availability of flowers in the last week of September, specifically dark purple ones. My fingers are crossed, but this looks like an awesome option for flowers.

What other colors should we have?

Big white dahlia in my hair?

Pink dahlias for maids?

Because I can't help myself

I'm still looking at bridesmaids dresses, even though I told all the ladies they could order what ever they want. (Just trying to be helpful:) Here's a couple that I found that I think would be awesome.

First, from Target, how cute is this one shoulder number? And it's $39.99!


This Mori Lee dress is available locally at the Wedding Shoppe on Grand and comes in a great plum color. It's pretty resonable at $116.


This pretty silk J.Crew dress may be $165 retail, but right now it's $24.99 on Ebay


The fun has already started, because I think one bridesmaid already ordered this lovely frock in a nice plum from Eden Bridals.


And, my Mom told me she found a great dress over Mother's Day weekend at Macy's visiting my brother in Fargo. But, before that, I thought this pretty satin shirt dress from Nordstrom was fun and not too matronly.


Maybe, I'll get one of these for myself to wear to the rehearsal dinner:)

Ties that don't suck

Anthony's going to wear a tuxedo for the wedding. But, I want him to have fun with what he wears and not just be a generic tux. So, this was the first draft with Men's Wearhouse's fun Build-a-Tux.

Pretty boring and regular. Purple tie & vest.

I'd also be interested in a navy suit or even tan.


I'd rather do a real tie and no vest (is it no longer a tux without a vest?). Especially if it's an awesome handmade tie from Etsy. Anthony likes these and I'm thinking the other groomsmen would think they are pretty cool too, so we could give them as gifts.


And how 'bout some awesome socks?


And maybe a little note inside his jacket.


***Update***
Wouldn't a boutonniere made of guitar picks be rockin'? From Fritts Rosenow Bespoke Boutonnieres

Dresses that didn't make the cut

I ordered my super-duper wedding dress over Easter vacation and am now waiting for it to be made. While I wait here are a few dresses that I tried on in my two dress shopping adventures.

First in Bemidji with the Up North Bridesmaids, Amber & Angi and Mom:








Then, a week later in Woodbury with the Metro Bridesmaids, Melissa & Jessica and Auntie Lisa and Andrea the baker.










So hard to choose:)

Oh, J. Crew. You are such a tease

You make the most beautiful bridesmaid dress. But only in TWO colors!

Neither of which is plum. Arg.

Cakes

I always thought that I'd have a big white wedding cake. But Anthony's not too crazy about cake in general and with his sister as our baker, we have so many more options.



I'm thinking a single or two-tiered cake to cut and for those who want cake. Maybe red velvet or something yummy with filling and buttercream frosting with fondant flowers.



I love these fondant peonies on the cover of Real Simple this year.



Since it will be Fall, apple pie would be lovely. And my parents can freeze enough rhubarb for plenty of pies too.


Image from A Backyard Wedding

And perhaps, I can talk her into a cheesecake, maybe even a pumpkin one.


And if I'm really nice and say pretty please I can get some pretty purple (and accent color to be determined) macaroons out of the deal.