New York, New York

Ok, so this post is waaaay overdue- but since I was out-of-town all of May, part of June, and most of the July festivities have ended, I'm just now getting a chance to write about New York. For graduation, my Dad took me to New York City. He's been promising me since high school that he'd take me on one of his international trips before I wasn't considerd a dependent anymore. We were supposed to go to Paris, but the volcano eruption ruined that. New York City wasn't too shabby of a second choice though and my Dad did it up right for me. We saw all the usual sites, took pictures with the bull (hey! I'm a business major so it's only fitting...), saw the Blue Man Group and Enron, and did lots of SHOPPING. Bless his heart, my Dad was a trooper.

My favorite part of the trip was the trip we took to Ellis Island. My Dad's great-grandfather came through there and while we didn't find him in the archives (we're not exactly sure how he spelled his surname since he most likely shortened it), it was really neat to get to see what all he went through and experienced while waiting to get into America. My second most favorite part had to be our visit to *drumroll please* the Pronovias flagship store and Tiffany's (it was a tie). Pronovias was our biggest seller at the shop I worked at so it was neat to go and see the flagship store in NYC. Since you had to have an appointment, I didn't get to explore all of their store. But the 2 dresses in the window were amazing! The one on the left is my favorite : )

Next stop was Tiffany's. I sent a picture of me outside the store to D to his phone- he wasn't amused. My Dad suggested we go up to the 5th floor (or maybe it was the 4th? whichever one had the registry stuff) and IT.WAS.AMAZING. Good suggestion Dad! they had a gorgeous dinner table set up as soon as you exited the elevator and the was a desk with a Tiffany-blue old-fashioned typewriter on it. Absolutely gorgeous. As I was looking at the monogrammed silverware (and I immediately decided that I was going to have mine monogrammed) a song started playing with these lyrics: "dreams come true"- coincidence? I think not! I told my Dad to listen to the song after showing him the silverware and he rolled his eyes at me. I sighed and told him that I needed my friend C here because she would totally get it. He rolled his eyes again and shook his head. I also found this gorgeous porcelain replica of the famous Tiffany ring box.This would be a great first anniversary gift or even a day-of-the-wedding gift from the groom to the bride if her rings were from Tiffany's. What better way to keep your rings safe than in a Tiffany box that will last a lifetime? I know, I know, I'm cheesy..but oh well- it's part of my charm ; ). So all in all, the trip was wonderful. I had a great time getting to spend some time with my Dad before I joined the *gasp* adult world.

Totally Unique: blue magpie

I found these beautiful wedding invitations on Ever Ours yesterday and just had to share.

Look closely...they're made out of fabric! How neat is that?!!?

You can find out more and see additional pictures of these lovely, unique invitations by blue magpie here.

What I'm Loving Right Now....

This dress....

The picture was taken during a photoshoot in Paris and I think the dress is the absolute embodiment of femininity. What do you think? (Picture via Classic Bride)

An Alternative to Wedding China

So, I love wedding china. When I was little, I'd look at my Mom's china dreaming of the day when I'd get my very own set. I couldn't wait to get to go and pick out my own pattern. To this day I still want my own set even though I know that it's completely impractical and will probably never get used (I'm too lazy to hand wash it). And honestly? I'd be just fine with letting it sit on display in a china cabinet with no intention of ever really using it.

Most couples nowadays aren't registering for fine china, but still want something nice to serve their guests with on holidays, dinner parties, and special occasions. So here is the compromise and meeting in the middle: everyday china. My Mom had a set that we referred to as the "old lady dishes" beacause they were pastel colors. We've gotten more use out of it than the fine china. I mean, who REALLY wants to hand wash dishes while in a turkey-coma?

Here are some more economical ways to get a more formal look from sets that can withstand daily or bi-yearly use.


For the Traditionalist:

If you still want the elegant look of fine china without the hassle, the Fleur de Lys dinnerware set from Anthropologie (pictured above except for large serving plate in the middle(that's Juliska)) is perfect. I absolutely LOVE it- if I didn't have to worry about paying bills and saving to get my own place, I'd go out and get the whole set today.



For the Middle of the Road person:

If you don't want your china to look stuffy but still want a look that is classic, opt for a punch of color. The Fiesta dinnerware is perfect for this and gives you a couple of options. Option 1: Coose 2 complementing colors and use one as the base color and the other as an accent color. In other words, register for all of your dishes and salad bowls in the chosen base color and register for items such as the gravy bowl, pitcher, chargers and butter dish in the chosen accent color (you could use the 2 colors pictured above- Dillard's did a similar combo with Cobalt Blue as the base and Shamrock as the accent color). Trust me, this looks really good together especially when you add in option 2. Option 2: Follow option 1 and then add a bit of elegance by registering for a silver serving platter and salad bowl. If you really want to "kick it up a notch", monogram your serving platter. (images below via Dillard's)

Option 3: For those of you on the more adventurous side, get a place setting in every different color (or at least the ones that look good together).

For the Bohemian or Artsy person:

Hand-painted ceramic dinnerware. While visiting the Amalfi Coast on a trip to Italy, I fell in love with the local ceramics and pottery. The beautiful, bright colors are cheery without being too overpowering. And apparently this look is all the rage- it was all over Anthropologie when I went last week. I found the set below online from a store on the Amalfi Coast called Il Ninfeo.

Mix and Match!

The possibilities are endless... Get solid colored chargers, pitchers, and serveware and pair it with the hand-painted dinnerware and vice-versa. You can even use a more neutral serving platter like the one from the Fleur de Lys collection with the hand-painted stuff. Just make sure that you have a few "anchor" pieces to keep it from looking like you have inherited every one of your relative's dinner and serving sets over the past 20 years.

Inspiration

These Japanese lantern columns are simply stunning. Don't you think?


They'd be perfect for a garden or beach reception and even as decorations for the actual ceremony. The best part? They're fairly easy to make- all you need are Japanese lanterns, long dowels and strings of lights. You can find directions here on Martha Stewart's website.

What a Cute Idea!

"Breakfast at Sunset" reception- Go to Green Wedding Shoes for all the delicious details!

Father's Day for Brides Part II: Ideas

Sorry this is so late getting out- I've been dealing with computer issues over the past couple of days.....

Ok, so my Dad continually says that he can't wait to get rid of me- my parents have even plan to high-five when my Dad goes to sit down with my mother after he's given me away (they saw it on America's Funniest Home Videos and thought it was hilarious). But I know when the moment comes for him to walk me down the aisle, he's gonna turn into a big softie and I might even get a tear out of him. Because despite his tough exterior, I will always be his little girl- the one he protected and made constantly sure I was happy and comfortable. Which is why i feel that it is important to let your Dad know just how much you care about him on your special day- even if it's as simple as a hug and a kiss on the cheek.


Let's take a walk....
Ok, so this is the obvious one- having your Dad (or father-like figure) walk you down the aisle. I think that this could be made even more special by the bride setting a aside a moment in private before the wedding to ask her father to walk her down the aisle. I feel that this shows that you cared enough to set aside a special time to ask him for the honor. Obviously, if the person who is walking you down the aisle isn't your father you will need to make sure that they know they are the ones you want to have the special honor. In, this case (and if you have this type of relationship), tell them why they are special to you and that you have appreciated the role that they played in your life.


Giving away....
I know most girls now balk at the idea of being given away since the ritual began as women being given away as "property". But I don't care! I want to have a big deal made out of my Dad giving me away- including the pastor saying "who gives this woman to this man?". Before you decide to never read this blog again, let me explain. Yes, this practice may be archaic, but I feel that over the years it has come to mean something different. In my case, my Dad is the one who provided and took care of me both financially and emotionally (as well as my mom). He worked extra hours to make sure I had the best and always had my best interests at heart. I feel that making the "giving away" apart of the ceremony is like a sign of respect- the final blessing that your parents give you of their hopes for success with your new husband and that he will provide for you just like they have (but in the role of a husband, not a parent). This is by no means to say that we are wilting flowers that need a man to do everything for us. Trust me, I'm one of the most independent girls out there. That's how my parents raised me and D knows I can function just fine on my own without him. I choose not to because of the love, joy and support that he brings itno my life. Marriage is a partnership.

*Sorry, I went off on a bandwagon there...*

Dear Sir....
Write a quick letter to give to your Dad/ father figure on the day of the wedding. It can me as simple as writing about a special memory that you have together or a more detailed affair that lets him know how much you love him and appreciate everything he's done for you.

Picture This....
Frame a picture that you like of the two of you together to give him. It's something that he'll always be able to keep and treasure for years to come.

Bottom Line? Do something for your Dad on the day of/day before your wedding (yes, even though you'll be super-swamped w/ last minute details).It'll mean a lot to him that you remembered him on the day that you're going to start your life with a new man (at least in his eyes), your husband.