A Plated Dinner Choice

When it comes to food at weddings, I don't really know a whole lot about it. I've only been to a handful of weddings in the past. However, at a particular wedding that I attended, they ran out of food. It was buffet style, we were one of the last tables...and yes, they ran out of food. It was a bummer, but luckily the bride never found out about it. At one point she did ask me how dinner was, and I smiled ever so sweetly and told her it was delicious.

Now don't get me wrong, buffet is a wonderful option. Everyone gets to choose what they want on their plate, and everything is easy peasy.

However, the buffet issue that happened at the wedding I attended, still left a bad taste in my mouth.

No pun intended. (Well, maybe a little intended.)

Our venue would never let such a thing happen, but I still was drawn like a magnet to the plated dinner option.

You all know how much I am in love with our venue. They truly are a marvelous place. They offer the same price for both the buffet and plated dinner. You take your pick for whichever option you like best.

As you have probably figured out, we opted for the plated dinner.

At the open house at our venue, we were able to taste many different food options. The hours d'oeuvres and meal options were all available for us. We tried everything and were able to decide pretty quickly what our favorites are.

We decided on the following for our plated dinners:

Slow roasted and smoked prime rib with horseradish sauce, twice baked potato and garlic steamed broccolini.

Oven roasted sea bass fillet topped with cilantro lime and chipotle chili aioli, wild rice pilaf, and steamed asparagus.

You guys, the food was phenomenal. We had a difficult time choosing, but ultimately we felt these two options would please everyone.

We all know how it works too. Everyone RSVP's and typically they choose one of each option per couple. The husband never really knows what he will be eating because the wife chooses for him. One of each so that she can have a bite of both.

I mean hello, that's obviously what I will be doing. I will be eating the sea bass and will steal some nibbles (AKA huge bites) of my new husband's delicious prime rib.

We feel confident in our choice of food and hope that everyone will like their options.

Now comes the fun part of trying to decide what to use as meal identifiers for the place cards. *Sigh*, such the life of a bride.

What will you be eating at your wedding? Will you be doing a buffet or plated dinner?

They're Here!

Just the other day I got home from work to find 2 huge boxes on my doorstep. Before I tell you what was inside these boxes, I first need to say:

Awhile back I revealed to you all what our wedding favors are going to be. I have to admit, I was awaiting some backlash.

Instead, you all seemed to support my koozie decision, and really loved the idea. I realize they aren't for everyone, but for us they are right up our alley. 

We debated for nearly an entire year on what the koozies should say on them. We took votes from friends and family, and they all agreed on the same saying. I too absolutely love the chosen saying, in fact I am the one that found it. Although, I was the only one who was slightly on the fence, for the sheer reason of I thought we might offend someone.

As a side note, I am constantly worried I am going to irritate, offend, or bother someone. I always want to respect and be mindful of other peoples opinions and feelings. I have no idea why I do that, I think it is because I am very conscientious. (As noted on my Elementary school report cards.) I am very aware of my surroundings and who I am associating with.

However, I had to remember that the people invited to our wedding are friends and family. I know these people very well, and I know their fun personalities. I need not worry about the koozies.

Everyone continuously reminded me that it is our wedding, and we can do whatever we want. On top of that, I was being uptight and needed to relax...they will all find it fun and quirky.

Without further a do, I present to your our wedding koozies.

We currently have 125 of these black and white puppies hanging out in our extra bedroom. Every once in awhile we are tempted to grab one  to use at home. But, we must wait until the wedding. Boo.  

We plan to keep them next to the bar area where people can take them. I feel this brings some flair to the evening, and I plan to see these out and about towards the end of the night when everyone is having fun and dancing.

My hope is that our friends and family will take these home to use at BBQ's, camping, fishing, or out on the boat. We live in California, which means these koozies should be able to get quite a bit of use.

Plus, who doesn't love a goofy koozie?

Do you plan on having unique favors at your wedding? 

Yum, Cake

If there is one thing you should know about me, it should be that I have a huge love for cake. My sweet tooth wouldn't mind eating it for breakfast, lunch, dinner...and then again for dessert. Which means that I take my wedding cake business very seriously.

At the open house at our venue, the cake tasting was most definitely one of the highlights of the day. Monte Verde spared no expense, and had a beautiful platter for each couple to try out the different options.

My sweet tooth was like a monster and took over before I even remembered to take a proper photo. So, I present to you my halfway "oops I need a photo."

The owner at Monte Verde, Kelly Dalisa, makes all of the cakes. She is incredibly talented, and these cakes are amazingly delicious.

It was difficult to narrow down which two we should use for the cake. In the end Mr. Buck decided the fruit flavor, and I decided the chocolate flavor. What each of us knows best.

The top and bottom layer of our cake will be peanut butter cup. Peanut butter cup is a chocolate cake with super chocolate fudge and creamy peanut butter frosting topped with more peanut butter frosting.

The middle layer of our cake will be classic lemon. Classic lemon is a lemon cake with lemon curd and a hint of lemon buttercream.

Is your mouth watering yet?

I know, I don't think I have ever had peanut butter and chocolate cake at a wedding before. But I tell you, this is some of the best cake I have ever had in my life. It also brings somewhat of a unique twist, and it definitely fits us very well.

How was your cake tasting experience? What type of flavors are you going with for your wedding cake?

SUIT UP!

...as the legendary Barney Stinson would say.

{Image via Fan Pop}

Unfortunately, the guys were not able to get suits. I just really wanted to quote Barney.

We had planned on renting suits for the guys. However, apparently you cannot rent suits at Mens Wearhouse (or anywhere?) The guys did not seem to mind though, probably because they looked in the mirror and saw how handsome they all look.

We decided to James Bond this shiz, and do all black and white. The colors they had available were not going to match correctly to the green bridesmaid dresses, and you really can't go wrong with black and white.

Mr. Buck tried on a few jacket styles:

Mom Doe straightening out the tie situation.

We caught Dad Doe getting a little too comfy in a chair, reading the ever important book "A Gentleman Gets Dressed Up." Oh dad.

Here is the final winner. We decided on a shawl type jacket, with black vests. The groomsman will all have black ties, and Mr. Buck will be in a white tie. 

When it came to dressing the dad's, we were a little confused on the protocol. They basically told us they need to be at the same formality as the groomsman. We all really liked the style of tuxedo that we chose for the groomsman, so we decided the dad's should be in the same style. Yet they will be set apart by having a different tie. Dad Doe will be in a blue and black striped tie, and Dad Buck will be in a black striped tie.

This was definitely a successful trip, and Men's Wearhouse was very pleasant and easy to work with. On top of that, I received a coupon in the mail that gave us $40 off each rental. Not too shabby!

What will your groomsman be dressed in? Will you add in some color, or go the classic black and white route?

100 Days

Say what? When did this happen? It seems like just yesterday the wedding was light years away. I remember when we hit the one year mark, and I was jumping up and down because there was only 365 days left. Now we are nearly 3 months out from the wedding.

I don't need to remind you how fast time flies. You all know this to be true.

Suddenly though, I am starting to feel a little pinch of nervousness. Not because I am getting married, I am completely ready for that. I am feeling that pinch because that precious gift of time is quickly running out. That hour glass now has more sand on the bottom than on top.

I still need to get my dress altered. The guys need to find something to wear. I need to straighten out the rehearsal lunch situation. Oh yeah, and don't  even get me started on all of those half finished projects that I still need to complete. All of these last minute things are starting to pile up.

I worry constantly that all of my projects won't flow together the way I had hoped. The other day I actually started to re-do a project because I was worried the shade of green didn't match everything else. What kind of crazy person am I? I literally stopped myself, backed away, and said no-don't do this to yourself. It doesn't matter, and nobody will notice or even care.

When it comes down to it, I know I am ready and prepared. I think that because I had so much time to work on everything, I am now able to sit back and obsess over whether or not it looks the way I want it to.

The good thing is that I still have 3 months to fix something if I need to.

The bad thing is that it really isn't necessary, and I am going to go bananas if I continue to do this to myself.

All of these things that I am worried about though are so minuscule in the grand scheme of things. I know that is the honest truth, but my type A personality still likes to sneak up on me every now and then. :)

What about you, Hive? When time starts to run out, did you start worrying about small details that you know don't necessarily matter...but bother you all the same?

Fear The Beard

Nope, I am not talking about this guy:

{Image via Bleacher Report}

For those of you duck hunting wives out there, I am also not talking about these dudes:

{Image via Wing Supply}



I am referring to my bearded fiance, Mr. Buck. You see, it's been a major debate in our house lately on whether or not he should keep his beard for the wedding. You would be surprised on which side of the argument each of us is on. 

I think he should keep the beard, and go to a nice barber shop and have it professionally trimmed and shaped for the wedding.

He loves his beard, but he is worried that it would be a mistake to keep it for the wedding. He is thinking he should shave it off.

I tried to go back through the last few years to find some photos of him with and without a beard. Here's the thing....I can't exactly find any photos of him without one. He always has a beard. He lets it get crazy during hunting season, then the rest of the year he just keeps it trimmed. 

This is a hunting season beard:

This is a nicely trimmed, non-hunting season beard:

Isn't he good looking? ;)

I believe his biggest concern is that he will look back at our wedding photos, and wonder why he has a beard. Things can change over the years, and who knows...maybe someday he will be a non-bearded guy.

For now though, the beard doesn't bother me...and it's kind of his thing...so why shave it?

Ultimately, it is up to him. I have no idea which direction he will decide to go. All I gotta say is, with all we have on our plates as brides, thank goodness we don't have to worry about whether or not to shave our facial hair.

Well most of us, I guess. :)

How do you feel about your guy being clean shaven or with facial hair for the wedding? Did it surprise you what kind of small and random decisions need to be made shortly before the big day?

Crazy Stalker Bride

Most of my friends and family would say that I am a fairly calm bride so far. The only real freak out came when I was locked out of my house before I went to pick up my wedding dress. Other than that, I am cool, calm and collected.

Except there might be one person who disagrees with that. Who might that be?

My mailman.

As most of you may realize, during your engagement there tends to be a lot of packages delivered to your house. I have ordered many supplies and accessories online so far. Which means USPS, FedEx and UPS have been constant visitors of mine.

After I place an order, I typically stalk the tracking number. Then when it gets close to being delivered, I impatiently away for the arrival. I didn't notice how bad this was until recently.

An important package for the wedding was set to be delivered on a Friday. It was supplies for a project, and I had planned for my entire weekend to be dedicated to crafting this project. If the supplies did not arrive that Friday, then my weekend was ruined. Okay not ruined, but a whole lot less exciting.

I started to incessantly worry that a signature would be required, and what if I wasn't home when it was delivered? Then they would leave a notice on my door, and I would have to come back to the post office at a later date to pick it up. I was not having any of this. I thought I had a great idea to leave a note on my door for the mailman. Obviously he would understand my concern and be accommodating, right? I mean, I did use a smiley face.

Believe it or not, the mailman never called me. I know, crazy. Luckily though, he left the package and there was no problem.

When I got home and saw the note still stuck to my door, I had to laugh at myself for being such a total dork. Who does this stuff? Apparently crazy stalker brides such as myself. Luckily, as far as I know my mailman is the only one who probably thinks I am totally nuts.

It made me realize how planning a wedding can make you do some pretty silly things. I wouldn't normally write a strange note to my mailman, but when there is a wedding involved...I guess I can be a little quirky.

So while I might be for the most part fairly level headed, my freak outs strike in other ways.

Has planning a wedding led you to do things you wouldn't normally do? Also, please tell me I am not the only one who leaves odd notes for the mailman.



Super Awesome Songs

Creative title, right? Let me explain further.
 
You know those songs that aren't technically a one hit wonder, nor are they necessarily a guilty pleasure? They are those songs that when they come on in a bar, a party, or a wedding....everyone gets up and dances?

I am talking everyone....no matter if they are young or old, male or female, their preference on toilet paper being hung over (right way) or under (wrong way.) You get my drift, they are simply...super awesome songs. If these songs come on, there is no way they can stay seated. They must dance.

They are usually featured in movies as well.

Here are a few examples:

Ferris Bueller at the parade singing Twist and Shout. When this song comes on at a wedding, you bet everyone is going to get up to dance.

{Video via You Tube}

Who doesn't love Bennie and the Jets? Whenever this song comes on, you know everyone is going to get up and sing the wrong lyrics together. A shining example is the bar scene from 27 Dresses.

{Video via You Tube}

You also can't forget Old Time Rock and Roll, if this song comes on...you know you're going to party. Don't try and tell me you haven't tried to mimic Tom Cruise in Risky Business...it's okay, we've all done it. 

{Video via You Tube}

You see, the only way to describe these songs are that they are super awesome. Anybody will get up and dance to these songs. I've added these three songs to my list for my DJ to play, and I am on a quest to find some more.

What songs can you think of to play at a wedding that would get even the must stubborn person get up and dance? 

The Open House

This past weekend we attended the open house at our venue, that I told you about here. The moment we arrived, we were handed a bag full of all kinds of fun information.  Such as directional cards to include in our invitations, ideas on how to word our RSVP's, planning information, as well as menus.

As soon as we checked in, we were whisked away into a super awesome photo booth.

Apparently we are the most boring photo booth people ev-er. 

Where's the goofy faces?

Next up we were able to grab a drink and walk around the property to view mock tables they had set up. We were able to see different linen, vase, and floral options. They even had the ceremony area set up with an idea of how to decorate the arch.

The last part of the open house was the tasting. We were all seated inside and were able to try all of the food and cake options. (That is for a whole other post.) We were able to meet their preferred vendors as well as their entire wait staff who were there in uniform making the day run smoothly. It was a great day to see everything and get a sense of how it all goes down. In two weeks we get to go back and have a private planning meeting to set all of our food and decor options down in stone.

It was a lovely day full of fun and excitement. Our venue continued to impress us with their professionalism, thoughtfulness, and straight up class.

Have you had the opportunity to view your options all at once at your venue?

My DIY Cake Topper

Are you tired of me talking about cake toppers yet? It's okay, i'm tired of thinking about them. Luckily, this is the final cake topper post. In my last post I showed you the potential winner. Although most of you agreed with me that it was perfect, I had a call to action from Miss Woodpecker and Future Army Wife. They both told me that I should just try and make one.

I don't know why I had not thought of that before, but it was worth a shot. I started my Google search on "how to paint shabby chic." Many different tutorials came up, but they all seemed a little too technical and confusing. A few seemed a little weird, such as applying Vaseline on the project before painting. I'm sure it works great, but I wasn't up for trying that. I needed something easy.


I decided to just go with it and figure out my own way of doing things. These were a few supplies I bought to start the project.

A basic 5" high wooden letter, creamy white acrylic paint and black acrylic paint, very fine sand paper, and a wooden dowel. Not pictured is a spray can of clear gloss sealant. 

I got to work sanding the edges of the letter to give it some rounded edges. Then I got started and painted the entire letter black.

Since I am impatient I sped up the drying time by using my hair dryer. Once the black paint was dry I covered it with the creamy white paint. It looked super beautiful.

Just kidding, with only one coat of creamy white it looked like crap. I had to cover it with two more coats after that. It had to completely cover the black coat of paint. 

 

Again I used my hair dryer to speed up the drying time. Once it was completely dry, I took the very fine sand paper and started sanding here, there and everywhere. This allowed some of the black to peek through.Word of warning: don't use rough sand paper. If you do, it will take off all the coats of paint and wood will show through. That's not the idea here, you only want to take off the first few layers of paint. 

Then I gave it one coat of clear gloss sealant. I didn't want to give it more than one coat because I didn't want it too shiny. This sealed the paint and gave it a slight sheen. 

Mr. Buck helped me drill a hole on the bottom of the letter, just slightly bigger than the dowel. 

We then added super glue in the hole and placed the painted dowel in. Luckily we were careful, and no layers of skin were harmed during this process of super gluing. (Which is shocking.) 

Voila! My shabby chic cake topper, all for under $10. 

What do you plan to use for your cake topper? Have you thought about making one?