PLANNING THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS
Church doors with hydrangea wreaths.
Our mothers after lighting the unity
The moment I dreamed about since I was a little girl.
My cathedral length veil
My handsome groom.
My dad and I.
Sealed with a kiss!
The new Mr. and Mrs.
Catching a moment alone after the ceremony.
The Reception
Our rings
Closeup of my bouquet
Beautiful Bridesmaids in their Watters & Watters gowns.
Groomsmen
Dancing flowergirl
A an extreme closeup of centerpieces
Escort card table
Our stunning Martha Stewart inspired cake!
Mother/Son Dance
Father/Daughter Dance.
Our band created one song from my favorite song, Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) and my dad's favorite, In My Daughter's Eyes (Martina McBride) for us to dance together. It was beautiful and perfect. This was the 1st time that I cried all day. The 2nd time during my sister's MOH taost.
Our First Dance.
A bridal party (and their guest) table.
The other bridal party table, with a shot of a bridesmaid bouquet.
On the dance floor
With friends
During the Maid of Honor toast
"When Bethany told Chris that she has officially asked me to be her maid of honor, Chris’s initial reaction was “O no, so Andrea will be giving a toast at our wedding?”
I don’t know what he was more afraid of: My public speaking skills OR all of the stories I could possibly use against him in front of 200 of his closest family and friends. With that said, I hope I don’t disappoint.
I remember very clearly the first time that I met Christopher. He came with Bethany to one of my field hockey games at Lehigh University. Now, I knew after that meeting he was definitely a keeper. Why? Because he is the only male that I know that has ever voluntarily agreed to sit through a women’s field hockey game. I think he even managed to feign interest. Although at this point I knew he seemed like a great guy, it took a little more convincing to see that he was “the one” for Bethany. Over time it became very clear just how smitten Chris was with Beth. I’m not sure if it was all of the flowers that were always arriving at our doorstep. Or maybe it had something to do with the Hallmark “just wanted to say hi and I love you” cards that were constantly displayed in Bethany’s bedroom. But, it was easy to see that they were quickly falling in love. On the other hand, I’m not exactly sure if Bethany’s displays of love and affection towards Chris were as thoughtful as his, but there was evidence that Beth cared just as much for Chris as he did for her: Her shopping sprees were no longer the self indulgent rampages they used to be, she would actually come home with a tie, or a t-shirt for Chris.
Perhaps the true testament to Bethany and Chris’s love is the fact through two years of dating they never allowed the hundreds of miles, the countless long distance phone calls, or the lonely weeks between visits hinder the development of their love.
I have to admit though, that on the happiest day of your life, I am a little bit sad. Mostly because I’m jealous that Chris is acquiring the girl turned woman who has been my roommate for the past 23 years. I’ll miss fighting you for the first shower in the morning. I’ll miss being able to cross the hall to my own personal fashion critic. I’ll miss laying around with you watching television and gossiping over the latest issue of People magazine. I’m sure you won’t miss living at home though, as much as I’ll miss having you there. Mostly because Chris probably won’t yell at you for hogging the blowdryer. Also, I’m sure you will no longer find shoe and articles of clothing “missing.” Well let’s hope cross dressing isn’t Chris’ thing.
My sister is truly my best friend. An honest opinion when it’s warranted, a hug when it’s desperately needed, and of course an amazing shopping buddy. Beth, I am so happy for you that you have found your other half, the love of your life, your lifetime best friend. To my sister and Chris: Wishing you a lifetime of love, happiness, and laughter."
A kiss and good shot of my hair
Our band, Midnight Hour.
The dance floor looked like this most of the night!
Catching our breath after dancing all night
After 2 years of dating long distance, we planned a relaxing vacation to west coast of Florida for a week in August 2005. Little did I know he was actually planning to propose on our the 1st night our vacation at sunset.
ENGAGEMENT PHTOS
My beautiful Asscher cut engagement ring.
MY ATTIRE
My beautiful Lazaro gown. I had ripped out a photo from InStyle Weddings featuring this gown because the magazine stated it was a great fit for petites. Being only 5'1 , I was smitten with its detail. After 3 bridal shops and many dresses later, I finally found the dress of my dreams at Kleinfelds.
Rhearsal Dinner Dress and shoes
THE RECEPTION LOCATION
The Manor House at Commonwealth
I wanted our reception to exude country elegance and the Manor House was a perfect fit.
The wallpaper in the foyer inspired the country elegance theme and paper ideas.
Fireplace in Living Room which will be decorated with flower buds and candles.
Covered Veranda facing golf course.
RECEPTION DECOR IDEAS
Card Holder
Guest book/wish bowl with pink and brown Paper Source note cards embossed with our intial.
Love Colored Glass
Chocolate pintuck linens
Campagne with rasberries
Embossed cocktail napkins
Menu tucked into napkins with flower on top.
Donation to the American Cancer Society in lieu of a traditional wedding favors, in honor of our guests and in memory of grandparents.
CAKE
Martha Stewart tower of roses cake.
PAPER ITEMS
Cover of Bridesmaid newsletter
All paper products below by smashingcards.com.
Invitation Inspiration--Elegant tri-fold in pink and brown
Our Save the Date Card, inspired by the Manor House foyer
Our beautiful tri-fold invitations.
Components
Our tented table numbers
Sign for wish bowl.
Out of town bag tags and homemade choclate covered pretzels for the bags.
Escort Cards
Signature Drink Menu
Donation Sign
Dinner Menu
Program Cover
FLOWERS
My Flower Inspirations
My dream bouquet.
The color palette will be predominately ivory into champagne. Flowers will be open Virginia or Bianca, Vendella and Champagne roses with ivory Majolica French spray rose highlights. The stems of the bouquet will be wrapped with a natural silk ivory ribbon to match the bridal gown, no bow.
Attendants bouquets will be like the bride’s but smaller and in a color palette of pale pink to a Baby Pink. The lighter tones will predominate. The flowers will be Anna, Livia and Pink Majolica French spray roses in their bouquets. The stems will be wrapped in chocolate brown satin to compliment their sashes.
Groom's boutonniere.
3 different style centerpieces in shades of ivory, champagne, pale pink and medium pink, with medium pink predominating in varing heights in silver containers.
Church Doors Wreath Inspiration
Flowergirl Pommander
Church Decor
BRIDESMAID'S, FLOWER GIRL & MOTHER'S ATTIRE
Bridesmaid Dress in Pink with brown middle section
Bridesmaids Jewelry from Carolee
My mom's stunning Steven Yearick gown
Flower Girl dress Inspiration
ACCESSORIES & OTHER ITEMS
My bridal shoes
Dress Monogram
Hair and Makeup Inspirations
GROOM'S & GROOMSMEN'S ATTIRE
Groom and Groomen's Tuxes
Bridal Party Vest and Tie (black for groomsmen and ivory for groom)
HONEYMOON
BRIDAL SHOWER
SURPRISE! My parents hosted a surprise evening coed bridal shower in their beautiful home for our closest friend and family.
The Arrival
The setup
Cutting the cake
All the delicous food
The trufle favors, childhood and couple snapshots.
Beautiful bridesmaids and flower girl.
VENDOR REVIEWS
Bridemaids Day of Beauty and Luncheon: Essentials Spa and Salon and The Knight House Restaurant, Doylestown, PA
I emailed Essentials with all the girls names, contact information and type of service and they emailed me back with a schedule for all 15 of us! All the appointments went smoothly. We also had access to the Spa Waiting Room, which is where we served breakfast (bagels, muffins, juice) and we could wait in between appointments. Big salon, front desk people are helpful but not friendly. All my services were great! Great place when you have a large group that needs to get done in a short amount of time (3 hours). The Knight House always has great food and service.
Rehearsal Dinner: The William Penn Inn, Gwynedd, PA: Recommended
My mother-in-law planned the entire evening and it was wonderful. Great food, service and big room. Hair and Makeup Salon: ME Salon and Day Spa, New Hope, PA: Highly Recommended
I have been going ME Salon for about 10 years. I had one trial with her Heather (my regular stylist) and it was good but expensive ($150). I am very particular about the color and shape of hair. I wanted a low updo with height on the top to give that classic look. I was very happy with the outcome except a few pieces fell down by the end of the night due to hugging guests and dancing. As for my makeup, Heather brought in new makeup and lash extensions for me for free. My mom, grandmother and 7 bridesmaids all had their hair done on the wedding day and they turned out fabulous (some had their makeup done too). The staff at ME Salon is always courteous and timely. My entire bridal party looked amazing and beautiful and I never felt so pretty in my life!
Ceremony Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Doylestown, PA: Recommended
OLMC is a a very large traditional Catholic Church. They don’t have ceremony coordinator and our priest wasn’t very helpful. The music director provided basic information but their packets were confusing and out of date. Several mix ups including pricing, which caused me to search for additional musicians ast minute without even hearing them first. The church provided the vocalist ($150) and pianist ($175).
Ceremony Musicians: The Quartet, Doylestown, PA: Recommended
Highly recommended by our Church and I never even heard them play before our wedding day. I was too preoccupied to really listen to them while I was walking down the aisle that I didn’t even really notice they were there until I heard them play during the Mass. They sounded so beautiful and professional. My only complaint was that they were in balcony behind our guests, so you truly couldn’t enjoy their performance
Ceremony Trumpeter: Curry Moyer, Doylestown, PA: Highly Recommended
Highly recommended by our Church and I never even heard them play before our wedding day. I love the sound the trumpet, so powerful and beautiful. He was a perfect match for the strings. Again, my only complaint was that he was in balcony behind our guests, so you truly couldn’t enjoy his performance.
Reception: The Manor House at Commonwealth, Horsham, PA: Highest Recommendation
After our initial visit to the Manor House, I knew this had to be the location of our reception! It was perfect place to fulfill my dreams. I never wanted the common hotel or country club wedding. The Manor House felt like we were celebrating in our own home. The wallpaper even inspired our country elegance theme. Jennifer, our coordinator was amazing. She made planning fun and exciting. She was always easy to get in touch and always responsive to my emails. She managed every request from finding a large chocolate fountain, the perfect linens to researching chairs. She also provided sound advice when I was struggling to make decisions. Our guest also raved at how unique the Manor House was. They also are still talking about the food and service. Every time you turned around there was a fresh drink and properly folded napkin.
Bridal Gown and MOB Salon: Kleinfelds, NYC: Highly Recommended
This was the 3rd bridal shop I visited after 2 stops at Philly salons with very little luck. I went to Kleinfelds with an idea of what shape dress I wanted and a budget. After trying on 5 dresses, the 6th dress was perfect! I went the week after the Lazaro trunk show and I still received a 10% discount. Also saved by paying no tax and flat fee for alterations. I also purchased my shoes (on sale) and veil there. It took 4 fittings for my dress to fit perfectly; hence 4 trips to NYC via NJ transit so that is something to take into consideration. Additionaly, I recommend that you go during the weekday to have a more personalize experience. My mom also purchased her gown here and had a wonderful experience. Being so petite, she wanted a custom made gown. We made a separate trip to look for gowns for my mom and it happened to be a Steven Yearick trunk show. He personally fitted her and he even altered the original gown’s design to make my mom more comfortable.
This was my "something blue" from ebay seller, Linen Classics Wedings and Gifts. Prompt service and affordable.
Bridesmaid/Flower girl Dress Salon: Anne Baileys Bridal, Fountainville, PA: Recommended:
They have a large selection of dresses at great prices. I had no issues with them. They let us try on tons of dresses. All the dress arrived on time and we sent directly to my OOT bridesmaids. The rest got their alterations done there. However, they really didn’t alter my pregnant BM dress properly, even though she still looked beautiful.
Florist: Virginia Tiejens (page me for her contact information): Highly Recommend
By chance, I met Ginny while she was setting up for a wedding at Normandy Farms. I was blown away by that bride’s arrangements that I didn’t even look at other florist. She was very accommodating with all my requests throughout the planning process. She met my mom and I at the Manor House to do a walk-through. She made suggestions on where to spend and save money. Everyone raved about the flowers. They were everyone at the Manor House—mantles, bar, cocktail tables, guest wish bowl table, etc. She also assembled our cake and provided the flowers for it. It was breathtaking! Lastly, Ginny is just so sweet and kind. She was actually the one who helped my DOC (my aunt) straighten my train and veil. She even held one of the doors opened as my dad and I processed down the aisle. Please page me if you would like to see more pictures of her beautiful work!Photographer: Candid Moments: Highly Recommend
This was actually one decision I left up to my husband. Originally, I wasn’t that interested in researching photographers. I was more interested in my dress and flowers! After we booked him, I started to regret our choice. However, Doug proved me wrong! I love our wedding day photos. He was so polite, accurate, timely, artistic and unobtrusive. There are few details photos he missed but not his fault because they weren’t on our must take photo list. Reception Band: Brandywine Valley Talent -- Midnight Hour: Highest Recommendation:
WOW! It’s true that the band makes the reception and this one definitely made ours! We heard Midnight Hour at their showcase and booked them on the spot because of their vocal variety! Almost all members sing and they have different styles, which works well for both young and older guests. My favorite moment was when they played my father/daughter dance medley of 2 songs.
Transportation: Cape May Trolley, Cape May, NJ: No rating
We booked them based on a recommendation from a friend who used them with no problems for their weddings. However, the trolley never made it to my parents Bucks County home. It had trouble somewhere in South Jersey, not sure if it was due to Tropical Storm Ernesto or mechanical issues. My mom got our money back while I was gone on our honeymoon. One point of interest, they guaranteed AC. Luckily, my dad and aunt called around that morning to find us transportation for our large party from the Church to the Reception. I don’t even know which company it was but the service was great. Unfornently, they couldn’t make it to my parent’s house in time. So we had a processional of cars from my parent’s house to the church. My parent’s and I were in a vintage Jaguar, which was the original plan and the bridesmaid all got rides from any family member who was there the morning of the wedding.
Invitations: Smashing Cards, NYC: Highly Recommended
I have always been a tad obsessed with paper products. I found Smashing Cards and fell in-love! I loved all my invitations and all the other wedding paper products. However there were minor disappointments with missed deadlines, mailing mix-ups, lack of communication and my ceremony program ribbons. Overall, Ashley is amazingly talented and creative and great bargain! She created every piece of wedding paper from STDs, invitations, ceremony programs, escort cards, table numbers, wish bowl sign/instructions, specialty drink menus, donation/favor cards.
Jewelry: Sterling’s, New Hope, PA: Recommended
I found exactly what I was looking for after months of searching stores and online for some vintage looking jewelry at Sterlings. I found my earrings, bracelet and hair brooch there. I loved them! They sized the bracelet (for a fee). However, months later I found the same earring for a much cheaper price online. http://www.annabellagio.com/product/016711.shtml
Wedding Night Suite: Doylestown Inn, Doylestown, PA: Recommended
Beautiful, large suite-type room but quite expensive for the amount of time we spent there. Loved being right in town. We walked to Starbucks for breakfast. We had to pick up our keys earlier in the day because the front desk closes at 10pm.
Hotel Block: Hampton Inn, Willow Grove, PA: Recommended
My FIL took care of blocking the rooms. No complaints. However some guest called to book rooms and they said there was no reservation under our names. There was some computer error but it was quickly resolved.
Honeymoon: Buccuti Beach Resort, Aruba: Highly Recommended
We chose Aruba because it is outside of the “hurricane belt”, we wanted to relax and the price is right! The resort was beautiful, clean and relaxing. We stayed in the Tara Beach Suites, right on the beach. There is plenty to do in Aruba, which we enjoyed. I think I spend the majority of my time under the palm umbrella reading, sleeping or tanning. The food and food service on the entire island is mediocre and slow but that is the island mentality.