Showing posts with label parties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parties. Show all posts

Saturday, January 31, 2009

My shower is today!

January 31, 2008. Besides being the date for my shower, today is also Momma's birthday. Some of you may remember that we lost her 7 months ago, so today is filled with various emotions. Pops looks so sad and I feel helpless that I can't do anything to ease his pain. Mike went to North Carolina this weekend, not only to get his car inspected but to put flowers on his Mom's grave.
We'll get through this. I just know wedding day is going to have the same roller coaster of emotions.

On the upside, as I said my shower starts at 2 pm. I need to start getting ready. Mike's sister, niece, and Toya (Shaq's wife) are at the mall now doing last minute shopping. Slow as usual =)

I also got the hint that my bachelorette party is tonight also. I was only told to bring an overnight bag. Oooo, the suspense! I know it's going to be in New York, thanks to the bitter bridesmaid that's no longer with us, but I don't know all the details. Which is good, because I love surprises!

I'll be back with a full report and of course pics!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Prep time!

Hey, hey hey! My shower is tomorrow!

The girls don't know I know but I also know the b-party is afterwards. I think it is in New York. The girls obviously got a hotel room because I've been told so far to bring an overnight bag.
Oooo, the mystery! Ha!

So in preparation for my shower tomorrow (and a night of partying) I'm going to go get my hair and nails done. I already bought a cute dress last week when I was in the mall. I also bought some new jeans and a dressy tank top to wear if we hit the clubs (which I'm sure we will). Right now I'm sitting here debating should I go to the gym or not. ?

2 weeks from tomorrow we leave for Florida!

Friday, January 23, 2009

DIY projects

It's getting down to the wire! I still have a few projects to complete. Today, I took off work so I'm going to tackle this list:
  • Rose petal cones
  • Brochures (OOT boxes)
  • Rose petal sign
  • Fish net for card box
  • Rehearsal dinner info card
That's it for now. Let me get busy because family is on their way up for the funeral tomorrow and I want to chill out at least part of the day. I'll be back with pics!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Decision, decisions....

Today we had our 30 day checklist with the venue. Kristen just asks a bunch of questions regarding the reception, details, etc...and of course pay the balance. Now I'm stuck with a dilemma: as it stands the total time we have the place is 4 stinking hours. Do we extend it another hour for a little over $400 or keep our money and go elsewhere to continue the party? The other thing is we went over our 75 guests we put a deposit for and had to pay extra for that. Ugh...Mo' money, mo' money...

The way I see it is honestly 4 hours for everything is not enough time. I figured the ceremony will be 20-30 minutes and then we run off to take pictures. If we can get our pictures done in 30-45 minutes that leaves almost 3 hours for the reception. Is that enough time? That's my dilemma and we need to make a decision at least 1 week before. They want the money, lol.

I think 5 hours would be perfect because with the ceremony and pictures we could still have almost 4 hours to party. It's just paying that extra $$$$ that's getting on my last nerves.

Looking back, I realize that Paradise Cove is a beautiful location but they don't budge on pricing and you get very little for your money. 4 hours rental time for what we Paradise Cove ladies are paying is insane, but the location beauty sucks you in. =)

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Updates....

2 months and 9 days to go! Whoo hoo!

Time is flying. Well, the bridal salon called me today to schedule my first fitting. Yay! I go in Jan. 5. This means that I need to have all my stuff together (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.) to try on everything at once. I'm worried my jewelry may not work, but I'll see soon enough.

Right now, I'm working on finding a stylist for the bridal party. Worse case scenario, I'll pay my beautician, who's a guest, to do their hair. She's doing my hair as a gift and even if I had to pay her I would; she's been doing my hair since I was 14 years old! My DOC is working on getting me prices now so I'll know something by early next week.

Lastly, I think our rehearsal dinner location is going to change. As bad as I want to have it at Bahama Breeze, they don't have seating to have us all at the same table. Basically, we would be seated in the same vicinity, but at different tables. Not cool. And to get a private area, is at least $1000 that we're not willing to spend. So, my DOC mentioned a few places: Houlihans is one. More pricier menu but totally private. The other option is Bucca di Peppa. Italian restaurant in the Florida Mall that serves food family style. Cheaper option and semi-private. I'm going to call them tomorrow to get more details and then decide something so we can reserve a place asap.

Oh, one more thing. My girl Robyn took some fab B-pics recently. I am so interested in doing this but because I'm in NJ and my photographer is in FL, I'm limited to only being able to do them the week before my wedding. I actually emailed her about doing a Feb session because there are other girls who are interested as well. I hope she has some availability before my wedding date. I'm waiting to hear from her so we can do this!

That's it for now. Stay tuned....

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I'm tired

Yet another drama filled day. I decide to 3 way call 2 of the bridesmaids to try to straighten out this mess. To make a long story short, things didn't go as planned. Between the cussing and yelling, all that came of it was one bridesmaid putting the others out there big time. And I mean she let it out. She starts ranting about things that were said in private by two of the bridesmaids, the pregnant ex-bridesmaid included; things they obviously didn't want me to know.

The one bridesmaid hangs up and I'm left on the phone with the shiit starter. She continues to try to rub things in further and I try not to feed into it but I'm human. So after talking to her I wasn't going to call pregnant bridesmaid but I couldn't help myself. I confronted her about what she said and she tried to downplay things. Whatever.

Later I email shiit starter just to let me know what she plans to do. She had mentioned that she might have to drop out of the wedding with all the drama that's going on (most of which she started, I might add) I also told her I talked to the other girl so be prepared if she calls her on it. She sends an email back with some stupid cryptic message eluding to the fact that there's more I don't know. I talk to her on the phone and of course she's not telling me more. I leave it alone...for now.

The more I think about it the more I don't want this chick or the pregnant one at my shower, b-party or even the wedding. I don't care if the friendship is over; let's face it, are they really my friends' anyway after all I've disclosed this past week? I don't think so anymore. It would probably be less drama and no friction if they are not around. I'm going to talk to Mike about it in the morning and get his take on it. After all, shiit starter was his female BF and I asked her to be in the wedding in the first place because of how tight they were and that we had built somewhat of a friendship. But much has changed over the past year, seriously and not for the better.

I'll sleep on it and see what comes of it in the morning. Goodnight.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Inhale, exhale, repeat.

Here we go again. Last night I get a long email from one of the bridesmaids basically telling me and Mike (she CC'd him) that she's "feeling some type way about the wedding". Her feelings stem from quite a few issues that really either have nothing to do with my doing or are so minimal that they shouldn't matter.

Issue 1: I didn't tell her the dresses were in. Hello? The salon instructed me not to tell the girls the dresses were in. Why? Because fittings won't start until mid December or early January. No need to run to the salon, especially since they want the balance paid before you even slip into the dress. The way most are complaining they are broke, figured you might want to use the extra time before dishing out any funds.

Issue 2: Why I didn't tell her pregnant bridesmaid dropped out and another girl was in. Why didn't I tell her? Because I didn't feel the need to. Seriously, after sending 2 separate emails at separate times about the MOH, who was a possible in or out, and then my sister dropping out as Matron of Honor, I didn't feel up to it. Simple as that. It's really not necessary; plus pregnant girl calls her everyday so you mean to tell me she didn't tell you? I know she did. Stop it.

Issue 3: 2 of the girls won't call or email her back about the bridal shower/bachelorette plans. And I have what to do with this? Seriously, I don't know what they are planning and I'm not supposed to know. I love surprises! They haven't called you back for their reasons that guess what? They can tell you best. So I called them both and asked them to put their differences aside or whatever the issue is and just give her a ring and fill her in. Done.

Issue 4: Oh yeah, this was a loooonnnnngggg email. Issue 4 is why is Mike all in my business? Excuse me? First of all, I met this bridesmaid through Mike. She is supposed to be his female BF. Cool. We became cool over the years, hence her inclusion in the wedding party. So, I explain to her that Mike is only involved because he wanted to make sure things were happening or at least going smoothly. If Mike had to plan the bridal shower himself, it was going down. He just wants to make sure I'm happy and I get treated as I deserve.

Before I could call her Mike promptly called her and let her know, his words, how selfish it was of her to email me that long novel when I don't need to be stressed. He also told her it would've been best to call instead of an informal email with matters that you feel are THAT serious. After she talks to Mike, she calls me and apologizes if she upset me but she just wanted to let me know that she wanted to be involved in planning "my special day." I'm so tired of this reference; it's the last thing pregnant girl said before bowing out. Some special day to you, huh. Not really.

All I know is there aren't many people who are going to be as excited about your wedding as you are, for whatever the reason. This experience thus far has been an eye opening one; I know who's really friends of mine and I know who to keep at an arms distance. Funny I had warning signs before that I overlooked but my eyes are wide open now, believe me honey.

Sorry this is so long, I just needed to get this out and what better place to do it! I am determined not to allow anyone to aggravate me, stress me or take away from the wonderful time that's to be had by all. The shower is planned for January 31, 2008 (Mikes' mom's birthday, actually). I already have my keepsake invite, which is gorgeous by the way! I'm so thankful to have people there who actually do want to make sure that I have a good send off from being a bachelorette to becoming a Mrs. in 3 months.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today is Mike's birthday. His best man planned his bachelor party for this weekend so we can't celebrate since both of us are working today. I did get him a nice watch, something he wanted, so he's happy. The fellows leave tomorrow morning for Miami for 4 days of fun in the sun. I hope he has a good time because he definitely needs a vacation, even if it is only for a few days.

Today also marks double digit time. 99 more days to go until I'm a Mrs. Whoo hoo! The time is dwindling down and I can't wait for it to be here. All I keep thinking about is the honeymoon and us getting some much needed alone time together on a beautiful island. And the cruise. No honeymoon babies here; I think we'll wait at least a year before we go there but we can practice, right? LOL.

Everything happens for a reason....

The bridesmaids dresses came in! I love them. They are more goldish (light) looking than I anticipated but that's what makes them even more elegant. So the same day I find out they are here, one of the bridesmaids calls me and tells me she's pregnant. We talk for about an hour because there are some issues that she's concerned with being pregnant. Not health issues, more so HER issues, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, the next day she tells me all is good and we joke about how the baby should be born sometime in July. (Both of us are July babies, lol) Then she bust out, "So you don't mind a big belly in your pictures?" Wow. I know some people have this whole wedding thing twisted but I didn't think she would think her pregnancy would be an issue. I tell her, of course I don't mind, but I am honest with her when I say I don't think the dress will fit her. The dress was ordered in August and it wasn't ordered with a baby belly in mind. We talk a few minutes about the dress and I let her know, basically there's nothing the salon can do but rush order her another dress. I can tell she's really not up for being in this wedding either.

She keeps apologizing and asking if I have someone to replace her; again the twisted minds of some regarding weddings. I explained to her, I'm not calling in stand ins just for the sake of it. She hits me with one last one, well, your sides are going to be uneven, referring to the number of guys versus girls in the bridal party. I exhale first; listen, who cares about even sides? I asked people I am close to, to stand up there next to me. Sheesh.

Granted, she has been getting on my nerves since day 1, actually her and another one. The color of the dress was too bright, not those shoes, not that day, etc..Don't even let me tell you how they are complaining to the one bridesmaid who actually took the initiative to put together a bridal shower and bachelorette party for me. Basically, in a nutshell, I wanted these two to drop out. It seems they are going out of their way to say and do the opposite of everything I ask of them. And then to give the other bridesmaid a hard time lets me know they'd be happy if nothing were to happen for me, since they don't want to contribute their time or finances to it.

So everything happens for a reason; she's pregnant, I'm happy for her, but I'm glad she decided not to order another dress. There was no way to kick her out of the wedding without ending what we call a friendship, so it's better this way. No hard feelings on either side; she made the choice but she keeps saying sorry, she feels she let me down. She did, but not by getting pregnant, that's life.

But don't apologize hun; secretly, I'm rejoicing.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Our registering experience

Yesterday we went to Bed Bath & Beyond to register, finally. We had a really nice young lady helping us out; she is actually getting married in January and also registered at BB&B. Well, first she asked if we wanted to register for china. Mike and I looked at each other for a sec and then I spoke up, simply with a "sure". Lauren, our rep, showed us a huge book of different sets, which in my opinion were a little on the pricey side. Lauren immediately told us not to worry about prices, or else we would go crazy. She really hit the nail on the head. So, we picked out a moderately priced piece of china. Whatever. (This is Leo and I before we left to register.)

The main thing is BB&B gives the bride and groom "incentives" to register for certain items. For example, if your registry has $500 in Calphalon products, they send you a free knife (retails around $50, or something like that). So while we are walking around the store with Lauren, we're adding things to the registry with the free gifts in mind also.

Overall, it was a fun 3 hour experience. Yes, 3 hours. We were in almost every room and chose items from art to bathroom items. We added a broad price range of products also, from $9.99 to $249. It wasn't like that from the beginning, I must admit. The first product we looked at was cookware. Of course, Calphalon. Well, I let Lauren talk me into adding the 2nd most expensive set to the registry: a 12 piece non stick set for $449. What the hell was I thinking?

Honestly, I thought about it more today and took it off the registry. I added a less expensive set. People are going to buy you what they can afford; people might pool their money together to get a more expensive item but I feel better now that it's not as expensive. Either way, I like that BB&B keeps the registry active for 2 years and gives us a 10% discount 2 months after the wedding to purchase our items off the registry. Plus, you know I KEEP the coupons and I have already started accumulating 20% coupons. They take expired coupons too. I have at least 5 now and counting!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Time to register

Well, after what seems to be much drama, one of my Bridesmaids texted me today and ask me where we are registered. Huh? Honestly, I didn't think to register because I didn't think about people buying wedding gifts and I didn't think I would be having a shower. She basically confirmed today that she is handling things and a shower is under way. Yay! Secretly, I'm happy. So we're off tomorrow to Bed, Bath and Beyond to register. Here comes the fun part.

I also spoke to my MOH today and she told me there is no way she is not being a part of my wedding. I didn't even bring up wedding because I didn't want to hit her with anything at this point; I just want her to focus on her. However, I am so touched but I also reassured her that I didn't want her to put any strain on herself considering what she has just been through. There is so much to do to catch her up with everything and hopefully we can rush order her a dress. I'm just happy that she is doing better; she sounds great and seems to have a new outlook on life in general.

We'll see how everything plays out. First, I'm going to call the bridal salon on Monday and see if putting a rush order in is doable.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Party or Not?

It has come to my attention that there seems to be some problems with organizing a bridal shower and bacholerette party for me. Different bridesmaids are saying different things to Mike and it's starting to annoy me. You wanna know how I really feel? Listen, yes, I know that the only obligation of the bridal party is to buy the dress and be there wedding day. Who said that I don't know, but I understand it, not necessarily agree with but understand. It seems to me that being in a bridal party, may cost more than buying a dress. Period. Especially if things are discussed beforehand. They asked me what I wanted early on, I'm talking about over a year ago when the wedding was originally planned for Jamaica. I told them then I wanted a shower and b-party, you asked so I told.

After my sister dropped out of the wedding party and my MOH wound up in the hospital, one of the bridesmaids seemed to be taking the initiative. She asked me to email her the places I wanted to go. That was months ago, so obviously going anywhere out of the state or country is out of the question. Fine. Recently 2 of them asked for the list of who I wanted to invite. Okay, I put that together, now I'm hearing all these excuses. Why ask me then?

What this really boils down to is this: don't ask me what I want and act like you're planning it when it doesn't seem like much progress is being made. When I'm hearing that this one doesn't have the cash, that one has this obligation, another one is waiting for everyone else to call her and so on. Cool, I understand that you all have lives and my wedding is important to me, it should be. However, let me know straight up, so I can plan accordingly. No I'm not going to throw myself a shower. But I will set up something local where those who want to party with me can and those who don't won't. Simple as that.

This wedding thing is only a one time deal for me. I want to remember it as such. Without the drama and without the passing the buck.