*15- Got a hanky?

Let me begin this post by saying that I have some 100% original ideas, however I would say that the majority of my craftiness is... borrowed.

My invites are no exception. But I LOVE everything about them.

To begin, my inspiration:

Very lovely save the dates via DIY Bride via Borrowed Turquoise -- a new favorite

I loved it so much that I thought they were far more worthy to be invites rather than save-the-dates for our little affair. I did some research to think about whether it was possible, cheap, and truely DIY-able.

I found 150 vintage handkerchiefs on eBay for $45!

I got a fabric screen-printing setup for under $50 from Urban Outfitters (great screen, photo emulsion fluid, emulsion remover, ink, squeegee, etc.)!

I used recycled paper for the outside for $3/50!

All I need to pay for is postage and put in some time and VOILA! some bomb-a$$ invites.

I made my first prototype last night.

Whatcha think?

*14- Center of attention

Long have I been missing. I do promise, if not to anyone reading and only to myself, that it has been a good thing. SO much has happened. Today will be a blog heavy day- get ready!

So much progress has been made and lot of exciting things are happening and there is a ton to say about each and every one. That being said, I will be devoting a post to each one.

To start of-- ENGAGEMENT SHOOT!

The plan: LACMA Lamposts, Travel Town, and Hollywood sign

Actual happenings: LACMA Lamposts, F$*# Travel Town, and can't really get that close to Hollywood sign (you would think as Los Angeles familiars, we would have known this, but no)

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our photographers Allison and Kyle of Studio 28 Photo! We obviously don't have our wedding photos yet, but I love the work they have done, and they are so, very wonderful to "work with". My man and I weren't used to being the center of attention and both agreed that the last time someone was really taking some pictures of us was in senior portraits for high school. BUT, they made us feel so comfortable and made us laugh so much. What a cute couple too, gets you in that loving feelin'. Is it weird to want to ask your vendors out for a beer? Just kidding, but really they are so down to earth and based on our experience so far, we really feel that we couldn't have made a better choice.

Originally I wasn't so set on the idea of an engagement session. After the fact, I would highly recommend it to all you fellow haters. It really made me feel so excited for when we are taking photos at our wedding, plus we got a good feel for everyones personalities. They learned what sort of things would make us giggle- pouring out some skunk home-brew for the hommies... etc. If we hadn't have gone through with the E.S., than that awkward first little bit would have been during our wedding day and I want as many good, comfortable, candid photos I can get. Boo-ya, success.

They photos should arrive in the mail by Saturday and let me tell you, I have never checked my mailbox with so much enthusiasm, except for maybe when I was waiting to get my hankies-- deets to come ;)

CHECK OUT STUDIO 28 PHOTO, like for reals.

www.studio28photo.com
Blog: http://studio28photoblog.com/

*13- Went to this

If you didn't, you should have. (Don't worry I can fill you in, and I think I got a brochure from EVERY vendor)

If you have a wedding in 2011, make sure you go next year!

A Soolip Wedding

*12- Big news

Place, found.
Date, set.
Belly Butterflies, started.


More to come...

*11- Seen with mines-eye, inspiration

As I have had this "obsession" (so my mother and fiance call it), for a long time, I have accumulated a very large folder of favorite, nifty ideas. However as I was scrolling through the other folders on my computer today I came across an old memory book or sorts-- the weddings I have helped coordinate! Of course I had not forgotten them, but when I helped with them I was not engaged yet, now looking back I realize what a source of real-life inspiration I have!

And what could be a better place to gain inspiration than from those lovely brides I got to know so well.

So here I will share with you one photo, and one photo only as I do hope that I reveal some of my favorites in a series.

This was some draping that I did for a bride at the Long Beach Grand, and at first I was thinking, 'purple?? really?' but I fell IN LOVE with it!! Sometimes the things you think wouldn't look super great look beyond great. I have always loved the idea of draping but had always thought white on white was nice, added texture and a graceful quality to most spaces, but it can also be such a statement!

As I have mentioned, I am leaning towards an outdoor wedding, however, I had not really thought about a tent. Being reminded of this idea is like when I decided to not be a vegetarian anymore; it wasn't bad, I just suddenly had too many choices!!

I would love a big white tent, and maybe some light red or powder blue.... or dare I say both??!

*10- Like Mother, Like Daughter

I think I officially got my mom addicted to wedding blogs. I love her, why don't we live closer? (I wish I could capitalize a question mark) She is a best friend, a mother, as well as, a *-ing good researcher. I am a lucky lady to have her in my life and in such a crucial role.

Wish I was home--right now. Love you Mom.
You are beautiful and an inspiration to me everyday.

*9- I must be taking crazy pills

Sure maybe some of the people I know would say that crazy pills are the norm for me, however I feel like I am being particularly silly. However, at the same time I thought "I have an outlet for this now and I can take advantage of that"

Random crazy 'Ryann facts'

1. I play the steeldrum. As in 'welcome to Jamaica, here is a foreign instrument' and I have been since 4th grade. There is also definitely one nestled sweetly on some patterned pillows in my bedroom corner.

2. Today I asked my fiance (LOVE the switchover from bf to the F word... melting), if when I smiled he noticed all the wrinkles I already have and if he would still love me when I was all wrinkle-y. He said 'no' and 'of course'. I have snagged a dreamboat.

man, but you get the idea...

3. Meeting with my business partner- {sorry T.S., what do I call you after all?? <3)>

4. I am a rambler. THIS IS NOT A SURPRISE! How many blogs have I done? It should be clear in all of those even thus far. If you have not noticed, I love you, I want you, I'll keep you as a blog reader forever.

That being said 4b. I am SUUUUUUPER shy. Waitress jobs were really good practice for me in college, b.c. I love people, I just have a really hard time approaching people in everyday settings. Thank goodness for men with confidence, otherwise I would still be a single lady. P.S. I know everyone loves that music video and I loved the glee rendition, however, sorry to admit Kanye, but I think the music video is highly over-amped.

5. I dab in most artistic areas.... http://ryanncarroll.mosaicglobe.com/ my stuff. =)

6. Used to competitively ride horses, combined training- dressage, stadium, and cross country style, holla if you know what thats all about. I miss it almost every single day. I want a horsey. Or a great dane. Poor fiance of mine and all the 'wants' he has to deal with.

7. When I haven't shaved my legs after a day, when it just barely starts to get a little bit of not smooth on my legs, my man will 'pet' my leg and call me "KITTY" So rude. Just thought I would share (sorry, handsome)

8. I bought a CD that was called Sweetheart at Starbucks because it was called Sweetheart and no other reason (this whole engagement thing has got me feeling all romantic, don't cha know?). The first time I hated it, I wanted to take it back. Then I switched locations, atmospheres... and I cannot stop hitting repeat. I think I am on 6 times by now. OBSESSED. How does this happen? Am I bipolar, perhaps?

9. 2, 9, 29, and 11 are my favorite numbers. On car trips I used to play with the clock. Nope, you read it right, I would sit quietly and make math equations with the time on the digital clock in our family's suburban. I would try and make the most complicated ones I could and only using those numbers that were on the clock and combinations of them and they had to be full, balanced equations. I went into college as a Math and Business major and graduated in Marketing Communications and Art. The average person uses 6% of their brain, so says Bill Nye the Science Guy, and I would imagine I use about 2% and 4% in accordance with the left and the right sides of mine.

10. Final one, PERFECT 10! I am super, duper strongly considering having a 25 people max gathering at city hall and getting hitched with the ABSOLUTE closest people in my life- and his (we would still buy a dress, get a tux, BM dresses, groomsmen, bouquets, etc.) but then just go out for a nice dinner/for drinks! The thought is then to throw some sort of Not-Wedding (http://bklynbrideonline.com/3381/events/the-notwedding/) on our one year or something or other... like a reception without the ceremony for all those other people that we still love but couldn't afford at the time, and just spend the first year saving saving saving. Crazy??? Maybe, but then, I also kinda like the idea............... HMM. Bonus= get to potentially wear the dress twice.

*8- Possible Dates and Moonlight

We are really flexible about when we were thinking of doing our wedding and mainly hadn't narrowed it down a whole lot more than August or September.

I thought of something really cool today... or maybe cool, you tell me:

Friday September 20th-Sunday, August 22nd; Friday, August 27th; Friday September 24th-Sunday September 26th

I am thinking we narrowed it down to these dates because they are the closest dates to the full moons in August and September. It looks like it will be outdoors, most likely, and it would be so pretty to have a full moon.... hm orrrrrrrr maybe the stars would pop a bit more when there was NO moon. Something to consider.

Photo for your pleasure

*7- Story of future Mr. and Mrs. Red

My man, seen here as Mr. Red, is a color-coded individual. This doesn't mean that I have three men and I have color coded them to keep track of each, but rather that his mother did. My boy is actually a twin, believe it or not with Mr. Blue (6'5'' vs. 5'11') and they are the oldest. My future mother-in-law thought it would simplify things with her twins by buying everything in either blue or red for each one-- this would be more fitting if they were identical, but they are not.

Then came Mr. Green four years later. At the time he was not Mr. Green but a third boy without a color, naturally he needed a way to keep his stuff separate from the others. To this day his mother gives Christmas gifts that are mostly things that she found that came in blue, red, and green. ex. these oven mitts, flannel, flashlights, whistles, handheld massager's-my personal favorite, and so much more. My color becomes pink, or a lighter version of my mans color, she explained this to me early on.

Why am I telling you this? Besides the fact that it is hilarious (or so I think)? I think that it would be a really cute ode to his mother if we involved red and pink, in some variation in our color scheme and particularly have him wear red (I am thinking maybe coral?) and besides me doing white maybe some pale pink flowers, or shoes.

Is this silly or should I just really go for what I think looks the best and not think about sentimental value in relation to my color design? Please share your thoughts...

*6- feeling BLUE; a centerpiece love story

Do brides hold onto their wedding centerpieces and sell them to other brides that have the same sort of interests? No? Is that even tacky for me to ask? Yes, I would imagine it probably is, however, if any of these brides saved them and you find my site, know that I am interested...

This will be a reoccurring sort of post so this one I may call ... "feeling BLUE," as blue is a common theme here. Get ready!

1- Wow this blue haunts my dreams, I cannot get it out of my head, and this is so cute, so DIY-able, and perfect.

2- If we do end up having a fall affair, how perfect are these?! I know they are a little flower heavy, but maybe sub in a couple cheap fruits and lose some florals and it would still be lovely. Not to mention we may have at least a majority of pie instead of cake so maybe a fruity theme??

3- This photo just encompasses the colors that are my favorite today, my favorites change daily! I don't know how I will ever decide on my color scheme, sigh... shrug... but oh boy is this just delightful! I want, I want, I WANT!

Don't worry, friends, there is so much more to come, I have many pictures to share with all of you and hopefully your heart melts a little with mine <3

*5- WHOA WHOA WHOA

We love beer, I hope you all do!

Who is going?!

BEER FESTIVAL

P.S. We are home-brewers and plan to do a specialty home-brew for our wedding!

*4- How much time has to go by before a song is considered an oldie?

I was listening to an album in the car today from high school, I thought I would share with you all the little love I felt from one of the songs.

"When you feel embarrassed, I'll be your pride.

When you need direction, then I'll be the guide, for all time. For all time."

Credit given where credit is due-- Death Cab for Cutie

I feel inspired to work on vows, like a first mock up... too early?

*3- Real visit, really happening...

I looked at my first venue yesterday! Big day in preparation for the biggest. And the best part...

... drum roll ...

... I could imagine it there in a heartbeat.

-more details-

As mentioned, we are looking for an incredibly affordable option. $3000 for Saturday and Sunday weddings, but a low $2500 for Friday. My adorable fiancé has a hard time grasping the idea of paying so much to just "hang out" in a place; I am trying to be the 'realistic' individual in respect to what I have found in my research (I have gotten real friendly with Here Comes the Guide ). I think we have a healthy balance- he keeps me in line with the moneys and I research research research and relay my findings.



In addition to the location and its fee, for just under 1000 buckeroos, all linens, tables, chairs, two bars, paper lanterns, additional lighting, and a dance floor!

Here is my trouble, this sounds like a bomb idea, but I am I just paying for the trouble of not going through other vendors? I looked up how much some things cost to rent and chairs for a dollar and tables for ten, seems like it would all add up for everything we would need.

End of story, I loved it, but I MUST keep telling myself that this is the first place that I actually walked around and took lots of pictures. BBBUT it will not be forgotten (plus the lady was the sweetest!)


What do you think, good deal, not, should I have signed already (Jk)?

*2- My plan of action (or rough plan)

I love the big, princess weddings. I love the beach or resort getaway weddings. But I prefer to plan those weddings for other brides with that dream and help them with those adventures. It's funny, but after all I have seen about weddings, even if budget wasn't an issue, I love the idea of a small casual affair, with the closest, most important people in my life, just celebrating and having a good time.

That's what it is about after all, n'est pas?

Here is a quick rundown of my general idea of my big day--

*rustic setting

*do it yourself decorations, invites, menus, favors, centerpieces, etc.

*afternoon ceremony, early evening reception in the fall

*simple dress with some colored accessories

*delicious hors d'oeuvres and dessert

*lovely gifts for loved ones

*patterns and colors <3

*wonderful photography

*homemade beer, cake, and pie

*picnic-esque?

*did someone say crochet?

Ok maybe not all of these things, but hopefully you get an idea. Here is a little bit of love for you today, and more to come your way, trust me I have a lot of it.

(I do love the pine cone, O! and the pattern runner, O!! and the solid white with a hint of color--so so lovely, I want!)

*1- My grand entrance

Tadah!! and hello!! Finally it starts, a blog.

Starting a blog has been on the top of my to-do list since I first discovered wedding blogs ... was it etsy? was it weddingbee? ... sigh.

But why, what do I have to say, and why would anyone care?

Well, perhaps no one will care- I hope some might- But I love weddings, I have studied weddings for years, and I attend/plan weddings for ends meat!

Sure I have my foot in the door into the wedding industry, but it is an industry that is always changing and one you can never learn everything about.

If that wasn't reason enough for me to, well, journal to the public; I also just got engaged! Now, after years of looking at bridal magazines for my vocational interests, now my warn in subscriptions deserve another look with a new motive. And now, what do I pick having seen so much?!

And here is the kicker... I am on a tight budget. Tight as in an almost impossibly low number for the great area of LA that I live in. Tight as in $10,000.

But, I am determined to do it for even less, call me crazy, but I am excited by the challenge.

So it starts, a blog, planning MY wedding, and saving money, and all while planning others.