My bling bling.

How amazing is this necklace? I ordered it because it was only $25 and it's a nice little option for the big day. I know it's not expensive or made of precious jewels and that may bother some people, but who says I have to wear pearls or be traditional? Most of the things I'm choosing for my wedding has a little twist or extra kick to keep it interesting. Why not my jewelry, too?

Splitting hairs.

My mum and her friend Debbie were in town last week to practice some up dos on my hair. I was showing them both the hair styles I've previously posted on this blog and actually found the above picture of exactly what I want in the process. So here it is... Debbie was able to use this as a model and then add her own artistic touch. It's going to be gorgeous and I'm going to feel like a freaking super model.

& the winner is...

Here's the idea for a theme that I'm running with: All the table names will have an "&" in it. Dave insists that there's a Snoop & Dr. Dre table. WTF? Like my grandmother Tootsie would understand that one. The requirement to fit the bill is that each thing has to make the other better. For example, wine & cheese. Wine is good, but when you add cheese, it's like a party in your mouth. That's why Peanut Butter & Chocolate works better than Peanut Butter & Jelly, but either are good choices. Anyway, I think I'll have a mini block ampersand on top of the cake, too. It will say Mr. & Mrs. And then like in the picture above, I'm going to tie one of these 12" ampersands between Dave's and my chair. Other things I'm looking for: green & white striped linen napkins, pops of green for centerpieces, textured whites and khakis.

Hooray! Less than 4 months away!

Decisions. Decisions.

I found these all on one website and almost fell out of my chair. I love them. Love LOVE them. Dave and the followers of this blog will have to help me decide. I also don't understand what all the matching pieces mean. I know I need the invitation, the envelope and a reply card. What's the other stuff for? Do I need a reception card? A menu? So the invite on the left is already in the proper coloring scheme. The other two would simply be printed in one color, either green or bronze. I'd hope to see both proofs though to decide which looks better. xoxoxo.

Word.

I've scoured the internet looking for unique looking invitations -- something that doesn't follow the normal routine. And the above choices were seriously tough to find. My favorite has to be the bottom left except that the colors would be either white lettering on green with a yellow/orange flower, or some combination of white, khaki, green and blue. I noticed only after I created the board that all the invites had avant garde lettering in common (except for the bottom center which is only cool because it fans out). So this is definitely going to be the highlight of my invite. The font. Just have to find the right printer to design it for the right price.

Waist deep in wedding worries.

I'm about to cross cake and officiant off the list. That feels awesome, but we're still looking for a band. This band will literally need to perform miracles on demand. They have to play a variety of genres, but play all genres perfectly, they aren't allowed to know how to be cheesy, they have to be less than $3k, and at some point they are going to have to learn how to play Time After Time. FML. Where will I find such an ensemble?

Invitations are slowly rising up the rank of priorities. These suckers need to be ordered and then addressed sometime in early 2010. Oh yes, they firstly have to be found (or designed by me, the non-artist).

I'm still waiting to bolt upright with the epiphany of exactly how everything will come together. It hasn't happened yet, so everything is incoherently swimming around in my head. Colors? What colors? The only thing for sure is the green bridesmaid dresses. Oh, and my idea to do green striped pocket squares for the groomsmen.

Straight up wavy.

Everyone knows I wear my hair up every day and that you're more likely to see a midget in a business suit than you are to see me with my hair down, but I would love love love to have my hair long and wavy for a beachy-style wedding. Cons: the wind could blow my hair into my face while I'm repeating vows/eating cake/kissing Dave. Pros: I look less like a man. Cons: Frizz is a definite possibility. Pros: I look less like a man (this one is worth two points). At the very least I think we should test out some voluminous wavy waves.

Drop it like it's hot.

I found all these drop-style earrings on Etsy.com. I've become a little obsessed with this website because it allows everyone to be an artist and to actually cash in on their hobby. How awesome. I have yet to join in the pilgrimage for the extra cash flow; guess I'm still trying to figure out what I can make. I don't think people would buy mod podged collages of skinny magazine models. Moving on. So my favorites are the feathery earrings. I picture my great elegant dress paired with unexpected accessories. And then have some of the same unexpectedness used in the centerpieces and other areas of decor. Also like the idea of my accessories matching my bridesmaids' dresses.

Latest and greatest

Save the dates are in. Catering tasting tomorrow. Finishing website this weekend. Vegas in October, possible trip to Mal Pais for the holidays... I hope I have time to soak in all the fabulous things that are happening around me. Work has been so stressful lately and it's been hard to find the positives. Until this moment, I didn't realize this was making it hard to enjoy the positives in my personal life. Will work on this. Tonight, arts and crafts with a glass of wine and Grizzly Bear (a band I've recently discovered. Thanks Tim!).

Filet Chignon.

Aren't these so pretty? I really like Lauren's little braids that are mixed in to the low chignon; they add a bohemian-ness that I love. Not digging the center part. Could be perceived as too 70's. Rhianna's hair kind of looks like my every day 'do, but I love the big side sweeping part and volume at the crown. Taylor's front wingies might be too "prom" for me, plus if my hair frizzes at all, the whisps/tendrils could fall flat. Jessica's platinum locks look so sweet and shiny. It's a little plain but a bright flower could be just the ticket. The model at the middle bottom, her chignon is VERY neat. Does anyone think it might be a little too rigid/50's housewife/Joan Clever-esque? The middle top picture has a very complicated bun thing. I like the subtle messiness paired with the complexity. Sounds a lot like my personality. Or a really good glass of wine.

Say cheese...

I finally found the website of the photographers of my dear friend Jenn's wedding. They are an awesome couple and I wanted to book them before I even saw their photos. Check out their website: Goodnickels Photography It's exactly what I was looking for.

Save the dates that save the day.

This is such a sweet little save the date. If our version doesn't turn out as well, I'm stealing this idea.

It's not a piece of cake.

This is how I picture my wedding cake, only I know that fondant doesn't taste good at all and any decorative touches such as these cute orange flower cutouts increase the cost exponentially. Maybe I could have an all white square cake with orange flowers...ooh, now I want a piece of cake.

How to make an entrance.

Do you think my parents would be mad if I started off the ceremony like this? Looks like the best way to break the ice. The only part I'd change is that I want my Dad to dance with me down the aisle. He's got some great moves.

Groom the groom 3.

Look at this sassy suit with a vest. The guy isn't all that bad either. What is it about bald guys? I love it and I think it's weird/funny.

Groom the groom 2.

This is really what I keep thinking in my head sans the blue tie. Maybe no tie, or a really pretty orange/blue stripe? Just really simple and comfortable. Also pretty easy for the groomsmen to get the same pants. This suit is from Banana Republic. They also have one with a vest which would be another way to set Davey apart from the other guys. I wish all the decisions were this easy.

Hair today, gone tomorrow.

I love this. People with naturally curly hair need to put an end to your ridiculous whining. Boo-effing-hoo. It's such a shame you always look so fabulous. It must be so awful for you. The complaint department for you people is officially closed forever. If I really could have any wedding hair style I want no matter what kind of hair I currently have, it would be long and wavy and voluminous and something funky like this loosely braided side pony.

Too little too late.

Here's another blue and orange inspiration board. I like the bridesmaid's dresses and the cake is REALLY cute with the little orange fish.

On another note, I have found the three caterers I like and I just have to get one more quote. Then I think I'll pick two for tastings and revised quotes. Time is flying and I feel like there is never time to just sit down and cross stuff off my list. Can't wait to go dress shopping with Jilly in August. Can you "work from home" for a couple days? haha.

The informality of going formal.

Thanks B for this beautiful display of what's quickly becoming the clear color scheme winner. I truly cannot decide on the dark or the light blue, but at least I know this is a narrowed decision. B and I agree that the darker blue lends to a more formal affair while the light bright blue is more beachy and laid back. Dave's working on the band and bar situation. I've got one quote in from a caterer and I'm waiting to hear back from my first choice caterer. Mashed potato martini bar either way...

This blue takes the cake.

This is my favorite so far...

Fashionably sensitive.

Is this ugly? I can't tell. I think it's cute and I kind of wish I could just wear it. Pick a shoe, any shoe. i just grabbed two I like from shoes.com, but the ones on the right are SUPER tall. The dress color is AMAZING, it's the blue I've been looking for and it's appropriately named Vintage Blue. Perf.

Maid for the bride.

Here are three strapless bridesmaid dresses that I like from jcrew.com. I don't think I'm fashionable enough to pick out a dress for four people. How about we pick a store and everyone picks out the dress they like in one shade or maybe even multiple shades? To make the MOH look different, Jill could have a different bouquet or a sash of a corresponding color. And for shoes, as it turns out, all my 'maids are on the short to medium heighth so flip flops may be out of the question. Maybe wedges? Something comfortable for sure. I'm going to need some help here. Think sun dresses meets cocktail dresses.

The sun sets in your drink.

How cute are these? Wonder if they'd make the guests' lips/tongues/teeth turn blue... And what exactly does a blue drink taste like?

See you at sunset.

I'm not sure why it hasn't come up before, but why not have sunset colors for flowers and accents? Kind of makes sense since the whole party sort of ends with a giant sunset. I'd want more blue accents than pink ones though. and more orange than red. Burnt persimmon, if you will. And electric blue. Hmmmmmm....

Center of attention.

I really like both these centerpiece options and I'm thinking of combining them. Neither one will block the view of the guests on the opposites sides of the table and I really wanted to add some branches or trees of sorts to the roofdeck. It's also very Spring like to have budding blossoms, too. And wine bottles... duh. I knew there was a reason to keep drinking. Dave suggested hitting some local wineries and finding some new California bottles to share with the guests. Maybe Becca can help in this search on her upcoming trip to San Diego?

Night moves.

I found this picture on google maps. It's the street right in front of the Cove Suites. New blog stuff to come, just have to touch base with my MOH. Stay tuned...

Trying it on for size.

I've been trying this out for a couple days and it's starting to grow on me. Anyone see any issues with this date? Holidays too close? Evil voo doo with the numbers 4 or 17? I did hear that 4 was bad luck, but I think only in some far East countries.

This is it.

I visited the La Jolla Cove Suites yesterday. The outside of the building... ok. The elevator... not exactly the Ritz. But on the roofdeck with this fabulous view, the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks, the palm tree-lined street, the sunset (and greenflash).... This is it. This is the venue I want. Just need Dave to approve, but I don't think that will be difficult.

Here comes the bride.

Alright, here it is. Me in the Monique Lhuillier dress. Yes, it's a little blurry, but I was enjoying walking around with the train. This picture solidifies the fact that I need to get a tan... an even tan. And possibly drop 10 lbs. I'll be picturing this when I'm running my 5k race this Saturday.

This was the cute vintage hair accessory that I loved to death. I also liked the capped sleeve straps on the dress and how it snapped in the back at the base of my neck. Very pretty.

I said yes to a dress.

Over the weekend, I tried on my very first wedding dress. The stiff crinoline scraping against my legs and the weight of the train pulling on my gait, it felt funny to walk across the floor, but standing on the little pedestal and staring at the future Mrs. Pessin, I finally felt like this is all real. Thank my lucky stars I had a friend there with me to take pictures and ooh and ahh with me. She even got me some of that free champagne. (Shoutout to Topes!) My most favorite thing I tried on was the vintage pearl and feather hair accessory. This would take the place of the veil completely. That's when I felt most like a bride. Oh, I almost forgot! You'll need to use your imagination and add little lace straps at the shoulders. (I'll post the pics of the actual fitting and the hair accessory later.) BTW, this dress is a Monique Lhuillier.

Picture perfect.

My cubemate told me about this photographer she knows through another friend. Heather Kincaid takes amazing pictures of weddings and engagement sessions. She does family portraits and other things as well. I fell in love with her perspective and textures and the way the photograph looks like it's been saturated in the most vivid color. Maybe that's a digital trick, but I can't tell. (http://www.heatherkincaid.com/)

Feeling good, Louis.

I just needed to take a time out from wedding stuff for a day or two while I get through the week. In the mean time, here's a picture of two of my most favorite people/puppies. I'm so lucky to have them. xoxo.

Isn't it darlington?

This is the Darlington House. I posted a picture a few weeks back about a white tent with twinkly lights and that image is from the photo gallery on this website. The only thing this place is missing is the ocean (it's not far away but I don't think there's a view). There may be a way to incorporate that aspect though. What about a beach wedding first, then a trolley ride to this place? (Jill, would you cry if the taco stand was nixed?)

Cliche Chic.

I don't care if it's all the rage to have a little grassy knoll for your name tags or centerpieces. I love the way it looks. Especially for a Spring wedding. Unless you think they look like little tombstones in a tightly packed graveyard. I hope I didn't just ruin this for myself.

We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

I LOVE this bouquet, mainly because I've never seen anything like it. The leaves remind me of when Dorothy first steps into Oz and everything was so vibrant and luscious. The photographer who shot this wedding is also based in Southern California. Lucky me.

Beached wedding.

Replace the red flowers with limey green ones and an accent yet to be determined and sprinkle flower petals down the aisle and we'll be on the same page. I still don't like the idea of this many people looking at me while I say "I do." Will that go away?

Up on the rooftop.

This is downtown San Diego as seen from the rooftop of Hotel Solamar. I'm imagining sipping champagne with my newly appointed husband and everyone I love on this earth. Amazing.

Pretty in purple and peacock feathers.

I love the peacock feather accent in her headband. The purple flowers are a bold choice but she totally pulls this off. To view more pictures of this bride, click on the image. (She wears bright yellow pumps and they are absolutely fabulous.)

Epitome of a water hazard.

Someone sent this to me with the strict warning, "Do not get married on a dock." Good idea.

Nightmare before wedding.

Last night I had this crazy dream that my mum found this veil for me and wanted me to try it on the morning of the big day. When I put it on it felt like a beekeeper's head net. It kept getting thicker and thicker and it started to get dark and hot underneath all the tulle, so much so that I was having trouble breathing. Then I woke up gasping for air. I don't know what it is about those things, but I don't imagine wearing one at all.

They look kind of ghostly, don't you think?

The perfect backdrop.

Dave and I visited The Dana on Mission Bay this weekend. It was absolutely beautiful and perfect and we could both see ourselves planning our big day here. These trees are the backdrop to one of the ceremony sites. I'm in love with how they look in pictures. (See the rest of the web album here.)

Fade to white.

I need to own this dress. I would do everything in it. Get married in it, sleep in it... you get the idea.

Groom the groom.

I'm kind of liking this vest look for a groom. It would probably work best with a vintage inspired wedding. The trick is to have fitted shirt underneath that doesn't have big billowy arms. I don't want a pirate-inspired wedding. Aaargh, matey!

Intensity in tent city.

Ignore the all-white linens, flowers and chairs and look up at the beautiful tent lined with tiny twinklies! Now picture bold colored flowers and lush green grassy center pieces along with other pops of great color to make this look less traditional and more bohemian/Moroccan.

Go green. And sky blue.

I could totally get married in this lush secluded spot. It epitomizes the exact reason we moved to San Diego. This particular venue won't have any stunning city skyline views though. How can I incorporate both the beach and the city? Like this....

Who invited the clown?

I really like these invitations from Pearl Press. Another favorite is the Modern Lotus.

Midspring's Night Dream

How pretty would these be underneath a budding tree on a warm Spring night? Or on a table underneath a beautiful white tent draped with tiny twinklies all around?

Turn On The Lights

Simple, but photographs well and gives the perfect atmosphere. No doubt the light will make everyone look fabulous.