Oh Happy Day!

{Images via The Knot, BBJ Linens, Bourdage Pearls, Zappos,

Rosenow Florals, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Calypso, Flickr & Nordstrom}

Since I only want to get married once in my life, I sometimes find it hard to pare down all the ideas for one day. Planning a wedding is so exciting.  Although now that the wheels are in motion, it has made me say goodbye to all the ideas that could have been.  So much for spring green and violet, creamy whites or buttery yellows.  Goodbye to the barn wedding in the fall.  Adios to the mason jars and bales of hay.  Ta ta to the backyard bash I first envisioned right after we got engaged.

When it comes right down to it, I have to go with what I have always loved.  Springtime, gardens, shades of pink, peonies, a crisp suit and lots of pie.  

While it is hard to say goodbye to all the weddings that may have been, it is even better to say a big HELLO to the wedding that will be.  

Details, details...

{Image via Paper Source}

For the longest time I couldn't figure out why I was so drawn to this little flourish from Paper Source. And then, it dawned on me.  Such a tiny detail, but I love that there are little hidden hints of fleur de lis.  This is especially fitting since we're getting married in Louisville and a fleur de lis is the official symbol of the city.  

I'm sure that no one will possibly notice this small detail but me, but I think it is just perfect.

Me + Pink = BFF

{Image via Rosenow Floral}

As I'm sure you've noticed, this gal loves pink.  Like many girls, it has been my signature color since birth.  I totally got it when Elle Woods said... "whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed."  Well, I'm with you Elle... but these beautiful flowers made me a believer that pink and orange can be pals.  

This has made me think that I can sneak pinks in here and there without having a Barbie Dream Wedding (the boy offers his sincere gratitude, Style Me Pretty!).  

Don't worry, pink.  You're still my homegirl.

BBQ, Anyone?

{Image via Greer Chicago}

We've decided to have a good, old fashioned backyard BBQ for our rehearsal dinner. Simple, casual and so "us." Plus, we can invite our out of town guests without feeling like we're overwhelming the hosts. I found these super-cute invites that would be perfect.

Are these dreamy or what?

{Image via Shopstyle.com}

After eyeing these Lou Lous for MONTHS... I found them on sale for less than 1/2 the **coughoverly ridiculouscough** price. I know, I know. Still way too much to spend on shoes. But they are oh so pink and lovely. They were the last pair, in my size and on sale. I think it was meant to be.

Am I going to regret having 1. bright pink shoes or 2. no straps around my ankles for twirling?

All in the family...

{Image via APracticalWedding.com}

I absolutely LOVE the idea of displaying family wedding photos at a reception.  (Great inspiration from APracticalWedding above).  So sweet, sentimental and sometimes, utterly hilarious.  My parents got married in the very early 80's... need I say more?  

While pondering whether or not I would wear my grandmother's wedding dress (even though her dress is SO Jackie O, I decided I wanted my own), I thought of a way to take this photo concept one step further. I'm going to display my mother's, grandmother's and great-grandmother's wedding dresses on dress forms along with a snapshot or two from their big days.  Now I just need to find an inexpensive way to get the dress forms.  Perhaps I'll call the wedding dress shop and ask if I could borrow a few for a day.  Anyone tried this or something similar?

{Image via Project Runway}

Finally... we set a date!

View of the historic home

View of the rose gardens

{Images via Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary}

Well, we finally set a date.  After nine long hours of waiting in line (yes, you heard that correctly) we are all set for next May.  YAY!  When I first heard about this location from my FFIL, I immediately wrote it off because they only allow beer and wine.  

Let me explain further... I come from a huge family... all of whom love to have a great time and enjoy life... with cocktails.  Lots of cocktails.  

In the very beginning, I wanted a rustic southern garden wedding... complete with mason jars and quilt covered hay bales.  I thought I had found the perfect outdoor location.  The whole "having everything outdoors" thing scared my Mom.  Plus renting a tent and everything that goes with it is EX-PEN-SIVE!  Venue drama ensued.  

Which leads to me taking a second look at lovely Gardencourt.  The rose garden is like a secret garden and when I saw it for the first time, I knew it was "THE" place.  (Thank you for not letting me settle, Mom!)  Of course, it couldn't possibly be easy.  Oh no.  They open dates to the general public each year in early June.  So crazy brides wait in line, sometimes up to 24 hours, to secure a date and sign a contract.  Before I set my baby blues on that secret garden, I said NO WAY would I wait in line with crazy brides for 24 hours.  And then... I saw it... and I waited, and waited and waited some more.  

It actually ended up being a great day.  The weather was awesome, the "crazy brides" ended up being really wonderful people and my sweet fiance was there for moral support.  All in all, a great time and a funny story to tell the kiddos one day.

Any good stories how you went to great lengths for your wedding?

I heart bridesmaid dresses...

{Image via Calypso Christiane Celle}

I have four wonderful bridesmaids... all different heights and shapes. One is super athletic, one average size, one teeny-tiny and one will have given birth a couple of months before the wedding.

I initially thought I would have them pick their own designs. They all have such great style, plus I wanted them to feel comfortable. Then I found this cute little number from Calypso. It can be worn four ways (I didn't believe it until I paid a visit to the local store). You can crush it in a suitcase and it still looks fabulous. It comes in basic sizes so no alterations will be necessary. And it is so darn wearable. I might be buying one of these for myself! Now if only they would make it in the perfect pink.

Just as you are...

[Image via Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen]

The best advice I ever received was to be no one other than yourself.  Coming from a very huge, fun yet traditional family, my sounding board thinks I'm off my rocker when I share snippets of my grand wedding plan.  But I am just certain that there is more to a wedding day than a white dress, a big cake and tossing a bouquet.  It is about being exactly who you are.   

So I say, Cake, Schmake!  I'm having wedding PIE!