outfit post - Bridal edition

Below are details from my bridal outfit. Click on the descriptions for links to that product or website, if the exact product is no longer available. I tried my best to do everything on a budget, even though my dress was a huge splurge! 

Dress: White by Vera Wang at David's Bridal

(dress was altered)

(Veil is from the same collection...similar here)

Organza Fit and Flare Gown with Bias Flange Skirt Style VW351011

Sash: David's Bridal

shoes: Enzo Angiolini Slingbacks! Currently on sale!!!! (photo from Polyvore)

Every bride needs a pair of flats! 

N by Nicole Miller at JCP

Since I twisted my ankle a few weeks before, I wore these most of the time. 

Bracelets: Forever 21 - I purchased two and stacked them

for added bling! It looks better in person! (photo from website)

Earrings: Charming Charlie

Hair Piece: Icing (pictured in black on the website)

The one thing that took me a lot longer to find was the perfect necklace. 

I originally fell in love with Vera Wang's Big Crystal Necklace. It is no longer available, and it was not in my budget. This was the only other necklace that stole my attention from all others. The price wasn't right again. I was so annoyed. I spend months looking for a necklace. Then, this one popped up on ebay! My dad and and I waited until the last second and bid on this beautiful statement necklace by Kate Spade! 

Who doesn't love Ebay (a recent auction)

(corset is also from David's Bridal, Panties from Victoria's Secret)

A bonus picture with my husband!!!! 

Suit: rented from Formally Modern Tuxedo

Tie: Marshalls

Shoes and shirt : gift

194 days...

Until the wedding!

I can't believe it's already 2012. I'm sitting here typing up this blog a year and one day after Joe purposed to me. Ahh such sweet memories.

I have really been slacking in the planning department. I planned to do some planning in December, but with work and Christmas, I never really felt up to it. I am finally anxious and ready to continue the planning. Below are things I have already booked/purchased.

1. Venue - Kitchen Chicago
2. DJ -  Windy City Mix
3. Photographer - AE Photography
4. Dress - David's Bridal

My next goal is the table/chair rentals and catering. This has been ridiculously difficult. Everything is so expensive. I knew what I was getting into, but it doesn't make it any easier. My biggest worry is the room transformation after the ceremony into the reception. I've been watching a lot of Whose Wedding is it Anyway? and it makes me long for a wedding planner who can make everything go smoothly. Those are just so expensive. 

I am now trying to find somebody who can make jewelry. I know what necklace of my dreams looks like, I just need somebody to make it!

My small goals are to create a timeline of the day and brainstorm on what the decor will consist of. It will help to book the rentals first, so that I know exactly how much I have. 

I need to finalize the save-the-dates and send them out this month!

Bridesmaids dresses need to be picked out (this month?) and purchased soon

Ahh, I also need to start eating better and losing weight! This starts tomorrow! 

So much to do!

Statement Necklaces!

I've been trying to find the perfect statement necklace for my dress. It's not just any dress, it's the dress. So the necklace has to be perfect! Those who know me, know my obsession for jewelry that has been around since I was 13. I feel like this necklace has to be fantastic, but more importantly, unique. Here are some necklaces that I love, but just aren't quite the one. I haven't given up though! The truth is, the necklace I fell in love with is by Vera Wang and is no longer available. It's probably better for my pocket this way. haha!

Necklace from Ebay!  

This is so pretty and super affordable!

This is a necklace you can rent, and then buy if you love it! 

How awesome is that! It isn't that affordable, but is by the designer Kenneth Jay Lane. 

www.bagborroworsteal.com

I kind of liked this one. I'm not so sure anymore. 

http://dramatic-jewels.com/products/crystal-bridal-necklace-on-multi-strand-collar

This one is no longer available. 

It isn't exactly what I would want for a wedding.

It is a fantastic necklace though. I want it! 

Versace Necklace

This one isn't available anymore, 

but you can look on amazon for some great prices on jewelry.

Amazon!

This is a dream necklace. Tom Binns is a fantastic designer. 

For those who really want a statement and some color, this one is a dream!

Tom Binns

I'm so sorry for the screenshots. It wouldn't let me copy the images.

These two necklaces are fantastic. I've never purchased anything from this

website but their jewelry is simply amazing. I love the second piece for incorporating 

black into their Designer inspired statement necklace. It is stunning. I'm considering this one for a rehearsal dinner or something. The prices are super affordable. 

www.happilyeverafterjewelry.net/#!designer-celebrity-inspired/productsstackergallery3=20

Those are all the necklaces that I love. The one's that I love the most, I can't share just in case Joe stumbles on this blog! 

What statement necklaces are you in love with? 

melissaisaiphotography.com

Bridal Expo!

I went to Matrix League's Bridal Expo on Sunday. I originally went to see Windy City Mix, the DJ I hired. Since we decided to book him right away, we went just for fun. It was at a small hotel with a handful of vendors. Most of them weren't worth seeing. In my opinion, there shouldn't be a real estate agent or Vendors that act unprofessional at an expo. The best vendors were the ones selling jewelry, and the photo booth. Just when we had seen everything and were ready to go, it was time for them to do the raffle.  There weren't many people there. There were probably only four brides there. They had given Gabi (my future sister-in-law) and I multiple tickets. Below are all the prizes I won.

What's on that sheet of paper you ask? 

A free candy buffet for up to 50 people! I didn't actually win this one. I guess they forgot to announce the winner for this prize, and since there weren't many people there they saw how excited Gabi and I were when we won something. We cheered every time. haha. Anyway, I think she knew I wanted it, and gave it to my mom for me! I am so excited. Free candy? You can't go wrong. I'll have to call and find out about the details later. 

The digital photo frame was something I knew Joe would love. He was excited. 

These pair of earrings are from Stella Dot!

I was super excited to win something from them. Their jewelry is fantastic. 

 

This next one was from Park Lane.

It's a little bow with a small pearl underneath. It's adorable! 

They also called me today to tell me I won a $50 gift certificate and a private viewing with my friends. I think this is the kind of company that you have jewelry parties with. I need to call them back and find out all the details. 

 

The best part of the actual event, other then winning all those prizes, was the photo booth! 

Photo Booth Express was the company. It was so much fun to do silly poses and have our pictures taken in a photo booth that could fit so many people! I want one of these for my wedding so bad! I really hope there is room in my budget for one! 

After the expo my mom and I want to David's Bridal to pick up on the accessories I had purchased that came in. When we arrived we were told that my dress is being shipped! It's on it's way! The lady was so nice and appoligized for us making the trip. She suggested we leave pick up the accessory when the dress comes in! She gave me $40 in Shutterfly money. Yay for a day full of free gifts!