(Wedding Recap) Details, Details

October 7, 2011 2 Comments

There are a couple things I need to point out, to validate my/our hard work and document the end results.

For the ceremony, my mom purchased a kit from Michael’s craft stores and then made the layout with her fine Microsoft Office skills.  My dad then helped her print, arrange, and tie the bows. (Thanks Mom & Dad!)  We placed them on chairs for guests, prior to the ceremony.

I found some reserved seating cards on TheKnot.com. (Which reminds me, I need to sell them… anyone want them?)  These were perfect for the ceremony!

The kepot were passed out at the door, thanks to our dear friend, Eric.  We decided to go with a contrasting color to the bridesmaids dresses to change things up a bit.

Post ceremony, the guests were lead to the Board Room where one bar was located, or to the Portico, outside, where there were cabaret (high-top) tables and another bar.  And I have no picture of this. But it existed.

Before entering the cocktail hour area you came across a table with escort cards, decorated with floating candles, similar to some of the table arrangements.  I stupidly printed out all the cards myself, a few days before the wedding (with the help from amazing Lara!).  Turns out, when you do this task after midnight and when your husband is already away on his bachelor party, you will make mistakes… like forgetting a whole table.  whoops!

I found this gift box at Target, days prior to the wedding. I used the same ribbon as I did for my niece’s flower girl basket and the escort card (to differentiate entree choices), for flair.

Each escort card led guests to their assigned table, named after a different zoo animals (a nod to Mike’s proposal!)

At each seat lay menu cards and benchers (Jewish prayer books – which we forgot to use!) flanked each table. Sidenote: I also printed these menu cards out in the wee-hours of the morning.  Not advised.

As mentioned before, I made the cake topper (with that same ribbon).

The bridesmaid’s flowers surrounded the cake table. 

And my bouquet graced our sweetheart table, along with my special clutch from Etsy!

These little elements all came together so nicely!

{all photos by the awesome Studio Juno}

Filed Under: cake, Carnegie Institute, details, flowers, Judaism, Mike, proposal, venues, wedding

More Venue Stalking!

May 23, 2011 6 Comments

While the internet allows my fair share of venue stalking, a few weeks ago we experienced some first hand, quality venue stalking. No, we didn’t crash anyone else’s wedding… per-say.  However, our catering point of contact allowed us to swing by before a wedding at our venue!  Whats even better – it was a Jewish wedding so their chuppah was set up and ready to go!

 So pretty, right?  I honestly have no idea what our chuppah will look like, aside from four posts with fabric.
There will be flowers somewhere.  and people.
and Mike and I.  so that’s good.
I love the light in this space!
The ballroom was set up with eleven 5.5′ tables.  We will probably have around  eleven or twelve 6′ tables.
This bride wanted  a french vintage theme.  The tablecloths were gold with silver patterns.  There were white, gold, and ivory accents everywhere.  So lovely!
 This space will be tight with twelve tables and chairs.  And to think, we were originally hoping for 17 tables!
Of course, we will have bar. This shows the Board Room, and Mike talking with his hands.
In just 3.5 weeks we will set up for our wedding there!!
Filed Under: BlogBook, the big day, venues

Meeting of the Minds

April 26, 2011 4 Comments

Mike and I took action to solve many loose ends and figure out details.  After meeting with our wedding planner, catering point of contact, photographer, and venue point of contact all together at the venue itself, we have many tidy bows on details.  And then we have more things to think about!!

Mainly we needed to figure out two extremely important things: where will the band and bars be located?

See, the ten piece band needs an extensive performance area, but we also need the area in front of the door open.  No worries, we found a good spot for the performers and the doors can easily open wide.

Next up, the bar!  While one bar will be located in an easily accessible room, we were unclear if putting the additional bar on the portico made sense, if it allowed for family photos outside after the ceremony, and if passerby’s might wander up and help themselves to our celebration.  Thanks to a security guard and selective timing of photos, we should be fine with the outdoor bar.

While discussing those details, we also found a place for our photo booth, decided where I will put on my finishing touches, how the ketuba will be displayed, and where the escort card table and coffee station will be!  TA-DA!

It feels good to get things figured out.
Too bad spring break is over, for me. I guess I’ll have to go back to productive wedding planning on the weekends!

Filed Under: BlogBook, muzak, photography, planner, the big day, update, venues

Venue Stalking

February 6, 2011 8 Comments

Occasionally I search the internet for update pictures of our wedding venue.  I always check out the venue itself when we drive by, too.   I won’t lie, I wave at it.

At any rate, here are a few recent photos of weddings at the Carnegie Institution!

{source}  — our photographer!
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Now THOSE photos get me excited!
We’re going to have such a blast!  
Filed Under: BlogBook, Carnegie Institute, photography, venues, wedding

Weekend O’ Wedding Planning!

May 10, 2010 1 Comment

My parents were in town for the weekend, not only to see me (and help plan the wedding) but for my third-cousin’s wedding.  Naturally I was not invited because she’s my third cousin and I honestly never met the girl!  However, her reception was held at The City Club – a place which was secretly in contention as our reception site.  No, don’t go looking through my past posts for info on it because you will not find it.  Never before did I mention City Club because Mike and I did not feel it was for us, so I didn’t even go there.  That should say enough about it and it’s fit for us.

Moving on.

On Friday I whisked my parents over to the Carnegie Institute for their own tour of the facility.  (Click on that link for a previous post and my take on the place.)  They instantly fell in love, and how can you not: the grand marble staircase, the beautiful rotunda, the elegant ballroom, the huge french-door entrance, and the staff is largely helpful.  At this point we began entertaining the idea of a June 2011 wedding, since our summers are open.  Also, my parents will celebrate 45 years of marriage on June 18.  What a nice tribute to them to be married on/around that date.  (We also found out the CI takes credit cards, which means bonus points on the visa!)

Saturday we viewed Glen Echo Park.  I put a tentative hold on Memorial Day weekend of 2011, and have yet to receive a contract.  We also had to track down a representative of the park to give us a tour, so Mike and I largely winged-it ourselves.  As much as it pains me to give up on GEP, there are too many variables, which my parents helped me to see:  weather, shuttle buses, distance to bathrooms, drinks in a confined space, location.  However, there is a way around this.  We can still take pictures at GEP prior to the ceremony!  My mom proposed getting transportation for the wedding party and immediate family, pre-nuptials – enjoying the GEP grounds through photographs with ceremony ad celebrating at Carnegie. 
That I can do!

Then we started entertaining April dates, settled on two possibilities, then realized grad-school calendar would not allow for such.  Back to June dates.

I put a request in with the Carnegie Institue for June 19.  I’m not allowing myself to get excited, yet, until I hear the availability.  I hope, hope, hope, though that it is!

Oh, and we enjoyed a lovely Mother’s day together as a family!

Filed Under: BlogBook, Carnegie Institute, family, venues, wedding ideas

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