6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 6 - Sowers Glass

When we started to look for toasting flutes we addressed what should be engraved onthe glasses.  Once they decidede that it would be great to have the Army Seal on one side and their names and date on the other.  I found some companies that could engrave their names and date, but did not do the seal.  So once again started the hunt for the perfect  military toasting flutes.  I had finally found a company that could do this and then......  On a bright Monday morning I went to order them......  and the company was in restructuring and could not accept orders!!!  Oh no!  Lets start again.  So this time I searched for "wedding flute engraving in florida"  and I fould Sowers Glass Engraving.  I called the store and spoke with Sherrie Sowers another can do kind of gal, and heard "Absolutely, I can do that".  Sherrie emailed me with several Army Seal designs that she could put on the glasses and Shannon was able to choose the perfect one. 

THANKS so much to SOWERS GLASS ENGRAVING the toasting flutes were perfect.  Sherrie completed the flutes so fast and shipping was perfect.  We were al so pleased.  She also told me they can engrave almost anything, and you can see some of their items on their web site.  In fact you can see a picture of the exact flutes.   THANKS AGAIN.

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photograph may be used or reproduced without permission.

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 3 - A NEW BEGINNING HAIR SALON

Shannon had an idea of how she wanted to wear her hair for the wedding and weeks a go I made an  appointment for her with Debbie, owner of A NEW BEGINNING HAIR SALON in Punta Gorda (941-639-7773).  Her salon is located on Sullivan street in the big green house. 

Shannon printed out pictures of styles she liked to show Debbie, and that really helped.   Shannon had also purchased a piece of hair jewelry since she was not going to be wearing a veil. We took that along so Debbie could make sure to style Shannon's hair using it.  Debbie also was REALLY clear with Shannon.... "If you do not like what I am doing, let me know right away....Remember that I will not be offended....I want you to be happy with your hair."  Yea! Debbie and a great big THANKS.  You are great and Shannon's hair was beautiful.  Just perfect with THE DRESS. 

   Shannon and Debbie

Shannon's hair close up

And Shannon's hair at the end of the evening.  It stayed beautifully.

Debbie had a great hint for styling - wash your hair the night before, be sure to use some product that adds volume.  This makes it easier to style like this, and also increases the staying power.  Make sure your stylist has a great idea of what you want for your style.  And be sure to speak up, you do not want to have your hair styled, only to go home to take it down and do it yourself.  A great stylist will work with you to make your day beautiful.  Thanks Debbie.  

Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 2

THE DRESS - Alfred Angelo Bridal in Fort Myers Florida certainly had the right sale at the right time for Shannon.  After only 1 1/2 hours the had found THE DRESS!  WOW.

It was the perfect dress for Shannon, not too fancy but with elegance.  Perfect for a beach wedding.  The dress has a beaded bodice with a modified bow that accentuates the left hip area.  

The back has buttons with crystal centers all the way to the end of the train.  The train was busseled for the reception, since that was also on the beach.

Shannon could not have asked for a more perfect dress.  Thanks to the staff at the store.  They made finding the dress a joy.  

The bride could not have been more beautiful.  

  Photos: Lester Kuhn Photography and Serrin Boys Photography.  No Photogragh may be used or reproduced without permission

6 weeks to a wedding - Thanks 1

I must say that the wedding went off without a hitch.  And now begins the MANY MANY THANKS to everyone that we purchased goods or services from.  Shannon was an absolutely beautiful bride, and Nick looked very handsome in his Uniform.  Everthing we ordered was perfect and arrived in time.  I am so happy that the weather was clear and warm. Who would have thought that Florida would have the coldest weeks before and during christmas! 

Thanks Lester Kukn Photography - all rights reserved - may only be re- used  with permission

I will be posting all of the links for services and products we ordered so if you wish, you can also check them out for your event.  We really focused on quality and economy, and know we could have easily spent 10 times the amount on the wedding, just to get it done faster.  But, it probabally would not have been any better. 

If you can't find what you want for your event, ask, I may have found it in my wedding planning searching.  I was amazed at how hard it was to find some of the items we needed for the wedding, but I do know there sure is a wide range of prices fo rthe exact same thing.  Hope you have as much fun reading as much as I did planning.

6 weeks to a wedding - T-1 day

Oh this has been so very much fun.  All of Nick's family are here for another of the COLDEST weeks in warm, sunny Florida.  Everything is ready!!!!!!  But everyone is COLD.  We are hoping for warmer weather tomorrow afternoon (everyone went out yesterday and bought sweatshirts and sweaters). 

Today the flowers are to be delivered.  And we have only a few items on the agenda. 

• Finish the angels for the favors
• Take flowers to Cindy for the cake
• Pack up all of the items that will go to Pat at the Portifino on Wednesday morning
• Grocery shop for the few things that are needed for the dinner tonight
• Buy live shrimp so the boys can fish off the dock today.  Am hoping they catch something......

Tomorrow
Breakfast with all of the girls  @Hendricks Food Vault
Shannon gets her hair done at 10
All items over to Pat @Portifino at 11
A bunch of stuff in between and WEDDING at 2................................

This 6 weeks have gone by so quickly, I can hardly believe it.  I think we are all set!!! And we did not break the bank on any item.  I'll give you much more information after the wedding and get a final total of all the costs associated with the wedding.  You can be frugal and end up with a wonderful, joyous occasion and not continue to pay for it over the next 2 years.   Can't wait to post the pictures after.

6 weeks to a wedding -13

WOW, thanks to The Knot the extra stuff is here.  I cannot believe just how fast they were getting them to us.  Napkins - printed, Cake knife and server - engraved, Bubbles, Golf T's imprinted, and some cameras so others can have fun taking pictures during the wedding and reception.  5 days from order to delivery to my door!!!!!  Wow. 

I still need the vases to be delivered for the Unity Sand Ceremony.  Emailed the Company today, and am hoping on Monday they can tell me the delivery date.  I have no tracking information yet from them.  The order was placed December 8th with no engraving!!!

I pick up Shannon's dress on the 22nd.   Flowers to be delivered the 28th.  Almost there.......

6 weeks to a wedding - 11 - 21 days and counting down

Wow, putting the finishing touches on the wedding plans.  Meeting with Cindy @ Baked Occasions set up for Monday to finalize the cake and hand over the cake topper and stand and the ribbon.  Spoke with Pat @ Portofino trying to figure out what we do with an outdoor wedding if it is as cold as it has been for the last couple of days here.  Shannon then also reminded me that they all live in IOWA where it was -6 this morning - without the wind chill!  I guess I really do not have to worry too much about 75 degree weather. 

Flowers - After speaking with loads of florists here in the area including several wholesalers we have settled on Abaco Flowers.  They are based out of Miami.  The flowers are shipped from the fields to my door.  They recommend getting the flowers 2 - 3 days in advance but because the wedding is the 29th and Christmas is just before, the flowers are set for a 12/28 delivery.  Price?  Local florists want $10 per stem for Calla lilies.  At Abaco I ordered a quarter box, which is 50 stems for $99 and that includes shipping. 

Unity Sand Ceremony - Shannon and Nick want to have a Unity Sand ceremony.  It's alot like the unity candle, but using sand and layering into one container.  Thanks to Specialty Stores Inc, (which happens to be based out of Bellevue, Washington just a few minutes up the freeway form our old home in Maple Valley) I found the exact vases and stand that Shannon wanted.  Thanks also to Sandsational Sparkle for the sand - they were the only ones that had both of the colors we needed, Royal purple and moss green.

Misc stuff - Thanks to The Knot I was able to do some one-stop-shopping for all of the other stuff.  Bubbles, personalized napkins, personalized cake knife and server, personalized golf tee's, and some wedding cameras for everyone to take other pics too.  A great deal and a 20% off coupon too. 

THE DRESS????????????  Is still n the not found list. 

Announcements - Shannon had to call yesterday to see what was going on.  Appears that things were not as described on the web site as to processing and shipping commitments - along with poor communication.  But at least they said they would get them out ASAP and send them express at no extra charge.  Was hoping to have them for this weekend to get them addressed.  Looks like it will be a next week item. 

All in all, I am amazed at how all of this is coming together.  21 days and counting>>>>>>>>

6 weeks to a wedding - 9

Photographer - found, contract to be signed ASAP. 

Thank you Photography by Lester Kuhn.   I am so very happy that this piece is now complete.  Check out his outstanding photos online.  And a fantastice price to boot.

6 weeks to a wedding - 28 days to go

We may have just found the photographer.  Am really excited.  He does have availability for the date, and his son is getting back for Iraq on Dec 16th.  Will post more later when every detail is confirmed.  Now for the flowers.  I think we are closing in on those too.  If we get these from a bulk supplier, we can get more, and use them on the cake and in some vases for decoration.

6 weeks to a wedding - 8

Wow, most of the major items have been ordered and either received or waiting to receive.  Everyone I have contacted have been WONDERFUL and so very helpful.  That has made finding all of the pieces of the puzzle much easier.

Announcements - Shannon has ordered and they should be on their way here.  Can't wait to be able to get them out for the 2 of them. 

I still need to find a photographer that is reasonably priced.  Serrin will be able to do a bunch of the pictures, but she is also in the wedding so..... we need at least a few hours of a photographer.    Flowers - I am still looking for a bulk flower dealer.  Since nicer purple flowers are hard to find Shannon has settled on Purple Calla Lilies.  Now I'm on the hunt.  Any suggestions anyone? 

Six weeks to a wedding - 7

Toasting Flutes -  Thanks to Sowers Glass Engraving Shoppe in Port Orange, Florida.  They emailed me back quickly with a great big YES.  They can etch the Army Seal and the date as well as their names.  This was one of the hardest items to track down due to wanting the Army Seal etched.    They do ship all over and have some very unique items.  WOW another piece of the puzzle in place.

6 weeks to a wedding - 3

CHECK - Wedding Album - Ordered and received in 4 days time. Thanks so much Aspinal of London. 

We love getting this album, and have done one for each of the girls weddings.  We attach envelopes with the fold out, throughout the album, leaving room for pictures to be added on the pages.  At the reception there is a basket with cards and pens with instructions for everyone to write a congratulations, encouraging words, or wisdom for a long and happy marriage and be sure to sign their names.  This time we will send out the cards with return envelopes for all those that will not be able to attend.  Those cards go in the envelopes for the happy couple to read.  It's been a lovely way for the kids to know just how much they are cared for and loved and they can look back at them for years to come.  Additional colors are available and you can add 1 or 2 line engraving to your album. 

Wedding Album

6 weeks to a wedding

WOW, we have 6 weeks to get a wedding planned.  My daughter's getting married!!  She's in Iowa, and the wedding will be in Florida.......  Have to get the officiant nailed down, then on to the the place,  then the rest should fall into place.  I can't believe how hard it is to find someone to officiate, but do have a couple of notes out to people. Some are already booked for that time, so I'm believing that we can find someone for that date.

Keep your fingers crossed..