A Picture is worth 1,000 words :: {video is priceless}

It's funny how some things I thought were important to me in my planning are now not that important. For example:  when I first started planning my wedding I was sure that I wanted live music.... now I don't mind having a DJ. Vinnie and I have our growing playlist on a shared google doc and we're totally okay with having someone just pull songs from that. However, the more time has passed, the more photography has become my main focus, or concern, if you will. When it comes to budgeting, I'm willing to give a little on other things so we can have awesome photography and not have to compromise. But one thing has been added to this mix.... videography! Ever since I watched my friends Jess & Mike Haro's wedding video by Love Spun I have been SOLD on the fact that I must have quality wedding video.

Here are a couple beautiful photos from their wedding

But watch their video and you'll see why I am SO inspired to have something like this to call my own :)

Mike & Jess Haro {Viansa Winery} Sonoma from Lovespun ~ Handmade Films on Vimeo.

I also love the cinematography from Picotte Weddings. Here are a couple photos from a wedding they shot

And here is the video where it all comes to life!

Maria + Sheffer . Le Chateau, Saddlerock Ranch . Malibu, CA from Picotte Weddings on Vimeo.

From my research I have found that good wedding cinematography can range anywhere from $2,800 to $6,000+

For my budget I am planning on sticking to the lower amount, but I am having video regardless. What are your thoughts on having your wedding documented on video? I have heard from some of my bride friends who did not opt for video that they wish they would have done it. What are your planning for your big day? Do you have any recommendations for a great videographer in southern California.... or maybe someone who's willing to travel? If so, please share by posting a comment :)

 

 

wedding timeline & color inspiration {so far so good}

When I got engaged September 12, 2011 I truly had NO idea what it would take to plan a wedding. Reading magazines and discovering that the average woman takes about a year to plan a wedding was surprising to me. To look back just 5 months ago to where I was and where I am now... WOW, I've come a long way, baby. I've laughed, I've cried and I almost convinced Vinnie to elope. But I have to say, at this point in the planning process I feel good. I have approx 7 1/2 months until my big day. I may not be exactly on the "Brides Magazine" countdown, but I'm comfortable with where I'm at...Here's what I've accomplished thus far :

  • Budget
  • Venue
  • Guest Count & Bridal Party
  • Wedding website (thank you www.modwedding.com for the fabulous & chic site! Oh, did I mention it was FREE?!?)
  • The Dress (gorgeous Elizabeth Fillmore gown for 75% off....SCORE!)
  • Met with a wedding planner
  • Scouted Photographers and Videographers (still need to hire one, but not stressing about it.... yet)
  • Color Palette: Light Grey & Yellow with Succulent Green Accents
  • Save the Dates (below) I love them and they're going out TODAY!!
In the next 2 months I must do the following:
  • Meet with vendors to plan the details (flowers, rentals, menu, cake, drinks)
  • Lock down our photographer/videographer
  • Order the invitations
  • Shop for bridesmaids outfits
  • Research & book the honeymoon (Yippee)
  • Select our officiant
I am so excited to check things off my to do list these next couple months. Here is some color inspiration. If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty obsessed with grey and yellow. It feels fantastic to know where I'm going with this whole vision. Locking down my colors has surprisingly eased my nerves a bit ;-)
Mexican tile inspiration (left) by Lizzy B Loves invitation design :)

I feel like I've finally gotten into the groove of wedding planning. I'm having fun and communicating better with my fiance... he likes to be kept in the loop and lend his opinions on things too! How are you doing with your timeline? Are you ahead of your own schedule? Any tips for staying focused and not stressing?

{party attire} the other dresses

Time is just flying by and things are getting pretty real with my wedding planning.  I am just 7 months and 29 days away from my big day! (and I am SO excited!) So, here's what I have been up to recently:  My bachelorette party is set (thank you Monica!), we are sending out Save The Dates this week, and creating our wedding website. This month I am committed to locking down our photographer, wedding planner, and DJ. In the meantime, I'd like to daydream about the other dresses I plan on wearing this year. Here is some inspiration for outfits I would wear to ....

The Rehearsal Dinner:

Bachelorette Party:

Bridal Shower:

A lot of the dresses I want to wear in November are in season NOW, so it looks like I should start shopping. What are some of your favorite places to shop for a little white dress?

Dapper Dude {your best man}

dap·per/ˈdapər/

Adjective:
(typically of a man) Neat and trim in dress, appearance, or bearing.
When brainstorming what I should write about today it occurred to me that I haven't mentioned Vinnie's attire yet. He recently locked down his Bachelor Party, (which is in Austin, TX by the way) and it made me think to make a little inspiration board for what he may wear on our big day. As I've mentioned before, we are a pretty classic couple; we love Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and the style of the 1950s & 60s. When it comes to our wedding I imagine Vinnie in a suit, not anything casual. I LOVE suspenders, and he looks pretty dapper (ala Mad Men) in a skinny tie ;)
What kind of look is your future hubby going for? Tux, suit, casual wear? Please feel free to share your ideas and inspiration!

Beach Day in February

Vinnie and I were engaged September 12, 2011. These photos were taken just last weekend on a sunny day at the beach in Santa Monica by our dear friend, Ricardo Bayona.

Vinnie and I met on St. Patrick's day 2007, had our first date 3 days after meeting, moved in together after 9 months, and next month is our 5 year anniversary; hard to believe how time flies!  And speaking of time flying, we are  just 8 1/2 months away from our BIG DAY!

At this point in your planning, what have your checked off of your list? Is there anything you wish you would have done sooner?

Hope you enjoy getting to know us a little bit through these pictures :)

{Something Blue} inspiration

I've been busy lately locking  down our photographer and DJ... not to mention negotiating the rates for our room block at the hotel, planning our engagement session, save-the-dates.... the list goes on. Since it's a rainy day here in LA today, let's talk about "something blue." Did you know the next line in the famous poem is

Something old, something new Something borrowed, something blue And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

I was curious about the origin of this tradition and thanks to a quick & easy google search I learned that blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. "In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity."

I'm not sure if I'm going to pick shoes or accessories to play out this tradition, but I do know that I will participate ;-)

Here are some of the images I was inspired by:

Will you be wearing something blue? What are you planning on wearing?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas :)