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Quote: Originally Posted by KHarrod Everything looks great, Ilove your shoes. Does your dress have Champagne in it? Yep, the dress is ivory w/ champagne trim and detailing. The BM dresses are the same champagne color.

Very nice!

Quote: Originally Posted by morenaindc Everything looks great Tami! Where did you get your OOT bags and travel mugs made? I love how you used your monogram... I bought the plain tote bags from Promotional tote bags custom sizes and styles from cheap totes for $0.79 each. The travel mugs come from Mugs, Coffee Mugs, Shot Glasses, Wine Glasses, Beer Mugs, Champagne Glasses, Wedding Favors, Sports Bottles, Promotional Pens at Discountmugs.com and were about $4 each. I made the logos and for the OOT bags, printed them in "mirror image" onto iron-on transfer paper and then ironed them onto the bags. You just send the jpeg file of your design to discountmugs.com and they use it on the mugs. Hope that helps!!!

Great idea! Once I get back from DW and get my laptop working properly again, I'll be all about some font swap!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by leamil Hey all! We are off to Dreams Tulum this Monday!!! Our wedding is April 19th! We thought we'd share some of our hard work before we go. See attached for STD, First letter, Wedding Brochure, and Welcome letter. PM me if you would like editable copies...we couldn't upload the real one's because they were too big. Thanks for all of your help!!! Wish us luck and plenty of sun! Leah We share wedding dates! Congrats and have a fabulous trip! We head out on Tuesday!

YOu will be fine! Yes, post a proof of what you've got so far and we are always happy to provide feedback. I did my own STD's and invitations ... among other things ... and I am exceptionally pleased with how they turned out -- mainly because they are unique and have my personal touches (even FH helped cut/paste/assemble) ... and EVERYONE has loved them. Deep breath sister .... you'll be amazed at how great your DIY projects turn out after being on BDW!!!

Honestly, since it is spring now, I would have no problem wearing a skirt w/o pantyhose to an interview. I have always interviewed in business suits (I like pant suits) regardless of the type of job. If you go to the mall, many department stores have ladies who will help you in the business suit section. I think that might be your best bet to get some ideas of what the professional trends are now.

Okay, here are a few more things ... again my apologies for the fuzzy camera phone pics. My necklace ... this was my Mom's vintage pearl necklace, I restrung it a few days ago and made it more of a choker. My bracelet and earrings: I made these to match the pearls from my Mom as best as I could (with help from this awesome bead store downtown). These pearls are just a little darker champagne color than the necklace ... but match my dress trim perfectly. I'm really pleased ... restrung ther necklace and made the bracelet and earrings all for just $30! Pashmina tags -- I made these tages for the pashminas in case some don't know the correct name (I had always just called them shawls, lol). I've attached the Word document as well. The fonts are pretty basic that I used so it should all show up correctly. And I added those starfish charms for effect. :-) I have aqua, orange and champagne pashminas for the BM's and Mom's. The tags read as follows: Front: [n.], pash·mi·na. A fine woolen cloth with a soft plush texture similar to cashmere, made from fleece of the chin and underbelly of the rare Tibetan wild Mountain goat, often used to make shawls. Back: In case of cool nights and Dominican breezes, simply wrap around shoulders for immediate warmth. Dry Clean Only. Also attaching the "pre-arrival" letter that I sent to all guests. pre-DR INFO.pdf Pashmina.doc

Quote: Originally Posted by MoWife Tami, everything looks absolutely amazing. I am having wedding envy right now and wishing I had you plan my wedding. I love all your stuff. I got the same camo garter but with the USMC emblem and Tim loved it (he's a former Marine). Best Wishes! lol ... wedding envy? your wedding stuff was AMAZING!! I'm glad Tim liked his USMC garter ... I've kept mine a secret from Tom so hopefully he will be pleasantly surprised when he sees it!

Quote: Originally Posted by nolaroy724 Tami, everything looks amazing. Where did you get the little starfish charm for the fans? I got them off eBay in lots of 50 for like 99-cents plus shipping ... so I think it was less than $10 (shipping included from Japan) for all 100 charms. I'm using them on my Pashmina tags, parasols and BM bags as well (pics to follow soon, I hope) :-) I was in a starfish craze a few months back and just typed that itno the eBay search and then just went page by page and found all kinds of great starfish stuff ... including these charms. 50 are goldtone and 50 are silvertone.

A few more planning pics ... Sorry my pics aren't all very good. Lot's I am taking w/ my camera phone b/c I still don't have a good digital camera (I hope Tom comes through and gets me one as a wedding gift!!!) My Army garter: Invitations -- Boarding Pass style ... the orange sheet is the RSVP postcard: My Sand Ceremony Set (thanks to my Secret Santa, Alyssa!!!) -- one small vase is etched w/ "Tami", the other w/ "Tom" and the arge vase reads: Tami & Tom Two Hearts Become One Punta Cana, Dominican Republic April 19, 2008

Oh that is too cute!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I love your "something blue." Where did you get it? I need to swap out my belly ring to something cuter before the trip. I forget I even have it now & I never put in a new one. I used to change it all the time. I found it on eBay for $9.99 I think. I did a search for "starfish belly ring" or something like that. I thought I had lost it but thank goodness I stumbled across it while packing!

Awesome tins and and even more awesome pricetag!!!

TTD Dress ($97 on eBay): My "something blue" belly ring: Save the Date's: Shoes for the Beach Reception:

Ringbearer Outfits: Our cake inspiration: Centerpieces (made for $2.25 each): Raffia Fans w/ Starfish Symbolism explanation and charm (will be placed at each seat for the ceremony): It reads as follows ... Starfish Symbolism The star -- as well as the Starfish -- are seen as celestial symbols and as such, they represent infinite divine love. In addition to love, the Starfish also holds characteristics such as guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition. In Christian symbolism the Starfish represents the Virgin Mary (Stella Maris which means Star of the Sea) who lovingly creates safe travel over troubled waters and is also seen as an emblem of salvation during trying times. May your travels be safe. May your love be both infinite and divine. Love, Tami & Tom OOT Bags: Travel Mugs and logo:

***MORE PLANNING PICS ADDED ON PAGE 2 & 3*** I can't believe we are leaving in three days! I am looking around the dining room at all of the stuff I still have to do! BUT, I've already gotten a lot packed and finished! Anyway ... here are some of my planning pics (will be in several posts): Starting out with the outfits and accessories: The dress: The dress bustled: w/ Veil: The shoes: The purse (thanks to my Secret Bunny -- DREA!): My ring: His ring: MOH Dress: BM dresses (in champagne color that matches MOH dress color): GM shirts (Tom is wearing his military dress blues and then changing for the reception):

We are simply moving to anohter Punta Cana resort for a week. Too expensive to try to fly elsewhere IMHO. We are hoping to get to Dubai before the end of the year.

Yeah! Can't wait to get back, post my blog entry and read about all the other Starfish BDW brides!

Tom and I made a pact when we decided on a DW that we would not be hurt or upset if someone couldn't go. There are always any number of reasons -- finances, timing, not knowing enough of the other people, you name it. We as DW brides need to realize that while it's most definitely our most important day -- it's NOT going to be the biggest priority to others ... especially not if you aren't super-close friends (and in most cases, even if you ARE). Truthfully, I think we just have to suck it up when people we hoped/thought would be attending decide that they can't / won't. A DW is a lot to ask of people ... and I have had to say 'no' to several even though I really would have loved to have gone simply b/c of $$ in the past.

I am so bummed. SInce starting my new job March 3, I have only been to the gym 3 times b/c the work hours are CRAZY and the gym isn't open by the time I get home. This sucks ssoo bad b/c I was doing so well and down almost 10 pounds but the weight is creeping back on now and just ONE WEEK before our wedding. I am going to go to the gym tomorrow in between packing and hopefully on Monday night. Tuesday I want to go at the hotel ... and I figure I will try to get a small workout in each day leading up to the wedding at the resort ... but that's all not going to make any difference after having not been in a MONTH! I am so bummed about it since I was really making progress. This job and last minute wedding stuff has really affected my ability to keep up the hard work. :-( Now I am not going to look as good in my swimsuit as I was hoping...

Ours is going to be realy simple. But I'm not making up programs. After the processional ... the Master of Ceremonies (symbolic ceremony for us) will start the ceremony. It's in Spanish and our WC will translate (this is the translation ... I know, it needs a little work, lol): Dear Friends: We are gathered here on this special day for the civil marriage between, bride's name , and groom's name , who have decided to change their status from single to the honorable status of being married. Marriage is a very special and serious institution. It is an honourable status which has its origins in the solemn contract celebrated between two people who, of their own free will, wish to marry with the intention to love, honour and care for each other mutually. To celebrate this marriage, it is necessary that there is no opposition. If anyone present knows of any legal reason to prevent this marriage, they must say so now or remain in silence forever. Then, my uncle will read our Hand Ceremony. Tami, please hold Tom's hands with his palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend; young and strong and vibrant with love. He promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will someday feel his child stir within you. These are the hands that will wipe the tears of joy and sorrow from your eyes. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, and hold you when fear and grief engulfs your heart. ************************************************** ****************** Tom, please hold Tami’s hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend -- smooth, young and carefree -- as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will hold your children in tender love -- supporting and encouraging them along the way. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving. ************************************************** ****************** Together – as partners in life -- everything you wish for can be realized. Now, take each other’s hands. ************************************************** ****************** God, bless these hands … so that they may always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during difficult times … yet always remain tender, gentle and nurturing. May these hands continue building a relationship -- founded in love … and rich in caring. May you always see these hands as each other’s healer, protector, shelter and guide. Amen. Then the vows and exchange of rings. (again, this is the translation they sent me) groom: « On this special day, I take you, bride's name, to be my wife. I promise to be your partner for life and I will always take care of you. You are my one true love, and I will be your best friend forever. » groom's name, Do you take bride to be your legitimate wife, do you promise to love her, honour her, take care of her and protect her in good and bad times, in richness and poverty, in sickness and health? As a sign of this promise, please place the ring on the wedding finger of your bride. bride: « On this special day, I take you, groom's name to be my husband. I promise to be your partner for life and I will always take care of you. You are my one true love, and I will be your best friend forever. » bride, Do you take groom, to be your legitimate husband, do you promise to love him, honour him, take care of him and protect him in good and bad times, in richness and poverty, in sickness and health? As a sign of this promise,please, place the ring on the wedding finger of your groom. Having heard from the couple their wish to marry, having heard no opposition to their marriage, and having met with all the legal requirements needed by the matrimonial law, in the name of the Dominican Republic, on this date Abril 6th 2008, at the Paradisus Punta Cana Hotel, The licensed JOSE LUIS SANCHEZ declares you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride! Then ... the party is on!!!

Wow ... great pics and no doubt a totally fun wedding. Love the ceremony locale and your dress is beautiful! FUN FUN FUN!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Otis1230 I found the 3 buffet menues for receptions ok- but the wedding planner allowed me to make my own menue from the 3 - so thats what I did. Our reception is from 7-10 food, drinks, for those hours for 25 guests is 2000. It would have been 1600 but marino restaurant changed their minds last minute. I have a DJ and firedancers so I wanted something private but not on the beach. The staek restaurant and marino are open restaurants so theres no windows (firedancer will work). The radizzio restaurant holds 25-30 people and its 50 a head for all you drink and buffet. Glad to hear you were able to mix and match your menu. She didn't give me that option, ehich is a bummer, but we are going with the Carribean Menu which is good and has a little of everything. Ours is the beach reception and it's $2500 flat fee. We have 40 people in all (including 2 kids). The only "extra" we are adding is a cigar roller.

YEAH! Woo-hoo!!!! How totally exciting! Make your day ssoo wonderful and memorable!!