BillysBride

Quote: Originally Posted by luv2love I almost got that dress! I'm pretty sure I tried on a one piece version too. I can't remember now exactly what it looked like but I'll look online and see what I can find. I love Maggie dresses! Oh, nothing is really wrong with it Julie. You know I just like to make things as difficult on myself as possible. I just got it in my head that I want to see if a two piece looks better. Smoother line without the seperation, though truly I tried this one on and the skirt was a size too small and it STILL looked gorgeous. I think I honestly had A Moment (if ya know what I mean) but I was determined to keep looking and had another dress in mind that I thought I was all in love with. Long story short, my original dream dress has a zipper back and its going to cost way too much (on top of the already large price tag) to alter in a corset back, which I'm determined to have. Ugh. I kill me. I'll probably just go with the two piece. It really is fine. Besides. Maybe its Fate. The dress is called Brittanya Lynette and my name is Savannah Lynette. Go figure.

OK, so I'm still searching for Miss Perfect Dress (ya, its been months now) and I'm thinking of going with one I tried on back in January. Its a Maggie Sottero two piece gown. I'm hoping to find it in a one piece and KNOW I've seen it as a one piece dress here online a couple of times, but can't remember where. I'd rather the one piece be taffeta just like the bottom of the two piece is, but I've seen some that are the same brocade material the full length. I think that will be too hot having all that on my legs. Anyway, heres the dress. The style number is A612 and the name of it is "Brittanya Lynette". Theres a Brittanya version, with a pick up skirt, but thats not my thing. If you all can help me find another version in a one piece I'd so appreciate it!

Quote: Originally Posted by twelve_piece I guess the main reason it seems weird is that FI and I have been together for 8 years, so I'm just used to calling her by her name. Its probably my personality too, I'm not girly, lovey-dovey, touchy... she also tells me she loves when we get off the phone or if we are leaving her house. I always feel awkward b/c I feel obligated to say it back, but the only people in the world I say I love you to are FI and my mom. I'm also very sure that it would bother my mom if she heard me calling her mom. FI calls my mom by her first name or jokingly calls her "moms". I'm sure I'm worry much more about this than is necessary. Same thing here. In some ways, I think its cultural unfortunately. But FH's family IS bringing that whole dynamic into my life and I think maybe I'm better for it. Its been awkward for me...all the "I love you's" because I truly always haven't been much for saying that to everyone in my life except for FH and the kids really. But I've gotten better and I think thats a good thing! I know it wouldn't have ever happened if not for his family...mom and sister especially.

PLEASE don't take this the wrong way....but I just want to throw it out there, because I think its worth saying. I hope you aren't offended in any way. Why don't you just ...marinate on it a while? lol..what I mean is, think on it. And don't think of it as a way of dishonoring your real mother or having some deeper meaning about how you feel about your real mom. Your mother in law WILL be your well, mother in law! And like you said, its beautiful that she has asked you to do this. Refusing could really hurt her, and I'm not saying you should agree to something you feel strongly against, just saying perhaps you shouldn't REFUSE without a lot of thought. This is your fiance's mom...a woman who, other than you, he has the closest relationship to I imagine. Someone he loves and would do anything for (I'm presuming a lot in terms of your FH having a typical mommy/son relationship with her)but this could set the tone for the next 20-30 YEARS with this woman. I'm not sure there IS a way to refuse it without hurting her feelings, especially if part of the reason she is reaching out in this way is because she loves you enough to consider you the daughter she never had. You have to do whats right for you, absolutely. I'm just saying, consider your answer carefully and don't necessarily go with your knee jerk response. From what you said, I'm assuming your refusal is more about your mother and not wanting to dishonor her in some way. How much time will you be spending with FMIL? How often will you guys be seeing her in your day to day lives? How far away does she live? Don't assume this is something your mom will mind. I used to, but now that I have kids of my own, I realize that there is NOTHING that will take away what I do for them in raising them and I'm raising them TO grow up and have families of their own. Part of that is having MIL's and I won't those relationships to be good for them. I want them to have someone else they can depend on and turn to. And I don't think it will take away from me being "mom" at all for them to have a second mother figure in their lives. I want it for them. Obviously, if you don't like her or don't get along with her, its a different story. If you know you just CANNOT EVER feel a real closensee to her. Anyway, I'm not saying it will make or break your relationship with her. I guess I just wanted to give you something to consider in hopes that this isn't a topic that she is dead set on or that will truly hurt her feelings. I'm not sure theres a graceful way out of it, but if you feel strongly about it you ABSOLUTELY must refuse. Again, hope I didn't offend.

Awww..congratulations honey. I know your PCOS pain (got it too), so I know how wonderful this is for you. Sticky, sticky baby dust blowing your way and blessings to the three of you!

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrsB Wow, Savannah that picture of Jada's hair is so pretty! Great choice! I'm going to try oiling my scalp next time I wash my hair. Thanks for the advice! And wow, a couple thousand in NY for fusion, I'm so glad I don't live there. I think the going rate for fusion is around 1500+ around here, but thank god my hairdresser is a good friend and isn't changing me half that. I think the most expensive part is going to be the hair. Do you have any suggestions of hair brands for that? You want to go at least mid price. Brands...there are SOOO many, and I don't think it matters. Most manufacturers carry cheap, mid range and expensive versions of all the hair textures, so just be sure to ask for something mid to expensive. And depending on what you're looking for, you can always request Indian Remy/Cuticle hair...thats always going to be virgin (unprocessed) human hair that is fairly expensive and of good quality if you're getting it from a reputable salon. The thing with that is that its collected (supposedly) from a single donor, so the cuticles match throughout. Thats important in that if its non matching, it tangles easily. Its like....mixing hair that goes against the grain. Does that make sense? A lot of non Remy hair is processed to be smooth and untangled...Remy is supposed to be naturally manageable.

Quote: Originally Posted by BarefootBride Savannah, come to Fiji and do my hair! I think we should all sign up for some hair consultations! Did you see the website I was thinking about ordering from? www.hairconsipracy.com Do you think I should get them? I really want long hair for my wedding. I saw that! Ya, the site looks good. She looks to be someone reputable (as much as you can tell online). The fact that she offers samples is GREAT because I really think that anyone ordering extensions for the first time should be able to see the color choices that you are thinking of ordering. Every supplier is different and even if you've always worn a 1B (off black), you may need a 2(dark brown) from some manufacturers. The beautiful thing about human hair is that you can do everything to it that you would your own hair...curl, press, color, highlight, roller set, blow dry....its great. I think the Lindsay Lohan style you guys are thinking about is beautiful AND would allow for you to wear your own hair in front. From your pictures, I can see that you all have the length you would need (even a little shorter would still be fine, and you have the option of buying the narrow width clip extensions to add in front if need be). Whats great about that particular style is that you can set the extensions and work with them BEFORE you put them in. That saves your arms. hahaha And it also allows for do-overs. You can TOTALLY work with your own hair in front using some humidity defying product and touching up if necessary. Normally when you have the right product in, all thats necessary is to apply a bit more heat if you see it starting to frizz a bit. Remember those portable butane curling irons? PERFECT for that, and I'm pretty sure you can still get them in some places. I'll check around. And don't forget...the PERFECT option for you all with naturally curly hair is to just emphasize your curls, maybe add a little length and go natural. You can "tame" it so its not so poofy/frizzy and you don't have to worry a bit about the humidity and heat that way. Its something to keep in mind if you want a no fuss wedding day. I'm gonna post some pics of what I'm planning to do with my hair..if I can find them. OK, for my hair this is the plan. I'm going to use velcro pearl beads scattered throughout my hair...just here and there randomly. I'm actually considering using crystals instead to catch the light, but the pearls are just soooooo elegant to me. There are a lot of sites that offer them for a good price, so if you are interested just check around. Heres a link where you can buy them:Pearl Hair Accessories. And the style I'm going with is a teeny tiny bit tamer version of Jada's hair in this. I love wild and sexy and I think this fits. Just wanting to be a little anti-traditional with my wedding style (thats me...anti-traditional hahaha) One of the things I love about it is that it will work without me constantly babysitting my hair because of the weather. It can get wet, my own hair can get a lil' frizzy and it won't matter because it still blend well as long as I have a nice fresh perm and a lil' product around the perimeter.

Quote: Originally Posted by JUSTUSTWO Savannah, although I still can't quite figure out what I'm gonna do, all of your advice is great. Now if only I could just hire you & bring you to JA with me!?!?!? LOL...I'd have no worries about my hair at all! Sign me up!! lol FH already thinks I've lost my mind. I have two girlfriend weekends planned for this spring (in the same month no less) with all the wedding planning going on, but I love to go go go. I'd be right there with ya if I could. Just do a couple trial runs and you'll be fine! Get some brides books along with some of the handy dandy Sophisticates Black Hair mags and take your time figuring out what you like best. The style is the important part, not the how to get it. Thats always doable. You don't need lil' ole me.

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrsB Oh. Great suggestion. I totally think I need this now. I just washed my hair yesterday and it feels GROSS today. This is also gross but my scalp is so dry! It's so flaky I hate it. Do you know of a good product to fix that? I normally use Aveda or Paul Mitchell shampoo's and it's not getting rid of the flake. OK, girls. Here is a picture of what I want my hair to look like on my wed. day. Tell me what you guys think and whether or not its do-able with the humidy and fusion extensions? You probably just need to section/part your hair and use some light oil on it after washing. Also, how often are you washing your hair? There are some ok or so-so dry scalp formula shampoo's out there, but nothing beats just sitting down and oiling your scalp once between shampoos. Not overwashing is essential too. I know sometimes starting fresh seems like the only way to get the style we want, but try to avoid washing your hair more than once a week unless you have EXTREMELY fine, silky hair.

Quote: Originally Posted by JABride Great thread !!! My hair is very thick and curly and do not know what to do with it. I stopped relaxing since it was thinning and breaking my hair after a few years and frankly, I did not like all the chemicals ... I either braid or hot comb my hair ... or put on a wig on bad days but this will not work for a wedding in Jamaica. I found out about "treebraids" (braids that look like a weave -- see picture). They take less than 2 hours to put in and to take out (since it's only conrows under it all), they cover all my hair, they were not affected by humidity when I went to Jamaica with them .... I have been doing them on and off for the past year and thought about having them for my wedding (putting half up, half down) but ALL MY GIRLS are against it since everyone is used to see me in "treebraids". But now I am back to square one ... Humidity will kill my hair if I hotcomb it - so that's not an option. A weave is an option but I tried one last month to practice and the hair kept tangling after just 1 hour -- I had to brush every hour to keep it smooth and every time I brushed, hair kept coming out... I bought what I thought was a good weave at $30/pack... ... anyone can suggest a good brand? I am not used to the weaving thing ... what's the normal price for a quality weave? What's fusion? how much would it cost? do any of you have pictures of that? What length did you buy? There are a lot of good brands out there, but instead of remembering names, I generally just go by price. The higher the better, though you shouldn't pay more than about $60-75 per full bag/bundle. If its shedding a lot, it may be because its not attached correctly and not necessarily the hair. What type did you get? Curly, straight, silky? Fusion is...wow, fusion is a strand by strand method of weaving/extensions. VERY pricey. I know you can have it done in NYC or Chicago for a couple thousand, no less. Not an option for most brides, but nice if you can swing it. I haven't seen any shops in anything other than major cities offer it. Your "treebraids" look like what we call crochet braids here. Cornrowed, then you use a latch hook to loop the hair pieces through each braid a little at a time? Or is it something else? Very pretty, very functional and cuts out the necessity of dealing with your own hair altogether, yet looks natural, and breezy. You can even leave more of the braids out in front so that it has that half braided, half down vacation look so many ladies favor.

Oh, hell. Here I go with another reason to spend. lol..thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by BarefootBride Thanks BillysBride, Im going online when I get to work to order Porosity Control. Never heard of it. I use every darn hair products available... Aveda, Frizz Ease, ouidad, carrot oil, and biosilk. Somehow my hair gets use to a product and stop working with it and I have to switch up! Im thinking that I should start getting relaxers more. I get one every summer and winter. Hey, Barefootbride! Heres a tip for you. I noticed what you said about products starting out working well for you, then stopping after a while when your hair gets used to them. Something you can try here: Get some clarifying shampoo. It will usually be specifically called that...clarifying shampoo on the label. I know Suave makes one (and its a beautiful thing being only $1) and I know Neutrogena makes it as well, but I'm fairly certain there are other brands as well. Use the shampoo maybe once a month, depending on how often you shampoo your hair with the other "straightening" products. What happens is over time, whatever products you use on your hair build up so you end up not getting the original benefits. You need to basically strip all the old stuff off...hence the clarifying shampoo. Even when you don't feel anything on your hair, with the conditioning and straightening products we all use, it gets layer after layer built up on the strands. Only thing is I don't suggest you "repeat" with this as it can be very drying. Wash, rinse, then follow with your regular products and you'll see a difference probably. You may have to put a little extra on of whatever you normally use to help rebuild the moisture.but after that, it should work better for you.

Quote: Originally Posted by twelve_piece I was thinking of getting a quick weave so that I wouldn't have to worry about it at all, and could wear it down in big curls, but then I found out that I can't get in the water with that b/c its basically just glued in so had to move on to plan B- getting my hair done up and probably super crunchy so that it won't frizz What type of hair oil to do use? I have been using this stuff by Paul Mitchell called Skinny. Its really light so it was good during the winter but won't work for Jamaican humidity. Ummm, just realized this morning that I'm down to 3 weeks before we leave! A little scary when I think of all the things that still need to be handled. But I'm definitely ready for the vacation!!!!!! Not sure if y'all (excuse me, but my southern heritage comes out even when I type) are referring to whats known here in the midwest as "Quick Weave" but most of those do not require glue. They have "lace" fronts that blend into your natural hair and only expose about a an inch or less of your hairline and there are small combs attached all around to keep it in place. NEVER put glue in your hair. Cardinal sin.....(shakes head sadly) I feel like I'm in School Daze...No such thing as "good" or "bad" hair, so we need to stop this and pay no attention to what society calls any of it. Its just hair...either its curly, frizzy, straight or kinky, but its all just hair and can be dealt with! Love your hair girl..there are folks wishing for curls that don't have them! There are a LOT of products that are meant to be used in high humidity, and if you use a little "help" in there with extensions or a Quick Weave, you'll minimize how much effort you have to take. For instance, if it frizzes, its pretty easy to do a touch up with the front/sides. Jon Frieda/Frizz Ease has a great new shampoo and conditioner that seals the hair shaft and keeps out moisture. I'm not a big fan of the hair serum they've had out for years (I find it too greasy and weighs the hair down), but the shampoo and conditioner is MARVELOUS. I wouldn't recommend it over time (the build up is just too much on delicate AA hair) but for special occasions in heat/humidity like this it may work wonders! There are TONS of products that can help, so my suggestion is to hit one of your local beauty supply stores. NOT the ethnic shops, but a good supply store like Sally's where they carry only professional products. Something else that helps a lot to seal the shaft and keep out humidity is something called Porosity Control. Its soooo silky and it makes your hair ultra straight and soft after you use it. Like a conditioner, so its rinsed out, but it evens the ph in your hair to seal the shaft. Thats what weakens and curls black hair...pores and uneven surface. Try it, you may love it. A do hair on the side (have never had an interest in going to cosmetology school, but have been doing it since my college days) and I know a lot of tricks to work with hair thats "too" curly, straight, kinky or just too irritating.

Just wondering. I'm thinking on this...(and hoping that being in a beautiful local will boost my sexy'ometer). I came across one Chicago based photographer (female even) that also shoots in Mexico for bd photos. So now I'm wondering if there are others to choose from. Anyone?

I'm hoping someone has an idea of what I'm referring to. Saw these last year on Ebay, but now I can't remember the name of them. They are a steel mesh pouch that has a steel cord that can be locked around a bathroom pipe, head board..anything thats bolted down to secure your belongings when you're traveling. The pouch itself can't be cut through and neither can the cord. I thought it was a great idea in that you can basically hide your valuables in plain site and unless a thief wants to take the time to saw through a bathroom pipe or whatever, they can't be stolen. Anyone seen them or know what I'm talking about? I'm driving myself crazy trying to remember. Nevermind...found 'em. These are worth looking into for those of us traveling with wedding bands, passports, cash or whatever. Very cool. Check them out: Pacsafe Anti-Theft Bags & Travel Security Products

Ahh...good news at last. hahaha

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I've just heard they planned it when they got there. but i wasn't planning to do more than my bouquet & mikes flower. Maybe some for our moms & my grandma. I didn't see any need to look for outside vendors. I don't care to have a lot of flowers & their prices/ flowers seem good. I'll probably have all your answers after june. Works for me! I think I'm almost as excited as you are!

Oy..geez. OK, good to know..good to know. I'll just buy them from the hotel. $10 is cheaper than silk anyway. I want an extra bag for the aisle or whatever, but sounds like I'm still better off buying them there. And yes..I knew you would know Morgan. hahahaha. Might as well have just pm'd or emailed you! But since you're here and I have your attention, whats your take on the flower decision making process with the hotel? I've seen some brides say that after they arrived, Elena went over flower selection for the ceremony with them, but not sure how it all works. Just wondering if you've heard details. All we need is a couple of large arrangements for the pedestals in front of the tent. I'm bringing artificial vines to wrap around the poles. If its not too windy, I might get more petals for the tables (front for the ceremony and the smaller one they use for your champagne toasts)

I'm trying to do whatever I can to cut costs on the back end before arriving. I prefer having most of the monetary side covered before we arrive in Mexico, so keeping that in mind, I want to bring rose petals for the aisle. Thanks to Morgan, we know that the resort staff will pick up artificial petals after the ceremony if necessary, but I don't want someone to have to be bothered with that. I'm looking into dried rose petals, but don't know if bringing them into Mexico would be a problem. I wouldn't think so simply because they aren't live, but thought I'd ask to be on the safe side. Anyone done this or planning to? Just want to cover all our bases.

How unique and beautiful. Be proud, fantastic job!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Galit Thanks for all the suggestions ladies... I would LOVE to hire two more people to help out, but my inlaws are paying for the entire wedding, so every additional thing is coming out of their pocket. I don't think I could tell my FMIL that she needs to hire 2 morepeople on top of what she is already spending. The money thing has been a really touchy issue for me throughout this whole planning process, bc as much as I love my inlaws, I cant talk to them the way I would with my own parents. I was thinking of paying for 2 more girls myself, but then I think FMIL might be offended... as if what she did wasn't good enough The other thing is, all the family that would be getting done is from FI's side (except for my mom). That means I would basically be telling FMIL that my bridesmaids are more important than her sister and mother. I talked to FI about it, and he agrees with me that the bridal party is more of a priority, but how do I say that to his mother?!?! I would just hate it if my BM's felt like they HAD to get their hair and makeup done at 9am to make me happy... if it was me, I would rather not get it done at all. I mean, who wants to worry about melting makeup all freakin day long! Everytime i think about this it makes me want to go: Oy! Ya, ouch. I can see even more of a pickle for you with this whole thing now that I know they are footing the bill all around. Thats such a tremoundous gesture, and I know I'd probably kill to have my wedding paid for. BUT, I can understand how it could be making you feel like you shouldn't say a word about anything. Catch 22. I love the idea someone had of doing a scheduling sheet then sending it to all your maids. Let them have some incentive for getting it back to you KNOWING that its up to them to get a good time slot for themselves. As long as they all live within the same area that is. Having some out of state wouldn't be fair in that case. But, other than that, I'd say you would have to tell your FMIL about your predicament AND asser that you feel your bm's should be a priority. Are you having pics taken prior to the ceremony of the wedding party? Because that could be a viable "excuse" Just remember...I'm pretty sure you didn't ask them to pay for it and it IS still YOUR wedding no matter who is footing the bill. You deserve to have a stress free day and to be able to honor your wedding party and their traveling so far to be a part of your day in whatever manner you see fit. Its ok to say that the bridesmaids need to come first in this instance, in my opinion.

Ooooo, PERFECTION! Thanks so much for posting this.

Welcome aboard!! You've got an exciting couple of months ahead of you. Happy planning!

Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel Got married in Vegas last month. We made it kinda funny so it didn't take away from our excitement. We went through a drive thru chapel in a cab and the cabbie was our witness. It's a funny story and we were so happy we saved money doing it that way. I'm very excited for the "real" wedding too! Awww...so cool! And congrats on officially being a Mrs!

Hahahaha..I just had to post. I finally said something to him about this and boy, I must have picked a good day. He CHEERFULLY said "Ya, I'll do it. I know you want to." and that was that. Who put uppers in his Cheerios?