JayBee

Quote: Originally Posted by sugaredviolets Brenna, I corresponded with Virginia from In Heaven weddings, and she is wonderful. Unfortunatly, they were not sure they would be in Hawaii at the time of my wedding (the end of april 2010). So I ended up going with Wedding planner, Kauai, Hawaii | Hawaii Weddings | Beach Wedding Coordinator It really depends on the size of your wedding, and which side of the island you want to stay on. I've heard good things about idoweddingskauai.com And...I corresponded a bit with Kauai Weddings - Wedding Coordinators & Vow Renewals and they were very helpful and quick to respond. Best of luck!! Jennifer I also went with Alohana weddings, mostly because the owner of the property we're using recommended her. We actually got to visit Kauai before the wedding, and Diana showed us around, took us to the estate, caterer, photographer- just like a non-DW. I am very comfortable and confident with her, and I know I'm not being over-sold. I thought finding a location was the hardest part, since we're not using a resort, and we wanted something private. I had to find it on my own. The other WC's I spoke to couldn't really help me find something in my budget, and that was frustrating. I could go on and on about the wc's in kauai- i spoke to about a half-dozen of them!

The airfare was an additional $1500/person from Hawaii. Ooch! The Resorts were fantastic values- stay for 3 nights, get 2 free- in overwater bungalows. *sigh* We decided to go to the 4 seasons Lana'i for 5 nights- it's secluded, has great snorkeling, and it's just a hop-skip from kauai. So that's all booked today!

Got my dress from Nicole Miller last week, and found the bridesmaids' dresses too. It couldn't have been easier. I feel so lucky! ps: it hasn't been altered yet, so it's not quite fitting right... and for the bridesmaids, we're still working out the belt/ sash.

So.... it looks like tahiti & bora bora are out... The airfare is still a killer, even including Hawaii... oh well, an overwater bungalow would've been awesome, so I'm a little sad, but if we take half of what it would cost to go to Tahiti and spend it on a hm in hawaii, I think we could probably do something pretty amazing! Any suggestions?

Taking pics of the dress before hand is very good advice.. thanks for that! This wasn't the best service I had, but it was definitely the easiest place I went to- also RK bridal was pretty easy, if you know what you're looking for. I had a good experience there, but I did feel that the salesperson was trying to steer me into a Watters dress and away from some of the other designers I was interested in- though I will go back there for the bridesmaid dresses! I read neen's tale of the blind seamstress and was alarmed! I'm glad it all worked out tho! it goes to shows that everything has a way of working out- so I'm not stressing it.... yet....!

It's just hard for me to imagine... at first my FH didn't even want a HM, but now he's all gung-ho about the idea! I haven't gotten prices for the whole trip yet, but I got travel itineraries & all the flights the TA found are perfect as far as timing... the airfare is at the high end of what we would spend, so we'll see....

This just seems so outrageous to me, but it IS a once in a lifetime opportunity... Our travel agent mentioned that there are great deals for Bora Bora for the summer, and since we're already in Hawaii, why not go to Tahiti!?! Please someone tell me that this is insane and we should just go to Maui for a few days! I'm probably getting ahead of myself, because we don't even have the prices yet, so it may be completely over-budget... but still... Please someone give me a reason to say NO to Tahiti. I have no idea how to get my FH to let it go. It just seems way too extravagant...

I so wish I had pictures, but they wouldn't let me take any but that's not the problem. (I'll keep this short)... I went to 4 bridal shops in NYC (not Kleinfelds), and experienced all different levels of service, selection, and prices. But my favorite salon couldn't get me an appt for a while so I went to Nicole Miller, which has a small bridal selection in the back of the boutique. And you know I found my dress there, so I bought it (paid in full) on the spot (and saved $500). BUT they don't have a seamstress, and I'm worried about the fact that they're not a full service bridal shop. (The other shop included alterations in the price of the gown!) Did I make a mistake by buying my gown without giving it a second thought? Which brings me to the big question that's on my mind: what's really important when shopping for your wedding dress (designer/ style, price, service, etc.) - and what are you willing to compromise?

My worst nightmare come true! I'm so sorry that happened. I'm terrified because the place I bought my gown from doesn't have a seamstress on site, which means I'm on my own...

Now I'm glad we have extras, because there are some cousins we forgot about inviting, and I recently got in touch w/ one of our oldest friends, too! And I was looking at and article about invitations in a bridal mag, the ones I liked are priced at about $30 per invite!! Ha ha, ha ha ha ha haha! That's so ridiculous.

Thanks for posting your review, Chiquita. I'm glad everything went well and everyone you worked with was pleasant. Hale Pau Hana sounds great- we love snorkeling- I'm going to look into it for our honeymoon! thanks! --can I tell u that Oskar and Zoey look EXACTLY like our cats!

great pics, alyssa! awesome location- and the infinity pool pictures are BAnanas! Absolutely gorgeous. also I love your rings. we're meeting with a designer tomorrow, and you've given me some much needed inspiration

Quote: Originally Posted by Mandy We just got back from Kauai too (we went for a wedding on Hanalei Bay). We also enjoyed Java Kai, a coffee house near BarAcuda. Amazing coffee and fantastic breakfast. Gotta agree w/ you, Java Kai has the yummiest waffle ever! It inspired me to have an early ceremony w. a brunch reception including a waffle station! yum! I also love that they use kauai grown and roasted coffee, and make cigars w/ kauai-grown tobacco. Also our favorite Veg place is the blossoming lotus in Kapa'a. great brunch!

Quote: Originally Posted by Samantha S Word to the wise, I had never bought (or tried on) Louboutin's before and I ordered a size 38 (a US size eight) from Neiman Marcus and they are a tich too small. They were the last pair on the face of the earth so I am dealing with it but I recommend AT LEAST a half size if not a full size up from what you normally wear. I'm in the shoe business, and I haven't paid for a pair of shoes in 6 years, but I'd definitely drop some cash on those little beauties! My company never makes shoes like that. (i wish they'd knock them off and sell em for like $275 or something!) *sigh* I can't wear anything higher than a 2 -3 inch heel, so until Louboutin makes a flat version, i'll keep looking here's some advice on ordering european-sized shoes: european sizes run are sized in smaller increments. this means an american 8 = euro 38.5, an american 10 = euro 41. this means that are are in between sizes (37.5 is between 7 - 7.5, a 39.5 is between 8.5 - 9). Also shoes crafted in italy just tend to run smaller.

Hey jaime! I'm not a doctor, but I do know shoes and boots very well and I know what they can do to your feet (I've worked for a italian shoe retailer for 6 yrs, and spend most of the time working 10 hrs/ day on concrete floors in dress shoes). I hope your toes feel something soon, but you should give it some time. If anything's swollen like your feet or ankles, alternate ice & heat every 15 minutes. Doctors never seem to do much for nerve problems in your feet, they often recommend staying out of high heels and then make you buy custom orthodics that insurance won't pay for that cost hundreds of dollars. And make sure you're not wearing your shoes too small- you can always add some extra cushioning to make them more comfortable if you buy 1/2 a size bigger- especially in boots. Anyway, I'd give it a few days. My FH lost feeling in his pinky finger for like, 2 weeks, but it eventually came back.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad they're such a hit. I sent them out, and a lot of our friends & family are artists- my SIL, for one, and she said they look great, too!

Sounds like they need to get organized around these showers! But maybe - just maybe- they're sending u these emails to throw u off the trail-- maybe they want u to think it's a lingerie party, when they're actually planning a super-surprise shower... either way, just don't do any of the work for your shower(s). Let them lavish u w/ fun and gifts! You're def not outta control. Just remember that the showers aren't your responsibility, and if any of your girls try to make it your responsibility, remind them that's their job

Quote: Originally Posted by sunsetbride1 Ooo.. hang in there!!! I agree wth everyone else so far!! Be a supportive friend and know that your wedding is about you and Fh! We lost 2 GM's already.. and my sister backed out too. I just keep staying focused on the fact that this is our day.. if our friends and family can share it with us that's wonderful; if not, it will still be perfect bc we are there celebrating our love and life together. I'm really sorry that your sister backed out. That would break my heart... but you are absolutely right- this is about our marriage, not just the wedding. it's about the conscious effort we're making to have a better life together. And although we want to share that with our family & friends, we really only need each other... I've come to terms with the fact that I'm losing a BM, but now I'm just having trouble being a supportive friend. I feel like I'm always having to be there for her (and she's always in some sort of turmoil), but she's never able to be there for me... This feels like another one of those times. I don't know... maybe i'm being too dramatic. I know I need to come around, but it's draining me emotionally. I feel so blue!

YAY! I just got them from UPS and they look awesome! Like I said, they're just simple postcards, but for $30/ 100, why go overboard? They did a great job printing. We used overnightprints.com. It took about 5 business days total from start to end. They probably do more services too. I'm thinking about starting to freelance my photoshop skills, But I really need to practice w/ illustrator. Thanks y'all, for the feedback!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa we don't have tickets - we are going to the parade and whatever else is free! That's what i'm thinking. I feel like no matter what we actually get to see, it's worth it to be in DC on Inauguration day. Mr. Buzzkill at my job was telling me it was a stupid idea, that we would never get tickets, and it would be too crowded.... Whatev! We still have time to make a plan. it'll be cold, and we won't have anywhere to stay, but I'm not worried about that. It's possibly the most historic day in my lifetime, and I want to witness it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tammy Host i got something like this too but my ended with us getting the good pot grown in humboldt and the blue states getting the yucky brown weed i got that email too, and sent it to everyone i know... i'm so glad we got the beaches... and the KB... lol!!

This morning I was looking at photos of arches that my WC sent, and I had just found the perfect set up, on the beach with palms and orchids. ahhh... and just as i'm imagining our perfect ceremony, my phone rings... It was my 2nd bridesmaid, she lives in tx. And she's pregnant. Fan-freaking-tastic! let's just say that this one of those unintentional things that happens. Not to mention that we joked no baby-making until AFTER the wedding! So besides that that my unmarried, unemployed currently shacked-up friend is now knocked up, I don't know if I can even be supportive, because it just seems so... i don't know... irresponsible, I guess. And saying that just makes me feel like a bad person, or a bad friend. ... And on top of all those feelings, I'm full of anxiety, because what if I lose my MOH, or my minister? Also I don't have another person to ask to be a BM, which only leaves me w/ 1 maid. I know this kind of thing happens all the time. I'm not the only one. That's why I'm venting this here.

Quote: Originally Posted by adias.angel They look great! Looks like you used some of the filters in photoshop to get the effect? Carla Cool! I'm glad u all like them! I actually just used photoshop to amp up the color on a pic I took when we were in Kauai on the na'pali coast. The rest we did in illustrator, but my FH did most of that. I just did the layout, fonts etc. I should get them on monday, so we'll see how they came out. I figured if I don't like them, we didn't waste too much cash to find that out, just a good bit of paper

actually the colors on the front are a little bit brighter. i guess this is an earlier draft, but overall that's right

Wow! we actually did it ourselves- my fi helped big time. We used photoshop & illustrator, and u can't ask for better tools. I'm getting them printed as postcards- not very creative, i know... but it was only $30 for 100 cards! i hope they turn out right! front back