islandbride317

Quote: Originally Posted by msjulie5475 I hope pictures will be posted of the final cake. You better believe it, sister!

Oh, Monique.... I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your e-ring, but super glad to hear you have insurance, as well! I have 2 quick suggestions on finding it before you just give in and get another ring which might seem obvious, but I figure I'd throw 'em out there anyway -- (1) did you move your dresser out and check BEHIND it? I lose stuff behind mine all the time... (2) is there any way you can get your hands on a metal detector? People find all kinds of lost jewelry and whatnot on beaches every year, so why not see if it would work in your own home? Just a thought! Good luck and I hope everything works out, whether you are able to find it or have to get a new one with the insurance $!

Thank you Island Princess and want2gosouth -- I appreciate your insight, and for what it's worth, we didn't get any freakin' cards from people that we invited to our actual DW but couldn't attend, either!! Sad to say, but it seems like almost all etiquette and standards of conduct have gone out the window in this day and age... And as for my sister: UPDATE!! She has decided to behave like a child and make thinly-veiled, RUDE comments about me on her facebook page over the past week, so not only have I removed her from my list of fb "friends", but I have informed her that she is OFFICIALLY NOT WELCOME at my AHR! I mean, COME ON!! I'm 30 years old and she's 32, for goodness sake!! This is way past "ridiculous", so I've just decided not to devote any more of my attention or emotional energy to her, and unless she SERIOUSLY apologizes soon, I say to hell with it! She doesn't need to be there and ruin our time...and look on the bright side -- at least now she won't miss that all-important 13th birthday party, right?!

Hooray for progress....always a good thing! THANK YOU endlessly Tammy for creating, and continuously improving, this incredible forum -- I could not put a price tag on how valuable this community was while I was planning my wedding, and how important it remains to be as I begin my married life. You and your forum have touched so many lives, I'm sure it would be impossible to count... And I can only imagine how you're going to take something that is already *amazing* and make it even better! It's gonna be GREAT!!

Quote: Originally Posted by MayBride2010 I feel really bad for you If it makes you feel better my dad, who didn't come to Mexico for our wedding, decided not to come to my AHR because he was working. I was pretty devastated considering he was one of the main reasons I chose to have the reception in the first place. My dad has A LOT of money so that definitely wasn't the issue. Also like you, I have worked 2 jobs for the last 16 months to pay for the wedding and AHR. I have been watching your journey on BDW and you were such an inspiration to me to keep, your head high and enjoy the day YOU worked hard to create. In the end, you did it all for you and your hubby. OMG -- what you said is so sweet, I feel like I could cry! I never thought I was an inspiration to anyone, so you have no idea how touched I am right now....thank you so, so much and it feels good to know that you and the other amazing women on here can identify with with what this nonsense feels like! (You know, sometimes, I think BDW is the ONLY thing that has kept me sane during this whole wedding/AHR planning process, and I am endlessly thankful to have you all as my online family!) HUGS! And @ Michele -- your "bitchster", LOL! Yet another case of "you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family", right?! IT'S SO FRUSTRATING that someone who you would *think* would be so supportive ends up being the biggest jackass of the lot! I feel for you....believe me, and thanks for reminding me that not everyone has a "sunshine and roses" relationship with their sister! AND TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN SO SUPPORTIVE, shared their issues, and offered words of advice -- I *SUPER HEART* YOU ALL!

Quote: Originally Posted by *Rachel* I'm picking up what your puting down. LOL I know- I'm pretty straight to the point and blunt. My DH always tries to tell me that I could soften the blow a bit and I try to! Anyways- your party will still rock and you will have 50 guests there that WANT to be there. So drink til it's fun. That's my life motto! HA! So, just like how what my sister said is "beyond retarded", you saying "So drink til it's fun. That's my life motto!" is BEYOND EXCELLENT! (I'm trying NOT to get busted giggling aloud right now at work...you're too much and I love it! Tell you DH I disagree, cause you shouldn't change a thing!

Quote: Originally Posted by *Rachel* Wow- I'm really sad for you but since a lot of people suck, I'm not surprised. It seems like more and more people are becoming really self involved and you can never get people to either commit to something because they are waiting for a better invite to something else or are incredibily flaky. It's the world we live in I suppose. As for your sister- I literally laughed out loud at her excuse. Beyond retarded. Something is going on there because who can really say something like that with such a straight face. News flash- 13yr olds don't give a shit if grown ups are at their party. They'd rather it be all their friends. That's the time in your life when the grown ups are annoying. LOL I'm really sorry though. Hopefully more people show and didn't RSVP because we ALL know- RSVPing is realllllly difficult and it's way too much to ask people to do. All I have to say is you're AWESOME, Rachel! I appreciate that you 'tell it like it is" girl, so don't ever apoligize for being fabulous you! And in my day-to-day dealings with people, I tend to use sarcasm as a tool to drive a point home myself, so go ahead, miss lady! And you know what, that is an excellent point about how everybody is always so willing to "better deal" on you -- I sent out STDs in November of last year so that I could call 'dibs' on the day, so I naively assumed that most people would feel a sense of duty to actually SAVE THAT DATE to attend our AHR -- bwahahah! Yeah, right! Oh and real quick about my sister, she feeds off of the energy of chaos, so even if there wasn't this ridiculous birthday party, she would have found another "must attend" event for that day to prove to me that she matters to lots of other people, and by not attending the whole time, it'd be her way to humble me/show me that "I'm not as important as I think I am". And yes, the once-in-a-lifetime, epic milestone, becoming-a-teenager birthday excuse had me so angry I could spit, but yet only a matter of months ago, her a$$hole husband got loaded drunk and ruined his nephew Kyle's BIG 1-3 so badly they had to have a do-over party?! I could just CHOKE on the irony! She was none-too-please when I pointed that out...but she should be aware of her own blinding hypocrisy, yeah?! Anyway, thanks for 100% catching what I'm throwing out here...you're a straight-talk rockstar, Rach!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Aww Christie!! Well, don't get me started on your sister... a lot of us know how she is so we're gonna move right over her because there's sometimes no understanding her actions. Also, people are strange, everyone feels entitled to a piece of your wedding and slighted when they don't get the specific piece they want then bitter at some point. I've had one of the most turbulent years regarding my wedding celebrations it's insane. All you have to realize and know is that those 50 something replies that are attending are people that LOVE you and are happy for you. Screw everyone else, focus on them and know these are truly people that support you. Just try and shake it off and know that you are going to have the BEST time at your AHR, it's so much more carefree and fun, I guarantee you won't miss anyone who's not there. It's going to be amazing hun!!! XOXO Thank you, babygirl.....as always, you're right and you KNOW I love you for putting things into perspective for me! (And regarding my sister, you're right again -- she is, well, an a$$, and not even worth trying to understand, so I shouldn't even waste my time there, either!) * I especially appreciate how insightful your comment was about people feeling entitled to take some type of ownership of your wedding and ultimately bitter no matter what you do -- I feel ya, honey! It's like they wish you well to your face and then secretly want to see everything fall apart around you for one twisted reason or another! Sorry, there I go being cynical again... * Anyway, I really do hate to complain about this, when I know there are people with ACTUAL "real" problems out there in the world, but I was just really looking forward to the AHR, since my reception in Jamaica was (by choice) just the 30 minute, cheapie "cocktail and cold hors d' oeuvres" thing with my 10 guests, you know? And I know I've been focusing on who's NOT going to be there, but I truly am grateful for those that will be coming to share the day with us...so I'm going to try to look at it from a "glass/guest list is half full" perspective instead of focusing on those that are blowing us off! Massive HUGS, AMY! I *heart* you for always knowing just what to say to cheer me up or help me get my head back on straight... P.S. I love the Elvis cupcakes in your siggy, too! too adorable!

Quote: Originally Posted by MysTea Are you flippin Kidding me?! is she an older sis or younger? And a 13 year olds party? seriously?! U gotta be kiddin me?! she has her Loyalty all screwed up! " Once in a lifetime" ? Oh please...I dunno...I have a sense of Jealously coming from her.....It may just be me but she is doing alot of BS in regards to YOUR special events! Your Only SIs at that? all I have to say is MY ONLY sister knows better...although it may seem a little bridezilla ish...She is supposed to drop everything and be there for you...I mean although my sis is GIVING BIRTH in the next few weeks...she is very active in my planning needs and fully intends on bringing her NEWBORN to DR for HER ONLY sister's wedding.....Don't know where she will find the time/money but if all goes well with the baby, she said she is on the next flight out! although if she dosen't Ill absolutely understand because there are some things you have no control over... But YOUR dearest SIS... I tell ya...she is a mess! all I know is she needs to be at that Reception if she know's what's good for her!! Im sure it will all work out in the end, but im More sure that you will be glad when it is all over. U still have some time for Late RSVP'ers...But whats done is done and Just try and Enjoy it...Get drunk and bust out in the Funky chicken! No girl, I'm not kidding you (she ACTUALLY said those things to me about the importance of the 13th b-day party via emails!) This is all the real-deal on how my sister behaves, and then she has the audacity, the GAUL to call ME self-absorbed and self-centered, too! HA! You can't make this stuff up, I tell you.... And to answer your question, she is 2 years older than me, and I think you called it right on the jealousy thing, but I'm not even going to launch into that drama right now! And I LOVE that YOUR sister is soooo there for you, newborn baby and all -- if anyone is jealous here, it's me that you have that type of unconditionally supportive, touching relationship with your sister! Lucky girl! Oh, and although it may seem a little desperate, I am planning to contact those that we haven't received their reply yet over the course of the next week before I have to turn in my final numbers to the venue on 7/29, so I am hoping there are a few more stragglers that will be coming after all, too! And if not, SCREW EM, right?! I'll just be like, "Hey, where's my drink?" all stumbling around, and screaming, "And turn up that damn 'Funky Chicken' already!" LOL!

@ Michelle2 -- yep, I think you nailed it with the "losing the thunder" comment; I am almost SURE that is what happened here, and we would have loved to have had it closer to the time that we returned, but financially (as we are paying for the vast majority of this shindig) we couldn't afford to have it any sooner. And like I said, I don't even CARE if we get any gifts at all! Perhaps if I put that on the invitations, more people would be coming...but I hate to believe that they'd think of us as that greedy! Anyway, I wish you a beautiful wedding and I PRAY that whatever type of AHR you decide on goes more smoothly than what I am dealing with now!

Quote: Originally Posted by MysTea I feel your pain/annoyance.. That's exactly why I scrapped the AHR..I feel as though I will be putting alot of money and effort into it an I wont even get to enjoy it....I think it sux that these people are dragging their feet on this one. Its alot for you to even think about (planning/coordinating) & inviting people to share in this special time of your life and they cant even respond?! so what you are already married! the point is that you want to do something so everyone can enjoy and show their love and support. I mean its a flipping party! who doesn't like to party!?...FOR FREE! its not like you are asking them to contribute...Selfishness is one of those things that I cant get used to.... And I don't want to even start on your SIS! did she come to the wedding? GIANT HUGS to you for knowing what I'm saying, sugar! You've already brightened my day... And what's funny is that you said you decided to scrap your AHR after all, because I was right there with you. About 2 weeks after we returned from our DW, I was seriously considering just calling it all off myself, but John and I just decided to go ahead with it and now look where I am!! Aaarrrrgghhh! You're soo right -- it IS a lot to think about, coordinate, PAY FOR and now I just feel embarassed to have gone to all this effort for people who really are telling us that they just don't give a sh!t about any of it! And yes, it's a free meal, free booze, free entertainment, free cake...and I don't even care if they bring gifts; all I wanted was for people to care enough to show up! This whole thing really makes it pretty clear who truly "has your back" and who doesn't, you know? And ah yes, my lovely sister....girl, you don't even want to know the half of it! Long story short, at first when we said we were having a DW, she said she could NOT afford to come to St. Lucia, so since I wanted her to attend, we switched our whole island choice to Jamaica and she came to the actual wedding itself. What's more hilarious about our sisterly-relationship is that she herself just got married in Dec. 09, but she only got married then because I went nuts on her for suggesting that she get wanted to have her wedding only 72 hours AFTER us on May 17, 2010 back in the U.S., when my husband and I would have still been in Jamaica on our mini-honeymoon -- this is the kind of BS I deal with! So I told my sister, if she can't spare 4 WHOLE hours for me, her own flesh and blood, because she simply cannot miss her husband's niece's surprise 13th birthday party (her argument for having to go was that this kid's birthday is a quote 'once in a lifetime event because someone only becomes a teenager once in their life'....) then she doesn't need to bother coming at all. I could beat my head against the wall sometimes, I swear!!

Quote: Originally Posted by luchdiamond All of the rings look so beautiful. I'm not sure if my husband and I should do new rings. We have been married for 10years in October and we are renewing our vows. If we do new rings, what will we do with our old ones? My CONGRATULATIONS to you on 10 years, as well! I agree with the other girls that while you don't have to get new rings at all, if you do decide you want something else, you can always turn your current ring into another piece of jewelry and keep it. (That is what I am planning to do; I'd like to change my current e-ring into a necklace, and keep my double-insert wedding band [which the e-ring fit into] with whatever upgraded e-ring I get! I like the sentimental part of still wearing the actual wedding band that my husband placed on my finger during our ceremony, you know?) And one other suggestion -- if you decide to keep wearing your current rings, maybe you could simply get another band to stack on top of your e-ring and wedding band? That might be a nice way to symbolize your renewal without having to say goodbye to your old rings...just a thought!

Ugh -- I feel like such a whiny-baby this week.... Now more than even before my wedding, I've been posting "rants" about this, and "venting" about that, so I'd first like to THANK YOU all for (as usual!) bearing with me and hearing me out; the bulk of the time, it feels like only my BDW sisters can truly identify and KNOW where I am coming from, and it means the world! HUGS to you all! So, now to my current vent: as my reply-by date for my AHR just passed earlier this week (btw - our AHR will be on Aug. 14th, 3 months after we were married on May 14th in Jamaica, with 10 lovely guests in attendance), it feels like no one cares about celebrating our wedding with us anymore! We invited about 80 people (b/c we couldn't afford more than that in case everyone DID say they were coming), and so far, I have just under 50 replies as "will attend" and a handful of "regretfully declines"...what's going on here?!? Some of the people I really thought I could count on to be there either haven't replied at all, or have said now that they can't make it, even though they have been telling me for the past year that they are "so excited" for our AHR -- WTF?!? Even my own sister (my only sibling) said she's going to come, but will have to leave early because she's got a freakin' birthday party to go that day also...what a slap in the face, right?!? I guess I'm just pouting like a brat, but it really burns me that my husband and I have both been working 2 jobs for the past 7 months to be able to afford to host a celebration we could be proud of, and now it seems like all that hard work is going to waste. We booked a beautiful waterfront venue on Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, complete with a deejay, cake, photog. -- the works! And we'll still have to pay for 75 people (as per the venue's minimum), even if less attend, so now I just feel like an IDIOT! I guess to some of the guests we've invited, the fact that we are already married makes our AHR not a "big deal", but we're really hurt that it seems like these people are just saying we don't matter enough to take 4 hours out of their day on a Saturday in August to say congratulations. I really do understand that people have other things going on, but I just feel bummed because John and I been there for the important events in these people's lives (ie. weddings, baby showers, their kid's birthday parties, etc.), and now that it's their turn to be there for us, they can't be bothered. * Heavy sigh....again, sorry for the "pity party", girls, and thanks for listening. *

Quote: Originally Posted by BachataBride Christie...I just meant have a few friends take pictures!! Or do you have a friend with a nice camera...have them as your "non-paid" backup! Good luck sweetie...if I was there I'd totes be your "plan B"...not that I'm a great photographer or anything!! Oh, I see what you mean now, Manders! (Actually, my mother-in-law has this really great almost-pro quality Nikon camera and I'm sure she'll be snapping away, so maybe I'll luck out after all! Thank you for being such a love, and I wish you could be my "plan B", too!

Quote: Originally Posted by Island Princess Awww thanks Christie! Thanks for your support! Your wedding looked gorgeous!! Thank you, and it looks like you had a pretty darn gorgeous wedding yourself, lady! And I'm always happy to do whatever possible to support one of my amazing BDW sisters in any way I can, so you're quite welcome! Fingers crossed you get lots of business

CONGRATULATIONS, Angela! What a stunning bride you will be for certain! Everything looks phenomenal, and you should be super excited to be so well-prepared with only days to go before you say, "I do!" I *heart* your gorgeous wedding cake: OMG -- it's so cool and modern -- LOVE IT! And I totally think you ought to wear that fab. white hair flower with your TTD gown! It would look amazing! Anyway, sending you lots of luck, love and best wishes as you're making your way, toward walking down the aisle on your BIG DAY!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tissey Thanks so much and I think this is a great idea. You're all so good with the advice, I really appreciate it! You're so welcome, Sierra! Glad to hear that this suggestion might be a good option for you...and I'm sure your friends and family will be so excited to see your pics! In addition to the few you include in the announcement, perhaps you might want to upload more into a photobucket account or something so that people can view as many or as few as they might wish? Another way to allow them to "feel like they were there" to share the day with you both!

** HAPPY UPDATE!! ** Yesterday, I heard from my baker that she WILL be able to make the coral for the cake after all! She's gonna end up using gumpaste to make them....whew! WHAT A HUGE RELIEF, as we are only 20-some odd days away from when this cake is gonna be on display at my AHR! THANKS AGAIN to everyone who chimed in and offered their advice -- even though my situation worked out, perhaps another bride in the future might find herself in the same predicament and need some edible coral for her cake, too

Quote: Originally Posted by Island Princess Hey Girls, Heres my page on facebook Thanks for helping me choose my store name!! Island Princess Designs | Facebook CONGRATS on picking your perfect store name and getting it out there on facebook! (It just might be as 'meant to be' as you and your husband! BEST WISHES and lots of success! P.S. I'm ALL ABOUT doing what you love and are passionate about, so even though I can't say I'll need your services since I've already had my wedding, I will certainly show my support and "like" you on fb! (PS, I'm also a Christie. Christie Parris Pollick!)

@ Manders -- unfortunately, I didn't see all of this coming, so no there is no "Plan B" for me -- I'm sad there is no back-up photog. up my sleeve! Wish now, more than ever, there was.... And @ bride2b10 -- I 100% feel what you're saying, girl! For as nice as I can be to the vast majority of people, I certainly also carry the "bit*h card" in my back pocket, so even though I'd love to take her through her paces, I am still trying to find a way to be decent to her and still get what I want, given the circumstance. That's why this ridiculous situation is so tough! Another ggggrrr......

While I think both dresses are beautiful on you (because you are a gorgeous girl), I'd have to say that my vote ABSOLUTELY goes for #1! It just fits you so incredibly well, and that's before any type of alterations, too...so I'd take it as a sign that #1 could totally be YOUR PERFECT GOWN!

Quote: Originally Posted by YIweddings When I started this thread I wasn't sure where it would go. It seems I had a found a few kindred brides to be. I am thrilled to say that I am now engaged!! We've made so many plans and even bought a house just over a month ago so I wasn't sure if a ring was in my future. I couldn't be happier and now only have to worry about not walking into walls while I stare at my left hand. All my best to the ladies on this site. CONGRATULATIONS, sweetheart! Enjoy your new *bling* to the fullest! I am THRILLED FOR YOU! And I know I am late to the party posting in this thread, but I don't think any of you are out of line to be expecting a ring to give you that symbol of pre-marital commitment -- it's NOT your fault! We, as women, are somewhat raised to think things are "supposed" to happen in a certain order, that we are "supposed" to have this mind-blowing engagement story, and the most jaw-dropping ring ever....but reality is typically never as grand as fantasy. What you CAN count on is that your men love you. Any wedding planning would have been stopped in it's tracks if he WASN'T committed, and I certainly understand how a man's pride can prevent him from proposing, simply because he cannot afford the ring of your dreams. What my husband and I did was talk about the ring I said I wanted vs. what we could afford at the time we got engaged. And we found a ring that we both loved for the time being, always knowing we'd upgrade in the future if/when we might be able to. That way, he was still able to be proud that he had given me a ring I loved, and I still had a story to tell to everyone who he KNEW would ask -- it was a win-win for both of us! Anyway, just my $.02. GOOD LUCK girls!

Ooooh, Jenise -- they're GORGEOUS! Great colors, too! Although it's hard to tell how big they're going to be without anything to judge the scale, I'd bet they're going to be just the right size....all too often I've seen the brides that I know with these HUGE, overwhelming fresh flower bouquets and they look laughable. I think bouquets that are more reasonably sized are in style now a days. I'm sure most brides don't want to hide behind this giant bush of flowers, but rather would prefer something more appropriately sized to subtly accentuate how beautiful she looks that day. I think your flowers are going to accomplish that flawlessly

WOW! I worked with Roberta @ plumeriasweddingflowersboutique.com for my own flowers, and the photo was spot-on to what I received! I wonder what happened, because she is such a pro, and all of her work I've seen has been phenomenal....I'm so sorry she dropped the ball with your order!! I agree 100% with the other ladies that you should let her know (as firmly but delicately as you'd like, because she is very sweet and great to work with) that you are confused as to why you received what appears to be a bouquet using a different color palette entirely from the one pictured in the photo. Some sort of credit should be issued or a portion of your money returned, because frankly, you did NOT get what you paid for (whether you asked her to removed a few orchids or not, the other colors shouldn't have been effected!) She should ABSOLUTELY send you a few stems of the orange hibisbus you originally requested free of charge, but since you are so close to when you have to leave, I think your idea to hand-paint the orange color onto some of the hibiscus might save the day, in case the make-up flowers don't arrive before you have to start packing. The only thing that might not work with that is that the real-touch material might not "accept" the paint -- it might just bead up and roll off because of the "waxy" surface, so be careful if you decide to try this! Oh, and to answer your question, NO -- YOU ARE NOT A BRIDEZILLA whatsoever! You are just someone who wants to get the product she paid for and who can blame you?! These flowers are going to be in almost every picture taken of you, on *the* MOST photographed day of your life! You have every right to want them to be perfect! I'm sure Roberta would be mortified if she knew that this mistake was worrying one of "her brides", and I betcha she'll be MORE than happy to do whatever is necessary to make it right for you!

Quote: Originally Posted by bsf&jpg I think the baker should attempt to partice using fondant or white chocolate. but, I have to say, when I first saw this post, I thought it read.. "HELP!! Need to BUY edible UNDIES!" HAHAHAH!!!! and then I clicked on it and saw coral, LOL! By the way....the "edible undies" thing is HILARIOUS! A little naughty, but hysterical nonetheless! Thanks for the giggle (and try to get your mind out of the gutter)!