islandbride317

Perhaps I'm just a weirdo, or an eternal optimist, but.... I'm going to actually say that, REMARKABLY, I wasn't as sad as I thought I was going to be when we were preparing to leave Jamaica after our DW! I was CERTAIN I would be an inconsolable, hysterically-crying mess, but really I was just the opposite! I was just thrilled to finally be married and I was excited to get home and start the next chapter in our lives as husband and wife (even though we've already lived together for 4 years, something really felt fresh and exciting about coming home as a married couple!) Or maybe I wasn't all that upset because I was just so nervous and worried about things going well before we left that I was satisfied with an incredible sense of relief that my guests had a wonderful time, and that it didn't rain for my ceremony! Now, I'll admit that I DO still have a bit of "bridal-fever", I watch all the TV shows (and I'm embarassed to say that I even got a little jealous of my newly-engaged friend, since my experience as the bride is now over and hers has just begun), but I think it's TOTALLY NORMAL to be a little let down...I mean, how could you NOT be, right?! We've all spent AN INCREDIBLE amount of our time, effort, emotions, and money preparing for this one huge event in our lives (sometimes focusing on it for 2 or more years!), and when it's over, it's sort of like, "Ok -now what? What do you mean I'm not so special since I'm not *the bride* anymore??!" That is where BDW comes in and saves the day, because as a marvelous Mrs., you can still be a part of the bridal world by sharing your expertise, tips and tricks with the new brides-to-be, and it's like reliving your entire wedding experience all over again! Then, everybody wins!

What about "Stars and Cards Designs"? I'm just a weirdo about things sort of rhyming.... Or maybe "A Place in the Stars Designs", since they are literally placecards, and you're using starfish? Just wanted to put in my $.02 in case you wanted another idea, but "Island Priness Designs" is fab, too! GOOD LUCK!

Quote: Originally Posted by JanineA Vikki, my prayers are with you. This is so close to my heart since 5 years ago I went through the same thing. Unfortunately the hospital I was at was not advanced in terms of neonatal care but I thank God for the minutes I was able to have a daughter. I pray that Baby Carter will pull through this. May the positive energy of every whisper of his name and every thought of him be projected around and encircle him like a shield and may he grow stronger and stronger with each passing hour. I just wanted to say to Janine -- I am so sorry to hear of your unspeakable loss. You are an incredibly strong woman to have pulled through such a tragedy as losing a child. My wish is that nothing but the very best of love, life and happiness lie ahead on the horizon for you...

Oh, Vikki.....my heart and prayers go out to you and your family during this very trying time -- I cannot imagine what you all (especially his parents) must be going through. It is encouraging though that you said little Carter is so doing well given the circumstances, and that he is in a wonderful facility, but it doesn't make photos like #13 (where his tiny hand is holding onto daddy's finger) any less heartbreaking. Stay strong, and know that all of our positive thoughts and very best wishes will be coming your way a million times over....

It's just GORGEOUS, Janine!! Rebecca (or becks as she is known here on BDW) was one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VENDORS to work with during my wedding planning process! Not only did she create my logo, she also did custom RSVP postcards for me and I worked with her again a few months later to create a separate custom monogram for the iron-on patches I had on my OOT bags....and she even created a custom design for the photopaper inserts I used in the Aladdin 16 oz. scrapbook travel mugs I gave my 10 guests (as I couldn't order 50 like a lot of sites require) -- SHE IS AN INCREDIBLE TALENT and an utter JOY to work with!! CONGRATULATIONS on your beautiful logo, and I can join you in recommending Rebecca with 2 HUGE thumbs up!!

So, I know this thread is old, but I just figured I'd post what we're doing for our AHR favors for good measure! Since our AHR is a bit more traditional/formal than casual, I wanted something that looked sort of "polished and tied together" (without me having to do a lot of hands-on work in the process!) and I found these really cute seashell/beach themed candle sets for about $1.65 a piece (if you order between 45-95, I believe): If anyone is interested in these, here's the website: Seaside Tealight Candle Set (20031YL)

Glad to hear you've come to a decision that is going to work best for you, Sierra! To be honest, I am on the verge of having my full-scale AHR in August (and I got married 2 months ago in May), but about 2 weeks after we got back from Jamaica, I was ready to call the whole thing off, even though I had already sent out Save-the-Dates in Nov. '09! When I first booked the venue, the deejay, the cake baker and the photographer, it was all a "MUST", but after we got back and settled into daily life again, it seemed like such a waste of thousands of dollars! So I spoke to my husband about my doubts, and he said that he thought we'd really regret not having it and that our families would be disappointed, so I decided just to go ahead as scheduled -- but secretly, I AM STILL WISHING WE COULD JUST SCRAP THE WHOLE THING!! **GOOD LUCK in PA school, as I know it's far from easy to get through, and best wishes with your move! I am sure your wedding will be beautiful, and maybe you just might want to send out a few photos from the ceremony and an announcement to the friends and family you might not have time to see before you leave -- it might be a nice touch to remind them how important they are to you and your soon-to-be husband! Just a thought!**

I'll go! So, these are the shoes I will be wearing for my AHR in August, with this dress (WHICH I HAD SHORTENED to just below the 1st line of ribbons). Here's the dress: And here are the shoes! They are by Nina, and I loved how the whole bow design ties to the rows of ribbon on the dress and a small bow on the back (not pictured - sorry)! So looking forward to wearing them!

clgriffi7 -- CONGRATS on deciding to go and get that gorgeous gown, girl! I think the ruffles are an ADORABLE, totally Mexico-appropriate touch, and it already fits you beautifully (plus it's on sale, too!) = a dress that was totally MEANT for you!

It's soooo beautiful! Very classic and elegant....who's the designer?! It's fabulous! And, I'll join the rest of the girls in saying that I'd LOVE to see a pic of you in the gown -- we always prefer to see the girl in the gown vs. the model, as the REAL bride always puts the model to shame!

HAPPY WEDDING DAY, CASSIE!!! Welcome to the "Mrs." club!! So, I already posted on your facebook wall, but you just can't wish somebody well too many times, now can you?! I'm SURE YOUR DAY is going to be totally MAGICAL and you're going to be the gorgeous belle of the bridal ball! I'm sooooo looking forward to seeing pics of your in your fabulous "Chardonnay" Maggie gown -- you're going to look stunning! CONGRATULATIONS on the Big Day finally arriving and I KNOW all of your hard work and planning will pay off in spades on this, your WEDDING DAY!

CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Kayla -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Emma -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Heather -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Meg -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Jodi -- I ALSO got married in Ocho Rios, JA -- it's the most naturally gorgeous place I've ever been! CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Fatima -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Mother of the Bride and daughter! -- CONGRATULATIONS on her engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during the wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Christie

Hi, Therese -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

Hi, Ashley -- CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement & WELCOME to BDW!!! I think you will find that this site will become the single *most* important tool available to you during your wedding-planning process -- I KNOW it was for me! Very best wishes as you're planning your way, toward walking down the aisle on your Big Day!! ~ Christie

No honey, you're certainly NOT "that girl" at all....it's an adorable, perfectly appropriate dress, and the bride would NOT be offended at all, if she's AT ALL rational! If it were ALL WHITE, then there might be an issue, but she's gonna be soooo wrapped up in the crazy-beauty of her own Big Day, she would never even notice, I assure you!

I'm still going to use the same "blue-brown-and sand" color palette for invitations, table decorations, etc., but I find that the items I am purchasing now are more of a true turquoise, where as the items for Jamaica were more of an aqua -- a slight difference, but to me, it signifies that it's a different party, while still staying within budget!