DIY Engagement Invites

I just finished creating a rough draft of my DIY engagement invites. The only difference I'll make is changing the white paper to an ivory linen paper. I think it's a resume paper of some sort.

So what do you think? Is there anything I should change?

The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson

How can you not love this song?

I can dream again!!....

with the GOLD CHIAVARI CHAIRS!!

Since booking with the Blackhawk Country Club, I've had to say ADIOS to many things... such as chiavari chairs, uplighting, ice luges ect. Well now I'm saying HOLA once again to the beautiful chiavari chairs. "oh, hello my little beauties"!! 

Thanks to my wonderful fiance, he wiped my tears away by saying the magic words... "Don't worry honey... I'll get them." YESSS! We're back in business.  

In my opinion, chiavari chairs makes all the difference. It gives that extra elegance and romance I'm yearning for. Yea, it's pricey and yea, our venue already has nice chairs. But the way I look at it, is that every bride has one thing they splurge on... and it just so happens this is mine. 

awww, my guilty pleasure.... 

MY FAVORS - Check!

Thanks to my lovely coordinator, Ashley aka Bride Sophisticate, I have found the perfect favors for my wedding. How great are these?

In her blog, Ashely says...

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DONATION FAVORS!!

As the end of 2008 draws near, it got me thinking as to what will be up and coming in the wedding world for 2009? One idea? Donations as wedding favors.

Usually, a good majority of those Jordan almonds get left behind on the table. Why spend money on nuts when you can put those dollars to a good cause?

A great how-to was done by Mrs. Lovebug on Weddingbee.

What she did was provide each guest with 4 tokens (each token equaling $1.00) in an envelope with instructions at each place setting as to how to use them.

 

She provided glass bowls with each charity they had chosen to which guests could drop their tokens into. At the end of the night, they tallied up all the tokens in each of the bowls so guests felt involved and knew where their money was going.

I think this is a wonderful idea and one that I hope catches on! For more information or instruction on how to construct the chips click here.

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Thanks Ashley for another wonderful idea. Not only do I feel good about this, but I'm sure my guests will feel the same. 

Engagement Dinner BOOKED!

It's official! Our engagement celebration is now in the WORKS! We decided on having an intimate dinner with close family and friends at Pasta Pelican. An Italian restaurant located on the waters separating the Island of Alameda and Oakland's famous Jack London Square.

 

The ambiance is filled with cobble stone fireplaces, lounges, dark mahogany furniture and the breathtaking views. We are fortunate enough to soak up all the romance for a total of 7 hours! That's right ladies, we have the entire upstairs from 5pm-12am!! YAY!

 

 

Ramon and I decided to have the following served buffet style.

 

*** All entrees are served with tossed house salad with vinaigrette as well as caesar, roasted seasonal vegetables, roasted potatoes and assorted fresh baked breads.

New York Steak 
thinly sliced and grilled

Salmone Picatta

Filet of salmon served in a lemon butter sauce with sauteed mushrooms, capers and fresh basil

Pollo Pelicano

Pan seared chicken breast served in a creamy sherry wine sauce with artichoke hearts, diced roma tomatoes, capers and fresh basil

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine served in a creamy, garlic and parmesan sauce

Bolognese

A hearty meat sauce topped with meatballs served over linguine

TO DO LIST!

Confirm with DJ

Decide on a chocolate fountain buffet in lieu of an engagement cake...

Create song list for CD favors

Brainstorm invitation ideas

Bargain shop for table decor

I think we have a WINNER!

Introducing the "oh so fabulous" Blackhawk Country Club!

The club house lobby

The walkway to the grand ballroom

The Roundabout where valet will be greeting our guests.

The foyer where I would like the escort and sign in table to be.

Hors d'oeuvres and COCKTAIL hour. There is also a grand piano there but I didn't get a pic of it. (darn it!) Wouldn't it be nice to hire a pianist to perform during the cocktail hour?

And to the right is two sets of french doors leading into the grand ballroom. This is probably one of favorite features. I love the way the bar is separate from the ballroom. But in actuality it's just a step away.

And now, the Lakeside Grand Ballroom!

The french doors leading to the lakeside balcony

The view....

and oh, why not? Just for sh*ts and giggles... the ladies room!! lol.

So what do you think? Is it a taker?

The Look

I'm going for the Old Hollywood Glam look for my wedding day. Marilyn Monroe has been my biggest inspiration thus far. Need I say more?...

So after a lot of thought, I decided to go with this hairstyle.

...and with these silk orchids placed in the same position on the hairstyle above. Can we say...FAAABulous?!!

I got this vintage inspired bracelet made from the wonderful Dana Saylor, a seller from Etsy, to complete the look.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions....

So, this is my wedding cake. My dream cake. The "I would do anything for this cake"!  

As much as I love and adore this cake, I'm starting to have second thoughts. Obviously, being able to have such an elaborate cake requires an arm an a leg. And then I thought to myself about the meaning behind the white flower and how it would be nice to carry on the theme within the cake. Nonetheless, cheap and practical. So I decided to find some inspiration and this is what I found.

 

So what do you think? Should I go with what I had originally planned with an extravagant cake? Or get a little more bang for my buck and get something a bit more traditional that ties in with the flowers?