You're Cordially Invited

Invitation styles played a gigantic role in the grand scheme of things in our wedding planning. We wanted every aspect of the wedding to be able to tell a story or give our guests a hint of what to expect come January 2008. Once our save the dates cards were sent out to our guests, expectations were high on what they will receive next. Since we were also had a rigid budget, we knew that DIY would be our solution to infusing our style into invitation and at the same time making them affordable. When I stumbled upon Mrs. Eggplant's post about her wedding invitations, I finally had a direction and a vision!

Typical Filipino wedding invitations includes an insert stating the entire list of your wedding party so we knew that we needed to add that to the other inserts that we have (i.e. response cards, reception cards) so a pocket folder would be our best bet yet. We started with sample pocket folders that we ordered from cardandpockets.com and another from Paper Source. We compared the two and completed several mock up pieces and finally decided on the Vertigo pocket folder from Cardsandpockets.

Once the color schemes have been decided and the materials have been ordered, we conceptualized the design and looked at different ideas that we’ve seen in the past. My MOH (who else right?) used istockphoto for ideas of graphics that we would be able to use and she came up with a design that Mr. Gardenia and I were both very excited with. We completed a mock up and took it to a local printer in Orange County for a quote and they were able to produce a proof within hours that we can approve. As soon as the proof was approved, our invitations were printed within hours.

So with the invitations printed, pocket folders, spools and spools of ribbon, stamps, crafting tools and lots and lots of double stick tape on hand, we were ready to start cranking these out.
I decided to get all of the print jobs done at the same time to make it a bit more organize and bearable.

For envelopes and response cards:

1. Print return addresses on all of the envelopes using MS Word.

2. Print all of the guests names and addresses on the envelopes using MS Word as well. Tip: I ended up using a calligraphy-style font for our names and addresses to avoid the costs of a calligrapher.

3. Print labels of return addresses on clear labels and attach them to all of the response cards that we were sending out.

4. Attach stamps on all response cards and main envelopes.

RSVPS

Since we used postcards for our response cards, we were limited in the space that we had to put the information and decided to number inconspicuously each response card to correspond with the number of the guests in our spreadsheet. So, the idea is that when response card #080 was received, we would know that guest #080 was attending the wedding. I really wanted to use the invisible ink to number each response card but after trips to Michaels, Target, Wal-Mart and several art supplies stores, I was discourage they didn’t carry any of what I was looking for. In fact, on my trip to Michaels one of the workers pointed me to the Crayola washable magic markers since she thought that’s what I wanted.

Pocket folder, Main Invitation & Inserts

6. Measure the pocket folder with a ruler to get the center of the folder where the ribbon will be attached to. Wrap the 7/8 ribbon around the pocket folder using double stick tape to attached the ribbon. I found that double stick tape works wonder with these since it’s not as noticeable unlike others that I’ve used (glue stick, fabric glue).

7. Use double stick tape and attach the hydrangea-colored matting to the top portion of the pocket folder.

8. Attach the main invite to the matting with the use of double stick tape.

9. Arrange the inserts in order and put them inside the sleeves on the bottom portion of the pocket folder.

10. Once the inserts have been put in the folder, place the pocket folder inside the corresponding envelope. Remember that response card #080 should go with envelope for guest #080. Once we got into this step, we made sure to check our list to make sure that it’s going to the appropriate guests. We wouldn’t want our guest who only needs 2 seats to have the response card for 6 guests. This was the crucial part making sure that they go to the appropriate people with the numbering system that I used. Sounds complicated but it really made life a bit less stressful for Mr. Gardenia and I.

Monogram stickers

Using the monograms that one of our groomsmen created for us, we printed the monograms on cream colored cardstock paper and matted it against the same hydrangea-colored cardstock and ran it through our Xyron machine to achieve that adhesive backing. These monogram stickers were used to seal the pocket folder flaps.

Embossed stickers

I bought a PSA embosser a while back to use for our STD cards and since they had our wedding date on the embosser, I figure we can use them again for seals for our wedding invitations to remind our guests of the wedding date.

So, readers of weddingbee, without further adieu, here are my invitations.

I will make sure to blog next about the vendors that we used and the total costs for our invites. Looking at our invites now that they’re out of the coup, I feel that we came up with a harmonious piece that tied everything together from beginning to end.

Too Good to Cut

Since I’m still suffering from shower coma this weekend, I thought I would continue blogging about my cake. My bridal shower cake was definitely the piece de resistance over all of the mini desserts we had last Sunday.I love LOVE the intricate detailing on the cake and the flavor was so heavenly. It was 10 inch round marble cake with a double layer of chocolate bavarian and cappuccino mousse filling. Mmmmm. It's THAT good! My MOH ordered the cake from Beverly ’s Best, a local family owned bake shop in North Orange County. Their cakes are always delicious and flavorful. They have some of the most mouth-watering cakes that I have tasted so far and their craftsmanship is just impeccable because they really try to get every detail as possible.

This was the inspiration for my cake.
Image via marthastewart.com/weddings

Beverly’s Best Bakery
3020 N. Brea Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92835
http://www.beverlysbestbakery1.com/

My Bridal Shower

My bridemaids and family threw me a wonderful bridal shower this past weekend. I am still so excited from the leftover energy high from the shower that I don’t know where to begin. I have such a keen attention to detail that I think I must start in that area since there were so many wonderful details that they worked on.

The shower was at PJ’s Abbey, a quaint and charming family owned restaurant in Orange. The restaurant itself was an older Victorian Baptist Church that was built in 1891. The place has so many details on its own, especially with the stained glass windows that drew in just the right amount of sunlight into the room. I discovered this place earlier this year when we threw one of my girlfriends a bridal shower and liked the location. It was a plus that they have a private room that you can use for showers, engagement parties and such so it was nice to be in the restaurant but still have your own private space. They served a pasta bar with two different kinds of pasta and a Caesar salad for all the guests The girls all contributed towards a mini dessert buffet that they set up next to the cake. I think with my love affair for sweet stuff, they knew they had to have a dessert buffet if it is truly in my honor. So on to the details… we had menu cards, food name cards, candle & centerpieces that were all hand crafted with lots of love. In lieu of the traditional bow bouquet for me to use at the wedding rehearsal, my wonderful and ever so crafty MOH made me 3 magnolia paper bouquets. I loved them!!! It seems that it’s a toss up between the menu cards and the paper flower bouquet as the favorite DIY project at the party since we had guests asking to take home the menu cards as well. They used the tent card from Paper Source and printed the menu on one side of the tent card and printed one of my baby pictures on the other so I think that’s why people loved it.

On with the detail shots:

The centerpieces were put together by my mom. They bought three sets of flower from Sam's Club, and coincidentally, they were the exact colors of my shower, papaya, strawberry, curry, and chartreuse. She's the best! My mom has a keen eye for detail !!

Another bridesmaid was in charge of the favors. Each guest was given a caramel covered apple with crunch. And, look at the ribbon, it's the same exact color as the invites I blogged about a while back. It's curry!! The tags were crafted again by the MOH! We had table menus at each table. Each menu card had a different baby picture on the back.

Again, another decor shot by the MOB. She bought two garlands from Michaels to decorate the buffet area, and the lemons are from our yard.
Dessert buffet station!! I love sweets!! We had baklava, mini cupcakes, brownie bites, cheese rolls, and three boxes full of assorted pastries (ie. napoleon, tiramisu, and etc. ) It was a big hit of the day. The guests kept coming back for more since there's always something new to try. Love it!! The three magnolias in the back are the ones I'll be using for my rehearsal. Of course, made by my MOH! And, the piece de resistance, the cake!!! It was a marble cake with chocolate bavarian and cappuccino mousse filling. So yummy and tasty!! I will blog more about the cake and the inspiration that started it all.

Another favorite was the wish bowl where the guest can share their well wishes and marriage advice for Mr. Gardenia and I.

The cards were hand stamped and embossed using the same pattern just like the invites.

We got some of the nicest wishes from our guests so I thought I would share them with you.

"Always remember that the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." - Cousin A.
*Take note that this advise was one of the best ones and it was from my 15 year old cousin.*

"There is always a discovery stage in the relationship- please have patience, lots of laughter. Do not let disagreement stray your relationship- always do things together-minor or grand. Have lots of love."- Tita L.

" Blessing our lives with the most precious things, husbands are like angels without any wings."- Tita E.

Last, but not the least, " Conflict and disagreements are inevitable in marriage..but if you must fight...fight NAKED! :)- Bridesmaid J.

On with the pictures

I received about three sets of baking ware. I joked around with Mr. Gardenia and told him we'll be having brownies morning, noon and night. :)

One of my favorites, alohawear!! My aunt who gifted us with our honeymoon to Maui gave me this dress and other brochures of Maui. I love it!

We definitely had lots food, fun, games, lots of sweet stuff, laughter and love that filled the room. It was so nice to see everyone there that truly cares a lot for Mr. Gardenia and I.

My ever so crafty maid-of-honor

Me with the MOB and MOH. I'll be using the magnolias for the rehearsal.

ME with my bridesmaids.

Inspired by Miss Magnolia

Along with the marriage prep class we have this weekend, I also have my bridal shower coming up this weekend. I’m really excited for this shower, especially since most of the plans have been shielded away from me so everything should be a surprise come Sunday afternoon.

I was so motivated by Miss Magnolia’s hostess’ gifts that I did something similar to what she did using the cereal bowls from target. I was really on the lookout for those damask bowls for me but they ran out so I went with plain sangria colored cereal bowls that were on sale. I filled each bowl with 3 washcloths (white, light blue and blue) with some snowflake designs, 4 silver ornament balls and Hershey’s hugs, of course. I then wrapped the bowl in some leftover tulle that we have around the house (we have so much tool that we can cover the entire house in tulle!) and used a pretty wired green ribbon and finished it off with a teal blue-ish snowflake ornament as the gift tag to tie in with the washcloths inside.

This is them before getting wrapped in tulle.

And this is them after the tulle action happened.

I really liked how they turned out since I think all of my bridesmaids would love them. They were also very cost effective. I spent approximately $8-$8.50 per bowl. Here's the price breakdown:

9.98 4 sangria colored cereal bowls

1.99 18 pack of silver ornaments

0.99 4 pack of snowflake ornaments

4.0 2 packs of Hershey’s Hugs

14.0 12 washcloths

Total = $33.96 (including tax)

They came out really cute that I’m thinking of doing something similar as Christmas gifts to my co-workers. I wanted to get my MOH/sister something extra than the bowls and found a cute bag from the Rachael Ray magazine. The bag is Hindu inspired and it’s from the Hope Catalog of St. Jude’s Hospital. She’ll love it!

Image courtesy of rachaelraymag.com

Thanks for the inspiration Miss Magnolia!

Engaged Encounter Retreats v. 1-Day Marriage Prep Classes

One of the last few things that Mr. Gardenia and I waited to do was to enroll in our marriage prep class, a requirement to get married in the Catholic Church. We waited on getting this done because we weren’t too sure if wanted to do the weekend retreat (that seems to be the favorite for most brides and grooms) or the 1-day class that’s typically done locally in your parish. Most of my friends preferred the engaged encounter/weekend retreat and recommended that Mr. Gardenia and I attend it if we have the choice to. They found a lot of value in the weekend retreats because it gave them time as a couple to re-collect and re-focus on their priorities. It gives the couple the opportunity to have a getaway from all the wedding hustle and bustle that they have going on and meet other engaged couples to share experiences with one another.

Mr. Gardenia and myself dare off to our 1-day marriage prep class this weekend at a local parish. Unfortunately since we did wait so last minute, we’re not able to attend a class in the same church where our ceremony will be at. We decided to enroll in the 1-day class since we felt that we were in a rush to get this accomplish and tight with our budget. The 1-day classes typically cost around $70-$100 where as the weekend retreats cost $200-300 since it’ll cover food and lodging for 2 days. I’m on the fence about it since I don’t know what or how to prepare for this class but I am looking forward to spending time together away from all the busy-ness that we have been in the middle of lately. I think we owe it to ourselves just to have some quiet time to talk about our upcoming marriage and the future that lies ahead of us.

We figure that, depending on our experience from this 1-day class, we can always attend the marriage encounter which is similar to the weekend retreats but this time for married couples instead of engaged couples. Do you have any classes/requirements that you have to fulfill prior to your big day? What did you learn from them?

Tuxes for All

With only a few weeks away to the big day, these past couple of weekends has been wedding weekends where all we do is wedding related stuff. With 22 people needing to get fitted for a tux, that's right, the magic number is, 22!! We wanted to organize a tux fitting party for all of our groomsmen, sponsors, family members, ushers, ring bearer, coin bearer and bible bearers to accommodate everyone. The real stars of our fitting were most definitely our child stars – we have 3 little boys in our wedding party and they are all as equally charming and cute. They warmed everyone’s hearts as soon as they pranced around in their tuxes and practiced walking down the aisle. One of our boys was knocked out asleep when they brought him to the fitting but as soon as his turn came around, he was such a trooper and got up to get fitted. We cannot wait to see them all suited up for the big day.

Welcome Home

We finally DID it! Mr. Gardenia and I now have a place of our own to call HOME. What a relief this has been to finally found our new place. I think this has been one of the most mind boggling things we have had on our wedding checklist because we were so uncertain as to our living situation. We were beginning to really consider living with his mom for the mean time after the wedding in order to give us some time to look around for our place. Our goal was to really find a place before the wedding and move in right before the wedding to get most of our things settled in.

With the wedding being such a momentous event, for us moving out is just as momentous as well. FI and I have lived with both of our parents all our lives and I mean ALL of our lives. We both attended commuter schools while we were in college so we didn’t have the need to live in the dorms or move into an apartment. With that said, moving out was truly something that we both have been looking forward to for a while now starting this new life in our own space.

This week we just signed our lease and our move in date is in 2 weeks. How exciting! We’re looking forward to furniture shopping, painting, moving in and decorating for the holidays. FI is adamant about decorating with a real tree this year and hosting a dinner party for our parents and siblings to say Thanks for all that they’ve done for us and for the wedding.

What has been the most exciting about moving out for you?

I Finally Found Her!!

I finally found her – and the “her” being my dress. I’ve always had this idea that wedding dress shopping would be such a delightful experience but after looking for almost 1 ½ year and not finding the right one – I was starting to get frustrated and thought will I ever find “her”. It seems as if I have scoured every bridal shop in Orange County just to find the right dress for me and I finally found ‘her” down the street from my parents’ home – at a local bridal shop in our area that I have avoided going to with the fear of very un-affordable prices.

My dress is a Mori Lee original with a strapless bodice that has awesome embroidery and crystal beading for some bling. The beading detail cascades through the back of the dress and hemline. I just love it! I really do. It met all of the musts that I was looking for in my dress and just was so happy with it. I had my first official fitting last week to discuss all of the alterations and bustle that needs to get done.

I guess it’s true that when you find it, you’ll just know.

** STOP READING Mr. Gardenia***

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*** I mean it -- stop NOW!!!

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images courtesy of Mori Lee

E-Pics Sneak Peek

Last week, Mr. Gardenia and I finally had our engagement pictures with our wonderful photographer at Cal State Long Beach. We really wanted to go somewhere different so we decided to use the Japanese Gardens on site as our backdrop along with the Pyramid). The gardens is famous for hosting Our session gave us a chance to hang out with our photographer and her husband and see how they are in action. I think that it's always nice to have that opportunity to work with your vendor first prior to the wedding so that you can evaluate their work based on your experience. Here are some sneak peeks into our e-pic session with Renee Broughton. I can't wait to see the rest of our pictures.

All photos courtesy of Renee Broughton.

My Red & Aqua-Themed Girlie Gathering

I had the best experience during my bachelorette/girlie gathering day that my MOH, bridesmaids and girlfriends threw for me just last month. They really catered the day just for me and my loves in life. It was sure a foodie experience not to forget. We started the day with a scrumptious brunch that was prepared by my MOH and MOB. We had full array of French toast kabobs, sausage skillets, fresh fruit, pastries from one my favorite Cuban bakeries(Porto’s), mini red velvet cupcakes from Dots, coffee, juice and much more. It gave us time to catch up with everyone and just relax before we head out to Burke Williams for my very first spa experience. The girls all came away with treats from matching flip flops, homemade madeleines and nail-tinis for everyone. Our dinner plans was to go to Villa Sorriso which has cabanas and martini lounge, as part of their restaurant.

The girls treated me to a spa adventure that started with a bath in lavender and citrus oils that was followed by my first ever facial, body treatment that made my skin glow all through the week and a mani and pedi session with all of the girls. It was so nice to have that retreat away from all madness of wedding planning and just relax and unwind with everyone. The facial was definitely my most favorite out of the treatments and I’m looking forward to going back for more.

After we got ready, we went back on our foodie trip to Old Town Pasadena to enjoy an Italian Feast at Villa Sorriso and dessert at Melting Pot. Since everyone knows how much I love great food, I was offered a day full of fun, relaxation, great camaraderie, laughs and definitely delicious food.