This past summer, on Father's Day, my incredible boyfriend proposed. Very unexpectedly. Let's just say that I was completely surprised, shocked even. It was freakin awesome!!! Of course I said yes, as he's absolutely the best man in the world, and I couldn't ask for a better partner or a truer love, and I can't live without him. And then after the water works and then later excitement of being engaged settled in, my mind went immediately into planning mode. Honesty.
I've actually never been the girl who's had it all planned out since childhood. I didn't collect Martha Stewart Wedding (although Lindsay's collection did come in handy) nor did I dream of princess gowns and tiaras growing up . I guess I've always sort of thought that the style and look of everything I chose would greatly depend on the guy I married. So, I was sort of overwhelmed by all of the options available. And the cost. Weddings are certainly not what they used to be. Gone are the days of white tule and ribbon lining the nuptial aisle. Jordan almonds wrapped in tule baggies and banquet style food; no more. Enter, a whole new wave of wedding style with so many different looks to choose from, and you've got yourself one overwhelmed bride to be. Being in the industry, I knew all of this but I guess I didn't really know all of this until planning began.
Budget, of course, was the biggest issue. How in the heck would we be able to afford the type of event that would include all of the people in our lives who mean the most? What about a dress, those things are insanely expensive!? Photography?!?!? Oh man, photography (on a side note, we are so excited to have Joel from Studio EMP. Our engagement photo above is just one of our many jems). What about the food? Music? Etc. etc etc. No wonder people say wedding planning is one of the most stressful times in ones life! I picked up the phone, nervous, to call my mom and dad and get the scoop on budget. I honestly believed Fabio and I would be paying for our own wedding, and that we'd have to elope. No joke. So, after speaking with my dad, and having probably one of the most redemptive conversations for our relationship ever, I discovered that I had a generous budget to work with. Tears. More tears. A week later, even more tears. I'm not sure I've ever been more thankful for a love gift from my dad then this. He's saved for years for my wedding, and I had no idea. Incredible. Unexpected. Amazing. I'm so so thankful! Praise the Lord! For those of you who know me personally, you know that this is a huge thing!
Now, no matter what we planned for this wedding, I have always tried to remind myself that its going to be awesome no matter what because at the end of the day I get Fabio, and he gets me. Ultimately, it doesn't matter then who eats what, and if all the details work out the way I envision. I am however, quite arty, and well, crazy into every single detail of everything, lol. Graphic design was my major, and photography is my business, so details are my scene. I can't help it. So, in all my spare time (haha!), I've been putting together some fun details for the big day. I thought it might be fun to share my progress, since I have so many incredible friends who have been asking me about how things are going. So loves, this post is for you! It's all very much a work in progress though, so don't judge yet!
Everything started with the invitation, well, actually the venue, but really the invite. I was completely and totally inspired by Coral Pheasant Stationery +Design's "Casino Cocktail Party" Invites, which I found on Pintrest (shocker, I know!). I loved the clever play on words, and because grey has been my favorite decorative color for the past 6 years (I love how clean grey and white look), these invites screamed us. I scored the internet for the gorgeous script font in my inspiration invites, and finally, desperately, emailed the owner and she gave me the name.. cautiously. I understand. It is very obvious that much of the look of the invite is owed to this inspiration piece. So, major thank you to Coral Pheasant!
And from there, the invites started everything... I've been pintresting (see my board here) and playing with all sorts of other details to make our day feel intimate and us. Our wedding ceremony is outside, in Laguna Beach, in January; throw blankets are a must (and a great excuse to design!). Straw tags for the bar drinks, customized sparkler tags for our 'sparkling exit", custom escort cards with the pattern from our envelope liners on back, and a really fun engagement picture photo-favor bar are just a few of the fun things our guests can expect come January 6. Still in the works are menu and programs. I sent the rehearsal invitations to the printer just yesterday, but those are pretty cute too!
I can't believe we only have thirty days left until our wedding!!! It's honestly been way more fun then it has been stressful, and in all sincerity, I just can't wait to be Mrs. Spinella! I have the best man, and for that, I am more thankful then I have been for anything in this life. Bonus: its just the beginning! Yay!!
Love and hugs friends!!