This is a dream right? Somebody pinch me

Last year I think it was July, Mommy Flamingo called my cellphone a good three times before I actually picked up. She said she had found the perfect dresses for my bridesmaids. At this point I hadn't even seen them... but judging my moms' sense of knowing her own daughter, she went ahead and bought the dress in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 ... I'm not kidding you. She wanted to make sure that they would fit.

The reason why she was really really insisting on these dresses (again I had not seem them) was because they were extremely inexpensive! 65$ taxes in /each. Which is awesome, might I add. When she came home, I immediately went upstairs to see this so called dress. I found them really cute. Not what I had wanted originally... but cute.

They're chocolate brown and ivory (not the colors shown in the picture) and they fit my list of criteria - tea length dress, strapless and vintage looking (sort of). The girls (4) tried them on and they looked good on everyone. For security reasons we had taken the dresses one size bigger in case that someone gained weight from July to June. I mean we were extremely cautious.

2 months ago I had asked my eldest sister to try on the dress since she had gained some weight and muscles (shes working out twice a week). She said she didn't feel like it... so it slipped my mind. Wednesday, which just passed, while having my weekly family supper at my dad's house (remember my parents are separated) I asked my sisters to try on the dresses because I wanted to take pics and blog about them.

All of a sudden I heard "Uh oh" that was definitely not a good sign. The dress doesn't fit! Its too tight. Guess who it was... my eldest sister who two months ago didnt 'feel' like trying it on. I knew this would happen.... oh my!

Only 4 months till my wedding and I'm having all these thoughts going through my mind. We can't go to the seamstress and figure something out because it really really doesn't fit. We can't go back to the store to get a bigger size, because they no longer make that model. And if we return them, I don't even know if I will get reimbursed!!!

So being a calm bride (but still freakin' out inside) I decide to call the bridal store where I purchased my dress. I asked them how much time it took to order bridesmaid dresses ... he said if I were to order them next week they would arrive June 1st. That doesn't give much time if they are delayed or if they need alterations. My wedding is June 21st... ok I'm officially freakin out!!!

At the same time, someone had suggested... "why not by the samples?" But I've always envisioned my wedding a specific way (all the girls dressed the same) and because of a technicality I won't have what I've always envisioned? No way... I'll be a bridezilla for this if I have too!!!

So Monday we were suppose to have a spa day amongst us sisters and my step-mother but instead were going dress shopping. Basically it comes down to Monday. We have to find something! Somebody please re-assure me.

Anyone else have last minute adjustments? Have you ever had something happen that totally threw they whole planning in the hole?

{dresses were found here}

La piece de resistance....

After months and months of pulling out my hair because I had no ideas.... I finally found what I was going to do for my invitations. I wanted something vintage looking, with various elements and a uniqueness to each piece.

Thanks to Mr.Flamingo, the ball started rolling. With just 5 little words "Why not use a chandelier?" Why didn't I think of that... honestly I did, but I was afraid that the whole movie aspect was lacking. In the end, I'm really happy with the outcome.

La piece de resistance....
(click on the image to enlarge)

The invitation is a classic A7 single card (printed on both sides). First things first - I knew I wanted a pattern because they are pretty... but mostly since it would play an important role in my cake design (explanation coming soon) Secondly, I wanted the invitation to have movement, that's why I didn't place all the text flush left ;)

For the RSVP I decided to go the Postcard route. I think this is an excellent idea for all you eco-friendly brides. Cost efficient and less paper... what could be better than that.

I kept the idea of the pattern as to keep a consistency in the design. As for the other side, I found an image of an old clock (which happened to be NYC) and with the use of Live Trace in Adobe Illustrator CS2, I was able to create this unique vector image. I love the feel of transforming a photo to a vector... it automatically makes it more vintage looking.

Since we are getting married at a hotel, I needed accomodations cards to advise my guests of special rates. I really love this piece... maybe its because of the vintage looking hotel on the card. I bascially used the same steps to transform a photo to a vector image.

The colors might change slightly depending on the color of the envelopes. And of course some tweeking will occur... but overall I love it. I am really happy with the outcome. Now I just have to do the french ones.

So what do you think?

On a side note - Now I have to design my other stationary elements ; menu, place cards and thank you cards. Any suggestions on what type of imagery I should use? Maybe a mailbox, or a food dome for the menus?

And the award goes to...

Definitely not me!!! This weekend I finally started working on my invitations. To be honest it's not going very well. You'd think being a designer would help but it's simply making this whole process extremely hard. Like I always do when I don't seem to concentrate on a specific thing... I sidetrack so instead I started thinking about my table numbers.

Mr.Flamingo had found an interesting site a while back with endless amounts of movie posters from the 20s to now. I thought this was a interesting way to incorporate the whole movie part in the whole vintage glam theme. But I am still indecisive.

What do you think? Would it be a good idea to name our tables after vintage movies? Do you have any other ideas on how I could incorporate the movie part to our wedding?

(All images courtesy of : http://www.impawards.com)

Make some noise - for the smooch

In the past "tinking" of the champagne glass was the classic way to make the newlyweds share a huge and passionate smooch. Apart from the fact that majority of venues no longer allow this tradition (more because of over exaggeration and lots and lots of broken stemware) new ideas have emerged.

I'm looking for a unique way make some noise. Maybe something vintage - just don't know what that could be. Theres always the classic clap your hands and stomp your feet or the very popular silver bell. I thought a poll was a great idea. What is your noise maker?

• I'm going for the classic - the bell
• I'm asking the dj/band to play a sound effect
• Just asking everyone to make some noise
• Attempting to tap on the tables and plates
• Other - please share your ideas.
  

(Sources: top image - Ragoarts.com, bottom - Weddingaccessories.net, getty images)

Almost perfect

Since I've written about my complicated family tree, I thought I'd continue on with my not so symmetrical bridal party. When Mr.Flamingo and I decided on who would take part in our special day... it wasnt that complicated. Thanks to the great feature from David's Bridal called Dress your wedding, I am happy to present you our almost perfect Bridal Party.

No kidding, I love the fact that it is not equal. Adds a little kick to the whole thing.

On my side it was quite simple, I have 3 sisters hence filling the position of my 3 bridesmaids. Now because I didn't want to favor one sister over the other for the MOH position I asked my cousin instead. Easy way out and everybody's happy! :)

For Mr.Flamingos side, he asked his best friend to be his best man, that's it. It was a little touchy since Mr.F has a brother and didn't ask him to be part of the bridal party... but there was no feud. Hurray for family members accepting our decisions and not making a big deal about it!!! For the ring bearer and the flower girl, we asked both our godchildren. It was perfect my godchild is a boy and Mr.F's is a girl... at least we got something right!

Mr.Flamingo wanted to ask more guys to be part of the bridal party... simply because he wanted it to be equal. I told him there was no point. He didn't even know who to ask, and filling the holes just cause with guys he wasn't close with - was not a good choice. What do you think?

Anyone else have a not so symmetrical bridal party? Are you opting for something different, like a dog for a ring bearer? Spill the beans people!!! :)

Here are some montages I made with images from the Designer Gallery of Dress your wedding. Thought I would end this post with some pretty visuals. You should try it out if you haven't already, it's free and a great tool to visualize your Bridal Party.

The Flamingo Ties...

As I was reading my previous posts, I realized that I haven't really given a background on my complicated flamingo family. I attempted to explain a bit during my January broadcast, let's just say that didn't work out very well. Lets get serious, I need to draw all of yous a picture. (Cuz I need visuals... and believe me you will need them too)

To give you an idea: My sisters aren't my sisters, My grandpa isn't my grandpa and my stepmother's bestfriends with my mom. For more detailed explanation look here.

Daddy flamingo got married with his high school sweetheart and had two girls. (Hence the blue and yellow make green concept) They divorced and daddy flamingo got custody of the two girls. (The girls were 5 and 2 at the time).

Then daddy flamingo met mommy flamingo (regardless of their 15 year gap), Mommy flamingo 19 at the time, took care of the two girls as though they were her own children. Two years later she had two girls, me and my younger sister. (I know, blue and red make purple, but that would be weird to change the color of my beautiful pink icon.) Technically the two older girls are my half-sisters, but since we were raised together the half doesn't even exist. We consider ourselves to be real sisters... we are so close and I love them all so much.

When I was 5 and my baby sister was 2 my parents got separated (For the record they never got married) Since my mom was not the biological mother of the 2 older girls, daddy flamingo kept them and my baby sister and I went with my mom. I must admit I took it very hard, but I was lucky since my parents never really fought even after the separation.

Daddy flamingo then met my step-mother (in gray) To be honest at first it was hard having someone labeled your step-mother. I always thought that meant something negative, like the wicked step-mother in Cinderella and her mini- sidekick Lucifer the cat.

Source: Google Images

Time pasted we all matured and then it happened. My mom became really close friends with my step-mom. I mean really close, to the point they go shopping together with my dad and they spend holidays together (example christmas, birthdays and all) This was extremely extremely strange at the beginning, but now its a blessing. How great is it to have all the people you love together laughing and in harmony. I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

After my mom got separated with my dad, she met my step-father several years later. He had 2 boys from his first marriage, so the family grew extremely quick. They got married in 1997, but last year divorced. They were together for 14 years I think, so its only fair to say that he was a big part of my life. Since they separated they have kept a great relationship. Once in a while he comes over to my moms place. I'm even inviting him to my wedding and my mom is perfectly okay with that. (Lets just hope he won't bring a date - even if he did (which I personally don't think he will) my mom would be okay with it.... though I think it would be extremely awkward)

Then comes the other complicated part. I tried to draw a picture but didn't even know where to start. Hopefully my explanation will be good enough. My grandpa isn't my real grandpa. Mommy flamingo was adopted (temporarily) by her aunt and uncle (when she was 3 I believe). This was to help out my real grandmother because she recenlty divorce and need to get back on her feet . She asked her brothers and sisters to each take a child (they were 6) and off they went. My mom stayed the longest at her aunt and uncles house, until she was 16... so it was only normal that she considered her cousins - her brothers and sisters and her aunt and uncle her second parents. When I came into this world.... I considered them my grandparents regardless of the whole complicated logistics of it.

So I have 3 sets of grandparents, 2 mothers, 1 father and 3 sisters. If thats not complicated then I don't know what is. Luckily Mr.Flamingo's family is simple. Otherwise that would of been another post completely. Whats great about this is regardless... I will not have any issues with my guest list.

Am I the only one with complicated family ties? Do you have a reconstructed family? If so, hows that coming along? And are you having issues with the wedding guest list cuz of it?

The Venue Adventure - Part 2

The Venue Adventure - Part 1

After writing about all the places we didn't want to have our reception, I though it was time to blog about some of the possibilities Mr.Flamingo and I had come up with. Like mentioned in my previous venue post, we wanted a more intimate wedding, so here is what we found. I must admit venue searching was exhausting and not to mention extremely hard. Partly because of me and my ridiculous list of what I didn't want! Lets just say I was overly demanding - but what the heck, I'm only getting to do this once it my life so why not do it right!!! :) (this being- getting married of course)

Images: Domaine de L'Ile Ronde

First place we inquired was part of my vendorzilla stories. Apart from the actual lack of professionalism and service, this place seemed perfect almost fairytale worthy. It was a beautiful winery on an island. I loved the fact that you actually needed to take a boat ride to actually get to the reception site. Beautiful and almost enchanted, this site was one of my favorites... but thats according to the pictures because as you all know, we never even got to see it.

Images: Le St-Martin Hotel

Then we opt for the hotel choice. I must admit that I like the idea that our guests can stay the night after some super duper partying. That being said, we made a pit stop at the St-Martin Hotel. This hotel is simply stunning... château like - it was defintely in my list of most glamorous venues. Every thing was perfect, from the fireplace to the grand piano. Even the chandeliers in the hall screamed pick me. Only problem.... it was too small. Mr. Flamingo was really really disappointed. We thought we found the perfect place.

Now you must think... why not reduce the amount of guests? Easily said and not easily done. The venue holds about 85 people and my wedding is over 150 people. So other than stacking my family members one on top of another, I would have to hire someone to kill off some of them.... but unfortunately that's an option. So ... next

Images: Chateau Taillefer Lafon

We decided to go back to the winery option. Maybe its just my Italian roots... but they seems to be such beautiful wedding venue spots. Chateau Taillefer Lafon coincidently reminded me of some chateau-esque vineyard in Tuscany.

As we drove up... I could visualize my whole wedding. With beautiful landscapes, and picture perfect spot, it seems too good to be true. Yup, I was right. We asked the killer question ... How many guests? Again only 85. So I took my red pen and crossed this spot off the list.

Images: Manoir Saint-Sauveur

Next stop, another hotel. This one called Manoir Saint-Sauveur was situated up north where there are many popular ski slopes in the winter. A beautiful place, this hotel was considered top notch. We went ahead and met with the events coordinator. She showed us around, explained all the little things we needed to know.

This hotel was different then the other one, because it had 2 reception halls. I know I mentioned that I didnt like it because it seemed impersonal to us, but these two halls were a good distance away, so this wasn't what bother me really. There was one room which was quite big, and seemed okay-ish. I personally felt I was back in the early 90s and the decor hadn't changed since. Mr.Flamingo agreed that this one was a no.

The other room she showed us was what we were looking for. Sort of a ballroom ... it had high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers with big windows. Both Mr.Flamingo and I agreed on this one. When we told the lady we wanted to book... she told us flat out NO. She said we had to book the other room first. Huh? but we were not interested in the other one... we wanted this one. Why is that so hard to understand??? Honestly, I didn't feel like arguing, so we left.

Images: Golf les Quatre Domaine

At this point both hotels and vineyards didn't seem to work for us, so we decided to visit a golf club near our place. We actually visited the golf club during winter, so there wasn't much land we could see as far as picture spots... but regardless the interior was extremely nice. The golf club was fairly new, so this seemed to be a very good option - not to mention the guest capacity was over 200! Hurray!!!

After endless emails back and forth we schedueled a second meeting to sign the contract. The event coordinator called me back a couple of days before our meeting and asked if we could change our appointement since they had not yet completed the renovations. That being said, the lady advised me she would call me once they were done.

That same week, when the lady canceled our appointment I went to my friends house. On our way there, Mr.F and I stumbled upon a sign 'New Hotel - Opening Summer 2007'

All I can say is that everything happens for a reason.
to be continued ....

Anniversaries... one too many

Unless you have chosen a specific date for all the important moments in your life, like myself... you might have one too many anniversaries. Its a known fact that us gals... love to keep tabs about all the little details, specific dates, times and all of that. So here is my list...

First date: October 28th
Offical going out: December 15th
The Proposal: December 24th
The Wedding: June 21st
and the list can go on....

Now my question is this, does the wedding date cancel out all the other dates? In my case my official going out date and my proposal dates are very close - so I can rule out one of the two. What dates do you celebrate? Do you have any special ways to combine your anniversaries? Please share :)

Image source: GettyImages.com