Glamnuptials: Strike the Pose Part 2

Taking pictures and more pictures is what a wedding is all about, so here is part 2 of Strike the pose! When we were planning our wedding we wanted to take the whole picture thingy into consideration. So we decided to rent some vintage inspired lamp posts to recreate a park circa the 1950s.

The result... beautiful pics with an awesome backdrop.

My sisters

We seriously had a blast taking pictures with our guests. It was the beginning of a movement (if I can call it that) people were standing in line to take pictures of us; like we were some famous rocks stars signing autographs. Rock on!

Some girlfriends

My flower girl showing off her pink flip-flops

I was lucky that two of my grandparents were able to share this special day with us, since Mr.Flamingos grandparents passed away when he was just a little boy. Mommy flamingo's daddy was with us, and daddy flamingo's mommy too. They were so happy to witness this special day, and we were even more happy to share it with them.

My 93 year old italian nonna

I felt extremely lucky to have both my mom and my stepmom... thats double mommy goodness, and the fact that they are such great friends made it so much easier. No fights, no issues with seating arrangements, just love.

Step-mom, me (duh!) and Mommy flamingo


My new family :)

My high school friends made it to my wedding, who knew we would stick together after all this time ( 14 years is a very long time!) I was the first one to get married and let me tell you they partied like there was no tomorrow. LOL

My cheeks hurt so much because of the permanent smile on my face. Guess thats part of the whole "its your wedding day, say chesse! " ;)

My aunt

Up next: Introducing the newlyweds…

Images taken by Ipi-events and guests
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Previously:
Glamnuptials : Beauty Time
Glamnuptials : Prep Time
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials : Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials: Bride Posing
Glamnuptials: Groom Posing
Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 1
Glamnuptials : Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials : The Guestbook
Glamnuptials : Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials : DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board

Glamuptials: Decor elements

If there is one thing I loved about my wedding, was definitely my decor elements. Everything was perfect, from my photo corner to my menus. I know, I went crazy with the details but at least my guests pointed out sometime during the evening. Plus, they still tell me now... how beautiful everything was. Hurray I've accomplished what I wanted.

The overall feel and look that I wanted for my reception site was easy: vintage and glam. The wedding show people did a great job adding some extra glamour elements to the decor, but the hard work paid off.

This is a last minute DIY project, I made reserved seating cards for Mr.Flamingo and I. I made cards using the same elements as our invitations. I ppted for Bride & Groom because in french Bride = Mariée and Groom = Marié, not much of a difference and with a little too much to drink I sensed some confusion. The words in english seemed perfect, and no one else read them but us. I used ivory satin ribbon to attached the cards to the back of the chair.


I had mentionned before wanting to have inexpensive linens or something in chocolate brown to cut the white linen that were provided by the venue. Well with lots of research and very little time left to the wedding, I came to the realization that nice/inexpensive wasn't possible. So I decided to DIY my table decor. I opted for table runners (to cut costs) but I didn't have time to take pictures, and I don't know if I would of because lets just say : I can't sew for my life actually I can't even cut long length of material in a straight line. So ya, I wasnt too proud they weren't very straight. ;) (But no once noticed - luckily)



Our beautiful menus. Every guest got a menu carefully tucked in their napkin. I printed them in brown to add some extra color to the table and the type was in ivory. My menus were long an narrow to add length to the place seating. My menus were in French, English and Italian.


Our guests liked our centerpieces but loved our table numbers. In my flickr account, where my guests uploaded their pictures, I have over 10 shots of just our table numbers. I'm glad they liked them, because I LOVED them and its heartbreaking when you work so hard on something and no one pays attention.

The escort card tree was such a beautiful piece. They actually installed spots at the bottom of the tree so when it got darker the crystal swags would shine. What I loved too, is that they made the bottom match my centerpieces. They used square mirrors to surround the pot and added sticker rhinestones for the glam.

The photo area was great. We took lots of pictures with our friends and family. We had rented the lamp posts, but didn't know how to place them in our hall. The wedding show rented bushes and placed it as though it seemed we were outdoors. We kept the bench (we bought it from Wal-Mart) so I'm excited to put in outside once we have our first house.

Whats your favorite decor element at your wedding?

Up next: Glamuptials: Beauty time

Glamuptials: The Guestbook

I know you are waiting impatiently to see my wedding photos as a whole but I have to stretch the suspense a little longer. You all know I like labeling stuff with words that I make up, so this was no exception to the rule. I've decided to officially call my wedding/pro-pics posts Glamuptials.

definition: (noun, pl - the meshing of two words.
Glam which is the shortened form of glamour and nuptials - a wedding)

The first installment of glamuptials will be about my guestbook. I realized that throughout the planning process I never blogged about what I was doing for that. I was lucky enough to score me one of Zinke Designs Wishing Well. Its a beautiful ivory floral magnetic box with 150 4x6 cards and a pen. Pretty for display and perfect for storage.

I was searching for a bowl or something where I could place the cards in. Then, Mommy Flamingo to the rescue, pulls our a vintage crystal dish. It was perfect... and vintage (it belonged to my great-grandmother). Plus, don't the cards look better in a pretty dish?

The guestbook table was really a family thing. Flamingo step-mother purchased candelabra shaped miniature trees. Yes yes... I am not kidding you, the branches of the trees are shaped like a chandelier. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was the first time I had seen anything like that.

A lady who works with Daddy Flamingo mentioned that she had a vintage typewriter which might look nice with my whole vintage theme. I was so excited about this, so I sort of pulled a Lovebug. (thanks for the inspiration) I spent hours cleaning the thing, it was filled with dirt and dust... but in the end something beautiful never looses its beauty.

I had a fun ready what our guest left as words of wisdom. Unfortunately, not many people left us notes, so we should of made an announcement somehow, but it doesn't really matter. My favorite message was from my cousin "Mr. Flamingo, my cousin is always right, remember that... or I'll kill you!" lol

What was your favorite guestbook message?

{All images courtesy of: Ipi-Events Photography}

A piece of chandelier for you

A while back I was debating what style of escort card I should have. Well, I realized that I never did a follow-up on my choice for escort cards. I went with the majority of yous and went with the glamour option. Since chandeliers seemed to be a very big part of my theme, I decided to go with something like the left picture.

{left} & {right}

I didn't take any pictures of my escort cards in progress since I had to finish them rather quickly, But this is one of the only pictures I have of the finished product. I think its rather good. :)

Here is my friend Julie showing off her escort card.

Making them was simple, I cut squares out of ivory card stock. I purchased a corner die-cut with lace embellishments and punched holes in all 4 corners. I went on ebay and found 100 acrylic chandelier prisms for only 19.95$ plus shipping. I purchased brown organza ribbon and tied both the chandelier prism and ribbon on the place card. Voila! and escort card.

When it comes to displaying them, there were many possibilities. Hung on trees like the famous picture below that Miss Pineapple blogged about, hung on ribbons like picture above, hung on a string making a glamorous clothes line... well this decision La Bosse des Noces took into her own hands.

{image}

Since I didn't have a clue what La Bosse des Noces would do to display my escort cards, I decided to make a poster with all the table numbers and names. That way, the guests could find their table number and then search for the card.

For the board, I used elements from my invitations. I found left over embellishments in my scrapbooking box and used sticker rhinestones to add some extra glamour to the board. It came out beautifully. Don't you think?

Here is a sneak peek of the escort display:

How did you display your escort cards?

Finally... the unveiling of my centerpiece

Like I had mentioned in my previous post, Mr.Flamingo and I wanted for our centerpiece some type of chandelier on a stand (but we didn't want to make a big hole in our budget.) During the holidays while I was doing my shopping, I suddenly had this “AWWWWWWWW” moment - and I apologize because I never showed you what that AWWW piece was.

Well without further ado here it the AWWW piece:

They are beautiful clear vase-type candle holders. We got 2 different models (the one you see at the front which is shaped like a wine glass, and the ones completely at the back that are thin and long. Both models have a ribbed pattern in the glass which will create beautiful lighting. Plus they are all different heights - so it will create such a beautiful effect)

These vases were such a deal : The smaller ones: 9.99$ and the taller ones: 12.99$ (All purchased at Winners and HomeSense.)

After showing you all the bits and pieces of my centerpieces... the time has finally come to show you the finished product...yes yes I'm not kidding you. Now I apologize for the blurriness of the photos (that's what happens when you don't use a flash) Either way I'm pretty sure you'll get the picture. (get it picture - :) )

My DIY chandelier on a stand:

I am so happy with the outcome of my centerpieces, even my mom is glad she took part in the DIY-ness. (Shes the one that cut all the strands of beads and created the hooks (using jewelry wiring) to make it a WOW factor)

Here are close ups of the votive and the beading of the centerpiece

We have 22 vases in total and with everything; vases, candles, votive holders, tea lights, bead stands, bead curtain, wiring and mirrors our centerpieces came out to 19.00$ each (including 13% taxes)

So what do you think? Is it like what you imagined?

Vintage Ambiance

If there is one thing Mr.Flamingo was really interested about was the decor of the reception site. He wanted to have this specific look and I thought it was a great idea. Since we're going vintage he thought it would be neat to go all out and rent outdoor lighting but for inside. That's exactly what we will be doing. Two weeks ago, Mr.Flamingo and I went to Paul Gregoire a local lighting company which offers rental services.

We wanted to re-create a vintage in-the park kinda look and this is what we got...

A Victorian inspired 5 branch lamp post

Two vintage looking park benches

What we wanted to create was a seating area at the back of the reception site. It will be situated near the bar area, so the guests can sit while having a drink. We will put the 5 branch lamp post and 2 benches. The lamp post will be surrounded by plants to really give that outdoor feeling.

2 Victorian inspired single branch lamp post

We also rented 2 single lamp posts. Still not sure where we will be placing these, there was the option of having them near the honor table. We can also place them completely opposite of the park area... but once we decide where the tables will be placed then we will have all the options open.

My favorite of all... is our card box. When I first read Miss Gingerbreads post on her card box, I completely fell in love with the idea of having a neat vintage looking mailbox. I was so happy to have found one that was perfect for out outdoor idea.

This mailbox is perfect, not only does it really fit that vintage look, its got a light too... What I really loved about this mailbox is that it comes with keys. Isn't that great?... so unless one of my guests leaves with the whole thing, there will be less chances of having disappearing envelopes.

All of this cost 400$ delivery included. Plus they will be painting all the elements in a antique bronze color... perfect match with my colors. I think this will be a great addition to our decor (though we don't have much - really) Things are finally coming together...

I'm finally seeing the whole picture and I love it. What do you think?

And action...

Last night I received a private message from a weddingbee reader. The fabulous fadedblue sent me a message saying she had found a really great piece that would be perfect for my wedding theme.

Really intrigued, I clicked on the link she sent me and my jaw dropped. WOW... vintage inspired movie projectors. I'm in love and so is Mr.Flamingo.

Small - $79.99 , Big- $99.99 via Potterybarn

Even though this would totally be a splurge, it would be so nice next to my not so thematic guestbook. I mean I was trying to find ways of making my whole decor more movie-ish without going overboard... so this would be a good choice - right? I can re-use it for decoration in my new home theatre (when we buy our house of course) it would be a great way to remember our wedding. To top this off its on sale... now, how could I resist a sale?

I know, I know, I'm trying to convince myself.

Well, after much debating, I finally decided to purchase it. Problem - They don't ship to Canada. Snif! Snif! I could always ship it to someone I know it the states, but the billing address must be in the states as well. Maybe if I tried calling them.... maybe that would work.

Since its a final sale, I would love to know if any of you have seen these projectors in person? Can anyone help me with that. Its not like I have a Pottery Barn near my house :( so I can't check it out for myself.

Did you splurge on something for your wedding? Is it something you re-used?

Bits and pieces

I've avoided the topic of our centerpieces for quite some time now, because like I mentioned before I didn't know what to do. We absolutely wanted some type of chandelier on a stand, but I had to figure out how. During the holidays while I was doing my Christmas shopping at Winners/Homesense, I suddenly had this "AWWWWWWWW" moment. Almost as though a glowing light appeared on what seemed to be the perfect centerpiece.

Now before I spill the beans on my centerpieces... I thought I would just share bits and pieces and let your imagination take over. They aren't completely finish, but this weekend I will take pictures of the final product. Until then I have tonnes of unsticking labels and washing to do.

Here is what makes up my centerpieces

Tea light holders with white embellishment:


Stands of iridescent clear pearls - purchased at Wal-Mart

White pillar candles in two sizes - purchased at Ikea


bags of tea lights - purchased at Ikea

square mirrors for the base of the centerpiece - purchased at Ikea



Chandelier imitation Hand beaded curtain - purchased at Shop Wild Things

I have 22 centerpieces though I won't need to use them all... I had purchased more in case of breakage or for additional decoration. I am really happy with the whole ensemble... my reception site will glow. Luckily Mommy Flamingo was there to help me out, with the cutting and placing...

Are you liking what you are seeing so far... even though its not much? Have you made your centerpieces?

Image source : 1,3,4,5 / 2,6

Tables need to dress up too...

When I checked out our venue we only had one option for our table linens - white table cloth with a classic ivory overlay. At first I thought it was fine. Ivory matched with my wedding colors, but having an white table cloth, ivory overlay, ivory napkin and white plates... I have a feeling it look washed out. So now, I want table covers. I need table covers to add that extra glam.... but I don't even know where to look.

I looked at some local rental companies but they are charging ridiculous amounts like (15$ per table) At that price I might as well buy them myself. Now I don't know if I should DIY them by buying yards of material and cutting them myself, or if I should buy them already made.

There are several types of table linens (and I was quite surprised)

Taffeta - Dupioni - Sheer Patterned Overlay

Pintuck - Satin

I'm looking either for actual table cloths or table overlays to go over my white linens. I think having a brown accent will really bring out the colors of our theme and its also very vintage and glamorous.

Do you know of any website which offers inexpensive table linens/covers?

Image source