Six Month Anniversary + Signing Off

Happy six-month anniversary to my husband!  It's hard to believe our wedding was six months ago -- the time has flown past, but I'm still as thrilled to be sharing my life with him as the day we got married.

This is also my last regular post! I'm out of DIY projects, inspiration boards, and wedding day recaps to show you, so I'm signing off for the time being.  Hopefully you can find lots of useful information and inspiration in the archives.

My Post-Wedding To-Do List

After the wedding, I kept having the nagging feeling that I was forgetting to do things.  My husband kept saying "Aren't we done with the wedding now?"  I didn't have a post-wedding to-do list.  I couldn't find one in any of the bride books I got or online.  This is what I came up.  Am I missing anything?

• Return rented items like cake stand
• Freeze top layer of wedding cake
• Preserve any mementos, like bridal bouquet
• Upload pictures of the wedding to photo sharing site (and Facebook!)
• Update wedding website with link to photo sharing site
• Send wedding announcement to alumni magazine and/or newspapers with picture
• Send thank you cards to guests and vendors
• Design and order photo album. Send copies to parents.
• Clean and preserve wedding gown

My Master Wedding Checklist

My best friend throughout the whole wedding planning process was my Master Checklist!  It kept me on track, didn't let me forget anything, and kept me sane.  I started the list at the beginning of our engagement as a compilation of all the wedding planning checklists I could find out there, like Martha Stewart, TheKnot, Real Simple, and Complete Wedding.  None of them fit our wedding perfectly, especially since I started planning about two years before the wedding!  Hopefully some other bride will find my list useful as a starting point.

I used a simple Google Docs spreadsheet to enter all the tasks and keep track of them.  I liked using such a flexible tool, since I could just move tasks around when I knew I wasn't going to complete them on time!

Download the entire spreadsheet here

Master Wedding Planning Checklist Wedding Date: April 10, 2010 Nineteen Months and Earlier (September 2008) Completed Task Notes x Announce your engagement. x Select a date for your wedding. Seventeen Months and Earlier (November 2008): Completed Task Notes x Determine color scheme. Deep purple and light blue x Send engagement notice with a photograph to your local newspaper and alumni magazine. Sent to Alcalde Sixteen Months and Earlier (December 2008): Completed Task Notes x Set your budget. Determine how much each family is contributing. x Develop a record-keeping system for payments made. x Determine the type of wedding you want: location, formality, time of day, number of guests. x Consolidate all guest lists: bride's, groom's, bride's family, groom's family, and organize: 1) those who must be invited, 2) those who should be invited, 3) those who would be nice to invite Set a head count. Decide if you want children invited. x Select and reserve ceremony site and officiant. St. Mary's Catholic Church (League City, TX)

x Select and reserve reception site. Hotel Galvez Terrace Ballroom (Galveston, TX) x Purchase your bridal gown and headpiece. Weddings by Debbie (Houston, TX) x Select and reserve florist. Flowers and Gifts Unlimited (League City, TX) x Complete marriage preparation class with Catholic diocese. Completed with Austin Diocese. Twelve Months and Earlier (April 2009): Completed Task Notes x Select bakery for wedding cake. x Select and book photographer. x Order passport for honeymoon. x Meet with florist to discuss more details about flowers. Eleven Months Before (May 2009): Completed Task Notes x Design and order save-the-date cards. Ten Months Before (June 2009): Completed Task Notes x Work on invite lists for Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party x Ask for addresses for Save the Date cards from family members

Eight Months Before (August 2009): Completed Task Notes x Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Pick hotels at different price points close to the reception venue. Hotel Galvez, La Quinta Inn x Finish invite lists for Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party and give to Maid of Honor x Select and ask maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, ushers, flower girls, ring bearers. x Collect addresses for Save the Date cards from family members x Launch a wedding website. Note the date of the wedding, travel information, accommodations, etc. x Select and book caterer (if not included in reception site). Provided by Hotel Galvez. Need to work out custom menu: specialty tea and coffee, specific beers and wines x Pay 50% of Hotel Galvez balance (8/29/2009). x Address and send save-the-date cards. Seven to Six Months Before (September and October 2009): Completed Task Notes x Register for gifts. Sign up with a minimum of three retailers. Keep in mind that some guests will tap into registries for shower and engagement gifts as well. Bed Bath & Beyond, Macys, Amazon.com x Reserve wedding night suite. Included in Hotel Galvez package. x Start planning honeymoon. Narrowed down to list of possible locations. x Reserve rental items needed for ceremony and reception: aisle runner, tables, chairs, tents None x Send guest list for showers and bachelorette party to hosts.

Five Months Before (November 2009): Completed Task Notes x Bridal Shower #1 Houston (hosted by Maid of Honor) x Bachelorette Party VEGAS!!! x Send thank you notes for bridal shower gifts x Purchase bridal shower outfit x Purchase shower and bachelorette party thank-you gifts x Start looking at bridal shoes, undergarments, and jewelry Purchased shoes, earrings, bracelet x Start looking at bridal party attire. x Choose honeymoon location Costa Rica! x Pick up wedding dress and veil from salon for outside alterations x Select and book transportation for wedding day: limo, town car, rental cars, minibus, shuttles Four Months Before (December 2009): Completed Task Notes x Start teeth whitening kit. x Start looking at bridal shoes, undergarments, and accessories. Begin to break-in your shoes. Bought shoes, earrings, and bracelet. Still need to buy bustier and necklace x Have menu tasting with Hotel Galvez. Discuss day-of timeline. Tuesdays and Wednesdays only x Hire a professional wedding consultant for the day-of. Simply Jubilee Events x Meet with ceremony officiant: -- Discuss ceremony structure and marriage requirements. -- Discuss day-of timeline. -- Schedule ceremony rehearsal. -- Confirm ceremony time. -- Ask about musicians. -- Ask about limits and rules in the church. -- Discuss Papal Blessing. -- Discuss any necessary documents (baptism, confirmation, etc).

x Select bridesmaid attire. This was done too late - should have been 5 months in advance. Some dressmakers take 14-15 weeks to complete x Order paper swatch books Crane & Co, Paper Source x Finalize design for wedding invitations Three Months Before (January 2010): Completed Task Notes x Buy undergarments for wedding gown Petticoat Fair x Place printing order for wedding invitations. Hire a calligrapher, if desired. Studio SloMo x Select and book reception musicians, DJ, and/or sound equipment. Swank A/V, Still need to pick MC x Make garter and ring pillows. Out of Mom's wedding dress x Start bridal gown fittings (with shoes and undergarments). Gassane's Tailors x Bridal Shower #2 New Jersey (hosted by Mother of the Groom) x Send thank you notes for bridal shower gifts x Confirm with bridesmaids and house party about attire, whether they've purchased their dress, and bought flights. Ask what they want on the day-of: hair, makeup x Choose flower girl attire. Bonnie Jean Embroidered Dot Dress x Order wedding cake topper x Get envelopes from stationer and start addressing x Select rest of wedding party attire: groom's party and boy attendants Men: own black suit, white shirt, black shoes. Will buy matching ties for everyone. x Book hair and makeup artists. Bride (Hair+Makeup+Trial), 5 Hair, 2 Makeup x Schedule bridal portraits with photographer and makeup trial.

Two Months Before (February 2010): Completed Task Notes x Assemble and mail wedding invitations x Have second dress fitting. second week of Feb x Find "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." x Check blood test and marriage license requirements. x Set date, time, and location for your rehearsal dinner. x Figure out where immediate family is staying during the wedding week. x Decide on bridal portrait locations and get permission from venue. Hermann Park x Order wedding favor pieces and boxes. x Purchase gifts for wedding attendants. x Purchase wedding necklace x Purchase exit favor pieces Doily cones and fresh petals x Wedding day hair clip Pearl bobby pins from etsy x Place printing order for thank you cards x Purchase matching sashes for flower girls Davids Bridal - Lapis x Get hair cut. Final Month (March 2010):

Completed Task Notes x Book flights and hotel rooms for honeymoon. x Schedule final meeting with bakery x Schedule final meeting with florist x Schedule final meeting with hotel catering x Schedule meeting with day-of coordinator x Schedule gown cleaning (drop off after bridal portrait, pick up before wedding): Weddings by Debbie x Order vases for reception through florist x Purchase tea lights x Mail invitations for rehearsal dinner. x Purchase the wedding rings and have them engraved and sized. x Select and book ceremony musicians. Confirm organist and soloist x Purchase frames and table easles for reception decor x Finish family history research for wedding x Order guest book pens x Decorate flower girl baskets Line with mom's wedding dress fabric, add purple and blue ribbons x Create gift card box x Assemble exit favors: doily cones x Order lavender for wedding favors x Decide on ceremony readings.

x Decide on ceremony music. Give music to musicians for practice. x Take engagement pictures. Shannon Cunningham x Purchase pieces for kids' wedding favors Still need to purchase pencils and full page labels x Have last dress fitting. Bring shoes, accessories, and lingerie. x Contact guests who haven't responded. x Make wedding day timeline with DOC x Hair and makeup trial Bring pictures x Bridal Portrait Hermann Park, bring bouquet x Take dress to be cleaned and pressed for wedding day. x Final meeting with Galvez: Pay 100% of balance to Hotel Galvez (3/29/2010). updated head count to caterer. Finalize the menu, drinks selection x Finalize details with bakery. Drop off cake topper, any pictures, and color swatches. x Assemble gifts for wedding attendants x Design family history boards, rehearsal dinner thumb tree, and outside sign x Have mom print boards at work x Plan activities for break between ceremony and reception. Include directions in ceremony program x Order ties for groomsmen + childrens party boys x Print family wedding pictures Still need Mom's grandparents x After getting bridal portrait proofs: order large print for reception x Send wedding week schedule to families and wedding party x Make table numbers

x Make reservations for bridal party luncheon + pamper party Booked Perry's Steakhouse, need to book nail salon x Book waxing appointments for week of wedding. x Assemble wedding favor boxes x Plan activities for trolley x Purchase engagement picture print for reception x Order photo sharing information cards x Purchase large frames for portraits: bridal and engagement 13x19 and 16x20 x Purchase gifts for ceremony musicians. Week of the Wedding (April 4 - 10, 2010): Completed Task Notes x Reconfirm arrival times with vendors. Done by wedding coordinators x Bikini and Underarm wax Wed x Pick up wedding attire and make sure everything fits. Wed x Take cake topper to bakery Wed x Make playlist for reception and download music. Wed x Order guest book Wed x Send must-have photos list to photographer and wedding coordinator Wed x Design and print programs. Thurs

x Design and print table menus, bar menus Thurs x Assign seating. Make place cards. Thurs x Take flowers and greenery to florist Thurs morn x Family mixer Thurs afternoon x Obtain Marriage License. Get certified copies for changing your name. Thurs afternoon x Gather everything you will need for the rehearsal and wedding day. Set aside checks and tips for vendors to be handed out on the wedding day. Thurs The Rehearsal Day: Completed Task Notes x Give best man the officiant's fee and any other checks/tips for service providers. Instruct him to deliver these checks the day of the wedding. x Get menus for ordering lunch on the wedding day x Get manicure and pedicure. x Drop off supplies to wedding coordinator At Rehearsal x Rehearsal x Rehearsal Dinner The Wedding Day: Completed Task Notes x Give the rings to the best man and maid of honor

Post Wedding: Completed Task Notes x Return rented items Bakery cake stand x Upload pictures to photo sharing site Flickr x Thank you cards to guests and vendors x Send wedding announcement to alumni magazine with picture Sent to Alcalde x Update wedding website with links to photos Clean and preserve wedding gown. Design and order photo album

My Plum Inspiration Board vs My Purple Wedding

I looked back at my first inspiration board the other day, when I picked my original color scheme of plum and powder blue.  I created this about a year before the wedding.  I still love the look and the colors, but I noticed how different the overall style is from my final vision for the wedding!

See list of sources here

This board contains all my final inspirational pictures for the wedding.  These are the pictures that I gave to my vendors to get a good sense of my vision, and some are the products I actually purchased.  It still has the dark purple and light blue colors, but I think the overall style is a little more casual.

Sources: Style Me Pretty, Alvina Valenta, David's Bridal, Jimmy Choo, Macy's, The Aerialist Press, Bleu De Toi, Martha Stewart Weddings sachets / petal cone, Sarah Magid in InStyle Weddings, Overstock.com bracelet / earrings, Emma Gordon London, Kate Spade for Lenox, PaperMart, A Cup of Jo

Now for the real wedding! I put together pictures of our actual wedding showing a lot of the inspiration that became reality.

Recap: Good Night and Good Luck

We had danced, smashed cake in each other's faces, and tossed a bouquet and a garter. Show's over folks! Months before I had made these petal toss cones, plus ordered fresh rose petals from FiftyFlowers.com. As we went to hide by the bar, the day-of coordinators ushered everyone outside and gave them cones filled with petals.

Those baskets were only $3 a pop at a World Market that was closing!

I love the pictures of our reception exit - they're dramatic and exciting!

Since we had drunk the bar out of champagne, we chose to exit with matching beers. I tried my best to keep my eyes somewhat open while we were running the gauntlet, but it's hard with thousands of petals flying at you!

Our Wedding Soundtrack - My iPod Music Playlist

I did not hire a DJ, and I still regret it a little bit.  I chose to go the iPod route to save a little money, and also because I was a bit of a control freak over the playlist.  My new brother-in-law stepped in as MC (and was hilarious), and the A/V people at the hotel did a great job working the sound board.  But, when it came to the dancing part of the evening, we just set the iPod on shuffle and let it go.  The music didn't really follow the mood of the crowd like a professional DJ can, and not as many people stayed on the dance floor.  Plus, I downloaded all of the songs off Amazon literally two days before my wedding at about 1 am, which was a bit stressful. That confession aside, let's get to the tunes for the evening:

Download the full song spreadsheet here

"Special" Songs
The "special" songs, like the first dance and bouquet toss songs, were totally random. There are songs that are special to us, there are songs like I listen to every day at work, and there are songs that we picked out of mid-air.

Press Play on the player below to see and hear the full playlist.

Cocktail Hour and Dinner Songs - Old School Classy Theme
For the cocktail hour and dinner hour, I wanted lots of the old classics - Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, with a few "new classics" mixed in - like Carla Bruni and Joseph Arthur.

Press Play on the player below to see and hear the full playlist.

High Paced "Booty" Music
I tried to balance the music on the playlist for the dancing part of the reception between "young people" music and "old people" music, plus favorites for everyone. This is the stuff that grandma could break a hip trying to dance to.

Press Play on the player below to see and hear the full playlist.

Medium Pace / Older Music
These are the crowd pleasers, where young and old say "Oh I love this song!" and jump on the dance floor - at least that's the goal.

Press Play on the player below to see and hear the full playlist.

Slow, Lovey Dovey Songs

I have to slow dance with my new husband! I interspersed a few slow songs, so we could have some "couples skate" moments.

Press Play on the player below to see and hear the full playlist.

Cajun Music
Since a few people from my Cajun mother's side came to the wedding, I wanted to include some "heritage" songs. This was a huge hit! Even the non-Cajuns in the room loved the songs and all tried to do the waltzes. These were probably the most popular songs of the night.

Press Play on the player below to see and hear the full playlist.

Recap: Here's to the Happy Couple

The toasts after dinner were probably my favorite part of the evening. We have never felt such love coming from our friends and family at one time. It truly made everything we put into the wedding worth it.

Truth be told, I was nervous about the toasts. We had the idea to have a few people give the traditional toasts (father of the bride, best man, maid of honor, etc), and then open up the floor to anyone who wanted to say a few words. I thought we would hear crickets; that no one would want to get up and speak. Boy, were we wrong!

Friends got up, distant relatives got up, siblings got up, nieces and nephews got up. They all wanted to share some little tidbit or embarrassing (yet hilarious) story about us, give marriage advice, or just tell us that love us.

It was an amazing experience for us to see so many willing to get up in front of 100+ people and speak in the microphone. It was one of the best moments of the day, and one of the funniest!