A Beautiful Wedding

Hello Nat's bridal party! 

Check out the title of this first blog - A Beautiful Wedding. With bridesmaids like us, ain't that the truth?!

So let's get started on narrowing down our choices. See below for my suggestions. Obviously, I can be swayed any which way (majority vote wins), so I have no problem in making amendments to my personal preferences. However, keep in mind that we will paying for these pieces, so I would rather invest in those that are wearable after the wedding as well. Thus, simplicity, elegance, and versatility are the key terms running through my mind as I peruse through the wonderful online selections of Walmart, Target (pronounced Tar-jay, thankyaverymuch) and any other accessible inexpensive department store that is willing to sell decent accessories within my budget. Capische?

Earrings:

I believe we decided on drop-down earrings because our necks will be bear. I looked around. Apparently, we've got expensive taste... Please click here for the perfect pair (based on look alone.) Price, however, denies us these beauties, but at least it gives us a visual on what I think we should look for. (Differing opinions totally acceptable, so speak up if you have any reservations. Ebby, will these work for you?) 

Bracelet:

Obviously, anything that matches, right? Ha... I can't seem to find anything that resembles the earrings above. Perhaps when I go shopping...

(On a side note - what do you guys think of this? Adorable, right? Imma get it.)

Hair:

From Gina and Danielle's conversation about the half up/bangs swooped to the side/wavy hair look, I gathered it looked something like this? 

Sorry, I can't seem to downsize... The back looked something like this:

Apologies for the self-modeling; from the sound of it, this was the look we were going for... Maybe a tad less curl and a bit more definition for the knot. And apologies for the vodka tonic in hand. I'm hirable, I promise.

For the other suggestion (bun to the side/bangs swooped as well), please refer to the following.

Front looked like this:

Back like this:

Comments/questions/concerns?

My vote actually goes to the side bun - August weather/bridesmaid duties are gonna have us going WILD, so I'd prefer if my Medusa-inspired mane is out of my face. Also, I personally think it might look better with the halter top. (Maybe get a pretty clip/ baby's breath/sample of our bouquet and stick 'em around the bun?) Pretty, pretty. 

Shoes:

Here are a few suggestions: 

1. Tahari Dot T-Strap Pump --- $70

2. Cole Haan Air Carma Slingback Platform --- $150 (ouch, says my wallet, but it is exactly what we are looking for - comes in both bronze or gold. regardless, i don't know about ya'll, but hell no, i can't afford that.)

3. Spiegel Leather Peeptoe Platform Pump --- $40 

4. Jessica Simpson Neona -Sable --- $80

5. Paris Hilton Glitzy --- $72

6. Anne Klein "Veesa" Peep-Toe Pumps --- $60

7. BCBGeneration Women's Ariel Peep Toe --- $80

8. Michael Antonion Women's Karmel Slingback Sandal --- $30-40 

As you can tell, I had trouble finding champagne-colored shoes, so if you are a proponent of that option, I recommend doing more research. Also, because of the style and cut of the dress, I actually think just a peep-toe pump is better vs. the sling-back. It's a classic cut with an A-line frame - a pump will emphasize the vintage feel of the dress and the pearls. Another thing - my worry about non-metallic shoes (not gold or bronze) is that it must match the sash perfectly. If not, we might look a hot mess. So think of that when you're looking around as well. I may even go so far as to say happily bring the sash in your purse as you shop around. :)

Bridal Shower: July 11th or July 18th (preferably on the night when she is supposed to work so she is more surprised. (SURPRISE, you're fired, let's go out! Imagine! Gina, call up awkward boy and work your magic, thanks.)

A (very rough) outline of activities, etc.

A. Setting Up  

1. Invitee List - Gina, I assume you're doing this, but you might want to have something off your hands, and I've got extensive experience in public relations. Lol.

2. Invitations? How many people are we thinking?

a. Ask Natalia for work/family contacts ASAP

B. Natalia's Outfit - 

1. Encourage Nat to buy both Bridal Shower + Party outfits well in advance.

2. Have her pack up a bag including all of this. Have Ahmad hide it (so when you, Gina, take it from him, she won't realize it's gone)

C. Food + Drinks (what to buy - will be amended based on the number of people attending)

1. Hamburger patties + bread + cheese

2. Hot dogs + bread

3. Grilled Chicken

4. Corn on the Cob

5. Fruit Salad - Watermelons, honeydew, canteloupe, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples. oHMY. who's hungry?

6. Vegetable Platter ( + dip. D, holla atcha girl)

7. Ketchup/Mustard/BBQ sauce

8. Crackers + Cheese

9. Soda/juice/beer/wine/alcohol (jungle juice highly recommended)

10. Cake - I'm guessing we're doing Dominican Cake. HEY... totally fine by me! (Contact cake place on Smith St. Can't quite remember the name.)

11. Other types of dessert... did someone say flan?? Oh, that was just my stomach.

12. Plastic utensils (forks, knives, spoons, napkins, plates, cups)

D. Decorations -Beach Party Theme

1. Balloons

2. Table covers

3. Party City/Spencer's/Ricky's shopping trips

a. confetti, bridal shower themed, 

b. Question: Should we maybe make this a sex-themed party as well? More/juicier games that way. I suppose this will depend on our audience. 

E. Games (just brainstorming)

1. Bridal Bingo (came up during the meeting, but also dependent on the number of people/presents)

2. During my sister's going-away party, we had a "Jeopardy" game. People got together in groups and we asked questions about the guest of honor. It was kinda hilarious. This is tentative based on the number of people coming, (people obviously know different levels of Nat, so it might not be fair) but it's definitely a fun time.

3. If NOT, I think a trivia game focused on marriage-based questions would be fun. Then, Nat could also participate.

4. The Panty Game: I just thought of this. Bwuahah. Buy 10 pairs of undies. Hand to 10 people who are willing to say something to Nat (maybe a blessing for their marriage/ tip for the honeymoon/ reason why we love her, etc) and then give her the undies... Take a picture with all the undies around her head. Anything to embarrass her. 

Bachelorette Party:

A. Jersey-based. $30/head max.

B. Finalize venue by first weekend in May so we can book 3 mo in advance. (D, do you need help with this or are you handling it?) 

Group gift:

A. I think this is a great idea, Leslie. Let's do it! A poem is adorable and I want to make her cry. :) We'll decide on the gift once we know what is on her registry. 

B. Ebby, I also want to take advantage of your photog skills and company. Let's all get together and take pictures to make a collage including the photos and poem and place in a frame. We can also add pictures of her and Ahmad and her with us individually. Yep, I already see the tears. 

OK. I am officially beat. And kinda disgusted. Have you ever watched "Bizarre Foods w/ Andrew Zimmern" on the Travel Channel? OMG. Dude, he's eating a bat. Ewwwgh. 

Another thing: I will be out of the country from April 24- May 7. Since we need to make decisions about the Bachelorette Party by the weekend I get back, we should probably just meet that weekend or the weekend after. Although I think Heba and Ebby - you guys can't make it that weekend? 

Oh. And one more thing: Sorry it was ridic long. :-/ Please comment!

BRIDAL LOVE! 

G