I have been SCOURING the internet in search of the perfect headband to wear for the renewal and either its not really what I had in mind or I find it and the prices are CRAZY ASTRONOMICAL!!!  I am not a tiara girl simply because of the dress style and its just really not me (I know, hard to believe).

What I have in mind is something EXTREMELY close to this. (oh gosh, this is beautiful)

 (picture courtesy of MillieICARO on Etsy)

But with all of the love and the beautiful craftsmanship and delicate materials used in this, comes a pretty hefty price of $285.  My dress was about $1200 (after my employee discount), so I really dont want to put that much of an investment into a headpiece.  

So I have decided to embark on the journey to (attempt to) create my own headband.  What better reason to head back out to crafts stores (which I love)?  I have it perfectly mapped out in my head the colors I want and a concept, but not necessarily how I want it to look.  The above pictured headband is SO close and if we weren't paying for this ourselves, then of course, I would splurge.  But I think the dress set me WAY over the limit of what I wanted to indulge on me for this thing!  I still have to consider jewelry and shoes.  Luckily, I am my own hairdresser and makeup artist for that day, lol!  

Here are a few more pictures of some headbands that I like, all from Etsy!

Zara Bella Couture, $69.95 (very reasonable)

Live In Style, $36 (who can beat this price)

Lucia Bella1

Brittany Lumsden

We shall see what exactly the endeavor will bring.  Worst Case Scenario?  Caving in and buying one of these!  Once I begin, you know I will let you know!  I have already started getting some of the brooches for my brooch bouquet, which I plan on starting really soon.  

See you guys soon!

♥Chanda

Yay! Cupcake Tasting...

This past Friday, it was a beautiful day in my neighborhood, so the lil misses, the hubby and I decided to set an appointment for cupcake tasting (our son was in school).  I work in the bridal industry, so I get to attend a lot of the bridals shows and sample TONS of the items that vendors display.  In January 2012, I was at the Palace of Auburn Hills for the semi-annual bridal event that takes place, and I had the pleasure of coming across a place named Cupcake Station.  OM GOSH!!!!  Why haven't I heard of this place before???  AND it's right up the street (not exactly, lol) from me!!!!  But they have so many different flavors to choose from and since we are doing cupcakes and not a traditional tiered cake, they are right up my alley!

First off, they have the cutest little store (the one I visited is in Birmingham, MI).  It's situated in such an awesome part of the town (I didn't get a chance to take a shot of the store like I planned) but here is one of the surrounding stores (which I am INFATUATED with) called Sweet Thing (and my baby striking a pose for the camera courtesy of Instagram, @mschanda if you wanna check out some pics).

I walked in and was greeted by 2 of their employees, who were the sweetest people.  The lil one had to use the little ladies room, so I escorted her there, and by the time we were done, they had the table set up with the cupcake flavors that I had chosen previous to us arriving.

It took NO time for us to dive right in.
I started off with the Mocha Chocolate (which is what drove me to their store in the first place) and it was as divine as I remembered it from the bridal show.  MOST DEFINITELY on my list.  The little one liked every flavor but the Cappuccino (which she was SCARED to try, dont ask because I haven't a clue!)  They made for us, 2 of each of the flavors in mini cupcakes, so the little one and I shared half of one, and my husband, who joined up later in the visit, ate some of the others.

After all the sampling was done, we had the opportunity to view their gallery book of all the different ways that we could have the cupcakes decorated and different set ups and other options as well.  I am not sure if we are going to have ALL cupcakes or have a 6" cake for us to cut for pictures (I really would prefer all cupcakes, BUT I also want a cake topper too, so I have to work that out).  Then we were given all the info that we needed as far a pricing and what I was included with what we pay for.  The young ladies were so pleasant and very informative and I would TOTALLY recommend Cupcake Station for any special event.  And this was just the first phase! What I am thinking since the have regular sized cupcakes, mini and jumbo sizes also, I will do a mix of the mini and regular sizes just in case people dont want a full sized cupcake and also to prevent waste!

 (a little daddy-daughter action)

Once we figure our head count (which I am SO not looking forward too), we will be back to let them know what we want and seal the deal!

What are your plans for your wedding day desserts?  I would love to hear about them!

My Thoughts ♥ Bouquets (again)

So, now that I have FINALLY found my dream dress (picked a dress, couldn't get it, settled for a dress and then last night found the dress of my dreams and exchanged the dress I had for it...story of my life), I can really get down to the nitty gritty of planning for our special day.  My husband gave my the reigns (at least I hope) to plan most of it, so I am ready.

So I am revisiting my ideas for bouquets and decor since the style of my dress has changed.  I am really into the vintage styles of brooch bouquets.  Its totally different, no 2 are alike and its really me!  I was researching online on how to make one since I am gonna be doing as much as I can in DIY projects (posts coming soon) and I came across this one on Fancy Pants Weddings!  I am SO using this pattern for mine.  Maybe not with so many rich colors (even though they are beautiful), but something really close.

photo courtesy of Fancy Pants Weddings

First step in this process is to start looking for and buying/obtaining brooches.  I cant wait to start on this project and once I do, of course, I will let you guys know!

♥

Chanda

Back to planning FINALLY!

So, it's been over a year since I have posted anything here, or even continued planning for that manner.  But time has crept up on me and we are at the 1 year, 8 month point so its about that time!  I have a dress, but of course, I am not sure if that's the one.  I work in a bridal salon, so we have a particular dress that scheduled to be in our store next month (February) and I am super excited to see how it looks on me *crossing fingers*.   

UPDATE: (03.02.12) I totally GOT the dress and I LOVE it!!!!

So here's to a new year of brighter days and long nights of planning!  I hope to achieve everything that I would like to have done.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated, so dont be afraid to chime in!

Talk to you soon!
Chanda