Lighting the Backyard

So, I'm not getting a tent.

The peeps at Grand Events in Modesto think that I'm cuckoo for not getting a tent, but whatever! I refuse to spend money to enclose the backyard and block the view. So, now I have a lighting issue. I've been trying to figure out how many feet I need of these crazy glorified Christmas lights, otherwise known as G50's.


I'm thinking I'll have them strung from the little balcony outside my parents room down across the deck and pool area. Do you think that if I do that, there will be enough light? We can also put regular white Christmas tree lights in the oak trees.


Also, I have this grand plan of placing luminarias EVERYWHERE! Who's with me?

DIY Flowers

For those of you who may be unaware, I'm cutting costs by doing my own DIY reception centerpieces. Woot! So, if you would prefer to not arrange flowers the day before the wedding, I would encourage you to be conveniently busy, lol.

On the advice of the amazing blog A Practical Wedding I did a test run of the flowers, just to make sure I wasn't getting in over my head. Here's the finished product:


And my shampoo


The arrangement only took 10 minutes! It was a combo of hydrangeas, carnations, and roses. Yay for saving money!

RIP Raylia Designs

Today I got a frantic call from The Paris Connection, the bridal shop where I got my dress. The owner, Marie, exclaimed in a fast Parisian accent:

"YourdressmakerRayliaisthelatestvictimoftheeconomy"

"Whaaaa?" I said

"The factory where your dress was to be made was closed because of the economy. There is no dress available in your size"


Oh crap

So this is the pitfall of having your wedding during the worst financial crisis that our country has seen since the great depression. Don't worry, Marie told me that she was able to secure the LAST dress in a size smaller than the one I ordered...

So now it's time for a diet.

Anyone have any tips on how to lose weight only from your waist? That's what I need to do