How We Met....

 

We met at the Park Restaurant and Lounge in March 2005.  I was sitting by the hot tub on the roof (yeah, there were hot tubs)and enjoying the crisp weather with my roommate from law school.  And here comes Big Dan with that swagger that only he has and asked "do you drink?" followed by an accusatory "were you sitting here waiting for someone to buy you a drink?" (this guy is somethin' else). It just so happened that I was getting quite thirsty and we went downstairs and had some ice cold fantasticos and conversation. We both wore blazers that night, but as Dan would later find out, only one of us is the nerd in this relationship :)

We've been Big Buddy and Little Buddy ever since.

 

 

The Engagement Story...Aww....

 

Dan took me to the place where we had our first date...And waited until after dinner and the jazz show (it was like 11:00pm!) When he went to pay the bill I thought his pants were too tight because I couldn't see any other reason why he would be digging in his front pocket on one knee. He took the ring out and popped the question. Then I reached to lift the ring out of the box and put it on my finger before he could rescind the offer :) I kid, I kid.

 

So, I began planning a wedding that I hope will be enjoyable for our guests and ping low on the bridezilla meter.

 

 

And Now.... My Wedding Planning Universe...

 

 

PLANNING INSPIRATION

 

Disclaimer: If I have not given proper credit for any pictures in this bio, please page me on the Knot CT board or e-mail me at KMariaLevi at gmail dot com and I will happily give you the credit you deserve or remove the images. Thank you! 

Our Colors

DIY PROJECTS

 

I'm outrageous, I know. But I really believe that if you are inspired enough, you can create beautiful decorations that are both elegant and cost-effective.

 

Take a trip with me, won't you, we're a-moving down craft lane...

 

Invitations:

 

 

 

The bottom picture is of the panel invites I created. The top one is the final version (4x9) and the bottom is my first attempt...a 5x7 panel card. 

         

These were really a labor or love...and price-consciousness...I enjoyed making them and I just couldn't stop adding elements (i.e. the DIY red pocketfold, ribbon, envelope liner, monogram tag...you get the idea). Knottie BriannaNichole gave me a HUGE hand in learning to navigate Photoshop. I am very grateful! This allowed me to design my invitations my way...and on my own budget :) 

 

 

**UPDATE**

 

I revamped the invitation...well...just a little.I rounded the corners. Thanks for the idea Riss!

 

 

 

CEREMONY DECOR

 

Monogram Wreaths

 

I LOVED these the moment I saw them on weddingbee. Sure, it took me 2 hours for this letter, but it was all worth it. I think. I'll let you know after we get the pro pics :)

 

Oh, and I've only done one so far. I'll tackle the other one later in the week.

 

 

Chuppah

 

 

  RECEPTION DECOR

 

Candle Chandalier

 

Let's see how this works for me. I plan on making something similar, as I have several "Squirly" lights from CB2 already.

 

 

 

These were made 4 using Plexiglass, washers, string and "Whirlies" purchased at CB2.com

 

 

Centerpieces - these are a work in progress... but I already have a ton of Manzanita branches and votives. The trick will be to transform the votives into the hanging variety. I will also be using metal trees for either placecard or aisle decor (I'm a bit nervous about placing them on some of my crazy friends' tables...heh) 

Here's what I have so far...

 

 

 

 

 

This pic with the small globe just didn't work for me...I wanted a votive holder thats a bit deeper. We'll see...

 

I still have about 140 of these lanterns left if anyone is interested in buying a few for their own event.

 

I plan on adorning some of the trees with red roses as well. Perhaps attached to the branches with invisible wire or in mini kissing balls nestled in the branches. 

 

 

 

I made this little apple votive holder one day when I was bored and I loved it. But, I figure this could get a bit time consuming as the will need to be made within 2 days of the wedding or they will go bad. And I don't need any bad apples at my wedding. 

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the additional centerpiece deals we've been working on. Remember, this is only a draft. A rough, rough draft.

 

 

 

 

 I absolutely ADORE these centerpiece from Knottie MrsAnayisnin.

 

 And then there's always the standard roses in a vase centerpiece. Could you really go wrong with these?

 

 

FLOWERS FOR THE WEDDING PARTY

 

 

 

CAKES

 

 

MAKE-UP

 

I'll be using Ivette Wellman for make-up, but I'm still unsure about the hair sitch.

 

 

HAIR IDEAS

 

 

 

Apparel

 

Longtoe wants to wear a white jacket, which I think is fantastic now (before, not so much). I'm sure he'll look handsome. The man looks handsome in a paper bag. And believe me, he's worn one. In public.

 

 

Pre-Wedding Parties

 

 We are strongly considering having a costume party since our rehearsal dinner falls on Halloween. Still trying to figure out how to pull this off without my friends showing up in Playboy bunny costumes :)

 

 

 

VENDORS

 

Amarante's Sea Cliff 

  

Invitations - DIY

  

Flowers - DIY using a fresh flower distributor

 

Videography -  Faythallegra Coleman,  http://www.faythallegra.com/Site/Biography.html

 

Matthew Nistor Photography (NYC), http://www.matthewnistor.com

Make-Up - Ivette Wellman  - http://www.ivettewellman.com/index.html