Inspiration: Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to stay at the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Blvd. Not only was it super cool to stay in an ultra chic hotel in Bel Air, but I also loved the decor. Total "light bulb turning on over my head" moment! I really loved the clean, simple and natural look of the lobby. It reinforced my love for phalaenopsis orchids. And I knew I wanted to incorporate some type of 'wood' in the decor. Something lighter than what is pictured below. Jon and I decided on rattan. As some of you may know, Jon has a 4th grade black belt in Eskrima, the martial art of the Philippines (a.k.a. 'Arnis' or 'Kali'). He has been training in this art for 10 years already and is an assistant instructor (ok, i'm totally bragging about him right now. But I'm so proud of him, can you blame me?) Alright, Alright. Eskrima is a weapon-based martial art that uses fighting sticks, made out of rattan wood. And TA-DA!!: there is the significant connection of using rattan wood for decor at our wedding. How are we going to incorporate it? I have no idea yet - the pots/vases, frames, table setting elements... the possibilities are endless! But at least now, I have an eye out for these decor ideas.

Take a look at this lobby! So pretty!








Thank you Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd | Thank you to my dear friend, Monica (you know why!)

10 Months to go!

Wow! 10 more months!! I'm crossing my fingers that it will be smooth sailing from here on out. I expect some "crazy waves" but I know it will be OK. If you're a bride-to-be and you register with any wedding website, like The Knot, they send you monthly checklists. Jon and I are doing so far so good!

This month, here is our checklist:

• Find your Dress. Oh lordy. I'm a little scared about this task. I'm scared that I'm being too picky! Two weeks ago, I attended the Brides Against Breast Cancer Wedding Gown Tour. (this is a great fundraiser for an even greater cause. Please read about it!) I was really optimistic about finding a dress here! I've read all the testimonials from other brides AND my bridesmaid (and fellow bride-to-be, Janelle) found her dress there! She's getting married in November 2011 and she checked that off her list already. And did I mention that the designer and couture dresses are up to 25% to 75% off? Super Savings! Well, after trying on 5 dresses, I didn't find the ONE. I was a little sad. My Mom and Dad went with me, and they helped me stay focused. They noticed I was too caught up with finding a dress that was 'cheaper' rather than finding a dress that I LOVED. I went to David's Bridal the week after, tried on 7 dresses and I didn't find the ONE. I'm definitely looking for that "WOW" factor...like every other bride out there. I believe it's still possible to find a dress with the "WOW" factor...and not spend the equivalent to a down payment for a car. I have set a budget of $800-1,000 for my dress (including alterations!). We shall see if I can make it happen.
  

• Choose your color combo: DONE!

• Get Centerpiece Ideas: DONE! Here are the 'tag' words to describe what we have in mind: White Phalaenopsis Orchids, candles, rattan wood, capiz shells and bamboo. Can ya dig it? Mmhmm...

• Begin interviewing Wedding Coordinators: We met with Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees last night. Jon and I had a great time! And we clicked so well with her!

OK, so we have a few PAST DUE items:

• Appraise and insure your engagement ring: I have the appraisal but insurance?? Oy, I gotta research that. Do any of you out there have any suggestions?
  
• If you're having an Engagement Party, set a date, draft guest list and order invitations: AAAHH!! Jon and I STILL want an engagement party! But we got engaged in May. Is it too late?? I hope not! Because we're still working on the final edit of the proposal video (which is taking waaaay longer than expected)...and the only way we thought of sharing it was at an engagement party (since none of our family or friends have seen the footage from that day!).
  

It did say to FINALIZE your guest list. But oh mylanta! I'm not about to touch that right now. That's opening a can of worms. Both parents and Jon and I have our drafts. But finalizing it? Oh my my... Sooooo not ready for that yet.

DIY Bridesmaid Packets: "The Envelope Pocket"

FINALLY! I get to show you the packets I made for my wonderful and awesome bridesmaids. There was definitely no way I was going to ask them in an ordinary way. I wanted something they could keep and that provided them with as much information as possible. Nearly a month after they have all been distributed, here are the pictures of the packets. (if you know me well, you know it takes me forever to upload pictures. I gotta work on that.)

The Envelope Pocket is so cute! I got the awesome idea from Elise Blaha. Here is her blog post to make the pockets...enJOY!
This was my first DIY project for the wedding...it was super easy and fun!

Below: I printed 4 inserts that had information regarding the 8 bridesmaids, expectations (such as attending the rehearsal and keeping me in check, haha!), attire (details about the color of the dresses, shoes, hair, make-up, etc.) and my promise (which is basically to not be a bridezilla). I kept them together with an eyelet on the lower left corner.

Below: I like the sleek look of the size 10 envelope. Putting them together to make a folder and adding a liner was a piece of cake.

Below: One of my favorite wedding sites, Wedding Chicks, has a download for this "Will you be my....?" graphic. It's FREE.99! I printed them out and put them inside the left panel of the folder. They have one for a bridesmaid, Matron and Maid of honor...and you can even customize the colors too!




Below: The informational sheets went in one pocket. And for the other pocket, I printed out my own letterhead stationery (you like the title?) and I wrote a note to each of the ladies. It was the personal touch I wanted so each of them had something unique.


Below: Voila! The finished packets! Oh, Martha Stewart Crafts: I love your cute eyelet tags and floral embellishments. On the outside, I wrote each of their names on the tags.

OK. So as I was making these packets, Jon liked the idea. It was a good way to get the bridal party excited and provide them with all the details we had...so far. That way everyone is on the same page.
Below: My response to Jon asking "Well, what am I gonna give the guys????" (Another awesome free download from The Wedding Chicks) I knew Jon wasn't gonna write a mushy note to each of the fellas, so this card seems very straight forward.