Well that takes care of that.

FINALLY,

After months of searching, I have found my wedding dress.

Now that the dress is taken care of I can concentrate on training

toucans to deliver the invitations to guests ala carrier pigeons

As well as purchasing the ever important Golden Goose from

Mr. Wonka.

Don't care how, I want it NOW!!!!

Happy Birthday Martha!

A few weeks ago Martha Stewart Weddings had a gathering to celebrate their 15th year anniversary.

I say "gathering" because I wasn't there.

Otherwise it would be a party.

My lovely wedding dress designer, Amsale was there.

As was Preston Bailey!

At the PLAZA no less. It is like they intentionally were torturing me.

*can you tell I am an only child?*

They had adorable tastey treats.

Yum.

And beautiful flowers.

And overall, it seemed like a pretty wonderful event, fitting for a pretty wonderful publication!

For more pictures and info on the event head the Martha Stewart Weddings

Digging a hole to China

One of the biggest items on my "To-Do List" whilst I am in Houston is to begin tackling our Wedding Registry. I have to admit, I am kind of overwhelmed. Where does a girl begin? Other than, of course, with the necessities like a hand-churned ice cream maker...

...or a Mickey Mouse Waffle Iron...

I know picking china and stuff is supposed to be fun, but it just seems like such an oddly defining moment. I am not sure I am ready to declare what kind of couple Pete and I will be in place settings.

{What would the Helloise pattern by Raynaud say about me? Hmm...}

These plates by Rust Designs are definitely off-the-beaten-registry, but are super sweet. thoughtful, customizable, and would make a great Wedding gift.

Love Bug Collection- The couples name and wedding date painted on the getaway car...

Love Bird Collection, The couples name and wedding date painted on the birds' banner

Birch Tree Collection, The couples initials and anniversary year "carved" into a birch tree

They have custom ideas for other occasions as well.

House warming party...

The home owners new address painted on various door styles...

Childs Birthday...

Baby Shower, a customizable family tree plate

Little girls birthday fairy plates...

Thanks to Lake Jane for the great tip!

Will you be my bridesmaid?

I have finally asked all of the members of my Bridal and House Parties to be part of Pete's and My wedding, and I am so excited to have so many of my best friends supporting me on our big day! All of the etiquette books say that you are supposed to ask everyone at the same time, in the same place if possible. Since all of my nearest and dearest are scattered across the hinterlands, getting them all together at the same time pretty much won't happen until our wedding. However, if I were able to throw such a soiree, I think this idea from The Party Dress would do just fine!

Til death do you part...

{Christina Aguilera and husband Jordan Bratman, thankfully NOT on their actual wedding day}

Now, before I get going on this post, I want to let you know I am not 100% sure how I feel about a Halloween Themed Wedding. I prefer to "stand behind my posts", and I do love Halloween, but still...

Brides.com put together this montage of Halloween inspired Wedding ideas that I think I am ok with...

Orange and black table scape...

Spooky Cocktails...

Festive place cards...

LOVE the pumpkin risotto presentation...

Custom carved pumpkins...

Very cute cake topper, would work for a Mexican themed wedding as well!

Inspired by the folks over at Brides.com I put together some Halloween Wedding Inspiration Boards of my own.

The first, black and orange Halloween chic...

Black and White invitations are part classic, part Halloween.

Vera Wang's latest collection was styled with a lot of black accessories.

A good compromise for the bride who wants to have a theme, but maybe not a full blown costume.

These Melissa Sweet bridesmaids dresses add to the effect without being distracting or over the top.

These pumpkin centerpieces (by Martha, obv)

Are elegant enough for any Fall affair.

This cake is classic with a Halloween twist.

Themed Party Favors (Martha Stewart)

My second inspiration board is for an all out Gothic Wedding.

Again, from Vera Wangs latest collection, it would take a very particular bride but could be amazing.

"Head Waiter" Serving Trays (Martha Stewart)

Pumpkin place settings (The Knot)

Blood red flower centerpieces (Martha Stewart)

Creepy Candles (Martha Stewart)

Corpse Bride Cake

What do y'all think, Halloween Weddings:

Trick or Treat?

There is no life I know that compares to pure imagination:

If any of you are hearing about Preston Bailey for the first time here, I am thrilled to be making the introduction.

Beyond having the same initials as this dear website (which I can only take as a sign from God, really), PB, has made a name for himself as a wedding planner known for his whimsical large scale sets...

And flower arrangements.

His website has a section showing before & afters of his large scale transformations. They are pretty incredible and show that really any space can work for a wedding if you have the imagination (and ridiculous budget) to make it so.

Enjoy!

The Tent Before:

After:

One of my favorite transformations, you will not believe it. Before, a riding ring:

After, a church?

With a magical fall forrest inside!?

Who would look at this and think, ah yes, perrrfect for my wedding!

The same space after:

Again, huh? Stale modern lobby?

Transformed into a sleek minimal space for a white wedding.

This space was already pretty cool before

But WHOA after!