Stand by your man

Today was a productive day, though we're not able to check anything completely off our wedding to-do list. A and I began our Sunday morning with a scrumptious brunch at Granite City on Madison's west side. Once the mall opened, we walked into Willams-Sonoma and created a registry, including a few special kitchen gadgets we wouldn't ordinarily purchase for ourselves. I think A is most excited about the popsicle maker. Selfishly, I'm hoping for Bordeaux glasses.

We continued on to Men's Warehouse, where A tried his suit on for the tailor. Two simple words: Bad ass. He won't let me see the final look–it's only fair–but I have no worries. He's going to look so handsome. He's feeling somewhat confident about having this nearly checked off, but will happy once the suit is in his hands a couple of weeks from now.

Next, we checked out wedding bands at Kessler's Diamonds, the local jeweler where A purchased my engagement ring. It's funny how sometimes you think you know exactly what you want. Then you put it on your finger and it's totally wrong. I was right about what I wanted in an engagement ring. I catch myself glancing at my left hand frequently. However, I was wrong in regards to what I wanted in a band. Good thing I tried a few on. A felt pretty solid on what he wants–something simple. We each found great bands that we look forward to slipping on one another's finger in a few months.

It felt really good today to focus on things A needs for the wedding rather than stressing about programs and playlists and slideshows. I look forward to working on those things, too, but I enjoyed A feeling like a groom. I realized I want him to have more moments like that, where he just gets to enjoy his role, rather than just answer my incessant questions about swirls on the programs.

Planned to perfection

The majority of my weekend was spent thinking about weddings. I plopped down on the couch late Friday night, and though I've run some errands and done a little shoe shopping, I felt pretty attached to the cushion. Not only was I crafting boutonnieres for the wedding, I got my reality wedding show fix. A is now feeding my wedding addiction and added TLC's "Wedded to Perfection" to the Netflix queue. Oh yeah. You know it.

The show features a married wedding planning duo and their struggles with planning the perfect day for couples in the New York area. It made me appreciate both the simplicities and complexities of planning my own wedding. When A and I began this process, we had two visions: The rich vision and the poor vision. The rich vision was filled with opulence and high class. The poor version was a potluck in a backyard. There's nothing wrong with either concept. They're just different. I feel like we've struck a wonderful balance between getting everything we want and being frugal with our budget.

One of the issues I have with a blog I frequently read is her position on the "Wedding Industrial Complex" and the necessity to keep the real meaning of a wedding in mind. I can't possibly take such a hard stance because if I had the money to spend, I would have. Easily. But I think it's important to express yourself on your wedding day. Although you've invited all that are close to you in one way or another, it's an opportunity to express who you really are. One way I can share my love of crafts and A and my general zest for fun is to come up with creative boutonnieres. I can't wait for people to see them.

I thought to myself today that I would enjoy doing this for others' weddings. Giving people an opportunity to have a custom wedding and eliminate stress. It could be a career move... someday. In the meantime, I feel ecstatic to have a project completely checked off my list. Coming soon: a how-to slideshow featuring my craftiness.

4 months and counting...

It's remarkable to me that there are only 120 days remaining until the wedding. The To-Do list is still miles long, of course, but what can you expect with a DIY wedding? Still, progress is being made. A submitted our request for alcohol and music is nearly finalized. We also have a GREAT surprise for the cocktail hour/reception. I can't wait to share it with you.

Last weekend was the semi-annual Wedding Planner & Guide Bridal Show. I've been to three of these now and I love the craziness. It's a trade show on hot pink steroids, but so many local award-winning vendors are at-hand to give information and provide ideas. Sure, they're trying to get you to buy their service, but unless you're crazy like A and I, you'll probably rely heavily on many of them. There's another show in Milwaukee this weekend. If you couldn't make either show, don't fret. There's a thorough online resource available to you all year round. Locate any type of vendor you can imagine. One admitted disappointment with the transportation section is there are no "Classic Car" vendors, which is something A and I were really hoping to have for photos.

Ultimate wedding song?

I feel like I've been distant, but a lot of things are happening. I'm changing jobs (and still working a 2nd job part time) and planning DIY projects for the wedding like a crazy fool!

Things are getting accomplished over here. I'm working on the slideshow in a timely fashion. I went to a bridal show today to try to tie up a few loose ends (and found a lovely piece of jewelry in the process).

One of our DIY undertakings is the playlist for each component of the day: Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and four hours of reception music. We decided to forgo a traditional DJ or rent a band in exchange for an iPod/Computer setup and a fantastic uncle who will do some editing and provide a little MC flavor.

A and I have a great grasp on the type of music we want at the wedding. But I'm still left wondering: What do our guests want to dance to?

Which poses this question: You only get ONE song to dance to, what is your final answer?

I can understand why those who aren't invited may choose to withhold their response, but feel free to provide some input. Ready, go.