Outfitting my Mama

I knew early on that I would be paying for my mama's dress. My mom is the type of woman to wear her hair in a pony tail every.single.day. She very rarely dresses up so therefore isn't a huge fan. ( I really think she would prefer to dress me up instead). She is what you would call a total tomboy. Since she isn't a huge fan of getting dolled up I couldn't imagine having my mom fork out the funds to buy a dress she won't ever wear again.

When I went on my second shopping trip in Wausau for my dress we took the chance to shop for my mom as well. Before we embarked on our shopping trip I sent a few ideas to my mom to let her know what I was thinking could look really nice on her.

(all photos via The Knot)

Beautiful Mother's by Mary - M2172

 

This was a favorite of mine. My mother is not a thin woman and this would be a very figure flattering style. I liked that it had a little bling on it so it would match slightly with my dress and the bridesmaid's dresses. Problem? We couldn't find it anywhere near us, so we had to move on.

 

Cameron Blake 113608

 

Montage by Mon Cheri

 

After I sent these images I started to realize a pattern, did you see it? Deep V-neck, empire type waist line and chiffon. My mom agreed she like those styles best so we had our game plan and were set to pick out her perfect dress. That was the plan anyways.

 

Despite the fact my mom dresses in hiking boots and baggy sweatshirts on the daily, she actually is pretty picky when it comes to dressing up. Every store we looked at didn't have anything she liked. My mother is only going to be 50 years old when I get married and said everything she saw looked "too mature" or "too old".

 

Enter Circle the Date in Marshfield, WI. This is the wonderful store where I had my bridal moment. When we got there the owner was so welcoming and helpful. She explained that most mother of the bride dresses in our area are a little "behind the times" which is why we couldn't find anything she liked. We weren't shopping at the right stores.

 

The biggest surprise we received though, the price tag! Goodness gracious, say the words mother of the bride and the dress immediately goes up. We decided that there really isn't too much of a difference between bridesmaid dresses and MOTB dresses. After a few options we finally picked out the best dress for mama D.

 

Allure 1367

 

It was a perfect fit and my mom loved it! I requested that my mom wear charcoal or grey(gray? still nothing) and thankfully this dress came in a beautiful charcoal color. The best part of our shopping trip was discovering that we didn't have to spend my life savings on a freaking dress just because of how it was labeled. I was glad to give Circle the Date my business and my mom had a dress that made her feel beautiful.

 

Did anyone else use a bridesmaid dress for a special occasion? Did anyone else buy their mom's dress?

 

Party Shoes

I just posted about the fabulous shoes I got for my BM's so I figured it would be a great time to let you in on another fun aspect of our wedding. EVERY single wedding I have ever been to there has been dancing. If that isn't your thing, great rock on but for my family it's a must. I mean hardcore dancing. With that always comes the barefoot shuffle. What is the barefoot shuffle?

Let me enlighten you. It's when a woman/girl starts to dancing so hardcore she kicks off her heels, goes in her bare feet and hits up the dance floor. The barefoot shuffle. I know I did it as a kid at a few of my cousin's weddings. I actually know an aunt or few to ruin a pair of pantyhose(do women still wear them?).

 I'm looking at you Auntie M!!

Credit, edited by yours truly

So for our wedding I wanted to make sure to accommodate for the barefoot shuffle.

Enter Dancing Shoes!!

Credit

Credit

I knew I HAD to have these at our wedding. Way back when, 2 weeks before the proposal, I stumbled upon another feature to the fabulous Weddingbee, the classifieds!! I am always on the lookout for a good deal. I hardly ever buy anything that isn't on sale. C and I had discussed that we wanted to be as crafty as possible during our wedding planning and that meant purchasing leftover wedding décor or slightly used.

So I found an ad listed on Weddingbee for 60 pair of new assorted hot pink women's flip flops. umm, YES! Oh HECK, YES! And of course the price was right. I paid $55 including the shipping of a giant box. So I had my flip flops but the packaging they came in wasn't the prettiest. I used some card stock and printed off a bunch of sizes to put with each pair. I wanted the sizes to be easy to see in a dimly lit room.

I used the combined efforts of Miss. Kayli and one of her friends. It was a perfect bonding opportunity between my step-daughter and myself as we don't get many of those chances.

Sadly I started this project before I started blogging so I don't have many pictures although here is what the finished product looks like:

(pictures personal)

 All in all I would say this was an incredibly successful project however I have a dilemma I am turning to you guys for.

What do I put them in!? I need some cool ideas. They take up quite a bit of space. I don't think we are going to go through all 50 pairs but I would love to hear what you have to say.
Ok give me your ideas, ready get GO!

Pink Shoes

  I knew early on that I wanted my girls to wear fuchsia heels for the wedding and since I was so adamant about it I knew that I would be buying them. (I can't imagine them forking out money for something I insist upon having). I think the pop of color looks AMAZEBALLZ. I mean seriously, just look at that contrast:

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Oh it makes my heart just flutter! I figured it would be a fun idea to find some cool shoes but the idea went to the back of my head as I had more pressing matters to deal with, i.e save the dates. I got everyone's shoe size early on so, when I was ready to shop, I would be prepared. I was doing some browsing on Weddingbee and I decided to check out a website that I saw come up on one of those side advertisements. (crazy I know, they totes got me)

As I was scrolling through their clearance section, because seriously I NEVER buy anything full price if I don't have to, I saw them. They were so freaking fantastically fun!

Ami Clubwear Fuchsia Glitter Pump with Bow - no longer available

I instantly knew I had to get these for my girls. It was the perfect color pink/fuschia. It was like they were made for my wedding. The best part? I scored the deal of a lifetime at $2.99 a pair! SCORE!  I realized that if my girls didn't like them my heart wouldn't be broken if they never wore them again, or if they kicked 'em off after the ceremony and pictures. 

Of course not everything works out as fantastically as you think though. (This seems to be a reoccurring theme in my wedding planning). I could find a pair for everyone except BM S who's size wasn't in stock. Boo. Being the Google ninja that I am, I searched high and lo for another pair of these shoes.  

I had to have them! Thankfully after some searching, I was able to find hers on good ol' eBay.

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I went back to AMI Clubwear and ordered 7 pairs of shoes. I only needed 5 but I ordered 2 extra just in case someone needed to move up or down in size. Yeah I know I am a rockstar bride. Kidding! Since these shoes were so cheap, they were marked down for final clearance so they are non-returnable. I wanted to make sure my girls would be as comfortable as possible.

I had to pay a little more for BM S's shoes as I didn't get the fantastic pricing but I am still super pumped (get it, I'll be here all week) that I was able to score this deal for my ladies. 

All my girls have such fun personalities that I know these will be a huge hit. My girls have already agreed they are excited to sport such a fun pair of heels. I am super excited for the pictures I can get with them wearing said heels! I think it will just add a fun factor to our wedding. HAPPY DANCE!

What do you think?

Did anyone else stumble upon an accessory you just couldn't live without?

DIY Success!

As I am enjoying the frigid temperatures in the lovely Midwest, I figured I would take the time to share with you one of my first DIY projects. I finally finished up a project that I had started a few months ago. However, before we begin if you are one of my fabulous BMs then I suggest you "take a hike", "get lost", or simply just go get a mani. Whatever you do, go find some other reading material to occupy your time. I love you long time but this post is NOT for you!

I mentioned before that I am pretty crafty or at least think I am. It stems from my insanely crafty mother I do believe. Either way, I wanted to gift something to my bridesmaids that had a little meaning behind it rather than just throwing down the cash on something. What is more meaningful than a handmade craft!? I also have 7 bridesmaids and that can add up quickly! Wowza! So I found this amazing image on Weddingbee, seriously this site is like crack. Don't say I didn't warn you. 

Anyways my inspiration picture:

Credit and her tutorial

Being the crafty woman that I am, I figured I could make something like that for my girls! So without further ado I give you the Borman Wedding Bracelets.

As you can see I made mine slightly different than Mrs. Rucksack's but still followed the same concept. 

Supplies:

Ribbon (I used 2 different sizes so the Navy would sit inside the Fuchsia)

Scissors

Beads

Sharpie or dark pen

Thread

Sewing Needle

Ruler

Lighter (optional)

 Step 1:  I cut the ribbon ends on an angle and used a lighter to singe the ends so the ribbon wouldn't fray. The ribbon I used was a satin ribbon from Wal-Mart. Nothing fancy here folks!

Step 2. Through trial and error I realized the spacing that looked best between each stitch was 1/2 inch. I found it easiest to take a Sharpie and make a little dot every 1/2 inch to keep it even and know where to make my stitches. The dots won't get seen, however I still made the marks on the "underside" of the ribbon. I left a good 3-4 inches before I started making the marks. 

Step 3. On the "top" side of the ribbon I made a knot, and then sewed an "x" so that my end wouldn't pull through the ribbon. I realized this mistake JUST as Mrs. Rucksack did and had to start over after one of my bracelets broke. I thought the knot would suffice but I was wrong, you need the "x". I chose to start on the top but you can start on the underside, however I started this way so I just continued this way. 

*Note: I used a much heavier thread. Mine was an upholstery thread whereas Mrs. Rucksack's was a standard thread. I don't think it matters much which kind you have. I just wanted mine to be heavier so I wouldn't risk it snapping. Don't want all my hard work going to waste!

Step 4. Weave your needle and thread through the ribbon checking after each stitch to keep your smaller ribbon centered. This is where the dots come in handy. I considered the pink side the "bottom" side and the navy side the "top".

Step 5. I went 3 stitches before I put a bead on. I figured it would give more ruffle and just to try something to make mine a little different than Mrs. Rucksack's. 

Step 6. Put bead on and pull. This is what it should look like after you put the bead on and tighten it up. Keep going until your satisfied with the length.

Tip:  I pulled it tight every few stitches so that it wouldn't be too loose. 

Step 7. Once I got done I went through and pulled it tight to help get any "looseness" out of the bracelet. You can see that mine was a little tighter then Mrs. Rucksacks. Mine is more structured where hers is slightly more relaxed. I realized afterwards that it started to make a "U" shape when you pull it tight. I also noticed through trial and error that if you do pull it tight like I did, that it does help to start your knot and "x" on the top side of the ribbon. It looks a little nicer when it's the tighter version. 

Step 8. Once I had it pulled very tight I put a knot on the top of the ribbon and sewed a little "x" through the final ruffle. I added an extra knot after I sewed the "x" because I was paranoid that it would pull out.  1 knot and the "x" would probably suffice but better safe then sorry. 

And there you have it lovelies!! 

What do you think? Have you used someone else's creation as inspiration for your own craft?

The Special People

When it comes time to pick your wedding party, a lot of thought goes in to who do you select to stand up? C and I have a huge group of friends and were totally stuck when it came time to make a selection, (serious discussions were had). Most of our friends don't know each other and we each wanted people for different reasons.

  The 2 most important people in our wedding besides C and me, are C's children.

Miss. Kayli will be 12 years old when we get married.  She is going to be my Junior Maid of Honor and a total rock star!

 

Mr. Rysley will be 1 month shy of 9 when we get married. He will be C's Junior Best Man and this kid can tell a story unlike anyone I know.

C and I are incredibly excited to share this experience with them and excited for all the activities to come. We don't get to see them nearly as much as we should so all 4 of us are looking forward to the wedding so we can spend some quality time together. 

The easiest decision to make was our Matron of Honor and C's Best Man. They are our best friends and C and I couldn't image getting married without them. They are amazing people and have the biggest hearts. Furthermore they both are super supportive of our relationship.

My Matron of Honor, Bethany (MOH B) has been my best friend since 6th grade. I was the maid of honor in her wedding and it's only appropriate that she is the MOH in mine. I couldn't image getting married without her. Seriously folks she's my lifeline and probably the best MOH ever besides me of course! I know with her I will have absolutely NO problems the day of our wedding.

C's Best Man, Nick (BM N) has been his best friend since Nick was born. There is a story floating around that C dropped Nick on his head as a baby. Jury's still out on that one. He hates getting his picture taken so I will be having a chat with him on our wedding day to ensure that he smiles! He doesn't want to see my wrath!

The rest of the bridal party took us about 3 weeks to decide. We couldn't narrow it down so we are going to say "F it" and have a HUGE bridal party. We simply couldn't narrow it down so our motto became the more the merrier. 

Without further ado I give you the Borman Wedding Bridesmaids.

BM Tracy (BM T) is C's sister and I am super excited to have her as my sister in law! She is amazing and my source of humor every Wednesday when she sends me a "Happy Hump Day" email. Her lovely daughter FG Kourtney (FG K) is the one and only who picked out my dress.

BM Suzi (BM SQ) is one of my newest friends but a dear one. C and I actually helped her fiancé Greg plan his proposal and helped to stage it. It was an amazing thing to be a part of. I will be standing up in her wedding in 2015. Her fiancé is none other then our amazing DJ, Greg.

BM Sierra (BM S) is my cousin sorta. Her mom is my godmother, my mom's closest friend and first cousin. I was actually a flower girl in her mother's wedding and as one of my favorite cousins it's only appropriate that she be in my wedding!

BM Kayla (BM K) is one of C's best friends and one of my first when I moved to MN. Between BM K, C, BM N, and myself we form what we love to call the wolf pack. The 4 of us love to have a good time and find all kinds of fun interesting things to do on a boring Friday/Saturday night. She is also responsible for keeping track of BM N throughout the wedding, bless her soul. Someone's gotta!

BM Krysta (BM KR) is one of my dearest friends from WI. I was the MOH in her wedding so I certainly couldn't get married without her. She is over the moon excited that I am finally getting married. Her husband is another of my dearest friends and their son, Jordan is my godson. I love their whole family!

BM Jess is one of C's best friends. Her and C used to live together for a while. I quickly fell in love with her too when I met her and seriously her and I share a deep love for anything with fur an 4 legs. She is a total sweetheart and C "couldn't get married without her".

Personal Attendant Christina is one of my nearest and dearest friends from Colorado. She is INSANELY busy and always traveling somewhere. She will be planning her very own wedding very shortly, if she can find enough time in a day, and I am honored that I get to be a part of her wedding! 

Now for the remainder of the bridal party, C's groomsmen.

GM Ryan (GM R) is one of C's best friends from when he lived in Minneapolis. He is surly going to be the life of the party if he ever sits still long enough. Seriously this guy is so busy all the time it makes my head spin. Every time we see GM R it is a fun time and our wedding won't disappoint!

GM Cary (GM C) is another of C's best friends. He has 3 daughters, 1 of whom is in Kayli's grade. As a single dad major kudos to him for raising 3 girls. Wowza! I love standing near GM C because of how tall he is. He always makes me feel short and at 6'0 that's not an easy task. His girls are just as tall. Happy dance! I love tall girls!

GM Eric (GM E) is one of C's childhood best friends. Him and his wife are joining us for vacation in about 3 weeks. GM E is always up for anything and one of the most reliable people I have ever met. You need something and call GM E, he's there. He is such a good friend to C and I adore him just as much.

GM John (GM J) is another of C's best friends. They share a love for sports and Hooters. They have a standing tradition that when they see each other it is typically at Hooters.  Come the weekend C and GM J are always texting stats and sports information back and forth. You want to know a sports stat, this is your guy.

GM Greg (GM G) is another childhood best friend. GM G is part of a windmill company so he is always traveling and on the go. Him and C go on a yearly ice fishing trip with a few guys and each summer him and his wife join us for a delicious fish fry with the fish they caught on their trip. Yum.....

GM Zach(GM Z) is my brother. He is very excited to gain the brother he wishes I were. GM Z has already given the proverbial "brother" talk to C and of course is the protective brother he thinks he should be. In all honestly he loves  C and is super excited to see his little sister get married. I am super excited for him to be there.

Usher Ronnie and C used to live in the same city and him and C share a love for working out. Usher R runs Tae Kwon Do school that takes up quite a bit of his time. We are super "pumped" (get it!) that he said yes to being a part of our big day!



Usher Dustin is another childhood friend of C's. He is a first time daddy to a beautiful little girl who was just recently born and also going to be planning a wedding of his own very shortly. We are super lucky he has time to fit us into his crazy busy schedule but are grateful for him to be there.

We are very thankful to have such a wonderful wedding party who supports our relationship. All of them were super excited to be a part of our wedding and we are just as excited to be able to share it with them. We are a very blessed couple and we thank the heavens for the amazing people who are in our lives.

Did anyone else have a large wedding party? Did anyone else struggle to pick who should stand up?