Boudoir photos with a twist...

Hive, its time to get a little...sexy...

I've noticed that it is rather commonplace for a bride to add a special portrait session in with their wedding photography. Enter...the boudoir session. Brides don some sexy outfits, have photographs taken, and present them to their groom as a wedding gift. Very cute (or should I say...scandalous...)!

I've been thinking about this myself, and if I would want to do something like this for Mr. Buttons. One day while browsing through my Google Reader, I came across a boudoir session. I shifted my laptop over to Mr. Buttons and asked him what he thought. He furrowed his brow a bit and then asked me, "what would I do with them???"

Fair enough, I guess. He does have a good point; it isn't like he would be taking around the photos and showing them off to his friends (I hope...). But nevertheless, I still like the idea. However, since Mr. Buttons didn't exactly sound all that thrilled about the traditional boudoir photos (I know...what is wrong with him???), I wanted to ponder an alternative that would perhaps give the same effect.

And then...as I was shopping for some new swimwear for the summer season, I had an epiphany. Why hadn't I thought of this sooner??? If you've been following me from the beginning, you might recall that Mr. Buttons and I first met each other at the beach. Well, what better location for a "boudoir" session? I mean, I already know that Mr. Buttons doesn't mind seeing me in a bikini: he's snuck a few photos here and there when we've been at the beach...

So...instead of donning some sexy lingerie, I'd wear a pretty little two piece number, and maybe take some pictures like this...

Following photos from Victoria's Secret:

Now...the only questions would be - 1: who the heck is going to make me look sexy like that (I am good at "cute," but "sexy" still evades me)? And 2: can my photographer photoshop in some gorgeous abs for me? Haha...

So, what do you think of a "nontraditional" boudoir session at the beach? Are you planning to/have you done a boudoir session to present to your SO? How did you decide what you'd wear?

Figuring out the flowers

Hive, you guys are going to start thinking that I am a spaz. Yep. I am indecisive- very much so!

When I started planning (back in August 2009), my original inspiration for flowers involved an all white bouquet for myself, and green bouquets for my bridesmaids. The florist had suggested green hydrangeas...like this:

Source

But, as you might recall, my love for hydrangeas faltered. And, as the decision to create our own centerpieces with baby's breath came into play, the vision for the bridal party flowers did as well. Over time, the idea of white and green flowers became less and less desirable to me...I was hungry for some color!

So, I searched high and low across the Internet for some new floral inspiration. Surprisingly, I found myself drawn to a color I would have never expected: pink! Normally, I am not a huge fan of pink. I like it, but you won't find it in my wardrobe (except for a pair of shoes) or in other aspects of my life. But, there is something so romantic about soft pink flowers, and I was sucked in! Here is some of the inspiration I culled from The Knot:

Armed with my new inspiration photos, I selected my favorites and placed them in an inspiration board:

Left to right (clockwise): Bouquet - The Knot, bouquet - The Knot, shoes - personal photo, dress - personal photo, bridesmaid dress - J Crew, shoes - Nordstrom

I love how the two inspiration bouquets are similar, yet different enough that they will stand apart from each other! The bridesmaids will have a slightly lighter colored bouquet, and I will carry one with a pop of pink peonies and garden roses.

And what about the boys?

I'm loving the idea of ivory ranunculus boutonnieres for the men. Mr. Buttons will wear one like this, with two flowers:

The Knot

The groomsmen and other men will wear ones with only one bud.

And guess what? I made a discovery in the baby's breath department! Who knew that there were different types of baby's breath? I discovered a type called "over time," which has much larger buds than the typical "million stars" variety. They almost remind me of really tiny carnations, rather than baby's breath. I also think that it looks a little less "weedy" than the million stars. So, we are going to make sure to purchase this variety of baby's breath for our centerpieces!

Source

Source

So...there you have it! My new floral inspiration...hope you like it!

Did you find yourself changing any of your original ideas/inspiration in your wedding planning?

DIY French manicure/pedicure

Everyone has their vice...their go-to splurge that makes them feel absolutely wonderful. For some, it might be Starbucks, splurging on a new pair of shoes, or a stiff martini. For me...it is a pedicure. There is just something amazingly relaxing about sitting in a massage chair with your feet in warm water while having your feet transformed from something that resembles Hobbit feet to a beautiful set of piggies ready to be shown off in a cute pair of sandals. The only problem with pedicures? They cost money...and at the moment, I have very little of it. Saving up for a wedding has really made me take a look at what I spend my extra money on, and then cut back. Typically, I treat myself to a pedicure around once a month, which sets me back about $28. I haven't had a pedicure since July 2009...which means that I have saved about $224 at this point - yay!

So...how have I managed to not drive myself nuts in the meantime? I taught myself how to DIY my beloved french pedicure (and manicure)! After countless times sitting in the chair, I observed my nail techs, and decided to give it a shot myself. Ok, here we go...

To start...lets gather our materials! You will need:

*Acetone nail polish remover. Yes...acetone. Using the regular, weaker remover will drive you nuts. However, BE CAREFUL, because this stuff will literally take the varnish right off a coffee table (yep...it happened to me a while ago, dang it)

*White nail polish for the nail tips - I like Sally Hansen Maximum Growth "Pure White Tip"

*Pink/clear polish for the top coat. For pink, I enjoy Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in "Champagne Toast" (pictured). For clear/neutral, I like Sally Hansen Maximum Growth in "Innocent Nude."

*Nail file

*Nail buffer

*Cuticle pusher (not required, but I use it)

*Cuticle nipper

*Nail clipper

*Makeup brush (I use an eyeshadow brush) that you are willing to sacrifice for french manicures. It should have relatively stiff and short bristles.

Ok - here we go!!!

1.) To start, clip your nails to a desired/even length. File them for a smooth finish, and use the buffer on the top of your nail surface to smooth out the bumps.

2.) If desired, use the cuticle pusher to press back your cuticles, then CAREFULLY clip them with the nipper. If you aren't sure of the technique, here are some short videos illustrating it for you:

3.) Next, use the white nail polish and paint the tips of your nails. It does not have to be anywhere close to perfect; at this point just make sure you cover the area that you want to be white. Don't believe me - see? I'm definitely not perfect...

Ewww look at what my crazy baby toe can do!!!

I painted my fingernails too...

4.) Pour a small amount of nail polish remover into a container (I just pour it into the bottle cap), and get out your eyeshadow brush that you have now sacrificed for the cause.

5.) Submerge the brush in the remover to soak for a few seconds.

6.) Are you ready? Here goes nothing...using the nail polish remover soaked brush, slowly brush from the center of your nail to the side (then repeat towards the other side).

Work slowly, and wittle down the white strip until you have your desired width. Don't worry if you mess up; you can always repaint the nail tip and start over!

7.) Repeat this technique on each toe (or finger)...until your toes look as awesome as this (haha...):

Here's a shot of my fingers....if you were wondering how they were coming along...

8.) Using the pink/natural nail polish, paint a top coat (or 2 if you like).

Voila - you are done, and have saved yourself a boat load of money by not going to the nail salon! You are now ready to show off your beautiful nails...maybe even in some engagement photos? Yep...I did!

Pilster Photography

As a disclaimer, DON'T be discouraged if your first try at a french mani/pedi doesn't turn out well! It took me a few tries to master my technique. If you mess up one nail, just wipe it clean with remover, and try again. Practice makes perfect, my friends!

Have you tried a DIY manicure? Do you have any tips or tricks that you always use?

A fabulous "faux-to" booth

It is safe to say that I have started a lot of different projects for the wedding at this point. However, now that we have hit "crunch time" before the big day, it is essential to either 1) complete them, or 2) scrap them. So, I have created a list of the DIY projects I have on my plate, and placed them in order of importance. As you can imagine, the projects that are higher up on the list get priority. In the beginning of the planning process, it is easy to gather a plethora of inspiration, and projects pile up. However, I have had to come to the realization that I might have to part with some of my ideas in order to remain sane.

One of the projects that lands smack dab in the middle of the "importance scale" is a faux-to booth. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place on this one...because I have seen some amazing results from previous Bees' booths...such as

Mrs. Cowboy Boot

Mrs. Mouse

Mrs. Quiche

And, out in the blogosphere there has also been some amazing inspiration. You may be familiar with this particular booth, as it was making its way around the Internet a few months back. I was instantly inspired...and hooked.

Following photos from kiss the groom:

I saved the pictures in my inspiration folder, and sat on it for a few months. Now, as the wedding swiftly approaches, it is time for me to actually get started! Mommy Buttons works at a school, and a few of the guys who work in maintenance have been kind enough to offer to help me! We are going to start with an 8'x4' piece of plywood, and my "helpers" are going to cut out 2-3 rectangles/squares for our guests to peek through. Mommy Buttons and I are going to create "frames" by painting pieces of wood trim cut to the size of the openings. I am going to wallpaper the board, and add picture frames featuring family wedding photos! Sounds simple, right? Maybe...we'll soon find out!

But, where shall we set up this lovely contraption? When Mommy Buttons and I visited our venue the other day, we scouted out a few potential locations. We came up with two options. First: a cabana:

There are a few cabanas set up in the pool area outside (where we will have cocktail hour). They are 10 foot square, and as you can see, they are supported by metal framing.

In an ideal world, we would suspend the faux-to booth from the framing of a cabana. We would close the back of the cabana to give a solid background.

Guests would be able to walk around the back of it, and they wouldn't have to worry about knocking something over (if it was placed on a table, or supported by a frame from the floor)!

Another placement option would be inside the "bird cage" area where our cocktail hour will be served.

Once again, there is metal framing that we could suspend the booth from. This location would be much more noticeable for our guests, but it might also be in the middle of the action...

I'm going to let the idea simmer for a little while, but I'm starting right away on creating the board!

Did you/are you planning to create a faux-to booth for your reception? How did you make it? Where do you place it?

All of my dreams are coming true!

Hive...I've had a revelation! I know that I'm only about two months out until our wedding, but we've decided to make some huge changes! I was shopping the other day, and I came across the most AMAZING venue. I couldn't believe our good luck; we were able to get our deposit back from Carlouel and book this venue...it is my fairytale DREAM come true! Seriously...take a look!!!!

As soon as we saw it, Mr. Buttons knew we couldn't look back...check out that happy smile!

I told you it was a fairy tale come true...there is even a castle (or two, or three) both outside and inside! Maybe Mr. Buttons will dress up like Prince Charming and sweep me off my feet?

And do you know what the BEST part is???

I can go shopping right before the wedding...maybe get some brand names at closeout prices. And, if our guests are hungry at the end of the night, we can cross the parking lot to get some fast food! Munchies!

Naaaaaaaaaaaaah....just kidding! I hope you didn't think I was serious...

But all joking aside, this is indeed a real wedding venue here in town. I'd heard about it a bunch of times/seen advertisements, but never knew where it was...until I was traipsing all over Tampa to find vases for my centerpieces. It was there, in the Marshalls parking lot, that I made my discovery; who would have thought? It is actually an all-inclusive venue; brides don't have to plan a single part of the day. They also hold Sweet 16 birthday parties and quinces there in addition to weddings. Oh man, 16 year old Miss Buttons would have probably freaked to have her birthday party here - it would have been so cool. Personally, nowadays it isn't my cup of tea, but I actually know of someone who did get married there - and I'm sure it was just as fabulous to her as my venue will be to me at the end of May!

So hive, that was my April Fool's Day...version 2.0...(come on; you know you didn't get enough of it yesterday...)

Do tell - did you fool anyone yesterday? Were you fooled? What happened - spill it!