a small town wedding: becoming a bride.

When we were finished with hair and makeup, it was time to head to the church to get dressed.  

My dress was ready and waiting for me when I arrived, looking pretty.

As was my something old (brooch from my MIL), something new (bracelet and earrings), and something borrowed (necklace from my mother).

My mom and matron of honor helped me into my dress (lighting in the church basement was less than ideal, so we improvised near the door for pictures).

We put on my jewelry.

I slipped into my something blue.

I read the sweet card from my future husband and found pictures of my gift (he built me a sewing table!).  All while trying not to cry of course!

My mom attached the cathedral length veil I had made.

And we headed to outside to the church.

I finally felt like a bride!

All images by Deborah Cull Photography

Previously in our wedding recaps:

Mascaras Get Married: The Beginning

Mascaras Get Married: Giving Gifts

Mascaras Get Married: Girls Get Ready

Mascaras Get Married: Guys Get Ready, and a Gift for the Groom

an unnecessary project.

With a little more than a month left to go, you would think I would be taking projects off of my list at this point. Instead, I added one on. Uninspired when it came to designing our programs and sick of teal taffeta table runners being the only sewing I've done in months, I decided to make a simple garter to wear on the wedding day.

It's made of ivory silk duponi, which is one of my most favorite fabrics ever. We won't be doing the garter & bouquet toss since those traditions have never been our cup of tea at other weddings we've been to, so I really do not need a garter at all. But who can resist a quick and easy sewing project (with beautiful silk duponi) when in need of some instant gratification?

I have no doubt that I'll need to prioritize within the next few weeks in order to get the important elements on my list finished before the wedding, but for now, I'm still hoping we can finish most of the projects that we've been hoping to bring to the big day. And admiring my completely unnecessary, yet still gratifying ruffly little garter!

If you want to make a simple garter, check out this tutorial from the purl bee!

Did anyone else add a last minute project onto their list? What was it?

dress envy.

As I wait (rather impatiently) during these last few weeks before my dress arrives, I can't help but have a slight case of dress envy. I am completely in love with this gorgeous gown photographed by Mimmo + Naz and featured on Style Me Pretty.Her veil isn't too bad, either.
Okay, I guess I'm a little jealous of the scenery too!

wedding day bling.

I've been meaning to show you some pictures of the jewelry I picked out to wear on the wedding day. I wanted a bigger bracelet but nothing too trendy. I picked out a few cuffs but decided those would fall more in the trendy category. I think this bracelet from Macy's is perfect, and it's definitely something I'll wear again. Since the stones are oval, I thought my earrings should have a similar shape, but I couldn't find any earrings with oval stones. I decided pear shape would be the next best thing. To be honest, I'm still unsure about the earrings. The top stone is a little bigger than I'd like it to be. I'm saving the receipt in case I find a pair I like more. As always, I'm open to suggestions.

Both items are Crislu's silver platinum collection. Apparently the silver is not supposed to tarnish, which is good! Of course the stones are cubic zirconia, as I am not made of money, but I don't think they look fake like some others I've seen.

I purchased both pieces the day after I signed up for a Macy's credit card, so I got 20% off. It ended up being a significant savings. Plus, since we have a wedding registry there, I'll get another 10% back in the form of in-store credit after the wedding! I was proud of myself for getting such a good deal.

I'm still undecided in the necklace category. I'm thinking it might be a little much. Do you agree?

All photos are my own.

frilly dresses.

I've been seeing some gorgeous dresses around the wedding blog world lately. I'm not typically a fan of super frilly dresses, but there are always a few exceptions. These three definitely fall into the exception category.

They are right when they say you should stop looking at dresses once you buy one. I'm anxiously waiting for mine to arrive sometime in March. I only hope I will love it as much as I love these.

Dress 1 from Vera Wang.
Dress 2 via With This Ring... Photo by Susan Stripling.
Dress 3 via Elizabeth Anne Designs. Photo by Amy Squires.

onto the next accessory.

I've been thinking about making a silk flower to put in my hair for awhile now. This picture sells me on the idea.

It also sells me on the idea of taking a picture in a boat, but I'd be nervous about falling into the water! I actually think they are trying to trick us in this picture. Doesn't it look like the boat is on the dock? I guess that's how you do it without getting wet! This couple is smart.

Now to start shopping for hair flower materials. I'll keep you posted.

Photo by Luke Walker via Elizabeth Anne Designs.

72%.

That's how much I saved on the beautiful teal satin flats I purchased last night on Amazon. Not too bad for shoes that have gotten such good reviews (here, here, and here)! I was having fun playing the waiting game to see if they were going to come down in price again, and they were reduced today. I figured I've been taking my chances for awhile now and I'd be really disappointed if they sold out before I bought them. So I ordered them last night and they will be arriving in a few days! Exciting! Ras flats from amazon.

checking things off.

I like the satisfaction of checking something off a list (who doesn't, really) so I am going to check a few things off of the ever-growing list of wedding-related tasks.

1. Bridesmaids dresses -- Done! My wonderful bridesmaids all ordered their dresses last week so I can check this one off! And the best part is I actually think they are happy with them!

2. Engagement announcement -- Done! We filled out the form and soon our faces will be plastered all over The Daily News. I'm not sure if I'm excited about that, but hey it's another thing to check off the list!

3. Mockup invitation supplies -- Ordered! Now we play the waiting game until they arrive!

4. Hotel rooms -- Blocked! No more having to worry about not having enough rooms on Labor Day weekend. We decided to go with three hotels at different price points, one of which has some nice perks for us if people stay there!


I think that's it for the moment, but I hope to keep this progress going! Also the swatch of my dress finally arrived so I can begin the next of the DIY projects, including my veil, crinoline, and hair flower. Here's the inspiration for my crinoline:
Photo by hazelnut photography. If you haven't looked at this blog yet, you should! Jordana's pictures are gorgeous.

i found it!

The perfect clutch to carry all of the items I cannot live without on the day I get married. Now if only it would go on sale...

Clutch by J.Crew.