Theres one in every bunch

Lets talk etiquette. As far as I know there is no official etiquette really for a vow renewal or wedding. There are things that are traditions (dad walking you down) and things that would be way out there (like a star wars themed wedding might be weird but hey if both are into it, ok!) but there is nothing that says you cant do something or the whole thing is void and doesnt mean diddle. 

Today I encountered my first " youre doing what?" type comment. I have to say it did offend me (more so i have a feeling than my vow renewal is offending them). 
Lance and I are doing this because God is leading us to, we are doing it because of how far we have come and how we want to celebrate that by starting over. We are paying for this (with a tiny bit of help by Mom for outfits) and we are planning this. Im NOT expecting anything from anyone! Well except to show up, please do that part. I am doing everything this time I didnt do last time and then some. Why not? If renewing our vows is to celebrated then shouldnt I celebrate in a big, elaborate way? Shouldnt it be a party? 

Im having a pastor do it.
Im having my dad walk me down. 
Im having a wedding dress and Im going to feel beautiful/sexy in it. 
Im having a bridesmaid. Im having someone who MEANS something to me stand up this time. 
Im having a flower girl who will actually show up this time. 
Im having all the "firsts" i didnt have last time and REGRET not having. 
Im having a photographer.
Im having a wedding cake.
Im doing it whether its Lance and I or all 165 people show up. 

What you SHOULD say to someone renewing their vows (big celebration or not):
" Congrats!"
" Would you like any help with anything?"
" Thats such a sweet thing to do "
" What a great idea"

What you should NOT say:
" Why would you want to do that"
" Thats rude to do XYZ for a vow renewal"
" I dont think its a good idea " (in regards to the whole thing)

Mostly, I want everyone to celebrate with us. I want people to walk away after and say " That was a beautiful way to refresh your marriage ". 

Big, Small, Wedding Do Over, Over the top, Against some secret etiquette code, Just celebrate with us!

Cutest little people!

My mom and I went to Once Upon A Child yesterday and got everyone their little outfits. THEY ARE SO CUTE! One is a white dress, One is a Pink dress, One is tan pants/white shirt and PINK vest! I looked for Gold shoes but they didnt have a huge variety (for the girls and not really brown for the special boy). I am going to add Gold ribbon to the dresses. I also took OFF flowers from the white dress and Im going to dye them with my petticoat and make it my hairpiece! total

I found a rustic looking white chair in the trash for our Foot Washin.

I also found out a block party reception may not work so well but a church friend said we could use their house. We have to wait until we get the official OK in about a week but im pretty excited. This means the reception will turn into more of a dessert reception, but thats ok.

Finally I heard back from the seamstress for alterations- Um, no way! She wants $85 to add the corset back! Ill try myself and just do plan B if it fails.

The line is getting pushed farther away from $500.

I had my BFF who was going to take photos but she is living out of town and thats not fair to make her come down and take pictures. After browsing on TheKnot and being on some Facebook groups, I found a photographer. She is making her portfolio and after talking to her, she seems very sweet and priced reasonably! $100 for photos, thats pretty good! Its pushing the budget, as I did not intend to get a photographer but it will be worth it! At our wedding we didnt have photos and Im not very happy we dont. No first kiss, walking down the aisle, getting ready, etc. Nothing but family group shots.

The other item is cake. Again I was not intending to do a cake, we dont even have a reception area planned just yet (Park wont work, it will be closed for the winter). I know i want a cake for at least Lance and I though. We had a cake i made (it turned out.......ok) but I want a real cake. The baker, again is building her portfolio and is reasonably priced. $30 for a 6in double layered cake! It will be red velvet w/buttercream icing (just like the cake i made). I will add decorations. Most likely a teacup ;)

We will also be adding a surprise element to our ceremony. We will be adding a foot washing. Yes, i know we are weird but it has meaning to us. Washing away the dirt and starting new. Loving each other no matter what. Which leads into the decor update:

Instead of teacups and teapots, which are increasing hard to find...Flower Girl 1 will carry the pitcher of water, Flower Girl 2 will carry the bowl, Ring Bearer will carry the tea cup with rings in it. As for church decor, I am going to do teacups with flowers every other pew and framed wedding pics every other pew.

I will be updating the past post for the budget. $500 may need to be pushed up :)

Rehearsal Dress & Day Of Dress

I already had both of these dresses. I knew the pink/white and black one i was going to wear to the rehearsal. I got it from Snooty Fox for $1! It is strapless and I NEED to add straps. The other dress was actually my grandmas. I took it out of the closet and got the idea to wear it the day of the ceremony. Ill have to decorate the church and get things ready anyway (plus myself!) so why not? That way shell be with me that day in another way!

Bed & Breakfast anyone?

When Lance and I got married, we didnt have any money so a honeymoon was out of the question. Our wedding night was hectic with an ER trip but the next night we did stay in Wildwood Inn in Florence, KY. Not the best (actually it has terrible reviews now!) but it worked and we went out to eat at Olive Garden, it was nice.
This time, while we are on a limited budget, something would be nice. Wildwood Inn is out! What about a B&B?! I searched and found one near Northside with great reviews and its cheap! Well $127 cheap. After talking to Lance, if we can come up with the money, well do it. If not, its ok.

Some DIY Stuff

I had some time the last few days (and a few shopping trips) to get some final ideas on some things. Here they are:

1) I needed to incorporate more Gold. I had plenty of Pink and White but hardly any Gold. The solution? Spray Paint the teacups and teapots Gold. Wrap my flowers and my friends in Gold Ribbon.

2) I needed an exact way to dye my Petticoat without ruining our washing machine. Im just going to use a plastic tote and pray it works. (I did it in the stainless steal sink with cloth diapers so i have dyed fabric before). I have had some comments of " You wont see it so why?" but really, i think you will. When i walk, dance, lift up my dress, show off ;)

3) I needed to figure out my hairpiece. I knew I wanted flowers but i wasnt having luck finding the right ones. I came across a DIY Garter using fabric strips for flowers. BINGO. Im going to do 2 pink flowers with white petals. (maybe gold beads if i can find any ;)) --btw, I dont need a garter, im wearing my old one.

and finally, Apparently rings may vary by location. I went with my mom to her Walmart and they had a MUCH better collection of Mens Rings and CHEAPER! As low as $58! It would still put us over but not by as much. I need to take Lance and pick out his new ring there. Honestly im thinking one with a cross, i think it would symbolize us but also how he found God this year. Thats a BIG step for anyone but hed always have that as a reminder that he renewed our love and its because of God.

Rings

Thanks to Walmart, the rings have been picked! They are a tad over budget. $196 for both rings when we originally budgeted $100. Somehow it will work out though.