"Registry"

Since we are not really expecting anyone to feel like they need to get us anything for our wedding, we never took the time to create a wedding registry. We also live in a modest one bedroom apartment, so we already have most of the essentials.
For the thoughtful individuals who have asked us to please set up something somewhere, we greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity.
Since Lindsay and I are focused on building our future together, financial assistance on any level would be genuinely appreciated. Starting a life together will be costly, and any help at all would mean a lot.

Most non-product oriented Registry websites charge fees that seem unreasonable, so we felt that a Paypal "gift" seems like a better route. Their fees are the lowest, and there is NO FEE if you do not use a credit/debit card to donate.

It's a pretty simple process.
First, click the button below.
Step 1: Enter any $ amount, Select "Friends and Family"
Step 2: Enter our email address: MrMrsLee.311@gmail.com into the "To:" field
             Enter your email address in the "From" field
Step 3: Login (Or create new account), follow the instructions, and that's it!

A grateful THANK YOU! to everyone and for all the well wishes!

Belize!

So an update on our plans seems to be in order:

Our plans for an Australian wedding fell through due to budget constraints, so we decided to get married a little closer to home for a fraction of the cost. We are still eloping, but now the destination is Belize! Wedding and Honeymoon in one!

And rather than sharing our vows with kangaroos and koalas, instead we will be getting married on ancient Mayan ruins (Altun Ha)!

We miss out on the great Barrier Reef, but the reefs in Belize are not too shabby!

We are super excited, and will soon be Mr. and Mrs. Lee! Just eight more days! Can you Belize it??

On Eloping

I often feel the need to justify my decisions, mostly because they're a little (read: a lot) different than what my family is used to.  I was the first one to move out of state.  I wear all black, generally.  I am passionately liberal.  I support the arts.  It's quite a change from my conservative family's idea of what I should be doing.  However, this elopement is something I am for 100%.  I read this today and had an "A Ha!" moment.

I don't have to be the typical cupcake dress, tiara wearing bride with spiral curls and "natural" makeup.  I don't have to spend thousands on a stupid DJ that plays horrible remixes and club music.  No thanks.

I am going to elope.
I am going to wear a classic silk dress.
My hair is going to be kind of messy.
My makeup is going to be va-va-voom.
I am not wearing a garter belt.
I am not having a bouquet toss.
I am not having horrible, overpriced food.
I am not having a giant wedding just to show off.
I am not doing anything to make anyone happy, except Chris and myself.

This is our day and we're doing it our way. 

Going Aussie!

Change of plans.

We want to elope.

And you know what?

That's what we're doing!

 

I love that our Marriage Form has little kangaroos on it!

So why did we change our minds and our plans?

I've never dreamed of a perfect wedding with a big white dress and all the frills.  Why waste time and money if I don't even want it?  I thought it was the proper thing to do, but it turns out that everyone just wants me to be happy.

Chris and I both thought it was romantic to just jet away, recite our vows, and be with each other for this momentous occasion.

Why Australia?

We were planning on honeymooning there anyways.  They have surf & turf experiences, great fashion, and you can't forget that great accent!  Luckily we have some friends there, so hopefully we'll get to catch up with them as well.

Centerpieces

Lately, I've gotten the DIY bug in a big way.  I want to make everything!  I've tried to have some focus, really forcing myself to go crazy about centerpieces.  I've been scouring craft sites and the good old Martha Stewart dot com.  I've come to three different ideas. Can you help me choose?

Birch covered pots

I don't know what I would do with these yet, but I love the natural feel of them.  I'm thinking maybe I could add some sort of foliage or flora.  I was also hoping to incorporate coffee beans since Chris and I met at his coffee shop.  Ideas?

Manzanita Branch

I love the idea of using Manzanita branches.  They are also earthy and beachy.  They are relatively inexpensive, but since they aren't "contained," I'm not sure how to work with them.  Again, ideas?

Milkglass Pieces

What do you think about milkglass centerpieces? I love the vintage feel of them and the variation they could bring.  I could easily thrift them and come up with unique looks for each tables.  I also love the giant ranunculus flowers, but don't we all.

What do you think I should go with?

Doing it on our own (mostly)

We don't have a wedding planner.
We don't have a sponsor.
We don't even have Martha Stewart or The Knot.

Martha "freaking perfect" Stewart

We're going at it alone.

With the average national cost of a wedding totaling $26,000, I was scared. BIG TIME SCARED.  And what's even more scary? The average New York wedding is nearly double that at $50,000.  Those numbers are terrifying, especially to an already struggling self-proclaimed shopaholic.  EEK!

How I'm feeling.

We sat down and talked moneys.  Yes, I call it moneys to make it a bit less intimidating.  We figured out a budget, and a high number we knew we absolutely couldn't cross.  All seems well right?  Sort of.  We are both bad savers.  I like Saks Fifth Avenue and he likes Apple products.  However, we knew we would have to sacrifice.  Here's our (hopefully) helpful guidelines to budgeting (especially in New York):

1. Don't mention a wedding to vendors.  Do this and the charge will go up at least 30%.  It's New York and it's someone out there will be willing to pay the price.

2. Be flexible. If you are dead set on a Sunday wedding at 2 PM and the vendors know this, you're going to be taken advantage of.  Look at weeknight, Friday, or Saturday dates.  Trust me, they are a ton cheaper.

3. Look at penthouse and lofts.  Although you may not think of this first off as a wedding spot, you'll be happy you did.  Most are unfurnished or lightly furnished, which gives you ultimate flexibility in decorating.  It's also perfect if you like more of a minimalist or utilitarian look.

4. Be rich and/or have awesome parents.  Ok, so you can't really control this, but it's a huge plus.  First off, moms want to help.  It's like their ultimate calling to do wedding planning.  They eat it up, believe me.  Tell them everything you need to do or need to buy. Wa Bam! It gets done and it's freaking awesome!

5. DIY. Do it yourself.  This isn't just for crafts anymore.  We are making our STDs (save the dates), invitations, guest sign-in (not a book), and decorations.  If you're a control freak, like me, making it yourself is heaven.  You save moneys and you get it done the way you want (pending that it turns out alright).

A big thank you to my mom (for monetary and kick-ass emotional support), my grandma (for dress talk and wisdom), and my aunt (for a little bit of everything).

Just a little thank you...

I just wanted to write a little thank you to boyfriend for being so wonderful.  He's as good as it gets.

1. Thank you being keeping me sane.  I know sometimes I think I have ridiculous diseases after getting caught up on WebMD when my stomach hurts.  I appreciate you telling me that it will all be alright and being optimistic.

2. Thank you for stepping up with the dog.  I appreciate all of your training research, your "time out hallway", and buying the treats and food.  It means a lot that you have taken on a larger role since you know it's been very stressful for me.

3. Thank you for thinking of me.  Last night, you had Indian food ready for when I got home.  You have no idea how much this meant.  I was tired, had a headache, and had ate like a bird all day.  It's always comforting to come home where I know I'll be taken care of.

IFLY. That is all.