Invitations from Dick and Jane

We received our beautiful invitations from Dick and Jane last week. Brian was very willing to work with us on creating just what we had envisioned, and despite not being able to meet with him face to face (they are actually based in Minnesota), he was very communicative and professional. He even sent us hi-res files of the images he used to create the letterpress invites, as we've planned to use them again (ie. menus, website, etc.)

Sincere thanks to Brian for the beautiful work.

Here are a few shots of the printing/stuffing that Esther and her good friend Rachel did (who, officially, the first RVSP'er, aside from..y'know, me and E), while I was (unfortunately) away in Dallas for work:

RSVP's rolling in!

After FINALLY getting our invitations out last week, we've already started receiving RSVP's in the mail. It's so much fun! I normally get our mail every couple days (unless JC is anxiously awaiting his monthly Beer Advocate) but I have a feeling I'll be waiting for the mailman at the door every day for the next few weeks.

We officially have 7 guests to date. Exciting! And, I know I'm sick, but by now you know that we're all about the data soooo...we have 4 females, 3 males, 4 beef, 2 fish, and 1 vegetarian. Maybe I'll post a pie chart soon.

E's Bridal Shower

I had the most wonderful afternoon yesterday!

Heidi and Gina, my bridesmaids, hosted a lovely shower for me at the Fox & Hound in Quincy, MA. They did such an amazing job planning the afternoon and even managed to keep a few surprises from me! Gina made the beautiful invitations and Heidi hand-stamped about a million adorable recipe cards which they sent out for people to share special recipes. Then they compiled the recipes into a pretty album for JC & I to keep! The favors were cute "love spoons" that measure "a pinch of joy", "a dash of tenderness" and other fun cooking measures. A perfect theme for JC & I.

It was so nice to be surrounded by my female family and friends who are so truly happy for me. I'm not very good at being the center of attention but I felt more like I was just hanging out with people I love and care about. Although it was fun opening my gifts...who doesn't love that?? J

I think the last time I opened a bunch of gifts for an audience I was 10 years old and excited about a new softball glove. Wow, how things change when you get older...

Engagement Shoot Part 1: Prep

JC & I had our engagement shoot this weekend with our fabulous photog team of Justin & Mary Marantz. I'm not really comfortable posing in front of the camera, so I was a little nervous and needed an entire morning to prep. What should I wear? I don't have a clue what to do with makeup...should I get it done? JC will be upset if I look like a clown!

Fortunately, I had my own little wardrobe and style team in my good friends Jen & Rachel, who came over to help me get ready! Jen even made a makeup appointment and came with me to be "the mean one" in case I had a hard time telling the lady I wasn't happy. So while JC bottled half of our wedding beer and did 10 loads of laundry (finally!), I sat in our bedroom drying my hair while Jen & Rachel discussed the merits of "simple and classic" versus "glamorous and dramatic." Fortunately, they decided that I'm the more simple & classic type so outfits, shoes, and accessories were carefully picked to help me look my best. J

Then it was off to Bobbi Brown for my first ever makeup application! Not as scary as I had imagined, thankfully. And I had Jen there as a reference point for how my face was transforming. Pursed lips meant she was unsure of a certain application or look, the smile and nod meant approval. And an "Oh! That looks amazing!" meant I needed to buy that product. These are the rules and they are firm.