my poor blog

Oh, my dear blog. How I have neglected you! Well, I feel like I have a pretty good reason..... life. Sheesh. I guess this is a bit of a catch up, and 2011 reflection. In no certain order:

I finally graduated with my MASTERS IN ARCHITECTURE. Sorry for yelling in caps, but when you have a baby halfway through, manage to finish, and then get slapped in the face with mortgage worthy loan repayments, I think it deserves a bit of attention!

I got married, twice. Luckily, the same guy... although he looks like two different people when you compare the ceremonies! For insurance reasons, we had a small "legalization BBQ" on April 30th.

Then the vow ceremony Sept. 10, 2011 in Newport Beach, CA.

We didn't have enough time or babysitters for a long honeymoon. Still, we were really lucky to stay at my Uncle's beach house for a week. Heaven. Truly.

We managed to squeeze in a Disneyland visit.

Skai also experienced his first day at the beach.

Then, Skai turned ONE! I can't believe it. He walks, talks, and eats like a real human now.

Zoe turned 6.

Corey and I are 27. Old farts.

We also realized that we moved four times in just over a year. Annoying! Finally, we found a cute place right by a park. 

Sadly, my grandmother passed away just recently. G-Gma (right) we love you!

I will have to end it here for today. I know I'm going to think of more major events to add later. Whew! 

Two weddings for me!

Corey has already started paying insurance for me so it's about time we make the whole thing legal. At the end of this month we are going to have a small ceremony. It will be super low key and the reception will be for friends and family that can't make it to Newport Beach in September for the "real" wedding. Here are few images of what the wedding ceremony and reception in Newport Beach will be like!

 I know cupcakes are a huge trend, but I don't plan on buying a cake so this is a much easier DIY option that I can get creative with. Plus I loved cupcakes before everyone else did. :)

 Succulent accents. Bouquet too. Then I can keep them after!

I love the idea of colorful lanterns everywhere. Odd shapes and sizes. This will be a different twist on the overdone white paper lantern decorations. I also plan on cutting a ton of my chandeliers that will hold tea lights.

 Don't you love these ghost acrylic chairs???!!!! I checked into lounge furniture (I am obsessed with lounge themed receptions, especially since I am not doing a sit down dinner) and it was WAY out of my price range. So the alternative is these chairs which I tracked down at a local event rental. Lots of these, white $1 pillows and square bedside tables that will act as seating and coffee tables.

The reception is in a backyard so in the grassy areas I am going to grab a few rugs, more pillows and keep it casual for guests.

Wedding neck bling

Trying to figure out the right jewelry to wear on the big day is tricky. I love statement pieces, but I didn't want to chose something I would regret wearing ten years later. I saw this necklace in a vintage store and didn't buy it at first because it was so expensive. I knew I had to have it when I couldn't stop thinking about it for a month straight. It's the perfect size, color, and even has a "sea urchin" feel to it, fitting for a beach style wedding. I couldn't even wait to wear it on my wedding day, I have already broken it in. :)

Cardboard Chandeliers

My most recent laser cut design! Love silhouette chandeliers! You can find them in my Etsy shop, Seequin

The ring bracelet!

Brilliant! Rings and a bracelet all rolled into one. Saw a version of this in a magazine (can't remember which) and made my own!

Choosing my engagement ring

 To start things off, Corey and I found my wonderful vintage engagement ring in an antique shop in Seal Beach, California. Diamond mining is so bad for the environment, so buying a vintage ring is a great way to "go green." Not only that, but I know NO ONE has my ring, it's totally unique! You would be surprised at the beautiful rings you can find for such affordable prices. Besides, I was tired of seeing the same rings everywhere, I wanted something different. This ring belonged to an elderly woman who lived in the Hamptons. The gold band is thick and the yellow diamonds are raised, forming a flower shape.

Also, there are a TON of jewelry sales going on around Valentine's Day. Most businesses offer 50% off or more. We found Corey's wedding band for under $200. This is a great time to buy rings and get the one you want for half the price. 

Gettin' hitched on 9.10.11!

We have finally set the date for our wedding! September 10, 2011. I am so excited to have a fall wedding. Fall is my favorite time of year and we will still get the warm weather... perfect for an outdoor reception. I think this blog is going to morph into an inspirational DIY wedding and reception guide. Like most brides, I have a perfect vision of what I want my wedding and reception to look like, but minimal funds to do it with. Thank goodness for creativity! I want the gorgeous wedding AND money in my pocket. I simply refuse to spend tens of thousands on one day. I am already in so much debt from school, I can't afford to go in debt for a wedding too! So, I am here to share my journey, get the creative juices flowing, and prove to everyone that with a bit of resourcefulness and determination, I WILL have my million dollar wedding on a budget!