JoAnna And Adam's Journey.

F/U to New Veil and Dress

2009-01-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

i got some better pics... please forgive the crazy faces

A Different Dress :?

2009-01-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

So now that we're having the wedding in a glass conservatory, a new dress is in order...
This is Sophia Tolli's Francesca (i love that name)

*disclaimer* i had to sneak pictures b/c you know no one lets you take them ;)

This is the link to the website with much better pictures, but this is it on me :) It has a really pretty corset back and a french bustle with crystal lace all along the edges, here's the model:

LOVE These!

2008-12-23T06:42:00.001-08:00

I was helping out knottie amycloud45 look for some chandeliers... well that was solved real quick there is a great website Shop Wild Things Hollllaa!! I found chandeliers, lamps and candlabras for the reception site. Way exciting! :D

These Lamps are going to be up by the bar area
And I found a vinyl Etsy seller and they had this up and had to share!

Maybe when we move into a house we'll get a cool wall decal ;)

Another DIY Success!

2008-12-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

I saw a head band by Elie Henderson and I LOVED and it was $175... no, thanks. So I made this instead! It was relatively easy. And surprisingly I like this one more... but probably only because I made it. I may make a few more and throw them on Etsy and see how they do.

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-18T08:28:00.001-08:00

Can I just say without guilt I'm rocking out the the Nsync Christmas album?!? And everytime I hear Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas I totally get into it and do a little chair dance?

It takes me back to this boyfriend I had in high school, he made me an ice skating 'rink' in my back yard. Didn't last long becuase of the heat wave we had the following days, but it was sweet.

It's Adam's 2nd Christmas and with the sad state of affairs the economy is currently in, it's not going to be a huge Christmas at that. We didn't put up a tree, which makes me kinda sad, but it's such a chore to put it up and down. When we get a house or a bigger apartment next year, it is for sure going up! Robert David (my younger brother) bought a tree for our little brother Nathan and if it's not decorated by this weekend, I'm going to sneak into the house and do it for them.

This is a picture of our tree and of us from last christmas

Miss Dior's Animal Planet Video

2008-12-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Miss Dior's Video Debut can be seen here.

Our Fabulous Miss Dior

2008-12-15T11:37:00.001-08:00

...passed away on Friday night. On Thursday she was running around on her wheel and 'seemed' fine. On Friday night when I took her out to feed her, she could barely move. We didn't know what was going on, but she had a heartbeat and was breathing so we tried sprinkling water on her whiskers didn't work, tried coaxing her with her favorite treat and nothing worked. Adam noticed that her whiskers stopped moving and had stopped breathing while I was holding her. It was sooo sad. I cried and Adam was upset but we buried her with her favorite chewtoy and her favorite treats and wrote her a cute note. :( She was the cutests teddy bear hamster in the entire world. And if you've been around for a while, you know how much we spoiled her. We were just saying how everyone else has birthday parties for their kids and we should have one for Dior and Edward. No joke, we said this about 20 minutes before all this happened. It sucks, but even though she was just a hamster, it makes you think how precious life is and how even little bitty things can make you happy.

Well... I'm 25

2008-12-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

My 25th was on the 5th. Crazy to think how much things change as we get older. I recently went out with my bridesmaid and best friend from college. She got married last May and is now 6 months pregnant!! I can't believe it. Liz is pregnant! I'm soooo excited for her, but it's just like, Damn! We went to Mr. B's in Royal Oak, in the non-smoking section of course, and just talked about the good old days of being crazy and having fun. We were quite the pair and we would travel all over. Looking at her in her mommy-to-be glow was amazing. Matt was so excited too. We talked well into the night and much past her bed time about the memories we had from school and from our nights out. It was fabulous. I realize now, that I could have never really appreciated the love I have with Adam now, if it weren't for those days long ago. Now, more than ever, I'm just thrilled to have him in my life.

DIY Mantilla Veil

2008-11-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

I love mantillas! Someone tell me why that have to be so freaking expensive!!! The crafter in me is beyond excited. I went to Habermans' in Royal Oak and found a Chantilly lace that is perfect. I bought a yard, just to test it out and see if I would even be able to DIY it. It was a success!! Using 'Unique Stitch' which is a fabric glue, I applied the lace (which I cut and trimmed to just the scalloped border) to the edges of the tulle. It dried clear. I also did some hand stitching with invisible thread to secure it in some spots. It came out beautiful. I know a lot of brides would love to have this style veil, but can't spend the money to have one. This is a great way to get what you want, and to save a bit of money doing it too! This is just the sample, the finished one will have the cut edges of the tulle hidden behind the lace.

We have a photographer & hair/makeup checks!

2008-11-04T10:32:00.001-08:00

I'm so very, very excited to say... we know have our photographer. Leah Stafford comes highly recommended from all of the DW knotties. She's from Norhtern Ohio and just a few seconds of scrolling through her work and you'll see why. She's coming to Key West with us and will be traveling up to Detroit in December to take our engagement picutres. I have loved photography since I was little. I could just flip throught the pages of magazines and be awed, not by the fashion (that came later) but by how people could capture images. Adam's grandfather, Harold, was a photographer. I've seen some of his work, it's very good. To me, photography is one of the most important vendors [i]especially[/i] for a destination wedding- there are so many people who won't be there to celebrate with you, so all you'll have are the photos and videos you bring back.

Leah is a former DW Knottie and knows exactly how to capture the moments. If you take a look at her site, click on the 'Intimates' section. Typically known as 'boudoir' photography, she is a nationally known photographer and travels all over the country photographing women in their most intimate settings. I think it's amazing and definetely plan on doing a session of my own. Adam even agreed to do a couples shoot.

Also, we have a hair/makeup stylist in Key West. Marie-Pierre is one of the best stylists on the island.

Photography

2008-11-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Ok... I was researching TTD pics that I wanted to use for my inspiration. I stumbled upon an AMAZING photographer and his blog, Matt Adcock. This is the picture that made click on his blog in the first place. Adam and I want to do a couples intimates and a couples TTD. I thought this shot would be amazing to replicate!

Seriously!!! How great is that shot? These are the other pictures from the shoot.

Digital Scrapbooking

2008-10-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I know. I'm on a major scrapbooking kick! While surfing around, I found DigiScrapDepot.com and there is some amazing stuff on there! And loads of freebies!

There is another blog I found with lots of freebies, lucky for me I can speak/read French! Yea to paying attention in class :)

Le Digiscrap de Petit Moineaux

Also, I'm in the middle of a wicked cough/cold spell. It sucks that it's Halloween weekend and I'm so blah. Maybe it'll give me an excuse to get some scrapbooking pages done. Archivers is have a huge scrap event on Friday, I could stop by and pick up some stuff and stay home and watch some horror flicks (hocus pocus and queen of the damned are about as horror as I get ;Þ )

Two Vamps Fell in Love!

2008-10-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

So totally NWR, but in the spirit of Halloween

Adam made an awesome graveyard and made custom decorations. It was fabulous! I'll post more pics of that later.

Another DIY Project done

2008-10-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

So easy to do, but I haven't seen to many brides do them DIY.
I was at Archivers, and found some AMAZING damask paper. I bought every sheet they had, figuring I'd use it for something right? :) Well, Adam and I had to go to Kinko's to mail out some packages, and in the clearance bin was green envelopes!! SQUEE! 50 for a dollar! And they're perfect size too- 6X9 so it'll fit our DVD STD and the paper one too.
I tried it out on one, and loved it. I measured the paper to fit along the width of the envelope. Then I measured just below the glue line (the part you lick) to 1/4 of an inch below the inside flap. Becuase the flap is angled, I angled the paper as well. Using some permanent glue runner, I lined the upper part of the liner (the part next to the glue line) and slid the rest into the envelope. Using glue dots, it's held securely in place.
They turned out pretty good, IMHO.

A Good Lunch

2008-10-17T11:38:00.001-07:00

My Grandma and my mom took me out to lunch today and she got me a 'Revolution' from Archivers's (my scrapbook store). It's a manual die cut machine. I wanted a Cricut, but they are so damn expensive.

My mom bought me the longer pad that goes with it for the longer dies. Squee! Let me other obsession begin. I've been asked what a die cut is...if you scroll down then look at the limes... those are die cuts.

I'm going to start a project this weekend hopefully. I need to start buying some dies, right now i only have a few, but that'll change shortly I'm sure :)

What I would realllly like to do is start my own little handmade invitation company and do all things paper. I looooove cute paper products. Adam's highly considering giving me some start up capital or at least contributing to the costs of what I'll need. We'll see how the first couple of projects go. Along with Twilight, Adam, the puppy, and the wedding... scrapbooking/stamping is my other obsession.

I'm a MOMMA!!

2008-10-16T08:46:00.001-07:00

Well.. to a new furbaby at least ;) Not to worry, we won't be having kids for a long while.

A cutesy little Chihuahua. He's a rescue dog... the best kind ;)
I named him Edward. After Edward Cullen from the 'Twilight Series'. I read those books in a week...seriously, if you love a good twisty type of story, read them!
He's such a cute little guy and I just had to post pics of my little ones:)
Cody is a rescue dog as well. We have NO CLUE what he is, the vet doesn't know either. And of course, our princess, Miss Dior.
Edward:

Cody:

Miss Dior:

I'm Obsessed.

2008-10-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

I seriously am obsessed. I can't get enough of the 'Twilight' series. It's like heroin. Seriously. I know, I know, I named my dog after a fictional vampire. WTH! I read the books and I'm itching for the movie to come out. It's like I'm in middle school all over again, which is a rush b/c I haven't been this passionate about something (except FI and wedding) in a while. But at the same time... I feel like I'm way to old.

Never the less, it didn't stop me from ordering tshirts from customizedgirl.com check em out:

(yes meteor is spelt wrong, but I fixed it. I just don't have a picture of that one)

We have a car, a Smart Car!

2008-10-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, Adam started talking about a Smart Car. They are so cute and little. I never thought he would serioulsy be in to them, but we went to the dealership anyway. They were closed, but as we were walking around the lot, just looking. We met the president of the company, David S. He let us sit in his car and play around with it. Right then, SOLD! We went back the following day and met up with Bob C. our rep and LeAnn our sales girl.

We were going to get this one...

with the red interior. But nope. We changed our minds to black leather seats instead. We found our rainbow. The beginning and end of it. It was so neat...

but we got this one (a convertible!!) instead...

Adam looking all cute in his new car and suit (he loathes picture taking, so I was lucky to get this one)

It's obviously black, but we bought a blue one and had the panels changed out, there is black leather interior with an upgraded sound system and installed fog lights.

For a Christmakkah gift to Adam I'm gettin him a ski rack for that attaches to the back. It's great on gas (35 city and 44 hwy). I puffy heart it!

Save The Dates

2008-09-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

My name is JoAnna and I'm a scrabook-aholic. I went to my local scrabooking mega-awesome store, Archivers, and I finally found a lime slice die cut (it's actually supposed to be watermelon slice but I dont' care :) and had to use it somewhere... so on the STD it goes.

I'm not sure if I want to stamp the info on there, or have it in calligraphy but it'll be in silver ink. It looks more yellow than lime, but it's actually called 'hot lime' so it's not going to be so bright. We're going to have DVD STDs as well, and going to highlight moments of me and Adam and then Key West and do a highlight of the places where the events will be. Still haven't decided what song to set it to, but we'll see. I think 'Could you be loved?' by Bob Marley... cause he's a fav of mine and to give it a beach-y feel b/c nothing else will really be to 'beach-like' even though it's on the beach. If that makes sense.

The Engagement Party

2008-09-07T08:07:00.001-07:00

Well, it's come and gone and I could seriously could not have paid Jesus himself for a more beautiful day. The sun was shining and the weather was clear. It made me want to move my dancing feet... but sadly there was no dancing. I have to give HUGE props to my wonderful grandma who made tons and tons of food that everyone absolutely loved. Everyone raved about my dad's brisket and Hiller's did an absolutely fantastic job on the cake. I'm shocked that almost everyone showed up too. There were 13 big bottles of wine... gone. No clue how many cases of beer... but that was all gone too.

I met Adam's dad for the first time in the two years that we've been dating. And was looking forward to meeting my newest bridesmaid, Nikki, but unfortunately she wasn't feeling well. Joe came and I finally got to meet Jasen. He's doing well and hopefully will be in Miami in time for the wedding. Another awesome little tidbit is that I got to meet one of my favorite knotties- nbecker2882 (Nicki) and her fiance, Terry. They drove all the way up from Toledo for the party and are really good people. Even Farrah managed to make it out which is great because I haven't seen her since my birthday. Tony and Joni, and Craig and Elaine came. Mark, Jenny, Manny, and Ronnie came too. Adam was so excited to see his grandpa. It's so sweet how much he loves him.

We had a bonfire and everything by the time the night was done and had a lot of food so then we're like.... after party!! My MOH came a little late, but Adam and I were soooo happy that she did. She deserves a good night out. My mom had a cute little dress and of course my dad rocked a cowboy hat. Adam looked so hot in his blue shirt and tie! My dress turned out fabulous. The tailor did a good job on the hem and that's all that I needed. I had my hair trial with my stylist and bridesmaid, Amanda. Finally, I found a style that I loved and is 'classic Joie'. With the hustle and bustle of everything that was going on we really didn't have time for much pics, but you'll be able to see me rockin the side pony in the pictures. I don't have the disk but I'll upload them later in the afternoon.

Overall, we had an AMAZING time!! :D

Serious Damask-aholic

2008-09-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it's like everywhere now.

I went to Meijer and they had pink damask folders and notebooks for school and I'm like Seriously??? I threw a fit and Adam just laughed. I"m like this wasn't popular when I wanted to do it! (which was last August by the way but b/c we switched locales I switched themes) I'm like grrr... but that still didn't stop me from buying some stuff...

OH!! Did you see the stuff at Target with damask???? Like little girl back to school stuff with damask and skulls on it i'm like what??? There are some really nice picture frames that are black and white with damask that are a must. I've bought a few already.

Michaels has a section with lots of damask items. I got cards and ribbons. Anna Griffin has a corner stamp out and rubber stamp in damask too. Had to pick that up. My grandmother found us a photo album for some non-pro pics and I was at Walmart and found some more damask cards and some rub-ons for the DIY unity candle.

Holla!! :D

This is some of the stuff that I've got already... but hey now I have 430 more days of more damsask obsession:Þ

The Dress

2008-09-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

I've found it!!

It's gorgeous and so romantic for a sunset beach ceremony in Key West!

I'm just so thrilled I had to share.

I think I'm going to do a french bustle with the train.

I never saw myself in a lace gown but it made my heart pitter patter. It's sweetheart neckline is just enough. And the silk adds just theright amount of softness. The bling will come from the accessories.

It's new from the Fall 08 line.

I'm need to find a lace bolero too. But I would want the lace tomatch at least a little bit.

Almost Halloween!

2008-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

So we've decided that this year we are definately going to have a Halloween party! It's our favorite holiday. All of this was decided while we were walking around Michael's much to Adam's protest and he saw that all of the fall/Halloween stuff was out. While I looked at wedding stuff.... he was completely enamoured by a bride and groom animated statue. It was so cute. So cute in fact that he didn't even mind having his picture taken with the stuff.

After we saw all of these, we decided we're going to be a corpse bride and groom for one party. He's still all about being Joker and I'm going to be his Harley Quinn. And for those that have seen Tropic Thunder... seriously, he wants to be 'Simple Jack'. I'm sooo excited. The halloween USA shop by the apt opens up next Monday. I'm sure we'll get more ideas for our party.

The Fleur de Lis

2008-08-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Adam and I are trying to incorporate the "Fleur de Lis" into as much as we can. As it is a symbol that we hold dear to us.

I stumbled upon this blog for some great inspiration: http://fleurdelirious.blogspot.com/

I have found some great fleur de lis jewelry here.
I think i'm going to get the BM the pink compact mirror in addition to the rest of their gifts.

We've also decided to get matching fleur de lis tattoos. We're not quite certain on the details, but he might pick a design and i might pick a different one. As long as it's a fleur it's ok. Or we might get the exact same ones. Most likely to be placed on the back somewhere. It's special and meaningful to us. Here is the one I really, really like... minus the flowers:

Adam likes this one:

Monogram Board Part 1

2008-08-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Adam and I were at JoAnn's checking out the wood letters and came across a really cool 'G', so we bought the J and the A to go with it and then I spray painted them "Emerald" green... which is more hunter, but it's ok, becuase we're going to layer it onto the damask fabric. I'm also going to paint the damask pattern on to them, so it'll break up color that way too. This is stage one, I'm painting the damask pattern tonight, I'll post pics for that later.

Target is Fabulous!

2008-08-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ok... I was on my lunch break just wandering in the scrapbooking section. And there is a whole bunch of stuff going on clearance, so I check it out and BAM!

There are 3 packs of silver pre-folded "greeting cards" with envelopes. Now granted, I would like to think I'm fairly crafty, a lightbulb goes off and goes, "Instead of pocketfolds, you can do booklet style invites.

For 50 'cards' and envelopes it was only $9.08. I'm going to print the invites the same as I posted yesterday just going to modify them a bit so that it flows from one page to the next. I'm going to paper punch them in two spots along the spine and string them with black ribbon.
AND... there are mini envelopes (10 for 1.18) in the same silver that we will use for our RSVPs. They are so cute. I'm going do line them myself with green metallic paper.

All Things Paper!

2008-08-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

So this weekend, I designed my invites!
It started with a damask icon and then for color I added the green circles and placed them to look like they were coming out of the flourish. We'll have them printed on white cardstock and with a black metallic pocketfold. Our family friend owns a print shop so we're getting them printed for free for our gift! I'll take free printing any day over a fondue set ;Þ

The panel cards will be as shown. I've designed it so that the damask flourish on the right lines up perfectly and that each layered card is cut at just the right spot.

I'm still working on the wording for the attire but that will be in the bottom left corner

Inspiration Boards

2008-08-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Some green and damask items that I've been collecting and trying to incorporate into my wedding:

I've Found Her

2008-08-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

I'm talking with the bride who is a complete inspiration to me! She is the one with the awesome green damask cake and letter boards in my bio!! She's really nice and her wedding was in SoCal! Her photog was Jimmy Cheng and he is based out of Orange County. His blog is here: http://www.jimmychengphotography.com/blog

It's amazing how people find e/o online. I was reading "with this ring's" blog (with--this--ring.blogspot.com) and she said that she was the one who did it all, but she doesn't have a blog or bio or anything, all it had was her aim sn. So I added her and poof, next thing you know she's sending me the rest of her pics from her wedding. Jeanette and her FI payed for it all by themselves. It was amazing.

YEAHHH!

All Photos Courtesty Jeanette V. & Jimmy Cheng Photography

Out With The Old!

2008-08-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

New Wedding Theme... New Blog

The old one can be found at: http://goldstoneandcowedding.blogspot.com