The Bitchy Bride's Blog

It's Official I Said, "Yes!"

2010-12-10T19:45:00.000-08:00

to the dress that is...

After roaming all around the Greater Houston area and it's surrounding municipalities I have finally found the dress that I believe was made for me. I tried to force myself to settle down with one dress or another for various reasons but honestly, I couldn't do it. I couldn't make myself love a dress that wasn't meant for me.

Although I haven't shared it with my readers I have been having some serious anxiety over dress shopping, like I didn't know if I was going to ever be able to go again because the pressure was to great to find the one. I knew that there was one more place that I needed to go in order to feel complete and that's David's Bridal. I've heard so many different horror stories about the customer serice there and I didn't want to deal with that because I'm such a fragile state or so I thought.

I went in today like it was any other day, didn't do anything extraordinary and didn't call anyone to go with me. I walked in very matter of fact and slightly bossy (even though I was trying to reign that in... I didn't want to get railroaded) and that's when I discovered my dress. Well in actuality, I showed Jay some pictures of the dresses that I planned on trying on and the only dress that he liked was one that I said YES to! I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, so without further rambling I introduce you to my lovely Oleg Cassini 277, oh and Jay if you are reading this stop it right this very second... I mean it Mister!

Please ignore the cock-eyedness of my eye I was blinking when the picture was taken. I'm kind of bummed that of the two pictures that I have one is of my with a pseudo cock eye!

The Holidays Are Upon Us!

2010-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are finally here and I get to enjoy my favorite time of year. I know that I've been absent and that is so not my intention but I'm sure that there will be plenty to post about over the next few months.

A few updates since my last post:

We are officially under the ONE YEAR MARK! Yes 11/11/10 came and went without much of a celebration lol! Although I did get lots of congratulations for our pre-nniversary.

I'm still virtual house hunting although I love real time house hunting better.

My baby fever is at an all time high... let's get it on lol!

School is dragging by and I can't wait for it to be over! Bah!

The biggest update of all is I have yet to find a wedding dress that I'm truly in love with. I'm scared that I'm going to customize one or order blind. Why is this so difficult?! Plus Jay has only stated that he likes one dress out of all of the dresses that I've tried on. He's only seen pictures of the models and not the pictures of me in the dresses, but the dress he's gaga over isn't even sold in Houston... or Texas for that matter. Heavens to Betsey!

She's from the Vera Wang Fall 2011 Collection:

Eeeek! Every time I look at her I melt a little bit... I really want this dress... it's similar to the Dakota but with more ooomph! Heavenly!

"I'm ALIVE!"

2010-10-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

I just knew that when school started that I was going to have to take a break until I had gotten reacclimated to my school schedule. Although I haven't been around you gals have most certainly been in my thoughts. I really missed you, more than you will ever know. I just wanted to drop in and let you know that "I'm a live!" (in my best creepy, ghoulish Doctor voice) and I promise that I'll come back soon with updates and new content!

Until then lovelies!

XOXO!

Lala

Back to School!

2010-08-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

So the time has come for the Fall Semester at school to start which means that I'm going to be working full time and going to school full time. To the normal person it would seem as though I'm taking on way to much with the wedding planning, house hunting, and school but this is how I thrive lol. I love having things to do and if I don't then I feel as though I'm wasting time.

This time around I'm taking Sociology, Anthropology, Conversational Spanish (super easy), and Art Appreciation (super easy). I really should have taken my foreign language and fine arts classes my freshman year but I was too busy doing all of the fun things that come along with being away at college.

I'm really excited about the decision that I've made to teach, not only do I love talking about history and social studies, I love the fact that a portion of my student loans will be forgiven. Woot woot! Anything to get rid of those blasted student loans!

Adventures in Step Parent Hood Part II

2010-08-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

I feel terrible that I forgot to update everyone on how my first Parent Teacher Meet and Greet went. So quick recap:

Naturally Jay and I got there before Tiana and the ex-troll showed up, the event started at 6pm but they didn't even hit the building until nearly 7pm. Mind you they live directly across the street, how that always happens is beyond me.

Well they herded everyone into the gym where we had to listen to what seemed to be the world's longest principal speech. Ever. Both Jay and I were tossing looks back and forth at one another because clearly we had had enough. It wouldn't have been an issue but there were about 300 people standing and while about 60 had seats. Yeeeeeah! Not fun in 4" heels!

We couldn't leave the gym until they called your child's teacher's name, finally they got to Nayeri and Jay and bolted from the gym like the speed of light. The ex-troll was being trolly as usual and had to spread her love to the other men in the gym... yeeesh... that woman!

Finally, we met with the teacher where Tiana opted to sign us both up to set up the classroom the following morning. I took that as an opportunity to not be at work so I wasn't really upset hahaha! Anything for a day off!

Her teacher is absolutely fantastic although I am concerned about the fact that there are nearly 50 students in her class. It looks like a tight fit and I wonder if all of the students will get the attention that they need. Maybe I'm biased because I never had to be subjected to such large classes outside of college.

Oh on finally thing... I signed up for the PTA... neither one of her parents did and I know that she was kind of sad about it so I threw my name in the hat:

It better not interfere with my wedding planning because it will be dropped like a hot potato ... sorry but wedding comes first! LOL!

2011 Wedding Trends

2010-08-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

So I'm constantly striving to stay on trend, that means setting them or following them (to an extent mind you lol). My wedding is drawing closer to that one year mark so I thought that I would research some of the up and coming trends for 2011 brides. The following list is what I found:

Sleek Silhouettes - Slim is the silhouette of choice for the modern wedding dress, as sheaths, trumpets, and column wedding dresses ruled the runways. Don’t fret if you’ve always dreamed of donning a billowy ball gown, however, as this traditional style never goes out of style.

Colorful Details - Modern brides are experimenting with color to tie their ensembles into the color scheme. Adding a splash of color to the basic white gown remains popular through unique sashes, appliqué details, fun jewelry, and creative hair accessories, or more dramatically through a less traditional gown in a champagne or soft gray.

High Hemlines - Not afraid to show a little leg, today’s brides are embracing the tea-length and mini-shift dresses that have become de rigueur in nearly every wedding dress designer’s latest collections. The trend makes sense for destination weddings calling for laid-back attire and brides opting to don a second dress for dancing the night away at the reception.

Tiered Skirts - Whether chiffon, tulle, organza, or even feathers, layers of fabric are the newest major detail designers are playing with to create soft, yet dramatic gowns. This flowing style is perfect for the bride who is a romantic at heart.

Floaty Fabrics - Dresses weighted down by heavy crepes, matte satins, and silks are lightening up to fabrics like taffeta and organza. These airy fabrics are easy to layer and more comfortable for a gown worn for up to 10 hours. And for brides having a summer wedding, donning a lighter fabric will ensure they’re glowing – not sweaty and red-faced – on their wedding day.

One Shoulder - This asymmetrical look is a hot fashion trend that has crossed over into the bridal world to update the basic strapless gown. Carrying a simple, no-fuss vibe, the one-shoulder gown is a great option for a destination wedding. Bonus points for those blessed with toned limbs, as this neckline shows off the upper arms and shoulders.

Practical Pockets - Having graced gowns for a few seasons, pockets remain an amazing and essential detail. The style lends a casual vibe for relaxed events, and – perhaps best of all – it’s practical too, allowing brides to keep essentials like lip gloss or tissues on hand throughout the day.

I'm really digging some of these predictions, especially the continuation of the vintage feel. I've always wanted a vintage inspired wedding and you can't get anymore vintage than Versailles LOL!

Adventures in Step Parenthood:

2010-08-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

Oh Joy! Today marks the day of my very first parent teacher conference. Tiana is entering the fifth grade which means for her district (not any other in Houston) that she's entering into intermidiate. Typically, fifth grade is the last grade of elementary, why they set it up this way is beyond me but anyhoo... she asked that I attend with Jay so that's what I'm going to do:

I don't know if I'm excited for not, the troll most likely will be present, and I try to avoid any unnecessary interaction with the living dead. But I'm going to go because Tiana asked that I go. I'm really excited for her, she thinks that she's all sophisticated now ... it's hilarious!

Karen Tran is a Wedding Guru!

2010-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

The (ever so gorgeous) Chic Bride over at Project Wedding sent me a message giving me the lowdown about a post on Karen Tran's blog. I'm familiar with Ms. Tran because I found some gorgeous inspiration of hers previously and have been staring at those images wracking my brain attempting to figure out how on my budget I'll be able to pull it off.

For some reason I never stalked her blog I don't know why but I didn't. but thanks to TheChicBride I will definitely be hunting her blog down like a lioness does her prey. I'm just saying... wouldn't you?!

Behold:

Isn't this heavenly?! I finally found inspiration that sums up my vision that's attainable. It's not like I have to mortgage a house that I don't even have yet to pay for it. I'm thrilled beyond, no beyond thrilled at this beautiful tablescape.

Many, many, thanks to Karen Tran and her elite team of vendors for putting this magnificent eye candy together!

To Hire or Not to Hire...

2010-08-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

a DOC that is the question?!

Over the last few months of my engagement I've flip flopped between whether or not I needed a DOC. I've finally come to the conclusion that I really needed one because I think, no I know that it will be a very hectic day. And I know my mother and grandmother won't be making it any easier adding FMIL to the mix will only make it worse! Heaven's what am I getting into?

After some research I found some tasks that I feel totally comfortable letting my DOC take the reins on:

Assistance with budgeting
Help in researching and locating ceremony and reception venues appropriate for your tastes.
Contract negotiation with vendors and venues, i.e. reception and ceremony spaces, hotel rooms, florists, etc.
Organization of payments and special accommodations per each contract
Communication with venue providers, caterers, florists, etc.
Bringing décor and other items needed to the ceremony site to finalize set up.
Finalizing details with entertainment, food and beverage, and decorations for the day of the ceremony.
Directing the dress rehearsal.
All day-of-coordinating, until the last dance has finished.
Distribution of gratuities and final payments as needed.

Luckily, I have one of the bestest friends in the world and she's offered to be my DOC! I can't wait to be able to team up with Symone so she can help me wade through the madness of this wedding!

Taking On Another Project!

2010-08-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would share this with my lovely followers and anyone who happens across my blog. Jay and I have finally decided that at the beginning of the year that we are going to start house hunting again!

We started looking late last year and couldn't really find anything that suited us (well all three of us) so we decided to take some time off. Well we were bitten by the bug when Jay ran across House Hunters on HGTV the other day. I should say we were bitten twice because Sunday morning Flippin' Out was on Bravo and we watched the marathon before brunch with Belle (my future mother in law). We're leasing a townhouse right now and that lease isn't up until May 2011 which will put us six months out from the wedding. I hope if we do find a house that the transition will be smooth.

There is this one house that I'm praying is still on the market because I really, really want it. It is perfect for the three of us plus Bella (our puppy) so fingers crossed. I'll definitely keep you posted as we get closer and closer to the New Year!

I Have GREAT News!

2010-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

For those that have been following me for awhile or have seen my struggles over at Project Wedding know that it has taken me forever and a day to find the perfect venue. Well I have some amazing news to report... as of this past Sunday I have found the most amazing venue ever. I have put a deposit down and I couldn't be happier.

We've decided on the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club (geez that's a mouthful) for our wedding reception:

It is literally one of the most beautiful country clubs that I have ever seen and the staff is so beyond welcoming. My Events Coordinator was so warm and open and that was prior to be signing the contract, the moment that signature hit the page I felt like a member of the family.

Also as a major bonus for signing the evening of the Bridal Open House and for mentioning that I'm a hostess for Project Wedding was that I got the following swag:

Brunch for 4
A Round of Golf for 4
Three types of butler passed chocolate covered strawberries
Two ice sculptures
2 extra hours of butlers (we're paying for 4 hours but we get 6 hours)

Ummm I really couldn't ask for more... honestly I really don't think that I could ask for more LOL! The only thing is that the ballroom in the country club is so ornate that the black and gray that I originally planned to use as accent colors would definitely clash. Instead I'm opting to utilize fall friendly colors like gold and ivory as accent colors. It really isn't a stretch because I definitely love those two colors I guess that posting that inspiration board was definitely a sign of things to come.

Long Live Pink!

2010-07-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me that they could never get sick of pink. I for one am one of those people who feel that way as well. There are so many different variations on the color that you can't help but fall in love with it each and every time that you see it. So today I'm posting an inspiration board that I found over at the amazing Snippet and Ink blog.

There's something just so regal about the combo of pink and gold maybe because it evokes thoughts of Marie Antoinette and her love of all thing sweet. Hmmm... I don't know for sure but I know that I'm in love.

Would a Rose...

2010-07-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

So last Sunday Jay, Tiana and I went to meet up with our florist for a consultation. Earlier that week I sent her a bunch of inspiration pictures that I'd been collecting for a while now. Needless to say she was beyond thrilled that she had a Bride that had her junk together... or was a perfectionist... whichever one sounds better lol.

I'd told her that I love both peonies and garden roses and that was what I wanted for the wedding because they are so full of life and create gorgeous blooms. She advised me that peonies weren't going to be available for November (boo) but that the garden roses were. A couple days later she gave me a list of four types of garden roses that would be available.

Wanted:

Maria Theresa:

Piano:

Walzertraum:

A Hairy Situation!

2010-07-14T19:12:00.001-07:00

So I've been on the hunt for the perfect wedding hair style but as usual I can't ever really make up my mind about it. I'm stuck in the middle between shoulder length and longer hair. So I'm collecting images of hair that I like... judging from the pictures below I have a flair for the dramatic LOL:

I love Britney... I really do I've seen her in concert and she rocks. I also love her photoshoots because you never know what kind of unbelievable pictures you'll get. But right now I'm all over Kelly Rowland's light brushed out curls! I love them!

Soooo... tell me what you think, am I on the right track?!

I'm Late I'm Late for a Very Important Date!

2010-06-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

I know that I've been MIA and I've let you all down. There have been a so many things happening so here goes nothing:

Jay and I celebrated out three year anniversary in Lago Vista on Lake Travis. Then my compressor in car broke... ummmmm I can't be driving around Houston with out an air conditioning. It's boarder line suicide with the way our weather is, plus I don't want my makeup to melt as soon as I get in the car. So I traded it in for a new car thanks to the Texas AirCheck program, which is a fancy shamancy name for Cash for Clunkers LOL! But I'm back with some updates:

I've found a bakery in Houston that has the most incredible macarons that I've ever seen.
Jay called his friend who happens to be a florist and he's offered to take care of our florals. Woot woot... hopefully that'll save us some money.
I'm still on the hunt for the perfect wedding gown. I really love the Dakota by Enzoani but I think that she needs a little more bling and I really don't want to add a sash. Instead of settling I'm going to keep hunting.

I've started working on my invitation suite with the help of Sarah Goff, she is the bomb and I couldn't ask for a better vendor to help me with this. I thought my head was literally going to explode with the thought of designing and putting together our invitation suite. I'll definitely post the proofs later... you are going to absolutely love them!

Where Do I Begin... to DIY That Is!

2010-06-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been a little MIA for the last couple of days only because my birthday is a few days away. I've been planning a little get away to Lake Charles, Louisiana to celebrate which has definitely taken time away from my precious blog.

So now I'm back on track and thinking about all of the things that I would like to DIY like my cardbox... originally I wanted to use a birdcage but then I stumbled across a biography on Project Wedding:

And now I'm in the mood to DIY but I'm thinking of using toile like the picture below instead of the damask even though the damask is still very pretty!

What do you think?

Followers?! Say What?!

2010-06-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

I just want to take some time to acknowledge the fact that I have a total of five followers as of today. That makes me feel so special! I don't feel like I'm blogging just for myself but for the enjoyment of others too.

To my five followers I would like to say thank you so much for taking the time out to scope this little bitty teeny tiny blog! You are loved more than you'll know... I hope that more join you eventually but the for the time being I'm perfectly content with you five.

And I want to take a wee bit more time and give a special shout out to my fellow present and former PW brides. I love you girls, you guys are freakin' awesome!

XOXO!

Lala

The Perfect Parisian Wedding Favor!

2010-06-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

I love cookies... some say that I have the recipe for the World's Greatest Double Chocolate Chip cookie. I even thought about opening my own bakery but that just wasn't in the cards. What is in the cards for my future are wedding favors, I've had so many different ideas for the perfect favor and you know what? I think I've found it... MACARONS !

Delicious, delicious, delicious macarons will be my wedding favor not the coconut ones but the almond creme ones (in case you didn't know I hate coconut unless it's fresh, in oil form, or a scent). Not only are these cookies phenomenal but they come in a variety of colors and flavors. Then the icing on the proverbial wedding cake is that they are well known French pastries! I'm not sure if I'm going to attempt to DIY these but I just might. If you're brave enough to try these click here for instructions and pictures!

Let Them Eat Cake!

2010-06-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of my French inspired wedding I just had to use the infamous quote of Marie Antoinette who really didn't say that. I'm still unsure whether or not I'm going to have the classic American wedding cake, I'd much rather have a small wedding cake, a groom's cake and then a croquembouche! I've been searching the internet for a picture of the perfect wedding cake but still come back to my delicious croquembouche. There are some examples of cakes that I've seen:

Yum-O!

My fiance doesn't really care about the cake as long as he gets his Houston Rockets shaped groom's cake. So once again I have free rein. Hey I made a slight funny... get it? Rein? Marie Antoinette? Okay, okay maybe it's just me!

A Wedding Should Be Two Things...

2010-05-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

Classy and Fabulous of course!!!

I promised that I was going to log off before midnight but I can't. I just had the urge to continue to scour the internet for more inspiration boards. I'm trying to find as many as possible so that I can put together the event of our dreams. I found the gorgeous eye candy over at Parisian Party and I feel like it was fate because it was a Chanel inspired wedding... I'm totally smitten right now:

Umm... yeah... how classy is this? It has the perfect hint of sophistication without being a labelwhore. You know what a labelwhore is but just in case you don't please see Exhibit A and B below:

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

See no one wants to be a labelwhore. Now back to the board it's just a thought for all of those who love their Chanel as much as I do!

Really Self?! Really?!

2010-05-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

I really should be ashamed of myself and you wanna know why? Well I'd tell you even if you didn't wanna know... because I've been eating everything in the world these past couple of days. After I posted about cleaning up my diet I've been on a tear and just consuming all kinds of things that I know aren't really good for me.

Well it's a holiday weekend and I just wanted to let loose, but I went a little too far so much so that I actually ate Burger King. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with Burger King but I just don't eat it so that fact that I went there for those little riblettes, after said that I was going to make an active effort to decrease my meat intake. I'm slightly disappointed but I'm going to be back on track starting Tuesday.

And on the wedding front I've been working diligently. I'm currently on the hunt for a typewriter, preferably a pink one and a birdcage. I need the typewrite because it's going to be where my guests sign in. I thought that it would be cute for them to type-in and write a little note to the couple. I could then take all of them and put them into a nice little album. Just a twist on the standard guestbook. I need the birdcage for our cardholder! Every overly saturated French wedding needs a birdcage cardholder LOL!

Stress Eating?

2010-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm making an active effort to change my eating habits so that I can live a healthier life and be fit for the wedding so I'm converting to pescetarianism. I'm the kind of person who loves to eat and eat rich, savory foods which ultimately equals fattening foods especially when I'm stressed out. I'm a bride-to-be so I want to gain anything except a new family and more money but that's neither here nor there! I'm really enthusiasic about this change, I want to evetually convert to veganism but for right now pescetarianism it is!

I'm really eager to try out some new recipes especially these yummy looking tacos courtesy of Jamie from a site that I stalk regularly My Baking Addiction:

As a matter of fact I'm going to attempt these this weekend with a nice Skinny Girl Margarita thanks to my favorite Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel-Hoppy! What a nice combo!

Can you tell I'm ready for the weekend?

Am I Really Behind?

2010-05-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

So I was just informed that I'm behind in my planning process by none other than my older sister. Eighteen months? And I'm behind... maybe I should be kickin' it into high gear so that I don't have to rush towards the end or is she just yanking my chain? Either way I goes I am ready to jump in with both feet!

I Lurve Inspiration Boards!

2010-05-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you guys how much I love inspiration boards. There is something about compiling a spread of ideas that just make me glow on the inside and the outside if you catch me on a good day.

For my wedding I've been scouring the internet for gorgeous inspriation boards that feature a garden/shabby chic wedding. So far this board is my absolute favorite, I look at it a million and one times a day.

The only think that I would change is making it more fall. Even though my colors are various shades of pink I really wish there were more golden/champagne tones just to satisfy my need for something fall-y. Fall-y there I go making up words again... LOL!

I really love this board... there is something oh so elegant about the stripe and color combo. I look at this board almost daily... I just wanna thank Kathryn from Snippet and Ink.

I swear women come up with any and everything, a Degas inspired wedding. So beautiful, as a former ballet dancer I can really appreciate the thought and effort that would go into making this wedding come to life. It's just gorgeous!

Another really haute haute haute board courtesy of the lovely Kathryn over at Snippet and Ink:

I really and truly could go on and on about the magic of these boards but I'll definitely save that for another post.

Shabby Chic or Really Big Geek?

2010-05-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

My dream has always been to have a French inspired wedding. I guess with a family that hails from Louisiana the French culture is in my blood. I am totally obsessed with the idea of incorporating French deets into our wedding... buuuut I don't want to over do it. You know we've all seen those weddings were you thought, "Really?" I don't want my guests to feel that way about our nuptials so I'm on a quest to pull of the perfect shabby chic/French inspired wedding. I'm still in the planning process I mean afterall I still have like eighteen months until we get married!

So I'm pulling together inspiration boards and thoughts so that I can be prepared to tackle this wedding that I'm planning! So for a little while you'll be forced to endure my love of inspiration boards!

For some reason I feel really geeky for loving okay okay obsessing over the French culture. I'm really hoping that I can pull this off but in the back of my head I don't want my friends and family to think I'm one big geek! I'll stop the pre-mature panic attack... I have to remind myself that I'm eighteen months out... not eighteen days! :D

A Brief Introduction!

2010-05-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I guess you can call this an introduction to my reading audience (as if I have a reading audience), I just wanted to say hi and let you know what you'll find here at the Bitchy Bride's Blog. First I've just gotta say that I'm really not one of those crazy Bridezillas that like to throw cake and pull their own hair out (why would you do that anyway?) I'm just a really layed back person who wants what they want for her and her fiance's special day. So people may consider that bitchy but I don't so with out further ado and before I start rambling, let me welcome you to my blog and to my life!