Legal Ceremony Photo sneak peek

We were lucky enough to have a few friends taking photos with point-n-shoot cameras on wedding day in DC...this is one of our favorites!  We'll have pro-pics by Carmen Fong Phototgraphy soon - sneak peek on her website is at: http://www.carmenfongphotography.com/ - hooray! 

Legal Wedding: CHECK. No mo weddings please.

We're back from DC and boy are our arms tired....and the rest of our bodies and brains too! 

And another thing...

It was my original intent to continue this lovely blog up up and beyond the wedding of the Dahl-Chai household.  I still intend to do so, but will be looking for feedback from any readers out there who might find the non-wedding content to be drab, boring, stupid, or otherwise time-wasting.  But I promise, more wedding-y stuff to come - the legal ceremony is only 7 days away and I have to make it through 3 days of work, two 4-hour lectures in my PSYC 1000 class on the air force base, and somehow find time to pack and bathe the dogs and organize all things wedding-related once again, prior to Thursday morning at 8am.  It's going to be a crazy week; see you when we get back on the 9th!

We're Married!

Wow - it's been almost a month since I blogged, and so much has happened in that time span. I will definitely catch up and post a review of our resort, our travel agent, our fabulous photographers, photos of the trip to Mexico, and our plans for the legal ceremony in Washington D.C. (coming up over Labor Day weekend).

For now, let me say that the Mexico wedding experience was fantastic and just about as stress-free as a wedding can be!

A wedding at SMB: Movie

A bride posted this video on the Best Destination Weddings forum just a few days ago - I was so excited to see photos of a wedding at SMB just weeks before we arrive for our big day. PLUS, the photogs who put this movie together used one of my latest favorite songs - "Say Hey (I love you)" by Michael Franti/Spearhead. Enjoy.

Shower the People

Coming off an insane weekend here...with only 10 days before we step on the plane, and 12 to our wedding, I'm working hard to find some calm and solace in the days. On Saturday, I attended my very own bridal shower - woo! It was a very fun experience, and having never had one before, definitely surpassed any expectations I had of what a bridal shower might be like (for myself; I've been to others). Erin and her family dressed the table with orange plates, blue cups, and wonderful brunchy foods, including a three-berry trifle that everyone devoured. They also set up the porch with tables, chairs, runners/tablecloths that matched our wedding colors, and centerpieces that fit the 'kitchen theme' of the shower (including one kitchenaid mixing bowl that had sand and shells in it, with bamboo cooking utensils sticking out the top!). It was far more than I could have wished for, and I am so thankful to have wonderful people in my life. It's a bit overwhelming actually. Thank you to everyone! I'm one happy bride.

Here's a group photo from the day (a few people are missing - and Wendy is taking the photo).

The *BEST* Wedding Processional Forever. And Ever. And Ever.

I'll take the purple orchid for $2000, Alex

After ignoring the details of bridal/bridesmaid hair, makeup, and other details for awhile, it came time to make decisions. So I did. The good news is, everyone at our wedding will be clothed and have shoes to wear. (There isn't any bad news here folks.)

The new news is that the bridesmaids will be wearing a purple orchid in their hair (which we'll do our best to keep off their necks in the August heat) and the bride will wear the same orchid in white. This was a quickie DIY project that emerged out of an email and was completed in little more than an hour - I love those types of projects! Plus, Hobby Lobby had the orchid stems for 1/2 off, the barrettes for $1.99 (for 18), and I already owned the glue gun (watch out). A little hot glue and patience, and voila -- hair-ready orchids that look pretty darn real. If we can nab real ones in Mexico we'll try to use those instead, but these are a nice stress-reliever that we'll definitely have some tropical look to our hair. Plus, it's just plain fun - how often do you have an excuse to wear a flower in your hair?

When a Ring isn't just a Ring

Today was "Cheyenne Day", which to any state government employee means 4 hours leave time granted by the Governor so we can participate in the insanity that is Cheyenne Frontier Days (yee haw). Pretty cool stuff. Christopher and I both used the time to...well, do a bunch of random things, including stalking the FedEx truck from between our blinds. Packages from UPS and FedEx are always special, of late...but today was a BIG day. Why so big, you ask? Today was the day that Christopher's ring, which we designed sight-unseen online at Avant Garde Titanium Style, was scheduled to arrive on our front step. And, not realizing we had to sign for them to leave it, I was very glad we didn't do anything fun on Cheyenne Day and stayed put at home. Woo hoo!

Review: We are very pleased with the ring. We ordered a polished titanium tension-mount band with a .10k diamond in the center, and platinum inlay. The packaging was very basic, just a FedEx envelope inside a FedEx box, and the ring comes in this dowdy leather ring box. But - the important part of the delivery was perfect. It fits Christopher's finger like a glove (a 1-fingered glove) and is just what he wanted (that we couldn't find in a store anywhere). Without further adieu, here it is - once again, in all its "haute" glory (because it's fun to say 'haute').

(click on the photos for enlarged version)

We also took some photos of the trio of rings; oh so exciting and super dorky (got some new photography equipment and had to try it out, of course!).

What they say about SMB

I checked out the TripAdvisor website, and the written word about people's experiences at SMB are terrific - so I wanted to share a few things that might be different or helpful. You can always check out the full reviews at TripAdvisor.

The Journey...


* The road to the resort is, yes, bumpy, to say the least. We didn't mind at all. We knew about this ahead of time from Trip Advisor. It was an adventure.
* The road in to the resort is like a little jungle safari. It's a one lane, dirt road with many potholes. If there's more than one car the other driver has to pull over to let you pass. We didn't mind this, it was like a mini-adventure for us.

The Small Things...

* I enjoyed having a large shelf-sitting area in the shower so I could shave my legs easily without falling over :)
* They provide you with Gilchrist and Soames toiletries which were quite nice. We had a sewing kit, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and a bottle of SPF15. All of it smelled really nice.
* Can't say enough about how gorgeous our room was. All marble floors (slippery when running in from the swim out to the bar fridge for another Corona so be careful!) Bathroom was all marble with separate little room with toilet--nice for the openness of the room. Loved how the tub was open to the room. Someone didn't think there was enough privacy but it is an adults only, very romantic resort so privacy wasn't an issue for my fiance and I.
* The bed was heavenly. My fiance didn't want to leave it. On the firm side which we loved. Bedding very cozy--all white.

The Rooms...

* Loved the Secret Box for room service. If you put your red light on they see it outside and know not to disturb so place your order in secret box and give a knock and leave. Very private. Never have a mess in your room cause all dirty dishes and bottles go back in the secret box and they are picked up regularly.

o Swim out suite was very worth it. Main pools close at 6pm so when u feel like lounging in pool after dinner or through dinner and order room service to your room to enjoy dinner while in pool, the option is yours. Very much enjoyed the late night dip.

The Food...

o I agree about asking for your steak to be cooked a little more than u would ask for at home. I always get medium but medium steak there was too rare. No problem though-they took it back and brought me a new cut done perfectly then I knew how to ask for it.
o (We) had our private little candle light dinner for 2 on the beach--highly recommend booking this. We asked our concierge on the 2nd day about it and he got us booked in for the Tuesday evening at 7pm. It was unbelievable. We walked onto the beach to find a little candlelit path guiding us right down to our table. Only 3 tables set up and 1st couple was finishing as we arrived and 3rd couple arrived as we were finishing. Very romantic dinner under the stars with a lovely breeze and the sound of the ocean and our feet in the sand. Two waiters took care of our every need. It was the most romantic dinner we have ever had. Food was surprisingly very hot too. I recommend everyone booking this. It comes included with a swim out room. It costs $200 if u do not have a swim out. Ours was included but we tipped nicely.

The Activities...

o There is an Avis car rental desk in main lobby. Was overcast first couple of days so we thought we would rent a car. We used our internet in our room and went online to Avis at night and made a reservation for the next morning. They didn't have any compact cars available, which is what we reserved so they upgraded us to a jeep at no extra cost. Our rental cost $36 per day. We rented for 3 days and drove ourselves to Tulum and Xel-Ha.
+ (We) don't recommend a bus tour to Tulum. Very hot and just stone structures to look at. Only cost $7 entrance fee and saw it in 20 minutes, much faster with our car.
+ Then we went snorkeling in Xel-Ha. Loved it there. You have to make the time and go early. Everything is included in the entrance price of $75. Towels, unlimited buffet and drinks, snorkel gear--brand new mouth pieces in plastic for each person. You can tube down the river and jump off the cliff. It's on the must see and do list for sure.
+ I heard mixed things about renting a car in Mexico and going off on your own but we felt very safe the whole time--mind you we never ventured into any bad areas. I recommend renting a vehicle and doing your own thing for a day or two!
o I thought building 26 was a little noisy as it faces the back of the pool bar and the pool, it was OK though as we only used the balcony in late afternoon and evening and everyone clears out by then.

+ Scuba diving - we booked with Aquaworld down at the pool for both Cozumel and cavern diving - the package was a good value, they had good equipment and good dive masters. We liked the cavern dive better than the Cozumel dive. It was a smaller group and such a unique experience!
+ Activities pavilion - there is a fun pavilion with ping pong, foosball, and a pool table (the pool table is NOT level!) along with a TV and a bar that is open only part of the time. We ended up spending time here watching football and baseball and playing a lot of ping pong.
+ The drinks - they really do have a lot of top shelf liquor. We aren't big drinkers but it was a lot of fun to have a pina colada or mojito. Most of the drinks were too sweet in my opinion but the bartenders were very nice about following my instructions to make the drinks to my taste, which I really appreciated.

Keeping it Classy

Awhile back, Christopher sent me some fun links from Yahoo, each having something to do with a list of things to do/not do when faced with a wedding. These crack me up, mainly because not only do you see them everyday (and at every wedding I have ever been in, planned, or attended), but they all seem so darn commonsense that no one understands why they continue to occur! Have a good chuckle and check it out.

First, from "9 things you should never WEAR to a wedding"...

1. White Is Not Right - It seems obvious and yet so many guests seem to forget. Material that is mostly white with a small pattern is a no. White suits are a no. If there's a question...no. White garb is meant for one person only and that's the bride! Always. End of story.
2. Skip the Shorts - Shorts at a wedding? It's just wrong; even if you dress them up with a blazer or a pair of sexy heels. Guys, no matter how preppy you make 'em, and, girls, no matter how stylish Charlize Theron looks in them, shorts just won't do at this affair.
3. Keep it Classy -(San Diego? hee hee) Up-to-there miniskirts, shirts with more buttons undone than not, and bustier tops are best left for a night out with the girls (or that person you really want to wow). We know you're sexy, you know you're sexy, but a wedding isn't the place to show off. Play down the sassy and play up the classy.
5. All That Glitters Is Not Gold - Stay away from anything lamé, sequined, shiny, or glittery. It's distracting (both in person and in those precious keepsake photos). Again, the newlyweds are the star attraction, so resist the urge to be a "shining star."

Then, from "10 things you should never DO at a wedding"...

The day two people exchange vows may not be your special day, but it's someone's special day, so be on your best behavior -- all the way from the I -do's to the obligatory Gloria Gaynor dance marathon...
1. Don't Produce Sound Effects * While at a wedding and reception, turn off your Blackberries and cell phones, put them on vibrate, or better yet, don't even take them!
2. Don't Come Bearing Gifts * Whether you're planning on gifting the happy couple a Cuisinart or cold hard cash, do them a huge favor and don't bring it on the wedding day. If you do, they have to keep track of it and haul it home at the end of the night. Send the gift ahead of time, or after the actual ceremony -- at a time when they can really relax and enjoy it.
3. Don't Steal the Show * Wedding ceremonies take all forms -- from religious to poetic, musical, or humorous. Whatever the vibe, let the bride and groom set the tone and follow their lead. If you're normally a loud, life-of-the-party type, bring it down a notch and let the wedding couple stand out. If you're a weeper, bring tissues and sit where you can sob without disturbing the I Do's. If the ceremony includes religious rituals, find out what you should do (or not do) ahead of time.
4. Don't Drag Out Skeletons * If the bride blushes, it should be from pride, joy, or sheer love. Not because someone just stood up and told a humiliating story about the loser she dated in high school! Ingratiate yourself to the lady and her groom by avoiding any potentially embarrassing or juvenile behavior -- no bawdy jokes, no tales about their dating habits or exploits, no overdrinking, and no overly sexy dancing. Have fun, but don't have it at anyone else's expense.

Guest Book!

I have never - ever- understood the use of a traditional Guest Book. People sign their names, and where they are from...like visitors do at church on Sunday. Hmm. As though you don't know the guests were at your wedding? Or like, if you did not realize they were there, maybe you don't know them well enough to recognize them? I suppose the practice is more useful at those enormous wedding ceremonies where the parents invite everyone and their dogs for some kind of social power play.In our case - 33 guests (including ourselves and our photographers) - guest books, at least the traditional kind, don't seem an overly useful concept. Many months ago, I found a great idea for a more functional and meaningful guest book. I ordered a set of 100 vintage Mexico postcards from Ebay (cost = $11 with shipping) and purchased a pretty orange paisley photo album ($8.99 at Michaels). The cards, along with some pens, will be stationed on the cocktail tables, and guests will be asked to write a message to us on the back of a card and then place it in the photo album. Instant-fun-guest-book! Plus, then we can add photos of each guest near to their written message, and have something that will be fun to peruse over the years. And just in case we forget what any of our guests look like....ha ha ha ha, right.

Menus

I have been warned that at a destination wedding held at an all-inclusive resort, menus are quite possibly antiquated. Or at the very least, not useful and potentially more work than they are worth. As I am not often deterred by such nay-sayers, I set out to create a simple menu that will spruce up our rather simple reception tables and convey the all-important reception menu (which will be the same for all guests, save for a few vegetarian types). I plan to print them on all-white cardstock that I already own to save costs, and then cut them in squares to add visual interest. For now, the two favorite picks in terms of font and layout are...

OOT contents - are we done?

I think so. I hope so. I can't possibly think about adding one more item to our already overloaded suitcase world. The latest (and possibly last) adds: individual packets of Motrin and chewable Pepto Bismol tablets. These items are a particularly useful addition to the OOT bags, and I definitely think they will be used by our guests. Got them on Amazon.com ($18 for 100 2-tablet packs of Motrin; $18 for 3 48-count chewable Pepto boxes; free shipping!).

Shoes: The Finale

I know what you're thinking: so soon? Heh heh. Yes, I ordered, and received, the gorgeous little numbers that I posted just below (Luichiny Duchess, in Grey). Completely uncomfortable (going to invest in some foot petals) and completely to-die-for-cute. I will not allow myself to return or purchase new shoes until after the wedding, as a matter of principle.

Without further adieu, here they are - in all their haute glory.