5.07.2012
What is May 7th to you?
To you, maybe May 7th is the day you decided to cook your family a homemade meatloaf. Or maybe it's the day you had to pay off that massive bill that's been annoying you for months.
Well, for me - it's the day I met Carl :) I don't get sappy much - but here you go! May 7th is what could be considered the best day of my life so far.
This past year has been pretty awesome. It definitely was more than I ever really even knew was possible. I always had this internal goal of finding someone that would duplicate the love I saw between my grandparents...strangely enough, I fell into that one year ago today.
I couldn't ask for more. I'm super happy and totally excited for everyone to join us in October for an evening of fun and great memories!
That's all for now. Just a little tidbit for those of you that care :)
3.28.2012
3 Essentials of Life: Eating, Shopping & Music
______________________________________________________________________
NOTE TO ALL MY READERS: I was recently made aware that some of you may not know that any words that appear in green on my blog are actually links. Please remember to click the links in my posts! If you don't, you'll miss out on some awesome youtube clips and even an amazing photo of a real-life Home Depot wedding! So, remember - after reading each post, don't forget to click the green words. That's all :) Thanks for reading!
______________________________________________________________________
Holy Moly! Carl & I recently agreed we've never been this busy...ever.
Since my last post, we've done the food tasting, chosen our menu, redid the entire first floor of our house, started our wedding registry, narrowed down our photographer and chose our MC/DJ!
Food Tasting
Swig knows how to do a menu preview right! Not knowing what to expect, Carl & I arrived and were greeted by the event planner and taken to our own table (set exactly how it will be at our wedding)w/nametags, single-flower centerpiece and black linen atop a dark wooden table.
About 5 minutes after sitting, the servers brought each of us a full, tall signature cocktail. It was an awesome pineapple infused vodka. Kind of reminded us of our trip to Jamaica. We were then instructed to head into the front room where we could try TONS of food and 6 different wines. We tried everything...for those of you that know me, you will be shocked to know that I even tried the shrimp & mozzarella stuffed mushrooms. You will see these on the menu - they were heavenly!
I could tell you more about the menu, but then that'd be one less surprise for you later. So until then, I'll leave you with a photo to help your imagination:
Wedding Registry
This was like an ultimate shopping spree! Well, let me clarify - my ultimate shopping spree would have included a new wardrobe & shoes as well :) I never knew hearing the barcode beep of a product would ever sound so cool. I'm thinking I may start my own business registering couples all day long - it's like vicarious shopping!
MC
Tonight we booked our DJ! We started out not really knowing if we even wanted a DJ. We knew we wanted lots of dancing and a great party - but we didn't know if the $$ would be worth it. I spoke with a few DJ's and the majority of them came across extremely sleezy...picture for yourself a young male with his shirt unbuttoned just a tad too low and, for extra measure, a little shine added to his chest. I'm not kidding. AWFUL!
Well tonight we met with Double Platinum DJ Service, LLC. Right off the bat, the owner, Bill, greeted us at the door and was very approachable. Zero pressure, just a comfortable meet & greet to discuss our thoughts and his. After leaving, Carl & I decided (before we even got in the car) that we found our wedding MC!
Not only did Bill have great suggestions, but he also made us feel confident that our fun evening will run smoothly with no need for us to manage it all night long. If you want to get a better idea on what they do & their personality, check out their blog!
Oh...and you know what this means - time to start submitting your song requests on our wedding web site!
NOTE TO ALL MY READERS: I was recently made aware that some of you may not know that any words that appear in green on my blog are actually links. Please remember to click the links in my posts! If you don't, you'll miss out on some awesome youtube clips and even an amazing photo of a real-life Home Depot wedding! So, remember - after reading each post, don't forget to click the green words. That's all :) Thanks for reading!
______________________________________________________________________
Holy Moly! Carl & I recently agreed we've never been this busy...ever.
Since my last post, we've done the food tasting, chosen our menu, redid the entire first floor of our house, started our wedding registry, narrowed down our photographer and chose our MC/DJ!
Food Tasting
Swig knows how to do a menu preview right! Not knowing what to expect, Carl & I arrived and were greeted by the event planner and taken to our own table (set exactly how it will be at our wedding)w/nametags, single-flower centerpiece and black linen atop a dark wooden table.
About 5 minutes after sitting, the servers brought each of us a full, tall signature cocktail. It was an awesome pineapple infused vodka. Kind of reminded us of our trip to Jamaica. We were then instructed to head into the front room where we could try TONS of food and 6 different wines. We tried everything...for those of you that know me, you will be shocked to know that I even tried the shrimp & mozzarella stuffed mushrooms. You will see these on the menu - they were heavenly!
I could tell you more about the menu, but then that'd be one less surprise for you later. So until then, I'll leave you with a photo to help your imagination:
Wedding Registry
This was like an ultimate shopping spree! Well, let me clarify - my ultimate shopping spree would have included a new wardrobe & shoes as well :) I never knew hearing the barcode beep of a product would ever sound so cool. I'm thinking I may start my own business registering couples all day long - it's like vicarious shopping!
MC
Tonight we booked our DJ! We started out not really knowing if we even wanted a DJ. We knew we wanted lots of dancing and a great party - but we didn't know if the $$ would be worth it. I spoke with a few DJ's and the majority of them came across extremely sleezy...picture for yourself a young male with his shirt unbuttoned just a tad too low and, for extra measure, a little shine added to his chest. I'm not kidding. AWFUL!
Well tonight we met with Double Platinum DJ Service, LLC. Right off the bat, the owner, Bill, greeted us at the door and was very approachable. Zero pressure, just a comfortable meet & greet to discuss our thoughts and his. After leaving, Carl & I decided (before we even got in the car) that we found our wedding MC!
Not only did Bill have great suggestions, but he also made us feel confident that our fun evening will run smoothly with no need for us to manage it all night long. If you want to get a better idea on what they do & their personality, check out their blog!
Oh...and you know what this means - time to start submitting your song requests on our wedding web site!
3.09.2012
Walk Like an Egyption
Over my lunch hour today, I visited a travel agent. I told her our honeymoon ideas...then I told her our budget. She practically choked on her own laughter.
Good thing I don't offend easily! Ahh yes, my imagination vs my reality is quite humbling...
I mean really, who says we can't travel to Egypt?! Pish posh :)
Good thing I don't offend easily! Ahh yes, my imagination vs my reality is quite humbling...
I mean really, who says we can't travel to Egypt?! Pish posh :)
3.07.2012
Engagement Photos!
As I mentioned, my sister volunteered to do our engagement photos. We received them yesterday and are very excited! Here's a little glimpse for you...
Thanks for being so awesome Amy!
Thanks for being so awesome Amy!
3.06.2012
The Wierer's; Your Handy-peeps for Life
Talk about busy!
On top of planning the wedding, we are also working on a few house updates. We are trying to make small, budget-concious updates that will give the house a little facelift. After all the business we are giving them, I'm pretty sure Home Depot will be willing to sponsor our wedding. Just picture it.
Here's what we've done so far:
1. Painted the master bedroom walls & trim and Carl redid the walk-in closet so it could hold my ridiculous (but clearly highly crucial) quantity of shoes.
We now have beautifully built floor-to-ceiling shelves and plenty of hanging space.
2. Ripped down the bathroom's moss green wainscoating that came with the house. I believe this was Carl's first realization that I have little fear in making home updates :) . It got to a point where Carl needed to help me. Let's just say, my wall ripping down skills aren't ready for HGTV.
Once the wainscoating was eliminated, Carl sanded the wall down and we painted it a new, cheery color and put up new light fixtures. BUT THEN! The faucet looked awful next to the new light fixtures...so Carl became a sink plumbing expert. It may have taken him longer than he wanted; but I was pretty impressed by his rugged, plumber ways. It looks great!
3. Updated the kitchen by repainting it and removing the upper cabinet doors. I saw something on Martha Stewart's web site (oh yes, I'm such a homemaker) that said you could 'open up' a small kitchen by utilizing the upper cabinets as shelving. Carl & I both really like how it's coming along.
When I was done painting - Carl was still fine-tuning his plumbing skills - so I decided I should rip off the old back splash tiles. I grabbed the hammer and flat head screw driver and began prying and smashing away! I was enjoying the process and that's when Carl decided he should come into the kitchen to see what was going on. We had discussed removing the tiles and had already bought a new backsplash - but I think he was startled by the "progress" I was making. After a few finger smashes and cuts, we managed to get the entire tiled backsplash off. Once we repaint the cabinets, we'll figure out how to get the new backsplash up...I think the word "cauk" is involved. But who knows :)
A little music to sing along with, some pizza to eat and raggy clothing all make this a very enjoyable process - even with the moments of plumbing and wall ripping frustrations! We have a lot more we want to do and are excited for the end result. I'm pretty sure Carl's brother thinks we're insane - especially right now with the mess that's in the kitchen :)
At the end of all this, maybe we'll start our own remodeling business. #Genius
On top of planning the wedding, we are also working on a few house updates. We are trying to make small, budget-concious updates that will give the house a little facelift. After all the business we are giving them, I'm pretty sure Home Depot will be willing to sponsor our wedding. Just picture it.
Here's what we've done so far:
1. Painted the master bedroom walls & trim and Carl redid the walk-in closet so it could hold my ridiculous (but clearly highly crucial) quantity of shoes.
We now have beautifully built floor-to-ceiling shelves and plenty of hanging space.
2. Ripped down the bathroom's moss green wainscoating that came with the house. I believe this was Carl's first realization that I have little fear in making home updates :) . It got to a point where Carl needed to help me. Let's just say, my wall ripping down skills aren't ready for HGTV.
Once the wainscoating was eliminated, Carl sanded the wall down and we painted it a new, cheery color and put up new light fixtures. BUT THEN! The faucet looked awful next to the new light fixtures...so Carl became a sink plumbing expert. It may have taken him longer than he wanted; but I was pretty impressed by his rugged, plumber ways. It looks great!
3. Updated the kitchen by repainting it and removing the upper cabinet doors. I saw something on Martha Stewart's web site (oh yes, I'm such a homemaker) that said you could 'open up' a small kitchen by utilizing the upper cabinets as shelving. Carl & I both really like how it's coming along.
When I was done painting - Carl was still fine-tuning his plumbing skills - so I decided I should rip off the old back splash tiles. I grabbed the hammer and flat head screw driver and began prying and smashing away! I was enjoying the process and that's when Carl decided he should come into the kitchen to see what was going on. We had discussed removing the tiles and had already bought a new backsplash - but I think he was startled by the "progress" I was making. After a few finger smashes and cuts, we managed to get the entire tiled backsplash off. Once we repaint the cabinets, we'll figure out how to get the new backsplash up...I think the word "cauk" is involved. But who knows :)
A little music to sing along with, some pizza to eat and raggy clothing all make this a very enjoyable process - even with the moments of plumbing and wall ripping frustrations! We have a lot more we want to do and are excited for the end result. I'm pretty sure Carl's brother thinks we're insane - especially right now with the mess that's in the kitchen :)
At the end of all this, maybe we'll start our own remodeling business. #Genius
3.01.2012
2.23.2012
Photos, Brews and Dresses - Oh my!
This past week has been a crazy one! My sister flew into town Saturday evening for a weekend full of wedding stuff...and some annual Brewfest fun.
Day 1
Had some fun with Amy & Carl at Roots Wine & Cellar. This space is amazing and if it had a larger capacity downstairs, we would've totally loved to have the wedding & reception here! If you're looking for a unique reception venue, check it out.
Instead we settled for good company, drinks, appetizers and an engagement photo warm-up session.
Day 2
Sunday morning we got up early to begin our engagement photo shoot. Amy volunteered her expertise and creative eye! We started down by the lakefront to catch the sunrise. Then, for about 2.5 hours, we strolled around Milwaukee's Third Ward grabbing photos whenever the moment struck.
Since Amy didn't give us fancy robes --tsk, tsk Amy-- to wear between shots, Carl & I had to brave the frosty air - eventually getting to the point of numb toes & ears. It was a ton of fun and worth the icy temps! I have no doubt the photos will be great.
Day 3
Brewfest at the Milwaukee Ale House!
Day 4
NOTE: I'd offer up more detail here, however Carl will likely be reading this :)
Monday we hit the bridal boutiques. We started at the Bridal Event in Appleton. Not the best web site, but definitely a great selection and experience - Beth was amazing and made us feel incredibly comfortable. I'm guessing I tried on 15-20 dresses here; some were outrageously hideous and others were simply beautiful. We spent about 2 hours there.
After that we visited Gigi's in Mequon. Upon arrival, they asked me to fill out an information card. As I was filling in my name and e-mail, I noticed the last question on the card:
"Your dress budget is: $10,000+, $5,000-$10,000 or $2,000-$5,000."
I almost fell off my chair before I circled $2,000 - $5,000. When I went back to the waiting area, the first thing I said to Amy was, "We'll be playing dress up here...just go with it."
Needless to say, I felt like Barbie and the woman helping us was wonderful. Wouldn't you figure, I fell in LOVE with one of the dresses...even tried it on 3 times while we were there. At one point I looked at Amy and said, "What am I gonna do?" Being my level-headed partner of the day, she responded, "You're not going to get it. Let's go."
Ahh, she was right.
Next we did a quick Bing search for Milwaukee bridal salons and found a small one in West Allis. We walked in and it was incredibly small - great! More personalized attention. Nope.
Amy ended up helping me get into each dress. Once I was in the dress, she had to figure out how to clip them to be my size. You know what the store supplied us with? Chip clips. Yep, you heard me.
I wonder what the saleswoman was thinking when she heard Amy and I giggling incessantly in our dressing room :)
We ended the day with a visit to David's Bridal. Wow - I am so glad I visited the nicer boutiques earlier in the day. If I would have started with David's Bridal, I would have been so annoyed by everything. Our David's Bridal "consultant" was more like a used car salesman. She was awful! She kept saying, "I know what you want." I had to literally force her to let me try on the dresses I picked out. It was ridiculous. It irritates me now just thinking about it.
Looking at all four places we visited, we really did have tons of fun. I wouldn't mind wedding dress shopping with my sister once every year!
In the end, we narrowed it down to two dresses. Both were gorgeous yet completely different from one another - almost opposites. I was trying to decide which one made me feel the best but also would please Carl. My future mother-in-law gave me some wise words of advice: "Pick which one makes YOU feel special. If you love it, Carl will love it!"
So, yesterday I bought the dress that I loved.
Day 1
Had some fun with Amy & Carl at Roots Wine & Cellar. This space is amazing and if it had a larger capacity downstairs, we would've totally loved to have the wedding & reception here! If you're looking for a unique reception venue, check it out.
Instead we settled for good company, drinks, appetizers and an engagement photo warm-up session.
Day 2
Sunday morning we got up early to begin our engagement photo shoot. Amy volunteered her expertise and creative eye! We started down by the lakefront to catch the sunrise. Then, for about 2.5 hours, we strolled around Milwaukee's Third Ward grabbing photos whenever the moment struck.
Since Amy didn't give us fancy robes --tsk, tsk Amy-- to wear between shots, Carl & I had to brave the frosty air - eventually getting to the point of numb toes & ears. It was a ton of fun and worth the icy temps! I have no doubt the photos will be great.
Day 3
Brewfest at the Milwaukee Ale House!
Day 4
NOTE: I'd offer up more detail here, however Carl will likely be reading this :)
Monday we hit the bridal boutiques. We started at the Bridal Event in Appleton. Not the best web site, but definitely a great selection and experience - Beth was amazing and made us feel incredibly comfortable. I'm guessing I tried on 15-20 dresses here; some were outrageously hideous and others were simply beautiful. We spent about 2 hours there.
After that we visited Gigi's in Mequon. Upon arrival, they asked me to fill out an information card. As I was filling in my name and e-mail, I noticed the last question on the card:
"Your dress budget is: $10,000+, $5,000-$10,000 or $2,000-$5,000."
I almost fell off my chair before I circled $2,000 - $5,000. When I went back to the waiting area, the first thing I said to Amy was, "We'll be playing dress up here...just go with it."
Needless to say, I felt like Barbie and the woman helping us was wonderful. Wouldn't you figure, I fell in LOVE with one of the dresses...even tried it on 3 times while we were there. At one point I looked at Amy and said, "What am I gonna do?" Being my level-headed partner of the day, she responded, "You're not going to get it. Let's go."
Ahh, she was right.
Next we did a quick Bing search for Milwaukee bridal salons and found a small one in West Allis. We walked in and it was incredibly small - great! More personalized attention. Nope.
Amy ended up helping me get into each dress. Once I was in the dress, she had to figure out how to clip them to be my size. You know what the store supplied us with? Chip clips. Yep, you heard me.
I wonder what the saleswoman was thinking when she heard Amy and I giggling incessantly in our dressing room :)
We ended the day with a visit to David's Bridal. Wow - I am so glad I visited the nicer boutiques earlier in the day. If I would have started with David's Bridal, I would have been so annoyed by everything. Our David's Bridal "consultant" was more like a used car salesman. She was awful! She kept saying, "I know what you want." I had to literally force her to let me try on the dresses I picked out. It was ridiculous. It irritates me now just thinking about it.
Looking at all four places we visited, we really did have tons of fun. I wouldn't mind wedding dress shopping with my sister once every year!
In the end, we narrowed it down to two dresses. Both were gorgeous yet completely different from one another - almost opposites. I was trying to decide which one made me feel the best but also would please Carl. My future mother-in-law gave me some wise words of advice: "Pick which one makes YOU feel special. If you love it, Carl will love it!"
So, yesterday I bought the dress that I loved.
2.09.2012
Superheroes to the Rescue...
So what we thought was the perfect venue...may not be?
We've been working with the event planner for our "perfect" venue...or more like I've been leading her. Since a portion of my day job is event planning, I have a pretty good handle of what is needed. We figured me having to take charge with this woman would be worth it since the place is so great.
Tonight we had a meeting set up with her and were ready to hand over our signatures and money...she didn't show up!
Hello woman, figure it out. With technology today, a simple text, e-mail or phone call could have made it easy to reschedule. We're probably more confused than frustrated. Well, maybe frustrated too :)
Anyways - the search continues. If anyone has any interesting loft-style venue ideas, send them our way!
This may be a job for Kick Ass and Hit Girl...
We've been working with the event planner for our "perfect" venue...or more like I've been leading her. Since a portion of my day job is event planning, I have a pretty good handle of what is needed. We figured me having to take charge with this woman would be worth it since the place is so great.
Tonight we had a meeting set up with her and were ready to hand over our signatures and money...she didn't show up!
Hello woman, figure it out. With technology today, a simple text, e-mail or phone call could have made it easy to reschedule. We're probably more confused than frustrated. Well, maybe frustrated too :)
Anyways - the search continues. If anyone has any interesting loft-style venue ideas, send them our way!
This may be a job for Kick Ass and Hit Girl...
1.31.2012
Dreams + Reality = Perfection
Man oh man. I just started this whole wedding planning thing and I was already prepared to throw my arms in the air and elope. Like, seriously elope. I was trying to figure out how I could convince Carl to think eloping was a good idea. But, being the level-headed one (sometimes) between us, he kept reminding me that down the road I would regret not celebrating with my family and close friends. I suppose he's right...just don't tell him I said that :)
With my work schedule, work consumes my life from June - September. As a result, I really wanted/needed us to nail down a wedding venue & date as soon as possible. We both knew we wanted it this year and in October. I figured this would be simple. I feel as though someone should have pulled the whole 90's expression on me: Yo Sara, picking your venue will be a cinch...NOT!
DREAMS + REALITY
We started with these venues. Each had something we liked - but none left us feeling excited.
Turner Hall - Awesome local music venue with tons of old, vintage style.
Photo Property of Turner Hall
Coast Restaurant - Classy. Not a ton of unique character. Just classy and way out of our budget. Dang it, why are we not rich! Whatever, it was kind of boring anyways.
Photo Property of Coast Milwaukee
Grafton Ale House - Lots of character...awesome wood beams, cool outdoor patio and super budget-concious. But we were a bit concerned about the casual bar atmosphere downplaying the fact that this is such a big day in our lives.
Photo property of Milwaukee Ale House
PERFECTION
Today I was really feeling unenthused about the whole venue selection. My friend Abbey made a comment about her wedding and how when she visited the venue, she just knew it was the place. Well, tonight - I felt what she was talking about.
This place is soooooo amazing. It combines what we liked about all of the venues we visited! Carl & I didn't even have to discuss it - it was just apparent in both of us. Not only was the venue full of character, but it also was intimate and classy. Minimal decorations will be needed - the space seriously speaks for itself.
Here's a pic from their web site...I'm not telling you where it is just yet :)
If this place pans out...you are going to have a blast at our wedding. #Fact.
With my work schedule, work consumes my life from June - September. As a result, I really wanted/needed us to nail down a wedding venue & date as soon as possible. We both knew we wanted it this year and in October. I figured this would be simple. I feel as though someone should have pulled the whole 90's expression on me: Yo Sara, picking your venue will be a cinch...NOT!
DREAMS + REALITY
We started with these venues. Each had something we liked - but none left us feeling excited.
Turner Hall - Awesome local music venue with tons of old, vintage style.
Photo Property of Turner Hall
Coast Restaurant - Classy. Not a ton of unique character. Just classy and way out of our budget. Dang it, why are we not rich! Whatever, it was kind of boring anyways.
Photo Property of Coast Milwaukee
Grafton Ale House - Lots of character...awesome wood beams, cool outdoor patio and super budget-concious. But we were a bit concerned about the casual bar atmosphere downplaying the fact that this is such a big day in our lives.
Photo property of Milwaukee Ale House
PERFECTION
Today I was really feeling unenthused about the whole venue selection. My friend Abbey made a comment about her wedding and how when she visited the venue, she just knew it was the place. Well, tonight - I felt what she was talking about.
This place is soooooo amazing. It combines what we liked about all of the venues we visited! Carl & I didn't even have to discuss it - it was just apparent in both of us. Not only was the venue full of character, but it also was intimate and classy. Minimal decorations will be needed - the space seriously speaks for itself.
Here's a pic from their web site...I'm not telling you where it is just yet :)
If this place pans out...you are going to have a blast at our wedding. #Fact.
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