the dress hunt continues [3]

"There is much to support the view that it is clothes that wear us and not we them; we may make them take the mould of arm or breast, but they would mould our hearts, our brains, our tongues to their liking." -- Virginia Woolf

So it's been a while since I mentioned the bridesmaid dress search. Weeks later, nothing much has been resolved, but here goes... I think all the bridesmaids will wear matching yellow dresses and my MoH will wear a similar yellow dress with blue accents (or possibly an all blue dress). Here are a few more dresses that I'm liking lately (click on the photo to see individual dress links). Let me know which dresses (if any) you like!

And stay tuned for groomsmen-wear in the near future (at least the start)!

"I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." -- Isaiah 61:10

hair, there, everywhere...

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." -- Kahlil Gibran

So the summer heat is definitely in full effect, and (at least for me) it's back to school time, which usually means it's time for a hair change! Anyone who knows me, probably knows that I get bored with hair easily, which usually results in me cutting and/or coloring my hair. So right about now I'm very much in the mood to chop my hair off, but for the sake of the wedding I'm going to try to grow it out over the next year. Actually, I haven't had long hair since senior year of high school, so this will be a fun experiment for all of us. And to shift the focus to the wedding for a second, as far as hairstyles go, I was thinking of some sort of soft up-do. Any suggestions?


Also, Alphonse and I are going to try to register in the near future, so stay tuned for the registry details! :)

"And your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, because the splendor I had given you made your beauty perfect, declares the Sovereign LORD." -- Ezekiel 14:16

world wide [blog] web

"We are all connected to everyone and everything in the universe. Therefore, everything one does as an individual affects the whole. All thoughts, words, images, prayers, blessings, and deeds are listened to by all that is." -- Serge Kahili King

I should warn you now, this entry has nothing to do with wedding planning... so navigate away now if you want! Warnings aside, now on to the entry... a few months ago, I started reading my friend Michelle's wedding blog and I decided that when I got engaged I would start a wedding blog of my own! Obviously my plan came to fruition, with a little motivation along the way. Two of my college roomies (Tiff and Jan) inspired me with their photo-filled food entries and my co-worker Andrew's blog encouraged me to be try to be funny in the process (although that didn't really work out as well). So now with a few months of blogging under my belt, it seems I've been doing some inspiring of my own! I'm pleased to say that some of my favorite people (Al, Audrey, and Rhea) have started their own blogs, with a few words of encouragement.

So go check out all their blogs!

• Michelle's - michelleanddjswedding.blogspot.com
• Janice's - ivegotnicebuns.blogspot.com
• Tiffany's - hungry bunny's gobbl
  
• Andrew's - theepoche.blogspot.com
• Alphonse's - al-sportstalk.blogspot.com
• Audrey's - gerrey09.blogspot.com
• Rhea's - loveacrosstimezones.blogspot.com
  

Blog owners neatly displayed in a concept map (one of the many study techniques I learned this past week)

"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ... But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be... As it is, there are many parts, but one body." -- 1 Corinthians 12:14-15, 18, 20

flower power.

"To know someone with whom you can feel there is understanding in spite of distances or thoughts unexpressed... That can make this life a garden." -- Goethe

When I was in a bookstore the other day I stumbled upon another wedding magazine cover with a beautiful, yellow bouquet. This particular cover bouquet is of ranunculuses (Persian buttercups) and calla lilies, both of which I love. Since this is the cover of the summer issue of Pacific Weddings, I was surprised to learn that ranunculuses are not in season during the summer! This was quite sad news to me because it means I probably will not be having them in my wedding bouquet since I've been reading a lot about how choosing flowers that are in-season saves a lot of money.

So alas, I wised up and restarted my flower search looking for flowers that I like that would be in-season in August (as opposed to flowers that just looked "pretty"). Based on our color choice of yellow (with blue accents), here are some of my new favorites:

• yellow dahlias - very soft and modern looking
  
• white tuberoses - small and sweet
• blue delphiniums - cute and blue
  
• blue hydrangeas - small flowers but full bundles, plus these grow at the house where I grew up, so it would add a homey feel
• yellow zinnias - similar to dahlias (I like round flowers)
• yellow freesias - my favorite flower, luckily in-season

And as promised, more polyvore! Here's a collage of some of the flowers mentioned above (plus some ranunculuses and calla lilies, too)

Click on above image to see individual images

"That fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley, will be like a fig ripe before harvest— as soon as someone sees it and takes it in his hand, he swallows it." -- Isaiah 28:4

a platinum bridezilla?

"The finest lives, in my opinion, are those who rank in the common model, and with the human race, but without miracle, without extravagance." -- Michel de Montaigne

One of my newest weekend addictions is the programming on WE tv. Unfortunately for me, they have 10 hours of wedding shows scheduled on Sundays, ranging from the very lavish (Platinum Weddings) to the very trashy (Bridezillas). I initially tuned in to try to get some ideas for my wedding, but I quickly found the shows more entertaining than informative. The things the brides ask for and the temper tantrums some of them throw are absolutely ridiculous. I made Alphonse watch a few snipets of the shows so he could appreciate what a good bride-to-be I am :) , which, of course, he already did anyways. And since I doubt I'll have too much free time during the weekends once classes get into full swing, I thought I'd mention this now before things get too crazy. For preview clips of each of the shows, go here: Platinum Weddings (the classier of the two shows) or Bridezillas.


"Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place." -- 1 Chronicles 16:27

bachelorette party (already?!)

"We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh." -- Agnes Repplier

A few days ago I got a lovely DC visit from one of my favorite New Yorkers in residence, Miss Andrea Myers. And although it's only semi-wedding related, I thought I'd take this opportunity to briefly introduce one of my co-planners (along with my MoH, Sara) for my bachelorette party. And even though the wedding and the bachelorette party are still over a year away, there's no harm in starting early, right? I have no idea what the details of this plan include, but I've been told the planning is well under way. And since Alphonse already seems to have designed his own bachelor party, I don't feel so bad that planning for mine has begun. Where/when/what will the party be? Your guess is as good as mine...


"'Laughter,' I said, 'is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?' I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives." -- Ecclesiastes 2:2-3

my "n.f.t."

"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens / Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens / Brown paper packages tied up with strings / These are a few of my favorite things" -- From The Sound of Music

Every now and then I stumble upon my so-called "new favorite thing," which is code for a fun-new-way-to-waste-time. Well, it's been a few weeks, so I'm about due for another "n.f.t." As if on cue, enter polyvore-- the online mix-and-match collage website that allows you to search thousands of online photos to bring any vision to life. The best thing about polyvore is that each picture that you add to the collage is always linked back to the source image so you can keep track of where each dress, flower, etc. came from (which is quite useful when you are considering buying such things). Also, the different search options (category, color, website, etc.) make the site very user friendly and time efficient (as if there is a time efficient way to waste time?). So here's my first polyvore creation (many more to come):

It's kinda crowded, but if you click on the image (or here) you will be directed to the polyvore link, which will allow you to click on each of the different photos or at least see where they came from (see page right). This collage is my first inspiration board, which is a new trend used by brides-to-be to help (their wedding planners) make their wedding vision a reality (click here for some amazing examples).

"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel" -- Proverbs 20:15

some afternoon inspiration...

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." -- Henry James

When I first started my blog, my intention was to capture and share all the different aspects of my wedding planning with each of you. As you might have noticed, the blog sort of evolved from a wedding blog to a "life of Katrina & Alphonse" blog, which is okay since many of the exciting things in my life as of late are related to the wedding and looking forward to the rest of my life (as a doctor and a wife!). However, having just returned from a blissful, last-minute summer weekend visit with my honey, I've decided to try to return to the true spirit of my blog and write about a seemingly appropriate theme: blissful summer weddings.

I don't think I've ever been to anything but an evening wedding, so when Alphonse and I were leaning towards an afternoon wedding, I was initially hesitant. But when we visited Nanina's during the daytime, the venue was absolutely gorgeous (from the waterfalls and grounds outside to the natural light coming in to the ballroom), and we knew that we had nothing to worry about. And knowing our guest list, I have no doubt it will be a party from start to finish. Next up, booking the music to make sure you put your dancing shoes to good use ;).

Photos from Nole and Andrew's wedding. Click to enlarge.

Browsing a few wedding blogs, I stumbled upon the wedding pictured above (Click here or here for more details from this wedding). I thought it perfectly captured the light, warm, daytime happiness that I hope is at our wedding.

"God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night..." --Genesis 1:16

so excited, so excited, so [not] scared.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -- From the movie Annie

Less than a week ago I said goodbye (for now) to some of my favorite things: NY, my family (present and future), and my lovable Alphonse. It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I can be an emotional mess at times, and my departure was no exception (I mean you'd cry too if you had to leave this behind). But now, with several days of orientation behind me, any anxiety or farewell sadness I had has dissipated (which is not to say I don't dearly miss the things I left behind). To sum up how I've been feeling lately, I thought, why not share some of the things I've been saying already:


So in a nutshell, I'm really excited about the next year and beyond.

"Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God." -- Joel 2:14

a belated party recap.

"Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year - it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul." -- Author Unknown

Since I'm not sure when I'll find my camera cord (or give in and buy a new one), I've decided to give you a pseudo-picture summary of the July engagement/meet-the-family get together (before it becomes too untimely...) There were seashell inspired centerpieces and the lovely country backdrop for a little relaxation, family photos on display for old and soon-to-be family to view, a swimming pool for a fun break from the heat, lebanon bologna and other tasty local foods for hungry bellies, state-war volleyball games for bragging rights, tents for shelter, bug spray for warding away pesky guests, champagne and vino for toasting, and a late-night bonfire for 'smore making. And thank you again to everyone who came, especially those who traveled from NJ and MD and other far off places! Soon enough, it'll be time for the next engagement/meet-the-family party!


"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." -- Genesis 8:22

an update of sorts

"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving" -- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Somewhere between packing, moving, and unpacking, I seemed to have misplaced my camera cord, so alas, it may be a while before I upload any July pictures, including ones from the party and farewell NY ones. In the mean time, a minor update before things get too crazy with orientation and classes. We just finalized our plan with Bella Pictures, so add another check to the checklist (and speaking of photos, these photos that I found by KJournal look really good; excellent color and candid shots. Unfortunately they're based in Florida... perhaps we'll go to them for some family photos down the road). Also speaking of photos, I hope you enjoy this cheesy alleykat photo, taken during our cruise in April, while I summarize what we've done so far:

• Picked a date
• Booked the church and reception venues
• Picked out a bridal gown
• Booked the photographer
• Finalized the reception menu
• Selected colors
• Picked the bridal party
• Came up with a tentative guest list

So next we have to work on flowers, centerpieces, invitations, the band/dj, the registry, bridal party attire, favors, the pre-cana, and the honeymoon. I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton of things, but we'll worry about that later.

And congrats to two of Al's best friends since elementary school, Lewis and Tina, who got engaged this past weekend. :)

"...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." -- Matthew 17:20

chillin' out maxin', relaxin' all cool...

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -- Ovid

Tuesday morning I filled out my exit paperwork at work, and by Wednesday morning I was on a bus to Washington DC with a change of clothes, a list of phone numbers of people I needed to contact, addresses of potential apartments that I planned to visit, and no return ticket, since I planned to stay until I secured a place to live for the next year. With orientation for med school starting this upcoming Wednesday, finding and securing a place to live, with less than a week to spare, was no small feat. But alas, God is good, and of course everything is falling in to place perfectly. Less than 72 hours (and about 20 apartments) later, I found exactly what I was looking for and I'll be moving in this weekend! And to top it off, the party this weekend was a successful meeting of the families (pictures coming soon!), the Mets are on a winning streak, and my first homework assignment for medical school is nearly complete (to name a few recent blessings). In short, everything that stressed me out a week ago has resolved itself better than I could have predicted, as most things in my life do.

And I should warn you now, amidst settling in to my new apartment and embarking on this medical school adventure, I'm not sure how much time I'll have to update the blog during the upcoming weeks. But perhaps it's better this way, since Tom (our wedding planner) told us to "just relax and enjoy the next few months" since we have most of the major details in place. In honor of being stress-free and thankful (and to hold you over until my next entry), here's a picture that embodies a time when such feelings were the norm:

Sara, Katrina, Jordan, and George del Fierro circa 1995 (click to enlarge)

"A heart at peace gives life to the body..." -- Proverbs 14:30

something (red, white, and) blue...

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Happy belated Independence Day. In honor of everyone's favorite red, white, and blue holiday, I thought I'd post one of my favorite red, white, and blue wedding photos: My Aunt Annie on her wedding day, with my mom as her Maid of Honor (from both of whom I've learned a lot about marriage and family). I thought it also seemed appropriate because they are the lovely hosts of my engagement/meet-the-family party this Sunday.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." -- Galations 5:1

the dress hunt continues [2] ...

"Great men are seldom over-scrupulous in the arrangement of their attire." -- Charles Dickens

So even though I'm debating whether or not to let my bridesmaids choose their own dresses, it doesn't hurt to let them (and you) know what I like ;) . As promised weeks ago, here are a few dresses I like from Anthropologie and FashionJunkee. These might be a little too casual for bridesmaid dresses, but still very cute. I've been reading about how the whole bridesmaid industry is such a commercial rip-off (aka way over-priced dresses just because they have "bridesmaid" in the description), so I've been looking through other sites, such as bloomingdales and Nordstrom, to try to alternative sources for potential dresses. Stay tuned for even more dresses and other planning details (including post-party updates) . And happy early Fourth of July!

And to close, one of my favorite verses that I just stumbled upon again yesterday:

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." -- Job 23:10

match-maker, match-maker...

“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” -- Joseph Campbell

So I've been putting a lot of thought in to what my bridesmaids will be wearing... and I've had a lot of fun so far. The thoughtful bride-to-be that I am, I've been trying to consider dresses that seem like they'd flatter any of my bridesmaids (and that would be wallet-friendly, too). With all that in mind, I also wanted all of my bridesmaids to match, thinking it might be more formal/unified/coordinated/aesthetically pleasing/etc. But alas, I've been reading a lot about how it's becoming increasingly popular to just pick a color and dress length (and/or fabric), and let the bridesmaids each pick their own dresses, that way they'll pick one that best suits them (in style and price) and they'll be more likely to wear it again (click here or here for more info). So now the dilemma is to match or not to match... Any thoughts?

Photos courtesy of theknot.com

"He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old." -- Luke 5:36