Typically when I meet with brides or chat with them at the engagement session, I like to ask how the planning is going and what “phase” they are in.  More often than not, when the topic of “The Guest List” comes up, a discouraged look comes over their face.  This seems to be the most dreaded part of the planning process.  Well today I have great news for you.  I am adding guest lists to all my packages.  That’s right, I will contact all your friends and family and get their pertinent information and pass it on to you. :) It will not cost anything to my current brides and….

OK, so maybe I’m lying about that.  But, I do think I may have a solution for you.  Most of you are users of the internets. (Assuming you read this on a computer and do not have someone print it out and hand it to you every day.)  In fact, most of your guests are computer savvy as well.  Pretty much everyone is on Facebook and can do a bit of E-mail, so this is something that should work for the majority of your guests.  It’s a short little video on how you can use some free Google sites to organize and put your whole list together.  It’s 2010 people.  Work smarter not harder. :)

Sign up for a Gmail account here and get going.

Get started with Google Docs here.

If you are a Facebook or Twitter friend, you know I got some new shoes yesterday.  I have a little story about how my shoes can help you plan your wedding, but before we get to that, how about a few photos. :)

I wore out most of my tread on the old pair. :)

If you can fit an action figure in between the sole of your shoe and the tread it may be time for a new pair.

Yesterday I finally bought a pair of shoes.  I have had my current pair for a little over 4 years. I’ve been meaning to replace them for the past 3-6 months.  Danielle had told me to. I knew I needed to.  Every time it rained, water would seep into my socks and I was reminded of this fact.  I had the 45 bucks.  So why the delay?

Here’s why:

I don’t care about shoes.

They don’t’ matter to me. They are not part of my identity.  My self-esteem is not wrapped up in what they look like.  I just want my feet covered.  In fact, I only have 3 pairs. One pair of flip flops, one pair of walking, one pair of wedding shoes.  That’s it.

When I was at the NBA All-star Game this past weekend I saw plenty of people who cared about their shoes.  (Most of them young men.)  In fact, inside the bathroom I saw two guys standing at the sink with their shoes off cleaning them with paper towels.
(I mentioned this was in a public restroom and they were standing in their socks right?)

It would be pretty hard for someone to convince me shoes are “important”.  They are needed and I have some, but I’m not going to get too worked up about them.  The same should be true of your wedding planning.  Find out what is important to YOU and spend your budget on that.  Maybe you LOVE napkins.  Go all out.  Get the best ones.  Maybe invitations are you thing.  Go nuts with them.  Get the fancy ones with the tissue paper people throw away right after opening the invitation. If photography is what you value, I can totally recommend someone to shoot your wedding.  The point is, it’s YOUR wedding.  Spend your budget on the things you value and then when you look back on your wedding you’ll be thankful that  your wedding looks like you and not someone elses.

One more thing, if you do like shoes OR documentaries, you absolutely have to watch Just For Kicks.  It’s an interesting look at the world of sneakers and just how important  they can be to some people.  You can rent it from Netflix or watch it online here.  Enjoy.

I’m so excited to introduce you guys to today’s wedding vendor.  The Boxwood Barn has been a florist on my radar for just over a year now and I LOVE seeing their work.  Elizabeth & her family are super sweet people.  I know I say this over and over, but when booking your vendors not only should you like their work, but you really want to like them as people as well.  The last thing you want is to “dread” having to call a vendor because they get on your nerves.  Liz is just the opposite.  You’ll actually be looking for reasons to call her and chat about your wedding.  They do a great job putting all kinds of arrangements together and I stopped by their place in Palestine a few days ago to get some shots.

Here are a few from a wedding we worked together at Elmwood Gardens.

And finally, here is their interview.  Enjoy.

How did you get started, how long have you been doing this?
The Boxwood Barn was started in 2004.  I majored in Horticulture at Texas A&M University with a specialization in floral design through the “Benz School of Floral Design“.  We both got our certification in Wilton Cake Decorating for when we work with flowers on cakes. From there my mom and I joined forces to start The Boxwood Barn. And yes, we do work in a converted barn that has boxwoods around the outside. I am the artsy one, and she is the organizational one.

What is your favorite part about your job?
I love experimenting with designs and working with my hands.  This is a family business so that is a plus!

What are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist?
Brides should notice if a florist seems knowledgeable of flowers.  Also, a florist should take thorough notes during a consultation, and really listen to the bride’s desires for her wedding.  Always ask to see photos!  Also, does the florist have solutions and answers to a bride’s problems and questions?

What are some arrangements that you don’t get requested often but you think look great for a wedding?
Topiaries!!!  We love topiaries!  They can be greens only or constructed of flowers in a bride’s color palette.

What is something unique to your service that you are extra proud of?
We try to add extra touches to our designs and not be cookie-cutter.  We love embellishments!

Anything else you wanna say?
Flowers are happy!  Our favorites are tulips and sweet peas, go figure.  They are not the easiest to work with.
You can’t beat working with a hardy stem like carnations or hydrangeas.

The Boxwood Barn
http://www.boxwoodbarnflorist.com/
(903)922-1832

Well day 2 of the blizzard of 2010 was an even bigger hit at my house. I woke up at 5:00 AM and went and bought some boots & snow gloves for the kids. All they had in stock were 3 large purple ones so that’s what we ended up with. :) Here are a few shots from our crazy fun day.

Homemade sled.

Poor Luke.  Basically every article of clothing we put on him was too big.

Say hello to me and my smoking hot wife.

Everyone is snuggled up in front of the TV now.

This morning I went to iTunes and downloaded 8 new TV shows with the word “snow” in the title and we are vegging out.

Saturday I’m heading to the NBA All Star Game in Dallas and then I’ll get back to wedding stuff come Monday.  I Promise.

Like most of you in East Texas we woke up today to a bit of snowfall.  The kids went nuts and we canceled school and declared it a “Snow Day”.  Here is a bit of our morning fun in PJs and mix-matched gloves.  Also, be sure and notice that even the death of winter could not keep Sara from wearing her tiara.