Choosing Our Wedding Colors and Theme

I am on the wedding kick and really wanted to document planning my wedding, so I can look back on the adventure and hope that it helps my friends out when they plan their wedding.

I read wedding blogs, forums and inspiration sites on a daily basis, and all of them basically state that I need a wedding theme to have some sort of cohesiveness in my big day.  I thought about certain aspects that I wanted and tried to come up with a theme, but it wasn't until I met with my florist that I really picked out our wedding theme.

Let me back track just a bit.  Both the fiance and I went to the University of Nevada, Reno.  Go Pack!  When it came to deciding our wedding colors, I searched pinterest for wedding color inspiration.  Wow, major overload.  I narrowed it down to my favorites: gray and pink or navy (and the guys would wear black suits).  I asked FH (future husband) which he liked.  He liked them both, but thought black suits would get hot having the ceremony outside in August where daily temperatures could easily reach the high 90s.  Ok he had a point.  We compromised with navy and gray.  But those are our college colors and since the FH and I are such big fans, we didn't want to get grief for it.  After some thinking, we didn't care what people thought, it is our wedding.  So navy and gray/silver it was.

Next was my meeting with the florist.  I went by myself since the FH wasn't picky on flowers and said I could choose what I wanted.  It was overwhelming and I wasn't prepared enough.  I had pinned tons of photos and I knew I wanted peonies, lilies and roses.  But alas, peonies are spring flowers and cost a fortune to get for the summer months.  I was super bummed.  We worked through ideas and I had a vision set since peonies wouldn't work.  I chose hydrangeas (in place of peonies), but after coming home that night and researching what my florist said, being that they wilt fast out of water, I knew I had to change it.  And did I mention getting blue flowers is harder than it looks.

Basically I will have pinks and whites in my bouquet with silver and blue ribbon and lots of crystals.  My bridesmaids will have dyed blue roses (see got some in there) with other flowers in pinks and whites.  Groomsmen will have dyed blue roses and others will have white flowers.  Trying not to give too much away since I want some surprise.

But after picking out flowers, I came to realize I love elegance and sparkle, but with simple overtones.  So there you have it.  My wedding will have simple elegance with sparkle.  So excited for everything to come together.

Yes to the Dress

On March 9th, I went wedding dress shopping with three of my bridesmaids, my mother, my future mother-in-law and two amazing friends.  We went to a local shop, Swoon.  I have been dreaming about this day forever...since I was a little girl.  This was definitely been one of the best moments of planning a wedding.

Swoon was having a sample sale, and I couldn't pass it up.  I came in with an open mind, though I had ideas of what I would like to try on.  I have watched my fair share of Say Yes To The Dress, and knew that I should be open minded because I may not know what looks best on my body.  I along with my consultant picked out 6 dresses.  The first was gorgeous and the most beautiful top, but the bottom was way too big to dance in, walk down the aisle in, or do anything in, well at least for me.  The second dress was lace and beautiful.  I loved it, other than it need to have alterations for a more dramatic sweetheart neckline.  The third dress was all of the things I wanted in a dress, but simple.  Ok, let's "jack me up".  That did it.  I cried.  I told myself if I cried I knew it had to be the one, but I still wanted to try more dresses on.  The forth dress was very similar to the third dress just a different bottom which was too plain jane for me.  The fifth dress was a blush color with a line down the center of it.  Though it was beautiful and I could have gotten it in white or ivory, it was not me.  The sixth dress was one the consultant picked out and it just wasn't me.

I went back to the third dress, tried it on again, and added a sash and necklace.  Wow.  My future father-in-law told me I looked stunning in it.  He only saw a picture for a brief second.  I cried once again and knew this was my dress.  Now my mom wanted me to try on veils which I did, but didn't think I wanted one.  Then I tried on three different ones and I loved them.  Like it completes the look.  I did try on a floor length one with a train, and I hated it.  The consultant asked me to describe myself in it, in one word.  I came up with virginal.  The look on my mothers and mother-in-laws face was priceless.  I explained that I look like a 16 year old bride from the olden days and it just wasn't me.  I didn't buy a veil yet, but plan to.

My mom and dad bought me my dress and all of my accessories.  So blessed.  I can't show you my dress because my fiance checks on here every so often.

Asking My Maids

So during my first and only wedding dress shopping trip, I asked three of my potential bridesmaids if they would be a part of my wedding party.  I have pinned tons of wedding ideas, so I decided to use one of the pins I found as part of my asking.  Now I am not the best DIY person, though I am trying to be more into it for my wedding.

I went to Michaels and bought wooden boxes, bunches of bridal stickers, glow rings, tissue paper and pens.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

What you can't see is the sides where I added my wedding date and my fiance's and my names.  Here is a picture of the Maid of Honors box up close (get your mind out of the gutter).

I am happy to report that all four of my girls have said yes!

Picking My Venue

So I moved pretty quickly when it came to starting my wedding planning.  I had been going to bridal faires and asking/helping my friend Stacey with her wedding plans, so I had already obtained a ton of information from the bridal faires.  I got ideas on photographers, djs, cake, flowers, etc.  I had already been secretly looking at wedding venues in hopes of getting engaged.

We decided that we wanted to get married in August, yes as in this year.  The first weekend in my opinion was out since I turn 30 on August 2nd and I didn't want my wedding the day after.  Not sure how I will take turning 30.  So we decided the 10th, 17th or 24th would work.  After thinking and checking around at venues, we picked the 17th.  Plus it seems to have some luck as my friend will be married for 11 years on that day and Rory's parents 41st anniversary is two days later.  So I will become the future Mrs. Butler on August 17, 2013.

So it came as no surprise right after we got engaged that we finalized the places I thought were ideal for our wedding.  We went to David Walley's Hot Springs.  Now I have always loved this place, but in recent years they have changed owners and it doesn't seem like it was kept up to the standards I had seen before.  The sidewalks outside the gazebo where the reception would be held were torn up. This would be an issue for myself who would be walking in heels, as well as my bridesmaids and any older guest, heck even younger guests.  I loved the gazebo, but it was really hot.  Ok, they can open all the windows, awesome, but only 75 or less guests could sit inside and the rest outside of the gazebo.  Ugh, I didn't like that at all.  The bar area and buffet area were great though.  And even taking chairs out and moving things around after dinner for the dance floor didn't bother me.  This venue has hotel rooms (time shares), but they were already pretty booked for our wedding weekend, and only the groom and I could stay there.  So basically after all we heard, we decided this wasn't our venue.  Though the views are breath taking.

I inquired about Thunder Canyon Golf Course as I love this golf course and the sites.  I have spent more time looking at venues then I should have.  But Thunder Canyon was gorgeous, had a great staff and we even have a friend who works there during the summers as a cart girl.  I inquired if they had any of our dates before we picked our date and they had August 24th.  Score, but another couple was looking that Wednesday and we weren't scheduled to look at it til Friday.  Long story short, they booked the 24th that Thursday.  We still looked at the venue thinking maybe we could pick a Friday instead.

Now the actual venue....Genoa Lakes Golf Club and Resort.  I love love love this venue, and so does the fiance.  Right at the entrance is a beautiful waterfall area to take pictures.  Breath taking and it is where my Aunt took her photos many years ago.  We decided we loved the Lakes Course side more.  We will be getting married outside looking at Jobe's Peak.

After the ceremony, we will have our reception inside the Supper Club.  So pretty.

 

Pictures don't even do it justice.  I can't wait to show you more as the flowers bloom and everything is planned.

I AM ENGAGED!

So I haven't posted in a long time as I GOT ENGAGED!  And it seems like everything wedding has consumed me, and I love it.  Now don't get me wrong, I do miss reading, my daily celeb gossip and trying out new recipes, but this is what I have been waiting for.  I have dreamed about getting married since I was a little girl, and now it all becomes a reality.

I am definitely a Type A personality, so it comes to no surprise that I have a lot of the details planned out before even getting engaged.  I may have created a pinterest board for my future wedding.  Don't judge.  But seriously, I love following bridal blogs, forums and anything pinterest wedding related.

I am so excited about the next several months of planning because we are getting married this August.  I don't think I could have waited and planned for over a year.  I am just too excited for the marriage and what comes after that....BABIES!

So here is my proposal story.

On Wednesday March 6, 2013, it was like any other day.  We went to work and had a Nevada Wolf Pack basketball game that evening.  The last home game of the season.  Rory and I did not drive together, as he had a haircut and other errands before going to the game.  Little did I know, when Rory got to the game, he had shown a picture of the engagement ring to his parents, surprising them.  I arrived to the game just as it had started, not knowing anything that just had happened.  The Pack lost the game and it was a horrible ending to a not so great season.

We drove home, seperately, and I got caught at several lights, which ended up being ideal for Rory.  I got home and went about usual business...mostly playing with Walter.  After 15 minutes, I started to wonder where Rory was.  Walter and I looked around the house and didn't find him.  I went into the kitchen and saw the door to the garage was cracked open and the lights were off.  This was a bit alarming since we had a break in a few years back. 

I slowly opened the door to find Rory on one knee with a ring box open in the dark.  The only lighting was from the hallway behind me and the LED light shining on the ring.  I was surprised.  He said, "Danielle Kira Cook, will you marry me?"  The only thing I could say was, "Is this really happening?"  I was so stunned and excited that I almost forgot to answer him.  I said YES! 

It was surprising, romantic and perfect.  

And the ring...WOW! Take a look for yourself. 

Recipe: Roasted Banana Squash

One of my favorite side dishes for Meatloaf is Roasted Banana Squash, especially in the winter time. This recipe is pretty healthy depending on how much butter you use which you can substitute extra virgin olive oil.
This recipe is super easy. The hardest part is cutting the squash.
Course: Side Dish          Level: Easy
INGREDIENTS:

• banana squash
• 1/4 - 1/2 stick of butter (or couple swirls of EVOO)
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/8 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. If you are lazy like me, you can buy your banana squash cut into halves with the seeds already removed. Cut the outside layer of skin off of your squash. I find the best way is to cut your squash horizontally in half. Stand the squash on the side you just cut and slowly use a sharp knife to slice the skin off the back of the squash. Repeat until all skin is removed. Another trick is to pop your squash in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften the skin and you can cut the skin off with a knife or a peeler.
3. Cut banana squash into one inch chunks.
4. Place your squash into a glass pan.
5. Cut your butter into small chunks and place on top of squash. If you are using EVOO, drizzle a couple of swirls of EVOO over the banana squash.
6. Season your squash with your spices.
7. Place in oven and cook for 45 minutes to an hour. Squash will be slightly browned and fork tender.

 

Using the pre-cut banana squash

Note: I was too excited to eat, that I forgot to take a finished photo, but I know I will be making this again very soon, so I will upload one at that time.

Recipe: Meatloaf

Growing up my mom made the best meatloaf. Now I know what you are thinking...meatloaf can be so blah. I rarely eat meatloaf other than this recipe because it usually disappoints. But I promise, this is the best meatloaf.
Course: Entree          Level: Easy
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck (15 - 20% fat content) 
• 1/4 cup cornflake crumbs
• 1/4 yellow onion, diced
• 1 egg
• 2 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/8 tsp. garlic salt
• 1/8 tsp. onion salt 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line 9 x 13 inch pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
3. In a separate bowl, combine ground chuck, egg, diced onion, cornflake crumbs, 3/4 of one can tomato sauce and half of each spice: pepper, garlic salt and onion salt. 
4. Do not over mix as the meatloaf can get tough.
5. Shape mixture into a ball and place in the 9 x 13 inch pan. Push the center of the ball down and pat sides to make a uniform shape. 
6. Pour remaining 1 1/4 cans of tomato sauce on top of meatloaf.
7. Sprinkle remaining spices on the tomato sauce.
8. Cook for 1 hour. 

Ingredients

 

Mix ground chuck, egg, cornflake crumbs, onion, 3/4 can tomato sauce, half spices

Form into a ball, place in pan and push center down while patting edges of meatloaf.

Pour remaining tomato sauce and spices on top, bake, serve and enjoy!

Note: I used a smaller pan as I had other side dishes using the 9 x 13 inch pan. It is better to cook in a larger pan, so the juices don't build up around the meatloaf.