DIY Decorations

Time to get a lot of my DIY decorations done now since I have a nice break from work!

I did some after holiday shopping with my mom and sister at Michael's and purchased these baskets for 1.00 each! Decided to re-purpose them and make them look shabby chic for the wedding.  The crackle effect is super easy to do!  See the steps and final product below!

Step 1. Spray paint the baskets black.

Step 2. Cover them in a thin layer of glue. 

3. Final coat with white acrylic paint.
When it dries the final product creates the vintage crackle effect.

Save the Date Holiday Card

So we shared some of our engagement photos with you and now it is time to share with you what we did for our Save the Date Holiday Card.

We were so pleased with our engagement photos from Ken Kienow Photography that naturally we wanted to share the photos with our friends and families.  The holidays are just around the corner and our timeline says that we are supposed to send our save the dates this month!  So naturally we thought, maybe we should share our Holiday Cheer and our happy news for next year.

We ordered our Save the Date Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints.  After perusing the pre set cards we found a format that we loved and they turned out so amazing!  I added a couple of DIY touches such as our personalized return address labels and the "special delivery" stamp for the front.

Until our next wedding planning adventure!

Genie Kimchee

 Back of the Card

 Detail of our Save the Date & Holiday Message

 Close up of the back of the card

Close up of the front of the card

Save the Dates

Since our wedding is in June we decided to do a save the date and holiday combo card. We used the beautiful photos from our engagement session and ordered holiday cards from www.tinyprints.com.

Inside deal of the day was a 20% discount for Costco Members and a discount on 4 Day shipping costs.

I think Larry and I are going to frame our save the date as a keep sake. To save time and money we decided to print our own labels. I also did a personal touch by using a cute "special delivery" stamp to make it more handmade.

Next is figuring out what to do about our invitations. I think we both decided to make them a little more formal then our original idea. More to come!

Love,

Genie Kimchee

WE FOUND AN EWOK!

Can you spot something odd in this picture?

During our engagement session, Ken told us a story about this dad who photoshopped an ewok into his son's photo, to convince him they were real!  So naturally we asked him to do the same!

Engagement Photos!

We are so excited to share our engagement photos with you!  First I would like to tell a story about how we know our photographer Ken Kienow.

When Larry and I first moved in together in San Luis Obispo, I was at Cal Poly starting my Masters, and Larry was touring with the band and completing his online program at UMass.  Ken, Courtney and Cameron lived in the same 6 unit complex we did.

Our complex was pretty awesome, aside from landlord issues....there was a driveway that separated the complex with three units on one side and three units on the other side.  The driveway led to a parking lot where Patches, Cameron, and Ken spent a lot of time playing.  It was more like a fortress then a parking lot...a place where you could sit and read outside, run around and just relax.  Did I mention it was walking distance to downtown SLO and a quick ride on my bike to Cal Poly.

We got to know the Kienow's and found out that Ken was a photographer, naturally when we first got engaged we started thinking of all the people in our lives that we love and could help us with this daunting task of planning a wedding!

So we contacted Ken and are so happy to share his beautiful photos with you!

Thank you to Ken Kienow for all of your beautiful work. Larry and I could not be happier!  Wish I could post all of your breath taking photos!

Engagement Shoot!

AHH!!!  We had our engagement photos taken this past Saturday.  It was a little chilly but so much fun!  We will get our photos from Ken in about 2 weeks!

CANNOT WAIT!  I'm definitely an instant gratification person and am doing my best to be patient.  Let's just say that I was always the kid that would shake her Christmas presents.  Photos to come soon!

Planning a Wedding!

So when I need inspiration...I put on this veil and get busy on the computer!  My beautiful soon to be sister in law Jean is letting me borrow her veil for the wedding.

At first I didn't know if I even wanted a veil; but I think it definitely makes you feel like a bride when you're wearing one.

On my agenda for wedding planning, outfits for our engagement photos!  Larry and I will be getting our engagement pictures taken next week!  So excited and love Ken our photographer!  Talk to you soon!  Love, Genie Kimchee

Bridesmaid Dresses!

So I went back and forth about what I wanted my beautiful bridesmaids to wear.  First I suggested that they all just pick a dress that works for them and all it had to be was dark blue, but dresses are expensive.  I would never ask my bridesmaids to pay for a $200.00 dress.

The other day Larry and I were shopping at Nordstrom Rack.  For those of us working class gals and guys, Nordstrom Rack is where "we" can afford to shop and find some great name brand clothes.  This is one of our favorite stores to stop on our drive home from Los Angeles.  Anyways, I was casually browsing the dress department when I saw this cute strapless deep blue number.  It was formal enough, yet appropriate for an outdoor wedding.  And then I saw another one...and then another one!  I was giddy like a kid in a candy store.

I was able to secure enough sizes for all of my bridesmaids and the best part is....drum roll please....

They were only $39.95!  Originally $159.00 and probably discontinued or something.

I did have to call a couple of other Nordstrom Rack stores in California, Arizona and Texas to get a couple of other sizes, but I think it was worth it!

For $39.95 I think the girls can get their dresses altered and add some great accessories to make them uniquely theirs. So excited for this bargain find!

Rings, bridesmaid dresses and suits oh my!

Lately Larry and I have been on the hunt for wedding bands.  Although trying on rings and going to various jewelry stores has been this girls dream, the reality of it is that there are just too many choices!  I love my ring, especially because it is a family heirloom.  The diamond, setting and all were his mothers.  However, lately we have been toying with the idea of getting a new wedding set.  The only reason why I would want to change my existing engagement ring is due to the fact that the prongs on my solitaire setting keep getting loose.  Causing the diamond to spin in the setting and causing an immense amount of anxiety for this bride to be.

I love my ring and I cannot say that enough.  The last time I got the prongs tightened (which people should do on a regular basis) has probably been a good 3-4 months ago.  I have not had any problems yet; which makes me think that I really only need a new wedding band.

Larry has definitely narrowed down what he wants in a wedding band.  6 mm width, two toned band with white and yellow gold and milligrain detail in the band.

Larry and I have both decided to let our wedding parties chose their dresses and suits.  Basically all of the bridesmaids will have a dress that fits their body and their comfort level all they have to be is close to a dark blue color.  For the groomsemen, Larry just wants them in grey suits and we'll have them all wear the same blue ties and maybe the same color vests.  JUST REMEMBER KISS (Keep It Sweet and Simple!)  I'm going to try to live by this motto for the rest of the wedding planning process.

8.5 Months to go!  Woohoo!

Ta Ta for now!

Genie KimChee

We have an Officiant!

Last week Larry discoverd that our "family" chiropractor Dr. Bobby Maybee is also an ordained minister!  He is our "family" chiropractor because my Mom, Dad, Larry and I all see Dr. Maybee for some bone crunching healing.

I could not think of anyone better to be our officient then Bobby.  He is a very calm, cool and collected person.  Bobby can definitely capture the attention of an audience, while poetically and ellequently speaking to peoples thoughts, feelings and emotions.  All great qualities to have when you are a chiropractor.

I am getting more and more excited every day!  Everything is coming together nicely...

love,

Genie KimChee

9 Months to go!

No no no...we're not talking babies here...we're talking weddings!  Someday there will be a post like this in the near future.

Yes I am posting twice in one day, because I am just so excited about our wedding!  Before you know it...it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas and then we will only have 6 months left to go...

Better get started on some of the little details that are the most time consuming...

Managing Everyone

It seems as though everyone wants to be involved with the wedding planning!  Which is so great and so exciting; however, sometimes managing everyones personal thoughts and ideas of what they want in a wedding can be difficult.  

I am learning what I can and can't accomplish by myself.  In order to keep my sanity I have decided to delegate responsibilities to my friends and family members in hopes to alleviate some of the stress of planning the wedding.  Not only does including my friends and family in the process make others feel special and more a part of the big day, it will also help make my wedding day more memorable.

Something super important to remember or something I like to remind myself is:

It is our special day, if there is something specific that we want, then go for it.  If it is something that can be left out then leave it out...nobody will miss it if they don't know about it!

ALSO!  Only let people in on a need to know basis.  The best way to alleviate stress is by saying, "oh it's going to be great and don't worry about it"  especially when my mom's asks once a week, "has the caterer contacted you about how much he is going to charge".  No offense mom, but I know you're concerned about how much everything costs; but we've got it under control!  I am fully capable of looking at my budget.

                                              

Wedding Nightmare #2

So I had another wedding nightmare last night!  Ugh, I hope this doesn't become a regular thing.  The dream pretty much ended with me crying and us without a wedding.  The details are a little blury, but alas it was only a dream!

However, I am much more happy to report that I went to my friend Erin Morris's wedding aka Mrs. Erin Free!  It was so beautiful and she took so much time to put everything together.  She has been collecting and saving her decorations since they got engaged last fall! 

• TIP:  If your engagement is longer and you have time to shop around., finding your wedding decorations when they are on sale can help you save on costs in the long run!
• We have been going to flee markets and garage sales finding some antique china, as well as vases and little personal items.

Erin's wedding theme was autumn leaves and took place on the groom's family property in Erie, Pennsylvania.  They live on this gorgeous peice of land a perfect venue for fresh stalks of corn, sunflowers, pumkins and maple syrup! 

This weekend we will be attending yet another wedding!  I am so excited for Damon and Andrea and will post some Tips and Tricks that I learn from their wedding.

Ta Ta for now!  Genie Kimchee

Fortune Cookies and Chopsticks

So last night I had a hard time falling asleep.  I kept thinking about getting personalized chopsticks that say G&L to give out as wedding favors...and then having gourmet fortune cookies on the tables for guests to eat and enjoy.  What next chinese takout boxes so people can take home leftovers? 

Silly ideas....

and of course I googled "fortune cookies in bulk" and found this site:

http://www.specialfortunecookies.com/wholesale.htm

Can anyone tell me what is spelled wrong on one of the tabs?

Pinterest!

Have you heard of Pinterest?!!

It is my new all time favorite website and past time.  Pinterest.com allows crafty creative people like you and me pin inspiration onto different boards (they also have an app for iphone).  For example, I have a wedding board where I pin and post pictures of things that I want to include in my wedding.

I also have a craft board where I pin up ideas for different projects.  I highly recommend it if you like to do projects, plan parties, remodel your home, crafts, etc...

My first wedding nightmare!

Last night I had my first wedding nightmare!  Our wedding is a good 300+ days away, but I think I'm stressing out because of all the things that could happen between now and then .  Larry and I have been discussing moving to Santa Barbara, CA so that I can be closer to work.

Moving an hour south of where we live is difficult.  Both of us love where we live and love our condo and friends, but my commute is becoming more and more difficult for me to handle.  It takes me almost 2 hours to get from my house to my office taking the commuter bus (drive time, bus transfer, etc).

In my dream it was the night before the wedding and I realized that I forgot to buy new shoes for the wedding and that I had no shoes.  On top of it, I forgot to get my dress cleaned and hemmed for the big day.  I woke up relieved that it was just a dream...

Instead of worrying about the dream I decided to revamp our blog!  I created the new title in Adobe Illustrator, In Design and Photoshop.  I wonder if I should add some more paper airplanes below the big one to fill in the empty space...or put some stick figures of Larry, Me, Patches and Lucy.

Wedding Dress!!

I purchased my wedding dress!!  Of course I'm not going to post pictures of it...that would just be silly!

However, if you are interested in helping a good cause go to http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/ and you can purchase your wedding gown from their bridal fair and all the proceds go to making memories come true for women with terminal breast cancer!

My mom and I took the metro into Washington D.C. and perused the Brides Against Breast Cancer D.C. bridal show a month ago.  It was so much fun looking through the dresses and trying them on.  After trying on about 8 or so dresses I was about to give up and go home empty handed, but I was determined to find "the one".  So I did one last sweep of the racks in the ballroom and found a dress that I didn't see before. 

I grabbed the dress and tried it on...

When my mom finished zipping and buttoning up the back my face lit up!  I couldn't help but have a huge grin from ear to ear.  It fit perfectly no alterations needed, maybe just to be steamed and hemmed for the wedding.  It is absolutely perfect for me, and I hope Larry likes it!  Then again, Larry says that he'll love it because I'm wearing it!

It is not the dress that defines the beauty of the bride...it is the bride that defines the beauty of the dress!

Let the countdown commence!

One year from today we will be getting married!  We are so excited and cannot wait to spend our fun filled day with our closest friends and family.

Feel free to check out the start of our wedding website....it's still in progress.

Our Wedding Website
Password: June 30

Love the Kimchee's

HAPPY Graduation to MR. LARRY KIM!

Our proud graduate!

Fun trip to NYC and Amherst, MA
This past weekend we traveled to NYC with Larry's dad in tow to celebrate Larry's Graduation.

It was a fun filled road trip from NYC to Amherst with 4 adults (Larry, Genie, Mr. Kim, Jean and Peter) and Three year old Sam.

Larry is graduating with his Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Management.  Larry is graduating with honors!!!  This is a big milestone in the Kimchee family and we hope to see some more great achievements in the future!

Flying Caballos Ranch

So it's official we chose our wedding venue!  From the moment we saw Flying Caballos Ranch, we fell in love with this gorgeous 100 year old farmhouse.

Nestled in San Luis Obispo's Edna Valley, this yellow farmhouse was created by swedish dairy farmers.  The new owners of the property have completely updated the amenities while maintaining the integrity and character of the farmhouse.

Side View of the House

In some of the pictures from other weddings here, the yellow is very vibrant.  I'm hoping our Photographer can capture the character of the house in his/her pictures.  I was thinking of wine barrels out on this side for cocktail hour and some fun games for the kids to play with.

To the right of the house (Backyard)

In the distance is a white fence...one of our options is to have the ceremony in the field and the reception in the backyard.

Better  View of the Backyard (Reception Area)

So we have a lot of space to work with in the backyard, not to mention a large fire pit in the far corner of the yard.  Imagine long tables...

The Field (Ceremony)

These are the gates that open up to the field where we will most likely be having the ceremony.  We're thinking of lining the aisle with lemons to guide the guests and guide the bride down the aisle.  

The Water Tower

This is the water tower that you can see from a distance.  We have an option of renting this for one night as our honeymoon suite.  It's pretty cute!  If anything I would like to get some photos taken here.

Hope you enjoyed the quick glimpse of our wedding!  See you in June of 2012!

I have a new craft obsession! STUFFIES!

Cute Gnome Stuffie!

Bear Stuffies! 

My first attempt at making a
Penguin Stuffie

I'm trying to figure out what kind of fabric to use for my stuffies.  I thought that it would be best to use a harder more durable fabric...but I'm not a fan of felt.  I'm wondering if fleece will be a better option.  The Bear Stuffie example looks more like sock material, which could be attributed to the traditional sock monkey.  Time to break out some of those old socks!  Ideally I would like to reuse our old clothes to make my stuffies, making it more environmentally friendly.  We'll see how it goes.