Mom and I ventured to the Bride’s World expo over the weekend. That place was a zoo. I didn’t talk to too many vendors — mostly snagged business cards and brochures to look at later. It was just too hectic to fight your way to talk to anyone there. I did find a lot of possibilities for DJs and photographers (two of the things that were up in the air).
The best part, though? THIS:
I felt a little bad because I thought it was frivolous. I had been trying to come up with a way to make our own “photo booth” on the cheap (e.g. Polaroid on a tripod), but I was struggling because I really didn’t have anyone who isn’t in the wedding party that could set it up and run it all. It probably would have been a big ol’ mess.
(via)
I just loved the idea of having FUN pictures of all my guests (in a guestbook-album with their note/signatures right next to it). I know that’s something I’ll enjoy looking back on in 10 or 20 years. Plus, the version we rented prints two strips: one for our guest book, and one for the guest to take as a souvenir!
Mom and I talked about it, and I think she had as much fun as I did taking our photos. The vendors wound up making us a good deal, so we went ahead and booked it. I’m super-giddy!
Now I just have to work on gathering a basket full of fun hats and props…!
(via Etsy)
A little-something I learned: don’t be afraid to haggle a little bit. By all means, DJs, photographers, florists, bakers, etc. all deserve to be fairly paid, but they will work with you on price. I found that if I asked, “Do you offer a discount for Friday evening weddings?” that many times they would give me a nice discount! It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask, as long as you do so respectfully!
This was my first Monday back to work since the week before Thanksgiving, I believe. (I had vacation time to burn before the end of 2011, so I’d taken every Monday off through the end of the year!) It felt weird to be back at my desk, but I also felt extra-productive today.
I had the best weekend … on Saturday I went to a bridal expo with my mom (more about that on Wedding Wednesday) and tried on a few gowns. I didn’t find “THE” gown, but I did see some very pretty ones.
Sunday I went to a new church and actually really liked it. (*Gasp* I know – ME – church!? Sorry if this makes me responsible for bringing on the end of the world in 2012. Heh.)
Is anyone else doing #JANphotoaday? I’ve been posting mine to Instagram/Twitter. I started on Day 5 but I’m thinking I’m going to backtrack and post the days that I missed. Here are some recent snapshots for that:
And yes, I am aware I look just like my mother. ;)
P.S. If you want to follow me on Instagram, my username is mandi224 and if you’re not following me on Twitter – well – where the heck have you been!? I’m @mandi there.
It’s no secret that my very favorite go-to sweater pattern is The Wonderful Wallaby. I think this is the fifth or so that I’ve knit. I used to teach a class on knitting this sweater too, so I feel like I know it inside and out. The best part? NO SEAMS.
This one is for Benny. He’s outgrown his first one, so it was time he got a new one. I’ve knit most of the body already — next is the sleeves and hood. I just love how fast this pattern goes!
What’s on YOUR needles this week?
(Knitting, crochet, needlepoint, sewing, or otherwise…)
1. Pork roast and sauerkrautfor New Years (it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch/German-thing)
2. Snuggling my pretty girl
3. First snow of 2012 … stuck in traffic waiting for a train.
4. Letterbox (Day 4 of #JANphotoaday)
5. Something I Wore – ModCloth dress with We Love Colors tights (Day 5 of #JANphotoaday)
6. New laptop for Proper Dog Media!
