Pop Quiz

A PhD student recently contacted me about inviting my readers to participate in a survey for engaged couples.  Mind you, I know this is a little unusual, but I took the survey myself and found it to be quite enlightening/provocative/definitely worth my time.  It is full of important questions we should all be asking ourselves and our partners as we prepare to be married.

Please contact Cristina directly if you’d like to participate.  She introduces the project below:

Engaged volunteers needed!

I am looking for volunteers for a study of attitudes towards marriage and parenthood among engaged couples.  The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you.

You can:

-Help a doctoral candidate;

-Increase the pool of scientific knowledge;

-Support research on marriage and families; and

-Spend some time thinking about your relationship!

I am working with Dr. Charlotte J. Patterson, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia.  This study has been approved by the University of Virginia Institutional Review Board #2009025800.

If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at survey.couples@gmail.com.  I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.

Thanks!

Cristina Reitz-Krueger

Doctoral Student

University of Virginia

(434) 243-8558

survey.couples@gmail.com

Seasons

I was a little late getting the Fall 2009 Martha Stewart Weddings, but I am so in love!

As a June bride, I find wedding magazines a little tricky because most the the issues I will read in preparation for my big day feature seasons I am not getting married in.  I guess the key is to take the ideas and images I’m drooling over and reinterpret them into my own summer-y versions.  I’m already looking into various craft punches to recreate the cupcake picks above, and I am determined to use a version of that lovely gold centerpiece (perhaps in a different color) somewhere in my wedding decor.

But alas, I’m not sure how to work in acorns.  How adorable are these?!  Detailed instructions to make your own are here.

| All images from Martha Stewart Weddings |

Engagement Photos

Last week, on a perfect fall day, my beloved and I got all dolled up and hit the historic streets of Boston for our engagement photos.  The lovely Lisa Rigby calmed our nerves and made the afternoon fun and natural.  I still can’t believe the results.  See more on Lisa’s blog – which totally made me blush!

Save the Dates revealed!

Despite my lackluster photography, I am thrilled to show off our handmade save-the-dates!

The cards – which have already been mistaken as store bought! – were a total collaboration.  We sat in front of the computer for a couple hours before getting them just right.  The project also forced us to pin down our final color scheme – dusty blue, yellow, and gray.  (I would absolutely recommend stationary design as an essential exercise for all couples about to tie the knot.)  And! — When all was said and done, the pre-postage cards/envelopes came in at only 60 cents a piece!

Compare our file to our inspiration below…

Save the Date Inspiration

I found this coaster online ages ago and tucked the image away in one of my many “inspiration folders.” Little did I know that it would resurface months later to inspire our save-the-dates!

Our handmade masterpieces were mailed last Thursday morning.  I’ll post the finished product here later this week.

Save the Date Sneak Preview

The Marriage Divide

Just had this Washington Post article passed along to me, and it really resonated with how I feel.  The small town Pennsylvania side of me says, “28… a little late, but you can get back on track.”  The Boston side of me sometimes feels like a child bride!

The Marriage Divide by Monica Hesse

How do you feel?  Too young?  Too old?  Just right?

Wedding Budget Update

Yikes, I just spent a dangerous amount of time in Paper Source buying Save-the-Date supplies.  I was reminded I need to update my budget.  My most recent wedding expenses are:

My wedding dress!  It will not be revealed here just yet, but I am in love with it and its amazing price tag!: $350 (before alterations)

Save-the-Date supplies: $35 (will be posting the finished product once they’ve been delivered)

Save-the-Date postage: $28 (why are stamps so expensive?)

Premature purchase of program booklet covers: $38 (they were on sale!)

So, I’m tacking on $451!

Bridesmaid Dress Cards

Just spotted these homemade dress cards over at The Wedding Chicks.  I have a bridal party of one (and she’s going to be picking her own fabulous frock), otherwise I would totally attempt something sweet and crafty like this!

Follow the  fabulous bride behind these lovely cards at: Blue Eye Brown Eye.

Rainy Day Wedding

Just found this inspiration board I made ages ago for the Style Circle in the depths of my wedding folder.  Rain – and stylish umbrellas – can be beautiful!

| Images clockwise from top left: mint; Bella Umbrella; Framer’s Almanac; Weddings by Stephanie; Squeaky Peach; Thomas Carrage |