DIY Wedding Challenge No. 1: The Invitation

I don't know why someone didn't slap me when I decided I was going to create my own invitation. Kelly and I did some shopping around and found that for 100 invites, we would likely end up paying between $600 - $800 for an invitation that we (I) didn't LOVE. So, after much research, I decided to go with envelopes.com and custom order our stationery. I then worried about the quality of running our cardstock through an office printer, but for the price, I think they look damn good! We won't factor the time and energy that Kelly and I, my mama, sister Madeline, and stepmom Donna put into creating these. I will say this, if you received an invitation to our wedding, know you are loved. It was difficult for me to part with these handmade creations, and I deeply appreciate the help of my generous parents, lovely sister, and darling fiance.

I was inspired by an invitation I saw on Etsy, of course, via Pinterest. I played with several fonts and sizes before choosing "our" design. Kelly, my family, and co-workers had to preview many samples before we made our final selection. From there, we decided to back our invitation with burlap to capture the rustic, casual feel of our big day! We included a direction card and an RSVP card (also back with burlap) and tied the whole bundle with twine. A quick trip to Michael's, a large roll of burlap, several printing sessions later, and a week for my calligraphy skills to be exercised ... Voila! We mailed out only a week behind the schedule I had set for us. 

Millen Bridal Luncheon

One of my registry items :)

Millen Baptist Church Cookbook

Cupcakes by Southern Confections, aka my friend Alicia

I was very honored to receive a bridal luncheon from my stepmom, Donna Fennell-Reeves, and my aunt, Millie Reeves, on Saturday, July 7. Several of my aunts and cousins were present, and I was delighted to spend time with them. My aunt prepared several wonderful dishes with the help of my stepmom, aunt Amalie, and family friend, Sophia Kent. My friend Alicia Smith of Washington, Georgia, made margarita cupcakes, lemon cupcakes, and chocolate with buttercream frosting cupcakes for the occasion. More of her treats can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Confections/451793608165727. My sister, Mary Kate, came up with creative party games (usually a source of stress for me), but these were very unique and fun! We made wedding shoes from cupcakes, cookie, and icing. The "Left Right" gift game, however, was a bit more tedious! Kelly and I received some beautiful gifts for our home, and I am very thankful to everyone who has shared this life event with us thus far.

Lots of deliciousness!

The winning shoe!

Adriana

me, sister Mary Kate, sister McKenzie, sister Madeline, mother Liz

shake it, sassy Mae!

Aunt Millie, Stepmom Donna, sister Mary Kate, me, sister Madeline 

Long Overdue Update!

So this post will be short and sweet, then I'll hopefully have time to blog about my first bridal shower, complete with beautiful pictures! Then comes the house blog, and next week--wedding invitations made by hand. I contemplated ranting a bit about the never-ending cycle that is our life dealing with "the other parent," but I choose to hold off on that for now. Way more exciting things are happening!

My family's new venture, Hootie's Corn Maze, will be open for business in September, just after the wedding. We are all so excited about that. If you are near Jenkins County (Millen, GA), check it out.

Also, my uncle, Stone Williamson, recently had two major life events occur: a wedding and a baby all in two weeks! I am so happy for him, Sandra, Michelle, and baby Scarlett. She is just a doll! I will have to upload pictures.

We have had two weeks with Adriana this summer. We are still struggling with potty training (wipe! wipe! wipe! & wash your hands!), but you cannot parent from an island, which is how it feels for us. Children must have consistency and stability. But, hedging on a rant, I will stop there. We were glad to have her for the extra time allotted, and Maebrynn misses her very much. Now, on to the pretty stuff....