Wedding Wednesdays: Veil Porn

Le sigh. I wanted this veil for my wedding. Alas, I could not afford to spend $700 on a freaking veil. So I decided I'd make my own. I don't know why I didn't just look really hard and buy a reasonably priced one. I didn't get the veil done, so I had no veil for my wedding. Sniff, sniff. Now, whenever I have a friend get married, I tell them to make sure they wear a veil. After all, how many times in your life do you get to wear a veil??

For your viewing pleasure today, enjoy some veil porn. It's like real porn, but not at all. And way more wedding-y. : )

(Photos via Pinterest; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Life's a Dance

Hi there! I'm trying to find out what works best here on Not the Marrying Kind, and I'd really like your help. I've created a short survey in order to get some feedback on what goes on with my wee small blog. I have a lot of lurkers that visit, seemingly consistently, but are silent observers. I respect silence on blogs, but if you could please break your silence in a completely anonymous way and let me know what you think of some stuff around this, here stretch of the internet, that would be oh, so wonderful! You can access the survey here and it will be up until July 15th. I will probably remind you about this on a daily basis, so please don't get mad at me, k? (PS. A.P. told me that nobody would fill out my survey. Help me prove him, and all men, wrong by sticking it to him. Seriously. Go here.) And thank you to those that have already filled it out! Your feedback is very helpful!

This week has been busy. Between the 4th of July holiday and helping out with my dad and some friend wedding crap that went down, the week flew by. I skipped my guitar lesson yesterday, opting to make it up on Sunday instead. I hadn't practiced once. They want us to practice every day. The first week, I think I practiced three times because of my fingers and the pain, so I wanted to at least aim for the same. Instead, I've accomplished nothing. So, tomorrow I'm going to practice for a while and same on Saturday. Then when I go in on Sunday, I will feel better about the whole thing.

This week's wedding is a little different for Not the Marrying Kind. I don't think I've ever featured a wedding like it here before. I was a little worried it wasn't quite right for NTMK, since we don't have many male readers round these here parts, let alone gay ones. But as I've said before, marriage isn't about gay or straight or black or white or any other divisive category you can fit yourself in. Marriage is about love and commitment. And when you see this wedding, you will understand why I loved it so much that I bookmarked it to feature. Well I happened across it again and this time couldn't resist.

The wedding was shot by Noa of Feather Love Photography who shoots the most retro, ethereal, dreamy weddings. I love her. A long time ago, A.P. and I entered her wedding photography contest (and lost, but were mentioned in her post announcing the winner). Perhaps one day, when we're rich and famous for being average and lazy, I'll hire her to take pictures of us just cuz.

In the mean time, I give you Michael and Tim's beautiful, heartfelt wedding. The entire event took place at the ACE Hotel in Palm Springs (which is now on my list of places to travel to/check out). But the gorgeous scenery and beautifully done wedding is not why I posted this wedding. The reason I posted this wedding is because looking at the love between these two that Noa captured so beautifully makes my breath catch in my throat. Gorgeous!


Wasn't that amazing? There are many, many more breathtaking photos linked below. There were super romantic pictures of them almost kissing that I almost ended with, but I loved that picture of them hugging too much to skip it. And sometimes, a hug is better than a kiss. Especially when it's one as filled with love as that. Congrats again, Michael & Tim! And thanks to Noa for again creating beauty in the smallest of moments.

Can you guys believe it's the weekend already? All weeks should be four days! A.P. and I are taking our dog to the vet tonight. We're worried he might have seizures since he's had a couple of weird incidents in the past month. Other than that, we're deliciously without plans. Perhaps a trip to my grandmother's old house, which we wanted to do last weekend? Or perhaps a whole lotta nothin'? We do that a lot, huh? What are you guys up to this weekend?

In the mean time, here are your dance moves for the week:

One of my favorite new fashion sites, Lookbook.nu. Though I sometimes get tired of the fact that everyone is 20 and pin-thin, I still love the idea that people from all over can take cool self-portraits.

Loved Kate Moss's veil! Plus, I'm obligated to mention this famous wedding because A.P. is a big Kills fan.

I've been growing my eyebrows out for a while trying to rock fuller eyebrows (I think my eyebrows always look the same no matter what), but with these great tips, I think I might a better idea of how to achieve this look.

I've had this bookmarked for so long. It's political, so it's kind of outdated, but it's hilarious so it doesn't matter. Check out these signs from the Stewart/Colbert rally back in late October.

This converted farmhouse looks so cozy and inviting!

What to say to effectively end an argument with the man in your life.

I'm loving all the different "classy" jello shots I've seen floating around pinterest lately. This Martha Stewart article gives a beautiful overview, but the real deal is this blog right here. I especially want to try these and these (which are pretty and seem like a good first go recipe). Don't those look amazing?

Plus, here are some Walk Down Memory Lane posts from NTMK:

Comfort in a Relationship

Why I'm Not the Marrying Kind (this was back when I dropped f-bombs around here, which I rarely, if ever, do now, so...)

Perhaps the reality is just that I have a different kind of bride gene?

And don't forget the new Zazzle store!

(Dance Friday Photo via Resole America Blog; Michael & Tim's ACE Hotel Wedding Photos Via Feather Love Photography, featured at 100 Layer Cake)

Dance Away...

Photo by me!

A.P. and I are gearing up for our much needed vacation! We are leaving tomorrow for one week in the Smoky Mountains. We rented a cabin and we're taking (almost) all of the animals, which is pretty cool. I don't know about A.P., but I plan on watching lots of movies, reading lots of books, taking lots of walks, and making lots of things. Oh and one trip to Dollywood, because secretly I heart Dolly Parton. I plan on avoiding my phone, my computer and, well, the world in general. Our cabin is awesome and has a nice kitchen, so I also plan on making tons of yummy food. We leave tomorrow and we can't wait! I may or may not blog next week. I decided to give myself permission to do it if I want to, but I'm not going to pressure myself to get posts up or anything. So I may or may not be around. Whether I blog or not, I know for sure I won't be surfing the net that much, including Preez (gasp!), so I encourage you to email me great finds or links to your own great finds. I also encourage you to email me suggestions for the blog's latest feature! Now...on to the dance!

I'm bit time crushing on this invite. I love how it tells the story of their relationship. So sweet. And weirdly, I'm also loving the bookmark shape.

I'm also loving these hair accessories, which you could easily adapt for your wedding (if you're not doing the whole veil thing)! I especially love the blue and coral one!

Have I ever told you guys that I was Max from Where the Wild Things Are for Halloween the first year I was dating A.P.? I made my costume and even got compliments on it from a bunch of random people on the train! I still have it, too and am thinking about rocking it again this year since the movie is coming out soon. Anyway, because I heart that book so much, and because I am soooo looking forward to Spike Jonze's film version, how could I resist posting about this Where the Wild Things Are themed birthday? I never thought I'd say it, but I'm totally jealous of a one year old! I say, screw the kids...I want a Where the Wild Things Are themed birthday party!! Also if you haven't watched the trailer for the movie yet, click that link up there and watch it...the Arcade Fire (who I love so, so much) song is enough to give you chills.

Speaking of giving me chills, I'm big time digging this engagement session by the fabulous Duston Todd. I completely agree with him that knowing art makes you a better artist, and the same goes with writing. This one's by far my favorite:

Photo via Duston Todd

Vera Devera did a nice roundup of etsy finds under $50 that you could use in a wedding. Though not everyone is crafty, I feel like most people have crafty friends. That being said, don't you think you could ask said crafty friends to paint some naked peggies? I think so, too. Maybe even tell them that can be their wedding gift to you. After all, you'll have that cake topper forever!

I'm not planning on having bridesmaids, but if I was, I would soooo make this card for them:

Photo via Once Wed

It looks pretty easy to me, and I feel like even if your results weren't perfect, it would still be adorable. DIY instructions can be found at Once Wed.

Speaking of cute, easy to replicate ideas...I'm loving this escort card suitcase table that C. is for Charmed featured.

Photo via C. is for Charmed

Lately it seems as if I've been featuring a real wedding in my Friday dances, and this week will be no different. This week's wedding is a lovely, super eco-friendly one from Green Wedding Shoes. I'm down with any wedding where you get to be in a canoe in your wedding dress! (How is it that I'm a city person born and raised?) Check out some of the pictures below and go to Green Wedding Shoes to see the rest of this fabulous wedding shot by Sabine Scherer.

All photos via Green Wedding Shoes

Does anyone watch Everybody Loves Raymond? If so, did you ever see the episode where Marie takes up sculpture and makes an abstract sculpture that resembles a certain female body part? Okay, now look at the wedding cake from this wedding:

Photo via Jason Keefer

Now I love Jason Keefer, so this is in no way a reflection on his photography, nor is it a reflection on the wedding, because this was a beautiful wedding, but what in the hell was on that baker's mind when she made this cake? I have no idea what is, but I sure know what it looks like! Yummy, I guess? Lol...

Finally I just wanted you guys to go read The Broke-Ass Bride's post about healthcare reform. I've only ever gotten political once before on this blog, but I really don't see wanting healthcare reform and our government to catch up to the rest of the West and adopt a united healthcare policy as being political. Instead, I agree with the Broke-Ass Bride that healthcare is a human rights issue, and while I have not had the medical drama that she has had, I have had my own issues with healthcare. The last three years have seen me go without health insurance as I put myself through school. I couldn't afford my school's health insurance policy, and afford to you know, live. I chose to live, albeit carefully, for the past three years. Then this year, I hurt my knee. I'm lucky enough to have friends who are doctors and one who actually helped me, but my knee is still messed up and I can't wait for my health insurance to kick in so I can get it treated properly. My job, ironically, has me running up and down stairs all day long and on my feet. I'm trying to be a productive member of society and do the thing I love and am good at, and I can't tell you how frustrating it is to know that I have friends like the Half-breed Swede who live in other countries that went to school just like me and never worried about getting sick. If you don't agree with me, I'm sure you have your reasons, but remember there are faces behind this debate, and they're not of people trying to take advantage of the system. And one day...your face could be one of them. Really, though, I urge you to really listen to the debate, no matter which side you stand on, and think about how you would feel if you lost your job and had to choose to pay the bills or see a doctor.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! I'll be chilling like a villain!

Friday, er, Saturday Dance!

photo by me!

So...here it is...the super belated Dance Friday post! There's so much to post!! This is why you don't take a blogcation!

First up is another Jeremy Lawson wedding. If you haven't yet figured out my intense love for Jeremy's photographs, take a hint! This is not the first Dance Friday he's been featured in! I know there are a lot of famous wedding photographers out there who get a lot of love, but I always come back to Jeremy. I like how he captures emotion, and it never seems like he's trying so damn hard to be arty. Anyway, the latest of his creations that I have fallen for is Ashley and Brian's wedding. They were married in Iowa, a state with which I have a special love affair, and even had part of their wedding shoot at the Field of Dreams! So cool! I'm so jealous! Haven't been there in ages! Check out some of the photos below, and for the rest, go to Jeremy's blog (because we all know my polaroids don't do his beautiful photos justice)!

photos via Jeremy Lawson Photography

The only thing missing from Ashley and Brian's wedding is perhaps the use of a some good vintage bicycles. They should have asked Kortney and Jason to borrow their bikes.

photo via Green Wedding Shoes

Okay, let's talk dresses for a moment. Do you guys read Chuckle's Blog? She was one of my first readers, and though her blog wasn't ever intended to be a wedding blog, it became that for a little while as she put the finishing details into planning her own wedding. Lately she's been posting pictures of the event, and while the whole affair looked very personalized and lovely, it was her beautiful vintage dress that caught my attention. Now for the part that'll make you hate her like hell...she only paid $75 for it!!! I know, I know. I'm jealous, too. Check it out:

photos via Chuckle's Blog

That's my dream...to find a cheap little vintage number that flatters my body and makes the other girls sigh both based on its wow factor and the fact that I got it at such a bargain. Don't get me wrong...I'll take expensive and sigh-worthy, too. I still don't know about veils though. I love birdcage veils and think they're so cute and chic if done right, but this girl's hairpiece made me rethink my birdcage veil aspirations. Perhaps I'll trade in a birdcage veil for a bird in nest hairpiece? If so, I'll have only Vintage Glam to thank!

Now for the reception. My big thing in wedding planning more than anything else are the tiny details that really personalize the wedding. These are my recent favorites. First up are the swizzle sticks from A Field Journal. How cute would your initials be on these pretty little sticks? You could also adapt this pattern into cute name cards!

photo via A Field Journal

My other favorite is from Parcel Post who is subbing in for Brooklyn Bride. She posted on artsy indie finds and included this simple string of yarn with hearts paperclipped to it. How cute! It's so simple and inexpensive and it's so cute. You could even glam it up a bit with pretty craft paper and pretty gold paperclips. A great idea for escort cards, too! Such a simple thing with so many possibilities.

photo via Brooklyn Bride

Finally, this video which I found over at A Cup of Jo is the most adorable thing ever. Check it out, and most of all, enjoy the rest of the weekend! Make sure to come back next week, I've got great invites from Felix and Liz, and some other cute stuff saved up!

Just Once Throughout the Day

I told a coworker today that just one day out of my life, I would like to get through the day without thinking that I'm fucking retarded. This morning at work I walked all the way downstairs to make copies and completely forgot my lunch upstairs. Okay. So I go back upstairs, grab my Smart Ones (which I'm hoping will make my big ass - see photo above - a little bit smaller, and which are also not nearly as delicious as Lean Cuisines) and my banana, only to get back downstairs and realize that bananas don't go into refrigerators. Yeah...see? Fucking retarded. Then later, when it was actually time for lunch, I wandered around my desk looking through all my drawers looking for my banana, which I later realized I accidentally left downstairs after all. Geesh. Now this isn't a slam on the mentally disabled, or those with special needs, it's just a slam on my own stupidity and how sometimes my big dumb ass acts like I'm lacking brain cells.

Speaking of fucking retarded...as much as I love Vintage Glam Weddings (and I really do love them A LOT), I can't get behind her lace headband enthusiasm. To each their own, but you can pretty much guarantee that if I attended a wedding where the bride wore a headband like that, I would sit in the back and make snide (and I mean snide) remarks. Come on...does anyone really want to look like they could also do a Jane Fonda workout tape in their wedding dress? Ick. Ick. Ick.

by Dani Picoral via Casando Ideias via Vintage Glam Blog

Now here's a trend can get behind...dresses that are dainty, and beautiful, and look one of a kind. I don't tend to like expensive, super fancy dresses. I much prefer vintage, one of a kind dresses. But if you have to go the store bought, fancy route, these dresses from Green Wedding Shoes are pretty cute!

by Stephanie Williams via Green Wedding Shoes

If you live in Southern California, check out Stephanie Williams! Her photography is pretty great!