Our Bags Are Packed, We're Ready to Go

Dear Blog Friends,

I have so much to update you on! From more invitation details to my friend Christa's fabulous wedding to the cute d.i.y projects that have been keeping me up late for the past month.

But for now, I must say goodbye for the next two weeks. Guests are on planes, wedding bands are nestled in new ring boxes and programs are in baskets. We are leaving for our wedding weekend tomorrow morning.

The past few days have been crazy and I've learned one very important thing. No matter how big the tux mishap is, how cute the cocktail flags are, how much the weather report keeps changing, in two days Mr. Bliss and I will be married. Starting a lifetime together and celebrating with our very dearest friends and family. How lucky we are.

xoxo,
Ms. Bliss


engagement photo by the fabulous Daria Bishop.

How Inviting!

While I have been BFF with the FedEx man for a few months now, there was an afternoon when he brought me a box that was more special than any of the others. A box that I quickly carried to a quiet place and opened with care. As I peeled away the layers of tissue and pulled out the heavy cardstock, it struck me that while most of planning is around a wedding, these special pieces of paper were here to remind me that what we are really doing is creating a marriage.

I could almost feel the pride in the strong charter roman font featuring my parents' names. And seeing Mr. Bliss and my names engraved together in a lovely script was enough to make me stop for a moment and take it all in.

So without further adieu, the Bliss wedding invitations.

...

...

Buttercup Bride

Before I post our invitations, I figured it would be best to loop everyone into the colors and general atmosphere of the Bliss wedding.

As soon as we became engaged I started dreaming of a summer soiree featuring a pretty buttercup yellow with crisp white accents. Originally I was afraid of the bridesmaids' responses when it came to yellow frocks, but when I said I was leaning towards yellow, I got one response: "that's so you!" Seriously, music to this bride's ears! Hello, Yellow!

Some pretty inspiration boards, courtesy of the ever fabulous Snippet & Ink.

...

...

Wading Through Wedding Stuff

If you happen to be in the midst of the month of your wedding and you're home on a Friday night, this could happen to you.



And yes, even if you are neurotically clean, the wedding will still find a way to take over your house.

(for the record I was packing up vases to send to our florist and candles to go to our venue)

(I have also found that the Olympics are perfect for keeping you company during these evening tasks! How about those opening ceremony uniforms for Team USA?)

Lessons in Calligraphy: Part III

So here is my last post on calligraphy, then we can get on to the invitations!

If you are working with a calligrapher, you'll be sending her your invitation list as well as your box of envelopes (be sure to include extras!). Do not underestimate the time it will take to get this list together! You'll think, "I already have my guest list, it's been made for months." However, in addition to names and addresses, you will need formal titles as well direction for the inner envelopes (if you are having them) for the calligrapher. It is best to be as specific as possible.

I consulted the Blue Book for most of my questions. There is also great information to be found here.

Here are the rules that I used the most when making my list...

Married Couple
Outside Envelope

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cruise
Inside Envelope

Mr. and Mrs. Cruise
With Children Under the Age of 18 (if you are inviting children)

Mr. and Mrs. Cruise
Suri

Unmarried Couple Living Together
Outside Envelope

Ms. Angelina Jolie
Mr. Brad Pitt
Inside Envelope

Ms. Jolie
Mr. Pitt

Single Person Invited with a Guest
Outside Envelope

Ms. Cameron Diaz
Inside Envelope

Ms. Diaz and Guest

You will run into all sorts of situations when you making your list, whether it be addressing a doctor, a judge or a married woman who has kept her maiden name. I recommend having a reference book on hand and a lot of patience!