Anything you can do, I can do better...

So, for those of you who have planned a wedding, or are currently planning one, there's one thing you realize very quickly.

Damn, weddings are expensive.

I've come across some awesome blogs and websites out in Internetland that have been really helpful. I used to think that everything needed to be pre-ordered, customized, and printed out in elegant fonts and placed in beautiful envelopes. I'm all about DIY, but there's some things that I just didn't even think about trying to make on my own.

Like the programs.
Or candles.

Did you even know you can just MAKE candles? Like. OMG.

And I had some awesome lighting ideas, but when it came down to pricing some things were just way too pricey. But then I found an amazing how-to on making your own mason jar lanterns.

Needless to say, it's pretty amazing what you can do with paper, wax, and a little bit of inspiration.

My point to this blog is that if you have your mind set on something, FIND a way to do it. I'll keep posting some of the DIY projects I'll be undertaking so you can see some of the great ideas I've found!

But some recommendations that have come in handy for me:
-Focus on your strengths. Are you creative? Are you organized? Figure out what you're best at, and if it's making things, make things. If you are better at making lists and delegating tasks, do that.
-Enlist family and friends to help you. Don't even try to think you can do everything on your own.
-Don't be afraid to loosen the reigns a little. When I was thinking about what I wanted my wedding to be like, it was a great mix of unique and traditional. Traditional invitations, but unique music, traditional lighting, unique decorations. My suggestion is not to stick anything in stone. You should always keep your mind open to ideas. You might be surprised. :)

Lucky we're in love in every way...

The one thing I'm learning about planning a wedding is that almost nothing you set out to do actually works out the way you want it to.


Which, I guess, is a good thing and a bad thing. I'm not afraid of change, but when things change so much and so fast you can't keep up, it leaves your brain spinning a bit.


The wedding is back in Iowa. I know, I know. You're thinking, make up you're freaking mind already. I have. several times. Unfortunately life seems to have a different idea of how I'm supposed to do things. 


So, for the last time, we're officially having the wedding here. We found a beautiful location in Winterset, and while it's still a little bit of a drive, it's perfect. We're excited, though now I actually have to plan this shindig.


I'm lucky I'm marrying someone who loves their family enough to accommodate them, and I know that in the scheme of things, this day is just one more day in the grand scheme of our life together. While it stings a little now, it's merely a speedbump in an otherwise smooth road.


So, keep May 28th open on your calender. There's going to be a pretty awesome party happening up the street from John Wayne's birthplace. 


Love,
Jana