MOH Duty: Finding a Photographer

My bride got married in approx. 4 months.  Yep, from Lt. J (aka her now hubby) getting down on 1 knee, to her walking down the aisle.  She was in her last semester of undergrad and student teaching.  So needless to say, she was a bit stressed.  Within 2 weeks she had church, reception, bridesmaids, dresses, and her dress done.  Which is BEYOND impressive to me.

Anyway, because all of that happened first her budget for a photographer seemed itsy bitsy.  She was looking for a romantic, vintagey style of photographer.  It was only fitting because the reception took place at an old mansion.

So, is your bride stressed out?  Do you have free time on your hands during normal daylight hours (aka 9-5)? Here's a secret: you don't need tons of time, contrary to popular belief.

For about an hour or 2 on one of the days my friend could spare we went over photographers she liked so I got a sense of her style.  What did I do the following week?  I emailed/ called/ facebook messaged each and every one of them.  I found out A) Are they available on her date? B) What was there price range? C) Had they ever photographed a Catholic/ Military wedding before? and finally D) What was there refund agreement.

How did this help my bride you ask?  She didn't get bombarded with a million emails a day, and I was her gate keeper.  I weeded through, the biggest filter was probably if they were available her date.

We started a google doc, I wrote down all their package information and price (regardless if it was over her budget).  Because I at least wanted her to know.  Finally, after what seemed nearly hopeless we found the one.  Bethany Wears was actually referred to me by another photographer who was not available on the day of Em & Lt. J's wedding.

She was sweet and wonderful.  She wasn't intrusive and was truly there to just capture the day.  I'll show you some pictures here, but if you're in the Kansas City area or really want her to shoot your wedding she was awesome!

These were are bridesmaid bouquets, can you believe they came from HyVee (basically a Safeway?!)

It's not a military wedding until you cut cake with a saber and make a funny face. 

I know this isn't something Maid/ Matron's of Honor typically do, but I would definitely consider asking you friend if she'd like your help.  They may want it, but just don't know how to ask.

Bridal Shower Craft: Shower Favors

For the Bridal Shower, I thought the best theme to fit Em's personality and wedding would be a tea-party.  Her colors were pink, soft gold, and ivory.  I know, super femme.  I loved it! :) 

Anyway, the first thing I worked after I nailed down a date and place (5 weeks before her wedding, on a sunday & Em's mom's house in a suburb of Kansas City), was a favor.  

I went to big lots and stocked up on mason jars.  One 12 pk was only $6!  So I bought around 6 boxes of 12 to insure I had extras.  

Next I put all of the mason jars through the washing machine.  Then I hand-washed the lids and let them dry. 

After everything dried I spray painted the flat part of the lid (I had no idea what they're called) with chalkboard paint. And let it dry and replied. 

And put it all together: 

I found the pink & white twine from etsy and the pink chalk I chose to write with from the dollar store.  In the end, I decided not to go with the little paper sayings because I had to ship them all the way to Kansas from Baltimore.  

When I got to Kansas I bought some tea bags from the grocery store.  I went with just standard Bigelow English Breakfast, because I wasn't sure of everyone's taste. 

End everyone seemed to love them.  People can actually use them after they get home! :) 

Other Bridesmaids

When you are the Maid of Honor, chances are you are not the only bridesmaid.  Unless of course, you're the only bridesmaid at a sweet and low-key wedding.  In that case, the below info probably won't apply to you.

There can be anywhere from 1 other bridesmaid to 12 other bridesmaids.  Seriously, I had a teacher in high school who had 13 bridesmaids.  It can be odd to be the 1 gal that is singled out.  In the wedding hierarchy, you're up there.  So, how's that feel?

It can be wonderful and scary at the same time.  In the wedding I was in, I didn't really know the other gals.  I had heard all their names and seen their pictures on facebook, but that's about it.  It felt really weird to know that since my Bride and I were in a LDF (Long Distance Friendship), most of her other bridesmaids pretty much hung out all the time.

Tips to Getting to Know the Other Bridesmaids:

•  Friend them on Facebook

I know this sounds so basic, but nowadays it really starts the foundation of the relationship.  It's easier to have a mass Facebook message thread to communicate.  You can see each other's personalities and start to have a real relationship. 

•  Invite to Pinterest Board

Are you a Pinner?  I sure am.  I started a secret board and invited all the bridesmaids to join it for the bridal shower & bachelorette party inspiration.  If you're not yet a pinner, I highly recommend getting on pinterest.  It's way easier than googling shower & bachelorette ideas. 

•  Co-planning Bridal Shower

While you maybe the 'hostess' of the party, definitely invite the bridesmaids to participate.  It will help with costs and can be a great way to bond.  

•  Have a Bridesmaid Day

Go out to brunch or lunch, go to a movie, just go shopping for the parties.  Whatever you do, definitely have a bridesmaid day without the bride.  You get to learn about everyone and create a memory.  In those awkward silent moments you can refer back to this. Plus, it can be lots of fun. :) 

Well that's about all I hate.  Does anyone else have any other suggestions as to how to bond with the other bridesmaids?