Real Wedding Wednesday ~ Wedding + Australia + Kangaroos = AWESOME

What if I told you that today's real wedding had kangaroos? Would you believe me? Didn't think so! But, it totally does! No, really! It does! I mean... How awesome is that? Julie and Sam planned a destination wedding in Australia complete with kangaroos! Well, I doubt that they actually planned for the kangaroos, but either way, the pictures are insanely cool regardless!

Julie and Sam wanted a relaxed, fun-filled day to share with their family and friends. Not to mention great food and some tasty wine. Enter the Willow Tree Estate... As I always say, that if you want amazing wine at your wedding, then plan it at a winery... And while you're at it, book all the guest rooms at the estate so that your guests can enjoy the fabulous wine too.

From the photographer, Hilary Cam: "There is nothing quite as charming as a low-key Friday wedding in the Hunter Valley. Sam and Julie were so easy going and the outdoor celebration was an atmosphere of close-knit friends, heartfelt warmth and country simplicity. The photo opportunities flowed as naturally as the sun set."

So, brideys, I want you to really to enjoy this incredibly laid back and beautiful wedding. This wedding is proof that you CAN have the wedding you want (kangaroos and all), if you take a step back and focus on why you're getting married in the first place. Right?

Beaming with happiness... (And the garden is lovely too!)

This picture feels like it is out of a movie... Seriously, it's just so cool that I feel like M83 should be playing in the background, and the director is about to yell, "Cut!" Am I losing my marbles? Or can you see it too?

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The Truth Hurts Tuesday ~ Tell them to 'Fuck Off'... Again

Way back in December of 2011, I wrote a post called "Fuck Off". And if you missed it, then you need to read it. Because it's important know when to tune out the noise. When to tune out the peanut gallery of EVERYBODY offering their advice about your wedding and your wedding plans. And you know what, brideys? It's April 2, 2013, and wedding season is about to go into full swing, so I think we need to discuss how you're going to handle the several comments you are about to receive.

Seriously, the minute that gorge engagement ring sparkles on your finger, everybody from the dude at the fucking mall kiosk will be offering his advice on guest management or which DJ to hire or something that "you just have to do"... And you know what, bridey? The Truth Hurts Tuesday isn't limited to me providing you with an education. Right? Because if you want to keep some modicum of your sanity during your wedding planning, then it's time for you to educate the peanut gallery.

Considering that like four people were reading Bitchless Bride in 2011 when I wrote the orginal, "Fuck Off", and considering how important this topic is for newly engaged brides and brides who are quickly approaching their wedding day, I think it's important to revisit this topic... But, we are going to do it a bit differently this time. Today, I'll give you a few one liners to keep in your back pocket for the people who constantly feel the need to provide an unsolicited opinion:

1. Remember that people are stupid. Right? And stupid people will say stupid shit and ask stupid questions their entire life. Seriously, these are the same people who ask a newly married couple when the baby is coming (just wait, bridey...). DUMB. STUPID. I mean, perhaps they have been trying with no luck since the wedding or perhaps they've suffered a few miscarriages... um... awkward... (My advice? Just fire back with, "We're practicing, a lot. How's your sex life?")

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The Truth Hurts Tuesday ~ Don't Be Too Quick to Judge Other Brides

As you know, one of my favorite words in the whole wide world (besides the word, perspective), is the word ENTITLED or ENTITLEMENT. And, most of the time I am quite excited when I come across somebody else expressing themselves using this word. However, this is not one of those times. In fact this time, I am actually offended by the misuse of my very favorite word, for YOU, brideys! Because you know that I am a lot of things, but judgmental is not one of them. Do I call it the way I see it? Yes. Do I sometimes offend people with the truth or the use of my colorful vocabulary? Yes. Have I been accused of being "vulgar"? Yes. And while I am all of those things, I'm not a judgy bitch.  

If you find yourself asking what prompted this, here's the two cent tour... So, instead of indulging in gossip websites or even the news, I prefer to relax while reading the bridal chit chat on the wedding boards. Seriously, it relaxes me somehow. And I truly believe that it helps me be a better wedding planner. No really, I do! It's like being a fly on the wall and being able to hear all of the shit brides say that they might not say to their planner. However, as I was simply enjoying my day, trolling the boards, I came across this statement on The Knot:

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Wedding Planning: Create a Stress-Free Wedding Guest List

Hey peeps... SO... I know that today is Wednesday, and that I should be posting a Real Wedding, but I thought this guest post was so helpful that I wanted to share it with you immediately. Plus, after the brutal The Truth Hurts Tuesday from yesterday, I thought I should give back a little! But, I'm not the one giving today... Lindsey, from Melbourne, is! She's got an fantastic post about creating a wedding guest list without the bullshit. So, obviously, I love it, and I know you will too!

And you know what? This is NOT a sponsored post, I just like what this chick has to say!

XO,

BB

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So you recently got engaged and are now ready to start planning your wedding. Congratulations! Now that you’re engaged, you will face a whole new set of problems and issues that may make you regret the decision to have a wedding in the first place. 

Luckily, there are many guides and tips that can help reduce the stress of wedding planning. One of the first issues you will have to discuss is the size of the guest list. This is an important first step, because it will help you determine where to have the venue, how big the wedding budget will be, how much food to order, and many other details about the wedding.

Use these handy tips to help you determine who to invite to your special day:

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Real Wedding Wednesday ~ Who Wants a Ride on the Carousel?

Emily and Bobby wanted a venue that was on the water; something that was like a "blank canvas" so they could personalize it. Lighthouse Point Park was exactly what they were looking for... Totally simple, yet pretty in a beautiful park on Long Island Sound. And the best part? It had an antique carousel inside! I know, right? Did I mention that it was a working carousel? At a wedding? How fabulous is that??

Something I can totally relate to (besides loving a cool ass wedding with a carousel in the reception space)? Emily's favorite color is pink! So, there was no question as to the wedding colors. Plus, Bobby and his groomsmen were happy to rock pink ties (which they rocked quite well if I do say so...) with pink and gray argyle socks to compliment the girls’ dresses.

Something I can't relate to, but totally respect? This wedding was made particularly beautiful because of the several DIY projects. So many, that Emily's mom began referring to the wedding as “the wedding of a million pieces,” because the various supplies that went into making their day beautiful... From beads and ribbons to flip-flips and sea-shells. And while the small details were important, they really just wanted to throw one big, fantastic party! They wanted everyone to have an awesome time celebrating their marriage, and based on the pictures you are about to see? They accomplished their goal!

1. Bridey, how did you meet your spouse? (The short and sweet version please.)

Bobby & I met at college at Fairfield University. I was a freshmen and he was a senior. I went to a party at his townhouse with some of my friends, and the rest is basically history!

2. How long were you together before you were engaged?

We were together for about 4 years before getting engaged.

3. What was the length of time between the engagement and the wedding?

About 2.5 years, we were engaged in January 2010 and married in September 2012.

4. Where did your wedding take place? (venue, city and state)

The ceremony took place at the Egan Chapel of Saint Ignatius Loyola on the campus of Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT. The reception took place at The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, CT.

5. If you don't mind my asking, what was your budget, and where did you choose to spend most of it?

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