They actually took a lot less time to figure out than I expected. My first attempt for how to do them worked out, and I'm really happy with the final product.
On that note, time to sleep!
- Lisa
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Table Numbers
They actually took a lot less time to figure out than I expected. My first attempt for how to do them worked out, and I'm really happy with the final product.
On that note, time to sleep!
- Lisa
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Menus & Hummingbirds
We're down to 17 days until the wedding, and people start coming into town in 13 days. Until that time, our calendars are completely booked in the evenings except for one day. The weekends have at least one thing on the calendar each day, so I can't say our life will be boring over the next couple weeks lol! Tomorrow is our final meeting at Aldea. We'll go over the final details with Evelyn and who knows what else. After the meeting at Aldea, we have our second-to-last dance class.
I worked on putting the finishing touches on the programs tonight, and once everything's proofread and double-checked, those can be printed, folded and put together pretty quickly.
The menus are finished! A menu will be tucked into the napkin of each guest at their seat, and my mouth is watering just looking over the list of food for dinner.
I finished the seating chart, and the wire escort cards are written out except for 3 or 4 names. I'll be printing out tabs with first/last names & the appropriate table number - to be attached under the name's base. I still want to make a seating chart to use as a visual to be displayed next to the escort cards, and I need to assemble the table numbers onto a base of some sort. That's hardly anything that's left!
We've had a few new additions to the backyard... A table/chair set and a bright red patio umbrella! We had about 8 friends over this weekend, and we got to use the grill & patio! It was kind of our (scaled-down) trial run for the rehearsal dinner, and I think it went as well as possible.
This was our setup with the additional table. The umbrella can tilt to block the sun, and I love how the color pops. I had only thought of getting a neutral-colored umbrella until we went to the store and saw this one; at that point, we both knew it would be perfect.
When we were working on the yard earlier that day, Patrick called me over to show me something. He had found a couple little lizards, and I was able to catch one! This proves that we have wildlife in the backyard. ;)
Over the last week and a half, we have had a couple of hummingbirds come to our feeder on a regular basis. One of them is by far the coolest and most playful hummingbird I've ever seen. Patrick and I were standing in the kitchen and looking out from the sliding door.
The hummingbird flew right up to the window and hovered a couple inches away from the glass - and stared at us! Since we were pretty close to the glass, the little guy was at most two feet away from us, and we all stood there looking at each other for probably 15 seconds. I've always thought that hummingbirds bring luck and are a sign that everything will work out, and I LOVE our hummingbirds.
A little while later, we were playing fetch with Chance and a tennis ball. On one throw, the hummingbird flew out of nowhere and divebombed the ball. I really think he (I'll refer to the hummingbird as a male) just wanted us to know he was there and wanted to play, too!
- Lisa
The menus are finished! A menu will be tucked into the napkin of each guest at their seat, and my mouth is watering just looking over the list of food for dinner.
I finished the seating chart, and the wire escort cards are written out except for 3 or 4 names. I'll be printing out tabs with first/last names & the appropriate table number - to be attached under the name's base. I still want to make a seating chart to use as a visual to be displayed next to the escort cards, and I need to assemble the table numbers onto a base of some sort. That's hardly anything that's left!
We've had a few new additions to the backyard... A table/chair set and a bright red patio umbrella! We had about 8 friends over this weekend, and we got to use the grill & patio! It was kind of our (scaled-down) trial run for the rehearsal dinner, and I think it went as well as possible.
This was our setup with the additional table. The umbrella can tilt to block the sun, and I love how the color pops. I had only thought of getting a neutral-colored umbrella until we went to the store and saw this one; at that point, we both knew it would be perfect.
Over the last week and a half, we have had a couple of hummingbirds come to our feeder on a regular basis. One of them is by far the coolest and most playful hummingbird I've ever seen. Patrick and I were standing in the kitchen and looking out from the sliding door.
The hummingbird flew right up to the window and hovered a couple inches away from the glass - and stared at us! Since we were pretty close to the glass, the little guy was at most two feet away from us, and we all stood there looking at each other for probably 15 seconds. I've always thought that hummingbirds bring luck and are a sign that everything will work out, and I LOVE our hummingbirds.A little while later, we were playing fetch with Chance and a tennis ball. On one throw, the hummingbird flew out of nowhere and divebombed the ball. I really think he (I'll refer to the hummingbird as a male) just wanted us to know he was there and wanted to play, too!
- Lisa
Thursday, May 3, 2012
"Are You Getting Nervous?"
That's the question I've been getting more than any other, and I have to admit that it's kind of starting to annoy me lol. Are people wanting to know if I'm getting nervous about: ...my decision to marry Patrick? ...if I think all the details are going to come together? ...if I have a lot of last-minute planning to do? Is it just what people think they should ask?
I don't know. I feel like it's just an expectation that I'm SUPPOSED to be nervous, and I don't know how I feel about that. The more people who ask me that question, the more I feel like it's the feeling I'm supposed to have. That's the thing that creates nervousness. I'd much rather get the question, "Are you getting excited?" or "What's your latest project?" The question that's worse is when they flat out ask, "Are you sure?" Reeeally? If I wasn't sure, I definitely wouldn't be at this point!
With all the planning we've done the last 11+ months, we have almost everything together. There's not much left to do before May 26th.
When it comes down to it, I'm completely confident in the decision we made to get married. I'm crazy about Patrick, and I have no doubt that we're the right people for each other. We've gone through so much in the last couple years, and we've come out stronger than I could have imagined. We have the same plan for the future, and that plan includes both of us. I couldn't create a better guy for me if I tried, and I think (hope!) he feels the same about me.
The name thing still gets me; that's been the thing that I've been having the hardest time with. I've been Lisa Kowalewski for more than the last 29 years. Growing up, I got used to being called Kawasaki and most often "Lisa K" because they couldn't (or were scared to try to) pronounce it. Not many people had last names that were 10 letters, and I liked that it was unique. I accomplished everything I have with the last name Kowalewski, and I'm still not used to the idea of giving it up.
It's not that I'm against taking Patrick's name; I'm actually really proud to do so. I've always planned on changing my name when I got married, but still... It's just my mental struggle having to do with the thought that it's partially giving up my independence and the person I've been up to the wedding day.
I've tried to get myself comfortable writing/signing my name, but each time I do so, I feel like I'm a little girl in elementary school doodling my name with my crush's name, haha. I have my signature figured out, but it's still going to take a while for me.
- Lisa
I don't know. I feel like it's just an expectation that I'm SUPPOSED to be nervous, and I don't know how I feel about that. The more people who ask me that question, the more I feel like it's the feeling I'm supposed to have. That's the thing that creates nervousness. I'd much rather get the question, "Are you getting excited?" or "What's your latest project?" The question that's worse is when they flat out ask, "Are you sure?" Reeeally? If I wasn't sure, I definitely wouldn't be at this point!
With all the planning we've done the last 11+ months, we have almost everything together. There's not much left to do before May 26th.
When it comes down to it, I'm completely confident in the decision we made to get married. I'm crazy about Patrick, and I have no doubt that we're the right people for each other. We've gone through so much in the last couple years, and we've come out stronger than I could have imagined. We have the same plan for the future, and that plan includes both of us. I couldn't create a better guy for me if I tried, and I think (hope!) he feels the same about me.
The name thing still gets me; that's been the thing that I've been having the hardest time with. I've been Lisa Kowalewski for more than the last 29 years. Growing up, I got used to being called Kawasaki and most often "Lisa K" because they couldn't (or were scared to try to) pronounce it. Not many people had last names that were 10 letters, and I liked that it was unique. I accomplished everything I have with the last name Kowalewski, and I'm still not used to the idea of giving it up.
 |
| Patrick + Lisa = <3 |
I've tried to get myself comfortable writing/signing my name, but each time I do so, I feel like I'm a little girl in elementary school doodling my name with my crush's name, haha. I have my signature figured out, but it's still going to take a while for me.
- Lisa
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Dress Fitting #2 & New Hair Idea
I had my 2nd dress fitting today! The changes Janet said she'd make were made, and it's almost perfect! There are still a few things to change, so she's going to do those alterations, and I'll go back on May 19th - exactly one week before the wedding!
After the dress fitting, I headed to meet Amy, the hairstylist. Last night while talking to Patrick, I asked him again how he would prefer my hair, and his response was "either down or half-up-half-down" (but he did say I would look good no matter what). Since I was planning on having an updo, I decided to change my thinking and immediately called Mandy for details on her experience with hair extensions for her wedding.
I sent Amy an email asking for suggestions since I know practically nothing about extensions. I stopped at Sally Beauty Supply to ask for suggestions, and unfortunately, talking to that girl was like talking to a wall. I decided not to get anything right then.
When I arrived at Amy's house, she said that she hadn't checked her email and said it would be a much better idea to wait until I have the extensions and I have my hair colored. She gave me some suggestions and we set up the trial for the same day as the dress fitting. She said that the extensions will help hold the curl; that was one of the reasons I didn't want to have my hair down. I felt better with that comment.
My inspiration picture for the style (not the color - I'll be MUCH blonder) is to the right, and I masked out the face so you can just focus on the hair. I'm thinking/hoping it'll turn out really well. Even though it wasn't my initial thought, I actually like this style better than any updo I've seen... Patrick's a pretty smart guy if I do say so myself, and I'm really glad he made the suggestion.
-Lisa
After the dress fitting, I headed to meet Amy, the hairstylist. Last night while talking to Patrick, I asked him again how he would prefer my hair, and his response was "either down or half-up-half-down" (but he did say I would look good no matter what). Since I was planning on having an updo, I decided to change my thinking and immediately called Mandy for details on her experience with hair extensions for her wedding.
I sent Amy an email asking for suggestions since I know practically nothing about extensions. I stopped at Sally Beauty Supply to ask for suggestions, and unfortunately, talking to that girl was like talking to a wall. I decided not to get anything right then.
 |
| Inspiration Hairstyle Picture |
My inspiration picture for the style (not the color - I'll be MUCH blonder) is to the right, and I masked out the face so you can just focus on the hair. I'm thinking/hoping it'll turn out really well. Even though it wasn't my initial thought, I actually like this style better than any updo I've seen... Patrick's a pretty smart guy if I do say so myself, and I'm really glad he made the suggestion.
-Lisa
Monday, April 23, 2012
Patio Pictures
I took some 'after' pictures of the patio, and the before/after pictures together really show how the patio creates a look that's much cleaner and more finished.
 |
| Before #1 |
 |
| After #1 |
 |
| Before #2 |
 |
| After #2 - The dogs love it |
 |
| Closeup of the texture/color |
The grass is struggling a little bit right now, so we'll work on getting that going this week/weekend. To make it look as good as possible for the rehearsal dinner, it may need some additional reseeding, but hopefully just pumping up the water will do enough. It's coming together and looking soo good!
-Lisa
Videography Surprise
Since we started our wedding planning, Patrick & I had decided that we weren't going to hire a videographer. Even though I had gone back and forth multiple times about whether or not we should change our mind, the cost for videographers was so high, and we thought we'd be good without one.
Well, that changed this weekend! While at the Vegas airport waiting for our flight, I got a voicemail from Trish, our florist. The short version of her voicemail is that her best friend's husband Todd is a videographer who has done many documentaries and is getting into the wedding industry in the Phoenix area. He wants to get onto Aldea's list of preferred vendors, but in order to do so, he has to film a wedding at Aldea to show Evelyn, the owner. Guess who Trish suggested he contact...!
It's a different Columbia College than the one I attended, but that line made me smile. What an incredible surprise!
-Lisa
Since Todd is just getting started in the industry, he doesn't have much on his website to show examples of other couples he's filmed, but here's the best part... His intro email to us included the line, "I wanted to confirm that I will be filming your wedding free of charge." HECK YESSSSSS.
I admit that I was nervous for a second b/c of his limited wedding experience, but then I snapped back into reality: this is amazing! Banks did such a great job with our engagement pictures, and he just takes pictures for fun. No matter what, this will be much better than no video, and it'll be a great memento from the wedding day to keep forever. I am ALREADY looking forward to meeting him and seeing the finished product. We're going to meet up with him a couple weeks before the wedding (probably the weekend of Mothers Day) for an interview for "Our Love Story."
Part of Todd's bio from his website says, "After
traveling extensively and living in Italy for awhile I moved to Los
Angeles and obtained my film degree from Columbia College. In addition to my own film projects and wedding love stories I have
worked on developing television shows for networks including Food
Network and Fine Living. I have also worked freelance for companies such
as Guitar World on music based projects."
-Lisa
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tomorrow = Patio Day!
Before:
Since we're having the concrete patio put in tomorrow, I wanted to post a 'before' picture. When I left the house this morning, the dirt are did NOT look like it does in the picture, so technically it's a 'during' picture. They moved everything, leveled out the dirt and made the area ready for the concrete. They said they'll be matching the color of the firepit & the curbing, so hopefully the patio blends in well. There will be a small step down from the existing slab of concrete, and we're throwing around the idea of covering that area with tiles that match the tile in the kitchen. The new concrete is going to be lightly stamped and will show a texture that I think will be similar to the texture on the walls on the outside of the house. As compared to a flat patio, the texture should add a lot.
We got some larger pieces of lava rock for the fire pit. They make the fire really dance, and they create more heat from the firepit. I'm thinking that if we get 15 more pieces (to form a 2nd ring around the bigger pieces), it'll be perfect.
My day was made around 11am this morning. I got a call from my high school's athletic director, and he let me know that Francis Howell North was creating an Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to explain that they had a committee decide on the inaugural class, and I will be one of the eleven inductees.
That's amazing to me... Knowing that FHN is not a small school (it has about 2,400 students each year) and was founded in 1983, that's a whole bunch of other student athletes that had to have been considered. The induction ceremony is scheduled for January 18th, so I already have a trip to St. Louis on the calendar for 2013. Hopefully I can get through this Hall of Fame weekend without tearing an Achilles... You better believe I'll be passing on any alumni games if I'm invited to play ;).
Patrick gets back tonight. With his long week of training (and getting used to the 3-hour time difference), he's ready to get home. I'm excited to see him, and we're both excited to go to Vegas TOMORROW evening!
-Lisa
Since we're having the concrete patio put in tomorrow, I wanted to post a 'before' picture. When I left the house this morning, the dirt are did NOT look like it does in the picture, so technically it's a 'during' picture. They moved everything, leveled out the dirt and made the area ready for the concrete. They said they'll be matching the color of the firepit & the curbing, so hopefully the patio blends in well. There will be a small step down from the existing slab of concrete, and we're throwing around the idea of covering that area with tiles that match the tile in the kitchen. The new concrete is going to be lightly stamped and will show a texture that I think will be similar to the texture on the walls on the outside of the house. As compared to a flat patio, the texture should add a lot.
We got some larger pieces of lava rock for the fire pit. They make the fire really dance, and they create more heat from the firepit. I'm thinking that if we get 15 more pieces (to form a 2nd ring around the bigger pieces), it'll be perfect.That's amazing to me... Knowing that FHN is not a small school (it has about 2,400 students each year) and was founded in 1983, that's a whole bunch of other student athletes that had to have been considered. The induction ceremony is scheduled for January 18th, so I already have a trip to St. Louis on the calendar for 2013. Hopefully I can get through this Hall of Fame weekend without tearing an Achilles... You better believe I'll be passing on any alumni games if I'm invited to play ;).
Patrick gets back tonight. With his long week of training (and getting used to the 3-hour time difference), he's ready to get home. I'm excited to see him, and we're both excited to go to Vegas TOMORROW evening!
-Lisa
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