kim-squared

published.

2010-01-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

here it is! our spread in Southern California Brides Magazine.

holla!

update

2009-11-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

I am sorry for the lag in postings.

Life has been busy...Chris and I took quick trips to Las Vegas and San Francisco.

The movers came and left. Chris left for Missouri in October. I moved into my friend's apartment. We spent Thanksgiving in Virginia with his side of the family. I move to Missouri next week..Chris says its miserable..but I'd rather be miserable with him than be without him (I say this now...)

I got the flu for a few days, found out I was pregnant, lost one of the babies and had to have surgery to remove one my tubes...This all happened right when Chris left for Missouri.

..but in the end, I am pregnant. One healthy baby in the uterus, with one healthy heartbeat. I am going to stop right here and ask you to join me on my (new) blog: Precious Soul.

Chris and I have been on the journey to have a family for a long time. This was our second cycle with fertility that we got pregnant with. I don't want to be mum about the whole process, so I am opening up to anyone and everyone...all the heartaches, the needles, the hopes, the fears, and the miracle...

other great news? We're moving BACK to San Diego in the spring.

Cheers!

hi! I'm here! and exciting news!

2009-11-12T18:03:00.001-08:00

oh hi everyone. Yes, I'm still here...

I guess I've been having the post-wedding syndrome. I don't want to do anything related to the wedding. BLAH. I just finished Thank You Cards...is 2 months after the wedding too late? Well, they're done.

But really exciting news is that my photographer, Melissa Koehler, just called and told me that a few people have been contacting her about our wedding!

Our wedding will be published in a Spring/Summer issue of a well-known Bridal Magazine AND on a popular wedding blog! And, the Catamaran, our venue, has asked to use our photos for marketing purposes as well. I'll make sure to let you know when all of these things happen :)

how friggin exciting! Melissa's hard work has paid off, as well as all the work I put into this wedding.

Now, I kinda feel re-energized. Maybe I'll look through all 700+ photos and pick some for our album.

bridal party intro

2009-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

ceremony moments

2009-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

rehearsal dinner

2009-10-11T00:01:00.001-07:00

We had our rehearsal dinner at Phil's BBQ in Point Loma. We LOVE the food there and they were so great and easy to work with. We got out own private banquet room and ordered ribs for all! Of course I had to add my touch to the dinner by making favors with left over milk jars, decorating the plastic bibs with Beatles song lyrics, and making centerpieces (thanks Ina for helping!).

I think everyone loved the food (even the Korean folks!). We had about 41 people in all, including family, bridal party and significant others, and a few special guests from Japan. Chris and I made speeches geared toward our family and bridal party and we gave out gifts and lots of hugs.

the girls

2009-10-10T00:01:00.001-07:00

My girls looks gorgeous on the big day. I simply loved their hair that Nicole Deann styled and I loved the bright yellow of their Tory Burch dresses. Each one of the girls made my day so special in their own way.

Thank you, Adrienne, Susan, Christina, & Ina.
xoxox

the boys

2009-10-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

the boys looks dashing in their khaki suits and rainbow flipflops. I remember seeing them walking down the boardwalk and thinking--there's the groom and his entourage.

guitarist

2009-10-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Michael was an awesome guitarist. He played various Beatles songs as guests sat down. He then played Blackbird for the processional and Here Comes the Sun for my entrance. He also played Across the Universe when we honored our parents during the ceremony.

Take a look at his talent:

here comes the sun from gracie k on Vimeo.

Thanks so much Mike! You are so talented and I am so happy you could be a part of our wedding.

paper on our day

2009-10-07T00:01:00.001-07:00

I've already shared these before, but above are the programs and below is the menu card. I drew the pictures on the programs and then added text in Adobe Illustrator.

The menus had directions to the after party on the back...an attempt to save paper.

Paper products are so wasted at a wedding..I wish we could do away with this tradition.

the getaway

2009-10-06T00:01:00.001-07:00

I loved our tandem bike! We rented it from Kruiser King in Pacific Beach. We decorated the back with ribbon from my bridal shower and added a little "just married" sign.

I loved our getaway! Our friends stood on both sides of the boardwalk with glowsticks while the DJ played "Wouldn't It Be Nice," by the Beach Boys.

I was surprised I was able to hop on the bike effortlessly..although riding it away was a challenge since a ribbon got stuck in our back wheel! But we made it :)

Chris was most resistant about this aspect of the night, but it ended up to be one of his favorite parts of the night.

reception set up

2009-10-05T00:01:00.001-07:00

our reception was set up so beautifully. Thank you so much to Sylvia, our catering manager at the Catamaran Resort and Spa.

ceremony set up

2009-10-04T00:01:00.001-07:00

Our ceremony was perfectly set up. I loved the blue mason jars that lined the aisles and the chiffon that blew in the wind on the wooden arch.

happppppppy birthday to my HUSBAND!

2009-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

"lucky i'm in love with my best friend...."

Chris and I danced to Lucky, by Colbie Calliat for our first dance and the lyrics are so fitting to our relationship.

happy birthday, bub.

I'm so lucky to be your wife.....to many many more...MUAH!

lighting

2009-10-02T00:01:00.001-07:00

the lighting was the MOST amazing part of our reception decor. I absolutely LOVED it!! It totally made the ambiance and the whole atmosphere of the night. Concepts Event Designs definitely lived up to their expectations..yes, lighting was expensive, but it was definitely worth it.

pro pics up!

2009-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Melissa Koehler was our photographer and she truly captured all the fun, beauty, and details of our wedding.

Please check out all the pro pics on her blog and leave her comment!! My favs are ones with our tandem bike...of course :)

honoring dad/favors

2009-09-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

As I've been blogging about, we decided to honor my dad with livestrong bracelets and a donation to the Live Strong Foundation in lieu of favors. Our DJ made an announcement about the purpose of the favors, which I think really helped our friends and family understand the deep meaning behind them. I loved seeing everyone wear the bracelets at the reception..it made me think of my dad :)

Another surprise was that Chris made a heartfelt speech during the reception about my dad. I know it made a lot of people teary-eyed and it touched my heart deeply that he honored and remembered him on our special day.

reception tables

2009-09-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

the rocks were a great hit...along with the slang flash cards as table numbers.

so quirky..so me!

moss and placecard table

2009-09-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

I loved our placecard table. I used my vintage ladder to display some pictures of Chris and I when we were kids, along with one of our engagement pics. I made the moss display by using a foam sheet and hot gluing reindeer moss bought from Michaels to it. I am proud to say that I burned myself only once.

type type typewriters

2009-09-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

oh how i love the vintage typewriters!! We asked guests to type us a note and leave it in the basket. Boy did we get some funny ones!! We even got one from our wedding crashers..it was their 25th wedding anniversary!

I'll do a post that displays some of our funny notes later...

guest book table

2009-09-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

here is our welcome table/guest book table. Those people are gbang and her husband who manned the station...I must recommend to any bride to give this job to someone very responsible. gBang made sure all the cards and gifts were secure in our hotel room/deposit box during the cocktail hour. Thank you so much Bangs!

I absolutely loved how this table turned out! One suitcase held our programs, while the other suitcase was used as a card box. I love how one suitcase even had a vintage San Diego tag!

cupcakes

2009-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

here is our cupcake table, set up just as I imagined.

We ordered Passion Fruit cupcakes from The French Gourmet. They were delicious, but I am not sure how many people actually ate them!

The cake cutting/feeding was the stupidest part of the night. So traditional=so cheesy.

hair and make up

2009-09-24T18:39:00.001-07:00

OMG, I LOVE Nicole Deanne!

She and her friend came to our hotel room and worked magic. Each bridesmaid had different hair, and she worked with each of their styles. I loved Christina's sophisticated updo, Ina's curled short hair (!!), Susan's sweet twists, and Adrienne's boho braids..

And I LOVED my make up and hair! I loved how she made my eyes pop, kept my makeup natural, and created an updo that blended sophistication and boho. It was a side bun, messed up with curls, and with tiny braids going into it. I LOVEd all the tiny braids. I can't say enough about Nicole. She is AMAZING. Thank you!!!

hair piece by twigs and honey.

vows

2009-09-23T16:59:00.001-07:00

Chris and I wrote our own vows and did not share them until the wedding. It was the most heartfelt words I have heard from Chris. I know this video is sort of cheesy, but I know it made many people teary eyed (including me!).

our vows from gracie k on Vimeo.

maid of honor

2009-09-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

thank you to my sister for being a great maid of honor!

video

2009-09-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Our friends Shawn and Sam recorded video throughout our reception. They put together this little video using our favorite wedding songs. I LOVE it!! Thank you!

Chris and Grace Wedding from Shawn J on Vimeo.

welcome to the first day of our lives.

2009-09-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

done.

it was the best night ever.

THE BIG DAY!!!!

2009-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

after 6 years together,
2 years living in separate countries,
2 deployments to Iraq,
unexpected deaths and births.....

...we're FINALLY getting hitched! (again!)

today's the day! Wish me lots of luck and blessings. I know Chris and I are already married, but saying our vows in front of all our family and friends will truly solidify our marriage. I can't wait to be Mrs. Kim-Squared (again) and I can't wait for a kick-ass party!

Yeeeee-hawwwwww!

t-1: gifts

2009-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner are tonight. Chris and I plan to give thankful heartfelt speeches to our bridal party during our dinner. We just want to thank them for being such great friends to both of us, and for helping us along the way.

We also have gifts for them...we got the guys Rainbow flipflops and a vintage shirt of their favorite sports team and we got the girls Lauren Merkin clutches. I hope they like them!

t-2: packed and ready!

2009-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

yes this picture looks like I have already started to pack for our move to Missouri.... but no. All the boxes here hold all the items that need to be transported to the venue. I am using a lot of my vintage items from home, so we'll have to drop all this off tomorrow at the rehearsal.

Ready or not, here I come.

t-3: vows written

2009-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Chris and I have written our vows. We aren't sharing them with each other until the big day........

t-4: done done done

2009-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

chalkboards written on...check.

t-5: more things ready

2009-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

welcome bags organized.

placecard table designed.

t-6: little projects

2009-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

ink in the typewriters have been replaced,
cards stamped and cut,
rocks glossed and painted on.

i'm a ready.

t-7: a week away

2009-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

just a week away! woohoo!

i am so not stressed..is that strange for a bride to be? a bit anxious...but not at all stressed! i'm so prepared!

I just tried on my dress yesterday and it suddenly got me SOOOO excited for the big day! yay!

Chris was so sweet and bought me this little gift as a thank you for all the hard work I put into the wedding...
!!!! love it!

t-8: nothing's gonna change

2009-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass, they slip away across the universe.
Pools of sorrow waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind,
Possessing and caressing me.

Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,
They call me on and on across the universe,
Thoughts meander like a restless wind
Inside a letter box they
Stumble blindly as they make their way
Across the universe

Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing
Through my open mind inciting and inviting me.
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns,
And calls me on and on across the universe

Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva

-The Beatles, Across the Universe

t-9: in my life

2009-09-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

-The Beatles, In My Life

t-10: rockband

2009-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

today's the day that The Beatles Rockband comes out!!

I want!

I want!

I want!

t-11: more chalkboards

2009-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

i bought these great chalkboards at michael's for $1 each. I replaced the ribbons with our colors and will probably use them for reserved seating at the ceremony.

t-12: near and far

2009-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

I am ever so grateful to EVERYONE who is traveling to come celebrate with us.

Believe me, I know it's not cheap to fly cross country...and yes, I know that the hotels near the venue are sorta pricey.

But you must know that I LOVE YOU SO MUCH for coming!! And all I want is to have a FABULOUS time with all my guests.

I think the furthest traveling guests would be my dear friends from Japan: Mrs. Nishigami and Kaho. I worked with these ladies in Japan and I am so THANKFUL that they are flying out to be at the wedding. Kaho is flying in Thursday and jetting back to Japan on Sunday!!! Mrs. Nishigami, however, is going to make a whole US trip starting with the wedding.

Other people that are traveling far to be here: my mom, flying in from Korea and Chris's dad, who is a missionary in China. Oh, am I allowed to say that?

just for fun, here's a picture of my sister's boyfriend and a group of japanese school girls. holla!

t-13: baby pictures

2009-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

here is the boy when he just a little boy. what a cutie. look for these and more at our wedding.

t-14: parents

2009-09-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

here are pictures of our parents on our wedding day. we'll frame these and put them on our cake table.

t-15: typewriter cake!

2009-09-04T00:01:00.001-07:00

um....i love this cake.

source

t-16: mock-ups

2009-09-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Remember my sketches?

Well, I did some mock-ups to show my coordinator and florist.

I know, I'm a control freak.

my coordinator said that I get the prize for the most prepared bride that she has ever worked with.

holla!

t-17: update

2009-09-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

oh hello.

yes i have gotten a lot done for the wedding, if you haven't realized.

why?

well, i was on summer break. ..and i thought i was going to be on summer break until we moved to Missouri...

but, life is funny.

we are not moving to Missouri until mid-October.

i took a long term substitute position in my district for a teacher on maternity leave until about the time we leave.

now i am busy.

but it is okay.

because i can handle it.

and everything is ready for the wedding.

right?

here's a picture of all the milk bottles and mason jars I dropped off at the florist last week:

i feel ready..but am i missing something? please advise all you recently married folks.

t-18: sunny days/cold nights

2009-09-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

In San Diego, it is HOT during the day. If the sun is out, it feels 100x hotter than it really is. We purchased a few of these parasols for older guests to use during the ceremony. They also would look cute in bridal party pics as well...

..when the sun goes down, though, it is CHILLY! So we have to inform guests to bring a cardigan...and flip flops, of course!

t-19: words of encouragement

2009-08-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our officiant asked us to pick a verse that we would like him to encourage us with during the ceremony.

Chris and I picked this one:

Be joyful always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstance
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I felt it was a fitting verse with all the things we deal with as a military family...and all the other challenges we will face in our day to day lives.

t-20: the after party

2009-08-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

i do not like drinking. blehk.

but a lot of people we know do.

so. i hope they drink a lot at the wedding. Funny story....the catering manager was asking us if we were going to allow shots at the wedding...she was in the middle of advising us not to allow it, when chris and I interrupted her:

"Of COURSE we are allowing shots."

She obviously has not been around our friends.

Anyways, we are having an after party at the beach house after the reception with more alcohol, but we really hope everyone is trashed before then. Take advantage of the open bar please..because I'm not (Chris, on the other hand, will)

welcome olivia!!

2009-08-29T00:21:00.001-07:00

Guess who decided to come into the world a little early?

That's right! Olivia was born on August 28th weighing 7.9 lbs.

We have a niece!

Congrats John & Karen!!

t-21: friday night get together

2009-08-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

ah, the good old Bahia Belle. It is a little bay cruise that goes between the Catamaran Resort, and it's sister hotel, the Bahia.

We're going to have guests meet us on the boat Friday night as a Welcome to San Diego/Get Together.

It will be fun drinking and dancing on the bay with friends and family before our big day.

t-22: rehearsal dinner

2009-08-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

uhhhh can i just tell you that the rehearsal dinner was the BIGGEST thing that Chris and I have fought about in regard to the wedding?

who to invite? all of our family, including cousins, aunts, and uncles? just the bridal party? significant others? we decided to invite EVERYONE-all family and all bridal party plus their significant others. even though we wanted an intimate setting, we felt that it was only polite to extend the invitation to family members who traveled for the wedding.

where to do it? since there are so many out of towners, we thought we needed to do it within walking distance to the venue and hotels....however, we realized that we definitely should have enough cars to transport everyone to the restaurant.

how much? ugh. another expense. because we are inviting about 40 people to this thing, about half of our guest list, this means a lot MORE money to be spent. blah...

...well, after many many heated discussions, we are going to have an informal rehearsal dinner at Phil's BBQ... a TERRIFIC BBQ joint about 15 minutes from the Catamaran.

Yay. Everyone better like baby back ribs. Because they are so delicious. And I am going to make everyone wear bibs.

t-23: menus

2009-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

I know menu cards are not necessary, but why not? I had the paper...so I just designed a little something-something and printed them out.

on the back of the cards, I put directions to our after party.

t-24: programs

2009-08-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

I designed our wedding programs by drawing chris and I and our bridal party. I scanned the pictures and then added the remaining words and pictures in illustrator. I printed them on a blank card, and voila! Simple...but so very me!

I plan to stick the cards and rose petals in an envelope and seal it with a big Kim-Squared sticker.

yay.

t-25: welcome card and brochure

2009-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

So we have a lot of people coming from out of town to attend the wedding.

I made a little welcome card to place in their welcome bags that list the weekend events:

I also designed a brochure to highlight the areas of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Mission Bay so that guests will have an idea of where to eat, rent bikes, find a convenience store, etc.:

the end.

t-26: songs picked out

2009-08-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

oh hi. I'm just dancing.

Well, we selected songs for our ceremony/reception.

Here's a little rundown:

Processional: Blackbird/Here Comes the Sun
Recessional: I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Bridal Party Intro: Arab Money
Bride & Groom Intro: Let it Rock

First Dance: I'm Yours

Cake Cutting: Pour Some Sugar on Me

Get Away Song: Wouldn't it be Nice

t-27: rocks collected

2009-08-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Chris and I took a walk on Torrey Pines Beach and collected rocks for our placecards. On our walk we realized how much we love San Diego...and how much we'll miss living here.

We ended up with 120 rocks.... they are lined up nicely on our balcony, ready to be sprayed and written on!

t-28: favors done

2009-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

here they are!

I love the fabric! This will totally add some color to the tables!

The livestrong bracelets are tucked nicely in the pouches, and I love the little moo cards!

t-29: celebration of less than a month to go!

2009-08-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

So, in honor of hitting the T- a month mark, I am posting this awfully embarrassing, yet hilarious video I made for my girls as a thank you gift for the bridal shower.

It showcases our desire to learn how to jerk and evidence that we jerked all around SoCal.

I hope you like it! My favorite part is when Chris starts jerking with me! Love him!

t-30: table and bike sketch

2009-08-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

So my last sketches are of some little things.

This sketch shows the centerpiece on the reception tables. I also drew where I would like the menu and favors to be.

This last sketch shows how I would like our tandem bike to be decorated:

...and that's all for my sketches! I hope you liked them. I think sketching it out has helped me detail out the little things AND help me convey my thoughts to my Day of Coordinator.

and holy moly! We have hit the 30 day mark!!!!!

t-31: placecard table sketch

2009-08-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a sketch of our place card table. I want to bring our old wooden ladder and place it next to the table to display pictures of Chris and I growing up, since we won't be doing a slideshow.

The table will be covered with moss and have rocks with guests names along with their table slang word (haha).

t-32: guest book table sketch

2009-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

So this table is not really a guest book table, as I don't really think I need people to "sign in" that they were present at the wedding.

Instead, I was hoping to have this table at our reception so that people can type us notes of encouragement, wisdom, and love that we will read on our 1 year anniversary.

So this 4 foot table will have my 2 typewriters, a wire basket for typed notes, a chalkboard that explains the whole thing, and notecards.

t-33: gift/welcome/programs table sketch

2009-08-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is my sketch of the welcome table where guests will check in before being seated at the ceremony. That's gBang back there! I am so thankful she'll be helping out!!!

So, at this very busy table, guests can drop off cards in a suitcase, take a program from another suitcase, grab a parasol if they are an older guest, and drop off gifts.

The table will also be decorated with a chalkboard that will welcome them to the wedding and the 6 foot table will be lined with milk bottles and flowers.

t-34: cake table sketch

2009-08-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is my sketch of the cake table. It will be a 4 foot table with 3 cake stands (I can borrow yours, right gBang?) and my 2 wooden coke crates, which will be used to hold the cupcakes. I will also have my vintage wooden blocks that spell "Kim-Squared" and (hopefully) pictures of our parents on their wedding day.

t-35: venue sketch

2009-08-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm a visual person...so I like to sketch things out.

Here is my sketch of my venue. In between the palm trees is where the ceremony will take place. To the right of the trees is our cocktail area and to the left of the trees is the reception area.

(click on picture to enlarge)

The next series of posts will be detailed sketches of how I want certain tables to be set-up and designed.

t-36: moss covered table

2009-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

source

My, oh my, I love this moss covered table! I think this has just inspired me on how I am going to design my place card table!

t-37: welcome bags

2009-08-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

So many many many of our guests will be coming from out of town. I started to collect things for our Welcome bags...

...including these awesome Trader Joe bags! Made from 100% recycled material AND only 99 cents...plus it has a pretty awesome beach design:

Next, I went to the San Diego visitor center and jacked all these free brochures, maps, and guides for the bags as well:

I am designing a Welcome Card and a brochure that highlights favorite restaurants and spots in Pacific Beach. We'll put in water and snacks as well.

Yay!

t-38: to do

2009-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

I don't work anymore, so my days consist of waking up at 10 am (I love sleeping for 10 hours!), going to yoga, and then sitting down at my desk to do "work."

Chris always asks what I do all day...and even though it doesn't seem like it, I feel like I do a million things (but still feel like I get nothing done!).

Here is my current to-do list for the wedding:

t-39: kids' bags

2009-08-11T00:01:00.001-07:00

I love Michael's craft store. Yes I do.

I went in there the other day and they were having a HUGE summer clearance!! I bought a few foam sticker packs, glow bracelets, notepads, and markers (all $1 each!) for the kids bags!

t-40: favor assembly

2009-08-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

My loft is a mess right now. Here is a picture of the favors I am putting together.

I finally got the bags from my alchemy person on etsy. It was so unfortunate because she had finished them about a month ago, but the post office LOST them! Can you believe that?! She was kind enough to purchase the fabric and make them all over again in a week. She was so so kind. If you need any sewing done, please contact Pixitogs on etsy.

So here are things I need to get done:
1. String the ribbon through the bags.
2. Punch hole in moo cards.
3. Place livestrong bracelet inside.
4. Tie.

Not too bad...but I have no clue how to get the string through the bags. Crud.

t-41: menswear

2009-08-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

So deciding what the groomsmen were going to wear ensued many arguments between Chris and I.

Chris is wearing his uniform. Of his 4 groomsmen, only 1 is in the Marine Corps with Chris. He really wanted that guy to wear his uniform as well, but then the other guys would be in regular suits. Uuuuh, that won't look very good...plus that dude is not even the best man...he's like 3rd in line..so that would look really uneven!

So, after going back and forth, we decided that all the guys are going to wear linen tan suits, no tie, no vest, with flip flops. Yay!

Did you know that Mens Warehouse only rents tuxes? Boooo. So we found Friar Tux that had a variety of suits for rent.

Done.

t-42: rsvp, ya'll!

2009-08-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

I don't get why sending in an RSVP card is THAT difficult. We have only received about half from all the people we sent invitations to.

With a week left, you people better get that card in the mail!

Thank you!

t-43: hair

2009-08-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

hi. this is me after my hair and makeup trial.

I won't show you the back of the hair because it's a head of curls. You see, I realized a few things at the trial:

1. I have a lot of hair.
2. I need a hair cut that will thin out my hair and give me layers.
3. I like my hair and makeup girl.

the end!

t-44: keep your balance

2009-08-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

source

I like this little poster I found on etsy...I find it fitting, especially for me, right now.

t-45: photo booth no more

2009-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Chris and I took these at the Fair during our engagement shoot. I love them! I love old photo booths!

We have decided to cut ours out of the wedding due to budgeting issues. Pooh. Oh well, it wasn't an old fashioned booth anyway.

t-46: get my hair did

2009-08-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I do my hair and makeup trial with the lovely Nicole Deann! Can't wait!

I don't really know what I want specifically. But I know what I like. Loose curls in a low side bun with dark eyes and glowing cheeks.

I love how Lauren Conrad always has dramatic eyes and a messy updo:

And I love the softness and glow of Zhang Ziyi:

I'll just tell Nicole to do whatever. That's why I pay her the big bucks, right?

t-47: cheers!

2009-08-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

received these gorgeous toasting flutes!

perfect for our wedding toasts.

cheers.

t-48: bachlorette fun

2009-08-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

After the shower, we headed downtown for some fun. We ended up at Se, a newish boutique hotel right next to the house of blues. We had a good time despite the crowd and some drama.

yay! That's all for my recap of the bridal shower/bachlorette/girls weekend. Time to focus on the wedding......

t-49: typing notes

2009-08-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows how much I love my vintage typewriters. My bridesmaids incorporated them into the shower by having all the guests type me a note.

Take a look at the thoughtful words typed on my paper! I will be sure to treasure this forever.

t-50: bridal shower events

2009-07-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

The bridal shower started off with eating the delicious food the girls prepared:

Then, our first game: The Lingerie Game! The guests split up into teams and designed lingerie out of random materials given to them. After 10 minutes, I tried on each piece and modeled it down our spiral staircase. This was my favorite game! I love what everyone came up with and I'll be sure to wear them for Chris on our wedding night (ha!).

The next game was The Newlywed Game, where the bridesmaids prerecorded Chris answering questions about me, him, or us. The guests then had to guess if his answer and mine would match up. I was very touched by some of Chris's answers. Especially the one to the question: "What would Grace expect you to buy if you won the lottery?" I said-clothes...his answer? "A card." He knows me so well! His point was that in richer or poorer, I treasure the simple and most thoughtful things.

Last, we opened presents. I got my bridal shoes, hair piece, lingerie, gummy thongs (yay), a blender (yes!), an awesome photograph of vintage trunks, and some pretty shirts and jewelry. Thank you everyone!

Don't you LOVE this card the bridesmaids gave me? Handmade by Susan, of course.

t-51: bridal shower decor

2009-07-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

My bridesmaids threw me an intimate bridal shower for my San Diego friends. Although I really didn't want a shower, I was absolutely in love with the amount of preparation Christina, Ina, and Susan did just for me!

This post is dedicated to their awesome decor....so creative and so very me! Blue + yellow + bikes + vintage + picnic + lots of sweets!

Our staircase had ribbon with bikes, along with balloons:

Here is the food spread on our island:

The drink station, complete with a vintage juicer:

The dessert table (my favorite):

Cupcakes galore! Some homemade and some bought by my sister-in-law (Thanks, Karen!):

The gift table:

The favors and prizes in a picnic basket:
Favors were milk bottles filled with kit kats and gummy bears. The prizes were hanky pankies in milk bottles as well:
Of course, they utilized my typewriters:
I loved it! Thank you again, so much, for all your hard work and love. XOXO.

t-52: bridesmaids weekend

2009-07-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

The bridesmaids: Susan, Ina, & Christina (minus Adrienne) came to San Diego for a girls weekend.

On Friday, they took me up to Laguna Beach for some shopping and a nice lunch at the St. Regis. It was so fun and reminded me of the days when we likened ourselves to the Sex and the City girls (sans nice clothes and boy drama).

I'll start you off with some pictures of us "jerkin." Apparently my east coast friends are just hearing about skinny jeans & jerkin....so we watched a video by my friends Shawn and Sam and then a video tutorial. Then we practiced in the privacy of our own home. When we went up to Laguna, we decided it would be fun to take pictures of us jerkin everywhere we went. Haha!

christina jerkin in front of the St. Regis Monarch hotel.

jerkin on the grounds of the St. Regis.

jerkin on a canyon.

Enough of that. Here are some other pics from the weekend:

love you girls! Thank you for a great weekend.

t-53: compromises/budget

2009-07-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

here is a list of things chris and i disagree about:

1. directions (see above picture)
2. names for our kids (he's way too traditional...)
3. definition of quality time (grrrr)
4. money/budgeting

#4. Yes, we are overbudget on our wedding expenses. Chris says we shouldn't worry about it, but I do, especially because I stopped working and I probably won't be making a steady income for a while due to our move.

this is sorta stressful.

t-54: bike riding feels like flying

2009-07-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

source

why is it that i'm so in love with bikes?

i don't even own one. Well duh. I love them for all the reasons above, especially "puts a big fat smile on your face." There's something about bike riding that makes you feel like a kid again. I hope people rent bikes when they come to the wedding. Bike riding at the beach is the best!

I found this great blog called: Let's Go Ride a Bike!

I love it! Check out this awesome bike photo:

and guess what? You can customize and build your own bike at Urban Outfitters! uuh...waaaaaahat?!
perfect wedding gift :) bing!

t-55: old letters

2009-07-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

inspiration bubble

Do you keep all your love letters?

I just opened up an old suitcase that was filled with old letters that I have saved over the years. It's funny looking over them...

I heard once that the number one thing girls keep from their significant others is love letters from past lovers. I'm guilty of that. I wonder if Chris has ever found them and read them. ha ha.

t-56: typewriter + rocks + yellow

2009-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

hey! Remember I wanted to use rocks as place cards?

Well, I saw this on style me pretty and it is perfect!

Typewriter + rocks + yellow = gracie

t-57: bridal vice

2009-07-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alrighty. Confession time.

I know that brides have specific things about their body that they want to perfect before their big day. Perhaps they want to lose weight, make their teeth whiter, their face brighter, etc.

Yes, I care about all those things too. But my biggest wish is that my big toenails would grow faster!

You see, I have this obsession with cutting my big toenails. I swear it stems from my ballet days where I would have to cut my toenails short to be en pointe. The constant pressure on my toes didn't help either, and now they just don't grow normally.

So about a month ago, while Chris was away, I cut my big toe nails short. And now I regret it. And I hope they grow. I hope!

I'm obsessed I tell you! I need an intervention. Hide all the nail clippers! Wear socks!

t-58: vagabond

2009-07-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

I know this may seem odd, but I am looking forward to moving.

Yes, I LOVE San Diego. I mean, I LOOOOOOVE it and I love my life here and my friends, but in my gut, I know it's time to move forward.

For the past 10 years of my life, I've been moving every few years. After college in Boston, I lived in Maryland for 3 years, then lived in Japan for 2 years, and now I am leaving San Diego after 2 years. It's time.

I know picking up and leaving will get harder as we have children, build friendships, try and plant roots....but I have always loved the feeling of moving forward.

PS I miss Domino magazine (where the image is from). My inspiration notebook is lacking ever since the last print of the magazine.

t-59: ice cream

2009-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Your love is better than ice cream,
Better than anything else that I've tried."
-Sarah McLachlan, Ice Cream

a fitting quote, no?

t-60: with this ring...

2009-07-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

I love my engagement ring. Even now, I still get compliments on it quite frequently.

I love it so much that I have decided not to get a wedding band. When we exchange rings, Chris will simply place this ring back on my finger.

Maybe he'll get me a right hand ring for our one year anniversary. :) bing.

t-61: bridezillas

2009-07-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

here's a little secret:

Chris likes to watch those Bridezilla shows on TV. He thinks its crazy how ridiculous some girls can be.

Maybe it also reminds him that I'm not so crazy as he thinks I am.

t-62: the 5th teammate

2009-07-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Dear gBang,

Thank you for being my 5th bridesmaid.

Even though you don't officially hold the title, you truly have helped me so much through this process.

Thank you for coming with me to the tasting, for helping me assemble invitations, for advising me on wedding etiquette, and for all your opinions on shoes and accessories. You stepped in and became my adviser when my bridesmaids could not be here.

I love you so much. I am going to miss you when I leave. I am forever grateful for your friendship and your help through this whole process.

Thank you for making me laugh and reminding me that I am not the weirdest person on earth (you are).

love, gracie

PS She is a great blogger. Read it. Subscribe. Now.

t-63: yellow

2009-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

"Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah, they were all yellow......

You know I love you so."

-Coldplay, Yellow

I was reminded how much I love this song after seeing Coldplay in concert the other night and after I saw Queen Happyberry's awesome wedding movie!

PS The serious engagement pictures are so silly to me since I am never really ever that serious !

t-64: bridal shower!

2009-07-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

My bridesmaids are coming to San Diego! The first of whom is arriving tomorrow! Yay!

They are throwing me a bridal shower and bachelorette party while they are here. Yay!

They created and sent these invitations via Paperless Post...a great site for e-vites that are SO much more sophisticated then the regular evites.

Want to see? Join here!

Thank you ladies for being so green with the invitations...and thanks in advance for the party!

PS: Love the yellow + bike!

t-65: invitations

2009-07-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

t-66: our labor of love

2009-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Yes friends, invitations are done.

I had fun designing them and putting them together...even though it took forever!!!!

Here's a little preview of the process:

Special thanks to Kimmy and gBang! And no thanks to Chris who kept breaking the hole puncher.

Come back tomorrow to see a detailed look at the invitations!

t-67: post office subjectivity

2009-07-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

I went to various post offices to weigh my invitations to determine their postage and I got very different answers.

Anal postal dude at Pacific Beach said that they would cost $1.39 because they would not be able to go through the machine. He said they are considered parcel since they have a (small) bump from the bow.

Lenient postal dude in Mission Valley said that I could get away with a simple $0.61 stamp because he could barely feel the bump from the bow.

Moderate postal dude in North Park said that it would be $0.82 because it had to be hand canceled since it could not go through the machine. He said to bring them in and place them in a postal box and inform them that they need to be hand canceled.

Done. I bought the King & Queen stamps and will place both on the envelope. The invitations are ready to go!
(yup! Hand stamped and embossed as well!)

t-68: decision made

2009-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, this past week has been a whirlwind of talks, compromises, discussions, weighing pros and cons, and decisions between Chris and I.

Chris's monitor told him that he could sign a waiver in Missouri in order for us to continue receiving San Diego housing allowance. That would be great for us, especially if I can get back into the classroom.

But, the monitor also told Chris that most likely he will be stationed in the DC area after his 5 months in Missouri.

So, our final decision is that I'm going with Chris..to Missouri, then to DC. It would be great for me to stay in San Diego, but that would mean a whole year apart from him since I would have to commit to an entire school year.

So friends, two days after our wedding, we are getting in our cars and driving to Missouri. Our honeymoon will be roadtripping to the midwest.

Our wedding is now bittersweet...a celebration of love, yet a farewell to our friends and life in San Diego.

The next few months are going to be even more crazy...prepping for the wedding and packing for our move.

But you know what? At least we'll be together.

t-69: sword arch

2009-07-12T00:30:00.001-07:00

Chris has decided that our invitation will read:

"formal military dress encouraged."

We haven't decided if we are going to do a traditional sword arch yet...but if Chris plans to stay in the Marine Corps, then why not?

source

source

source (Thank you to ina k for this picture!!!!)

Traditionally, after the recessional, the Marines in uniform line up and hold up their swords. We walk underneath. Then the last guy, hits me on my bottom and says:

"Welcome to the Corps."

dude, I know.

t-70: proud.

2009-07-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

okay, after my little rant yesterday I think I want to clear something up.

I am extremely proud of Chris and what he does. I know, I always front and make it known that I am NOT like the "other" military wives...

..but to be honest, there is a common thread that binds us. We swell with pride at our husbands' selfless acts of duty to this country.

On July 4th, Chris and I read an article in the Washington Post written by a Captain's wife. Here is an excerpt:

So how do I accept what my husband does for a living? Quite easily. He serves his country and does so courageously, next to other respectable men and women. He represents America with the utmost dignity while overseas. The Army is lucky to have him, and so am I. While people sit back and criticize what soldiers do, my husband risks his life over and over again. Let's be honest: It's a job that most people don't want. Many don't think about it because other people do it.

Other people do it.

Instead of trying to figure out how to accept or justify or understand what my husband does because you don't believe in war, I'd beg you to know that no one wants war; no one likes war. We'd all love a perfect world, but we do not live in one. Our country is at war; two of them, actually. Soldiers, my husband being one of them, have to deploy. We, as families, have to worry and wait and hope.

I believe that the next time somebody asks me how I accept what my husband does for a living, I will simply tell that person to appreciate my husband's service and to enjoy his or her freedom while my husband does what his country asks of him.

So as much I hate the Marine Corps at times, I know that my job is to support Chris 100%, which means sucking it up and rolling with all the punches the military throws at us. As Chris always reminds me:

"You signed up for this."

"When you marry me, you marry the Corps."

Me: "Yes, sir."

t-71: goodbye SD?

2009-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's hard having the military dictate your life.

As I wrote, Chris is moving to Missouri a few days after our wedding.

Initially we planned on living separately (again) for 5 months while he attends a Captain's course....however, we are unsure of our plans now.

It would be such a hassle to move...we just moved into our new place and I just obtained my Masters...plus I was thinking about returning to the classroom full time.

But...it is uncertain if we can afford living in two places at once without depleting our entire savings, since this is considered a permanent move according to the Marine Corps....translation: we will be getting Missouri housing allowance, which does not even compare to the cost of living here in San Diego.

More importantly, are we willing to live apart again? I hate being separated from him, especially if he'll be in the states. Plus we just decided that it's time to start a family very soon and that will mean that we need to be near each other, right?

Chris doesn't even want me to go with him because he knows he'll be busy studying and leave me to be miserable. How can even obtain a job there for 5 months?

So once again, we are in limbo.

Will I stay or will I go?

Will we be together or apart?

These are the days of our lives....
ps This military wife thing is no fun.