Vendors in Review (Part 1)

All along we kept saying to each other "we have the BEST vendors!" And it was true! I think it is definitely a testament to Charlottesville and the great people it produces (no joke).  It's far enough south that the people are sweet and patient.  Bur far enough north that people still have a sense of urgency and promptness (haha, sorry to just totally stereotype the north & south!).

I'll start off this review by saying I'd recommend each and every vendor to another couple getting married (or anyone throwing a big party!).  I know I'm biased (hey, this is the first {and only} wedding I'll do!), and that people have different budgets and visions to work with - but every one of these people/companies were amazing to work with!

So, without further adieu...the vendor rundown:


Ceremony: St. Paul's Memorial Church
Reception: King Family Vineyards
Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Platinum line)
Wedding Shoes:  J Crew
Groom's Suit: Jos. A Banks
Bridesmaids dresses: J Crew
Groomsmen suits: Jos. A Banks
Groom's & Groomsmen ties: J Crew
Flower girl dress: Priscilla of Boston
Wedding jewelry: earrings- borrowed from my mom; necklace- Priscilla of Boston; engagement & wedding rings: Princess Jewelers
Day of Hair: Bristles (they also did Meredith's, my mom's, and my aunt's hair!)
Day of Make-up: DIY (ha!), but seriously, I did my own.  I didn't want to risk hating the way my face looked!
Wedding Coordinator: Kate FitzGerald from I Do Details Events (and she did way more than just the day-of stuff!)
Flowers: Woodmont Designs
Band: 10 Spot (via Sam Hill Entertainment)
Caterer: 20 South Catering
Rentals: Festive Fare
Cake: Paradox Pastry
Getaway Car: Albemarle Vintage Limousine 
Wedding night accommodations: The Boar's Head Inn
Wedding stationery: some of DIY, but the Save the Dates and Invitations were Wedding Paper Divas
Calligrapher: Left Handed Calligrapher 
Honeymoon (!):  Oxygen Jungle Villas (ok, not really a "vendor" but they were so amazing so they totally deserve a shout-out)


...phew.  I plan to review all of the vendors, but like I said, we LOVED them! And can't thank them enough for helping our entire wedding (from the beginning stages to the actual day) such an amazing experience.
:::round of applause!:::

Bridal-plasty

I think most brides-to-be think about self-improvement at some point during their engagement. Whether they want to tone up, lose some lbs, clear up their skin, or the like.  Some, like the contestants on E!'s "Bridalplasty" go so far as to make some major changes. As for me, it's a bit of a combo! Let me explain...

I am making a sort-of major change. I got Invisalign! I had always wanted to straighten my teeth (which got a little "crowded" when my wisdom teeth came in), and one of our daily-deals websites had an offer for Invisalign I couldn't refuse (and it was through our family's orthodontist, too!).  I'm currently on tray 5 of 13, and my teeth are noticeably straighter. I haven't had any side effects (i.e. no lisp while talking with them in), and I am now totally used to wearing them.  I'll be on tray 9 or 10 come wedding day, so definitely more than half-way there! So happy I did this.

I've started to get once-monthly manicures.  I see such a difference in my nails when they are healthy, and I am always excited to make an excuse to pamper myself :)  This is also a relatively inexpensive "maintenance" as mani's are about $10.

Gym & diet - I wouldn't say I'm on a "diet," but I am now (...with 9 weeks to go!!!) super conscious about what I'm eating/drinking.  I'm limiting my weekday alcohol intake (bye-bye glass of wine..or 2...after work), increasing my veggies, and watching my sweet-tooth. Again, not looking to lose weight, more just about keeping healthy!  I've also tried to incorporate more running into my work-outs, as I feel like that gives me the best results.  My arms & back will be the most "exposed" (spoiler alert Adam - my dress isn't a mid-driff or see-through corset! Sorry!), so I am trying to keep up with my Body Pump classes, push-ups, etc..

Skin and makeup - my skin loves to play tricks on me.  One day it'll be cool, calm, and clear.  The next? A disaster!  I've heard from other brides that they tried to wear less make up in the days and weeks leading up to their weddings to allow their faces to "breathe." As long as I don't have major puffy eyes or a big old zit to cover-up, I think I might try this tactic, too!

Anyone else have good pre-wedding trips as far as health & beauty go? :)