Planning Update w/ Pics

[sap483]

Hi Ladies-

So in between travelling for work, I have somehow managed to get some planning done (picked out my dress, potentially my bridesmaid dresses, created a website, picked colors, found a save the date- still need to book a florist, photographer and DJ). I''m finally feeling a sense of accomplishment. So I thought I''d share some pics of the decisions I''ve made and ask for some feedback. First off is a reminder of my wedding location. The Castle Hill Inn and Resort in Newport, RI on July4th next year. Here''s a pic of the property and another of the ceremony spot.

 

[sap483]

Ceremony Location...

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Ooo, Castle Hill will be amazing! It''s so beautiful there! Exciting!!

I had my wedding in a very similar setting (rocky new england shores) and my family STILL calls me to tell me how perfect the setting was. Seriously, it really is amazing. It''s completely natural and beautiful and...sheesh, I almost tear up remembering how amazing it was. I promise you will NOT be disappointed! I''ve only heard fantastic things about Castle Hill!

 

[sap483]

So the colors I picked are turquoise blue and celadon green. Here is the Save the Date I picked in those colors....

 

[sap483]

My gown is a Paloma Blanca, #3609. This was not at all what I imagined for my wedding gown, but when I tried it on it looked perfect and took my breath away. Plus by sister and best friend (quite possibly the most blunt and picky girls alive) teared up, so I knew it was the one.

ETA: The skirt is made of Organdy and has some tiny crystals scattered throughout the pick ups, so the entire dress is incredibly light. and dreamy. I can definitely see myself dancing the night away in this in July!

 

[sap483]

For the bridesmaids we''re thinking this dress in turqoise might be the winner. The flower girls will be wearing dresses in Celadon. I haven''t picked those dresses yet, but I saw one by Watters that was two tone (available in my colors) and had a pick up skirt. I may go with that....

 

[sap483]

As for other details that I''ve figured out, the wedding will be tented, but the adjacent lawn where the cermony is will be set up with adirondack chairs and firepits. I got these things called fire sticks that turn the flames blue and green to go with the color scheme. As our favor, we''re putting some sparklers (it is the 4th of July after all) and a personalized matchbook tied together with a ribbon at each place setting. I think it will look really nice in pictures (it''s an evening wedding). I''m hoping one of the three neighboring towns also cooperates with my schemes and holds their fireworks that night- since the resort has a wonderful view of any of those three displays on the bay. That''s it so far...I need to figure out what I want to do for flowers now. Any suggestions on that or any other ideas/comments? I''d love to hear them....

 

[sap483]

Thanks NewEnglandLady! Do you have pictures of your wedding posted on PS? I''d love to see them!

 

[surfgirl]

sap, for the love of god, please please PLEASE tell me you will leave enough time during the picture taking to get a shot of you and you hubby on that rock outcropping (just in front of the lighthouse), with the lighthouse in the immediate background...because that? Is the money shot right there!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I don''t have any pictures posted, just this one in my avatar. I don''t have my prof. shots back (wedding was less than 2 weeks ago), but have some snapshots.

Everything looks/sounds wonderful! I think 4th of July in Newport would be amazing! You''ll be able to see many different fireworks desplays from Castle Hill! It''s going to be amazing! And fun!!

Love the turquoise and celadon green pairing, by the way! It''s bright, summery and will look great in photos!

 

[Independent Gal]

It''s all gorgeous!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I agree with surfgirl about making sure you get some shots on the rocks next to the lighthouse. We took at least half of our shots on the rocks (tough climbing HUGE rocks in 4 inch heels, but the shots are fantastic!). We did ours when the sun was beginning to set and the colors were so nice. Rocky shores provide nice drama for photographs (and that lighthouse will be awesome!) and if you pair that with sunset lighting and a light breeze through your veil, it''s perfect!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

It''s going to be beautiful!

 

[sap483]

NewEnglandLady- I can't wait to see pictures when you get them back.

Surfgirl- Oh yes either way I'm taking pictures there. So this is the dilemma. I'm trying to convince FI to take some pictures before the ceremony since it begins at 6:30 in the evening. He's not sure if he wants to see me before the ceremony, and to be honest I kind of don't want him to see me either until I'm walking down the aisle. Although I suppose that if he does see me in a more private setting, I'll really be able to see the look on his face. If we don't take pictures before the ceremony, we'll miss most of our cocktail hour (we'd take pics with our attendants before the ceremony) taking pictures. What to do?

Indy and Tacori- Thank you!

P.S. On a completely different note, Surfgirl, I've always been meaning to compliment you on your ring. Your stone is one of my absolute favorites on here. Ever since I saw it, I've had a thing for vintage cuts - poor FI has heard more than he cares for about them!

 

[ellaila]

Oooh, love the colors and everything else you picked out! And I may be a little biased here, but I LOOOOVE the venue too

We didn''t take photos at the lighthouse -- we only had our photog for a short period of time -- but we did take lots of pics with the lighthouse in the background, and they''re lovely. You really can''t go wrong taking photos anywhere at Castle Hill though -- it''s just a gorgeous gorgeous place!

I personally didn''t want photos before the ceremony -- I love the idea of the groom not seeing the bride until she walks down the aisle. It''s just so romantic to me! And since you''re having a summer wedding, you''ll have a late sunset, so you could certainly take photos after the ceremony and still have nice lighting -- and probably a gorgeous summer sunset too!