Mad MOH Wedding Finale Part I

By on November 16, 2011 in Bridal Showcase, Daily Scoop, Diary of a Mad M.O.H

HERE COMES THE BRIDE…Part I of II

Finally the day had arrived!!  As the MOH, this was my final (and most important!) duty for my bride, and I was caught up in the wedding excitement and adrenaline rush.

My alarm shocked me into awareness at 6am, I was begging for gallons of coffee at 6:30, and arrived at the venue to start the set-up at 7am.  I was the first one there, and I took a moment to sip my coffee and soak up the quiet early morning solitude.  The grounds were beautiful…the sun was filtering through the barn and a gentle breeze was   stirring the dust motes, making them dance and sparkle.  Running through my to-do list, I put a hand on my nervous belly and regretted my second cup of coffee.

Hearing a car rumbling up the driveway, I peeked my head out of the balcony to greet my favorite girl.

Me: “You’re getting married todaaay!”

Her: “I’m getting married todaaaay!  God, I hope it warms up…”

I could see the nervousness shimmering all over her, but now was not the time for nerves.  We had to have the whole reception area set up, decorated, and ready by 10am.  More cars were coming up the drive, and the unloading began.  We hauled, organized, tied, beribboned, scattered, and placed with a fury.  Like worker ants, we each had a job and saw that task through with precision before turning our attention to the next task at hand.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous myself.  There was so much to do!  So much to unpack!  So much to set up!  Would we be done in time?  Why, oh why did I drink so much coffee?

As the setup progressed, I found myself feeling much like a general organizing my troops for battle:

Where were those doggone groomsmen….ahhhh!  They’re drinking already? For Peter Piper’s sakes…

Who’s arguing? What? Ok, I’ll handle it.

Hey, I just put those tables there…okay. Fine, they look better there, anyway.

Who left?  Are they coming back?  Ok, I’ll call…

Do we have flowers for these?  No?  We can’t just leave them plain like this! Ok, never mind, I’ll stop and grab some.

Watch that ladder!  Yikes!

Why would you toss that pack of tacks down to me instead of handing it to someone? Tacks all over…have to pick them all up so     no one gets one in their shoe. Jeez Louise…

All at once, it happened. Everything came together and after a quick moment to admire our work, we were free to start getting ready.  I left my bride, raced to the greenhouse for those flower pots, zoomed home to take the quickest shower in history and grab my husband and his wardrobe, then put the pedal to the metal to make it back to the manor to start primping with my bride.

She was fairly crawling out of her skin with nerves by this time, and her giggles weren’t entirely sane.  With the help of a glass of wine, she got those goofy giggles under control and started on her make up.  Being a cosmetology graduate, she wanted to apply her own makeup, but I could see her irritation level start to rise when she was asked for help with eyelash application, hair curling, and a myriad of other requests from others. Quickly, we dodged that storm and calmed her down again.  The talented and lovely photographer Julie, of Julie Rice Photography, arrived to document the madness.  With each step of the bridal ritual, my bride gradually relaxed and even began to smile.  With her makeup and hair complete, it finally hit her — in less than an hour, she was going to walk down the aisle and change her life forever.

Some finishing touches, the dress zipped, the hairpiece and birdcage veil adjusted just so, the jewelry lovingly clasped by the bride’s mother, and we were good to go.  We stepped out into the sunlight, killing time until everyone was set at the boathouse and my bride could make her grand entrance.

Then, a breathtaking and tissue-worthy moment when the father of the bride caught sight of her for the first time and put his sunglasses on to hide the emotion in his eyes…speaking unevenly as he struggled to tell her how beautiful she looked and how much he loved her.  That was definitely one of my fav moments, and Julie the photographer snapped away, capturing the moment forever.

At last!  It was time!  We all crammed ourselves into the bride’s tiny turbo beetle bug and zoomed to the boathouse where her groom and guests awaited.

We pulled up in her beetle and parked it nose to nose with her groom’s vintage beetle, then exited the car to walk straight down the path to the boathouse.  As I made it to my mark, I turned to watch my bride slip her arm through her father’s and smile at him.  She  was stunning.  The sun seemed
to spotlight only on her, and even the birds were quiet as she made her way down the aisle…then the quiet was broken as she was overcome once again with the nervous giggles.

As she made it to her groom, I could see the love shining in his eyes, and the rest of the world may have been invisible because he was focused entirely on her.  Standing behind her during the ceremony, I could see her shaking like a leaf.  Nervousness, anticipation, and adrenaline had started to kick in, and I was praying she wouldn’t pass out.  Before I knew it, though, the short ceremony was complete and the officiant was introducing the new Mr. and Mrs…

WOO-HOO!  We did it!  She made it down the aisle in one piece…giggling and shaking all the way, but she made it.

 

My job wasn’t over though.  Little did I know, it was just beginning….

 

 

 

 

Check us out next week for the finale to learn how cupcakes, birdcage veils, and missing microphones all combine to create a bridal breakdown.  Don’t worry though, Mad MOH was on the job. ; )

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE RICE PHOTOGRAPHY

 

 

 

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Mad MOH Week # 11

By on August 10, 2011 in Daily Scoop, Diary of a Mad M.O.H

SHOWERED WITH LOVE…

I think that one of my favorite bridal rituals is the bridal shower.  There is something so traditional and powerful about a group of women getting together and showering the bride with love and support, and my bride was looking forward to it with excitement. This was one area that she didn’t have to be pestered with preference questions from her MOH. (At this point, pestered is probably the nicest word she has for all of my questions.)

I’ve broken down my bride’s wedding into 3 very important (and potentially stressful!) events, and I check them off with glee and focus on the next with grim determination: the bridal shower, the bachelorette, and finally, the Big Day.  Plans were already underway for the bachelorette, so I turned my attention to the bridal shower.

Traditionally, it’s the Maid of Honor’s job to throw the bridal shower.  Once again, I found myself sitting up in bed at midnight trying to come up with some great ideas.  Fortunately, I was saved by the grace of the MOB and MOG (mother of the bride and mother of the groom).  Both had been helpful so far, and MOB definitely has taken a personal interest in her only daughter’s wedding.  This can prove difficult at times because I don’t want to step on any momma toes, but in this situation it was a blessed relief.  I didn’t have to do this all alone!

We started by having a nice meeting with the bride, MOB, MOG, and myself out on the lovely patio of the MOG’s home.  My poor bride thought she was going to get away from questions.

Haha! Not this time.

My bride, her corsage, and her huge "I'm opening presents" smile. = )

What do you want to eat? What are you going to wear? What colors are you thinking of?  How many people are we going to invite?  Do you have a list of addresses? What kind of entertainment would you like?

My poor bride was like a cornered bunny.  She tired valiantly to have an opinion, but really, all she was looking for was a great day that was all about her and included…PRESENTS.  The rest of the stuff just wasn’t that important to her and she was perfectly content with leaving it up to us.

Between the three of us, we divided the duties and responsibilities, and I left with a plan of action and a set list of goodies to buy. Siiigh…I love solid plans and lists. = )

I bought some gorgeous silk gerberas and some of the small julep cups from our shop and made bright and cheerful centerpieces that would double as gifts.  Then, I collaborated with the ladies of my office to create a lovely wrist corsage as a surprise for my bride that would match her dress.  I dropped off silk gerbera heads to the bakery to arrange on the cake, and created some fun shower games.

These centerpieces were a big hit! 7 gerbera daisies, the small julep cup, some floral foam, a rhinestone pick, and 30 minutes was all it took.

On the day of the shower, I picked up my bride and presented her with her corsage which – thankfully! – matched her dress perfectly.  We went to pick up the cake, and she was stopped by at least 5 people who told her how beautiful she looked, and asked if the corsage and cake flowers were real.  By the time we left for the shower, her eyes were shining and she had the biggest smile, ever.

The shower itself was a big hit.  All of the ladies had fun, and my bride received the most wonderful, thoughtful gifts and marveled over each one.  The food was delicious, the games were fun, and the people were amazing.  When it was all over and everything was cleaned up, I drove my bride home feeling relaxed and content.  She had the best time, and a great day.

That’s what I like to hear!  Mission accomplished, now only 2 events to go.  We were headed into the home stretch, and the wedding was only 2 months away. Here we go!

 

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Mad MOH Week # 10

By on August 3, 2011 in Daily Scoop, Diary of a Mad M.O.H

 

 

 

THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE HAVES AND HAVE-NOTS…

Now that we were getting closer to the wedding date, it was time to start thinking about the guest list.  Apparently this was one of the most stressful parts yet for my bride.  I remember planning my wedding and having the same anxiety over the one major guest list question that everyone kept asking:

“Are children invited to the wedding?”

Holy moly.  There is no scarier prospect than offending a parent by telling them that your wedding is an adults-only event.  I agonized and changed my mind back and forth between the two options for over a month before I made my final decision, so I could understand my bride’s stress.  She was completely torn, and it was taking its toll on her.

There are a couple of factors to consider when trying to answer that question for your big day.  What kind of atmosphere are you looking to achieve for your wedding?  Our wedding reception was a huge Irish party, and we didn’t want to have to worry about children mixing with adults, alcohol, and a rock ‘n roll band.  It just wasn’t a child-appropriate venue.

From affordableutahweddings.com, this pic shows how one couple made their reception kid-friendly

Another thing to consider is that children tend to get bored very easily.  I have 24 nieces and nephews, and if there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s to come prepared at all times with entertainment.  The moment a kid’s attention wanders, trouble will soon follow.  One really great idea for brides who don’t want their wedding to be adults-only is a kid’s fun table.  Load it up with artsy things (no paint or markers, you will never forgive yourself!), popsicle sticks, small craft projects, coloring books, or a bead station where they can make “presents” for the bride and groom.  One of my favorite sites for inexpensive children’s crafts is www.orientaltrading.com.  You can even have the craft match the theme of your wedding, and these crafts will keep the kids busy and out of trouble for awhile.

Decorative lantern kits...great for both boys and girls from Oriental Trading, and you can set up a special place to hang them when they're done!

The dinner menu is also an important factor in your decision.  If your menu includes chef-inspired dishes, chances are that your young guests will be more tempted to turn THAT into a craft instead of eating.  To avoid this, adding a children’s menu of chicken fingers, mac ‘n cheese, or other child favorites will encourage them to put the food in their bellies and not waste it.  If your budget allows for a separate kid’s menu and dinner table, then this might be the option for you.

All in all, it is the bride and groom’s decision.  It’s their special day, and even though it’s a tough call, it’s not made to inconvenience or offend anyone.  I have attended weddings with children, and those without and all were enjoyable.  It’s a good idea to let your guests know well in advance if they need to find a babysitter, and the guests should be respectful of the new couple’s wishes.

My bride had some tension and craziness when a few important members of the guest list were very vocal about their dislike of the couple’s decision to not include children.  These guests even went so far as to declare that they would not be attending the wedding because they didn’t want to have to get a babysitter for a few hours in the evening, and this broke my bride’s heart. Although it may be more inconvenient for parents to find a sitter, please consider the feelings of the bride and groom before reacting.  Save some poor woman from being the Mad MOH that now has to calm her highly emotional bride down over the guest list, and think of it this way…

You will get to enjoy some adult time, too.

 

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Mad MOH Week # 9

By on July 27, 2011 in Daily Scoop, Diary of a Mad M.O.H

IF THE DRESS FITS….

Ladies who have been married, or who are engaged are very familiar with the eternal challenge of finding the perfect wedding dress.  When I was married, I swear that the poor sales girl was very tired of seeing me before I made my final decision. I made three trips to the bridal shop and tried on over fifty – that’s right! – fifty wedding dresses before I made my final selection.

Surprisingly, my bride had no such problem.  Can you believe it?  My bride – the one who had no concrete plans, and who’s favorite decision-making answer was “Ummm….I dunno” went to one bridal shop, tried on eight dresses, and made a decision on the spot.  She loves, loves, loves her dress.  If she could wear it everyday, I bet she would.

Of course, I should have known enough by now to be cautious when anything was too easy.  The shenanigans were only just beginning….

Wedding dress sizes are strange things.  They can vary according to style, designer, and fabric.  Generally, the rule is to try one size bigger and then alter it down if you are ordering online.  In a bridal salon, don’t feel discouraged or shocked if the size of the wedding dress is larger than what you would normally wear.  Calm your racing heartbeat!  It is okay!  It’s normal for the sizing to run differently, and it is more important to feel comfortable and beautiful during your special day than to feel like if you take a deep breath your zipper will bust.

One of the gorgeous dresses in the Afloral.com line. We couldn't show the bride's because her groom reads Mad MOH weekly!

Remember that unless you purchase a different dress for your reception, this is the one that you will be wearing for quite a few hours.  You will be hugging, posing, sitting, and dancing in this dress.  If it is too tight or uncomfortable, you will not be a happy camper.

Although my favorite bride did not have any trouble choosing her dress, she did have trouble with that sizing tag.  Instead of going for comfort, she decided that she was going to go on a diet.  She chose a dress that left her no room for error at all, and that verged on uncomfortable.  It also had a zip-up back instead of the corset style, so there would be no room for error.

Ohhhh boy, this did not bode well.  My bride is 5’11”, slim, and fastidious about remaining slim.  She goes to great lengths to maintain her gorgeous and graceful figure.  Being 5’6” and more round myself, I envy her ability to turn every outfit into something stunning and fit for the catwalk.  My bride, however, does not see it that way.  She proceeded to strictly limit herself to a low-carb, high protein diet that eliminated anything that even looked tasty to me.  Her first fitting went well.  I saw a hysterical Facebook post after the next one. Her dress hadn’t fit, and she was devastated.  Her resolve to eat less and work out more strengthened, and when I went with her to her next (and final) fitting, her mother and I waited with baited breath, straining to hear any sound coming from the back dressing room. Nothing.  The tension grew thick, and then…

She came waltzing through the doors with a large smile and I let out my pent up breath.  She looked gorgeous, happy, and absolutely radiant, and nothing could be better, in my mind.  It was a great moment, but it was fought for with tooth and nail.  There was so much riding on this dress, and it was all my bride thought about.  Every meal she had was carefully prepared and rationed so that there was no possibility that she would not fit in her dress.  She did this for a whole year!

Here’s some advice from the Mad MOH – don’t do it.  It’s not fun, and it can add stress to a process that can already be stressful.  Go up a size, have it taken in, and you won’t have to be afraid to have actual salad dressing on your salad.

 

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Mad MOH Week 8

By on July 20, 2011 in Daily Scoop, Diary of a Mad M.O.H

TO BACHELOR, OR TO BACHELORETTE…THAT IS THE QUESTION

I’m a big fan of bachelorette parties, and I know that the men out there love the don’t-ask, don’t-tell bachelor parties that they’ve been to.  Being the MOH, it’s my job to make sure my bride has the best time ever at her bachelorette party.  My male counterpart, the Best Man (BM) does the same for the groom.

I had been wracking my brains for the perfect idea that would be special for my bride and allow her to really relax and have fun.  Hmmm…it had to be something memorable and personal.  Also, it had to be something that everyone could do.  I had some great ideas:

Wine tour in style with a limo and her closest friends?

Image provided by Timkey Limo. http://timkeylimo.com/

Taking a limo to the city, getting a hotel suite, and enjoying the club scene?

Making a trip to Canada?

None of these would do, however, because we had a small problem.  Actually, we had a couple of small problems. My fellow bridesmaid is not able to partake in any of the activities that include alcohol, due to her age, and no one had a passport for Canada.

Bummer.  Now what!?  My brain was on overload, trying to come up with a genius plan.

Meanwhile, I kept checking in with the BM.  Since the BM is one of our roommates, he was often quizzed. How’s the bachelor party planning going?  Have anything set yet?  Been saving for the party?

Every time the poor guy was in the same room with me, I was double checking his progress.  I started to get nervous about two months before the wedding because neither of us had any concrete plans, and it didn’t look like any were on the horizon.

No plans + no ideas = panic mode!

I didn’t want my bride and groom to feel bad.  I didn’t want to be known as the Miserly and Unprepared MOH!

Then, one night an idea started tickling my brain as I was making dinner. (Making dinner often brings out the creative side of me).  It was a soft murmur of an idea at first, but soon it was an all-out shout.  I was brimming with excitement, and immediately consulted with the BM, who looked quite relieved and excited himself.  We finally had a plan, and not just any plan – it was a great plan!  The more I thought about it, the more excited I grew.  I kept adding little details and tweaking and changing until, finally, it was perfect.

What kind of event would allow me to be sure that both the bride and the groom would have a good time?  What would be personal, and super-fun?  What could I do to make sure that all angles were covered, and my fellow bridesmaid could enjoy herself as well?

The answer to all of the above was: A Stag and Hag party!

For those of you who have never heard of it, this party is a grand notion!  The bride and groom spend their big nights out together, instead of having separate parties.  There are  several things that you could do with this, but we chose to have a huge, all-out, no holding back, time to let loose, everyone’s invited party for our couple.

Now for the details and planning…who’s It?

Anyone…?   Guys…?

Oh, ya…that’s my job.  How do I rope myself into these things?

 

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