Hair

It'll be dark brown and the hair clip will be my sweet peacock feather and silver/pearl brooch fascinator with a birdcage veil (gonna be baller!) but this is basically the hair style!

Rock n Roll Bride · Punk Rock (n Roll) Bride

Rock n Roll Bride · Punk Rock (n Roll) Bride: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

US$ 89.99 | Sheath/ Column Sweetheart Knee -Length Capped Satin Mother of the Bride Dress (FSH0140)

US$ 89.99 | Sheath/ Column Sweetheart Knee -Length Capped Satin Mother of the Bride Dress (FSH0140)

I LIKE THIS ONE for you guys! In the color "grape" (check out the color/size guide) If you're dimensions don't fit into those you can choose "custom fit" and for less than the price of getting it tailored you can have them custom fit it to your dimensions. (I did that for wedding dress #1 from this site...it's great quality and it fit like a glove!)

Shoes

What do you want to do about shoes with the bridesmaid dresses? They're kind of short, but if you all want heels that's just fine. We could try to find some vintage-style Mary Jane heels or something cool. There's also options such as: combat-ish boots (definitely complete the west coast punk look then!) or maybe converse? We could go with a color that matches and either leave it or as- is or get some markers and you guys can design them however you want, either on the purple canvas or a different color. Ok so some examples (and not these colors except maybe the converse, I just chose the first thing that fit the style.)

There are a lot of awesome shoes here too:
http://www.tukshoes.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=15

Check it out!

And the winner is...

The winner is dress #2, the black/pink Betsey Johnson with the spaghetti straps. A close second was dress #1, the Sue Wong. Haha fundamentally different dresses so I hope you're happy with the Betsey Johnson. The dress below is the color combo, this color blue with this color purple. Thoughts?

I am the smartest girl alive! Ok, maybe just the best tutorial follower...ha!

I'm experiencing a moment of deep self-satisfaction and I have to share with someone. I only got K and Sara's message machine so I'll just share my awesome experience with everyone!

This awesome experience DID NOT start awesome. I've been designing the invitations and I've become a little obsessed. I plopped onto the compute this morning to get crackin' and what do I find? A monitor with a blinking blue light. Nothing starts it. I restart, take plugs out and put them in, no dice. So I take to the laptop and look up my monitor. Seems this little gem (exact model and same year) has an issue with going to shit after a couple years and the "error" code is the flashing blue light. What's wrong with it? Techies disagree but there were 2 options: burned out LCD backlight or blown capacitors. Both would cost between $100-$300 to fix and a new monitor is $150 on the cheap end. It's past warranty and already broken so what the hell, I determined I'd fix it myself.

If it was an LCD issue I'd have to order so I looked up a tutorial first on how to replace capacitors. What a pain! You have to take the monitor apart, open up the guts and be sure not to get zapped by other capacitors in the process. (We're talkin around 1000 volts here, would've been a bad day.) So long as I didn't go poking metal into things that looked like batteries I figured I'd be ok; off I went!

This model really sucks for taking apart. The screws are nearly impossible to get to and the circuit board is not in an ergonomic position. But I finally got it out and what do you know? Blown capacitors. Brown juice all over. The capacitors shit themselves. At this point I realized I'd need a soldering iron, solder, 3 new capacitors and a tutorial on how to solder circuit boards. $20 and a 10 minute tutorial later I set to work.

I really didn't know if this was going to work! But I got the faulty pieces out, the new ones in, tediously put this thing back together and headed to the computer room. Plugs went into the monitor, I held my breath in anticipation and...NOTHING! Haha I went through all that and forgot to check if I plugged it back into the surge protector. Ok so I plugged that in and...SUCCESS!!! I fixed the monitor! I braved the perils of the circuit board and walked away victorious! Plus I saved a couple hundred bucks, which is GREAT because I've got this wedding thing going on.  WOOHOO!

Time to Vote!

Okay bridesmaids, I need to know what kind of style you all prefer please vote on the following. I'm going to write a description of the dress next to the number since blogger doesn't like to line up text with photos but remember color(s) will be different:

Dress 1:Sue Wong style flapper

Dress 2: Betsey Johnson pink/black

 Dress 3: Betsey Johnson pink/black with bow

Dress 4: Modcloth black with lace


Dress 5: Blue with lace

Added Pictures

I forgot how to add pictures in the "Pics" tab but I just figured it out again so check out the new ones :)

These can be found at: http://www.unique-vintage.com/wong-silk-ivory-layered-flapper-cocktail-dress-p-3987.html

They go marvelously with Gatsby and have a shape that flatters any figure. Probably going to order them in a color that matches this shoe (I love this shoe) :  

WOW look at this one!

This is a TOTALLY different look but definitely puts the punk in big band punk theme. Kathleen (Drew's aunt) found this and it's awesome! The picture was next to a mannequin in a blue kilt... it's calling to me guys. Completely different from Gatsby so it's hard to decide which I like better but this is pretty cool.

Alas

So I think I scared the girls at 1koo with my dress. I got an email saying they can't make it... but it was in really broken English so I think they're plenty capable they just need something more concrete with minimal add-on instructions. Like Gatsby. Hopefully they can make it or I'm going to enter a pit of despair for a solid hour :)

I think I'm onto something!

I was talking to Fitzlippo and thought I'd take a nap but after our conversation I was jazzed up for the wedding so took to the drawing board. I'm very pleased with this. Oh yes. Might be the winner. Imagine it in fabric, dashed lines are beading, the cap sleeves would actually be transparent material with beading on it, similar to the top part of the Sue Wong bridesmaid dress. Tell me your thoughts!

Or...

I drew this too, I was thinking about trying to incorporate it with the invites somehow. This is obviously of the era too, but I don't know how I feel about sheath dresses exploding into ruffles and feathers at the bottom, it's a little much I think. Could have short hair with it though which would be stellar. Then again, Drew really wants the long hair so alas, looks like we'll need to go with the stuff below:

Crappy Sketch, Look at the Pics Below for Elements

And here's 1koo_3. I really like this shape and the girl is a little bit shorter than previous models. Plus this is a Chinese company so if I'm unsure of how it might look on a small person like me I only need to find the dress on one of their Chinese models. But anyway, here's satin going into net. I like this a lot, but I really don't like the flower trail thingy above the fabric "bunch". It's a looser bunch so that flower thing probably helps to keep the fabric tighter but if they wrap it tighter I won't need that. My bunch would be higher too so it can immediately go to the lace layer before going back into satin and then net or skip the 2d satin layer and go net. I'll sketch my idea and post it. I'm thinking the beading on the bodice should be similar to the style beading on the bridesmaid's flapper dresses.

We'll call this 1koo_2. This is such a neat dress but it isn't the era we're going for and the shape is too bell. Again though, love the wrap and it's put together better. Also great use of layering here, I like the way satin leads to lace, but I think having a third layer (net) would be best for the bottom. It'd add even more dimension (they did it with ruffles during the 20s but I really dislike ruffles) so I can do it with layers. It'd be a lot different than other wedding dress styles too and with bright heels and big punk hair, can't go wrong!

We'll call this 1koo_1: I like the wrap effect but it's too... swaddling clothes I guess, looks like someone wrapped her up and tied it off. But I use this for the effective use of lace, satin, and net, which I'm thinking about doing.

Maggie Sottero Milan Bridal Gown GATSBY

Maggie Sottero Milan Bridal Gown GATSBY: "- Doesn't look as good on this model and I'm not nearly as tall as either... might be looking for a different style, I'll keep you posted.

Bridesmaids!

http://www.edressme.com/suewong-no341.html

http://www.unique-vintage.com/unique-vintage-exclusive-ivory-silver-beaded-fringe-reproduction-flapper-dress-p-3665.html

CHECK THEM OUT! We can have them tailored specifically to you and made with whatever color/design modifications we want at 1koo.com for about $100 total price. Crazy cheap when you go direct to the source of dress making. Tell me what you think!

Update

Caterer: Nancy's Haute Affairs
Location: 5 Eleven Palafox
Band: Tentatively Swinging Dick Tracys
Florists, Invites, Dresses, Decorations and other countless details: To be determined

The Horn of Africa: Critical Analysis of Conflict Management and Strategies for Success in the Horn's Future - Published by Student Pulse

The Horn of Africa: Critical Analysis of Conflict Management and Strategies for Success in the Horn's Future - Published by Student Pulse

Now We're Getting Somewhere

So we finally have a date. July 2, 2011. We wanted August originally because both of us should be done with training, but that exact date is really variable right now. It might be September, and there are no 3 day weekends in August. Also, close to finishing one or both of us might have additional stuff to do at other sites (like survival etc.) SOO the only federal holiday over the summer that we know for sure we'll both be in Pensacola for is July 4.  That's a 3 day weekend and usually military members get Friday off as well so that would be a 4 day weekend to spend with family and friends. July 4th weekend it is!

That being said, we can start booking important folks, like the site and food and such. We are going with 5 Eleven Palafox (such a great rate!) for the reception site and Nancy's Haute Affairs for catering and possible "day of" wedding planning services. Right now the biggest contender for the band is the Swinging Dick Tracys but Paul and others are scouring the Southeast for other possible bands that fit the bill.

The kilt is going to be wicked expensive to make so I'm going with China direct for the dress. I checked about Gatsby, no dice as of yet. I'll check other sites. Soterro is no different than the rest, they all use Asian labor so I'm skipping the middle man. The most recent dress post on this is a close second, there's a good chance those are going to be my threads.

US$ 189.99 | 2010 Style Trumpet / Mermaid Halter Sleeveless Organza / Satin Court Train Wedding Dress (MZY017)

US$ 189.99 | 2010 Style Trumpet / Mermaid Halter Sleeveless Organza / Satin Court Train Wedding Dress (MZY017)

US$ 249.99 | Ball Gown Sweetheart Chapel Train Sleeveless Taffeta Wedding Dress for Bride (WGY0061)

US$ 249.99 | Ball Gown Sweetheart Chapel Train Sleeveless Taffeta Wedding Dress for Bride (WGY0061)

US$ 249.99 | Trumpet / Mermaid One Shoulder Court Train Satin Wedding Dresses (WSM0474)

US$ 249.99 | Trumpet / Mermaid One Shoulder Court Train Satin Wedding Dresses (WSM0474)

US$ 219.99 | Ball Gown Court Train Taffeta Lace Wedding Dresses for Bride (HSX279)

US$ 219.99 | Ball Gown Court Train Taffeta Lace Wedding Dresses for Bride (HSX279)

US$ 189.99 | Princess Trumpet / Mermaid Sweetheart Court Train Satin Organza Wedding Dresses for Bride / Reception Dress (HSX1136)

US$ 189.99 | Princess Trumpet / Mermaid Sweetheart Court Train Satin Organza Wedding Dresses for Bride / Reception Dress (HSX1136)

US$ 699.99 | Luxury A-line Strapless Court Trains Lace Organza Wedding Dresses for Bride (KT2002)

US$ 699.99 | Luxury A-line Strapless Court Trains Lace Organza Wedding Dresses for Bride (KT2002)

US$ 199.99 | Trumpet / Mermaid Sweetheart Sweep / Brush Train Satin Taffeta Lace Wedding Dress (WSM0384)

US$ 199.99 | Trumpet / Mermaid Sweetheart Sweep / Brush Train Satin Taffeta Lace Wedding Dress (WSM0384)

US$ 239.99 | Trumpet Sweetheart Sweep / Brush Train Satin Organza Wedding Dresses for Bride WGY0035

US$ 239.99 | Trumpet Sweetheart Sweep / Brush Train Satin Organza Wedding Dresses for Bride WGY0035

Ideas

Ok I'm writing a list of things I want to talk to Paul the Wedding Planner about so thought I should copy it down here so I don't forget to share anything I come up on.

As you know, the theme is Big Band Punk so musically, we're going with the neo-swing sound of the late 90s. K turned me onto Squirrel Nut Zippers but they were right up there with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. I checked out 90s swing revival in P-Cola and the first thing to pop up was the Swinging Dick Tracys. I have no idea how much they charge but they sound pretty good.

Check out: dicktracyband.com

And they're local which is a total plus because there won't be a travel charge. In fact, many of their pics have them playing right down town and they have a gig coming up at the place across from the event space we're looking at... have you checked it out?

5elevenpalafox.com

Take a listen and tell me what you think. Their "about" page indicates that they can play a host of genres and I'm assuming they lend that big brassiness to all of it and that's really what we need. For the punk aspect anything like Less Than Jake or the Velvet Underground incorporated into the list should be pretty baller.

Band is a big deal. So's the bar. And the food. Should I post the catering menu options up here for you to see?I'm probably going to be commenting on this post as I get more ideas. Ciao.

Day 3

Ok- comments are few and texts are rampant... so I'm going to have to post on what I have so far (post comments so I don't have to try to remember!) The Gatsby dress is a hit but a shorter dress has been suggested for a more "punk" look. I can see the potential- bright heels would rock!

The birdcage veil is also choice. Sara and I found a DIY Bride book that shows how to make one yourself (dude they're $80 minimum on Etsy, it'd be clutch if I can make my own) but where to get Russian lace?

Drew and I are meeting with Paul from Nancy's Haute Affairs. They're a full service caterer and also do event planning. I've heard a planner is worth his/her weight in gold (especially with the back-to-back training I'm doing) so I might go with that. They also have a warehouse full of goodies to help with the theme (Paul was really excited when I told him about it.) 

What else? Oh I'm trying to decide on colors. I want bright! Blue is a given because of Drew's kilt:

http://www.scotweb.co.uk/tartan/US-Forces/61653?filter_searchterm=air%20force

(Look at the US Forces Air Force Tartan #1)

And of course purple is my favorite color and the red thread in the kilt against the blue makes it look purple so I think that's fine. There's also yellow thread. So conservatively speaking, purple blue and yellow should work together marvelously.

Day 2

Bridal show in P-Cola on June 3. K and Sara- want to go? K I don't know your summer plans but you're closest, and Sara that might be a good week to visit if you aren't out visiting your mom.

Couple things to google:

lightinthebox.com for dresses
etsy.com for accessories
5 Eleven Palafox for a possible venue
Nancy's Haute Affairs for catering and planning

Need some opinions:

The boys will be in kilts. Drew will probably be in the AF kilt and his groomsmen will be either A.) in black kilts with accents that either complement his kilt color or bridesmaid dress color or B) his men can each have their family tartan (which is kind of different for the Irish folks, their tartan is by county, not clan) but if they do that they'll be various colors which might be a cool scheme too- bridesmaids would have a different color dress that corresponds to one of their kilts so it's kind of wacky but still ties together.

Day 1

Ok ladies, Mr. Johnson asked that I not make a clogged blog of the family updater (elmorejohnson.zooloo.com) so... here we are! Our very own meeting place for all things wedding. And I KNOW that there's a real chance you're sick of weddings... damn frilly girls and all this getting hitched and what not... but tough! I neeeed you, I'm quite ill-informed of the business of big shabangs and this definitely counts as one of those!

So... this is an open forum but so everyone knows, Kaitlyn is MOH. All secret, back-door, hush-hush, sneaky business should be conducted with her. I don't really know what that might be other than a bachelorette party. Vegas is awesome, just throwing that out there. Gambling and dancing and gyrating men, oh my! Actually I hear Zoomanity is amazing, and it has nakie men in it. Nice.

The big plan is still being formulated, so the sky's the limit. Feel free to throw in any ideas you have. Right now I'm set on a "Big Band Punk" theme. Imagine Glen Miller meets the Drop Kick Murphys. Great Gatsby meets Steam Punk. That sort of thing.

I set up comments so anyone, not just google account holders, can comment. Feel free to make them big comments, like a post. Maybe I can make this thing into a team blog so you can write posts. Hmm I'll have to look into that.