McMinnville Groupons for Guests

I have talked to several of our guests and since the wedding is essentially a local destination wedding for most, many couples/families are making it a little weekend get-away. I came across a couple groupons from the area that I thought I would share with everyone, just in case one of these wine tastings are of interest. I'll keep a look out for any other groupons from this area to take advantage of.

Embrace Oregon Tours—McMinnville
Four hour wine tour for one or two (up to 55% off)

 













Sample wines from three vineyards, feast on gourmet snacks, and learn about the region's viticultural history.

Amity Vineyards—Dayton-Amity
Wine tasting for two or four with logo glasses and $15 store credit for wine purchase (up to 55% off)

 

Well-established winery crafts crisp, food-friendly whites and approachable pinot noirs with estate-grown grapes.

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Tractor Jennifer & A Touch of 'Shabby Chic' (SPOILER ALERT!)

[Let me first start off by saying, if you don't want to know what the guestbook table is going to look like, don't continue reading. It's not set up, but the basic design is there.]

 

Earlier in the spring, my mom and I, took a little day trip to go visit my Granny and Grandpa up past Woodland, Washington (in a small rural area of Ariel, or is it Cougar?—I don't expect anyone other than my family to know where that is). Grandpa was cleaning out an old shed that was on the property from the previous/first owner (who knows how old the shed was or the things in it? Grandpa and Granny have been living here for as long as I can remember), which had collapsed over the years of snow pack. He found several old white-washed windows, some broken, but most of them intact. So he told me I could take however many I need—when I told him my idea for the guestbook table—and he even let me drive and operate his tractor too!

[*Quick Budget tip: Vintage touches are such an easy way to make a wedding chic and affordable! And you would be surprised what you can find hidden on your grandparents property!]

First time I ever drove one of those things, and although it was incredibly slow (I was maybe going 5 mph, which is hilarious when you look at the picture it appears as though Grandpa is holding onto the back for dear life—I am moving so slow in the picture the iPhone was able to take it in motion without even appearing blurry at all!), it was actually kind of fun (Grandpa even joked that if I was having so much fun I could come up and mow his lawn anytime).

So with the talented help of my engineer student brother (his abilities are endless, from espresso machine refurbisher to farm-grown cook-extraordinar—oh and he roasts and sells his own farm-grown coffee beans which are to die for [not your average joe]!), we were able to create my idea for a guestbook table and for a tri-window screen. I won't give away everything here, because you just have to wait and see. But it is going to be used in the decor in a very awesome way!

Mom and Jonathan cleaned the windows with a vinegar/water mix, and then used a wire brush to brush off the lose flakes of paint (be sure to protect yourself while doing this—old paint is generally lead paint).

There was some metal flashing around the windows that was carefully removed with a chisel and hammer. Old rusted hinges were also removed and replaced with some restored vintage-looking hinges.

The square window was cleaned and sealed (we used Modge Podge to seal the paint because the spray sealant we got turned out shinny, which took away from the 'shabby chic' look). Jonathan cut some pieces of wood (I think the wood is considered a 2 by 2?) and fortunately there were already holes on the dresser that probably once supported a mirror, so he was able to drill holes into the wood and just screw onto the dresser.

The three long windows are all hinged together and can now be folded out to create a window screen.

I am so happy how it all turned out and so grateful that I have such a talented and helpful brother! He did more than just these pieces, but I can't show that here ;)

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Gettin' Hitched Garage Sale

Last weekend, in anticipation of becoming home owners, Kenny and I had a garage sale at my parents home. Thank you so much for everyone who helped and donated to the cause. It was a very successful weekend and will contribute to the purchase of a washer and dryer. I feel so relieved to check this off our to-do list and get back to finalizing wedding plans and projects.

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Signed, Sealed, & Delivered

While hitting the three month mark until the wedding, my mom and I were busy assembling the beautiful invitations designed by our dear friend and wedding planner, Taylor, so much was happening. (And we saved so much money having her create the design concept and print them at Kinkos!) It was a relief to be able to cross this off my long list of to-dos.

It has been one of those times in a year when everything seems to happen all at once. I needed to get invitations out, our beloved family cat of 19 years passed away (deeply missing her), I'm in the process of selling my car, there is a zillion things I have to do before moving and the wedding...oh, and, our microwave decides to die! 

So on Monday, with no sub job and record breaking early-May heat, my parents and I decide to take a trip to Bridal Veil, Oregon to mail our specially-made, necessarily-hand-canceled parcel invitations. At first we missed the little pioneer-isk wood shack of a post office (Kenny even commented in seeing pictures later, "...but, that's not really the post office...that's for posterity-sake?" No, that's really the post office!), while driving down the road and I yelled, "That's it!" in time for Dad to turn the car around.

After counting over 80 invitations and choosing our special hand-canceled Bridal Veil stamp, Mom and Dad and I drove another 50 minutes up the Gorge to The Dalles for lunch at one of my favorite pit stops (delicious comfort food and fresh seafood, as well as historical significance). The old Baldwin Saloon.

The saloon is nearly unchanged from the turn of the (20th) century (minus the modern conveniences), except for its top floor now being its main floor (the original saloon is in the basement and is now the kitchen). The Dalles was raised a whole story after the 1894 flood.

As always (when we drive home from The Dalles) we took the scenic route on the Historic Columbia River Highway, which takes us through Corbet and up to Rowena Crest (one of the best views in the Gorge). Every time we drive down this old highway, I can't help but think of the people living here before us and those who viewed the Gorge so much differently than us (prior to dams and modern infrastructure). There is one old home (in Mosier) that I have coveted for years. The last time I drove down the old highway (which has now been a couple of years), the home was for sale and falling to shambles. So it was such a surprise to see the home being refurbished to its original glory. And not only that, but the new owners have also started harvesting grapes (along side the old cherry grove the home stands by) and will be opening their tasting room memorial weekend! (I found the old home online, so if you're interested in reading more and seeing an old photograph of the place, go here.)

Maybe one day Kenny and I will have our dream home (like this one!) along with our Christmas tree farm...

From the old home, we continued to climb up the old highway, up to Rowena Crest where we were delighted to find the wildflowers in bloom against an azure sky and a 2D view (as I always felt large crevasses, like the Grand Canyon, are hard for my mind's eye to fully grasp) of the Gorge.

To close a much needed get-out-of-town-for-the-day trip, we all got Dairy Queen soft serve and headed home to enjoy a cool evening at home (it was 90 in the Gorge!). Now life can resume again...

I can't wait to start receiving RSVPs! As I told Kenny, each little step closer makes it seem more and more official and I get more and more excited for the big day! I can't wait to marry him!
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Attn: Budget Brides—Contests & More

Several contests have come up this week, as well as a great set of wedding groupons that I thought I should share with my fellow budget conscious brides! Let's start with the fun part—contests! I will start by saying, I never win anything! But since starting out on the wedding planning journey, I have won one spa treatment from a bridal show I attended. So I know it is at least possible. If anything, I think we should start with a fun one!

Ann Taylor: Wedding Gowns Pinterest Board

A Pinterest board contest! You heard me correctly, no need to get those Q-tips to clean out your pretty little ears. Ann Taylor and Style Me Pretty are partnering up for this one. All you need to do is create a new inspiration board with a titled theme of your wedding, add at least 8 Ann Taylor products, and pin away. I've already started mine.

Although there have not been any recent giveaways, there is almost always wedding giveaway on Wedding Chicks. They usually update people on Facebook. So be sure to like them!

Secondly, The Knot, is giving away a $1,000 Macy's giftcard, just for registering at Macy's! How awesome is that?! So whether you are already registered with Macy's or not, you should go ahead and sign up for the contest. Oh, I forgot to add, that they are also throwing in a 5 night stay at any of their Now Resorts & Spa.

Macy's Watch & Win Sweepstakes

If you are a groupon/coupon hoarder like me, you have to take advantage of these great wedding deals. There is everything from tanning and desserts to jewelry and honeymoon groupons. Here are a couple of my favorites!

63% off Delphine wedding invitations

$45 for 16x20 Customizable Collage Canvas

If I don't win any of these contests, I hope someone deserving does. So until then...

Happy planning & 'may the odds be ever in your favor.'

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A Trunk Full of Vintage Wedding Accessories

So we all know that "shabby chic" wedding details are big right now, so of course wedding decor rental places are making lots of money on vintage reproductions and refurbished antiques. It makes it so easy to jump on the bandwagon—because it is EVERYWHERE! Sure, maybe I am one to follow the flock, but even before this new trend took off I was obsessed with old things (hence my History degree and my huge library of history and historical fiction books), so I would like to believe I would have had these vintage details in my "classic romance" wedding anyway.

Recently, one particular wedding decor rental place in the area went out of business (the owner is starting a family) and my mother and I went to check out their garage sale. Well, we came away with a lot of good finds and some tips on repurposing thrift store and antique store items.

We got five grey boxes that can be used as a place for cards or flower arrangements. I figure Kenny and I could use them as planters later (they come with plastic liners). We also got eight silver painted fence posts that we will make into direction signs for the wedding. Using "bundling" techniques I learned by watching American Pickers on the History Channel, I was able to get everything, including the Bridal Shower sign post as a 'free' item thrown into the bundle, for under $75!

So excited about these finds for such a great price! If you are planning a "shabby chic" or vintage detailed wedding, here are the tips they shared with me...

1) Real Deals is a good place to find vintage reproductions for a great affordable price—whether for a wedding or your home.

2) Don't be afraid to go check out different Goodwills. You may be surprised at what you find and there are so many tutorials online on how to distress furniture and decor, so you can achieve the look you want.

3) Search local antique stores. I have been traveling to all different antique stores in the area as well, in search for my guestbook table vision. I really would like a short dresser, sideboard, or buffet that I could use again in my own home. Two promising antique stores in the Portland metro area are: Monticello Antiques on Stark St. and Stars Antique Mall on Milwaukie Ave.

Happy planning!

DIY Save-the-Dates

I just had to share these adorable Save-the-Date cards on www.weddingchicks.com. Free to download, you just have to buy your own paper and print at home. The directions are available, as well as the download, here.

Just a little suggestion from one summer bride to many others, send out your save-the-dates after the holidays so they don't get mixed in with those stacks of Christmas cards everyone has this time of year.

Until then...happy planning!

Rice Bowls on a Budget by Everything Golden

I just have to share this, from my best friend's blog! I thought this was a great way to make a healthy dish under $5 and make several meals out of it. And if you love Cafe Yumm!, you will love this rendition. You can either go here Rice Bowls or read below.

In our house we cook a lot with rice. Rice and chicken, rice and steak, rice and beans, rice and veggies....you get the idea. Rice is easy to cook, cheap and goes with just about any delicious sauce you have sitting around. Yesterday I needed to make some lunches for my hubby so he has something good to eat at work the rest of the week. We had one box of flavored rice as well as some canned veggies so I got a bit creative and this is what I came up with!



Ingredients:


1 box Broccoli Au Gratin Rice ($1.00)
1 can Black Beans ($1.00)
1 can Mushrooms ($0.25)
1 can Peas and Carrots ($0.75)
1 can Zucchini in tomato sauce ($0.75)
1 small handful of shredded cheese to garnish ($1.00)

Cook rice as directed. Let cool just slightly then add beans and veggies. I used canned veggies because (a) they were cheaper and (2) when I bought the ingredients I knew I wasn't going to be making it right away. I've made this before using chicken or tuna as the protein but beans (again) are cheaper so that's what I went with this time. But really, you can do just about anything you want with rice, a sauce and some veggies!

After it cools a bit, divide it into lunch portions, top with a little cheese, and refrigerate. I was able to get four good size lunches out of this recipe for Jermaine so two went into the fridge and another two into the freezer. So for only $4.75 I was able to feed him for almost an entire week of work lunches. Not bad!

A Zoological Engagement Shoot

Courtesy of my beloved sister-in-law, Haley, Kenny and I spent a fun sunny afternoon at the Oregon Zoo taking some engagement pictures. She is starting up her own photography business and is very talented. Check her out here. Our pictures are not on the website yet, so I'll display a few here.

 

*For my fellow budget conscious brides: it's all about who you know. You will be surprised who can help out with wedding necessities in our social circle, and their circles. I have been able to find many things via Facebook friends, friends or family who just got married, or who have been involved in certain aspects of the wedding business. Plus, many photographers have complementary engagement shoots when you purchase your wedding package. I found my wedding photographer through referral: Jennifer O'Donnell Photography. We will be having a complementary engagement shoot with her probably after the holidays—so look forward to some snowy love bird photos!

Weddin' Bloggin'

{Wedding Chicks via Jennifer O'Donnell Photography}

Found this wedding blog, Wedding Chicks Wedding Blog, tonight. This particular blog is full of DIY ideas and real weddings to help inspire your own wedding planning.

The blog even has FREE wedding stationary (you only have to pay to print and post).

I love this glamorous fall wedding! Almost makes me wish we're getting married in the fall instead (almost...I wouldn't be able to wait till next autumn!).

Some of these details make me think of one of my best friends and fellow summer 2012 bride, Allie's wedding. It's been so much fun so far planning together!

I want a lingerie party! Hint hint ladies! ;-)

Love the fancy, romantic pastels in this wedding!

Budget conscious bride...

 

I know there are so many bridal blogs out there, and in this economy, there are just as many blogs on planning a wedding on a budget, but I don't only want to just focus on finding great deals, but I also want to support our small businesses and buy local.

So as I write this blog, I hope I can also use this as a way to get the word out there about our local wedding vendors and small business owners.

I would love to hear from you about other local businesses, not just for weddings, but also for the everyday woman/{fill in your role}.