Photo booth stars

It took less time to build our PVC faux-to booth than it takes to watch an episode of Project Runway. And considering the hours our guests spent having fun and hamming it up in the booth, and then the many more hours Mr. PC and I have spent falling off the couch laughing at the resulting photos, I'd say our time was more than recouped.

Our friends and family were true top models, and wowed us with variety when it came to their poses . . . we saw tiger growls (perhaps that was just my pose), couples kissing, Blue Steel gazes . . .

I was happy to see my expensive props put to good use (a spray painted Ikea frame I already owned, fake flowers [note how many people put that flower in their mouth, including me], handmade felt mustaches).

Even Stewie Griffin made an appearance. Though, come to think of it, he didn't even send back his RSVP card, so I should have kicked him out . . .

My maid of honor was even attacked by a flower-prop by her suave boyfriend.

I thought I'd save this next one for the end of the post, to allow you guys to warm up a bit. I present to you, my uncle and aunt . . . and my uncle's tongue.

In addition to finding out which friends could make it as supermodels, we also found a guest who we could use as a cookie spokesperson, if we ever decide to sell our homemade cookies on the market . . .

Are you hoping to be able to look back at any parts of your wedding and laugh? What parts?

Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to wind up making your own invitations:

1. Put off contacting stationary vendors until less than 3 months before the wedding. Itching to email them 6 months out? Don't even think out about it!!
2. Be astonished by the fact that many stationers are already booked.
3. Continue to be astonished by the huge sums of money that the non-booked vendors request.
4. Be picky. Be very very picky. Don't like anything that is easy to download, print or buy.
5. Realize you have no choice but to make your own. Blame this on others, as there is no possible way it could have been due to your own lack of organization or planning. Inconceivable!
6. Force any spare roommate or passerby on the street to help you cut, glue and stamp. Bribe them with food and alcohol as needed.

Step 6 in action. Here are 2 complete strangers that I forced to help prepare my wedding invitations. The pizza I provided helped keep 'em in line. (These strangers may or may not actually be a bridesmaid and my maid of honor)

Left: getting Mr. Pin Cushion involved. His bribe was lots of hugs and kisses.
Right: Me. Which brings me to . . .

Step 7: Look in the mirror and be surprised by the new wrinkles that now populate your forehead.

Congratulations. You have no successfully maneuvered your way through the often treacherous task of DIYing your own wedding invitations. That wasn't so bad, was it?

Inspirational Ideas: Anniversary Time Capsule

The anniversary time capsule was different colored cars and envelopes representing our 1st, 5th, 10th, 25th, and 50th anniversaries. People chose a year and wrote down their predictions or wishes for our future for us to open on the corresponding anniversaries. I love that some of them won't be read for another 25 or 50 years!

Wedding Dress and Flowers and Inspiration

Wedding Dress:
http://www.oncewed.com/22130/used-wedding-dresses/david%27s-bridal/size-4/t9381-10/?currentPage=1

Wedding inspiration:
http://greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com/2009/07/real-wedding-tim-merrills-smog-shoppe.html

Wedding Flowers:
http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/12/06/love-at-the-ranch-reception-flowers-budget-breakdown/#more-120707
and
http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/11/16/love-at-the-ranch-bouts-and-bouquets-budget-breakdown/

More Ideas

Have mason jars or vases for bridesmaids to put their bouquets in.
http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/08/28/taking-flowers-off-their-hands/

Create cards instructing people to share their photos with us.
http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/08/29/wedding-ideas-share-photos-sharing/

Vow

she chose YOU...out of 3 BILLION MEN..."