New Faces!

MollyNicole24

It seems to me that we have some new faces popping up, and the Board seems to be waking up a bit! yay!    should we do some intros???

quick intro:  I'm Molly, FI is Tyler, we have been engaged since July, and we are planning a September 22, 2012 wedding! he popped the question out on the casco bay ferry sunset cruise. 

wedding theme: Maine rustic fall   -colors at this point- Dark Purple (almost navy Blue) withdifferent shades of Oranges (I Think!)

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: I have actually started (early, I know) piecing together my vows- Just writitng down some ideas and thoughts, and I am VERY excited with them. I wanted to plenty of time to critique them- and 

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Budgeting- it's always a bummer! haha

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties:   I'm not Married yet!

lclemence

quick intro:  I'm Lauren, FI is Tim. We currently live in Arlington, VA, though I grew up in Gorham (He's from MD). We're planning our wedding on August 18, 2012 at On The Marsh in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport. 

wedding theme: Alice in Wonderland with a touch of "Maine" since most of our guests are not actually from Maine. Colors are cameo/blush pink, gray, black, white and a touch of succulent green.

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: My favorite thing so far has been dreaming up ideas and seeing what will work. Also, looking at TONS of blogs and pictures. I just love looking at other people's weddings for inspiration!

Least favorite thing about planning so far: 1. Budgeting (some awkward conversations there), 2. finding out just how much things actually cost! holy cow. 3. Convincing my guests that they need to book their hotel rooms practically a year in advance in order to be guaranteed a room since Maine is Vacationland in August, and none of the hotels offer room blocks .

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties:  Not married yet, but advice for the Just Engaged brides that I didn't follow is to relax about the early stages of planning. I spent my whole summer freaked and stressed about setting a date and finding a venue, but once those things were finally checked off, everything else just fell into place!

hcorr34

quick intro:  I'm Holly, DH is Eric - we got married on 7/16/11.  We live in Portland and we're both teachers - I teach 8th grade math and DH is a pre-school teacher.

wedding theme: Margaritas and a Movie - We go to Margaritas every Friday night and we go to the movies quite a bit, so we were able to come up with a theme that totally fit us.  We had Marg centerpieces and passed strawberry margaritas during the cocktail hour.  All important music was movie-related, escort cards were movie tickets, we had a candy buffet of movie candy, and our tables were all named after some of our favorite movies.  Colors were apple red and tiffany blue.

Favorite thing about planning when you were planning:  Coming up with ways to really incorporate "us" into the reception, even if something was less traditional.

Least favorite thing about planning: Trying to track down the people who didn't RSVP.

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties: Ya, I have more than one...Sorry!

Don't feel like you have to go out and buy a lot of stuff right away if you are newly engaged.  Most things are repetitive and all try to get you to spend more money than you need to.  Most of what you need can be found online for free.

There are some old school etiquette rules that are very outdated, especially in this region, but there are others that can make your guests very unhappy.  If you think you might offend more than a few guests (like making them pay for their DINNER), you might want to find a way to make things less offensive. 

NEVER assume that no RSVP means NO.  We had 3 get lost in the mail, so it was a good thing that we followed up with the people we didn't get an RSVP from. 

Let people help you.  If they offer, take advantage, but don't turn your friends and family members into unwilling slaves so you have it easy.

Before buying postage, bring one fully packaged invite to the PO and have it weighed.  A few July brides had nightmares when they were going to mail their invites because they didn't have them weighed and bought the wrong postage.

Don't procrastinate too much.  You want to enjoy your last few days and not spend it running around like a crazy woman.  I made this mistake and regret it big time!

There really are no jobs, duties, or expectations of anyone.  Ask instead of assuming if you need someone in your BP to help.  Ask instead of assuming that family will be paying for things.  Let your BP plan your shower and b-party - neither of these things are required so if they do it for you, be grateful. 

It's pretty horrible, under almost all circumstances, to dismiss a member of your bridal party.  It's even worse to replace them.  Think long and hard before you ask people to be in your wedding.  You don't have to ask them right away.  If your wedding is two years away, you're taking some big chances on asking your WP right now.  Relationships can change significantly in a very short time.

If you don't want honest advice about wedding planning, don't ask it on The Knot.  Most of us around these parts try to be nice while being honest, but you won't find that on other boards, especially Etiquette.  Read and search before asking if you want to spare yourself some embarrassment or frustration when you get an answer you weren't wanting.

Okay...I'll shut up now.

mafyler

quick intro:  I'm Michela, my FI is Kevin. We are both from Maine, but currently live in IL for grad school.

wedding theme: Rustic/Vintage...we are getting married outside in the woods with the lake in the background and the reception is at a lodge.

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: I LOVED cupcake tasting! It was the easiest decisions I have had to make so far!

Least favorite thing about planning so far: trying to limit our guest list for budgeting reasons

mafyler

Oh and P.S.....our wedding date is 9/1/12!!

katyb213

quick intro:  I'm Katy and my fiance's name is Eric. We got engaged on the beach in Newport, RI near where we both went to college. We have decided on a longer engagement just to save up money. We do have a set date of 10/13/13 at Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor, ME. Super excited!

wedding theme: Everything nautical. Bridesmaids will be in navy blue dresses and the guys will be in navy blue jackets and khakis.

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: Finding the perfect venue for the nautical wedding we want! Also, I love going onto this website and pinterest for inspiration.

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Budgeting and trying to figure out guest list because we want to try and keep it around 90 but we will see how that goes.

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties:  Not married yet! Good luck to everyone planning!

ohhhmysushi

Quick intro:  Hi, I'm Nina and my fiance's name is Phong. In Feb, after 7 years together, he surprised me by proposing on top of the the Empire State Building! We 're currently living in TX and are very excited to have a destination wedding in Portland, ME. Our wedding date is 7/12/12. I'm a very lazy bride and have an awesome team of loved ones pushing me to get things done.

wedding theme: romantic, vintage, classy yet down to earth feel. Colors are blush pink, soft pinks, peach, champagne, ivory, splash of chartreuse green

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: I love gathering inspirations for decor and choosing the menu the best! I like the organizing part. I'm a dork

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Choosing vendors! I'm so undecisive!

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties:   Not married yet, but love to hear some great advices.

nikkay19

quick intro:  Nikki , FI is Ryan. We have been together for 8 years on and off, 4 years straight and been engaged since Christmas 2009. I am a full time college student while working one full time and two part time jobs. With a beautiful puppygirl Kodah (Alaskan Husky)

wedding theme:Backyard Barn in September (9/22/12 --Date twins with Ms. Molly!). Colors are Purple and Green. Pig roast and DIY.

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning:Checking things off of my to do list. I just love seeing that check mark saying that that thing is done. It SOOOO EXCITING!

Least favorite thing about planning so far: The list keeps getting longer for things to do & Not being able to invite everyone because of budget.

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties:   I'm not Married yet!

sarahfowler38

quick intro:  I'm Sarah, H's name is Brian. We got married August 6, 2011. H is in the Air Force, so we got married in Maine (I was born and raised there), but we lived in Ohio for the first part of planning and in Florida for the last part of planning. Driving up from Florida with all of the wedding stuff (favors, dress, center pieces, etc.) was interesting!!

wedding theme: Didn't really have a theme. I guess you could call it rustic. I like to think it was classy, but laid back. We got married up at Sugarloaf and the setting was gorgeous.

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: Oye, umm, I guess my favorite thing about planning was picking out the dress? It was a fun day with my MOH and mom and I really enjoyed that time. My other favorite thing was on the day, seeing everything I worked hard for come together. It was as beautiful as I had envisioned, so that was awesome. Plus it was so awesome to see everyone have such a fun time. Our friends and family rocked the night!!

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Everything else! Haha, just kidding. I did enjoy planning a little, but I'm glad it's over and I have free time again. Plus, I really hated budgeting.

for those of you Just Married Knotties- Best piece of advice for us planning knotties: 
Advice for the planning process-Try not to get stuck on details. There are a lot of details that matter and make things nice, but there are A LOT of details that you spend lots of time worrying about that no one else even notices on the day.

Advice for the wedding day-It is so important to take a minute to enjoy the day with your new H. The entire day FLIES by. Before you know it, everything you worked so hard for is over and you go back to reality. That's why it's important to take a quiet minute with your new H to appreciate the fact that you are now married and all your closest friends and family are there to celebrate the love you two share. As beautiful and fun as the wedding day is, it's important to remember that this wedding is a celebration of your marriage and that the marriage is the important part!!

sarahfowler38

[QUOTE]If you don't want honest advice about wedding planning, don't ask it on The Knot.  Most of us around these parts try to be nice while being honest, but you won't find that on other boards, especially Etiquette.  Read and search before asking if you want to spare yourself some embarrassment or frustration when you get an answer you weren't wanting. Okay...I'll shut up now.
Posted by hcorrigan34[/QUOTE]

This cracked me up. :) So true!! Especially the bit about researching before asking.

ETA: For clarity

joellennitsche

quick intro: Joellen, FI is Michael we met in March of 2010, got engaged on thanksgiving on a cruise in the caribbean.  we were in barbados when he popped the question.  we have a house and a 1 year old american bulldog named roxy! wedding theme: rustic/vintage i am hoping to do a barn wedding with a very rustic feel to it. Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were  planning: only been engaged since november so i am just starting to look into venues but im having a blast doing it!! Least favorite thing about planning so far: nothing... havent gotten to far into my planning to be stressed out yet!

erin77marie

quick intro:  I'm Erin, FI is Anthony. We got engaged in June after dating for just over 5 years and are getting married July 2012. We're both teachers (at different schools) and we live in central Maine with our two cats. I've been lurking boards since we got engaged, but just started posting here and there.

wedding theme: Not really a theme, but going for a woodsy, mountain feel (getting married in western Maine).

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: Searching DIY blogs and ideas. I'm making nearly everything myself, and I LOVE finding new ideas.

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Budget and wanting to get it all done NOW!

[Deleted User]

quick intro:  I'm Leah and my fiance is Steven.  We've been engaged for two years and we are getting married 6/10/12 at Migis Lodge in S. Casco. We are from Massachusetts but grew up going to Naples every summer. 
wedding theme: Our theme is Vintage Midsummers Night Dream Feast! We have pretty ecclectic jewel tones for colors. 

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: Getting all the basics DONE! Now getting into all the fun details and DIYing. I loved making the Save the Dates.

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Dealing with other people expectations.

sarahfowler38

ooLeahoo- I'm from Casco. I went to Lake Region in Naples. Where did you go growing up? My H is a flat lander as well. He grew up spending summers at a campground in Bridgton.

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_maine_new-faces?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:98Discussion:8b5f5747-92a8-40b4-9293-79a913841d32Post:090b46f5-6c33-4ccf-b52b-8707f7edc79c">Re: New Faces!</a>:
[QUOTE]ooLeahoo- I'm from Casco. I went to Lake Region in Naples. Where did you go growing up? My H is a flat lander as well. :) He grew up spending summers at a campground in Bridgton.
Posted by sarahfowler38[/QUOTE]

We still have a cabin on Brandy Pond! I am OBSESSED with the Casco/Naples/Bridgton area. We like to call it a "little slice of heaven".  Have you ever been to Migis for a wedding or otherwise? I haven't even tried the food yet. I wrote in a previous post that it has become clear to me that I don't know the area as well as I might have thought (especially because I'm usually in full relaxation mode when I'm there so how could I possibly know great hair dressers, rental places, etc?).  Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

peterbilt29505

quick intro: I'm Nicole and my FI is Mitch. We live in central Maine in the woods. We both drive trucks for a living and have been together for 4 years. We have 2 four legged babies, Tunka (and english maftiff) and Detroit (a walker coonhound). We will being tying the knot on my 30th birthday, 9/1/2012!!!

wedding theme: Family and trucks. I'm going to arive in my big Frieghtliner. Our wedding colors are navy blue and sunflower yellow. They are also my flowers.

Favorite thing about planning so far: Getting inspired from everyone else. And being open to people ideas! I have found a lot of great ideas on here that I would never had tried.  

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Oddly, picking a wedding dress. It's very difficult.

[Deleted User]

quick intro:  I'm Jennifer, FI is Adam, we have been engaged since August, and we are planning a July 13, 2013 wedding! We live in PA but I grew up in Maine and my parents still live there.

wedding theme: No theme really, still havent decided on colors

Favorite thing about planning so far/ when you were planning: I think it would be getting all the ideas together and beginning to see it all making sense.

Least favorite thing about planning so far: Budgeting and waiting for everything to get done - I hate a having a huge to-do list and want to start crossing everything off!

sarahfowler38

ooLeahoo, I sent you a private message!!

turtledove24

Quick intro: Hi!! I'm Bridget. Fi is Casey. We have been engaged since October 2011. Planning our wedding for 01/24/2014, yes I know almost 2 years away. We both grew up and live in Southern Maine. I work in healthcare and Casey works in business. Wedding theme: we'll, no real theme but along the lines of winter romance. Colors are red and white. Favorite thing about planning our wedding: Browsing the endless possibilities and ideas for our wedding. Making small plans and decisions for the wedding. Least favorite thing about planning our wedding: Budgeting, saving money for the wedding (I am a wonderful spender, he is the saver...it works) and keeping the guest list under 100!!!