Wedding update: the final countdown

2 days to go! Needless to say my life is consumed with list-making and checking-off lists. Everything looks like it's going well so far- programs and menus printed, table cards set, photographer ready, hair stylist scheduled, dress at the seamstress, shoes bought (and they fit), emergency kit stocked, flowers on their way, catering settled, beer kegs ordered, limo scheduled, hotel rooms booked, slideshow work in progress, music playlists saved, marriage license picked up, rings in the safe, cake paid for, spa day on Friday, bridesmaids getting along, groom not nervous. That sums up the majority of it.

I'm realllllly looking forward to spa day. I can't wait to just relax and unwind and hang out with my bridesmaids. I even have my nail polish all picked out. OK, so peace out readers. I'll be sure to post a little on my spa day......but we'll see how much I get to blog after the wedding. We leave on the 13th for Rome. Ciao!

Olive Oil Dish soap dispenser

Two bridal showers down! The theme for my shower yesterday was "Doing the Dishes". So, I got a lot of cute tea towels, pretty dish soaps, and money for a new GE Cafe Dishwasher! One of the most creative things I got was this olive oil dispenser to be used for dish soap!! I love great ideas like that!

*Thanks Jane and Tamarah :)

Wedding update: Turner Hall Ballroom

Only about 6 weeks to go! Our reception is going to be at the old Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee. Many of you have seen Turner Hall for shows (like St. Vincent above), but I think the burned out rustic elegance of the ballroom is going to be a great backdrop for the big day. See what I mean?


Photos: James Kloiber, CJ Foeckler, Ron Anderson

Wedding update: Emersonmade flower

Only 2 months to go! I ordered this big navy blue flower to wear at the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. I loved absolutely everything made by Emersonmade so it was really, really hard decided on only one, but navy blue is playing a big part in the wedding. I can't wait to wear for pre-wedding and beyond. See more of Emersonmade on their blog and their house tour.

Wedding Update: Bridal shower Invites then The Poor Customer Service Question.

I always like good news before bad news. So here's the good stuff first: I have a great little post about my bridal shower invites! The bad news is that I am I so worn out and frustrated from dealing with my Broadway Paper wedding invite fiasco. I love local business, I love supporting business, but I can't stand poor customer service (especially when you spend a boatload of money at the place). How do you guys deal with poor customer service? Let me know, because I'm sure a lot of people have had this similar dilemma.

I special ordered a bunch of paper for my wedding invites, envelopes, and a custom embosser from Broadway Paper in Milwaukee. I told them a deadline, was given an estimate, and picked out what I wanted. The order came almost a week later than promised (get your order in on time, people), the cost was double the estimate (thanks!), the items I wanted were discontinued (shouldn't they know this?), I was charged shipping for items I picked up in the store (why?), the custom paper did not fit into the envelopes I ordered (don't they check?), and when we came in to problem solve, I felt like we were rushed out the door (um, didn't I just spend $700 here?). Seriously.

I don't like to complain (I feel bad about it), but as a consumer, I DO always like to have a heads up if a business engages in a repeated pattern of neglecting their customers. So here's your heads up: I would not recommend Broadway Paper for special order paper/stationery. However, our printer, Anchor Printing, has been fantastic; they rushed our order since everything came in late, they double and triple checked everything, and they had a wonderfully positive attitude. The lesson we walked away with: sometimes a humble, hard-working business is way better than the "high-end" alternative.

What would you guys do in this situation?

Wedding Update: The Wedding Wishlist

Everyone has asking if we're registered somewhere for the wedding. Honestly, we don't really need "extra stuff". We bought our house a couple years ago and have already purchased all the necessities. Our Italy honeymoon this summer will be a big trip so contributions or gifts toward the trip would be gratefully accepted, but if you feel the need to get us something tangible here are a few things we've picked out. I've always pictured wedding gifts as things that are kept and cherished for years, so I picked items that are practical and classic. I also threw in the items that we will probably purchase with monetary wedding gifts.


1. Silver Bowls: We entertain a lot and could use bowls or serving pieces for flowers, gifts, or Doritos when the dudes are over. I usally find these in antique stores or at flea markets. High Street Market may have them in stock for $30-$50.

2. Throws or blankets: This linen Brahms Mount throw is on sale at Anthropologie. I really like it! It's $100, but it will last a lifetime. Haptic Lab makes handmade quilts with embroidered city maps. Guest blankets or quilts would be nice, too.

3. Glasses or plates: These colorful tumblers or glasses are from Anthropologie at $8-$10 each. Pretty dessert plates would come in useful, too. Probably service for 10 or 12.

4. Coffe or Tea Time: We love our coffee and tea. We already have a french press and plenty of cups. This carafe is from Crate & Barrel for $35.

5. Anything Monogrammed: Stationery always comes in usefull. My new initials will be SJB or you could do mBs for Matt and Sara Beringer. Broadway paper or Cambria Cove have great stuff.

6. Napkins and Linens: For all that entertaining, I go through a lot of napkins. Our dining room is black and beige with golden yellow accents. Service for 10-12. Our table is 36x74 (extends to 98).

7. A New Dishwasher: Our dishwasher is very old, so if you give us cash, we will be putting it towards a new GE Cafe Series dishwasher to match the stove.

8. Beer glasses: We always have plenty of microbrews and belgian beers on hand. A set of nice beer glasses would be nice for entertaining or hanging out on the patio. Set of 6-8.

9. Home Improvement: These will come in handy for our house projects. Our house is very old and there are always projects to do. We need a new ceiling in my workout room and a new patio for the backyard.

10. Green Ford Fiesta: Matt is obsessed with this car. I find the color repulsive, but at least it gets good gas mileage.

11. Plants: I really, really want a Meyer lemon tree. I don't take care of the plants at our house, but I promise Matt will water and tend to whatever tree or plant you give us.

12. Home Depot gift cards: When in doubt, gift card it. We can use these for all of our home and garden projects this summer. Those Visa gift cards are a good gift, too. They're great for travel because you can register them so they're protected if stolen. They would be really nice while traveling through Italy!

13. Italy Honeymoon: We will be traveling through Italy on a Vespa in July for our honeymoon. We've picked a route and a few must-see places like the Vatican, a cooking class, and Palermo, but the rest of the 2 weeks will be figured out as we go. That's why I didn't register on honeymoon.com or anything, because we don't know where we'll end up. We travel best when we pick a road and take what comes.

Dream Wedding Shoes

jamie grenough photography

These blue strappy cute wedding shoes are EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Unfortunately, I can't find them anywhere. BLERG! I believe these are Prada, but not entirely sure. Do you know?!?! That's OK, I'm open to other suggestions for good wedding shoes, too.

Wedding update: Paper goods

These little flags are from lilmissi on Etsy. I'm not exactly sure what I'll use them for, but I know I'll figure out something......they're too cute NOT to use. As for the guestbook, I'm so glad I didn't have to settle for some tacky white thing with a plume feathered pen. I found this Ingrid Cusson one at Anthropologie after a long and hard fought search elsewhere.
(Helpful Hint: Ingrid Cusson Online has different colors and prints to pick from along with address books, journals, photo albums, etc. I don't see the Anthro print online, but if you order another print at IngridCusson you do save a little money.)

Wedding update: cake topper

These little ceramic birds are from mudpuppy on Etsy. I wanted something I could use as home decor or accent after the wedding. I think they'll like living atop some books on my desk.

Wedding update: bridesmaid dresses by Amanda Archer

Wedding update: zinc memo boards

I found these at The Home Market last weekend. I'm going to post the buffet menu with a magnet on each larger zinc board. The medium and small one will be used at the bar to list specials or a Thank You for coming note at the favors table.

For your own, go to the The Home Market or find them online at FARMHOUSEwares.com