Return to Sender - Address Unknown

I have always loved stationary, and, well, correspondence in general. I loved signing up for pen-pals in school, and always wrote thank you cards, birthday cards, letters, etc. to family members and friends. In my mind, nothing can compare to a good, old-fashioned letter (even if my handwriting sucks). So, the stationary aspects of our wedding hold a special little nook in my heart. Who knows - maybe that's why they're proving so difficult/ annoying for me? More on that later, I suppose.

Anyway, since I have become a bride-to-be, I catch myself starting to over-analyze the teensy, weensy things that normal people (ie guests) will never in a million years notice. Let's just call it the bridal crazies. So, naturally, one of the first wedding purchases I made was a customized return address stamp. Damn you, Martha Stewart, for planting the idea in my brain (but just kidding, I love you, please don't stop posting "good things").

{From Martha Stewart Weddings}

Let me just add at this point that I like to justify most of my expenses as "wedding purchases" so that I don't feel bad about spending money. At the same time, I justify them as non-wedding purchases, so I don't have to include them in our budget. Because, duh, I'll use it again after the wedding, right?? Does no one else do this? No? Okay, I have a problem.

{Stamp by Primele}

Seriously, though - I started thinking about all of the correspondence I'm going to have to do for this wedding. Thank you cards. Save the dates. Invitations. Thank you cards. More thank you cards. Can you tell that I am slightly nervous about the volume of thank you cards I will have to do? Yes. I am terrified.

{Stamp by Emilie Friday}

Since Mr. CA and I had just moved to our new place in NJ, we didn't have those handy return-address labels that various charities send you in the hopes that you donate. So I started freaking out about having to hand-write our return address on all of those thank you cards. In case you haven't noticed, I panic easily.

{Stamp by Emilie Friday}

I managed to convince myself that we need a customized return address stamp. More than anything. Ever. So I did some digging around, found Emilie Friday's beautiful, beautiful calligraphy, and I bought a stamp! I felt about four seconds of remorse when I remembered that we're just going to be moving again next year, but I thought the amount of envelopes I will be sending out more than justified the purchase. Thus, the remorse passed quickly.

Seriously, this stamp is amazing. I heart it so much. We used it for our STDs. I use it for returning vendor contracts. I use it for bills. What? Who doesn't want to receive a piece of mail with a nice, calligraphed return address on it? Everyone wants that.

{Stamp by Emilie Friday/ personal images}

It seriously pains me to blur out the calligraphy on our stamp. Because it is so amazing. And the blurring totally removes everything. And I want you all to see the beauty. Alas, Mr. CA would kill me if I posted our address on the internet. We don't want no stalkers.

And yes, I realize this is all very silly, because no one will even notice the stupid return address on the envelopes of our STDs or thank you notes; they'll just get ripped apart and recycled anyway. But I notice.

Just FYI, there are also some great self-inking options out there (because let's be honest, having to get the ink onto the stamp is a pain in the butt. I'm lazy, though). Some with calligraphy. Some without. There are tons of options, guys! If you're using a calligrapher, you could also get them to write out the address in fancy script, sell you the digital file, and then you could make a customized stamp yourself. Or, just download some fancy fonts, design your own label, and have the stamp made that way.

{Stamp by Emilie Friday}

{Stamp by Plurabelle}

{Antiquaria}

Did you use a return address stamp? Do you justify random wedding expenses, one way or another, like I do?

After writing this post, I trawled a bit through archives and discovered that Mrs. Eggs Benedict already wrote a post on these stamps, with almost the exact same title. Actually, I see now that quite a few Bees have written on these awesome stamps (I'm sure I probably missed others, but my unoriginality started to depress me). Sigh. And here I thought I was being original. Also, I now have the Elvis song stuck in my head from the title of this post. Great.

Hair Down Glasses Off

(Note for those 2 readers who actually read my blog: apologies for the semi-confusing recent posts. I've started blogging on a wedding site, and, to preserve anonymity, we are referred to as Mr. and Miss. Candy Apple. So that's where that is coming from. Also, you may see me re-posting one or two things. Just ignore. Pengy, you can take this paragraph out ;) Please!)

Or, Our Engagement Shoot: The Saga

Our engagement shoot was a long time coming. Let me just say that there are many, many reasons why planning a wedding long-distance is difficult! Mr. CA and I aren't able to get out to Seattle very frequently (6 hr flights + ridonc airfare = not many visits), and our photogs are always shooting weddings (duh!!), so it was tricky getting a time that worked for everyone.

Then, once we finally were able to figure out a time, I of course started freaking out about what to wear. I realize that this may have been unncessary stress, but come on, I wanted to have a cute outfit! Because the shoot was going to be in Seattle, in February, all of my adorable dresses (that I really really really wanted to wear) were out of the question. Unless I wanted to get hypothermia. Sigh. So, I dragged Mr. CA to multiple stores looking for the perfect e-shoot outfit, mainly because I don't know how to dress myself. I tried on about 10 different jackets/ sweaters/ swackets at Anthopologie, in an attempt to get a slouchy, boho-chic look, and then progressed on to J. Crew, trying on some various sparkly tops for a more prepster look. Yeah, that didn't happen. I ended up with a cute little sweater that was more mid-century housewife than boho or prepster.

Then there was the whole weather issue. Snow and rain predicted for the day of our shoot? Yeah, not such ideal weather conditions for an outdoor engagement shoot. Yikes. Add to that the fact that we had a very early, very busy day on Friday, and I officially was not looking forward to the shoot. Not going to lie, my nervousness had progressed to full-on terror. Compound that with the fact that I am not the most photogenic person, and I was peeing my pants a bit over the whole engagement-shoot thing.

We started the day at 7:45am (keep in mind that we got in from the East Coast super late the previous night) for my hair and makeup, with the fab Tiffany Lowry. She didn't have much to work with (ie my face/ hair), but she was awesome. And hilarious. I am SO glad that I had her work her magic before the shoot - I felt way more beautiful as a result than I would have if I had done my own makeup. And guys? She put false eyelashes on me. I KNOW! I was scared too. But really, they looked awesome - not crazy (like this)

{Via Sweet N Sassy Girls}

She also put some purple eyeliner on me. WTH?? I was a nervous about this too, but of course she's an artist and knows what she's doing, so I didn't question her (out loud. Internally, I was all don't you dare eff up my makeup, lady). And the purple? It rocked. It seriously made my blue eyes pop. It was so awesome, in fact, that I went out and bought some purple eyeliner. I'm so fashion-forward!

My hair involved some kind of funky braid going across the back. It sounds crazy, but it was excellent. I told her I wanted something Scandinavian-esque, and she looked at me like I was nuts (I am). I think she got the vision I was going for, though.

And then there was the shoot itself. Yes, I am awkward in front of the camera. Yes, I do not think I am photogenic. Yes, I felt like a beached whale at times. This, along with the fact that we were in some of the most awkward poses ever, made me slightly uncomfortable. Laying head-to-head on a damp, mossy picnic table. Sitting on tree branches. Scrambling up said tree branches. Leaping around in the mud until my shoes fell off. Gazing up at Mr. Candy Apple, keeping my chin down, and simultaneously straining to avoid the dreaded double-chin. Yeah. Fun, huh?

But I promise, it was fun! After a while, I warmed up a bit to the whole thing, and we had some fun with it. It was nice meeting our rockin' photographer, hanging out with Mr. CA, and canoodling in public.

I'll leave you with a few more pictures (because I'm vain)...

I am holding him up here. That branch was a lot further off the ground than it looks!

Lovely light. Lots of cuddles.

How was your engagement shoot? Did you feel awkward at all? Were you as self-conscious as I was? Any mishaps (I want to hear!)?? Did the pictures still come out looking awesome?

*All images are (c) Sarah Rhoads Photography, unless otherwise noted

I Want Candy!

Apparently I am not the only blogger to have used Bow Wow Wow's song as inspiration for the title of my candy buffet post. And here I thought I was being original. Oh well, I'll just have to walk around with the song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

Since I've given up sugar/ sweets/ desserts for Lent, I of course cannot seem to get sugar/ sweets/ desserts out of my mind. So, clearly I am torturing myself with images of delectable candy buffets. What else would I do with my time? Sigh.

Mr. CA and I had a lot of back and forth when it came to our favors. Do we want to do something awesome like making tons of cute little soaps? Do we want to give them little seed packets? Do we want to do little potted plants/ seedlings/ blubs? Do I want to make lavender sachets? I honestly was at a loss. What the heck do I DO?

{sea studio photography, via stylemepretty}

And then I found the world of wedding blogs. Ahh. With all of their sugary, candy buffet goodness. I actually haven't been to a wedding with a candy buffet before, but I just imagine myself attending one and going crazy over the candy. That you get to choose. YOURSELF. You get to use cute little scoops, and put everything in a cute little box/ baggie. And take it home with you. Or, gorge yourself while still at the reception. That might be what some people would do (me).

My mom and aunt were at a wedding recently, and they said that they were the first people to mob the candy table. Once they broke the "first-person-to-approach-the-table" seal, it was like a flood-tide breaking loose. Who says grown-ups can't appreciate a good candy buffet too?? Seriously, people. I also think that it's a nice treat for people to enjoy at the reception, or back in their hotel rooms. Instant gratification.

{marianne taylor photography, via stylemepretty}

Can I let you in on a little secret? I am seriously in love with lollypops. And those rock-candy sticks. And the old-fashioned swirly lollypops. I don't know what it is, but they are just so adorable. Maybe it's the fact that they're on a stick? Not sure.

I love the fun colors, bunting, and signage of this next one. Bunting is a requirement for candy buffets, right? Well, it should be.

{amelia lyon photography, via greenweddingshoes}

And having the cake in the midst of all that sugar-coma-inducing candy-goodness? What more could a gal ask for?

{kristin vining photography, via stylemepretty}

{carolyn troadec, via stylemepretty}

One of the best parts of a candy buffet, in my humble opinion, is that it also doubles as a decor element. The "wow" factor of a massive spread of colorful candy in pretty jars is just awesome! And there are so many different ways to present the candy.

{brookelyn photography, via greenweddingshoes}

  

This couple did their candy bar and guestbook in an old library catalog system. WTH?? How awesome is that?! Alas, I am not that creative. I don't think it would really work with the feel of our wedding or the venue space, either. But it would be awesome for a book-themed or library wedding! Someone please do this. For me. So I can live vicariously through you.

{heather kincaid photography, via greenweddingshoes}

A "Jillybean" Bar, because the bride's name is Jill. Awesome. Why can I not have a cool name that you can do word-plays with? Sweet setup on the shelves, too; I am really digging those beautiful columns.

{natalie norton photography, via greenweddingshoes}

And can we please discuss how much I am in love with Amy Atlas' setups? Seriously, you guys. She is amazing, and my hero. Every single one of her buffets just looks perfect. My fav is this first one - can I please change my colors to powder blue, golds, and creams?

{Amy Atlas Events}

The feathers? The silhouettes? I die. And I love the rich colors and the lamps in this next one. And the willow branches. And, well, everything. I am easily impressed by sugar.

{Amy Atlas Events}

{Amy Atlas Events}

{Amy Atlas Events}

Okay, I will stop stalking Amy Atlas' site, and will refrain from posting any more of her drool-inducing pictures.

But seriously, guys, how awesome are candy buffets? I am a little bit in love with them. And maybe, just maybe, I could add something like this to our candy buffet. We'll see.

{source}

I couldn't resist.

Good thing I have some self restraint. Ah, Lent, I can't wait until you are over, and I can go back to my sugary ways. Or not. Yeah, we might need to do a diet post at some point.

Did you have a candy buffet at your wedding? Are you lucky enough to have been to a wedding with a candy buffet? What sorts of candy did people include? What vessels did you use? Was there any particularly awesome display for the buffet? I want details, people!!

When Candy Met Apple

I personally think we have the greatest love story of all time, but I might be a bit biased.

{Candy Apples like traveling}

Mr. Candy Apple and I met our freshmen year of college in California. We lived in the same dorm, and had seen each other around, probably while we were out getting tipsy off of Jungle Juice or beer (I mean. No mom, we never drank! Just partook in good, sober, legal fun!). We had mutual friends, but it wasn’t until the day that our respective intramural volleyball teams played that we took much notice of each other. I was wearing spandex, and thought that I was pretty good at volleyball. So, when this tall, lanky guy blocked every one of my hits, I was not pleased. In fact, I was slightly pissed off. Clearly, he was showing off because he liked my spandex (duh), but I was jealous of his skills. That night in the elevator, I spoke the first words that either of us remember exchanging: “thanks for blocking my hits, jerk.” What can I say, I hold a grudge. Of course, I wasn't actually mad at him. Sometimes I just flirt when I'm righteously indignant.

{Itty bitty Candy Apples! One of our first pictures as a couple}

Despite that rocky start, we managed to become friends, spending a lot of our free time together. We had our first kiss in the spring of 2004, but since we were both going to our own home cities that summer (me to the Pacific Northwest, him back to Southern California), we decided to just keep in touch, let our friendship simmer long-distance, and see where things went from there.

 {Candy Apples like soccer}

Needless to say, we called, emailed, and IMed throughout the summer, and I was excited to see him at the beginning of the next academic year. Upon getting out of the car at school and seeing Mr. Candy Apple at the dorm entrance, I did one of those totally cliché, semi-slow-motion runs down the sidewalk to him, jumping up into his arms. So incredibly corny. What can I say, I can be a cheeseball at times.

{Candy Apples like water}

 {Candy Apples like hiking}

But, I guess my nerdiness won him over, because we started dating in October 2004, and haven’t looked back since. We both studied abroad our Junior year – I went to Durham, England for the summer, and then Florence, Italy for the fall, and he was in Oxford for a year – but the distance only made our relationship stronger.

 {Candy Apples like dressing up}

After graduation, Mr. Candy Apple knew he was going off to Boston to attend Harvard Law School (smartypants). I also knew that I wanted to get into publishing and, since I didn’t have a job lined up, figured Boston was a good enough place as any to start my career. So, I followed him across the country. Looking back on it, it seems like a big risk, and totally goes against all of my feminist sensibilities (sorry, Ms. Cheetah!), but, at the time, it felt so natural; there was no way I WASN’T going where he was. And I am SO glad that I took the risk.

{Candy Apples like history}

Law school was tough on both of us. Mr. Candy Apple was so busy all the time (What? Law school involves work?), and we didn’t have much free time to ourselves. But, our relationship continued to evolve and became even more solid with all of the difficulties that law school dealt us.

{Candy Apples like sports}

Overall, we work. We are perfect together, in my mind at least. No, I did not say that we ARE perfect! Just that we are perfect together. And isn’t that how a relationship should be? You complement and complete each other?

{Candy Apples like each other}

Did you have an awkward or not-so-perfect first encounter? (Did it involve spandex?) Did you make big sacrifices to keep your relationship going? Is your feminist self slightly ashamed for following your boyfriend around?

All photos are my own

Will Miss Candy Apple Please Stand Up?

Oh, you didn't think I could be introduced without an Eminem reference, did you? What can I say, music of the late-nineties/ early-twenties rocked. I almost threw in a Bare Naked Ladies reference, but thought that might be a bit much. We'll take this slowly.

But seriously, wait a second. Is that me? Because I could have sworn you just said my name. Miss Candy Apple?? This can't be happening. I never thought I would be here, introducing myself to the Hive. I had thought long and hard about how I would write this post, and now that I'm here, cue the crickets! Woooweee, what an entrance!

Let me just say that when I got the message from Pengy, I nearly choked on my granola bar. I opened and closed the email 32 times (only reading the first sentence each time), and frantically looked around to see if I was being Punk'd (is that show still on? It should be). On my train home, I texted Mr. Candy Apple around 57 times, and had this glassy-eyed, crazed madwoman smile on my face the entire ride home. I am fairly certain the other commuters thought I was high. I'm okay with that. They don't understand.

When I got home, I managed only to chuckle maniacally as I tried to explain to Mr. CA what this all meant. I forced him to look at all of the icons, and asked him, if the essence of my soul were to be boiled down into one icon, which would I be? Of course, I secretly hoped he would confirm my obsession with Candy Apple (who can resist that bow?!), but I was willing to compromise. Maybe. When he said um, that one, and pointed at Candy Apple, I may have burst his eardrum shrieking omgomg that's the one i wanted we are so in-tuned and in love and meant to be. I may be crazy. Have I mentioned that?

Then, because we didn't have apples in the house, I proceeded to rip the apartment to shreds trying to find a green ribbon (Yes, I realize it doesn't match. Don't judge.) and forced Mr. CA to take a picture.

And I may or may not have painted my nails Candy-Apple-red this past weekend. I might have done it in an attempt to give myself good Candy Apple vibes. Maybe. (Don't mind the chipping polish, or the blurriness. I was excited.)

Why Candy Apple? Well, because I love healthy, whole foods, but I also am slightly addicted to sugar. Oops. Candy Apple is clearly the perfect combo. 

So, you're probably wondering who we are, the Candy Apples? Well. We're awesome, obviously.

Let's see. We are both stubborn. We love soccer. We like drinking micro-brews. I can never get enough kale, halibut, or frozen blackberries, and he loves a good steak. Mr. CA is my college sweetheart, and I have followed him all over the country. We're planning a medium-sized summer affair on the shores of Lake Washington, in Seattle. Since we currently live in New Jersey, it's a bit tricky, but we'll manage. I foresee my grandmother’s old tea-cups, a candy bar, cakes on pedestals, pearls and eyelet. Oh, and a photo-booth is a must, don’t worry.

So excited to bee here (gag, I know)! Let's do this thang!

All photos courtesy of me

Clubbin'

Mr. Candy Apple and I had a tough time figuring out the venue for our reception. I mean, you don't find many barns in Seattle. At least not cheap ones (why are barns so expensive, anyway? For serious). 

So when we were in Seattle this past summer, we decided to check out a few spots. We puttered around downtown, looked at a few hotels. Forced my mom to drive us by SODO. Forced my mom to scope out another few venues (she's a trooper!). And what did we end up finding? A place that I have gone to for a lot of my life! Seriously, it was right under my nose. Have you heard of it?

Ladies and gents, we are having our reception at the Seattle Tennis Club. And I have been a member there since I was in middle school. Yep, a long time (I am an old lady). I hadn't really considered it as a venue because, well, I spent a large amount of my youth there, running around in little swimsuits, attempting to conquer the high-dive and rolling-log, and getting sun-burnt. For some reason, I guess it just didn't really pop out in my mind as wedding material.

It is most definitely not a barn. Duh, it's a tennis club. And it's perfect. It is right on the shores of Lake Washington, and has beautiful views of Mt. Rainier. Score! Scenic shots are my favorite (clearly). And, it was on the lower end of estimates that I got from other venues. Double Score!! Don't ask me why, because it is an AMAZING venue, people. I got lots and lots of pictures the last time we were there. And by "I," I really mean "Mr. Candy Apple," because he stole my camera. Unfortunately, you can't really see Mt. Rainier in these pictures, but I promise, you can see it in person.

{see? told you the views were pretty}

{me, enjoying the view. or texting.}

See those balconies? Yeah, the ballroom where the cocktail hour and reception will be held is on the second floor. So, if when it is sunny and beautiful for our August wedding, people can go out on that little rail for the cocktail hour! Gorgeous. I LOVE Seattle in the sun. And aren't those views b-e-a-utiful? Told you.

I love the STC because it has tons of little nooks and crannys to take cool pictures in. Like this one (because I'm totally a tennis pro):

{Photography by Michele M. Waite}

Mr. Candy Apple and I need to find some sweet old tennis rackets.

And this one:

{Photography by Sarah Rhoads Photography}

And seriously, are you NOT obsessed with the chairs?? I might be a little bit obsessed. I almost died when I saw this next picture. Chiavari shmavari; I love the backs of these chairs. And they come with the venue?? Yes, please!

{Floral design by Steven Moore Designs/ Photography by Michele M. Waite}

There is even a little room for me and the girls to get ready, and a manly bar area for the boys to get ready. A few cool old rooms with neat chairs and fireplaces. A sweet stairwell. Oh, and there's a dance floor. Obviously. You know, so we can get down with our bad selves.

I am honestly so excited for the reception to be here! I love that it holds a special little place in my heart already, and that it will really show off Seattle's goods for the out-of-towners that are traveling to make it to our big day. 

Did you pick a venue that was hiding right under your nose? Was it different than what you had initially wanted? Do you not care?! Are you as excited about the space as I am? Did YOU have your wedding at the STC? So many questions!

All pictures are personal unless otherwise noted