I'm a huge Rackham fan. I'm replicating several of his pieces with my own twists on them. I'm just so thrilled to see jewelry made from his work! I'd just love wearing one of those.

I'm helping my bestie plan her wedding on 1100 dollars. Minus her dress and bridesmaid gifts and whatnot. But that's all for food and decor for 80 people. Her venue's free, sounds like yours is too! Which is great. The only thing I know to say at this point is about 'people generally like a sit-down dinner' for weddings. This is probably BS. Sure it's nice, but as casual and relaxed as you seem to want this you'll be fine if you buffet style it or do a pot-luck. I'm LDS (Mormon) and most all my culture's receptions are buffet. It's cheap, easy, and everyone eats what they want, not what you choose for them. It's relaxed but you can still set it up so it looks nice. You sound like you want it simple, so don't tart it up with something so formal and stiff as a sit-down dinner.

So. I'm big on chronicling journeys. My best friend, Crystal is marrying Noah. I don't know how much of this will be crafted, but I know a lot will. Crystal doesn't know much about weddings and while I'm not perfect at wedding planning I will let nothing stand in my way of making sure my bestie's special day is classy and beautiful on as conceivably low budget as possible. They're getting married in the Fall of 2011, pending some church related information. Noah may be going away for a bit, but Crystal says full steam ahead for Fall!

Theme: Butterflies
Color: Midnight blue, white, silver
Reception Location: LDS Stake Center Gym (Suggestions for transformation are always welcome!)
Guests: 86 invited, not including bridal party, head table guests (parents and siblings), and me. 10 for sure will be unable to attend.

Current issue: Centerpieces. She wants live butterflies and a simple butterfly release as they drive off into the sunset isn't floating her boat. She wants them in the centerpiece. We can't stick them in a glass centerpiece or they'll suffocate, but the tulle things we've found (few and far between) are funky, bulky, and remind us of Grandmas night-cap. I suggested stiffening lace into a hurricane vase shape (she wants hurricane vase specifically). The lace would still be see-through, contain the butterflies, and let them breathe. This evening she called suggesting crochet wire. Because I love her, I would crochet the 10-12 hurricane vases. Wire works cuz it's silver. But I'm apprehensive. So I need tips/tricks/suggestions about crocheting these suckers. I haven't even found photos of what it might look like. I can crochet with yarn but wire's a little out of my element....

So clearly I'm in the beginning here but hey. They're not tying the knot for 11 months.

Let the games begin!

Everyone's already telling you how kind you are and how you're making a difference and I just have to tell you too. I love service and you're so kind hearted. God (or whoever you believe in!) bless you!! (They're beautiful, too!)

That's beautiful! I love peacocks so much. It looks perfect for your body too! Jealous!