Weekend Planning: Future Home

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home4_zpse3bf3fe1.png" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We haven't officially signed the lease, but Thomas have found the home we hope to live in after we're married next summer. I don't have any pictures of the house yet since I've only seen the inside via a video tour directed by Thomas--although I did see the outside last time I visited him. It's cute and the location is ideal and I'm excited to live there despite the fact it is around 250 square feet in size! Yep, Thomas and I will be living in a "tiny house" (although our house was made before that term/movement existed). This decision has spurred me reading various blogs on small home living and even watching a documentary on the subject on Netflix (more reading and book suggestions are <i>very</i> welcome). While I haven't exactly been living in the lap of luxury and I have several housemates, it will still be a very big adjustment to move into a home about the size of a loft apartment in New York. But we're excited for the challenge--we like the idea of making our space functional and avoiding excessive clutter and honestly the house is so cute itself there's no way we could resist...Anyway, now that we've chosen a home it's the exciting time of talking about paint colors, what we need, what we want to make, and so on. Since Thomas and I are usually long distance I've been collecting inspiration on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theclotheshorse/home-ideas/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> or dog-earing pages in books and showing them to him every night via Skype. It's just another thing on my list of stuff I really wish I could start working on, but can only plan from a distance right now...</div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home8_zpsef056d54.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home6_zps5759555a.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home7_zpsc2255695.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home2_zps946e73a8.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home1_zps10ca08fe.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/home5_zps4f34d51a.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://projectwosho.tumblr.com/post/88279908210/anyone-looking-to-have-a-tiny-house-vacation-in" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-gallery-of-bohemian-bedrooms-210895" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.hervegoluza.com/DECORATION" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/bored-with-your-bathroom-add-a-little-art-208392" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-library-bookshelves.html" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://fallfordiy.com/blog/2014/09/29/diy-paint-dipped-picture-frames/" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore/hole-to-another-universe" target="_blank">7</a></div></div>

Weekend Planning: Future Home

We haven't officially signed the lease, but Thomas have found the home we hope to live in after we're married next summer. I don...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: Bridesmaids Dresses

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/brides1_zps8ea92d6f.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since I'm having an destination wedding (at least it's a destination for my side of the guest list!) I decided to let my bridesmaids pick their own dresses and shoes. I'm giving them pointers about the style I prefer and showing them a few of my favorites, but since they already have to purchase a plane ticket to come to the wedding it seemed excessive to pick an expensive dress they'd only wear once as well! Their guidelines are: navy, flowy/romantic, and mid-range hemlines. Navy is one of our wedding colors and it's such a versatile color I'm confident they can pick dresses they'll wear again. My favorite is t<a href="http://rstyle.me/~2FDXa" target="_blank">his simple, silk chiffon dress by J Crew</a>.<br /><i>Fun fact:</i> ironically when I was in high school one of my classes required us to plan our own weddings and learn a lot about wedding traditions much of this information I have retained. I remember my teacher was quite firm in the fact that all bridesmaids should be maids; i.e. unmarried women because they were to represent our unmarried lives, which were coming to an end. More fun facts: bridesmaids were originally a sort of bridal infantry. In early Roman times they were supposed to help intervene with wayward thugs or vengeful suitors. But dressing bridesmaids nearly identical to the bride persists in other cultures and times as well--they made it intentionally difficult to identify the bride so evil spirits or ill-wishers wouldn't know who to curse! It's interesting how we keep the tradition of having bridesmaids when much of our reasons for having them has changed. And I definitely haven't been to any weddings recently where I couldn't tell who was the bride. </div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/bridesmaid_zps5fdc1491.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/brides2_zps1d76e601.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.jennyyoo.com/soft-tulle-02.html" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/jbrpvhu7e" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.alexandragrecco.com/dresses/luna-bow-dress" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~2FE5u" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/~2FDXa" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://www.polkadotbride.com/2013/09/the-babushka-ballerina-bridesmaid-gowns/" target="_blank">6</a></span></div></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: Bridesmaids Dresses

Since I'm having an destination wedding (at least it's a destination for my side of the guest list!) I decided to let my bridesmaids...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: Wet Wedding

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/wed_zps0da09b7e.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Every time I tell someone I'm having an outdoor wedding in Northern Ireland their response is, "and what is plan b?" I've always had my heart set on an outdoor wedding and Thomas really wants one too, so ideally we will get what we want. However we are both realistic and know that rain is a possibility especially in Ireland. Thankfully Parkanaur only books one wedding a day and we have access to the full grounds--so if we have to move inside we can. Still, some other ideas are renting a tent and having a few wet weather accessories on hand. There are a variety of elegant umbrella options and wellies wouldn't be the worst shoe in the world, no? After all, I can switch back into heels as soon as the pictures are over and I'm only wearing the dress once so who really cares if it gets a little wet?<br /><i>Anyone have a fun rainy wedding story or suggestions for if it rains?</i><br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/um1_zps4c507dad.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/wetwed1_zpsa8ce0ac1.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/rain2_zps84cd01c7.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">pics <a href="http://ruffledblog.com/ruffled_galleries/tennessee-summer-camp-wedding/tennessee-summer-camp-wedding20130611_56/" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Parisian-Pagoda-Parasol-Umbrella-Light/dp/B003UH9I6M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1411612029&sr=8-3&keywords=pagoda+umbrella" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Totes-Luggage-Bubble-Umbrella-Clear/dp/B000YB7T04/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411612724&sr=8-1&keywords=clear+umbrella" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Danny01-Casual-Military-Combat-Boots-9/dp/B00I8T0BCC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1411612774&sr=8-5&keywords=clear+rain+boots" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/qr2fwhu7e" target="_blank">5</a></div></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: Wet Wedding

Every time I tell someone I'm having an outdoor wedding in Northern Ireland their response is, "and what is plan b?" I've ...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: Our Venue

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/park_zps5736538b.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wedding details are slowly being decided on and I'm beginning to have a mental picture of what the day will be like. Our first big decision was picking our venue and we visited a number of places in Northern Ireland before choosing <a href="http://www.parkanaurmanorhouse.com/" target="_blank">Parkanaur Manor House</a>. We had already visited it a couple of times just to enjoy the grounds and white deer, but finally seeing the indoors really sealed the deal for us. We'll have the entire grounds to wander for our pictures and will probably use the front lawn for our ceremony. While we are getting pictures our guests can enjoy tea and biscuits in the library or enjoy the white deer park. Now fingers crossed it won't rain!<br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/park6_zps28cc5487.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/park2_zps10feb307.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1t/park4_zps3ea377c7.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">pics <a href="http://lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com/2014/05/parkanaur-house.html" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.parkanaurmanorhouse.com/categoryimages.php?albumId=2" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://theclothes.blogspot.com/2013/10/parkanaur.html" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://theclothes.blogspot.com/2013/10/parkanaur.html" target="_blank">4</a> </div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: Our Venue

Wedding details are slowly being decided on and I'm beginning to have a mental picture of what the day will be like. Our first big decis...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: Just For Fun

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/mrs1_zps93b8c0ec.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://rstyle.me/n/qcvwwhu7e" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Kate Spade earrings</span></a><br />After a rather tiring week between re-location pains, visa stresses, and sorting out more wedding details it's rather nice to focus on some general wedding fluff. It's funny how you can't find the perfect wedding shoes but suddenly find yourself desiring all these other little bridal-related products that you absolutely do not need. It's also weird to think I will be a "Mrs" a some point in the future. Labels are weird and I hardly think of myself as a "Miss" now--I'm just Rebecca. But anyway, I kind of want <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/qcvwwhu7e" target="_blank">those silly earrings</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed1_zps2356dd1a.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187737882/wedding-shoe-decal-wedding-shoe-sticker?ref=br_feed_45&br_feed_tlp=weddings" target="_blank">wedding shoe decals</a></span></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed2_zps9a911fe2.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5617630-10968135?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshopruche.com%2Fhappily-ever-after-spoon-set.html%3Futm_source%3DCJ%26utm_content%3Dproductfeed%26utm_campaign%3DCJ_Products&cjsku=BR32061" target="_blank">happily ever after spoon set</a></span></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed5_zps033898a4.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/188476881/wedding-decoration-wild-flower-bunting?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=wedding+pennant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">wildflower bunting</span></a></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/bride2_zps73e7b9ba.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105201360/promotion-single-line-wire-name-hanger?ref=br_feed_2&br_feed_tlp=weddings" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">personalized bridal hanger</span></a></div></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: Just For Fun

*Kate Spade earrings After a rather tiring week between re-location pains, visa stresses, and sorting out more wedding details it's rath...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: Visa Applications

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/1u009/passports-1_zps2d49050c.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*my passports from 3 years old to now</span><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Throughout my wedding planning there is an overhanging sense of fear that the wedding won't be on the date we've chosen or in the place we desire. In order to marry in Northern Ireland I need a fiancé visa. Following that, to stay and live there I will have to reapply after the wedding for a residence marriage visa. As I plan the wedding thinking about fun details like hair and dresses, I’m also researching visas, starting an online application, and collecting all the information I need to convince a board that my relationship is legitimate and I should be granted permission to move to NI. I worry that as much as I plan and prepare, certain elements are out of my hands and it is pretty scary. There is the odd chance that we won’t be able to use the venue we booked and my moving to Northern Ireland could be delayed. In addition to our plans and goals for the next year we have to make back-up plans and brainstorm solutions to potential problems.<br /><div></div><br />On the one hand there’s no special reason to assume that Thomas and I will be denied, but on the flip-side we simply do not have control. It’s weird that something as commonplace as getting married and moving in with your husband isn’t entirely a decision made by the two of you but something a board of strangers will have the final verdict on. It's an awkward process to ask for letters from friends and relatives detailing why they believe our relationship is legitimate. The paperwork itself sometimes seems tricky—a fiancé visa is good for six months so we can’t apply too early or it will expire before our chosen wedding date, but if we leave it until too late and some small error on the application means we need to re-apply, approval could come too late for the date we booked. I get worried as much about having the correct wording on my application as the facts themselves; I’d hate for a denial to come down to a misspelled name or misunderstanding.<br /><br />Anyway, my weekend wedding planning posts from here on will focus on the more fun details I’m figuring out but I felt like at least one post about the trickier aspects of an International wedding was necessary. This is a very fun and exciting time, but there are also days when we’re talking to lawyers and I get worried about our future together being delayed. I’ll be happy to share my visa experiences at the end of this journey is anyone is curious or would find it helpful, but for now I'm going to try to focus on worrying less and doing more.</div></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: Visa Applications

*my passports from 3 years old to now Throughout my wedding planning there is an overhanging sense of fear that the wedding won't be on ...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: The Shoes

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/shoe_zps76a1b324.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/shoes_zps85338261.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>*shoes: <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/eenznhu7e" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://www.katespade.com/charm-heels/S942345-P,en_US,pd.html" target="_blank">2</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/d84bdhu7e" target="_blank">3</a>, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fshoes%2Dheels%2Fbetsey%2Djohnson%2Ddancing%2Dgleam%2Dheel%2Din%2Dwhite" target="_blank">4</a>, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=761928&b=417942&m=43745&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Emodcloth%2Ecom%2Fshop%2Fshoes%2Dheels%2Fstiletto%2Dsisterhood%2Dheel" target="_blank">5</a></div>My wedding shoes are giving me a bit of a dilemma. I keep finding styles I like and then thinking "oh but will these work outdoors?" A lot of heel styles will sink into the ground so I need to look for flats or wedges, but I'm not finding a lot of "bridal" feeling flats and wedges. The ones I tend to like are simple, elegant and a little sparkly. I actually think blue shoes would be very fun, even if I don't follow all the traditions of the day they can be my "something blue" but I haven't found many bridal-looking blue shoes either...And since I haven't decided on a dress I might want to put off picking a shoe until I know my exact dress, but I know I need to have it figured out by the time I do a dress fitting so the skirt length will coordinate with whatever heel height I decide on and I do know what <i>style</i> dress I want so I can discern what sort of shoes would coordinate. Anyway, as you can see I just keep going in circles. When I want to be decisive I end up being wishy-washy. In my defense I will say I haven't found a shoe I really love yet; I haven't seen something that I immediately think "I need to have that" and envision myself wearing it on my wedding day. So perhaps it's just a hunt right now for that glass slipper...<br /><div><i>Everyone's been really helpful with advice on wedding checklists and such, so does anyone have a tip on where to find practical and pretty outdoor wedding shoes? Or flats that look appropriately bridal?</i></div></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 814px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 814px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: The Shoes

*shoes: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 My wedding shoes are giving me a bit of a dilemma. I keep finding styles I like and then thinking "oh but wil...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: The Hair

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/theclotheshorse031/wed1_zpsacc74563.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/theclotheshorse031/wed2_zpsae551621.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Nancy Beaton as a shooting star & <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182240876/bridal-star-tiara-rhinestone-bridal?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">bridal star tiara by Erica Elizabeth design</a></span><br />In all my wedding research I've been stumbling across a variety of bridal crowns and hair accessories that are giving me heart eyes for days. What other day in your life do you have an excuse to wear a star-splanged crown? I don't see myself in a veil, but rather with my hair down and wavy with some sort of hair accessory to set it apart. I quite like the look of something sparkly or even a rough-cut crystal crown (very elemental and suiting an outdoor wedding), but in the end, I think I'll go for something simpler--I love the relaxed quality of something rustic and natural like a flower crown. For my wedding I'm thinking a simple design like a dried baby's breath crown; understated and a perfect compliment to a romantic dress, no? I wonder though, could I also convince my bridesmaids to wear similar headgear? I'm usually the only one in my crowd wearing a flower crown...<br /><div></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/theclotheshorse031/wed6_zps91e6dcb5.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/theclotheshorse031/wed7_zps04779451.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/theclotheshorse031/wed5_zpsc0ca5122.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/theclotheshorse031/wed4_zps0cc1b48f.jpg" /><br />*<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.elementalchild.com/store/mountain-witch-with-rose-quartz-leaves" target="_blank">Elemental Child crown</a>, <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2013/05/22/hushed-commotion-new-collection-giveaway/" target="_blank">Hushed Commotion accessory</a>, <a href="http://welovepictures.blogspot.com/2011/01/david-kirstens-folk-wedding.html" target="_blank">Folk wedding</a>, & <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160701985/meadow-goddess-wildflower-crown-ivory?ref=favs_view_17" target="_blank">Violette&Iris baby's breath crown</a></span></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: The Hair

*Nancy Beaton as a shooting star & bridal star tiara by Erica Elizabeth design In all my wedding research I've been stumbling across...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: The Photographer

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/ep19_zps585dd4e6.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Although picking a wedding photographer seemed like one of the more stressful details to figure out, ironically it was one of our easiest decisions and the second thing we booked. Thomas and I discussed what we wanted and then he did some research and found what seems like the perfect fit for us: <a href="http://www.epiclovephotography.com/" target="_blank">Epic Love Photography</a>. Based in Belfast, they're local to where our wedding will be and we really like the candid and atmospheric quality of their captures. I imagine the day will go by in the blur, so instead of a lot of staged photographs of family in a line, I want photographs of people throughout the day, talking to each other, enjoying their food, dancing, etc. I want to be able to look back at the photographs and see genuine moments that I would have missed otherwise and I want our wedding portraits to reflect our personalities and appreciation of nature. I think <a href="http://www.epiclovephotography.com/" target="_blank">Epic Love</a> captures that in their work and I'm really looking forward to seeing their captures of our big day.<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/ep5_zpsa8679095.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/ep3_zps9053b058.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/ep4_zpsd29349a6.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/ep2_zps149ad3c8.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/ep7_zpsea2e7f1b.jpg" /><br />*all photographs courtesy of <a href="http://www.epiclovephotography.com/" target="_blank">Epic Love Photography</a></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: The Photographer

Although picking a wedding photographer seemed like one of the more stressful details to figure out, ironically it was one of our easiest de...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: The Dress

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/jw5_zps78c3e034.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">To me, picking the dress is both the most fun and most stressful part of wedding planning. It's tricky to balance the practical (you're only going to wear it once don't throw away money) with the whole wedding dream. It's a day you'll always remember and you want to be a vision when you walk down the aisle. Wedding dresses aren't for the practical and every day, but a life-changing occasion. Since I've been very inspired by the Pre-Raphelites for a number of years my dream dress features a lot of grecian draping and soft, romantic lines. I'd like to look like a Waterhouse muse walking through the forest with flowers in my hair...<br />Ultimately, I'm waiting until I have a chance to try on dresses with my mother before I completely fixate on a style and silhouette because I want to take what flatters me into consideration. White or ivory? Sweetheart neckline or sleeves? I feel like some things you need to see on your body before you decide.<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/jw2_zpsad611a57.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/jw3_zps71fb053a.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/jw1_zps04f5722e.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/jw6_zps497fcc4d.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/jw4_zps1256e7fa.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*please find the sources <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theclotheshorse/bridal-ideas/" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: The Dress

To me, picking the dress is both the most fun and most stressful part of wedding planning. It's tricky to balance the practical (you...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: The Invitations

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/in4_zpsc7dbb890.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/98430917/deposit-listing-vintage-inspired?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=camera+wedding+invitation&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">polaroid invitations</a></span><br /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I suppose if I was more of an expert at this wedding planning thing I'd have more websites to read as guides or I'd be up to my elbows in magazines or something. But right now I'm wondering if someone ever created a handy timeline of when you should be doing what. As in, our first priority has been finding a venue and then seeing what dates are available. Next up was confirming the minister and starting our hunt for wedding photographers. I'm also browsing dresses online, but the next priority seems to be the wedding invitations. Especially with a "destination" wedding it seems very important that our guests get a formal invite with the exact date promptly so they can make travel plans and we can know our precise guest list so we can look into places for them to stay and so on.<br />Invitations seem to set the tone for your wedding--they can introduce your guests to your color scheme and let them know what to expect. I can't seem to make up my mind about the colors, so I'm hoping to keep the invitation in theme with the location (which we have decided on! more on that another time). Some of my favorite invitations are intricate laser-cut designs, but I think they're a little too modern for a rustic/romantic outdoor wedding. It's rather hard right now because with many aspects of the wedding I keep finding that I like multiple items and styles and instead of trying to figure out what my favorite is I'm trying to figure out what fits the day the best.<br /><i>But what do you think</i>: <i>choose the wedding invitation (and other wedding accruements) you find the most fun or stick with a theme for cohesiveness?</i><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/in_zpsd7498c2c.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/in2_zpsedc5c1f9.jpg" /><br /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/in3_zps108ebd37.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*<a href="http://www.invitationsbydawn.com/Wedding-Invitations/Laser-Cut-Wedding-Invitations/2657-DWF19298GD-Beaming-Beauty--Gold-Shimmer--Laser-Cut-Invitation.pro" target="_blank">invitations by dawn</a>, <a href="http://www.swisscottagedesigns.com/" target="_blank">swiss cottage designs</a> & <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/186730951/deers-in-forest-invitation-eco-recycling?ref=sc_3&sref=sr_fa64ff055e0f4b65c055199d47f646d0976e0d0d5d95b191b5d7a65c9df65a81_1407632493_14810830_wedding_invitation&sref2=MTg2NzMwOTUx%3Ad2VkZGluZ19pbnZpdGF0aW9u%3AMTQ4MTA4MzA.%3Ad2VkZGluZyBpbnZpdGF0aW9uIGRlZXI.%3Ady4y%3AMTQwNzYzMjQ5Mw..%3AMzoxNDA3NjMyNDkzOm12U1RkejNhbWZXWGluaUphb2VjVW9LX09kWXY6OTcwZDAyNzMwOWU4OWQ3NDExOGMxNjZjNGE4ZjQ2NDAxMGUzNGQ1NDhiOTI0NzM4MTY0M2QzOThlYmYxM2E5Mg..%3A4771bbf88cf3da34c65363ed591ed43cd8610fac&ga_search_query=wedding+invitation+deer&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">eco-recycling wedding invitation</a>, respectively</span><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1611px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1611px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: The Invitations

* polaroid invitations I suppose if I was more of an expert at this wedding planning thing I'd have more websites to read as guides or I...

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Weekend Wedding Planning: The Ceremony

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed1_zpsf1c57c36.jpg" /><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Although Thomas and I are both regular church-goers neither of us wants a church wedding. I always envisioned myself getting married in the woods at night with twinkle lights and lanterns hanging from the tree branches above. However, the more venues we visit in Northern Ireland the less this seems like a possibility. While we've found a lot of beautiful grounds for a wedding ceremony and reception only certain areas are licensed for ceremonies. So at this point we're compromising and looking more at castle grounds and gardens for the ceremony location. The biggest concern in Ireland of course is: will it rain? Hopefully it won't!<br />Even while we're being flexibility with exactly where outside we want it the main points remain the same: romantic and rustic. I don't want to be in an overly manicured garden or stand with a pristine castle behind me. I love the look of natural arches made from rough-cut branches and a mix of neutral greenery. It would be nice to lead our guests to the ceremony location with a line of paper lanterns or even simple candles in a mason jar. Of course since the sun doesn't set in Northern Ireland until around 9PM in the summer, ambient light might be lost in the general brightness of the evening. Right now it's a mix of figuring out exactly what I want and what will work with my chosen destination.</div><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed2_zps75c529cf.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed3_zpse74442e5.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed4_zps2954610a.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z301/theclotheshorse/1u/wed5_zps99376753.jpg" /><br />*you can find sources & more inspiration on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/theclotheshorse/wedding-ideas/" target="_blank">my Pinterest</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1735px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1735px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/15904/the-clothes-horse" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a><span style="text-align: center;"> | </span><a href="http://twitter.com/aclotheshorse" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="text-align: center;"> | </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/aclotheshorse?v=wall" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="text-align: center;"> | </span><a href="http://theclotheshorse.tumblr.com/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Tumblr</a><span style="text-align: center;"> | </span><a href="http://instagram.com/aclotheshorse" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div></div>

Weekend Wedding Planning: The Ceremony

Although Thomas and I are both regular church-goers neither of us wants a church wedding. I always envisioned myself getting married in the ...

Read more »