The Summer went by so quickly. From the time we all met @ our 2nd interview, until  now it’s just gone by so fast. It’s sad because I will miss people…But it’s also happy because now I can continue with the very special & meaningful friendships I have made. I love you girls!

Being a contestant on Iron Brides has changed my life. Certain experiences have pushed me past my comfort zones, opening up about topics that are difficult to discuss, pushing past my fears (of heights especially) and getting into that plane…all the way to getting in a bathing suit in front of 7 other brides to be (who are much thinner). Some days have been tougher then others, but I am so lucky to have met some amazing girls that made bad days better and good days better too!

Certain girls have connected and certain girls have not…but I guess life would be boring if everyone got along! If I could tell you one thing, I would just say stop worrying about what other people think and just be yourself. If someone doesn’t like you…oh well! You cannot force friendships. Sometimes you need to do things you don’t want to do. And instead of complaining, it’s easier to just do it. But be strong & stand up for yourself!

From one bride to be to another…be open minded. I know you may have this perfect wedding planned in your mind, but please be open to new ideas. Share the planning with your fiance (he wants to have input even if he says he doesn’t). Try new th ings, investigate before you make your decisions. But DO NOT let the wedding take you over. Do not become so wrapped up in the wedding that you can’t sleep @ night…

Take is from me. Breath. Relax. Plan Early.

Lucky for me, being on the show helped a lot. We got to meet different wedding vendors/sponsors (check out the list on the website). So I decided to go with a few of them!! Also…if you have the opportunity, grab your fiance and go take ballroom dancing lessons!

Thanks for reading Don’t forget to watch me on TV!!

]]> http://ironbridestephaniem.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/goodbye-summer-goodbye-iron-brides/feed/ 1 ironbridestephaniem summer bride_mirror new friends http://ironbridestephaniem.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/9-months-from-today/ http://ironbridestephaniem.wordpress.com/2009/09/05/9-months-from-today/#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:54:58 +0000 Stephanie http://ironbridestephaniem.wordpress.com/?p=270 ]]> Will be my wedding day…

It is creeping up so quickly. Plans are coming along nicely. Very exciting!!

Dan and I have 1 more lesson left on Friday afternoon. We finished our routine with Stan yesterday, it’s 1 minute and 1/2 and it feels like a 5 hour dance. Stan is an amazing dancer. the Randolph studio is great. It’s small and cozy and they are over the top helpful. Up to now Dan and I have been to the studio 7 times, we took 5 lessons, a group lesson they invited us to, and we also went in last Friday night to practice on our own.

The experience with the dancing has been incredible. You think looking at the instructors, “Oh I can do that”, then you get up and try and trip over yourselves!! We’ve learned that it is way more difficult then it looks. In general…participating in the dancing has given Dan and I an opportunity to bond and really spend some quality time with eachother. We feel much better with the dancing now then we did 5 lessons ago. We can run through the whole routine…{some run throughs are prettier then others} but we are enjoying ourselves.

I would recommend ballroom dancing lessons to anyone, singles or couples, planning a wedding or not. It’s a lot of fun and it’s really the IDEAL exercise. Exercising at the gym can be so boring and is an unattractive alternative for many people. Dancing is a mild form of aerobic workout and dance lessons make exercise a fun and enjoyable social event any night of the week. Your dance “workout” is beneficial in many ways such as: contributing to good posture and body alignment, encouraging gentle stretching, increasing your flexibility and stamina, and also benefiting your cardiovascular system.

Dan and I are definitely in agreement when it comes to continuation with dance lessons after the competetition is over. We both want to make dancing a part of our life. We are having so much fun with it, and we are both looking forward to putting together a routine for our “first dance” at our wedding. Even though the lessons are pretty intense and sometimes we get annoyed with eachother it is still a lot of fun. Stan (our instructor) and Dan (the studio manager) are taking this very seriously which is getting Dan and I very excited about Saturday. They are really rooting for us to win!!

Do we feel like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers out there…?? Not exactly, but that’s what we are aiming for!! Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were the greatest dance team in the history of American movies…they suggested that dance is the perfect form of movement because it allows the self to achieve a harmonious balance between the greatest freedom and the most energy.

So since Saturday is fast approaching I guess I will share the dance Dan and I have been practicing. We are working on our routine of the Fox Trot.  FOX TROT Said by some to have been originated by Harry Fox (1913). It is now a standard ballroom dance the world over and serves as a good foundation for social dances in 2/4 or 4/4 time.

So go for, sign up for a lesson with Arthur Murray. As America’s second oldest franchise organization, Arthur Murray International, Inc. is known around the world as a prominent entertainment company with franchises located throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe, the Middle-East, Japan, Africa and Australia.

“With the beginning of a new millennium, social dancing is again a significant part of popular culture for all generations. Today, the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios continue a tradition of more than 93 years in teaching the world to dance. The history of the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios began in 1912 with a man named Arthur Murray, an American symbol of entrepreneurial success and social dancing.”

Oh and by the way, Arthur Murray blogs too!!

I also found out yesterday that Lauren, one of my bridesmaids is pregnant. She is due in March. I was shocked yesterday, but I am excited now. Congrats! Lauren also came with me today for my final try-on before ordering my dress. I did it! I ordered my wedding dress and I can’t wait for it to come in. It is designed by Alfred Angelo and that is all I am going to say!! It takes about 5 months, so hurry up January!!

Today I also finalized my selection for bridsmaid dresses, want to see the dress?? Go ahead and click ME to see it. But just keep in mind that instead of the Celadon dress color, the dress is being ordered in Berry with the Ivory sash, so PRETTY. Except Diana’s dress, my amazing maid of honor…her dress will be solid Berry! Check out my bridesmaids below!!

Here are a few of my bridesmaids…Laura, Diana, Brenna & I!

And Kristen & I

Laura, Lauren & Diana

Diana, Lauren, Laura, Brenna & I

Diana, Brenna & Jessica

Sara & I

Lauren, Me, Laura, Brenna & Diana

Jessica!

Bride, Maid of Honor & Head Bridesmaid

“A happy bridesmaid makes a happy bride.”

Our wedding package gives us a few choices of bakeries in which we have narrowed it down to 2…Konditor Meister or Montilio’s. They both do great work, and we are attending a tasting @ the Quincy Marriott (which is where our entire wedding will be held). The tasting is in Janurary, so we will decide on a bakery and then soon after we will order our cake. We have been looking around at different designs and decorations, so the plan is to have the cake in mind and just go with whichever piece tastes the best!

Why are cupcakes all of a sudden becoming so popular? Well, in this economy it is the cheapest way to go. Cupcakes are much less expensive then your typical wedding cake, and they are also much more versatile. They can be made in a variety of flavors unlike the uni-flavor wedding cake the bride and groom decide on. This gives your guests options to choose their flavor cupcake. Cupcakes are also easier to make, and they can be made up to 3 weeks ahead of time and be stored in the freezer. Besides the cupcake trend I have also been seeing a lot of pictures and articles “wacky wedding cakes” since the cake is usually the focal point of the wedding.

The biggest drawback for me going with cupcakes instead of the wedding cake is that you lose that traditional “cake cutting” ceremony. Cupcakes just are not large enough to slice and feed to eachother. There is also no need for the cake and knife server, which would be a savings…so I see how people can be torn. If you choose to go with the cupcakes then go for it! Wedding cupcakes were served at the weddings of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi as well as at the wedding of Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell. You can always add a small groomscake to the top of the tiered display for that.

Picking a cake is a lot of fun, but just like anything else there are so many decisions that go along with it. The lists of flavors and fillings goes on what seems like to be forever. Let me start with some flavors…Presidential White, Gold Cake, Carrot Cake, Devil’s Food Cake, Marble Cake, Almond Cake, Lemon Poppyseed, Lemon Chiffon, Orange, Banana, Red Velvet, Spice Cake & German Chocolate.

And onto some traditional fillings…Fresh Fruit Preserves such as Apricot, Strawberry, or Raspberry; Butter Creams such as Mocha, Hazelnut, Cream Cheese, or Chocolate truffle; Lemon Cream, Apple and Cherry.

If you want to get a little more original you can always choose a signature filling such as: Italian Ricotta Mousse, Chocolate Mousse, Poppy Seed w/Raspberry Curd, Hazelnut, Mocha Mousse, Caramel Espresso, Tiramisu, Apricot Almond, Chocolate Almond, Chocolate Sour Cream, Fresh Fruits, Ricotta Mousse w/Chocolate Chip,Vanilla Bean Custard, Almond Cream, Italian Rum, Butter Rum, Liquor of Choice, Pineapple, or Coconut.

All of the flavors and fillings listed are available at Montilio’s of Boston, a premier bakery and cake shop. For more than 50 years, Montilio’s has continually provided not only the pastries you request daily, but world-class wedding cakes as well. The European recipes for French and Italian cakes and pastries were an instant success when introduced to Quincy, Massachusetts, the original location. Over the years, Montilio’s has built its reputation on quality ingredients and impeccable workmanship. Additionally, George Montilio has firmly established himself as an extraordinarily creative cake designer. His confections have been presented to visiting dignitaries, US Presidents, and major corporations using Montilio’s trademark of imagination and flair.

Monitlio’s Baking Company can help you design the perfect gourmet wedding cake for your special day. High quality ingredients and impeccable workmanship go into every wedding cake Montilio’s creates. A quick look through some of these gourmet wedding cake photos will help you see the many options you have to design your unique wedding cake.

At the same time I am torn between the amazing reviews…Konditor Meister uses only the finest ingredients when custom designing the wedding cake of your dreams. Offering endless design with possibilities from simple elegance to an elaborate confection in white chocolate Victorian lace. An exquisite bakery that pays homage to the European traditions of pastry arts, Konditor Meister, caters to those who desire only the finest and most beautifully designed cakes and pastries for every occasion. The success of Konditor Meister is due to chef and owners Rebecca Moesinger and Guenther Moesinger, whose superb talent and training have brought a taste of Europe to New England.

You can view the different style of cakes and also don’t forget to taste the different flavors and fillings. This is your day, it should taste the way you want it to! Also don’t forget to pick the perfect wedding cake topper! Goodluck & happy planning! Just remember to keep your budget on your mind when picking out your cake.  The average price of a wedding cake according to The Bridal Association of America is $543. Most bakeries and pastry chefs charge by the slice. A low-end option would be a smaller tiered in a simple flavor such as chocolate or vanilla paired with a sheet cake for cutting for around $1.50 a slice. A mid-range 2 or 3 tiered cake in a standard flavor such as chocolate, vanilla, carrot cake or lemon poppy seed with buttercream icing and minimal fondant decorations can run $5 or $6 a slice. A high-end multi-tiered gourmet cake with flavored fillings, fondant icing and elaborate fondant, gum paste and sugar decorations can run $10 or more per slice…

Picking the cake out is a lot more fun then paying for it!

YUM!!

I believe that there were certain girls who were meant to be chosen for the show to become life-long friends. Yeah, the show is very exciting and challenging, and the activities are amazing. Being put up in hotel with such great accommodations including hotel rooms, food and beverage, pool, exercising, massages, manicures and pedicures was incredible and very generous, but you just cannot put a price on the friendships I have made.

Back to what I was saying before, I discovered that it’s ok to be myself. Not everyone is going to like everyone, not everyone is going to become friends. You can’t force friendships and that is ok. But I am beginning to learn how to stick up for myself. If I don’t agree with something I am going to express my opinion. If someone is being unreasonable I will say so (most of the time). Sometimes it is still easier to let it go…

When I saw Dan at the top of Wachusett Mountain my heart melted. The fact that he would drive 2 hours on his only day off in the middle of the afternoon to have dinner, only stay for a few hours and have to drive home was just amazing. He just loves me so much and that event was my most memorable moment on this adventure.

Today was pretty interesting as well @ Borderland with Rebecca. We turned a 30 minute walk into a 4 hour hike (by accident). Kristy…you made the right decision not to join us!!! So to sum it up, I have discovered some pretty amazing girls and I am blessed to participate in the show…and I am blessed to have Dan to come home to every night

When you realize you want to spendthe rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible…When Harry Met Sally

xoxoxoxoxoxo

And can’t forget Tommy! He’s wearing his new t-shirt from Christmas Tree Shops!! Don’t you just love a bargain Rebecca…hope the red one fits Auggy!

We are starting off at Yolanda’s in Waltham at 10am, then heading to Dedham to Manhattan Bridal at noon, after that we are planning to look around David’s Bridal right down the street at 2pm. It’s going to be a long morning/afternoon so hopefully we can take a quick lunch break before our last stop at Amari Bridal in Franklin at 4pm. I am so excited!!

Dan is trying to be involved in the planning, and I am trying to allow him to help. It’s hard for me to not take control, it’s what I do. I think that’s why we had a small issue at dance lessons because I was trying to lead haha. I am adjusting…I promise!

Dan is working on the honeymoon. He is planning the whole thing. We have our ceremony location picked out and booked, or reception ballroom is also reserved and we are chipping away at the payments. We are going for the a tasting in Janurary so we can plan the menu. Our bakery is picked out, we just need to decide on a cake. We are waiting ont he cake until we have a deifnite guest list.

The wedding ceremony will begin at 1:30pm, and FR. Joe says the bride always runs late…so after the whole church thing and pictures and whatnot I am planning on heading to Quincy around hopefully 3pm. I know a bunch of people are planning on getting a room, so they will check in, and then the cocktail hour will begin at 4pm. Open bar for 1 hour with tons of cold and hot apps! Yummy

The bridal pictures and cocktail hour will probably wrap up at the same time and the dinner/dance will be from 5pm-10pm. Some people will stay the night at the hotel, it’s the Boston-Quincy Marriott and others will go home…and for the people who want to continue to party with us we will be moving into the hotel lounge until they kick us out. Dan and I will leave for our honeymoon the next morning!

It’s coming up quick and the anxiety is building, but it is a lot of fun!

90% of couples say the quality of their relationship declined after their first child was born. That really isn’t a huge surprise to me. Nobody said being new parents was easy…it’s not supposed to be. You challenge yourself, you learn new things and each child has different needs but the anxiety of getting the parent thing right & the lack of sleep doesn’t change (so I have heard)!!

So for my marriage, I am expecting a lot of stress at first after our first baby is born, but I am hoping to adapt quickly! I’ll just have to remember that Dan and I are still a couple who need to work on improving our own relationship and spending time together, even when there’s a new baby in the house. We will have to develop some sort of a routine since I don’t think it will be possible to be a stay at home mom; we will both have to work. So once things settle down we’ll have to communicate well so things get done without a fight haha. Thinking more about it now…our lives are going to change big time!

So I am going to enjoy being engaged, enjoy the wedding and the honeymoon phase because it is not going to last forever. But there are so many other things to look forward to…conceiving a child, 9 months of carrying another human, becoming a parent, your baby’s first steps, creating a happy healthy home for your child, and the contentment of being together as a family.

I can’t wait…this just got me excited to have children. So at the end of the day, ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN!!

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
– Diane Loomans, from “If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again”