Getting in Shape: Wedding Dress Workouts

You've got the ring. You've picked the venue. You've purchased the dress. Now you want the workout.

I've heard about it time and time again-- brides purchase a dress and all of a sudden need to go on an extreme diet or start some extreme workout routine. And I'll admit, I thought it was kind of ridiculous. But now I get it. Kind of. 

After purchasing my very own wedding dress, of course I do want to tone up a bit, so I get that now. But this doesn't mean I'm  planning on dropping 10 pounds or starting some ridiculous diet where I only eat tofu. I'm not doing either. I simply want to tone up my arms, etc and get back some of the muscle I had in my cheer-leading days. Fun fact about me-- I'm a HUGE slacker when it comes to working out. And I mean HUGE. I get myself to start a workout plan, do it for about 2 wees and then get too "busy" and decide it's not really necessary since I'm not looking to loss weight. It's part of my charm, I know. But I'm tired of the slacking and I really do want to tone up a bit, not just for my wedding dress, but to also just get into a healthy exercising routine. 

So although I still don't understand the extreme dieting and exercise, I do understand feeling the need to work out better after you've spent what seems to be an arm and a leg on the perfect dress. You want to rock it! 

I stumbled upon The Knot's "Getting in Shape" page this morning. So I wanted to share it with those who, like me, didn't know it existed. I've been using other tools on their website, but just hadn't thought of seeing if they had workout plans-- it actually never crossed my mind that they might! They have a BMI calculator, calorie counter, checklist and plenty of exercises! So if you're looking for some quick workouts or a free and easy tool, definitely check it out. I have not used it yet, since I've just found it today, but it looks like a great tool!

And a side note-- For those of you who do have a realistic goal to lose weight for your big day, do yourself a favor and don't buy the dress yet. I know it may seem like a great motivator to have already purchased the smaller size, but a miscalculated size could lead to a lot of money in alterations. If you still feel like you need the motivation, print out a picture of the dress, but hold off on swiping the card!

Happy Thursday :)

Original Wedding: Kelsey & Wes

Kelsey & Wes have been hands down, one of my absolute favorite couples to work with (OK OK, you caught me, they are all my favorites)! Kelsey is an absolute doll and their relationship is the kind that every young girl dreams about. They met at a middle school dance at 14, stayed together through high school, went to separate colleges, Wes joined the Coastguard, Kelsey became a Mark. rep and interned in NY, and throughout all of that, they remained together, supporting each other's dreams. Now they are both college graduates, have nailed down awesome jobs, and oh yeah-- they're married!

Please excuse the iPhone quality photos, I don't have a dependable camera these days. My digital one is on the fritz!

The groomsmen took their escorting jobs very seriously while being equally entertaining!

The vintage decorations complimented the barn really REALLY well.

Love the wall of place cards and pictures in place of a card table!

Kelsey & Wes definitely take the award for best first dance I have ever ever EVER seen! (You can find a video here.)

I love the lanterns over the dance floor. I will be on the hunt to purchase some similar ones!

Bud vases. How cute. I love the multiple vases, opposed to one large vase.

Kelsey & Wes-- Congratulations again. I wish you the most thrilling, adventurous, best marriage a couple could possibly ask for.

Vendors:

Event Planners- NoLo Weddings & Events

Venue, Catering, Wedding Cake- The Country Barn

DJ- DJ Jaybird

Florist- Market Fresh Flowers

Photographer- Erin Keough Photography

Dress- Renaissance Bridal

Lancaster Adventures

Over the weekend we had the opportunity to kill some time and explore Lancaster, PA! We decided to head downtown and I'm so glad we did because right there, in the middle of downtown, is the Central Market. One of my absolute favorite things is a good farmer's market-- go figure. Something about the local produce, fun trinkets and crowded atmosphere just calls my name. I'm really not hard to entertain! I've also decided that "within 10 minutes of a farmer's market" will most definitely be a requirement when it comes to purchasing a house (Josh is totally on board).

Below I present you with some of our findings!

Blue crabs... in PA... who would have thought!

Sunflowers :)

The Central Market

Locally grown veggies!

A waterfall smack dab in the middle of downtown, hidden in an alley.

Who doesn't love a bathtub full of soap?!

Speaking of soap... wedding soap. How appropriate!

One of my favorite things- stumbling upon a wedding photo shoot!

And last but certainly not least, an old fashioned Micky D's sign. How I love vintage things.

Now go create an adventure of your own-- It really soothes the soul! Happy Tuesday :)

Original Wedding: Raequel & Dean

What a weekend. In the midst of a date night with Josh and a friend's birthday celebration, we had the pleasure of working yet another wonderful wedding! (I know I say that about every wedding, but they all really are great!)

Raequel & Dean have been fabulous to work with since day 1. With their laid back personalities and fun relationship, their wedding was sure to be a great time - and it was. Dean got his HUGE apple pie (he is not a cake lover), Raequel was pleasantly surprised when Dean and the groomsmen broke into song before dinner and not one guest left hungry! With a choice between chicken chesapeake or steak and shrimp, who would?!

My favorite part had to be the rendition of Lenny Williams that Dean broke down for every one's entertainment. I can not even imagine how much time he put into rehearsing! I regret not getting the entire thing on video, but even I didn't know about it and was completely unprepared!

That said, a few quick snapshots of the details for you to enjoy.

Congratulations again. You guys are awesome!

One of the few ceremonies that we actually got to watch- We are usually already at the reception setting up!

A romantic combination of candlelight and roses.

Forget your standard menu card. They used a cootie catcher for the menu!

NoLo E-Newsletters: Headed Your Way!

I'm so excited to tell you guys about a new project I am working on for NoLo!! Starting this month we are sending out monthly e-newsletters. They feature a main article every month along with a vendor spotlight, ask NoLo, proposal story, recaps of last months weddings and congrats for the month's upcoming couples. And I'm sure we'll throw in a few surprises here and there! Since I was a yearbook editor in high school, this is right up my ally, and I'm absolutely thrilled about where it can go!

If you want to sign up for the newsletter, go here and subscribe to our mailing list. You'll also be the proud owner of fun promotions and coupons every now and then (bonus for brides who still need a wedding planner)!

Have a wedding question that you want to be featured in the Ask NoLo section? Leave it in the comments below or email me!

Here is the first issue :)