Wedding Update :)

As of today 6/30/11, Eric and I have exactly 100 days until we become Mr. and Mrs. Eric Jesse :)

Words can not express how excited I am, but I will sure try to type them the best I can!

I’m already spending my life with the man I love, but in 100 days :) I actually get to call him my husband, not just Eric, my fiancé, boyfriend, or “that guy”, but my HUSBAND!

Things couldn’t be going any better if they tried, so far we haven’t had any major bumps in the road with the planning and I pray that it stays like that too. However, I know that the reality of that happening is slim to none, I’ve been present during a lot of weddings when things didn’t go as planned, but ya know what, it happens, and I have tons of people to back me up and stop be from going all crazy on them.....which leads me to my next point.

I want to send a BIG thanks to Amanda and Ilario, for goodness graciousness, those poor souls didn’t know what they were getting themselves into when they said they would help me with Eric and I’s wedding....the constant phone calls, numerous emails, and tons of wedding conversations! However, I know that they wouldn’t have it any other way (or at least I hope, ha). Amanda may be my only sister and Ilario may be my only brother-in-law but they are the BEST one’s I could ask for.

And I think another HUGE thanks need to go Eric and I’s parents---they may not realize it but they have been a big help. Deb and Russ, Mom and Dad.....they have been some life savors when it comes to helping me figure out the important stuff and even the not so important stuff :) And Eric and I wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't for our parents, actually we wouldn't even be alive, ha, but not my point. My point is, they have unconditionally loved us and supported us on every decision we made, but not without making sure it was the best thing for their child, and that's how I still feel today and I'm sure Eric would agree 100% too!

So, as for now, I leave you with this.....

Sincerely,

The Soon To Be Mrs. Jami Jesse :)

Wedding Wednesday | Jesse + Laurinda's Invitation Featured on WeddingInviteLove

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am that the lovely Tracy of WeddingInviteLove was kind enough to feature Jesse and Laurinda's eco-friendly invitation suite on the WeddingType Blog yesterday! In case you didn't see the post, where I tell the story of how we came up with the design inspiration and why we chose the beautiful handmade seeded paper, then you must check it out :o) You must also check out all of the gorgeousness Tracy features on the blog and baci's new WeddingInviteLove profile page - YAY for beautiful new photos!!

Wedding Wednesday | 4th of July Inspiration Board

I LOVE the 4th of July!!! Wanna know why---good, because I'm going to tell you :)

1) We are celebrating our freedom

2) I get to see family

3) There are fireworks,

4) Amazing food

and

5) Because it's a HOLIDAY :)

You can have all five of these at a wedding, too (well maybe not the fireworks, ha) which led me to make an inspiration board! Enjoy!

{Row One Sources - 1, 2, 3}

{Row Two Sources - 1}

{Row Three Sources - 1, 2, 3}

{Row Four Sources - 1, 2}

baci's baking - Layered Mexican Party Salad

Summer tends to be the busiest season for me, mostly because of the numerous get together's people have due to the amazing outside weather. I am constantly asking myself, "What do I bring this time?" or "Should I make this again?" So I am always looking for new recipes and this Layered Mexican Party Salad from Betty Crocker looks delicious!

Layered Mexican Party Salad

Original Recipe from Betty Crocker

(Printer-friendly Link)

1 box Betty Crocker® Suddenly Salad® Classic Pasta Salad Mix
3 T. water
2 T. vegetable oil
1 t. ground cumin
1 can (15 oz) Progresso® Black Beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (15.25 oz) Green Giant® Whole Kernel Corn, drained
4 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 container (12 oz) refrigerated guacamole dip
1 1/2 cups (6 oz) finely shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend
3 plum (or Roma) tomatoes, chopped
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
3 cups nacho-flavored tortilla chips

1) Empty pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2) Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.

3) In medium bowl, stir together seasoning mix, oil, water and cumin.

4) Stir in pasta, beans and corn.
5) In 4-quart glass salad bowl or 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish, layer lettuce and pasta mixture.

6) Spread guacamole evenly over top.

7) Sprinkle with cheese and tomatoes; top with olives.
8) Just before serving, arrange chips around edge of bowl. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.

And then Enjoy :)

Handpicked - Escort Card Display

I may not be doing assigned seating at my wedding, but I know plenty of people that are. And I just LOVE the endless ideas for escort card displays! I found my nine for this post quickly but just kept looking because of the amount of creativity people come up with.

I hope you enjoy looking at them, as much as I enjoyed finding them :)

1) Beach Chair Cards on Miss Indian Bride - Cute for a beach wedding!

2) Apple Card Display on Miss Indian Bride

3) Framed on Miss Indian Bride - I like this idea, using frames around your simple escort cards to give it a little extra something.

4) Escort Card Door Display on Elizabeth Anne Designs

5) Sand Dollar Display on Stress Free Events - Again, something for a beach wedding, but I love this idea!

6) Vintage Library Drawers on Bridal Bubbly

7) Lace Seating Chart Display on Ruffled - How unique and adorable is this?!?!

8) Cupcake Display on Bridal Bubbly

9) Card Display on Weddingbycolor - Super cute and easy :)

Did you find a favorite? Be sure to let us know!

My Current Wish List - Inspired by B.Davis

So as LAME as this may sound, I’ve been digging out my One Tree Hill seasons and watching them repeatedly (Don’t tell Eric, ha). So my latest wish list comes from inspiration of B.Davis off on One Tree Hill.

1) Diane Von Furstenberg Parlian Pleated Top from saksfifthavenue.com - $245 - (Inspired by episode "This is my house, This is my home") A beautiful top you can pair with any bottoms and still look hot! 2) Embroidered lace skirt on net-a-porter.com - $315 - (Inspired by episode "We All Fall Down") I LOVE this skirt!! 3) Bettina Robe on eberjey.com - $88 - (Inspired by episode "Valentine's Day Is Over") Comfy and Cute :) 4) Crocheted Ankle-Wrap Espadrille on bergdorfgoodman.com - $365 - (Inspired by episode "The Man Who Sailed Around His Soul") How cute are these?

Since this wishlist is a little bit higher in price than normal, I will be sure to keep in my mind that's why it's called a "Wish List" :)

Friend Photo Shoot

Last Saturday, a group of us girls got together to meet up with Ashley from Pea Pod Photography Studio out of Archbold, Ohio to do a Friend Photo Shoot! I thought this would be a way to have fun with my friends, but be able to share it with them forever! The group consisted of six girls, I'm surprised Ashley didn't leave us after 5 minutes because of how crazy we were :) But she made it so easy to take pictures with!

This was her FIRST Friend Photo Shoot! However, I would like to share with you some previous client's photos to get you acquainted with her awesome work :)

Rachelle and Tyler Engagement Photo Shoot

Marshall Photo Shoot

Eowyn Photo Shoot

Kellsie Photo Shoot

If you would like to check out her blog, just follow this link:

http://www.thepeapodphotographystudio.blogspot.com/

Can't wait to share our Friend Photo Shoot pictures with you!!

Wedding Wednesday | Rustic DIY Wedding

Absolutely gorgeous!

I NEED you to check out this wedding! Everything about it is beautiful and to top it all off, they made a lot of the items they used for the wedding, which makes it 100% personal :)

Rustic DIY Wedding on bridesmaid.com!

And a little sneak peek. . .

The Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Location

baci's baking - Grilled Cupcakes

I had you wondering what grilled cupcakes were, didn't I? :) Sorry, I had to be a little tricky.

To mark the FIRST day of Summer, what better than making cute cupcakes that resemble a grill :) Since a grill is like the basic essential for a PeRfEcT summer!

Cupcakes from familyfun.go.com

"Grilled" Cupcakes

(Printer-friendly Version)

Brownie batter (plus ingredients on the box)
Black food coloring
White frosting
Orange sugar
Caramel creams
Red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices
Hot Tamales candies

1) Place cupcake liners in muffin pan, oil them, and fill them two thirds full of your favorite brownie batter, then bake according to the recipe directions.

2) Let the brownies cool.
3) In a small bowl, mix one or two drops of black food coloring with 1/4 cup white frosting.

4) Transfer frosting to a ziplock bag and snip a small section from the corner. Pipe grate lines onto each brownie and let them set for 20 minutes.

5) Add embers with a sprinkle of orange sugar.

6) Prepare the grill food as instructed below and press it in place atop each brownie.

- Kebab = A Caramel cream and red, yellow, and green candy fruit slices, cut into small pieces + toothpick skewers

- Pork Chop = 2/3 of a caramel cream, molded with fingers + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick

- Hot Dogs = Hot Tamales candies + black food coloring, applied with a toothpick

Makes 12 cupcakes.

Now all you have to do is, Enjoy!

My Current Wishlist - KitchenAid Essentials

The kitchen is a woman's best friend, so naturally we want it to be the best....best smelling (baking cookies), best place to be (a gathering place for friends and family), and even best looking (you need an attractive side kick that looks as good as you, ha).

So I have put together a SHORT 4-piece wishlist from KitchenAid because there isn't a better place to outfit your kitchen.

1) 14 Piece Fine Edge Forged Cutlery Set - $99.99 - Everyone could use a good knife set so they can make wonderful food.

2) Baking Companion - $19.99 - A cookbook will be the best essential for my kitchen to smell good :)

3) Classic Series - $199.99 - Everybody has told me that the KitchenAid mixer is the best thing out there!

4) 2.25 Quart Porcelain Enamel Teakettle (Warm Berry) - $64.99 - I think this would look beautiful, just sitting on the stove top (because well, I don't drink tea, so it will make my kitchen look good).

Happy 50th Birthday, Daddy!!

Today is our dad's 50th birthday and we just had to tell you all that we have THE greatest dad around!! Not only is he incredibly funny, loving and kind, he has taught us plenty of valuable things along the way :) Things we will remember forever!!

He taught us a little bit about fishin'!

He taught us to always be a Packers fan!

He taught (and coached!) us all we know about softball and baseball!

He even taught Andy how to change the oil, though we can't guarantee he'll ever actually do it :)

So, Daddy, you can rest easy on your 50th birthday knowing that you and Mom raised three children who may not have always appeared to be listening, but learned a lot from you throughout the years and still are looking to you for advice and guidance in life. Thank you for being the best dad ever - we love you and hope you have the greatest birthday on the books!!

Love-

Jami + Amanda

Engagement Pictures Are Up!!

As most of you may know, Eric and I got to take our engagement pictures at the end of May. So I am PROUD to announce that Montana did an AMAZING job with them!!!

Enjoy :)

My Favorite :)

Mom's Favorite :)

My 2nd Favorite

Typical--Laughing at Eric!!

So Pretty!

Such a Typical Picture For us, ha!

There are many more to check out. Go on over to Montana's page :)

Hope you like them as much as I do!!!

baci's baking - Layered Mexican Dip

This past weekend at friends, Mike and Lisa's cookout I brought along an appetizer I created back when we lived in Charlotte - Layered Mexican Dip! I hadn't made the recipe in a while, but it was just as tasty as I remembered and I came home with an empty dish which is always a good sign :o) Enjoy!!

Layered Mexican Dip

(Printer-friendly Link)

1 (16 oz.) can black beans
2 T. taco seasoning (I always use my homemade recipe!)
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 cup sour cream
1 cup pre-made guacamole (I generally use one that's nice and garlicy!!)
1 (8 oz.) package shredded colby jack cheese
3 large plum tomatoes, diced

1) In a small bowl, combine black beans, taco seasoning, garlic and sour cream.

2) Spread mixture evenly over bottom of 9x13-inch baking dish.

3) Spread guacamole over sour cream.

4) Sprinkle cheese evenly over guacamole and top with tomatoes.

5) Serve with tortilla chips. (Tostitos® Artisan Recipes® Roasted Garlic and Black Bean Tortilla Chips are our new favorite - they are DELICIOUS!!)

Handpicked - Celebrity Inspired Wedding Updos

Celebrity Inspired Wedding Updos

Picking a style to wear your hair on your big day may or may not be important to you. However, to me it is because I want something that will fit my style and personality. I decided for this post to stick with updos, but from celebrities. The ladies always look beautiful, so why not get inspired by them!

1) Carrie Underwood on dutsyroseevents.blogspot.com - Her hair is simply pulled back in a loose ponytail with curls and it's still gorgeous!

2) Tyra Banks on shorthair-style.com

3) Jessica Alba on weddinghaircenter.com - I love the braids! I did this as a bridesmaid, you think I can do it for my wedding too? :)

4) Taylor Swift on wedding-bigsize.com

5) Beyonce on weddinghairdotoday.com - Up in a bun with tight curls, pretty and easy to do!

6) Eva Longoria on wedding-hairstyles.net

7) Carrie Underwood on boards.weddingbee.com - I know, I used her once already, but again simply stunning with a side ponytail.

8) Christina Applegate on hairstylescut.net

9) Jessica Alba on celebhairstyle.net - I already used her also, but I just love the back of her hair!

Overstock.com - My Current Wish List

One of my friends was recently telling me about overstock.com and how they have a variety of choices. I had never really looked on the website for much, so I decided to check it out. And naturally, I found tons of items I could purchase, but I chose four of my favorites for my kitchen.

1) Geometric Hanging Shade - $94.99 - I love this chandelier and it would look perfect over the island. 2) Round Metal Wine Storage Tower - $70.99 - Amazing!! I love wine, so I love this!! 3) Hand Painted Black and White 4-Piece Canister Set - $54.99 - Very pretty canisters to sit on the counters (since Eric currently puts his brown sugar in a peanut container--ha). 4) Sterling Publishing 'Crazy About Cookies' Cook Book - $18.49 - Who couldn't use a new cookie cook book.

BHLDN - My Current Wish List

It's been a while since I publicly wished for anything - I wish for things each and every day here in the privacy of baci's office, lol - so I thought with all of the weddings we'll be attending this summer I would wish for some lovely wedding attire from the incredible BHLDN. Remember I wrote about the unveiling back in February? Well, the line just keeps getting more beautiful :o) Here is the perfect summer evening wedding outfit that I'll never be able to afford, but I will most certainly dream about!

1) Starburst Pleated Shift in Dusty Purple - I honestly may have to break down and buy this dress, it is so lovely and could not be in a more beautiful color!

2) Peony Hairpin in White - Heavenly!

3) Agave Peep-toes in Champagne - Why the hell not wear velvet and organza puffs on my feet? ;o)

4) Pinot Noir Drops in Wine - Because when you have a giant peony in your hair and your shoes are just a bit crazy, you need a simple, understated pair of earrings to top it all off!

Eric and I's Wedding Website

I am happy to announce, Eric and I have finally asked our bridal party to be part of wedding!!

I am so excited for our big day to get here and have some of our best friends standing beside us!

With that announced, I can show you all our wedding website - hosted by baci designer stationery + events :)

I will still be working on the website--changing, editing, and adding things as we go on... But PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK!!

http://sites.bacidesigner.com/guilfordjesse/

Wedding Wednesday | My Check List

Back in March I put together a check list of things I had done and still needed to do. I am here to tell you/show you, I have actually accomplished some of them!

(The bold ones are things that still need to be done)

Things that still need to be checked off my list

- Finalize invitations

- Finalize my cake

- Finalize centerpieces

- Find bridesmaid dresses

- Meet with caterer and decide on food

- Take engagement pictures

- Finalize the guest list

- Book honeymoon

- Reserve hotels for out of town guests

- Pick out songs for the reception

- Pick out gifts for the members in my wedding (and others that have been a huge help through the process)

- Pick out programs

- Get my dress altered

- Get our marriage license

Now to give you a little bit of information more than that :)

These past few weeks I have accomplished so much wedding stuff, I am actually proud of myself! But I still have a long way to go... EXAMPLES:

Caterer- -We have met once, but we just discussed what she can do for us and all that good stuff. So I look forward to meeting up with Kim a few more times to discuss all the yummy options of food :)

The Guest List--I don't know if this holds true for anyone else, but I feel like this is NEVER accomplished because you always think of that one more person, or your parents do (sorry mom and dad, ha)!

Hotels---Easy one to check off our list, we just have to do it, but we haven't for some reason.

Reception Songs-- Eric and I did actually start on this the other day, but if anyone has any good opinions let me know!

Gifts--This is half bolded because it's half way done. We haven't actually gotten the gifts, but we know what were getting them.

Programs---That will probably be something my sister and I will discuss here shortly.

My Dress-- I will be calling them in the next week to make my appointment (no worries, the lady told me to wait).

Marriage License--I think you do this like 2-3 months ahead of time, don't you :)

So now that you know where I stand with my wedding plans, anybody have any advice to give me:)

baci's baking - Penne a la Betsy

Alright, it's back to business today after a wonderful three-day trip to Charlotte to visit dear friends, adorable babies, old colleagues and to see Ilario's very first class ever graduate from high school!! We had such a wonderful time!!

For today's baci's baking post, I went with a tried and true deliciousness from the lady everyone loves - The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond!! I made Penne a la Betsy, named after Ree's sister, about a month ago (you can see from the photo below that I enjoyed it with a glass of white wine - mmm. . .) and since then I have gently forced a few friends to try the recipe - it is that yummy!! It's even incredible the day after!! Enjoy :o)

Penne a la Betsy

(Printer-friendly Link)

¾ pounds Penne Pasta
1 pound Shrimp
3 T. Butter
3 T. Olive Oil
1 whole Onion (small)
2 cloves Garlic
½ cups White Wine, Or To Taste
1 can Tomato Sauce (8 Oz)
1 cup Heavy Cream
Fresh Parsley, to taste
Fresh Basil - To Taste
Salt To Taste
Pepper To Taste

1) Cook the penne pasta until tender-firm.
2) Peel, devein and rinse (under cool water) 1 pound of extra large shrimp.

3) Heat about 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for a couple minutes until just opaque. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

4) Put the cooked shrimp on the cutting board and pull off the tails. Chop the shrimp into bite –sized pieces and set aside.
5) Finely dice one small onion.

6) Mince two cloves of garlic.
7) In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

8) Add the garlic and onion and sauté, stirring occasionally.

9) After the garlic and onions have cooked a few minutes, add the white wine. Let the wine evaporate for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. If you would rather not use wine, you can use low-sodium chicken broth instead (about ½ cup).
10) Add an 8-ounce can of plain tomato sauce. Stir well until combined.

11) Add 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue stirring. Turn heat down to low and let simmer.
12) Chop about a tablespoon of parsley and about the same amount of basil.
13) Add chopped shrimp back into the tomato cream sauce and stir.

14) Add salt and pepper to taste.

15) Add herbs and stir until combined.

16) Add your cooked penne pasta and stir. Enjoy!

White Dresses - My Current Wish List

I have been searching ALL over for a cute, white dress for an upcoming photo shoot with my friends. Let me tell you, it's harder than you think to find a white dress you like. However, now I found four that I like, HELP!!

1) Sleeveless Eyelet Dress on bergdorfgoodman.com - $119 2) Squareneck Babydoll Bra Top Dress on victoriassecret.com - $39.50 - Simply casual and cute. 3) Women's Strapless Gauze Dresses on oldnavy.gap.com - $34.94 4) Calvin Klein Women's Seamed V-Neck Dress on overstock.com - $104.99 - I just love this, it's so beautiful!

True Brides {Amanda + Luke}

Baci is proud to introduce a new feature to the blog - True Brides! We thought it would be wonderful to add information from more real-life brides (because I will get married soon-ha) to the blog. Which means, getting feedback from brides (and hopefully grooms) that are getting married, pre-wedding and post-wedding!!

Our first couple being featured in True Brides are my friends Amanda and Luke.

They will be getting married June 4th 2011 at Skiff Lake Bible Church in Clarklake, Michigan.

Photograph taken by Michael Metts

First things first, I am sure all of you are dying to know how Luke asked Amanda to marry him--huh, huh--well it's a good story!! Luke planned a trip to Chicago and had everything mapped out, with Amanda knowing little of what would be happening. They went on a cruise and had dinner and wonderful live entertainment. After the cruise, they went about their day enjoying the awesome city of Chicago. However, throughout the day she was suspicious about this guy taking pictures because it looked as if he was aiming the camera at them, but she didn't think much of it.

The next words are the exact ones that came from Amanda, "After walking and looking at different things, the sun was beginning to set so we stopped to admire God’s beauty for a minute and rest our feet. As the sun was hitting the top of the skyscrapers, Luke turned toward me, hugged me, said that he would love me forever and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He asked if I would marry him and before he could even finish his sentence I said, 'Yes'." A little bit later after celebrating the engagement, Luke asked her if she noticed the guy taking pictures. She said "yes" but had no idea who it was. Little did Amanda know, Luke had asked his brother Cody to follow them around and take pictures of their special day :)

Now for the questions and answers!

What was one of the first things (wedding planning-wise) you did when you got engaged?

Haha, the first thing I did was go out and buy a wedding dress. I went to two stores and found the one I wanted at the second. This was all the weekend after we got engaged.

What was the easiest vendor to book?

The easiest vendor to book was our photographer. I knew him in college and I also knew he was very talented. We were also, blessed to see he had a sale going on at the time. We are so happy with him and would recommend him to anyone! Michael Metts of Metts Photo

What was the most difficult vendor to book?

The flower vendor was the most difficult. I kept going back and forth on whether I should make them myself, or maybe just some of them, what kind of flowers, how big they should be etc. etc. I ended up going with Smith’s Flowers in Hillsdale who worked really well with me. They considered everything I wanted as well as my smaller budget.

Was choosing your wedding party hard or easy?

It was neither hard nor easy. So I guess you could say it was in the middle. I wanted the ladies that I chose to be ones that had been supportive of Luke and I, loved us and would help build us up as a couple. I may have taken it more personal than other brides, but I have heard stories from other brides before and wanted to make the right choice. And I know I did!

What’s been the most stressful part about planning the wedding?

For me it has been the "learning as you go" part. I’m one of those people who likes to know what they are getting into before I take it on. Well, wedding planning is a bit different. It was fun in the beginning, but I will be honest and say that I am at the point where I am just ready for the planning to be finished. Luckily my mom and soon to be mother-in-law have been such a blessing with all the help and guidance they have given!

(Ending with THE PERFECT question and Amanda answering with THE PERFECT answer)

What’s are you most looking forward to at the wedding?

Walking down the aisle to the man who surpasses all my dreams and finally becoming Mrs. Luke Thorne!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to The Future Mr. & Mrs. Thorne from all of us at baci!!

Are you a True Bride? Then feel free to contact me - jami {at} bacidesigner {dot} com - on how to be a featured couple :o)