UNBOXED

I'm a subscription box snob. I have subscribed to 6 in the past and currently have ZERO on auto pay. I tried the meal plans, but my picky eating and need for a larger portions was not a good match. I dabbled into skincare and cosmetics, but I don't beat my face as often as the box requires. My favorite box was a crystal collection, and I subscribed until I started getting repeats in the box, only 4 months in. 

As a newly engaged woman, I thought it would be a great experience to "box." With little idea on where to start or what to do, I figured a box could offer guidance and speak my love language. From Miss to Mrs became the box for me. 

The ad jumped out at me, so don't knock indirect marketing too much. I was scrolling through the gram and came across a saving grace. A monthly box to guide me in my journey to be wifed. 

I ordered the box right after the engagement, but didn't receive it for 8 weeks.  The box was damaged on the outside ..... and inside. But upon opening my excitement went from over the moon to mild. 

Pamphlets about the maid of honor? List of things the bride forgets on her day? Cool, but all stuff Google can provide. Faux Diamond pens and a notepad, cuz the target dollar spot didn't have me stocked up enough? Paperclips! For what? I am not sure, but they are cute for my office. A reusable plastic (not BPA free) cup with a broken straw. How does the straw ship broken? A gold plated necklace with a diamond emblem.  Last..... but not least........2 balloons! "LOVE" and a DIAMOND RING balloons for any event, but air/helium extra. 

My subscription has been cancelled and I didnt mean for this to turn into a product review, but just an honest experience. If you want to see perfect unboxing you can go on YouTube for that. We always bring it to you real and raw. 

#TRENDING

I flipped through my FIRST bridal magazine this week. It was during a vision board exercise to manifest our goals for the year. I already cut out libraries, kitchen islands, fireplaces, everything for our Honeymoon House (post to come). Browsing through, I was looking for inspiration, but was overwhelmed by the fluff, flowers, and frills. 

Bridal Guide Magazine's January/February 2018 issue has an article entitled, "Trends 2018." I was hopeful to find and inspiration, a light , a guide, for this next chapter. Instead I'm still scratching my head. Here are the 4 categories that sttodout to me of wedding trends this year and my thoughts.

THE EVENT: According to Bridal Guide, "Intimate gatherings and grand affairs are both having a moment." So to stay on trend this year invite few people or invite a lot of people. How can you have both opposites trending? We plan on a ceremony at our Honeymoon House and to keep trendy we will obtain a maximum occupancy number in our new space.  

THE DECOR: "Color is back, and so is black." LIKE WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? In 2018 everything is trending! As for us, we are classically considering black and white and a color #winning (is that still trendy to say?)

THE EATS: "View food and drinks as entertainment." Well good, because I always do. Suggestions of interactive stations like trucks and taco bars are appealing to us, but one trend we have been early adopters for are keeping it local. Phoenix has some of the best food and we want to showcase that

THE GUEST EXPERIENCE: "Send guests home with a smile," is Bridal Guide's reason for hiring dueling DJ's or aerial acts. No thanks, mama is going to be smiling because her baby girl started the next chapter of her adult life with the man of her dreams, not because a character artists captured her on paper. Our experience will blend culture, not because we want to have our guests learn how to properly sip tea from China, but rather our culture, our family. 

I couldn't bare to read the remaining trends, and if you so dare to the link is above. All I know is it will be a one of a kind kinda day. 

UNWEDDING

While researching for this blog I wanted to find inspiration from other bloggers sharing their engagement story. Please help me if you have found one, but I can only find companies that blog about other couple’s engagement shoots and big days. I want a first person narrative of the struggles to trust during one of the craziest times in a couple’s life. I want to hear about the journey, the tears of joy and stress, his perspectives and hers.

The Finding AZ Engagement is a chapter I want to share about my journey from Miss to Mrs. Why do we feel the need to rush to the “I Do’s” when we need to learn to enjoy the present moment.

I had a conversation with my fiance yesterday about the pressures of our WEDDING. I have to capitalize it because the connotation of that word is different per person. He is the oldest grandson of his family and oldest son and the pressure for a WEDDING was felt the second the ring went on my finger. I am an only child and don’t know what should be “expected” from the Bride’s family, or let alone myself, the Bride.

When Jose and I went to visit my family for Christmas my uncle made a joke about a dowry, asking Jose to prepare his family chickens and goats. We all laughed, but their is truth to that humor.

Some cultures don’t even get to meet their significant other till their ceremony date, some cultures trade livestock upon union, the extremities continue….

So before I read another list of what to expect, or contemplate creating checklist before the wedding day I chose an Unwedding Wedding. Why do I have to wait till 3 months before "the day"  to decide what cake I want to eat, or 2 months before till I write my vows? I am going to have a piece of chocolate cake and tell Jose how much I love him tonight and every night till the wedding and every night after.