John and I realized last night that if we’re really going to get married this summer it will now have to happen in July (law school begins in early August)—YIKES! We also recently found out we’re probably moving back to the west coast. So I have three months to find a location in California, pick a dress, and well, plan a wedding. Do you think it can be done??? We’re keeping things extremely small and intimate so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m down to two dresses (thank god for affordable J.Crew options—we want to save for a house!), but I desperately need your help. Which do you like best, the Whitney at top? Or the Taryn at bottom (in ivory of course…)? The wedding itself will be very casual, either in a small chapel somewhere or outdoors. Please tell me your thoughts—it would be so appreciated! XO Katie
I’m voting for the Taryn…and actually love that sea green color ;) Small weddings are definitley the way to go…and if I had mine to do over I’d skip the super spendy dress and go with one of the gorgeous J Crew numbers myself!!
I would order both (by calling and speaking with the wedding person there at JCrew, who might offer you free shipping after explaining your dilemma), then you can decide which you like better. The Taryn has a more defined sweetheart neckline, so it’s really which neckline you like better. They are both gorgeous!
Most definitely the Whitney is my fave…!! Good Luck to you! Where are you moving on the west coast? xxoo :)
first!
Both are beautiful but the Whitney is my favorite!! Fabulous!!! You will look beautiful in whatever you wear!
You can do it!
I really like both…but I think I like the first better.
I love the twisty bodice of the Taryn gown! I found my wedding dress for $350–it’s a Dessy destination dress, and I love it so much more than all the thousand(s) dollar dresses I tried on!
http://lauren-stacks.blogspot.com [book ends]
I vote for the Whitney but I agree with Abbie that you should order both just to make sure.
How exciting! We planned our wedding in 4 months, it can be done!
I like the Whitney! I am sure you can create a beautiful wedding in 3 months with your creative spirit! I remember when I saw the Steve Martin version of The Father of the Bride for the first time, one of the jokes was that the dad was envisioning a backyard bbq for the wedding instead of a grand affair. Now I think that a small wedding in a gorgeous backyard or field would be more special and intimate – an opportunity to really express your personalities! Congratulations!!!
I like the whitney personally, because of that cinch in the waste. Gives it more definition but still has that floaty feeling! Both are pretty!
You can plan it! We did ours in 3 1/2 months! it’s actually better. Less time to stress and you get done what you would otherwise just take longer to do!
if you need invites, we got some good ones or can make you some ;)
I love the Taryn dress but Abbie’s idea of ordering both and seeing which one looks best on, is smart!
Oh my! So many amazing suggestions and thoughtful comments! It’s overwhelming (in the best of ways)! I especially love all these first had stories of weddings that were planned quickly—there is hope ladies and gentleman—it can be done! I’ll keep you posted on our progress. Love you all!!!!! XOXO Katie
I vote Taryn. And that green color is GORGEOUS, if you’re not, er, wedded to the idea of a white wedding gown.
The Taryn!!!!!
I love the Taryn! Best wishes to you, dear bride! And congratulations on all the amazing changes coming to your life. I’m so happy for you!
Oh lord—now I really think it’s split down the middle. Whatever am I to do?!?! XOXO
The Taryn! With the fringey Sigerson Morrison’s! (LOVE those!)
You can do it!!
As for the dress, my vote is cast for the Taryn — the upper part of it is just so lovely and whimsical. I think that’s the dress.
I love the Whitney, seems I’m in the minority. I just think its so chic, and in a style that’s not overdone … unique and beautiful … love the bodice twist detailing. Good luck with the planning! You should totally use paperless post for your Save the Dates … so cute and a definite cost savings!
whitney!!
the whitney is lovely.
Lacquered Life — I love Paperless Post and was actually seriously considering it. Whatever I decide it has to be quick! Thanks for your input, it’s sooo helpful getting other’s opinions on these things. XOXO Katie
The WHITNEY …
you are getting married in less than four months!?! get on it girl! haha. I like the second, but both are adorable.
I vote for Taryn at the bottom! Love the affordable JCrew dresses! Good luck with your planning!
Love the Whitney!
I vote for the Taryn. I love the detail at the bust. But both are beautiful!
You can totally plan a wedding in 3 months. I’m from Utah, I see it all the time. haha.
i wore a jcrew dress at my wedding too. :) i think the bottom one accents a woman’s body so beautifully.
I vote for the Whitney!
Looks so much more gentle and feminine….
Whitney!!
we have the same style!!! they are both gorgeous! i have that top dress bookmarked (even though I’m single…) and I haven’t seen the bottom dress! it’s so hard to pick! hmmm.. i guess i’ll go with the top dress! but whichever you pick, you’ll look beautiful!
Wow, 80+ responses? Congrats Kate! That’s quite a few opinions :)
I personally like the Whitney better b/c of it’s more defined waist. But both are beautiful choices! And those sandals? To die for! J Crew has a pair of leather flip flops with a pom pom that’s pretty cute and more reasonable.
Paperless Post is a fantastic option! I sent those for my holiday cards this past winter and people loved them. I was shocked how much positive feedback they received! There’s also a place called Printable Press (all these ‘P’ words!) that has reasonably priced options.
Sam — We certainly are alike, I’ve been saving wedding dress photos since I was a little girl (and I was VERY single back then). Love it. Can’t wait to someday hear about your big day!! XO
Karen — You’re full of good ideas. Must go check out this J.Crew pair! And I just sketched an invitation so I think I will be doing hard copies, in which case I must also check out Printable Press. Thank you!!! XO
I love the Whitney. Just beautiful. We honeymooned in Cali. My favorite places we stayed were Post Ranch in Big Sur and San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara. Both would be beautiful wedding settings! Can’t wait to hear your plans. Hope you are well.
i like the first! and i LOOOOOOOOOOVE the Lanvin pompoms. I would be able to justify getting them, as you can actually keep wearing them many times over after your wedding and they will always be a sweet reminder of the best day of your life! I’m sure you know already, but they have them in a cream/ivory color and they are pretty as can be. net-a-porter has them and a great no ask returns policy. order and if you don’t like them once you have them just send them back. you prob knew that already too! so exciting!!!! we planned our wedding in 3 months and it was fantastic. it can be done!
While both beautiful, I LOVE the Whitney…. I think the top is uber-flattering and the dress is just very feminine overall.
Definitely love the Whitney! Congratulations and have fun planning!
Don’t worry katie..you guys can definitely pull a wedding together by then, with a clear head or with the help of a switched on planner :D OF course i’d say that. About the dress, ultimately it’s up to you but I vote for the Taryn in ivory with the Sigerson Morrison Leather Fringed…girl’s gotta splurge! ;)
Oh the Whitney for sure!
Whitney!
oh, the taryn would surely be my choice! it’s so beautiful!
my husband and i had a small wedding and i wouldn’t have it any other way. it was wonderful. so much more relaxed and you get to spend time with the people you really want to spend time with.
although, my sister in law did have an amazing destination wedding . . .
i love them both — you’re going to look beautiful! i think the taryn is my favorite.
Kate ~ I prefer the bottom on the Whitney and the top on the Taryn. Does that help??
Ahhhh Tao!!! You read my blog?! I love you and miss you and no, that really doesn’t help…hahahaha. XOXOXOXOX
3 months? Yes, it can be done! You’re in love so anything’s possible:) I have to say that I like the extra little detail on the Whitney. But really, both are simple and pretty. Can I just say how sad I was that I didn’t wear a J.Crew dress for my wedding? I can’t wait to hear which you chose and how your “not that far away” wedding planning evolves:) Love that you’re keeping it small so you can buy your house. Very, very smart. Eric and I did it that way and we have absolutely no regrets!
Taryn!! Love it! If you are coming back to Cali, I got married on a tiny hill on a vineyard in Sonoma that would be perfect for an intimate wedding.
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2008/12/29/real-wedding-erin-and-seth-2/#comments
Congratulations
I vote for the Taryn! I love that color and the style is beautiful! Both are great dresses though and how awesome that they’re affordable! Best wishes to you!
Ohh Erin, can’t wait to check the place out!! XO
Kate, get the Taryn and the fringed sandals. It is your wedding and you will wear those sandals out when the one day is over, so they are worth it Best, Lynn
Awww Lynn you’re so kind. Thank you for stopping in! XO