That's right, we're at 130 days! It's still SO far away, but it seems so close when I look at everything that needs to get done. I have already got lots of ideas for things, but no reason to make them yet. I just don't want to have all of this stuff sitting around my apartment taking up space, so it's waiting. I'll work on it later when I maybe don't have as much stuff in my apartment. (I'll get to start packing up winter clothes soon to store in my mom's garage til I get to move!!!-- SO EXCITING!)
On that note, I can't tell you how exciting it is to realize that in just over four months, I will be with Trenton. I will be with him for every day, every night, and every morning until the end of time. I have a hard time dealing with the stresses of work, school and planning, but my new mantra has become "In four months, it will be completely worth it. In four months, none of this will matter. In four months, my life will. be. complete."
When I think about all of the things left to do with the wedding-- especially things that Trenton deserves an opinion over-- I just want to ask. I want to share things with him, and let him know that his choices are important to me. I don't want this to be "MY" wedding. It is our wedding and it is the wedding that will change our lives, and make us one unit. One solitary team. I cannot wait. He will be going out on the boat eventually, and my opportunities for his opinion will be seriously decreased. I know he says he will love anything I do (what a sweet man) but I still feel as though he deserves a say.
I look at wedding stuff on a daily basis. Blogs, pictures, ideas, etc. I try to just use them to get ideas and see what other people are doing. I don't let it overwhelm my life, because obviously school still has to happen, homework is still going, no one is stopping their life because I'm getting married. However, I look at wedding websites and have wedding shows in the background while I read, and when I do this, I get overwhelmed with my love for this man.
I can't tell you what a road it has been for us. Any of our friends, our families, and probably people we don't even like would be able to tell you that this has not come easily for us. But... when I look back at everything that has happened, I can't help but smile. At the time, there was nothing more that I wanted to do than run away and break all ties from him. I see our time together, as such a happy place. I am never happier in life than when I am with him. When I talk to him, when I see him, when I look at things for OUR wedding.
I imagine walking down the aisle. I know I'll be a wreck. I will be so excited to finally be with him after all this time. I get to walk down the aisle to my friend, my love, my man, my HUSBAND. Even writing this post, I get completely overwhelmed with my excitement, my love and my happiness that I will get to be with him. I can't wait. I love this man so thoroughly. So fully. I never knew that my heart could hold as much as it does for him.
He is my reason, the man I will marry. My last first kiss. And I. Can't. Wait.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tsunami?!
That's right. A tsunami. Apparently there was a huge 8.8 earthquake in Chile yesterday, and it's causing giant waves and tsunamis all over the Pacific Ocean. Why does this matter to me?
My loving man is stationed right off the Pacific.
I awoke to find a text message from my FMIL, who asked if I had spoken to him. My first reaction is "No. Did something happen?!" She told me of the earthquake and the possible implications for his base. I of course start freaking out as I haven't talked to him in several days outside of a few text messages here and there. Sadly, I am one of those people who goes straight to the worst possible scenario. I start imagining a huge tsunami lifting a sub and smashing it onto him. Just him. Not other people or buildings. Terrifying.
I called him, and woke him up, much to his dismay. I was a nervous little hen and I couldn't help myself. He wasn't grumpy with me though. He understood I was just scared and needing to know. I, of course, had him call his mother right after I got off the phone with him.
Deep breath in, little grasshopper.
I need to calm down. But, it's okay. His mom sent me a text while I was talking to him that said Hawaii is at more risk than where he is. Huge sigh of relief from me.
I'm glad to know he's going to be okay. He assured me that if anything were going to happen to his subs, or to his base, they would've done it already and notified everyone. So, he's thinking he's good. I'm thinking he's good.
Clearly, I need to read the news more often. Learn more about natural disasters. Become a meteorologist. Something!
On a more... wedding related note: I finished my cards. Y'know, the ones for my bridesmaids asking about bridesmaid-ship. It really didn't take me long. I would post pictures, but silly me finished them and sealed them in envelopes before taking pictures. Whoops.
Tsunamis and wedding aside, I also caught a stomach bug on Thursday. That's right. I just got over bronchitis and still have the bruised ribs and strained cartilage to prove it, and then I got a stomach bug. I haven't eaten a real meal in about two days. I've lost four pounds, but I haven't eaten. I'm so hungry and desperately wanting a burger.
My loving man is stationed right off the Pacific.
I awoke to find a text message from my FMIL, who asked if I had spoken to him. My first reaction is "No. Did something happen?!" She told me of the earthquake and the possible implications for his base. I of course start freaking out as I haven't talked to him in several days outside of a few text messages here and there. Sadly, I am one of those people who goes straight to the worst possible scenario. I start imagining a huge tsunami lifting a sub and smashing it onto him. Just him. Not other people or buildings. Terrifying.
I called him, and woke him up, much to his dismay. I was a nervous little hen and I couldn't help myself. He wasn't grumpy with me though. He understood I was just scared and needing to know. I, of course, had him call his mother right after I got off the phone with him.
Deep breath in, little grasshopper.
I need to calm down. But, it's okay. His mom sent me a text while I was talking to him that said Hawaii is at more risk than where he is. Huge sigh of relief from me.
I'm glad to know he's going to be okay. He assured me that if anything were going to happen to his subs, or to his base, they would've done it already and notified everyone. So, he's thinking he's good. I'm thinking he's good.
Clearly, I need to read the news more often. Learn more about natural disasters. Become a meteorologist. Something!
On a more... wedding related note: I finished my cards. Y'know, the ones for my bridesmaids asking about bridesmaid-ship. It really didn't take me long. I would post pictures, but silly me finished them and sealed them in envelopes before taking pictures. Whoops.
Tsunamis and wedding aside, I also caught a stomach bug on Thursday. That's right. I just got over bronchitis and still have the bruised ribs and strained cartilage to prove it, and then I got a stomach bug. I haven't eaten a real meal in about two days. I've lost four pounds, but I haven't eaten. I'm so hungry and desperately wanting a burger.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Le Sigh.
So, as you all know, I'm a terrible mess of full-time business. Full-time work, full-time school, and a little bit of wedding planning thrown in. It does not include any down time. My "down time" is writing in this blog and sleeping.
Well, in my sleeping time, I like to think of wedding bells and papers as I drift off to dreamland. I think of tulle, and ribbons, and bright green bridesmaids dresses with HUGE puffy sleeves. All the things a real wedding make. BAHAHA. I'm kidding.
This weekend, however, I'm hoping to get my "Will You Be My... (insert bridal position here) cards made/sent. It is *one* more thing I have to do, but I figure even though I've talked to all my girls already, it would be a super sweet gesture and they can all keep it and see it, or scrapbook it, or whatever they want. Plus, I'm super crafty-DIY bride, so it will probably take me about... 10 minutes to whip up a cute card.
I've already made up my mind about the whole Who-Is-My-Maid-Of-Honor business. I just need to talk to everybody and explain. I hope everyone understands and knows what a hard choice it was for me. I toyed with the idea of co-MOHs, but, in the long run, I felt like that wasn't necessarily fair to everyone. So, one it is. Although, I have a special job/part for everyone in our bridal party whether they know it or not. :P
*insert sinister bridal laugh here*
Well, in my sleeping time, I like to think of wedding bells and papers as I drift off to dreamland. I think of tulle, and ribbons, and bright green bridesmaids dresses with HUGE puffy sleeves. All the things a real wedding make. BAHAHA. I'm kidding.
This weekend, however, I'm hoping to get my "Will You Be My... (insert bridal position here) cards made/sent. It is *one* more thing I have to do, but I figure even though I've talked to all my girls already, it would be a super sweet gesture and they can all keep it and see it, or scrapbook it, or whatever they want. Plus, I'm super crafty-DIY bride, so it will probably take me about... 10 minutes to whip up a cute card.
I've already made up my mind about the whole Who-Is-My-Maid-Of-Honor business. I just need to talk to everybody and explain. I hope everyone understands and knows what a hard choice it was for me. I toyed with the idea of co-MOHs, but, in the long run, I felt like that wasn't necessarily fair to everyone. So, one it is. Although, I have a special job/part for everyone in our bridal party whether they know it or not. :P
*insert sinister bridal laugh here*
Monday, February 22, 2010
What? It's only Monday?!
So, I can't believe it's only Monday. I feel like the weekend flew by and I got nothing accomplished. Thankfully, my homework load was light and I didn't have a whole lot to do for classes or work. Just a bit or relaxing.
On to wedding business... I worked on our programs this weekend. I didn't make all of them, but I worked on the formatting and the mock-up. Plus, I printed one and put it together just so I can see exactly how I want it. It looks really good, and it's not very time intensive--which is just what I need. And, with the programs came ceremony music. I made some executive decisions and decided what I wanted to use. Trenton... he'll just have to deal. :P
Also, I think I found different shoes. I figured in the long run, I couldn't justify the $100 shoe purchase. I think these new ones are just as cute, have a wider heel (so I won't bite it on the dance floor, or Heaven forbid- the aisle!) and are just $40. And, because they aren't satin, they are a bit more re-wearable. They're blue, of course, and they're super cute. Take a look!
Also, I really like the idea of the bamboo tableware, but I'm still not sure if we're doing a buffet dinner or just heavy hors d'oeuvres. No decision made yet. But, I have so many more deadline items to do rather than decide on food. That can wait.
Sigh. It's been a long few weeks with all this school stuff, the full-time job, and the wedding planning. It's starting to take a toll on my body, but you know what, in 136 days, it's going to be so worth it. :)
On to wedding business... I worked on our programs this weekend. I didn't make all of them, but I worked on the formatting and the mock-up. Plus, I printed one and put it together just so I can see exactly how I want it. It looks really good, and it's not very time intensive--which is just what I need. And, with the programs came ceremony music. I made some executive decisions and decided what I wanted to use. Trenton... he'll just have to deal. :P
Also, I think I found different shoes. I figured in the long run, I couldn't justify the $100 shoe purchase. I think these new ones are just as cute, have a wider heel (so I won't bite it on the dance floor, or Heaven forbid- the aisle!) and are just $40. And, because they aren't satin, they are a bit more re-wearable. They're blue, of course, and they're super cute. Take a look!
Also, I really like the idea of the bamboo tableware, but I'm still not sure if we're doing a buffet dinner or just heavy hors d'oeuvres. No decision made yet. But, I have so many more deadline items to do rather than decide on food. That can wait.
Sigh. It's been a long few weeks with all this school stuff, the full-time job, and the wedding planning. It's starting to take a toll on my body, but you know what, in 136 days, it's going to be so worth it. :)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Whoops...
Totally meant to post. Well, there's not a ton to fill you in on, but still... I post to post. What has happened...
Well, I tried on the shoes. They're pretty comfortable, some extra padding may be necessary for all night dancing, but all in all, comfortable and easy to walk in despite the height. However, I'm not sure if I can justify spending almost as much on the shoes as I did the dress. I know I could find some other shoes I like for a better price, but I have a hard time discerning what I should and shouldn't spend money on. I would love the shoes, but at the same time my practical mind is telling me to find a different pair. What do you think?
Second thing, I saw a post recently on weddingbee.com and the post was for bamboo tableware. Knives, forks, spoons, plates. I mean, they're not terribly fancy but they're good for the environment and are pretty cheap. For $7.00 I can get 100 knives. Same price for 100 spoons and forks. So, for $21 I could get enough utensils for everyone and be helping the environment. They're not quite as cheap as plastic ware, but it looks better and it's green! :) I'm keeping it in mind as our entire venue has about the same color woodwork as the bamboo.
We're still in the talks about whether to do hors d'oeuvres or a buffet meal and we can't really decide. With the fiance basically out-of-touch, most decisions come down to me, and we all know how indecisive I can be. I can't even decide on a veil! For the longest time I said 'NO VEIL!' but... I don't know. I sorta feel like I should have one, but I don't want to mess with it, but it would look so good, but it would be hard to find one to complement my dress, etc. The inner conversation could go on forever.
Also, while I was planning on doing my pocketfold invitations myself, I found pre-cut postcards and needed to change around my measurements and it messed with the look of them. To save myself the time of cutting, scoring, folding, and making each pocketfold, I'm probably going to re-prioritize my time and just spend the extra money to buy pre-made, pre-assembled pocketfolds. All I would have to do is print my inserts and assemble. As my beloved reminded me, "Time is Money". Sometimes you just have to let go.
We have about 4 1/2 months left. Couldn't be more excited, but I look at my "To-Do" list and just... wow. Lots to do, but so worth it.
Well, I tried on the shoes. They're pretty comfortable, some extra padding may be necessary for all night dancing, but all in all, comfortable and easy to walk in despite the height. However, I'm not sure if I can justify spending almost as much on the shoes as I did the dress. I know I could find some other shoes I like for a better price, but I have a hard time discerning what I should and shouldn't spend money on. I would love the shoes, but at the same time my practical mind is telling me to find a different pair. What do you think?
Second thing, I saw a post recently on weddingbee.com and the post was for bamboo tableware. Knives, forks, spoons, plates. I mean, they're not terribly fancy but they're good for the environment and are pretty cheap. For $7.00 I can get 100 knives. Same price for 100 spoons and forks. So, for $21 I could get enough utensils for everyone and be helping the environment. They're not quite as cheap as plastic ware, but it looks better and it's green! :) I'm keeping it in mind as our entire venue has about the same color woodwork as the bamboo.
We're still in the talks about whether to do hors d'oeuvres or a buffet meal and we can't really decide. With the fiance basically out-of-touch, most decisions come down to me, and we all know how indecisive I can be. I can't even decide on a veil! For the longest time I said 'NO VEIL!' but... I don't know. I sorta feel like I should have one, but I don't want to mess with it, but it would look so good, but it would be hard to find one to complement my dress, etc. The inner conversation could go on forever.
Also, while I was planning on doing my pocketfold invitations myself, I found pre-cut postcards and needed to change around my measurements and it messed with the look of them. To save myself the time of cutting, scoring, folding, and making each pocketfold, I'm probably going to re-prioritize my time and just spend the extra money to buy pre-made, pre-assembled pocketfolds. All I would have to do is print my inserts and assemble. As my beloved reminded me, "Time is Money". Sometimes you just have to let go.
We have about 4 1/2 months left. Couldn't be more excited, but I look at my "To-Do" list and just... wow. Lots to do, but so worth it.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Shoe Hunt Has Possibly Ended
So, I found some shoes I like. A lot. They're totally sexy and amazing, and all the reviews say they are super comfortable (a MUST with all the dancing I plan on doing). Now, the only problem is... Well, you just want me to show you, huh! Okay, okay. I'll stop stalling and just show you already!
Aren't they fabulous?!
So, I haven't decided what color I want though. Because it comes in the gorgeous Navy shown above (hellooooo, something blue...) but it also comes in "baby pink"- which is an option depending on how it works with my dress). And, it comes in a fabulous green color, which is bright and amazing and totally goes with my color scheme.
But, alas, I am at a crossroads. There is also a great blue color. Amazing. It's not a part of my colors, it would complement my dress, and be my something blue. I would totally wear them again. And they're great. I just can't decide. Between the neutral navy (which again, could be worn again), the cute pink, the fashionable green and the bright blue, I cannot make a decision.
Now, for some cons to these amazing shoes... they have 4" heels. I would be super tall. Like a giant. I'm already 5'9" so, I would be 6'1 in those shoes. I would still be shorter than Trenton, but those are some HIGH heels. I read reviews saying that they are really comfortable, so I'm hoping that I'll be fine in them, but that's really tall... I need tall heels for my dress to not need altering, so I wouldn't mind the four-inch heels. Anyone else think I'm crazy for 4" heels!? Also, these shoes are almost as expensive as my dress. I mean, they're pretty nice heels, a good company, and very comfortable from what I've read. Macy's has them in store that I could try them on, but only carries three colors, none of which I want, so I'll be paying shipping from the Nina website. Not bad, but not cheap either.
Now to leave you with some pictures...
What do you think? What color do you think I should go with? Think they're worth the money?
Aren't they fabulous?!
So, I haven't decided what color I want though. Because it comes in the gorgeous Navy shown above (hellooooo, something blue...) but it also comes in "baby pink"- which is an option depending on how it works with my dress). And, it comes in a fabulous green color, which is bright and amazing and totally goes with my color scheme.
But, alas, I am at a crossroads. There is also a great blue color. Amazing. It's not a part of my colors, it would complement my dress, and be my something blue. I would totally wear them again. And they're great. I just can't decide. Between the neutral navy (which again, could be worn again), the cute pink, the fashionable green and the bright blue, I cannot make a decision.
Now, for some cons to these amazing shoes... they have 4" heels. I would be super tall. Like a giant. I'm already 5'9" so, I would be 6'1 in those shoes. I would still be shorter than Trenton, but those are some HIGH heels. I read reviews saying that they are really comfortable, so I'm hoping that I'll be fine in them, but that's really tall... I need tall heels for my dress to not need altering, so I wouldn't mind the four-inch heels. Anyone else think I'm crazy for 4" heels!? Also, these shoes are almost as expensive as my dress. I mean, they're pretty nice heels, a good company, and very comfortable from what I've read. Macy's has them in store that I could try them on, but only carries three colors, none of which I want, so I'll be paying shipping from the Nina website. Not bad, but not cheap either.
Now to leave you with some pictures...
What do you think? What color do you think I should go with? Think they're worth the money?
Friday, February 12, 2010
TGIF
Holy cow. This has been one looooong week. Seriously. Between full-time work, plus a bunch of school work and getting bronchitis, I'm just a train wreck. I'm ready to have two days to sit in my apartment. (I'm contemplating not even leaving this weekend.)
With that two days, I'm going to get a whole bunch of school work done, maybe some laundry, and a nice little mock-up of our invitations. Y'know the ones I showed you earlier? (http://saraandtrenton.blogspot.com/2010/01/invitations-again.html)... well, they're changing. Again. I know, I know. Indecision wracks me.
But, I found some pre-cut postcards to possibly use as our response cards (cheaper postage, ftw!) if they'll work with my printer/Word. And, I decided to go against the green background and do a pink background on the invites and use a green belly band and a green envelope(since I really don't feel like hand addressing each envelope, which I would with black envelopes). The green is super bright, not lime or anything but pretty bright, but since it's really only an accent anyways, I don't mind it. I really want some bright pink gerbera daisies (my favorite flower!) for our centerpieces, but we'll have to mess with those later.
How amazing are those!? I love gerbera daisies, so I would love to do something like that, but maybe not so intense. (I can't imagine that doing something like that for 12ish tables would be budget friendly.)
Le sigh. Lots of thinking still to do. And lots of looking. Interwebz stalking here I come.
With that two days, I'm going to get a whole bunch of school work done, maybe some laundry, and a nice little mock-up of our invitations. Y'know the ones I showed you earlier? (http://saraandtrenton.blogspot.com/2010/01/invitations-again.html)... well, they're changing. Again. I know, I know. Indecision wracks me.
But, I found some pre-cut postcards to possibly use as our response cards (cheaper postage, ftw!) if they'll work with my printer/Word. And, I decided to go against the green background and do a pink background on the invites and use a green belly band and a green envelope(since I really don't feel like hand addressing each envelope, which I would with black envelopes). The green is super bright, not lime or anything but pretty bright, but since it's really only an accent anyways, I don't mind it. I really want some bright pink gerbera daisies (my favorite flower!) for our centerpieces, but we'll have to mess with those later.
How amazing are those!? I love gerbera daisies, so I would love to do something like that, but maybe not so intense. (I can't imagine that doing something like that for 12ish tables would be budget friendly.)
Le sigh. Lots of thinking still to do. And lots of looking. Interwebz stalking here I come.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Cough Syrup Will Affect Thinking...
So, although I've gotten a ton done in the wedding spectrum, there's still so much I've got to do. I'm not only doing full-time school (rockin' 12 hours online), but I'm working full-time and planning this wedding.
We're under the five-month marker now, which means crunch time. According to The Knot, I should've had almost everything done by now. I should be on my second to last dress fitting, have done a hair trial, known my makeup plan, met with a bakery and a florist, none of which I have done.
And, to top off my huge to-do list, I have bronchitis. Just got diagnosed yesterday. My abs are getting a serious workout from all this coughing. Plus, I barely slept for the last two days, but seeing as I called into work today (I'm highly contagious) I finally caught up on sleep with my hard core cough medicine. And now I get to catch up on some schoolwork and reading while still creeping the internet on wedding stuff.
My cough syrup on the other hand, is amazing. It's got codeine, so it completely knocks me out and stops the coughing so I can finally sleep. But, it also makes me think everything is wrong with my wedding. Last night, in my drug induced thinking, I was freaking out about colors. Like I needed to change them. Duh, I don't want to, as it's one more thing for me to do, but in my drug stupor I thought about changing them. Never a good idea to do wedding planning under the influence.
Oh, and I'm completely sick of winter. I'm pretty glad we're not getting married in the winter like was previously discussed between the fiance and myself. It snows practically every other day, but doesn't stick to actually get me out of doing stuff. It's just snow and ice to scrape off my car. I'm ready for the warmth, but I know that once that comes I'll complain about the heat too! Be prepared!
We're under the five-month marker now, which means crunch time. According to The Knot, I should've had almost everything done by now. I should be on my second to last dress fitting, have done a hair trial, known my makeup plan, met with a bakery and a florist, none of which I have done.
And, to top off my huge to-do list, I have bronchitis. Just got diagnosed yesterday. My abs are getting a serious workout from all this coughing. Plus, I barely slept for the last two days, but seeing as I called into work today (I'm highly contagious) I finally caught up on sleep with my hard core cough medicine. And now I get to catch up on some schoolwork and reading while still creeping the internet on wedding stuff.
My cough syrup on the other hand, is amazing. It's got codeine, so it completely knocks me out and stops the coughing so I can finally sleep. But, it also makes me think everything is wrong with my wedding. Last night, in my drug induced thinking, I was freaking out about colors. Like I needed to change them. Duh, I don't want to, as it's one more thing for me to do, but in my drug stupor I thought about changing them. Never a good idea to do wedding planning under the influence.
Oh, and I'm completely sick of winter. I'm pretty glad we're not getting married in the winter like was previously discussed between the fiance and myself. It snows practically every other day, but doesn't stick to actually get me out of doing stuff. It's just snow and ice to scrape off my car. I'm ready for the warmth, but I know that once that comes I'll complain about the heat too! Be prepared!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Cue Chariots of Fire Theme
I'm finishing a marathon of wedding business. In three days I have gotten a dress, booked a venue, finished an entire registry and finished my Save-The-Dates!
I ran quickly after work today to get some extra stamps for my STDs so I can send them out tomorrow (exactly five months away from the wedding!). I got return address written on each envelope and made the few extras that I was still missing after finalizing the guest list. Saturday night I got a surprise of an additional five guests to invite, but no big-- our venue can accommodate!
Now on to my to-do list for the next five months... eep. I haven't quite started even making the list nonetheless accomplishing any of it. However, according to The Knot, I'm way behind on my planning. You should've seen the list with urgent, red clocks next to each "late" item. I'm not even planning a ketubah, so I don't know how really to get rid of the urgent clock. So, I figured I'd just say I did it and move on.
Sheesh. More on the planning and timing later. It's gonna be a long road!
I ran quickly after work today to get some extra stamps for my STDs so I can send them out tomorrow (exactly five months away from the wedding!). I got return address written on each envelope and made the few extras that I was still missing after finalizing the guest list. Saturday night I got a surprise of an additional five guests to invite, but no big-- our venue can accommodate!
Now on to my to-do list for the next five months... eep. I haven't quite started even making the list nonetheless accomplishing any of it. However, according to The Knot, I'm way behind on my planning. You should've seen the list with urgent, red clocks next to each "late" item. I'm not even planning a ketubah, so I don't know how really to get rid of the urgent clock. So, I figured I'd just say I did it and move on.
Sheesh. More on the planning and timing later. It's gonna be a long road!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wedding Weekend Pt. II
Seriously. That last post wasn't a joke. It just continued today! Wedding weekend has continued into a two parter. So, to continue...
Today, the mother, me, and the future-mother-in-law met the sister to look at a venue. I've stalked this venue online for what seems like ever. I just keep looking and looking and memorized the price chart, the capacity, etc. But, man. Seeing it for real, in person; actually getting to visualize how my wedding could look was just amazing. I really loved it. I liked everything about it. It doesn't look like much on the website, but really... it's a great site. Very versatile. I can do a lot with it and it's so gorgeous on its own that I won't even have to do much decorating. Super plus for me.
Main Room for the reception.
Deck for the outdoor ceremony.
The picture doesn't do the venue justice. It's got a huge deck out to one side, a fabulous view all around it, nice lighting. Oh, it's going to be amazing. Plus, a really reasonable price, tables and chairs included, 6 hour rental, free set-up, a bridal room, a kitchen, bathrooms, and a small storage area where I can go drop off some decorations a few days before. Oh, and did I mention I get to bring in my own catering and alcohol?! Huge savings to me.
It's got a gorgeous outdoor stone pavilion in the front for some really great photo backgrounds, and because I'm renting the venue, I can take my bridals up there whenever I want, I just have to let the wonderful wedding coordinator know. So, after signing some papers, dropping a check and walking away a happy bride, we all left to go get lunch. The sister had things to do, so it was me and the moms! We left to eat delicious meals, I had a rather "wild" salad... too wild for me, but I had a delicious dessert thing. We discussed wedding plans, logistics, etc all lunch. Amazing. I already have the most amazing mom ever, but I'm so excited to be getting such an amazing (non-psychotic, as so many are) mother-in-law.
We then went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to finish my registry. We spent oh, Lord, probably two or three hours just doing registry. The bridal registry lady was IN-TENSE. She wanted me to register for TWELVE sets of towels. TWELVE! Who needs twelve sets of towels? Also, she suggested three sets of sheets and two sets of eight place settings for my table. I was like... uh, Lori... you're crazy. We had a blast though me, my mom, and my future M.I.L. We found everything else I would need and even found some stuff I liked better than what I found at Target. So, the registry= complete. All I gotta do now is kinda putz around with various things, taking of double registered items and such.
Even after the registry, my mom and I ran to DSW to see if we saw shoes we liked, Charming Charlie's (an accessories store here in Allen) and then home. We later ran to Hobby Lobby to buy some things for a mock-up hair piece for my wedding, also to Kohl's to get napkins- which we found! Then finally, after a day of productive wedding-ness, we went home. I also got some really, really excellent news from my amazing future-in-laws.
They are going to pay for our cakes and for us to get our flowers done. That means saving me time from having to do them before the wedding. Not having to spend the money, and they gave Trenton and I a huge gift that I could not be more thankful for. I have the best in-laws. I had definitely already found a way to do my cake and flowers on the cheap for my budget's sake, but this. Oh, this was huge. I almost cried when my future M.I.L. told me she wanted, not to pay for my bulk floral, but for someone to do them for me. I couldn't believe it. AMAZING! I could not be more thankful and I have such generous family and I can only hope that they have as much fun going on cake tastings and floral meeting business as I do. It was such a blessing to have that taken off my shoulders. Gah. I can't even tell you.
The wedding is almost done. I can't even believe it. Now I really need to send out my Save-The-Dates!
Today, the mother, me, and the future-mother-in-law met the sister to look at a venue. I've stalked this venue online for what seems like ever. I just keep looking and looking and memorized the price chart, the capacity, etc. But, man. Seeing it for real, in person; actually getting to visualize how my wedding could look was just amazing. I really loved it. I liked everything about it. It doesn't look like much on the website, but really... it's a great site. Very versatile. I can do a lot with it and it's so gorgeous on its own that I won't even have to do much decorating. Super plus for me.
Main Room for the reception.
Deck for the outdoor ceremony.
The picture doesn't do the venue justice. It's got a huge deck out to one side, a fabulous view all around it, nice lighting. Oh, it's going to be amazing. Plus, a really reasonable price, tables and chairs included, 6 hour rental, free set-up, a bridal room, a kitchen, bathrooms, and a small storage area where I can go drop off some decorations a few days before. Oh, and did I mention I get to bring in my own catering and alcohol?! Huge savings to me.
It's got a gorgeous outdoor stone pavilion in the front for some really great photo backgrounds, and because I'm renting the venue, I can take my bridals up there whenever I want, I just have to let the wonderful wedding coordinator know. So, after signing some papers, dropping a check and walking away a happy bride, we all left to go get lunch. The sister had things to do, so it was me and the moms! We left to eat delicious meals, I had a rather "wild" salad... too wild for me, but I had a delicious dessert thing. We discussed wedding plans, logistics, etc all lunch. Amazing. I already have the most amazing mom ever, but I'm so excited to be getting such an amazing (non-psychotic, as so many are) mother-in-law.
We then went to Bed, Bath & Beyond to finish my registry. We spent oh, Lord, probably two or three hours just doing registry. The bridal registry lady was IN-TENSE. She wanted me to register for TWELVE sets of towels. TWELVE! Who needs twelve sets of towels? Also, she suggested three sets of sheets and two sets of eight place settings for my table. I was like... uh, Lori... you're crazy. We had a blast though me, my mom, and my future M.I.L. We found everything else I would need and even found some stuff I liked better than what I found at Target. So, the registry= complete. All I gotta do now is kinda putz around with various things, taking of double registered items and such.
Even after the registry, my mom and I ran to DSW to see if we saw shoes we liked, Charming Charlie's (an accessories store here in Allen) and then home. We later ran to Hobby Lobby to buy some things for a mock-up hair piece for my wedding, also to Kohl's to get napkins- which we found! Then finally, after a day of productive wedding-ness, we went home. I also got some really, really excellent news from my amazing future-in-laws.
They are going to pay for our cakes and for us to get our flowers done. That means saving me time from having to do them before the wedding. Not having to spend the money, and they gave Trenton and I a huge gift that I could not be more thankful for. I have the best in-laws. I had definitely already found a way to do my cake and flowers on the cheap for my budget's sake, but this. Oh, this was huge. I almost cried when my future M.I.L. told me she wanted, not to pay for my bulk floral, but for someone to do them for me. I couldn't believe it. AMAZING! I could not be more thankful and I have such generous family and I can only hope that they have as much fun going on cake tastings and floral meeting business as I do. It was such a blessing to have that taken off my shoulders. Gah. I can't even tell you.
The wedding is almost done. I can't even believe it. Now I really need to send out my Save-The-Dates!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wedding Weekend
I am not even kidding you, it's been wedding weekend in the life of Sara.
In one day, I got my gown and started my registry, plus tomorrow I'm going with my mom, sister and the fiance's mom to go look at possible venues.
My dress-capades: I went to a teeny-tiny bridal boutique in Addison to just browse, no buying, just looking. We looked around, rummaged through the clearance rack and picked out a good 8 or 9 dresses. I tried the first one on, and it was amazing. I then tried on a smorgasbord of dresses ranging from the very good to the very bad. Many my sister liked, but I hated; some my mom liked, but my sister didn't; there were even some we ALL vetoed. But, in the end, I slipped back into my magnificent, glorious first gown and looked. We all looked.
This dress. This stunning dress. It fit me like a glove. I wouldn't need alterations, the saleswoman told me. Throw on a pair of heels and I don't even have to mess with the hem. All that would need to happen was adding the strings for a bustle and a steam press before the wedding. No weight loss or mega alterations needed. A perfect dress. Made for me. Simple, elegant, and so... so ME!
We looked at this dress. I walked in the dress to see it in motion. I bent over to make sure nothing was going to fall out or rip. I looked at my mom. I looked at the sales woman... she told me it was on sale. From the clearance rack, and still on sale. Cheaper than the clearance rack?! How could this be?!
This gown, this unbelievable $750 gown... this 100% silk, gorgeous gown... was on clearance. Down to $300. But alas! the gown was even further discounted! And for what, a small, unnoticeable stain!? This dress was priced at an unbelievable $99 before taxes. I looked at my mom, quietly, questioningly, "Are we going to do it?" She looked back at me and said, "I think so." I turned to the wonderful sales woman and owner and I said, "Well, we're taking it!" She smiled, excited I had found my dress in her store and said she would take it downstairs to get it ready.
We followed quickly downstairs, she got our payment, got our paperwork and put my dress into that take-home dress bag. She carried it out to our car, hugged me and asked me to send pictures of the wedding. I jumped up and down a little with my sister and quickly started sending the text messages. I haven't have felt more like a bride than that.
I love my dress. Love it. Almost as much as the man I'm going to marry. I'm glad I have such an amazing dress to marry the man of my dreams. It's fantastic.
Besides the dress shopping this afternoon, I also got my registry started. What a fiasco. Holy cow. Trying to remember what I had and didn't have. Thinking about what Trenton would like that I like too. We hadn't chosen a color scheme for the bathroom or living room, so I just kinda went with something that I liked that wasn't too girly. There are no flowers in what I registered for. I'm hitting up another store tomorrow for bedding and some other miscellaneous stuff. It's rather stressful trying to decide what to register for and what is good for decorating, and what gadgets you need. It's insane. I don't think Hollywood realizes.
In one day, I got my gown and started my registry, plus tomorrow I'm going with my mom, sister and the fiance's mom to go look at possible venues.
My dress-capades: I went to a teeny-tiny bridal boutique in Addison to just browse, no buying, just looking. We looked around, rummaged through the clearance rack and picked out a good 8 or 9 dresses. I tried the first one on, and it was amazing. I then tried on a smorgasbord of dresses ranging from the very good to the very bad. Many my sister liked, but I hated; some my mom liked, but my sister didn't; there were even some we ALL vetoed. But, in the end, I slipped back into my magnificent, glorious first gown and looked. We all looked.
This dress. This stunning dress. It fit me like a glove. I wouldn't need alterations, the saleswoman told me. Throw on a pair of heels and I don't even have to mess with the hem. All that would need to happen was adding the strings for a bustle and a steam press before the wedding. No weight loss or mega alterations needed. A perfect dress. Made for me. Simple, elegant, and so... so ME!
We looked at this dress. I walked in the dress to see it in motion. I bent over to make sure nothing was going to fall out or rip. I looked at my mom. I looked at the sales woman... she told me it was on sale. From the clearance rack, and still on sale. Cheaper than the clearance rack?! How could this be?!
This gown, this unbelievable $750 gown... this 100% silk, gorgeous gown... was on clearance. Down to $300. But alas! the gown was even further discounted! And for what, a small, unnoticeable stain!? This dress was priced at an unbelievable $99 before taxes. I looked at my mom, quietly, questioningly, "Are we going to do it?" She looked back at me and said, "I think so." I turned to the wonderful sales woman and owner and I said, "Well, we're taking it!" She smiled, excited I had found my dress in her store and said she would take it downstairs to get it ready.
We followed quickly downstairs, she got our payment, got our paperwork and put my dress into that take-home dress bag. She carried it out to our car, hugged me and asked me to send pictures of the wedding. I jumped up and down a little with my sister and quickly started sending the text messages. I haven't have felt more like a bride than that.
I love my dress. Love it. Almost as much as the man I'm going to marry. I'm glad I have such an amazing dress to marry the man of my dreams. It's fantastic.
Besides the dress shopping this afternoon, I also got my registry started. What a fiasco. Holy cow. Trying to remember what I had and didn't have. Thinking about what Trenton would like that I like too. We hadn't chosen a color scheme for the bathroom or living room, so I just kinda went with something that I liked that wasn't too girly. There are no flowers in what I registered for. I'm hitting up another store tomorrow for bedding and some other miscellaneous stuff. It's rather stressful trying to decide what to register for and what is good for decorating, and what gadgets you need. It's insane. I don't think Hollywood realizes.
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