Lately life has been pretty busy and so has mother nature - leaving little time for wedding planning. There is so much to do still, short list:
1.) Send out Engagement Party invitations
2.) Send out Save the Dates after Engagement Party
3.) Contact photographer about photo for Save the Dates
4.) Choose Bridesmaid dresses
5.) Flowers...
Those are just some of the long list of things to do. Luckily, TheKnot.com has a great checklist by month. So far I am doing pretty good. I just have to make sure I stay on top of things.
Most of you know that we had Engagement pictures taken back in January when it was 60 degrees and not snowing...imagine that. I have a link and tab to them on my Facebook page - if you haven't seen them and want to let me know and I'll hook you up! That was a really fun time.
We have an Engagement Party date! March 27 at my parents house. I can't wait to see everyone and for everyone to meet each other - for those who haven't met each other yet. It'll be a good time with good food.
Hopefully, before then we will have picked the bridesmaid dress style. If it ever stops snowing for us to get out and actually do that :)
We're going to have snow drifts until June I'm convinced.
See you all in March - if not sooner HOPEFULLY!!!
Lots of love to all!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Escapades in Bridal Land
I must say. I really am enjoying being a bride. Not because of everyone wanting to see your ring or congratulating you - actually that tends to get old and makes you want to post a sign on your forehead with your wedding date. But because of the guarantee to see good friends and family all along the way. Today defined one of those great bridal moments - at a bridal show here in Richmond. With my mother-in-law-to-be in town for a visit, my maid of honor Jec-Jec and bridesmaid Crystal, and my Mom and Jec-Jec's Mom, we were able to look at a lot of vendors for the services we still need: flowers, cake and stationary. It was a lot of fun but definitely sensory overload! Thankfully, I am ahead of the game so I didn't need 80% of the services there, it felt good to not have to worry about a photographer or dress or even reception site - I could see how something like this could make a bride into a bridezilla. It was a nice day to be inside with it being so cold 'n all.
The other great thing about being a bride is the dress - what a great time trying on dresses. They all looked great but then I tried on "the one" and my heart melted and I didn't want to take it off. It's so funny how you do "just know." I certainly didn't expect to find one so soon - which is why neither my Mom nor I were excited about the experience (sample sale) nor did we have high hopes (sample sale again). Thanks to the sample sale though we were able to get a dress for 3x's less than it would've been if we had paid full price. Which is great because it leaves some of the budget open for the question mark of the moment - head count at at the reception. That's the next big check on the list.
What probably has me MOST excited right now is our photographer. He was at the bridal show today and was so warm and welcoming and his photographs are so natural that I feel even more fortunate to have him on our big day. On the 18th of this month we have our engagement pictures taken and I can't wait to see how they turn out. I am looking forward to a third party capturing my love for Mike and his for mine on camera. Especially with downtown Richmond, the city that enabled us to fall in love, as the backdrop. Plus, the name "Mike" tends to be a lucky charm in my life - and that's his name. He used to be the White House photographer and you can tell in his level of professionalism and ability to capture picture perfect moments that aren't posed. It's just very, very exciting.
I guess this post is just to say that I'm having a lot of fun and more and more I can't wait to share this day with all of you.
The other great thing about being a bride is the dress - what a great time trying on dresses. They all looked great but then I tried on "the one" and my heart melted and I didn't want to take it off. It's so funny how you do "just know." I certainly didn't expect to find one so soon - which is why neither my Mom nor I were excited about the experience (sample sale) nor did we have high hopes (sample sale again). Thanks to the sample sale though we were able to get a dress for 3x's less than it would've been if we had paid full price. Which is great because it leaves some of the budget open for the question mark of the moment - head count at at the reception. That's the next big check on the list.
What probably has me MOST excited right now is our photographer. He was at the bridal show today and was so warm and welcoming and his photographs are so natural that I feel even more fortunate to have him on our big day. On the 18th of this month we have our engagement pictures taken and I can't wait to see how they turn out. I am looking forward to a third party capturing my love for Mike and his for mine on camera. Especially with downtown Richmond, the city that enabled us to fall in love, as the backdrop. Plus, the name "Mike" tends to be a lucky charm in my life - and that's his name. He used to be the White House photographer and you can tell in his level of professionalism and ability to capture picture perfect moments that aren't posed. It's just very, very exciting.
I guess this post is just to say that I'm having a lot of fun and more and more I can't wait to share this day with all of you.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A First & A Last
Christmas 2009.
A First - homeowner, engaged.
A Last - single person.
Crazy. Happy. Nervous. Excited.
Crazy - My friends know, I never really ever thought I'd be in this position. About to get married. But welp, here I am. About to. Crazy.
Happy - This has been a great Christmas. I love family - and we spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house. And by spent, I mean, actually stayed over at their house - packed bags, carted the pack-n-play over and all our presents. And by "we" I mean - Me and Mike and Lovie. Yes, my parents live only 3 miles away, but this is probably the last Christmas I'll be able to do that. So, having Mike and Lovie there on Christmas morning was great. Mike got introduced to our Christmas day traditions - waiting and waiting and waiting and more waiting for the brothers to drag themselves out of bed, opening presents amid mayhem and Jack, eating breakfast and then the disappearing brothers as they mosey back up to bed to sleep until 3pm. Christmas was riddled with tradition and next year I look forward to continuing some (Christmas Eve shopping with my Dad - we've done this every year since I can remember) and making some new ones of our own. As married people.
Nervous - Last Christmas with my last name. Getting married next year (it's still 2009 so I can say that). Lots of big changes are in store. 2009 was the year of change and it's pretty nerve racking. I get nervous with change, the unknown. Lovie was the last time I was this nervous - because I loved him so much that I didn't want to break him. Same with Mike. I love him so much I don't want to break him. And, um, tomorrow - first day of trying on wedding dresses. It's not a big deal and I'm not expecting a lot out of it (80% off sample sale) - but I'm still nervous. Perhaps a better word would be surreal.
Excited - I'm trying on wedding dresses for the first time in my entire life tomorrow. That's pretty super exciting. I'm getting married next November to a man that I love more and more every day even after we argue. And I get to spend the rest of my life with him. That's pretty super exciting. I'm marrying a man next November who has more patience with Lovie than I could ever hope for, who loves him as if he were his own and with all his heart. That's pretty super exciting. I'm marrying my best friend - and I'm pretty super excited about that.
Tradition. Family.
Two ingredients for a truly perfect Christmas.
A First - homeowner, engaged.
A Last - single person.
Crazy. Happy. Nervous. Excited.
Crazy - My friends know, I never really ever thought I'd be in this position. About to get married. But welp, here I am. About to. Crazy.
Happy - This has been a great Christmas. I love family - and we spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house. And by spent, I mean, actually stayed over at their house - packed bags, carted the pack-n-play over and all our presents. And by "we" I mean - Me and Mike and Lovie. Yes, my parents live only 3 miles away, but this is probably the last Christmas I'll be able to do that. So, having Mike and Lovie there on Christmas morning was great. Mike got introduced to our Christmas day traditions - waiting and waiting and waiting and more waiting for the brothers to drag themselves out of bed, opening presents amid mayhem and Jack, eating breakfast and then the disappearing brothers as they mosey back up to bed to sleep until 3pm. Christmas was riddled with tradition and next year I look forward to continuing some (Christmas Eve shopping with my Dad - we've done this every year since I can remember) and making some new ones of our own. As married people.
Nervous - Last Christmas with my last name. Getting married next year (it's still 2009 so I can say that). Lots of big changes are in store. 2009 was the year of change and it's pretty nerve racking. I get nervous with change, the unknown. Lovie was the last time I was this nervous - because I loved him so much that I didn't want to break him. Same with Mike. I love him so much I don't want to break him. And, um, tomorrow - first day of trying on wedding dresses. It's not a big deal and I'm not expecting a lot out of it (80% off sample sale) - but I'm still nervous. Perhaps a better word would be surreal.
Excited - I'm trying on wedding dresses for the first time in my entire life tomorrow. That's pretty super exciting. I'm getting married next November to a man that I love more and more every day even after we argue. And I get to spend the rest of my life with him. That's pretty super exciting. I'm marrying a man next November who has more patience with Lovie than I could ever hope for, who loves him as if he were his own and with all his heart. That's pretty super exciting. I'm marrying my best friend - and I'm pretty super excited about that.
Tradition. Family.
Two ingredients for a truly perfect Christmas.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
One Year
So, today is our One Year Anniversary, and boy what a year it's been. Yesterday, was the first time Mike and I met. Since we met on Match.com the "find-out-if-your-a-psycho-or-not" meet and greet happened on our lunch hour at a mexican restaurant called...Mexico. As our lunch date was nearing to a close he asked me on a date for the following night - and I excitedly said yes. And before the year was up I said yes to another very important question - which leads us to this blog.
I feel so lucky that we were able to find each other - even if we had to resort to the internets to do so. Even though we were living in the same city, went to the same Richmond hot-spots and like the same kinds of food - I'm confident we wouldn't have met each other had it not been for good-ole Match.
What's most important to me is how well he gets along with Lovie, my family and friends. As the years have passed and boyfriends have come and gone - those three groups of people are the ones who mean the most to me and their approval was critical. He passed their test with flying colors.
Today is also the five year anniversary of my cousin Michael's passing. Today is a mixture of emotions - sad for obvious reasons and happy for other obvious reasons. But I feel very strongly that Michael played a part in helping me find Mike. He's my guardian angel and from the birth of Lovie to my now engagement - he's been there every step of the way to make sure all went according to His plan.
I feel blessed to have both Michael's in my life - protecting and guiding every step of the way.
I feel so lucky that we were able to find each other - even if we had to resort to the internets to do so. Even though we were living in the same city, went to the same Richmond hot-spots and like the same kinds of food - I'm confident we wouldn't have met each other had it not been for good-ole Match.
What's most important to me is how well he gets along with Lovie, my family and friends. As the years have passed and boyfriends have come and gone - those three groups of people are the ones who mean the most to me and their approval was critical. He passed their test with flying colors.
Today is also the five year anniversary of my cousin Michael's passing. Today is a mixture of emotions - sad for obvious reasons and happy for other obvious reasons. But I feel very strongly that Michael played a part in helping me find Mike. He's my guardian angel and from the birth of Lovie to my now engagement - he's been there every step of the way to make sure all went according to His plan.
I feel blessed to have both Michael's in my life - protecting and guiding every step of the way.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Housewarming Warmth
As most of you know we have a housewarming party coming up on December 5th. Mostly I'm excited to show off our new paint job - lots of hard work went into it - sweat equity as my Aunt Janet called it. For those of you who are coming keep in mind that there's still quite a lot of painting and whatnot to do. But considering we don't have all the time/money in the world we had to prioritize what looked the worst. Clearly the great room and kitchen won (and our master bedroom).
I'm also excited to have our own house where we can entertain friends and family. That's what really makes a house warm - the love and laughter that you can share with others there.
It'll kinda be like a housewarming for me too - since I'll have moved in just a few days before the party.
A few of you have asked if this is an engagement party and the answer to that is no, it's not. This is our housewarming that we are throwing for all of you to come and gorge yourselves on food and drink too much - all at our expense. We are going to have an engagement party but that will probably sometime in the New Year. And will be another great opportunity to get together with everyone again for laughter and love.
We look forward to seeing you on the 5th!!
Lots of love!
I'm also excited to have our own house where we can entertain friends and family. That's what really makes a house warm - the love and laughter that you can share with others there.
It'll kinda be like a housewarming for me too - since I'll have moved in just a few days before the party.
A few of you have asked if this is an engagement party and the answer to that is no, it's not. This is our housewarming that we are throwing for all of you to come and gorge yourselves on food and drink too much - all at our expense. We are going to have an engagement party but that will probably sometime in the New Year. And will be another great opportunity to get together with everyone again for laughter and love.
We look forward to seeing you on the 5th!!
Lots of love!
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Men Folk
So, it takes two to get married, no? And the groom and his men are equally important, no? So, lets devote this blog to introducing them. All who are reading this probably know my fiance - Mike. He's pretty great. And has more patience than I could ever muster up. And is super caring and thoughtful and just all around fantastic - he will no doubt make the best husband on the face of the earth. That kind of glowing endorsement requires some pretty great guys standing up there with him on his big day. So, in no particular order, here are his groomsmen:
Justin - Best Man, he's Mike's best friend and lives in Canandaigua, New York, he's also engaged and will be married next October! (confession: I had to look at the wedding spreadsheet to find the exact spelling of that city)
Brett - Groomsman, he's a mutual friend of ours and is the beau of my Maid of Honor - Jessica! Fun fact: He took over Mike's lease when Mike moved to suburbia.
John - Groomsman, he's the older of my two younger brothers and lives here in Virginia
Michael - Groomsman, he's the younger of my two younger brothers and is going to VCU here in Richmond
Chris - Groomsman, is a dear friend of Mike's and lives in Maryland - I haven't met him yet and from what I have heard about him, I can't wait to meet him.
George - Groomsman, a true Southern gentleman! He worked with Mike at the Federal Reserve and is a true blue - he lives here in Richmond as well.
Jesse - Groomsman, is Mike's brother-in-law. His wife is Kathy, Mike's sister who is a bridesmaid. They are also from Upstate New York near Canandaigua.
Lovie - Ring Bearer, is my cute little man and by the time of the wedding, will know just enough about the day to know that he too is the star of the show. Hopefully, we'll have left the terrible two's behind us by then.
The festivities are right around the corner! These next few weeks we are going to start the task of nailing down photographers - which should be quite the chore in and of itself. And an expensive chore at that!
I'll post more info as I accomplish things - love you all!
Justin - Best Man, he's Mike's best friend and lives in Canandaigua, New York, he's also engaged and will be married next October! (confession: I had to look at the wedding spreadsheet to find the exact spelling of that city)
Brett - Groomsman, he's a mutual friend of ours and is the beau of my Maid of Honor - Jessica! Fun fact: He took over Mike's lease when Mike moved to suburbia.
John - Groomsman, he's the older of my two younger brothers and lives here in Virginia
Michael - Groomsman, he's the younger of my two younger brothers and is going to VCU here in Richmond
Chris - Groomsman, is a dear friend of Mike's and lives in Maryland - I haven't met him yet and from what I have heard about him, I can't wait to meet him.
George - Groomsman, a true Southern gentleman! He worked with Mike at the Federal Reserve and is a true blue - he lives here in Richmond as well.
Jesse - Groomsman, is Mike's brother-in-law. His wife is Kathy, Mike's sister who is a bridesmaid. They are also from Upstate New York near Canandaigua.
Lovie - Ring Bearer, is my cute little man and by the time of the wedding, will know just enough about the day to know that he too is the star of the show. Hopefully, we'll have left the terrible two's behind us by then.
The festivities are right around the corner! These next few weeks we are going to start the task of nailing down photographers - which should be quite the chore in and of itself. And an expensive chore at that!
I'll post more info as I accomplish things - love you all!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Lately....
I know I haven't posted anything in a while, but getting the house ready for move-in has been taking up a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time. First there was painting. We didn't have THAT much painting to do in the grand scheme of things, but it was just enough to put you over the edge and to not want to paint again for a long, long time. Next there was moving Mike in this past weekend, so prior to that means that there was cleaning. I'm convinced that the people before us didn't clean a lick. Nor did they paint with tape. hrmph
So, now that the house is all organized and moved-in (except for me and Lovie - we move-in in two weeks!! eek!) the focus can go back to the wedding.
The most daunting part for me right now is thinking about the flowers and the colors. Even though I am leaning towards a Black & White wedding, I'd still like to have color in the bouquets and church flowers, etc.
The "To Do" this weekend and next week is to nail down the room blocks...November in Richmond seems to be very busy for business conferences and things some hotels are starting to really fill-up so I want to get this nailed down as soon as possible!
Love you all!
So, now that the house is all organized and moved-in (except for me and Lovie - we move-in in two weeks!! eek!) the focus can go back to the wedding.
The most daunting part for me right now is thinking about the flowers and the colors. Even though I am leaning towards a Black & White wedding, I'd still like to have color in the bouquets and church flowers, etc.
The "To Do" this weekend and next week is to nail down the room blocks...November in Richmond seems to be very busy for business conferences and things some hotels are starting to really fill-up so I want to get this nailed down as soon as possible!
Love you all!
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