The Whatnot and So Forth

Exciting news at the Duni/Parker residence! Our invitations are in! We're going next weekend to pick them up and do one last check before we take 'em home and start the addressing process. I'm so excited about them. They are very simple and elegant and formal. Actually. Traditional, would be the best descriptor. For those of you who attended my parents wedding - they look almost exactly like theirs. Which, to me is super special. I love things like that.

Only 89 days left till the wedding! Wow. Double digits guys. This thing is right around the corner. I really gotta start getting things in order. Like the engagement announcement out in the newspaper, the photo booth deposit and meet with the florist one more time. I don't know if you guys know but, we are not doing centerpieces. Well, your traditional floral centerpieces. It would just be too ridiculously expensive. So, a great way to cut cost is to have candles and flower petals. I think it's going to look magical when it's all said and done.

This Thursday is my final dress fitting before my bridal portrait on September 21. I just can't wait to put it on again. I love it.

Speaking of dresses!!! My Mom found her dress!! OH my goodness. She looks like a vision in it. And ... it's pink! Well, a form of pink. It's elegant, fancy and perfect. It looks like it was made for her. She has a train on her dress just like me! I'm so happy that she's going to look so, so gorgeous. I could cry just thinking about her in that dress on my wedding day. I just love her so much. And I'm happy that she found a dress that she loves so much too.

Also my dear and wonderful cousin Ally and my Aunt Susie are hosting a bridal shower at the end of August in Annapolis, MD. It will be a great time to spend with them and see some family that I haven't gotten to see in a while. I'm really honored and looking forward to it.

My cousin Chris and his fiance Holly are getting married on August 14 out in Wisconsin. I am so happy for them. They have a precious daughter Lena and are going to make (and already do) such a lovely, beautiful family. It will be such a special day that they remember forever and I can't wait to see pictures. Holly is just a beautiful girl and she's going to look even more so on her special day in that beautiful dress.

So much excitement. I love it.

Showered!

So, last post I said that I would write about what it feels like to have a bridal shower. I can tell you that it's the greatest feeling in the whole wide world. There's nothing more heartwarming than having your closest friends, family friends and family gathered to spend an afternoon with you. It was so good to catch-up, and let's be honest - eat cake. My best friend Jec-Jec and her mom (who is like my 2nd Mom) put on the shower and what a sight it was! The venue, Willow Oaks, never looked better - from the flowers, to the colors, to the cake to the food, to the treats scattered around and just the thought and love and time and effort they put into it - I was in tears from the moment I arrived. I was just so touched by the obvious outpouring of love and support for my and Mike's upcoming wedding. And boy did we get showered with gifts. Oh good lordy. Everyone was beyond generous. We got so much. My heart just swells with the love. There aren't enough words to show my gratitude for the shower that was thrown. It was just perfect from start to finish. Such a fond, lovely memory that I will have forever.

Also, I can now update you and tell you what it feels like to be wedding ring owners - freaking awesome. What a great reality it is when you finally get those rings. We bought them today and took them home with us - they will reside in our safe deposit box until the big day. They are going to look so good on. Mike chose a white gold band with a brushed thick center part and some shiny detail on the sides. Since my engagement ring is so insanely sparkly I chose a curved band that will hug the rings curves but has no diamonds. It looks amazing. I can't wait to wear it forever and let the world know that I am married to an amazing man.

In other bridal land news ... My first dress fitting is Saturday, July 10 (eek!!!). My bridal portrait is set for Tuesday, September 21 at 5:30pm. These two dates alone have me oozing with joy and happiness. I can't wait!!