Alterations

I dropped my dress off last night! My first fitting after alterations is on November 17th!

Blessings in Disguise

On Saturday I walked into a Bridal Boutique intending only to rent a slip for my wedding day. As I walked up to the door of the boutique, with wedding gown in hand, I see a HUGE sign pronouncing that they are going out of business.

Obviously, I almost had a mini stroke because I have to have my slip by my first dress fitting. As I walked into the crowded room, I made my way over to the lady who looked like she was in charge to find out that they are closing there doors in November after 50 some years of business. She told me that I couldn't rent a slip, but that she did have some that I could buy, for only 20 bucks! So obviously, I bought one. So cheap! As I tried on my dress with slip underneath she mentioned that everything is 50% off. So sneakily, she stuck a veil on my head, asking if I had purchased my veil or headpiece yet. So here I am, in my beautiful dress with just the right amount of poof staring into a mirror at a veil that is almost as beautiful as the dress! I have struck gold. I bought my veil, slip and hair accessory for a grand total of---wait, I'm not telling you how much I spent. =) But I will tell you, I got away with a STEAL. I almost ran out of the shop before they could realize what I had done! I LOVE my new stuff and I can't wait to show it off!!

At Last

My love has come along...

I ordered them on Thursday! Can't wait to see them in person!

Measurements

Justin and I made a trip to Haebler Memorial Chapel last week to take some measurements of the chapel. He had yet to see the place where we will tie our vows and he loved it! We wanted to get a few ideas for how to decorate the church and measure the front to plan on where to put our very large, but very important Bridal Party. We have a table at the front where we will put our Unity Candles and a flower arrangement. We are also trying to figure out the sound system. Because the chapel is pretty old, we want to make sure we will be able to properly work it!

Justin and Matt Barker are going to take another trip on Saturday to look at the speakers and figure it all out...hopefully! This will determine if we will be using live music or recorded music. The do have an organ and a piano, so we are thinking of using those!

The day Katie and I took on Martha Stewart

I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of Katie and I.




I knew we were good, but I wasn't sure just how good.

We were on a mission to test out some centerpiece ideas for the wedding. I have an image in my mind and a plan to make it happen--today was test #1 to see if it was feasable.

Step 1: Stick Picking

We spent about 15 minutes in Justin's backyard looking for "long, pretty sticks", and this is what we came up with.

While wating for the sticks dry out in the sun for a little while...we went to Starbucks to rejuvenate after the grueling stick picking.

Step 2: Gather your Supplies

Over the past few weeks I have been doing my research on "How to Ice Branches". Most of my ideas came from this amazing website, Save-on-crafts.com. I recommend this website to anyone who is trying to DIY crafts--it's great! The website recommends using Vase Filler for your crystals which Rachel found at AC Moore--so no shipping needed for that! One of the sales representatives at Michaels recommended Sea Salt for the crystalizing--which we tried...but the Vase Filler Crystals are much better.

Step 3: Spray Adhesive Glue on the Branches

This is pretty self explanatory--The website recommends using Tacky Glue--but after I bought the Tacky Glue I immediately returned it to buy Spray Adhesive...this project was already messy enough to not have to deal with having Tacky Glue all over my hands. The Spray Adhesive works great.

Step 4: Roll the Stick in the Crystals

First we rolled the branches in the Vase Filler and the crystals stuck really easily without much force. The second trial was with the Sea Salt--this one didn't work quite as well and they kept falling off.

The Final Product

We also spayed some Pine Tree leaves with some Fake Snow that will be added into the mix:

So far, it seems as though these centerpiece ideas will work! I am searching high and low for 12 inch Glass Trumpet Vases to use for each table. Overall, it was a pretty successful day!

They're Here!!!

We can officially get in and out of the country!

St. Lucia here we come...!!!

Please Mister Postman, Look and See

If there's a letter in your bag for me.....

Our Save the Dates are finished and mailed! I would suspect that many of you have opened your mailbox today to find a precious little save the date card waiting for you inside!!

=) From our hearts to yours...

Assembling Night:

We spent the evening assembling, tying teeney-tiney bows, addressing envelopes and applying postage stamps. Yes, that is a wine glass you see there on the table--Wine was a much needed friend to help us assemble 100 of these little guys!

And the Final Product!

Perfect Fit

Last week Justin and I went to Men's Warehouse to check out the tuxes. We hadn't intended to make any decisions that day, but as we flipped through the books and looked through the samples, it was easy to decide. Justin made most of the decisions and I only interjected when it was completely necessary. =D

The final decision was made and our reservation number has been set! The style of vest and tie chosen for the groomsmen is from the Bellagio Collection in silver with a Pin Striped Tux from the Calvin Klein Collection. Justin has a different vest and tie than his groomsmen but the same style Tuxedo. Like many other decisions we've made throughout this wedding planning process, this was an easy and smooth choice to make.