tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29971837386272423782024-03-13T21:28:38.303-07:00{a mocha marriage}Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-78509601346504362122011-09-16T19:18:00.000-07:002011-09-16T19:18:21.274-07:00Introducing...the Mrs.!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So...I've been married almost a week now (our date was 9.10.11), and everything is awesome! I guess I should do a wedding recap, right? : )<br />
<br />
Of course, everything did not go perfectly/as planned, but all in all, I was happy with everything, and most importantly, I was married at the end of the day!<br />
<br />
I have to say I felt a little...weird all day. I mean, I didn't really <i>feel</i> like a bride at all until it was time for the actual ceremony, and I really didn't feel "bride-like" after that either lol. It was just a really surreal feeling all day, like I couldn't believe it was happening. And now that I'm married, things really don't feel that differently...<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, I thought the venue was decorated beautifully (shout out to my aunt and her friend), my cupcake cake was amazing, and everyone looked fab! The wedding started about five minutes late (which was only because some guests were late), but like I said, everything was great...There were a few snafus: I did trip a little going up the stairs to get married, we ended early because most of the guests were older, some people were getting on my nerves, and Chris's car battery died before we left, so we had to wait around so he could get his car jumped off. But, like I said, it was fab, I didn't have to turn into Bridezilla (although I wanted to a couple of times) and I'm soooo happy that it's all over, and I'm married now!! : )<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, here are a few pics (in no particular order; shout out to <a href="http://nakeshiarenee.com/">NakeshiaRenee Photography</a>!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPry1dNOehEAHtL6hAgKOqwkOu2_vuxjI-G9GSAmYf5W2XXlVFCr8ekNJcKFgS5okHurOdzqy7_NrCFslb-_r7feUWxv9XYbljt3AccfrHGga2FK5rkbOpBH1ryhikCsGE54jwutBgSylK/s1600/centerpiece1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPry1dNOehEAHtL6hAgKOqwkOu2_vuxjI-G9GSAmYf5W2XXlVFCr8ekNJcKFgS5okHurOdzqy7_NrCFslb-_r7feUWxv9XYbljt3AccfrHGga2FK5rkbOpBH1ryhikCsGE54jwutBgSylK/s320/centerpiece1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1UWxB-foVYtn3nFyyvP5URIdMvIpOa-6ce4kb5E5tgfxB2Ta3dK4xxA1Pdr5rGwK8OR53LAo5LodLKxTunopS1oMhYA_IW61fqI7R7Klb1ytngeK5yiyuuNkF2Rv6k8DR8-zOLfUO5zv/s1600/centerpiece2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1UWxB-foVYtn3nFyyvP5URIdMvIpOa-6ce4kb5E5tgfxB2Ta3dK4xxA1Pdr5rGwK8OR53LAo5LodLKxTunopS1oMhYA_IW61fqI7R7Klb1ytngeK5yiyuuNkF2Rv6k8DR8-zOLfUO5zv/s320/centerpiece2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt6x0R-th7JySDHR_tHqmdp9cE0HWiCFPb18dUo8Ggov3iuNmriqLxPFobtIwz2MHMMBpf7ackGj8e6xpZ_YAt9pLxieDa3acyejCzPk5r52qB1SndMAU9p5FKdUkYu8-I64AY0p1lh-s/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt6x0R-th7JySDHR_tHqmdp9cE0HWiCFPb18dUo8Ggov3iuNmriqLxPFobtIwz2MHMMBpf7ackGj8e6xpZ_YAt9pLxieDa3acyejCzPk5r52qB1SndMAU9p5FKdUkYu8-I64AY0p1lh-s/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wg_ZPAdlE2fbSvI8O_-YXX0IQH-f4MGvyXnKLu0_X82MunpXCCBiTyT5od9JuXX-6YaIxQRs2uUsYTA69XPqxAzFJd4jUMM4TGiUS6HaIUPjCVNlOEpojlEz18VpvDARby-AxluURbvj/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wg_ZPAdlE2fbSvI8O_-YXX0IQH-f4MGvyXnKLu0_X82MunpXCCBiTyT5od9JuXX-6YaIxQRs2uUsYTA69XPqxAzFJd4jUMM4TGiUS6HaIUPjCVNlOEpojlEz18VpvDARby-AxluURbvj/s1600/dress.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwgrb8G2_LMBE1mZozi0IHqORg81ukK7QmOKZf7JsAOJUdIxvslkcUk9dxOvmySf3fJqFYmqgK3baZzUDlrqOoElPAKTdg32xItcVCBH6YFvkql7q4t4F6RqnczYPlfhj4ZqFrWDVRJlv/s1600/lacing+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwgrb8G2_LMBE1mZozi0IHqORg81ukK7QmOKZf7JsAOJUdIxvslkcUk9dxOvmySf3fJqFYmqgK3baZzUDlrqOoElPAKTdg32xItcVCBH6YFvkql7q4t4F6RqnczYPlfhj4ZqFrWDVRJlv/s320/lacing+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZpciUVziOs7l8NPkO2iQen7j2SISYHVjm8dV4wgHq1176HKlJgvN8K3BQDibFebrZ1uu-eSXqLFHmzp5403MSQmFh55es0FTC7MYOKdNL81bc66o-Pg3PHcEAArn9-WrgK2SpHB2WG7H/s1600/me+and+chris1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZpciUVziOs7l8NPkO2iQen7j2SISYHVjm8dV4wgHq1176HKlJgvN8K3BQDibFebrZ1uu-eSXqLFHmzp5403MSQmFh55es0FTC7MYOKdNL81bc66o-Pg3PHcEAArn9-WrgK2SpHB2WG7H/s320/me+and+chris1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooTmW1stAsapeZb8rZc4IWlcqaaen8FS2CQgkxQQG9oHM0qFZFgYX7BEyyqS8XxA4AF0UglxyUtiGw1Y1SNZoLPfn-sNajYjB6BC7aA6EDhV3iW0P5jNKA8cTFbDcRKCDssG_JD_JSOFk/s1600/me+and+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooTmW1stAsapeZb8rZc4IWlcqaaen8FS2CQgkxQQG9oHM0qFZFgYX7BEyyqS8XxA4AF0UglxyUtiGw1Y1SNZoLPfn-sNajYjB6BC7aA6EDhV3iW0P5jNKA8cTFbDcRKCDssG_JD_JSOFk/s320/me+and+girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXwn1UC4CFGqvsRlMY1Mrnx1HVJJGbRDIhKrJgVxQLV5n1ggdupYv198BnZ0kzgn1oNWLNuF1KlGv_iwqfMxLf9B1x50hWRy-HgjMrOmJtjZuFJvsyFr0lopH2DmyDHeFu-ReRlNtskwU/s1600/me+walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXwn1UC4CFGqvsRlMY1Mrnx1HVJJGbRDIhKrJgVxQLV5n1ggdupYv198BnZ0kzgn1oNWLNuF1KlGv_iwqfMxLf9B1x50hWRy-HgjMrOmJtjZuFJvsyFr0lopH2DmyDHeFu-ReRlNtskwU/s320/me+walking.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-GWKeccGH1V2djC3xRc5Ni63yE-7KxL6-LR5_i-1rpm01lE9a7ROEPJ0Nw8uQEyy70uA3CQQf-TiS6iYFrrVePtl_OpNJmg4YtccJEtXp60WWajgey329e4hFhC0z3wxVez-Yqt6xx4I/s1600/program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-GWKeccGH1V2djC3xRc5Ni63yE-7KxL6-LR5_i-1rpm01lE9a7ROEPJ0Nw8uQEyy70uA3CQQf-TiS6iYFrrVePtl_OpNJmg4YtccJEtXp60WWajgey329e4hFhC0z3wxVez-Yqt6xx4I/s320/program.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnjQ_e8Xq9TcSdgSgCjTP8Q5cbKXTTWNLNZA-GHzE1ntG4UXtniVPuNbOEQN65iuBRnUYwfLcoyAEHEWGVoGxYfn9q4MmOStAgaXA66eNwp6WYX7Hdyo8QY_fSELaeZtoiKhcK95zHCJY/s1600/shoes+garter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnjQ_e8Xq9TcSdgSgCjTP8Q5cbKXTTWNLNZA-GHzE1ntG4UXtniVPuNbOEQN65iuBRnUYwfLcoyAEHEWGVoGxYfn9q4MmOStAgaXA66eNwp6WYX7Hdyo8QY_fSELaeZtoiKhcK95zHCJY/s1600/shoes+garter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwy3qztcmba8OyOm_v3FFDSKq8bnCf-n-PP__I-q3s8MX1qp_hgrR_ozGiTWwWsc3E5u1aNeK1kPVuoxd8mO9M5OiQytPC__at4hTLuZdOQxD1dY8CcwmEOHdFVKufT3zO_FbpLHvK3a2/s1600/the+fellas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwy3qztcmba8OyOm_v3FFDSKq8bnCf-n-PP__I-q3s8MX1qp_hgrR_ozGiTWwWsc3E5u1aNeK1kPVuoxd8mO9M5OiQytPC__at4hTLuZdOQxD1dY8CcwmEOHdFVKufT3zO_FbpLHvK3a2/s320/the+fellas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DtFK-8-9QVpkdfs9N5cOaBJ5vaOvhpUhOZrTcu8U-ivnnp5tXXS4QorweHBLuTiazMONBq-sWp_yIDhxcc5h7WMUOUzCzd6xNKmGhEtRp86xuDyWMggiKI06Em7546AmPlGjxM_JM0TZ/s1600/web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DtFK-8-9QVpkdfs9N5cOaBJ5vaOvhpUhOZrTcu8U-ivnnp5tXXS4QorweHBLuTiazMONBq-sWp_yIDhxcc5h7WMUOUzCzd6xNKmGhEtRp86xuDyWMggiKI06Em7546AmPlGjxM_JM0TZ/s320/web.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
** One more thing: I want to give a HUUUGE thanks to <a href="http://www.lakeshawomack.com/">LaKesha Womack</a>! She coordinated my wedding and helped keep me sane throughout the entire process. We definitely could not have done it without her! </div>
Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-74165549971329278182011-08-21T05:27:00.000-07:002011-08-21T05:27:11.261-07:0020 days to go!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">OMG! I can't believe that I have less than three weeks until the BIG Day!! Y'all, I'm finally more excited than I am stressed, but believe me, I still have things to be stressed about lol....Let's see, Chris still doesn't know who his groomsmen are (I know...), and I haven't gotten a whole bunch of RSVPs (and the date to reply is this coming Saturday). But, I know everything will work out, so...yay!<br />
<br />
I still have a few more things to do (of course, lol):<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Going to get decorations Tuesday.</li>
<li>Have to figure out who's doing my bouquet, and get single flowers for the bridesmaids.</li>
<li>Finish the programs, which probably won't be until the week of, unfortunately : ( But, I will have help, so yay!</li>
<li>Get my bra, makeup and nail polish, which I plan to do this weekend.</li>
<li>Have my Passion/bachelorette party/gathering this weekend.</li>
<li>Make a list for the DJ and photographer.</li>
<li>Have one more counseling session.</li>
<li>Get ready for the honeymoon</li>
<li>Make a day of schedule for everyone.</li>
<li>And I almost forgot the most important thing...get the marriage license!! But, we're definitely doing that this week.</li>
</ul><br />
And oh yeah, we have an apartment! So, I will officially be a South Carolinian, although it's only about 30 minutes from where I live now. But I'm super excited because I was a little worried about finding somewhere to live lol...<br />
<br />
Well, that's about it for now. Hopefully, I'll be able to do an update before 9.10.11, but we shall see...until next time...</div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-8213548852863824862011-07-26T16:03:00.000-07:002011-07-26T16:03:42.380-07:00It's getting closer...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, today, I was on The Knot, and I saw that I only have 47 days left until the wedding! I started freaking out a little...I mean, it's really hard to believe that in about a month and a half, I'm going to have a new name, a new place and essentially a new life. I think it's really starting to hit me now that <em>I'm. About. To. Be. Freaking. Married. </em>I'm excited and nervous at the same time...<br />
<br />
I'm excited because I get to spend the rest of my life with an amazing man...but I'm nervous because it's going to be completely and totally new. Like, we're going to be living together (I mean, I stay with him from time to time, but it's not the same), and I'm going to be a <em>wife doing wifely things</em>...that just seems almost weird...but I can't wait! : )<br />
<br />
________<br />
<br />
In other news, my aunt and cousin will be decorating our venue, and I think I found a florist. We also sent out invitations last week, so yay! In the next couple of weeks, I'll be purchasing decorations and my shoes that I haven't bought yet, and hopefully, I'll be getting a hair trial, too. I'm starting to get excited!! ^_^<br />
<br />
P.S.- Here's a (not-so-great) pic of our invitation:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgcyJNJjUyHSx45DfnskZf_quzuaJbExRZc9DVzyiAyaq-r9E7iAp41981RnnKxJ16tgKOfX088IjHE2hIyOkOs0fi0_GDp4bnOVItP4GcaoVvCb_fQf7Zl-mDG326mnlcAnzu7ynBXGc/s1600/DSC00131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgcyJNJjUyHSx45DfnskZf_quzuaJbExRZc9DVzyiAyaq-r9E7iAp41981RnnKxJ16tgKOfX088IjHE2hIyOkOs0fi0_GDp4bnOVItP4GcaoVvCb_fQf7Zl-mDG326mnlcAnzu7ynBXGc/s320/DSC00131.JPG" width="230" /></a></div></div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-88437984781852333642011-07-14T16:16:00.000-07:002011-07-14T16:16:56.533-07:00More Updates!Wow, I haven't updated y'all in two months! So, so sorry...I have been <em>super </em>busy. Yes, the wedding is still on, in case you were wondering lol.<br />
<br />
What's been going on:<br />
<br />
I officially have five bridesmaids and one maid of honor. One did order hers in mid-June, and I'm praying that it comes back in time-- and fits. And they're starting to plan the bridal shower, so I'm super excited about that! Unfortunately, I still don't know who the groomsmen are...<br />
<br />
I met with a florist who has <em>grand </em>ideas about decor...ideas that cost twice as much as the venue! {Yeah, I know...}. So, I've decided to ask her to just do the bouquets and boutonnieres and have my aunts to decorate. <br />
<br />
I recently tried my dress on for the first time since I got it...and it's too big. : ( And I didn't lose weight. I'm hoping it's because I didn't have the slip on. So, I'm going to buy one, and see. *fingers crossed*<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, we received the final version of our invitation, and we'll be sending them out next week...<br />
<br />
So yay! I finally feel like I'm making progress, but I'm really just ready for it to all be over because I have been really stressed. And I'm just really ready for my life to get back to normal...and I'm ready to be married!! Lol! <br />
<br />
Until next time...Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-56109585592125550922011-05-24T17:04:00.000-07:002011-05-24T17:04:43.377-07:00May Updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So...what have we gotten done since last time?<br />
<br />
We finally had our cake tasting. Well, not "we" exactly; it was my mama, sister and me because Chris had to work. And although our cake baker left a ton of samples at my house, he still hasn't tasted them. So, I went ahead and decided on the ones that we would use. We're doing cupcakes for about 200 people, so I decided to do 25 cupcakes with each flavor, and he's cool with that. And I'm doing a groom's cake, which I'm very excited about!<br />
<br />
I've also been looking at decor ideas and flowers (I'll post pics of what I have in mind in another post) and trying to figure out the whole DJ thing. And we received the almost final version of our invitation, so yay! <br />
<br />
But, of course, there's something not going quite so well (isn't it always something?). It's the bridesmaids. To be honest, I don't even really know who's in the bridal party any more. There are supposed to be eight of them (including the maid of honor), and I know for sure that three bridesmaids have their dresses. Yes, just three. One is a maybe (haven't talked to her lately, and she lives out of town). The other four haven't ordered , and I'm kinda frustrated about it because 1) I asked them to be bridesmaids a loooong time ago (last year), and they could've saved money and/or declined (really, it wouldn't have hurt my feelings; 2) One of the people who hasn't ordered is my sister/maid of honor; 3) The wedding is in about three months, and since it's about to be summer (i.e., wedding season), if alterations are needed, there's a chance that they may not have enough time. But, I've decided not to dwell on it/worry about it. Whoever has their dresses and shoes will be in the wedding, and whoever doesn't, won't. At this point, it's as simple as that.<br />
<br />
However, I do feel like it would be pointless for anyone to order theirs after the end of this month, so I'm going to tell them if they don't order it this weekend that they shouldn't worry about it. They can just be guests. But yeah, it's annoying because I already have enough pressure/stress dealing with other aspects of this wedding, so I really don't need this situation adding to it. Well, we shall see what happens with that...that's about all that's been going on...until next time...</div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-1951252467545698842011-04-30T10:59:00.000-07:002011-04-30T10:59:14.306-07:00Engagement Pics!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last weekend, Chris and I <em>finally</em> took our engagement pics. Although I had a migraine, it was pretty fun, and I love how they turned out. And our photographer, <a href="http://gallery.me.com/nakeshiarenee">Nakeshia</a>, is awesome! Here are a few pics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkxFPZtFr5ZX_4Jv0a65zeVGAdHIkJHozkEKC2lzOyefnGctq86MjmFegQsN2CppH8qlZzEnUbxFf1VIvrbezUrkEvH-ft_3XjKckOOeKvPSVjQDT0bBMCUX6026Dx24mG8ADM9lJX-4H/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkxFPZtFr5ZX_4Jv0a65zeVGAdHIkJHozkEKC2lzOyefnGctq86MjmFegQsN2CppH8qlZzEnUbxFf1VIvrbezUrkEvH-ft_3XjKckOOeKvPSVjQDT0bBMCUX6026Dx24mG8ADM9lJX-4H/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgal-GNGP_MHLq543p3_ym39WbeTTV_PECpScEQfJTzVjFRugfkPDDFQmfKjCN-AkRaEEDjF4R8AZX7a5t4PG8pVDlOZiBv67kzC7QH8fNP1jYb89289SkidOMT3LbpowG2VnzbvG9zOCb/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgal-GNGP_MHLq543p3_ym39WbeTTV_PECpScEQfJTzVjFRugfkPDDFQmfKjCN-AkRaEEDjF4R8AZX7a5t4PG8pVDlOZiBv67kzC7QH8fNP1jYb89289SkidOMT3LbpowG2VnzbvG9zOCb/s320/2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzp3M0vjTxHeuGD8_zUccEKMtoaRius026rKHws-7gBc0J5LAF5yQ1Eocjr4sg96ERScySwbG5SEbs2KRGMjIMI5wT1XJfoJxdcIoyJNOKaHECcjQjV8GdztB1RS21M9k4OvvaF0J6W8B/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzp3M0vjTxHeuGD8_zUccEKMtoaRius026rKHws-7gBc0J5LAF5yQ1Eocjr4sg96ERScySwbG5SEbs2KRGMjIMI5wT1XJfoJxdcIoyJNOKaHECcjQjV8GdztB1RS21M9k4OvvaF0J6W8B/s320/3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyYOcWiIudnjX2qtR_cN2n2bbDIZQ1M0gU0gdLOUs36lp8sTVfMdN9qIq6EHISI89rPjUQRKRXvLUl653dhTg95atRXCjtaDCOJvMMiRIv2oqdTxmgdTmSaDn-dKxJ926_kUCbV-8jli-/s1600/chrisandjamie+engagement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyYOcWiIudnjX2qtR_cN2n2bbDIZQ1M0gU0gdLOUs36lp8sTVfMdN9qIq6EHISI89rPjUQRKRXvLUl653dhTg95atRXCjtaDCOJvMMiRIv2oqdTxmgdTmSaDn-dKxJ926_kUCbV-8jli-/s320/chrisandjamie+engagement.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>You can check out the rest <a href="http://bit.ly/gd5P0W">here</a>. : )</div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-38821367518754246212011-04-15T15:24:00.000-07:002011-04-15T15:24:09.949-07:00I'm back...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">...in the planning mood-- woo hoo! As I told y'all last time, for the last couple of weeks, I have <em>so</em> not been in the mood to plan this wedding. I guess it was the fact that we didn't have a venue or photographer. Now we have both! I'm going to pay the deposit and sign the contract on Monday {although we did have to change the date to Sept. 10}. But, the good news is that we don't have to rent tables and chairs, so that's a huge burden lifted.<br />
<br />
And we got a freelance photographer; she did my headshots last summer. So, now I'm kind of excited about the wedding since those two <em>huge</em> things are out of the way. I've also paid the deposit for my jewelry, and I'm getting a custom flower made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlowersFromFatima">Flowers From Fatima</a>. <br />
<br />
Next on the agenda:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Finally take engagement pics.</li>
<li>Get the rest of the bridesmaids' dresses.</li>
<li>Look for tablecloths, invitations, flower girl dresses, music, a DJ</li>
<li>Start thinking of centerpiece ideas</li>
<li>Resend the Save the Dates since our date has changed</li>
<li>Start getting guests' addresses</li>
</ul><br />
I still have a lot to get done, but I'm feeling better since we have the major things squared away and the wedding is two weeks later. : )<br />
<br />
Well, that's it...until next time...</div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-41047893954864426652011-04-12T17:45:00.000-07:002011-04-12T17:45:33.148-07:00A super delayed update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey y'all! So, I know this is waaaaaaay overdue. I aplogize. I have been swamped with everything-- wedding, work...life in general. Let's see; what's been going on...<br />
<br />
Let me be honest with y'all: I have been <strong>extremely </strong>stressed. I mean, last week, I was basically at the IDGAF point-- seriously. It seems like nothing is/was going right {it's getting a little better}. As I mentioned before {I think}, I live in a small town, so there are not many venues to choose from. Since the last venue I wrote about didn't work out, we've been having to look for another. I think (God, I pray) that we've found <em>the ONE.</em> I should talk to the lady tomorrow, and everything should be squared away...and mom is paying-- thank God! We're having to cut the guest list down to 200, but it will be worth it.<br />
<br />
We <em>still</em> don't have a photographer *ugh* If you've had a wedding, you probably know that wedding photogs are <em>not </em>cheap, and we are definitely on a budget. So...yeah. But I think (hope and pray) we'll have that squared away super soon...<br />
<br />
We're going to be doing our cake tasting within the next few weeks which is awesome, and Chris went and checked on the tuxes and got prices...I'm also working on getting a flower made for my hair, figuring out invitations and decor, and the other bridesmaids will be ordering dresses at the end of this month...I'm sure I forgot something, but just know that I'll be <strong>plenty </strong>busy for the next four months...<br />
<br />
Y'all just send me positive vibes and prayers so I don't pull my locs out lol! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-5105083321128994852011-02-27T18:53:00.001-08:002011-04-15T15:31:17.047-07:00More updates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have sooo been neglecting this blog, but I'm happy to report that I've been getting things done! : )<br />
<br />
We now have a caterer, menu, a cake baker, videographer, and we're close to choosing a photographer {hopefully...but it has been somewhat of a struggle}. Now, we're at less than six months away, and I'm getting a little anxious about everything. We still haven't confirmed our reception venue or our photographer; but, we should be taking care of the venue this week {fingers crossed}. Oh yeah, I forgot that I'm having custom jewelry made {shout out to Carrie of <a href="http://www.cbajewelry4u.com/">Carrie's Beaded Accessories</a>!}, and one of my friends, Ian of <a href="http://spontaneousspark.com/">Spontaneous Spark</a>, is designing a logo for invitations. And shout out to my fabulous wedding coordinator, <a href="http://www.lakeshawomack.com/">LaKesha Womack</a>, for helping me stay sane!<br />
<br />
Another thing we've been struggling with is the registry. We're <em>still</em> not done with that yet because we have to find 300+ things to put on there *le sigh.* Luckily, I found myregistry.com, and on there, you can make a place for people to give money toward your first home or honeymoon. Yay for that! So, now, we won't have to find 300 items to put on our registry, which is good because we have about 75 things on it now lol. My goal is to finish it completely this week...<br />
<br />
Also, I'm very excited to say that two of the girls have their bridesmaids dresses! Six more to go; hopefully, that goes smoothly as well.<br />
<br />
Ummm...I think that's it for now<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-70974694682176196732011-01-22T20:13:00.000-08:002011-02-01T19:54:16.578-08:00Updates: The Dress!So...I got my wedding dress a couple of weeks ago! Woo hoo! It was quite an interesting experience. It was super crowded being that it was a Saturday and this is 'busy season' since everyone got engaged over the holidays.<br /><br />I only tried on four dresses because I had already figured out which ones I really liked and just wanted to narrow it down and pick one! I didn't want to be there all day {I'm not a fan of trying on clothes}, and thankfully, we were out in less than two hours.<br /><br />So, I had a really hard time choosing between the first and last dresses and so did my crew, which consisted of my momma, sister and three besties. After I tried on the last one, I tried on the first one again. I swear to you, <em>everyone </em>in that store had something to say about it-- everyone was gushing over it and giving me their opinions, and to be honest, it was kind of weird. After much back and forth, I ended up choosing the first dress I tried on that day.<br /><br />I ♥ it because it has the right amount of details for me, it fits me well, shows off the little bit of curves I do have, and it's comfortable. And, by the way, I didn't cry (not a crier) or squeal or anything like that; I did smile a lot though. What can I say? I'm a pretty laid-back person...<br /><br />I first saw my dress online, but I didn't really ike how it looked on the screen. I decided to try it anyway because I loved the shape (mermaid), and I'm glad I did. Oh yeah, the wedding colors have been changed, too lol...the dress has gold accents, so I made my sister try on a gold bridesmaids dress. It really complimented what I had on, and it looked good with her skintone. Now, the colors are gold, hot pink/fuschia and burnt orange!<br /><br />I'm happy that that part is out of the way, and now I can kind of figure everything else out. I'll be back soon because I <em>really</em> have to force myself to cut the guest list {for real, for real}. Until next time...Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-59446167145886153692011-01-06T15:58:00.000-08:002011-01-06T16:12:14.126-08:00Fighting = True Love?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWRLdjreOkSyySDhyY4HnaW7Q6zwIYQIxyh4KDOMhtXQ4cwR3DW_a3VdZRObzfWobGqiqxJ-0pGhTLNn2J4w46BtmBrpvHxgy-C6J2ZhIGorHr7ayitkyTL57n2o-dvhNbeKZ5sH88qqe/s1600/couple-argue.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559228431478697138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWRLdjreOkSyySDhyY4HnaW7Q6zwIYQIxyh4KDOMhtXQ4cwR3DW_a3VdZRObzfWobGqiqxJ-0pGhTLNn2J4w46BtmBrpvHxgy-C6J2ZhIGorHr7ayitkyTL57n2o-dvhNbeKZ5sH88qqe/s320/couple-argue.jpg" /></a>The other day, Chris and I were in the car, and I brought up how there's this Facebook page that essentially says couples who truly love each other argue/fight {verbally} a lot. I thought it was an interesting theory, and I wanted to know what he thought.<br /><br /><div></div><div>See, Chris and I hardly <em>ever</em> argue. In fact, by today's standards, they probably wouldn't even be considered arguments. I mean, we have our little spats about stupid stuff (like why he hasn't cleaned or something), and yeah, we might raise our voices, but we're not screaming at the top of our lungs, cussing each other out and fussing because he didn't call me back. Personally, I don't think arguing <em>all the time</em> is indicative of love. Yes, you'll have your disagreements from time to time, but I don't think fighting all the time in a relationship is healthy. I don't know though, I could be wrong. I like to think Chris and I are very much in love...</div><br /><div>What do ya'll think?</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW_fdOZ7ttpgYVyxUMfXtqcCLMXf8-MBSR44DRR3H31fGRqcd8ejYWMw-_2wXiZGsTmciWOQqiZR8Ma9X7l8kj76pWjC5K_BOfbMqyUw6lA2ftfAM22SGHIB99Bhk15ocDKzajroolszE/s1600/marriage+siggie.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559228430890965250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW_fdOZ7ttpgYVyxUMfXtqcCLMXf8-MBSR44DRR3H31fGRqcd8ejYWMw-_2wXiZGsTmciWOQqiZR8Ma9X7l8kj76pWjC5K_BOfbMqyUw6lA2ftfAM22SGHIB99Bhk15ocDKzajroolszE/s320/marriage+siggie.png" /></a><br /><em><a href="http://hellobeautiful.com/">Photo Credit</a></em>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-37901465113843261302011-01-06T13:08:00.001-08:002011-04-15T15:31:53.230-07:00Updates- 2!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy New Year, ya'll! I can't believe I'm getting married this year!<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, I haven't done a whole lot in the past month for the wedding mainly because I want to book vendors after I attend another bridal show that's closer to where I live. So, I plan to see what they have there, and then start booking people.<br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>The venue:</em></strong> So, we got the price and capacity of the National Guard. The price is pretty reasonable, but the guy said it could <em>realistically</em> hold 200 people, and our guest list is considerably more. But, we now have <em>another</em> option that is less expensive and holds 300 people, so...we shall see how this plays out.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>The dress:</em></strong> I made an appointment to purchase the gown near the end of this month {whoo-hoo!}; I'm definitely ready to get that part over with.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>The bridal party</em></strong>: I've confirmed all the bridesmaids and the flower girl. Now, I have to figure out the number of hostesses and/or candle lighters. And Chris has to figure out the whole usher thing.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>The <s>dreaded</s> guest list:</em></strong> We <em>still </em>haven't finalized the guest list *smh* Well, I kind of forgot to add some people, and they weren't people I could forget {they were family}, and we're still having some issues with cutting it. But, we have to figure it out ASAP because we're supposed to send save-the-dates next month!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Everything else:</em></strong> One of my goals is to spend at least two hours a week on wedding stuff so when August gets here, I won't turn into Bridezilla. And I have been researching ideas for reception decoration and centerpieces.<br />
<br />
Well, that's about it for now...Until next time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-51339875043091139082010-12-07T13:48:00.000-08:002010-12-07T14:06:40.007-08:00Updates!<div>I know, I know, I've been MIA-- sorry. Of course, I haven't been doing a whole, whole lot with planning, but I do have some updates.</div><br /><div>First, the venue. As you can see in the previous post, I found a venue that I absolutely <em>loved</em>. However, since the galleys can only hold 150 people in each, we would've either had to invited only 150 people to the wedding and everyone to the reception or cut the entire list to 150, which is what we probably would've done. Chris wasn't very fond of the idea of cutting the list that much (and mommma didn't like the price all that much either), so I decided to compromise and use the church we attend for our ceremony, and hopefully the local National Guard for the reception. I know it's going to take <em>a lot</em> when it comes to decorating our reception, but I figured if I compromised on this, I can get some of the other things I <em>really </em>want like a really fabulous photographer and a photo booth (even if I have to DIY it)!</div><br /><div>Also, I <em>finally</em> went gown browsing for the first time last Thursday! I didn't think I would have fun initially because I don't care for shopping and trying on clothes. But I actually had fun (shout out to one of the besties/bridesmaids for pushing me to go)! And I found three dresses I really like; I think I may have found the "one," but I'm planning to go back to try on a few more with my momma, sister and a few other people. That's when I'll make the final decision and buy it {how exciting!}. </div><br /><div>I think trying on dresses really made me realize that I'm about to get married. Initially, it was a very surreal feeling. When I put the first dress on it was like, <em>Wow...what the heck is going on? I'm <strong>really</strong> standing here in a wedding gown, and I'm about to get married soon!</em> So, now, I officially feel like a bride lol.</div><div> </div><div>Anyhoo, since the time is getting closer {263 days--eek!}, I should have updates more often, so stay tuned!</div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaekqwb2zVDmKixuKAn8Q7uI5w6iEzhwFyOqVfMMmaF1xpQT5TeNuQp0WAJm9S2zaARxQ6sTjRseLnlBQDeXJpG5eydQILPovlBIWkKwI2uP5c7AQlnthYdcRD6_sXmbTC-i3EARvS7VN/s1600/marriage+siggie.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548064183035390482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaekqwb2zVDmKixuKAn8Q7uI5w6iEzhwFyOqVfMMmaF1xpQT5TeNuQp0WAJm9S2zaARxQ6sTjRseLnlBQDeXJpG5eydQILPovlBIWkKwI2uP5c7AQlnthYdcRD6_sXmbTC-i3EARvS7VN/s320/marriage+siggie.png" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfIrOEejT6ZnloxQbe4QaHydomtg2igwvDt9COYyhdfSqdBbAHInhE_Zq9M0lhcZMT4_8E29DzadI_jvAgt5uE-kRfYHOYUEIUr8VPS13bRCQaqnXySBKACE6kZLU-pZh2LiAdRdUvcT4/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-70863199224740231682010-11-09T15:26:00.001-08:002010-11-09T15:51:47.018-08:00We have a venue...<div><br /><div>...but we have to put down the deposit first lol! </div><br /><br /><div>So, I wrote about the venue we went to look at, the Anderson Arts Center, a couple of months ago. We went to look at it again last week, and the event planner gave us a nice, detailed tour. I really love the place because it's different, there's art everywhere (so we won't have to do a whole lot of decorating), it holds up to 300 people, and we can have the rehearsal dinner there the night before! </div><br /><br /><div>A couple of pics <em>(from Renee Burroughs Design):</em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf5qazcxXhVgPZMH4Xb1MS0qORoss-nRCtLkiNynwBpsoUH6rRX4DI7kf0bAplcDeOm_viYLxQxfwGRQ-xDtdwBkr3036ZQ-vkWZ8s2Zf4gWxEHqhZtfdLH8zZklkWTkwc-gyfb2B82jt/s1600/ceremony.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537700234470955026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf5qazcxXhVgPZMH4Xb1MS0qORoss-nRCtLkiNynwBpsoUH6rRX4DI7kf0bAplcDeOm_viYLxQxfwGRQ-xDtdwBkr3036ZQ-vkWZ8s2Zf4gWxEHqhZtfdLH8zZklkWTkwc-gyfb2B82jt/s320/ceremony.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs9lPDXJXdWF51Gmo2i79hRFHlG07SDCLxTJG2PXM5SKX2GdvRb77paUL-ybFTkF3mESl09c2YMcm9FFeiB51nTXDMJRDRMYbcdKqPsNt-asEq5IqqQP30VUk2M5sJFw4myBJ_EIEux1v/s1600/reception.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537700255870082082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs9lPDXJXdWF51Gmo2i79hRFHlG07SDCLxTJG2PXM5SKX2GdvRb77paUL-ybFTkF3mESl09c2YMcm9FFeiB51nTXDMJRDRMYbcdKqPsNt-asEq5IqqQP30VUk2M5sJFw4myBJ_EIEux1v/s320/reception.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Now I'm getting excited about planning the wedding! I made another inspiration board on The Knot, I'm planning to start looking for dresses next month, and I'm starting to do research on the decor. We still have to figure out the whole guest list, but that's another post for another day.</div><br /><br /><div>Since I'm really getting my butt in gear, I should be posting more often.</div><br /><br /><div>Until next time... </div></div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5BHDaXcspV7EjT9CuEtcsl8da-pL3oHm5aHTa2n-CecoENumx96yHPyRj_BJToUe_iGFUDG2mIfx8AoqQf20O3XH0ffsfRmmN16lwPfuJV_Z98nXODbO6F-B_9DPbDMeYPqhGSD69tXg/s1600/marriage+siggie.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537701484358296930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5BHDaXcspV7EjT9CuEtcsl8da-pL3oHm5aHTa2n-CecoENumx96yHPyRj_BJToUe_iGFUDG2mIfx8AoqQf20O3XH0ffsfRmmN16lwPfuJV_Z98nXODbO6F-B_9DPbDMeYPqhGSD69tXg/s320/marriage+siggie.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-60188558734975424232010-11-02T17:08:00.000-07:002010-11-02T17:20:23.465-07:00It's been a long time!<div>Hey ya'll! I know, it's been a while since I've written in here, and I apologize. I'ma do better, ya'll; I promise lol! </div><br /><div>So, I haven't been doing much on the planning front lately, and that's why I haven't been blogging. But today, I logged on to The Knot to do some research for a client, and it said there's 298 days until the big day!! I started freaking out and panicking a little because I. Have. Done. Nothing. Well, I've chosen the colors, have a semi-finished guest list and a venue that I want to book (but I haven't), but that's it. I do have someone who's helping me out (thank God), I just need to sit down and figure out <em>exactly</em> what needs to be done-- and do it! I really don't want a disastrous wedding, and I don't want to be super-stressed when it's June, July, August 2011. It's just difficult to be in the planning mood because planning is <em>so</em> not me....oh, well, guess I'll just have to suck it up, and plan this <em>Fabulous</em> wedding (with help, of course)!</div><br /><div>And if you have any tips to help me getting into a planning mood, pleeeaaase leave them below...thanks! : - )</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN22GU-gMjXxCL2EInRynY7x0sFkrUvF_YfvwXd-wZoBOa7rN3tYv2OJPX9MIYxlQDg2WJuqH-xt5uvewgg15acaTXfDXzq1c9xJBCndOqPfw2TrZdeG30u0ZBiVw4I0BOc3mhKayxsi-g/s1600/marriage+siggie.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535111090008203874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN22GU-gMjXxCL2EInRynY7x0sFkrUvF_YfvwXd-wZoBOa7rN3tYv2OJPX9MIYxlQDg2WJuqH-xt5uvewgg15acaTXfDXzq1c9xJBCndOqPfw2TrZdeG30u0ZBiVw4I0BOc3mhKayxsi-g/s320/marriage+siggie.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-48765808033871137802010-09-17T15:16:00.000-07:002010-09-17T15:28:20.819-07:00A few photos..<div>Last month, I got some headshots made for my biz and blog (by <a href="http://gallery.me.com/nakeshiarenee">NakeeshaRenee Photography</a>), and she took some photos of Chris and me:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK0OGARdhmy_tFIPHgGFrZtyS_HcHQj8-SQRJxEw8K7efR5QQf_VwzdPog6ZXzeKQVFZ5CZG6-MUTOylofH_DtwSgULGup-XKWXjVLb8RxJsys05WLYwKgjLm9UqIeJJ2ll7i1tsM6f4D/s1600/untitled+4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518011780449172962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRK0OGARdhmy_tFIPHgGFrZtyS_HcHQj8-SQRJxEw8K7efR5QQf_VwzdPog6ZXzeKQVFZ5CZG6-MUTOylofH_DtwSgULGup-XKWXjVLb8RxJsys05WLYwKgjLm9UqIeJJ2ll7i1tsM6f4D/s320/untitled+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiN_fKVKEoHb58NB7LUzJKoqz6mPZbSo2WcEaxZ8m1O6T_jW0_JixZQWlqgr-X5f94eQnqteEk93SyxKX6Z9n4tMxYEJD5dZCaNmtBFL_6aiJ0-gzgJ26a3VK6cZOSnaayGZ0cqjLSWtJ/s1600/untitled3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518011772732544114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiN_fKVKEoHb58NB7LUzJKoqz6mPZbSo2WcEaxZ8m1O6T_jW0_JixZQWlqgr-X5f94eQnqteEk93SyxKX6Z9n4tMxYEJD5dZCaNmtBFL_6aiJ0-gzgJ26a3VK6cZOSnaayGZ0cqjLSWtJ/s320/untitled3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEioLTSYYWmanCVbvh4BfY6Ei43nKQtv68qvX3GyAdVP43z4uBziOHi96cdBOgEdh8tCDUoSIuUt6l9eXN0apzGRCUcd_UA1_mZgY4onr87iUx16EaFquQU3QH7ZTmsXR4JISNQS7BLDA/s1600/untitled2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518011766144673698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEioLTSYYWmanCVbvh4BfY6Ei43nKQtv68qvX3GyAdVP43z4uBziOHi96cdBOgEdh8tCDUoSIuUt6l9eXN0apzGRCUcd_UA1_mZgY4onr87iUx16EaFquQU3QH7ZTmsXR4JISNQS7BLDA/s320/untitled2.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22WPdpG-g9qSi62rCUWKIulywP0nv_87pDh8DCUWj1UGficr7aOtuTqlB9RYV_XN50hae0sh3PmCX7QsBtYNjK4nSGon9_CM2zMg6IRBMx_Sh_BJ1g9EJr0OHs9AUozpozrq2KuHczeAe/s1600/chris+me+new.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518011759870408434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22WPdpG-g9qSi62rCUWKIulywP0nv_87pDh8DCUWj1UGficr7aOtuTqlB9RYV_XN50hae0sh3PmCX7QsBtYNjK4nSGon9_CM2zMg6IRBMx_Sh_BJ1g9EJr0OHs9AUozpozrq2KuHczeAe/s320/chris+me+new.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y5nzzVLkhNAiNKMKzgXXwbXI8UrcOyQdSzRElFTLfkLvZqBAr9ZZUJwVFYNyslhFEIH86AXaXx6rSgiK9A2-9AkVmCaDoE3wyFwkxmD8QVTiobfm75MnvDrkEqKQH83VN33Trxt_Ylfd/s1600/marriage+siggie.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518012433978821282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Y5nzzVLkhNAiNKMKzgXXwbXI8UrcOyQdSzRElFTLfkLvZqBAr9ZZUJwVFYNyslhFEIH86AXaXx6rSgiK9A2-9AkVmCaDoE3wyFwkxmD8QVTiobfm75MnvDrkEqKQH83VN33Trxt_Ylfd/s320/marriage+siggie.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-83541722576263071612010-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:002010-09-16T12:31:11.464-07:00I want to like cooking...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fn1aaS7xHfVGrh5bK5VjPBHf2vGfxXNz9q076L1WoFukegFl0c_Zdaj-xXoEo315asv7w8DccO8JnlQ7wGGFovcF-H_BBDxpdYBhCc8MNh4SvaiyhqAt5rs3T36EJtH3uDJBvFnXD-6z/s1600/black-woman-cooking.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517594646736995730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fn1aaS7xHfVGrh5bK5VjPBHf2vGfxXNz9q076L1WoFukegFl0c_Zdaj-xXoEo315asv7w8DccO8JnlQ7wGGFovcF-H_BBDxpdYBhCc8MNh4SvaiyhqAt5rs3T36EJtH3uDJBvFnXD-6z/s320/black-woman-cooking.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> <em>This is <strong>so</strong> not me</em><br /></span><br /><br />I was <s>procrastinating</s> taking a break so I decided to head over to ChocolateBrides.com. On it, I read a post, "<a href="http://chocolatebrides.com/2010/09/the-power-of-food/">The Power of Food</a>." In it, The Happy Nappy Bride talks about how she actually <em>wants</em> to cook for her hubby and family. Not that he can't do it, but she enjoys it and is good at it. The post made me think about my hate/hate relationship with cooking.<br /><br />I want to like cooking. Really, I do. Not because I feel that I'm "supposed" to cook {Chris can cook; he's literally been doing so since, like, age 10}. I want to because 1) I like to eat; 2) Although I won't cook every night, I'm sure I'll have to some times, and I wouldn't mind actually enjoying it-- at least a little; and 3) When we have kids, they have to eat something besides frozen pizza and Wendy's right? {I guess...}<br /><br />I just don't like to cook though...it takes too much time, in my opinion, and it's just not...fun. Maybe {hopefully} I'll learn to kinda like it within the next 345 days. Or at least learn to tolerate the act.<br /><br />If you have any tips, advice, anything, leave me a comment...help a sista out! LOL!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6D92AjJkVSyCffpUIJ49CzUSeX8hLKf3HjFJIe0pEpwLh_SkkPzHOpRTodPU7eToIyKn2Esk59QUziKQjpZvPllMuS4oWyYMFLEG_EYIPn05uYDrAhJ-2YNW1aIoEgFG3wk-JA464Ds5/s1600/marriage+siggie.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 53px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517594915808306962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6D92AjJkVSyCffpUIJ49CzUSeX8hLKf3HjFJIe0pEpwLh_SkkPzHOpRTodPU7eToIyKn2Esk59QUziKQjpZvPllMuS4oWyYMFLEG_EYIPn05uYDrAhJ-2YNW1aIoEgFG3wk-JA464Ds5/s320/marriage+siggie.png" /></a><br /><em>Photo from mymajicdc.com</em><br /></div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-29031469365855652742010-09-04T05:33:00.000-07:002010-09-04T06:25:51.130-07:00How much "riding" and dying" is necessary?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tObL39Dumx-WI8Do1Cs2z-icI-GHp7mf2ixobvRpAT4bPps-3GWw8_6CrPHdl7NgkTwE3M5JnGl1njW7PiYmcNJO1zhr8EpOFD5xU4ni0AOsXhY2dvKEPPAzk9olFIE8nzagK5P1QXRs/s1600/tiny+and+ti.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513046130370954114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tObL39Dumx-WI8Do1Cs2z-icI-GHp7mf2ixobvRpAT4bPps-3GWw8_6CrPHdl7NgkTwE3M5JnGl1njW7PiYmcNJO1zhr8EpOFD5xU4ni0AOsXhY2dvKEPPAzk9olFIE8nzagK5P1QXRs/s320/tiny+and+ti.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I'm sure ya'll all know by now about the situation with T.I. and Tiny. Yeah, we know they're dumb, but that's not what this post is about lol. When I was doing some reading on blogs and forums, I came across posts/discussions about what we {as women} would have done in this type of situation. In one blog post I read, the author said she is a ride or die chick so she would take the charges like Tiny probably will since T.I. <s>will</s> may serve time.</div><br /><div>Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for being there for your man in hard times {as long as he's a great man- but that's a whole other post}. When Chris was out of work, I supported him; not so much financially, but I was there for him emotionally, I encouraged him, and I helped him look for a job, but I think there's a line, at least for me. And that line is pretty much anything illegal; I just can't get with that. I seriously, seriously doubt that Chris would do anything illegal, but if he did, I can't see myself being his 'ride or die' in that type of situation. I love him to pieces, but I love myself more than that. </div><br /><div>I <em>thought</em> I was a ride or die chick because I don't run at the first sign of trouble, I don't insult or degrade him {even if he does something crazy}, and I stick by him in the rough times. But I guess people have different definitions of what that means. So I want to know:</div><br /><div><em>What is your definition of 'ride or die'? Are you a ride or die chick? How far is too far, or is there no limit?</em></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n2AIcj4eJhCw2wS18lILZN-dxwgQjFdrNJJ6fR_1gL4VkYXXEAwagThmf-TSfPMwkD7HWNHvK34WKH8k45cXBY5ZBNawFvUp-lurn8PiTXSAnIAR5z6znolo5C0-u2CKNzzanNA0jFkG/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 105px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513046134948214194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n2AIcj4eJhCw2wS18lILZN-dxwgQjFdrNJJ6fR_1gL4VkYXXEAwagThmf-TSfPMwkD7HWNHvK34WKH8k45cXBY5ZBNawFvUp-lurn8PiTXSAnIAR5z6znolo5C0-u2CKNzzanNA0jFkG/s320/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png" /></a><br /><br /><div><em>Photo Credit: herdailyfix.com</em></div>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-90153247998030208402010-08-28T13:41:00.000-07:002010-08-28T13:59:44.230-07:00Take it from them...<em>...because black women {and men} find love, too!</em><br /><br />This post is all about a happily married black man who's married to a black woman {yes, they <em>do</em> exist!}. Check out what Emmanuel has to say:<br /><br /><br /><p> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9lzN6xddvVZNCulKZh0-uzuCg1_b5_GwN_mmQ2OtqO-kxHsHhVLTg87k0Stqt-Viw4Oe1HbxoVtv_XamJAmD_FoPKjC2n6eQQpyK6PW_v5UAJLF57LKBIRUf-e4onHuUid5uXAKJWcwi/s1600/honeymoonpic-+E.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510566721970525506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9lzN6xddvVZNCulKZh0-uzuCg1_b5_GwN_mmQ2OtqO-kxHsHhVLTg87k0Stqt-Viw4Oe1HbxoVtv_XamJAmD_FoPKjC2n6eQQpyK6PW_v5UAJLF57LKBIRUf-e4onHuUid5uXAKJWcwi/s320/honeymoonpic-+E.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="color:#ffff66;">Wedding Anniversary Date:</span> June 28, 2008<br /></p><p><span style="color:#ffff66;">How did you know Crystal was the one?<br /></span>That's a great question...honestly, I had commitment issues before Crystal- as in, I ran from the word "relationship." However, I always figured that whenever I actually "take the plunge" and get into a committed relationship, that woman would most likely be the one I marry. I guess I started to realize it when I thought about how she was the first person I felt like I could be myself 100% around, without holding back anything. I'm a very reserved, guarded person, and I knew she had to be special to be able to break down those barries so easily.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">What is one thing marriage has taught you?</span><br />No matter what, if your foundation is built on love, you can weather any storm. No matter how wonderful the connection is between two people, you're not going to see eye-to-eye on everything; some issues may come up from time to time, but love will conquer all. It seems that, especially nowadays, people run at the first sign of trouble, but I think that's because they haven't built a foundation on love. I've heard couples refer to their marriages as business arrangements or partnerships- and that's unfortunate because the bond I have with my wife is so much more than that!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Any advice or tips for newlyweds?</span><br />Communicate! Learn how to disagree, discuss and dissolve an issue without fighting. Lastly, remember to do the nice little things you did for each other earlier in the relationship- continuous courtship keeps the fire buring for a lifetime.<br /><br /><em>Check out Emmanuel aka Eazy's music--> </em><a href="http://eazy.bandcamp.com/"><em>eazy.bandcamp.com</em><br /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhDZZjS4raHNZnlebNwEgClvtbQnV_6WgDta5V6K6dcx4oDM0mKoodsHLgALm4_YH8U4XMacaVc8Gi86eK2HN8jvVi-elapE-cM0KOnRvBGrr58SW32bLek8JGo4LLVixdgM9svB_rhNJ/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 105px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510566076526549906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhDZZjS4raHNZnlebNwEgClvtbQnV_6WgDta5V6K6dcx4oDM0mKoodsHLgALm4_YH8U4XMacaVc8Gi86eK2HN8jvVi-elapE-cM0KOnRvBGrr58SW32bLek8JGo4LLVixdgM9svB_rhNJ/s320/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png" /></a><em><br />If you're a happily married black woman {or man}, and you want to be featured, send me an email for consideration: jamienfleming (at) gmail (dot) com.</em>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-34721382327034953142010-08-21T07:16:00.000-07:002010-08-21T07:29:12.145-07:00The Venue<div>So I'm excited because we may have found the <em>perfect</em> venue! First, let me give you a little background about the search.</div><br /><div>Okay, I live in Hartwell, a small town that doesn't have many options when it comes to wedding/reception venues. Initially, we thought we'd have the wedding at the church we attend and have the reception at the local golf course. I got information about having it there, and there are two prices: For 125 guests, the food, half the ballroom, etc, it was around $2500 {according to my calculations}. But as you know, the guest list is now way more than 125, and it costs $800 <em>just</em> to get the entire room. So...yeah, I don't think that's going to work.</div><br /><div>Option two was to have the wedding in Hartwell and the reception in Anderson (where Chris is from). But it's a 30 minute drive, and I don't really feel comfortable asking people to drive to Hartwell for the wedding and then drive 30 more minutes to the reception. And besides, I don't want to ride 30 minutes to the reception either. </div><br /><div>Now, I'm hoping {fingers crossed} that we can have the wedding in Anderson at the Anderson Arts Center. I love it because 1) Well, it's in Anderson; 2) It can hold up to 300 guests; 3) It's unique; and 4) It's affordable! I want to have both the wedding and reception there; the events coordinator said it was probably possible, but no one's ever had a wedding there...Anyhoo, I think we're going to have a look at it next week, and hopefully everything will work out...Wish me luck!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmIAGAqRQfehgC9BfsNcSJveRCbSh4LAPIHzq-pjUPPHfxo7PZXeviqlDhLdTF4untepF8zaFX13gayk47AGvUlo-GyJwgTP8rpuXfRvb1-23pb3DNrcW-RuBg2zO8BGILI5ruEPwlevE/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 105px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507869544855177058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmIAGAqRQfehgC9BfsNcSJveRCbSh4LAPIHzq-pjUPPHfxo7PZXeviqlDhLdTF4untepF8zaFX13gayk47AGvUlo-GyJwgTP8rpuXfRvb1-23pb3DNrcW-RuBg2zO8BGILI5ruEPwlevE/s320/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-78735229061337946462010-08-21T06:56:00.000-07:002010-08-21T07:09:32.761-07:00I don't care what you think!<div>First of all, hey ya'll! Sorry I haven't posted lately; I really don't have a good <s>excuse</s> reason so I won't try to come up with one Lol. </div><br /><div>Anyhoo, so if you're planning your wedding now or you're already married, I'm sure you've had to deal with everybody and their grandma's {and grandpa's} opinion about what you should do at <em>your</em> wedding. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind the opinions and thoughts of some people like my besties, sister, mom, his mom and people I might ask {like ya'll}, but really, if I don't ask you, I <em>really don't care what you think!</em> That's another reason I don't like talking about my wedding-- unsolicited advice. But I just listen to it, and go on...still, it's really annoying. </div><br /><div>So, to all the ladies who are dealing with and have dealt with this, how did/do you handle it? I'd love to hear your advice!</div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidywqsPZr7ncGtjfeTcvdaEywiLD7QYYZunabaed94z5zYwRtQpd4yqm0IJLf2JfUgmD1GvOFCp9gsZS5kQVF6NG2kcLNIkbIxcgFpvEgV7oxFIUKT-UBp6mfHceSrAy4zwC3vKMYoz_EQ/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 105px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507864500484074674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidywqsPZr7ncGtjfeTcvdaEywiLD7QYYZunabaed94z5zYwRtQpd4yqm0IJLf2JfUgmD1GvOFCp9gsZS5kQVF6NG2kcLNIkbIxcgFpvEgV7oxFIUKT-UBp6mfHceSrAy4zwC3vKMYoz_EQ/s320/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-39688949838091586092010-07-31T07:18:00.000-07:002010-07-31T16:16:30.458-07:00Before you do...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XzjMJSpsRDMZLFfxmWdqCATEZ8ZxlhLIMzjJXQQ1o9vQAn_z2uENRtq8JaID9-g2jPBEK8JlGA2L8crxqZ8KFL0Pm8WWzj2xjEXE1ImM_lIR3O4uqtd6HCF5Ayw9a2vyxfd-_5h2Vx_M/s1600/tangie-13__retouch_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500206933722281378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XzjMJSpsRDMZLFfxmWdqCATEZ8ZxlhLIMzjJXQQ1o9vQAn_z2uENRtq8JaID9-g2jPBEK8JlGA2L8crxqZ8KFL0Pm8WWzj2xjEXE1ImM_lIR3O4uqtd6HCF5Ayw9a2vyxfd-_5h2Vx_M/s320/tangie-13__retouch_.jpg" /></a><br /><div><em>This post was </em><em>written by Tangie Henry aka Inspired Sistah, a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Mentor & Coach. I first encountered Tangie on The BOSS Network, and I met her in real life at BlogLive Atlanta where she was a panelist. I knew she had a series online called Marriage Ain't for Wimps so I thought she'd be a perfect person to contribute to this blog. Enjoy!</em></div><br /><div>This year, my husband and I celebrated fifteen years of marriage. One thing that we emphatically agree on is that proper preparation prior to getting married would have saved us many years of hurt, anger, frustration and disappointment. </div><br /><div>In a time when the divorce rate is through the roof, it would behoove couples preparing to take the wonderful leap into marriage to try to prepare themselves as much as possible. Although that fact has been stated ad nauseam, for some reason, couples still frolic into their marriage convenant with little or no preparation and then wonder why they're having so many challenges. I've also run into the mindset of engaged couples who hear about the challenges of marriage but assume that they will be exempt. They reject sound guidance as if someone is trying to rain on their parade. Granted, there are some disgruntled married persons that you want to steer clear of, but I hope to provide a balance between fantasy and reality as well as offer some suggestions to help prepare you <strong><em>before you do.</em></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Pay Attention:</strong> I'm a firm believer that your "Intended" will show you everything about himself/herself prior to The Big Day. Whether you choose to pay attention or not is totally up to you. Does she have a nasty, little habit of overspending? Or does he seem to shut down when you prefer that he open up? Those are things that need to be addressed. If they are bothering you now, they will really rub you afterwards.</div><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Deal with the Real:</strong> Fantasy is only suitable for the arts. It's important that you accept your Honey for who he is and not who you want him to be. Don't go into the union assuming that things will change afterwards. Does he seem to be having trouble holding a job? Ummm...getting hitched will not suddenly cure him.</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong><br />Ask the Hard Questions:</strong> Do you want to have children? What religious belief will you raise your children under? Who will handle the money? Will you have a joint account? These are all questions that too many couples make assumptions about and then find themselves in a state of frustration when their assumptions clash with the reality.</div><br /><div><strong>Get Sound Counsel:</strong> I am a huge advocate of structured, intensive pre-marital counseling. I'm not talking about the quick, one hour session where you sit down with a minister and tell him or her about your wedding plans. I'm talking about an intensive preparation course where it spurs deep thought and intense conversations.</div><br /><div><strong>Take Your Time:</strong> In the dating phase of a relationship, it seems that the natural progression would be engagement and, ultimately, marriage. However, there is a huge emphasis on getting from, "Hi, my name is Kendra," to "I now pronounce you man and wife." The more time you spend exploring your relationship prior to getting hitched, the more fulfilling your union will be. </div><br /><div>In summary, having a partner that you've committed to before God and man is a wonderful opportunity. So don't shortchange yourself by not being properly prepared. Let's be real, there are some things that you are just not going to know until you take the plunge, but completing some prerequisites will make the transition a whole lot smoother. So take a break from the phone calls to caterers and florists, and get in your Honey's face for some real dialouge. You'll be glad you did!</div><br /><div><em>Check Tangie's blog </em><a href="http://marriageaintforwimps-tangie.blogspot.com/"><em>Marriage Ain't for Wimps</em></a><em> which promotes and advocates for love and marriage, and check her site, </em><a href="http://inspiredsistah.com/"><em>Inspired Sistah</em></a> <em>which inspires women to live on top of the world.</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNObUv_MlNpMVmdZGKaRo6zPdwx52WU5h-3gBXAAqYBlXvcqPgK-mlYMnx6MOtHTblb5KQLYAV4_kFkeRuKsZgNPVsj1J4R42eTT8J4MClcF0dCuWOtpzGqfxjsRbsVUAhUaLa6w5_4E0x/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 105px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500207635317346738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNObUv_MlNpMVmdZGKaRo6zPdwx52WU5h-3gBXAAqYBlXvcqPgK-mlYMnx6MOtHTblb5KQLYAV4_kFkeRuKsZgNPVsj1J4R42eTT8J4MClcF0dCuWOtpzGqfxjsRbsVUAhUaLa6w5_4E0x/s320/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-90030926866780877372010-07-27T14:27:00.000-07:002010-07-27T14:41:58.682-07:00God's sense of humorSo I was <s>procrastinating</s> reading some of the Facebook statuses on BaisdenLive from The Michael Baisden Show. He asked Christian women if they prayed to God for husband, do they believe He would send him? I read some responses, and one woman said to be careful what you pray for because God does have a sense of humor. Basically, you need to be specific about the kind of man you want.<br /><br />That made me think about my previous relationship. I don't know if I told ya'll, but this was a time when I thought there would be no other "good" men left after I left the college atmosphere. I figured this is as good as it gets, so I better hold on to him! {Lol, don't judge me}. Anyway, sometimes, I used to pray that I would marry him {so sad, I know, Lol}. It wasn't an everyday thing, just when I thought about it, I'd be like, "God, let me marry Paul."<br /><br />Well, obviously, he and I broke up. But coincidentally (or not), I am marrying Paul:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Christopher Paul Dixon!</span></em></div><br />Isn't God funny?! I just thought I'd share that because I think it's kind of cool and ironic that I got what I asked for. But for real though, whatever you want in life, make sure you are <em>very </em>specific about it! : )Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-67894785126163639532010-07-17T16:31:00.000-07:002010-07-17T16:40:54.004-07:00The Guest ListLast week, Chris and I started making our first guest list...and all I can say right now is oh boy.<br /><br />Together, we wrote down the names of about 250 people. And the thing about it is most of the people on our list are family members! I also totally forgot <s>a lot</s> some people so now, of course, I'm feeling a little stressed about who to invite. I mean, we only have a few friends on the list, and we'd like to at least have some there. Everyone else is family...I never realized how <em>huge</em> our families are until this <s>stupid</s> list. So now I have a dilemma-- who to cut from the list. I know that everyone invited won't attend, but still, I really don't want to send out 250+ invitations...Ugh, what to do??? Help me!! Lol {No really...}Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2997183738627242378.post-79107097985671372082010-07-02T15:22:00.000-07:002010-07-02T15:47:00.630-07:00L-O-V-E<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6s4ET4FKBJuxNJckJ3FmZXVaH7ITB6Niv63Hk4COZLynF_9tswkRl2nFKCV2zVg8rVf63nzoVFumFGutPBVZ-HTo16yKJIWz1TL1HohMg7piyITTm30BWSTobxl2ntRoypIMoFt0xB3d/s1600/lol+7.2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489442775644379570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6s4ET4FKBJuxNJckJ3FmZXVaH7ITB6Niv63Hk4COZLynF_9tswkRl2nFKCV2zVg8rVf63nzoVFumFGutPBVZ-HTo16yKJIWz1TL1HohMg7piyITTm30BWSTobxl2ntRoypIMoFt0xB3d/s320/lol+7.2.jpg" /></a> I'm reading this thread on Nappturality.com, and a member asked how long did it take for others to fall in love. Of course, I started reminiscing...<br /><br /><div></div><div>Chris and I were friends for about a year before we came official. Our best friends dated each other so we started hanging out more and more during the summer and on breaks because we were in college. I was in a rocky relationship, so I really didn't think of Chris like that-- and he never tried to get me to break up with my then-boyfriend; in fact, he encouraged me to try to make things work. Anyhoo, I was really starting to fall for Chris, and I told my bff this on New Year's Day after we were done hanging out with them, and she was like, "Duh." Lol <br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Starting on January 1, 2008, Chris and I texted everyday (oh yeah, I didn't have a bf then); we texted because neither of us really liked talking on the phone...We became official on January 18, 2008, and I really felt like I loved him, and he used to say it, but I would always be like it's too early for me to say it. So I guess I knew I loved him even before we really started dating, but I really didn't want to admit it {and still don't} Lol. I just think it's weird that I could love someone so soon, but hey, guess you can't fight the feeling...Anyway, just wanted to share that ♥ ♥ </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3vKpjn4LhtDOhjMHjbMfPqhXMDOKyAG3vGkTbcqzfC7uMMdNPrwhZB4o5dbAM3UospZvaB03UWDFrP8bFZehhJ_hWj1Opx4wM_q0Yz8anShjzUf_MO2IuXK7x7V8hAok-nCGExic1nYU/s1600/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 105px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489442908802045218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3vKpjn4LhtDOhjMHjbMfPqhXMDOKyAG3vGkTbcqzfC7uMMdNPrwhZB4o5dbAM3UospZvaB03UWDFrP8bFZehhJ_hWj1Opx4wM_q0Yz8anShjzUf_MO2IuXK7x7V8hAok-nCGExic1nYU/s320/siggie+for+marriage+blog.png" /></a>Mocha Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18310086874391507141noreply@blogger.com1