20 days to go!!!

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!

I still have a few more things to do (of course, lol):

• Going to get decorations Tuesday.
• Have to figure out who's doing my bouquet, and get single flowers for the bridesmaids.
• Finish the programs, which probably won't be until the week of, unfortunately : (  But, I will have help, so yay!
• Get my bra, makeup and nail polish, which I plan to do this weekend.
• Have my Passion/bachelorette party/gathering this weekend.
• Make a list for the DJ and photographer.
• Have one more counseling session.
• Get ready for the honeymoon
• Make a day of schedule for everyone.
• And I almost forgot the most important thing...get the marriage license!! But, we're definitely doing that this week.

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...

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...

It's getting closer...

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 I'm. About. To. Be. Freaking. Married. I'm excited and nervous at the same time...

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 wife doing wifely things...that just seems almost weird...but I can't wait! : )

________

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!! ^_^

P.S.- Here's a (not-so-great) pic of our invitation:

More Updates!

Wow, I haven't updated y'all in two months! So, so sorry...I have been super busy. Yes, the wedding is still on, in case you were wondering lol.

What's been going on:

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...

I met with a florist who has grand 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.

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*

Oh yeah, we received the final version of our invitation, and we'll be sending them out next week...

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!

Until next time...

May Updates

So...what have we gotten done since last time?

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!

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!

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.

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...

I'm back...

...in the planning mood-- woo hoo! As I told y'all last time, for the last couple of weeks, I have so 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.

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 huge things are out of the way. I've also paid the deposit for my jewelry, and I'm getting a custom flower made by Flowers From Fatima.

Next on the agenda:

• Finally take engagement pics.
• Get the rest of the bridesmaids' dresses.
• Look for tablecloths, invitations, flower girl dresses, music, a DJ
• Start thinking of centerpiece ideas
• Resend the Save the Dates since our date has changed
• Start getting guests' addresses

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. : )

Well, that's it...until next time...

A super delayed update

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...

Let me be honest with y'all: I have been extremely 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 the ONE. 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.

We still don't have a photographer *ugh* If you've had a wedding, you probably know that wedding photogs are not cheap, and we are definitely on a budget. So...yeah. But I think (hope and pray) we'll have that squared away super soon...

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 plenty busy for the next four months...

Y'all just send me positive vibes and prayers so I don't pull my locs out lol!

More updates

I have sooo been neglecting this blog, but I'm happy to report that I've been getting things done! : )

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 Carrie's Beaded Accessories!}, and one of my friends, Ian of Spontaneous Spark, is designing a logo for invitations. And shout out to my fabulous wedding coordinator, LaKesha Womack, for helping me stay sane!

Another thing we've been struggling with is the registry. We're still 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...

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.

Ummm...I think that's it for now

Until next time...

Updates: 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.

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.

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, everyone 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.

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...

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!

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 really have to force myself to cut the guest list {for real, for real}. Until next time...

Updates- 2!

Happy New Year, ya'll! I can't believe I'm getting married this year!

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.

The venue: So, we got the price and capacity of the National Guard. The price is pretty reasonable, but the guy said it could realistically hold 200 people, and our guest list is considerably more. But, we now have another option that is less expensive and holds 300 people, so...we shall see how this plays out.

The dress: 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.

The bridal party: 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.

The dreaded guest list: We still 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!

Everything else: 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.

Well, that's about it for now...Until next time...

Updates!

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.

First, the venue. As you can see in the previous post, I found a venue that I absolutely loved. 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 a lot when it comes to decorating our reception, but I figured if I compromised on this, I can get some of the other things I really want like a really fabulous photographer and a photo booth (even if I have to DIY it)!

Also, I finally 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!}.

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, Wow...what the heck is going on? I'm really standing here in a wedding gown, and I'm about to get married soon! So, now, I officially feel like a bride lol.

Anyhoo, since the time is getting closer {263 days--eek!}, I should have updates more often, so stay tuned!

We have a venue...

...but we have to put down the deposit first lol!

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!

A couple of pics (from Renee Burroughs Design):

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.

Since I'm really getting my butt in gear, I should be posting more often.

Until next time...

It's been a long time!

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!

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 exactly 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 so not me....oh, well, guess I'll just have to suck it up, and plan this Fabulous wedding (with help, of course)!

And if you have any tips to help me getting into a planning mood, pleeeaaase leave them below...thanks! : - )

The Venue

So I'm excited because we may have found the perfect venue! First, let me give you a little background about the search.

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 just to get the entire room. So...yeah, I don't think that's going to work.

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.

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!

I don't care what you think!

First of all, hey ya'll! Sorry I haven't posted lately; I really don't have a good excuse reason so I won't try to come up with one Lol.

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 your 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 really don't care what you think! 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.

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!

The Guest List

Last week, Chris and I started making our first guest list...and all I can say right now is oh boy.

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 a lot 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 huge our families are until this stupid 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...}

In the mood...for planning!

So, I'm pleased to report that I'm now officially {I hope} in the wedding planning mood! Woo hoo!


The reason I wasn't in the mood initially was because to me, a wedding was just an event you spent a whole lot of money on that lasted just a few hours. I really didn't see what the big deal was. I mean, yeah, it's an important day, I suppose, but the way some people make it...it's just not that serious. And I still don't really see the point of spending a ton of money on one day, but I do think I see the bigger purpose of a wedding.

I guess I had this epiphany the other day when I was looking at the wedding mags I received from the bridal show. Let me rewind a little: Brittany and I were trying to think of a wedding theme for me, and I came across one called 'Bright Beginnings.' We both thought this would be a perfect theme for my wedding because yellow is the main color, and, well, it's a beginning. And that got me thinking...a wedding symbolizes the beginning of Mr. & Mrs., the start of our new lives together.

Throughout our marriage, we'll have the support of our true friends and family, so it's important to share this significant moment with them as well. See, I'd been more excited about actually being married to Chris than the actual wedding, but now I'm getting excited about the wedding, too. I don't think I'm going to be all-gung-ho Super-excited-wedding-planner-guru, but I will be more into the process now...




Anyhoo, please feel free to share your thoughts on the subject! ^_^

My first bridal show

Yesterday I attended my first bridal show {hence the title}. One of my besties, Brittany, invited me. It was...interesting to say the least. I did get a few free magazines and other stuff, and I actually got some really great ideas.

But the most memorable moment had to be with the Ardyss "Body Magic" people. So, they have a booth, and one of the ladies asked me if I wanted to try one on; I was thinking, What the heck? It can't hurt anything.' {Let me first stop and say I really don't need one, and if you know me, you know this is true}...Anyhoo, so I go behind their curtain, and she takes my measurements. Then she finds the size...and tells me to lay down...on one of those tables you might see at a Dr.'s office. She couldn't really get it clasped, so she asked for assistance. So here I am, laying on the table thinking, Why the eff did I decide to do this? It's very awkward-- two women standing over me, my pants unbuttoned, it was really uncomfortable Lol. Then I go out and show Brittany, and she couldn't tell the difference either way Lol. And the one guy they had working there couldn't tell, either....*sigh* fun times...

On a brighter note, Brittany and I did go to David's Bridal, and it was kind of fun. I didn't try on any dresses, but Brit did try on a couple of bridesmaid's dresses, and I think I found them. Woo-hoo! Progress!

One thing I still haven't been able to decide on is the freaking bridal party...ugh! I really want to decide soon so I can just let everyone know or ask everyone, and I keep seeing all these articles that say choose wisely...

Anyway, I'm now feeling inspired to start planning for real-for real. I contacted a venue today, and we're {hopefully} going to get this first guest list squared away...Well, that's all I have for now...

Really great blog post...and other thoughts...

So last night, I was reading blogs for wedding inspiration and I started reading Chocolate Brides. I came across this fabulous post, Chronicles of a Borderline Bridezilla Part 1 1/2. In a nutshell, the writer was saying that your wedding is your wedding so you should do what you want. {Which I totally agree with}.

If you've read some of my posts, you probably came across the one about choosing the bridal party. When I read this post, it really made me think about it again. She was saying that the only people standing next to you on your wedding day should be those who are there to truly support you.
Of course, that got me thinking: Who are really my ace-boon-coons? My ride-or-dies? Who should really be standing next to me? Of course, my sister and bestest friends, but I really don't know who else {aside from one of my cousins and one of his}. I mean, I feel like I should include his sisters as well. Now, don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against either of them, but we're not bffs either. And then Chris has his guys he wants in the wedding, so...once again, I don't know what I'm going to do. I guess we'll have to talk about it and go from there....

Who was in your wedding party? How did you go about choosing who'd stand beside you? Do you regret who you had standing up there with you?

Getting back into planning-- sorta

So, last night I was watching TLC's Thank God It's Bride-day, and it kind of inspired me to start looking at wedding stuff again and get excited about the whole thing. {Yay!}

I've also discover something: I'm gonna need to at least hire a day-of coordinator because I need everything to be structured and to go as planned, and I really want family and friends to be able to enjoy the wedding, so I need somebody to take care of the details. And since Chris has a new job {woo hoo!}, business is looking up, and he's supposed to go to the National Guard soon : / maybe we can get at least a wedding coordinator for the big day...we shall see.

But I'm glad the planning mood is back because I really want a fabulous and organized day and not a mess...we'll see how long this mood lasts though Lol

Sorry for the inactivity!

Hey people!

As you have probably noticed, I haven't been doing much in the wedding planning department. Work has completely consumed me for a while as you can tell. Don't get me wrong, I'm still excited about the wedding and getting married and my relationship, but this whole planning thing...yeah...

I keep telling myself I have plenty of time [well, I do have a year and four months], but I definitely don't want to wait 'til the last minute, be scrambling around, have a mess and turn into Bridezilla lol. I'm sure I will find a balance to all this soon though.

Anyhoo, I really don't want to neglect you or this blog, so I'm going to my darndest to post in here at least once a week. Promise! : )