Dress Success

I didn't think it would happen, but I found a dress that I love.  I was very worried that I would never find a dress that I would have an emotional response to.  Every special occasion of my life I've never found a dress that was "exactly what I was looking for".  Seriously, I had my mom make my prom dress and most of my high school formal dresses because that was the only way to get exactly what I wanted.

Going into wedding dress shopping was so scary for me.  I had such a clear idea of what I DIDN'T want.  I was sure there would be no strapless.  I didn't want anything too princess-y.  And there would be NO ruffles of any sort!  I wanted to look classic.  Vintage, simple, and classic have always been the way I want people to think of my style.  I just wanted a dress that would still be beautiful 50 years from now when my grandchildren see my wedding album.

This is definitely NOT what it looks like.

And I think I found her.  Yes, I refer to my dress as a her.  And she is beautiful.  I don't want to give away the surprise so I won't say much about it.  I just knew when I saw this dress on me that it was exactly what I wanted.  :)  It made my mom and the bridesmaid who came along tear up.  Bingo. 

Another thing to be excited about is that my mom will be making my veil.  We decided that she could easily make a beautiful veil exactly like I want for much less than to buy it.  It's not just about saving money though.  My mom has been my dresser for my whole life making every Halloween costume and most of my theatre costumes.  It is a special thing we have always shared and I am so excited it will be a part of my wedding!!

Now, all I have to do is wait a year to wear it.  :)

Abby's Wedding

I am so happy to post about the wedding of one of my very best friends.  Last week in Michigan, Abby and Joe got married and had a beautiful, fun, laid back wedding that totally fit their personalities.  I was so honored to be on the very short guest list!
Quick friendship history: Abby is one of my first college friends.  I don't recall when exactly we became friends, but it was early on in the fall of our freshman year.  Later on, we were roommates for two years.  In that time, I was lucky enough to see her meet and fall in love with Joe.  I truly believe she has found the one for her and that they will have a wonderful, happy life together!

How Romantic!

 The wedding was held in Michigan where Abby's family has a lake house.  The ceremony was at the cutest little church down the road from their house.  It was such a beautifully intimate ceremony, and I doubt there was a dry eye in the church.   I know that I could not stop crying from the moment I saw the bride walk in.  The look of love and happiness in Joe's eyes was so amazing.  After the ceremony, we headed back to the lake house for the party!  It was a laid back reception with some great food!   The wedding perfectly suited the couple.  I am so happy for Abby and Joe and So honored that I got to be there with them!

The BEAUTIFUL view of Lake Michigan.

Playing in the lake cuz they're married now!

She was so beautiful, I couldn't stop crying!

June 18, 2011

The wedding was a great opportunity for a relaxing weekend getaway too! 

Congratulations Abby and Joe!

Update

So now that the date is set and the church is booked, I am going into planning mode.  I really want all of the big things to be decided on this summer so that when school starts, I can focus on work and not my wedding. 
The first thing I did was look at some dresses with my mom.  I made the appointment and went into it thinking it would be nothing.  I usually do not react to clothing, and I didn't expect anything to excite me on the first trip.  Well, that wasn't exactly the case.  The second dress I tried on just may end up being the one.  I want to look around a little bit more to be 100% sure, but i think that's it.  eek!
Now I am trying to decide on the reception.  I think we have a good idea of how many people we'll have and how much we can spend.  Now I just need to start talking to places.  This is the scariest part for me: hiring people.  Vendors, caterers, florists, photographers...  How do you find a good one?  How do you get a good price?  No one teaches you how to do these things!

Anyways, things are going well.  This weekend Jim and I were in Michigan for my friend Abby's wedding.  It was absolutely perfect.  I'll share a post about that later this week! 

It's a DATE!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the wait is over.  Jim and I have set our wedding date!!!  Yesterday, we met with the deacon at my church and decided that we will get married on July 7, 2012!  This is where it all begins.  It all seems real now, and the scary planning can begin!

Tuesday afternoon I have my first appointment to try on dresses....  EEK!

And I have started the wedding website!  Take a look! 

Adventures as a Bridesmaid

So the last two weekends were the bridal showers for two of my best friends.  They are both former roommates and I am so happy to be a part of their big days.  Luckily, they are both smart, wonderful people and I didn't have to endure any embarrassingly awful shower games.  I usually dread showers (both bridal and baby) because of the ridiculous games that people think are fun when they are really just embarrassing and awkward for everyone involved.  THANK YOU ladies for not subjecting your guests to that! 
One thing I really enjoyed was fulfilling bridesmaid duties.  I really enjoyed being there to help out and de-stress my brides to be.  For the first shower, I helped out with the big list of the gifts, and for the second, I was put in charge of the ribbon bouquet.  I don't mean to brag, but that was one sweet bouquet.  Both of these brides-to-be are a part of my wedding party, so it meant a lot to me to be a part of the shower. 
The thing about their showers is that their weddings seem so real and close now.  And that makes my own wedding seem real and close(hopefully will have a date set with the church in about a week!).  We're growing up.  It's scary and crazy and hard, but it's going to be great.  I am so happy for my two ladies and truly feel that they have both found their perfect match.  Being a part of their weddings is a huge part of my engagement and wedding experience. 
Ok, I'm being very sentimental and getting a little misty, but I'm allowed.

School is almost out for the summer and then the planning will be underway.  So excited for all of the wedding awesomeness this summer has in store for me!

Spring is here, the sky is blue...

Things are finally turning around!  I took a huge break from this blog because everything was at a stand-still and thinking the wedding just made me sad.  BUT I am so happy to announce that since I have a full time job offer for the next school year, our plans are going to start!  Things are really looking up and I am so excited for this summer, and the future!

Also I have to give my thank yous to Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and her younger sister Pippa for their beautiful dress choices.  Maybe now I'll find a few options with some sleeves or straps!!!

Great things are on the horizon!


Stay tuned for posts about my adventures as a bridesmaid this summer, book reviews, and all of the planning!

Stress :(

I had a major meltdown last night.  It was over the fact that the entire future of my wedding, marriage, and everything is up in the air because of my lack of a career.  I hate that the state budget of Illinois (or lack thereof) is dictating my future personally as well as professionally.  I love my job, but it won't be around next year.  And who knows if I'll be hired as a teacher anywhere next year.  it sucks.  But, thankfully Jim understands and listens when I freak out.  Someone has to be the practical one.

So if I ignore this blog from time to time, please don't think anything of it.  it's just that until things are clear, thinking about it kind of makes me sad.  It's going to happen.  Hopefully soon.  I'll keep you posted.