tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51507345452195122202024-03-13T17:00:29.336-05:00The Wedding ChroniclesIn an effort to release stress, keep interested parties informed and have an overall outlet for wedding discussion, I've started this blog. Stay tuned for wedding-related discussions, questions, polls, opinions, complaints, progress & more!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-28154886738583016012009-09-10T13:00:00.003-05:002009-09-10T13:21:40.431-05:00So, How's Married Life?We've been asked this question a lot lately, though sometimes I suspect it's merely small talk or an ice breaker. Other times, people are completely serious.<br /><br />And I always have the same reply: "No different, really. It's just good."<br /><br />I know this may seem like a Debbie-Downer response. Maybe people expect me to gush about just how wonderful it is to be married, like as soon as I said "I do," a magical marriage fairy came down and sprinkled me with special marriage dust and everything in the world became brighter, more clear, and sparkly.<br /><br />Well, not so my friends, not so.<br /><br />But what I can tell you is that life is good. Really good. I wouldn't say "better," simply because we enjoyed each other before the wedding, and we enjoy each other now.<br /><br />I came across a quote this morning. I LOVE quotes. Love them. So it's not odd that they "speak to me." Most of them do. I saw this, studied it, and decided, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hmm</span>. I like it."<br /><br />"Dating is about loving someone just the way he is today;<br />marriage is about loving someone just the way he will be tomorrow."<br /><br />And I still do like it. But now, after staring at it a bit more, and re-reading it, I've decided that it doesn't really apply to us.<br /><br />You see, we loved each other as-is, without conditions, for the majority of our relationship. The concept of "dating" really is foreign to both of us, as we settled into a serious, committed relationship long before it's considered normal. But we knew. We knew deep in our hearts that this was meant to be.<br /><br />And now, our marriage, feels like a deep sigh of relief. A chance to relax without the pressures of wedding planning, really. But in terms of our emotional relationship, it's little different. And for us, that's a good thing.<br /><br />It's funny, after the wedding, and for us, it really was on the ride home that evening, it all seemed so far away and so, well, insignificant. The details that I pored so much time and effort into were fabulous, but inconsequential. I don't regret the amount of time I spent thinking about our flowers, what color shoes I should wear, or if the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">men's</span>' suits should have two buttons or three. Everything came together and was lovely, and for that, I have no regrets. I'm glad we focused on what we did and ignored the rest. I'm grateful that we feel this way, because I know not all couples do after their weddings.<br /><br />So, how's married life? It's good. We're content and enjoying life. And if my blog posts continue to be sporadic, this is why. I will surely update once we get the rest of our wedding photos, and then send you all on your merry way to our other blog endeavor, <a href="http://livingwithmurdock.blogspot.com/">Living With Murdock</a>, for honeymoon recaps, snippets on home, decor, crafts and cooking, and basic life updates.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-50889525576579299382009-09-02T09:34:00.001-05:002009-09-02T09:35:50.115-05:00Our Wedding Story...<a href="http://blog.karatography.com/?p=365">...as told in pictures.</a><br /><br />More from <a href="http://karatography.com/">Kara</a>!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-62192603661879516162009-08-28T11:09:00.002-05:002009-08-28T11:17:14.449-05:00Professional Pictures!Today, <a href="http://karatography.com/">Kara </a>posted a sneak peak of our wedding photos. Can't wait to see more!<br /><br />First kiss!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBujRE_QI/AAAAAAAAA6U/kPmqoPnB0wU/s1600-h/kar1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375048054519168258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBujRE_QI/AAAAAAAAA6U/kPmqoPnB0wU/s320/kar1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Umm</span>...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bec</span>, where's your smile? (And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nic</span>, you look a bit like Mary Poppins!)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBuPFt20I/AAAAAAAAA6M/6XX2LZMZCOo/s1600-h/kar2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375048049102805826" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBuPFt20I/AAAAAAAAA6M/6XX2LZMZCOo/s320/kar2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />LOVE this one! What silly boys we had!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBt5U6A-I/AAAAAAAAA6E/hC4iWf2tIGo/s1600-h/kar3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375048043260937186" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBt5U6A-I/AAAAAAAAA6E/hC4iWf2tIGo/s320/kar3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Okay, so this was our big surprise! As we got married on the hottest day Chicago has seen this summer, we had an ice cream truck arrive and serve our guests! How awesome is that?!?!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBtbMEfRI/AAAAAAAAA58/to6xPz2dsI8/s1600-h/kar4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375048035170811154" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBtbMEfRI/AAAAAAAAA58/to6xPz2dsI8/s320/kar4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />FAVORITE.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBtHBBHeI/AAAAAAAAA50/vQO9jMo_4Fw/s1600-h/kar5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375048029755743714" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBtHBBHeI/AAAAAAAAA50/vQO9jMo_4Fw/s320/kar5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Love it.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBjaCqBNI/AAAAAAAAA5s/GDFjRgiRKWg/s1600-h/kar6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375047863064200402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBjaCqBNI/AAAAAAAAA5s/GDFjRgiRKWg/s320/kar6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Meh</span>. Stupid heat made my dress cling to me, hence producing wrinkles where I didn't have them before. Oh well.<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBi8HDOrI/AAAAAAAAA5k/r4hb8PpC8fo/s1600-h/kar7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375047855029566130" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBi8HDOrI/AAAAAAAAA5k/r4hb8PpC8fo/s320/kar7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sweet.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBipL24lI/AAAAAAAAA5c/-Y-5JQoyZws/s1600-h/kar8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375047849949454930" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBipL24lI/AAAAAAAAA5c/-Y-5JQoyZws/s320/kar8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We were giggling through this entire shot, because I was so nervous his hands would be sweaty from the heat and drop me!<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBiGCxUTI/AAAAAAAAA5U/ONeVcSvnv2Y/s1600-h/kar9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375047840516100402" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBiGCxUTI/AAAAAAAAA5U/ONeVcSvnv2Y/s320/kar9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like it.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBhyWZ7JI/AAAAAAAAA5M/kPYXpAMtMEo/s1600-h/kar10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375047835229744274" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpgBhyWZ7JI/AAAAAAAAA5M/kPYXpAMtMEo/s320/kar10.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-15203942717460318242009-08-27T09:11:00.002-05:002009-08-27T09:22:17.480-05:00Our Ceremony.Since I'm still waiting on more pictures to surface, today, I'll provide the text from our wedding ceremony. I LOVE this ceremony. True story, I'd just sit and read and re-read it before the wedding. I just thought it was so fitting.<br /><br />Throughout the process, we had said we wanted to be married in a ceremony that spoke to us -- not just a traditional ceremony because "we're supposed to." That's not us, and that wasn't how we wanted to start our marriage.<br /><br />One of the best compliments I could have received that day was "I just loved the ceremony," or off-shoots of that. We received so many of those, I was shocked. I didn't expect people to embrace it, as 80+% of the guests are Catholic, and have only most attended Catholic weddings.<br /><br />The bottom line is we did what we felt suited us best, and because people saw the honesty and thoughtfulness in it, they liked it. Or at least they claimed they did!<br /><br />Oh well. So, without further adieu, here's the text: (**last names have been removed for privacy, as this blog is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">searchable</span>**)<br /><br />_____________________________<br /><br /><em>Introduction/Welcome</em><br /><br />Good morning!<br />Everyone, please be seated.<br /><br />Before we get started, let me introduce myself and explain a little about the ceremony.<br />My name is Nick. As many of you already know, I am a good friend of Tom and Beth, and this is the first wedding I have officiated.<br /><br />Beth, Tom and I have worked together to create a ceremony that is meaningful for them and celebrates the love and affection they share with you: their family and friends.<br /><br />You all are as much a part of this as Tom, Beth and even myself. You are not here to simply hear words uttered in ceremony, or just to witness the first kiss between husband and wife.<br /><br />So, we ask for your active participation in this ceremony, just as you are active in their lives. You should feel free to clap and cheer and laugh as the mood strikes you.<br />And towards the end, I will ask you to join me, in pronouncing them a married couple.<br />Beth, Tom,<br />You're getting married!<br />(*hopefully audience will clap*)<br /><br />Before we start, take a breath and look around you. All the planning and preparation, has come to fruition.<br /><br />Your family, your friends, have all gathered to share in this morning with you. We have friends from childhood, high school, college, and your workplaces. We have brothers, and sisters, nieces and cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and dearest of all, moms and dads.<br />Today, we bring together not just two wonderful people, but two wonderful families.<br />Thank you all for coming.<br /><br /><br /><em>Box, Wine & Love Letter Ceremony</em><br />Before we proceed with the rings and vows, Beth and Tom have chosen as a couple to perform a box, wine, and love letter ceremony.<br /><br />*(reach down and pick up the box from behind the altar*)<br /><br />In my hands, I have a box, a bottle of wine, and two glasses, and Beth and Tom have love letters from each to the other. The letters describe the good qualities they find in one another, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry.<br />They have given much thought to these letters, and they have been sealed in individual envelopes. Neither Tom, nor Beth has seen what the other has written.<br /><br />Beth and Tom, should you ever find your marriage enduring serious hardships, as some marriages do, you are to, as a couple, open this box, sit and drink the wine together, then separate and read the letters you wrote to one another on the day you were united as a couple.<br />By reading these love letters, you will reflect upon the reasons you fell in love and chose to marry each other here today and share a new resolve to strengthen your relationship.<br /><br />The hope is, however, that you will never have a reason to open this box. And if this is the case, you are to open it to share and enjoy its contents on your 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> anniversary!<br /><br />Tom and Beth, please seal the box.<br />(*Beth and Tom put letters into the box with a lid, where they tie the bow on top of it together*)<br />_____________________<br /><em>Reading</em><br />At this point, I’d like to read a piece titled “Union” by Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fulghum</span>. Beth and Tom feel strongly that this reading represents their relationship, and their reason for being here today.<br />Union by Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fulghum</span><br /><br />“You have known each other for years, through the first glance of acquaintance to this moment of commitment. At some moment, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks - all those sentences that began with "When we’re married" and continued with "I will" and "you will" and "we will" - those late night talks that included "someday" and "somehow" and "maybe" - and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. Just two people working out what they want, what they believe, what they hope for each other. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all those things we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> promised and hoped and dreamed - well, I meant it all, every word." Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another - acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. You have learned that good company and friendship count for more than good looks. And you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ve</span> learned that marriage is a maze into which we wander – a maze that is best got through with a great companion. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this - is my husband, this - is my wife.”<br /><br /><em>Vows<br /></em>And with that, Beth and Tom will begin their vows.<br />Beth and Tom, please join hands and look at each other.<br />These are the hands of your best friend, of today and every day. These are the hands that will work along side yours as you build your future together. These are the hands that will lovingly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you as you struggle through difficult times. And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours.<br /><br />My wish for you today is that you will be able to clear your heads and try to remember every word and cherish this memory. For most people, this is the most memorable few minutes of their life. So my wish for you today is that you enter into your vows with conviction, with your hearts open.<br /><br />Tom, please go first:<br />Tom: I, Thomas Chester, choose you, Elizabeth Anne, to be my wife (PERSONAL VOWS – 30 seconds)<br />Beth?<br />Beth: I, Elizabeth Anne, choose you, Thomas Chester, to be my husband (PERSONAL VOWS – 30 seconds)<br /><br /><em>Rings<br /></em>May I please have the rings?<br />(*Best Man gives rings to Nick*)<br /><br />Rings have endured as a symbol of love and commitment because of their strength, durability and shape. These rings represent your home in each other. Every time you look at your ring, remember this night. Remember the feeling of excitement, the look in each other's eyes, and the love in your heart.<br /><br />As you exchange rings, declare your commitment to one another.<br />(*Nick gives Beth’s ring to Tom*)<br />Tom, please repeat after me:<br />Beth, take this ring as a token of my love<br /><beth,><br />which is true and ever-lasting.<br /><which><br />With this ring, I thee wed.<br /><with><br /><br />Do you, Tom, take Beth as your wife, to love and support her, to treat her lovingly and with respect, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be a faithful, committed partner, for all the days before you?<br />Tom: I do<br /><br />(*Nick gives Beth’s ring to Tom*)<br />Beth, please repeat after me.<br />Tom, take this ring as a token of my love<br /><tom,><br />which is true and ever-lasting.<br /><which><br />With this ring, I thee wed.<br /><br />Do you, Beth, take Tom as your husband, to love and support him, to treat him lovingly and with respect, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, and to be a faithful, committed partner, for all the days before you?<br />Beth: I do<br /><br />The engagement ring is a symbol of promise and intention. Now the intention is realized<br />and the promise fulfilled. Please place your engagement ring on Beth’s finger over<br />her wedding band to symbolize that the love that brought you together will always protect and sustain your marriage.<br /><br /><em>Traditional Celtic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Handfasting</span> Ceremony</em><br />What is about to take place is a Traditional Celtic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Handfasting</span> ceremony. While at one point in Celtic regions, and still today in Scotland, this was recognized as a legal form of marriage, Beth and Tom have opted to participate in this ceremony as a lasting reminder about the honesty, sincerity, and commitment required of a marriage.<br /><br />Nick: Please join hands. Tom, will you cause Beth pain?<br />Tom: I May<br />Nick: Is that your intent?<br />Tom: No<br />Nick: Beth, will you cause him pain?<br />Beth: I may<br />Nick: Is that your intent?<br />Beth: No<br />Nick: Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?<br />COUPLE: We will<br />Nick: First cord is draped across the bride and groom's hands<br />Beth, will you share his laughter?<br />Beth: Yes<br />Nick: Tom, Will you share her laughter?<br />Tom: Yes<br />Nick: Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?<br />COUPLE: We will<br />Nick: Second cord is draped across the couples hands<br />Beth, will you burden him?<br />Beth: I may<br />Nick: Is that your intent?<br />Beth: No<br />Nick: Tom, will you burden her?<br />Tom: I may<br />Nick: Is that your intent?<br />Tom: No<br />Nick: Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?<br />COUPLE: Yes<br />Nick: Drape third cord across the couples hands<br />Beth, will you share his dreams?<br />Beth: Yes<br />Nick: Tom, will you share her dreams?<br />Tom: Yes<br />Nick: Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?<br />COUPLE: We will.<br />Nick: Drape fourth cord across the couples hands<br />Nick: Tom, will you cause her anger?<br />Tom: I may<br />Nick: Is that your intent?<br />Tom: No<br />Nick: Beth, will you cause him anger?<br />Beth: I may<br />Nick: Is that your intent?<br />Beth: No<br />Nick: Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?<br />COUPLE: We Will<br />Nick: Drape fifth cord across the couples hands<br />Nick: Beth, Will you honor him?<br />Beth: I will<br />Nick: Tom, Will you honor her?<br />Tom: I will<br />Nick: Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?<br />COUPLE: We will<br />Nick: Drape sixth cord across the couples hands. Tie cords together while saying:<br /><br />The knots of this binding are not formed by these cords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the cords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making and the breaking of this union.<br /><br /><em>Group Blessing</em><br /><br />Each of you are here today because you bring something special to the lives of Beth and Tom. Some of you have known one or both of them for years - and some of you are<br />meeting one of them for the very first time today. But whether you’re an old friend or a newly acquired relation, you have a special place in their hearts. Likewise, you have a special purpose. As beloved family and friends, it is you to whom they’ll turn in the coming years, whether in joy or in sorrow. It is you with whom they’ll share their happiness, and you to whom they’ll bring their pain. You will watch their marriage mature; you will watch their children grow.And when hard times come, and the loving support of friends and family is needed, Beth and Tom hope to be able to turn to you, just as they will turn to each other.<br /><br />And so they ask that you commit to them, as they are committing to one another. That just as they pledge to support and protect the other, you pledge to support and protect their relationship, today and always."<br /><br />When prompted, please answer “We do”.<br /><br />They ask: Do you offer this man and woman your blessing as husband and wife?<br />Please say, we do. (We do.)<br />And do you offer their marriage your support, as loving friends and family?<br />Please say, we do. (We do.)<br /><br /><em>Pronouncement<br /></em>Tom and Beth, you have signed the legal paperwork. You have received the blessing of your family and friends, made vows, and exchanged rings.<br /><br />Now, I ask everyone to join me in this pronouncement, saying together, in full voice:<br /><br />And please repeat after me:<br />We, your family and friends, <we,><br />now pronounce you husband and wife! <now><br /><br />Tom, you may kiss the bride<br /><br />(*Beth and Tom kiss! Hopefully everyone else cheers.*)<br /><br />I am very happy to introduce, for the first time as a married couple,<br />Tom and Beth!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-85393167196308573562009-08-25T08:39:00.003-05:002009-08-25T08:52:18.340-05:00Le Fleurs...The flowers, which I really put so much focus on early in the planning, were beyond my wildest dreams! Kristen from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kreations</span> captured what I wanted perfectly --- modern styling with a summery, garden feel, and flowers that just made everything POP! She was awesome enough to blog about us <a href="http://kiokreations.com/?page_id=26&paged=9">here</a>, and I stole all these pictures from her! I'm guessing that some towards the end might be from our professional photographer, <a href="http://karatography.com/">Kara</a>, so consider this a sneak peek! I sure do!<br /><br />My bouquet, including the locket Tom bought me for Christmas 5.5 years ago!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPqFoGCMWI/AAAAAAAAA38/5lNU81fXhyA/s1600-h/kio1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896162766106978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPqFoGCMWI/AAAAAAAAA38/5lNU81fXhyA/s320/kio1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPqFOoKyOI/AAAAAAAAA30/yeruzbjTWHw/s1600-h/kio2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896155929954530" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPqFOoKyOI/AAAAAAAAA30/yeruzbjTWHw/s320/kio2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>I love the pin detailing she did --- lovely, but simple enough not to detract from the flowers or the locket...<br /><br />Boutonnieres --- I believe Tom's is on the right:</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPqEirr3eI/AAAAAAAAA3s/lvvX3vPbdMw/s1600-h/kio3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896144133545442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPqEirr3eI/AAAAAAAAA3s/lvvX3vPbdMw/s320/kio3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Words cannot say how much I love this picture!<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp9folR-I/AAAAAAAAA3k/yAGldTWpSr8/s1600-h/kio4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896023056140258" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp9folR-I/AAAAAAAAA3k/yAGldTWpSr8/s320/kio4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh my gosh. Perfection. I just wished my legs would have been a bit more tan, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">haha</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp9IXkNtI/AAAAAAAAA3c/3izdNEIwBsc/s1600-h/kio5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896016810751698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp9IXkNtI/AAAAAAAAA3c/3izdNEIwBsc/s320/kio5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Love it.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp8iI7CCI/AAAAAAAAA3U/A9iTI7Ts9ow/s1600-h/kio6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896006548785186" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp8iI7CCI/AAAAAAAAA3U/A9iTI7Ts9ow/s320/kio6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretty.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp8cg2EkI/AAAAAAAAA3M/s_a7rzCT2bs/s1600-h/kio7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373896005038510658" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp8cg2EkI/AAAAAAAAA3M/s_a7rzCT2bs/s320/kio7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And, lest we forget it, the infamous brick:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp7zdtyLI/AAAAAAAAA3E/jQdsRS5R-Dg/s1600-h/kio8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373895994019530930" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpPp7zdtyLI/AAAAAAAAA3E/jQdsRS5R-Dg/s320/kio8.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-40077099794425726292009-08-24T09:30:00.002-05:002009-08-24T09:35:16.001-05:00Married.After a long hiatus, I am happy to return here to this blog on the other side --- the married side.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpKkd-jqkLI/AAAAAAAAA28/99OgvEn_UWk/s1600-h/wedding1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373538140322173106" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SpKkd-jqkLI/AAAAAAAAA28/99OgvEn_UWk/s320/wedding1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The day, albeit hot, was absolutely wonderful. Of course, a few things went wrong. We knew they would. But overwhelmingly, the day was rather successful. Everything came together, just as I had suspected.<br /><br />Hopefully soon we'll be looking at our professional pictures, which I'll certainly have highlights of here. In the meantime, I'll be spending the next few days recapping the wedding day and our honeymoon, which was AMAZING!<br /><br />More to come later -- promise!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-46686932644750844722009-08-06T07:53:00.003-05:002009-08-06T08:12:53.239-05:00The Finished Seating Charts...So we've said all along that we didn't want to go with traditional escort/place cards, and instead, wanted to simplify into a seating chart.<br /><br />Below is a semi-inspiration picture...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnrSyL-Dt5I/AAAAAAAAA2k/pw2axkgIHu8/s1600-h/seating+chart.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366833665613739922" style="WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnrSyL-Dt5I/AAAAAAAAA2k/pw2axkgIHu8/s320/seating+chart.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We opted to cut the chart up across 5 picture frames, with the names listed in alphabetical order. Final product below:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnrSy0gtS9I/AAAAAAAAA20/BkjeQdD2esQ/s1600-h/seating+chart2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366833676496489426" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnrSy0gtS9I/AAAAAAAAA20/BkjeQdD2esQ/s320/seating+chart2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnrSygd4QrI/AAAAAAAAA2s/9KhLugvBmtM/s1600-h/seating+chart1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366833671115915954" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnrSygd4QrI/AAAAAAAAA2s/9KhLugvBmtM/s320/seating+chart1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Would it have been cheaper to do the traditional folded pieces of paper? Probably. But in the end, this wasn't really expensive, either.</div><div> </div><div>Cost breakdown:</div><div> </div><div>5 picture frames: 40% off @ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Michaels</span>, and used a 25% all picture frames coupon: $12</div><div>5 4" black easels: $14.99</div><div>Blue backing paper: FREE (same as used for the envelope lining)</div><div>Time, labor, effort: FREE (though I should probably charge for my services!<br /></div><div>Even though it cost around $30, I know I'll be able to reuse all the black frames in my house when we're done (probably for wedding pictures!), and I can probably re-sell the easels, too!</div><div></div>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-81640199938088139152009-08-05T16:46:00.003-05:002009-08-05T16:51:57.869-05:00If My Dad Could Plan My Wedding...Two posts in one day?? Shocking!<br /><br />But, this, I could not resist.<br /><br />The long-standing joke in my family has been that my parents, well really, my dad, would host a spectacular carnival wedding for whichever crazy daughter agrees to it. Every year, our family parish hosts a carnival, and a few years back, my dad started brainstorming.<br /><br />He has it all planned --- the tent is already there, the band is already booked. We'll pay for beer, the guests all get pizza or hot dogs, and onion blossoms will double as both the centerpieces and appetizers. No really, he's thought it out.<br /><br />And if all that wasn't stellar enough, the bride and groom get a free ride on the Ferris Wheel. Lucky us.<br /><br />So imagine my shock/horror/chagrin when I came across this on The Knot's "Wedding Ideas We Love" blog:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Snn-CUv7pEI/AAAAAAAAA2c/6BXmBNmOsnw/s1600-h/HP_CarnivalBlog_0622.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366599746871600194" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Snn-CUv7pEI/AAAAAAAAA2c/6BXmBNmOsnw/s320/HP_CarnivalBlog_0622.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I guess my dad's been right along when he claims he thinks about ten years ahead of the trends...Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-33352844191242263632009-08-05T08:04:00.003-05:002009-08-05T08:42:54.919-05:00The Final Checklist.<p>So I know I'm a bit tardy with July's checklist, but I've been just a wee bit busy. Here goes...*I'm estimating a 95% success rate!)</p><ul><li>Buy wine bottles for "guest book" & ceremony box <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Purchase remaining bridal party gifts :) <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Attend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">appt</span>. with stylist for hair/veil <span style="color:#339999;">If by stylist you mean my mother, then yes</span></li><li>Attend gown fitting (currently being hemmed, bustled at the next) <span style="color:#339999;">Dress is finished & in my possession!</span></li><li>Send out rehearsal dinner invites <span style="color:#339999;">Word-of-mouth is a handy thing...</span></li><li>Trial hair/makeup runs <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Finish, print & assemble programs <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Get marriage license! <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Go over ceremony with "officiant" <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Wrap bridal party gifts <span style="color:#339999;">Done! </span></li><li>Get final count for reception & confirm with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maggiano's</span> <span style="color:#339999;">Turning it in today! (170 +3 kids!)</span></li><li>Confirm & send out final payments for Czarina, Kristen & Kara <span style="color:#339999;">Done! (Well, final payment for Kristen the day-of...)</span></li><li>Book airport shuttles and other tours for Australia <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Send "must-take" picture list to Kara <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Finish up music <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">playlists</span> and confirm equipment <span style="color:#339999;">Done!</span></li><li>Paint flower girl wands and get them over to Kristen <span style="color:#339999;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Umm</span>...done. Sorta. She did this for us...</span></li><li>Create signs for wedding day <span style="color:#339999;">Done! Dropping them off tomorrow!</span></li><li>Finalize after-party arrangements! <span style="color:#339999;">Done. This one is sad. There are no after-party arrangements any more :(</span></li></ul><p>As for our current to-do list, we're almost done, really. In the next few days, this is what we have left...</p><ul><li>Create seating arrangements (assignments done, just need to be typed)</li><li>Print miscellaneous signage</li><li>Pack ceremony & reception boxes</li><li>Pack for honeymoon</li><li>Clean house</li><li>Finalize rehearsal menu and buy any other food we'll need</li><li>Confirm all honeymoon reservations and flights</li><li>Pack overnight bags for Saturday</li><li>Get nails done</li><li>Break-in wedding shoes</li><li>Create checklist for all items to make sure they arrive and are safely returned</li><li>Finish vows and send to officiant</li><li>Print out final copy of ceremony and pack binder for ceremony</li><li>Pack gifts for rehearsal dinner</li></ul><p>I think this is all. Don't worry, I have a master checklist at home so we don't forget anything the day of!</p>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-49161641248652425842009-08-04T13:09:00.002-05:002009-08-04T13:18:06.425-05:00Why I Love My Fiance: Reason #5,235,298Remember my inspiration for our programs??<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Snh5queff-I/AAAAAAAAA2U/qGVoH81xAX4/s1600-h/program+fans"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366172730949337058" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Snh5queff-I/AAAAAAAAA2U/qGVoH81xAX4/s320/program+fans" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p>Look what we have!</p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Snh5Z_89KKI/AAAAAAAAA2M/jIIXFxtHJUI/s1600-h/programs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366172443582736546" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Snh5Z_89KKI/AAAAAAAAA2M/jIIXFxtHJUI/s320/programs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ours are a bit bigger and squared -- 8.5 x 8.5, and the corners are rounded, though it's a bit hard to tell from this picture. Tom, despite having a bunch of other important things to take care of, spent the day armed with a hot glue gun and glue 100 of these together. Tonight and tomorrow, I'll be trying ribbons around the stems.<br /><br />Teamwork, I tell ya -- it's glorious!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-9866243553314865842009-08-03T09:10:00.003-05:002009-08-03T09:35:10.668-05:00Bear With Me.Things I Hate Right Now:<br /><ul><li>93 degree weather forecasts.</li><li>Vehicles that decide to breakdown.</li><li>Poor timing.</li><li>Seating arrangements.</li><li>Knowing I put important documents in a safe place, only to forget where said safe place is.</li><li>Dishes that pile up in my kitchen sink because washing them will ruin my nails.</li><li>Having to worry about ruining my nails.</li><li>My inner control freak.</li><li>Options.</li><li>Purchasing expensive luggage, only to find that it's actually crap upon arrival.</li><li>Attempting to return said luggage.</li><li>Trying to find new luggage 7 days before you leave the country.</li><li>Packing.</li><li>To-do lists.</li><li>Confirming reservations.</li><li>Breaking in new shoes.</li><li>Hot glue guns.</li></ul><p>Le sigh. It's been a rough weekend. But, the good news is that I was able to try on my dress for the first time complete with hair, makeup, veil and jewelry. I am SO pleased with the result. For once, something in this wedding has actually lived up to the vision! Everything else has been close, but the look was just spot on.</p><p>The programs and menus, hot off the press on Friday, have been freshly corner-rounded (if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">any one's</span> counting, that's 800 corner punches, brought to you by these little hands!), and are awaiting the final assembly. We'll be finalizing the seating arrangements tonight, and hopefully I can start formatting the seating chart and get that printed soon. We'll be turning the final count in to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maggiano's</span> this week, and then from that point, just confirming setup times with the rest of the vendors. Overall, we're still feeling confident, and the calmness ebbs and flows. </p><p>At this point, I guess that's all we can hope for...</p>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-86316253163180305872009-07-30T09:28:00.003-05:002009-07-30T09:41:29.223-05:00The Loose Ends... (& the Music!)Right now, I feel like I'm drowning in small details. I feel like every project is half-completed, and we'll never get to the finish line.<br /><br />The programs? Printed, but not assembled.<br />The ceremony? Edited, but not printed.<br />The vows? Started, but not finished.<br />The signs? One base coat down, one to finish. Assembly and ribbons still required.<br />The Thank-Yous? Half purchased, have to get the rest this week.<br />The seating charts? Assembled, but need to get the easels.<br /><br />I know things will come together sooner or later, but I just wish more of this was done. It's a really crappy feeling knowing the fate that awaits you for the next 10 days --- glue guns and paintbrushes galore.<br /><br />We're STILL finalizing the final guest count, which keeps teetering between 164-170.<br /><br />The one thing we have done is the music <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">playlists</span> for the day (and that was only because I outsourced this to my lovely sister and maid of honor). I LOVE all the music we're having! I can't wait to share it with you, so here it is:<br /><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pre</span>-Wedding</em><br /><br />Plain White Tees- Write You A Song<br />The Last Goodnight- Pictures of You<br />The Proclaimers- 500 Miles<br />Adam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sandler</span>- Grow Old with you (With Billy idol intro)<br />Taylor Swift- Love Story<br />Ingrid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Michaelson</span>- The Way I Am<br />Frank Sinatra- You make Me Feel So Young<br />Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nathanson</span>- Wedding Dress<br />Josh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Radin</span>- I’d Rather Be With You<br /><br /><em>Processional</em><br /><br />1,2,3,4 - Plain White T's<br />I'm Yours - Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mraz</span><br /><br /><em>Post-Wedding</em><br /><br />Katrina and the Waves- Walking on Sunshine<br />Natalie Cole- This Will Be<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Monkees</span>- Daydream Believer<br />Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye- Ain't No Mountain<br />Sonny and Cher- I got you Babe<br />The Turtles- Happy Together<br />Captain and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tenille</span>- Love Will Keep us together<br /><br /><em>Cocktail Hour<br /></em><br />Dean Martin- That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Amore</span><br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Buble</span>- Sway<br />Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mraz</span>- Beautiful Mess<br />Frank Sinatra- Moonlight Becomes You<br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Buble</span>- Everything<br />Billy Joel- For The Longest Time<br />Frank Sinatra- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Embracable</span> You<br />Gavin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Degraw</span>- Follow Through<br />Dean Martin- You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You<br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Buble</span>- That’s All<br />Phil Collins- True Colors<br />Sara <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bareilles</span>- Many The Miles<br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Buble</span>- The Way you Look Tonight<br />Dean Martin- Everybody Loves Somebody<br />Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Mraz</span>- You and I Both<br />Nat Cole- L.O.V.E<br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Buble</span>- Crazy Little Thing Called Love<br />Dean Martin- Memories Are Made of This<br /><br /><em>Reception</em><br /><br />Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Mraz</span>- Lucky (First dance)<br />Irish Eyes... (Father/Daughter dance)<br />My Wish - Rascal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Flatts</span> (Mother/son dance)<br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Buble</span>- Feeling Good<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">ACDC</span>-You Shook Me<br />Stevie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Wondie</span>- Signed Sealed Delivered<br />Etta Jones- At Last<br />Kenny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Chesney</span>- The Good Stuff<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Commadors</span>- Brick House<br />The Weather Girls- It's Raining Men<br />Casper- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Cha</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Cha</span> Slide<br />Bobby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Vinton</span>- Beer Barrel Polka<br />Tiffany- I think we’re alone now<br />Rascal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Flatts</span>- God Bless The Broken Road<br />Billy Joel- Just the Way you are<br />Sir Mix <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Alot</span>- jump on it<br />Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Setzer</span>- Jump Jive n Wail<br />Michael Jackson- Beat it<br />Elton Jon- Crocodile Rock<br />The Four Seasons- December 1963<br />John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Mellancamp</span>- Jack and Diane<br />Whitney Houston- I wanna dance with somebody<br />ABBA- Dancing Queen<br />Chubby Checkers- The Twist<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Isley</span> Brothers- Shout<br />Lionel Richie- All Night Long<br />Toby Keith- Me Too<br />Journey- Don't stop Believing<br />Sir Mix a lot- Baby Got back<br />Marcia Grass- Electric Slide<br />Jackson 5- I want you back<br />The 4 tops- I can't help myself<br />Journey- Faithfully<br />Van Morris- Brown Eyed Girl<br />Michael <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Buble</span>- Save the Last dance<br /><br />Some of the reception songs have changed and others have been added, but this is the basic gist: fun, happy music. I'm so excited -- I have a feeling this will make for a very enjoyable mood all day!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-13934250178447861282009-07-29T08:37:00.002-05:002009-07-29T09:21:52.061-05:00Set in Stone...Remember WAY back in March when I mentioned that our wedding ceremony includes a memorial brick in the garden? No? Refresh your memory <a href="http://bethandtom612.blogspot.com/2009/03/making-it-official-with-stone.html">here</a>. So I took a ride over to <a href="http://bethandtom612.blogspot.com/2009/06/adventures-in-wilder-park.html">Wilder Park </a>yesterday to scope out our brick location, what plants were in bloom, and the overall parking situation. I can report only good things!<br /><br />Plus, I can prove photographic evidence!<br /><br />Hey look! That's us!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnBQ5tHufkI/AAAAAAAAA2E/ZX4heCEkpu4/s1600-h/brick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363876108493028930" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SnBQ5tHufkI/AAAAAAAAA2E/ZX4heCEkpu4/s320/brick.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sorry for the stinky picture, but seriously, how cool is this?!?!?!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-92130330135309489722009-07-28T09:38:00.004-05:002009-07-28T10:02:27.060-05:00What I'm Doing Now...Obsessively checking the 15-day weather forecasts.<br /><br />I am happy to report that there is not a drop of precipitation near August 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. Cross your fingers it stays that way...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Sm8PQE1-u-I/AAAAAAAAA18/083EL8orPB0/s1600-h/weather.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363522450074024930" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Sm8PQE1-u-I/AAAAAAAAA18/083EL8orPB0/s320/weather.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Coincidence that our wedding day is the only one labelled "Sunshine"? I think not...Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-59387237673082939452009-07-27T08:52:00.006-05:002009-07-27T09:42:52.936-05:00With Open Hearts, Clear Minds & ConvictionTom and I had a lovely weekend -- sure, it was busy and eventful, containing smatterings of family, friends, parties, broken car windows, unexpected expenses, wedding tasks, and thankfully, a little R&R.<br /><br />Among the most eventful things, however, was a resolution we made. From today (well, yesterday) onward, we decided that we will not stress out or let anything in the next 13 days (!) bother us. Que <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sera</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sera</span>. We're not dumb -- we understand things will go wrong, unexpected issues will arise, things will be lost, forgotten, etc. Bearing all that in mind, we have made a conscious <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">commitment</span> to each other to not let it bother us, and to not let anything ruin the next few days for us.<br /><br />I think it hit us both yesterday, as we spent an afternoon shopping online for new luggage, that once these next 2 weeks are over, we will no longer be dating. We will no longer be engaged. We will no longer be Tom and Beth, technically single. We will be Tom and Beth, married.<br /><br />I know that sounds fairly obvious to all of you, considering you're reading a wedding planning blog. But taking into account that we've been dating for 6 years, and engaged for 2 of those, it's all we've known.<br /><br />We've been looking forward to this day, and all that will follow it, for what feels like centuries. To have it so close, so impossibly tangible, it's almost unbelievable. I realized yesterday that I feel like I've been holding my breath. Just waiting, waiting, waiting....and now it's finally time to let it out, relax, and ENJOY all that the next few weeks (and again, beyond!) have to offer.<br /><br />So, as our title says, and so do our vows, with open hearts, clear minds, and conviction, we have decided to reside on Cloud 9 for the remaining days of our engagement. Feel free to find us there, and if you have any problems, leave 'em at the door!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-5147007208146337322009-07-22T08:57:00.003-05:002009-07-22T09:07:19.330-05:00"It is Time to Get Excited!"I think it's been fairly evident with my lack of posts lately, and the length of the ones I do post, that there's been little excitement around here.<br /><br />I'm not sure if it's because I'm overwhelmed (not really with the wedding, but with simultaneously trying to plan a honeymoon and 2 weeks out of work), or if it's simply because I'm impatient and just want the day to be here already, but I'm just not excited. There. I said it. Judge me if you will, but I've been finding it harder and harder to be excited. I know I should be jumping around and dancing and gushing to every single person who will listen, but I can't for some reason.<br /><br />This isn't cold feet or anything, please don't jump to conclusions. Maybe it's just the overwhelming-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ness</span> of the plans (as stated earlier) with the realization that I'M ACTUALLY GETTING MARRIED. Weird. It still doesn't feel real, and probably won't until about half-way through the reception, once it hits me square in the face.<br /><br />Yesterday, as I enjoyed a fun outing to a baseball game with my lovely fiance, I received an email from one of our vendors with some contract details. As I read the email, I saw these words: "It is time to get excited!" A genuine smile crept across my face, and as I leaned over to show Tom the email, I saw the grin on his face get wider, too.<br /><br />And there you have it, folks. A glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I can break out of this funk and enjoy the next 2.5 weeks (though I'm guessing with my diet/exercise <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">regimen</span> that might not be possible)...Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-41011703947192328212009-07-21T09:39:00.002-05:002009-07-21T09:41:33.787-05:00Hi, My Name is Beth......and I have a problem.<br /><br />An addiction, really.<br /><br />I love wedding signs. I do. I really, really do.<br /><br />Look at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27900710">this one</a> I found this morning on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span>!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SmXTHE3boMI/AAAAAAAAA10/HqwF4AmIUPU/s1600-h/signs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360923049973227714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SmXTHE3boMI/AAAAAAAAA10/HqwF4AmIUPU/s320/signs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Charming, no?<br /><br />Tom's already cut the wood for our signs (and they actually look just like this!). Now, I'm tempted to redesign the way I want them painted so they look all cute like this!!!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-30512479159895031242009-07-20T08:53:00.002-05:002009-07-20T09:40:12.553-05:00So It's Finally Happened.I like to call it "The Part of the Wedding When You Have SO Much Stuff That You Can No Longer Functionally Use Your Living Room or Kitchen Table."<br /><br />Yep. We've hit that point. I naively never thought we'd be here --- I always figured that I was organized enough that we wouldn't have boxes of wedding <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paraphernalia</span> strewn about. I was wrong. Gravely wrong.<br /><br />Poor Tom came home from work to find the house littered with tulle, sparkles, scraps of paper, boxes of parasols, and mountains of other crafty supplies. Even my best effort cleaning it all up left us with over 4 boxes stacked on tables and couches.<br /><br />At least we held out this long!<br /><br />20 days to go!! :)Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-72561480717682639592009-07-17T08:15:00.002-05:002009-07-17T08:24:44.860-05:00Where Have I Been?Don't worry, I'm still alive over here.<br /><br />Strangely, with about 3 weeks to the wedding, things are moving slowly over here. I feel pretty in control and only have a few minor things to accomplish. I've been taking the last week easy, because I know after this week, there's no turning back. It's going to quickly become wedding central over here, and I just don't know if I'm ready for that!<br /><br />This weekend, I have another dress fitting (checking the hem and starting the bustle!). I also hope to make a trip to the craft store and pick up the picture frames for our seating list and a few other miscellaneous things I need. I also need to paint the signs that Tom made. (They're WAY cute and I can't wait to show them off to you!).<br /><br />I've spent some time this week finalizing the programs, and now am just searching for somewhere to get them printed (you wouldn't believe the ridiculous prices I've been quoted!). I've figured out the final checks we need to write, and now just need to sit down and write them. Then, I need to make the confirmations for our honeymoon reservations.<br /><br />That's the major stuff right now, and what I hope to get done this week.<br /><br />Have a good weekend!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-34822101361971170232009-07-10T08:59:00.002-05:002009-07-10T09:29:01.144-05:00She's Got the Look...Hair and makeup for me is tricky. My hair is thin, fine and completely straight. It's difficult to get it to hold a curl, and applying product only weighs it down and makes it look dirty. With makeup, I never like the way it turns out when a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">professional</span> does it. I don't look good with black eyeliner and mascara does absolutely nothing for my eyelashes (luckily, my eyelashes are super long and curly!!).<br /><br />From the beginning, then, I had decided that there would absolutely be no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">professionals</span> involved with my hair and makeup, besides my mom and sisters. Tomorrow I'm heading over to my mom's house for hair trial #1. She's known for her mild hair talent and major eyebrow talent, so this has all been entrusted to her.<br /><br />But, we still have the makeup to work out. I'm a huge fan and proponent of <a href="http://www.bareminerals.com/">Bare Minerals</a>, having been on the bandwagon for over three years (and converting at least 5 people to it since...). I plan on taking a trek over to the <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bareminerals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareMinerals-Site/default/Link-Page%3Fcid%3DTHE_BE_STORY&ei=gU9XSqi_FJW-NsmE4Z0I&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=3&usg=AFQjCNF-ux8LdYW5fh779xuuGaCaAkr5yA">Bare <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Escentuals</span></a> store soon and testing out more of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">eyeshadows</span> and liners, since I really want to concentrate on my eyes (what I deem as my best feature).<br /><br />I saw the picture below, and really liked how her eyes were the focus, and the rest of her makeup was natural, but still pretty. Substitute the black eyeliner for brown, and this is pretty much the look I want to achieve:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SldJqgCOphI/AAAAAAAAA0c/sWB3a16spfY/s1600-h/makeup1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356831276283110930" style="WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SldJqgCOphI/AAAAAAAAA0c/sWB3a16spfY/s320/makeup1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I really think my makeup should still be natural looking, and just a slight <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">exaggeration</span> of how I normally wear it. I want to look back at my wedding pictures and see me, not see the trends of '09 reflected on my face (much like the brides of the '80's look back and see blue eyeshadow staring at them).<br /><br />Eh. Time will tell. Of course, I'll post updates on how my adventures go.<br /><br />Happy Weekend!Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-26515035622472878602009-07-08T11:14:00.005-05:002009-07-08T11:32:22.279-05:00Why I Love My FloristThis sounds like the great beginning of an essay, and maybe it should be.<br /><br />I know I've extolled her virtues and talent before, <a href="http://bethandtom612.blogspot.com/2009/06/adventures-in-wilder-park.html">here</a>, <a href="http://bethandtom612.blogspot.com/2009/03/im-running-out-of-topics.html">here </a>, <a href="http://bethandtom612.blogspot.com/2009/01/medals-petals-weekend-summary.html">here </a>and <a href="http://bethandtom612.blogspot.com/2009/01/ceremony-details-and-whatnot.html">here</a>, but you've got to believe me -- she really is superbly talented.<br /><br />And even though I have complete faith and trust in her, I can't say I'm not nervous that I won't actually see the flowers until I arrive at the ceremony on the wedding day. So yesterday, when she posted on her blog about a wedding she did this weekend where the colors were white and light blue and encompassed most of the flowers I'm using, I was so excited to see them!<br /><br />Below are snapshots of the bridesmaids bouquets --- these are essentially what we'll be doing, but with some green <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hypericum</span> berries and some blue/green hydrangeas thrown in...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlTIQE3QJhI/AAAAAAAAA0U/x0OJUR8AzEc/s1600-h/kristen2-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356126035359311378" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlTIQE3QJhI/AAAAAAAAA0U/x0OJUR8AzEc/s320/kristen2-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlTIPztpFjI/AAAAAAAAA0M/w6mq7nqH9wU/s1600-h/kristen1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356126030755599922" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlTIPztpFjI/AAAAAAAAA0M/w6mq7nqH9wU/s320/kristen1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gorgeous, no?<br /><br />Bouquets and photographs lovingly copied from <a href="http://kiokreations.com/?page_id=35"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kreations</span></a>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-83378827242472126672009-07-07T10:53:00.003-05:002009-07-07T11:14:10.861-05:00The 2 Sides of a WeddingLately, I haven't quite been feeling the "fire" for wedding planning. Whenever people ask me how it's going, I usually reply with a one-word answer and try to focus on something different, usually the honeymoon or our house or our dog...anything but wedding details. I feel guilty that I'm not more excited at this point. I've been racking my brain lately trying to figure out why I'm doing this.<br /><br />Am I excited to be married? Absolutely! Am I excited to celebrate the day with our closest friends and family? Absolutely! So what's the problem?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv7BLluyI/AAAAAAAAAzU/tol_oLDLUSU/s1600-h/signage+via+Southern+Weddings+Mag.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355747441593662242" style="WIDTH: 219px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv7BLluyI/AAAAAAAAAzU/tol_oLDLUSU/s320/signage+via+Southern+Weddings+Mag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today I had a bit of a "Eureka!" moment. I'm a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">embarrassed</span> to say that despite blogging for almost a year now, and silently planning my wedding in my head before that, it never really occurred to me WHY this is such a challenge.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv60JRCSI/AAAAAAAAAzM/M04D7-NEs1k/s1600-h/fgwand.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355747438094256418" style="WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv60JRCSI/AAAAAAAAAzM/M04D7-NEs1k/s320/fgwand.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One's wedding has two sides --- 2 separate, distinct parts. The first part, and the most important, is about committing to marriage with the person you love, and celebrating that with your family and friends. The other, and the part that is often CONSIDERED more important but isn't, is the actual planning of an event. It's the details, the timing, the vendors -- everything associated with a party.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv6hrTxII/AAAAAAAAAzE/PcSyTmDdbRE/s1600-h/blue+green.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355747433136768130" style="WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv6hrTxII/AAAAAAAAAzE/PcSyTmDdbRE/s320/blue+green.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When one graduates college, what do people ask you? "Are you excited to graduate?" "Any job prospects?" "Where will you be heading next?" -- not "Are you having monogrammed napkins at your party?" or "What color is your cap and gown?"<br /><br />So why is it that weddings are treated differently? Of that, I'm not sure.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv6Y_YEGI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ItLevxEZzNw/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355747430805016674" style="WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlNv6Y_YEGI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ItLevxEZzNw/s320/1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But what I do know is that I cannot wait to be marrying Thomas. Period. The party, as they say, is small potatoes. Our marriage is what is to be celebrated, not our choice of flowers.Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-33761667079686464632009-07-06T11:10:00.002-05:002009-07-06T11:21:34.497-05:00Wedding blogs, if not filled with pictures, are simply just musings. This blog, without its occasional spattering of pictures, would just be terribly boring. I love photography, I love fine art photographs, I love pictures of the quirky details -- I love it all.<br /><br />But now, as I face the task of making a list of "must-have" pictures, I find myself struggling.<br /><br />How detailed do I get? Where is the line between being a control freak and demanding "pictures of guests laughing" versus letting our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">photographer</span> do what she does best?<br /><br />I have complete faith that our photos will be gorgeous -- I just don't want any of my "details" to be overlooked.<br /><br />So, below is a random assortment of pictures I love. Maybe they'll provide me with the perfect amount of inspiration when compiling my list.<br /><br />Oh, and I welcome (most) suggestions. Please don't suggest any family/group type photographs, because that's simply not what I'm interested in. We'll take those, don't worry, but right now, I'm looking for helpful suggestions on what photographs speak to you (or what photographs you wished you would have gotten at your wedding).<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihyQjFmI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Zx1nPil6hkQ/s1600-h/ringshot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355380870719149666" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihyQjFmI/AAAAAAAAAy0/Zx1nPil6hkQ/s320/ringshot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">quintessential</span> ring shot. Already on my list.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihg9vqlI/AAAAAAAAAys/NyhiZtzXMGE/s1600-h/petals.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355380866076879442" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihg9vqlI/AAAAAAAAAys/NyhiZtzXMGE/s320/petals.bmp" border="0" /></a><br />Simple, yet perfect.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihefN2zI/AAAAAAAAAyk/jJDmXSaAFV8/s1600-h/kate-triano-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355380865411963698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihefN2zI/AAAAAAAAAyk/jJDmXSaAFV8/s320/kate-triano-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Sweet. And I love the blue shoes peeking out.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihOFj5EI/AAAAAAAAAyc/01Q3BzMAc_Y/s1600-h/23.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355380861009388610" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIihOFj5EI/AAAAAAAAAyc/01Q3BzMAc_Y/s320/23.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Perfect timing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIigmcjV1I/AAAAAAAAAyU/aKlAGDnEeaE/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355380850368403282" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SlIigmcjV1I/AAAAAAAAAyU/aKlAGDnEeaE/s320/10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love it. Who knew you could capture so much personality without seeing any faces??</div></div></div></div>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-79739571781525044662009-07-02T09:50:00.004-05:002009-07-02T10:08:30.758-05:00Legal.Today, Tom and I are making it legal.<br /><br />We're heading over to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DuPage</span> County Clerk's office to complete the paperwork for our marriage license!<br /><br />Once we file this, we have 60 days to get married. And with 38 on the official count, I think we have a nice cushion.<br /><br />So, with my lovely half-day today (and a full day off tomorrow!), Tom and I are meeting up for lunch and then we're off to file our paperwork.<br /><br />We're getting SO close! I don't know how I'm going to be able to stand being in the same house as the license and my wedding band and not want to elope!! :)Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5150734545219512220.post-49830272867697912472009-07-01T08:23:00.002-05:002009-07-01T09:06:32.373-05:00The Old Hair/Veil Debate.Here's the dilemma:<br /><br />My hair is at a medium-length with plenty of layers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sideswept</span> bangs. It's not exactly what you would call "bridal hair." It's a proven fact: my hair usually looks better down than up. Why? I'm not really sure. Fact: I refuse to wear my hair down for the wedding. Fact: I also refuse to wear my veil (if I wear one) on the crown of my head. I will only wear it at the nape of my neck, or not at all.<br /><br />So how are we going to make this work? I'm not sure. I'll be scheduling an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">appt</span>. with my normal hair stylist and hopefully she can figure out the puzzle. Below are pictures of how I'd LOVE my hair to be:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Sktjx1DwFkI/AAAAAAAAAyM/nZ5M2nADVB8/s1600-h/SarahBryan7.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353482289767519810" style="WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Sktjx1DwFkI/AAAAAAAAAyM/nZ5M2nADVB8/s320/SarahBryan7.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Sktjxggxw2I/AAAAAAAAAyE/DLWmMPNMcJs/s1600-h/hair2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353482284252119906" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/Sktjxggxw2I/AAAAAAAAAyE/DLWmMPNMcJs/s320/hair2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SktjxdYJN7I/AAAAAAAAAx8/sGyrzfbTsrU/s1600-h/hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353482283410601906" style="WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_j74HcXfYI_w/SktjxdYJN7I/AAAAAAAAAx8/sGyrzfbTsrU/s320/hair.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>Ideally, of course.</div><div></div></div>Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322533762629445440noreply@blogger.com2