Bridal Social

I had a chance this weekend to go to a small bridal social.  So like always I grabbed my mom and drug her out with me.  In the past these socials have not been very helpful, and my mother and I felt kind of like fly's on a wall.  To my surprise the vendors there were so helpful and exciting to talk to.  I think I may have found someone to do the cake!  I took a look at her website and she had done an awesome job as far as the appearance.  I also got to taste a strawberry cupcake, while my mom chose the chocolate one...delicious!  I cant wait to meet with her for a tasting.  I also made an appointment to have my save the dates designed, cant wait to get those out.  There was another lady there that plans and comes up with great ideas as far as decorating.  She and I spoke about my wedding theme and she gave me a handful of ideas.  I was very impressed when I mentioned to her that I was already over budget...she told me to call her anytime and she would still help me come up with different ideas at no charge.  I can not rave about her and her company enough.  With an attitude like hers I want to hire her to make sure everything is perfect!

Things are coming along!

Since my dress is purchased, I had decided to search for my bridesmaids and flower girl dresses.  This was a really hard choice for me, I couldn't really find anything I liked due to the colors of the wedding.  I had all the bridesmaids meet me at one bridal store only to strike out.  I then went another place with my sister and found something I hope all the bridesmaids will love.  I am keeping it simple and hoping to dress it up with the jewelry.  With the bridesmaids dresses chosen that's one more thing marked off my to-do list!  Thank you Sara, Season, Lacey, Katie, Ashley and Alecia!

I Finally Found It!

After tons of searching I have finally found my dress.  I went Wed night to try it on, my mom and sister Sara joined me.  I tried on the dress I purchased 2 weeks ago first.  It was still really pretty...but that was about it.  It really doesn't go with my personality.  The dress they ordered for me was the second dress I tried on, I wanted to save what I thought was the best for last.  When I saw it in person for the first time it was everything I had been looking for, but hadn't found.  I was so nervous that this was going to be one of those dresses that I loved but looked horrible on me.  Once I had it on it fit perfect!  I loved it so much, it was so pretty...and yes it made me cry.  I now have my dress....I put it away so Todd cant find it! I cant wait to finally have it on for the wedding! Yippee!

The Dress...

I have been shopping for my dress, trying to find the one I love....

I have found several dresses I like, and could possibly love but have made that mistake of shopping to much.  All the dresses I have liked have been by Maggie Sottero.  I went to LKN Bridal this past weekend, they carry Maggie here.  They didn't have the two dresses I liked...but I did find another one by her that was really pretty and made me feel like Princess Kate.  My mother and grandmother went with me, when I had this dress on my grandmother teared up.

I was trying to make my mind up on if I should buy this dress...I am tired of looking and just made a split decision and bought it...only to go back 2 hours later and tell her not to order.  There is still one dress out there by Maggie that I love so much.  I haven't been able to find in anywhere.  I did see another Bride in the dress at a different shop but she had ordered it for her wedding.  It was just as pretty in person as in the ads.

After voicing that I wasn't sure about the dress I bought this weekend, LKN Bridal sprang into action.  They called me this past Monday to let me know that the owner agreed to order the dress I have been seeking...and they ordered in my size!  So if I love it, its mine!  If not, they will keep it as a sample dress for others to try on.  I am so happy and can't wait for it to come in next week.  I have made my mind up and decided that if the dress that comes in doesn't work I am going to go with my original purchase I made last weekend.

Making Decisions...

Over the week Todd and I sent in the deposits for our flowers and DJ.  I am excited to have these selected and booked!  Todd has been great about helping me make decisions and listening to my ideas.  Over the week I went to try on the dress I want just to make sure its the one.  I took my mom, grandmother and sisters with me.  Once we arrived I learned that the sample dress had been sold off the rack to another bride (it takes about 6.5 months to get this dress in from order date) who didn't have enough time to order for her wedding.  Although I was bummed I did not turn into a Bridezilla!  I think there is one other place that may have this dress..I will just have to make a few calls and see if they have it.

I also had my sisters try on a few dresses, and then I went back with Season..she tried on a few also.  I am having a hard time with colors and styles.  I am frazzled, but will hopefully figure it out soon enough!  I am going to go bridesmaid dress shopping again..but this time take a few flowers that are in my wedding colors to make it easier!

Is this a shot or what?

Funny story from Sunday!

As my mom is modeling above you can see you taking what we thought was a shot!  I am unable to have alcohol (an no I am not pregnant!), I saw these shot glasses with what I thought was a fruity shot!  So everyone grabbed one.  I think Alecia and Sara took the first drink..only to find out it didn't taste so well.  I later talked my mom into posing for this shot, and also trying it.  She agreed with the rest of the ladies..it was gross!  They still could not determine what it was...Alecia went up to the caterer and asked him.  He within seconds came up to us telling us it was a cold watermelon soup, that these are popular in Spain.  We all chuckled and watched everyone around us at other tables take it as a shot, their facial reactions were classic!

Food Tasting at the Brawley House...

On Sunday I was able to take my mom and some of the Bridal Party to a food tasting at the Brawley House.  I was so excited to show everyone the venue we (me and Todd) booked.  It was really hot outside but we all managed to walk around the grounds and have a light lunch.  I really liked getting everyones opinion's, as they are much needed.  I do have to use the caterer we tasted food from...I am awaiting a menu and from there Todd and I will decide!  Thank you all for coming with me!

Antique Blue Mason Jars...

As some of you may know I am wanting to use antique blue mason jars for my flowers.  A great friend of mine stumbled upon a wonderful deal.  She was in an antique store recently and talked sales person into selling her $500 - $600 worth of jars for $100!  That was my lucky day.  I have been looking around and they have been starting at $20 for the smaller jars.  Once I have all my blue jars I will be so happy!  I will say that I love going into antique stores, so much to look at...this hunt gives me an excuse to go more often!

Planning = The Hard Part!

I am happy with the progress of my planning.  While Todd is gone on weekends I have been trying to get the budget together and research vendors.  My first task was getting the venue selected and secured - completed!  I then had really no clue where to go from there.  I have been using TheKnot.com to help me.  I found on there a budget estimator which allows me to keep track of what I have spent and what is left.  I will say my budget numbers they gave me to spend on each item amazed me.  They are really low.  I am not the traditional type.  There may be some things that are a little different in our wedding, but still the wedding of my dreams.

So far I have found a DJ or possibly a band, the venue (comes with caterer), photographer, and the florist.  I also know what my decorations will be and colors!  I hope when people come to our wedding they will think the colors I choose reminds them of me!  Poor Todd, he could care less about the colors.  I know which dress I am wearing, just have to go and order it.

The main things left that come to mind is choosing the bridesmaids dresses,  finding a bakery for the cake, get a preacher, file for marriage license, get gifts for bridal party, plan rehearsal dinner, and what else?  I am sure something will come up I forgot!

Now...I just need to go and find that money tree Todd claims we have growing in the back yard!

The Venue...

We went a couple of places to look at venues.  The first place Todd didn't like to much.  We then went to the Brawley House in Mooresville, NC (pictured above) and we both loved it.  The property is gorgeous!  We will have the ceremony outside, they have recently completed a new barn, which is where we will hold the reception.  Its so pretty in person!

At First Sight...

We met years ago as many of you know.  We have been together for almost 7 years.  For those who don't know our story, here it is...

I was out at one of my favorite night spots in Charlotte, Cosmos.  I was there with a few friends when a group of guys approached us...Todd was one of them.  As many of you can imagine, Todd was in a great mood and would not leave me alone.  He followed every step and made throughout the night.  I never gave him my contact info, but ran into him again in Huntersville about a month later.  I was eating dinner with some friends and I looked up and saw him.  He was in town on a Saturday night, the race was in Darlington I believe so he had drove back for the night.  All I could say to my friends was "OMG, that weirdo guy is here from Cosmos."  He then came over....only for me to totally ignore him.

Someone eventually gave him my number, not sure who..still a mystery.  He called every other day to ask me out, only for me to tell him I was busy or couldn't.  I really didn't want to go out with him.  I used every excuse.  Finally one day (after about 2 months of persistence) he called and I agreed, but only if I could bring Ayden with me.  Ayden at this time was a year old.  I thought for sure he would leave me alone if I brought Ayden.

We went on our date..with Ayden!  We went to dinner and just talked.  To my surprise we had so much fun.  He was everything I was looking for.  We dated for about 7 months and broke up, only to get back together 2 months later.  At that time he made me promise to him that no matter what I would never leave.  Things went smooth for awhile until we broke up again.  I was hurt and knew that I loved him.  Through all the break ups we never went a day without talking.  We were trying to work things out.  He had gotten sick and came over to my house one evening.  The next day I had to take him to the hospital.  I stayed there with him night after night until it was time to go home.  We never really discussed where our relationship was headed after that.  I moved in and we became each others best friend.  This was about 5 years ago...and here we are today.

I am so excited to say that we are getting married Friday April 6th, 2012 in Mooresville.  We joke around and say this will be the 4th happiest day in his life (1st -Tyler, 2nd - winning the championship, 3rd - Chandler and last but not least 4th - our wedding day!).  I can't wait!