tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33076140580797130672023-11-16T02:48:58.551-08:00Anne's Bridal BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-60196155278014907582010-05-12T12:07:00.000-07:002010-05-12T12:13:13.308-07:00Shoes!Okay, so I know I've been remiss in posting, but here is my latest big decision: shoes! Here are the six I've narrowed my list to:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfubgwmGGwcRzwDaX21I1ExRpR4JLIYE2PNP2ZxfDFtcuWhVrr0G6EgWfKdMLurPpXgWJTL1RKEKqpvp61gxLkLKWPR-BON5ltqOP_FLCFUXWnU74lRVbuB9C_dXovjGBRhigEHgruVM/s1600/parad363807_197368_jb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfubgwmGGwcRzwDaX21I1ExRpR4JLIYE2PNP2ZxfDFtcuWhVrr0G6EgWfKdMLurPpXgWJTL1RKEKqpvp61gxLkLKWPR-BON5ltqOP_FLCFUXWnU74lRVbuB9C_dXovjGBRhigEHgruVM/s320/parad363807_197368_jb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470463475459011298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TqHbhc2I0hWyVXf6JX7ZwKNwkyxxmKj4dC3NHdrLDbBRTcWAWxU-JFC7uccEhanro0U5X6jQxM54h3qaVG4aAuxwBxN6ETqdQEhinZnEVFBcj1oYTSIUMMdvwYlNXib-DclaKP_e0lA/s1600/martinez+valero.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwfak8L6N5DRsDsRLg8ZEU9jjjMmBJYcGw9yeVdduBlviNMDcRuVG13m8wmoiSIVGB9j-A4UtXb4NC_j7Z5ttSjAKMle2ylpc-rXXakqhn8CLYzQ0TvoNj-D-RDa7nSkOHB-hvZdJITI/s1600/martinez+valero.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwfak8L6N5DRsDsRLg8ZEU9jjjMmBJYcGw9yeVdduBlviNMDcRuVG13m8wmoiSIVGB9j-A4UtXb4NC_j7Z5ttSjAKMle2ylpc-rXXakqhn8CLYzQ0TvoNj-D-RDa7nSkOHB-hvZdJITI/s320/martinez+valero.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470463290576099634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9Kj5WwmiTcpREme66KOaJPr7ussJNGeIOmhonXWdI0Iozos_qyRYUH0nRJoo395hVtJaMVFMbXJ6aV5lKKeHtk09qG3VYqezM23OT7zzWJM11Bl86QkpgU9UaE45r52iJaFGS7WK7L4/s1600/coloriffics+maya.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9Kj5WwmiTcpREme66KOaJPr7ussJNGeIOmhonXWdI0Iozos_qyRYUH0nRJoo395hVtJaMVFMbXJ6aV5lKKeHtk09qG3VYqezM23OT7zzWJM11Bl86QkpgU9UaE45r52iJaFGS7WK7L4/s320/coloriffics+maya.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470463287729027730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBTiHP4JCoOAJdzSF7YaurvzP91Wy-KMPDZ1KqIGJQ72aO_TRon8CmfVUvydJNBP6-1CDyrIR3WY6wi48ZFPq40MS5gXrxKZQ_2G382AykG0jnOmgfNlX2-7_VZPSZDlZbblSwOSdlGg/s1600/caparros+elan+sequined.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBTiHP4JCoOAJdzSF7YaurvzP91Wy-KMPDZ1KqIGJQ72aO_TRon8CmfVUvydJNBP6-1CDyrIR3WY6wi48ZFPq40MS5gXrxKZQ_2G382AykG0jnOmgfNlX2-7_VZPSZDlZbblSwOSdlGg/s320/caparros+elan+sequined.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470463283809935298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxuPHqQ7Z8YddNLTjF5ojktjQlIpC2iiy9seF08FgZI_NCDNlm0H_-ZbSPYmyGPIf1mAkWdot14SpKYWU8Y2BOZ_XVSusGw8TWGxj61VEkX3XiRWfvPt3uYkGYVUeB9BzHrJ_xj2Xsyc/s1600/annie+lola.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxuPHqQ7Z8YddNLTjF5ojktjQlIpC2iiy9seF08FgZI_NCDNlm0H_-ZbSPYmyGPIf1mAkWdot14SpKYWU8Y2BOZ_XVSusGw8TWGxj61VEkX3XiRWfvPt3uYkGYVUeB9BzHrJ_xj2Xsyc/s320/annie+lola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470463278091130018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ixe9eKZl0WodvRCIUL-n9uXwOWusJmj368rOc__Bgc4wnUS4oLXPrYYXJ4tr3alyv7zCCEHz-AxBAYEuj-rws9f6XFqut6dz_wIP9oEYFdyu1QrjXtMasEInRyaLE9VOG_BWT6iWVoU/s1600/ann+marino+helen+ruffle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ixe9eKZl0WodvRCIUL-n9uXwOWusJmj368rOc__Bgc4wnUS4oLXPrYYXJ4tr3alyv7zCCEHz-AxBAYEuj-rws9f6XFqut6dz_wIP9oEYFdyu1QrjXtMasEInRyaLE9VOG_BWT6iWVoU/s320/ann+marino+helen+ruffle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470463271359667314" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-45006309580757872392010-03-13T18:33:00.000-08:002010-03-13T18:42:38.460-08:00Productive wedding day!Future Husband & I had a really productive wedding day! We were hoping to buy some curtains for the new window treatments in the downstairs... and we ended up buying the groomsmen's wedding ties, finding a REALLY STRONG option for a wedding suit for the groom and groomsmen, got the curtains we wanted, stopped to talk to the travel department about some honeymoon options, and found & registered for our dishes!<br /><br />Right now we are in the process of pricing out the wedding flowers -- one meeting & estimate down, two to go. We are about 230 days away and things are really coming along.<br /><br />Next week we have a meeting with the jeweler (who happens to have a matching wedding band to go with my engagement ring), too!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-65007910369584896582010-01-18T16:21:00.000-08:002010-01-18T16:23:00.356-08:00I FOUND THE DRESS!!On my second excursion to a store with more selection, I found my wedding dress! It was the first dress I tried on that made me blush and smile as soon as I saw myself in it. Tomorrow we are going to take my measurements, put down the deposit, and order the gown! I am so proud to say I'm a Maggie bride!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-13987928581452616692010-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:002010-01-12T07:45:16.454-08:00Hello, Tuesday!What a wonderful week this has been already! I'm normally a Tuesday-hater but I have nothing but positivity going on right now. We have a PHENOMENAL new staff person and we are already seeing the difference in what we can get done and I am so thankful. Last night I had a wonderful and relaxing evening with FH where I made a new chicken recipe and a low sugar/low carb peanut butter cookie recipe! We shared some wine, had a great dinner and dessert and then just relaxed together. Since I haven't had any work for job #2 in about a month's time, I am SO much less stressed -- I am actually SHOCKED at how much better I feel.<br /><br />I want to give a hat tip to FH today. He is phenomenal about helping out around the house. For example, while I'm at work today, he's seeing that the trash is taken out. Last night he helped set the table and put away the clean dishes after my culinary-fest. Even better yet, he's been doing SO MUCH to stay involved and be helpful. I'm so used to taking on big tasks by myself that when I make decisions I often forget to tell him. He's very forgiving of those little mistakes, and he always backs me up, but I need to do a better job of keeping him posted while my mind runs like a hamster in a wheel. I've done all the research on the photographers and potential florists I'd consider using for the wedding, but he's making the dozens of phone calls to screen them first! Once we narrow down who we like and who is in our price range, we can meet in person to discuss. I feel so relieved and so excited to have such an involved groom and it's so nice not to feel like I have to handle all this alone! <br /><br />Hope everyone's week is going well!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-7411480010491403522010-01-11T09:50:00.000-08:002010-01-12T07:58:24.748-08:00Another productive wedding weekend!I am THRILLED that we got two major items crossed off the wedding to do list this past weekend!<br /><br />First, FH surprised me and told me he went ahead (while there having breakfast with FM-I-L) and scheduled our rehearsal dinner! He even brought home the menu and we were able to pick what we wanted. Now, mind you, this is WAY ahead of the game, but it was a responsibility the FH wanted to take on and now it's done! <br /><br />Best of all I finally got a call back after, literally, six months of calling the ONE MAN I've wanted to DJ my wedding (well, since I met FH and even considered a wedding as a possibility)!!!! I've called him no less than 10 times, emailed him, and even sent him a handwritten letter in December! Well he called back and of course my phone was off. We called back, put him on speaker and were finally able to talk about all the details! I am beyond RELIEVED that he's going to handle our reception. I am so picky about music and he was the only person I'd trust. Thankfully, he got back to us, can definitely do it -- and best yet, he accepted our financial offer!<br /><br />2010 has been really productive so far!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-53065615163238789962010-01-08T09:36:00.000-08:002010-01-08T09:53:32.737-08:00Dress shoppingWell, faithful readers, no luck on the first try. I think I set my expectations too high. I kept hearing how once you find the dress you just KNOW and, maybe because I didn't find it, I didn't have that feeling. I tried on lots of types of dresses: fit & flare, a line, lace, silk taffeta, buttons, corsets, the works. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice my figure looked in a fit & flare gown. There was one that I liked and put on twice, but it had buttons on the back and a little too much rhinestone bling on the bust. The other that I really battled with was a <a href="http://www.maggiesottero.com"></a> couture gown. I'm not a super formal bride (no tuxes, among many other things), and I don't want a really formal dress. This dress, was more formal than I expected: strapless, corset back, three separate layers of lace. I kept it on the longest because I was so torn. Choosing a dress got HARDER the longer I was there!<br /><br />In the end, I didn't leave with a dress. Nothing absolutely blew my mind. The first time I saw myself in a dress I looked in the mirror and laughed! I couldn't believe that this was my life. I didn't feel "bridal" per se, nor did I feel "beautiful." I felt odd, like I was having an out of body experience; I've never, until I met FH, considered myself "the marrying kind." It's a lot to change your mind about when you feel certain, for many years, that marriage isn't something you would choose. I was hoping having the gowns on would change my mind, transform me in some way, and that didn't happen. Again, a circumstance of too-high expectations. In the end, I felt disappointed that I hadn't felt differently, worried the very helpful and amiable saleswoman felt I wasted her time, but relieved to learn more about wedding dress shopping. Definitely not what I expected, but my next appointment on the 18th is one I'm really looking forward to -- they have numerous designers, all of which I LOVE! Happy weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-46724033004367595082010-01-06T19:35:00.000-08:002010-01-06T19:39:36.848-08:00Aforementioned design/theme<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHZm-zDe8fuJ6YseNuAED-fUh-4NmS_Kg_4F6OP3qCEj_XEvf-tRF1HyB7e1piO-Ts_KfjLk2-9WPyt0WRyLhosDStsKTLLhzCVscou8WvQ8Vk2ktXFpO3EZVmQD71GEokfXROFOYMJY/s1600-h/wine+wedding+invitation.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHZm-zDe8fuJ6YseNuAED-fUh-4NmS_Kg_4F6OP3qCEj_XEvf-tRF1HyB7e1piO-Ts_KfjLk2-9WPyt0WRyLhosDStsKTLLhzCVscou8WvQ8Vk2ktXFpO3EZVmQD71GEokfXROFOYMJY/s320/wine+wedding+invitation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423837259459037426" /></a><br />Here it is! Right now the background is "raisin" -- but for us, Maid of Honor, is designing something with chocolate brown in the background with gold or ivory text. Love it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-55478888043471285732010-01-06T19:19:00.000-08:002010-01-12T07:59:44.243-08:00Designs/Themes for wedding mediaAfter a few months of haphazard research I FINALLY found a design theme that I want to use for the website, invites, save the dates, programs, etc.! I locked in my Maid of Honor, the STELLAR, graphic designer to help me out once I found what I wanted and I am feeling relieved. I had spent some time looking in the past few months and not finding anything that I really loved; a discouraging process. I was talking with Maid of Honor and my phenomenal web designer, @Phillip_Copley, and I think we'll be able to put all of the pieces together! I'm hoping the website will be up and running (with ongoing updates/changes) by the end of the month... that means I have to get to writing and details!<br /><br />It's been really refreshing to ease myself back into the planning process, finding some fairly simple answers -- of course, I say that now!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-67606876281454463662010-01-05T10:13:00.000-08:002010-01-05T10:32:24.518-08:00Dresses!I am excited to report that I have my first appointment to try on wedding gowns on Thursday. I'm going with my mom to a place near my apartment which is locally owned and operated. The upside is that everything looks affordable, and is a local business. The downside I have concerns about is that they are all sample dresses of the latest bridal gowns, but I'm worried that they'll be damaged or that the sample sizes will be too small for me to fit. I guess we'll find out!<br /><br />I have another appointment on Jan 18th since I'm off and I've found a designer that I am thrilled with -- but who knows what the prices are like. The second place has options for the bridesmaid dresses, so I'm feeling a little more excited about the other place -- more size and selection.<br /><br />I'm not even 100% sure what I'm looking for, but I know what I don't want: mermaid, dropped waist, gathering in the skirt, sweetheart neckline. I think I'd like something in taffeta or some other substantial, reusable material with lace and a corset back. I've found some stunning gowns from <a href="http://www.casablancabridal.com">Casablanca</a> that make me lose my breath!<br /><br />I am really looking forward to the feeling I'll have when I start putting dresses on. I hope I finally start to feel like a bride. Most of all, I'm wondering if I'll really have the "you'll know" feeling when I put on the dress that I choose to wear down the aisle... or does it choose me?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-8086971667401877702010-01-03T09:16:00.000-08:002010-01-03T09:19:54.937-08:00Into 2010 with 300 days to go!It's hard to believe we're already into 2010. I am enjoying some family time with my dad's side of the family in snowy, windy Hometown, PA. Trying to decide on my new year's resolutions (I'm a big believer in not making grandiose committments to ultra-strict goals) included some of the usual ones: spending more time reading, cooking more, and spending more time writing/blogging. I think the blogging will go hand in hand in the impending wedding planning. Helpfully, theKnot reminded me this morning of my 153 tasks to go!<br /><br />Stay updated here on more of my adventures in wedding planning for the next 300 days!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-87262672928240655462009-11-01T17:31:00.000-08:002009-11-01T17:47:27.186-08:00Weekend with Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Hh2HzFF_qFOXHr0isJkIs9Tw0mbcSvm9_eie4U2kJUZNo4W2QfNCiWLfV5VmCErrBd-O8RjPJniOnJXizZ6vth5j4wntAdRUr3Zdw22BIEsVI7GqxHcK0tMb9JTvi_dRIe5VH-3d9G4/s1600-h/IMG_0418.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Hh2HzFF_qFOXHr0isJkIs9Tw0mbcSvm9_eie4U2kJUZNo4W2QfNCiWLfV5VmCErrBd-O8RjPJniOnJXizZ6vth5j4wntAdRUr3Zdw22BIEsVI7GqxHcK0tMb9JTvi_dRIe5VH-3d9G4/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399316952241695826" /></a><br />This weekend was an awesome weekend with both my and FH's families. On Saturday, we went over to my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Brian's house for what turned out to be a day-long project. The family went in on a swingset for my two adorable cousins: K4 and K2. We expected to spend a few hours, but after 8 hours from FH and I, we were spent. The others spent 10+ hours! <br /><br />Normally with a project of this magnitude, there would be emotions running high with family members and probably some short tempers. Not the case! FH was the entertainer and the foreman of the project, while there were several of us dividing and conquering the tasks as a part of the larger goal. <br /><br />There were some mentions of the wedding being less than a year away and I sensed some genuine excitement which was really pleasant. I even got an offer of financial help/significant gift from my big brother. Have no clue where to even start on that one!<br /><br />After 8 hours of swingset assembly, dark set in, and ND kickoff time approached. FH and I headed out separately to meet up at FBIL1 (future brother-in-law #1) and FSIL's house later. Got to watch the Irish win handily, as they should have, and spend some time with the family into which I'm marrying. It was a really relaxing night and I got some serious schooling (and later, some very kind instruction) on darts with FBIL1 and FH. FH and I had a great talk about family dynamics coming home late Saturday night.<br /><br />Today, the family finished the swingset and I have gotten a lot of very long overdue tasks done around my apartment. I'm still obsessing about the briet, though. I've had two solid weeks were I have been at or not more than 200 calories over my daily calorie allowance. I'm not noticing instant results, so it is hard for me not to get discouraged, and to find the motivation to continue. Now that I know I can handle the diet part (Lose It! app on iPhone keeps me accountable), I need to make the time to get to the gym more often. I also found a great app on my iPhone that has workouts on it, so hopefully that can help me do some great workouts at home. I leave in just over 6 weeks for Cancun with the FILs, so I have to stay diligent!<br /><br />We meet with our prospective photographer next week, but otherwise, the wedding planning has slowed. I had a meeting on Friday with our web designer, and I'm excited to see that keep moving. I think I had some really creative ideas, but I would love to hear any other ideas that have worked well for others.<br /><br />I'm hoping to keep my posting more regular, but with my life? Who knows! Happy daylight savings!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-72545747849560372162009-10-30T13:14:00.001-07:002009-10-30T13:15:12.515-07:00Speaking of color palette...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtio4KlnCZ-QCeFSPUn_fxH4klY9N-XnPootMgzRVAjM_hlpWAfmWyz3xYhGh9e8DU8wWModLvC8pm45Mu9VDv6KKW9_45EcF3vBePc4wqzPD0T_UnReNIK6ECKJKWWST2vFNI5JpU2sU/s1600-h/scan00667-3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtio4KlnCZ-QCeFSPUn_fxH4klY9N-XnPootMgzRVAjM_hlpWAfmWyz3xYhGh9e8DU8wWModLvC8pm45Mu9VDv6KKW9_45EcF3vBePc4wqzPD0T_UnReNIK6ECKJKWWST2vFNI5JpU2sU/s320/scan00667-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398489170824357218" /></a><br />I picked these two leaves up while walking into my building at work today. They are EXACTLY the colors I want, except with a little bit more rust orange involved. Beautiful!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-91264326211458952822009-10-30T12:16:00.001-07:002009-10-30T13:00:57.633-07:00ONE YEAR!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb69TG9oHqtjlfgiwztgh6q1h5BbTDDKf9dLybK2-jSGDiBLta2cu2wdtWC2AtVXsh48oJgUxZG5fjJq-L_dI3OUZz0XSd526tMy5IXW904t37ViYRDPKafdA5b_toWYA3meq64Mq1wE/s1600-h/cv_riesling.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 102px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb69TG9oHqtjlfgiwztgh6q1h5BbTDDKf9dLybK2-jSGDiBLta2cu2wdtWC2AtVXsh48oJgUxZG5fjJq-L_dI3OUZz0XSd526tMy5IXW904t37ViYRDPKafdA5b_toWYA3meq64Mq1wE/s320/cv_riesling.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398475291084612898" /></a><br />We are at 365 days... and counting. To go with the theme, perhaps we'll share some wine tonight to celebrate? When Adrian and I became a couple, we shared a bottle of Chateau St. Michelle Riesling -- I still have the bottle!<br /><br />Not very much progress has been made, but I still am getting a lot of questions about what's next. Luckily, I don't have a lot of things that need to be done before the end of the calendar year. Here's my ambitious short list:<br /><br />*Finally get in touch with my DJ friend who I asked (no lie) 15 months ago to DJ my wedding<br />*Choose color palette (done!)<br />*Create a list of florists to check out (done!)<br />*Insure my engagement ring (do I buy a merchant marine policy from FH's insurance co? Do I add it to my renter's policy -- same price? do I combine my car insurance and renter's insurance for a discount?)<br />*Schedule engagement photos with photographer<br />*FINALLY ask my Matron of Honor (other two are done)<br /><br />So there's lots on my plate. I have also started eyeing up some save-the-dates on a great website (thanks future MIL!), so that's on my radar, too. Once 2010 starts, the clock REALLY starts ticking. I hope to start shopping for my gown and for bridesmaid dresses shortly after the first of the year.<br /><br />We are meeting with our potential photographer next Sunday to see her work and, most likely, book her.<br /><br />I promise to do better at updating, but there's just not that much to say right now. Have a great weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-24159173506333434262009-09-21T12:14:00.001-07:002009-09-21T12:15:06.703-07:00Church!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM51satTKs5jHq2Jxs80RvOF7w3Gn-lulADHM3KbpkEOv1yFtgBhnghabLcwNHMIQ0znVRH36QiDDxGdeWCXxnedmqSHwi6jwYyDllLuVv2ayOXNvuTA8BK7UhfING7A3ORCCpkMD_PsM/s1600-h/sanctuarylg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM51satTKs5jHq2Jxs80RvOF7w3Gn-lulADHM3KbpkEOv1yFtgBhnghabLcwNHMIQ0znVRH36QiDDxGdeWCXxnedmqSHwi6jwYyDllLuVv2ayOXNvuTA8BK7UhfING7A3ORCCpkMD_PsM/s320/sanctuarylg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384001249748435266" /></a><br /><br />The CHURCH! After 12 attempts, this is what we finally went with and I am so thrilled that it's finalized. It's a beautiful church with a fantastic staff!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-57992900155559159632009-09-21T12:13:00.001-07:002009-09-21T12:14:07.818-07:00Reception Site<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfltLJu9oxF7B66edqWJ3-YlQJ2xHIREADMRFSZ596DgVnuKA2BANZUW-CVBOItK33Ur0G7g6xzE3rzPMLoIcRCrvSwzfqBwsa2PUe8leuB59eYz6OZwU4mlCaczOrJ-IzgZaVAeUdGko/s1600-h/weddings2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfltLJu9oxF7B66edqWJ3-YlQJ2xHIREADMRFSZ596DgVnuKA2BANZUW-CVBOItK33Ur0G7g6xzE3rzPMLoIcRCrvSwzfqBwsa2PUe8leuB59eYz6OZwU4mlCaczOrJ-IzgZaVAeUdGko/s320/weddings2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384000969448649650" /></a><br /><br />Here's a picture of our reception site! It is all now official -- FH and I will be married October 30th, 2010!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-49998997585257762442009-09-09T06:10:00.001-07:002009-09-09T06:54:13.653-07:00Returning from VacationI was finally able to take a week off, hallelujah! Many of you know that I work in a two person office. My boss was out on maternity leave for 15 weeks, so I was here as the lone staffer and it was a very busy summer. I was able to take last week off to relax, regroup, and spend time with FH (Future Husband). I was hoping to get some wedding things accomplished, but things didn't turn out how I expected.<br /><br />We have a reception location picked out that we LOVE and can't wait to officially book. I don't feel comfortable making a reception site official without a church. Both FH and I are born, raised, practicing Christians -- him Catholic, me Lutheran. It is a must-have for us to be married in a church, so that part is easy. Finding said church? Not so easy.<br /><br />To start, we contacted the church we've been attending and are planning to join. It seats 150 normally, 200 is REALLY pushing it. We are inviting 250 guests, so that's out. On top of that, the Saturday evening service is at 5:00 PM, and we'd have to be out of the space by 3:30 in order to clean, etc. I wanted the wedding to START at 3:30. Option one - out.<br /><br />Five other churches I called married members only.<br /><br />One church I attended, was beautiful, but wasn't moved. I wasn't able to contact the minister.<br /><br />One church had an interim pastor and couldn't commit to the date next year.<br /><br />One church had a Saturday service that didn't interfere, parking, would marry non-members, and the minister and FH knew each other personally. We attended services there, but I felt like I wanted to leave before we even got to the first scripture reading! Not sure why, but I didn't feel at home there. Much less, I didn't feel like I could see myself getting married there.<br /><br />Losing count? We're at 9.<br /><br />FH and I visited our friend's church in a nearby town with her father as tour guide. Definitely plenty of parking, no Saturday service, would marry us as nonmembers. The sanctuary was very plain, and it wasn't a Lutheran church. It was an option, but not my top choice.<br /><br />We stopped on our way back to my apartment because we passed another beautiful Lutheran congregation. Members only. Church number 11.<br /><br />When I got home, I was feeling pretty discouraged. FH made us breakfast, let me stew, even let me just lay on him and take a nap. Of course, I lamented on Facebook too. Within about an hour I had a reply from a woman who volunteered in my office last year while in Lutheran seminary. She and I had a few mutual friends through my Lutheran upbringing. She messaged me to suggest her church (she is junior pastor, but also on her way out on maternity leave until mid-October) -- no Saturday service, will marry non-members, can bring our own minister, etc. etc. I was cautiously optimistic and requested a photo of the sanctuary. GORGEOUS! FH and I attended Sunday services this past Sunday (we say we're on tour) and it was perfect, beautiful, the service was touching and meaningful, and I felt completely comfortable there. It was unexpected, but I think we have a church! We introduced ourselves to the senior pastor after the service and he was fantastic. I reached out to him yesterday and am waiting for a response.<br /><br />I think that once we can meet with him we can finalize everything... now the problem? We're unsure of the Notre Dame bye week next year! ::Sigh::<br /><br />Either way, I am feeling hopeful again and can't wait to make the date official!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-50027839710054460302009-08-21T10:41:00.001-07:002009-08-21T11:56:46.269-07:00No surprise, I got busyAnyone out there who knows me is completely aware of how over-committed I am! I'm hoping that things will begin to moderate a bit now that we have all hands back on deck at work.<br /><br />The briet has been really up and down. My first phase ends on September 30th. I have been back on the wagon and committed for three glorious days... not so exciting to report, but it feels really good to know that I'm succeeding. I have renewed sense of drive thanks to a wonderful heart-to-heart with FH (Future Husband). <br /><br />The wedding planning comes along slowly, but three BIG pieces are coming together! First, we met with the most affordable and in our range reception venue in early August. Turns out I was confused about their prices, but I told the gentleman what my firm budget and expected guests were and he caved! We want to let him know by the end of next week. That brings us to the second piece, the church. Adrian and I want to be married in a church because we both have a deeply rooted faith. The problem is that we are about to join a WONDERFUL church that won't fit all of our guests! So, we decided to look into other local churches which would marry us and allow our many must-haves (a friend assisting as minister, our own soloists, customizing the service), etc. We have another church which has capacity and the time slot open that we are hoping to figure out soon. <br /><br />The other big piece that has fallen into fairly cemented place is our photographer! After many hours of research, I went back to one of the first photographers I had in mind. She's trying to start up her business and her website and will do our ENTIRE WEEKEND at one flat rate, and edit and hand over ALL of the high-res images on DVD. Best part is that we can have a free engagement shoot, too! We'll have all the photos on CD for hundreds under our budget so we can just buy our albums through shutterfly/snapfish! Very, very exciting.<br /><br />The only other big step is that I've officially asked one of my three attendants to stand for me. I plan to have a maid of honor, matron of honor and bridesmaid. I tackled the most difficult first and asked by fantastically wonderful girlfriend who makes everything in life seem better after being around her to be my maid of honor and she accepted! It made my month. One down, two to go!<br /><br />More info to come. Hoping to finalize the locations and set the date by the end of next week! I won't allow my mind to wander to any of the fun stuff yet, but I'll be sure to keep it posted when I do! Have a great weekend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-84539422370846546752009-07-20T17:28:00.000-07:002009-07-20T17:33:05.053-07:00Briet -- Bridal DietAs many new brides find themselves, I am now beginning to embark on the dark path of bridal weight loss. It's going to be really difficult, but luckily I have a trip to Cancun in December which will help get the process jump started. I'd like to lose 20 pounds in 5 months (doable, yes?) for the Cancun trip. I devised a plan and broke it into sections. Each section matches a goal (Cancun trip, wedding) and has specific workout and diet goals. Today is day 1 and I'm doing well! I'm below my calorie intake limit, and I'm hoping to get some working out in a little later this evening... we'll see. So much work for job #2 makes it really hard!<br /><br />My biggest recommendation to keep track of your calories and dieting is the DailyPlate. Sign up for a free account to track your daily food intake, and to set weight loss goals. I've only dipped my toe in, but I know there are a ton of great resources linked with the site so I encourage you to check them out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-12713165158945046182009-07-19T20:30:00.001-07:002009-07-19T20:39:37.600-07:00Wedding Expo 1As someone never really "sold" (until I met Adrian, of course) on marriage, the fact that I attended a bridal expo today conjured some odd feelings today; mainly that I'm a sellout.<br /><br />With my mom (an awesome teammate and wonderful person to have in my corner) and her best friend (or, BFF as she calls herself) in tow, we walked the few sunny blocks to the bridal expo. <br /><br />I felt overwhelmed the moment I walked in! It's uncomfortable to have dozens of strangers "congratulate" you because their well-wishing is so dishonest; most of them are seeing dollar signs -- not your ring or your beautiful (future) wedding gown. I spent one hour on both floors, picked up lots of information and spoke to a few people. My main objective was to find a ceremony site, reception site, and photographer. What a tall order!<br /><br />I found one great woman hoping to do a wedding photography start up, a few great bridal shops (so NOT on my radar), zero ceremony sites, and one or two reception sites to check into. As good as it was for an information gathering mission, I was not moved by the wedding industry -- and yes, it is an industry.<br /><br />I reviewed the information I gathered and organized it tonight. Thank you KJZJ for making me that AWESOME wedding binder -- I'd lose my mind without it. Adrian and I went through the high points tonight and it was so great to have him there with me, sharing thoughts, giving input, and hearing what he thought were good ideas. I kept hearing him say that he didn't need to be involved in decision-making, that it was "my day", etc. but I should have known better. Adrian is so attentive and involved in our everyday lives, I should have known he'd be just as intimately engaged (no pun intended) -- and I'm so thankful for that!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-50713783195912544412009-07-19T20:25:00.000-07:002009-07-19T20:41:17.642-07:00Planning begins!I can't believe that I've been engaged two weeks and have been asked at least 50 times when the date is! As much as I would love to have that nailed down by now, there are a lot of other things that need to be determined first. My succession of wedding planning is as follows:<br /><br />Proposal: check<br />Finalizing budget (after crunching our numbers and talking to our families): check<br />Finalizing guest list (98% done - at least gives us our ballpark number of capacity needed): check<br />Reception site: In progress<br />Ceremony site: In progress<br />Photographer: In progress<br /><br />Not bad for two weeks! Luckily the guest list has been floating between Adrian and I for a few months, so it wasn't something that had to be built from the ground up. I also checked out the dates/times for some upcoming bridal shows, so hopefully I can get some of the other details taken care of then! Happy Birthday goes out to my future FIL today as well!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3307614058079713067.post-61004211007343160482009-07-06T07:11:00.000-07:002009-07-06T07:43:15.295-07:00It started with the stairs...Adrian and I have been dating for almost a year and a half. We've been talking about getting married for about fourteen of the eighteen months! <br /><br />I don't even know where to start... to talk about how happy we've been together, about how everyone who meets Adrian pulls me aside to tell me how wonderful he is, how I can't wait to be his wife -- all of it. So I'll start with the proposal story, which is what everyone wants to hear.<br /><br />I was very clear that I wanted to be totally surprised by Adrian's proposal, and I absolutely was. Anyone who knows Adrian knows that he's a pretty talkative guy, and he's very sweet so I knew it would be hard for him to keep a secret. I also knew my oblivion would be a huge help in the "surprise" department!<br /><br />Adrian asked me to go to dinner with his brother Todd and his girlfriend, Deb on Sunday evening. We had been mentioning going to dinner with them for over a year and so I didn't think anything of it when we finally got it on the calendar. I spent Saturday night/Sunday morning at the Huber's cabin on the Susquehanna. Sunday morning we woke up late, had a great breakfast, and I thought we'd spend most of the afternoon. Everyone kept asking me what I was doing that day, and I said I was just going to work on my typing for my second job. Adrian's brother Brian decided earlier than I expected that it was time to go. So we headed back to the main land and I took Adrian home. I laid on the couch and was just watching TV when Adrian suggested that I should probably go home and get started on my work so that we could hang out later that night. I admit I was pretty miffed at the idea of not being able to spend the day with him, so I struck a deal. I said if he cleaned his room, I'd go home to do my work. The deal was struck and I went on my way.<br /><br />Dinner was at 4:00 and Adrian called at 3:45 to say they were already at the restaurant. I, as usual, was running late and it was only protracted by the fact that I got cornered by one of my lonely neighbors on my way to my car! I got to the restaurant about 5 minutes late. We had a great dinner, and then Adrian suggested we go down to MusicFest along the river. We walked the entire length of it, then we stopped at my office and headed back down to MusicFest. Deb suggested getting ice cream which I thought was a great idea (of course)! Little did I know, Adrian was watching me in line and was mad that I got a cone because he couldn't take it out of my hand or put it on the ground to propose! Todd and Deb suggested we walk down along the river, so we found the steps that take you down to the river steps.<br /><br />I didn't want to walk, so I took a seat on the steps of the river - they go right into the water. Todd and Deb said they were going to walk a bit down the river and take some pictures. Adrian and I just talked for a bit as I enjoyed my ice cream cone... may I add -- I am the slowest ice cream eater EVER!<br /><br />This was when I got suspicious. I looked behind me and Todd and Deb were taking pictures of each other, but weren't walking. I reached and touched Adrian's leg pocket and felt something that felt like a ring box... or his cell phone. He swatted my hand away and I started to breathe really heavily because I thought it might be happening. Then, I looked back and Todd and Deb weren't moving. So I said, let's get going and catch up with Todd and Deb because I think they're waiting for us. I stood up to walk away (ice cream cone in hand), and Adrian grabbed my hips, turned me toward him, and got on one knee. I won't share everything he said, but he pulled out the ring and asked if I would marry him. I fell on my knees, hugged him, and said "absolutely!" Little did I know, Todd and Deb took pictures of it all!<br /><br />I was so excited I couldn't stop shaking. I was heading back to Adrian's house to do some work and made phone calls the entire way back to his house. When we pulled onto his street I saw a ton of cars I recognized... He had invited his family and mine over to his house to celebrate! That was the best way to end the night. I got to see his family, my family, share the stories, take pictures, and have a great time. I promise I'll post pictures soon!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0