On June 23, 2012, it was a sunny summer day when we said I DO and become Mr. & Mrs. Albert ♥

"The best is yet to come" And I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us! 

It was the utmost  and utterly perfect day we've ever shared together. It was truly awe inspiring and amazing to be surrounded by so much love and support.

Like so many before me; I hope you find inspiration from my bio! If you use any of my photos, please credit my awesome photog, Bryan Ho Photography!

Many thanks, hugs, and kisses! Muah!

xoxo

DansMrs, aka Ashley

I love P-dub! And the wonderful ladies here! 

Also a disclaimer! If I have taken a photo and not given proper credit, please let me know. I started saving inspriation photos long before I was actually doing anything with my profile. ;)

Ladies I am beyond honored and excited to join the AWESOME Pink Heart Team (on 4/6/12) and help and support you all as much I am able and as much as I have been supported and helped by the PW community! PW has been like an online family to me and I love the community it provides ladies in waiting, Brides, and Wifey's! 

Feel free to PM me or stop by to say HI at anytime! :) 

***Happy Planning!***

From the moment I became active on the boards, little PW goals started forming for me. First it was the carats, then certain badges. Further down the road I dreamed of becoming a hostess. In the back of my mind, the goal that was most coveted besides becoming a hostess (which I was estatic when that happened in April 2012) was to be featured as Bio of the Week! My dream came true on Friday 9.7.12! It is such an honor to be not only considered for this let alone chosen and featured along side other beautiful and gorgeous weddings/brides on this site! We planned the wedding day with a tight budget according to what was important to us and a true reflection of us and I hope that in doing so we are an inspiration for other couples.

 inspired by Uhlease   

Our Wedding Web Site

http://www.weddingwire.com/AshleyandDan2012

We are getting married on Saturday, June 23, 2012! 

  128 invited

   100 accepted!

 18 can't make it...LAME!

 10 haven't responded yet

5 no shows! How RUDE!!!

RSVP Date June 1, 2012

 (idea borrwed from LaraD2mRdr) 

OH EM GEE I'm on the list!

I (Ashley) am a born and raised CA Bay Area girl. My family moved around a lot when I was younger but I consider my home town Santa Clara because that's where I went to school the most. I am very laid back down to earth type but I also enjoy the finer things in life when I can afford them. I have an older sister who is my bestest friend and I'm very close with my parents and grandparents. Family means the world to me and I hold them dear to my heart. Friends that are family by choice as well. I consider myself very blessed. 

Daniel (Dan) is a 2nd generation imigrant. He was born in the UK and came over to the states when he was two years old. He has 2 brothers and 1 sister all younger than him. He is also a very laid back type of person who doesn't like to plan and likes to live day to day to see what's thrown at him. He's silly, strong, romantic when he wants to be, and kind hearted. He wears his heart on his sleeve and would do anything for his family and friends. He loves the outdoors and loves working with his hands. He's your traditional old school kinda guy and is not afraid to speak his mind. 

Dan and I have been together since Jan 2004 and we both can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. I was your typical Disney Princess type girl who also loves sports and camping. He was your typical skater boi who loved BMX'ing and four wheeling. We have lots of fun together and love discovering new hobbies. Dan has taught me a lot over the years and he keeps me grounded to reality instead of day dreaming about fairy tales.

Dan and I met on New Years Eve of 2003. He was celebrating the event with friends in Redwood City and I was tagging along with a friend of mine who was visiting her boyfriend at the time; Phil. My brief introduction to Dan was about 5 minutes long; however long enough to peak both of our interest in each other.

After my friend and I left the party to ring in the new year at her Uncle's house in San Jose, she called up Phil and asked him if he wanted to hang out for a bit. He did, and by my encouragment, she asked Phil to bring his friend Dan with him.

After talking non stop for about 3 hours; the boys were heading home. Daniel tried to be sly and enter his number into my phone before leaving but he couldn't figure it out. So after exchanging numbers, we hugged goodbye and he said he'd call me.

A couple days later he called me and asked me out on a date. I was estatic. And as you all know the rest is history. Ever since then, we've always been having fun no matter what we're doing and keeping each other happy. It always amazes me how he can make me smile with just a simple look. Even on my worst days.  

Met: New Years Eve 2003

First Kiss: Sometime in Jan 2004

Started Dating: Jan 2004

Engaged: April 20, 2008

Wedding: June 23, 2012

He's so much more than I could have ever expected or asked for. 

Dan took me out to Connecticut for the first time to meet his Albert side of the family. We were staying with his Aunt Sheilah and Uncle Lou and their two daughters. Everyone was very welcoming and made me feel like family immediately!

The night of the 20th, after some homemade Bailey's and Guinness and some hot tub relaxation; I went to bed. Daniel stayed up talking with Lou for few more hours. When Daniel came to bed, he woke me up for a talk about the future. Now, we've had chats like these before, I didn't think anything of it. But then he said, "Ashley, I'm serious; please wake up and let's talk."

After chatting for a few minutes, Daniel pulls me out of bed, kneels down on both knees and says, "Ashley, I love you. And you've put up with my crazy ass for so long and I don't know how or why you have but I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?" I was crying and couldn't stop smiling. I actually asked him, "Is this for real?" He said yes so of course I said YES!

With his proposal being spontaneous; he didn't have a ring, so he moved my claddagh ring that he got me while on a trip to England from my right hand to my left hand.

We promptly mass texted (due to the hour) family and friends back home the great news! Back home in CA it was only 11pm but it was 2am in CT. Both Mom's called us right away to talk since they were both up still.

MOB said, "It's about time! Congrats and welcome to the family Daniel."

MOG said, "Why'd you have to get engaged all the way out there?! LOL Welcome to the family Ashley, but you already were!"

The next morning, I went downstairs and told Dan's Aunt Sheilah that I guess I could call her Auntie Sheilah now. She was BEYOND excited. She went out and bought a cake to celebrate the that night; except the store messed up royally with the spelling. Made for quite a story!

It wasn't until 2 years after being engaged that I finally got my e ring! I love it!

Engagement photos courtesy of Bryan Ho Photography taken on 1.28.12

Teaser until we get them back!

Our Photographer got our disc back so quickly - we got them on 2.10.12. There's even a photo on the top of our photo cd! So cute and fun!

Our original plan was to have the wedding in South Lake Tahoe on June 9, 2012. However after serveral conversations and personal reasons; we decided to move things closer to home in the Bay Area.

We have our venues booked for Sat. June 23, 2012. <3 

Our Ceremony will be held at Pulgas Water Temple in Redwood City, CA.

“San Francisco built Pulgas Water Temple as a monument to the engineering marvel that brought Hetch Hetchy water more than 160 miles across California from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay Area. The Hetch Hetchy Project had taken 24 years to build through the Great Depression at a cost of $102 million.”

Weddings at Pulgas Water Temple

More here and here

We'll dance the night away at Bay Cafe Restaurant on the Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course! 

Banquet room where we'll have dinner

The bar area

The enclosed patio where cocktail hour will take place

I can't wait! I was stressed at first by the change but I'm hopeful now as things are falling into place. Ironically the venues choose our date for us so instead of June 9th it'll be June 23rd. Which is my Grandparents wedding anniversary!

I originally was really drawn towards Tiffany Blue/Aqua and a Soft Yellow however I'm now leaning more towards Tiffany Blue/Aqua with Silver/Pewter accents with subtle pops/hints of Yellow. 

Bridesmaid bouquet inspiration; I love gerbera dasies so I like yellow and white daisies maybe with or without the bear grass and tied with a teal blue ribbon.

Bridal Bouquet inspiration: besides gerbera dasies one of my fav flowers are star gazer lilies. I love the texture of the bouquet below with just a hint of color. Again mind would be tied with teal blue ribbon just like my girls' bouquets. 

Reality

For my Mom and the Grandma's, I love love love this look! I would have them wear a gardenia, an orchid, or a mini gerbera daisy as it'll last longer. 

Reality

FMIL is allergic to flowers so I'll be ordering this for her from Etsy seller BeautyUnveiled

In my head I pictured a sweatheart neckline, strapless, one shoulder or off shoulder. Nothing too poofy and nothing too full like a princess.

I did say yes to the dress but I'm keeping the actuall dress a secret until the big day. So stay tuned and I'll post pix after June 23rd! ;)

After a full day of shopping I began to get a little discouraged. Bridal salons have 2 issues - they don't have a huge selection of samples in bigger sizes and secondly the samples they do have are being purchased by brides who are in a rush for a dress and/or don't have time to order. 

I went shopping on Saturday with my Mom, Grandma, and Sister only and found two that I really liked but they didn't feel like they were 'IT'. Besides that none of us could really agree on anything. My Mom and Gma really liked the flowy ciffon type dresses and I didn't. They didn't provide any shape to my curves and made me feel and look wider (in my eyes) than I really am.

I had one appt set up for Sunday where my other bridesmaids and my FMIL would join my Mom, Grandma, Sister and my Nephew. Then it happened, 4th or 5th dress in. Rouching, beading, bling, corset back, and a very soft lightweight material made a very soft romantic looking gorgous dress!!! Everyone loved this dress and I was getting that feeling that I really really liked this one. As soon as I looked at the back and a veil got put on me - is when it hit me. Yes I got teary eyed and so did my Mom. I think my FMIL even choked up and it takes a lot to get to her. LOL 

Here she is! 

The second one I'm looking over at my Mom. <3 Such a magical moment. This truly was a phenomenol experience and I'm so glad and grateful that I got to share this with her.

Audrey (Grandma), Amber (Sister), Hayden (Nephew), Tammy (Mom)

Sierra (BM), Trish (FMIL), Kari (BM). My 4th BM (FI's sister Amanda) is hiding behind the chairs. lol

Some more shots of the detailing - photos we took don't do it justice. The photos below are from when my dress actually came in. 

What you can't see is the snag that was about an inch long in the front on the left side of the skirt. So the salon called Allure. Long story short they offered me $150 off the snagged dress or a new dress ordered on RUSH that would be here June 7th or earlier. Which would leave me 2 weeks for alterations. 

2nd Dress came in on May 25th and my shoes came in on the 27th! Picked up my PERFECT dress on Mon the 28th and then dropped it off that same day at the seamstress.

My shoes waiting for me - my Mom shot this while I was getting into my dress.

Me with my Mom in MY dress!

After lots of internal debate with myself for weather I wanted my hair down, up, half up, or a side do and after looking at TONS of photos I finally found my Wedding Day hair! 

Source 

Thanks to browsing msdl's lovely bio I fell in love with her hair flower over my orig plan. lol

From Etsy seller EnchantedlyYours

 OR 

I'll be wearing this Blinged out Comb from JewelryBox88. I'm having the hardest time deciding so I'm going to order both and decide after my hair trial. If I still can't decide I might wear one for ceremony and one for reception.

This is going to be my veil. It's an ivory single tier, fingertip lenght angel veil with a silver metallic pencil edge from etsy seller BellaBridalVeils

4.14.12 Trial Day

Here is my inspiration. I want the make up look below but with a less winged eye lash. I love how this is dramatic yet soft and romantic 

4.14.12 Trial Day

I have four ladies standing up with me on my big day. They are all very important and special to me and I could not imagine my wedding without them by my side.

First there's Amber my older and only Sister and MOH. I knew she'd be my MOH before I even met my FI. We fought like crazy growing up but we were also partners in crime and became really close when I was a Freshman in HS and she was a Senior.

Then there's Kari. We started hanging out because our men are friends. Over time we grew closer and closer. In a lot of ways I feel like we're kindred spirits.  

Sierra has become like a second sister. She's the same age as my Sister and sometimes reminds me of Amber. We finish each other's sentances and thoughts and are often times on the same page. I was recently her MOH in her Nov 2011 wedding. 

Last, but certainly never least is my FSIL Amanda. I met her when she was 12 and since then I've had the pleasure of watching her grow into a beautiful young lady. She's spunky and wacky but she's quite fun and loving too. We're built a wonderful relationship over the years. 

I wanted to find my girls something that fits them comfortably and that's fun and something they'll want to wear again. I also wanted to keep the dresses between $100-150. 

I loved the idea of having them in a different dress but same color. legentry's ladies were my inspiration. I loved the idea of my girls in Teal but I know they'd re-wear pewter again so they'll be in pewter.

Here is what Amber and Sierra are wearing

Here is what Kari will be wearing to accomodate her pregnancy bump! :)

And Amanda will be wearing this one

For shoes, I'm only requiring silver heels or flats. They don't need to be all matchy matchy.

I would like to get them these necklaces (were purchased) from etsy seller whitetulipboutique as part of their gift and have them tied with teal blue ribbon. Then again I may attempt to make them myself.

I bought this hair flower for my Sister to wear so that she stands out a little as my MOH! Found on etsy by seller: SarasBoutique

I am loving the grey suit with a more casual feel/look for the guys. I would love to see grey suits with teal vests/waist coats or teal ties if they wear grey vests.

I love this look and I think this is what Dan is leaning towrds.

The guys ended up ordering slacks and shirts from Men's Warehouse during their BOGO (buy one get one free) sale. So the guys are wearing dark grey slacks, white button up, and then renting silver vests and silver ties. Daniel will be wearing this tie.

The lucky lads

Josh is Dan's childhood friend and has been there for him through it all. So it was no surprise that he was asked to be Dan's Best Man. This is the best photo I have on hand for now.

His Brother Matthew 

His youngest brother Alex who resembles Dan a bit

and finally his cousin Adam (he's the one on the right) 

Our DOC also does graphic design so she created our monogram and put that together with our invitiation wording for printing. Below is what she came up with based on fonts I liked. 

You are cordially invited to see what I did for our invitations! I found a 4 fold pocket invitation kit at Target for $40 a kit. It included everything I needed: Card for invitation and RSVP, pocket enclosure, envelopes for RSVP and invitation, sticker seals, and pre-cut ribbon! Made by Gartner Studios. I added embelishments to dress them up a little bit but here they are!

The kit:

My Work Station!

Printing and added embelishment to dress up the invite!

The invite card added and all folded up ready to be stuffed!

In the envelop, I loved how the A peeked out from it. :)

All ready to go, the night before dropping off at USPS to be hand canceled!

Lingerie Shower (Shower #1) on 5.6.12, two of my BM's were the hosted a lingerie shower for me and they did a fantastic job! I loved it and had a awesome time! While the turn out wasn't the greatest I had a blast. The food was yummy, the decor was cute, and the games were fun! We played Bridal Bingo and guess who brought what underwear game! LOL And I am officially set for sexy underwear! LOL

Here are some photos :) 

The invite!

Bra cake

Cookie Favors!

Some awesome gifts!

Decor

Me and my Mama

Kari, Me, Sierra - my awesome BM's and hosts!

 ~~~~

I had the most amazing time this past weekend! Saturday (5.19/12) was my Bridal Shower Tea Party hosted by my Sister (MOH) and then that night was my Bachelorette. We had so much fun, and there was even a star appearance made by Uhlease!!! :) More on that later. :) 

The Shower was perfect, the games were fun, and we got some really great items. I feel an overwhelming amount of joy and love from those around me celebrating with me. For the Bach party, we hopped in a limo, went to a pole dancing class and then hit up some bars in Sac. And of course pix are below!

The invite!

Some of the decor - My Sister thought of everything! She's so creative and clever.

Food tree made using tea cups and saucers. Gift table.

Table decor, and entry decor.

Food table.

Our Toilet Paper Brides. Dean'na, me, Terra

Me and my Aunt D. Me and my Nana.

Me and my Mama. Me and my Grandma (my Mom's Mom)

Me and Danielle. Me and Sierra (my BM).

My Sister, Amber and I.

My Sister also gave me a beautiful box and enclosed was some Bridal Swag from VS (2 tanks, 2 undies, and the white Bride zip up hoodie), wedding day emergency kit items, makeup bag with Bride embroidered on it, and my Mrs. Albert hanger!!! I'm a giddy happy girl!

BEST TIME EVER! The limo picked us up from my Sister's house at 6:30 and we headed to our pole dancing class. Which was a blast. We learned pole techniques and lap dancing moves. ;) Brown chicken brown cow! LOL

We changed and then headed to downtown Sac for some food and drinks. I had the most amazing time, I'm just sad that it all went by so fast!

And here I am with Uhlease!!! I was so excited to meet another PW bride in person and I got to meet her Fiance Trent. We didn't get to chat long or hang out much but it was still a blast!!!

Group photo at our last stop before we had to head home. Yes I'm holding a jello shot! lol

Song List

This list will grow as we get closer to the wedding but this is what I have down for sure for now.

Reception: 

Bride/Groom First Dance

She's More - Andy Griggs

Father/Daughter 

Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman

Mother/Son

My Wish - Rascal Flatts

For the cocktail hour and Dinner we'll playing some old school style music with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald including the likes of Michael Buble.

Ideas for Dinner Music - inspired by kohler44

Blue Skies, Ella Fitzgerland

Ain’t that Love, Ray Charles

Fly Me To the Moon, Frank Sinatra

Dance Me to the End of Love, Madeleine Peyroux

My Baby Just Cares For Me, Nina Simone

I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Michael Buble

Volare, Dean Martin

Ive Got the World On A String, Frank Sinatra

Give Me the Simple Life, Steve Tyrell

I Get A Kick Out of You, Dinah Washington

Isn’t It Romantic, Tony Bennett

It’s De-Lovely, Jeri Southern

L-O-V-E, Nat King Cole

How Sweet It Is, Michael Buble

It Had to Be You, Harry Connick, Jr.

Sway, Michael Buble

Someone Like You, Van Morrison

People Will Say Were In Love, Sophie Milman

Just You, Just Me, Nat King Cole

Swingin’ On the Moon, Mel Torme

The Look of Love, Diana Krall

A Kiss to Build A Dream On, Louis Armstrong

Manhattan, Mel Torme

Lullaby of Birdland, Mel Torme

The Man I Love, Gladys Night

Come Fly With Me, Frank Sinatra

Beyond the Sea, Bobby Darin

Inspiration - I pulled inspiration from a lot of places and I'm really liking the simple, classic elegant look. I love swiss dots and scalloped designs. I want either a monongram on there or our names and date. 

The Sketch - Each tier will be a different shape. Tier 1 (bottom) will have wedding/love related words around it. Tier 2 will have a quilted patteren look with our initials in a momogram and Tier 3 will have scalloped edges. All 3 tiers will have grossgrain ribbon made out of fondant.  We were going to have a 50/50 of a 4/6/8 cake and 50 cupcakes. We decided instead to go with a 6/8/10 cake and no cupcakes.

Flavors

1st tier: Mexican Hot Chocolate (see tasting)

2nd tier: Vanilla cake, with strawberries and fresh bravarian cream

3rd tier: Red Velvet

Tasting

The tasting with the baker was delish! This is what our cupcakes will look like. We're doing 50/50. Cake and Cupcakes. They were Mexican Hot Chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream swirled on top and decorated with a fondant medallion with a monogram in royal icing. They were filled with chocolate brownie buttercream. 

Reality

Here is our cake topper made by Crafty Eddy. Super easy guy to work with, responsive, and quick! If you want a topper done by him, email him! craftyeddy@gmail.com

Once I receive it I'll be painting it and adding crystals.

Here is the finished topper. Painted with Silver Metallic Spray paint from OSH and then I added self adhesive gems from Michaels lefto over from our invites.

Venues:

Pulgas Water Temple 

Bay Cafe Restaurant  

Chair Rentals: A-1 Party Rentals

DOC/Graphic Designer: Sophia Hibbs email her: lalumoraes@gmail.com

Cake: Cat Harper

Florist: Bella ~ Twig & Petals

DJ: Jordan 

Photography: Bryan Ho Photography

Videographer: Quixotic Production

Dress: Allure W264 Purchased at Trudy's Brides

Hair: Kari Della Chiesa

Makeup: Marina Shelor

Budget and costs: 

Pulgas Temple rental: $150

Bay Cafe rental: $250

Food/champagne/wine:

Chair rental (Temple): $350

Photography: $1300

Videography: $700

Cake: $300

Flowers: $600

Table Decorations: $14, the venue provided everything. I printed the table numbers at home and bought colored gems at Michaels

STD + postage: $37 

Invitations: $80 + $32 postage = $112

Dress (without alterations): $736.10

Alterations: $200

Veil: $35

Shoes: $54.00

Groom's attire: $132

Bridal Party Gifts: $200

Parents gifts: $200 - still working on the gifts

Hair: FREE

Make-up: $40

Transportation: Free

Hotel (getting ready and wedding night): $120

Mani/Pedi/Wax: $120

Telve to Nine Months Before

Here are my DIY ambitions and then real life 

• Ring Bearer Sign
• Mr. and Mrs. Reception chair signs
• Invitations once they're designed
• Table Numbers
• Seating Assigments
• Vases for bouquets

Ring Bearer Sign

Inspiration (Source)

Reality

MR and MRS chair signs 

Inspiration

Reality

Invitations once they're designed

Inspiration - I love pockets! I don't remember where I saw this but I loved it right away. Ours will probably be a bi-fold and tied with ribbon and monogram stickers. 

Reality - Invites are done and in the mail! 

Table Numbers

I printed the table numbers from The Wedding Chicks (here). Then I backed them with 2 different cardstock colors.

Seating Assignment signs

This was the easiest project; Typed up table seating on the computer, printed on cardstock then tacked to my Tiffany Blue cardstock and hung from black drapes via silver ribbon.

Vases for bouquets

I have a lot of decor ideas in my head and saved photos so I decided to put it on here.

Aisle decor idea - I want to have our DOC make swirls of real touch rose petals (like below) and then make a circle or a heart with rose petals where FI and I will stand with the officiant.

Reality - while the design above was supre pretty, it just didn't pan out with our venue and our time constraints. I still loved how everything looked even though it was a more simple approach.

For the reception I want to do a simple but fun seating chart and a sweetheart table so that FI (and by then DH) and I will get some moments to ourselves while we eat and our wedding party will get to sit with their SO's at guest tables.

And on the back of our chairs we will hang our MR. and MRS. signs that I made this past summer with a friend for use at both our weddings and only switching out the ribbons. You can see the signs above in my DIY section.

Reality

I thee wed...

My e-ring with FI's wedding band

My wedding bands with my e-ring!

Yes we are doing a reveal moment or a "first look."

Here's why: 

• FI is a different person behind closed doors when it's just him and I. He's sometimes romantic and mushy and very charming. I want that raw emotion of just him and I before we say I DO. I think it'll help calm our nerves and be a very intimate moment before the whirlwind of the day begins. 
• We'll get photos out of the way so that we can actually enjoy our cocktail hour with our family and friends

And if that wasn't reason enough, read this blog entry about First Looks from a photographer's angle. 

http://radiantphotographyaz.com/radiant_life/?p=6281 

There are so many inspirations on this site by my fellow PW gals and I wanted to start listing them like AJfisher others have done. 

• AJfisher
• nicoleleblanc
• msdl
• lizziethelittlebit
• beebees
• ashley9
• plumcrush01
• pknguyen22
• ridegrl1
• Heidsmu33
• Uhlease
• Legentry
• heroxmysox
• mwalch
• its_cheryl
• Faithk08
• Santosha
• bellabride
• LauraSweet
  
• Shenanigans
• beatie
  
• Kristen_Tater
  
• Miss.Jeye
• heroxmysox

As many Brides before me have done - I sit here thinking, "Wow...it's already time for my sign off? Where the heck do I begin?" I want to start off by saying each and every one of you are a part of our wedding. Each of you are my bridesmaids standing up with me on Saturday. You are special, unique, and creative in your own ways and I am grateful for you and for this community. 

When Dan and I first got engaged (4 years ago!!!) - I bought a few magazines and started browsing but I knew that we wouldn't have a wedding right away. When we finally had an idea of when this wedding would take place, I started researching and googling my heart away. I became addicted to giveaways and entering contests which is how I found PW. It wasn't until a couple months later that I actually found the forums. When and how my lurking morphed into a site that I open up first thing in the morning with my email followed by multiple visits during the day, I'm not sure but I'm happy it did. 

You've heard me vent and picked me up when I was down, you cheered me on when I showed you my purchases and DIY projects, and you applauded me when I shared happy news and AW posts. You all are amazing and my own personal cheerleaders. I can't put into words my gratitude for all of that as well as the plethora of inspiration and creativity on here. Our wedding would never be what it's going to be if it hadn't been for the amazing people on P-DUB.

So with 3 days to go, my last day at work (and not wanting to be here lol), I bid you all adieu. See you all on the flipside my lovelies!

❤DansMrs

Thurs (6/21) was relaxing. I had breakfast with FI DH (YAY!) I had a hair appt to touch up my highlights and perform a minor trim and we celebrated one of Dan's lil Cousin's Birthday that evening. I went home to finish the last of my projects that I didn't get done. *Tip for Brides: Get these done before OOT guests arrive. You'll get wrapped up in the excitment and then you'll be up until 2 am finishing them! LOL*

Fri (6/22) was go, go, go! Mani's and Pedi's and 10 am with the one BM that could join me - which was so relaxing and pampering before the chaos started. From there I picked up my wedding dress from the seamstress and headed to the hotel where we would be getting ready. I requested an early check-in so that I could hang my dress up but my room wasn't ready. The girls at registration said the wait might be 30 minutes. So they handed me some water and asked me to wait. 5 minutes later they come get me and tell me they were upgrading me to a suite!!! Great service and friendly staff at the Courtyard San Mateo Foster City! 

Once my dress was hung in my room, I then picked up the chair covers and sashes. Grabbed my helpers and headed to the reception venue. This took the longest and I should have alloted more time to get this done. We had to fight Friday rush hour traffic getting back home for the rehearsal and RD. But they can't start any of that w/o the Bride right? So I dashed home (5 min away from In Laws house) to grab my dress and rehearsal items.

***Tip for Brides: If you are doing any kind of set up/decorations the day before and your rehearsal/RD is that evening. Allow enough time and allow for some padding. I thought I had enough padding but I was wrong. Dinner should have been set for 6 and the rehearsal for 5.***

The Rehearsal went smoothly, we only ran through it once. And the Dinner was amazing! MIL and FIL really went above and beyond. It was amazing! (pix to follow!)

Sierra and I went back to my house so I could pack up everything I needed, went back to the hotel, showered, and went to bed around 11pm.

*Sat (6/23)*Wedding Day

Woke up via my wake up call and a text from my hair/mua asking if we wanted Starbucks! Marina set my hair then I got to relax and eat. Then it was a rotation between me and my BM's getting glamorfied! The photographers and videographers showed up together (early) and it felt like the paparazzi! Plus our videographer brought an extra cameraman! BONUS! My Mom, Gma, and Nephew (RB) showed up with the flowers. I got choked up for the first time when I saw my Mom and then she handed me a hankerchief that belonged to my late Great Grandma for me to carry that day.

First Look: I'd do it again! I was so relaxed and calm the whole morning. The only time I got nervous was during my individual dedication on video to my DH. I snuck up on Dan and tapped him on the shoulder and said, "HI" and he said HI back. Then he turned around and smiled at me. We hugged and kissed and started talking and laughing like no one else was around. He looked so handsome. One thing I didn't expect: our wedding party was there during the first look but their faces when they saw me was priceless.

Once we were done with photos we went back to our room to eat a snack and were ahead of schedule! We left the hotel for the ceremony and got there early! I had to wait like a mobster in the back of my sister's car until it was time to get out. LOL

Ceremony starts, I'm still calm all the way through my walk to the aisle. I actually had to tell myself to slow down becuase I felt like I was pulling on my parents! I guess I was anxious to get to the alter to my DH! LOL I got choked up when I saw Kari (BM) teary eyed at the end of the aisle. And again during my vows to Dan. 

There were a few hiccups at the reception (apps weren't served on time, my dress didn't get bustled right, and the venue didn't put a plate and forks out for us during the cake cutting not to mention our cake cutting knife broke!) but all in all, the reception flowed nicely and I was glad to get some (sort-of) one on one time in with my Hubby. I got choked up again during our first dance and again when I hugged my Dad after our dance. I tripped all over my train during our dance but everyone loved our waltz! I can't wait to see the video...I got to twirl! :) I cried during DH's and MIL's dance. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. I also cried and laughed during the speeches made by BM and MOH. They were perfect and amazing. 

We tore up the dance floor until they kicked us out! I'm still on a cloud 9 high. I smile when I'm referred to as Mrs. Albert. Aside from the very minor hiccups, THE. DAY. WAS. PERFECT. I mean it, it was everything I hoped, planned, and dreamed for and more! And to be honest, I think I made sure to take it all in so much so that the day didn't feel like it went by in a blur. I felt the day was in slow motion. Am I weird? Don't answer that LOL

It's an amazing feeling to be overwhelmed by the love and support shown and given by family friends on such a special day. I loved every minute of it and I wish I could do it all over again. 

♥

Ceremony

My Handsome Groom/DH!

Our first kiss as Husband and Wife!

So overjoyously happy!

The New Mr. & Mrs.!

MOH & BM, Amber & Josh

Sierra & Adam

Kari & Matt

Amanda & Alex

RB & FOG/Officiant, Hayden & Al

Parents of the Bride, Bernie & Tammy

Bride's Grandpa & MOG, Bob & Trish

Post Ceremony

Our Awesome Wedding Party

My beautiful *pregnan* BM who almost couldn't make it to the wedding due to being put on modified bedrest. This photo is going to make me cry when I get the pro one back.

Reception

First Dance

Father/Daughter Waltz

Mother/Son Dance

Best Man Speech

MOH song/speech

Us looking on as speeches were given

Cake Cutting

Bride and Groom Thank you Speech/Toast

Bouquet presentation to my Grandparents.

I presented my bridal bouquet to my Grandma and Grandpa who were celebrating 56 years on our wedding day. It made her cry, she was shocked and surprised. They then share the cutest dance. It was perfect!

We're Married! Here are some teasers! I can't wait to see the rest. 

Introducing the Mr. and Mrs.! ♥

Sign I made for my room where we were getting ready. 

Sweater with my new name that Nikki helped me with creating! Thank you Nikki!

My Somethings. Something old, borrowed, blue: 56 year old garter (that day) that was my Grandma's. Something new: My brand new wedding day perfume. Something borrowed: Earrings worn by my bf and BM on her Nov wedding day. Something blue: Shoes. Something new: My hair clip

The garter mentioned earlier. This was worn my Grandmother on her wedding day; June 23, 1956

Our Videographers put me on the spot and asked me to say a few words to Dan on video. That was nerve wracking but fun too. 

I could NOT WAIT to get into my dress!!!

Texting my hubby :)

My Mama zipped me then snapped me. Amber and Sierra then laced me up.

My Grandma putting her garter on me.

My Mama putting on my bracelet and necklace: more borrowed jewelry. The bracelet was worn on her wedding day to my Step-Dad who is Dad to me. The string of pearls was a gift from my Father to her. 

I thought I would get so emotional at this point. This was the best thing we did on our wedding day. I was feeling so excited and anxious to see him and him to see me. I felt like I stood there behind him forever. But finally I got to sneak up behind him, touch him, hug him, and kiss him! ♥

At this point he told me I looked beautiful and he loved my dress. ♥ I wanted to melt.

Haha this is typical us. So playful and goofy. I loved that the photog captured this. 

Another 'us' moment captured. I actually thought the photog was adjusting settings on his camera when he was actually catching us in a moment. I love this. 

My Mom, Me, My Grandma (my Mom's Mom)

Dan's Grandparents (Dad's side)

Dan's Grandparents (Father's side)

My Grandparents (Mom's side) who celebrated 56 years that day!

My Grandparents (Father's side)

My In-Laws

My Parents

Our siblings; by blood and by heart

Left to right, top to bottom: Josh, Matt, Dan, Alex, Adam

Amanda, Amber, Hayden, Me, Sierra, Kari

We're ready to PARTY - about to leave and head to the reception! Woop woop!

Details at the reception venue

Parents and Wedding Party entrances

Introducing the new Mr. & Mrs. Albert! ♥

First dance as Husband and Wife ♥

Father/Daughter Dance

Mother/Son Dance

Speeches

The best speeches ever. Seriously. Both speeches made us both laugh and made me cry. They were from the heart and it was an honor to hear how much love was in them.

Cake Cutting!

After cake cutting we had some toasts.

Dan's Dad Al who was also our officiant made a toast to everyone and raised his glass telling us he loved us both and that's been a joy watching us through the past years. He's not an outwardly affectionate guy so this was extremely touching. 

Toast from the new Mr. and Mrs. - Dan thanked everyone for coming and for supporting us,  loving us and for celebrating with us.

After Dan was done, I took over the mic to present my bouquet to my Grandparents to honor them and their marriage/anniversary. Which they followed with a dance to their song from their wedding.

One of my must have shots was a 3 generational ring photo with my Mom and my Grandma

Bouquet Toss!

Dan's Cousin Alora from CT caught it.

Garter Toss!

Dan's HS friend Mark, who flew out from Colorado, caught the garter.

The next couple in Dan's family getting married July 2013!

Me with my Nephew who I love to pieces

Dan's brother Alex and his GF Nicole signing our guest book

Our videographers who were amazing and beyond exceptional, posted our highlight reel last night so of course I have to add it here!

Enjoy! If you are a Bay Area Bride and seeking great vidgraphers that won't break the bank; look up Quixotic Production

Check it out here!

I was lucky enough to be chosen to model wedding gowns in a Bridal Fair put on by the salon I bought my gown from. As a thank you for doing that - I was given a $150 gift certificate to apply towards a purchase from them! 

Here are some photos from that day.

And here is a video they posted up from the show.

This was so much fun and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Oh won't you leave something in my stocking for me? I've been a good girl this year! 

Wishing all of my PW sisters a warm and happy holiday season filled with joy, peace, and love. And a Happy New Year! 

Best Wishes for a wonderful 2012!!! ♥

Thank you :)

xoxo

Ashley

Will you be my valentine?