<3 WE ARE MARRIED!!!! WOO HOO!!! <3

We were married March 13, 2010 in Jacksonville, FL! YAY!!

I blog now that I'm a Mrs = Life After the Aisle

::THE STORY OF US::

Me and My Man -- My name is Ashley and I have known John since March 2007.  I actually met him at a bachelor party that I wasn't supposed to attend.  Our mutual friend Marc (who is one of our gms) and I were good friends, I had just gotten out of a really bad relationship and was really depressed.  Marc invited me out to his cousin's bachelor party, which meant we were going to meet at his house for food and drinks and then go to a strip club.  The catch his wife (who is now a good friend of mine) couldn't know that a girl was there.  Side Note -- we weren't good friends then, I actually don't think she liked me at all.  I ended up going and getting wasted -- more so than I had EVER!  John was there to bring me food and water and hold my hair (yeah I was that gone lol).  
Marc gave my number to John without asking me (I was NOT happy when I found out).  We went on ONE date -- dinner and a movie. It was the most unusual date ever -- I helped him pick out a new camera and look at bedroom furniture. At some point during the night, I thought he put me in the 'friend' category.  After that night we started running together -- little did I know he was driving 30 mintues ONE WAY to run for 20 minutes with me. We went to Sea World together in May but I still thought we were just friends. We hung out a couple time but kept working out.
We didn't start dating until AFTER we lived together.  I was getting ready to graduate from UCF and my mom wanted me to move back home (yeah right! lol) that was NOT something I was open to simply because I felt like that was going the wrong direction.  John offered to let me stay as a roommate (free of charge!) until I got my own place and a job after I graduated.  I am COMPLETELY clueless because i thought he was just being SO NICE...yeah right - he definitely had alterior motives!  Needless to say, I moved in August 1, 2007 and by October he had convinced me to start dating him =)

John proposed to me at our house - it was so sweet and romantic and DEFINITELY a surprise...

He had done a very nice job of throwing me off the wedding trail, telling me we just couldn't do it right now because business was slow but he promised me that he would before our 2nd anniversary - thankfully I didn't have to wait that long!!  On our 18 month-iversary (yes we celebrate every month), I got up to get ready for work, like I do every day.  he came into the bathroom at one point, which was COMPLETELY out of the ordinary. I asked what he was doing and he kind of stumbled and said "going to the bathroom" except he didn't.  I got out of the shower and continued my routine; brushing my hair, brushing my teeth, etc.  I walked out of the bathroom, and kneeling in the middle of our livingroom was John and my heart just melted!  He had lined the coffee table with candles and waited patiently for me to get out of the bathroom.  I couldn't say anything except "oh my gosh! oh my gosh!" I rushed to him and knelt on the floor with him and just hugged him.  He pulled away with tears in his eyes and said "The last 18 months of my life with you have been incredible. I want to spend every month for the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" Oh course I said yes!! **NOTE**I made sure to remember what he was saying because I have talked to SO many ladies who can't remember, I wanted to remember it.
At that point I hadn't even LOOKED at the ring, I just knew it was shiny!  I LOVE IT!! He picked it out all by himself! 
I asked him if he had talked to my parents -- which was kind of important because i am very close with my family.  he told me the Wednesday before (2 days prior) he had driven from Orlando to Jacksonville to have lunch with my parents and talk to them about marrying me.  It was SO sweet!

The main stone is .8 carats and the total weight is 1.5 - It's beautiful and I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with him!!

The biggest thing to do to save money is ask for some of your guests services...

John has a family friend who use to be a wedding photographer with his brother.  They are doing our whole photography package as our wedding gift, to include engagement sessions and whatever else.  One of their wives does some photography for Sea World and has offered to be my personal photographer for the ENTIRE wedding day!! WOO!!

My uncle played the ceremony music at my parents wedding - I have asked him to play at ours.

My mother is a supreme cake baker and decorator - she has graciously offered to make our wedding cake.

One of FI's friend's went to school for filming and editing.  We are asking him to film the wedding for us.

**The KEY thing that I kept reminding myself is that your guests want to have fun.  That's important - in a year they won't remember what colors you had or what your invites looked like.  They will remember whether or not the food was any good and if they had fun.  I see a lot of girls spend lots of money on extra stuff that I don't think is necessary - it was never part of my plan.  I have never understood favors because I am feeding my guests unlimited alcohol, full buffet meal, cake and providing them with a party.  There should not be expectations of receiving anything...just my 2 cents =)  ***As an update to my previous rant on favors, my mom has talked me into little tulle wrapped bundles of the after dinner pillow mints...yeah I broke, what can I say =)

UPDATE: 9/4 - SO I think we are going to forego the tulle and pillow mints and opt for personalized matchbooks. I am leaning towards this since we are doing votive place cards.

***OCTOBER 28, 2009***

We asked Shane (fi's friend who films for Primos and went to school for filming and editing) if he would film our wedding and maybe the first portion of our reception and he said YES!!!!! WOOO HOO!!! YAY!!! We found out TWO DAYS before the wedding that he decided not to come =/ boo!! Thankfully my aunt was bringing her video camera and filmed it for us.

***JANUARY 7,2010***
One of my bridemaids and her hubby perform in a German band and have their own sound equipment and set up that they use.  They also sometimes take care of ceremony music and he has offered to do ours at no cost!! woo hoo - now I get to process to Wagner's Bridal March!!

COLORS....

   (**Swatches from Dessy.com)

CEREMONY

Where we will have the ceremony -- Weather Permitting
Our reception coordinator suggested the Deck behind the Tap Room - it's a double stack deck with plenty of room AND there are chair there that we can use.  SO we don't have to rent chairs and the space is free.  We love how romantic it is!

TOP LEVEL - where more guests - hopefully younger - may stand and lean over the railing to watch

UPDATE:: FEBRUARY 25, 2010  -- this is what our site will look like.  I love the whole ambience!  The table won't be there lol and we are renting chairs but this was like a mock up so I could decided if I wanted here on the pavillion. I love it!

Where we will have it if the weather doesn't cooporate -- NAS Jacksonville Outdoor Pavillion    

*** CEREMONY DECOR***

DIY TISSUE PAPER POMANDERS

For the Ceremony! We will wrap the railing on the stairs with tulle and hang the pomander on the ends of the railing (2 on top and 2 at the bottom) I used the instrustions from this article.  I have 6 done, which is more than we need -- not sure where I will hang the other two... 

RECEPTION

Our reception venue is the Officer's Club that is not more than 20 yards from the ceremony site!  I found out how to dim the flourescent lights and turn on low 'mood/soft' lighting. I also am not going to hang tulle like is pictured, I think it looks too .... half-hearted and symmetrical...although a lot of people are really weird about symmetry.  We are also not renting chair covers/sashes.  The chairs are dark blue cushioned chairs and one of our colors is blue, so we are going to have blue chairs without the extra cost - yay!

                          BEFORE:

            AFTER:: The Wedding Day

We will have blue overlays with blue napkins...not sure how we are going to fold them but I saw a GREAT post for napkin-how-to's HERE. We will DIY uplighting inspired by lcullen and gadmas and hot pink flower centerpieces.
To add soft lighting we will have votive place 'cards' (found in THIS post)

::UPDATE:: FEBRUARY 22, 2010
I worked on our place'cards' this weekend!!! WOW is this TIME CONSUMING!! The seating chart was a piece of CAKE.  If I could recommend ANYTHING, it would be make a preliminary seating chart and assume everyone is coming. That way you and FI can discuss who can and can't sit together.  We made one back in December so it took me TWENTY MINUTES to go from 150 people down to 88! =)

Here are the guy and lady place 'cards' -- we will set up the ladies in alphabetical order and then the guys in alphabetical order -- that way it is not too chaotic with everyone trying to find their 'card'. =)

Just For Fun:: Cake Table Napkins -- Inspired by MrsWagner2b
  

For the napkins, I ended up using a stamp we received as an engagement gift...We really don't know what to else to do with it since it doesn't have our wedding date or address on it or anything SO this may be the only thing it gets used for...

PLACE SETTINGS & TABLE-SCAPES
We had the option of just having our napkins stuck in the glasses at each setting but I don't really like that =/ SO I emailed our coordinator and she said we can pick how they are displayed. 
Our table runners were inspired by JKISS. 
Both pictures were inspiration for our tables...
  

WEDDING DAY :: PLACE SETTING/TABLE-SCAPE
 

::CAKE TABLE DECOR::
INSPIRATION                                                       REALITY

::SWEETHEART TABLE INSPIRATION::

                                                                              Beatie :: Photography by KLK Photgraphy

SWEETHEART TABLE MOCK-UP
   

:: OUR WEDDING DAY ::

::MENU INSPIRATION::
Since we are folding the napkins, I figure we need menus to go in them! =)  38chi                                                      ;           erudolph
  

           sdbride09                                Tovaqt                                      &nbs p; miss_em2010
  

::UPDATE:: FEBRUARY 22, 2010
We designed our menu!! I'm so happy with the outcome -- they are pretty simple but kind of classic =) BTW that dark dot in the middle of the line...yeah that's a blue rhinestone lol =)

       ::MENU:: WEDDING DAY::

My mother has offered to make our wedding cake and groom's cake.  YAY No Cost!! =)  

We are going to set up the cake on the dance floor - probably at the front edge -so people don't have to crowd into a small corner (germs + sweaty people in small confined spaces = gross haha).  We will be cutting the cake right after dinner.  This way the staff can take the cake away and break down the table.  The cake will then be served while the BM/MOH give their toast and we have our first dances, father/daughter, mother/son dances.

LOVE THESE STANDS:

Its.nicsknack                                        ;                        Miss_Em's DIY stand w/o a cake - really helpful!

Cake:

 
Mom did a mock cake for me for the bachelorette party!! love it!! I can't wait to see the full scale version! The layers will be a lot thicker (had to explain that to John haha) and I don't really care for the flowers on the top layer -- I'm thinking just a cluster of 3 dots instead of flowers.

CAKE TOPPER: 

Inspiration:St.Croix(font)                     Reay_DW2 (design)

                      ACTUAL: We ordered our monogram cake topper from crafty eddy.  I am so happy with the design that we chose.  We are going to paint it and cove it with rhinestones for about half the cost of buying it online finished.  The J and A will be in one color (probably blue!!) and the W in another (clear) so that each letter is seen clearly.

Getting Started: Step 1 -- Paint (silver)              Step 2: Add rhinestones =)

**Update - these are my favorites of the engagement pictures!!  ENJOY!

This was my VERY first DIY project that was NOT scrapbook related. I edited the picture at picnik.com and we ordered them through vistaprint.com for free + shipping.  I loved the results originally but after seeing everyone's I am WAY more inspired than when I first started this back in May.  Oh well - they went out and everyone else liked them =)

We attached them to a card that we printed a corny but still cute poem on:

The thirteenth is our special day,
and we can hardly wait!
Stick this magnet on your fride
And be sure to Save the Date!!

I am DIY-ing as much as possible. 

I have researched long and hard for the best sites for paper/cardstock.  I am ordering most of my supplies from envelopperinc.com - which I found to have some of the best prices.  Through them, for 100 invitations we are spending $200. 

We are DIY-ing the prorgrams as well as the placecards, table numbers, reserved seat signs, seating chart.

VISTAPRINT - If you haven't done so, sign up for their e-mails for free stuff.  We are getting our STD magnets from them - 25 - free and then all you have to do is pay shipping. 

I have also signed up for Joann and Michael's store coupons.  Also ask around (ie girls at work who are married) they may have some stuff they have held on to and are willing to give up.  A woman I work with got married TWO years ago and had floral tape and pearl corsage pins.

UPDATE (6/3/2009)-- SO I decided to make my own pocketfolds - it's going to cut my cost in HALF!! Seriously - less than $100 for 100 invitations!  That's quite a deal!!  I can't wait to get the paper and start doing it!  YAY!!

*******

I figured out how to make my belly bands - I got the idea from an etsy seller and was able to do it on my cricut machine!  I am SO excited about this aspect of the invitations.    

Mock of invites!

**Final Mock-up of invitations!!**
We had to forgo the postcard RSVP.  With our ceremony being on a military base, we are required to provide specific information

Front of RSVP                                                     Back of RSVP (why we didn't use postcards)
 

PHOTO SHARE CARDS -- we ordered these through Vistaprint and got 250 for free.  We haven't decided if you will put them on the place setting of everyone or send them in the thank you cards.  I don't really want to wait that long to see all the pictures but we worry that everyone will forget the card...haven't decided. we are using theweddinglens.com because once you upgrade your account, people can upload/download in the original resolution!! This will be good for guests who don't have the money to buy the pictures but still want quality.

BRIDESMAID BRUNCH INVITATIONS

ENVELOPE LINERS

DIY GUESTBOOK
I thought about ording a book from blurb, picaboo, mypublisher, etc...BUT it's not as personal ESPECIALLY when I scrapbook.  SO I put together (very quickly as I was out of time lol) a 'scrapbook' of pictures of John and I with our friends/family/each other from over the course of our relationship.  I will go back and decorate it into more of a scrapbook now that I have more time lol =)

Supplies:

-envelopes

-pencil/pen

-scissors/xacto knife

-paper (you can use any kind -- I decided on wrapping paper)

-double sided tape or other adhesive

Directions:

1. Open flap of envelope and place flat on the paper you are using for your liner. Make sure that the liner you will be making is shorter than the envelope you are using.  This is so when the liner is in place, the envelope is still able to be sealed.
2. Using your pencil, trace the edge of the envelope. Depending on the paper you chose, you may want to trace on the patterned side of the paper.  The paper I decided to use is a continuous pattern; therefore, it will look the ‘same’ from multiple angles.
3. Using your scissors or Xacto knife, cut along the lines you made.
4. Slide the liner you have made into your envelope and fold the flap down to create a crease.  Open the flap and leave the liner folded down.
5. Put adhesive on the part of the liner that is folded down and glue it to the envelope flap.  You do not want to put adhesive on the entire liner.

1.    2.

3.    4.

5.

**You can create a template the same way, using a cereal box if you prefer.

**If you are using envelopes that do NOT have a euroflap, you can find a liner DIY here.

MY DIY CARDBOX:

One night my bridesmaid and I decided to make our cardbox!! this is the result....don't know how happy I am...

OK SOOOOO I decided to re-do our cardbox...I just wasn't happy with the paper look and the bow was sad.  I bought a bowdabra which is AMAZING!!! I want to make bows for everything now!!  

                                          ::OUR WEDDING DAY::

I wanted something fun and maybe a little useful for our programs.  I found the fan programs and decided to give those a try.  Here is the result:

After looking through MANY pictures of different programs, I decided this isn't really my style and not really what I want.  Thank GOODNESS I had a lot of time between program #1 and the ceremony...that means I get to change my mind!  Here is attempt #2 -- I was inspired by its.nicsknack and GatorBride. I am probably going to alternate the colors between the pink and blue...then again I may just do pink because I have a TON of that paper left...decisions, decisions!!

I have been looking at these silly programs STILL and I'm not completely satisfied with them.  I feel like they are short and fat/squatty...still not what I want BUT I like the overall concept.  I played around with them AGAIN yesterday and LOVE the outcome!!  The top layer is vellum and the other printed paper is silver metallic cardstock.  I am only going to use the pink paper since our colors are blue and pink and there will be a LOT of blue around....that and I still have loads of pink paper left over =) waste not!

                  ::WEDDING DAY::

So I absolutely LOVE the look of uplighting. I was seriously debating whether or not do do it. I have seen so many gorgeous pictures but I thought it was out of my budget. Luckily Blondebunny left us with some great information and now I get to do it! YAY! Here are some of my inspiration pictures:

lcullen                                                                 Headline DJ

                                                                          Orlando DJ Video 

The more I look at the blue uplighting the more I am drawn to it over the pink that I was debating...
I purchased my uplights from bulbamerica.com.  They are SO easy to work with and the pricing was very reasonable.  I also received my order very quickly!!  This is also where I am going to order the bulbs and gels.

So I received my Par38 can lights and congo blue gels!!! YAY!!!  Here they are!

90W spotlight - the gels look purple??            1200W spotlight                                150W floodlight

Based on this, it seems with other lighting going on, the lights look blue...before I order new bluer gels, we are going to go up to the venue and see how they look in action. 

We went back to the venue to play with the lights and they are still very purple looking AND the lights are not bright enough OR the gels are too dark.  I think I am going to order the other blue gels and see if that makes a difference..

After seeing how much trouble it was going to be with the blue gels, I am going with dark pink gels. This post changed my mind and also provided LOTS of helpful information:
http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/diy-uplight-pictures

PW gadams was my inspiration for the pink.  This picture shows light and dark pink.  She used 90W SPOT lights for this look. 

::UPDATE:: FEBRUARY 15, 2010
I don't know if it is because I am in close proximity to the lights...but the left doesn't look so pink to me....oh well.  they will have to do! We are going back to the venue next week and I will try them out there! =)

::UPDATE::February 25, 2010 -- We took our uplights to the venue to try it out! =) I am SO excited everything is coming together!! =) It still looks red and I am not really sure why but oh well =) it is all going to look fabulous!

                ::OUR WEDDING DAY:: DIY Uplights & draped Tulled/Lights over the dance floor
   

**Here are the specifics of my purchase and set up for my DIY uplights::
I bought these cans
http://www.bulbamerica.com/PAR38-Black-4143-prod.htm?category_id=21
These bulbs:
http://www.bulbamerica.com/OSRAM-SYLVANIA-120w-120v-PAR38-Spot-SP--154-prod.htm?category_id=89
These gels:
http://www.bulbamerica.com/Dark-Pink-Pre-Cut-Gel-Sheet-602-prod.htm?category_id=3337

NOTE::  For the gels, I doubled up for a darker color -- I only bought 9 sheets and I cut them to fit and then used the pieces left over and taped them to the full sheet to get the richer color.  For whatever reason I wasn't getting a good color in my venue -- I think it's because one wall was windows

We are buying our flowers wholesale and doing them ourselves.  the total cost for all the flowers - centerpieces, cake flowers, bouquets, bouts - $200.00.  We are ordering through Sam's Club. I bought some flowers from wal mart and practiced to see how hard it would be to do the arrangements myself.  If you aren't looking for exotic or intricate bouquets, doing it yourself is the way to go for sure.  We found cylindrical vases and used a craft store coupon to save money.  I did the same with the votives that will go on the table with the vase and flowers.  I bought ribbon when it was 2 for $4/$5 at Michaels to wrap the flowers for the bouquets.  We did the flower arrangements back in May for my dad's retirement ceremony and they looked great! 

PICTURES OF SAM'S CLUB FLOWERS FROM MAY RETIREMENT

For those of you looking to save money on flowers and on the fence about it, I have posted some pictures of yellow roses and their progression through the weekend.  They held up VERY nicely!

Day 1 - Roses arrive and we treat them according to Sam's website: May 28, 2009

Day 2 - after assembly, transport to retirement reception, and transport back : May 29, 2009

Day 4 - didn't change water, left them in the vases from the ceremony : May 31, 2009

CENTERPIECES AND BOUQUETS

We chose to go with hot pink roses.  I worked on a mock up of my bouquet and the centerpiece. 

**The vase in the centerpiece isn't as tall as it seems - the camera is at table level for the picture.

There are a dozen roses in the vase and the pink thing in the middle of the vase will have the table number on it.  Each votive will also be wrapped in ribbon for the final centerpiece the day of.

This is what the votives around the cps will look like:

I thought I wanted a small bouquet but 24 roses is NOT that small BUT it's not as big as say 75!!  I am very pleased with the size.  The day of the blue ribbon will actually be white since I'm the bride! =) my BMS will have theirs wrapped like this one except they will carry 12 roses and my MOH will carry 15.

***UPDATE: January 17, 2010***
We are probably going to use globalrose.com for our order because it is lower in cost for the flowers.  Sam's Club's pricing went up =( We will be able to place our order in another two weeks!! =)

::February 18, 2010::
We placed our order through globalrose.com.  It is going to be $160.00 for 250 roses.  They come in bunches of  25 roses and each bunch can be a different color/variety!! LOVE that!!  The hot princess were definitely my favorite BUT I think the shape of the topaz roses are better for the other two types... 

• 1 bunch Anastacia Roses (25)
• 1 bunch High Lander (25)
• 8 bunches Topaz (200)
  
  •  
    • BRIDESMAIDS::  Anastacia and Topaz roses
    • MOH:: Topaz Roses
    • BRIDE:: High Lander Roses
    • GMS:: Topaz Bouts
    • GROOM:: Highland Bout
    • CENTERPIECES:: Topaz Roses

            ANASTACIA                                    TOPAZ                                     HIGH LANDER
      

I JUST received a call from globalose and they don't have the Highlander any more =/  boo!! so this is what i am thinking.....

Bridesmaids::   5 white -- 7 hot pink    

Jess::     6 pink - 9 hot pink

                                                         Me:: 8 White-10 Hot Pink-10 pink

               ::Groomsmen::                                         ::John::                                           ::Dad/FIL/Officiant::

These are our centerpieces.  I love them - I do but we will be dealing with a lot of flowers the day before the wedding.  That stresses me out just a little because I don't want to feel rushed on my wedding day. We had the vases from my dad's retirement ceremony so that cost didn't come out of our budget.  The pink fabric will actually be a table runner - they just hadn't come in yet. AND we are re-designing the table numbers...I'm not really a fan of these =/

SO I didn't particularly care for the first mock up of the table numbers.  This is what we came up with:

I decided the original scroll I was using was a little too intense so I switched.  I will have to take some close ups.  We backed the even table numbers in blue and the odd ones with pink.  We also added some rhinestones for a little extra something =)

         ::FINAL MOCK UP::

:: COST BREAK DOWN::
Vase = $1
Roses = $6.84 for 10/vase (ordered through globalrose.com = $0.684 per stem)
Holders = free
Paper = scraps left over from paper order
Votives = $2 (for 5 -- $0.40 each)
Table Runner = $2.75

TOTAL PER CP = ~$13

             ::WEDDING DAY::

(Haven't found a pro pic yet =/ )

Mine

MOH

Mom's - I decided as an alternate to the corsage or bouquet the moms are traditionally given, I would make them each a bracelet to wear.  Oh and the one end of each isn't finished because I don't know if they are going to be too big/small.  It's a surprise so I can't ask for a measurement =)

I am more than willing to make a bracelet for anyone who wants one. PM me if you are interested!! =) Here are instructions if you want to DIY from nidia112

Bracelets - the bracelets are very similar but I added a little something different to each. I also made a corresponding pendant and earrings.  The one without a pendant, I ran out of beads but still wanted to share.     

JEWELRY BAGS: I created (didn't use a pattern) and sewed little jewelry bags to hold their jewelry for the Big Day!

DIY Tote Bags - I also made tote bags so the girls can carry all the wedding day stuff in!! I am going to be making and embroidering luggage tags for each to make them more personal.                       

ALL THE BAGS FOR MY GIRLS ARE DONE!!!! YAY!!! The button shows what the pattern is on the inside of each bag.

Feel free to PM me with any questions or if you would like me to make you one in your preferred colors! =)

STOCK PHOTO

My Dress!! I freaking love it!!  Came across it by accident for sure. Mom and I were out shopping right after John and I got engaged and we just stopped into David's to look around and try some dresses on...just to figure out what I like.  I fell in love with this one!  I didn't try on another dress after it!!  I LOVE it!!  I am going with yet!

**UPDATE** July 3, 2009: Here are the latest pictures of me in the dress!!

   Not laced in this pic - just held

DRESS DETAILS

Thankfully the only alterations I will need done are moving the snaps in the back panel and creating the bustle!

**I found a picture of it bustled!! I LOVE it - the bustle is done so it looks like there was never a train. YAY!  The second picture has a slightly different bustle - I feel like it's a little long but I like the idea. Third picture is another option - maybe.  My favorite is still the first!

**UPDATE** September 5, 2009 -- Ok I am seriously in LOVE with my dress.  Every time I put it on I am going to post new pictures!! =)  HOWEVER I AM a little frustrated...I lost a LOT of weight in the last 2 months apparently...

This is what it looked like in July             The lace is closer together at the bottom now

SO I am going to have to get some extra alterations done than originally thought. Oh well here are more pictures!

UPDATE: November 16, 2009 -- MY dress fits even better -- meaning now it snaps where it didn't before!!! oh well - seriously need some alterations so it fits like I want it! I know I know MORE pictures but I love my dress more and more!!!

 <--Veil  No Vieil-->

My first fitting is January 14 - CAN'T WAIT!!!

Thursday January 14, 2010 :: My First Fitting

I am so in love with my dress.  I was having SERIOUS doubts since it didn't fit properly.  The seamstress pinned it up and it's GORGEOUS!!! I am so pleased with the way it looks and fits.  Love Love LOVE it!! Yes I went to David's for my fitting since that's where I bought it and I was nervous but I LOVED Valerie.  She was awesome!

::This is what I got::
It looks like a GIANT growth on the bottom of my dress!! EW!! AND the lace edging/bottom drags ALL OVER the ground!  GROSS!  This is NOT what I wanted AT ALL!!!

AND IT's SOOOOO sloppy!!! ugh!!! I am so not happy with it oh AND it's still too big -- they didn't take in enough.  YUCK it's SO gross!! So here I am 23 days from the wedding and they are COMPLETELY starting over with the bustle thank goodness and they are taking it in another half inch so it stays up but now I'm stressed a little.  I go back March 2.  Thank heavens for Krissy -- my bm, she knew what I wanted and did all the talking so I was able to just scream inside my head lol!

They re-pinned it to look like this::  gradual slope down the back and a nice EVEN bustle...we'll see -- I got back 11 days before the wedding and HOPE it is right!

   

::ACCESSORIES::

Necklace -- gift from DH for our 2nd anniversary
Bracelet -- DIY
Ring -- Christmas gift from DH & My "Something Blue"

FI chose what they would wear -- I didn't have a say in it...ok maybe a LITTLE say -- I told him no pinstripes.  I am just not a fan of the BLACK tux with pinstripes -- it's just not my cup of tea ;) anyway the rest of the decision was up to him...

FI chose the jacket with the notched lapel trimmed in satin -- woohoo, 'Good choice honey!!'
He will be wearing a black shirt with platinum vest/euro tie.  The groomsmen will wear a WHITE shirt with horizon blue vest/euro tie.

                                          FI: JOHN =)
 
                                          GROOMSMEN

This is the dress my BMs and I picked out.  The bms will wear it in blue (horizon) and my moh will wear the pink!  They will pick their own silver shoes and will be carrying hot pink roses.

Below are pictures of some of my girls wearing the dress - they love it!  The dresses are not in the right colors but I was more concerned with fit.

MOH - Jess (lil' sis) - not quite the color     Bridesmaid - Anngela - will wear strap to feel more comforatble

Bridesmaid - Krissy (color is not this dark)     Krissy and I - I am wearing the Pink that Jess will be wearing

BM Shoe inspiration: **Photo - Cheyenne Schultz

They are dyeable shoes and can be found here.  The BMs will wear the fushia color and my MOH will wear blue

EDIT-- September 30, 2009 - all the girls will be wearing fuschia shoes which have been ordered! yay!  and all the girls will wear Horizon dresses (BAMusic123's girls wore horizon - I am glad the color doesn't blow out in pictures)  The shoes came in and they are gorgeous!!!  I am so happy with them!  Posted Vendor Review!                 

 BAMusic123
 

UPDATE: November 14, 2009 -- HATE the short dresses!  They looked terrible on the girls this weekend. I don't know what was so different but no one liked them any more =/ LAME. We talked and we all feel like the short dresses we liked were too similar to something a guest would wear.  They wanted to FEEL like bridesmaids...so we went with long dresses.  I am really happy we made that decision!! The girls look beautiful!

Krissy, Lindsay, Jess                                Anngela

Their Dress came in!!! it's GORGEOUS!!!!  Here is my MOH in her dress with the sash that I made (which hasn't been finished) 

                              Maid of Honor -- Jessica (lil' sis)

  

                              Bridesmaid -- Krissy (Best Friend)
  
Bridesmaid -- Lindsay (Best Friend -- yes I have 2 -- don't judge)
  
                         Bridesmaid -- Anngela (BIL's gf of 7 years)
 

I have been trying to get my mother to go try this dress on for EIGHT MONTHS!! She finally did and LOVES it!  It's Alfred Angelo ... they were really great over there -- they were going to have to charge $30 for a rush fee so they gave her a discount that amounted to $30 so it's a wash!! yay! =)
My Daddy was going to be wearing dark blue but since Mom chose chocolate for her dress color -- we are thinking gold to compliment.

So I went to Men's Wearhose and the Bellaggio and Tuscany are NOT so gold but YELLOW -- yuck! So we are going with the Bisque -- it will look WAY better with everything. =)

Tuscany Honey (WAY yellow in real life =/)               Bisque(Champagne-y)
         

                                        ::MY PARENTS ATTIRE:: 
                            
                       

Inspiration:(don't know where it came from)

   its.nicsknack  Kohler44

Hair:

   its.nicsknack

Kelzbelz -- LOVE her hair!

     almostdunne      

Hair Trial #1 (without makeup)
 

Makeup Trial #1 and Hair Trial #2

I'm thinking a little darker on the eye shadow and little less gloss.  Also a little poofier on the top of my hair.  Perhaps also some fake eyelashes??

                                Hair Trial/Consultation #3 -- LOVE the softer curls!
 

::THE BIG DAY::

Needless to say I was really disappointed with my hair stylist.  Our appointment was for 9:30, so like a good bride we show up at 9:20.  She tells me that she has another client coming in because her brides are usually late for their appointments.  Um, ok, we've got plenty of time.  I finally get in her chair at 9:45.  She starts telling me that she is going to use a different/bigger barrel curling iron for my hair even though I LOVED my trial with her from 2 weeks prior.  Now it's 10:00 and she tells me that she has to leave by 10:30!! WTH WOMAN?! Why in the world she scheduled me, I have no idea.  So she gets done and bolts out...I WAS NOT happy with my hair.  Thankfully my bm Lindsay is a hair stylist in MS.  She came to my rescue when we got back to the hotel room.  She also did my makeup since I was still pouting about my hair.  She's so amazing!

BEFORE:: If you look -- you can see that not all of it's curled and the front wasn't either! I was so unhappy -- I felt like an 80's beauty pageant contestant -- which is NOT what I was going for.

AFTER:: Lindsay came to my rescue and did my hair AND makeup! I felt so beautiful thanks to her!

I blame my latest shoe obsession on my girls at PW!! ;) y'all have some GREAT taste!!

Bridal Shower -- Luichiny!

Wedding Day Shoes

            ::CEREMONY SHOES:: MARTINEZ VALERO :: THANKS JOHN!! =)
 
                   

                                                           ::RECEPTION SHOES::
      

                             My shoes are Horizon  colored -- They match the BMs dresses! =)

::THE WEDDING DAY:: ACCESSORIES::

In my haste to leave for the wedding on Friday, I FORGOT my beautiful martinez valero shoes =( but it worked out, my blue ones were perfect for the entire day!

Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue...

Something Old: Great Grandmother's pin

or least take similar photos =)

These are my FAVORITE!!! So much emotion!! I really want a first look shot like this shot because we are not doing a reveal before the ceremony.  Both can be found here
 

  HMM (We didn't do a first look)

    Jodi

   OVT22 - LOVE the lighting and poses

BlondeBride

Shoe Shot --LOVE this from Meadowcroft and pretty much all of her pictures!!!  LOVED this girl's wedding!!   

amymorse also had an amazingly stunning wedding! 

 BARBIES85

Marii143 (LOVED her beautiful Valentine's Day wedding)

YummyJack

Wildfirej29

www.Debrawblog.com

www.DianeWiles.com


***If any of these are yours and you aren't credited, please PM me - I'm sorry!!!

This is our boy!!  We rescued him when he was 8 weeks old!! He grew up so fast!!

November 14, 2009 -- AMAZING bridal shower!! We all had such a great time!

We played "How well do you Know John" -- every time I got a question wrong, I had to put on something that belonged to him.

More pics:

I took my girls to brunch the morning after the shower since everyone was available.  I also gave them their gifts =)

   <--the girls in their shoes

At breakfast

We ordered our favors -- personalized matchbooks which will go beautifully with our placecards, which will be votives.  We ordered them from Theknot.com and personalized them - they are silver books with blue foil font.

Cake Server Set: My bridesmaids ordered this beautiful cake server set.  The pearls and rhinestones go so well with our theme AND my dress.  John and I both absolutely love them!  They even had them personalized! =)

 Toasting Flutes: My bridesmaids also got us toasting flutes that are beautiful!  I love the trujpet design - it's so different.  They had a "W" etched into the glass for the monogram and gave this to me at the shower =)

So like 10 days before the wedding we decided to add an edible favor!  I found little round stickers at Michaels.  You log on to the website and pick the template...then type and print!!! They were SUPER cheap and easy!  John put the stickers on all 200 hershey kisses =) yay!

I wasn't able to find a 'Sexy Little Bride' hoodie so I decided to DIY a hoodie.  I found a hot pink one at Target and LOVE the outcome!

So THEN I decided to make monogram tags for the totes I made my girls:          (Finished and on the bag)

I have a list of what to do since I am on here all the time! It's just easier to have the list on any computer any time than to try to carry around a notebook all the time.

My DIY Project List

• Invites - Design, Address envelopes, print invites, assemble, response cards, mail
• RD Invites - Design, Print, Assemble, Mail
• Bridal Brunch – Design, Print, Assemble, Mail
• Save the Dates – Design, Order, Address, Mail
• Card Box
• Bouquets - Bride, MOH, BM,
• Boutonnieres - Groom, BM, FOB, FOG,
• Centerpieces - Vases, candles, glass beads, votives – 4 per table
• Place cards - Votives - Buy Votives, vellum, print, assemble
• Reserved seat sign - Mr., Mrs., MOB, FOB, FOG, MOG, Grandparents (5), and other special 'helpers' 
• Programs - design, print, assemble
• Table Numbers
• Getting Ready Hoodie - DIY Embroidery!
• Initials on shoes
• Tears of Joy Packets
• Decorate toasting flutes -- given as a gift from bms!!! =)
• Decorate dollar dance basket
• Stamp Napkins
• Seating chart
• Photo Guestbook -- order pictures, assemble

Vendors

• Ceremony site – no charge
  • Chairs – no charge
• Minister - Drew Reitzel
• Reception Hall – Officer’s Club
  • Dance floor
• Photographer - Oscar Hernandez/George Hernandez/Jenni Hernandez
• DJ – A-1 Entertainment - $50 deposit, $475 due by March 13, 2010
  • McGee Entertainment -- retainer, remaining balance due by March 6, 2010
• Caterer - includes food, setup, cleanup, and delivery, servers, bar staff, rentals
• Ceremony Music – Starr
• Hair – Avante Salon Avondale

The Rest!

• Buy Dress
• Have dress altered -- First fitting January 14, Second Fitting February 17, Third Fitting March 2,
• Bridesmaids dresses - decide, try-on, have girls order by specific date,
• Find officiant! - Discuss ceremony details, finalize ceremony details
• Tuxes
• Marriage license - going February 17
• Wedding Shoes – buy, have dyed, pick up shoes by September 9
• Book honeymoon
• Garter - Meems
• Tiara
• Veil
• Seating chart
• Engagement photos
• Music list
• Toasting flutes
• Cake knife and server
• Gifts for parents
• Gifts for bridal party - Brides Side, Grooms Side,

We are going on a 7 night cruise in the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas!! I can't wait to spend som seclusion time with my soon-to-be-hubby!  We are on a balcony on the 9th deck =)

We went and picked out our bands on Monday (the 4th) and they already arrived at the jeweler's today!! We went to pay them off and take them home.  I had to leave mine because it was still 1/4 size too big =/ BUT they let me take pictures of the rings!!  YAY we're getting so close!

                OUR WEDDING DAY

**Saturday January 16, 2010**

We started at my parent's house for Lasagna, cake and wine toast! =) Then we went to City Walk at Universal in Orlando where we hung out at Pat O'brien's, The Groove, and finished at the Karaok bar! I had SO much fun!

I have gotten PM'd and messaged about our sand ceremony frame so I thought I would share how we are doing it in case any other brides are considering but aren't sure of the logistics.

I bought the frame from amazon.com for our sand ceremony.  it has 4 panes of glass in it so you can have depth for your pictures.

We are setting it to be 'portrait' instead of 'landscape' so the TOP opens instead of the side.  In the second picture you can kind of see the 4 panes of glass 

Possibly remove one piece of glass so we have more space to pour the sand -- but i'm not sure... 

This is 1 pound of sand in the frame.  We are going to use 3 colors so I am going to get a pound of each.
                    FRONT                                                     BACK                          
      

We are going to put an engagment picture on one pane of glass.  then once we get our wedding pictures back, we will put one of those on the other pane.

We are considering NOT removing the 1 piece of glass, and keeping all 4 pieces in so that we have more depth for the photos but have to make sure we can 'accurately' pour the sand into the smaller space that is created between the back and the extra glass.

I am also going to seal the back pane of glass so the sand doesn't 'leak' out.

SUPPLIES:
Paper Cutter
Paper for the packet (I am using 12X12)
Scrap paper of contrasting color
Tissue
Decorative Paper Cutter
Glue (when all else fails trust Elmer's =) )

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut your paper to measure 6" x 5"

2. Mark your paper where you are going to make your creases.  The first fold will be at 2.75" and the next fold is 2" past your first fold.

3. Once you have folded your paper, use your decorative punch to make the design on the smallest fold of the packet (where it's only 1" wide). 

4. Next lay your desired number of tissues(I used 2) in the packet BEFORE gluing.  Lay the tissue in the packet and glue the sides.

5. Take your scrap paper (mine measures 12"x3") and print what you want on it -- I printed "For Your Tears of Joy".  I used MicroSoft Word and set the paper to Youkei 6 setting.

6. Cut the tag to measure 1" high and glue to the packet.  Make sure you can read the text but that the color fills in the decorative cut out.

7. AND YOU'RE DONE!!! =) YAY!

I did alternating colors.  The paper for the men's signs are ice blue and lapis even though in the picture they kinda look black and white lol!!  These were a really quick DIY project!  

                      MEN                                                              ;          LADIES
   

February 17, 2010 --- we got our marriage license!!! WOO HOOO!!!!

       On the escalator going to apply for it:

                                GOT IT!!!

John and I designed our 'logo' for the aisle runner I plan on painting over the next few days.  This is what we came up with:

I made the template in MS Publisher and made the size custom:: Width - 36"  Heighth - 24".  When I printed, it printed on multiple pages. 
I cut off the margins of the pages so that the design would lay flush against one another.  I then taped it together.  I didn't have scotch tape at the time...so i used painters tape because that's what we had haha =)

I then laid wax paper over it -- very important so it the runner doesn't stick after it dries!! -- and taped the whole thing to the table.  I placed the aisle runner over it where I wanted the logo to go.
**NOTE** a lot of ladies trace the logo onto the aisle runner and THEN paint it -- my brilliant FI suggested I skip that step and immediately paint. =) Last night (3/4/2010) I got the entire 'W' finished! WOO!!!

TA DAA!!! I was worried I wasn't going to like it but I threw away the logo paper and LOVE the result!

All our flowers were DIY -- we purchased from globalrose.com

March 11, 2010

Our flowers arrived from globalrose at 10:30 in the morning!! WOO!! We cut them down and immediately put them in water.  We receieved 250 roses - 25 pink, 25 cream and 200 hot pink!  I LOVE THEM ALL!!! Friday morning we will trim the hot pink roses down so that we can make the cps and then transport them instead of stressing and making them in Jacksonville after the rehearsal or set up.
   

March 12, 2010
Friday morning before leaving for Jacksonville, I went to  my parent's house bright and early!  I got there and we (godmother, sister, mom and I) started de-thorning and de-leafing (word?) the roses.  I cut them to the length I wanted and put 10 per centerpiece. 
This was the end result:

We did 10 cps in about an hour so in the interest of saving me from undo stress later, we put together the bouquets! =) I was only going tohave about 20 in mine but I think I ended up with closer to 30/35 but I was really happy with the outcome!  my bridesmaids each had 12 roses in their bouquets (7 hot pink, 5 white) and my MOH's bouquet consisted of 15 roses (8 hot pink, 7 pink).  After the rehearsal dinner, with the help of my bf/bm Krissy and Jess, my MOH, we stayed up until 2 am wrapping ribbon on the bouquets and making bouts!

     ::Bridesmaids and MOH bouquets:: (served as cake table decor)
 

                                  ::My bouquet::
   

                  ::Toss Bouquet::                                                    ::Groom's Bout::
 

::Dad/FIL/Officiant Bouts::                        ::Groomsmen's Bouts::
         Pink Roses                                          Hot Pink Roses
      

                 ::Floral Cake Topper::

These are just some of my favorites -- friend me on FB to see TONS more lol....(on some of the pictures, if you click them, they take you to FB, I don't know if you can look at the rest??)

FRIDAY March 12, 2010

I woke up early Friday morning and went over to my parent’s house to put centerpieces together.  My God-Mother, Mom and sis all helped me de-thorn, remove leaves and cut the roses.  It took us less than an hour to make all 10 centerpieces.  Once we finished with those, they all helped me get the bouquets together.  We had SO many flowers left over!!  Part of that is due to the fact that we had to eliminate an entire table due to family issues and guests not being able to make it =/
When I finished with the flowers, I went home to make sure we had everything packed and ready to go.  We left Orlando at noon and drove up to Jacksonville in. the. Rain. BOO!! I was stressing a little.  When we got to Jacksonville, we immediately unloaded vehicles to decorate the reception hall.  While my mom, sister, sis’s boyfriend and I decorated, everyone else went to check into the hotel.  TWO HOURS LATER, MIL and one of the bms came to help(finally).  By this point, we had finished everything so whatever…I think MIL was upset she didn’t get to help but oh well!! =)
We finished set up and went to the rehearsal – where I cried with every new guest/attendant/bm I saw. I was in charge of making sure it was all organized which didn’t bother me – it kept my mind occupied =) I cried when my dad walked me down the aisle for rehearsal too and I think he got teary! 
Once we finished rehearsing – we went to dinner…where once again, ILs and the same bm were over an hour late! w/e *shrug* Fi DH and I went our separate ways at around 11:30.  My BF and my MOH came back to my room to help finish the bouquets and bouts.  We were up until 2:30!!! Thank goodness for them! They were so supportive and positive and just amazing!

SATURDAY March 13, 2010 WEDDING DAY!

BF and I got up at 7am and went jogging/walking.  I had SO much energy and anxiety – I was just ready to go walk down the aisle!! We all left for the hair salon at 8:30 and stopped to get breakfast and coffee --  I only ate a banana before the salon but drank lots of water.  My bms looked beyond beautiful with their hair all done up – I was SO pleased with the 2 girls at the salon. I wasn’t too thrilled with the owner who did my hair.  I didn’t like what she did – she completely used a different barrel size to curl the hair and only HALF did it because she had to leave.  I was pretty peeved about it but thank goodness one of my bms is a hair stylist.  We found a smaller curling iron at the hotel and she re-did my hair.  The BEST thing I did that day while getting ready was EAT!!!  We stopped at subway on the way back from the hair salon and I had a 6” sub.  The same bm who did my hair also did my makeup for me =) she was amazing! I love her to pieces! We finished getting ready, took the ‘getting ready’ shots and went out to take all the bridal party portraits and family pictures with just the bride/just the groom.  DH didn’t want to do a first look =/  After I finished the bridal party pictures, one of our photographers took me out for some bridal portraits.
I was back in my room by 3:30 where all the girls and I toasted and hugged and helped me pee!! Hahaha that was an adventure ;) The music started playing at 4:00 sharp! I could see my groom from where I was hiding and he had tears just streaming down his face! MOH helped me put my blusher down and the girls had to be in position.  There I was standing all by myself – for the first time, completely undistracted by other people.  I looked down at my dress and my flowers and just burst into tears! I was so overwhelmed and excited and relieved and happy.  My tears sparked all of my girls to start crying lol…my poor sis was a MESS the entire time! I walked down to DH and could NOT stop smiling and crying! I was so happy!  The hardest thing I have had to do so far was walk up to him and not kiss/hug him immediately! Ugh I wanted to SO BAD!!!  The weather was beautiful – a little windy but gorgeous still.  DH started to recite his vows and I laughed AND cried!! I was so emotional! Then suddenly it was over and we were MARRIED!!!

We took family pictures and group pictures and B&G pictures.  We had SO MUCH FUN! We went to our reception which was gorgeous and the food was AMAZING! Everything went so smoothly!!  Our cake was delicious, our first dance amazing and our dollar dance was a HUGE hit/Success! We danced the night away and just enjoyed each other and the company of our friend's and family.  =) I remember most of the night, a little out of order but its not a big haze and there aren't any black spots lol! =) It was the most perfect day of my life!

 WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU -- here are some teasers =)

The quality is a little questionable but that is because I received prints and had to scan them...I can't WAIT to get the rest!!

Pro Teasers -- From 2nd photographer -- 3/25/2010

The first set of pictures of us doing makeup/eating are non-pro -- our photographer was a little late lol

We at Subway right before we started getting dressed.  This is probably the NUMBER ONE thing I would suggest for brides --- EAT BEFORE THE CEREMONY!!!!

Commense Makeup and dresses!!! =)
     

    

Time for my Girls to start dressing!!! =) --  We all helped each other:: I tied sashes while they cut the hanging loops out of each other's dress
  
Krissy was worried because she was so warm...turns out she left her jeans on under her dress!!!

Time for me to get dressed....
   

Time for Bridal Party Pictures!! =)

Ceremony

(much inspiration came from Meadowcroft14's wedding)

DH was calm, cool and collected before it all started...That didn't last TOO long lol

PROCESSIONAL:

Seating of the mothers: Ave Maria – Schubert

Bridal Party: Canon in D – Pachelbel

Bride Entrance (escorted by Daddy – guests stand): Bridal Chorus – Wagner

  

 

OPENING WORDS(Drew)

 

GIVEN IN MARRIAGE:

Drew: Who gives this woman?

Dad: Her mother and I.
 
**Note:: in this picture when my dad raised my veil he said "Go get 'em Tiger" (like he always has) and I growled haha --- yes I said "Grrrrr" =)
    

PRAYER (Drew)

 

VOWS OF SUPPORT:

Officiant calls the parents of bride and groom forward:

Drew: To the parents of John and Ashley, although they have embarked on this marriage through personal choice, their marriage will be enriched by the families from which they come.

With this in mind, I ask you, Phil and Donna to take this man, John, into your hearts, that he might live from this day as your son, for he is dear and beloved to John and April and shall be so to you and your family.  If so, answer We do.

Ashley’s parents – We do

Drew: And of you, John and April, I ask the same, that you take this woman, Ashley into your hearts, that she might live from this day as your daughter, for she is dear and beloved to Phil and Donna, and shall be so to you and your family.  If so, answer We do.

John’s Parents – We Do.

(Both bride and groom hug new family)

(Parents stand next to 'new' child and join hand -- everyone facing guests)

Drew: Two people in love do not live in isolation. The love between John and Ashley is a source of strength to each other and to the community around them. In turn, their community has a responsibility to support them. Do you who are present here today promise to surround John and Ashley in love, offering them celebration in times of joy and counsel in times of concern? If so, answer we do.

Guests: We do.

(Parents return to their seats)

  

VOWS

 

Drew: John, repeat after me:

 

I, John/Ashley , take you, Ashley/John , to be my friend, my lover, and my wife/husband.  I will cherish our union and promise to love you more each day than I did the day before.  I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh and cry with you, to love you in good times and in bad, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.  I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live. 
 

(I started to cry AS SOON as he started saying his vows)

RINGS

SAND CEREMONY

(We used a frame for our sand ceremony that can be found here)

Steve sings first verse of "There is Love"

Drew: This covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.  The two of you have made that commitment today.

This relationship is symbolized through the pouring and combining of sand.  Each grain of sand in their separate containers represents a unique and separate moment, decision, feeling or event that helped shape John and Ashley into the individual that they are and led them to this moment in their lives.

Steve sings second verse "there is Love"

The White sand that I pour represents Christ, pure, holy, Son of God.  He is the foundation on which you build your marriage.  This foundation and love of God through Jesus can never be separated from you.

The blue and pink sands each represent you both, John and Ashley, all that you were, all that you are and all that you will ever be.
Bother containers hold unique beauty, strength, and character. They can each stand on their own without need of anything else.  Today we blend the two together to create and entirely new and extraordinarily more intricate entity.  Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches this union. 
The separate containers represent your lives up to this moment: individual and unique. As they are poured together, the original containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined as one.  Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be.
John and I pour our sand together

Steve sings bridge "There is Love"

As God is the foundation of your life and marriage, so shall He be your cover and shelter.
Drew pours white sand over our blue/pink sand

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
KISS THE BRIDE!!


HUSBAND AND WIFE!!!

 

::We shared a semi-private moment on the top deck before the picture madness began::
   

::GROUP SHOT::

:: BRIDAL PARTY WITH JOHN ::

:: BRIDAL PARTY WITH ME ::

 

DH and I with our new siblings =)
 

WARNING -- We are a VERY KISSY Couple lol =)

Bride and Groom First Dance::  "Old Bird Dog (and I love you)" - Crossin' Dixon

Father/Daughter Dance :: "She's on Her Way" - Phil Vassar

Mother/Son Dance :: "My Wish" - Rascal Flatts

***NOTE:: I LOVED my cake and was so proud of it!! AND my mom making it was the PERFECT touch!

Cake Cutting Song -- "I Wanna Grow Old With You" -- Adam Sandler

                        GROOM'S CAKE ::  ITALIAN CREME CAKE 

SONG:: "Ain't No Other Man" - Christina Aguilera
I really LOVE this song which is why I picked it....I know it doesn't really GO with the whole idea of the bouquet toss but I am pretty confident no one remembers that was the song playing lol.

For the bouquet toss, my photographers encouraged me to 'fake it' the first go round...so unbeknownst to my single ladies...I threw a cloth napkin =) It got a good laugh! =)

Ok OK now time for the real thing =)

My Meemaw made my garters.  I LOVE them both!! I am so happy that she was able to do this for me and the way they turned out.  It means so much to me that they are so personal

  <--- Throw garter = Married Initial and Wedding date

Keep Garter

 <-- pouch for my sixpence

::WEDDING DAY::
They were so big I couldn't wear them on the same leg lol

::GARTER TOSS::
DH wanted to do something DIFFERENT for the garter toss.  He was SO intent on being original so he TOOK A DAY OFF WORK to watch YouTube videos.  Needless to say he couldn't find anything.  So one night while cooking dinner I brought a chair into the kitchen because maybe he needed a visual....This is what we came up with......

I took my seat when the garter toss announcement was made and "Love and Marriage" commensed playing.  John asked the dj to STOP the music and HE took the seat....and pulled out some dollar bills to throw at me.
 

"Back That Thang Up" started playing and DH proceeded to 'make it rain' on me with dollar bills -- I had to 'shake it' for him so he would remove my garter. (yes those ARE $1 bills in the air and on the floor lol)
   

ok I have had enough -- I want that $20 in your stack
 
    

AND PAYMENT!! =)
 

SONG: "It's Not You" - Halestorm
We thought this song to be very fitting for the garter replacement because USUALLY the girl who catches the bouquet is NOT dating the guy who catches the garter lol....this was DEFINITELY the case for our wedding! My sister (MOH) caught the bouquet and John's mom's friend's boyfriend (whew that was a mouthful! did you follow?) caught the garter... AND we had NO IDEA he would put it on her the way he did....a little awkward!  =)

See the photographer on the ground??                    This is the shot he was taking =)

THESE 2 PICTURES ARE WHY I LOVE MY SISTER LOL (she's in the middle)
 

The little pink bags were used to carry our rings -- it made my MOH and John's BM less nervous.  They carried the little baggies around and then when it was time to make the ring exchange, they each handed us their bag and we removed the rings.  This way the rings didn't have to be handled by anyone other than John and I -- ESPCIALLY because my ring is SO tiny and DH's and BIL's hands are SO big.

DH and I work all. the. time.  no seriously -- John owns his own company -- which includes subcontracting for bigger companies.  Needless to say his phone never stops ringing.  SO to combat this silliness, we decided to 'run away' and go cruising for 7 days!!! WOO!!! 
We sailed on Royal Carribbean's Freedom of the Seas.  It was AMAZING!  We didn't sleep in but we were usually early to bed so we got PLENTY of sleep.  We took naps EVERY day -- seriously! that's something we don't get to do often so it was nice to spend time together.
I took LOTS of lingerie and used some every day (I know TMI) -- we turned it into a game, he would pick a number and I would start counting from some point in the stack and pull out whatever number (I kept his numbers low by saying pick a number between 1 & 10 etc.) I stopped on. It was fun AND i got to use all my lingerie which is also fun =)
Our travels took us to CocoCay -- which we weren't able to visit because the seas were too rough for the tender. =/  We stopped at St. Thomas and St. Maarten. 
While on the cruise - I changed clothes AT LEAST twice a day =) which was amazing! Once we got on board, John and I went to our room...on the door was a sign that said Just Married and the room had been decorated compliments of my wonderful parents:

We had to go to the evacuation drill BUT we didn't need to bring life jackets and we sat in a comfy chair in the dining area -- SO OF COURSE I had to take pictures of our rings =)
 
We went back to our room after the drill and slept -- seriously - we napped for about 2 hours! it was amazing! We woke up just in time to go eat in the dining hall.  The first night we ate, we didn't have anyone at our table, which we were quite happy about as it gave us more one-on-one time
 
By the time we got back to our room -- it had been decorated AGAIN with rose petals awwww! Compliments of my parents AGAIN and they had champagne!!!
  
and of course we had to take some pictures of us having our first married champange (outside of the wedding)

We woke up the next morning in Coco Cay -- oh and we had a balcony - which I HIGHLY recommend!  It was too rough to get off the boat at Coco Cay so we went and played around on the boat =)
  <-amazing promenade!
since we couldn't get off the boat -- we played Bingo!  -- it was married bingo for us! =) YAY!
 
AND married FEET!!!
  
We got back to our room and had complimentary chocolate covered strawberries from the chef! yum!
 
We went ice skating and ate at Johnny Rockets =) (FI DH is going to kill me for posting this picture lol)
  
Formal night # 1 !!!
  
For the most part we went to the performances after dinner and of course took pictures! =) and had drinks
 
 I LOVE THE TOWEL ANIMALS!!!
  

Our First port we were able to get off the boat was St. Thomas -- we did some shopping and bought some liquor to bring back.  We also went up the mountain on the cable car and ate at a 'local' restaurant and tried a signature drink.  P.S. my hair doesn't do so well in humidity lol
    

My favorite part of every day was changing/showering for dinner every night! =)
 

Our second port was St. Maarten.  We wandered around and bought some more alcohol ... lol yeah I know.  we ate at a local restaurant called "The Blue Bitch" (seriously) I had a guavaberry colada and we bought some flippies!! yay! (oh and I call flip-flops flippies)  DO NOT FORGET TO PACK YOUR FLIPPIES -- I did but thankfully I also packed some flats =)
  
Eating Lunch -- this was our view =)

  
Of course we had to go down to the beach...we didn't spend LOTS of time on it because we live in Florida and we are always hot lol =)

I found some vanilla rum that I wanted to try so I bought a travel size and a can of coke -- I was seriously buzzed after that but REALLY LOVED the drink so we bought MORE alcohol haha =)
  
Then it was time to head home but we were so happy and MARRIED =) YAY! so we spent more time on the boat together =)
 
  
as you can probably tell I got really good at taking mirror pictures =)
After dinner this night we went and had drinks and a cigar to celebrate our marriage and our future together =)
  
FORMAL NIGHT #2!!
  

Saturday -- the LAST day! -- someone had to be evacuated by Coast Guard -- we never found out what happened but we got some great pictures of the helecoptor =)
 
  
Last Dinner of the Honeymoon -- it really was nice to be getting back to our home

After dinner we came back and changed to go hang out on the boat
   

Here is the original link to the post.  John is so amazing and I am SO lucky! We have a wonderful life together and actually had a lot of fun planning...i know this is highly due to all you wonderful supportive ladies here on Projectwedding! I love you ladies!

Hello P-dub Ladies!

Ashley told me that it is customary for the groom/groom-to-be to make the 5k post. I’m not really sure what to say in all honesty…congratulations! Hhmmmm ok here goes…

First I want to tell you about my wife – she is beautiful, smart, kind and pretty much amazing all around. This week we were kind of reliving our engagement and my proposal was brought up. She asked if I was nervous. That was definitely an emotion I experienced that morning waiting to surprise her. She asked me why and I told her it’s because I kept thinking “this woman is so amazing I hope she says yes”. Of course I knew deep down she would I just couldn’t imagine being her idea of the ‘perfect man’. She is my world and I am thankful every day for her in my life. She is my light in the dark and my biggest fan – I don’t think she realizes she is more than I ever dreamed my wife would be. I love you Baby!

Second, I want to thank you ladies of project wedding for helping Ashley - and me, if we’re being honest. We didn’t have to deal with stress or bridezilla moments or her feeling upset because I wasn’t involved/didn’t care – I know this is largely due to this community. Every time she tried something or thought of something she would say I’m going to go ‘P-dub it’. The idea would grow/change and then she would come to me with a ‘final’ idea and I didn’t have to feel confused/frustrated because I thought we had already decided on something. I want to also say something to the ladies who feel like their man doesn’t care/isn’t involved. THE BEST thing Ashley did for me was narrow down choices to 2 or 3 and come to me for an opinion. This is WAY less overwhelming than her saying “Here John, pick any flower in existence” or “How do you think we should decorate the reception hall”. She came to me and said “which do you like a or b?”. It’s much harder for us men to get too involved because most of us are visual – we have to see it together, a lot of us aren’t QUITE as imaginative as you ladies. Remember also that some things we just don’t care about, not because we think it’s stupid or anything like that, it’s because all we care about is where you are when it’s time to say “I do”. Thank you ladies so much for being supportive of Ashley and helping her along the way – Our wedding was amazing, and I know it is because she had such a great community to support her. She thinks so highly of many of the ladies in this community and even though I don’t quite understand why she is sticking around, I’m glad she can have her ‘girl’ time ;)

Congratulations again Ashley – you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our wedding day was the happiest day of my life!

John

LadyY sent me a PM right before her wedding day asking for advice, encouragement and P-dub Love.  I remember thinking it's a fabulous thing to do.  So I followed her lead and PM'd a handful of girls that had been married or have been an inspiration to me during my planning.  I asked each for any advice they had to give me just five days before I walked down the aisle.  Here are some responses and words of wisdom I received from the following beautiful and amazing ladies on PW
:: midnyteblue110609, SoonMrs.P, wildfirej29, misshammy, kristeen, MountainBride, Ghana_Bride ::

*Try your hardest to get everything done at least 3 days before.
*Don't let your family/friends stress you. They WILL do it so if you can get someone else who doesn't take any crap to deal with it.
*Take it all in and know that not everything is going to go perfect or the way you planned. Accept that first thing in the morning and you will be the happiest bride! After that, just enjoy the day.
*Enjoy your friends and family while you're getting ready and then after that it is about you and your new husband.
*Stay with him, dance with him b/c the time goes by so fast and before you know it it is over.
*It is going to be the best day even if things do not go as planned.

Do:
*Get enough sleep the night before. It is such a long day.
*Have each of your men check their tuxes.
*Bring a small fan where you're getting ready.
*Bring one of your wedding invitations to be photographed.
*Make sure someone packs up some food for when you leave. You're going to be famished!
*Spend 10 minutes alone with your new husband directly after the ceremony. It's the only time you'll get to be alone before you leave for the night.

Don't:
*Drink too much champagne before the wedding. Not because you'll get drunk -- because it makes you sleepy.
*Sweat the small stuff. There will always be something that doesn't go as planned.

*SLEEP! Eat healthy, drink lots of water, don't touch your face (break out central), and smile a LOT.
*Don't drink too much wine or eat a lot of pasta at the RD. . .it will make you bloated on the wedding day :) At your reception the next day, eat and drink all you want!
*In the days before, stop all of the projects. Don't micromanage, don't try to get one last thing done. This is a week you will remember FOREVER, and if you spend two days of it stressing about some little thing you are wasting your special time.
*Try not to daydream too much about what the day will be like. . .it won't be like anything you imagine: it will be better.
*On your wedding day, cry with your family and bridesmaids before the ceremony. It's ok. Allow yourself to be emotional.
*Look at yourself in the mirror - take time on your wedding day alone in the room and say 'wow, I'm a bride'. You'll never forget the image of yourself. . .
*Remember that stressing doesn't change anything: don't stress about silly things like weather, people being late, etc. . .because you can't change it. Stress only wastes this time, and this is something you only get to experience once.
*At your ceremony, try to focus. You won't remember much if any of it at all.
*Don't worry about your dress. It's going to get dirty. . .and that is ok. :)
*If you see something you'd like a photo of, speak up! Say, 'hey, can you take a picture of us on that bench?' Otherwise, let your photogs do their thing.
*Stand up straight and smile ALL DAY. You will be in 1000's of photos. . .
*There WILL be something that is decorated differently then you requested/expected. It's probably better, actually! Let it go.
*Before you put your gown on, use the bathroom.
*On your honeymoon, take a journal. You and your husband should have it at all times, reminisce about the wedding, and then WRITE IT DOWN. There is SO much to remember, and things will come back to you that you have already forgotten, or that you didn't realize had happened.
*Enjoy the time you have with your family and friends especially the ones you are close to.
*If you have the chance and can afford to go pamper your self , DO It!!!
*For last minute errands, get your girls to help you if possible. If you have a DOC they can help too.
*Get some rest and sleep the night before. You want to be well rested for the party of your life.
*I know as brides we worry a lot about wanting everything to be PERFECT. Not everything is going to be perfect, but be ready to roll with it.

***********
I found the girls all basically said the same thing: relax, take it all in, it flies by and don't worry about things NOT being EXACTLY perfect.  I took this advice to heart. Some things that happened the day of::
*I forgot some of the decorations for the reception -- no one except FMIL noticed...I hadn't even realized that we didn't have it until she said something.
*The aisle runner wasn't staying down because of the winds we were experiencing.  Everyone was stressing it except me.  I just said to cut off the monogram part and figure out a way to keep that down.  That's what we did, it's all we could do *shrug*
*I wanted the cake table in the center of the dance floor, it was at the back of the dance floor -- oh well =)
*I was SO stressed about the weather -- I wish I wouldn't have monitored it at 10 days out.  THEN I was so worried about it not raining, I didn't take the wind into consideration lol.  DO NOT WORRY about the weather...it doesn't matter what it's doing outside - it's still going to be the best day of your life.
*DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE lol.  I had ours with us in the hotel and didn't realize that it hadn't been signed until well after the reception was over.  I had my MOH and John's BM sign it that night.  Before we left for our honeymoon on Sunday we went to our Officant's house to have him sign and notarize it lol. Also make sure it's filled out correctly -- ie: our officiant forgot to fill out ALL THE INFO so I mailed it off and it had been returned while we were away.  It was SO DISAPPOINTING to open our license only to find out it wasn't complete lol.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter that your flowers were pink instead of red or that the table setting was all wrong.  No one is going to care or remember for that matter, the MOST IMPORTANT part of your day is the part where you say "I Do"/your vows. Enjoy your day ladies.  It's AMAZINGLY FABULOUS =)

I had LOTS of my DIY stuff left over after the wedding so I put it all in a shadowbox.  I also put a copy of the newspaper article about the wedding that my meemaw (mom's mom) sent me. =) I LOVE it and it makes me smile EVERY time I walk by it! =) In it I have:

Tears of Joy
Invitation and Belly Band
Bubbles (from the ceremony)
Cake Topper
Cake Table Napkins
Program
Matchbook Favor
Wedding Day Hankie
Ring Bag (MOH and BM each carried our wedding bands in one on the Big Day)
Newspaper Announcement

I have seen several posts about what to do with the aisle runner once the wedding is all said and done.  I decided to frame mine.  I have no idea how we managed to keep track of this in our travels from Jacksonville back home to Orlando.  On the wedding day, we cut the bottom portion off because it was so windy, the whole aisle runner was being blown away.  We lost our sand ceremony frame in traveling but managed to keep this folded up. lol.  I love it framed!  I spent so much time designing and then painting it I just couldn't bring myself to trash it =)

I was BOTW (Bio of the Week) from June 11 - June 17!!!  I was/am so flattered to be considered BOTW and was so overjoyed by this honor!! =) I just HAD to share a screenshot!! I know I know -- BIG AW of me!! =) Oh well!! It made me happy! =)  Congratulations to all the lovely women of PW who have been and who will be BOTW!

Check her out here.

She has asked me to be her Matron of Honor! YAY!! I can't wait to help her plan! 

Jessica and I at my wedding
 

Doug (Jessica's fiance) and I at my wedding
 
The Happy Couple =)

After nearly EIGHT MONTHS I FINALLY did a Rock the Dress photo shoot! My husband took some pictures with the new DSLR he bought us and then our wedding photographer took some.  I ended up with over 1200 pictures! It's unreal!! We had SUCH a fabulous time!! If you haven't done one I 100% recommend doing one! Enjoy the photos!

You can view more in my Facebook Album!!