My name is Annika and my FI's name is Rob.  We met 7 years ago during our freshman year of college, when we both lived in the same dorm.  We started dating the fall of our sophomore year, and its been a crazy ride ever since!  After college, I stayed in Philly to work while he moved home to Florida, then he moved to NYC for a job so it was long distance for a long time.  Then, this past year, he got transfered to London, but I decided I did not want to follow him there and we decided to break up.

About three months later, I got 11 roses delivered to me at work with a note that said "I saved the 12th one for myself".  That evening, when I left my building to go home, he was waiting outside for me!  I was in shock - he had flown out to Philly for just a couple days to ask me to come be with him.  I said yes, quit my job a week later, and moved to London.

While we aren't "officially" engaged (have not gotten my ring yet), we are planning a wedding for July or August 2011.  

I'm a little overwhelmed since its not that long to plan and we havn't even decided on a location yet!  It's a little difficult considering I am from California and have alot family in Sweden, he is from Florida with all his family in Puerto Rico, and we both live in London!!

I LOVE SUCCULENTS!!  This is my absolute favorite bouquet I've ever seen...

 (not sure where I found it)

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE anemones

So we have not decided on a location yet let alone a venue which is a little stressful!  This is what is making it difficult:

-I have a BIG immediate family (I'm the oldest of 9 kids) who all live in Sacramento, CA. Transporting them all anywhere is obviously a huge hassle and expense.

-My dad is from Sweden, so I have alot of extended family there

-FI is from Fort Lauderdale, where his parents and majority of his friends live

-FI is Puerto Rican, so ALL of his family (including grandarents who can't travel far) lives there

So where do we have the wedding????  I say just elope haha, but FI isn't into that idea.  Our options:

1. Wedding in California, HM in Puerto Rico

2. Wedding in Florida, but pay for my family to travel

3. Wedding in CA or FL, then a reception in the other 

4.  Small wedding in London, then parties in CA & FL whenever we get around to it

Location aside I don't know how I'm going to plan everything from across the pond...I'm a huge DIY fan and want to control everything haha.  Help!!

I decided a while ago that I want my brother, Anders, to be my Man of Honor haha.  It only made sense since he's my best friend and closest sibling.  He loves the idea!! (as long as he doesn't have to carry flowers lol)  

Anders:

I have 5 sisters, so if I have more bridesmaids the bridal party is already huge!  Not sure how I will include them all but they will definitely all be in the wedding.

My Sisters (plus mom):

I also plan on including my two best friends, Cami and Logan:

The Flower girl is going to be my adorable sister Mia, who will be 7.  She is SO excited!

Mia:

Stefan, my youngest brother, wants to be the ring bearer.  He has 7 pet chickens and asked if they could walk down the isle with him haha!

Stefan:

Hair - I like the half up/half down look

Makeup - I love makeup!  I know I want dramatic eyes with false eyelashes and just glossy lips. 

STD

Invites?

Garter

Centerpieces (silver dishes with succulents and other flowers and candles)

Dessert table (macaroons, german chocolate cake, carrot cake, truffles)

Chocolate chip cookies for pre/post cermony

Maybe flowers - depends on the cost.  My mom used to be a florist so she offered to help.

I just saw these shoes and I'm going to try to DIY some!!

Ok maybe I have my priorities out of whack since I dont even have a venue yet but I already know what I want to do for my TTD :)

I fenced all through college so I want to do a fencing theme kind of like these:

I also run marathons so want to do some shots at the track with my Nike Frees

And finally I like to indoor rock climb so hopefully a shot like this!

So excited I love it.  By La Soie

I may add a rhinestone sash like this - not sure yet

I just booked the Ancient Spanish Monastery in Miami, FL for October 21, 2011 :)  I wanted something unique and I'm so excited!  The main part of the monastery was built in Spain in the 1100's!