OUR STORY:

(Boy Meets Girl)

Let me be the first to admit that when De and I first met, our initial encounter was FAR from "love at first sight".  As a matter of fact, he claims he couldn't stand me and I certainly wasn't impressed with his somewhat arrogant vibe.  We actually met through a chance encounter at a local hotspot called the Skybar.  My mother and grandmother (who is close friends with the owner) had been frequenting the establishment for a few months and had been trying to get me to stop in.  I had long since grown weary of the "club scene" but my mom assured me that the atmosphere was upscale, classy, and "adult".  So after much convincing on her part, I reluctantly decided to join them one Wednesday evening.  Little did I know that I would run into De'smond, who happened to be working, at that time, for the radio station (95.7 The Wave) that hosted live radio spots from the club.  Apparently, my mother (being "motherly") had befriended Desmond prior to my arrival and thinking I would find him attractive and someone I may want to get to know, she introduced us to one another that same evening.  I wasn't impressed and he didn't seem interested either.  We made small talk but never made any effort to exchange numbers or anything like that.  That was in March.  I made a few more visits to the club over the next couple of weeks and would see Desmond in passing, but we never spent any significant time together talking or getting to know each other.  He was either too busy working or to busy working "it" if you know what I mean. LOL.  It wasn't until two months later, in May, when I decided to host my birthday party at the same locale.  I ran into Desmond again and for some strange reason, I actually took a second look at him and noticed that he was kinda cute.  I don't know if it's what he had on (it was probably because I had been drinking) but all of a sudden appeared very handsome.  And perhaps he was thinking the same thing because all of a sudden he seemed more than just mildly interested in me as well.  So we kept running into each other that night, making small talk and flirting.  At the end of the night, we decided to exchange numbers and promised to call one another.  He actually asked me out on a date as well -- to a Brian McKnight concert (it wasn't until later that I found out that he had asked about 10 other women to the concert as well, but I was the one he actually took).  So our first date came two days later, the actual day of my birthday.  I had taken the day off from work and he didn't have to work that day either.  He had heard that my people were from Louisiana and had inquired if I could cook.  I told him I could pretty much cook anything creole and had promised to make him dinner.  He showed up at my door around 2pm in the afternoon.  I whipped up some blackened catfish, crawfish etoufee and french bread.  When he came in  my house, he seemed so nervous and out of place -- I thought that was so cute -- (I would later find out that was just an act).  I knew he was a couple years younger than me and so figured he wasn't used to "an older woman".  Little did I know that he liked much older women, and so in reality, he wasn't used to a "young" woman, like myself.  Go figure.  So we sit down, eat, and get to talking about ourselves.  We discussed in great detail where we were from, what we liked to do, things about our families, etc. etc.  I never in a million years would have guessed that we had so much in common.  He loved eating, sports, and traveling.  So did I.  I think he thought he had found a "homeboy" wrapped up in a girl's body.  Who knew!!??  We talked for 8 hrs straight.  From 2 in the afternoon to 10pm that night.  Although we both were having the time of our lives laughing and watching movies, I think he finally realized that the "proper" thing to do was to leave since it had gotten late.  But after that night, we would remain joined together at the hip. 

De and I's relationship has been no walk in the park.  Like most couples we've had knock down drag out fights, misunderstandings, miscommunication, and a whole lot of negative influence from outside sources -- the devil is a lie!!.  But no one ever said relationships were easy or even fun.  The truth is, they are work.  A lot of hard work.  I'm talking blood, sweat and tears.  And what's ironic is that I can speak for the both of us when I say that neither one of us thought this would turn out to be what it is today.  In fact, I guess, as naive as it sounds, we figured that we would just "ride this thing til the wheels fall off" -DVC. We were just two people enjoying each other's company not even considering what we wanted out of the relationship.  But as is the case with most things, when you invest a significant amount of time into something, the stakes go up.  Feelings and emotions start to develop and expectations start to become part of the equation.  When our "friendship" evolved into a "relationship" we had a lot of hard choices to make and potential outcomes to evaluate.  It was tough, as is anything worth putting time and effort into.  But what we found in the end is that we loved each other and were willing to take a leap of faith.  And so we have vowed to stay faithful to God and committed to each other.  And I can honestly say that there is no one in the world I would rather have gone through that journey with.  The sacrifices we have made for each other; the lessons we have learned through one another, and the love we have for each other are truly priceless.  And this is just the beginning.  We cannot wait to begin our journey as man and wife.  And we are spiritiual enough to know that if God blesses our union that there's nothing we can't do or overcome. 

THE BRIDAL PARTY:

I will be having a matron of honor (my best friend of 13 years); two maids of honor (my younger sister and my other best friend for 8 years).  In addition, I will be having four bridemaids and one jr. bridesmaid.  Woo.  Dy FH will be having three best men and five groomsman.  In addition to that, we have a junior bride and groom, a king of the ring, and a flower girl.  How did we get here?  I have no idea.  Its really hard to pick and choose who should stand up with you at your wedding.  There are so many people that are important to us but in the end we just have to hope we made the right decision.  Everybody can't be in the wedding!

THE LOCATION:

We will be getting married in Conroe, TX about 10 mintes north of The Woodlands, TX at my FH childhood church. 

DECORATION INSPIRATIONS:

 (Courtesy of jbl04ld)

The reception is about 15 min south of Conroe in Spring, just after The Woodlands. 

THE COLORS: 

 Not quite but close...

Our wedding colors are Chocolate Brown and French Blue.  While I realize everyone and their mama's are doing chocolate brown and tiffany blue, I don't like that shade of blue -- it seems more like sea green or pool blue to me.  Yuck, yuck, yuck.  My favorite color is brown, and the FI's favorite color is blue.  So a shiny satin blue looks really good with the brown.  Now its just a matter of finding the rights shade and finding the coordinating linens and bridesmaid dresses.  Oyyy.

CAKE INSPIRATION:

I plan on using this for our favors, programs, table number system, and chair signs.  Really love how it came out.  Just one more thing to personalize our wedding -- and it was cheap too!  $7.00 for the design.  Now I just have to figure out how to get it printed!

All Inclusive Wedding Checklist

Part 1

• Set the Date
• Mail Out Save the Dates
• Pick a Church
• Book Officiant
• Select Reception Venue / Secure Contract
• Decide on Start/End Times for Ceremony and Reception
• Compile First Draft of Guest List
• Choose Wedding Party
• Book Caterer / Secure Contract
• Book Linen Company / Secure Contract
• Book Photographer / Secure Contract
• Book D.J. / Secure Contract
• Book Videographer / Secure Contract
• Select Cake designer / Secure Contract
• Select Theme/Colors of Wedding
• Book Honeymoon
• Purchase Airline Tickets for Honeymoon
• Finish Paying for the Honeymoon (April 1^st)
• Select and Design Wedding Rings
• Select Dress and Put 50% Deposit Down
• Finish Paying for Wedding Rings
• Finish Paying for Wedding Dress and Schedule final fittings
• Plan and attend Pre-Marital counseling Sessions
• Purchase Veil
• Purchase Spanx
• Purchase Petticoat
• Purchase Shoes
• Purchase Bridal Jewelry
• Purchase 2^nd Reception dress (or after ceremony)
• Select BM dresses
• Select GM tuxes
• Organize & Conduct 1^st Bridal Party Meeting (December  5th)
• Plan Engagement Party
• Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Bachelor Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Engagement Pictures 12/19 @ 9:00am
• Bridal Session Pictures

Part 2

• Design Invitations & Wedding Map
• Design Programs
• Book Hair Stylist
• Book Makeup Artist
• Book a Florist and Decide on Bride, BM, GM, and parents flowers.
• Decide on order of Wedding Processional
• Choose Music for ceremony
• Find vocalist who will sing the Lord’s Prayer
• Select Readings (and who will read them at ceremony)
• Choose Vows (bride, groom and parents)
• Purchase miscellaneous  “Items”:
• Server Set & Champagne Flutes
• Garter Set
• Gift Card Box
• Flameless Candles
• Sign holders for guest tables
• “Broom” for broom jumping ceremony
• Flower Girl’s Petals and Basket
• Sand Ceremony Items
• Disposable Cameras
• Personalized Napkins for cake and food tables
• Purchase Decorations for Ceremony
• Aisle Runner; tulle; make pomander balls; 2 sprays for the front of the church
• Design Centerpieces for the reception tables
• Design Guest Book
• Decide on Favors for the Wedding
• Purchase BM Gifts
• Purchase GM Gifts
• Purchase Parents’ Gifts (decide on reg. albums or copies of wedding album)
• Buy containers & candy for Candy Buffet Bar at reception
• Print Reception Signs and Chair Signs
• Contact Britner to reserve dance floor
• Apply for and pick up Wedding License
• Boudoir Pictures
• Send Out Invitations
• Create Seating Chart (for reserved seating)
• Create order of events for Reception
• First Dance (Bride & groom)
• Father/Daughter Dance
• Mother/Son Dance
• Cutting the Cake
• Garter Toss
• Bouquet Throw
• Toasts:
• Best Man Speech
• Matron of Honor Speech
• Father of the Groom Speech

• Select Music for D.J. to play at wedding for select dances and events
• ? Day of Coordinator?
• Choose host hotel(s) for the weekend for guests
• Book room for Bride, Mother of the bride and MOH for Friday night
• Book room for Bride & Groom on Saturday night

Martinez Valero - from Zappos ...these are cool.

"Married" by Calvin Klein -- also on Zappos.  Now this is more like it!

"Create" by Modo Spana also on Zappos.  I think I likey...

"Elga" by Nina at Zappos        **11-13-2009** Update: Saw these shoes (the pink ones) on my girl lcornish1's bio and had to steal them! I knew I wanted the "Elga" style (the brown ones) but they didn't have them in pink.  But I found the fushia's at DSW for half the price!! I purchased these bad boys TODAY.  As soon as I get them, I'm going to bling out the heels.  Now I know that my bouquet will be fushia as well.  Thanks lcornish!!

"Electra" by Nina at Zappos

"Portia" by RSVP -- also, at Zappos

Can't decide what color shoe I shoud wear.  COlores are chocolate brown and baby blue but I will probably have a pale pink bouquet.  Is the bouquet supposed to match the shoes?  My dress on the other hand is ivory with silver beading.  Should I have ivory shoes and maybe bling the heals out with silver rhinestones?  I'm so confused!!

Bouquet Inspiration:

I am really leaning towards the hot pink callas. Maybe with some white peonies and a little bling and bear grass.  Maybe a few white feathers too.  I don't know.

 This one needs a little white in it and maybe a little bling.

 Very similar.

 I think I really like this one...its different.

 What are these litle white flowers called? I love when they stick the little silver beads in the middle to give them that little extra "umph!"

Bridesmaids Bouquets:

or perhaps ALL white...

BLING:

My ring/  HIS ring:

Crystal Cuff Bracelet by jurgitahandmade (an Etsy seller) $53.00

Also from jurgita.

From kdbeadery (etsy).

...also from kd.

Wild Rose Jewels (Etsy seller)

KarinAllie (etsy seller)

  Antiqua

 Barbados

 Dominiqua

 St.Lucia

 St. Thomas

 St. Kitts

We will be leaving for our honeymoon on Sunday, June 20th (the day after the wedding) to go on a cruise that leaves out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  We will be visiting 7, yes, SEVEN fabulous islands.  See, would couldn't make up our mind as to which Caribbean Isalnd we most wanted to see, so we figured we'd island hop.  I am SOOOOO excited.  I'm just glad we will be able to have some personal relaxation and fun after so many months of planning our wedding.

I just saw this in PWer "Lingys" bio.  I will be "stealing" this idea for our seating chart.  Love it! And much easier than doing escort cards.  Thanks, Lingy!

TimeLine:  (Finished -- finally!! But subject to change).

Driver-Combs Wedding Reception

Order of events:

6:00pm-11:00pm

                   TIME                                                      EVENT

6:00pm

D.J. should be playing mingling music.

Guests Begin to Arrive @ Venue

(Drinks and Candy Bar will be available at this time for guests to enjoy.  Guests should be mingling with other guests, listening to soft music, and signing the guest book).

(6:30pm) Caterer

Caterer may set out intro hors d’oeuvres (sandwiches, fruit, vegetable, & cheese trays, fried egg rolls, meatballs, and deviled eggs).   

7:00pm (Bridal Party)

D.J. makes all introductions and hypes up the crowd.

Photog should take pic of each couple before they sit.

Song: “Before I Let Go” Frankie Beverly f/ Maze

Bridal Party arrives at venue.

1^st – Parents of the Groom

2^nd – Parents of the Bride

3^rd – Attendants (paired up)

4^th – Bride & Groom 

7:10pm

Songs: “I’d Rather” Luther Vandross

“I’ll Give all My Love to you” Keith Sweat or “Love Ballad” LTD

Bride & Groom’s First Dance as man and wife.

“Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” Aerosmith Father/Daughter Dance

“Dedicated” R. Kelly Mother/Son Dance

Caterer may set out heavy hors d’oeuvres (spiral ham, drummettes, jambalaya, green salad, rolls).

(Hostesses will prepare plates for bride, groom, grandparents, and parents of the bride & groom.

(7:25pm) Blessing of the food:

               (Fred or Ametrius or Pastor Shelton)

               Buffet Open

Guests May form line to be served main selections.

Bride, Groom and parents are served their plates.

7:45 pm

Bride & Groom cut the Wedding Cake

7:50pm Official Toast

Guests are served sparkling cider. Father of the Bride makes first toast.

Father of the groom makes second toast.

Best Man

Matron of Honor

Other Guests

Hostesses begin to serve the cake.

8:15pm

Songs:

Theme from The Pink Panther /Between the Sheets T-Shirt & My Panties on Garter Removal & Toss

 “All the Single Ladies” Beyonce’ Bouquet Throw

 “Down Low” R. Kelly Garter Replacement

8:30pm (D.J. Hypes the party up)

Bride & Groom Change Clothes

10:15pm Song: Etta James “At Last” or “Must Be Nice / Never Never Land” Lyfe Jennings

Bride & Groom make final rounds, thank all guests for and have official “last dance”.

10:30pm

Bride & Groom make official exit.

11:00pm

Reception is over.

Gift Card Box (DIY Project) Inspiration - Except in Brown and Blue

OTHER RECEPTION ITEMS:

My Flower Girl's Basket.  I had the heart shaped basket lying around the house and decided to experiment with some brown and blue ribbon.  Think it came out pretty good.  I think I'll keep it!

 For the HEAD tables.

 For the Guest Tables -- we need to add a little splash of pink though.