Stacey and Joe - 2/17/2007 [Archive] - Page 2

StaceyMc

10-16-2006, 12:34 PM

I know I've been missing lately. I have done a good bit of planning though.

There's been a lot of wedding planning going on lately. My sister requested a guest list for my bridal shower, which made us finish our wedding guest list.

I gave Joe a list of addresses that I needed for his family. When I asked him after a week where the list was, he said that he must have washed it in the washing machine....the one thing that I've asked him to do....

Mom and I went to Pat Cattans a few weeks ago, just to waste time and it turned into a wedding shopping day. (That's the last time she'll call me to go to Pat Cattans...hahaha) We bought beautiful natural pine branches with pine cones for $1.00 each for the pew decorations. You'd think we hit the lottery when we found out the branches were only a $1.00.

Since the church is very simple and beautiful, I wanted to keep the flowers and decorations very simple. We have a beautiful rose and pine altar arrangement and we're hanging two large pine branches with berries woven through with a burgundy and white bows on the rail in front of the church, along with our pew decorations on every other pew. On the alternate pews, we will have the candlelabras that the church uses at Christmas.

I was envisioning the decorations during church - it's going to be very pretty, if I do say so myself.

Kacie_bride

10-16-2006, 12:36 PM

It's good to see you back again!!!!

StaceyMc

10-16-2006, 12:45 PM

On 9/1/06, Joe and I met with a potential caterer. We liked his prices before we went in to talk to him and he was one of the few that would do a sit down dinner for us.

We were very pleased after meeting with him and were told to make our decision on what we wanted to serve (there was a lot to choose from), send him an e-mail and he would get back to us to set up a tasting. I sent him a e-mail about two weeks later with our choices (I couldn't make up my mind and things got a little crazy around my house).

I waited about 1/2 a week for a response - nothing. So, I sent him a second e-mail, asking him to confirm that he'd received my choices and then let me know what their schedule was like for a tasting. Almost another week goes by - nothing. So, I faxed him the info, with another request to contact me to confirm that he received the info. Still...nothing. Finally, about three weeks after my first e-mail, he sends me a response that goes something like this "Sorry, I just got your e-mail, I was out of town for a few days. I'll call you today or first thing on Friday."

It's a darn good thing that I didn't hold my breath - that was over a week ago and I STILL haven't heard a peep from him.

At first, Joe tried to make excuses for them (they're probably busy....etc). I asked him if he could imagine me having this much trouble getting in touch with the caterer a week before the wedding? Can he imagine my craziness?

This guy isn't some fly by night goober who just opened a business. Thank heaven's we didn't put a deposit down. I can't figure out why he didn't bother to return my e-mails or fax. He had this nifty little fancy schmancy phone that he bragged about at our meeting (because Joe asked about it) and said that he has internet and all that stuff........and his fancy schmancy phone rang twice while we were meeting with him. So, he can't tell me that he was out of town for almost 3 weeks and didn't check his e-mail.

The only thing I can figure is our 100 guest wedding wasn't large enough to demand any type of attention.

StaceyMc

10-16-2006, 12:53 PM

We hired a caterer yesterday. I think it was a blessing in disguise that the first goof didn't work out. After we picked everything we wanted, Joe and I were holding our breath, thinking she was coming back with a large per person number. Low and behold - it was almost the same as the other guy! We are getting much more unique food (for us anyways) and much better service. They are willing to put Joe's mom's stuffed grapeleaves out for us when guests begin to arrive and will also do the cake cutting and pour the sparkling whatever for the toast.

You know, I got out to the Jeep and started jumping up and down doing a happy dance in the parking lot. Heaven help me if they have a camera out there :) Joe thinks I'm losing it....he's wrong, I've already lost it.

Our menu is:

Romaine Salad with choice of Ranch or Raspberry dressing

Dijon Chicken or Stuffed Italian Meatloaf
Herbed roasted potatoes
key west blend veggies

Bread and rolls, on the table.

Coffee/tea, iced tea and punch.

And of course, the traditional cookie table for the guests to help themselves to prior to dinner.

I'm just breathing a sigh of relief. The caterer was something that was really stressing me for some reason.

This Saturday, I'm to go to the Harrison Room (a popular room at a local fire hall for weddings) and go in the kitchen to pick up "takeout" from the caterer, so we can taste some of their food.

StaceyMc

10-16-2006, 12:58 PM

My bridal shower is on 11/12/2006!!! I'm so excited!!!

Since the bridal shower invites were going out sometime this week or next week, we had to get registered. I totally struggled doing this. I'm not the kind of person that asks for things or say "I want, I want, I want". But, I completely understand registering and am always happy to find registry information in shower or wedding invites, at least I know what color their bathroom and kitchen are or what they might want.

Anyways, we decided to register at Target. With the size of our wedding, we figured one place would be enough. We did that last Sunday. I have to say, it was kind of fun and I had to wrestle that nifty little scanner thingy from Joe to even get to use it the two times that I did.

When we left, I was worried that there weren't enough choices on it and that there weren't enough items on it. We stopped at my parents house and I was telling mom about it. I thought of a few more things on the way home and added those online.

On Wednesday, I hear a "THUNK" on my front porch. Joe was at home working on remodeling the living room for his mom, so I knew it couldn't be him coming in from hunting. I look outside and there's the retro kitchen stool that we registered for on the porch. It had my grandma's return address on it - so I called mom - I knew mom had to have ordered it - grandma isn't real handy with the internet.

Mom says that grandma ordered that and something else from the registery for Christmas for Joe and I. I'm furious (but I bit my tongue). Why would you buy someting from the registry for Christmas when I was already worried about the registry in the first place? Apparently the stool (which I'm excited about) was supposed to go to my grandma's house. Mom couldn't figure out how it got delivered to my house - she insists that they didn't give her a choice of where to ship it. I checked - they did - she wasn't paying attention. She kind of made me feel like it was my fault that it was delivered to my house. Not only that, there's another package coming, for Christmas, that is going to be delivered to my place as well. To top it off, I had to call my grandmother and tell her. Why didn't my mom just call? She's the one that goofed it up.

Joe's ticked too - he knew that I was worried about the registery (I worry about everything - I'm the worrier of the relationship). I had suggested a personal shower when we first started talking about bridal showers, in order to avoid this problem, but as usual, no one listens to me.

My mom has just been driving me crazy the last few weeks over things that really shouldn't be her concern, i.e., me making room for Joe to move in at my place. Her favorite new thing is (and I know she's joking, but still...) "Stacey, I'm not going to talk to you a month before the wedding.....hahahaha" apparently, I'm going to be unbearable to deal with.

Last night, I was informed that I needed to get my wedding invites done before Thanksgiving, because she doesn't want to work on them between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ummm....yeah, I'm working on them.

If everyone only knew how many times I bite my tongue and put on a happy face..........

Anyways...things are coming up fast and furious. But I'm relieved, the big stuff is done.

Kacie_bride

10-18-2006, 03:38 PM

I have a bridal shower on November 11th too!!!

StaceyMc

10-18-2006, 10:59 PM

Kacie! We're bridal shower sisters!!!

My sister is getting really really excited....so am I! It's the first wedding event, aside from the dress try on day and registering. It's making it "real" for me (as if the planning and money spent hasn't made it real) lol

StaceyMc

10-19-2006, 12:45 PM

So, I think I've p*ssed my mom off and I didn't mean to, but I'm not going to apologize for it.

On Sunday, she told me that she wanted the wedding invites done before Thanksgiving (we're doing them ourselves) because she doesn't want to be working on them between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I told her that I had been working on the invite and had a thank you card roughed out and I needed the most help on the envelopes, since she still had the templates from my sister's wedding. She started looking on the program for a pine/pinecone/berry clip art to use on our envelopes.

On Monday afternoon, she sends me two pine cliparts to see which I liked the best. I told her the color one was nice, even though it was more bluish than I had wanted. I passed my parents on the way home from work on Monday evening, they were going grocery shopping. I knew they weren't going to be home that evening, and I had things to do, so I didn't work on the stuff. In fact, I thought she and I were going to do the layouts and such together.

Tuesday morning, I check my e-mail, and she had done all of my stuff: RSVP cards, thank you cards, table number cards, place cards and envelopes, using the pine clip art she showed me. I liked the pine clip art for the envelopes, which I thought that was what she was using it for, but it doesn't match the invite that I had been working on - she knew what the invite looked like - she picked it out. She made a point to tell me that she stayed up until 1:00 a.m. on Monday night/Tuesday morning working on this stuff and anything I didn't like, I could change. I told her that I kind of wanted it to match - the pine clip art was more bluish than green - fine for the envelope. I wasn't going to start an argument, via e-mail and IM while I was at work. I just left it go. She told me not to sweat the small stuff, because everyone was going to throw it in the garbage anyways.

Tuesday evening, I was at her place to go shopping with her and my sister and we were talking about it. I told her what I wanted to do and she basically yelled at me and told me that I couldn't do it. Hold up....it's my...err...our wedding, not hers.

Last night, I sat down and did things the way I thought I wanted and e-mailed them to her, just as she had done with me.

This morning, I get an e-mail telling me that she wishes I would have told her what I wanted before she spent all of that time working on the stuff and telling me to save it all on a disk because it takes her too long to download everything. Ummm...wait....she e-mailed me every damned thing earlier in the week.

I replied and told her that I never even got a chance to tell her want I wanted and I thought that we were going to do them together. She told me on Sunday and sent me stuff on Tuesday morning. I can't move fast enough for her - ever. I also told her that I'd handle printing the invites and stuff if she'd do the envelopes for me. I know that this is probably going to start a war.

I'm tired of being told what I will do and when I will do it. I mean, let's face it, I never asked her to stay up until 1:00 a.m. to do them. I'm also tired of feeling like my wedding is an inconvenience.because it's so close to the holidays.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the work she's done/doing for the wedding, enough is enough is enough.

Sigh.....

HalloweenBride

10-19-2006, 01:30 PM

I understand the attack of momzilla thing. With 10 days left to go, I'm scared to make my mom mad, because she is paying for the whole wedding! I hope things get better for you!

StaceyMc

11-05-2006, 09:42 PM

Last Saturday afternoon, I almost fell out of my chair - Joe walked through the door and handed me his guest list, with addresses. FINALLY!

Tonight, we finalized the list and I sent it to my Mom so she could work on the envelopes.

We also finished the design of the invites, RSVP and place cards tonight. It's a relief for me to get these things done.

StaceyMc

11-06-2006, 10:22 AM

My Bridal Shower is this Sunday...I'm so excited!!! I'm excited to see everyone and get all of the girls together. It's the first time that Joe's family will meet my family. My mom and his mom have met briefly, but that's it.

Yesterday, we were at Joe's niece's first birthday party. I was in the kitchen with his sisters and I could hear him talking to his BIL's family in the family room (their place is a big open plan). I heard someone asking him when the wedding was and then I heard him talking about details - food, cake, etc. I stood there with my back to room and just listened to him. I was smiling - it's one of the first times I've heard him talking about the wedding that way.

Valmai

11-06-2006, 12:10 PM

Good luck with ur shower - we dont have them over here! Looks like things are coming together nicely, seems ages away dont it - tho i know its gonna sneak up on us at a great pace soon lol xxx

StaceyMc

11-06-2006, 12:56 PM

Valmai - it really doesn't seem ages away for me. It seems like it's coming up a little too swiftly, actually. Not only am I trying to get things together for the wedding, I'm trying to make room for Joe to move in. I've lived in my house for 9 years....my closets are full of my stuff!!

BriansBride07

11-06-2006, 01:32 PM

Yeah its so exciting I can't wait for my bridal shower. I have a few more mo. to go for that. So glad that your Fh is talking about the wedding. I have found with Brian that if I leave him alone at times he to surprises me and brings it up more. I hope all goes well with both families meeting each other.

Valmai

11-07-2006, 10:26 AM

Its probably cos u have showers etc to look forward to - the only thing ive got to aim for weddingish at the moment is the flight to Austria 5 days before the ceremony! Think Lea and i should start a trend for showers over here lol Good luck with sorting out room for Joe. xxx

Jacklynn

11-07-2006, 10:49 AM

I hope your shower is great! I cannot wait until I have mine ;) I'm sure it will be incredibly fun

StaceyMc

11-07-2006, 12:48 PM

I came up with a great idea yesterday and asked Joe his opinion on the RSVP date (what a super idea, huh? ask the groom :) ) We've decided to put the California and South Carolina invites in the mail mid-December, so travel arrangements can be made and the local invites will go in the mail on 12/22 or 12/23.

I have found that if I only talk about the wedding and decisions to be made with Joe for small periods at a time, I get a lot more done than if I just go question after question....lol.

Today, I scheduled our first premarital meeting with the Pastor. It's 12/11. :chicken: The meeting kind of makes me nervous.

This is going to sound so stupid, but the whole wedding thing is starting to feel real. I guess the ring, the dress, the tiara, the shoes, the slip and the wedding disaster in my house wasn't enough....hahahaha

BriansBride07

11-07-2006, 01:08 PM

So glad that you are starting to again feel like a bride. As for your FH I totally relate to you with only talking to him about it for a short period of time. And try and resolve the little issues by myself. I also found that it has been alot easier in the stress dept.

StaceyMc

11-08-2006, 01:33 PM

Today has just been horrible, from the word go. My client's are being verrrrry difficult today, as is every person that has called my office. I was ready to walk up the street, have a liquid lunch, and stagger back to my desk (Of course, I'd never do such a thing), but I ate a candy bar instead. Screw fitting the wedding dress!

My sister just called me. She, the baby, my mom and grandma are all out shopping today. My sister says "Hey - how do you spell your new last name?" I got all giddy when I hung up the phone, don't ask me why.

Now, if I can carry the giddiness through the rest of the day.....

Kacie_bride

11-08-2006, 03:06 PM

You can do it! Carry that giddiness! Some days just blow don't they!

MOB Karen

11-10-2006, 04:03 PM

LOL!! That made me smile about your giddiness story, Stacey!!! :happy: That's what it's all about, isn't it?!?! :bbmrgreen:

StaceyMc

11-13-2006, 09:29 AM

My sister and Mom did a fantastic job with my bridal shower. About 25 people were there and we had such a good time. I don't think I stopped smiling all afternoon.

Of course, as with everything we do, there's always something goofy that happens. When Mom and Grandma picked me up, we had to run to the bakery to pick up the cake. The bakery screwed it up and the lettering was border was blue - my sister was so ticked, she specifically called and told them burgundy - so, they had to scrape it off and fix it.

I walk back into the dining room with vases of water, I see my sister's purse, with the strap broken, on the floor and her looking completely frazzled - she couldn't find burgundy helium balloons...imagine...a run on burgundy balloons. She was apologizing about pink balloons - I just laughed - I didn't care about balloons, I was excited to have all of the ladies there! Kelly was just having a rough day.

Everyone started coming in and hugging me, congratulating me...it felt so nice to celebrate my happiness with everyone.

My sister bought me a signature plate, which I will cherish forever. I'll be able to look at everyone's well wishes every day forever. Joe, being the typical man, asked if we could have nachos on it. hahahahah - he thinks he's so cute.

Lunch was wonderful! Kelly kept the food a surprise. We had a fruit cup, salad, bread, lasagna, italian veggies, chocolate cake and ice cream! Lasagna is my favorite. I always choose that for my birthday dinners - I'm too lazy to make it for myself and making lasagna for one or two people is just...well...too much. Yuuuuuuummmmmmyyyyyyy!

We played some games...I'll have to post the bridal questions she used for one of the games. They were obscure questions and soooo fun! We also did a "Match the Cake" game, which was really cute. They also played wedding bingo and "Who has been married the longest?"

I was floored at the gifts I received. I received almost my entire registry, and then some. I was soooo surprised! Now I can clean out my cupboards and get rid of my second hand, 9 year old stuff in the kitchen. The gifts weren't even important to me, it was having everyone together that was important, although opening the gifts and reading the cards was so much fun!! And...I'm looking forward to using my Paula Deen cookbook!

Probably the funniest two were: towels, with one towel rolled and shaped like a penis - my goodness, my face went red.

The second was the very see though, and very beautiful, nightie and thong that I received from a family friend - her future husband has been my father's best friend for years and years. I said "I'll bet you didn't get Clay to go into Victoria's Secret, did you?" She said "He was in the store with me when I bought that." The whole room erupted in laughter when I told them that her FH is my father's best friend. I couldn't wait to tell my dad and Joe that dad's best friend helped pick lingerie for me, I'm sure they'll be giving Clay a hard time at deer camp this season.

Oh yeah, and while we're opening penis shaped towels, a very netty nightie, a black nightie and a very pretty nightie with sequins from my mother, my friend's second grade son was sitting in front of me - she had a baby sitter back out and desperately wanted to come - my sister said he'd be fine. I kept telling him "OK Philip - coat over your head" I'll have to post that pic - it's funny.

My sister made fabulous truffles and put them in heart shaped glass baskets for favors and put truffles on the tables. They were to die for! I can almost guarentee, those will be making an appearance at the wedding - I ate a few when I got up this morning. YUM-O!!!

On the way home from the shower, I told Joe "We're really getting married!" He looked at me like I was nuts, but this is the first fun thing that I've got to do, other than plan - which is fun, but work.

There was one disappointment and my mom and I both got our feelings hurt, and I think these types of events really show who truly cares about you and want to celebrate in your happiness. My parents have been neighbors with Mr. and Mrs. A. for 28 years. They've known me for most of my life. Mrs. A. is the one that is having the funky "don't wrap your shower gift" baby shower for her daughter this coming Saturday. The baby shower is at the same restaurant as my bridal shower was. I didn't notice, but while I was opening gifts, Mrs. A. left. Mom noticed and when she was gone for a while, she thought maybe Mrs. A. had gotten sick. She came back and told my mom "I went out to make final arrangements and meal choices for the baby shower next Saturday. I wanted to taste the lasagna before I made it the meal choice." I thought that sucked. She could have made her final arrangements before my shower or after my shower, but not during. That's just rude. I would never ever dream of doing something like that. Then, Mrs. A., her daughter, and her daughter in law gave their favors away, to the grandmother, because they are all watching their weight. It was one truffle. If they didn't want to eat it, they could have given it to their husbands, or to the grandmother when they got home, not in front my sister. Even Joe, who excuses rude behavior more often than I do, thought both things were incredibly rude.

I also had a friend who didn't RSVP with regrets, but didn't show up either. I'm disappointed in her - I know that her oldest son is giving her problems, but she could have e-mailed me at least. But...whatever, I had a good time anyways.

I have to get the pictures from my mom and then I'll post some. I was cleaning my ring and forgot my camera - duh!

BriansBride07

11-13-2006, 09:37 AM

Sounds like you had a wonderful bridal shower and tons of presents congrats. Sorry to hear that Mrs. A. ruined you day for a moment some people are just inconsiderate. But at least it didn't ruin your whole day. Best of luck to you.

StaceyMc

11-13-2006, 09:47 AM

I forgot my most precious gift. My mom crocheted my new last name "Vincler" and framed it. It's so beautiful! On the back, she put a writing about how family is woven together and that the yarn is plain by itself, but is fashioned into something beautiful, just like families. I couldn't read it there, I would have cried.

Joe's sister's also made me teary - they wrote in their card that they couldn't wiat for me to be their sister-in-law. Made me feel so nice.

hummingbird521

11-13-2006, 09:52 AM

It sounds as if your bridal shower was a big hit. So glad to know you had a wonderful time. What a cute idea about the towels. Can't wait to see pics of it.

StaceyMc

11-13-2006, 10:10 AM

Treasia - I don't think mom took a pic of the towel - I'll have to get a good pic of it tonight.

You should have seen my grandma's face when she figured out what it was, after everyone left - priceless!

SaralovesMike

11-13-2006, 10:16 AM

Sounds like you had a wonderful time at your shower.
Can't wait to see the pics!

Kacie_bride

11-13-2006, 11:14 AM

I'm so glad you had a wonderful time at your shower. Don't worry about Mrs. A or your friend that didn't RSVP. Most people didn't RSVP to my shower either. It sounds like you had a great time! I can't wait to see the pictures!

WhiskeyGirl

11-13-2006, 11:24 AM

It sounds like you had a great time at your shower. I know I would have had a great time at your shower. As far as Mrs.A, she really sounds like a b!tch :hothead: and i wouldn't be attending her daughter's baby shower. She is just plain rude!!! Or else, show up with a cheap small gift....WRAPPED!! And tell your mom and anyone else close to you to do the same!!!! Then get up in the middle of things and go get lost for a while, then return and say oh I just had to pay a bill and I thought right now was the best time! Or something of the like! I'd be one to fight fire with fire.

Other than that, sounds like you had a great time! Can't wait to see pictures!!! :D

StaceyMc

11-13-2006, 01:05 PM

I found my missing friend. :ooh: I sent her an e-mail, telling her that I missed her yesterday. I received a response, she's embarrassed, she lost my invite. She thought it said 11/12, but wasn't sure. She was going to call me, but was afraid it was a surprise. Ok, so there were other ways to handle that than just not say anything. First of all, the invite didn't say "Surprise", so my guess would be, it's not. Secondly, if she was that concerned, she could have e-mailed me and said "Hey, are you having a bridal shower?" and see what I said.

I get tired of going to all of her kids stuff and buying their fundraisers. I get all of her stupid junky forwards, but I'm not good enough to mark a shower on the calendar. My wedding guest list may be altered, but I'm not sure yet. I get tired of those kinds of excuses, the kids, her husband, her unorganized house.

And, as far as Mrs. A. and her daughter's baby shower, I'm going - I'm even spending a few hours this week making her a diaper "cake". I'm not rude like them, and won't bother to stoop to their level. Mrs. A. didn't even come over and say goodbye when she left yesterday - ya know what? I'll spend her Target gift card anyways. It's her fault if she didn't enjoy the shower, not mine.

WhiskeyGirl

11-13-2006, 01:28 PM

And, as far as Mrs. A. and her daughter's baby shower, I'm going - I'm even spending a few hours this week making her a diaper "cake". I'm not rude like them, and won't bother to stoop to their level. Mrs. A. didn't even come over and say goodbye when she left yesterday - ya know what? I'll spend her Target gift card anyways. It's her fault if she didn't enjoy the shower, not mine.

Guess I'm just childish like that! lol. When people c r a p all over me and treat me like garbage well I'm a person who believes in the saying you get what you put out there! Lol.

Panthers Bride

11-14-2006, 05:51 PM

Sounds like you had a great time.
And I wouldn't worry much about Mrs. A. I think you're handling it in the best manner possible. Makes YOU look like a much better person.
Can't wait to see the pictures!

WhiskeyGirl

11-14-2006, 06:18 PM

Hey Stacey!

Did you ever get a picture of yourself in your dress? Did I miss it or something? I really would love to see your dress Hun!!

StaceyMc

11-15-2006, 08:40 AM

StaceyMc

11-15-2006, 08:42 AM

Can I just say, I can't believe that we're almost down to three months. I'd better get all of those little things on the move: finishing the invites, talking to my friend about the cake, picking centerpieces, pick a dress out with my MOH, have my shoes dyed, paint my card birdcage, make my unity candle and figure out skirting for the tables. I know there's more.

WhiskeyGirl

11-15-2006, 09:08 AM

Shawna,
As stupid as it sounds, I don't have a pic of myself in my dress. The last time I had it on was in May when I got it. I was so excited that they finally got the dress right, I never even thought of it. Maybe when I have a fitting done, I'll get a pic.

Oh please!! I really would love to see a picture of you in your dress. The way you described it before, well I would just love ot see how beautiful you are going to look in it!!!! Your next fitting, dont forget your camera! lol

Kacie_bride

11-15-2006, 12:42 PM

StaceyMc

11-15-2006, 11:08 PM

(Notice my pine!!)

The table with my bride!
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower001.jpg

Yum! Cake!!!
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower006.jpg

Signature Platter
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower004.jpg

StaceyMc

11-15-2006, 11:13 PM

My mom and me!
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower018.jpg

My sister (MOH), Tammy (my "ushette" and cake maker) and me!
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower013.jpg

The framed, crocheted banner of my new last name, made by my mother.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower034.jpg

The funniest picture ever! My friend's son with his coat over his head while I hold up black lingerie. Poor kid! He was wishing his babysitter hadn't backed out at the last minute! (I'm sorry it's huge- the pic refuses to resize)
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/staceysshower031.jpg

StaceyMc

11-15-2006, 11:24 PM

My sister used these questions on the shower game - I am only posting the ones that I can remember the answers to. The answers are bolded.

What does the word "bride" mean in Old English?
A. Beautiful B. Cook C. Virgin D. Young

When the English first settled in Jamestown, what could a man trade for a wife?
A. 2 Kegs of beer B. 100 British pounds C. 5 Horses D. 120 lbs. of tobacco

In the middle ages, why did June become the "Wedding Month"?
A. Weather was warm B. People were clean from their annual May bath
C. June represented crops and fertility D. Junus was the God of Marriage

In a traditional Aztec wedding, what did the bride's mother give the groom?
A. Grief B. A loincloth C. An engraved spear D. A bow and arrow

How did the Roman phrase "tie the know" originate?
A. The groom knotted a rope to represent the bonds of love.
B. The bride's girdle had many knots for the groom to untie
C. The horses for the honeymood were tied outside.
D. The groom and the bride were tied together as a prank.

The primary ambition of a Zulu wife is to help her husband acquire another wife so that both wives can do what?
A. Have lots of children B. Split the chores C. Double the dowry
D. Share a bed

Valmai

11-16-2006, 06:04 AM

Looks like u had a great time lol - looking at those questions/answers arent i glad we've moved on in our cultures lol xx

Kacie_bride

11-16-2006, 10:09 AM

LOL! I love the questions. The shower pictures look nice. The black nightie one is sooo funny.

BriansBride07

11-16-2006, 02:52 PM

Looks like you had a great shower. Poor kid... LOL I love that pic of him putting his coat over his head.

StaceyMc

11-19-2006, 10:23 PM

We had decided on evergreen seedlings as the favors for our guests. Over the weekend, I worked on some wedding things and finished our tags:

We would like to thank you for helping to make this day a special and memorable one for both of us. Please accept this seedling as our gift to you.

Trees, like love, need to be nurtured in order to grow. We hope that you will care for it as you watch it grow, and that it will remind you of the love that you have seen rooted here today. It is our wish that with constant attendion and nurturing, our love, like your seedling, will continue to grow and blossom in our new life together.

I just love it so much!!

StaceyMc

11-19-2006, 10:32 PM

Our invites are done! All I have to do now is print them out. We took them to Kinko's on Saturday to have them color copied, but the copier was turning my burgundy lettering (that I worked an hour on to get the right color) brown. It's a stupid detail that wouldn't matter to anyone but Joe and me, but I wasn't going to be happy - so, I'll just work on them during the evenings this week.

Mom addressed our envelopes last week - they look wonderful. The RSVP cards are all printed and ready to go with their return envelopes!!

Our guest count, including the pastor and wife, the photographers and us is 98. I'm happy with that.

BriansBride07

11-20-2006, 08:33 AM

I just love the poem that is going with your seedling favors that is so nice...

MOB Karen

11-20-2006, 06:49 PM

I just love what your favor tags say, Stacey!!! Great job on the invites too!!! :) Looks like you had a good time at your shower too!!! Congrats on that!!! You're getting really close now!!!

StaceyMc

11-29-2006, 10:32 AM

That can't be right.......seems like I just said YES a few months ago.

My credit card was on fire last night: I ordered the business cards to make place cards, the clear address labels for the thank you cards, Joe's wedding gift, and a CD last night so he can hear the song I want to use for our first dance.

Joe's wedding gift is a beautiful stainless steel Bulova watch. It has a rectangular casing with a black face. I can't wait to see it.

"I Do" by Paul Brandt is the song that I've decided that I want to use for our first dance. I forgot all about that song until I heard it on the radio last week. It was popular in the mid-90's on country radio. It think's it's perfect
"...do I promise to be your best friend? And am I here until the end? Can I be sure that I have been waiting for you? And I did I say my love was true? Baby I will, I am, I have, I do...." I just love that lyric. Now, I just have to let Joe hear it.

The invites have been printed, cut and are ready to jump into their envelopes. I just have to do the direction and hotel accomodation cards and they are good to go!!

I have a vacation day coming up next Tuesday. I have a gyno appt. and I usually take the day off and go shopping with my mom and grandma. That's probably not going to happen, so I'm going to go do some wedding stuff - pick and reserve centerpieces, pick up napkins and plates for the cookie table, etc.

On December 9, I have to take my tiara and veil to my hairdresser so we can see how much wedding hair I need to grow. I'm excited to do that.

On December 11, we have our first premarital session. I'm anxious about that. I like my pastor, so it will make it a little easier - but I'm nervous anyways.

I have to get my to do list out this weekend to see what else I need to be working on.

I still need a soloist for the wedding. I'm getting a little frustrated with that. First my sister was going to do it, then she changed her mind - that was fine with me. I've asked the church if they have a list of soloist available, as indicated in the bridal book, and I still haven't heard anything from them. Maybe I'll call the guy that sang at my sister's wedding - his voice is amazing.

I'm getting really excited about the wedding - I just want to start the new chapter of our life together - to be man and wife.

hummingbird521

11-29-2006, 10:36 AM

Oh I remember that song. It will be perfect. I had forgotten about it as well. Sounds like everything is coming together wonderfully.

Kacie_bride

11-29-2006, 11:11 AM

I remember that song too!

BriansBride07

11-29-2006, 11:13 AM

Wow you are getting there you don't have to much left to do congrats. I don't remember that song I am going to go and search for it. that sounds like a wonderful song. Congrats

StaceyMc

12-07-2006, 10:29 AM

I've been working a TON on the wedding the last few days.

I used Tuesday for a vacation day and did a lot of errands:
*Giant Eagle for Hugs and Kisses Hot Chocolate for my "Ushette's" gift basket
*Target and had enlargements of our little kid pictures done - gosh - they turned out so cute!
*World of Values to get the spools of ribbon to tie the tags onto the evergree favors (three spools for $1.00...woohoo!)
*Liquior Store to get the little bottles of Baileys, Kahula and Godiva for the Ushette's gift basket
*Craftique (a Craft consignment shop) to buy some Christmas gifts - not wedding related, but still....
*Mary Lous to reserve the centerpieces and to purchase the plates and napkins for the cookie table.

Last evening:
*I printed the direction sheet
*Stuffed, stamped and sealed the invitations
*Printed the tree tags (poem on front - planting instructions on the back)
*Tried to make our wedding thank you cards, but I think I'm going to the local party store today and buy them.
*Made "after wedding" return address labels for the thank you cards.
*Printed guest address labels for the after wedding thank you cards.
*I received Joe's wedding present yesterday - It's as pretty as I thought it would be.
*Told Joe what his TO DO list is - his response "I know....." :icon_barbar:

Tonight:
*Have Joe listen to the song I want to use for the first dance and get our song choices out to the DJ
*Fill in the Photography request sheet and send it to the photographer.
*Cut the favor tags and put them in the wedding box.
*Get my tiara and veil off of my mom for my hair appointment tomorrow evening (we need to see how much "wedding hair" I need to grow).

BriansBride07

12-07-2006, 01:06 PM

Valmai

12-08-2006, 05:31 AM

gerrin close for us innit? lol I have a ticker on another forum and it informed me that i now have 70days _ think i prefer knowing the mnths and weeks lol I dont have very much left to do as i done it all early cos of University but i know a load is gonna hit me after christmas when i think of things ive forgotten!! Well done on getting so much done lately! xxx

StaceyMc

12-08-2006, 10:02 AM

Valmai - It is getting close! I was thinking this morning the things that I still need to do and it really isn't that bad! I know that some night in the near future, I'm going to sit straight up in bed and say "OMG!!! I forgot about....."

Tomorrow, we're going "looking" for my sister's matron of honor dress. It will be nice to have the day out with my sister, my mom and my nephew. That kid loves to shop!!! Hopefully, we find something great!!!!

NicksBride

12-08-2006, 02:02 PM

wow you got so much done! Good for you, sounds like you are on a role. Not to far now!

MOB Karen

12-09-2006, 07:38 AM

Gosh, Stacey, you've been here for almost a year now, and your day is fast approaching!! I hope these next two months go by smoothly for you! Good luck with everything!!! :D

ladymelissa

12-09-2006, 03:38 PM

Have fun shopping with your sister!

StaceyMc

12-11-2006, 10:00 AM

When I returned home from my hair appointment, Joe had dinner ready. When we finished eating, he said "Get a move on, we only have 45 minutes." I'm trying to remember where we were supposed to be going....I didn't think we had plans. He surprised me, and took me to see The Nativity Story.

When we got there, since he bought the tickets, I told him that I'd buy drinks. He said "Nope, it's a date." I told him that we haven't gone out on a date in a long time! He said "Well...we're not dating anymore...." Sweet.

After the movie (which was excellent), we did some late night Christmas shopping at Best Buy (amazing how many people were in there at 10:30 p.m.).

BriansBride07

12-11-2006, 10:09 AM

How sweet I love date nights.

StaceyMc

12-11-2006, 10:15 AM

It was dress shopping day with my sister and mother (and sweet little nephew - who we now call "Ty Ty the shopping guy" - I know his daddy just loves that...hahaha)

The dress shopping was a huge waste of time. Who knew that finding a holiday dress, at Christmas, could be so difficult. One of the bridal stores said "We have nothing for you since you waited so long." I almost flattened the old woman. They could, of course, help us if we wanted to pay a rush charge.

After I got home, I worked around the house a little and finished our wedding thank you notes - they're note cards with our monogram in the center with "Est. 2/17/2007" at the bottom. They turned out cute.

Joe worked until noon and then went to my dad's camp to hunt. He was the only one of the bunch up there in the afternoon. At 6:15, the phone rang, it was him, telling me that he was at Sheetz in Clymer, he got a deer and was heading home and asked that I call my bil about the processor that he used to find out their hours. Not two minutes later, the phone rang again - it was Joe. He somehow managed to lock his keys in his Jeep - while it was running - with a full tank of gas. We can't figure out how he managed to do it. He got back into the Jeep to head home, decided to throw a coffee cup out - got out and couldn't get back in. He said that he'd check with the local cops and call me back. I might have to run the extra keys up (he was about 45 mins. away)

He called the local police department, but they don't come on duty until 8:00 p.m. (It's such a little town - Sheetz is the big town hang out), so apparently, you can raise hell until about 7:45 p.m. without getting into too much trouble. He talked to a volunteer fireman, who tried to help, but couldn't. For some reason, Sheetz employees are not permitted to have wire hangers (Joe said all he could think was "NOOO MOOOORE WIRE HANGERS!")

So, off I went, at 6:30, to make the trek to Clymer to rescue my FH. He thought I'd be mad - I wasn't, it happens. Someone suggested busting out the back window - ummm....yeah. $150 to replace the back window, or a quarter tank of gas in his car and me coming with the keys. If he had broken the window, I would have been mad.

Once I got there, and shut the Jeep off (which was very warm and toasty on the inside), we still had the deer to contend with. I told him to start towards home while I put gas in my car and to stop at the produce place about 10 mins from my house that processes deer and cross your fingers that they are still open.

Thank heaven's, they were still there and the lady had a good laugh over our situation.

What an adventure - STACEY TO THE RESCUE!

StaceyMc

12-11-2006, 10:26 AM

We went to church my family and out to breakfast and then to the mall for my 7 month old nephew to sit on Santa's lap. I've never seen something so sweet. My BIL handed Ty to Santa and Ty just gazed up at Santa. My sister had a hard time getting him to look at the camera - he was just mesmerized...it was so sweet, I can't wait to get a pic.

It's been a long time since I watched Santa Claus. The kids running up with their lists and their smiles as big as....well.....just plain huge! It was sweet to watch them.

Since we were at the mall, Joe and Dad went to get measured for their tuxes and Joe registered the wedding party. Mr. "I can go myself, can't I do anything myself, you don't have to come" took a look at the card with all the information and got confused...lol. I went along, to make sure everything was right. And of course, once he got measure, he walks back and hands all of the slips and reciepts to me - uh huh - yeah - you can do it yourself...hahahaha.

I got misty eyed when dad said "I'm the father of the bride." Of course, the misty eyed emotion didn't last long when dad (jokingly) started saying "I'm not wearing burgundy!" Then he started asking if they could wear burgundy socks or if they were getting burgundy shoes. Dad starting the silliness gave Joe permission to start his Mossy Oak Cammo vest campaign again. The guy registering and measuring was just laughing and shaking his head.

My sister, bil, Ty Ty the shopping guy, Joe and I stopped at a bridal store on the way home. And of course, only he and my BIL could find the only "Safety Cone, Safety Hunting Vest" orange colored dress in the store.

And...Joe listened to the song I wanted to use for our first dance - he liked it. Woohoo! Now I can send the agenda to the DJ, since we actually have one now.

Kacie_bride

12-11-2006, 05:41 PM

OH I saw The Nativity Story on Friday too! It was wonderful! I loved loved loved it!

StaceyMc

12-12-2006, 10:15 AM

We had our first premarital meeting with the Pastor last night. He had about 5 ceremony's for us to choose from, which was a surprise to Joe and me. We thought that we would have to do what the church requires. The pastor said that a lot of churches don't give you a choice, but he does. I am so thankful for that, because we got to chose a ceremony that incorporates our parents as well. It was a ceremony that he and another pastor wrote together. The vows almost made me cry - that's how we knew it was the one. The only thing that stopped me from crying was Joe saying "Ok, don't start crying already..." hahahaha - he really knows me, huh?

Here, I had myself all worked up over this meeting. It was fine. At the end, we did a little test that we'll discuss at our second (and final) meeting. The test makes sure that we have talked about the big things. A few of the questions made me chuckle "Does your future spouse have mannerisms that annoy you" "Do you worry about how you will handle your future spouses moodiness" (the moodiness question was ill-timed - I was being moody and cranky before we left the house.....hahahahaha)

I am also thrilled that there is a bridal consultant that will be assigned to us. She will help the day of the wedding - keeping everything coordinated, making sure everyone has everything and she will meet with us to decide if we want to use any of the church's decoration items for the ceremony. It's all very very helpful.

The Pastor said that if we wanted a gentleman from the choir to be our soloist, he'd be happy to speak wiht him and he knows that the man would be thrilled. Another problem solved.

StaceyMc

12-12-2006, 10:20 AM

Since I was in wedding planning mode after the meeting with the Pastor, I decided to work on the Reception music when we got home. It's as follows:

First Dance - "I Do" - Paul Brandt

Wedding Party Dance - "Wonderful World" Louis Armstrong

Father/Daughter - "I Loved Her First" - Heartland

Cake Cutting - "How Sweet It Is" - James Taylor

Final Dance - "Goodnight Sweetheart" - Sha Na Na (Joe's choice)

I'm also going to see if the DJ will play "You Are My Sunshine" for our entrance - Joe sings that to me sometimes. If you knew Joe, you'd know, he never sings. We used to text message that to each other when he was traveling out of state.

The only thing I'm stuck on is if we should introduce the Ushette and Usher with the wedding party. I am going to invite them and their spouses to dance during the wedding party dance, however, I'm not making Tam buy a bridesmaid gown and Eric rent a tux. I'll talk to Joe, I guess.

Kacie_bride

12-12-2006, 03:03 PM

That is really cool that you get to pick a ceremony!

StaceyMc

12-13-2006, 09:25 AM

My sister called me from David's Bridal parking lot yesterday afternoon - estatic - she found, not one dress, but two, that they had just put on $99 clearance. One was a size larger than she needed, one fit perfect. She went to my parents to pick up the baby and I went to her house after work and we flew down to Davids.

Sure enough, the wine color was a perfect match and the dress looked beautiful on her. The only draw back was it had a black mark on the chiffon neckline, which, had I not been fluffing the chiffon, we never would have seen. Kelly tried to get a few extra bucks off of the dress- no such luck.

The lady wanted to order it and told us that it would be in January 21 - ummm...sorry....that's too close. She tried again and - how amazing - she can get it the first week of January.

Here's a pic of it, although the back is very pretty and there's no back picture. My sister looks beautiful in it and she's very comfortable in it, which was important too. I can envision our pictures now.....

Things are really starting to feel like they're coming together. Our out of state invites are going out on Friday. I can hardly contain my excitement. Anyone who asks me about the wedding gets more information than they probably wanted...hahahaha. I can just go on and on and on and on.....

StaceyMc

12-13-2006, 09:28 AM

Here is sweet Ty and Santa - he was mesmerized.

BriansBride07

12-13-2006, 09:38 AM

I don't see any pic's of the BM's dress or of TY with Santa :(

StaceyMc

12-13-2006, 10:06 AM

I'm having technical difficulties - I can't edit my last two posts to add the pictures and when I attempted to add the pictures here, they won't...grrr...

StaceyMc

12-13-2006, 11:28 AM

I'm having a frustrating day. Working alone in a busy office is difficult enough, without my boss hardly ever being here, the office Christmas cards are sitting here mocking me, client's are extra difficult today and the filing pile is ready to topple. And, on top of all of that, the printer and computer have decided to revolt and I'm on vacation the week after Christmas and allll of this stuff has to be done.

I open my e-mail and here is the e-mail I get from Joe:

AS OF MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT.

66 DAYS
1584 HRS
95040 MINUTES
5702400 SECONDS

UNTIL YOUR STUCK PERMENTLY WITH ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

L-U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I started crying - that e-mail completely made my day! It didn't finish any of my work and the printer is still making awful noises and refusing to print my rules, but Joe loves me - that's all that matters :)

BriansBride07

12-13-2006, 02:06 PM

Kacie_bride

12-13-2006, 06:03 PM

Girl, that 66 days is going to fly by! It feels like just yesterday I posted 99 days for me and now it's only 17 days! The last bit goes by super fast!

StaceyMc

12-14-2006, 08:47 AM

Kacie - I hear you on the 66 days flying by...oh wait, now it's 65!! Our out of state invitations go out tomorrow!!!! Joe was talking about moving some stuff over to my place as soon as I get my coats out of "his" closet. That makes it all too real!

Kacie_bride

12-14-2006, 02:19 PM

StaceyMc

12-15-2006, 08:17 AM

Our out of state invites went out this morning!!!! The locals will go out next Friday, so they don't get mixed in with guests Christmas cards. I was stupidly excited when I dropped those in the mailbox.

ladymelissa

12-17-2006, 06:07 PM

Congratulations! Doesn't it feel real once the invites go out?

StaceyMc

12-18-2006, 09:17 AM

Yesterday was 2 months to the wedding. I just can't wait until Joe and I are married.

StaceyMc

12-22-2006, 09:01 AM

I can hardly believe it. I'm mailing the rest of the wedding invitations tonight after work! On Christmas Morning, it will be one year since Joe proposed.

All of the plans and details are almost finished. I'm so happy with the way things are turning out and I can hardly wait until 2/17 to be annouced as husband and wife.

countrygirl

12-22-2006, 12:35 PM

It's so cool being so close to your big day, isn't it? Just don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy the giddiness you feel. It is totally worth it in the end!!!

StaceyMc

12-22-2006, 12:39 PM

countrygirl

12-22-2006, 12:47 PM

You're right! I'm trying not to focus on the small stuff, because at this point - that's pretty much all I have to do.

Joe constantly tries to be funny - "Honey, the wedding is coming up too fast, we should postpone it." I told him that I gave him an out two weeks ago, he didn't take it..it's too late :)

There ended up being a few things that we didn't have at the wedding, and it didnt change anything. As a matter of fact, the other day, I threw out two buckets full of the mints that I never finished and had totally forgotten about. OOPS!!

My grandmother gave me great advice the week before my wedding. She said "Don't worry. There will be things that happen that you will look back at and say "Now how did that happen?" But they won't matter." Plain and simple, she was right.

ladymelissa

12-22-2006, 02:11 PM

I can hardly believe it. I'm mailing the rest of the wedding invitations tonight after work! On Christmas Morning, it will be one year since Joe proposed.

Congrats on getting the invites out!

A Christmas proposal, how romantic!

MOB Karen

12-22-2006, 06:44 PM

http://www.terranuts.com/forums/images/smilies/treeblink.gif Stacey, congrats on getting your invites out, and enjoy every minute of your last couple of months!!! It goes by so fast!!! ;)

Kacie_bride

12-23-2006, 10:46 AM

Congrats on getting the invites out!!!! Yipee!!!! I think that was like the last big step with us. It'll be here soon!

StaceyMc

01-02-2007, 01:32 PM

I had grand ideas of spending my vacation between Christmas and New Year's finishing all of my wedding DIY projects. Not only didn't I complete any of them, I added more. We just ran all over the place during my whole vacation - I swear - I had to come to work today so I could stay in one place.

Joe's Aunt and Uncle offered us his grandmother's bedroom suite. We looked at it the Saturday before Christmas and told them that we'd take it. His aunt couldn't get it out of her house fast enough. I now have a storage unit full of very nice bedroom furniture and a large four post iron bed to take down in my bedroom and a dresser to move - walls to scrub and an additional room to tear apart to move the dresser into. Sigh - more work for Stacey. Although, I am very grateful for the furniture, and it's sentimental.

We got our first responses to our invitations last Thursday. Not only did we get A response, we got THREE! Joe laughed when I came running across the yard saying "WE GOT THREE! WE GOT THREE!" We get about two a day, I get so excited to open the mail. So far, we're at 100% yes!!!

I've also received a ton of raves about how fantastic the invites are. My smile must be a mile wide when I say "We made those".

We also applied for our marriage license last Friday. You know, my comedian fiance asked the lady if we needed our rabies shots with the license application. Thank goodness she had a fantastic sense of humor.

My sister's dress also came in two weeks early - what a shocker. We weren't expecting it until atleast next week! Now, I can schedule our alteration appointment for next week - after I pick up our shoes.

Joe finally talked to his friend Eric and asked him to be an usher. Now, our wedding party is complete!!

I've decided that I'm grounded, in the house, until all of my work gets done - the moving of furniture, donating things that I no longer use/wear or want and the wedding DIY's. I will probably be permitted out of the house for rehearsal....lol

cowboysbride

01-02-2007, 01:41 PM

Hey kiddo! Well you know I am excited for you! Congrats on the new bedroom furniture, I adore family heirlooms! I giggled when I pictured you running across the yard so excited for your yes's!

The marriage license was fun for us too...Eric got tickled when they asked us if we were related (OMG only in Kentucky....I'm was so shocked LMAO!) He told them "nope...not yet, that's what we're here for"!

Yay that your sisters dress is in!

Try not to be too hard on yourself...get out of the house once you get the majority of your projects done and get a manicure, pedicure or a massage...you'll have earned it!

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!

WhiskeyGirl

01-02-2007, 02:21 PM

The marriage license was fun for us too...Eric got tickled when they asked us if we were related (OMG only in Kentucky....I'm was so shocked LMAO!) He told them "nope...not yet, that's what we're here for"!

They asked us that too. Lol. We laughed and said heck no!

Then they asked us about being on drugs and alcohol and entering into this with a clear mind. I almost made a joke about just finishing my line of coke before we came in, but decided it was better left unsaid!! Lol

StaceyMc

01-02-2007, 02:46 PM

WhiskeyGirl

01-02-2007, 03:00 PM

Ellen and Shawna - you guys crack me up. I'm glad that Joe and I aren't the only ones who were tickled about that! My favorite question was "Do you have any transmissable diseases." Who on earth will say yes? That would be one hell of a way to find something like that out.

Here's Joe's funniest response: The lady asked Joe "Where was your father born?" Joe said "In Leechburg, in the house he lives in now - in the bathtub to be exact." I elbowed him and chuckled.

Yeah can you imagine saying "Oh I'm just getting over a bout of clamydia!" :huh:

Lol Joe sounds like a comedian. Lol.

Why does it seem so tempting to make these jokes... I wonder if the people we apply to for our marriage license has heard them all or if they haven't would they take us seriously and be like "Sorry can't give you a marriage license!!" Lol

StaceyMc

01-02-2007, 05:06 PM

I told Joe that he was lucky that she didn't refund our money and refuse our license because he was being a goofball...hahahaha.

I think the temptation to make jokes comes from the unbelievability of the questions. Of course, we made jokes about the questions on the test with the Pastor too.

cowboysbride

01-02-2007, 05:13 PM

Here's Joe's funniest response: The lady asked Joe "Where was your father born?" Joe said "In Leechburg, in the house he lives in now - in the bathtub to be exact." I elbowed him and chuckled.

ROFLMAO~! OMG I LOVE IT! Well, she asked!

cowboysbride

01-02-2007, 05:21 PM

Our preacher (old family friend and a huge comedian himself) told me he had 3 things to tell me (he visited me in the bridal room prior to the ceremony)

1. Communicate...talk with Eric about EVERYTHING!

2. When we argue, keep it between us.

3. He told me to "Don't Do until I Die".

I was like WHAT?

He told me that when he said "And do you Ellen take Eric .....for richer (ALL THAT STUFF INBETWEEN) then he pauses (this is where most people hurry up and say I DO)...and then he says "Until death do you part"....so he meant for me not to say I do until AFTER the pause and then he said "Until death do you part"....

I thought it was a funny way to put it but I remembered it!

StaceyMc

01-03-2007, 08:42 AM

Yep - he was only telling the truth about his dad in the bathtub - he was born there.

Ellen - your pastor gave you terrific advice. Esp. talking about everything - Joe and I do, even though I know he gets tired of my talking. I'm anxious to go to our second meeting with our pastor to find out our "test" results. I'm sure we'll have a good laugh afterwards.

StaceyMc

01-03-2007, 08:44 AM

I received a call last night from the gentleman that our Pastor suggested for a soloist. We're meeting with him on Sunday!! I'm so excited!!! We heard him sing again on Christmas Eve. He has a fantastic Irish tenor voice. I just love it!!!

ladymelissa

01-04-2007, 04:13 AM

Yay! Good luck with that!

StaceyMc

01-05-2007, 09:01 AM

We're getting responses everyday and it's almost a race to the mailbox to see who can open them first. Since Joe gets off of work earlier than I do, he usually gets the mail for me. The other day he opened all of them, yesterday, he left most of them for me.

I had to laugh last night when I was marking meal choices on my chart. We had a tiff over when to mail the out of state invites (stupid, I know). Joe wanted to mail them way way too early. We mailed them a week before the local ones. We haven't received one out of state response....it cracks me up.

ladymelissa

01-05-2007, 02:59 PM

We mailed them a week before the local ones. We haven't received one out of state response....it cracks me up.

LOL I loved getting RSVPs back, it made checking the mail interesting!

StaceyMc

01-08-2007, 01:06 PM

LOL Melissa - we're practically climbing over each other if we're home at the same time when the mail comes. I use the "It's my house" card sometimes :)

Kacie_bride

01-08-2007, 06:45 PM

Yeah Stacey!!! I'm excited to get to watch another RSVP count!!!! All yes so far! Way to go!

MOB Karen

01-08-2007, 09:41 PM

Congrats on getting your invites out, Stacey! Isn't it great getting those little envelopes in the mail? Gosh, you're getting close now! Best wishes with your last weeks! :)

Kacie_bride

01-08-2007, 10:48 PM

Hey Stacey, tomorrow you will be at the 1-1-1 mark! Oh it seems like yesterday that I was there!

StaceyMc

01-09-2007, 08:50 AM

Hey Stacey, tomorrow you will be at the 1-1-1 mark! Oh it seems like yesterday that I was there!

My stomach just did a flip-flop when I saw the 1-1-1. I'm seeing the rhinestones that still need put on the votive cups, the unity candle that needs done and the usher basket that I need to put together. But then, I see Joe standing at the end of the aisle, smiling - that makes it all better :)

StaceyMc

01-09-2007, 08:59 AM

Tammy is my "ushette". We've been friends for years and is so excited to, not only be the ushette, but also to escort my mother down the aisle. My parents always call Tammy their third daughter, so it's very special for Tammy to seat my mother.

We spoke last night and she asked if wearing black to the wedding is acceptable. Of course, I told her yes. She then explained that she found a fantastic black velvet halter style dress with a sash on a super duper sale. She also said that she will purchase a burgundy sash, so she'll match the wedding. I was so excited - I can't wait to see her dress! Even without trying to coordinate the usher and ushette, it's working itself out.

Joe and I really didn't see the need to make the usher rent a tux and make the ushette wear the same dress as my MOH. Once their seating duties are completed, they will sit with their families and will sit with their families at the reception as well. We just wanted everyone to be comfortable. It's working out!!!!!

Not only is Tammy my "ushette", she is also my cake baker! She's a pastry chef at a country club and does FANTASTIC work. We have to get together next week to talk about our wonderful, made from scratch, chocolate wedding cake. I told her that the wedding cake was the least of my worries, as I know that it will look beautiful, regardless!!!!

StaceyMc

01-09-2007, 09:08 AM

On Saturday, we got our first "will not attend" responses. Joe's a little sad, they were from his family in SC. He's also a little puzzled - his aunt and uncle's Christmas card said that they were looking forward to seeing us at the wedding, then we received their "will not attend" response. One of his cousin's and wife from SC also will not attend.

I told him that it's their loss. They will miss a very beautiful and wonderful day.

Kacie_bride

01-09-2007, 10:48 AM

I wouldn't sweat the will not attend responses. Like you said, it is their loss. I got a couple that confused me as well, but I later found out they had made some other plans and didn't know our date when they did. They might have had something come up. We also had a few fall out after they sent the responses because of bad snow in New Mexico and family issues.

StaceyMc

01-10-2007, 09:25 AM

Joe and I had our second, and final, meeting with the Pastor last night. We went over the "test" that he gave us. We had very very high marks, with a few 100's....even our lowest score was high. The Pastor was very happy and told us that we will have a good, strong marriage. It felt good to hear it, even thought I never had a doubt that our marriage would be strong.

We also finished the details of the service. We will have the soloist sing as the mother's are escorted down the aisle. We chose the ceremony with the parents blessing and decided to include the "Greeting", wherein we would greet our parents and give our mother's roses prior to our lighting of the unity candle. Our soloist will sing again during the greeting.

It feels good to get the details done. We will meet our bridal coordinator this Sunday - this is a woman from the church that will help me on the wedding day - she'll make sure that everyone has their flowers and everyone gets where they belong on time....details that someone needs to take care of.

We will also talk to the organist this Sunday following the service to set up a time to discuss our music. WOOHOO!!

It's getting closer and closer and closer.

StaceyMc

01-10-2007, 09:41 AM

I consider myself lucky that this is the only vent that I have, with five weeks before the wedding, but nonetheless, it's bugging me.

I have a friend who I've known since kindergarten. She, her husband and their 1.5 year old daughter will be attending the wedding. When we talked about the wedding over Christmas when she was home visiting her parents (who will also be attending), she asked me about a meal for her daughter. She said that if the caterer is going to charge us for her meal, they'll just take it home. Ahhh...wait....while we got a decent price ($23/person) on a sit down meal, I'm not paying for take out. I told her that I'd call the caterer and see if they'll do a 1/2 portion for her. Joe's sister, who has a 1.5 year old daughter, didn't mark a meal choice down for her - I'm assuming she'll pick off of mom and dad's plate or mommy will bring something for her.

After talking to my sister, she thinks it's kind of inappropriate for my friend to even mention bringing the daughter's meal home and that my sister would have just brought something for the child (her son is still in the baby food stage anyways, so he's not a problem), rather than order a meal that, even at the half portion, the child most likely won't eat. Nor is it worth having a seperate kids meal for two small children.

I don't mind paying for the meal, it's not the money, it just bugs me at the way she framed her question. The 1/2 portion question is on the list for the caterer when I call this week.

I received an e-mail from my friend this morning telling me that she's putting a meal choice on the RSVP card for her daughter, but if it's going to be an expense let her know - now...what do I say "Hey, I'm not payin' for your daughter?" lol...I don't think so.

Anyways...that's my vent....

Jopet

01-10-2007, 09:50 AM

Awww don't you hate when people put you in these situations!!! I think if one of my friends said that too me the look on my face would have said it all!! lol. Goodluck with whateva you decide to do:).

BriansBride07

01-10-2007, 10:02 AM

Wow you are doing great if this is your first vent. COngrats on that one.

As for the meal the way it is done where I live is if the child is under 4 then they eat off the parents plate as they don't eat as much as an adult does. Some caterers don't even take into consideration the price for a child under a certain age. but other's do. I also think that it was very rude for your friend to suggest bringing in say McDonalds to a reception for a 1 1/2 yr. old. She should of approached the question a bit better. anyway i hope it all works out for you in the end. and your friend remembers to keep her rude comments to herself.

StaceyMc

01-10-2007, 10:30 AM

Valmai

01-10-2007, 10:33 AM

I think it's ridiculous expecting you to buy a meal for a child of such a young age - i don't think i'd have expected that when mine were that young, what will they eat of it? A couple of spoonfuls at most! xxx

Goin2thechapel

01-10-2007, 10:50 AM

Hmm...We didn't have to pay for any children, but we did have family style dinners...

BriansBride07

01-10-2007, 10:54 AM

Christina - Oh, this isn't my first vent, but my only one at this point....lol. She didn't suggest that she'd bring in food for her daughter from another restaurant, she suggested that she will take home her daughter's caterered dinner. That's the part that kind of bothered me.

Oh ok I see where I misread it now on the take out part sorry. LOL I change my post to be I don't blame you either and I still agree though that you shouldn't have to pay an additional price. LOL you are still doing good at only have a few weeks left and this is the first one in this stage. I would be pulling my hair out lol.

StaceyMc

01-10-2007, 11:34 AM

Thankfully, the only thing I'm stressed out about is getting my house in order. I'm still working on getting furniture moved around. This week has kind of been a total loss and this weekend is looking to be the same.

The last thing I want to do after work is take down a huge bed and then go to the storage unit, in the dark, to load up furniture.

Joe asked me last night when I wanted to move furniture - I almost smacked him....lol. It will get done...sooner than later, I'm sure.

Kacie_bride

01-10-2007, 03:49 PM

I just can't believe anyone would even consider putting down a meal choice for a 1.5 year old. Will the child even eat more than a bite or two anyway? And she had the nerve to say she would take it home. That's ridiculous.

ladymelissa

01-10-2007, 11:44 PM

She is lucky you are allowing kids at the wedding. LOL

I hope the half sized meal works out.

If the food laws are anything like they are here, she wouldn't even be allowed to take the meal home. Our venue didn't allow any "to go" boxes, b/c the reception would last for hours and the venue couldn't let food sit out at unsafe temperatures for that long and then send it home to be consumed.

StaceyMc

01-11-2007, 09:48 AM

I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought the 1.5 year old meal choice was silly.

As for taking meals home, our caterer is seperate from our venue and anything that is left is ours to take home - however, with a sit down meal, there won't be anything left, hopefully. I'll throw the left overs in the venue fridge, if need be.

StaceyMc

01-11-2007, 09:50 AM

I'm so excited - I'm having my first gown fitting tonight!! I can hardly wait for 5:30 p.m. to get here!!!

I seriously need to update our guest count.

StaceyMc

01-11-2007, 10:47 AM

Last night, I had dinner with my parents. While eating, we were discussing wedding stuff, who we had received responses from, etc. I mentioned that we were still waiting for Lucy, our neighbor. We all thought that was odd, but her granddaughter just had her first baby and we figured that baby madness was in full force (we remember baby madness well.....)

Later in the evening, my mom called me. She told me that Lucy wasn't on the list I'd e-mailed her when she was doing envelope addressing. I can not figure out how her address was missing, when I e-mailed her the same list I've been using since the beginning! Thank goodness Mom thought to look!! Lucy was at my bridal shower, and now, she didn't get an invite to the wedding. I was just sick about it all night last night. It was too late to call her once Mom and I figured it out.

This morning, Mom was talking with Lucy's daughter (who is a neighbor as well) and Mom mentioned Lucy's invite to her. She said that Lucy didn't get an invite, but they figured that we had to cut guests due to the church size, etc. and Lucy didn't want her daughter mentioning it to my Mom. I could just die of embarressment.

Lucy will return home tonight from a wonderful day with her new great granddaughter to a rambling, apologetic message from me, with the promise of a hand delivered invitation tomorrow evening.

Ahhh...and things were going soooo smoothly.

Valmai

01-11-2007, 03:56 PM

LOL it happens stacey and at least u realised now! Good luck with ur dress fitting tonite and try to get some pics lol xxx

BriansBride07

01-11-2007, 04:12 PM

Glad you found the mistake I know it is easy to do. LOL you think you have everyone and there is always someone you miss. Have fun tonight with the dress fitting.

MOB Karen

01-11-2007, 04:37 PM

Good thing you caught it in time. Good luck with the rest of your plans. :)

Jacklynn

01-11-2007, 04:49 PM

Thankfully you caught the mix-up!

and very exciting about your dress fitting!

Kacie_bride

01-11-2007, 08:59 PM

You have a good response rate so far!!!! I'm glad you caught the mistake. I'm sure Lucy will understand. Let us know how the dress fitting went!!!

StaceyMc

01-12-2007, 10:22 AM

I smiled the entire time I had my gown on last night while the lady was pinning my alterations. They raved and raved about how beautiful the dress was and said they'd never seen one like that before. It looks even better fitted properly. Mom took some pics, so if she sends them to me, maybe I'll post one. :chicken:

The cutest thing was, my sister was giving my 8 month old nephew his bottle while mom and I were getting me into my dress...when I came out, my sister said "Ty Ty, look how beautiful your Aunt Stacey looks!" He pushed the bottle out of his mouth, looked at me and started smiling and waving his arms around....he's just a little cutie.

My sister also looks fantastic in her dress. And, we look fab together - if I do say so myself :)

The alterations lady is a wiz - we got there at 5:30, we were both in our dresses, pinned and out the door by 6:03 - and that was chit chatting a little with the ladies that work there. I hear great things about Maria (the alterations lady) and the bustle that she's doing is just wonderful. I can't wait to try it on again on 2/15.

This was a cute idea that one of the ladies gave me - she asked about my headpiece, which is a tiara and she said that one of her brides puts her tiara in her Christmas tree every year. I think that's a cute idea. Talk about sparkley decorations.

StaceyMc

01-12-2007, 10:32 AM

I spoke with the caterers today about the 1.5 year old meals. She said there's no charge for them and not to include them in my count, but let them know how many little ones will be there, that way they'll have smaller pieces of chicken or whatever for them.

Also, Lucy, my forgotten guest, is totally OK with my mix up - thank goodness.

cowboysbride

01-12-2007, 10:39 AM

Yay for the 1.5 meal, yay for Lucy and Yay for all your responses! I SOOOO want to see you in your dress...I am quite postive you look outstanding....The story about Ty TY was too cute...as they say "children make the best judges"!

BriansBride07

01-12-2007, 11:08 AM

Glad to hear that everything is turning out. I really hope you post pic's of you in your dress even if it's just one. we wanna see.... Please. LOL.. I am sure you look amazing in it.

WhiskeyGirl

01-12-2007, 06:46 PM

Oh!! I have been wanting to see pics of you in your dress forever Stacey!!! pLEEEEASSSE, post one!! I have been thinking about it a lot lately actually! lol. So I hope you will share one with us!!

glad you got the invitation out to your missed guest, and that she was totally understanding!!!

You are getting so close, and we are getting so excited with you!! I can't wait to see your pictures Honey!! :D (lookit me I'm so excited I can't stop with the !!!!! I have problem from time to time! lol. I like the !!!!! for some reason! lol.)

StaceyMc

01-15-2007, 11:26 AM

Unfortunately, you guys are going to have to wait until my wedding pics are posted to see me in my dress. I knew it was a mistake not to make mom take a pic with my camera!

She said she'll give me the alterations pictures after the wedding...she's afraid Joe will see the picture....lol. So, my dress will be a suprise to everyone!! :)

Kacie_bride

01-15-2007, 12:31 PM

Oh man! I really wanted to see! I can't wait to see the wedding pictures!

BriansBride07

01-15-2007, 12:50 PM

Oh! that's to bad oh well though it will be even better when we do see you.

StaceyMc

01-15-2007, 01:05 PM

I worked my butt off this weekend and we finally have the "new" bedroom furniture in the bedroom. After all of the lifting, dragging and moving (including lifting a very heavy dresser above my head), my (soon to be our) bedroom looks great. Of course, there's always a catch.....

Joe had the big idea of putting the bed on risers, which makes it higher. I agreed, as I have a shoe rack under the bed and can't get any part of my body, other than my arms, under the bed. Putting the bed on risers was great, except now, I can't see the television....lol. I flip the TV on when I crawl into bed at night or first thing in the morning to watch the news. Now, I need a higher stand, so if we decide to watch TV in bed, we don't have to be at the foot of the bed to watch it.

I feel like the last of my HUGE projects was finished yesterday. I have to move my clothes and clean up the messes I've made cleaning (does that make sense), but it's not a huge project like my bedroom. (sigh of relief)

Today...I'm exhausted....I'm sore.....I groaned when I got out of bed and heard it raining.....I hear my flannel sheets and down comforter calling me......

StaceyMc

01-15-2007, 01:11 PM

Joe and I talked to my pastry chef friend, who is also my ushette, last night! Our cake will be chocolate, with chocolate icing as the filling, and buttercream icing on the outside. The chocolate icing was the filling was a compromise with Joe, as he wanted chocolate icing on the outside.

I can't even describe what we talked about last night, all I know is she's making me icing pinecones - I am really tickled over that!!! I can't wait to see how beautiful it is actually going to be.

StaceyMc

01-15-2007, 01:30 PM

While at church yesterday, a woman introduced herself as our bridal services lady for the church. We meet with her on Wednesday evening.

Our church does a wonderful thing - they have "Bridal Services". Someone from Bridal Services is assigned to each bride that is getting married in the church, if the bride wants one. The Bridal Services lady (Lois is ours) will go over all of the items available for our use to decorate the sanctuary, etc. She will attend our rehearsal and will be there on the day of the wedding to assist me in any way. I love it - she can fluff my dress when everyone else goes down the aisle (my poor father was fluffing my sister's train at her wedding - there wasn't anyone left!), she can make sure that everyone has their bouts and corsages on correctly, she can fix whatever hem or button that falls off...she makes sure that things are going smoothly. Oh yeah, you know the best part? It's a $20.00 donation to have the bridal services lady.

Tonight, I must call our soloist and tell him what we've decided. I want to have him sing as our mother's are coming down the aisle. I found a song "We Have Gathered Together" that is appropriate. I also want him to sing "The Wedding Song" during our greeting of our parents.

I've got the stomach flip flops today - it's all coming together beautifully!

Kacie_bride

01-15-2007, 01:33 PM

The bridal service lady sounds great!!! But I really want to comment on your cake! It sounds sooooo yummy! It doesn't help that I'm really hungry right now. Now I have to go find something sweet. Ohhhh I wish I had a piece of your cake now!

SaralovesMike

01-15-2007, 01:43 PM

Our church does a wonderful thing - they have "Bridal Services". Someone from Bridal Services is assigned to each bride that is getting married in the church, if the bride wants one. The Bridal Services lady (Lois is ours) will go over all of the items available for our use to decorate the sanctuary, etc. She will attend our rehearsal and will be there on the day of the wedding to assist me in any way. I love it - she can fluff my dress when everyone else goes down the aisle (my poor father was fluffing my sister's train at her wedding - there wasn't anyone left!), she can make sure that everyone has their bouts and corsages on correctly, she can fix whatever hem or button that falls off...she makes sure that things are going smoothly. Oh yeah, you know the best part? It's a $20.00 donation to have the bridal services lady.

Cool! That's awesome!
One more person to take the stress of you that day!

ladymelissa

01-15-2007, 01:55 PM

Our venues included wedding coordinators and they sure are a big help!

Valmai

01-15-2007, 07:18 PM

It sounds great having someone like that to help out! It's all coming together pretty quickly isnt it lol Well done ont he bedroom i hate sorting that room out lol everything is so heavy!! xxx

StaceyMc

01-18-2007, 01:37 PM

Last night, we had our meeting with the Bridal Services lady at the church. Let me just say, it was the biggest waste of an hour. We spent most of the time repeating the information that I submitted when I sent in the reservation for the wedding and the information that we gave to the Pastor. (Brides name, Grooms name, parents name, MOH, Best Man's name, blah blah blah)

She told us a few things.

Then, she dropped the big one!!! The church apparently has a policy that allows for 20 minutes, no more than 30 minutes MAX for pictures in the church following the ceremony. I almost fell out of my chair. I asked her if she was serious. She was serious. After 20 or 30 minutes, she will start undecorating the sanctuary. I told her that I thought that was a little quick, as there were quite a few pictures that I wanted done. She said that we might be able to go a little longer, as long as we don't need the decorations up....the decorations that my mother has paid for....because she will take them down. I took a deep breath and let that pass, even though I felt like going completely bonkers all over the room (my emotions are a little nutty this week).

I then asked about the set up of the hall....she has no idea. None what so ever. She goes as far to tell me that the extra tables that we don't use will be piled in the corner. Again, I'm taking a deep breath - trying not to go completely Bridezilla all over the room. Those tables can't sit in the room. To make matters worse, there's a change in personnel with the maintenance guy. She doesn't seem to adjust to change all that well and threw up her arms and said "Do we even know who the new guy is?" Of course we do, it was in the monthly newsletter.

So, out of the whole hour, I learned where I was going to get ready, that I have to leave our rings at the church after rehearsal, where Joe will get ready and wait and how long rehearsal will last, that she was upset with teh woman in charge of the bridal services and that the change in personnel is causing her some difficulty (I made the last one up). The rest of it, including answers that she should have been able to give to me, I have to call the church office.

I feel like everything is soooo unorganized there. So now, I have to contact the church office and then get in contact with the maintenance guy about setting up tables.

My mom did tell me that we will take pictures until we are done and that the woman will not be taking down the decorations until we're done. We may have a Momzilla :)

StaceyMc

01-18-2007, 01:52 PM

All of that **** with the bridal lady last night really has me frustrated. To the point that when Joe and I were making a diagram of how we wanted the reception set up (after we wasted an hour), I was on the verge of tears, wanting to change the location of the reception because it seems like it's harder than it really should be. In fact, I've been on the verge of tears all day today.

I wish someone else could handle the reception set up....we should have had it in another location where someone did handle it and it wasn't just me (or us, I mean).

shawnsgirl

01-18-2007, 04:02 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that this woman and yor venue is giving you soooooo much grief...Just try to take a deep breath and hang in there...Everything has a way of coming together. You are on top of things so it will work out okay. Hang in there!!

ladymelissa

01-18-2007, 06:01 PM

Then, she dropped the big one!!! The church apparently has a policy that allows for 20 minutes, no more than 30 minutes MAX for pictures in the church following the ceremony. I almost fell out of my chair. I asked her if she was serious. She was serious. After 20 or 30 minutes, she will start undecorating the sanctuary.
Dig out your contract and reread it. Ours was very specific about the hours we had with the church.

I then asked about the set up of the hall....she has no idea. None what so ever. She goes as far to tell me that the extra tables that we don't use will be piled in the corner. Again, I'm taking a deep breath - trying not to go completely Bridezilla all over the room. Those tables can't sit in the room. To make matters worse, there's a change in personnel with the maintenance guy. She doesn't seem to adjust to change all that well and threw up her arms and said "Do we even know who the new guy is?" Of course we do, it was in the monthly newsletter.

I would go find the people who are responsible for the reception set up and voice the concerns about the tables directly to them. Again, reread your contract and see if there is anything in there about unused tables, if there isn't you should not be expected to assume the tables would be stacked in the room when you signed the contract.

I may also consider "firing" this ceremony coordinator, she sounds totally inept and has done nothing but cause you more stress. You are paying extra for her services so make it very clear to her that you are the one who hired her, so she is to take orders, not give them.

:hug: I hope this works out for you.

StaceyMc

01-19-2007, 08:52 AM

cowboysbride

01-19-2007, 09:43 AM

My frustration seems to have gone away. I sat at the kitchen table and worked on placecards and stickers last night in peace and quiet and did some thinking. I got another big project finished - that makes me feel better.

As far as a contract with the church - there isn't one. The Bridal Services lady is assigned to me, I think we pay $20.00 for her services or something. My mom will have my back on the pictures, as will Joe, so I'm not going to worry about it. I sent an e-mail to the church to get the maintenance guy info, so hopefully we can get something set up.

I feel better today. Nothing, I mean NOTHING, is going to stop me from enjoying my fantastic day.

There ya go girl! Hang in there! I'd like to see her try and start undecorating the sanctuary with your mom there....lol, if she does be sure and get a pic of THAT! ;) Unless she's just really "ballsy" she won't...sounds like she frustrated in her responsibilities and being "not so nice" to you...she'll be singing a different tune come wedding day and if she isn't...well there's only ONE of her...ignore her and proceed as planned, what's she gonna do about it?

Kacie_bride

01-19-2007, 10:16 AM

Awww Stacey I'm sorry to hear about the bridal service lady being such a quirk, but I am glad you are less frustrated now. We took some pictures before the ceremony, but not the ones of Justin and I together. That could make the time after the ceremony quicker if that is an option for you.

ladymelissa

01-19-2007, 03:05 PM

I am just glad you are having a great day and feeling better!

StaceyMc

01-22-2007, 09:54 AM

Saturday morning, I did some errands and went to Pat Cattans to see if I could find some pine for the wedding cake. I did, thankfully, for 13 cents a pick...what a deal! Now I have to see if I can take them apart.

While I was at the craft store, I found some larger, round votive holders that I can put some of my "snow" in and a candle. They were on clearance for 2 for $1.00 - WHAT A DEAL! And they had exactly 10....exactly what I needed.

I was almost late meeting Joe and his mom at my house to go to his sister's - I seem to lose track of time in Pat Cattans - it must be built in a time warp or something.

Yesterday, we tracked down the organist after church and set up a time to meet with him tonight to go over some music (yet another trip to the church). After talking to him, he said "I get the feeling you want traditional with a little edge." EXACTLY!!! Nothing too crazy, but yet a little different. When we talked about bridal entrances, I was thinking about the Canon in C (or whatever it's called), I definately didn't want "Here comes the bride". The organist said that he's thinking "Trumpet Voluntary" - like Princess Di royalty.....I figured...what the heck! It's my day to be royalty...lol. Joe laughs and rolls his eyes :)

In the afternoon, I went over to my sis and BIL's and Kelly and I glued rhinestones to votive cups. We finished 24 cups with 9 stones each in a little over an hour and we had a blast doing it. I figured she'd hate me by the time we were done - those little stones, tweezer and glue. They aren't perfect, but I don't care - they're beautiful. Joe liked them as well. My sister was also kind enough to put the 10 votive cups, the 40 tea light containers and the 26 red glass holders in her dishwasher. They are now all shiny, sparkley and clean!!

After playing with the baby most of the evening (how I love my nephew). I went home at 9:00 p.m. and did the framed poem for Joe's mom and dad - it turned out nice. Then, I did the inserts for the photo albums for both of our parents. There is an open section on the cover for a picture. I made inserts with our pine and berry theme that says Stacey and Joe - February 17, 2007. It looks beautiful in the red book (and very expensive).

I think my last DIY is our unity candle, which I plan on working on this week in the evenings. Ohhhh...it's getting closer and closer and closer.

StaceyMc

01-22-2007, 09:59 AM

Tonight, after the meeting with the organist, we will sit down and order the evergreen tree favors. We still have a few response cards not in, so I think we'll just order a few extra and if I need more, I'm sure they can toss a few more on the order before they ship it, a few days before the wedding.

I'm so excited to order the trees. It seems like forever ago that I told Joe we needed to place the order three weeks before the wedding and here we are.

Kacie_bride

01-22-2007, 05:26 PM

Wow! Looks like you got a lot done over the weekend. You got some great deals too! I remember you first talking about the favors and now you are getting ready to order them. It's so close now!

StaceyMc

01-23-2007, 09:20 AM

Last night, we met with the church organist. He's such a nifty guy. He played a bunch of tunes for us and helped us pick great music. He was thrilled that we picked all classical stuff - no "garbage music", as he called it....whatever that means.

While we were discussing the soloist songs and where to put what, the Pastor came in and talked with us. What a fantastic help those two were! We have our entire ceremony planned now, with music. We are doing a "Marriage Canticle" (I think that's what it's called) in the middle, instead of just reading the Love passage in First Corinthians, it is a passage done with guest response and singing, but it is the Love passage. It's beautiful....I can't wait to hear how it sounds. The organist was very happy that we decided on that.

Joe asked about the maintenance man's name (the new guy) so we could get in touch with him about reception set up. The Pastor said "Ahhh...just ask me your questions, he's new..." YIPPEE! The extra tables and chairs don't sit in the corner and the coolers can be wheeled out and plugged in somewhere else for the evening. So, we're to get a diagram of our set up to the maintenance guy, and talk to him briefly. Then, Joe and I can make any changes the day before the wedding when we're decorating the hall.

Joe also asked about the 30 minute photo rule. The Pastor said that sometimes the photographers, not the bridal couple, get carried away with the photos. He said that they have had at least one bride crying because she didn't want to take anymore pictures and the photog kept insisting "Just one more honey." So, it's as much for the couple as it is for the bridal lady. He did say, however, that I shouldn't even worry about it...if I need a few more minutes, he's totally fine with it.

Yeah...I feel soooo much better!

StaceyMc

01-23-2007, 09:26 AM

Last night, while the Pastor, the organist, Joe and I were discussing the wedding details, it hit me - I finally figured out what our roles are in wedding planning.

I've planned the pretty details - favors, flowers, colors, dresses, etc.

Joe plans the "not so pretty" details - he's worried about food (although, I've had a hand in the food as well), table arrangements, if the parking lot is going to be plowed, if the sidewalks will be salted, etc. He has even researched the percentage of chance of snow on 2/17/07 - it's 85%, in case you're curious :) I, for one, hadn't even thought of plowing and salting and who was going to park where.

I got the warm and fuzzies when he asked when he would come into the sanctuary. Funny - I hadn't thought of that either - I figured he'd just be there, like always.

StaceyMc

01-23-2007, 09:30 AM

I had the first of my wedding nightmares last night. I forgot my dress. I never picked it up at the store that I went to for alterations. My mom, dad, sister and I were riding in the car to the church - I had my tiara and veil on and I suddenly said "OMG! THE DRESS!" Panic insued.

What a dumb dream - like I could forget my dress. My sister is coming for the final fitting the Thursday before, and she'll get her dress then too. My mom definately wouldn't forget my dress.

I woke up at 4:00 a.m., telling myself how dumb it was for me to worry about the dress. Sigh.....

shawnsgirl

01-23-2007, 09:53 AM

Well, I doubt you'll forget your dress of all things!! But, those type of dreams are silly that's for sure...:chimp:

ikkin510

01-23-2007, 10:49 AM

Wow Stacey, I can't believe you have less then a month to go! Where did the time go? Good luck with the last minute stuff. Sounds like you and Joe have pretty much done and figured out. Best Wishes Sweetie!

StaceyMc

01-24-2007, 02:59 PM

Last Saturday, we took my FMIL with us to visit my FH's sister and family. Everything is such a production. She's so darned critical and miserable and she loves loves loves to make everyone else around her miserable.

She made a comment to me at his sister's house that I wasn't sure how to take - my FSIL and I were talking about her losing weight (she's way to skinny, if you ask me) and I said that I was happy that I didn't gain any from January 06 - January 07. I didn't lose any either, but I've been eating healthier. (Just as a side note, I really didn't want to lose weight, I just didn't want to gain any). My FMIL pipes in and says "Well, if you excercised a little, you could shift some things around." Eh? Shift what around? So, I just said "OK" and left it at that. Later, I asked Joe if anything needed shifted around - he said no. Fine.

After dropping her off, I was so on edge. She was fussing about getting to the wedding and telling Joe she was renting a car, for whatever reason. She has a car. She's not an invalid. She gets around just fine for bingo and shopping. Besides (as I told him, through tears), he has two sisters - someone needs to step up and take some responsibility that day - not us.

Not five minutes later, he says to me "Mom might want to be in the room with you, your sister and your mom while you're getting ready." Can we say H3LL NO! That's my time with my family. She has two daughters, and she was hardly involved with them when they got married (I was at both weddings). I was already in the middle of a melt down and told him "She's not my mother." and left it at that. Good heaven's.

I can hear her criticizing my dress.

cowboysbride

01-24-2007, 03:26 PM

Wow have I gotten behind on your journal! I am glad you got your music, glad you got your ceremony in order, glad Joe is worried about things like snow and ice on the walkways and super glad that the stuff will be moved around during the reception and not in the same room. And UBER glad that you have enought time for pics as needed!

As for you FMIL...I'm sure she has some "shifting" that could be going on, as long as you are happy and Joe is happy don't give it another thought. I'm sorry she's being such a pain...I don't know what to say about her being in the room with you...maybe you could "let her in" once you and your family have all spent some quality time together and you are ready. If she says anything about your dress just let it go in one ear and out the other...If you don't want her in there then stand firm. That is your time, she should be with Joe not you! IMHO. My MIL was with both of us and running around making sure the flowers and decor were in order....but she's a saint so I had no problems there!

I am getting so excited for you. Breathe lady, you'll be fine, this will all work out. I have FAITH in ya!

NicksBride

01-24-2007, 03:53 PM

Wow you are getting so much done!! Your wedding is coming very fast, I am so excited for you!!

StaceyMc

01-24-2007, 04:22 PM

Even if my MIL didn't make me cringe sometimes, I still wouldn't want her in the room with me. I've worked so hard at not talking about my dress and Joe not knowing anything about it. Actually, no one knows much about my dress, except for my mom, my dad, my sis and my grandmother. FMIL had her time with her daughters, it's my mother's time with her daughters and it's my time with my family. I sound selfish, but I don't care. She's not going to upset me and stress me out further right before I talk my walk down the aisle. I could write a book about the things she's said and done in the past year.

Don't get me wrong, my FMIL and I get along fine - it's just things she does, things she says to FH, the constant drama and criticizing, it gets old after a while.

mariaandmanish

01-24-2007, 04:24 PM

It'll be here before you know it, Stacey! Yay for Joe thinking of all those details that he has!! Good for him!!

I'm sorry that you're having trouble with your FMiL. I agree with Ellen that if you really don't want her to be there, then stand your ground and let Joe know that he's responsible for setting someone to be with her so that she's distracted from you on your day. Good luck with her! I hope that your last month is filled with excitement!!

StaceyMc

01-24-2007, 04:25 PM

I want to thank all of you ladies for all the help that you've given me on the adventure in planning "The Stacey and Joe Show". I don't always get to respond to everything, but I really do appreciate it.

BriansBride07

01-25-2007, 01:49 PM

Wow i see that you only have 23 days left congrats it will be here before you know it and your RSVP's are looking great.

Valmai

01-26-2007, 12:08 PM

Cant believe w ehave so little time left its all exciting innit?? Besides for the airline strike then i ahve much less to do than u as ours is a small wedding abroad lol but im enjoying lal this last minute prep!!
Ignore ur MIL and smile sweetly lol I am getting ready with Jamie we move to a different hotel the night before so that we can have some private space (without people constantly knocking at my door lol) Cant u send her with Joe and have her help him instead?
Enjoy the next 3 weeks hun xxx

StaceyMc

01-28-2007, 10:27 PM

We have our final guest count - we're at 75, including Joe and me.

It's almost unbelievable how quickly the days are going by. I'm absolutely thrilled at how things are coming together. The only thing we have left to do now is take care of little details. It's simply amazing.

I was watching television the other evening and there was a commercial for an event on televison - it was in March sometime and I said to myself "We'll be married by then!" Silly? Probably. Exciting? Definately!

shawnsgirl

01-29-2007, 10:20 AM

Well, everything sounds so wonderful and I think you are being smart about your FMIL....Anyhow, I am so excited for you and your very soon to be hubby!!

ladymelissa

01-29-2007, 11:38 AM

I was watching television the other evening and there was a commercial for an event on televison - it was in March sometime and I said to myself "We'll be married by then!" Silly? Probably. Exciting? Definately!
No, I kind of did that. Wait until you have thoughts like, this is the last time I am shaving my legs as a "single gal." LOL

StaceyMc

01-29-2007, 02:30 PM

The church secretary e-mailed me the rough draft of the bulletin to me this afternoon. I thought I'd share our music selections:

The Prelude:
"The Canon in D" - Pachelbel
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" - Bach
"Woodland Sketch" - Moore
"Morning Has Broken" - Stevens, arr.
"Air In F" - Wesley

Our Mother's will enter to "Shades of Purple", which was composed by our Pastor. It's a neat song, with chimes. I really wanted chimes as our recessional, but I compromised with this song.

My MOH and I will enter to "Trumpet Voluntary"
(Nothing like getting everyone's attention)

Our soloist will sing "The Wedding Song" and "The Lord's Prayer"

Our Recessional Is "Trumpet Tune" (I laughed at the two trumpet songs, but I loved when he played them for us)

The Postlude is "Processional of Joy"

I may stand in the back of the church and do a happy dance!

cowboysbride

01-29-2007, 03:02 PM

I may stand in the back of the church and do a happy dance!

GO FOR IT! We did a "happy dance" on the way out! It was cute...me and Eric bebopping down the aisle! If I were there I'd do a happy dance for you!

ladymelissa

01-29-2007, 03:16 PM

Very beautiful choices!

StaceyMc

01-29-2007, 03:30 PM

Very beautiful choices!

Thank you Melissa! The organist was thrilled with the music we picked also.

StaceyMc

01-29-2007, 03:32 PM

GO FOR IT! We did a "happy dance" on the way out! It was cute...me and Eric bebopping down the aisle! If I were there I'd do a happy dance for you!

You can do a happy dance for me in spirit. I don't know if I can get Joe to "happy dance" up the aisle. One of our recessional choices was very "bouncy" - he said "Are we skipping up the aisle?" He didn't want to skip. :)

NicksBride

01-30-2007, 12:33 PM

oh I love tha tmusic you chose! Nick and I will be doing a dance all the way down the aisle! You gotta do something! hahahaha

StaceyMc

02-01-2007, 09:25 AM

I'm getting so excited for the 17th to get here! It's actually February!!!

The down side, Joe is sick. He's been staying home the last few evenings to keep me from catching whatever it is. My nephew, mother and father all have the same cold - I've stayed in my own house, away from everyone for the last week or so :) I don't want whatever it is - it's miserable.

I have very few things to do: finish our seating arrangements and mark the table numbers on placecards; finish our unity candle (I've been doing this forever and just never get around to it); make our table numbers and decorate our card box (my $1 birdcage that I painted). I should be able to knock all of that out this weekend - it's going to be so darned cold - I'm not going anywhere! I also need to get everything out, wrap parents and attendants gifts and Joe's gift, and just do a once over of everything.

Joe still needs to get his usher a gift - which we'll probably do when we go to get my ring and necklace inspected at the jewelry store.

My only problem is work. When I take a few days off, I have to work myself to death to get everything done. I have two big cases going on right now. I'm the only person in the office, so it all falls on me. My boss is a "wait until the last minute" kind of person - it's so aggravating, esp. right now. Grrrr....

shawnsgirl

02-01-2007, 09:44 AM

Oh my gosh! Only 16 days left...I am sooooo excited for you!! You seem very calm and organized. It stinks that your boss likes procrastinate!! Good luck either everything. You are going to have a marvelous wedding day!! I can't wait to see pics when you get back!

Kacie_bride

02-01-2007, 09:51 AM

16 days!!!!! Yipee!!!! I love your music choices. We used Canon and Jesu, but Canon was used for the processional and Jesu was for the seating of the mothers. I love Trumpet Voluntary too, but we did not get to use it. Great music all around!

I hope Joe gets to feeling better. It'll be hard to stay away from him I'm sure!

StaceyMc

02-01-2007, 09:54 AM

You seem very calm and organized.

Check with me in about 14 days :) We'll see how calm and organized I am then! I'm just so ready, you know? We've been planning since January 2006. We're having a smaller wedding, so it wasn't a HUGE undertaking. Although, it's been an undertaking, that's for sure. We've done this on a kind of tight budget and I've done A TON of DIY, so it's been a lot of work.

COME ON THE 17TH!!!!

StaceyMc

02-01-2007, 09:58 AM

I hope Joe gets to feeling better. It'll be hard to stay away from him I'm sure!

It's not hard to stay away from him when he sounds as horrid as he does. Of course, when he's sick, you'd think he was on his death bed. When I'm sick, I just take something and keep going.

StaceyMc

02-01-2007, 11:50 AM

My sister just sent me an e-mail - 2/9/07 is my girls night out. I think it's just going to be me, my sister and Tammy. I told her not to go to a ton of trouble - dinner and a little bit of fun...nothing embarressing :) Oh, I'm so excited!!

Kacie_bride

02-01-2007, 11:54 AM

Sounds exciting!

WhiskeyGirl

02-01-2007, 08:10 PM

StaceyMc

02-02-2007, 09:14 AM

I'm not the kind of girl that enjoys getting up on stage and that kind of thing - that's what I mean by embarressing. Of course, after a few drinks, maybe I won't mind as much :)

StaceyMc

02-02-2007, 10:17 AM

Is there a reason that I should be nervous or getting cold feet? Everyone keeps asking me "You getting nervous?" "Cold feet?" My clients, the girl in the lab next door, friends, etc.

Am I missing something? Is there a reason that I should be getting nervous? I'm marrying my best friend. There was one time, during a very difficult time in our relationship, that I tried to imagine life without him. I couldn't. There was nothing there.

I can't think of anything more exciting than the doors of the church opening and seeing him standing at the end of the aisle. I can't think of anything more wonderful than crawling into bed at night and waking up the next morning beside my husband. I love coming home at night when he's already there.

It all feels so right, why would I have cold feet? Why would I be nervous?

Jacklynn

02-02-2007, 11:32 AM

I think people just expect it. I have already had people ask me the same question even though I'm still 3 months out, and my responce is usually, why would I be?

I think its for sure a good thing if you don't feel nervous :)

I'm sure you are getting super excited by now!

shawnsgirl

02-02-2007, 12:25 PM

StaceyMc

02-02-2007, 12:39 PM

My response to "Are you getting nervous?" is "I'm sooooo EXCITED!!!!" Whoever was asking usually laughs.

BriansBride07

02-02-2007, 12:50 PM

Wow! congrats 15 day's and your married YEAH!.. "Are you getting nervous yet" ....JK.....had to put it in there..... LOL.... I can't wait to see all your pic's when everything is said and done.

WhiskeyGirl

02-02-2007, 01:35 PM

Honestly, I don't get why people ask really? I never had cold feet or felt nervous, just excited like you said! :D So you're good!! :D HEre's to the last couple of days, how exciting is this? Soon we can see pics of you in your beautiful dress that I've been dying to see since you described it!!!! :D

ladymelissa

02-02-2007, 03:10 PM

I didn't get nervous, either! I am not sure where that got started. I even had one guy keep asking me even after I said no. After about 5 repeats of the question and he wasn't hearing NO, I finally said "maybe a little." Then I was thinking, will you leave me alone already?

NicksBride

02-02-2007, 06:32 PM

oh have fun on your ladies night out!! Just two more weeks!! YEA!

StaceyMc

02-05-2007, 09:01 AM

WOW! :ura1:

Friday evening, I made our unity candle. I spent all evening on it. My original idea, I hated when I finished it. The finished product is very simple. It's our new monogram, with the date below it. The monogram is banded on the top and bottom with burgundy velvet ribbon, with a really pretty sequin flower trim around the center of the velvet ribbon. It gives it a little sparkle (or as Joe said "Makes it a little girly") On the parents candles - my family candle has an "M" with sequin flower trim on the top and bottom. Joe's family candle, of course, has a "V" with the trim on the top and bottom. They turned out beautiful. Pictures you ask? I packed them in the box and forgot - I'll make sure I take pics before we light them :)

Last night, I got all of the wedding stuff out of the extra bedroom and went through it. Joe was shocked at the amount of stuff that I had stashed in the house. (He should see my parent's basement - she has twice the stuff as I do). I organized everything and packed it into boxes. I also wrapped all of the attendants and parents gifts. I felt like I accomplished soooooo much yesterday.

StaceyMc

02-05-2007, 09:25 AM

The Oops:

A few weeks ago, I put together a little poem for Joe's parent's as part of their parents gift. I read it a ton of times after I printed it and then framed it. Joe read it and thought it was nice. So, there it sat on the table for a few weeks, until last night. I carried it back to the bedroom to wrap it (the cats love to walk on wrapping paper when you're trying to wrap gifts on the floor). When I set it on the bed, I read over it again - holy ****! There was a totally wrong word. It was supposed to read "Your loving hands..." and it read "Your living hands...." So, I had to redo it...sigh. I'm glad I caught it before they opened it. It made sense both ways, but it kind of sounded like his parents were...well...deceased.

The Vent:

You know, I hate Zales jewelry store. I will never, ever purchase another piece of jewelry from them. Joe bought my engagement ring there, which I love. It's not the largest of rings, but it's exactly what I wanted. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Last year, after I had it for less than a month, a diamond fell out. I had to get into an argument with the lady at the store to get it taken care of, without them keeping it for another three weeks (they had it for two weeks to size and I had it for two weeks before the stone fell out).

When Joe bought it, the lady told him that I had to take it in every six months for inspection to keep the warranty. No problem, I can do that! February is one year since I've had the replacement ring, so we took the ring and my wedding present necklace (from J.B. Robinson) in to get inspected. The girl that waited on me made me feel like a piece of ****. I was looking for my receipt and she said "You know, you don't have to bring this in every six months, you just have the regular warranty. We don't keep inspection records on regular warranty's" (She said it very snotty). I asked her about the lifetime diamond warranty and she, very "snotty like" said, that's for rings over (a higher value than my ring). You're ring isn't covered under that." She spoke to me like my FH didn't spend enough on my ring. When I looked at the receipt, the ring was originally priced higher than her stupid warranty figure, but he got a discount on the ring, which brought it below their warranty figure. Stupid b*tch.

She's probably lucky my FH wasn't with me. He was ticked when I was telling him what she said. I'm not really sure she even checked my ring, I think she just cleaned it. My diamonds are prong set, so I hope she checked the prongs. Thinking about it now, I should have talked to a manager but I think the manager is the one I got into an argument with last year. If she looked at my receipt, she'd remember.....lol...believe me.

BriansBride07

02-05-2007, 10:15 AM

Congrats on finishing your unity candle. Sounds really pretty.

Also glad you caught on to the oops in the printing of the poem.

As for the ring that is complete bogus. Sorry but my FH bought me a ring set and it was also on sale and I still got the warrenty. For the diamond and it is checked twice a year. I really don't understand why they are not giving you the same deal. No he didn't purchase it from the same co. but still. He was told that the warrenty goes by the original price of the ring set. I would call the co. and see what can be done about it. I mean it is your diamond and you don't want the diamond to be lost again. I wish you all the best.

Kacie_bride

02-06-2007, 09:28 AM

Let's see if I can remember everything!

The unity candle sounds beautiful. I can't wait to see pics of it. I had so much wedding stuff to go through before the wedding too! We had a whole room full of stuff in two houses! The oops is kinda funny. Thank goodness you caught it.

And now for the ring ordeal. That is bull s***. I would suggest that you contact a district or area manager about that. It shouldn't matter how much you pay for the ring. I think you should have the same type of warrenty. My dad bought my mother a ring at Jared's for only $500 for Christmas and it has the same type of warrenty my ring does (as long as you take it in every 6 months) and mine was much more than $500.

And even if that is their policy she shouldn't be so rude about it. They shouldn't have that type of people working in the customer service business. That is ridiculous to say the least.

shawnsgirl

02-06-2007, 09:48 AM

oh wow, thank goodness you caught that on the poem..Good thing you did...The unity candle sounds very pretty too.
As far as Zales go...what and B@#ch I can't believe that! Ijust don't understand what there problem is...My goodness! That was completely uncalled for. I really hate how once the sale is complete a lot of retailors treat the customer like **** and it's pathetic. I hoe everything is okay with your ring and stays that way!!!
It won't be long now until your the new Mr and Mrs...I'm so excited for you and I can't wait to see some pics!!!

StaceyMc

02-06-2007, 01:34 PM

Thank you for the nice comments.

I told my mom and dad about Zales last night - they thought it was a bunch of **** too. I'm going to get in contact with their main office.

I can't wait to be able to show you guys pictures!!

WhiskeyGirl

02-07-2007, 11:51 PM

Can you believe?? Only ten more days until you are happily married off!! How exciting is that Stacy?! I for one can't wait to see your pictures...I'm so excited for you and Joe!! :D

countrygirl

02-08-2007, 10:09 AM

Only nine days Stacey!! You are officially in the single digits now!! Congrats to you!!!!!

StaceyMc

02-08-2007, 10:23 AM

I am so excited! 9 days....wow!

I'm a little apprehensive about our DJ, but it's too late to worry about it now. We hired my friend's husband, who gave us a great rate ($50/hour, instead of his $80/hour charge - which was still a good deal, compared to the other people we checked out)

He knew about the wedding date a loooooooong time ago (I booked him in July and he knew loooong before that). He works for the postal service and said that the 17th is the day before a holiday (President's Day is on the 18th - who knew?) and he couldn't request the 17th off, however, his wife (my friend) can start the music if he can't get there in time - ok fine. I didn't have a problem with that. Leasa is a newlywed, she knows how things are, she's been my friend since 7th grade - I trust her. I also got the church to agree to let him set up the night before the wedding, as Leasa can't drag all of that **** into the Hall by herself.

Last night, he called to talk about details. He tells me that he'll be at the church to set up the night before sometime after 7:00 p.m. - I assumed he would be there during rehearsal to set up. I told him that I can't guarentee that someone will be there to let him in after 7:00 p.m. because, hopefully, rehearsal won't last more than an hour. So now, he's going to TRY to get there between 6 and 7 p.m.

Then, I kept hearing how he hopes work doesn't screw him on the day of the wedding and he can get there in time. I was biting my tongue, but quite frankly, if he knew that this might be a problem when I booked him - he should have turned it down, not keep assuring me that it won't be a problem, and then 10 days before, make it sound like there will be a problem. Ugh.

But you know what - it's too late, so whatever happens will happen I guess.

StaceyMc

02-08-2007, 10:39 AM

My sister clued me in on the plans for girls night out. We're going to dinner and to Saddle Ridge. It's a country dance club! I've been wanting to go there since they opened. I can't wait to spend an evening with my sister and Tammy! It's going to be such fun!! www.saddleridgepittsburgh.com (http://www.saddleridgepittsburgh.com)

StaceyMc

02-08-2007, 10:43 AM

This is how I know that Joe and I have been together for a long time.

This morning, I was filling the windshield washer fluid in my car (we have a
-13degree windchill factor today- my face was about to freeze off, I swear!) and I noticed that my antifreeze was below the "Low" line. I sent Joe an e-mail to ask if he'd mind filling it tonight when I got home and that I'd pick up a container at lunch.

I just got an e-mail back, telling me that he'd pick it up while he was out at lunch, and made sure my car was a 2004. The last line was "Don't panic, it will be fine until you get home." Now...how did he know that I have been panicing about it all morning? :) He knows me all too well.

He takes such good care of me.

StaceyMc

02-09-2007, 10:10 AM

I thought that Joe and I would get away with not having any unexpected guests at the wedding.

Yesterday, he called me at work and asked if we could afford two additional meals at the reception (of course we can, after the huge expense, what's two more?). I asked for who? Apparently, when Joe asked if his neighbor wanted to bring his daughter (the neighbors wife died unexpectedly on New Years Eve, right after they sent their RSVP), Joe's neighbor heard "Do you want to bring your daughter and her family?"

I've been asking Joe to call his neighbor to get the correct spelling for his daughter and what she wanted for dinner - I've been asking for two weeks. So finally, yesterday, he decides to call. Thank goodness - I'm turning in the guest count and paying the caterer on Saturday morning. When were they going to call and tell me that they're bringing the entire family?

It's only two additional people, but....still.....I was a little irritated at the situation. Joe didn't know what to say when the neighbor said "Yeah, Layne Ann, her husband and daughter are all coming." I told him if the daughter is 10 or younger, he has to call and tell her that it's an adult reception, because I didn't invite my friend's kids or a few family member's kids and I don't want anyone with hurt feelings or mad at either of us. Apparently, the daughter is 17, so...whatever.

The more the merrier.....right?

Valmai

02-09-2007, 10:20 AM

OMG Stacey can you believe it? Hope you have a wonderful night out and incase i dont mange to get online before we fly then have a fantastic wedding. Hope it all goes the way you want and if it doesnt then im sure nobody else will even notice!
Thanks for sharing countdowns lol xxx

ladymelissa

02-09-2007, 10:34 AM

I hope the DJ thing works out!

Did you already have the girls night out? How did it go?

It's nice that you are being so understanding about the neighbor, it's sad that he lost his wife so suddenly.

StaceyMc

02-09-2007, 11:00 AM

I hope the DJ thing works out!

Did you already have the girls night out? How did it go?

It's nice that you are being so understanding about the neighbor, it's sad that he lost his wife so suddenly.

I know that the DJ thing will work out. It just irritates me when everyone tells me their problems about the wedding - the maintenance guy at church tells me how much work it is to set up the reception, the DJ complains about his other job. I always want to say "Look, I'm paying you....just do it and shut up." But I don't. And, at this point, as long as everyone is sitting in a chair and eating....I don't care.

My girls night out is tonight. I'm excited to go out, but it's a little strange going out at night without Joe. I can't remember the last time one of us went out in the evening without the other.

As far as the neighbor, that's what Joe and I both figured. If one of our family members pulled that at the last minute, I think the reactions would have been a little different.

ladymelissa

02-09-2007, 11:09 AM

"Look, I'm paying you....just do it and shut up."
LOL, that is pretty much what I would tell them. I would also dock the DJ's pay if he is late. Your contract is $50 per hour and if he isn't there the whole time then he hasn't earned the money. Like you said, he should have thought about his day job before he agreed to DJ your wedding.

Have fun tonight!!!!

StaceyMc

02-11-2007, 11:25 PM

We had such a great time. They took me to Bucca Di Pepe for dinner. We had brushetta, margharita pizza, chicken marsala and a baked pasta and tiramisu for dessert. I also found out that I love love love Peach Bellini's! The waitress was so nice, when she found out we were out for our Girl's Night Out, she brought us champagne for us to toast!

Then we went to Saddleridge. We line danced, we regular danced...we had a fantastic time! All three of us forgot how much we enjoyed that! My sister made me wear a veil and beads and a Bride pin...what a great time!

StaceyMc

02-11-2007, 11:35 PM

So, I've been in tears. Joe and I went to the nursing home to see my grandma and take my grandfather's birthday gift and deliver some shaving cream to his dad. While we were talking with my grandfather about the wedding, I looked down at my engagement ring to find a stone missing. It's been less than a year since it happened the last time.

As I posted a week ago, I took the ring in for inspection. My suspicions that she didn't even look at the ring are probably correct. I am furious, Joe is furious. I can't even stand to go in there tomorrow night and deal with those b*tches in the store. I sent an e-mail to corporate tonight and will call them first thing in the morning. I know that the store answer will be "We will replace the diamond but it's going to take two or three weeks." I can't wait that long. Joe wants his money back so we can just get away from them. As sentimental as I am, I almost agree with him. I just can't deal with this ring losing stones.

I have had numerous rings, including prong set diamonds, and have never, ever had a stone fall out, must less two in a little over a year.

When I got home, after crying from the nursing home to the house, I had a flashlight and was crawling all over the house looking for that diamond. I'll never find it. I figured the neighbor was going to call the police because there was someone in my house with all the lights off and a flashlight.

I told Joe that if I was a suspicious woman, I'd think the lost diamonds was a bad sign.

:bbcry: I just hope that I can just get this taken care of tomorrow.

WhiskeyGirl

02-12-2007, 12:47 AM

Awww Stacey I'm so sorry Honey!! That is rough!! I really think you should push to get your $$ back and find a ring that will not continuously lose diamonds hey!! I'm sorry again!! I hope you can get a good resolution!! And before the wedding too!!! :) :hug:

mlm063007

02-12-2007, 01:16 AM

I'm sooo sorry to hear about you losing ANOTHER diamond, that is ridiculous. I would definatley try to get your money back and go somewhere else.
I hope it all works out for you!!:hug:

nic1124

02-12-2007, 01:45 AM

That is horrible the diamond fell out again. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!

StaceyMc

02-12-2007, 08:31 AM

I forgot to post the good part of the weekend! I went to meet with and pay the caterer on Saturday morning. She asked if I wanted my tablecloths then, instead of me having to go back there this Friday. When the owner went back to look and see if the white duni had come in, she came out with a different table cloth, it's white, with a very faint floral/ribbon background. She said that I could have those ones if I wanted, and if they had 25, since the plain white hadn't come in.

I told her they were beautiful and they would be fine. When the owner went back to get me five more, my catering manager said "Stacey, you just got a fantastic deal - those are more expensive than the ones you paid for." WOOHOO for me.

shawnsgirl

02-12-2007, 10:37 AM

I'm really sorry to hear about your e ring..I have my great granmothers engagement ring (my something old) to wear for my wedding day. That ring is ancient and still has the original stones in it. I would suggest to Zales (If I remeber correctly) that they have sold you a faulty setting. As it is possible for diamonds to become loose or fall out it shouldn't happen that often. If she would have inspected it both before and after the cleaning she would have noticed the diamond being loose. Honestly, I think it's the way they are cleaning your diamond that is causing it fall out. Didn't it fall out the last time you had it cleaned? I think you did the right thing about taking this to corporate and not bother with the stress and anxiety of dealing with the so called customer service reps...good luck with it dear, and I hope you get a solution that works..

On the other hand congrats on the linens! That sounds like a great deal!!!

StaceyMc

02-12-2007, 11:05 AM

I finally reached someone at Zale Corporate. They could care less about my problem. I told the girl that I know if I go into the store, they'll tell me that you'll repair it but it will take three weeks. Her response "That's right." I asked her if she didn't understand that my wedding was in five days. She said that she understood that. She asked what I wanted to be done - did I want an even exchange? I told her that my fiance wants his money back. She said that she'd forward my case to the Regional Sales manager and he would get back to me in two to three days....TWO TO THREE DAYS?

I asked her again if she understood that my wedding was in five days? She said that she did and if he doesn't call me in three days, they can call him on the phone. I hated that I did it, but I started to cry.

Now, I have to go fight with the store. I may just let Joe handle it. If anything, we'll get me a new ring and fight them after the wedding. They're friggin' ruined my engagement and now they're ruining the week before my wedding. I'm just sick to my stomach.

ikkin510

02-12-2007, 11:16 AM

O Stacey, I'm so sorry to hear about your ring! And it's horrible all the trouble Zales is giving you. And just a week before your big day. You would think they would be a little more considerate about this all. I wish you all the best luck and hope this gets figure out quickly.

shawnsgirl

02-12-2007, 11:31 AM

Oh my I am soooo sorry to hear this all. This is insane. I would have joe go with you to the store and let him do the talking this time. It's too close for a "quick fix" so really your only option is to give back the ring, get his money back and go to another jewlery store. Maybe they could offer an exchange but you may stil run into the same problem.

I'm so sorry you are going thru this. I hope going to the store helps you get this settled in time for your wedding!

ladymelissa

02-12-2007, 11:40 AM

Note to self: Never go to Zales.

I hope you can get this fixed before your wedding!

Kacie_bride

02-12-2007, 11:44 AM

OMG I'm so sorry to hear about the e-ring Stacey. That's just horrible. I can't believe they will not do something faster. You know they couldn't have inspected the ring if the diamond feel out that quickly. What kind of business are they running?

StaceyMc

02-12-2007, 12:54 PM

About an hour after I called Zales Corporate, I received a call from Shirley at the local store. She told me that her Reg. Manager authorized an even exchange and that they had a ring there and for me to come and get it. I told her that I didn't think that my fiance was going to be satisfied with an even exchange and that I would have to speak with him. I never leave things up to him to take care of, if they should be afraid of anyone, they should be afraid of me - but I just didn't want to deal with it anymore.

Just about 20 minutes after she called, Joe called me wanting the store number - he had apparently just gotten my e-mail about the corporate call and he was soooo pissed. I told him what Shirley said and he said "We'll go to the mall tonight and check another store, if you find something there, we'll take that piece of **** to Zales and make them give me my money back." He was so angry that I was crying at my desk (I have so much work to do too)...he didn't want to call them at that moment - which is probably a good thing.

I called Shirley back and told her that I spoke to my finace briefly, and that we'd be in tonight to take care of this, one way or another. She sighed and I told her "I'm sure you can understand my fiance's frustration....." she interrupted me and told me that if I wanted a refund, just bring the paperwork, the ring and however he paid for it and they'd either have corporate issue a check or refund his credit card. WOOHOO!!!!

As much as I hate to, I think I'm leaning towards getting rid of the ring. They ruined my engagement, now they've ruined part of my wedding week. I can't deal with stones falling out of rings like this.

Unfortunately, Joe feels like he bought me a c-r-a-p-p-y ring, which he didn't, the store is just c-r-a-p-p-y!

ladymelissa

02-12-2007, 01:10 PM

At least they are willing to do what you want, which is a refund. I hope you can find another ring you like in your size at another store.

BriansBride07

02-12-2007, 01:22 PM

Good luck with your E-ring. Sounds like you had a great time at your Bach. party....

NicksBride

02-12-2007, 01:50 PM

I am so sorry about your ring, my friend and her husband had that same problem at Zales. Ugh, I hope you can get it figured out before your wedding...

Your ladies night out sounded SOOO much fun. Glad it was a great night for you. 5 more days! Can you believe it????

WhiskeyGirl

02-12-2007, 01:59 PM

I'm happy to hear that you have gotten a resolution!! :D Please don't let it ruin anything, it isn't about the ring, it's about you and Joe, and I'm sure you don't think so now, but someday you'll look back on this and laugh!!;) I promise you!! Take care and enjoy this time!!!! I for one can't wait until your wedding day because e-ring or not, our Stacey is getting married and she's going to look like a princess!!!! :D We love you Stacey!!

ikkin510

02-12-2007, 03:01 PM

I'm so glad that they finally came to their senses and are going to correct what they messed up. Don't let this bring you down. You are going to be marrying a wonderful man in 5 days, Sweetie! While the ring is a symbol, you have the actual love there. Best wishes on the last few days!

BriansBride07

02-12-2007, 03:24 PM

Just wanted to add, that YEAH your getting married in 5 days. I am so excited for you.

Panthers Bride

02-12-2007, 07:34 PM

I can't believe their customer service is so horrible!! I hope everything gets resolved to your satisfaction. Just think 5 DAYS. woohooo!

StaceyMc

02-13-2007, 08:27 AM

Thank you ladies for your sweet words. I know that the ring is just a symbol and that we have the "real thing", but it was just so upsetting to have this happening so close to the wedding. Whether or not I had a ring didn't matter to me - we'd be married, just the same. I was more upset at the fact that the ring obviously was such poor workmanship and they wanted me to take another one. It made Joe feel bad too, he feels like he didn't buy me a good enough ring.

The ring was special to me - he was saving for a ring when he lost his job (I had no idea at the time), and he already felt bad because he didn't get to buy me what he really wanted to - but he wanted to propose. So, it was very sentimental to me.

StaceyMc

02-13-2007, 08:44 AM

Joe and I calmly and quietly walked into Zales - they had a store full of guys buying Valentine's Day gifts. I told the lady who I was and that Shirley had authorized a full refund. Shirley didn't get off of her heinie to come over once the sales woman went over to verify that the refund was the way to go.

They issued a GOCHECK, which means we'll receive a check from Zale Corp. in about 10 days, gave me a receipt and we walked out. I can't get over how quickly they agreed to a refund. Mom and Dad both think that it's possible that they've had numerous problems with that ring.

I got three steps out of the store and broke down. I was speed walking down the hall to get away from the store so they wouldn't see me cry. I just left the ring that Joe gave me, the ring that I opened up on Christmas Morning 2005, the ring that I got that excited feeling, knowing that he was going to propose.

Joe caught up to me and saw me crying and kept telling me that it was ok....he hates when I cry. He put his arms around me, and in true Joe fashion said "Does this mean we're not engaged anymore?" I started laughing and crying at the same time.

As we're going down the elevator to Deans Diamond Importers, I'm still crying and Joe's saying "Honey, please don't cry, someone's going to think I'm being mean to you." All the while, he's trying to make me laugh.

The girls in Dean's know my mom and I. I walked in, all teary and told them what happened. Heather jumped into action. I put on my wedding band and we tried on about a bazillion rings.

I'm now the proud new owner of an almost 1/2 carat round diamond solitare mounted in a high setting with majorly solid prongs. It's beautiful...just beautiful. Joe put some more money to it and we upgraded. He said he wanted to buy me something bigger when he bought the ring in the first place, but financially, just couldn't. So, he said we did it now.

It looks fab with my wedding band...I can't wait to show you guys pics!!!!

WOOHOO!!! 4 DAYS TO GO!!

shawnsgirl

02-13-2007, 09:24 AM

I am so happy that you finally got this resolved. You broght tears to my eyes reading all this. I can only imagine how you must have felt. I am just happy that you don't have to deal with Zales anymore and you now have a beautiful engagement ring!
Thank goodness you were able to get one prior to your wedding day. I am really happy for you!! I can't wait to see pics of the new ring!!

StaceyMc

02-13-2007, 09:34 AM

I was meaning to have Joe propose with this new ring, just because, but I was so relieved to find something that we got such a fantastic deal on, I forgot. The only thing he did ask me was "Where's your wedding band?" "Are you sure it's in your purse?" "How about checking just to be sure...." He's so funny.

shawnsgirl

02-13-2007, 09:37 AM

Ahhh, well he was very sweet to you thru all of this and understanding....You definatly got a keeper!!
I have an idea. You know how on your wedding day you have to wear your e-ring on another finger so the wedding band can be placed first? After he places the wedding band on your finger, why don't you have him remove you e ring from the finger you are wearing it and have him place it after the wedding band. You could do this very discretly but it would make a memory with your new e ring!

Kacie_bride

02-13-2007, 09:43 AM

I'm so happy for you!!!!!! I'm glad you got everything settled with Zales and you now have a new ring!!! I can't wait to see it!!! I'm so glad everything worked out.

ladymelissa

02-13-2007, 01:40 PM

Yay! I can't wait to see the pics!

katieandalex

02-13-2007, 03:55 PM

Oh my gosh! Your wedding is this weekend! I can't wait to see pictures!

NicksBride

02-13-2007, 04:34 PM

YEA! SO glad that you got everything sorted out and you got yourself a new ring. I am sorry tha tiw as so hard and I am sure I would haev done the same thing.
but I am glad that you found a ring that will stand up to wear and tear!! FOUR MORE DAYS!

WhiskeyGirl

02-14-2007, 08:33 PM

I can completely understand how you must have felt when you left the ring behind and I'm soo happy they refunded!! And that you got an even more beautiful ring that you love!! :soppy: I cant wait ot see pics of everything!! Take care and enjoy it all!! :D

shawnsgirl

02-14-2007, 08:35 PM

Only a couple of days to go for you!! I am sooooo excited!!!! I hope you have a wonderful beutiful wedding day!

StaceyMc

02-15-2007, 09:00 AM

I want to thank all of you for your ideas, input and friendship while I've been planning "The Joe and Stacey Show". Today is probably going to be crazy hectic at work (suddenly everything needs done since I'm taking Friday and Monday off). I know I won't have a change to get online tomorrow either.

I'm so ready for Saturday to be here. I'm tired of thinking about it, planning it, dealing with the last minute stuff. Joe's ready too. His mom is being difficult, but at this point, I really don't care what she does.

Although, I'm about ready to tell her to forget about making the grapeleaves and baklava if she can't start them before Friday night, after rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. She's home all day - Joe really doesn't understand why she's waiting until the last minute and the only thing she'll achieve by doing that is keeping him awake all night Friday with banging pots and pans - and they'll get into an argument, and we'll have to hear about how tired she is on Saturday because she was up all night - she's done it before.

But....she's not my problem on Saturday. I will selfishly be in my room at the church with my family and my ushette, enjoying getting ready and anxiously awaiting my walk down the aisle. Joe can handle the rest.

So, I want to thank everyone and I will post pictures as soon as I can!!!!