Stacey and Joe - 2/17/2007

[StaceyMc]

My mom always told me that I'd marry my best friend. She was right!

Joe and I met in a bar about 5 years ago. I was on a date with someone else at the time and the place was kind of a Cheers place (....where everybody knows your name.....).

We talked one evening and he asked for my phone number. After a few phone calls, we went on our first date. (I'm ashamed to say...I can't remember where we went...I think it was dinner and a movie). We dated for a few months. Long story short, there were some outside things for both of us causing some major stress. I woke up one morning with a locked jaw - stress from everything - and I told him that I just couldn't deal with the stress. We decided to remain friends.

After a long break (2 years), we slowly started spending more time together. He called me often during that "break" and we always stayed friends. We would go out together, but we also saw other people. We were just friends.

When we started spending more time together, my sister and friends were asking if we were dating and I honestly didn't know what he and I were. We enjoyed each other's company . One evening, after being out "as friends", or so I thought, he leaned in to give me a hug after dropping me off at my house, as he always did, and WHAM he kissed me and my knees buckled.....WOWSERS!

He is my best friend. He encouraged me while I went back to school at night to get my bachelors degree while working full time at a stressful job during the day. He continues to encourage me to go to law school - if that's what I really want.

We've been through ups and downs with his jobs - he was traveling a lot, he changed jobs and then worked nights, switched again and lost his new job shortly thereafter (through no fault of his own). He puts up with my freakin' out and my silliness (sometimes all in the same evening :) ) And he thinks I look wonderful without makeup (maybe I need to have his eyes checked!!!)

[CindySue]

Awww.....Stacey....thats sooo sweet. Sounds like you 2 are going to be soo happy.
Brian tells me I dont need make-up too. I told him I was going to schedule him an appointment with the eye doctor, he said there was nothing wrong with his eyes....I just didnt see what he sees.

[StaceyMc]

CindySue - t hanks so much! I truly believe that if we could survive the ups and downs, then we were made for eachother. Especially his unemployed down that we just surivived together.

Ya know, I just typed a whole thing about our engagement and it floated somewhere into cyberspace....I'll have to do that over sometime this weekend!

[CindySue]

Well we cant wait to read it!

[rainbowtreat]

You guys sounds wonderful. I bet your excited. I cant wait to hear more. I know what you mean about marrying your best friend. I am too.

[StaceyMc]

The engagement - 12/25/2006

Joe told me a long long time ago that he'd never propose on a holiday. Sneaky guy.

Christmas in my family gets crazy busy! Since Joe and I don't live together, he ends up coming to my place early Christmas morning so that we can go to my parents house. On Christmas Eve, I was wanting to open gifts from each other after we returned from church, so we weren't rushed on Christmas morning. He said he didn't want to, so I pouted.

When we returned from Church, he brought my gifts into the house and we exchanged two each. He left two others for me under the tree. I threatened to open them after he left...he said "You better not!!!" and got into his car, laughing.

On Christmas morning, I opened my last gift. It was a teddy bear that played "When You Wish Upon A Star." I thought that was my gift, he's bought me bears before. The bear was holding a little gift box and I finally opened the gift box (he thought that I'd never open that box). Inside the box was a white ring box and inside that ring box was my beautiful ring! I looked up at him and said "What's this?!?!?"

When I saw his smile....I knew exactly what it was. After smiling at me for a few seconds, he told me how much he loved me and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me....and then, asked me to marry him. I knocked him over hugging him and kissing him and saying yes.

I never thought that it would happen when it did. I knew it would happen sooner or later, but I figured that I was looking more towards later with his job situation.

My ring is beautiful. It's kind of like a three stone ring, only each "stone" is made up of small diamonds, arranged to look like round flowers. There are diamonds on each side of the band and scroll work in the gallery that looks like hearts. It's absolutely beautiful! He did a wonderful job choosing it. When I went to pick it up after I had it sized,I realized why he picked it out. I saw two of the same rings in the case and they just sparkled so beautifully under the lights, as does mine.

[StaceyMc]

The Wedding Party

We're having a small wedding.

Matron of Honor - Kelly (my sister)
Best Man - Joe's best friend from the Navy. The BM may be a problem...at this moment, he is deployed and will be retiring next March. I suppose there's a possibility that he could be deployed next February as well.

My mom pointed out that we'll need two ushers, so I've thought of asking my close friend, Tammy. Does anyone think that having an "Ushette" is strange? I think Joe is choosing a childhood friend as our second usher.

The Guests

We're attempting to keep the list to under 75, which seems to be working out fine. My sister and bro-in-law had a large 200-250 guest wedding and it was beautiful, but not for me.

The Decorations

Our colors are dark burgundy and ivory. We are using pine and winter berries as the major decoration pieces. The table centerpieces will run the length of the tabke and be artificial natural pine with a hurricane candle in the center. There will be snowflakes, pinecones and winter berries throughout the pine and small glass tealight holders scattered down the table.

The Invitation

My mom and I are doing the invitations and we have them partially sketched out. The background of the invitation will be pine branchs with winterberries. The wording will be ontop of the background. It's exactly what I wanted.

That's as far as I've gotten, which isn't too shabby for less than a month.

[StaceyMc]

A dress idea:

My mom was browsing gowns online and sent me this one. I love.

http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/store/1001.asp

(I couldn't get the pic to show up for some reason)

We are still going to try on gowns, with my sister and grandmother.... a regular girls day out! It should be a blast.

I do love the idea of bringing my wedding colors into my gown. There are russian crystals on the gown as well, which are difficult to see in the pic.

[rainbowtreat]

I love that dress. I have looked at that one myself. I want color in my dress also. But that color is too dark for me. Hope you can find one like it to try one.

[bnd94]

That is a gorgeous dress Stacey!!:D

[StaceyMc]

I wrote our invitation last night. I know, I know, the wedding isn't until 2/2007, but I got an idea in my head and had to get it down on paper before I forgot. Whatcha think?

Snowflakes are beautiful,
pure and white,
And like God's children,
no two are alike.
God has led two lives
to take one path.

SLM
and
AJV, Jr.

will be joined in marriage on ......etc.

[bnd94]

I love your invitation wording. It is perfect!!:D

I have seen lots of pics of winter wonderland weddings so if you need any pics just ask ;) I saw some tea light holders that were snowflakes. They were so pretty!

[StaceyMc]

My mom had been wanting to go and look at centerpieces for a few weeks now, so on Saturday, we went to the party store that rents the centerpieces and I picked out what we wanted.

They look like kerosene lanterns..with the high glass hurricane type globe and the gold base with the handle that you'd carry it by. There is an ivory rose ring around the holders and there will be a mirror under each one. Mom and I will put burgundy roses in the ring as well, to pull the centerpiece together with everything else. They will also put a burgundy ribbon on each one. I took a pic...it's hard to explain...I should post it. Anyways.....they will cost $3.00 each to rent, I'll need maybe 18, so that will be super. I also won't have to find a place to store 18 centerpieces after the wedding.

She also bought my pen for the guest book...it's ivory basketweave with roses on top..it's so cute. I should take a pic, as well.

We went to the World of Values (a crafty everything store) and picked up some silk flowers, tulle, ribbon, etc. She found burgundy velvet ribbon spools at 50% off....what a deal.

I bought the glasses for the head table. They're just regular flutes with some detail on the stem. Very simple, but very pretty. I got them for 99 cents. I decided that since we are only have a matron of honor and best man, that we'd have their spouses sit at the head table as well, so I got my six glasses for $6.00. Mom will decorate all of the glasses, making mine and Joe's a little different from the other four, rather then etching.

WOOHOO!

[StaceyMc]

Joe is allergic to gold, so his choices are limited for his wedding band. We've been looking at stainless, titanium, tungsten and platinum. Platinum has been dismissed...it just doesn't fit our budget.

A few weeks ago, we were at Penney's and were looking at a stainless ring for him. The lady showed me a diamond channel set wedding band that matched perfectly with my engagement ring. When I told her that was a little more than we had budgeted, she knocked 30% off. Then, I asked her if there were any jewelry events coming up. She told me that on the 29th, they were having a scratch off event...you could get an extra 10, 15 or 20% off. I told her we'd be back and got her card.

I loved that ring and we decided to go yesterday and get it. I was telling mom on Saturday that I hadn't gotten a scratch off thing in the mail. She said "I think I just tossed mine in the trash" Low and behold, there it was, in perfect condition.

We went in, I got the ring and when she scratched off my percentage it was 20%!!! Joe and my dad were sure it was going to be 10%. The lady told me that I was the first 20% of the day and it was pretty late in the day. I did a happy dance at the jewelry counter...Joe just laughed and shook his head. I really didn't want to spend a fortune on my band, I just wanted it to be nice. His will be probably be more expensive, so I wanted to save a few bucks on mine if I could.

I got the ring for under 1/2 price. Somehow, we managed to get 43% off of the original price for the first discount, and then my extra 20% on top of that!

Thank goodness mom found her scratch off thingy!!

The ring is perfect. It's the exact height of my engagement ring band and it's squared off, like my engagement ring band. The channel set diamonds look perfect with the channel set diamonds in the engagement band.

Of course, Joe still hasn't found something that he likes. There's a titaium site that he's found a few on, so that's a start...lol.

I really need to post some pics don't I?

[StaceyMc]

The wedding date is official!

My mom had been pushing me about calling the church, since there were only two Saturday's left in 2/2007 that we could use both the sanctuary and the hall. I finally told her that while I believe her and my sister when they say that the hall is very nice, I wanted to look at it myself before I made it official....she fussed at me, but whatever.

I stuck my head into the hall the following Sunday and it's really nice. I called the church last Wednesday and told the secretary that we wanted to go ahead and reserve the sanctuary and hall for 2/17/2007.

Joe looked at the hall last Sunday and said "It's fine" HELLO! CAN WE HAVE A LITTLE MORE EXCITEMENT!

[StaceyMc]

My mom, my sister (matron of honor), my grandmother and I have set a date to go gown shopping on the 18th.

It seems early, but my sister's baby is due this May and we wanted to do it pre-baby arrival so we didn't have to worry about an infant while gown shopping.

I looked at my calendar and saw the gown notation this morning and thought to myself "My gosh...I'm really getting married!" I have a feeling that gown shopping will be a little emotional for me. I got teary when I booked the church and hall and when we picked up my wedding band.

[StaceyMc]

Finally! Monday when I got home from work, there was a package waiting on my porch. It is the cake topper that we ordered on January 2. I saw it in the mall and found it cheaper online, so we decided to order it since I absolutely loved it!

It's the Circle of Love - "Always"

I got teary eyed when I opened it. Yesterday, I showed it to Joe and he said "It's ok" Again...HELLO CAN WE SHOW SOME EXCITEMENT! He said that he really does like it, but it's a cake topper...lol.

My guess is his interest will come along when we're working on catering. I think his most important things are marrying me and having a nice meal and not going broke trying to do it.

[CindySue]

HELLO! CAN WE HAVE A LITTLE MORE EXCITEMENT!

If you figure out how to get more excitement out of him let me know.....I need to use it on Brian.

[rainbowtreat]

Things sound like they are coming together for ya. I am so excited for ya I know how that feels. I think we all do. And I am with Cindy, please let us know. I could use it too.

[StaceyMc]

One year from today, Joe and I will be married! I can only imagine what I"ll be doing at 9:15 a.m. on 2/17/2007. Sitting at the hairdressers maybe?

[Valmai]

Cool we are getting married on 16 feb 2007 the day before yours, so we had a minus 1 yr anniversary celebration lol xxx

[StaceyMc]

Saturday was gown shopping day with my sister (MOH), my mother and my grandmother.

We went to Davids and I managed to slip past the registration lady. I didn't want to register and be followed around by a consultant listening to her tell me that "it's beautiful" "it's stunning", when I know that it looks like :censored: .

Unfortunately, we were having too much fun in one of the aisles, laughing like we always do, and a consultant snagged me and asked me if I was registered. I was assured by the registration lady that I'd LOVE my consultant. Now, how could she possibly know that by my name, address, telephone number and wedding date?

I didn't LOVE my consultant...heck...I didn't even LIKE my consultant. She was annoyed that we'd chosen some gowns for me to try on. (Said to myself - Ahhh..excuse me, I'm turning 32 years old in a month. I'm pretty sure about what I'd like to try on.) I'd like her suggestions, however, I wanted to try on the things that we had chosen as well. I was nice about it, I know, it's her job.

So, she takes a few of the dresses that we chose and left the others. I told mom to grab the ones that she left so they don't get put away. Besides, the one I wanted to try on the most was in the few left behind.

The next problem came when she told me to put on the slip, put on the shoes (the most uncomfortable :censored: shoes I've ever had on my feet) and then she'd be in the help me. I'm sorry, I'm not all for some random woman helping me in this tiny cubby of a dressing room. I asked that my mom help me. I'm sure that annoyed her too, because she was no where to be found for a while. Again, I was nice about it, it's her job, but it's my personal space and I really didn't want her in there with me.

Mom and I had a ball in that stupid little itty bitty room. Finally, we tried on the dress that was kind of like the one we found online and I loved the touch of color on the gown. We went out and my consultant ran over to grab the matching tiara (the $150 some dollar matching tiara), the matching veils with the rolled burgundy edge. Two of them, one short, one cathedral length (I think that's what they call it - when it drags on the floor and serves as your train). I had over $300.00 worth of stuff on my head. It was actually just jammed onto my head, with no regard as to how it was arranged, or how my hair was sticking up stupidly...like I'd buy it looking that way.

My consultant was also ticked because I was trying on dresses too small because, according to her, I was blessed on top. I really didn't realize the extent of the idiotic sizing of gowns. (Again, said to myself- Ok, I am blessed on top, look at the rest of my family..we're all blessed on top.) I'd rather try on a dress that fit everywhere else, but tight on top and hold the top shut, rather than try something on that was too big everywhere but fit on the top. She took back my remaining dresses and got a larger size in each one so we had to hold the entire dress in, instead of just holding the top shut. It was a genius idea. :bbeek: In one dress, she had to get a woman's size...it was entirely too big. How am I supposed to get an idea about how dress looks when it's entirely too big?

Then, she started picking out dresses for me to try on. She brought back a light coffee colored dress. I told her that I didn't care for a color that dark for the background of my dress and I just basically didn't like that coffee color at all. I'm looking for a candle light ivory or something. The next one she gives me is a candle light ivory dress with trim and folds in that ugly light coffee color that I just told her I didn't like. I really didn't like any of the dresses she brought back, but I tried them on anyways. She also never asked about our price range and mom and I almost fell over when we saw the price of a dress I had on.

Everytime I went out into the room of mirrors, every single bride had a frown on her face. I guess I wasn't the only one that felt kind of stressed and frustrated.

Of course, my favorite part of the day was when everytime we went out, I noticed that the dresses were too short, even without those uncomfortable :censored: shoes on. I'm 5'9". I should have known that wedding gowns would be too short. My consultant started telling me about how their seamstress would have to add length to a gown that I bought, most likely. Ahhhh...yes, I love how the alteration prices are posted in the dressing room. Like you couldn't be more discouraged and frustrated.

It as fun to try on all of those dresses but I can't imagine how long we would have been there to try to find "the one"! I think we'll order the one we saw online. Either that, or I want to go to a smaller shop. I couldn't stand the "cattle line" feeling of the store. When we left, there were brides-to-be lined to the door, getting registered. The store was so crowded.....I just couldn't stand it.

My MOH and grandma had a wonderful time watching all of the other brides in their gowns too. Grandma even commented on how sad a lot of us looked...lol.

[Valmai]

Well sounds like all in all u had a good day lol like u i hate people telling me what i'd like etc. My mum died a long time ago so im not doing the dress shopping things as i think it would upset me a bit. Like u ive also found one i like online and am prob gonna stick with that one. xxx

[rainbowtreat]

Sorry to hear about your dress shopping. I was put off by it when the first time I went didn't go so good. They didn't realy help all that much. Even though she took the only gown in the shop that had some color on it off the manacan (sp?) in the window for me to try on they never aksed my budget and there were no dresses in my size or even close to it. When I went to the shop where I did get my dress she was so friendly and helpful it was amazing. She asked what type of dress I was lookign for and what my budget was. She first looked on her clearance rack to see what was there for me and in my size ( or close to it with room to alter ). I tried on 2 of the 3 or 4 she pulled out and I fell inlove with the first one I had on. I even foudn my daughters dress. She is the Jr. Bride and it goes so well with mine.

I say go to a smaller shop. This one I went to the lady that was helping me and her daughter run it on their own. Just the 2 of them and they both are so kind and helpful. Good luck with you next trip.

[StaceyMc]

I got a super duper deal on a DJ for the reception.

I was at a friends Bridal Shower on Sunday and when she was opening my gift, she made an announcement that I got engaged at Christmas and would be a married woman by this time next year. And also that I wanted her husband-to-be to DJ....lol. I kind of forgot that he was a DJ on the side.

So, after the festivities were over, he came over and told me that his rate is normally $85/hour, but since he knew us, he'd do it for $50/hour. WOOHOO! Joe told me to send a deposit before he changes his mind on the price. Yehaw! We're underbudget on that!

[StaceyMc]

I have a potential good deal on a caterer! I used to work in a pizza place with a guy who opened his own little restaurant. I haven't talked to him in at least 10 years. I was driving by and saw the sign that he did catering.

I stopped and requested a catering menu and they said that they'd mail it to me. I totally forgot about it and got a call from him on Friday. He said that he mailed my menu to the wrong address and apologized. We talked for a while, catching up and he said that he always liked working with me when I and sometimes wondered how I was doing. I told him that since he liked me so much, he could give me a good deal on the caterering :p . He said that he'd take care of me and that they'd do a sit down dinner for us.

When I got the menu, I couldn't believe his prices! Excellent!! Joe and I are going to put something together that we want and get a price from him, but my guess is that he'll come in lower than anyone else we've looked at.

Besides, if I'm going to pay for something, I might as well give our money to someone we know.

Gosh...that will be great to have two big things out of the way.

[CarlosHoney]

Good for you!! I walked into David's Bridal once. I went in wearing my normal clothes, and they could 'see' that I didn't have loads of cash to spend. So, I just looked at the bridesmaids dresses and left. It was sucky. I ordered mine from Dillard's website and it's beautiful. I could be happier.

Glad you found a DJ and Caterer. We're going to be looking for a caterer now. Yipee.

[LaceyinPgh]

I'm glad that you got two big things out of the way. Things get so much easier and the planning really goes up in the fun factor once all the big stuff is out of the way.

So how are things on your side of the 'burgh?

[StaceyMc]

Things are excellent on my side of the 'burgh...well...as excellent as it can get when you're lovely dress is discontinued and you're mother is freaking out.

My wonderful dress has been discontinued, so we e-mailed the rep with my measurements and hopefully the few that they have left in stock will be my size or can be altered a little.

On Saturday, Joe asked if we could stop at a jewelry store and look for a wedding band for him. I almost fell over. I haven't mentioned his band since he gave me some attitude and I told him that it was his responsibilty and I didn't want to hear it when December or January rolls around and he doesn't have a ring. I had no idea how darned picky he could be over a ring. It's his first piece of jewelry, aside from a class ring and his watch.

He has an allergy to gold, which a jeweler told us that it's the yellow in the gold that he's allergic to, not the gold itself and if we bought a 24 kt. ring...he shouldn't have a problem. Of course, we couldn't return it if he did. We then invetigated Palladium, which was very nice and wouldn't bother his allergy to whatever it is, but Joe was having a hard time dealing with the cost - he doesn't want just a plain band. The jeweler was telling us to stay away from titantium, for whatever reason.

So, last night he cruised a titanium site and found one with stones in it that he loves. He's in a hurry to get it now because the sale ends today, however, he wants different stones in it. I'm awaiting his impatient e-mail wondering if I've heard anything yet.....lol. His lunch assignment is to go get his finger measured, once more to be sure. We'll see if that gets done.

Hopefully, his requested changes won't be a huge deal and he'll get the ring that he wants. If not, Mr. Picky will be back to looking again.

[LaceyinPgh]

Don't worry about your dress. I had a miserable time dress shopping. If it is there, then great it is meant to be, if not you have thousands of others to pick from.And don't let your mom get to you. My mother and I almsot came to blows everytime that we went dress shopping togheter because she and I have polar opposite fashion tastes. I had a hard time getting her to understand that first of all, I am not her and this is not her wedding. And, just because I can afford an expensive dress doesn't mean that I should spend a few thousand dollars on something I will only wear once for a few hours. My mom is all about showing off with money (especially when it isn't hers to throw around.)

Has your FH looked at tungsten carbide rings? That is what Sean went with. I think they look a little more polished than the titanium ones but they are virtually indestructable. Plus they aren't that much money. Sean's of course was much higher than average because his also has a band of 18 kt. white gold.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Has your FH looked at tungsten carbide rings? That is what Sean went with. I think they look a little more polished than the titanium ones but they are virtually indestructable. Plus they aren't that much money. Sean's of course was much higher than average because his also has a band of 18 kt. white gold.

Also titanium has a tendency to scratch and look badly after a while! My brother and his wife bought titanium rings and barely wear them now because of what they look like four years later! Infact they started to scratch and look badly about a year later and my brother rarely wears his ring because of the type of work he does. Also my SIL's finger broke out and she found she was allergic to the metal...it sucked for her because now she only wears it on special occasions! Perhaps this is why the jeweller recommended you stay away from it, I don't know. But I just thought I would tell you about my brother's personal experiences with titanium! I wish you the best of luck!!

[StaceyMc]

There was a bridal showcase in Monroeville yesterday that I wanted to go to. I've always wanted to go look around at one of those anyways and there were a few caterers that were going to be there and it would save me time to calling, e-mail, etc.

I mentioned it to Joe on Saturday and his response was "Sure, but let's go in the morning so we're not wasting the whole day."

Well...ladies, between my hormonal state, major work stress and wedding stress....I blew up. I informed in, loudly and through tears of anger that:

"This is NOT a waste of time. This is NOT my wedding, it's OUR wedding. I'm the ONLY one who is researching anything. You don't care that it will save me time because it's not YOU that has to worry about it! I went to that :censored: outdoor and sport show last year with you and didn't say a word about it being a waste of time...and I don't hunt and there was NOTHING there for me. I went because I knew that you would enjoy it and I enjoy spending time with you. So apparently what you're telling me is that spending time with me is a waste of time." Sometimes, once I get going I can't stop.

Apparently, what he meant to say (after I finished my tirade) was that he had some things to do on Sunday afternoon and didn't want to go in the afternoon when it gets really crowded. I told him that he'd better pick his words wisely the next time.

So we went. I was expecting him to drag along behind me and be miserable, but he really wasn't. He found the table where you registered to win a honeymoon and to get a bag for all of your papers.

At the first wedding cake table, he told me that he didn't like wedding cake. At my urging he sampled a piece anyways. From there on in, Mr. "I don't like wedding cake" was sampling at every table we got to. He requested a chocolate wedding cake. Be still my heart, he has a suggestion. I told he that we could do that. And he wants it stacked, not spread out like I originally suggested.....ok.....suggestion number 2 from him!! However, he has no preference as to buttercream vs. rolled fondant....lol.

He enjoyed the catering tables as well, I knew that the food would get his attention and it wouldn't be a total wasted morning.

We looked at lot of nifty things and I heard grumbling more than once "I can't believe how much __________ is."

He may get a surprise from me at the reception. He loved loved loved the ice sculptures and spent some time talking to the lady about them. I swear, if I had suggested it, we would have ordered one yesterday....lol. He mentioned how cool a wedding penguin couple would be. So, if I can swing it and have some money left over, he'll have his ice wedding penguin couple - he collects penguins and that's been the only thing that he's mentioned that he'd like.

Thankfully, we did get there around 10:30 a.m. (I was sampling wine prior to 11:00 a.m. LOL) and didn't have to deal with major crowds. Right in the last aisle, some chick kept poking Joe in the heinie with her gigantic tux bag and he'd had enough. He even bypassed a wedding cake sample table...lol So, we quickly walked through the crowded aisle and left.

Oh yeah...and if one more smiling man or woman asked me "Are you the bride?" I was going to say "No, he is...you have a dress to fit him?"

[CindySue]

Stacey....dont feel bad. I have had more than one "wedding stress induce tirade" in the last couple of months. My favorite was when Brian mouthed off something about me being sooo involved in the wedding, and thats when i blew. I told him if he remembers correctly, I didnt want a wedding - He was making me plan one - I was doing this for him - If not my fault I was having to do it by myself - He had said he would help and he wasnt - A couple of months ago I wanted to call the wedding off and just run off to get married and he talked me out of it and AGAIN said he would help - I wasnt doing another damn thing on this wedding, if he wanted one he could finish planning it himself - I had a feeling he only wanted me to plan a wedding and get excited about it so he could throw it back in my face and put me down about it (:bbredface: ok that one wasnt fair and I did apologize, but when I got started i couldnt stop either), but you get the picture.
Youre not the only one.

[CarlosHoney]

Woah, Cindy.. What happened to the glazed look? When did you tell him he could speak?? ;)

Sorry about the Bridal show. I think we're all going through it. They don't really care about a whole lot, but we do.. And we end up feeling like Bridezilla because we care if the bridesmaids dresses match the linnens. Not that it really does matter, but at 5am, when you can't sleep because of the worry and excitement, it happens to streak through there. Bare bottomed and all.

[CindySue]

Woah, Cindy.. What happened to the glazed look? When did you tell him he could speak?? ;)

I think he had me tuned out for most of the tirade anyway.

Sorry about the Bridal show. I think we're all going through it. They don't really care about a whole lot, but we do.. And we end up feeling like Bridezilla because we care if the bridesmaids dresses match the linnens. Not that it really does matter, but at 5am, when you can't sleep because of the worry and excitement, it happens to streak through there. Bare bottomed and all.

Oh....Ive definitely got wedding induced insomnia!

But Carris's right.....Guys for the most part just dont care about that sort of stuff. I know with Brian......when I ASK his opinion...he doesnt have one......But let me NOT ask him about something and thats going to be the ONE thing he DOES have an opinion on! :bbconfused:
BTW - Were there a lot of other FHs there? Or did yours stick out like a sore thumb?

[StaceyMc]

There were some guys there. Joe didn't stick out. He said there were only four guys and him there....he probably counted, who knows...lol.

Oh, this is funny...the bridal fashion show was starting as we walked past the room. There were guys dancing on stage and Joe apparently didn't hear the fashion show announcement "THE BRIDAL FASHION SHOW WILL BE STARTING IN 2 MINUTES!" As we walk by the door, I stop to watch and Joe said "What the h*ll is this!" There were a million women in the room...lol. I said "It's the fashion show...what did you think it was....a male stripper show?" He said "Well...I was wondering for a minute. No telling what you women are doing at these shows." hahahahaha

I realize that he's not going to have an opinion on everything, but I'm not doing this all myself. Even if he doesn't have an opinion, he can help make decisions.

I know that he thought my newest worry ~ that the caterers I was talking to were going to serve dinners on paper plates ~ how I was going to have to do dishes at my own wedding if I wanted to use the hall plates and the caterer won't wash them ~ was just silly. But now, he knows...it's not. Planning this wedding to make the reception convenient for the guests is a real pain in the beeeeehind. He can take part of the pain too.

[CindySue]

There were some guys there. Joe didn't stick out. He said there were only four guys and him there....he probably counted, who knows...lol.

Oh, this is funny...the bridal fashion show was starting as we walked past the room. There were guys dancing on stage and Joe apparently didn't hear the fashion show announcement "THE BRIDAL FASHION SHOW WILL BE STARTING IN 2 MINUTES!" As we walk by the door, I stop to watch and Joe said "What the h*ll is this!" There were a million women in the room...lol. I said "It's the fashion show...what did you think it was....a male stripper show?" He said "Well...I was wondering for a minute. No telling what you women are doing at these shows." hahahahaha

I realize that he's not going to have an opinion on everything, but I'm not doing this all myself. Even if he doesn't have an opinion, he can help make decisions.

I know that he thought my newest worry ~ that the caterers I was talking to were going to serve dinners on paper plates ~ how I was going to have to do dishes at my own wedding if I wanted to use the hall plates and the caterer won't wash them ~ was just silly. But now, he knows...it's not. Planning this wedding to make the reception convenient for the guests is a real pain in the beeeeehind. He can take part of the pain too.

Yup......make him wash the dishes!!!!

[StaceyMc]

WOOHO! Joe picked and ordered a ring last night.

He was quite cute about it. He was looking at two sites and was making me dizzy, scrolling up and down a million miles an hour. He was going between two or three different rings. He's almost as indecisive as me sometimes.

He finally settled on a titanium band with three little rubies in it. He kind of wanted a stone set, but didn't want diamonds and likes red. I told him that was fine...it will be really pretty....errr...handsome, I gues you call a guys ring.

http://www.titaniumera.com/ordergraph/stonesettings/tristar.jpg

[LaceyinPgh]

The picture is nice. I am sure the rubies will change it up a little bit, but in a good way. Plus, not a lot of men wear colored stones in the wedding rings so it will more unique that way. I like it. I kind of wanted Sean to get stones in his ring too but he didn't want that. So his is just a plain band.

[StaceyMc]

Lacey, I thought the rubies might be a little strange in a men's ring too and I mentioned it to him, but then I rememberd, my grandfather wears a ruby and diamond ring, so who am I to say....lol. As long as he likes it, I'm happy. I think it will be a little unique too.

Of course, had I known he was going to do that, I would bought a diamond and ruby wedding band. Maybe I'll check into returning mine and doing that.

[StaceyMc]

I knew I was going to do this.

We bought my wedding band when I saw one that I just loved. It is a diamond channel set.

Now, since Joe picked his ring and has three rubies in it, I think I want a ring with alternating rubies and diamonds, so we can be "matchy-matchy". And, I love rubies and diamonds together.

I asked Joe is he minded if I tried another ring. He doesn't care, it's my finger and I deserve to have whatever I want. Yep...he's sweet.

Of course, he thinks he's also hilarious "Well honey, what happens if you buy another ring and return the first one and I decide I don't like the rubies in mine?" hahahaha

So now, I'm on the hunt for a diamond/ruby band.

[StaceyMc]

I posted before about the discontinued dress.

After half of a week, the CSR finally contacted my mom and told her that my size wasn't available. Mom e-mailed her back and asked if a 12 or a 16 were available. It will be a little more in alternations, but it's just a few inches up or down. A few minutes later, the CSR responds "What dress was it again?"

So, mom e-mailed another lady at the company that she had dealt with before, just to double check the first girl. Within 1/2 a day, mom received a response that she could ship the dress right out and told her how to order it since it was no longer on their site. WOOHOO!

Not only is the dress available (we're keeping our fingers crossed), but it's $100.00 less than before.....double WOOHOO!

I told Mom not to get too excited until we actually see the dress. With my luck, it's the wrong one...lol.

[bnd94]

That's great Stacey! I hope it is the right dress!! :D

[CarlosHoney]

Sounds like things are on the up and up!! Congrats on the dress! :bbmrgreen:

[StaceyMc]

Joe and I were talking over the weekend about wedding stuff and I told him that we'll have to plan a get away when the dress arrives and I go to try it on. I told him to have the car running in the driveway. If I don't like it, I'll have to make a quick get away from my mom. :bblol:

[StaceyMc]

My mom just called me at the office and told me that my dress, veil and tiara were delivered today, along with the ring that I ordered! WOOHOO!

She said that they sent the dress in white, rather than ivory, but she said the white is absolutely stunning and that ivory may have made the stitching look dirty or old. They also "screwed up" and sent the veil in white. At least when they make a mistake, they're consistant. Mom and I both think it's a sign. She said that my tiara is exactly what I wanted....it looks like ice. 5:00 can't come fast enough. I told Mom that I was going to fake sick so I could leave early. I think my boss heard...he didn't think it was funny.

I'll stop on my way home and look at it and pick up my ring. She and Dad are going somewhere and won't be home until later....so I'll have to wait to try it on until they get home.

I can't wait to open my ring too!

Oh yeah.....and mom and dad are up to something secret. She said whatever they were doing was a surprise and I can find out when they get home. She's killing me with all of this good stuff today!!

[CindySue]

My mom just called me at the office and told me that my dress, veil and tiara were delivered today, along with the ring that I ordered! WOOHOO!

She said that they sent the dress in white, rather than ivory, but she said the white is absolutely stunning and that ivory may have made the stitching look dirty or old. They also "screwed up" and sent the veil in white. At least when they make a mistake, they're consistant. Mom and I both think it's a sign. She said that my tiara is exactly what I wanted....it looks like ice. 5:00 can't come fast enough. I told Mom that I was going to fake sick so I could leave early. I think my boss heard...he didn't think it was funny.

I'll stop on my way home and look at it and pick up my ring. She and Dad are going somewhere and won't be home until later....so I'll have to wait to try it on until they get home.

I can't wait to open my ring too!

Oh yeah.....and mom and dad are up to something secret. She said whatever they were doing was a surprise and I can find out when they get home. She's killing me with all of this good stuff today!!
Congrats Stacey........Maybe if you complain "loudly" about female problems, your boss will let you go home!;)

[LaceyinPgh]

I was going to add to your rep. to make your day even better. All I have to say is that, you had better have a camera with you. If not I will have to drive all the way to Monroeville. :chair: Don't make me do that, you KNOW how bad Squirrel Hill Tunnel traffic can be between 4 and 6.

[StaceyMc]

I'll take my camera ~ Lacey - believe me, I won't make you take the Squirrell Hill Tunnel at rush hour....esp. if you're bringing that chair! YOUCH!!

As for making noises about "female problems", my boss doesn't care about anything. He was making annoying noises when I was on the phone with mom.

1 hour and 20 minutes to go!

[ikkin510]

O yay!! I'm so excited for you Stacey! PLEASE take pictures of everything.

[Jenn060306]

I'm glad to hear everything has come in!
I can't wait for my stuff to get here! I think i will be just beaming!
I'm looking forward to seeing pictures.

[CarlosHoney]

I wanna see!!!!!!! :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen:

[StaceyMc]

Lacey will have to get out the chair and make her trek through the tunnel. I totally forgot my camera when I went to Mom and Dad's.

They were picking up a car last night and didn't get home until 9:30, so I didn't get to try on the dress until they got home. Of course, when she called and said they were on their way...I flew out of my house to go to their house. When I pulled into their driveway I thought "Damn...Lacey's going to get the chair."

The ring I ordered overpowers my engagement ring, so it's going back. No big deal.

The dress.....it's beautiful! The white is absolutely stunning. More beautiful than the pictures. I put it on and was waiting for mom to say "Suck it in girlie" (it was going to need altered in the chest) and all I hear her say is "My gosh...this dress is huge!!"

There's enough room that I can step out of the dress without unzipping it. It's just huge!

My sister (who spent the evening excitedly waiting to come to mom and dad's to see the dress too) pulled the back in and my gosh - gasp - ....I just loved it. It's perfect...well, except for the extra 7 inches of chest room.

Dad came in the room and liked it too. They both felt bad that it was so big. I'll be anxious to get a dress that actually does fit and see his face. The look on his face when he saw my sister in her dress the first time was priceless.

Then, I put the tiara and veil on. I looked at my dad and said "Hey look! I'm a bride!!" It all just looks perfect. He just laughs and shakes his head.

When I took the dress off, I wore the tiara with my Steeler t-shirt and jeans and danced around their bedroom. I decided that I'll wear it to work one day. The tiara made me giddy. How silly is that?

So now, I'm going to call the gown place and see what can be done.

Adventure adventure, this wedding planning is an adventure.

[CarlosHoney]

Aww! It sounds so good! I forgot to take a pic of me in my dress, too. Don't feel bad...

But mine is so see through that you could tell what color and cut my undies were... So I'll be getting some in nude. :bbredface:

I wanna see pics soon, though.. Because if I don't, I'll get the chair for Lacey. ;)

[CindySue]

Aww! It sounds so good! I forgot to take a pic of me in my dress, too. Don't feel bad...

But mine is so see through that you could tell what color and cut my undies were... So I'll be getting some in nude. :bbredface:

I wanna see pics soon, though.. Because if I don't, I'll get the chair for Lacey. ;)

Yeah......pics......soon.....Im bored.....need the wedding stimulation!!!
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_1_11.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm414CPUS)

Carrie dont feel bad.....my dress from the waist down is pretty see through too. I will have to wear a slip or something unless when I take it to get altered I have an extra layer added to it.





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb062&pp=ZNxdm414CPUS (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb062_ZNxdm414CPUS)

[StaceyMc]

I may have to take a road trip to Ohio this weekend and smack someone at the bridal dress place.

I called twice yesterday and left messages. I sent a very detailed e-mail. Still, no response by 3:30 p.m. yesterday. Mom found an 866 number, which I called. Finally, a person....a person who said that she'd have to talk to her manager and have her manager call me back. It's been 1/2 a day, no return call.

Mom e-mailed her original lady this morning, who said that they can make the dress fit me. We just have to pin it and send it back to them.

That is totally out of the question! I am not pinning that dress, sending it back and having them alter it, trusting that they'll do it properly.

The sucky thing is, I love the dress. If I just "liked" it, I'd pack it up and send it back and tell them what to do with themselves.

I'm sick of waiting for return e-mails and return calls. At lunch, I'm getting on the phone and I'm getting this taken care of and they can refund some money for alterations while they're at it! I can be the nicest person to deal with, but I can also be your worst nightmare if you :censored: me off. I understand that things happen, but this kind of service is unacceptable.

I just have this feeling that they just shipped out any old dress, marked it as a size 14 and figured that I'd just get it taken care of.

It's stupid, I've felt like crying since yesterday. I told Joe that I hoped that the entire planning process isn't like it has been so far.

[CarlosHoney]

There are a lot of places that will make dresses too big, since they will have to be altered, and they do alterations at the shop. They do it to make money.

Is there a good seamstress there? You could talk to the company and tell them that you're sending the seamstress bill and expect them to take care of it. They could have sent the right size, but since they didn't, and they don't want to order the right size, it's their responsibility that a real person measure and alter it that you can see and check up on.

Sorry for the frustration!

[StaceyMc]

I don't have to go smack someone in Ohio this weekend afterall. And that's good because I'm too busy to do that right now.

I called and demanded to speak to someone who can help me, since no one has responded to my three phone calls and my e-mail from yesterday. I got the Owner.

The size 22 was sent on purpose. There was supposed to be a letter in my box telling me to try on the gown to be sure that I liked it and return it with a letter indicating same, and they would make my size. Apparently the Owner made the call to do this and her Assistant was supposed to put a letter in with the dress. There was no letter to be found in the box.

I guess the dress is not literally "discontinued", it's in their fall/winter line and they removed it from the site to make room for spring/summer.

I did tell her that I was upset over this whole thing, and my mother is as well. She said there was no reason to be upset, it was a simple miscommunication. She continued to blame it on her assistant - I'm an assistant, I get that stuff all of the time and hate it. She can blame it on the rain if she wants, just fix my problem.

I also told her that I was dissatisfied with their customer service. Telephone calls and e-mails were all ignored, with the exception of Krystal, who attempted to help my mom. Whatever good expressing my dissatisfaction did.

So mom gets the fun job of folding that big gown into that tiny box that they sent it in.

[bnd94]

Sorry to hear your having a hard time with your planning.

I can't believe they would send you the wrong size dress on purpose. :bbconfused: I hope they send you the right dress this time. :D

Please don't forget your camera this time. You know we live for pictures!! LOL! :D

[StaceyMc]

I will definately remember the camera the next time. At least the dress will (hopefully) fit and you won't have to see a picture of me holding it up for dear life. :bbconfused:

[CarlosHoney]

You'd think that they could have just as easily sent the size you asked for and included a letter telling you to send it back if it doesn't fit. :bbconfused:

[StaceyMc]

I guess they didn't have the dress in my size. They just had the size 22 in white. Since it's the fall/winter line, I'm guessing that they didnt' want to make on in my size and risk me sending it back because I didn't like it and then they would be stuck with another one.

At least, that's how I understand it anyways.

[LaceyinPgh]

First of all I can't believe that I now have to drive through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel AT rush hour ot give you the chair. :chair: For those of you not from the area. The Squirrel Hill Tunnel between 3 and 6 is a firely miserable pit of death in traffic terms.

As for the dress, find a local seamstress to cut it down for you. There is no reason that you should have to pin it and send it back to them. There is NO WAY the alterations are going to turn out right if you do that.

[CarlosHoney]

Yep. I agree! Alter it there in your town.. You'll have to keep sending it back two or three times. No use doing that!

[StaceyMc]

The dress is safely packed in its little box, along with my letter, and will be sent back to the company today. They will make me the size that I want, in the color that I want, I will have a dress that will fit me - with a few minor alterations that we already knew about.

I just couldn't see spending a ton of money on alternations and I was afraid that the dress just wouldn't look right. Mom, Grandma and my sister all swear that a good dressmaker can do it. I didn't want to risk it.

I think the pining idea was a CSR's idea to help make the situation better. She was the only one who bothered to respond. She received a thankful e-mail from my mother and received praises in my letter to the owner. As goofy as the idea was, at least it was something.

According to the BBB, they have complaints regarding non response already, so apparently returning phone calls and e-mails have been a problem for them before.

Don't worry Lacey - I'll have another chance to take a pic when the right dress arrives. I won't make you drive through the hellish tunnel...yet. At least when I take a pic, I'll look happy :~)

Can you believe that my dad puts up with that friggin' tunnel everyday? He goes from our area (Delmont, PA) to Robinson everyday and rarely complains.

[LaceyinPgh]

The dress is safely packed in its little box, along with my letter, and will be sent back to the company today. They will make me the size that I want, in the color that I want, I will have a dress that will fit me - with a few minor alterations that we already knew about.

I just couldn't see spending a ton of money on alternations and I was afraid that the dress just wouldn't look right. Mom, Grandma and my sister all swear that a good dressmaker can do it. I didn't want to risk it.

I think the pining idea was a CSR's idea to help make the situation better. She was the only one who bothered to respond. She received a thankful e-mail from my mother and received praises in my letter to the owner. As goofy as the idea was, at least it was something.

According to the BBB, they have complaints regarding non response already, so apparently returning phone calls and e-mails have been a problem for them before.

Don't worry Lacey - I'll have another chance to take a pic when the right dress arrives. I won't make you drive through the hellish tunnel...yet. At least when I take a pic, I'll look happy :~)

Can you believe that my dad puts up with that friggin' tunnel everyday? He goes from our area (Delmont, PA) to Robinson everyday and rarely complains.

God bless dad, I couldn't do it. I have a hike to work myself but at least it is a stress free drive. I actually go from downtown to out past the airport. Sean swear up and down when we upgraded houses he refuses to even look at anything in the South Hills or East of the city.

[StaceyMc]

Joe's ring arrived on Monday. The rubies look stunning in the ring.

Dad told me that the postman tried to deliver it on Saturday, but due to my sister's baby shower, no one was home.

I told Joe that I wouldn't open it without him, since he wouldn't be around on Monday. I was sure that I could wait until Tuesday.

When I got to Mom and Dad's, that Priority Mail envelope was taunting me. I opened the envelope....just to look at the box.

Then, the box was calling me "Open me Stacey...you know you want to!" So, I opened the box to look at the ring box. The whole time, my father is just laughing...he knew darn well that I couldn't wait for Joe...lol.

And then, all of a sudden, the ring box jumps out of the bigger box...well...I just had to make sure that it was okay - right?

At 6:00, their doorbell rang....I looked at my mom and dad and said "Ah oh...now I'm going to get in trouble for opening that box...." lol.

Joe was curious about the ring too and couldn't wait to see it. He didn't care that I opened it (I knew he wouldn't) and it didn't surprise him one bit that I couldn't wait.

He loves it, thank goodness. He tried it on again last night. I get all giddy when I see him with it on. Bride silliness I guess.

I must take a picture. I must post that picture.

[StaceyMc]

I have wedding planning on my mind this morning.

I've been experimenting with our invitations. We're doing a pine and winterberry background with the lettering over the picture. Sounds beautiful, but I can't get the background right so that the invitation doesn't look too busy. Joe doesn't like it light, I hate it dark. ugh

Vellum...I think that's my answer.

Will everyone remind me what a wonderful idea this was when I'm b*tching about tieing a bunch of ribbons to the invite?

[Jenn060306]

Vellum sounds like a great way to go. Best of both worlds!
I'll be sure to remind you of the final out come when your tying the ribbons. Sit down with a couple movies and do them all one afternoon.

[CindySue]

At 6:00, their doorbell rang....I looked at my mom and dad and said "Ah oh...now I'm going to get in trouble for opening that box...." lol.

Joe was curious about the ring too and couldn't wait to see it. He didn't care that I opened it (I knew he wouldn't) and it didn't surprise him one bit that I couldn't wait.

He loves it, thank goodness. He tried it on again last night. I get all giddy when I see him with it on. Bride silliness I guess.

I must take a picture. I must post that picture.

At least you told him you opened it.....I would have tried to put it back together and hope he didnt notice!!!
I love seeing Brian with his ring on too. I think Brian likes it too because he will get it out every so often - to see if it still fits!

[StaceyMc]

Cindy - I thought about making it look like I didn't open it, but ahh.....I didn't bother. I told Mom and Dad "Hey, my name is on the package, along with mom's and their address, and it's on my credit card and it actually isn't his ring until I give it to him next February."

My dad just laughed and shook his head....lol. Poor guy.

[CindySue]

Cindy - I thought about making it look like I didn't open it, but ahh.....I didn't bother. I told Mom and Dad "Hey, my name is on the package, along with mom's and their address, and it's on my credit card and it actually isn't his ring until I give it to him next February."

My dad just laughed and shook his head....lol. Poor guy.
Well you do have a point......
I remember how curious Brian was when I had a lot of wedding stuff coming in. He would want to look sooooo bad. Then when I was opening the packages he would be standing right over my shoulder to sneak a peek. When he would see that it was wedding stuff, he would just roll his eyes and walk off!

[LaceyinPgh]

Have you had any luck finding a ruby and diamond wedding band yet?

[StaceyMc]

I forgot to post! I did order a diamond/ruby wedding band for myself last night too.

I'll have to see if I can put a picture up. I'm crossing my fingers that it looks like I hope it will look beside my engagement ring.

[CarlosHoney]

Ah, it'll look GREAT! Dont' worry. It's going to be fantastic! ;)

[StaceyMc]

I feel kinda crappy today and thought about staying home today. I was sleeping by 8:15 last night and didn't get up until the absolute last minute this morning - but...I came into the office today for two reasons:

1. It's payday
2. My ring should be delivered here today.

I could have survived the weekend without my paycheck, but I couldn't bear to know that my ring was sitting here and I wasn't.

Now, I'm impatiently awaiting the UPS guy to make an appearance.

On a different note, I realized last night that when I marry Joe, my life will be full of laughter. We had to deliver a diaper cake last night and on the way home, I told him that I was just feeling worse than I did when I got home last night. He told me that he was going home and that I should get my heinie into bed and stop running myself into the ground.

So, he's standing in the kitchen trying to talk me into the leaving the (very few) dishes in the sink, he'd get them tomorrow, and go straight to bed (which I did).

He gets quiet and I look over. He's standing in some super hero pose with his fist in the air and a very serious look on his face. I forget what he called himself. I started laughing and realize that he has his wedding band on (he looks at it every day) and is pretending that it's some kind of superhero shield.

I'm going to have to hide his ring so he doesn't try it on every single day until next February.

Ok....so where is that UPS guy already!

[brewsells]

LOL! Men are so silly sometimes. Adam does silly stuff like that all the time.

You will have to let us know how you like the ring. Show us a picture if you can.

[Valmai]

Glad he cheered u up - they do silly little things and you realise just why you love them so much and have them as such a big part of your world dont u!! Hope ur delivery isnt too long!! xxx

[StaceyMc]

Sometimes his silliness is misplaced, but usually, he does something to make me laugh when I'm down or upset or just don't feel good.

Of course, I am silly too...lol. I started dancing around him singing "Joe's gonna marry me...Joe's gonna marry me...Joe's gonna marry me...." lol

[StaceyMc]

After almost leaping onto a UPS truck when I was out and about at lunch and searching it for my ring, I checked the tracking information. Apparently, my package was improperly sorted in Seattle, WA and will not be delivered until Monday.

Monday's my b-day, so that will make it extra special if I get my ring. That is, of course, unless it's improperly sorted somewhere else......

[Jenn060306]

Oooh i hate it when i am aiting for somthing and then i don't get it when i am supposed to. You're little song and dance sounds cute! Joe must of gotten a kick out of it!
Happy Early Birthday :D The ring will be a nice arrival!

[brewsells]

After almost leaping onto a UPS truck when I was out and about at lunch and searching it for my ring, I checked the tracking information. Apparently, my package was improperly sorted in Seattle, WA and will not be delivered until Monday.
....

That happens to me all the time when I am really wanting something to come. They always misroute it.

[rainbowtreat]

Love to hear that Nihcolas and I aren't the only ones who act silly and foolish. Our big thing is he will ask if I love him and when I say yes he will ask, " Realy, Realy?" and is expectingme to answer Realy realy from shrek. He is a big goof at times but I love him for it. Sorry to hear about yoru ring being delay, thats gotta suck. But like the others said it will be a nice B-day gift.

[WhiskeyGirl]

I am also glad that we aren't the only ones who also act totally goofy!! I guess you can really tell how much you love a person if you allow your goofy self to come out!!

[StaceyMc]

I received my ruby wedding band on Monday and I love it! I was trying to get a good picture of my engagement ring and wedding band together so I could post it. I need to try a little harder - they're coming out a little blurry.

So now, I have to hurry up and get the first wedding band returned before my 90 days runs out (on March 29).

Miss Indecisive (that's me!) was walking around the house with the ruby/diamond band on, my engagement ring, and my diamond wedding band, trying to make up my mind. I had to put all three on again last night to show my FH. He told me to keep both if I wanted....lol....like we have money to just throw away - silly boy.

[CindySue]

Yeah...the good stuff always runs late, BUT the bills are ALWAYS on time!

[StaceyMc]

Monday was a great delivery day - first the UPS guy with my ring, then the mailman with my vellum samples. I can't wait to experiment with the vellum. At first glance, it looks like I'll be able to do exactly what I want with the invites now.

We also bought card blanks and I worked on our thank you cards over the weekend....just fooling around at the moment, but I'll be sure to post something when I get them done.

[brewsells]

:) That is so true! Glad you got it though, Stacey. I would have a hard time deciding too! Not too often you have too many rings and have to decide which ones to keep.

[StaceyMc]

Last night, everything just came crashing down.....

My FH started a new position in January. With no warning, he was let go yesterday, via telephone, while he was home, sick. There were no earth shattering mistakes that he was fired over, he thought he was doing well at the job. Takes a lot of guts to fire someone over the telephone, doesn't it?

It's a very long story, but I'm too upset and emotional to get into the whole thing right now. I have never in my life seen him so upset.

My Future Monster-In-Law was her usual caring self when she told him last night "You're a failure...you can't even keep a job." Yeah...I'm thrilled with her too. She's such a :censored: , I just can't stand her. Of course, after she makes such loving comments to her son, she says "Here, go play my lottery numbers...." Is it any wonder why both of his sisters moved about an hour away from her?

He's out pounding the pavement right now. His self-esteem is pretty much shot (I mean, how can you have any with a family like his?). He feels like he's a disappointment to me and at one point wondered why on earth I'd marry him. We had to have a long talk about how I don't care what kind of job he works....I love him for him, not his millions (at least I got him to smile)

Why is it that just when things seem to be going along fine, something like this happens?

So, if I don't discuss too much about wedding plans, it's because I've put some things on hold for the time being, until I see what's up with job situation. I still plan on getting married on 2/17/07, I just really don't want to push things at the moment.

Of course, my mom is full of helpful advice "This is about your future too Stacey." Ahhh...yeah, thanks....I didn't already know that.

The job thing has been a roller coaster ride since he left his constant traveling position a little over a year ago.

Gosh...I'm exhausted.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Sorry to hear this Stacey!! I hope things work out for the best! Just think, there is a real reason for why this happened!! Perhaps THE job is lurking around the corner?? I am sending you and your FH best wishes! Take care!!

[Kacie_bride]

Ouch. I'm sorry to hear that Stacey. I can't believe someone would do that over the phone. That is awful. I hope everything works out for you guys. Best of luck.

[Valmai]

:hug: for u stacey - sorry this has all happened now im sure we will all keep our fingers crossed that he finds something soon (and something better at that). xxx

[brewsells]

I'm sorry to hear about that, Stacey. Everything will work out in the end. It always does. Best wishes to you and your FH. :hug:

[CindySue]

Im sorry this is happening to you and your FH, but keep your head up. Things will work out!!

[StaceyMc]

Thanks for your supportive messages, ladies. I know that something good will come along and it will work itself out, it's just hard to remember right now - thanks for reminding me.

Can someone tell me why my mother feels, the second day into him being unemployed, that it's necessary to IM me, at work, and tell me that maybe postponing the wedding and "keeping my options open" is a good idea? Now I'm sitting at my desk, in tears. Thank goodness the boss is out and I don't have client's going in an out today. She calls it "her and my father being supportive". She goes from telling me about tablecloths for the reception to postponing the wedding and keeping my options open.

Keeping my options open for what? Marrying someone else? Because something happened to him that could have easily happened to me? I'd love to hear their comments if the shoe were on the other foot - I lost my job and two days later, Joe is talking about postponing the wedding "to keep his options open." I'd open his options for him - his open would be out the door.

Granted, it's been a little over a year since he left his constantly traveling job and it's been rocky ever since. The first job, the guy lied about the position - a sales manager position turned into a night turn floor scrubbing position (he was supposed to work the night position for a month or so to get acquainted with the business, then he'd be doing sales - it never happened). The second job, they flat out lied to him - his sales radius was supposed to be six miles - there were three other stores (the same store as his) within that six miles radius, and he was supposed to up their sales by $50,000 per month......on a two mile radius or something equally stupid. Now this - promised training and then sacked over the phone because they can't explain anything......Some people have luck, some none at all.

Can't my parents see that he left the constantly traveling job so we could start a life together? He left the constantly traveling job because I wanted him to.

She keeps telling me to think with my head, not my heart. I'm 32 years old...if I thought with my heart all the time, I'd have been married and divorced probably three or four times already. (I don't mean that to sound bad, I just mean the kind of guys I've gone out with....ahhh....I'm sure you know what I mean.)

I've been feeling really down the last two days and she just pushed me down further, even though she said she was being supportive. I can't talk about this with Joe, it would make him feel worse - he already feels like he's let down my parents.

I'm about ready to call and tell her to cancel the dress order. I'll pay for my tiara and veil and forget it. We'll go away somewhere in February and screw the whole wedding/reception thing. Spend the money on a trip instead of all of this stuff, if she's going to be "supportive" like this. I'm tired of her thinking that she gets a say in things that I do in my life.

I'm sorry...I've babbled on and rambled on. If you read the whole thanks....it makes me feel a little bit better.

[CindySue]

First off :hug: . Keep your cool. It will get better. As far as your mother telling you to keep your options open, simply tell her that he is your ONLY option. And ask her, how would she feel if YOU lost your job and HIS mom said those things to him? Its only been 2 days........My Goodness - GIVE THE BOY A BREAK!!!! You dont want him grabbing onto the 1st job there is "just to have one" and him end up miserable. I know if youre like most couples, you need his income. Just be there for him and if he doesnt have to, dont let him take a position thats beneath him. And you are right about not telling him what your mom said. What would it do besides hurt him even more and cause problems between them? Im sure as soon as he starts working, your mom will ready to talk wedding again.
Hang in there.

[brewsells]

I totally agree with Cindy. It's not like the world is coming to an end because he has been out of work for 2 days. She should actually be supportive instead of telling you to "leave your options open". How would life be if everytime there was a rock in the road you took a smooth path. Rocks are what make life interesting. Hang in there sweety.

[StaceyMc]

Mom said something about how she and dad want the fairytale ending for me. I told her that there's no such thing. What kind of person does that make me when I run at the first sign of trouble? If I didn't love him so much, I wouldn't have stuck by him through this past year. I've tried imagining life without him - I can't , regardless of what he does for a living.

You ladies are right - I'm going to keep my cool. I know that she's going to be hounding me for information about his job hunt every time I talk to her. I"m going to tell her that I don't want to talk about it. It gets old after a while. I'll tell her if there's something she needs to know.

Rocks make life interesting - thanks brewsells. I'm going to tell Joe that. I'll bet it will make him smile.

I'm sure by the time all of this is said and done, you guys will ban me for babbling on so much, but it does help to talk to someone about it. I know this is supposed to be a happy place, but I guess life can't be all sunshine and roses.

[CindySue]

I'm sure by the time all of this is said and done, you guys will ban me for babbling on so much, but it does help to talk to someone about it. I know this is supposed to be a happy place, but I guess life can't be all sunshine and roses.
If they start banning for babbling, then I think they would have to get rid of almost all of us. We have all done it at one time or another. And maybe like me and more than once. ;)

[WhiskeyGirl]

Stacey!

I would just tell her "Ya know what Mom...the juice is worth the squeeze!! I love Joe and he is THE one!" Its not fair for her to say these things to you and I think you should let her know that!! Its right that you say, what kind of a person would you be if you ran at the first sign of trouble! Ask her if she would have never married your father if this same situation happened to them! If she says no, then tell her to zip it and keep it to herself!! Take care and remember no matter what, the juice is worth the squeeze!!

Shawna

[LaceyinPgh]

Stacey,
I'm sorry to hear about Joe. Can he go back to his old job. I know the traveling isn't great, Sean is gone a lot too. But forthe moment a pay check is a pay check. Something will come along. It might take some time is all. Have call around to some temp. agencies next week. I have friends who have had some luck in those.

I know about overbearing mothers too. I have one of my own. So, the next time she starts tell her if it is that important, she should call Joe and ask him. That should zip her for awhile. If you need anything, I'm right here in town

[ikkin510]

Stacey, I'm sorry to hear about your FH's job. The phone is a pretty pathetic way to let someone go. As for your mother, like the other ladies said, tell her that you plan on sticking with you FH through what ever comes your way. I think that is part of what makes a good relationship. :hug:
And honey, keep babbling, we are hear to listen and help in any way we can!

[CarlosHoney]

Stacey, I'm sorry to hear about your FH's job. The phone is a pretty pathetic way to let someone go. As for your mother, like the other ladies said, tell her that you plan on sticking with you FH through what ever comes your way. I think that is part of what makes a good relationship. :hug:
And honey, keep babbling, we are hear to listen and help in any way we can!So so true!! I totally agree with it all. Hang in there. Things will get better. Just look at the light at the end of the tunnel (and that big fat slice of wedding cake, too!). :bbmrgreen:

[StaceyMc]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Lacey, He was on the phone with temp agencies on Thursday - one wants him to come in for a typing test (I'd love to be there when he two finger types his way through a test). Another was trying to fit him into a clerical position - he said he could type, but did the guy have to have things in a timely manner? lol

He also has a possible lead on a sales job for material handling, which he did before and enjoyed, before all of the travel (non sales related) started - so we're keeping our fingers crossed. He's going out today, armed with some resume's and is going to see about a job at FedEx, so we'll see.

[MOB Karen]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Lacey, He was on the phone with temp agencies on Thursday - one wants him to come in for a typing test (I'd love to be there when he two finger types his way through a test). Another was trying to fit him into a clerical position - he said he could type, but did the guy have to have things in a timely manner? lol

He also has a possible lead on a sales job for material handling, which he did before and enjoyed, before all of the travel (non sales related) started - so we're keeping our fingers crossed. He's going out today, armed with some resume's and is going to see about a job at FedEx, so we'll see.

Stacey, that was too funny about the typing. LOL! But, seriously, good luck and we are praying for you here in Arizona.

[usahgrad]

Stacey, I am in the same position you are. My fiance was told, after seven years of working with a company, two days before the end of the year that they were closing at the end of the year! I've been working a FT and PT job, so we're barely making ends meet and quite a bit has been cut down when it comes to the wedding, but I promise you, you'll get through! There's NO WAY you should be thinking about postponing the wedding! Scrimp and save your pennies and you'll be just fine. And talk to the girls on here! They are awesome at finding what you want for WAY less than what you were originally going to pay for it! :)

As for banning for babbling...girl, if they did that, I'd have been out of here a year ago!

[StaceyMc]

I know I haven't posted much - I haven't been doing very much planning. Our guest list seems to grow every week...ugh.

On Thursday, on the way to the hospital to wait for my nephew to be born, Mom said that the bridal store had called where I ordered my dress. The woman sounded scared when my dad answered the phone. She told my mom that was dress was in, however, they made it burgundy with white trim instead of white with burgundy trim.

She promises that I'll have it by the end of May, which is still fine and loooong before I actually need it, but thank goodness we started with them early.

My father told my mom "Thank God they didn't send that dress...Stacey head would have flown off of her shoulders!" LOL

Hopefully, my planning will pick up shortly :~)

[WhiskeyGirl]

I know I haven't posted much - I haven't been doing very much planning. Our guest list seems to grow every week...ugh.

On Thursday, on the way to the hospital to wait for my nephew to be born, Mom said that the bridal store had called where I ordered my dress. The woman sounded scared when my dad answered the phone. She told my mom that was dress was in, however, they made it burgundy with white trim instead of white with burgundy trim.

She promises that I'll have it by the end of May, which is still fine and loooong before I actually need it, but thank goodness we started with them early.

My father told my mom "Thank God they didn't send that dress...Stacey head would have flown off of her shoulders!" LOL

Hopefully, my planning will pick up shortly :~)

Sounds like that could be an interesting dress Stacey!! lol. I'd go and take a look at it just to see what it looks like!! A circus outfit maybe? lol. Good thing they have a while to get it right, it sure seems like its taking thema while to pull their heads outta their butts and do things right!! Good luck Girl!

[Kacie_bride]

It's good to hear from you Again Stacey! That's kinda funny about the dress. I know it wouldn't be funny if it was later in the game. Thank goodness, like you said, you started early. It will beautiful when it comes in the right way I know! Anyway Stacey, glad you are getting back into posting and keep us updated as to what you are doing with your wedding and your life!

[StaceyMc]

I told my mom if my sister could fit the messed up dress, she could wear it as her bridesmaid gown - we'd be opposite - her with burgundy w/white, me with white w/burgundy. Mom rolled her eyes...lol. Dad just laughed. Kelly said there's no way on earth she'll fit the same size gown as me - that idea's out!

It's no wonder the lady was afraid to call - she was thinking she was going to get me on the phone and I was...well...quite forceful the last time I talked to her.

As for continued planning, I think things will pick up shortly. We have to start making some decisions on caterers and must go look at the potential photographers work in the summer. At least our wedding is in February, not exactly a BIG wedding month. One caterer I talked to was THRILLED that it was in February - they don't have much work in that month.

[ikkin510]

Glad to see you back posting about the wedding Stacey. How is everything going for ya? Did Joe find a new job? Good luck with everything going on right now, and can't wait to hear more about the planning of your big day!

[StaceyMc]

I know I've been missing in action as of late, however, I wanted all of you ladies to know that I've been reading posts and journals, smiling when good things happen and saying prayers when needed.

Joe hasn't found a new job yet. His amazing fiance revamped his resume a few weeks ago and the calls started coming in. What would be do without me?

He had a third interview for a position yesterday, however, he found out that the company only has a military contract until 2008 - if he gets offered the position, there needs to be some serious discussion as to what happens if the military does not renew the contract in 2008 - I don't want to be doing this again in two years. I'd rather him turn down a position and wait a little longer.

He has a first interview this morning for a warehouse manager position and a first interview on Friday for an inside sales position, so I'm hoping that one of these come through.

I took a week's vacation last week to reorganize my house. After 8 years in the house, alone, there isn't any room for Joe, his clothes or other belongings. My plan of working on one room at a time lasted for about 10 minutes. My house is still a disaster area, as the joyous birth of my nephew interrupted my cleaning. The cats are enjoying scaling "Mt. Shoe" in the living room, until I find all of the mates and get them sorted. I promised Joe that the house won't always look like it does right now.

As for my car accident, I got my car back - as good as new. I made the mistake of checking the status of my claim. YOWSERS! My mom can't believe how high the claim has gotten. She says "How can it be so high? Only one car was totaled!" My dad loves her reasoning....lol.

I did get served with a ticket for careless driving - I was operating my vehicle with disregard to the people and property around me - makes it sound like I was going 90 mph and hit her on purpose. That carried a $111.50 fine and 3 points on my license. Just the other day, I got my "conviction" letter and it reminded to me drive carefully and obey all traffic laws. That letter made me cry.

That's the news with me.

[Kacie_bride]

Sorry about the ticket. I don't know about traffic fines in your area, if that was high or not, but for down here that does not seem like that high of a ticket. That probably does not make you feel any better. Even if it is not high it still sucks to have to just give away money like that. Don't worry about the wording of the letter. They probably have a standard format they send out anyway and it is not directed at you. It'll be okay! :bblol:

[StaceyMc]

That was the lowest fine he could give me - I pulled my statutes in the office and checked. I was just irritated that I got a ticket. Of course, if you look at the the way my mom did "If you think about it - rearending someone is kind of careless." lol She cracks me up sometimes.

As for the letter wording, I know it's a form letter, I was just upset about it.

[LaceyinPgh]

$111.50, that is nothing girl. Here in town, I have had parking tickets (in front of my own home mind you) for that much money. The points are what would :censored: me off. Doesn't that darn cop know that you are trying to plan a wedding under stress? He should just be happy that you kept your car on the road and didn't run over people on the sidewalk!

[CindySue]

Glad youre back Stacey.
Sorry about the ticket.....but as Kacie stated a ticket like that around here wouls probably run you $300-$500. Tickets for going 10 miles over the limit are about $150. Whats the 3 points thing? Ive never heard of that.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Just to add to it...lol...a seat belt fine here in my part of Canada is $147. I really think you got off lucky with your ticket Hun!! But for the most part I am just glad that you are ok!!! Take care!!

[Kacie_bride]

Glad youre back Stacey.
Sorry about the ticket.....but as Kacie stated a ticket like that around here wouls probably run you $300-$500. Tickets for going 10 miles over the limit are about $150. Whats the 3 points thing? Ive never heard of that.

I think they are talking about doing that point thing here in Texas. I don't know exactly how it works but each time you get a traffic violation or a wreck you get points on your license. After so many points you get your license taken away or some other penalties.

[WhiskeyGirl]

I think they are talking about doing that point thing here in Texas. I don't know exactly how it works but each time you get a traffic violation or a wreck you get points on your license. After so many points you get your license taken away or some other penalties.

Yeah we;ve got somethign similar except we call 'em demerits. If you get tickets or DWI or anything they take demerits off until a certain point where they take your license away and possibly send you back to school to do a driving course again!! I couldn't imagine having that happen to me! lol. I think I'd quit driving!! (Of course I am lucky and haven't had to worry about any demerits being taken! lol.)

[brewsells]

Sorry about the ticket, Stacey.
Glad to have you back and posting though.

[StaceyMc]

I know, I know, the ticket was cheap - I'm just annoyed. I'm annoyed over a lot of things actually. Frustrated may be a better word.

I'm setting up a schedule for the wedding planning and Joe and I are going to go over it and get moving. It will probably be helpful for him to see what we're supposed to be doing (i.e., him choosing a best man in the not so distant future).

[Kacie_bride]

LOL! Joe sounds like Justin! Justin has chosen a best man, but he has yet to choose the rest of his attendants officially. He's talked about a few, but not decided exactly yet! It is driving me crazy! In a couple of weeks my girls are going to get fitted for their dresses and he still has not chosen all of his!

[StaceyMc]

We talked about the planning schedule that I'm putting together. I told Joe that we really need to start doing some things, unless we're postponing. He says no postponing - the schedule will be on the fridge by Sunday :bblol:

[StaceyMc]

I"m having technical difficulties!

[StaceyMc]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/ec0e2583.jpg

This was taken at Joe's sister's wedding last summer.

[Kacie_bride]

Awww. Look at you guys! Nice pic!

[StaceyMc]

Kacie - thanks for the compliment! I have a much nicer picture of us, but I couldn't get it uploaded - we're smiling more in the more recent picture.

We may have been dreading the ride home with his Mom and Dad when his Uncle snapped the picture that I posted - it had already been a very long day. :bbeek:

[WhiskeyGirl]

Awww you two are so cute!! :wink: its a very nice picture!!!

[LaceyinPgh]

Now if I run into you in Monroeville I will know who you are. You got to love my logic. It's a nice picture.

[StaceyMc]

Haha Lacey, your logic is the same as mine. When I saw your pic, I said "Hmmm...do I know her?" Like all 'burghers' would know each other :bbcool:

[StaceyMc]

Joe and I went to visit his grandmother on Saturday - she's 91 years old. She's very excited that we're getting married and wanted us to get married on the spot last month when we were visiting.

Saturday, she asked when we were getting married - Joe told her February. She said "February! Why are you waiting so long!!! I may not make it! I'm 91!"

Right before she started asking about the wedding, she was telling us about her dislike of hot dogs, so Joe told her "Ok, we can get married sooner, as long as you don't mind having hot dogs at the reception." The face she made was priceless! Now, it's ok for us to wait until February, unless we decide to get married early and serve pizza - she's ok with that too....lol.

[Kacie_bride]

That is sweet Stacey. This weekend my mother and I visited my grandmother. She is 91 as well. She will not be able to make it to my wedding because she cannot really move much anymore. She sure was happy to see us though!

[StaceyMc]

My paternal grandmother will not be attending my wedding, she's in a nursing home with severe dementia and hasn't known any of us for quite a few years. I cry when I leave visiting her - Joe has never really known my Nannie, as she's been in the nursing home and unresponsive, for the most part, for as long as we've been together.

Joe's grandma cries when she sees us. She's so proud of her grandson and makes the "This is my grandson" announcement to whomever is around. I've been her granddaughter, Joe's wife and Joe's fiancee.....it doesn't matter what she calls me, I love her.

I imagine there will be some grumbling from his Aunt when they realize that they're bringing her to the wedding/reception, but Joe and I will do whatever we have to do to get her there.

[StaceyMc]

Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., my mom called - my dress was at her house! My lazy behind was still sleeping - I didn't get to sleep until the wee hours of the morning - I think it's stress.

I flew out of bed, got a shower and ran down there to try it on. It's perfect! The top needs taken in, but other than that....perfect! Mom put my tiara and veil on me and I got teary. My dad came in the room and said "Ahh...look at that..."

We got a bonus too. Mom opened the box and saw a huge band of burgundy and thought they screwed up again. They made a wrap out of the burgundy and embroidered the design to match the dress on each end and added crystals. It's beautiful! I'm not wearing it, but we're using it to decorate the cake table or head table. Isn't that "la-de-dah" coordinating my decorations with my dress :)

Now, I'm on the hunt for a slip and shoes!! WOOHOO!

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera in my excitement and Mom and I were gabbing so much about shoes, jewelry, etc., I forgot to ask her to take a pic.

[Jenn060306]

Awsome! I'm so glad the dress was right! That shawl sounds Beautiful! It will definatly make a nice addition to the cake table or head table.

I've found that there are sooooo many shoes out there that would do great for wedding shoes. I am so jealous every time i see an amazing pair. I wish i could buy them, but its too late to take back my other ones. Sorry Tangent there. Have fun shopping for shoes and a slip.

[StaceyMc]

After I tried on my dress and finally took off my tiara (I wanted to wear it shopping), I asked Mom if she wanted to ride along with me to get the oil changed and go to Pat Cattans (a wonderful craft store) just to look around. I didn't need anything, but once my car gets close to that store, it goes on autopilot and parks infront of the door :)

We each took a strap of my dress to keep when we're out shopping and see something.

We had no intention of doing flower shopping on Saturday - it just kind of happened. We ended up with all of the flowers for the decorations, boquets, corsages and bouts. A cartful! The lady rang it all up and said "$35.84" I laughed. We happened up on Spring Bunches that were 2 for $3.00. There was a bunch of red roses with burgundy mixed in with greenery sprayed with white stuff that looked snowy. It looked more like winter than spring. It was just what I wanted. I'll carry red/burgundy opened and closed roses. My sister will carry a matching boquet with the snowy stuff, only white and one red/burgundy rose.

We found opened red/burgundy roses on candle rings for 50% off that had beautiful rosebuds included - perfect for the bouts. Just what I wanted - natural looking.

When we got home and told dad the cost of the flowers, he almost fell over in the driveway. He said my sister's flowers were over $200 (which was still a good deal, but not as good as mine!) We went in the house and spread the flowers out and Mom started making stuff. Even though the stuff that she did is just held together with twisty ties right now - they're so pretty. I'll bet within the next few weeks, she'll have all of the flowers done.

I'm lucky that she's so creative and knows how to make this stuff. What an eventful wedding weekend!!!

[brewsells]

That is a great deal on the flowers, Stacey! I love getting stuff on sale, especially when I don't know they are on sale.
I am lucky enough to have a craft mom too. She has helped me with alot of that stuff.
It's great to hear that your dress fit well. And the added little bonus is great too!

[Valmai]

Sounds like you had a wonderful, unplanned weekend Stacey lol glad your dress has now arrived safe and sound, i cant wait for mine to come cos it seems more sort of real then - i cant imagine what it feels like to try ur own dress on for the very first time!!
Lucky u with having a creative mum too!!
Valmai xxx

[Kacie_bride]

Wow! You got a great deal on the flowers!

[ikkin510]

Stacey. That's great about the surprise addition with your wedding dress. And that is awesome that you got all your flowers for that price! WOW! I wish I could have done that! LOL. You sound like your doing relaly well planning and are ahead of schedule. I need to catch up!!

[StaceyMc]

I admit, I'm planning a little out of order. The flowers were an accident. We were just there goofing off, but like Mom said - when you find it, you find it.

I found beautiful double tealight holders that would make perfect favors. Mom suggested that I do the double tealight holders for the ladies and candy for the men.

I asked dad, he said he'd rather have candy than a candle holder...makes sense...what do you guys think?

[ikkin510]

That makes sense to me. I've heard of a lot of people doing seperate favors for the men and the women. I would have to agree with your dad too. I don't know too many guys who would do anything with a candle. So the candy would be a big hit, I'm sure.

[MOB Karen]

Good job, Stacey!! Is there any way you can get some pictures of your flowers? I would love to see them!

[StaceyMc]

I'll get pics of the flowers when Mom finishes them. On Saturday, things were just held together with twistie ties and the wired end of the winter berries we were adding - they were just prototypes...beautiful prototypes.

[StaceyMc]

It just went back to "Employed"! He got an offer and accepted today!! WOOOOHOOOOO!

He said they raised the hourly rate than originally quoted - I told him, "You got a raise before you even started!"

That's a weight off, that's for sure.

[WhiskeyGirl]

It just went back to "Employed"! He got an offer and accepted today!! WOOOOHOOOOO!

He said they raised the hourly rate than originally quoted - I told him, "You got a raise before you even started!"

That's a weight off, that's for sure.

Yay Stacey! I am so happy for you Girl!! There is a rainbow for you after all the rain!! Congrats to you and your man!! I am so happy for you! :)

[brewsells]

Oh, I am so glad to hear that Stacey! Is it something he wanted?

[LaceyinPgh]

Stacey that is great! Congrats! I know all about stress during a wedding so it is nice to have a little relief.

[StaceyMc]

Thanks for the congrats ladies.

Brewsells - it was a position he was interested in, however, he didn't have much choice if he wasn't at this point - a job is a job.

He's funny- I'm practically jumping on my desk when he called and told me. He sounded like Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh when he was telling me....lol.

[ikkin510]

Stacey, I'm so glad he has a job now. I hope he enjoys it!

[Kacie_bride]

That's so great Stacey!

[StaceyMc]

My mom finished the boquets, corsages and bouts for the wedding party on Tuesday. Joe and I went to look at them last night and they took my breath away. She did such a beautiful job!!

Joe was very suprised at the amount of flowers we bought last weekend for the money spent. When I brought the two big bags of flowers we still have left downstairs, the look on his face was sheer shock...lol.

I took pictures of the flowers, I just have to get them loaded to photobucket. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to do that tonight,if not - tomorrow or over the weekend or next week...lol....this week has just been entirely too crazy for my liking.

My next assignment is to get together a rough guest list (the list keeps growing) so we know approximately how many lengths of natural pine we'll need for the tables and how many lengths we have left for decoration before Mom starts cutting it up.

Can someone remind me to take my tape measure to church on Sunday so I can measure tables?

[Kacie_bride]

I can't wait to see the flowers! I would volunteer to remind you, Stacey, but usually on the weekends I don't make it on here that much!

[LaceyinPgh]

Hey Stacey, don't forget to take a tape measure to church with you on Sunday to measure the tables!

[StaceyMc]

Thanks for the reminder :bblol:

I can't even remember what my name is most of the time this week.

I was typing an e-mail for my boss yesterday, I got to the end to "sign" it and sat there wondering if I was supposed to sign it from my boss, myself or Joe. (I do most of Joe's e-mailing of resumes after he tells me which ones he wants to apply to.)

I can't wait for this week to end :bbeek:

[StaceyMc]

I finally got the pics uploaded!

My boquet
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/IMAG0152.jpg

My matron of honor, Kelly's, boquet
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/IMAG0153.jpg

Mother's corsages and Father's bouts
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/IMAG0155.jpg

Joe's Usher's bout, my "ushette" Tammy's corsage, Joe's bout and the best man's bout
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/IMAG0156.jpg

[StaceyMc]

The Grandmother's corsages and Grandfather's bouts
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i136/StaceyandJoe/IMAG0157.jpg

I know that some of them are difficult to see. The bouts are all natural looking rosebuds with tiny white flowers. All of the flowers have winter berries worked into them to keep with the winter theme.

I think they're so beautiful!!

[rainbowtreat]

Love the flowers. They look so beautiful. You are gonna have so much done by the time your wedding gets here you will be looking for things to do. But there will always be something. Enjoy your planning. It will be over before you know it.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Wow Stacey! They are all gorgeous! I couldn't even tell they were silk flowers!! They are beautiful.

[MOB Karen]

They all look beautiful! Love the colors!! Thanks for posting your pics!

[StaceyMc]

Thank you, thank you!

Mom couldn't wait to work on the flowers once she bought them.

My father said that they didn't look like silks either!

[Kacie_bride]

Stacey they look great! Your mom is sooooo talented! She should work for a florist or a silk flower shop! Or better yet, she should become a florist! She could make such beautiful arrangements for all sorts of events!

[StaceyMc]

My mom is amazing with that stuff. She's doing my wedding, she did my sister's wedding and her friend's dauther's wedding. I told her that she could get into business doing silks for people - she could make a ton of money. She just smiled and started talking about "restemming" some of the flowers to do my ceremony decorations....lol

[WhiskeyGirl]

My mom is amazing with that stuff. She's doing my wedding, she did my sister's wedding and her friend's dauther's wedding. I told her that she could get into business doing silks for people - she could make a ton of money. She just smiled and started talking about "restemming" some of the flowers to do my ceremony decorations....lol

Your mom is awesome! She should start an Ebay shop or something! I think she could make tons of money.

[AngelinLove]

I just wanted to agree with the lasies and say that all of your arrangements are awesome and that your mom did a great job. Everything will look soooo beautiful for your wedding!!!

[Amber818]

Your flowers look great, Stacey!! Your mom is awesome!!

[brewsells]

Your flowers do look great, Stacey! You are lucky to have such a crafty mom.

[LaceyinPgh]

I like the flowers. Mom did a great job. The berries are a nice touch.

[StaceyMc]

I just wanted to say thank you for the compliments. I really love being able to post things about my wedding and get everyone's reactions.

[Jopet]

Oh wow your flowers look stunning!! Your mum is very talented!! :D
I love seeing everyones idea's and how they all come together at the end.

[darkangel090260]

your mom did a great job

[StaceyMc]

After reading about all of the problems with bridesmaids, I'm thankful that I'm just having my sister as my matron of honor. No fighting over dresses, no schedule coordination - it sounds like a gigantic pain. I know that she'll do whatever I ask her to do, which probably won't be much anyways. I've already told her that we'll go shopping for a dress for her in December and she can pretty much pick whatever she wants, as long as it's burgundy and we both agree on it.

As for our planning - the next thing on the list is meeting with the potential photographer. I'm really hoping that the couple that I contacted this past January works out. They're about 7 minutes from my house and their price was unbelievable. They've great about keeping in contact and were completely understanding when I told them of my FH's job situation in March - I was worried about putting a deposit down and then rescheduling and losing that deposit if they weren't available. I really want to get this accomplished soon, because if my luck continues the way it has been, someone will book them for the same date, a day before I do.

[Kacie_bride]

A photographer was one of the first things we secured after the venue. I think we did that back in March. I hope you get them!

I agree that just one BM would be much easier. Ask me why I wanted 5 of them again?

[LaceyinPgh]

Who are you using for your photographer?

[StaceyMc]

Lacey, Hopefully Somme Studios. They're a husband and wife team - one shoots digital and the other shoots 35mm. They're both employed elsewhere, but do weddings and other events on the side. We just need to go look at their stuff and make a decision. Their price is so unbelieveable, that if their shots are even 1/2 way decent - we'll hire them. Everyone always takes a bazillion pictures anyways (as you already know).

I went over to my sister's and hung out with her and the baby while she did laundry and her husband worked outside. I took some of my wedding stuff over: invites and thank you cards that I've worked on, our rings, etc. We haven't talked much about the wedding and I wanted to share some stuff with her. She was super impressed with the invite and loved the wording (I'll have to post it) She also told me that she'll check with one of her suppliers at work about table clothes and skirts - we may be able to get a really good price - woohoo!

[Kacie_bride]

I hope you get the price you want on the table linens! I also hope those photographers turn out to be good. I have a nonprofessional photographer hired as well and I think her shots are just as good. She is way cheaper too!

[AngelinLove]

Just wanted to say good luck with the linens and photographer!! Also, I think is great that you and your sister spent some time talking about your wedding...sometimes that really helps bring others into it!!! I look forward to reading the words you chose for your invites!!!!

[LaceyinPgh]

Lacey, Hopefully Somme Studios. They're a husband and wife team - one shoots digital and the other shoots 35mm. They're both employed elsewhere, but do weddings and other events on the side. We just need to go look at their stuff and make a decision. Their price is so unbelieveable, that if their shots are even 1/2 way decent - we'll hire them. Everyone always takes a bazillion pictures anyways (as you already know).



We used Angelic Impressions with Dave and Patty Madden. They were fabulous to work with and their portfolios were amazing. I can't wait to see their pictures. I think we got the biggest package that they had and it was $2100 for unlimited coverage all day. They say they take 400 pictures but I already know he went WAY over that. Plus it included videography as well. So if you aren't pleased with Somme Studions let me know. I'll get you Dave and Patty's information. Plus they are your way too.

[StaceyMc]

Lacey - Now that you mention their names, I looked at their website and thought that Angelic Impressions was wonderful! I can't wait to see your pics!

[StaceyMc]

Here is the wording for the invitations. I read a ton of samples and used bits of pieces from a lot of them to put something together that we liked.

For everything there is a season, a time
and a purpose.

Because you have shared our lives
by your friendship and love,
the honor of your presence is requested
to share in a celebration of our love
for each other.

Please share our joy as we,
S.L.M.
and
A.J.V., Jr.
exchange vows of love and fidelity on
the seventeenth of February,
Two thousand and seven
at two-thirty in the afternoon.

[Kacie_bride]

The wording sounds great. I've seen that somewhere. I think I thought about that when I was thinking of what I was going to say.

About the photographer Lacey mentioned...If that price for the larger package includes videography and photography that is one heck of a deal. Videographers are so expensive. I'm not having a videographer because we just can't afford it.

[MOB Karen]

The wording sounds great. I've seen that somewhere. I think I thought about that when I was thinking of what I was going to say.

About the photographer Lacey mentioned...If that price for the larger package includes videography and photography that is one heck of a deal. Videographers are so expensive. I'm not having a videographer because we just can't afford it.

The first sentence of Stacey's invitation is in the bible, Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verse 1. And it has also been reproduced in many songs too!!! It sounds really nice, Stacey!! I love it!!!

[StaceyMc]

Yep, the first line is from the Bible. It's one of my favorite verses. It reminds me that things happen for a reason, when it's time.

My most favorite line of the invite is "exchange vows of love and fidelity".

As for a videographer, I'm not sure that's in our budget either. We may have my brother-in-law do something for us, or just set it up, angle it towards where we'll be and hope for the best. We haven't really discussed it yet - I think we'll just have to see what the budget looks like after the big stuff is taken care of.

[LaceyinPgh]

Yep, the first line is from the Bible. It's one of my favorite verses. It reminds me that things happen for a reason, when it's time.

My most favorite line of the invite is "exchange vows of love and fidelity".

As for a videographer, I'm not sure that's in our budget either. We may have my brother-in-law do something for us, or just set it up, angle it towards where we'll be and hope for the best. We haven't really discussed it yet - I think we'll just have to see what the budget looks like after the big stuff is taken care of.

Hell I got a digital video recorder for a shower gift. I'll come out and video your wedding for you! :bbmrgreen:

[StaceyMc]

I've got favors on my mind lately. First it was candles for all, then it was candles for women, candy for men. Now...I've had another idea:

You can get an Evergreen tree from the Arbor Foundation. It's a "start" in a plastic cylinder with a beautiful label on it - our dates, names and a saying about love growing. You can plant the tree in a pot inside, plant it outside (weather permitting) or keep it in your refrigerator until you're ready to plant it.

I thought that the evergreen tree would fit in wonderfully with our theme and there's something a little different about the favor as well. It would be one favor per family, since everyone doesn't need a "Joe and Stacey tree".

Joe even liked this idea. I know my mom is going to make a face, but I think it's cute.

[WhiskeyGirl]

I loved that idea too when we were thinking of favors, I don't know why we ever nixed the idea!! I really think its a cute idea Stacey!! :)

[AngelinLove]

I think that it is a very cute idea...and unique.

[MOB Karen]

I love how those favors will go so well with your theme, Stacey!! Great idea!!! Very original!!!

[LaceyinPgh]

I LOVE the tree idea!

[Kacie_bride]

I also love the idea. You seem to be very creative Stacey!

[StaceyMc]

I was telling my mom about the evergreen tree favor idea. She wondered what if everyone would plant their tree and if they lived in an apartment, where would they plant it once it got too big for the pot?

I figure everyone knows someone with a yard who would love a tree.

[Kacie_bride]

I was telling my mom about the evergreen tree favor idea. She wondered what if everyone would plant their tree and if they lived in an apartment, where would they plant it once it got too big for the pot?

I figure everyone knows someone with a yard who would love a tree.

I'm sure they would know someone to give the tree to.

[AngelinLove]

I agree, I think that the trees are a great idea...and that everyone knows someone who would like a tree!!!!

[StaceyMc]

I know, I shouldn't make light of Joe and his suggestions, but sometimes he surprises me and suggestions about the wedding come out of no where.

We were watching TV the other night and there was some song on and I said "Hey, that's a good 'last song' for the wedding." (We need to come up with an idea to get everyone out of the reception by 9:30 p.m. or so). Joe said "How about 'Goodnight Sweetheart' by Sha-Na-Na?" Cute huh?

[AngelinLove]

Hilarious!!! Well atleast he is interested, right?

[StaceyMc]

Joe and I went to my neighbor's high school graduation party on Saturday. It wasn't your normal, picnic in the backyard party. It was at a local college (where his mother works and where he will be attending) with shrimp, clams casino, brushetta and stuffed mushroom cap appetizers and a roast beef/ham carving station buffet for dinner. They also hired a DJ so the guests could dance. The dance was supposed to start at 6:00, with dinner starting at 5:00.

Joe and I talked to the DJ - he is located in the same town as our wedding/reception, and got his card as a back up, in case our first choice doesn't work out. His hourly was about average (Joe was shocked at the figure - you can tell who has been price researching...lol) His card got tossed into the nearest trash can as we exited - he was the stereotypical cheesy DJ. Making goofy, cheesy comments during the opening comments, out in the middle of the circle of the 17/18 years olds dancing around.

The kicker for the toss of the card was his inflexibility. The dinner got started late because guests were late (there was some difficulty finding the hall once you parked your car). And the father asked if the DJ could start the music at 6:30 and play until 10:30, rather than 6:00 - 10:00, so all of the kids could enjoy the dancing. He refused, and said that he would play dance music from 6:30-10 or 6-10, that's it. It wasn't a matter of him having nothing to do, he was there playing background music when Joe and I arrived around 4:30. He was having no problem feasting on the wonderful appetizers and delicious food.

[LaceyinPgh]

Joe and I went to my neighbor's high school graduation party on Saturday. It wasn't your normal, picnic in the backyard party. It was at a local college (where his mother works and where he will be attending) with shrimp, clams casino, brushetta and stuffed mushroom cap appetizers and a roast beef/ham carving station buffet for dinner. They also hired a DJ so the guests could dance. The dance was supposed to start at 6:00, with dinner starting at 5:00.

Joe and I talked to the DJ - he is located in the same town as our wedding/reception, and got his card as a back up, in case our first choice doesn't work out. His hourly was about average (Joe was shocked at the figure - you can tell who has been price researching...lol) His card got tossed into the nearest trash can as we exited - he was the stereotypical cheesy DJ. Making goofy, cheesy comments during the opening comments, out in the middle of the circle of the 17/18 years olds dancing around.

The kicker for the toss of the card was his inflexibility. The dinner got started late because guests were late (there was some difficulty finding the hall once you parked your car). And the father asked if the DJ could start the music at 6:30 and play until 10:30, rather than 6:00 - 10:00, so all of the kids could enjoy the dancing. He refused, and said that he would play dance music from 6:30-10 or 6-10, that's it. It wasn't a matter of him having nothing to do, he was there playing background music when Joe and I arrived around 4:30. He was having no problem feasting on the wonderful appetizers and delicious food.

Aren't people great sometimes. I would give him a call and let him know that he missed a wedding booking in February because he was such a horse's butt. If you want I can give you the contact info on my dj/band. They were fabulous.

[Kacie_bride]

At least you got to see him in action to know that you don't want him. It would be awful if you booked him and then found out he was that way.

[StaceyMc]

Aren't people great sometimes. I would give him a call and let him know that he missed a wedding booking in February because he was such a horse's butt. If you want I can give you the contact info on my dj/band. They were fabulous.

Send the contact info my way. My friend and her husband DJ and we want to use them, but they have to set up the night before since her husband has to work Saturday and she can't cart the stuff in and set it up herself. I'm not sure if the church will go for that, so we may be back to the drawing board.

As far as calling him - he made sure that he told me that he had a lot of dates booked for 2007 and 2008 already, so I should call him soon....lol.

I forgot to say - I noticed on his card that he'll help with your wedding planning too - Joe and I had a good laugh over that.

[StaceyMc]

Joe and I were talking about setting up a meeting with the photographers and I mentioned that in my e-mail, I told them that weekends were fine, except it would have to be late afternoon on Saturday since Joe has to work for a few hours this weekend. Joe said "You have plans late afternoon on Saturday. Put on a pair of capri pants and a cute top (can you tell he's been clothes shopping with me lately? lol) and I'll pick you up at 4:00 p.m."

He won't tell me what we're doing. I like that he's made plans. I really don't even care what we do - it could be something silly like a carnival or something. I love the fact that he planned it and won't tell me - he hasn't done that in a loooooong time.

[LaceyinPgh]

Joe and I were talking about setting up a meeting with the photographers and I mentioned that in my e-mail, I told them that weekends were fine, except it would have to be late afternoon on Saturday since Joe has to work for a few hours this weekend. Joe said "You have plans late afternoon on Saturday. Put on a pair of capri pants and a cute top (can you tell he's been clothes shopping with me lately? lol) and I'll pick you up at 4:00 p.m."

He won't tell me what we're doing. I like that he's made plans. I really don't even care what we do - it could be something silly like a carnival or something. I love the fact that he planned it and won't tell me - he hasn't done that in a loooooong time.
That is so sweet!

[MOB Karen]

That is so sweet!

I agree. That is really sweet of him. Let us know what you guys do, Stacey!!! Sounds like fun!!!

[Kacie_bride]

Good for you guys Stacey! Be sure to let us know what you did!

[StaceyMc]

I e-mailed the church to make double sure that 2/17/07 was reserved for Joe and I. The main secretary has retired and there has been a change. I figured, with my luck, we'd put a deposit on the photographer and caterer and print out invites and then find out that something happened with the church schedule.

I got an e-mail back today - she said we're definately in there and I should continue to plan on 2/17/07 - YIPPEE! She going to get me reservation forms.

We have also been trying to set up something with a photographer. She told me that they are doing a wedding this weekend, so if I wait a week, I'll get to see this weekends pictures and everything else they have. I told her that was a deal!

[StaceyMc]

Mark my words - any episode of Bridezilla type behavior that I have will be Joe's fault! He fusses over the goofiest things.

Last weekend in Kaufmann's, I almost cried over bridal jewelry. He wants to buy the jewelry for me to wear on our wedding day. I think that's a super idea. I told him that I would show him a few things that would go great with the dress to help him out. I apparently didn't move fast enough (like the next day he mentioned it) and he's picked something. Ok...great...he has always bought me nice jewelry.

But, he fussed at me because I asked him to show it to my mom to make sure that it wouldn't over power my dress. The lady at Kaufmann's jewelry was talking to us about jewelry when he said something like "Well..I pick nice jewelry any other time..." So she makes a face and says "You're trusting HIM to pick your wedding jewelry?"

Well....that made Mr. Pissy worse and he b*tched at me. I told him to go back and b*tch at the sales lady and leave me alone. In my next breath I said "You know, I don't want to be a brat, but if the jewelry doesn't look right with the dress, I won't wear it. I'm sorry - you pick beautiful things for me, but you've never had to pick something to go with a dress, sight unseen." Totally Bridezilla - lol. He's since agreed to show mom before he purchases it. He said he was always going to do that - he was just ticked at the jewelry saleslady. Grrrrr.

On Wednesday, he called and told me that he (finally) picked a best man and talked to him that evening. So, immediately, he starts talking about tuxes and somehow he has it in his head that Men's Wearhouse told him that the groom rents his tux and the guys get theirs free. It was the opposite way around, but you had to have a minimum of five rentals. Does he believe me? No...he insists that what the kid told him. I was there too - he didnt'.

So then begins the rant about how it isn't fair that the guy has to rent a tux and blah blah blah. I told him that "We are no way, no how paying for the Best Man's tux. Money is tight as it is. You're guy is lucky, a $50 tux rental - whoopie! My sister pays for her dress, her shoes, her undergarments, her hair.....I don't wanna hear about a $50 tux rental! What - you're going to pay for my dad's too? And you're getting the extra cash from where? The wedding fund is already behind and you're so eager to spend money!!" I'm crying by the time I'm done. He swears that he was "just stating his opinion" and didn't say we'd pay for the guy's tux. I didn't think he said it, but I know he was thinking it. Bridezilla behavior, again. The wedding fund is a touchy subject at the moment with me anyways.

See...it's his fault - he blames that last fit on the fact that I had Bridezilla on the television at the time....lol. Silly boy.

[LaceyinPgh]

Damn Stacey, it sounds like it is about time to start crushing up Midol and putting into Joe's coffee. Have you asked him what is bothering him so much that he has to take it out on you? Is he having trouble at the new job? Is he getting cold feet? What is up. Just have a talk with him.

Frankly you are pretty brave letting him pick out your wedding jewelery. Sean has some of the most fabulous taste in the world for a straight man. But, I didn't even let him pick out his own cuff links let alone what I would be wearing.

If Joe doesn't like The Men's Warehouse prices, then tell him to check into AfterHours. We used them and were pleased with our service for the most part.

[StaceyMc]

Maybe "b*tching" was a little too strong of a word. He doesn't take stuff out on me, the jewelry lady just p*ssed him off, but I didn,t appreciate his grouchiness over it at me.

Part of my crabbiness is my fault lately too. I let things build up and the person that does the last thing that ticks me off gets the full load. He got it over the tuxes.

He was happy with Men's Wearhouses prices, but I wasn't thrilled with their color choice. Now that I have a burgundy strap of my dress, we'll have to see about color.

Him picking jewelry is fine, as long as he sees kind of what I want and passes it by my mom first. There was already some confusion over antique (as in style) and antiqued (as in color/surface).

[MOB Karen]

Damn Stacey, it sounds like it is about time to start crushing up Midol and putting into Joe's coffee. Have you asked him what is bothering him so much that he has to take it out on you? Is he having trouble at the new job? Is he getting cold feet? What is up. Just have a talk with him.

Frankly you are pretty brave letting him pick out your wedding jewelery. Sean has some of the most fabulous taste in the world for a straight man. But, I didn't even let him pick out his own cuff links let alone what I would be wearing.

If Joe doesn't like The Men's Warehouse prices, then tell him to check into AfterHours. We used them and were pleased with our service for the most part.

LOL!! You are so funny, Lacey!! I would love to see what Joe picked though! I think that was awful sweet of him to even want to do that!

[StaceyMc]

You'll see what he picks and I have no doubt that it will be lovely. My sister let her husband pick her jewelry and she showed him a few things she liked. He bought her a beautiful diamond solitare.

[StaceyMc]

As Joe promised, we went on a date on Saturday. He picked me up and we went to dinner at Bella Luna, an Italian restaurant. After dinner, we went to The Improv and saw David Tosch. I love sarcastic humor and boy oh boy was he sarcastic. After that, I had a few things to pick up at Wallyworld, so we stopped there on the way home and I was watching fireworks from the parking lot - I love fireworks! How romantic, watching fireworks from the WalMart parking lot - Joe was laughing at me, but hey - I was happy :)

It was a wonderful evening and something that we've needed to do for quite some time. We've decided to go to The Improv more often - we just really enjoyed it.

[rainbowtreat]

Glad to hear you 2 had a good time. I am thinking hta tNihcolas and I will have a chance for dates this summer seeing I have a live in babysitter for the whole summer. We need the time. I am happy that you 2 did something nice together. It is amazing howmuch we do and dont take the time for just the 2 of us.

[StaceyMc]

While we were eating at Bella Luna on Saturday, we decided to check into having the rehearsal dinner there. They have a fantastic wood fired pizza oven and they're pizza's are great! We had originally talked about doing pizza and salads somewhere, to try to keep the dinner inexpensive but nice. Besides, Joe and I really like pizza, so it suits us. Our original choice of place had a room that was too small. At Bella Luna, we'll be able to have a private room, large enough for all of us.

At my nephew's baptism, my "ushette" Tammy and I were talking about the wedding and Joe mentioned something about the wedding cake and where we had thought about getting it. Tammy is a pastry chef at a country club - she looked at me and said "I'll do it! If you want me to!" Joe and I had thought about asking her before, but, we didn't want to burden her and wanted her to enjoy the wedding and not have to worry about anything. We both know how messy those cakes are to make at home (My sister - who also studied to be a pastry chef - did a few at home). She insisted that she wanted to do it - so.....our wedding cake is in the works. Her cakes are absolutely beautiful. Not only is she a pastry chef, she is beginning to do sugar sculpting.

It seems like things are kind of starting to come together. Yippee!!!

[LaceyinPgh]

I'm glad that you had a nice time out with Joe. It is nice that you all are able to do that. Sean travels a lot. But, when he is home we usually go out to dinner on Friday or Saturday and then to brunch on Sunday. It is nice to just have that time out together when we don't ahve to worry about things.

[StaceyMc]

Lacey - One of Joe's previous jobs required him to travel for multiple weeks at a time - I think 8 weeks was the longest. We didn't get to do to have too many "dates" during that time. Dinner on Friday when he finally got to come home was the highlight :)

We usually go to dinner on Friday or Saturday now, but it's normally coupled with errands and stuff that needs done. I loved just doing whatever for a change.

[MOB Karen]

As Joe promised, we went on a date on Saturday. He picked me up and we went to dinner at Bella Luna, an Italian restaurant. After dinner, we went to The Improv and saw David Tosch. I love sarcastic humor and boy oh boy was he sarcastic. After that, I had a few things to pick up at Wallyworld, so we stopped there on the way home and I was watching fireworks from the parking lot - I love fireworks! How romantic, watching fireworks from the WalMart parking lot - Joe was laughing at me, but hey - I was happy :)

It was a wonderful evening and something that we've needed to do for quite some time. We've decided to go to The Improv more often - we just really enjoyed it.

Sounds wonderful, Stacey!! Also, that's awesome about the cake! I love it when things start coming together!! It's such a great feeling!!

[LaceyinPgh]

Lacey - One of Joe's previous jobs required him to travel for multiple weeks at a time - I think 8 weeks was the longest. We didn't get to do to have too many "dates" during that time. Dinner on Friday when he finally got to come home was the highlight :)

We usually go to dinner on Friday or Saturday now, but it's normally coupled with errands and stuff that needs done. I loved just doing whatever for a change.

No errands usually for us. This just Lacey and Sean time. We usually head to Southside works or the Waterfront, get dinner and walk around or go to a movie. Sometimes we get all fancy and head downtown or over to Sahdyside and go to a show afterwards. But, tragically we cancelled out ballet season tickets this year so I have to find something to fill that void.

[StaceyMc]

Mom called earlier this morning. She was poking around in a thrift store (we love doing that) and said she came across two bridal slips, $10.00 each. She was going to grab one, but didn't know which one I wanted. One was "pouffier" than the other. Sometimes, I'm so indecisive and today happens to be one of those days.

My mom is so smart - she said "Well, if I get the pouffie one and you don't like it that pouffie, we can cut some pouffie out, but we can't add pouffie to the unpouffie one." If my dad or Joe heard that conversation, they would be shaking their heads. To me, that made perfect sense.

She ran back and got the pouffie one - I'm supposed to stop on my way home to check it out. Woohoo!! $10 versus $50!! I refused to pay $50 for a slip.

[LaceyinPgh]

Mom called earlier this morning. She as poking around in a thrift store (we love doing that) and said she came across two bridal slips, $10.00 each. She was going to grab one, but didn't know which one I wanted. One was "pouffier" than the other. Sometimes, I'm so indecisive and today happens to be one of those days.

My mom is so smart - she said "Well, if I get the pouffie one and you don't like it that pouffie, we can cut some pouffie out, but we can't add pouffie to the unpouffie one." If my dad or Joe heard that conversation, they would be shaking their heads. To me, that made perfect sense.

She ran back and got the pouffie one - I'm supposed to stop on my way home to check it out. Woohoo!! $10 versus $50!! I refused to pay $50 for a slip.
If I remember correctly, you and I are roughly the same size. If you don't like the slip that she bought you I have a very nice custome made one that has a zipper instead of a drawstring. It was super comfortable. It was custome made to hold out my dress and I paid through the nose for it. If you don't like either of the ones that your mom got you, let me know. You can check mine out.

[StaceyMc]

Lacey - I had thought about buying your slip from you, but you said that it wasn't made for an A-Line dress. My dress is an A-line, so I figured it wouldn't work. I should have asked you...duh.

I'm hoping to have the seamstress sew the slip into my dress to make life easier on the wedding day. My sister had that done and it was wonderful for her.

You know what getting my slip means - I can go SHOE SHOPPING! I almost fell over the few weeks ago, mom suggested burgundy shoes. I thought she'd fight me on those, but she didn't.

[LaceyinPgh]

Lacey - I had thought about buying your slip from you, but you said that it wasn't made for an A-Line dress. My dress is an A-line, so I figured it wouldn't work. I should have asked you...duh.

I'm hoping to have the seamstress sew the slip into my dress to make life easier on the wedding day. My sister had that done and it was wonderful for her.

You know what getting my slip means - I can go SHOE SHOPPING! I almost fell over the few weeks ago, mom suggested burgundy shoes. I thought she'd fight me on those, but she didn't.

If it is an Aline dress than mine won't work. I was thinking that your dress was fuller for some reason.

[StaceyMc]

The $10 slip was perfect! It got to try on my dress last night with it - It's beautiful!!!!!

Dad was calling up the upstairs to tell mom something and she told him to come up and see. I told him to picture it without my bra straps sticking out...lol! He liked it too - he always says "Well look at that...."

All I can say is thank goodness we're getting married in the winter. By the time I got the slip, that's lined and had a ton of netting on it, and my dress on, with the additional netted slip attached, I was soooo warm.

[StaceyMc]

While we were in Monroeville on Saturday, Joe and I stopped at DSW so I could look at shoes - I was looking for some cute wedding shoes. I'm 5'9" and can only wear lower heels so my dress touches the floor. After looking at every pair of shoes, I've decided that shoe designers think that all women want to wear 6" heels.

I wear my share of funky high heels - Joe's taller than me (I tell him that's why I love him - I can wear my high heeled boots with him), however, I don't want to tower over him at the altar.

Annnddd...I want something cuter than ballet flats - all this over shoes that most people won't see :)

[StaceyMc]

My DJ's are a husband and wife team (the wife is a friend of mine from high school). He works for the post office and since our wedding is scheduled for the Saturday before President's day (that was news to me), he can't take Saturday as a vacation day. Leasa will do the announcements and dinner music and once Jamie gets off of work and gets there, he will take over. Leasa just couldn't cart all of the equipment in and set up on her own. I was worried that the church wouldn't permit the equipment there overnight, due to liability problems.

The secretary said that she didn't see a problem, just to make sure that I reserved the hall for the day before, which we were doing anyways to decorate Friday afternoon.

YEAH YEAH YEAH! Jamie is giving us a super price and I really wanted them to do it. They are recent newlyweds and she is so thrilled to do this and give us such a super deal. Jamie was the DJ for their own wedding because everyone he priced was so high.

Something tells me that we'll be sending our first deposit soon!

[Kacie_bride]

Congratulations! Booking a DJ is a big step! I was happy when we booked ours as well. I'm glad you got it at a good price. That is always fun.

[AngelinLove]

Congrats on booking your DJ and it's great that you were able to get into the hall the day before to set up teh equipment..it is always nice when things work there way out!!!

[StaceyMc]

After numerous e-mails, we have an appointment scheduled with the photographers we wanted to meet with. They shot a wedding two weeks ago and I wanted to see those pictures, as well as the others they had available. Saturday morning...I'm so excited.

Joe thought I lost my marbles last night - I was bouncing around, all excited about the photographers and DJ....lol. This is the first BIG thing that we've done. Once deposits are sent, I can cross that off of our list.

[brewsells]

I am excited for you, Stacey. It's nice when you can cross some of the big things off your list... Now just wait till you have a million little ones!! You will have to let us know how it goes.

[Kacie_bride]

That's great that you have a meeting with a photographer!

[StaceyMc]

I am really looking forward to this weekend. Joe and I have some plans that don't involve a family function or doing errands.

Tonight, I'm taking him to see Pirates of the Carribean 2-He's been looking forward to seeing that movie since he heard about it. I Fandango'ed the tickets earlier in the week so we're sure to get a seat. We'll probably go to dinner before.

Tomorrow is the photographers appointment in the morning. We are hoping to go to the rodeo in the evening - yehaw - we love it! The first time I took him to the rodeo, I had no idea that he'd enjoy it so much.

Sunday, maybe we'll do nothing or maybe we'll go to the airshow, I don't know.

[MOB Karen]

Sounds like fun!!! Have a great weekend, Stacey!!!

[WhiskeyGirl]

Sounds like fun!!! Have a great weekend, Stacey!!!

That does sound like fun! Hey can I come to the rodeo with you guys?? I haven't been to one in a while! *sigh* Used to go every weekend when I was single!! lol.

[StaceyMc]

Shawna, Can you be at my place by 3:00 p.m. tomorrow? Come along! I can't wait. There an awesome BBQ vendor there as well - YUM-O!!!

[WhiskeyGirl]

Shawna, Can you be at my place by 3:00 p.m. tomorrow? Come along! I can't wait. There an awesome BBQ vendor there as well - YUM-O!!!

hmmm I'll have to see what's leaving the GP airport and if there are any connecting flights. I'll get back to you on that one! :wink:

[StaceyMc]

We signed a contract with the photographers and put down a deposit on Saturday.

I have a contract with the D.J. on the coffee table, I just have to figure out times. I figure I can hold the intro sheet and music requests until we make decisions on those.

There are also two contracts for the church too - again, I have to work on times.

I just can't figure out what time to start the ceremony so we can fully enjoy the reception. I told Joe that I don't want us to spend an entire year planning this and then not get to completely enjoy the day. Right now, we have the ceremony starting at 2:00, the reception immediately following and ending at 9:00/9:30 (we have to be out of the hall by 10:00, I think)

[Kacie_bride]

Congratulations on the contracts. That is a big step!

I think if your ceremony is at 2:00 and the reception ends at 9:00 that should be plenty of time to party down!

[StaceyMc]

Not much wedding planning has been taking place the past few weeks. I still have the DJ contract and the church papers to return - I couldn't decide on times, no one else had an opinion, I got frustrated and tossed all of it into my wedding box - including my planning schedule. I think I'll pull that stuff out this week and finish it.

Joe and I stopped at a car dealership this past friday to look at a car for him. We had the nicest young salesman and when he asked Joe what price range he was looking at, Joe looked at me and said "What are our bills going to be like?" And he proceeded to tell the kid that we were getting married in February.

A little while later, we were inside the dealership and he was writing down our names and started writing mine as "Stacey V" - stopped and said "Oops...not yet!" lol - and the kid says "You guys seems like you're married already......but I mean that in a good way!" I laughed. It was cute. It's the first time I've seen my name written "post wedding" - kind of strange.

[StaceyMc]

My mom is so cute....she bought another dress for the wedding. It's a champagne color dress with a slit in the front with rufflies (I know, that's not a real word - but in my world, it works) and sparklies around the slit. The sparklies are also on the jacket - it's stunning. Here's a pic from the website but it doesn't do this dress justice.

(I'll post the pic as soon as I resize it)


Last week, she called and told me to stop at their house on my way home from work to see her shoes and jewelry. Her shoes are clear with gold heels and a 1/2 bow with rhinestones on the toe - they're so hot! Joe said that if she's not careful, she's going to show up the bride - hahahaha doubtful.

I love that she's so excited. Now, she's on a mission for a bracelet.

[StaceyMc]

I was looking for cute shoes with lower heels, so my dress would hang "just so". Joe and I were at the mall on Saturday and I wandered into the Shoe Dept. while he was in Sears. Low and behold - there they were - lower heel, but not flat, closed, rounded toe with a sweet little bow and a "peek a boo" detail. They're light light light pink, but they're satin - I know I can get them dyed. They were on clearance for $7.48. I did a happy dance in the aisle.

On Monday, I stopped at my sister's house to show her - after she saw how cute the shoes were, we loaded up the baby and took off for the mall for her to buy a pair too. She doesn't have a dress yet, but she does have shoes...lol.

[StaceyMc]

You might remember that Joe was going to buy my jewelry for the wedding. A few weeks ago, he took me to the jewelers to look at a necklace that he picked out. It was a square red stone with marcasite around it. It was beautiful, however, it was antiqued. Thinking about the sequin work on my dress and my tiara, it was too dark. I felt really bad telling him, but he understood.

We looked a few other things while we were at the jewelers, but nothing really screamed out "BUY ME!"

Last Saturday, we went to the mall to get my engagement ring checked and he walked into Shaw's and found a beautiful square ruby (that will match our wedding bands) framed in white gold and diamonds. It was almost exactly what he picked out in the first place, only it worked with the wedding bands and my dress. The saleswoman opened the case to take it out and says to her co-worker "Hey - are rubies still on sale?" There was a sale tag on the display. As it turns out, someone accidently left the tag on the display, so she had to give it to us for the sale price. What luck! It it had been regular price, we wouldn't have even looked at it.

We left, ate dinner and discussed it. He said that the necklace was beautiful-just like me (his words, not mine) - and if I wanted it, he'd love to buy it for me. I literally jumped up and down in the store when he bought it.

I felt bad that I was there when he bought it, but we didn't have much of a choice. I have to snap a pic of it before I put it away and post it. It's soooooo beautiful!!!

[StaceyMc]

Now that Mom has a lighter weight dress than her previous velvet suit (that she's now wearing for rehearsal), she was concerned about pinning the corsage to the jacket. I guess Grandma also has a lighter weight dress as well. She asked if I minded if the Mom's and Grandma's wore their corsages as wrist corsages. I told her that was fine, so long as no one decided to wear their flowers on their foreheads (I was kidding, but it would make for very interesting photos, don't ya think?), I have no problem with it.

She was so concerned that I'd be upset that they wanted to wear wrist corsages. She's funny. I told her that with as light weight as her jacket is, the corsage would always be hanging funny anyways and would be aggravating and look goofy in pictures anyways.

I love the fact that she asks me before she does things.

[Kacie_bride]

I am doing wrist corsages as well. I don't like poking things through my good clothing and I don't think my mom does either.

[StaceyMc]

My mom is so fantastic! She called me two weeks ago to tell me that she finished our altar arrangement and to stop on my way home. It is absolutely beautiful. She used a very large glass vase I bought for $4.00. She filled it about 1/4 with black, red and clear stones. She then placed 1/2 of a styrofoam ball on the top and did an arrangement using my burgundy/red roses, white roses, small white flowers, the flocked greenery and my pine. She also used a few pearls and ribbon that she used in my sister's arrangements as well - it is a sweet touch. To compliment the arrangement, she attached burgundy and white roses to the natural pine garland that she cut and arranged it kind of framing the vase. It's breath taking!

I was sitting in church this past Sunday imagining how beautiful the arrangement is going to look on the altar.

I wish I had taken a picture before she packed it away. I guess I'll have to post pictures after the wedding.

[MOB Karen]

Sounds beautiful, Stacey!!! How lucky you are to have such a talented mother! :D

[StaceyMc]

Sounds beautiful, Stacey!!! How lucky you are to have such a talented mother! :D

Thanks Karen. I tell her that all the time.

Joe suggested that in a few weeks, we're going to tell my parents to be ready on a Sunday afternoon and take them out for a nice dinner, to thank them for all of the wonderful things that they have done and are planning to do for the wedding. Just doing the flower arrangements and helping to create the invites are such a huge help! He really appreciates it, since no one in his family is interested in anything.

[ikkin510]

Wow Stacey, you are really moving along with things! I'm everything is going so well lately. It sounds like you got a lot of great deals on things. I am so excited to see pictures of your wedding. It sounds like it is going to be breath taking!!! Time is really flying by for you!

[StaceyMc]

My mom called my office yesterday and said that she was driving to the grocery store and started thinking about our rehearsal dinner. We had decided pizza and salad at a local restaurant. Mom said that she hates to see us spend a couple of hundred dollars (or whatever it was going to cost) to have a rehearsal dinner when we could use that money for a wedding day expense, or a honeymoon expense. We both know that Joe's family isn't going to volunteer to pay for the rehersal dinner.

She offered the use of their house to have the rehearsal dinner! My parents are the sweetest people! She said that Joe and I could pick up pizza's after rehersal and she and dad would provide salad, pop and beer. I discussed it with Joe last night and we both agreed that it's a great idea! It will be nice and relaxed....just what I wanted.

[LaceyinPgh]

My mom called my office yesterday and said that she was driving to the grocery store and started thinking about our rehearsal dinner. We had decided pizza and salad at a local restaurant. Mom said that she hates to see us spend a couple of hundred dollars (or whatever it was going to cost) to have a rehearsal dinner when we could use that money for a wedding day expense, or a honeymoon expense. We both know that Joe's family isn't going to volunteer to pay for the rehersal dinner.

She offered the use of their house to have the rehearsal dinner! My parents are the sweetest people! She said that Joe and I could pick up pizza's after rehersal and she and dad would provide salad, pop and beer. I discussed it with Joe last night and we both agreed that it's a great idea! It will be nice and relaxed....just what I wanted.

That is fabulous Stacey. It is silly to pay all that money to really just get to use their room. You have the best mom! And, I should be expecting my invitation, when? :bbmrgreen:

[AngelinLove]

I am glad that things are going so well...and it is great that you have such wonderful and supportive parents!!!

[StaceyMc]

I've been telling myself to call a few caterers since the beginning of August. I haven't made one phone call yet. I need someone to kick me in the arse to get those calls started.

Ok......now....at least one caterer must be called next week.

[StaceyMc]

I have that song by Josh Turner stuck in my head today. His voice.....yum.

I love love love that song and am trying to figure out how to work it into the reception music. Maybe I'll just put it on my playlist.