Cody and Chelsea's Wedding Journal (June 9, 2007)

[NicksBride]

oh my gosh, what a little princess in that dress. She is adorable!!

[Goin2thechapel]

I love the dress...she's sooo cute!

[70707Bride]

That is a really cute dress!

[BriansBride07]

yeah! Things are really coming along. What a adorable little one and the dress is gorgeous.

[Callys_bride]

awwwwwwwwwwww just the cutest little tiny thing :bbmrgreen:

[Twigler]

Thanks everyone! I wish I could take claim for her! hehe!

Things are nothing but crazy here! Cody found a job!!! I am so happy and proud of him! It is actually in his hometown and he will be doing exactly what he went to school for. He had worked for the company two summers ago as a machine operator, so he already knows a lot of the guys there and has their respect. He had two interviews. The first one they had shot him an amount on $$, but it was really low compared to what people were getting paid in his degree just for having their bachelors degree, let alone their masters like Cody has. The guy wanted to shoot prices around, so they did in the second interview, and now he is getting basically what he wants. One person down...one to go!

I sent out my resume's yesterday, so we will see how that goes. There is kind of something in the works right now that I might be able to get in on with our local branch of the University of Illinois Extension. I know the guy running the new program and they need a communications person to do their advertising and design work, and they had thought of me back when I already had that other job at DPS. So right now I am just sitting around and waiting to hear back about that. I should know something within the next few weeks. I hate sitting and waiting! It about kills me!!

In wedding stuff, I am starting to FREAK OUT about how much I still have to do and how little time I have left! Does my ticker actually say almost two months! Holy crud! After almost two years of being engaged, I cannot believe that it is almost here! Craziness!!!

I am trying to get the Thank You's designed as well as the programs. I am stuck at what to do with the programs...I would like to tie it in somehow with my other design of the invites, but I am just not sure how yet.... We'll see.

[70707Bride]

Congrats for Cody! I hope you find a job too! I have no idea where to even send a resume around here for what I want :( I'm actually kind of dreading it.

[July707Bride]

I hear ya on that, Jess. I got my teaching certification in January and started about a dozen applications then but still haven't finished or submitted any of them because I keep changing my answers for the short response questions because I want them to be perfect. And I really need to finish because I need to line up a teaching job for the fall so Steven and I can figure out where we can afford to move...and all this wedding planning keeps side-tracking me.

Good luck with your job hunt, Chelsea!

[Panthers Bride]

I'm glad things are looking up for you, Yeah! As far as the programs go, what about using your picture collage, from the invite, as the front of the program - unless you think that's too narcissistic. You could also use the same font you used on your invites.

[Goin2thechapel]

That's awesome! It's always so important to get the money that you want when you graduate (Doesn't always happen though). Keep your head up, You'll find something soon...my fingers are crossed!!

[Twigler]

Thanks again ladies! I also hope I find something soon Goin2thechapel (by-the-way, that song is my ringtone on my cellphone for when Cody calls me! :laugh:!)

Panthers Bride: I don't think I am going to use our photos on the programs, but I am planning on using the same font and the heart logo I made. I jsut can't decide if I want them trifolded, folded in half, fans, etc. I think I do want some type of fan since the wedding is outside, but I don't really like the idea of having the program on the fans. I guess I just need to do more searching and thinking!

[Twigler]

I stole this from KMS (Keely) and wanted to put it in here so I'd remember it. Great idea Keely! Hope you don't mind that I am borrowing it. I am going to change the wording a little to fit what things I am going to give my girls.


The Bridesmaid Survival Kit was made just for you,
So you can be cared for all the day through.

Lotion to keep your hands from getting dry,
A packet of tissues in case you should cry.

Lip gloss so your lovely lips can shine,
All of my girls will look so divine!

Hairspray to keep your hair in place,
A mirror to check out your beautiful face.

Perfume so you can freshen up a bit,
Chocolate to help you relax if I throw a fit!

Band-Aids in case your shoes aren't feeling okay,
You can take them off once Chad whisks me away!

A CD I made especially for you,
Play these tracks if you should ever feel blue!

Some hugs and kisses for my favorite girls,
You are my best friends in the whole wide world.

Thank you so much for all you have done,
Your support, your love, and all of the fun!

I hope this kit helps you and brings some glee,
Its just a little thanks from this bride-to-be!

[Twigler]

Here is my updated "TO DO LIST" (Items in red are DONE!)

• Order Personalized napkins
• Finalize guest list
• Order envelopes
• Call the cake lady (in Feb or March)
• Take 20% card to Nedrebos
• Buy more silk rose petals for runner and centerpieces
• Get FG a dress
• Change flower/bow on FG dress to red
• Look into getting water bottels for ceremony (add our own label to them)
• Figure out cement block covering
• Call wedding help (family members; send w/ invite)
• Make sure Cody calls the wedding help for his side of the family
• Figure out Unity Candle song for Maggie to sing
• Finish making favors
• Add tulle and ribbon to bubbles
• Wrap silverware in napkin (if I have time, I will do this)
• Buy plastic dinner plates (silver and red ***DO THIS WEEKEND***)
• Finish printing and cutting invites
• Assemble invites
• Address Invites
• Design "Thank You's"
• Print "Thank You's"
• Design ceremony programs
• Print ceremony programs
• Call priest
• Schedule hair appt with Carrie
• Get bouquet and flowers figured out
• Choose flourist (sp?)
• Go to first dress fitting
• Go to second dress fitting (May 5th)
• Figure out BM shoes
• Call caterer about reception food
• Make musical selections for ceremony and reception
• Find someone to tape the ceremony
• Buy unity candle, pillars, and memory candle
• Get hurricane glass to cover unity candle, memory candle, and pillars
• Order Toasting Flutes
• Buy cake Server
• Finalize registering for gifts
• Buy attendent's gifts
• Choose my hair style and the BM hair styles
• Get liner/filler for FG basket
• Buy Cody a wedding band
• Make list of wanted wedding photos for photographer
• Figure out unity candle table
• Purchase liquor at VFW
• Ask VFW if we can decorate that Thursday
• Get centerpiece mirrors ordered
• Reserve ceremony chairs (amount of 225)
• Buy wedding night goodies
• Check on rehersal stuff with FMIL (Design invites?)
• Buy postcard stamps
• Weigh and mail invites (***THIS SATURDAY***)
• Write newspaper announcement (April 24)
• Send rehersal invites (April 24-28)
• Go in for practice hair style with Carrie (May 26 @ 12:00)
• Speak with DJ about specs (table, etc)
• Update hair color if needed
• Make sure veil is steamed/straight looking
• Schedule mani and pedi for mom and I (and the girls?)
• Meet again with photographer
• Give final idea of headcount to caterer
• Pay for cake
• HAVE A GREAT REHEARSAL
• Wedding day hair appointment starting at 9:00am
• GET MARRIED!!!!!!!

[NicksBride]

WOW, look at your ticker. You will be married SOOO soon!!!! It sounds like you are right on track. Can't wait to see your wedding come together, I know it will be gorgeous.

[Twigler]

Thank you so much Nicksbride! You just put a huge smile on my face! My Ticker! What about YOUR ticker!!

I got the "Thank You"s printed today. They are nothing special, but I will still try to post a picture of them sometime. I used the same silver sparkle paper for the note and then through work, I am going to get silver sparkle envelopes that will match perfectly. Nothing fancy, but I love them! Now all I have to do still is figure out the programs!

[Twigler]

Here's the image of my "thank you" and the envelope. It has the same font and logo as our invites.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02675.jpg

[July707Bride]

Very nice. I love how you did your invites too, they're very beautiful! :p

[Twigler]

Thank you July707Bride!

Phew! I just went through each and every page of my journal, copied the text from what I said and then from what everyone else said (with their username attached) and pasted it into a word document. I really wanted to be able to keep everything in my journal here and remember what nice things people said about my planning process. I might turn it into a scrapbook-like thing of some type. I just wanted a way to remember all you great gals who have helped me out SOO much!

So far, my word document journal is 80 pages long...hehe!! And I am REALLY tired of coping and pasting! It'll be worth it in the long run!!!

[NicksBride]

ohh I love your Thank You's!!
That is a great idea for the word document, I love all the comments that everyone leaves!! It is nice to keep them. :)

[Twigler]

Thanks Nicksbride!!

Two AWESOME things happened this weekend!

1st: my mom called my Thurday night and said that her and one of my bridesmaids (my sister-in-law) are planning a bridal shower for me and want to set the date. So we went through the days and called the local Community Center and booked Sunday, May 6th. I am SOO excited to have a bridal shower!! I kept hearing of all the other girls on here getting showers and I was starting to get jelous!

2nd: I sent out my invites today!! I was actually kind of sad to see them go! With all the hard work I have put into them...knowing people will throw them away eventually kind of made me sad! Oh well! We sent out 146 of them, and I know there are a few more people who we still need addresses for. The only crappy thing about it is that we had to use $0.63 stamps becaus they weighed 1.1 oz (0.1 over the weight breakoff between $0.39 and $0.63). Oh well. At least they are done and sent!!

I cannot believe how quick time is going! Two months!!!!!!!

[NicksBride]

That is wonderful!!!! Can'twait to hear about your bridal shower its very exciting. YEA for invites. It is exciting to get the RSVP'sback.I am sure once you hear how much people enjoy them your hard work will be validated!

[70707Bride]

Good job getting your invites out! My mom is still in the process of making them. She got together with Chris' mom Tuesday and they worked on them. Then she took some to send.

[NicksBride]

Haven't heard from you in awhile. Hope you are doing ok!

[Twigler]

It will be a huge weight off of your back to get the invites out 70707Bride! I cannot believe that we are almost there!

NicksBride: Thanks so much for the concern! I am doing alright, I have just been swamped with school work and trying to find a job.

I sent out about 13 more resumes/cover letters on Thurday. That makes a total of 25 places I have applied. I hope I can hear something this week.

Like I had said, we sent out invites on Saturday (last week) and by Tuesday, we had 21 RSVPs! We are at 32 now. Craziness! Now that people are actually coming to the wedding, we actually have to go through with it! lol!

Also, yesterday my mom and I went to a local town and got my flowers figured out! I am really excited to see them!!! Well, that is all for now. I will try to find pics of what my flowers will look like.

[NicksBride]

Wow you are getting soooo close! I can't wait to see wedding pictures. :) That is really exciting to get the invites out and get responses. Its a great feeling. WAHOO!

[Jacklynn]

It's so exciting to get the invites out and get responses back!!! I got a ton at first, now they have slowed down (people tend to think they don't actually have to send it back, they can just tell one of my family members (hehe sorry just is frustrating)

hmm were was I now that I got off track! Oh yes, Enjoy getting those responces! Some come back so quickly its like they were standing at their mailbox, filled it out and handed it right back to the mail person haha

[Callys_bride]

Good Luck on your job hunt :cool:

Looks like things are getting together!! Very cute thank you notes, I like that they match your invitations.

[Twigler]

NicksBride: I cannot believe how close it is! I graduate in three and a half weeks, and then just a few more weeks and then wedding! Crazy!!!

MayBride: I know what you mean about the family. I have had some already, but I think most people won't send them in...even though I already have them post-stamped (since they are postcards, all they have to do it fill it out and mail it). But it is really exciting!

And thanks Callys_bride!

Well, my second batch of resumes must have payed off for one place. I got a call yesterday from "The Hawk Eye", a newspaper out of Burlington, IA and they want me to come in for an interview. So I have an interview set up for this Friday at 10:00. I am really scared about it! The only downside if I get a job there is the location of Burlington. It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from where Cody's job is. But if we find a place half-way in-between, then we can just commute. I really don't even know what the job entails...the lady never really said when she called me. But I figured, what the heck, I don't have anything else right now so why not interview and find out!

[shawnsgirl]

Congrats on the interview....That's great! Well, if anything it wil be a learning process for other interviews ahead! I'm sure you will do fine!!

Your wedding is also fast approaching!! I'm so excited for you!!

[NicksBride]

That is wonderful about the job interview. Just relax, be yourself and see if it is a job for you. I hate interviews as well, but it is always nice to sit and talk about something you are interested it. It will be great. Best of luck!!!!!

[Twigler]

That's what I figured too. It would be a learning process!

I am getting more excited and nervous each day. I am not sure how I am going to make it through the next two months without an ulcer! Things yet to be done/decided: Job, Finding a place to live, Moving, Graduation, Wedding, Changing my name. It is just so scary thinking about how everything in my life (basically) is going to change, and all in less than two months. I am so petrified, yet excited! Too many emotions floating through my head right now! :bbconfused:

[NicksBride]

I hear ya, it is really scary and can get really to much. But just take one thing at at a time. Make lists, talk it over withy our FH, to make you feel better and just breathe. It is going to seem like a lot and even after your married it is one less thing, but life only gets more exciting choatic as a newlywed. But as you said it is just an adventure and you will come out on top. Hey if nothign else, at least you got a good man to support you right?
Hang in there sweetie, it will all be worth it in the end.

[Twigler]

Thank you NicksBride! You are too sweet! And I do have a really sweet man to help me through it all. He is kind of in the same boat I am, but he is getting his Masters Degree!

I do make a lot of lists and just try to take it one thing at a time, and it usually works out decent. I just try not to think about everything all at once and just break it down into easier chunks.

[NicksBride]

Thats always the way I do it. Makes it easier to manage. WOW a masters, good for him that is very stressful as well. You guys have a lot going on, but really exciting and fun stuff. :)
Your wedding is just coming so fast isn't it? Time flies. You will be a bride before you know it.

[Callys_bride]

Good luck on the wedding everything looks great! You and the girls need to go and get a massage and do a girls night :laugh: that always helps me relax!

A little over a month to go, how exciting!!

[KMS]

That's what I figured too. It would be a learning process!

I am getting more excited and nervous each day. I am not sure how I am going to make it through the next two months without an ulcer! Things yet to be done/decided: Job, Finding a place to live, Moving, Graduation, Wedding, Changing my name. It is just so scary thinking about how everything in my life (basically) is going to change, and all in less than two months. I am so petrified, yet excited! Too many emotions floating through my head right now! :bbconfused:

Oh hun I know how craaaazy you're feeling! I too am going to be going through a ton of changes all at once along with marriage. It's overwhelming! Good luck with it all!

[Jacklynn]

I totally understand about it seeming to be a ton all at once! Hang in there babe and by the middle of June you will be one happy Mrs. :)

[70707Bride]

Everything is so much more stressful with college to worry about too!

[Twigler]

Thanks everyone for your posts!

I haven't been able to think about the wedding much with trying to find a job and a place to live. I had a job interview on Friday and it went really well. I had just sent my resume into them but it turns out that they had an opening. I would be working for "The Hawk Eye" newspaper in Burlington, IA doing their ads. They have five designers (and I will make the 5th when that other person leaves) and for example, they had 160 ads on Friday. The interview went really well and they are suppose to contact me sometime this week. So now I am just sitting around worring and waiting! I am really excited about it though! Cody and I drove around some and looked at places, but they were really run down and dumpy looking. I am not sure if we are going to be able to be in the country like we want.

In good news, my MOH and her husband are moving back home! Her husband (also my fiance's best friend) used to live in Ohio at the Air Force Base in Dayton (He is in the Air Force and is done as of next week). He got a job in my fiance's home town, so we are going to be just 30-ish minutes from them! I am so excited to actually be able to do stuff with them finally!!

[hummingbird521]

i hope the job offer comes you way. it sounds great. i too hated the waiting and wondering part of it.

[70707Bride]

Thanks everyone for your posts!

I haven't been able to think about the wedding much with trying to find a job and a place to live. I had a job interview on Friday and it went really well. I had just sent my resume into them but it turns out that they had an opening. I would be working for "The Hawk Eye" newspaper in Burlington, IA doing their ads. They have five designers (and I will make the 5th when that other person leaves) and for example, they had 160 ads on Friday.



Haha! That's our paper! One thing about The Hawk Eye though is that a lot of the people writing articles, have so many spelling/typing errors! People always complain and say "leave it to The Hawk Eye to mess up" lol. But that's not the ads ;), good luck with the job hunting!

[Panthers Bride]

Sounds like (some) things are looking up for you! I'll keep my fingers & toes crossed on the job!

[Twigler]

Thanks hummingbird521 and Panthers Bride!

Haha! That's our paper! One thing about The Hawk Eye though is that a lot of the people writing articles, have so many spelling/typing errors! People always complain and say "leave it to The Hawk Eye to mess up" lol. But that's not the ads ;), good luck with the job hunting!
Great! So I will be working at a stupid paper...lol! JK. Oh well. As long as it pays I guess!

[mariaandmanish]

Congrats about the job!! It sounds like a great opportunity for you, even if the other parts have typos!!!

And, that's awesome news about your MOH. Having friends nearby is a great support, and a blessing!

[Twigler]

Time for another update on my "TO DO LIST" (Items in red are DONE!)

• Order Personalized napkins
• Finalize guest list
• Order envelopes
• Call the cake lady (in Feb or March)
• Take 20% card to Nedrebos
• Buy more silk rose petals for runner and centerpieces (GOT REAL ONES!)
• Get FG a dress
• Change flower/bow on FG dress to red
• Look into getting water bottels for ceremony (add our own label to them)
• Figure out cement block covering
• Call wedding help
• Make sure Cody calls the wedding help for his side of the family
• Figure out Unity Candle song for Maggie to sing
• Finish making favors
• Add tulle and ribbon to bubbles
• Wrap silverware in napkin (if I have time, I will do this)
• Buy plastic dinner plates (silver and red)
• Finish printing and cutting invites
• Assemble invites
• Address Invites
• Buy postcard stamps
• Weigh and mail invites
• Design "Thank You's"
• Print "Thank You's"
• Get "Thank You" envelopes
• Design ceremony programs
• Print ceremony programs
• Pay DPS for printed materials (***BEFORE MAY 10th***)
• Call priest
• Schedule hair appt with Carrie
• Get bouquet and flowers figured out
• Choose florist (sp?)
• Go to first dress fitting
• Go to second dress fitting (May 5th)
• Figure out BM shoes
• Call caterer about reception food
• Make musical selections for ceremony and reception
• Find someone to tape the ceremony
• Buy unity candle, pillars, and memory candle
• Get glass to cover unity candle, memory candle, and pillars
• Order Toasting Flutes
• Buy cake Server
• Finalize registering for gifts
• Buy attendent's gifts
• Choose my hair style and the BM hair styles
• Get BM dresses altered (***CALL SHIRLEY THIS WEEK***)
• Get liner/filler for FG basket
• Buy Cody a wedding band
• Make list of wanted wedding photos for photographer
• Figure out unity candle table
• Purchase liquor at VFW
• Ask VFW if we can decorate that Thursday
• Get centerpiece mirrors ordered
• Reserve ceremony chairs (amount of 225)
• Buy wedding night goodies
• Check on rehersal stuff with FMIL (***INVITES NEED TO GO OUT THIS WEEKEND***)
• Write newspaper announcement (***DO THIS WEEKEND***)
• Send rehersal invites (***ASK DARCY ABOUT THIS, NEED TO GO OUT THIS WEEKEND***)
• Go to Bridal Shower (May 6th at 2:00)
• Make an itinerary and mail to the wedding party
• Go in for practice hair style with Carrie (May 26 @ 12:00)
• Have a blast at Bachelorette Party (May 26)
• Speak with DJ about specs (table, etc)
• Update hair color if needed
• Get Marriage license
• Make sure veil is steamed/straight looking
• Schedule mani and pedi for mom and I (and the girls?)
• Meet again with photographer
• Get final idea of headcount
• Get more plates/materials if headcount is more than expected
• Pay for cake
• HAVE A GREAT REHEARSAL
• Wedding day hair appointment starting at 9:00am
• GET MARRIED!!!!!!!

[KMS]

Yay! Lots of red! I think that I should probably personalize my own to do list too instead of using one of the pre-made ones. Yours looks very complete!

[Jacklynn]

You are almost to the month mark now!!!

[Twigler]

You are almost to the month mark now!!!
I know! It sure doesn't seem like it yet!

I have been SOOO busy and stressed thinking about jobs and getting a house and graduation that I haven't been able to sit back end enjoy the whole wedding planning process. I have my Bridal Shower this weekend and I am not even excited about it. I feel almost guilty for being excited because I have so much big stuff left to do (stuff outside of the wedding anyways).

And get this: I had called the newspaper where I interviewed on Monday and the guy said that they wouldn't be done with first round interviews until the middle of next week. Ok, that is fine. THEN, he called Tueday (the next day) and proceeds to tell me that they are not highering anyone at this time, but they have some big projects coming up at the end of May that they would like my help with. Ok...what ever happened with the "first round interviews" **** he said the day before?! So I guess that job is now checked off of my list and now I am stuck. I have nothing. No leads, nothing. Cody told me that I should still look, but not worry about it until after the wedding. I would like to do that, but what do we do for a house then? THe place he is working is in a small town from where he is from, but it is 25-50 min away from any bigger towns where I would more likely get a job. So do we rent an apartment for the time being and I will just have to drive if I find something? We are reall not sure what to do. I wish I could just turn off my worries about that so I could actually be excited about my shower.:(

[July707Bride]

Sorry about your job situation. I'm kinda in the same boat granted I have almost a month more to work with than you do. I filled out a bunch of applications and sent them in and haven't heard anything yet. FH wants us living on our own by our wedding date. Right now he's stuck living with his family an hour away from our son and me because my parents kicked him out. I don't want to go up there and we're looking around here. If I can get a contract for a teaching job by July we're guaranteed a $200,000 mortgage. So I'm hoping to get hired, otherwise if we HAVE to be in our own place by the wedding we'll have to get a dinky apartment for six months but I know I'll regret it if I end up getting hired a couple weeks later. And if we get an apartment for six months, we'll be moving in december right before Christmas, ugh.

I really hope you're able to find something soon. Good luck with everything and know you're not alone in the endless hunt for a job. ;)

[Twigler]

Man, it sounds like you and I are in the same boat in a lot of ways! And I know what you mean about the apartment thing. If we get an apartment, it will prob have to be for at least a 6 mo lease, if not a year lease. And if I get a job, we can afford to get a semi-decent house. Plus we are wanting to try having kids in about a year, and I would hate to have our first in an apartment.

I am really sorry that you are going through so much as well. I feel for you and wish you the best!

[NicksBride]

oh no Chelsea I am so sorry to hear about the job situation. I just hope that you can relax this weekend, forget everything and have a wonderful shower. Just remember that you get married once, life is always happening around you. So just remember to enjoy the things you know will pass you by and you can never get back and everything else will come into place when you are ready for them.
Finding a job after college is the hardest thing, but enjoy your time as much as you can because it will be gone before you know it!!

[Twigler]

oh no Chelsea I am so sorry to hear about the job situation. I just hope that you can relax this weekend, forget everything and have a wonderful shower. Just remember that you get married once, life is always happening around you. So just remember to enjoy the things you know will pass you by and you can never get back and everything else will come into place when you are ready for them.
Finding a job after college is the hardest thing, but enjoy your time as much as you can because it will be gone before you know it!!
You are such a sweetie! Your post made me cry because what you said is so right! I just need to enjoy the things I know will pass. How true! Thank you so much for saying that!

[Jacklynn]

I hope things are looking up for you!!! I haven't read up on you in a while, so I am trying to catch up!!

You are getting closer and closer! I didn't realize how close you were :)

[Twigler]

Well, today was my last dress fitting! My mom, FMIL and one of my BM came with me. It kind of made me mad because my MOH is back from Ohio and she has been all week. Well, I was talking to her last night about going today and she said that she couldn't because her and her sister were meeting her grandmother for lunch. She later admitted to Cody that she had forgotten. It just makes me mad that this is the ONLY thing I have asked her to do with me, and she was home all week and could've met her G-ma then. I told her about this fitting A MONTH AGO. Grrr... Other than that, I had a great time!

We left around 11:30 and ended up at Joe's Crab Shack for lunch. Then we went to the bridal place and I got to try on my dress. It was perfect! There is one area at the bottom that has to be fixed a little bit, but other than that it was great! Here are some pics.

Here is my mom and I outside of Joe's Crab Shack
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02719-1.jpg

My mom and my FMIL trying to get the back of my dress buttoned right.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02722.jpg

Here is Sara, one of my BM, learning how to bustle my dress (she is in the green, the bridal place lady is in the white).
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02724.jpg

[Twigler]

Here is what my dress looks like bustled. We did the bustle that goes up under the back of the dress so that the details in the back would still be visible. I love it so much!!!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02725.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02726.jpg

And here is the whole gang. (Sara, my mom, me, and my FMIL)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02727.jpg

I had a really great time. I did ok for most of it until the end (right before the pictures) and I started crying! I think my FMIL said something about the fact that my dad wasn't going to be able to make it (meaning he was going to cry when he saw me) and that made me cry!

And tomorrow is my shower!!! I can't wait!!!

[hummingbird521]

your dress turned out gorgeous. i love the way the bustle is on it.

[NicksBride]

OMG! I Literally have goosebumps, you are a vision in white. That dress is just STUNNING!! I love the bustle and your right your dad is going to loose it. I just love it. Glad you had a nice relaxing day and I can't wait to see pictures from your shower!

[NicksBride]

You are such a sweetie! Your post made me cry because what you said is so right! I just need to enjoy the things I know will pass. How true! Thank you so much for saying that!

Oh your welcome sweetie! You deserve to be happy!

[Jacklynn]

Your bustle looks amazing!!! You look so stinking great in your dress :) Not many people will be able to make it, you just look so stunning. Congrats on looking simply amazing ;)

Also congrats on going to a great place for lunch hehe

[July707Bride]

Your dress looks so beautiful! I love your bustle! I can't wait to see pics of you in it on your wedding day.

I'm going for my first fitting this Wednesday and I can't wait...I hope my bustle looks as good as yours.

[Twigler]

Thank you so much ladies! I am really glad to hear that you like it so much! I was one of those people who hadn't really had the "this is the one" feeling with my dress but I did Saturday when I got it bustled. I think I like the dress better bustled than not! lol!

The shower was awesome! I had a great time and got a ton of great things! My Sister-in-Law basically planned the whole thing and she did wonderful! I will post pics later tonight if I can. Only one bad thing happened. The same MOH that didn't come to the dress fitting also showed up 15 minutes late to my shower. How nice huh?! My other BM were wonderful though! Yeah to them! I kind of ignored my MOH at the shower. It may have been rude, but I was pissed at her for being so late and not even asking to help out at all. And she is suppose to be my MOH and best friend!

Other than that it was wonderful!

This morning, I have my hard final done already and I got an A in the class! 3 more to go and then I graduate and then the wedding!!!

[shawnsgirl]

Fist off, the way they bustled your dress is stunning. That is one of the most beautiful bustles I have seen in a long time!! I got chills seing the pictures!! I'm so sorry your MOH is acting to care free about your wedding. I hope she steps up to the plate for you and does her share!!!

[Jacklynn]

I agree, your MOH needs to step it up!

[KMS]

I am so loving the bustle that you chose to do! I don't think that I've ever seen one like and it's so pretty. Sorry about the mess with your MOH. That's so lame. Grrr!

[mlm063007]

Your dress is so beautiful!! I cant believe how close its getting!

That sucks about your MOH. I just wish people could realize that it is an honor to be in your wedding party and they should act accordingly.

[NicksBride]

good luck with your last finals!!!!!!!

[70707Bride]

Congrats on your A! My last final was yesterday. I didn't have a final in one of my classes. Oh, and that's too bad about the paper. I would have said something about the interviews, I like doing that, catching people in their tricks! Are you on Monster.com and careerbuilder.com? That could help. And btw, you look beautiful in your dress!

[jeni740]

You look so pretty!! I love your dress the bustle looks great sometimes they dont look so good, but they did a great job on yours :)

[Twigler]

thanks a ton everyone for the compliments and the support with my MOH. She is acting find now, almost like nothing happened. It is just hard trying to forgive her so fast when she had really hurt me.

Anyways, I finally got my pictures of the shower. I am going to post quite a few, and then at the end I have pictures of my graduation! I am finally done with school. It is hard to believe, but it is true. Cody started work today so that is crazy. I have been on the phone all day trying to find a house/ apartment to rent or somewhere to live. So far no luck. It sucks because it is like I am so scared and stressed about finding a place to live that I can't enjoy being engaged. I am actually getting scared shitless!

Oh well! Here are the pictures!

My Sister-In-Law did all of the decorations for the shower. They turned out really great! She did a wonderful job!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/000_0001.jpg

This was my designated chair.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/000_0009.jpg

My Sister-in-law even made my guest book, which was really neat
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/000_0008.jpg

[Twigler]

Me looking at all of the great gifts
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/CIMG1159.jpg

I loved this gift bag
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/CIMG1173.jpg

Here is my with my FMIL
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02733.jpg

[Twigler]

Me with my bridemaids (my MOH is the one on the left and my Sister-in-law is the one on the right)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02741.jpg

And lastly, me with my mother
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02744.jpg

[Twigler]

Here is me in my nice marshal robe
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/graduation/DSC02823.jpg

Cody and I before the graduation.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/graduation/DSC02813.jpg

Me with my future parents-in-law
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/graduation/DSC02945.jpg

[Twigler]

Me with my parents
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/graduation/DSC02947.jpg

Cody and I
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/graduation/DSC02952.jpg

[ger]

I love all your pics. I'll bet you are quite relieved to be done with school. Your shower looks like a lot of fun. And I simply LOVE your dress. Your bustle looks really neat. You will be so georgous. I can't wait to see pics.

[July707Bride]

Your shower pics look great....it looks like you really got a lot of gifts too! Congrats on graduating, aren't you glad to finally be done? I can't wait for my shower...which is actually on your wedding day, less than a month away! Ahhh!! :D

[NicksBride]

aww it looks like you had a blast!!!!!!!!!!! Look at all your presents! You looked beautiful. I loved your dress!!!
Congratulations on graduating! It is a great feeling isn't??? That is just awsome. Great pictures and thanks for sharing!!!!!
Now onto your wedding!!!! :)

[mlm063007]

It looks like you had a great time at your shower!!

Arent you so glad to be done with school? I am counting down the days until I finally graduate and I still have a year left!!!

[Twigler]

Thank you so much everyone! I did have a great time! It did seem somewhat surreal however, but it was still really fun!

Arent you so glad to be done with school? I am counting down the days until I finally graduate and I still have a year left!!!
I am glad to be done with school, but I just wish I had a job! it almost seems like I am just off for summer break and not really done done with school! I think it will seem more realistic when everyone starts going back to school in the Fall and I don't. TRUST ME...the time will FLY! You will be done before you know it (and I am sure you are already sick of hearing that)!

Well, I had a job interview today. It was in the town where I went to school. It is the type of work I want to do, but it is really far away from where we are hoping to live (about 55-60 minutes away). I am going to see if I can work part time and drive only two or three times a week. They asked me what it would take to have me be full time, and I said (in a polite way) that the pay would have to be decent in order for me to drive that much. Especially with gas at $3.29 a gallon. We shall see!

Cody and I are viewing a house tonight in my hometown that is going up for auction. It is going to go for more than we can afford, but it will still be fun to daydream! We did get pre-approved for a house loan, and we used just cody's income. So if I get a job, than maybe we can try for more! Again, we shall see!

[NicksBride]

BUmmer about the job! I remember applying for a job an hour away. They offered it to me, but you are right with gas prices and besides that is really far to drive! So good for you for being blunt to say something! A lot of people wouldn't do that. So that is really great!

Good luck with the house auction, its always fun!

[shelbyoliver]

You wedding looks soo wonderful! Congrats! I cant wait to see all of your photos!!

[jeni740]

You look so cute!!! Congratulations on your graduation :)

[KMS]

Good luck with the house hunting. I know that it's just extra stress when you're trying to enjoy being engaged and planning your wedding. Looks like you had a good wedding shower! And I loved that bag too, by the way!

Congrats on the graduation...I can't wait for my own!!

[70707Bride]

Haven't been here for a while...congrats on graduation and getting out of WIU! Lol.

[Twigler]

Thanks everyone! Sorry that it has been so long since I have been here! Jeeze! So much has happened and I cannot believe that the wedding is in TWO WEEKS! Holy Cow!!! Here are some updates:

No news on the job interview. Go figure.

Cody and I had viewed that house, but it was actually really old inside. The man had built it in 1960 and NOTHING is new! And it is going to be too $$ for us anyways. Cody and I now have an apartment in the town where he is working. With the gas at $3.49, we cannot afford much else. It is a little duplex. We are moving in tomorrow (well, we aren't, but we are moving in our stuff).

Last night we went to a local town and got Cody's wedding band. It is just a plain comfort fit white gold band and it looks really good on him!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/ring.jpg

I will update my To Do list a little later (favors are done).

Here is my schedule for tonight and tomorrow:
Cody and I will meet and go to our college apartment and start packing stuff up. We are spending the night and then early in the morning my dad is meeting us there with the truck and trailer. We have to be back in Cody's hometown at 12:00 because I have my trial hair run (by myself :bbcry: . My mom has to work). Then afterwards I will go meet Cody and my dad at the new apartment to help move in. At 6:00, my bachelorette party starts! We are eating at a restaurantcalled McGillicuddys (they have great frozen amaretto sours and hamburgers!), then going to a bar across the street (maybe, I am not big into bars and drinking period) and then we rented a hotel room and we are going to do some drinking and swimming! I cannot wait! It is going to be such a crazy day!!!

[Twigler]

Time for another update on my "TO DO LIST" (Items in red are DONE!)

• Order Personalized napkins
• Finalize guest list
• Order envelopes
• Call the cake lady (in Feb or March)
• Take 20% card to Nedrebos
• Buy more silk rose petals for runner and centerpieces (GOT REAL ONES!)
• Get FG a dress
• Change flower/bow on FG dress to red
• Look into getting water bottles for ceremony
• Figure out cement block covering
• Call wedding help
• Make sure Cody calls the wedding help for his side of the family
• Figure out Unity Candle song for Maggie to sing
• Finish making favors
• Add tulle and ribbon to bubbles
• Wrap silverware in napkin (if I have time, I will do this)
• Buy plastic dinner plates (silver and red)
• Finish printing and cutting invites
• Assemble invites
• Address Invites
• Buy postcard stamps
• Weigh and mail invites
• Design "Thank You's"
• Print "Thank You's"
• Get "Thank You" envelopes
• Design ceremony programs
• Print ceremony programs
• Design and print “poem” from BM
• Assemble ceremony programs (WORKING ON)
• Design and print location signs and aarows
• Pay DPS for printed materials
• Call priest
• Schedule hair appt with Carrie
• Get bouquet and flowers figured out
• Choose florist (sp?)
• Go to first dress fitting
• Go to second dress fitting (May 5th)
• Figure out BM shoes
• Call caterer about reception food (after RSVPs are due)
• Make musical selections for ceremony and reception (WORKING ON)
• Get something to put envelopes in at reception
• Find someone to tape the ceremony
• Buy Unity candle, pillars, and memory candle
• Add design/ribbon to candles (WORKING ON)
• Get glass to cover unity candle, memory candle, and pillars
• Order Toasting Flutes
• Buy cake Server
• Finalize registering for gifts
• Buy attendant’s gifts (WORKING ON)
• Buy parent’s gifts
• Figure out honeymoon, if able to go on one
• Choose my hair style and the BM hair styles
• Get BM dresses altered (the girls are taking care of this)
• Get liner/filler for FG basket (not doing)
• Buy Cody a wedding band
• Get lattice and white lights for behind cake table
• Make list of wanted wedding photos for photographer
• Figure out unity candle table (WORKING ON)
• Purchase liquor at VFW
• Ask VFW if we can decorate that Thursday
• Get centerpiece mirrors ordered
• Reserve ceremony chairs (amount of 225)
• Buy wedding night goodies
• Check on rehersal stuff with FMIL
• Write newspaper announcement
• Send rehersal invites
• Go to Bridal Shower (May 6th at 2:00)
• Make an itinerary and mail to the wedding party
• Go in for practice hair style with Carrie (May 26 @ 12:00)
• Have a blast at Bachelorette Party (May 26)
• Speak with DJ about specs (table, etc)
• See if we can get a microphone from DJ or someone else for officiate
• Update hair color if needed/ hair trim (appt. May 17, at 1:30)
• Get Marriage license
• Make sure veil is steamed/straight looking
• Schedule mani and pedi (Thursday June 7 at 3:15)
• Meet again with photographer
• Get final idea of headcount
• Get more plates/materials if headcount is more than expected
• Pay for cake
• HAVE A GREAT REHEARSAL (start at 6:00)
• Wedding day hair appointment starting at 9:30am
• GET MARRIED!!!!!!!

[Twigler]

And....we got our honeymoon booked! We are going to leave on Sunday the 10th, and stay until Thurday the 14th and drive home. It is in Brown County, Indiana near Nashville, Indiana. Here are the pics:

Here is the secluded cabin we are staying in. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/springside.jpg

It has its own personal lake that we can fish (catch and release) and our own boat. The lake is 1/4 mile walk from the cabin.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/aspenleaflake2.jpg

Here is the front porch.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/porchspring.jpg

And the outdoor, year round HOT TUB!!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/tub.jpg

[Twigler]

Here is the master suite
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/6.jpg


The living room and dining room
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/7.jpg



One of the bathrooms
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/brup3.jpg


The kitchen (fully stocked, we only have to bring food)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/1.jpg

[Twigler]

And the living room fireplace
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/Honeymoon/3.jpg

And guess what, it was faily cheap! I cannot wait! I am so excited that we can actually go on a honeymoon now! Yeah!!

[NicksBride]

YEA CHELSEA! I was wondering where you were girl!!
EVerything sounds AMAZING. Sorry about the house, but congrats on a the duplex, I am sure it will be really nice to move somewhere else, Moving on. From college to adult life, haha I am still getting there. ;)
The ring for Cody is really nice! Glad to see you got that. Your honeymoon sounds SOO relaxing, what a great place. Secluded and your own little hideaway. I am sure you will put the hot tub to good use. So exciting.
WOW two weeks. I can't believe it. I am sure you can't either. so happy for you sweetie. Have so much fun ony our bacherlorette party. We want pictures.... ENJOY!!!!!!

[Goin2thechapel]

I am soo excited for you Chelsea! You're big day is fast aproahing and You've worked soo hard! I hope you have the best of days.

You're bustle is AMAZING!!! I'm wicked jealous ;) and thanks for sharing pics of your shower!

And most importantly

CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATING!!!!!

[KMS]

The inside of the cabin is very nice, but I would be permanently planted outside! It's sooo beautiful. It's so great, you can go back there for years to come and fondly remember your honeymoon. Sorry about the house issue, but I know that y'all will make the best of the duplex. Love his wedding band...classic!

[jeni740]

Holy **** twiggler 12 days!!!!!! Are you ready :)

[jeni740]

Oh I forgot to put how beautiful the cabin is. That is what I want a nice secluded peaceful place to relax and spend with my husband. Great choice :)

[nic1124]

The cabin looks so nice and cozy! and Romantic!! Great choice!

[pinkcherry83]

I just sat and read your journal in one sitting. WOW. Everything is beautiful. Have you ever sat back and read through it? It's amazing to see all the work and time you put into everything. I love your dress and you are very beautiful in it. I'm glad that everything seems to be going perfect and I can't wait to see the wedding pictures.

[Twigler]

Thanks so much everyone! You are all so wonderful! :heart:

Things have been crazy here (surprise surprise)! Saturday was absolutely nuts! The night before, Cody and I stayed down at our college apartment and packed everything. We stayed the night and my dad met us in the morning at 8:00 with the livestock trailer. We packed all morning and headed back to our hometown. Well, we got there around 11:55 and I had to be at my trial hair appt. at 12:00. So I sped there and got my hair done (oh, and all the while, it has been raining!)

While I was getting my hair done, the "boys" in my family and some of Cody's friends moved our stuff into the new apartment. Then I headed over there after my hair was done and helped Cody unpack some. Then, I went home and showered because my bachelorette party started at 6:00!

My Bachelorette party was fun! One of my BM couldn't come because she was sick so it was my other BM (sister-in-law), my MOH, a friend of mine and my mother. We went to a local restaurant (my mom came to this part only). My mom and my sister-in-law gave me a cute "Honeymoon Basket" full of crackers, cheese, Champaign and cute glasses.

After the restaurant, the girls and I went to a hotel for some swimming and a little drinking (I only had one shot and half a glass of Boones Farm (lol!)). We only ended up staying up until 1:00, but we really had a good time. I will post pics a little later. I have to get some from my MOH.

Ok. I think that is a long enough post! Sorry! I am heading to bed. I will try to update you more tomorrow! 11 more days!

[Twigler]

Here are some pictures of the bachelorette party. My MOH has more on her camera.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03011.jpg

Here is me being stupid, showing off my "bride" shirt that I made. You can also bairly see my hair. It is kind of how I am having it for the wedding. Only with tighter curls and with a tiara (sp?)
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03012.jpg

[Twigler]

Here are some of my recent DIY projects. I'll tell you one thing, I am so sick of ribbons!! Lol

Here are the bubbles. I used a red tulle and a white tulle. They turned out ok, but not really what I wanted. Oh well!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03019.jpg

Here is the front of our programs that I made
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03026.jpg

Here is the inside of the programs
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03029.jpg

And here is the back
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03032.jpg

[Twigler]

And here is my DIY unity candle, pillars, and memory candle.

Unity candle and pillars. We have to have something surrounding the candles since the wedding is outdoors and the wind would probably blow out the flame.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03044.jpg

Memory candle
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03039.jpg

[NicksBride]

CHelsea TEN DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is soo exciting. It looks like you had a blast at your party and look at of the stuff you have done, that is awesome. I can't wait to see you as a bride, you are going to be sooo pretty. :)

[KMS]

I love the pics you posted. Your shirt, programs, candles are all just wonderful. Your hair is going to be so pretty once you get the tiara on there. Not that it's not pretty in the pic, but it's going to be complete, ya know!

[Twigler]

Thanks KMS! and I know what you mean. I hadn't planned on using a tiara, but I though it looked incomplete without it. Hey, that's what trials are for right!?

[Emerald]

Everything looks so wonderful. You must be so excited to finally be getting married in just a few days!! You've done a wonderful job with the DIY projects.

[Twigler]

Thank you Emerald! I am getting excited, but I am also so stressed that it is hard to stay totally positive about it. I am also a little sad to be losing my last name and kind of "cutting the ties" so to speak. It is a little bittersweet. (a little!)

Tonight my parents and I went and got a bunch of stuff done for the wedding. Little by little things are getting checked off my list. We are almost done. Almost! :bbconfused:

Here is an "I Do" sign I painted and sprayed with glitter. I think I am going to put it somewhere by the cake table.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03044-1.jpg

And then here is basically what I am doing for the table centerpieces.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03058.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03060.jpg

[KMS]

It's going to look so elegant!!

[70707Bride]

I wanted to do a memorial candle but couldn't find a red candle like the one you have that wasn't scented. Is your's scented?

[Twigler]

It's going to look so elegant!!
Elegant on a budget! lol! Thank you! I really hope it does look good! I am getting really nervous (sp)

[Twigler]

I wanted to do a memorial candle but couldn't find a red candle like the one you have that wasn't scented. Is your's scented?

Yes, it is scented like apples I think. I just got it at Wal-mart. Since it is going to be outdoors, I don't think it will matter. Also, the Wal-mart candles don't really smell that much once they are lit.

[70707Bride]

Yes, it is scented like apples I think. I just got it at Wal-mart. Since it is going to be outdoors, I don't think it will matter. Also, the Wal-mart candles don't really smell that much once they are lit.

Hmmm...I might try that. Thanks! Oh, and what is it? 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Twigler]

Hmmm...I might try that. Thanks! Oh, and what is it? 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOLY S***! I know!!! You are getting really close too! I am kind of bummed because once we get back from the honeymoon, I won't have the internet at our new apartment :bbcry: I will have to sneak away to my parents' house while Cody is at work for a OneWed update!

[70707Bride]

HOLY S***! I know!!! You are getting really close too! I am kind of bummed because once we get back from the honeymoon, I won't have the internet at our new apartment :bbcry: I will have to sneak away to my parents' house while Cody is at work for a OneWed update!

Lol. I can't live without Internet. Its crazy!

[NicksBride]

You are getting so close! NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you!

[thatgirljenn]

I've been a journal stalker for sometime now, and thought it was time to post :).

I love all your DIY's they're amazing!

And your centerpieces look so elegant!

[70707Bride]

Its almost here! I can't wait!

[mlm063007]

OMG...Look at how close you are!!! Less than a week!!!!

[SaralovesMike]

From one June bride to another!

5 days to go! I know you're so excited!!! :)

[Twigler]

Thanks gals! And to tell the truth, I am not all that excited yet! I am more stressed than anything. I am so worried about the weather and getting all the outdoor stuff done. And I am kind of regretting not working out more. I think my arms are going to look horrible in my dress and it is kind of bumming me out!:bbcry:

Mom and I went to town and got a ton of stuff done! We got flowers for around the yard, but we had to get some pink and purple ones because there weren't many red ones which was dissapointing.

On Monday, mom and I went and got me dress. It is hanging up in my brother's old room. It seems so surreal that it is up there.

I think one of the main reasons why I can't seem to get excited about things is that we have been engaged for so long that it seems like the wedding it still really far away. Has anyone else felt this way? I am sure I will get excited by Saturday, but it just hasn't happened yet...

[KMS]

Ya know the same sort of thing happens to me before I go on vacation. I spend months being excited and planning and then the entire week or so before we're supposed to leave, I'm just rather "blah" about the whole thing. Who knows what that's all about! It will probably happen to me before the wedding as well.

I'm sure your arms are not going to look horrible! They may not look like your idealized version, but I bet not one person will ever notice. We're always our own toughest critics, afterall. The weather is completely out of your control so try not to worry about it. I know I'd probably be doing the same thing though. :bbredface:

A BIG YAY for the dress hanging beautifully in your brother's room!

[70707Bride]

Thanks gals! And to tell the truth, I am not all that excited yet! I am more stressed than anything. I am so worried about the weather and getting all the outdoor stuff done. And I am kind of regretting not working out more. I think my arms are going to look horrible in my dress and it is kind of bumming me out!:bbcry:

Mom and I went to town and got a ton of stuff done! We got flowers for around the yard, but we had to get some pink and purple ones because there weren't many red ones which was dissapointing.

On Monday, mom and I went and got me dress. It is hanging up in my brother's old room. It seems so surreal that it is up there.

I think one of the main reasons why I can't seem to get excited about things is that we have been engaged for so long that it seems like the wedding it still really far away. Has anyone else felt this way? I am sure I will get excited by Saturday, but it just hasn't happened yet...

At first Chris wanted to get married last summer, which would have given us only about half a year to plan! Now looking back, there is no way that we could have done that! And I thought July '07 was really far away, but this past year has gone by so fast!

[Twigler]

Ya know the same sort of thing happens to me before I go on vacation. I spend months being excited and planning and then the entire week or so before we're supposed to leave, I'm just rather "blah" about the whole thing. Who knows what that's all about! It will probably happen to me before the wedding as well.

I'm sure your arms are not going to look horrible! They may not look like your idealized version, but I bet not one person will ever notice. We're always our own toughest critics, afterall. The weather is completely out of your control so try not to worry about it. I know I'd probably be doing the same thing though. :bbredface:

A BIG YAY for the dress hanging beautifully in your brother's room!
All I can really say is "Thank You!" It helps knowing that I am not alone with the "blah" thing. lol! I know it will get better. My fiance is trying to help out a lot! But as for the weather, he just basically says "as long as you, me and the reverend are there, we are good. lol! Yeah, that's a guy for ya!

At first Chris wanted to get married last summer, which would have given us only about half a year to plan! Now looking back, there is no way that we could have done that! And I thought July '07 was really far away, but this past year has gone by so fast!
I cannot even imagion planning a wedding in less than half a year! No way! I can hardly do it in two years!

[mlm063007]

I think one of the main reasons why I can't seem to get excited about things is that we have been engaged for so long that it seems like the wedding it still really far away. Has anyone else felt this way? I am sure I will get excited by Saturday, but it just hasn't happened yet...

I feel that exact same way! I think I still have a lot of time left, but I really dont. Today my MOH was talking about she needed to get her hair highlighted soon so it could be done a couple weeks before the wedding and I was like "Why, you have plenty of time" When really its only a few weeks. I am sure once the moment is here you will be too excited for words!!!:D

[Twigler]

I feel that exact same way! I think I still have a lot of time left, but I really dont. Today my MOH was talking about she needed to get her hair highlighted soon so it could be done a couple weeks before the wedding and I was like "Why, you have plenty of time" When really its only a few weeks. I am sure once the moment is here you will be too excited for words!!!:D

I am sure you are right (at least I hope so!) TRUST ME!!! The weeks will VERY QUICKLY turn into days! lol! and I am sure I will be saying hours before long!

[NicksBride]

Three days!!! If I don't see you online I want to say congratulations to you and Cody now. Your day will be gorgeous and I am SoOOOO excited to see pictures of you and Cody on your special special day. Its here sweetie and enjoy every single minute!!!!!! :D

[July707Bride]

I cannot even imagion planning a wedding in less than half a year! No way! I can hardly do it in two years!

We've planned ours in about four months...we chose the date and started planning in February, and I ordered the last of everything last week. I don't think I'd want a long period of time to plan because I'm impatient and I don't think I could wait that long for everything. I'm struggling to wait to give my BM their gifts, lol.

About not feeling that excited though, I am pretty excited, but I don't think FH is. We've been engaged for three years and he's not a big party/family person so he's not looking forward to all the people. I want him to be excited and he says he is, but he constantly says things like "What difference does it make if we have a wedding or not? Nothing is going to change. We've been together this long already." He'd rather go to the courthouse like his parents did and avoid the people. I think he'll come around when it gets closer and the day of, but right now I don't think he's really thinking about it too much and realizing it's only a month away. Don't worry though, in a few days you'll be beaming with happiness and excitement. I just know it. :D

[ger]

Oh, girl!! 3 more days. I am so excited for you. I will pray your weather is MUCH better than ours. Your FH sounds just like Bruce. He was such a trooper as the weather around here was bad. He said...at the end of the day we will still be married...and I don't care if it happens in the kitchen...as long as it happens!! Hang in there...and try not to be too stressed!! Yeah, I know, easier said than done.

[Panthers Bride]

3 days. I'm getting excited for you!

[Twigler]

thanks a ton ladies. You have all been so wonderful to me throughout this whole process. I really do consider you guys to be real friends! I really don't know what I would've done if I hadn't found this website!

Cody and I got into it a little today. Ok, yesterday I had gotten about five gifts and had told Cody all about them. Today, I get another one and tell Cody about it. My whole this is to open the gifts so I can get the Thank You's out. Well, Cody waits until today to tell me that he wishes I would wait on opening them and that I have been so rude to open them alone. I told him "why didn't you tell me this WEEKS AGO when I started opening the gifts?" He waited until two days before the wedding to ***** me out about it. It really made me made! If I would've known that it was bothering him, I would've waited. I just wanted to get the thank you's out, I had no intention of making him mad! He finally called me back and said that he didn't want to get married mad. Ugh! I wish he would've said something SOONER!

In other news, my cousin and Aunt came over. My cousin has a baby girl, a little over a year old, and this was the first time I was able to see her. She is so adorable! My aunt also gave me some really pretty lingerie, although it won't fit me! (they are mediums from Victoria Secret and I just can't fill them out in the upper body area). It was a really nice gesture!

Also, when my mom knew I was upset from Cody, she gave me a gift. It was a Mother-Daughter necklace. The necklace is white hills gold and was at one time connected. There is one charm that says "mom" and one says "daughter." Once you snap them apart, she gave me my charm and kept hers. She said that one day if I have a girl, I could have the Mom necklace and give the daughter one to my daughter. I thought that was so neat and special!

Three more days...

[pinkcherry83]

You guys ended up talking it out though right?

Your mom sounds really sweet.

[sjk1431]

Your mom is so sweet. I hope you & Cody are all better. 3 more days :pompom:

[mlm063007]

It seems like Clayton does stuff like that all the time. Not telling me right away if something is bothering him. Argghhh, men! :D Hopefully you get it all worked out!

2 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Sorry, I got a little carried away LOL)

[KMS]

Oh Chad & I were having a conversation just the other day about how guys think that we're so difficult to deal with. Yeah, okay! I can't believe that he didn't tell you that it had been bothering him this whole time. I can't hold stuff in for that long. LOL. Maybe it's pre-wedding stress!

The gift from your aunt was nice...can you trade it in for something that fits?

I got a little teary eyed when you said what your mom had gotten for you. That's such a sweet momento.

Yay! You're SO close!!

[NicksBride]

Nick was the same way a few days before the wedding. Picking small little fights that really didn't mean anything, we were just soooo wound up! It was insane. But it all worked out in the end and we got married without being mad.
TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This weekend. OMG!

I would have just lost it with the necklace that your mom gave you. That is just soooo sweet. Mothers are great aren't they? I am just so excited for you!

[ger]

I am so excited for you!! That was too sweet of your Mom to give you such a nice gift. I've never heard of white hills gold. Can you post a pic?? Not today...maybe when you're done with your wedding!!! I have lots of black hills gold...so that's why I am asking.

2 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StaceyMc]

I want to wish you the best of luck on your wedding day! It's going to be beautiful!!!!

And, no worries, you won't get married mad. Joe pulled an "I know nothing" stunt the day before the wedding with the rehearsal dinner pizza order. That was the one thing he had to do that day and he acted like he had no idea. I almost strangled him and my sister went over and said "Listen, order four pizzas with whatever on them." We had a rather loud discussion about it on the way home and I got into one of those 'I can't catch my breath' sobbing things. I think it was just the stress of the day - when he picked me up for rehearsal, it was all gone. It's stress...that's all.

[BriansBride07]

I am sending you out an early congrats.. OMG!!! 2 more days until your a Mrs. I wish you all the best on your special day Sat.. Hurry back with pics and let us all know how your wonderful day went.

[tiffany.marlene]

Wow, 2 more days! I'm so excited for you. I also can't wait to see your wedding pictures and see it all come together. Congrats and good luck!

[4424]

ii'm so excited! it's so close. i hope it's even better than you dreamed!

[Twigler]

You are all way too sweet! Thank you so much for all of the nice things you said! :whoohoo:

Yes, Cody and I keep getting into little stupid fights, and I know it is just from all of the stress. They don't last long, and we make up quickly (and NO, not the way you are thinking!) after so I know it is nothing big.

Here is a horrible picture of my part of the necklace my mom gave me. Sorry about the bad quality, I just couldn't get it to focus
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC03087.jpg

Here are my lovely manicured nails! I just got them done today for the first time ever and I love how they turned out! that ring is the promise ring Cody had given me way back when. I took my engagement ring in and got it cleaned so I don't want to wear it until the big day.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/manicurednails2.jpg

I just wanted to post this pic. It is of my "rehearsal bouquet" made from the bows of my shower gifts.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/receptionbouquet2.jpg

[Twigler]

And then here is my rehearsal dress. I am excited to wear it! It is a halter dress
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g232/twigler/DSC02706.jpg

Oh, and mom and I went to town to get the last minute stuff. I also got a couple of cute pieces of lingerie that fit. I can't wait to "wear" them. lol!!

Ok. I am going to bed. Wish me good luck and pray for sun!! The forecast for Friday = 74 degrees, mostly sunny and Saturday = 79 degrees, mostly sunny and only 9 mph winds! Wooo hooo!!!!! THANK GOD!

[Twigler]

Did I Mention That I Have One Day Left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK...that's suppose to be in all caps but for some reason the post is changing it. You get the idea though

[ger]

You're so funny!! I hope the weather holds true. I'm so excited for you. Have a wonderful day today AND tomorrow. Before you know it, you will be part of the Mrs. Club!!!

[NicksBride]

Your nails look AMAZING, that necklace is sooo cute and you are going to look amazing in your rehearsal dress! You are getting married TOMORROW! I can't believe it. The weather sounds good I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Enjoy every minute and bring back lots of pictures for us to ohhhh and ahhhh over. :)
Congratulations sweetie! I have been following your wedding forever and I cannot believe it is here. I am so excited for you! Enjoy your day!!!!

[samantha01]

Everything looks GREAT. Good Luck!
also, what kind of paint did you use on your "I do" letters. I'm doing the same, but I think my letters are a lil smaller

[thinking_much]

I love the nails!
God bless you on your big day!

[Nik54545]

Congrats!!!!! YAY!

[Twigler]

Thanks again and again everyone!! I am really bummed that it will be so long until I will be able to share my pictures with you. I will try to sneak back around the 18th to my parent's house to upload some pictures (I hope I can anyways!)

Everything looks GREAT. Good Luck!
also, what kind of paint did you use on your "I do" letters. I'm doing the same, but I think my letters are a lil smaller
I was in the craft area at Wal-Mart and bought whatever paint they had there next to the wood blocks. I think it is a type of acrylic paint. I had to do about two or three coats to get the wood grain completely gone. And then my mom had some type of spray glitter that I used once the paint was dry. The letters are just the wood blocks that they sell at Wal-Mart for $1 or $2.

Wow, it still doesn't seem possible that tonight is the rehearsal! I know that the next two days are going to be done and over with before I know it :bbcry: I don' think I have totally let myself think about everything completely, otherwise I would be an absolute bawling mess the whole weekend. I am just kind of pretending that it isn't the last night I will ever stay at my parents like this, or the last time I will ever sign my last name. I am really excited to be married, plus nervous, sad, scared sh#tless, happy, etc! Am I missing anything ladies who are members of the Mrs. Club?? I think I am going to be a mess when I see my dad when he walks my down the "aisle." He doesn't cry much but keeps saying that it is going to be really hard not to. If he cries, then I cry! And I look horrible when I cry! Oh well! :happy: :D

[NicksBride]

aww sweetie, it is just so exciting. :)
Yes, I bawled my eyes out when I saw my dad and he saw me for the first time. Mainly because I hadn't seen him for a year before that. But it is scary and exciting. Espically knowing that you are moving out and moving on. But you are going to be living your life as a married women with someone you LOVE! You are going to be your own family now and that is just so exciting! Enjoy these next couple of days and your HONEYMOON!!!! :)

[Goin2thechapel]

OMG!! Tomorrow is the big day!! Congratulations! I'm soo excited for you and I live that rehearsal dress. Have the best time of your life, you deserve it :)

[shawnsgirl]

Congratulations sweety! Tomorrow is the big day!! I'm sooooooo excited for you! I love your rehearsal dinner dress!!
Good luck tomorrow and just breath and take everything in!!

[Panthers Bride]

Congrats and more importantly Have Fun!

[July707Bride]

Congratulations on your big day tomorrow! I know everything will go perfectly. I, too, have been watching the forecast closely because my shower is tomorrow and we'll be eating outside. Right now they're saying it'll be sunny and 78 so woohoo...you'll have great weather! Congrats again if I don't get a chance to say so before the beig day tomorrow. :D

[KMS]

I wonder if you're at the rehearsal wearing that dress right now??? It's very pretty and your nails look great as well. I hope that your day is beautiful tomorrow and just what you've imagined. No ugly crying faces, okay!?!
I'm so happy for you!! :jphappy:

[Twigler]

Hey ladies! I just wanted to check in one more time before the big day! We just got home around 11:30 from decorating the reception site and I still have to pack my bags for the honeymoon! The rehearsal went wonderfully, even if it was a little crazy! I was blow drying my hair in the kitchen with 20 minutes to go before it started. Lol! Of course, one of my BM was late and then my photographer was over 30 minutes late. Oh well! It was a beautiful night and tomorrow is suppose to be perfect!!! Wish me luck!! I love you all and thanks so much for all the wonderful help and support! Tomorrow I will joint he Mrs. club!!!

[ger]

Hey Kiddo!!!! It is now your wedding day! I hope everything goes exactly as you have planned and you have the BEST day of your life. I'm so glad things went well...here's to a perfect day!!

[KMS]

Have an amazing day today and enjoy a magical honeymoon.

[SaralovesMike]

Wishing you all the best today!!

Congratulations!

[NicksBride]

YOUR MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! Congratulations

[mlm063007]

Well, your'e a married woman now! I cant wait to see pics & hear all about your marvelous day!!

I hope you are having a great honeymoon!!!

[Twigler]

Hey everyone! The wedding went really well (except for a few things here and there). I wanted to go ahead and post a preview of my pictures. The photos won't all be posted until another week or so. But here is a link to a slide show preview my photographer put together! Enjoy!!

http://www.billmannhardt.com/Cody_Chelsea/

[Nik54545]

OMG! You looke amazing!!! Congratulations!!!! Everything looked beautiful!!!!!

[NicksBride]

I am gonna say it again. One word AMAZING!

[lize566]

What a great little teaser!! Now I can't wait for more! Thanks for stopping by and giving us a taste. Everything looked wonderful!!

[July707Bride]

Wow! Those photos are amazing! It looks like you all had a great day. I can't wait to see more of them. :D

[mlm063007]

All I can say is breathtaking! I cant wait to see more pictures!!

[KMS]

Thanks for posting the pictures. You looked beautiful and happy and it just all looked wonderful. I have been pondering having red bm dresses and wow, your girls looked amazing! Congrats!