J and M -- May 12th, 2007

[Jacklynn]

Matt and I met through a friend in October 2000. I was in 8th grade and he a freshman. He went to a different school than I did and I met him because one my friends and I were talking online one day and I mentioned to her that I was bored. She casual said here this kid is online talk to him. She knew him because she went to his church a few times. Well we started talking online. This was in Oct., in Jan. 2001 I met him in person for the first time. (even though we only live about 10 miles apart neither of us could drive so it was a few months before we saw each other) The first time that I saw him I was cheering at a basketball game at his school.
The next night we went to a dance at my school together. I really wish I had a picture of us together from that first dance, but I am pretty sure I don't. We kept talking and I started to go to church with him so I could see him, and then I would spend all day Sunday there. Well eventually I was saved as a result of this,(in March) then on April 28th, 2001 we started officially dating.

Neither of us had the slightest idea that it would last forever. We just went into it as a normal 13/14 year old teen dating scene. About 3 months into the relationship I went to Kings Island with my family and we realized how much we missed each other. Then about a year after we started dating we were like wow... Now a little over 5 years later we are engaged and going to be getting married May 12th, 2007.

Now if you noticed Matt is a year older than I. So he went to college while I was a Senior. We go to Olivet Nazarene University near Chicago, and it is about 2 hours away from where we live. So my senior year was the true test of our relationship and now I am finished with MY first year there and we made it :)

[Jacklynn]

Right now though I am doing a 10 week internship in Battle Creek, MI about 4-5 hours away from him. It is really hard for me because I miss him a lot and have only seen him twice in the last 5 weeks, and will only see him once in the next 5 weeks, then I will be home. But this is the last time we will be apart like this again :)

In a second I will post our proposal story :)

[Jacklynn]

This is the proposal story from Matthew's point of view:


The proposal had a few hitches, but how many proposals go completely as planned? We were on the El heading for our stop at State and Chicago street and my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number and answered it and it was the caricaturist. He said his car had broke down teh day before and right now he was getting the part changed on it and he would get there as soon as possible. That right then was the moment that I was like cra p! How am I going to stall. Fortunately Jacklynn's foot got a blister and we stopped in a walgreens and bought some bandaids to waste some time. I was hoping we would have some trouble finding the church but Jacklynn and her direction skills found the Fourth Presbyterian Church with no problem. I didn't think about why she was taking so many pictures and grabbing brochures until I remembered I had her pastor tell her that she wanted her to go there and take pictures and grab brochures. So she was completely sold that it wasn't my idea at all to go to the church. Eventually she became bored and needed to use the restroom so we walked across the street to the mall and used the restroom there. I complained my feet hurt REALLY REALLY bad and we needed to sit down. I said I didn't want to sit in a crowded area and the garden looked like a good place. Unfortunately the guy wasn't there when we got back. So about 40 minutes after he was supposed to be there I decided it was time and I couldn't wait any longer because we were both getting VERY hungry. There is a wishing well in the middle and I talked her into both of us making a wish in the well. We walked up to the well and she says when we approached it she thought, " He's probably wantign to stay here because he wishes he would have planned to propose here because of how beautiful it is." She thought i would propose closer to wrigley field. So once we both made our wish I looked in her eyes and kissed her and told her that I loved her more than anything and that I would love her forever and I cannot really remember what else...but it was really good haha. I hugged her and reached in my pocket and grabbed the box out without her noticing and I got on a knee and she aws like and then I was like Jacklynn, will you marry me? I was surprised her first words were, "YES! NOW WHERE DID YOU GET THAT!?!?" HAHAHA I was like YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOOO!!! We walked out of the garden about 5 minutes later and my phone rang...it was the artist. He was 5 mintues away and would be there shortly. He arrived and congratulated us and gave us the picture. He did an amazing job and everything went well. She called her parents and her friends to tell them the good news.

[MOB Karen]

Ok, you guys have officially given me chills. What a wonderful story, and this is the first time I have heard a proposal from the man's point of view. I loved it!! Congratulations, Jacklynn & Matthew!!! And welcome to Onewed!!!:D

[AngelinLove]

That was a great story and it was great to hear it from the man's point of view. Welcome and congratulations!!!

[Jacklynn]

Here is Matthew and I a few hours after he asked me to marry him :)

http://photos-792.ak.facebook.com/ip006/v36/225/46/69600715/s69600715_30209792_6337.jpg

[Jacklynn]

http://photos-787.ak.facebook.com/ip006/v36/225/46/69600715/n69600715_30209787_4091.jpg

[Jacklynn]

Here is what Matthew and I's save the dates will look like, and they will be magnets, sorry it is kinda blurry I dk why it made it blurry, also the little black dots and scissors won't be there of course :)

We are looking at both we dont know which onehttp://photos-556.facebook.com/ip006/v35/225/46/69600715/n69600715_30224556_5049.jpghttp://photos-557.facebook.com/ip006/v35/225/46/69600715/n69600715_30224557_5493.jpg

[Jacklynn]

I hate having to stress out about money for the wedding/reception. We are trying to have about 280 people on our $2500 budget. Granted I realize that not everyone will show up, but I know I can't count on people to not show up because when ever I try to say, well they probably won't show up, I start thinking well actually they did come to this, or this so they MIGHT come. Also does it make me a horrible person to not want to cut the wedding list because if they don't come we would still enjoy a gift? wow when I write that out it sounds horrible! I just figure we need all of the help we can get. Matthew and I are both paying for our own college education and we go to a private Christian University that is 23 grand a year. Even with scholarship we are about 42 grand in debt already and we still will have another year left. AND that is without a car or house to show for the debt haha

Also we are both going into the ministry so we won't be make very much money to begin with....

so basically.... I'm poor is what I am saying :)

[Jacklynn]

ohhh I'm so ready to be done with my internship.... I am almost done with a 10 week internship that I have been doing since June 3rd. It is required for my major. I am about 4 1/2 hours away from home and my fiance, I live in Indiana and I am in Michigan right now. As of tomorrow I have two more weeks until I can see my fiance! I saw him last, two weeks ago... blah its horrible, I have only seen him 3 times in 8 weeks!!!

[Kacie_bride]

ohhh I'm so ready to be done with my internship.... I am almost done with a 10 week internship that I have been doing since June 3rd. It is required for my major. I am about 4 1/2 hours away from home and my fiance, I live in Indiana and I am in Michigan right now. As of tomorrow I have two more weeks until I can see my fiance! I saw him last, two weeks ago... blah its horrible, I have only seen him 3 times in 8 weeks!!!

That sucks! At least it's only two more weeks. When Justin and I were first dating we had a long distance relationship. It's not fun.

[Jacklynn]

Only one week left until I get to go home!!!

Our wedding planning is going okay I guess, we really don't have anything offical yet, but I do know I am going dress shoppping on the days of August 21st and 22nd! I am very excited about trying on a dress for the first time :)

We are still trying to decide on the location. I think we are going to get married at a church called West Liberty, which is near my house, and have the reception at the American Legion in the next town over-- about 10-15 mins away.

[Jacklynn]

woo hoo Matthew comes tomorrow to pick me up! Well we are staying in Battle Creek Sat. night but I get to see him tomorrow and then we head home Sunday after church. I'm pretty excited. I also get to see one of my best friends on Sunday on the way home.

As far as wedding plans go, I think we are going to go look at the Cayuga Legion sometime soon after I get home. It's not bad deal at all, we get the place for the day for $150, I need to talk to them though about seeing if we could also get in the night before? because even though I don't want my reception until like 6 that night, I don't see how we could decorate that morning because if my wedding is at like 4, I would have to start getting ready, hair done, stuff like that around noon.

How long do you guys think it takes on average to set up a reception area with decorations and everything, start to finish?

[Kacie_bride]

I'm glad you are going to get to see Matthew tomorrow! Yipee for you!

[Jacklynn]

I have been looking around and here is some of the styles I like for hair...

http://imalbum.aufeminin.com/album/D20040427/45404_VOI36FKBJPZKJULVBGHN7DP2T7GCUR_voilee1_H1428 25_L.jpghttp://www.nuptialparadise.com/images/bridal-updo.jpg http://www.aperfectlookmakeupandhair.com/images/hair-cover.jpg

[Kacie_bride]

I like both of those! Nice choices!

[ikkin510]

I really like both of those hair styles! As for decorating, I would say definatly try to set up the day before. You will have so many things running through your head the day before that it will make things a little easier doing it earlier. It also helps if you realizes you want to add something else, or forgot soemthing. You have time to run out and get it. Depending on how many decorations you have and how much of the set up you are doign yourself, it could take a few hours to set up.

[Jacklynn]

wooo hoo! I am done with my internship now!

Now it's major planning time, we have a little less than 9 months I think, and we head back to college in 8 days lol, soooo yeah

We are going to go look at the possible reception site tonight, so I will take lots of pics :) and then I believe we are going to go look at the possible ceremony site on Sat. again, lots of pictures I am sure :)

THEN we are getting our engagement pictures taken, I think in September after we get back to school. Either late September, or early October so we can get some fall colors in there :)

[Jacklynn]

I go dress shopping for the first time today!!!

[Valmai]

Have fun and hope u get lots of ideas if u dont find ur perfect dress! xxx

[Jacklynn]

so I went for the first time today... sorry about the sizes
The first one was one of my favorites... I liked it better in the mirror better than the picture shows.... also the price was good --- BUT I don't like the way that I look from the back... like I look really chubby at the top of the dress like it looks like I have a ton of fat at the top of my back lol
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2179.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2180.jpg

[Jacklynn]

This is one that my mom really liked... and it is growing on me a little too
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2176.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2175.jpg

[Jacklynn]

This one was a little small... it zipped all of the way.. but just hardly -- I liked it though, it was a little more $$

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2177.jpg

[hummingbird521]

I agree with your mom. my fav is number 2.

[MOB Karen]

I agree. I like the second one too. :)

[LaceyinPgh]

The second one's top and the third one's bottom combined look kind of like my dress. I like them all. But, don't worry about that little roll of back fat, that just means that the top was a little too tight. THe right size and a good seamstress will eliminate that.

[Kacie_bride]

I like the third one!

[AllyM1]

You look beautiful in all three, but the third one is my favorite.

[mariaandmanish]

I liked all of them, but the second is my favorite. I love the back on that dress! Good luck choosing!

[AngelinLove]

They are all very nice..but I like the second one most!! You will look beautiful either way!!!

[JennF]

As long as we're voting, I like number 2. It doesn't matter though, you look beautiful in all of them. I wish I could have such a great figure. :)

[Jacklynn]

I think I have two dresses that I like the most. They are both from David's Bridal and are the same price.

Here is one of the dresses:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2220.jpg


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2219.jpg

[Jacklynn]

I think this one is my favorite, but I dk Also I am putting 3 pics, one from the back, and two from the front, one with the halter straps, one without it. I always like strapless and mostly that is all I tried on, but I kinda like the strap... let me know what you think...

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2232.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2233.jpg


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2231.jpg

[MOB Karen]

All the dresses are beautiful, Jacklynn! I think they are much more elegant without the strap. :D

[Kacie_bride]

I like the first one from David's Bridal the best! I like the glitz of it. I agree with Karen. I think the dress looks much more elegant on you without the strap.

[mlm063007]

All the dresses are beautiful, Jacklynn! I think they are much more elegant without the strap. :D
I agree, without the strap looks better.

I like the second one best, although it may be because it kind of looks like my dress LOL:D

[AngelinLove]

I like the 1st one!!! It is very pretty and elegant!!!

[Amber818]

I love the second one!! I love the sweetheart bodice and ditch the straps!! You look gorgeous!

[Jacklynn]

Sorry about the quality of the photo, here is the middle isle of the church I am getting married at. http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/th_100_2159.jpg

[Jacklynn]

ERG! how do I make my pictures smaller?!

[Jacklynn]

I haven't posted on here for a while, I have moved back into my apartment for school and am take a stinking 20 hours... blah life sucks :) But I love my university and the girls I live with. I am just super busy and tired. We are still looking for a reception place.

[70707Bride]

I like the first and second dresses.

[Jacklynn]

soooo today we registered at Target :) It was fun.
Also, I made me and my girls hair appts for our wedding :) My practice run is on the tuesday before the wedding. And our day of appointments start at 10:00.

[Jacklynn]

So Matthew and I are going to get our engagement pictures taken Oct. 14th. I wanted it done before then, but that was the first weekend we could get. Plus Matt wants the changing leaves in the pictures. :cloppy: ummm I dk why I just put the cow, but I just noticed it just now and I think its cute :)

We still don't know about a reception place sadly :( I think we are going to go look at a place when we go home on the 22nd-23rd. I am really getting nervous and wanting to get a place set in stone! It's one of the last like major things for right now. We have our ceremony site, my dress is goign to be ordered in a few weeks, and all of my girls know that they are in my wedding stuff like that, just no reception place yet.....

BUT I am excited about pictures :)

[Jacklynn]

I think that I am ordering my dress tomorrow :) I wasn't going to order it for another two weeks, but I just found out that David's Bridal is having a sale, their $99 and then some of their other dresses are $50-$200 off, so I am hoping that my dress is like at least 50 bucks off.

Also it is getting closer to Matthew and I getting our engagement pictures taken :) We need to go shopping for a cute outfit

[Jacklynn]

SOOO I think Matthew and I might have found our reception place!!! It's about 10-12 mins from our church and is a pretty new building. It's actually at the 4-H fair grounds. I am at my parents house now, but when I get back to school tonight I will post some pictures


also........ I ordered my dress Friday night :) as well as my bra, slip, tiara, and vail.......... for a grand total of $694, not too bad huh?

[SerendipityCrafts]

also........ I ordered my dress Friday night :) as well as my bra, slip, tiara, and vail.......... for a grand total of $694, not too bad huh?Good deal! You did very well.

[Jacklynn]

Here is a few pictures of our newly picked out reception site.... of course everything that you see in the room will be moved out come wedding time...

http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/th_100_2551.jpg http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2546.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2548.jpg

[Jacklynn]

here are a few of my favorite bridesmaid dresses so far...

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2516.jpg

This next one is both in blue and yellow (my colors) -- don't mind my goofy mother in the pictures lol
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2513.jpghttp://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2512.jpg If I got these, half of them would wear blue and half would wear yellow

This next one, would of course be either in yellow or navy/midnight blue

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2521.jpg

[Jacklynn]

My headpiece...

It was originally 145, and I got it for $60 :) --- AND! after the wedding, it turns into a braclet! how cool is that?!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2528.jpg

[Jacklynn]

Here is some of the stuff that I have bought so far....
Keep in mind I am having a beach theme
http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/th_100_2543.jpg http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/th_100_2542.jpg

These are little sponges, I will have white tables cloths and we are going to stamp these on them :)
http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/th_100_2536.jpg

[Jacklynn]

And this is a bucket for cards and such at the reception from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/th_100_2534.jpg

[Goin2thechapel]

everything seems sooo wonderful...I love that picture by the way!!! You two are soo cute!

[hummingbird521]

Very pretty dresses and I love the headpiece. your right that is cool that it turns into a bracelet.

[Jacklynn]

Here is the outside of the church that we will be getting married in

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2559.jpg

[mrsliberty]

Beautiful dresses! Great price on your bridal outfit - mine was much, much more pricey. But I did get my dress for 15% off! Your locations look great! I especially like how close the reception location is to the church - ours is 30 minutes away. :( I love your theme, especially in May! Can't wait to see more! :)

[NicksBride]

wow, everything loooks so nice! The dresses looked amazing and your theme is really cute. Can't wait to hear more!

[Panthers Bride]

Love the beach stuff. And the idea of stamping your tablecloths will be awesome. :D

[nic1124]

Looks great. I like the yellow BM dresses alot, especially with a beach theme :grinhappy:

[Goin2thechapel]

I just looked at all of the wedding dresses and noticed that in one of the pics...You're wearing my tiara!!! How funny!

[Goin2thechapel]

Awww sooo pretty!!

[Trin]

Hello!

A beach wedding, I love it!

A beach pic for you!
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/Trinialynn/thbeach3-1.png

[Jacklynn]

Just to clarify... in case anyone thought this...

it isn't AT the beach, just beached themed since we are goign to SC on our honeymoon. We live in Indiana no where near a beach :)

[Trin]

Thats ok too!

[NicksBride]

Oh a beach wedding. Those are the best!!

[Jacklynn]

soooo today is Matthew and I's first night of pre-marital counseling. It is actually offered through our university, and we are doing it through them since we can't travel home that often. We took an online survey 2 days ago, we weren't together, and we get the results of that tonight. It asked several different questions about like the home lifestyle and stuff, it should be interesting to see how things match up. It's not to tell you how well your marriage will be, but just like where you differ in your thoughts and where you are the same.

I am pretty excited :) I think it will be fun, also it is a campus program, so some of our friends that are also engaged are participating and will be there tonight for the opening meeting.

[Goin2thechapel]

HAHAHAHA...Have fun!!! Actually, Jon and I loved ours...It was soo much fun and we learned alot about each other and what marriage really means spiritually. Ours was a weekend retreat, Probably one weekend we'll never forget...Enjoy every minute of it :) Good luck!!

[Jacklynn]

I am pretty excited about it :)

[Jacklynn]

so we went :) It was fun, we got to see our test results and see how well we matched up in certain areas such as communication and conflict management, and we saw the areas in which we need to work on too, it was cool, we will meet with our mentor couple here in a few weeks

[NicksBride]

How neat, I am sure you will learn a lot through it. :)

[Jopet]

You have some great pics! I love the BM dress that are next to each other in the two colours :), also where did you get your tiara??? I love it!!

[Trin]

Sounds neat. We also have to go and FH doesnt want to he thinks it will be dumb. Men!!

[SerendipityCrafts]

My headpiece...

It was originally 145, and I got it for $60 :) --- AND! after the wedding, it turns into a braclet! how cool is that?!

Cool it looks a lot like one of the tiaras that I bought. How exactly does it turn into a bracelet?

[nic1124]

I dont know if you have invitations or not yet but i saw these and thought of you and your beach themed wedding! They are so cute but kind of expensive. I would just send these to my really close fam and friends and send everyone else a normal invite. http://www.bottlemeamessage.com/wdptpropics/eachacrosstobearyetnotalonemessageinabottleglass.j pghttp://www.bottlemeamessage.com/wdptpropics/seashellbaymessageinabottleglass.jpghttp://www.bottlemeamessage.com/wdptpropics/tropicalislandmessageinabottleplastic.jpg

[nic1124]

I looked around the site a little more and they sell DIY kits that are alot cheaper! I'm excited I want these but they wouldnt fit my wedding :sob: It makes me wanna have a beachy party for the hell of it.

https://bottlemeamessage.com/cart.php?act=add_to_cart&cart_opening=mib&mib_type=kits&mib_id=26


http://www.bottlemeamessage.com/weddinginvitationsmessageinabottle.htm

[Jacklynn]

Very cute idea,
Matt and I actually have been discussing maybe doing something with bottles with sand in them as a part of the center pieces

[Jacklynn]

Cool it looks a lot like one of the tiaras that I bought. How exactly does it turn into a bracelet?

I will have to get a more up close picture of the clasp when I go home.

on the back parts of it, there are clasps on both sides, and I am not really sure how to take it apart, like I think once it is apart, you can't put it back together, so I am not going to try yet :) It's pretty neat, I am excited to see exactly how it works out after the wedding.

[NicksBride]

Everything is coming together so well! I love the dresses, they are gorgeous on you! :)

[mrsliberty]

I've seen message in a bottle invitations from Oriental Trading in the catalog - I was just looking on their website though and can't find them. I think I'm probably putting in the wrong search words. But that would be cool! And, as I recall, they were fairly inexpensive from Oriental Trading. And they could be mailed in the bottle. Just slap the included mailing label and off they go!

[Jacklynn]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/16_360-ip.jpgI did find these cute buckets at oriental trading and I could put like our names and wedding date on it, and like gave each person one at their setting, and also kinda made it the center piece...

[NicksBride]

oh those are SOOO CUte. Love them.

[Kacie_bride]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/16_360-ip.jpgI did find these cute buckets at oriental trading and I could put like our names and wedding date on it, and like gave each person one at their setting, and also kinda made it the center piece...

Very cute and colorful!

[Jacklynn]

Thanks, I think they are pretty cute, I'm still getting all kinds of ideas

[Panthers Bride]

I like the shovels and pails. Festive!

[Jacklynn]

So we are now getting our engagement pictures taken a week from today. We were going to wait until the 14th, but that really isn't an option now because the leaves are changing so quickly, we don't want them to be all off of the trees! haha

[mrsliberty]

So we are now getting our engagement pictures taken a week from today. We were going to wait until the 14th, but that really isn't an option now because the leaves are changing so quickly, we don't want them to be all off of the trees! haha

That's a good idea... maybe I'll schedule mine for the same weekend! I don't want the leaves to be all off the trees either! :)

[NicksBride]

So much fun!! i want to get engagement photos done. We haven't done that... I think my mom is going to take them. :)

[Jacklynn]

So the leaves are starting to change here on campus! I am sooo excited to get our pictures done!!

but now I have to study, I have a Hebrew test tomorrow :(

[Jacklynn]

Our pictures are FINALLY tomorrow!! I am way too excited. We are having studio pics taken as well as outside on campus.

ALSO!!!! My dress was suppose to come in November 3rd.... well I got a call today, saying it is already in!! woohoo I am more than excited to have it like MY dress :)

[Jopet]

Oh cool!! have a great time getting your pics taken ;).

And very cool that your dress is there already!

[Jacklynn]

We got our pictures all taken :)

I will post some when I get some of them back

[Kacie_bride]

We got our pictures all taken :)

I will post some when I get some of them back

Oohhh, I can't wait to see them! I'm sure they're great!

[mrsliberty]

Congrats to you too on your pictures! How soon will yours be in? Our photographer said that she was loaded with some weddings and other photos, so we won't get ours for 2 weeks, instead of the 2 day turnaround she usually has! Can't wait to see both of ours :)

[70707Bride]

Here are some ideas I found:

http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2003_modernbride/04_05_p152_whereitsatbeach/01_thumb/017_primary.jpg http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2003_modernbride/04_05_p152_whereitsatbeach/01_thumb/013_primary.jpg



http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2003_modernbride/04_05_p152_whereitsatbeach/01_thumb/011_primary.jpg http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2003_modernbride/04_05_p152_whereitsatbeach/01_thumb/015_primary.jpg

[70707Bride]

More ideas:

http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2003_modernbride/04_05_p152_whereitsatbeach/00_main/007_primary.jpg http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2003_modernbride/04_05_p152_whereitsatbeach/01_thumb/003_primary.jpg


http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2004_brides_receptions/03_p086_wedonthebeach/01_thumb/015_primary.jpg http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2004_brides_receptions/03_p086_wedonthebeach/01_thumb/014_primary.jpg

[NicksBride]

Those are so cute for a beach theme. I love teh sunglasses and salt water taffy. There are so many good ideas out there

[Jacklynn]

ahhh I realize it has only been like four days since we got our pictures taken, but I want to get them back soooo badly!! haha I hope we get them back very soon

[Jacklynn]

http://www.wrapwithus.com/Merchant2/graphics/Pics/Fullsize/4702.jpgI think I will use these for favors --- I won't give each person the whole pack, I will take them out of the box, and put on at each setting with like a ribbon on it saying like Matthew and Jacklynn May 12th, 2007 or something. If I buy enough for 200 people, I could get it for $80 :)

[blueeyedbride]

Cute Idea, I love it...

[Panthers Bride]

I like that idea!

[Goin2thechapel]

great idea, I love them!!

I'm soo glad we have such creative girls on here!

[Kacie_bride]

http://www.wrapwithus.com/Merchant2/graphics/Pics/Fullsize/4702.jpgI think I will use these for favors --- I won't give each person the whole pack, I will take them out of the box, and put on at each setting with like a ribbon on it saying like Matthew and Jacklynn May 12th, 2007 or something. If I buy enough for 200 people, I could get it for $80 :)


Cute idea and for a good price!!!

[70707Bride]

I love the cookie cutter idea. If I could find a lot of music note ones in a package like that, I'd get those instead of trying to find just a music note. I really want to do that for favors, then fill them with candy.

[Jacklynn]

So Matthew ran into our photographer today, and he said they pictures look great and they are getting ready to do the proofs soon! I can't wait to get them back :) :)

[Jenn060306]

I love your favour idea! That is so cute!
I'm glad your pictures turned out well. Waiting to see them is always the hardest part!

[Jacklynn]

My bridesmaids and I (minus my sister because she is in Atlanta right now) will be heading down to David's Bridal for our 2:30 apt. on Sat! I'm pretty excited :) I think I know what dress I like the most for them, I hope they like it on! If not I know that I like two other dress, but in the end I am basically leaving it up to them

[Jacklynn]

Tomorrow is our trip to look at dresses!! I am pretty excited I have to admit :)

[Jacklynn]

oh btw..... I have 204 days until my wedding.... I'm excited to get under 200 days!!

[BriansBride07]

Good luck on the hunt for the BM dresses hopeing that they will like the one you chose on them

[mrsliberty]

We got our pictures back on Wednesday, but they're copyrighted on the CD and protected so we can't share them yet. :( Don't forget to let us know how yours come out! The 200 day mark is a big one, although I go by months rather than days... too many to count the other way. ;) Just had to catch up on your journal!

[Jacklynn]

yay! We picked a dress!!! here is a picture with all of my bridesmaids, minus one (my sister who is in Atlanta right now) My maid of honor is the one in the blue dress, and they will all wear blue at the wedding, they just had limited sizes in the midnight blue at the shop...

http://photos-849.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v50/96/11/69601093/n69601093_30355849_2936.jpg

[HalloweenBride]

wow! I love the blue! soooo pretty!

[Jopet]

Great choice!!! They are stunning!! :D

[BriansBride07]

Looks great I love the blue dress so classy looking

[mariaandmanish]

Those dresses are beautiful! And the blue is gorgeous! All of your BM's look great in them! Congrats on being able to check that off your list in such a beautiful way!

[Jacklynn]

To do as soon as you can

These are the things that either affect everything else (like the wedding date) or are of greater emotional importance (like maybe the ceremony venue).

Select a wedding date. May 12th, 2007
Discuss budget and who pays for what. $2500
Set a limit to the size of the reception. 250
Discuss the style of reception. Beach Theme
Confirm date with officiant - Done
Book Ceremony location - Done
Book Reception location - Done
Book Caterers if required -
Book Photographer - Done
Select Wedding Dress - Done
Schedule wedding gown fitting.
Select Bridesmaid Dresses - Done, but not bought yet
Schedule Bridesmaids fitting.
Start looking for Florist.
Start looking for DJ.
Start looking for MC.6 Months before your wedding day

At the six month mark you should have all your major services sorted and have a pretty good idea what you'd like for the rest.

Book Florist - Pay deposit.
Book DJ - Pay deposit.
Book MC - Pay deposit.
Sign contract/agreement with Church/Council/venue for ceremony location. Done
Sign contract/agreement with Reception Centre. Done
Sign contract/agreement with Caterers.
Sign contract/agreement with Photographer.
Sign contract/agreement with Florist.
Sign contract/agreement with DJ.
Sign contract/agreement with MC.
Get a rough guest list together Done3 Months before your wedding day

Getting closer to the day, you should have a pretty good picture in your head if how the day will unfold and how it will look. Now is the time to finalise the style of your day.

Order Cake - Pay Deposit.
Choose Formal Wear for Groom and attendants.
Book site hire equip (Marquee, dance floor, tables, chairs, crockery & cutlery)
Book decorator - Pay deposit.
Book hairdresser - book trial style - Done
Book make-up artist - pay deposit.
Coordinate make-up trial and pre-wedding photo shoot (and hair style too if possible).
Organise Bridal Registry. Done
Finalise guest list. Done
Organise invitations/stationery.
Choose Honeymoon - pay deposit.2 Months to go before the wedding

Not long now.

Send invitations.
Start getting weekly facials.
Book wedding night motel room - Pay deposit.
Start thinking about wedding vows.1 Month to go

Basically you just need to confirm with everyone (that you've not been in regular contact with) that they all have the correct date, time and venues.

Confirm details with Ceremony Officiant
Confirm details with Ceremony Venue
Confirm details with Reception Venue
Confirm details with Caterers
Confirm details with Event Hire
Confirm details with Decorators
Confirm details with Photographer
Confirm details with Videographer
Confirm details with Car Hire
Confirm details with Formal Hire
Confirm details with Florist
Confirm details with Courtiere
Confirm Honeymoon suite details
Confirm Honeymoon details
Confirm details with DJ.
Confirm details with MC.
Buy the rings.
Schedule wedding rehearsal
Confirm all accessories for your look are ready (Tiara, Veil, Earrings, Necklace etc)
Buy gifts for Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ushers etc.
Finalise Vows1 or 2 weeks left

Tidy up all those loose ends

Have make-up trial and photo shoot.
Have hair style trial - (with Veil).
Finalise reception guest numbers and inform caterers.
Finalise reception seating and inform venue.
Pack for honeymoon.
Final consultation with Officiant.
Final consultation with Videographer.
Final consultation with Photographer.
Wedding rehearsal.
Pack a small bag with: Bandaids, safety pins, tissues, lippy, needle & thread, hairspray, bobby pins, eye drops, analgesics & any other little emergency fixer.
Request tables for the presents, cake, wishing well, etc
Wear your wedding shoes around the house to wear them in (same with him if they're new)
Write down a schedule for your wedding day, make copies and distribute to bridal party and helpers.

[Goin2thechapel]

The dresses are beautiful!!

Can't wait to see the one you are choosing for yourself!

[Jacklynn]

The dresses are beautiful!!

Can't wait to see the one you are choosing for yourself!

Well you don't have to wait long!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2233.jpg

[hummingbird521]

The BM dresses are gorgeous. I love that color. Simply stunning.

[brewsells]

I love the color you picked for the BM's. And the style is stunning!

[Kacie_bride]

I love the blue dress!!!! They are amazing! I love your wedding gown too!!!!

[HalloweenBride]

wow! your wedding dress is lovely!

[Jacklynn]

EXCITING NEWS!!!! The photographer said our engagement pictures should be arriving soon!! (he orders prints from a company in New York) He said either tomorrow or wednesday wooo hoooo I CANNOT WAIT!

[HalloweenBride]

yay on the engagement pix! I can't wait to see them!

[Kacie_bride]

EXCITING NEWS!!!! The photographer said our engagement pictures should be arriving soon!! (he orders prints from a company in New York) He said either tomorrow or wednesday wooo hoooo I CANNOT WAIT!

Wonderful! I bet they are awesome! I can't wait to see!

[Jacklynn]

We talked to our photographer like half an hour ago, and he said his wife will be on campus at 6:30 with our pictures :) So I will be meeting her at that time with our pictures proofs!

[Jacklynn]

Here are the shoes I think my bridesmaids will wear:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/n69601093_30355851_3600.jpg

[Jacklynn]

We got our engagement pictures back! Here are a few... sorry there are a lot, I scanned 18 of the 50 lol tell me which ones you guys like the most
Also sorry about the quality for some reason my scanner kind of made them not as good as in real life haha
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/18.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/17.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/16.jpg

[Jacklynn]

here are more:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/12.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/14.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/15.jpg

[Jacklynn]

Sorry the quality isn't so great! they aren't as dark in person...
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/9.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/10.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/11.jpg

[Jacklynn]

More

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/6.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/7.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/8.jpg

[Jacklynn]

And more hehe

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/3.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/4.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/5.jpg

[Jacklynn]

And the last of what I scanned...

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/2.jpg

[Jacklynn]

So except for the way my scanner scanned them, what do you think??

[SerendipityCrafts]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/11.jpg

If I had to pick just one. I would choose this one. It's sooooo nice! Love the casual pose, you both look relaxed, you can see your ring and the lighting is nice too.

[ladymelissa]

They are all very lovely!

[Jenn060306]

They are beautiful! Turned out really well! :grinhappy:

[AngelinLove]

I really like them all they are sooo beautiful!!!

[nic1124]

Your pics came out so awesome. I really like them all!

[ikkin510]

The pictures look great hon! As for the way the scanner scaned them. I am working on scanning in my pro pic from the wedding. They are scanning dark too. I believe it's they way the photographer had the developed so that people would be less likely to copy them themselves and more likely to order them.

[hummingbird521]

All of the pictures are great. To hard for me to choose just one of them though. Both of you look so happy and in love. congrats on getting them back.

[brewsells]

I agree with Elizabeth on the picture she picked. But I also like this one. I just love all the leaves on the ground.. They all turned out great. I know it was very difficult for us to pick out the one we wanted.



http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/16.jpg

[BriansBride07]

Sorry the quality isn't so great! they aren't as dark in person...

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/10.jpg



This is the one I like out of all of them the best. Great pics by the way

[NicksBride]

Those pictures are just SOO cute!! I love the one where he is playing the guitar and you are there.. So amazing

[SaralovesMike]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/11.jpg
They all turned out great, however this one would have to be my fave! :)

[Goin2thechapel]

I love them!!!

I wish mine came out as good as yours did!! I'm a little jealous!

PS..you are beautiful..I can't wait to see you as a Bride!!!

[Jacklynn]

Thanks guys, its GREAT to hear positive feedback! I am pretty excited about them :)

Pricing isn't too bad for them either....
$10 for a 8X10
$5 for a 5x7

and for the little photo album that has all of the pictures in it is $50

Next big thing..... I will go to my parents house tomorrow and my dress will be there!! I get to try on MY dress that I will wear on the wedding (not just the one on the rack at the store) tomorrow! I'm excited hehe

[Jacklynn]

PS..you are beautiful..I can't wait to see you as a Bride!!!


aw that pretty much made my day :)

[Goin2thechapel]

aw that pretty much made my day :)
Aww sweetie, you're welcome!
I only am stating the facts :)

[Jacklynn]

So I am at my parents house and my dress is here and I tried it on tonight :) Which is pretty exciting. BUT there was a little hook on strap thing missing.... so I have to call them tomorrow and find out what is up with that, and have them send me the piece

[MOB Karen]

Your engagement pictures were really beautiful, I love the fall colors in them!!! Congrats!!! :happy:

[Jacklynn]

soooo Since they forgot to pack my stinking strap in, my dad has to take my dress back, and they will have to ship me a whole new one, because like they don't just carry the straps, which is understandable. But it just stinks because now they have to send me a whole new dress and I am not sure how long it will take

[BriansBride07]

Oh no hopefully it won't take very long for them to fix the strap.

[Kacie_bride]

I just got a chance to look at your e-pics! They are gorgeous! I love the one with the leaves in the background! You two are so cute together!

[Jacklynn]

So my mom, my aunt, my cousin (who is my jr. Bridesmaid) and myself will be going to Orland Park to go to a Bridal show this Sunday afternoon! I am pretty excited. Mostly just to sign up for free stuff since I won't be getting married anywhere close to Orland Park and already have my dress and stuff, but I am excited to get good ideas. Have you guys ever went to a Bridal show and have you ever won anything? They are giving out $500 every 15 mins! But I am sure tons of people will be there lol

[Kacie_bride]

So my mom, my aunt, my cousin (who is my jr. Bridesmaid) and myself will be going to Orland Park to go to a Bridal show this Sunday afternoon! I am pretty excited. Mostly just to sign up for free stuff since I won't be getting married anywhere close to Orland Park and already have my dress and stuff, but I am excited to get good ideas. Have you guys ever went to a Bridal show and have you ever won anything? They are giving out $500 every 15 mins! But I am sure tons of people will be there lol

I went to two very large bridal shows in Houston. They have lots of ideas and very helpful information. I'm sure you'll get something out of it! Be careful about winning things. Sometimes they are scams and end up causing you to spend money instead of get something for free. They also have those things were you have to go listen to sa sales presentation to get something. But there are some legitimate prizes to be won as well!!! Good luck on that!

No matter what, you'll have fun! I know I did.

[SaralovesMike]

I went to a bridal show a couple years ago with a friend. They did give away lots of stuff and my friend won a couple things herself. Kacie's right, she had to "buy" stuff in order to win her prizes. I can't remember what she won now it's been so long. It was a lot of fun and aside from the scam she did get a lot of good ideas.

I haven't been to one yet but plan to. I can't wait!

[ladymelissa]

Have fun at the bridal show!

[Jacklynn]

Here are a few pictures of cakes that I have liked so far...

This one is really cute with my beach theme: http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/53.jpg

This is cute with the dots, but the dots would be more of my hot pink, orange, yellow and lime green type colors that match my reception colors, and it would be square instead (the cake itself): http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/dottyaboutyouweddingcake.jpg

I think this is cute as well but not in purple and again, as squares: http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/purple-seashells-cake.jpg

This one would not have red roses, either just yellow roses, or yellow roses and daisies

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/Square20Red20Roses_small.jpg

[Jacklynn]

This is one cute, but we are looking more at the shape verses the design:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/wedding-cake-present-stack.jpg

[Jacklynn]

Here are some hair styles that I have liked so far:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/s_10_jenc_updo15B15D-1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/small7.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/styles006.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/updo.jpg

[Jacklynn]

Some more:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/liz2a.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/alison.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/hair-cover.jpg

[countrygirl]

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/liz2a.jpgI like this one, I am doing something similar to this for my weddng. VERY PRETTY!!

[Jacklynn]

so I used the pattern from the DIY thread on how to make a box and I loved the idea.... so here is what I did..... I put colored paper in them to add color, but I will have pink red and white M&M's in them for the reception, so the color will show through better. Also I am going to trace the pattern myself and make it so you can't see the black dots, and the dotted lines.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2655.jpg

Here is the top part, I tried to get the detail of the palm tree that I punched out... http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2661.jpg

[hummingbird521]

The boxes turned out very nice. I am with Heather on her hair choice. I like all of them except the first 3.

[Jacklynn]

woo hoo today is the bridal show :)

[BriansBride07]

Have lots of fun I hope you win something to be used in your wedding.

[Jacklynn]

soooo today while we were at Orland, we stopped at David's Bridal and looked at Jr. Bridesmaid dresses for my cousin. I think we got one picked out.... its sooo much more cute in person though, she looks like a little bride!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2676.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2678.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2677.jpg

[hummingbird521]

That is really really pretty. She looks beautiful in it.

[ladymelissa]

That is beautiful!

[lea m]

Thats the dress i want for my daughter!! its gorgeous!

[Jacklynn]

I bought my shoes!!! I saw them when I decided on my dress, but they didn't have them in my size and they were discontinued, and plus like $60, so I was just going to go to payless or something, well when I was at a different David's Bridal on Sunday they had them in my size, and since they are discontinued they were only $21.00!!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2690.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2691.jpg


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2689.jpg

[BriansBride07]

I bought my shoes!!! I saw them when I decided on my dress, but they didn't have them in my size and they were discontinued, and plus like $60, so I was just going to go to payless or something, well when I was at a different David's Bridal on Sunday they had them in my size, and since they are discontinued they were only $21.00!!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2690.jpg






What a great find and I can't believe you got them for only $21 way to go. I really like them they are going to look great with your dress.

[ladymelissa]

Very pretty shoes! I love the glass slipper look!

[SaralovesMike]

I was gonna say they looked like glass slippers but it appears that Melissa beat me to it!
Love the shoes!!

[Panthers Bride]

I LOVE those shoes!!!

[hummingbird521]

What a deal you got. Very nice shoes too.

[mrsliberty]

Just checking in - I've been absent from the boards for a while. Cute shoes! :)

[Jacklynn]

Thanks, I pretty much love the shoes as well! And they are actually comfy even though they are tall :) I'm pretty short, right around 5 foot even, and even though Matt isn't that tall (5'10) I don't want to be super short next to him lol. They are 4 1/2 inch tall hehe

[Kacie_bride]

I like your shoes!!! I don't think I've ever told you, but one of my friends is getting married on your wedding date!!! So when you are getting married I will also be at a wedding! It is a popular date!!!

[Jacklynn]

So when I went to that Bridal show last weekend, I entered a drawling to win a honeymoon. Well they called and if we go to a 90 min presentation (where some guy makes us food and tries to sell us the products) and even if we don't buy anything we still get the trip. So we are going to go. We don't know if we will actually use the trip or not though, because it doesn't include airfare (which would be a little over $1000 for both of us) and it is only for 3 days and 2 nights, so in order to change our honeymoon to that we would of course want to extend the stay and we would have to pay extra for that and stuff, so we may just stay with our condo in Charleston, SC because we really like that place. But we are going tomorrow anyways to get it because it is transferable and I might give it to my parents for Christmas, they would just have to pay airfare and they could really use a trip!

I am getting married this may, then my sister graduates from high school next may (2008) and Matthew and I both graduate college May of 2008 and she turns 40 March of 2008... so it might be a tough year for her haha! so I may give it to them

[Jacklynn]

soooo We are now having to choose. The trip is actually pretty nice. It's all inclusive, and its in Cancun, and we can get a round trip, non stop flight for $300 for each ticket. and we can stay 7 nights for about 2000. We are really going to have to think about which trip we want now! ahhh


on a lighter note :) I made this little Thank You note as a trial run for our wedding thank you notes I already posted this in the DIY section but I thought I would put it in my journal too.... --- I just realize that I put way too many pictures on here lol

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2764.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/100_2763.jpg

[BriansBride07]

Congrats on winning a trip at the bridal show. Keep us updated on what you decide.

I love the way your thank you envelopes and cards turned out.

[Jacklynn]

oh my word! so now we are debating either SC or this place in Cancun... it would be about the same price including airfare... oh I wish it was easy to pick! girls help me... SC we would drive 13 hours there and back each way (which wouldn't be so bad roadtrips are fun) we would have a full kitchen and be steps from the ocean, and be very close to Chareston. We would have to pay for meals though. And we would leave about 4 days after we got married.

if we go here: http://moonpalace.com/

It is all inclusive and with airfare (we found airfare for $300 a peice! very cheap to Cancun!) and it is more of a vacation resort than the peaceful SC condo that is rented out. They have HUGE pools, and there are hot tubs in every room.

oh help us :) haha I dk which to pick! both have so many good things, and both have their downs too....

here are some pics from the rooms in Cancun.... http://images.vrbo.com/vrbo/images/b1a2d the bedroom with the hot tub

http://images.vrbo.com/vrbo/images/b1c2athe view from one of the room's bed
http://images.vrbo.com/vrbo/images/b1a38The resort

[Jacklynn]

Versus pictures from SC...

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/Bedroom411.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/SunriseUpperDeck1.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/jacklynn428/Front5.jpg

[mrsliberty]

Is the place in SC a very touristy place? Because that's pretty much all Cancun is - if you're going to Mexico for the local scene or anything, don't go to Cancun. But I'm sure you already know that. I guess that's what would make my decision for me - I don't want to go to somewhere that touristy. I'd rather hole up in a really cute B&B and have some personal time with my hubby, maybe somewhere that we know someone so we could have a personal tour guide and get to eat at the truly good places and go to the truly good sights since someone who lives there would be taking us. Just my opinion! I'm sure it'll be great no matter what you choose :)

[SaralovesMike]

Hmmm, tough choice!

I'm liking the pics from SC, a place right on the beach. I'd love that!
But then again if it's your condo you can go there whenever you want right? How many times could you go to Cancun?

Sorry, I know that's not too much help! :)
You'll enjoy your time whichever you chose!

[Jacklynn]

Hmmm, tough choice!

I'm liking the pics from SC, a place right on the beach. I'd love that!
But then again if it's your condo you can go there whenever you want right? How many times could you go to Cancun?

Sorry, I know that's not too much help! :)
You'll enjoy your time whichever you chose!

oh its not our condo :) haha to own a condo like that we would have to be a little better off money wise then we are :)

[Jacklynn]

So we are leaning back towards SC again, oh but who knows!

Matt did leave today to go to a conference and won't be back until tuesday! :(

BUT I am going with my mom tomorrow to go dress shopping with her!

[Kacie_bride]

If it were me I would pick Cancun because you can get back to SC easier than you can get to Mexico. The one down side is Cancun is a pretty rowdy place. Your wedding is in May so you'll probably be encountering kids on senior trips and rowdy college kids celebrating the end of the school year. It just all depends. If you want to party then I would suggest Cancun for sure!

[Jacklynn]

So I am home for thanksgiving break. I did about 70 thank you card today :) I made them a little more simple than the ones that I posed earlier, with simply the Thank you stamp and EITHER the wedding cake or the palm tree, but just one of them, and I alternated which one I used, so they are half and half.

Other than that not much has really been going on...

[Kacie_bride]

So I am home for thanksgiving break. I did about 70 thank you card today :) I made them a little more simple than the ones that I posed earlier, with simply the Thank you stamp and EITHER the wedding cake or the palm tree, but just one of them, and I alternated which one I used, so they are half and half.

Other than that not much has really been going on...

Lucky you!!! We have to go to school today and tomorrow. At least I get out early tomorrow though because I don't have any labs! Today I'll be here until about 4. Ugh and then home to study for a test tomorrow!

[Jacklynn]

sooooo Matthew and I have really been battling our two themes that we love : the beach (because we are going to South Carolina for our honeymoon) or a baseball theme because we LOVE baseball specifically the cubbies :)

SOOOO we may have found a solution...

We may combine the themes... you are probably thinking... HOW in the WORLD can they combine baseball and the beach into one wedding theme?! well just a second and I will tell you :)

[Jacklynn]

First off, you know how you number tables if you are having assigned seating? Well instead of just like tables #1-28 we will have each table be the name of a Cubs player past or present along with their number on a cubs pennent. BUT we will still be having our beach centerpeice that has like sand in a vase with shells and such. We will still do our beach theme cookie cutters as favors, but their name cards will be Baseball ticket stubs with their name on it...

We will have salted peanuts like they sell at baseball games inside of sand pales that I have bought on the tables and around the food area....

also We will have cracker jacks, and we are having shreded pork (kind of a beach BBQ food) as well as Nachos and Cheese. I know kinda a weird combo but I think it will work.

[Jacklynn]

We are going to do games at the reception that match both themes..... have my FH and his groomsmen spin around on wooden baseball bats and then race to the other side of the room...

Have the bridal party see who can hula hoop the longest.... with grass skirts on...

We will also play a Bride or Groom game, where their will be a question asked (who used to live close to the ocean.... who was the first person to go to a cubs game...) and the bridal party holds up cards saying who they think it is-- the bride or the groom and we could try to incorporate the guests in this by having them like raise stand up and raise their right hand for bride and their left for groom and they stay standing until they miss a question and the last few people standing get a prize or something.

[Jacklynn]

I'm thinking about putting some sort of statement into the invite saying something like this:

Combining our love of baseball, specifically the Cubs, and our opportunity to spend our honeymoon week on the beaches south of Charleston, South Carolina, we ask that you join us for a fun filled reception combining these two themes, along with dancing and food to match our themes

soooooo

What do you think of it all?! Is it stupid to try to combine the two? Or do you think we could pull it off???? also any ideas?

[BriansBride07]

IMO I just love the idea of you incorporting games into your wedding reception. I know that alot of people don't like to play games. But just like at any other function that involves games then they just watch they don't have to play.. Also if you are going to have your guests play that would be a way for you to get rid of some of your centerpieces to the winners just a thought.... Sounds like it's going to be a blast. can't wait to see pic's of how it all came together... Anyway I personally like the idea of people thinking outside of the box ecpecially when it comes to wedding reception's ect. Best of luck to you...

[Panthers Bride]

I'm having a tailgate wedding, so I obviously love your idea. However, I'm not sure I like the wording of the invite statement. I'd tweak the phrasing, but sounds like a good time :D

[Kacie_bride]

I think your reception idea sounds really cute and really fun!!! I'd say go for it!

[Jacklynn]

Okay so I know we have been going back and forth on this honeymoon thing.....

Our travel agent called us last night and let us know about this deal that he had...

It's at an all inclusive resort about 40 mins to an hour south of Cancun Mexico, in an area called the Rivera Maya. There are like old Mayan ruins not too far from the resort so that will be fun too. For us to spend a week down there, including airfare for both of us, and of course our food and drinks since its all inclusive... is a grand total of..... $2200. Which is GREAT. Airfare down there is really cheap right now, and it is a non-stop flight.

We will now flight out the day after our wedding and have a 3 hour flight instead of leave a week later and drive 13 hours each way. We are pretty excited about our decision, and the guy from the travel agency (he was the head dude) has been amazing! its through Travel By Design in Indy. His name is Bob. He was sooo nice.

anyways I thought that I would fill you in on that sudden change of plans after until last night we had decided to ditch the whole Mexico idea... now tomorrow we will call to offically book the trip... and get this! We only have to put down $200 tomorrow which is really good.

Here are some pictures. These are pictures from tripadvisor.com so they aren't the hotels "set-up" pictures they are from people who vacationed there... (which by the way there are GREAT reviews)

How cool are these swings at the outside bar?!
http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1449754S-Swings_at_one_of_the_bars.jpg

http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1561559S-Main_Lobby_Pool_At_Night.jpg


http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1565078S-Hammocks_near_Akumel_beach.jpg


http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1631610S-You_should_be_sitting_here.jpg

[Jacklynn]

This is a hotel picture of course, that just shows the whole resort..

http://www.hotels.com/hotels/CUN_BAPT-exter-1.jpg

Some of the ruins off to the side of the resort...
http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1215271S-Tulum.jpg

Every day they leave little cute things with the towels :)

http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1331105S-More_fun_with_towel_art.jpg

[Jacklynn]

Some ruins in the area!

http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1485405S-Chichen_Itza.jpg

[nic1124]

Nice Honeymoon. I went to cancun in 98 and we visited both those ruins on a bus trip. It was really cool. Lizards all over the place. Cancun is seriously all kids partying so where your staying will prob be much nicer. I'm sure your travel agent would let you know this but I think starting next month you need a passport to fly into Mex or Canada. Just wanted to let you know incase you dont have one already.

[mariaandmanish]

Some of the ruins off to the side of the resort...
http://cdn.tripadvisor.com/Images-b1215271S-Tulum.jpg



My DH and I went to these exact ruins on our Honeymoon because we stayed at Cozumel, Mexico and took a day trip! Good choice, the ruins are great fun, and are really amazing! THere are some pics in my journal, I think, to give you and idea of what the whole site looks like! Great choice for a honeymoon!

[Jacklynn]

Thanks girls! that is soooo encouraging to here that it is a nice area! We are pretty darn excited to go!

[ladymelissa]

That resort looks fab! Congrats!

[lea m]

Thats one of the places me and h2b we're thinking of going!! Its a gorgeous place isnt it!?!

[Jacklynn]

I'm excited to report that our honeymoon to Mexico is booked!! We fly out of Indianapolis on May 13th and arrive in Cancun at 11:20 am. We will then be riding for about an hour south to get to our all inclusive resort :)
We return to indy at 3:30 on the 20th.

ALSO! as of today 3/5 bridesmaids have ordered their dresses.... the other two may have this last week but they haven't said anything yet. If all goes as planned they should be in, in January. My MOH has already gotten her's in :)

[ladymelissa]

You are making great progress!

[Kacie_bride]

The resort looks wonderful!!! How exciting!!!!

[Jacklynn]

And I learned later.... all five of my bridesmaids have ordered their dresses!!!! They should all be in around Jan 7th :)

[Jacklynn]

So pretty much the only thing new is that we are trying to get our DJ...

OH! One of my bridesmaid dresses came in

[NicksBride]

wow, that was really fast! how exciting

[Jacklynn]

haha oh, well the one that has came in is my MOH who ordered hers like a month and a half ago

The other girl's will be in around Jan 4th

[Kacie_bride]

Good luck on finding a DJ! We had a hard time finding ours. The one I orginally wanted was booked. We found one we liked and booked ours back in May.

[Jacklynn]

well we have a guy that we might go with, but I haven't really talked to him about details just yet, so we will have to see, I think he is calling me tomorrow to talk.

[Kacie_bride]

well we have a guy that we might go with, but I haven't really talked to him about details just yet, so we will have to see, I think he is calling me tomorrow to talk.

I hope he is the right guy! Try to meet him in person before deciding so you can tell if you really click. Besides that you can also see their music selection.

[NicksBride]

HOpe speaking to your DJ worked out! Finding that was a nightmare for us!!!

[SaralovesMike]

Yay! Your girls ordered their dresses! I can't wait til we get ours done!

Good luck with the dj, we went with the first guy we met with. We liked him that much! Hopefully you guys have as good of luck as we did!

[Jacklynn]

so long story short, I may be getting a new photographer... I talked to a girl who had her wedding pictures taken by them and she wasn't happy. I mean I am VERY happy with my engagement pictures.... but they are all posed and were outside, She kept saying all of her pictures were dark and you couldn't see her face.... soooo now im nervous and I am looking around :(

also I think we have a date set up to go talk to our cake lady :)

[NicksBride]

oh yea, I would look around. Perhaps it was just the day that she was taking pictures. Did she offer a refund or anything? Of course pictures are priceless and you cannot recreat the day.
Oh cake lady! that will be fun!!!

[Jacklynn]

There is a girl that I attend university with and her major is photography, and she works for a photographer, (she takes the wedding photos for them) and I am thinking that she might be able to do my wedding independently from the company since she is a school and the company she does pics with is in her home town 2 hours away.... I hope so anyways, because as you all know I dont have 1500 to spend on the photographer even though i wish I could...

anyways I found this picture that she took just goofing around in her apartment.... pretty good for just messing around huh?

http://photos-411.ak.facebook.com/ip006/v39/94/98/69600913/n69600913_30294411_1324.jpg

[NicksBride]

wow that is very impressive, I love how she made the pillows colored like that. It is always nice to have a friend do it as well, you are more relaxed. my uncle is doing our photography and I know we will get better photos with someone who we are comfortable with!! I am sure she would be honored to do it and you will save lots of money.

[Jacklynn]

sooooo today is the first day that I have been really stressed out about my budget...



ohhhhhhhh goodness :(

[NicksBride]

aww, I get that way sometimes too...
Whats wrong?

[Goin2thechapel]

Aww....Try to see if there is any where you can cut back on something...Budgets are soo tough...I can totally understand!

PS..Love the picture with the colored pillows...Doesn't look like she was just "Messing around"

[Kacie_bride]

so long story short, I may be getting a new photographer... I talked to a girl who had her wedding pictures taken by them and she wasn't happy. I mean I am VERY happy with my engagement pictures.... but they are all posed and were outside, She kept saying all of her pictures were dark and you couldn't see her face.... soooo now im nervous and I am looking around :(

also I think we have a date set up to go talk to our cake lady :)

I would suggest trying to find at least one more person to give you an opinion on the photographer or ask to see the girl's pictures. Nobody is going to make everyone happy. If it's just one person that wasn't happy chances are the photographer is probably not as bad as they say.

Talking with the cake lady was fun for us!! We were really late doing it though!!!!

[Kacie_bride]

There is a girl that I attend university with and her major is photography, and she works for a photographer, (she takes the wedding photos for them) and I am thinking that she might be able to do my wedding independently from the company since she is a school and the company she does pics with is in her home town 2 hours away.... I hope so anyways, because as you all know I dont have 1500 to spend on the photographer even though i wish I could...

anyways I found this picture that she took just goofing around in her apartment.... pretty good for just messing around huh?

http://photos-411.ak.facebook.com/ip006/v39/94/98/69600913/n69600913_30294411_1324.jpg

Oh, I just saw this. That would be cool!

[Summerbmd]

There is a girl that I attend university with and her major is photography, and she works for a photographer, (she takes the wedding photos for them) and I am thinking that she might be able to do my wedding independently from the company since she is a school and the company she does pics with is in her home town 2 hours away.... I hope so anyways, because as you all know I dont have 1500 to spend on the photographer even though i wish I could...

anyways I found this picture that she took just goofing around in her apartment.... pretty good for just messing around huh?

http://photos-411.ak.facebook.com/ip006/v39/94/98/69600913/n69600913_30294411_1324.jpg

I absolutely love the way this picture was done, very cool!

[Jacklynn]

wow! okay so I think Matt and I found our photographer!!!

Unlimited coverage of the wedding and the reception including like 200-350 4x6 photos in a proof book :)

all for....

$650!!!!!!!

oh am I excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!

anyways :) here is her website

http://www.jcs-photography.com/


by the way she attends the same university as I do, she graduates this year

[NicksBride]

what a fantastic deal!!! Good find!

[ladymelissa]

Great deal and her work is top notch. Congrats!

[BriansBride07]

Wow congrats on finding some a great find.

[SaralovesMike]

Wow! $650 is a great price.

Her stuff looks really good. I like the different angles she used in some of the shots, that's why we went with the one we chose. Ours does it too and I had never seen it before.

Way to go!! Congratulations!:)

[Jacklynn]

sooooo I was looking at a site that someone posted on here.... and I have really come to like this hair style, as simple as it may seem, except I would want more like banana curls around the bottom

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b207/be_byte6/Hair%20-%20Long/HAIR-long3010.jpg

[hummingbird521]

Beautiful hairstyle. I love it.

[ladymelissa]

That hairstyle is very pretty!

[Kacie_bride]

I love the hair!

[BriansBride07]

OH I love that hairstyle.

[NicksBride]

That hair style is gorgeous! How neat with all the different places to put your hair!

[Jacklynn]

thanks guys, I'm really starting to like it more and more :) It's very simple yet pretty, and not something that you would do to your hair like day to day.

I'm sure my tiara will fit fine in it, I have a blusher (I didn't really want much for a veil) so when I go the tuesday before my wedding I will have to have them play around to see how we can place it in there for at least the ceremony...

[Jacklynn]

oh!

and I think Matt and I are going to look at Invites tonight!!

I know I know, we probably should have already had them ordered by now, but we just haven't been able to lol

[NicksBride]

oh sounds very pretty and it will be fun to play around with hair as well during your hair trial!!!

Ehh you have plenty of time for invites, but what fun!!!

[Jacklynn]

we went and looked invites and tuxes tonight ;) I'll see if I can find anything like the tuxes were going to get....

once we decide on the invites and order them ill scan one and put it on here

[BriansBride07]

Oh I can't wait to go and look at tux's I have only looked online and in the mag's and have my ideas but can't wait to see it all together.

Congrats on finding the tux's and your invites

[Kacie_bride]

Girl, you have plenty of time for invites. It is good that you are starting to look now. You have lots of times to look a lots of different places and get different prices. When I ordered my invites it took less than 2 weeks for them to come in. If you are going with something that may have to be custom designed it may take longer though.

[Jacklynn]

Woah! my ticker now reads FOUR MONTHS!!!..... of course there is a small little detail that says ... and 30 days... but I don't care I'm pretty excited to see the 4 month thing :)

[NicksBride]

The ticker always gets me pumped up as well. hahahaha its gonna be here before you know it. :)

[Kacie_bride]

Woah! my ticker now reads FOUR MONTHS!!!..... of course there is a small little detail that says ... and 30 days... but I don't care I'm pretty excited to see the 4 month thing :)

That's exciting for me too! One of my friends is also getting married on May 12th! After my wedding I will be counting down to that day with you guys! I can't wait for it either!

[Jacklynn]

Sooo Matthew and I went to my University's Christmas Banquet/Formal. I just thought I would share a few pictures with you :)

Here is me and one of my BM's
http://photos-190.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v56/67/18/69602732/n69602732_30433190_4043.jpg

Here is FH and I
http://photos-104.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v57/225/46/69600715/n69600715_30433104_3198.jpg

Here is the back of my hair...
http://photos-111.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v57/225/46/69600715/n69600715_30433111_5671.jpg