~Jessica & Chris - 7.7.07~

[70707Bride]

About Me
My name is Jessica, my fiance is Chris. We are both from SE Iowa and are attending Western Illinois University. I am majoring in Music Business through Individual Studies, and Chris is majoring in Management with a Marketing minor.

How We Met
I met him while working at Taco Bell. I got hired in June '03 and he had already been there about a year or so. He was a manager, and I wasn't. We weren't supposed to hang out because of that, but we did anyway. We had a math class together our first semester of college (we both graduated high school in '03) so we got to know each other a little better. He kept asking me out, and I kept turning him down, plus I didn't want to "date one of my managers" lol. So I told him that after we both left Taco Bell, I'd date him. He was basically forced to quit/leave because our general manager basically set him up. Anyway, so on Feb 24, '05, we were officially dating (that was the day after his last day at work).

The Engagement
After we had been dating a while, we were joking around saying "we should get married and see if we can get free tuition". Apparently he knows someone who basically got free tuition because they got married. I never thought we'd get married while in college though, I never wanted to.

Nov. 20, '05 was my 21st b-day, and Chris said it would be one I'd never forget. I sorta had this thought in my mind "what if he proposes?", but never thought more about it. It was a Sunday, and a pancake breakfast before my church service (he came with me). After we had finished eating, we still had some time, so my mom let us take her car and so somewhere. We went back to Chris' parents' house. We were there a few minutes, then I thought we might be late getting back, and he wouldn't come. So I thought I could hurry him up by going out to the car. He called me on my cell and told me I had to come back in. I was kinda thinking then, too, that "what if he proposes?". So I went back into the house, and he was down on one knee holding a ring. He asked me to marry him, and guess what I said? I asked him if it was a joke! Only because I didn't think that we were "seriously" joking around. But I said yes, obviously!

We went back to the church, and showed my mom the ring. Then Chris asked her, "Is that okay?" lol. I thought that was funny! And so now I'm planning!


I will post pictures of what I have found that I like. Feel free to comment, and let me know what you think!

~Jess~

[70707Bride]

1) Mariano 2) Mon Cheri Bridals


http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/mariano/knmarof06m260m.jpg http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/moncheri/knmchgf066227m.jpg

3) Alfred Angelo 4) Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner
http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/alfredangelo/knaangs061476m.jpg http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/morilee/knmlmbf053604m.jpg

[70707Bride]

5) Anjolique Bridals 6) Alfred Angelo
http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/gowndesigners/anjolique/knanjos050730m.jpg http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/alfredangelo/knaangs051822m.jpg

[AngelinLove]

All of the dresses are very beautiful!!!! I really like #3 and #5!!

[70707Bride]

All of the dresses are very beautiful!!!! I really like #3 and #5!!

Thank you. I did find a dress that my mom thinks we should just go back and buy, it was a size 2, and fit me almost perfectly off the rack. Out of all the dresses I've tried on, my mom said that one was more "me". And to be quite honest, I don't remember exactly what it looked like, but I do remember I wanted her to buy it right then too! All the ones I've tried on look about the same, like these pics. They are all starting to look the same to me now.

[70707Bride]

I've decided that our colors will be red and yellow, with real red roses and yellow lilies. I have 4 BMs, Chris has 1 GM so far, I believe.

I want a music themed reception. But I don't want to go all out and have every single thing be music related. I just want music related centerpieces, decorations, and such.

I want a square cake, with real flowers on it. See next entry.

[70707Bride]

http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h//images.theknot.com/Galleries/WeddingCakes/CG017m.jpg

I originally wanted this cake, it would be perfect. It has the song lyrics on it. But I didn't think anyone around my area could make it like this. I also decided on a square cake, so I don't think this would work out anyway. I started getting other ideas:

Except with roses
http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h//images.theknot.com/Galleries/WeddingCakes/CG049m.jpg

[70707Bride]

I like this for my bouquet:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/tf_whiteb_2.jpg

I like these for my BM's and mine (I like the simplicity of them, just a single rose &/or lily or a couple):
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/tf_wp_31.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/tf_wp_13.jpg

For the toss bouquet:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/tf_whiteb_19.jpg

[Kacie_bride]

My favorite of the dresses is #3! I also really like #1. They are all beautiful. The cake idea with the lyrics on them is really neat. Too bad you don't know anybody who could do that. The other cake is also very pretty.

[70707Bride]

My favorite of the dresses is #3! I also really like #1. They are all beautiful. The cake idea with the lyrics on them is really neat. Too bad you don't know anybody who could do that. The other cake is also very pretty.

Thanks. Yeah, I was disappointed when I realized that I probably wouldn't be able to have that cake.

[70707Bride]

Updos:
http://images.della.com/images/hair/8_em_sepiaupdo.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/hair/2_em_blonde.jpg

(my new fave updo below)
http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2006_online/09_articles/02_beauty_hairbuns/00_main/005_primary.jpg

Left down (long and wavy):
http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2006_online/09_articles/02_beauty_hairlongloosewavy/00_main/004_primary.jpg

[MOB Karen]

I love all your ideas so far, Jessica!! Can't wait to see which ones you decide to go with! Good luck!!! :D

[70707Bride]

I love all your ideas so far, Jessica!! Can't wait to see which ones you decide to go with! Good luck!!! :D

Thanks. I wish I could have all the ideas!

[70707Bride]

"All I Ever Needed" ~ Bret Michaels of Poison

"There you lay, and here I stand."
He knelt down on his knees an' took her by the hand.
"We've seen some good times,
"Been through some bad,
"But somewhere between the laughter and the tears,
"We sure had a lot of great years."

He said: "We didn't need fortune, didn't need fame:
"Just a little shelter from the rain;
"Your hand to hold on to.
"When times got tough you pulled me through, (Pulled me through.)
"We didn't need a castle made of stone,
"Just you there, as I grow old,
"Your heart to hold on to:
"All I ever needed was you.
"Was you."

Remember our first dance and our first kiss.
I pictured my life with you to be just like this.
You stood by me. (Ooh, you stood by me)
I stand by you. (I stand by you)
We share the laughter, joy, and pain,
But it's a moment like this I hope it never ends. (Ooh, it should never end.)

We didn't need fortune, didn't need fame:
Just a little shelter from the rain;
Your hand to hold on to.
When times got tough you pulled me through, (Oh, you pulled me through.)
We didn't need a castle made of stone, (No, no.)
Just you there, as I grow old, (So old.)
Your heart to hold on to:
All I ever needed was you.

Instrumental break.
(Share my life with you, girl.)
(Oh Yeah,)
(Oh, all I ever needed.)

I thank you for sharing your life with me,
For giving me a reason to believe. (Reasons to believe.)
For loving me for who I am.

We didn't need fortune, didn't need fame:
Just a little shelter from the rain;
Your hand to hold on to.
When times got tough you pulled me through, (Yeah, you pulled me through.)
We didn't need a castle made of stone, (No, no.)
Just you there, as I grow old,
Your heart to hold on to:
All I ever needed,
All I ever needed was you. (Yeah.)

You're all I ever needed.


And as of right now (could change) I've decided on these songs too:

Bouquet Toss ~ "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper
Garter Toss ~ "Girls, Girls, Girls" - Motley Crue

[70707Bride]

Unity candles that I like:
http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/78/ProdGrfx/W05752_669pr.jpghttp://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/78/ProdGrfx/W04752_841pr.jpg



http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_881pr.jpghttp://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/78/ProdGrfx/W05752_027pr.jpg

[Smile1Jen]

All your ideas look great! Whatever you pick your wedding will look beautiful

[Twigler]

Hello! Guess what! You and I go to the same college! How bizarre is that! I wonder if my fiance and yours have met before...my fiance's minor is Management. We should try to meet and talk wedding stuff. Small world huh?!

[AngelinLove]

I REALLY like the last unity cadle set that you posted..it is very unique and pretty!!!

[hummingbird521]

I liked # 3 and 6 on the dresses myself. But everything you have picked out is gorgeous. I can't wait to see what you finally decide on.

[70707Bride]

I've seen a lot of invitations that I like, but I think we might end up ordering them from Jean M. So here are some of those invites I like:

Katy
http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_2053.jpg

Mia
http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_2070.jpg

Lori
http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/137/ProdGrfx/W04752_2087.jpg

Sophia
http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W05752_520.jpg

[Kacie_bride]

I like the one named Mia.

[Jacklynn]

I really like the number 3 dress :)

[ikkin510]

I really like the Kathy invites. Simple and sophisticated. They are all realy nice choices. I have ordered one or two things from JeanM. THey have good service.

[Twigler]

I really like the envelopes in the second picture. It adds a little something to the invites

[septemberbride06]

Everything looks great! Can't wait to see what you decide on :D

[70707Bride]

I like this David's Bridal dress for the BMs, and actually I think this is the one they tried on (in Apple):

http://img.davidsbridal.com/db/81026FF_37_BM_06S.psd.xml&cmp-color=top,x99062A&ftr=5&cmp-end=1&wid=330&hei=460&cvt=jpg

Flower Girl dresses I like:

http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s06_H1094_apple.jpg

http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s06_H8052.jpg

[ikkin510]

I really like those bridesmaid dresses. The flower girl dresses are so cute. The second dress is the flower girl dress that matches my dress. It's cute!

[Twigler]

I don't know if you are worried about price of a flower girl dress or not, but what we are going to do is go and buy a cheap Easter dress and then just add some red lace or something to it. That way that parent of our flowergirl can save some $$. But I do really like the dresses you have picked out!

[MOB Karen]

Those are very cute flower girl dresses, Jessica. We have the flower petals in our flower girl dress as well. :D

[70707Bride]

Ok, I went up to a place in Muscatine, IA earlier this year and tried on this beautiful dress that fit me almost perfectly. Of course we didn't buy it right away, it cost about $740. This past Saturday, I called up there to see if she still had the dress. She said she did, and that someone else was looking seriously at it! I thought, "I'd better get it before she does!". So today (Monday, 2 days later) my mom and I went back up there. I tried it on, and we decided to keep it this time! She gave me the dress for $699, but still came to $747. That means that I'll have to watch what I spend on other things now since I was budgeted for about $260 on a dress...oops.

[mariaandmanish]

Congrats on getting your wedding dress! THat's wonderful! and exciting that it fits you so well already!

[ikkin510]

O, YAY!! I'm so glad you got the dress. I was hoping you would!

[70707Bride]

As of right now, we still do not have a reception location. I'm still upset that my fave place (Big Shots) was already booked, oh well. We were considering this other place that I believe is just down the street from Big Shots. FH and I talked about this last night and finally came to an agreement to have it there. I didn't want to jump right into that place, because I didn't really want it there, I wanted a place that looked a little nicer. My mom called them today and asked if they still had the date open. Apparently, they haven't booked anything for '07 yet. This place costs $500 with $200 of it being a non-refundable deposit, so she didn't take it yet. Also, they moved the dance floor to the middle of the room. I haven't seen it since then, but my mom thought it looked kinda weird. We are just kind of limited on where to have a reception at in our area. There is one room at the Grand Orleans hotel that is owned/rented by Big Shots. We will look into that one too. If its as nice at the other one, I'd like to have it there, except that since its a hotel, there might be the smell of chlorine lingering from the pool. I don't think I'd want that.

[70707Bride]

We have not booked a photographer yet either. I mean, all this stuff requires deposits and such, and its so hard to find the extra money. That's why we don't have a lot of things done. There was one photographer that I was considering. I sent her a msg (she was listed on a different wedding site) and she said she was already booked for 7-7-07. Agh. We have a few other options that we're gonna check into. Its hard to find the extra time since we're both in college, 1 hour away from home.

[70707Bride]

Ok, after looking at so many really cool Save-the-Dates, and realizing that since we were going to have DIY ones, I gave up hope on them looking really different and unique.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/PoisonBabe84/savethedate.jpg

Above is a picture of the practice one. It looks a little uneven, I think its the way it was scanned. Here's how I made them: I gave up trying to print on vellum (because it just wasn't cooperating) and just printed on copy paper. The rose came from Clip Art. Then I used a glue stick to put it on red cardstock. After that, I laminated it and cut down the sides. I stuck magnets on the back of them. They look a lot better in person than on the scanned pic!

I'm so excited to actually have something done! I don't have to worry about "what my Save-the-Dates will look like", and now I love them!

[mariaandmanish]

It's really nice, Jess. I love the red border... it's really pretty.

[70707Bride]

It's really nice, Jess. I love the red border... it's really pretty.

Thanks, I wish I could share the real thing with all of you, they look so much better.

[LaceyinPgh]

Your save the dates are very nice. Good job.

[70707Bride]

We are doing counseling at my church and we each had to take a survey of different categories; (example: family). Then Pastor gets the results back and it shows the areas where we are the strongest, and the weakest in agreement. Our session conversations are based off of that. We will try to go to our first session on Tuesday. We are at college about an hour away, so its kind of hard to pick a good time to do things. While we are in town, we will try to get information on photographers, maybe book our florist, and take a second look at one place that we were considering for our reception (they moved the dance floor to the middle of the room, and the room isn't extremely big). My grandpa works for one of the florists in town, so we might end up with her. She told me that if I was good (haha), she'd give me his discount. How could we pass that up? I really hope we can book some things soon, they are starting to fill up already. 7-7-07 is a popular date I guess.

[70707Bride]

These are just some flower centerpieces that I am considering. Not these flowers, but just the idea. We are using candles too.



http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_20.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_15.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_8.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/centerp_2.jpg

[70707Bride]

http://images.della.com/images/az/nap1.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/az/nap4.jpg

[ikkin510]

I love the second picture. It's very elegant! Although I also like the idea of the square vases and votives. It looks cool and is really different.

[70707Bride]

http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/re_bennerdecker0715.jpg

http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/re_8903ruppert0289.jpg

[70707Bride]

I love the second picture. It's very elegant! Although I also like the idea of the square vases and votives. It looks cool and is really different.

Yeah, I like them too. I want a square cake, and will probably go with the square unity candle. But the thing is, we already got round votives a while ago. They were on sale.

[ikkin510]

A square vase in the center with the round votive would still look really neat!

[70707Bride]

I got some information on a photographer on Sunday. There is this man who comes into Taco Bell (where I work) almost every day. Well, I told the manager that were going to start looking at photographers. When I walked into work on Sunday afternoon, my manager said, "here's some information on photography, from Phil. He comes in all the time!". I was like, "I don't know who Phil is". Then I saw him and was like, "Oh, I didn't know you were a photographer!". So I talked to him for a little bit. I just thought that was kinda weird. He might be an option now. We might try to go to some other places tomorrow when we go back to town. We're going back for a counciling session at my church.

[Twigler]

I love the center piece with the square vase! It is really pretty but unique! where did you find that picture? I have no idea what I am going to do yet.

[70707Bride]

Ok, so we have about 9 months left before the wedding. It seems like we have so much time left, yet it keeps slipping away. We STILL have to book a reception place and photgrapher. Its just hard to find the time and money.

I've recently decided that I will have to get a new MoH. I don't want to say to much about that at this time, but as of right now, there are 3 BMs, not 4.

There is this annual trip through my college that goes to NAMM in Southern CA every January. It costs about $500 including plane ticket. I really, really want to go to this, but don't think it will be possible. I just don't have and extra $500 by January, and also with the wedding. I'm really bummed about that.

[70707Bride]

These are tiaras I like:

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/PoisonBabe84/tiara4.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/PoisonBabe84/tiara3.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/PoisonBabe84/tiara2.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/PoisonBabe84/tiara1.jpg

[NicksBride]

LOVE your ideas. Everything looks sooo lovely. Congratulations on everything!!!:D

[70707Bride]

Sorry this isn't a better pic. And please ignore my ugly hand...

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k243/PoisonBabe84/ring2.jpg

[70707Bride]

The red one, Jean M:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/78/ProdGrfx/W04752_406lr.jpg

[NicksBride]

Gorgeous ring!! IT sparkles!

[BriansBride07]

I see where your coming from trying and finding the $ for all of the things that you need for your wedding. The photographer that I chose thankfully is letting us pay for her the day of the wedding. She does it as a side buisness. Keep looking for reception sites sometimes you can decorate them to make them look nicer and cut on the cost of the hall. best of luck to you

[mrsliberty]

9 months seems like a long time away... but shortly after nine months comes 6 months until the big day - time just runs away from you when you're on a schedule! That's how I feel, at least. Your plans look great! Can't wait to see more :)

[70707Bride]

9 months seems like a long time away... but shortly after nine months comes 6 months until the big day - time just runs away from you when you're on a schedule! That's how I feel, at least. Your plans look great! Can't wait to see more :)

Thanks. I want to take a pic of the church and post it but I haven't been there for a few weeks.

[Kacie_bride]

9 months seems like a long time away... but shortly after nine months comes 6 months until the big day - time just runs away from you when you're on a schedule! That's how I feel, at least. Your plans look great! Can't wait to see more :)

Yeah and then before you know it you're under 3 months and have tons of things to do!

[70707Bride]

Since I am in the Music Business class here at WIU, I have the opportunity to go to NAMM in Southern California in January '07. NAMM is the International Music Products Association, and one of the world's largest trade shows. The estimated total cost of going is $500, plane ticket included. The trip is for 5 days 4 nights. We had to let our professor know if we were going by this past Monday, Oct. 2.

I was so worried about what decision to make because we have a wedding to save up for, too. Another reason I don't want to go is because its Jan 17-21, and FH's bday is Jan. 19. I thought, though, that this is something I could put on my resume and it could help me get a job. After fighting with myself, I decided that I should go. I might never get the opportunity to go to this again. I also get to see/meet celebs that will be there!

I charged the plane tickets, which cost $217.10 for round trip. Great, now my bill is up to about $1700 or $1800. We might have to cut a few costs for the wedding now. But I thought if I don't go, I'd regret it. So that's why I made my decision.

---

Now for the next entry, the Task Checklist!

[70707Bride]

Ok, I just had all this done, then posted it and it said "invalid thread". So now I'm a little more than ticked because I have to start it all over! So here goes:

I know that there are checklists on other sites that have slightly different tasks and such, so I'm going to sorta combine three of them. If I left something out, it may be because we're not planning on doing that.

10-12 Months

Set date DONE
Book reception location NOT DONE :bbredface:
Book officiant/ceremony site DONE
Engagement portrait taken NOT DONE
Determine budget SORTA DONE
Start guest list DONE6-9 Months

Save-the-Dates WORKING ON
Look through floral designs/contact florists DONE
Get menu ideas DONE
Get ideas for honeymoon DONE
Book florist NOT DONE
Look into photography/photographers WORKING ON
Book photographer NOT DONE
Look into bakers/cakes NOT DONE
Book baker NOT DONE
Shop for BMs dresses DONE
Shop for wedding dress DONE
Book ceremony musician DONE
Decide on BMs dresses NOT DONE
Order/buy wedding dress DONE
Work on invite wording NOT DONE
Finalize invite wording NOT DONE
Order invites NOT DONE
Book wedding day transportation NOT DONE
Reserve hotel rooms for guests NOT DONE
Order accessories NOT DONE
Decide on decorations DONE
Choose ceremony readings NOT DONE
Order stationary NOT DONE
Order weddings rings NOT DONE
Start thinking of registry ideas NOT DONE4-5 Months

First dress fitting DONE
Finalize guest list ALMOST DONE
Look into tuxes NOT DONE
Get ideas for favors WORKING ON
Start wedding registry NOT DONE
Book rehearsal dinner location NOT DONE
Get ideas for hair/makeup DONE
Choose ceremony readings NOT DONE
Decide on flower arrangements DONE
Book hotel room for wedding night NOT DONE
Send announcement to newspaper NOT DONE
Ceremony programs NOT DONE
Look into joint checking accts, etc... NOT DONE
Discuss shower parties, and other NOT DONE
Look into/order wedding bands <--FH's aunt is our jeweler so we're not too worried about this. NOT DONE2-3 Months

Plan rehearsal
Address invites
Apply for marraige license
Review readings, vows, etc...
Experiment with hair, makeup, nails
Mail invites
Buy/make favors
Buy ceremony accessories
Consider dance lessons :)
Finalize menu
Select reception music
Dress fittings1-2 Months

Organize what you'll need for honeymoon
Thank you notes
Wedding party gifts
Final dress fittings

[70707Bride]

I think this would be pretty cool for the reception. You have a vase and cards that people write "wedding wishes" or "advice", etc. Then read them after your wedding. You can also put them in a book.

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_379lr.jpg

[70707Bride]

I want to get a J, C and a heart and paint the J and C yellow and the heart red. I found some letters at Wal-Mart and other craft stores, so I might just order the heart from Jean M.

I am thinking of putting these on the cake table, or maybe on our table.


http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_099blr.jpg

[70707Bride]

I want to use red tulle with white lights for decoration somewhere in the reception place. Maybe the cake table. Any other ideas will be appreciated (for anything)!

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_148lr.jpg

Might decorate folding chairs (which we will probably have) with something like this:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_891lr.jpg

[70707Bride]

I don't want to put this on the cake, but maybe just in front of the cake on the table. I would order this from Jean M.

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_353cpr.jpg

[70707Bride]

I like these:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/78/ProdGrfx/W04752_309pr.jpg

close up:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/78/ProdGrfx/W04752_309lr.jpg

Bridal Party glasses:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_365pr.jpg

[MOB Karen]

You've got some really great ideas! I love everything! It's just so expensive to do some of these wonderful things at your wedding! I wish you the best of luck though!! :)

[70707Bride]

There are so many favor ideas that I just love! We may have one or two. Chris likes these:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_152pr.jpg

I like this, but can't seem to find any dishes or containers like this. This pic came from Jean M, I could order them from there but they are $17/per 12:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_200pr.jpg

[70707Bride]

There are so many favor ideas that I just love! We may have one or two. Chris likes these:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_152pr.jpg

I like this, but can't seem to find any dishes or containers like this. This pic came from Jean M, I could order them from there but they are $17/per 12:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_200pr.jpg

I also love the idea of using a cookie cutter to fill with candy. I want to use music notes, if I can't get enough, then I would maybe do every other seat with a heart one. I want to fill them with red and yellow MnMs:

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_112pr.jpg

[mrsliberty]

I love the letters! We're doing something similar - taking the wood letters and placing them down on the cake table to spell LOVE, with mirrors probably. Where did you find the hearts? I love those!

[BriansBride07]

LOve your ideas everything is going to look great once it all comes together.

[70707Bride]

LOve your ideas everything is going to look great once it all comes together.

Thank you, I appreciate everyone's comments and everything!

[70707Bride]

Samanthamariie gave me this idea for favors. Music note molds to make chocolates:

http://www.kitchenkrafts.com/images/200/MA0382.jpg

[70707Bride]

Chris got me roses on Thursday Oct. 12. Here's the story:

I was at work, he came in to get my car keys to "put groceries in". I thought that was a little weird. When I got off work, I went to my car and there was a bouquet of 3 roses sitting on my seat. :heart: :soppy: That was only the second time he got me flowers. The first time he got me a dozen roses because he came in to my work place and I told someone that he's never got me flowers. So he felt bad and went and got some. I wouldn't let him before because I thought he'd always just have it delivered in front of a bunch of people!

[Kacie_bride]

Samanthamariie gave me this idea for favors. Music note molds to make chocolates:

http://www.kitchenkrafts.com/images/200/MA0382.jpg


How cute!!!

[Twigler]

Chris got me roses on Thursday Oct. 12. Here's the story:

What a sweetheart!!

[70707Bride]

Finally! Its sad but, its under 8 mo. to go and we just booked a location last weekend! One of my friends is getting married the same day. She booked 2 places because she couldn't decide. A couple weeks ago she told me she'd cancel at one for us to book it. Once she cancels, since our name is in, we'll have it! Yay!

[Kacie_bride]

Finally! Its sad but, its under 8 mo. to go and we just booked a location last weekend! One of my friends is getting married the same day. She booked 2 places because she couldn't decide. A couple weeks ago she told me she'd cancel at one for us to book it. Once she cancels, since our name is in, we'll have it! Yay!

Congratulations on getting a venue!!!! That is a very exciting step!

[Twigler]

Congrats on the venue! Make sure to let us know all about where it is going to be. How are the other plans going so far? The music notes for mints sounds really cool!

[70707Bride]

Congrats on the venue! Make sure to let us know all about where it is going to be. How are the other plans going so far? The music notes for mints sounds really cool!

Ooo...music note mints! I didn't think of that! I just thought of chocolates!! I love this idea! But my mom already got roses, oh well, roses and music...I love it.

[70707Bride]

Our reception place as planned, will be at Big Muddy's. It will be on The Other End side, it has a bar and a dance floor. When we went to look at it, it was already set up for a wedding. That was cool, because althought it was just plain white tableclothes and stuff, it all looked really nice and simple. I thought the lady said it was set up for 150 people, my mom thought 100...or the other way around LOL. At the most we will invite 200, but it might look like 150-175 invites. I'm not sure exactly how many it will fit. (Hopefully enough!)

[70707Bride]

10-12 Months
Set date DONE
Book reception location DONE
Book officiant/ceremony site DONE
Engagement portrait taken NOT DONE
Determine budget SORTA DONE
Start guest list DONE6-9 Months
Save-the-Dates WORKING ON
Look through floral designs/contact florists DONE
Get menu ideas DONE
Get ideas for honeymoon DONE
Book florist NOT DONE
Look into photography/photographers WORKING ON
Book photographer NOT DONE
Look into bakers/cakes NOT DONE
Book baker NOT DONE
Shop for BMs dresses DONE
Shop for wedding dress DONE
Book ceremony musician DONE
Decide on BMs dresses NOT DONE
Order/buy wedding dress DONE
Work on invite wording NOT DONE
Finalize invite wording NOT DONE
Order invites NOT DONE
Book wedding day transportation NOT DONE
Reserve hotel rooms for guests NOT DONE
Order accessories NOT DONE
Decide on decorations DONE
Choose ceremony readings NOT DONE
Order stationary NOT DONE
Order weddings rings NOT DONE
Start thinking of registry ideas NOT DONE4-5 Months
First dress fitting DONE
Finalize guest list ALMOST DONE
Look into tuxes WORKING ON
Get ideas for favors WORKING ON
Start wedding registry NOT DONE
Book rehearsal dinner location NOT DONE
Get ideas for hair/makeup DONE
Choose ceremony readings NOT DONE
Decide on flower arrangements DONE
Book hotel room for wedding night NOT DONE
Send announcement to newspaper NOT DONE
Ceremony programs NOT DONE
Look into joint checking accts, etc... NOT DONE
Discuss shower parties, and other NOT DONE
Look into/order wedding bands <--FH's aunt is our jeweler so we're not too worried about this. NOT DONE2-3 Months
Plan rehearsal
Address invites
Apply for marraige license
Review readings, vows, etc...
Experiment with hair, makeup, nails
Mail invites
Buy/make favors
Buy ceremony accessories
Consider dance lessons :)
Finalize menu
Select reception music
Dress fittings1-2 Months
Organize what you'll need for honeymoon
Thank you notes
Wedding party gifts
Final dress fittings

[70707Bride]

We're not sure if we're gonna do engagement pictures. He doesn't want to of course, and we only have 7 months left.

I think the next thing we need to worry about now is getting a photographer and someone to bake the cake. We might look into these starting in a couple weeks when this semester ends (at least I hope so).

Save-the-Dates still haven't been sent out yet. We just have too much to worry about right now with college. We are not doing a lot of them, or for everyone, just people who live out of state. These will probably get finished and sent within the next couple weeks.

[Kacie_bride]

You need to get on the ball with finding a photographer. I hear that day is very popular and you might have trouble finding one. That is something I would definately start looking into asap. I know it gets really hard with school to deal with. I am dealing with school and the wedding myself. Good photographers book fast though.

[70707Bride]

You need to get on the ball with finding a photographer. I hear that day is very popular and you might have trouble finding one. That is something I would definately start looking into asap. I know it gets really hard with school to deal with. I am dealing with school and the wedding myself. Good photographers book fast though.

My friend that was going to get married on that day also, ended up canceling the engagement and stuff, so she told me about some people she knows. One of them does stuff on photoshop and they said they'd do anything for her for free.

[ladymelissa]

I would also book a photog and any other service you really need on that day ASAP! That is probably the most popular wedding date in years!

[70707Bride]

I would also book a photog and any other service you really need on that day ASAP! That is probably the most popular wedding date in years!

Its also hard because so many things require deposits, and we just can't find the money. :(

[Twigler]

I def. know how you feel with the wedding and school and money! We are so poor that I can hardly pay the utilities :(

And school is getting crazy! It sure was nice to have Friday off though wasn't it!

[70707Bride]

I def. know how you feel with the wedding and school and money! We are so poor that I can hardly pay the utilities :(

And school is getting crazy! It sure was nice to have Friday off though wasn't it!

Yeah, apparently there is a professor that lives across the street from us, and our neighbor said that he said it was the first time in 30 years that WIU was cancelled. I wonder what they're gonna do about presentations this week since we're a day behind lol. I have one on Friday with a group.

[SaralovesMike]

Looks like things are starting to come together. It's a good feeling isn't it!

Love your ideas so far.

[70707Bride]

Looks like things are starting to come together. It's a good feeling isn't it!

Love your ideas so far.

Thx, but it doesn't seem like things are coming together, it seems like everything has come to a halt. It really sucks not having money to pay for deposits and everything else.

[NicksBride]

GOod luck finding a photographer, I know its hard to pay for everything but it will be worth it in the end!!

[70707Bride]

Today was the last real day of classes for this semester. Finals start Monday and my last day is Wednesday. I'm glad because I have been trying to keep my grades up this semester after having a bad last semester. I am expecting to get 1 A and 4 B's this time. I will have a little more time to work on wedding stuff now, at least for a month. I will be working probably 6 days a week and trying to save up money for that too.

[NicksBride]

WAHOO! So exciting that you are finishing up school, what a relief I am sure. Good luck on exams and enjoy your time off!

[70707Bride]

WAHOO! So exciting that you are finishing up school, what a relief I am sure. Good luck on exams and enjoy your time off!

Thx, we go back Jan 16. But then on Jan 17-22 I will be in CA, and Chris' bday is Jan 19, so I won't be here for that :( .

[70707Bride]

We just got 5 Save-the-Dates in the mail for people who live out of state, on Chris' side. We were only planning on doing a few. We didn't see the point of wasting the money to send one to people that live in town, who already know and won't forget.

During Christmas break, I want to have the following done:


Photographer booked
Cake baker booked
Another counseling session with the pastor
Start registering

[ladymelissa]

Congrats on getting your save the dates out! OOT guests is mostly what they are for anyways, those who would have to make travel arrangements.

Best wishes on the rest of your to do list.

[70707Bride]

Today we finally went and paid the deposit of $200 on our reception place. We owe $150 more on the date. We may have a photographer for only $1000, he takes 600-900 pics, we get to pic 100 for a book, but get all the proofs. The lady at the reception place said he had him and she was very pleased.

We also got a new car today. Its an '07 Chevy Cobalt LT, 2-door, with a 3LT sports package. That includes sunroof, 16 in. rims, and more. Its black, with just under 5000 miles as of right now. We got it for $13,800, which was at cost and including taxes, title, license. Traded my '95 Grand Am for $500.

[hummingbird521]

Congrats on your new car. It sounds really nice.

[70707Bride]

Congrats on your new car. It sounds really nice.

Thx, it got repo-ed after 5 months...hehe.

[70707Bride]

I really need to call David's Bridal and set up an appoint. to have my BMs try on dresses. We have been looking a couple times, and never have I had all 3 BMs at one time. Well, I was supposed to have 4, but my best friend of 14 years, decided that having a bf who smokes pot, and is the dirtiest guy in town, one who changed her completely and turned her against us, is more important than her real friends and my wedding. I haven't talked to her since Nov 20, which was my bday, and a month ago today.

And quite honestly, I don't want her to come back to me while she's still with him, I want her to realize what she's doing, leave him, and then come back. She gave up the Internet ( :bbeek: ) for him, but I know that she gets on MySpace once in a while, and can't even bother to say hi on here, and that's just a click away. Ok, enough venting.

[ladymelissa]

That is really too bad.

[70707Bride]

That is really too bad.

Yeah, I'm still in the process of trying to forget, its hard with all her stuff still in the house, and her gma paying rent for her to basically just store her stuff in our way.

But I did just call and make my appointment! I've been putting it off because I don't like to call people. But now its done, and I don't have to worry about it anymore. :)

[NicksBride]

YEA! WTG on booking your appointment, you will have a good time!

[70707Bride]

I just finished wrapping presents from Chris to people. He hates wrapping and I love it, so I did it. I'm not done shopping though. I did finish my brother's presents. I need to get my mom something still.

[nikloveskev]

Congrats on the new car! You are lucky you can get all your bm's together, half of mine live outta state. Hope the appt. goes well.

[NicksBride]

Thast nice of you to wrap presents for him. nick does a horrible job so I just do it for him hahaha. I am sure he appreciated it. ;)

[Twigler]

Hey! It's been a while since I have checked your journal! It looks like you are getting a lot of stuff figured out. I am trying to get a ton done this break as well (Including registering)! Where all are you going to register for??

Congrats also on the new car! It sounds like a heck of a steal! I still don't have mine back yet. We were finally able to take it to Daves yesterday. I guess our insurance companies are going to court because her insurance co is saying I am 20% liable. BS!

Anyways, I just wanted to wish you good luck with everything!!!

[70707Bride]

Hey! It's been a while since I have checked your journal! It looks like you are getting a lot of stuff figured out. I am trying to get a ton done this break as well (Including registering)! Where all are you going to register for??

Congrats also on the new car! It sounds like a heck of a steal! I still don't have mine back yet. We were finally able to take it to Daves yesterday. I guess our insurance companies are going to court because her insurance co is saying I am 20% liable. BS!

Anyways, I just wanted to wish you good luck with everything!!!

You haven't had your car for a while. It was always hard for me when I didn't have mine, due to it getting fixed several times. I hope you get it back soon. I don't understand how it is 20% your fault. That's so dumb. Hey, Chris is helping a guy sell insurance on the square. We switched mine over from State Farm to him because it was cheaper I guess.

I think we're gonna register at Target, Younkers or JCPenney maybe. Possibly Bed, Bath, & Beyond; and I thought it would be cool to register at Mikasa, because they have some neat things. Except that the dishes I want are expensive.

[70707Bride]

We officially have a photographer! Chris called a guy back yesterday because he's filling up fast. We might have a cake baker within the next 2 weeks. There is a bridal fair 2 weeks from today in Burlington so we might be going to that.

[ladymelissa]

:whoohoo: Congrats on the photog! That is a big relief to get that nailed down!

[70707Bride]

I thought I should start trying to plan the honeymoon now too. We have kind of decided to go to the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. I have been there twice and he hasn't been there at all. I thought he might enjoy it. Plus we can't really go anywhere expensive because we have no money. I'm trying to use the Yahoo! Travel planner to find out attractions and stuff like that. I included the cities of Des Moines, Bloomington, and Minneapolis. I found a couple things that might be interesting to see.

If anyone has any ideas let me know! Thx!

[70707Bride]

Here is a link to the website of the guy doing our pics. #61-64 are actually in my church, so you can kind of see what it looks like. (under the wedding photog. obviously)

picasaweb.google.com/rdenglerdep

If you look through all of them, there are some that have a bridge and a water fountain thing which is where I want some pics taken. It is close to where the reception is.

[70707Bride]

10-12 Months
Set date DONE
Book reception location DONE
Book officiant/ceremony site DONE
Engagement portrait taken NOT DONE
Determine budget SORTA DONE
Start guest list DONE6-9 Months
Save-the-Dates DONE
Look through floral designs/contact florists DONE
Get menu ideas DONE
Get ideas for honeymoon DONE
Book florist NOT DONE
Look into photography/photographers WORKING ON
Book photographer DONE
Look into bakers/cakes DONE
Book baker DONE
Shop for BMs dresses DONE
Shop for wedding dress DONE
Book ceremony musician DONE
Decide on BMs dresses NOT DONE
Order/buy wedding dress DONE
Work on invite wording NOT DONE
Finalize invite wording NOT DONE
Order invites NOT DONE
Book wedding day transportation NOT DONE
Reserve hotel rooms for guests NOT DONE
Order accessories NOT DONE
Decide on decorations DONE
Choose ceremony readings NOT DONE
Order stationary NOT DONE
Order weddings rings NOT DONE
Start thinking of registry ideas DONE

4-5 Months
First dress fitting DONE
Finalize guest list ALMOST DONE
Look into tuxes WORKING ON
Get ideas for favors WORKING ON
Start wedding registry NOT DONE
Book rehearsal dinner location NOT DONE
Get ideas for hair/makeup DONE
Choose ceremony readings NOT DONE
Decide on flower arrangements DONE
Book hotel room for wedding night NOT DONE
Send announcement to newspaper NOT DONE
Ceremony programs NOT DONE
Look into joint checking accts, etc... NOT DONE
Discuss shower parties, and other NOT DONE
Look into/order wedding bands <--FH's aunt is our jeweler so we're not too worried about this. NOT DONE2-3 Months
Plan rehearsal
Address invites
Apply for marraige license
Review readings, vows, etc...
Experiment with hair, makeup, nails
Mail invites
Buy/make favors
Buy ceremony accessories
Consider dance lessons :)
Finalize menu
Select reception music
Dress fittings1-2 Months
Organize what you'll need for honeymoon
Thank you notes
Wedding party gifts
Final dress fittings

[Twigler]

That church is really beautiful!! And it looks like your photographer takes great photos! Nice job!

[70707Bride]

We finally started registering at Target last week. So far we have 40 items. Most of them are kitchen things, mostly to replace what we have now.

[Kacie_bride]

We finally started registering at Target last week. So far we have 40 items. Most of them are kitchen things, mostly to replace what we have now.

Isen't it fun registering for gifts? That was one of my most favorite things about wedding preparation.

[Twigler]

You and I are basically step for step with planning! We just registered last weekend! fun huh?!

Where else are you registering?

[70707Bride]

You and I are basically step for step with planning! We just registered last weekend! fun huh?!

Where else are you registering?

We haven't registered anywhere else yet, maybe Younkers and/or JCPenney and another place. Its fun to go around with that gun thing and scan things!

[70707Bride]

We ended up not going to David's on 1-13 to look at BM dresses because of weather. I called Friday and cancelled, now I have to re-schedule that, and classes started today so its going to be interesting.

[Twigler]

Don't you just love the weater! HA!

It sucks trying to schedule everyone together to look at dresses, let alone having to do it twice. Where are you going to go for the dresses?

[70707Bride]

I really wanted a music themed reception, but since I can't come up with any great ideas, I think I'm changing it to a Lucky 7 theme. I am thinking of this because the invites that I am looking at, have a Lucky 7 design to put on them.

[70707Bride]

Don't you just love the weater! HA!

It sucks trying to schedule everyone together to look at dresses, let alone having to do it twice. Where are you going to go for the dresses?

I think we're going to to David's Bridal sometime this month. I'm supposed to make an appointment. I wanted to on President's Day (Feb 19) because my sister and the other BM in high school don't have school, but we do. We have Lincoln's Day off which is Feb 12, but they don't. But I guess they're open on Sundays so I'm going to have to make an appointment on a Sunday. My sister and the other girl have either speech or show choir every Saturday from Feb - March.

[shawnsgirl]

I know it stinks trying to gather everyone together ecspecially on the weekends. I know we're ordering our BM dresses at the end of Feburary and I will be making two trips too considering how crazy everyone schedules is let alone mine!!

[70707Bride]

I have an appointment made for Sunday, Feb 18 to go to David's Bridal. One of my BMs can't make it this day, so we are planning on just her and me going up the week after (Feb 25). I am hoping to have these things ordered by the end of the month!

My mom talked to my aunt (her sister) about flower girl dresses. My youngest cousin is 4 years old I think, and she will be the FG. I picked out 2 dresses that I liked and I was going to let her choose from those if she wanted. I will repost them after this entry and let you know which one she picked!

Our photographer is going to cost about $900 for 2 hours I think before the ceremony, and the whole reception until we tell him to leave.

We are thinking that the reception food will cost about $2000, and that is mostly going to be appetizer things and drinks.

[70707Bride]

My cousin liked this first one the best, and I like the updo in the second pick.


http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s06_H1094_apple.jpg

http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s06_H8052.jpg

[70707Bride]

Oh, and I called my pastor today to schedule another appointment and that is going to be on Feb 22. I'm going to ask him if we can have the wedding at 2:07pm. Lol. Once we find out more info at the appt, I want to start ordering the invites, I've already played around with designing them on Jean M, so I kind of already know how its going to be. I'm also not sure how many we're going to order, it seems like the guest list won't get "finished". My mom said its ok, we'll just order extras, which we will anyway, but that's not the point.

[70707Bride]

I chose some readings from the suggested list that we were given:

Song of Songs 8:6-7 Unquenchable Love

I Corinthians 12:31-13:8a, 13 Hymn of Divine Love

Mark 10:6-9 Faithfulness in Marriage

I chose vows but I can't find the paper with them on there to share on here right now.

[70707Bride]

I like these that they might try on, I think one BM tried one of them on already.

http://img.davidsbridal.com/db/s05_8007.psd.xml&cmp-color=top,x99062A&ftr=5&cmp-end=1&wid=330&hei=460&cvt=jpg

http://img.davidsbridal.com/db/81026FF_37_BM_06S.psd.xml&cmp-color=top,x99062A&ftr=5&cmp-end=1&wid=330&hei=460&cvt=jpg

http://img.davidsbridal.com/db/s07_8355.psd.xml&cmp-color=top,x99062A&ftr=5&cmp-end=1&wid=330&hei=460&cvt=jpg

[Goin2thechapel]

I really like the second one!!

[70707Bride]

I really like the second one!!

I think that is the one that one BM tried on, except in black, it looked really pretty.

[Goin2thechapel]

The small little train on it makes it very elegant!

[70707Bride]

The small little train on it makes it very elegant!

Yup! I love trains.

[70707Bride]

Ok, so I've kinda decided on 6 red roses for BMs and 1 yellow calla lily (7) in the middle. Not really sure how that would look, and I haven't decided on how many for the FG. Maybe 12 red roses for me and 5 calla lilies (17). Let me know what you think because I'm not sure.

[Twigler]

You could always try and see what the flowers would look like by doing one bouquet in fake flowers. That might give you a good idea of what to expect.

And I love all of your BM dress ideas! I think the second one is my fav!

Time is getting closer!!!

[70707Bride]

So yesterday I had an appointment made at David's Bridal and 2 out of the 3 BMs were planning on going. The third one couldn't get the day off, which is fine, I have an appointment this coming Sunday for her. Anyway, so Sunday morning, my mom got a call from the other BM's mom saying that they won't make it up because Kayla was sick and throwing up. So once again, my mom, sister, and I went up by ourselves. I found 1 or 2 other dresses that she wrote down to choose between.

Saturday, we went to Wal-Greens and got like 9 or 10 bags of V-Day M&Ms because they were 50% off. I want to use the red and white ones as favors and then order the yellow ones. We got milk and dark chocolate M&Ms. We couldn't find them anywhere else except there.

We are in the process of choosing the food for the reception and trying to possibly find a DJ after all. The one at Big Muddy's costs like $375.

[70707Bride]

Oh, I forgot to add:

Chris asked my brother to be the third GM, so now he has all 3 that he needs! Chris is also in the process of making sure that everyone is getting measured lol, and picking out the tuxes.

[countrygirl]

That is neat that your brother is going to be in the wedding. I wanted my bro to be in it, but he wasn't able to fly out for it!! Oh well, we ended up w one extra anyway. It would have really looked funny w two extra. heehee

[Twigler]

Saturday, we went to Wal-Greens and got like 9 or 10 bags of V-Day M&Ms because they were 50% off. I want to use the red and white ones as favors and then order the yellow ones. We got milk and dark chocolate M&Ms. We couldn't find them anywhere else except there.
You did just what Cody and I did, but with Hershey kisses! Isn't it nice that you can do that and save $$!

I am glad that your brother gets to be a part of the ceremony!

[70707Bride]

You did just what Cody and I did, but with Hershey kisses! Isn't it nice that you can do that and save $$!

I am glad that your brother gets to be a part of the ceremony!

Yeah, I went to Wal-Mart first here in town, didn't find any. Then Wal-Mart in Burlington was sold out. So I went to Wal-Greens in Burlington and they had a bunch! I think all of them came to just over $19.

[70707Bride]

Yesterday we had a meeting with my pastor. Of course I forgot to bring the readings and vows that I decided on so he could get started on that! We told him that we decided on doing a unity candle, and a memorial candle for 2 of my g-mas and 1 g-pa. So now I have to actually decide on those, and then order them. I think he said it was OK to have the wedding at 2:07, well actually he didn't really say anything but I think he wrote it down! So now we need to order invites soon.

[BriansBride07]

Sounds like everything is coming together congrats.

[70707Bride]

Ok, so last week only my sister could make it up to David's Bridal and I made an appointment for tomorrow. We all asked for the day off at work for it and now we are having an ice storm! I am seriously getting annoyed by this weather! We can't keep asking for days off! One BM still hasn't tried on any dresses.

[BriansBride07]

That is terrible, I really hope that the ice will go away some before tommorow so you don't have to take any more time off.

[ladymelissa]

If worst comes to worst you could just pick the dress and color, let them get measured by a seamstress on their own time (within a reasonable time period) and then just go place the order yourself. You could also just pick a specific color that davids carries and tell them to go get any style in that color.

[70707Bride]

Well we ended up going to David's today. Just my mom, sis, and the BM who hasn't tried dresses on yet! So she finally got to. But the other one couldn't go because her mom wouldn't let her. My mom ordered my sister's dress, and my friend ordered hers. This is the one we ended up going with because everybody liked it. This is the color they will be in too.

http://img.davidsbridal.com/db/81026FF_37_BM_06S.psd.xml&cmp-color=top,x99062A&ftr=5&cmp-end=1&wid=330&hei=460&cvt=jpg

[mlm063007]

Thats a great dress! Hopefully your other BM gets in so that you can order her dress also.

[nikloveskev]

Nice dress! Love the color.

[KMS]

Nice dress...it looks very elegant.

[ladymelissa]

I love the dress! It is stunning!

[katieandalex]

Looks like things are coming together nicely. You only have 4 months left!!! I love the BM dresses you chose.

[Jacklynn]

The dress you picked out looks great :) Sorry about all the bad weather. This time last week we were under 2-3 foot of snow in some drifted areas, NOW we have flood warnings... so I totally understand, does it ever stop?! lol Where is spring (summer is better in my case)??

[70707Bride]

Thanks everyone. Those were my fave dresses (that came in that color LOL) and it was everyone else's fave too. And yeah I wish the weather would end. I'm getting sick of the cold!

[BriansBride07]

Very nice dress choice and I love the color.

[70707Bride]

Not a whole lot has changed, but I'm just keeping myself up to date.

10-12 Months

Set date DONE
Book reception location DONE
Book officiant/ceremony site DONE
Engagement portrait taken NOT DONE
Determine budget SORTA DONE
Start guest list DONE
6-9 Months
Save-the-Dates DONE
Look through floral designs/contact florists DONE
Get menu ideas DONE
Get ideas for honeymoon DONE
Book florist DONE
Look into photography/photographers DONE
Book photographer DONE
Look into bakers/cakes DONE
Book baker DONE
Shop for BMs dresses DONE
Shop for wedding dress DONE
Book ceremony musician DONE
Decide on BMs dresses DONE
Order/buy wedding dress DONE
Work on invite wording WORKING ON
Finalize invite wording NOT DONE
Order invites NOT DONE
Book wedding day transportation NOT DONE
Reserve hotel rooms for guests NOT DONE
Order accessories NOT DONE
Decide on decorations DONE
Choose ceremony readings DONE
Order stationary NOT DONE
Order weddings rings NOT DONE
Start thinking of registry ideas DONE
4-5 Months
First dress fitting DONE
Finalize guest list ALMOST DONE
Look into tuxes DONE
Get ideas for favors WORKING ON
Start wedding registry DONE
Book rehearsal dinner location NOT DONE
Get ideas for hair/makeup DONE
Decide on flower arrangements DONE
Book hotel room for wedding night NOT DONE
Send announcement to newspaper NOT DONE
Ceremony programs NOT DONE
Look into joint checking accts, etc... NOT DONE
Discuss shower parties, and other NOT DONE
Look into/order wedding bands <--FH's aunt is our jeweler so we're not too worried about this. NOT DONE2-3 Months
Plan rehearsal
Address invites
Apply for marraige license
Review readings, vows, etc...
Experiment with hair, makeup, nails
Mail invites
Buy/make favors
Buy ceremony accessories
Consider dance lessons :)
Finalize menu
Select reception music
Dress fittings1-2 Months
Organize what you'll need for honeymoon
Thank you notes
Wedding party gifts
Final dress fittings

[70707Bride]

I keep forgetting to put certain things in here, so a few weeks ago, my mom got some bubbles (pkg of 36) for $8 and then had a 40% off coupon. (I think it was 40%). She could only use it on one item, so another time she got another one with a coupon. We will use birdseed also, so we aren't going to spend a whole lot of money on bubbles. Today we got some red ribbon to tie onto the bubbles, that was $1

We went to Staples today to check out their prices for copying programs. With the paper we'd have to buy, it'll be about $125 to print 150 of them. We aren't sure if we're going to do that or just print them ourselves. I wanted a tri-fold program.

My mom got red and yellow food coloring to make the mints. My mom and I went to look at shoes for me and the BMs. I saw some flip flops that can be dyed for the BMs. My flip flops will be about $20.

I looked at cookie cutters at the craft store for the favors. I wanted to put the M&Ms in them and wrap them with tulle. I originally wanted music note ones, but those are $1 each. Then I thought if I found some smaller "7" shaped ones, I might be able to use those, but I didn't find any. If anyone knows a place that is reliable that I could order cookie cutters from, let me know! Or if you have another idea that could work. I just wanted something that would be unique but not to expensive. I don't really want to use favor boxes.

[PNS777]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! Everything looks great :whoohoo:

[BriansBride07]

I just found this website. For #7 cookie cutters. They are $1.20 a piece. But maybe you could only do half of them like this not sure. But I foundt them cute anyway.

http://www.cookiecutter.com/browseproducts/NUMBERS-SEVEN-3-in.--B1467X.HTML

[70707Bride]

I just found this website. For #7 cookie cutters. They are $1.20 a piece. But maybe you could only do half of them like this not sure. But I foundt them cute anyway.

http://www.cookiecutter.com/browseproducts/NUMBERS-SEVEN-3-in.--B1467X.HTML

Thanks for letting me know. I was also thinking of doing half of them a certain way and then the other half a different way, but don't know what else to do.

[BriansBride07]

Thanks for letting me know. I was also thinking of doing half of them a certain way and then the other half a different way, but don't know what else to do.

I am not really sure what other things your incorporating into your wedding. But if you wanted to do half of the favor's in 7's. Then maybe you could do the other half in hearts or something.

[70707Bride]

I am not really sure what other things your incorporating into your wedding. But if you wanted to do half of the favor's in 7's. Then maybe you could do the other half in hearts or something.

I was thinking that too. But all of the cookie cutters were all at least $1 and I don't really want to spend that much on each one.

[NicksBride]

Wow you have gotten so much done since i last looked!! That is wonderful!

[70707Bride]

Wow you have gotten so much done since i last looked!! That is wonderful!

Hehe, I'm trying! I never realized there was so much to do!

[70707Bride]

We went to Chris' aunt's store today and picked out bands. Mine will be with diamonds (1/4 ct.) in yellow gold. Chris' will be white and yellow gold with diamonds. It will kinda match mine.

Mine will look something like this (not exact one, but gives you an idea):
http://diamonds.bluenile.com/ap/rings/AB15500800_cat.jpg (http://forums.onewed.com/(this.href.indexOf('set_shape')==-1)?this.href+'&set_shape='+document.imageform.picture_shape_3471. value:this.href")

[nikloveskev]

The pic of the ring you is exactly what I want. Are you getting nervous? I am. Only 4 months from tomorrow! We havent done anything lately and I'm getting scared. We both work so much, when we have time off I wanna be lazy. Not plan a wedding. :bbconfused: So how are you doing?

[70707Bride]

The pic of the ring you is exactly what I want. Are you getting nervous? I am. Only 4 months from tomorrow! We havent done anything lately and I'm getting scared. We both work so much, when we have time off I wanna be lazy. Not plan a wedding. :bbconfused: So how are you doing?

I'm not getting nervous yet, I'm actually getting more anxious and excited! That's weird isn't it? And I know exactly how you feel about working so much then wanting to be lazy! I mean, we don't even have the invites ordered yet, I think we will do that this weekend.

[70707Bride]

We decided on this serving set (not the glasses though):

http://www.myjeanm.com/ppe/Images/128/ProdGrfx/W04752_344pr.jpg

I want my veil to look like this (and sorry I still have no pic of my dress :():
http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/s07_669.jpg

[BriansBride07]

Your band, the serving set and the veil are all gorgeous. Good for you your getting there.

[nikloveskev]

I'm not getting nervous yet, I'm actually getting more anxious and excited! That's weird isn't it? And I know exactly how you feel about working so much then wanting to be lazy! I mean, we don't even have the invites ordered yet, I think we will do that this weekend.

We haven't ordered invitations yet either. Or looked at tuxes, or decided on food, songs, etc....

[70707Bride]

We haven't ordered invitations yet either. Or looked at tuxes, or decided on food, songs, etc....

Once I got Chris into look at tux books, he was in charge of getting everyone else in too. He's actually done pretty good at it, and my dad and brother still have to go get measured by Tuesday so they can be ordered. We have kind of decided on food, I know what songs I want played, but if the DJ (if we get a DJ) only puts them on random play, I'll be mad!

[Jopet]

I love your wedding band!! beautiful :D. Also your veil is similar to what I want long and thinish??

[70707Bride]

I love your wedding band!! beautiful :D. Also your veil is similar to what I want long and thinish??

I still have to find a veil. I didn't really see one I liked at the place that I got my dress. I might have to go back up there sometime and see if she has anything else.

[Jacklynn]

congrats on picking out wedding bands! You are way ahead of what I was at 4 months! Heck we just got our bands this week and we are 2 months out lol.

[70707Bride]

After much debate (again), we have decided to make our own invites. The ones I was going to order off Jean M, would have been almost $300 for 125 of them. We are doing something similar on white card stock, red card stock for underneath, and red ribbon. My mom made a sample one and I love it! I think I was going to post something else but I don't remember now what it was!

Oh, we have decided of favors. They will be just the simple champagne glasses with M&Ms and tulle.

I'm trying to find a red candle that isn't scented for the memorial candle. We're working on ideas for centerpieces now. We already got a bunch of red votives and still need to get candles.

My mom is going to try to make these send-off wand things with red, yellow, and maybe white ribbon. Possibly attach a bell to the top and people can pick those or bubbles:
http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2005_modernbride/12_01_p059_stylish/00_main/009_primary.jpg

[70707Bride]

Last week, my mom and I went to the florist to decide on flowers. We are going to wait on some things.

My bouquet is going to be something like this with red roses and yellow lilies and it will have the greenery:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/tf_whiteb_2.jpg

The BMs will be like this with 3 yellow roses I think and pale yellow ribbon:
http://images.della.com/images/lbd/slide/flowers/tf_wp_31.jpg

[NicksBride]

ohh I love the idea with the champagne glasses, a very classy favor and your flowers are going to look VERY nice. Good choices!

[Callys_bride]

My mom is going to try to make these send-off wand things with red, yellow, and maybe white ribbon. Possibly attach a bell to the top and people can pick those or bubbles:
http://www.brides.com/images/editorial/2005_modernbride/12_01_p059_stylish/00_main/009_primary.jpg

This is such a good idea!! Less to clean up as well I really like it!

[nikloveskev]

Are you getting plastic or glass champagne glasses?

[70707Bride]

Are you getting plastic or glass champagne glasses?

I think they're plastic. My mom thought they were glass but I think they're plastic.

[70707Bride]

Our rings came in yesterday! We didn't know until we went to Chris' aunt's store to order other things. We tried them on and they both fit perfectly!

[NicksBride]

YEA!!!!!!!:p

[nikloveskev]

OOh! Glad you got youir rings!

[70707Bride]

I just ordered my yellow M&Ms! I got a 5 lb bag of them and it came to $62.94 and they are going to be used as favors. Again, after V-Day we got a bunch of those M&Ms and are going to use the red and white ones.

[NicksBride]

ohh thats so exciting. Did you get them personalized?

[70707Bride]

ohh thats so exciting. Did you get them personalized?

They are just plain yellow ones. I wanted personalized ones but then saw the cost and changed my mind! They are $11.99 for each 7 oz. bag and the minimum is 4 bags I think. 7 oz. isn't that much at all. If it was a much smaller wedding, then maybe.

[NicksBride]

Well. I am sure they will look really nice all together. Those personalized ones are very expensive. :)

[70707Bride]

I figured out how to get the RSVPs to work on our website, in case people choose that way. :)

I'm now in the process of printing of the wording for the invites and the cards to go in with them, so my mom can start putting them together. :)

[NicksBride]

YEA!!!!! That is fantastic.

[Jacklynn]

DARN IT! I intended to get pink and red M&M's after V-day and other candy and I just totally forgot... hehe you reminded me of it :)

How exciting that you are starting to get your invite stuff in order hehe

[70707Bride]

DARN IT! I intended to get pink and red M&M's after V-day and other candy and I just totally forgot... hehe you reminded me of it :)

How exciting that you are starting to get your invite stuff in order hehe

I'm not sure how many bags we got after V-Day. But we got milk chocolate and dark chocolate. I just hope its enough after we take the pink ones out.

[NicksBride]

haha to funny. It is going to be a long process taking all those out of the bag.
But then you get to eat them. hahaha

[70707Bride]

haha to funny. It is going to be a long process taking all those out of the bag.
But then you get to eat them. hahaha

But we're using 2 out of the 3 colors so it wouldn't take as long, I don't think. We can eat the pink ones!

[70707Bride]

I don't think I've posted this since the first page, but I've decided on this cake. It'll have red roses and probably the yellow lilies on the cake, and rose petals around the cake on the table:

http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h//images.theknot.com/Galleries/WeddingCakes/CG049m.jpg

[70707Bride]

10-12 Months

Set date DONE
Book reception location DONE
Book officiant/ceremony site DONE
Engagement portrait taken NOT DONE
Determine budget DONE
Start guest list DONE6-9 Months

Save-the-Dates DONE
Look through floral designs/contact florists DONE
Get menu ideas DONE
Get ideas for honeymoon DONE
Book florist DONE
Look into photography/photographers DONE
Book photographer DONE
Look into bakers/cakes DONE
Book baker DONE
Shop for BMs dresses DONE
Shop for wedding dress DONE
Book ceremony musician DONE
Decide on BMs dresses DONE
Order/buy wedding dress DONE
Work on invite wording DONE
Finalize invite wording DONE
Make invites WORKING ON
Book wedding day transportation NOT DONE
Reserve hotel rooms for guests NOT DONE
Order accessories NOT DONE
Decide on decorations DONE
Choose ceremony readings DONE
Order stationary NOT DONE
Order weddings rings DONE
Start thinking of registry ideas DONE
4-5 Months
First dress fitting DONE
Finalize guest list DONE
Look into tuxes DONE
Get ideas for favors DONE
Start wedding registry DONE
Book rehearsal dinner location DONE (Chris' house I think :))
Get ideas for hair/makeup DONE
Decide on flower arrangements DONE
Book hotel room for wedding night NOT DONE
Send announcement to newspaper NOT DONE
Ceremony programs NOT DONE
Look into joint checking accts, etc... NOT DONE
Discuss shower parties, and other NOT DONE2-3 Months

Plan rehearsal WORKING ON
Address invites WORKING ON
Apply for marraige license NOT DONE
Review readings, vows, etc... WORKING ON
Experiment with hair, makeup, nails NOT DONE
Mail invites WORKING ON
Buy/make favors WORKING ON
Buy ceremony accessories WORKING ON
Consider dance lessons :)
Finalize menu WORKING ON
Select reception music WORKING ON
Dress fittings NOT DONE1-2 Months

Organize what you'll need for honeymoon
Thank you notes
Wedding party gifts
Final dress fittings

[Panthers Bride]

I don't think I've posted this since the first page, but I've decided on this cake. It'll have red roses and probably the yellow lilies on the cake, and rose petals around the cake on the table:

http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h//images.theknot.com/Galleries/WeddingCakes/CG049m.jpg


I love that cake. I might have to "borrow" the design.

[70707Bride]

I love that cake. I might have to "borrow" the design.

So do I! It is actually very simple, but beautiful.

[NicksBride]

Pretty, I love love love the cake. It is very elegant.

Looks like you are getting a lot of stuff done. :)

[70707Bride]

Pretty, I love love love the cake. It is very elegant.

Looks like you are getting a lot of stuff done. :)

I can't wait to eat it! :)

[NicksBride]

yummo... I bet it is sooo good.

[Goin2thechapel]

Just checking in!

I love the veil :) I love the bouquet ideas. I love everything so far! Awesome work!

[Twigler]

I really like your cake! It is going to be so pretty with the red and yellow!

[70707Bride]

I just checked my mail, and Wednesday I got an email saying that my M&Ms have been shipped! Now we're just waiting for them to come in. Yum! According to the tracking thing on the UPS website, it is scheduled for delivery today!

[NicksBride]

YEA!!!! TOns of candy coming your way. :)

[KMS]

Yay! M&Ms in the mail! That's exciting...I love getting good mail. Ya know, no bills or payments. So wedding mail is just over the top! :bbmrgreen:

[70707Bride]

Yay! M&Ms in the mail! That's exciting...I love getting good mail. Ya know, no bills or payments. So wedding mail is just over the top! :bbmrgreen:

Right, no bills, but candy!

[NicksBride]

hahahaha,YESSSS!

[lize566]

I'm not sure how many bags we got after V-Day. But we got milk chocolate and dark chocolate. I just hope its enough after we take the pink ones out.

My mom and I were just discussing m & m's b/c I dont think we got enough and they are pretty expensive to order and I thought it was really funny that I need the pink ones and you need the re ones-i wish we could like mail the ones we don't need to each other lol!

[70707Bride]

My mom and I were just discussing m & m's b/c I dont think we got enough and they are pretty expensive to order and I thought it was really funny that I need the pink ones and you need the re ones-i wish we could like mail the ones we don't need to each other lol!

Yeah, that would be cool, are you using the white ones too?

[lize566]

Yeah, that would be cool, are you using the white ones too?

No just pink...we got the v-day ones that just have red, hot pink, and light pink I think.

[70707Bride]

No just pink...we got the v-day ones that just have red, hot pink, and light pink I think.

Those are the ones we got. We got milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Yum...

[NicksBride]

ohh dark chocolate are my favorite. Yummy!

[70707Bride]

ohh dark chocolate are my favorite. Yummy!

Its my fave too, Chris hates it!

[NicksBride]

haha thats OK, all the more for you. :)

[70707Bride]

Just an update: 2 of the BMs dresses came in this week!

[July707Bride]

Yay! Mine are due in the first week of May.

Isn't it exciting when things arrive?!?!

[NicksBride]

YEA!! That is a huge sigh of relief to have them coming in! Really makes it seem closer dosen't it?

[70707Bride]

It is getting a lot closer! But I still need to get my veil and tiara. I wonder if my dress has been altered yet. The last time I tried it on (in August) she took some measurements of where to alter. If she's done, we're gonna see if we can take it with us to try it on with a veil.

[NicksBride]

That is sooo exciting! Can you get a veil and tiara from the same place you got your dress?

[70707Bride]

That is sooo exciting! Can you get a veil and tiara from the same place you got your dress?

When we got the dress, they didn't have any veils that I liked. That is why we have to take it somewhere else :(

[70707Bride]

We had another counseling session with my pastor yesterday. I just decided to have him make the programs. It will be so much easier to have him put it together because he knows the process. They will be plain but I don't really care anymore. I know its not going to matter after the wedding is over. :) We also kind of developed an exit strategy and receiving line.

[NicksBride]

haha well it is one less thing you have to worry about. People really just look at them and do not really worry to much about programs. So it is as I said one less thing.
Its getting down there. :)

[70707Bride]

haha well it is one less thing you have to worry about. People really just look at them and do not really worry to much about programs. So it is as I said one less thing.
Its getting down there. :)

Yeah, I just don't want to have to worry about something like that anymore. Its getting closer!

[NicksBride]

Excatly!!!!!

[July707Bride]

I agree about the programs. I thought it was customary to have them, but I'm not getting married in a church and it is not a religious ceremony (I don't even know if we're going to use music) so I wouldn't know what to put on it other than who's in the wedding party. I think, if I do anything, I'm going to order some favor-type paper fans from JeanM with our colors, names, and date and people can have those at the ceremony since it will be at 3pm in a gazebo and will be rather warm. I just haven't decided if it's worth it yet or not because I haven't sent out invitations yet (so I don't know how many are coming) and it will be a short ceremony so I don't know how much use they will get out of them.

Good planning so far, you have so much done! I love it all! :bbmrgreen:

[70707Bride]

I agree about the programs. I thought it was customary to have them, but I'm not getting married in a church and it is not a religious ceremony (I don't even know if we're going to use music) so I wouldn't know what to put on it other than who's in the wedding party. I think, if I do anything, I'm going to order some favor-type paper fans from JeanM with our colors, names, and date and people can have those at the ceremony since it will be at 3pm in a gazebo and will be rather warm. I just haven't decided if it's worth it yet or not because I haven't sent out invitations yet (so I don't know how many are coming) and it will be a short ceremony so I don't know how much use they will get out of them.

Good planning so far, you have so much done! I love it all! :bbmrgreen:

Thanks! Yeah I love Jean M! There is so much creative stuff!

[Jacklynn]

I agree, I haven't even made my programs yet and I get married in like 3 weeks haha If the my pastor offered to make them for me, I would for sure take up the offer :)

[70707Bride]

So today we went up to David's Bridal to pick up 2 of the BMs dresses. I love them yay! They tried them on with the red flip flops and those match great. I got my garters from there, the ones with the red that matches everything, and also the unity candle holders. Those were pretty cool looking so we got them haha. They are silver with hearts that have a red jewel thing hanging down the middle of the hearts.

Prices:

Garters: $24
Candle holders: $39


http://www.davidsbridal.com/images/fashions/full/F06_GTR618_AppivyIvory.jpg

[nikloveskev]

Can you believe how the time is flying by?? When are you sending out your invitations? or have you already?

[70707Bride]

Can you believe how the time is flying by?? When are you sending out your invitations? or have you already?

Actually, we just started putting them together in envelopes yesterday...I have sent out 2! Lol. I had a productive day!

[nikloveskev]

OK cool. so I'm not too far behind! lol

[70707Bride]

OK cool. so I'm not too far behind! lol

I thought I was, but it seems to be working out fine.

[July707Bride]

I just ordered mine last week and they haven't come yet so I haven't sent mine out yet either. I was thinking the second week of May maybe.

[70707Bride]

We wanted all of ours to be out by May 1 because we want people to RSVP by May 31. We have to know exactly what we want for food by like June 7 or so and this would give us about a week to get it all figured out.

[Twigler]

Congrats on the progress with the invites! It will be a nice relief to get them out (and then, if you are like us, you will get some back in the mail with "return to sender; address unknown").

Your garters are really cute!

It sure is getting closer for the both of us!!!! (you know, we really should meet sometime before I am done with WIU!)

[70707Bride]

Congrats on the progress with the invites! It will be a nice relief to get them out (and then, if you are like us, you will get some back in the mail with "return to sender; address unknown").

Your garters are really cute!

It sure is getting closer for the both of us!!!! (you know, we really should meet sometime before I am done with WIU!)

Yeah that would be fun! When are you done?

[Twigler]

May 12th I graduate! Woo hoo!!!

What about you?

[70707Bride]

May 12th I graduate! Woo hoo!!!

What about you?

December haha.

[Jacklynn]

You are getting so much closer! July 7th will be crazy around here! Everything is really looking great.

[70707Bride]

We got a bunch of invites done this weekend. We just have to get more Forever stamps and then they will be out in the mail!

My aunt also told me that she was going to throw me a shower in June! Yay!

[NicksBride]

ohh your garters are sooo pretty!

[July707Bride]

Yay for getting more invites done. I'm hoping mine come in the mail today or tomorrow...I'm getting impatient. I want to get them out by Friday if possible. My mom and I want to get the love stamps but we're going to have to get the forever stamps for the RSVPs since the postage changes May 14th. Congrats on having a shower also. My MOH has mine planned for June 9th.

[Goin2thechapel]

I want to see pics from the shower!!! :wink:

[70707Bride]

I want to see pics from the shower!!! :wink:

Hehe, when that happens, I will post them!

[70707Bride]

Yay for getting more invites done. I'm hoping mine come in the mail today or tomorrow...I'm getting impatient. I want to get them out by Friday if possible. My mom and I want to get the love stamps but we're going to have to get the forever stamps for the RSVPs since the postage changes May 14th. Congrats on having a shower also. My MOH has mine planned for June 9th.

We got more invites out tonight, most of them actually. My mom sent a bunch out too. That reminds me...I need to edit my signature now!

[Jacklynn]

Yay for having invites out!!!

[July707Bride]

Yay! How many more still need to go out?

[70707Bride]

Yay! How many more still need to go out?

I'm not sure! I don't know how many my mom got out.

[70707Bride]

Ok, I haven't been on a whole lot for the past couple days because our Internet wasn't working again at the house, we've been busy moving, and I've had presentations to get ready for. My presentations are done, my finals are next week Monday-Wednesday, and we still have to move some stuff out of the house.

I'm still not exactly sure how many invites we have out, I'm going to find out how many my mom sent out this weekend. Chris got a call this morning for RSVPs, 2 people can't make it.

I am also going to try to get my film developed so I can share with you my pics of stuff!

[NicksBride]

YEA for invites!!! Gets really real now!
Can't wait to see pictures. Things are coming together, won't be long now!!!

[70707Bride]

I was just informed that we received some RSVPs in the mail today at Chris' parents house! Yay! People are actually sending them back! Looks like I'll be updating my siggy soon!

[NicksBride]

YEA! That is so exciting.

[4424]

I was just informed that we received some RSVPs in the mail today at Chris' parents house! Yay! People are actually sending them back! Looks like I'll be updating my siggy soon!

congrats! i loved getting rsvps in the mail :)