:heart:Nicole & Ben:heart:

[winter_wonderland]

Hi,
My name is Nicole and my fiance's name is Ben. I'm a college student majoring in Art Studio. Ben just graduated and got his associates in Computer technology, he does programming. We are getting married Dec, 29, 2007.

The meeting-
It's really interesting how we met really lol. My mother is a home healthcare nurse and she often takes care of Ben's disabled brother. Well one day while she was at work she was talking to Ben's mom about her family and showed her pictures of my brother and sister and I. My mom of course was bragging about her oldest daughter, me. lol and telling Ben's mom Mary all about how I'd just gotten through a nasty break up a few months ago. Mary thought I sounded like a nice girl and snatched my picture from mom and ran upstairs to Ben's room. He was half asleep and getting ready to get up for work and Mary goes, " BEN! BEN! look at this girl! isnt she pretty! wouldnt you like to talk to her!? give me your email!" lol and so email addresses were swapped and i got a message shortly after. and 3 days later we went on our first date. He braved a horrible thunderstorm to get to town and pick me up. We went to a nice little restaurant called "the village deli," walked around in the dark and got some hot chocolate at starbucks. We've been inseperable since. Its been a well over a year since our first date and he is just as lovely as when i met him.

The proposal-
Ben and I went on vacation in florida with the rest of his family. The family rented a nice condo in Treasure Island. right on the bay and just across the street from the beach. We spent all week shopping and swimming and riding wave runners and going to amusement parks. On about the 5th day there or so, We were walking down the beach watching a sunset, there was a nice breeze and the clouds where pretty shades of pink and purple and blue. We sat down to take it all and and he looks at me with the sweetest expression. He said, " Nicole, I may not have a ring right now but this has to be the most perfect moment. So I have to ask you, Will you marry me?" of course I said Yes without hesitation lol. http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/nicolebenjamin3.jpgThis is us :)

[brewsells]

Welcome, Nicole. Both the way you met and the engagement are wonderful stories. Let us know if there is anything we can help with.

[winter_wonderland]

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/Lovely_Evening_Sky_by_B_Anewera.jpgThis is a picture I took just before he proposed

[winter_wonderland]

so here are some pictures of ideas and things I like thus far.

The dresses-
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/dress2.jpg
other stuff
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/bouquet.jpg
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/aisle.jpg

[winter_wonderland]

Lol so not everything showed up here's more
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/dress.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/privetberries.jpgPrivet berries to add some blue in the flowers :)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/202-424_s.jpgMy crystal looking topper for that icey winter look (which ive already bought) with some DIY work will be looking lovely

[ladymelissa]

Yay! I am glad you started a journal!

Having a pic of the evening he proposed is so awesome, it gives me chills. There aren't many people who have something like that! Not to mention, you are quite a photographer!

I love your ideas so far, the trees are simply outstanding! I love the dress choices and the cake topper, too.

[winter_wonderland]

Yeah I am very lucky to have that picture! My camera was permanantly attached to my wrist that week lol.

[winter_wonderland]

I'm a very lucky girl! Ben's mother makes wedding cakes and Ive come up with my own design for a wedding cake and she is going to make it :) I'll see if i can scan the sketch later.

[kevinsbride2B]

So glad you decided to start a journal. They're fun to look at later and say "wow I've done a lot!"
Having friends and family who can help with the major things are great!!!!! My Mom's also doing my cake as she used to do it on the side and I remember as a kid I was so in aww for them all.
Your ideas are so lovely so far! The first thing I bought was my cake topper too lol. I couldn't resist, I had always wanted that one and I finally had the reason to buy it.
I hope you can get a lot of inspiration here and I'm sure you will. I can hardly wait to see another winter wedding in the making!

[nic1124]

Congratulations on your engagement. Very nice story too :)

[Kacie_bride]

Yeah!!!! I'm so glad you started a journal!!! I can't wait to see more of your ideas. I love what you have so far!

[AngelinLove]

Welcome and congratulations on your engagement!!! Everything looks soooooo beautiful so far!!!

[winter_wonderland]

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/cakedesign.jpg

[hummingbird521]

Glad you started your journal. What sweet stories about how you two met and how the proposal came about. I love the pictures.

[winter_wonderland]

Look what i found in better homes and gardens mag. you goto this site snowcrystals.com and you save the picks and print them on cards. very cut for invites or thank you cards. Ther USPS is selling matching stamps right now too.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/Snowflakecard.jpg

[winter_wonderland]

by the way if I dont get to each of you personally Id like to thank you all for the nice welcome :) I look forward to trading ideas and advice with all of you.

[kevinsbride2B]

I do a lot of crafts and stuf and am in a bunch of different shows. this year I did a lot of "icicle decorations". IT's in the DIY section and what you do is shape a pipe cleaner and soak it in borax and boiling water. It makes a stunning decoration. I did a lot with snowflake shapes. They really looked sweet and they were unbelievably cheap and easy to get done.

[brewsells]

so here are some pictures of ideas and things I like thus far.

The dresses-http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/dress2.jpg




This is sure a popular dress! With due reason, it's very pretty.

[kevinsbride2B]

This is sure a popular dress! With due reason, it's very pretty.
I tried one on like this and I couldn't believe how light weight and comfy it was!!!!!!!!!! It was just the pricetag that went with it I wasn't as fond with for the one I tried on lol.

[lea m]

Some great pics and ideas!!!! You'l have to look through everyones journals, quite a few had that dress! You'll be able to see what it looks like on them!

[BriansBride07]

welcome Nicole to the boards, How you met and the proposal is so sweet. Great pic by the way you two look cute together. Your ideas are wonderful and I can't wait to see and hear more.

[winter_wonderland]

SO! this is my second christmas with Ben only last year id only known him for a month lol. Its interesting because now i have to organize the time between his family and mine.. which there is a good 40 mins drive in between lol. I think we got it figured out for now but something is going to have to change.. because we cant just go there and then drive back and then turn around and go back over there again.. no siree... right now we have it set so we will be over there at my families houses most the day then his house in the evening but i hate to push his family to last.. so i told my mom she is going to have to rearrange next year. I have to goto my moms, my grandmas, my dads, and my other grandparents house and now i have to include ben's family. lol fun stuff. Im excited though because i made ben's present. Its a quilted pillow case to match his bed quilt and has pictures of us on it. I cant wait to give it to him.

[ladymelissa]

Well it sounds like you have it all worked out.

His gift sounds lovely! It is so personal!

[lize566]

SO! this is my second christmas with Ben only last year id only known him for a month lol. Its interesting because now i have to organize the time between his family and mine.. which there is a good 40 mins drive in between lol. I think we got it figured out for now but something is going to have to change.. because we cant just go there and then drive back and then turn around and go back over there again.. no siree... right now we have it set so we will be over there at my families houses most the day then his house in the evening but i hate to push his family to last.. so i told my mom she is going to have to rearrange next year. I have to goto my moms, my grandmas, my dads, and my other grandparents house and now i have to include ben's family. lol fun stuff. Im excited though because i made ben's present. Its a quilted pillow case to match his bed quilt and has pictures of us on it. I cant wait to give it to him.

I love making people gifts! I can totally related to the whole holiday time crunch!! I was actually talking to a friend of mine that recently got married and she said her marriage counselor told them they needed to discuss holiday plans before they got married (that was in July I think) because it will be an issue when the time comes. I was kind of surprised the counselor told them that but it is a big issue. It sounds like you have a good plan though!

[Kacie_bride]

The gift you made sounds nice! I'm sure he'll love it!

[winter_wonderland]

So lately I find myself trying to picture more clearly how i want my wedding to look. I findmyself thinking of a snowy day and when you walk up to the church there are little laterns lit up around the entrance and large wreaths on the doors. You come in and there are Lights and candles all around and the foyer smells like spices and evergreens. ... Then there is the sanctuary. There are dangling lights on the walls.. candles in the windows.. and an aisle of twinkling white trees over a white runner. There's a centered alter decorated in candles and evergreen sprigs with the unity candles in the middle. If you continue into the reception area you will pass into another hall way dimly lit with candles. I want the hall to be a little dark but still be able to see. But there will be strings of lights and candles and perhpaps more trees here and there . snowflake ornaments and candles with little wreaths wrapping around them down the center of the banquet tables. You know that cozy feeling you get when you look a christmas tree lit up in the dark or when you look out the window at snow in the middle of the night and the moon kinda makes it glow... Id like to capture those moments and somehow incorporate those into my wedding. chilling and beautiful but surprisingly cozy
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/lantern.jpg

[ladymelissa]

All I can say is, wow! That sounds amazing! Your thoughts are so vivid with astounding detail, I cannot wait to see how it turns out!

Stock up on Christmas lights and decorations (candles, lanterns) now while they are on clearance.

[winter_wonderland]

Yeah I dont have alot of money right now but Im expecting some funds to come in within the next couple weeks. Hopefully there will still be some decorations and lights left to buy.

[lize566]

That sounds breathtaking!! I hope it works out for you and I can't wait to see how this progresses!

[winter_wonderland]

Well planning is going alright, I have my general picture in my head now im trying to plan some of the more detailed things... Ben and I are pretty sure we want to do personalized hot cocoa packets for the favors. I found a caterer that is only 10 mins away from the church and cost $7/ person. Her options are 2 meats, 2 veggies, 2 salads, choice of potato, choice of noodles/stuffing, and h'or deurves, she brings tea, coffee, and lemonade. My only beef right now is that Im having trouble deciding on a centerpiece. The tables are long so we decided to go with something that the guest wont have to strain their necks to look around to talk to the person across from them lol. My mother has disagreed with my first few ideas, too small or too much blah blah blah.. So I need help finding a centerpiece.. remeber.. wintery, dark blue,silver, and white HELP PLEASE

[BriansBride07]

Sounds great what you want for your favors. I don't understand though in a couple of posts before this one you described a beautiful setting including the banquet tables. Why aren't you going to go with that idea. It sounds breathtaking.

[winter_wonderland]

Well I am using that idea really, or at least plan to so far... evergreens and candles. Ive just had issues with my mom on the set up.. which candle holders, and what not, how to arrange them.

[BriansBride07]

http://teleflora.edgesuite.net/images/products/HWE_145029.jpg


How about something like this, it's not to tall or you can make it smaller. YOu don't have to use the flowers if you don't want to. It's not to small IMO and not to large for you guests at the table.

[winter_wonderland]

That is very nice actually :) i like the base

[BriansBride07]

That is very nice actually :) i like the base

That will just give you like you said a base to work from and then you can incorporate your own colors and that into it. I'm sure you can pick up all the stuff for it pretty cheaply to.

[winter_wonderland]

Well I feel a little negligent. But in my cause I plead school. I started the new semester and my classes keep me busy. I'm writing papers and doing research and then i spend the rest of my time with Ben :D lol On wedding news... well, We booked a caterer! :star: $7 a person, decent menu. Im probably going to get to shop for a dress very soon. I need to work on the dj, and a florist. So Im having fun and thats that. ttyl bye

[shawnsgirl]

congrats on booking a caterer and try not to be too busy to give us an update every now and then!!

[winter_wonderland]

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/TI-CK10-BLUEC.jpg
SO! We are pretty sure we have found our ring! its titanium and is about $250 from applesjewelry.com We like it alot because we wanted to get an "infinity" ring to symbolize eternal love. We are planning on getting an engraving on the inside... something to do with forever. Oh and other good news Ben started a new job today! He said it wasnt bad. :) he is doing home care part time. Saven a lil cash for the wedding and stuff

[ladymelissa]

Will both rings look like that? That is a fabulous design and so unique! It kind of reminds me of mine, mine is titanium with a pink ring inlayed around the middle, Mikes is plain and high polished. Ours are also titanium. Great choice!

[winter_wonderland]

Yeah we decided we wanted matching rings :), his will probably be wider than mine but same design and color :) My engagement ring has saphires in it so we figured the blue would look nice with it. Your ring sounds cute & I like the high polished look

[Kacie_bride]

I love the ring choice. It's very unique.

I know how hard it is to be working on school and planning a wedding. I was in school during the planning of mine. I graduated on Dec. 16th and two weeks later got married. It was very stressful, but I'm glad it's all over now!

I used the vase id similiar to what Christina posted, but mine were smaller. We didn't use the flowers either. I have pics of it in my photo journal if you want to take a look. We got the vases at Hobby Lobby for very cheap. They have several different sizes and assortments to pick from.

[winter_wonderland]

I contacted my financial aid offices at school and they said my scholarship will still be in place when i get married! YIPPY! :grinhappy:

[Natasha]

Your rings are so pretty! We're looking at titanium, too. I love your ideas! I love winter weddings!

[BriansBride07]

I contacted my financial aid offices at school and they said my scholarship will still be in place when i get married! YIPPY! :grinhappy:

Great news.

[winter_wonderland]

I signed the contract for our new apartment. It's university owned but it will put us close to campus, not to mention all utilities, net, cable and phone are included in the bill. We get to move in august 20th or so. Ben is setting things up and hopefully will be going back to school in the fall to start a bachelor's degree program. Will be nice to goto the same college. :cool: Things have been great lately. I had a nice birthday on wed. and a nice valentines day.. i got diamond earrings :bbmrgreen: I feel special lol

[Kacie_bride]

The apartment sounds great!!!! The diamond earrings sound even better!! I got diamonds on V-Day too. I love them!!!

[MOB Karen]

I love wintery weddings, and yours sounds like it's going to be really beautiful!! I love all your plans so far. I just wanted to say that your ring is really unique and so pretty, and I bet it looks really good with your sapphire engagement ring! Congrats on everything! :)

[winter_wonderland]

I went dress shopping today! and I tried on about 10 dresses and I found one that I REALLY like! We ordered in a larger size to try on. I need to hit the gym but I really think that this dress is the one, We both just need a little work :)http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/100_2671.jpg

This is the full length picture... Next Ill show you the train and a detail
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/100_2669.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/100_2670.jpg

[Jacklynn]

I really like the dress :). I'm just curious as to what university in IN you attend. I am from Indiana that is why I am asking. (I am attending a university in IL right now though)

[winter_wonderland]

I go to Indiana University. I come from a tiny lil' town about 45 minutes south of Bloomington. :cool:

[Jacklynn]

I go to Indiana University. I come from a tiny lil' town about 45 minutes south of Bloomington. :cool:

haha its okay I come from a tiny little town about 50 mins or so west of Indy, I graduated high school with 54 students lol

[winter_wonderland]

Planning has taken a turn to the slower side... we both are trying to scrounge up the money ya know. We decided against a DJ and opted to make our own cd's and let my FSIL take charge of the stereo. She also said she could get us a deal on glass etching for our toasting flutes. Ive decided to keep looking in for a dress... better to have more options. My grandmother asked me to wear her pearls for the wedding, which i thought was a wonderful idea. Pearls are always classy and it would be "something borrowed" lol. I know it would mean alot to her too. I entend to do some crafts this summer to get a jump on the decorations. So anyways Good luck to all of you and good luck to me!

[Kacie_bride]

I think wearing your grandmother's pearls would be a wonderful thing. Good luck!!!

[Nik54545]

Let me start off by saying I LOVE your proposal story! Its so sweet and romantic. As for the rest...you have wonderful ideas and I think it will all be beautiful!!!!

[NicksBride]

Wearing your grandmothers pearls is very sweet!

[winter_wonderland]

WELL once again i've found myself completely busy and I've neglected onewed. Sorry ladies. So here is the update. I have my dress bought and paid for. http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/?action=view&current=100_2816.jpg and ive picked out a bridesmaid dress, http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/?action=view&current=Bridesmaids.jpg, and ill be paying off my rings this week. http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r142/nilewis/?action=view&current=Ring.jpg all thats left is to make my decorations, and to pay my decorator that im renting some things from, and do invitations... and get tuxes rented... on and i need to figure out where im going on my honeymoonand for how long. With the budget being tight we havent actually considered it in depth. My mom and Ben's mother have been tremendous help. My dad however hasnt helped with the financing at all but maybe he'll help me with the crafts (its free after all). :notsure:

[EarlyBird]

wow everything looks great- its so funny, i never read your journal cuz i wasnt around in the beginning and now that im looking, isnt it funny how the dress we pick looks nothing like our original thoughts on dress we want from when we first get engaged? Mine was completely different then the one i really really wanted before :)

[winter_wonderland]

Yeah it is pretty funny how that all works out... but when you try those dress on that you thought would be perfect... often time they aren't so perfect on you! lol

[bichonlvr]

HI!

You are getting married the day before me! yahoo!!!

Love your dress and ring:)

[val24]

your dress is beautiful
i love your wedding band
the bridesmaid dress are pretty

[winter_wonderland]

The invitations are ordered and will be done next week! hurray! one thing checked off of my list!

[winter_wonderland]

Its creeping up on me and I like it! hahahha The dresses are ordered as well as the tuxes, the bouquets are made and the boutonnières too! All that is left is a few arts and crafts for decorating! I'm so happy everything is coming together! Oh and it looks like Ill have a honeymoon after all, my uncle paid for us to have 2 nights in a local lodge, very cozy. I'm feeling very excited, and festive. Love Christmas!... makes me want to sit with hot cocoa and watch a good movie. Good Golly I love it! hahah

[PGDesigns]

Wow, you are so close to your big day!

Everything sounds beautiful!

[winter_wonderland]

I know its crazy how time sneaks up on you! and thanks for compliment I worked hard to get that stuff! lol

[SouthernQueenBride]

Oh wow! You are so close! I hope that you post some pics after your big day b/c everything sounds just beautiful!!!!!!

[bichonlvr]

Can't wait to see your pics!!!

[EarlyBird]

getting down to the wire :) are you excited?!!?! glad to see everything is oming together!

[winter_wonderland]

I am very excited :D This whole thing has been so fun to plan

[EarlyBird]

your lucky to be 14 days out and feel like it was still fun to plan. i feel like at 14 days i might be like nooooooooooo just stop the madness haha

[Always&Forever]

your lucky to be 14 days out and feel like it was still fun to plan. i feel like at 14 days i might be like nooooooooooo just stop the madness haha

Haha! I second that one! I was in that madness mindset just yesterday and I still have another 6 months!

Best of luck in your last few days.

[bichonlvr]

You must be getting super excited!!!

[winter_wonderland]

I married! Yippy lol. I'll get pictures asap!!!

[winter_wonderland]

Here is a link to my flikr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9306874@N08/sets/72157600453757648/

[lize566]

Congrats!! I skimmed the pics and everything looke beautiful! You were glowing!

[ger]

You were beautiful. Your cake turned out amazing. Looks like you had a great day. Congrats!!

[val24]

beautiful pictures :)

[winter_wonderland]

Thank you to Everyone. Yes it all went very well. Turned out great. I will keep posting pictures as they come in. :)

[EarlyBird]

yay!!!!! love the pictures. Beautiful bride

[uptowngirl]

You really had that bridal "glow"! Beautiful!

[winter_wonderland]

I posted a few more pics to flikr... not much but there is a cute one with my great grandma.. she is 93!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9306874@N08/sets/72157600453757648/