getting stuff done!

well, today has been a day of lists. we looked at rehearsal dinner locations, salons, guest lists, and candy buffet items. right now we're looking at doing our rehearsal dinner at mellow mushroom since he LOVES pizza. i'm gonna be calling the salon tomorrow to book a run through when we're in town in july and then booking for the wedding. i'm feeling very accomplished today though, so that's good :)

and so it begins...

i'm helping with another restaurant opening, so i won't have the time to commit to p90x until may 3rd, but then i'm goin full throttle. cutting down on fats, increasing proteins, increasing good carbs (which shouldn't be hard due to gluten intolerance), and remembering to eat high fiber. i don't know if i'll be able to do the full nutrition plan due to my crazy schedule, but i will definately be eating healthier and remembering my vitamins again. wish me luck ya'll!

P90X

So, after hearing about it and hearing about it and hearing about it, I think Scott and I have decided to do the P90X program. We're gonna order it as soon as we get paid and start it up!!!! Wish us luck. I have GOT to look and feel better on our wedding day!

6 months and 2 days.

I have realized that I have six months and two days until I'm married! I have most everything organized mentally. My checklist for the next month:

1. Get a list of addresses from future mother in law for save the dates
2. Find a veil (not sure if I want to go with the birdcage veil or not now)
3. Find a salon for getting my hair did
4. Coordinate who is throwing shower
5. Ask father to take engagement pictures weekend of shower
6. Finalize bridal party
7. Try to find a song for first dance
8. Teach Scott how to dance (HA!)
9. Relax and enjoy it all

So, that's about it. I had an "interview" at another bar this morning so that I can work two jobs to make up for the money I'm not making in pharmacy right now... I think it went well and I should have the job. Hopefully.

I'm sure I'll have more pictures of things to post as I find them

the shoes!

Well, I've been scouring shoe stores like Off Broadway and DSW for shoes. I originally thought about going with blue shoes for my something blue. However, I just found these bad boys and was able to haggle them down to the total price (with tax) of $23.22!!!!

I figured that you proably won't even really be able to see my shoes, so they'll work.

They were half the price of any other shoe that I've seen so far. So they came home with me!

guest book ideas

So, I've finally had a moment or two today to look at more ideas for a fun, unique- yet classic wedding. Here are some of the guest book alternatives I've found. I know that we're going to have a photobooth and we're hoping guests will leave us a copy for our guest book, but some of these are just too awesome to pass up... You never know what we'll end up with!

wedding madlibs! how fun!

being from "music city usa", i love this idea. AND he has some old records from a radio station that closed down. hmmm.... i see artwork potential here...

if we do use the album idea, how awesome would it be to have save the dates that look like albums?

Just a few more ideas that I've found. I laid out at the pool yesterday for a few hours and today I look like a lobster. sooo.... I won't be going outside much today. oh well!

new new and new

well i haven't posted in a while, so i thought i'd bring everyone up to speed.

the girls picked out their dresses when they were here for spring break. david's bridal- love them! unique? nope. classic? sometimes. convenient for everyone? yep! our colors are truffle and cognac. scott and i were at the mall yesterday and i think we're definately going with the chocolate brown suit with a burnt orange/copper tie and vest. it's gonna look so good put together!

we're going to ask bridal party attendants formally in the next few weeks. my bridal party has changed from what i originally thought it would be, so i'm afraid i might hurt some people's feelings. but, my mom and aunt keep reminding me- this is a day for me and scott- no one else.

charlotte is gorgeous. i've lost close to ten pounds since we moved *whew* mostly due to eating better. i'm starting to walk more on the greenways they have here, too! i've loved setting up our new place together. it's amazing how we find stuff that we both love and it works with everything we already have as far as decor and furniture and such.

well, off to clean house. oh yeah, and happy easter!

swoozies is closing!

I just called the Swoozies in Charlotte and they will be closing in 60-75 days. This breaks my heart. I will definately be going though and getting as much as I can before the wedding. This store has all of the super cute stuff you could ever ask for when throwing a shower. Well, back to job searching for now.

settling in...

well we have arrived in north carolina and, i love it! it's been so nice to set up our first place together. his house just never felt like mine, so this has been wonderful. ikea is a lot emptier now, but our apartment is just too cute, or at least, it's getting there :) we now have our dresser, two night stands, a tv stand, and a mirror, along with kitchen stuff and knick knacks galore. the line we've used is the hemnes line.

we also have his daughters for spring break right now, so today will be lunch out, pedicures, and maybe a museum. they are so cute and so excited to be here, which is wonderful.

and the move is over...

Well, we have returned the uhaul and made at least one trip to the recycle center with boxes, but there's still a lot more to do. The kitchen and our bath are done, for the most part... Now just 2 bedrooms and the office to go... And by the way- I LOVE it so far! Now, to find a job...

Wedding Inspiration Boards

Wedding Inspiration Boards

Where to stay?

We don't expect to have enough out of town guests to reserve a block of rooms, however, after looking at different hotels in the area, I wanted to post three hotels that I have found and wanted to recommed to anyone needing to stay in the Franklin, TN area.

Aloft Hotel
7109 South Springs Dr
Franklin, TN 37067

Courtyard Franklin Cool Springs
2001 Meridian Blvd
Franklin, TN 37067

Hyatt Place Nashville Franklin Cool Springs
650 Bakers Bridge Ave
Franklin, TN 37067

All of these are VERY nice and I would recommend them for anyone. I hope I can get the future hubby to get our rooms reserved at Aloft :) It's SUPER nice, SUPER new, and VERY modern. Sounds perfect for us!!!

bird's the word

Ok, you've probably picked up on my obsession with Swoozies by now- but I just found something new! They have "wording suggestions" on their website, which is such a big help. It isn't just wedding invitation wording either, they have everything from stock the bar showers, bridal luncheons, lawn showers, etc. AWESOME resource to "hint" at for those loved ones that are throwing your shower. Sign up for their emails, too. They constantly give away free personalization and shipping offers.

http://swoozies.com/wording.asp

On a personal note, I called and signed up with a staffing agency in Charlotte for when we move there. I think it will be a little easier to get a feel for the different parts of town to see where I would want to work. Still trying to get on full time at a pharmacy, but hey- some work is better than no work!!!

Till next time!

wedding items on overstock.com

Go to overstock.com and search "wedding". They have it all!!!! Go and check it out for some AWESOME deals on dresses, especially!

the search for the shoe...

Let me begin with: I am a shoe whore. I love shoes. I really love cheap shoes, because then I don't feel bad when I never wear them again... So, the search for cheap wedding shoes begins... Any suggestions? My dress is ivory... I want a low heel... I want to spend less than $50 on them, and my mother (who is paying for a major chunk of the wedding) has said absolutely no flipflops... I need shoe advice! and quick!

THE CAKE!!!!

My fiance saw this cake and LOVED it. We aren't going to do a topper or have the monogram, but we both love the simplicity of just a plain cake with a brown stripe. My sister used Publix for her wedding cake and it was so good. Because it's going to be so much cheaper, I have a feeling we'll be using them, too!

I saw this on a wedding website and loved how it put a whimsical, but vintage and classic feel to the cake table:

flowers and centerpiece ideas

Love this, on a bigger scale.

I doubt my fiance will like this, but it's a neat idea... maybe on the food table with the cake???

This uses all of the flowers I'm using in bouquets. Maybe I could add some curly willow to give it a different look... Just an idea

I really like the different textures in this arrangement, along with the different shades of roses:

So, when I originally looked at centerpieces, all I wanted was branches... But now I think I might need some extra color on the table:

But then I like the idea of using lanterns so I could add a romantic glow to each of the tables:

little bit of this, little bit of that

Holy cow has this last week been busy! I approved the final proof to have the invitations printed, we met with the man that will be performing our wedding, painted my apartment, moved my furniture, packed up the kitchen at his house, and, and, and.... Now it's time to relax.

I have decided to look at more wedding stuff while my dearest future hubby is at work tonight. This was I don't annoy him with "OOOO Honey, look at THIS!". He's been awesome in helping me look at different things and will definately give me his opinion if he DOESN'T like something, but I'm sure he gets tired of looking at hundreds of flowers a night. While I, on the other hand, could look at them all night!

So, I'm thinking now that I want to do a rust or copper colored bridesmaid dress. I think it would look gorgeous with the brown and ivory colors I'm already using. Thoughts? Comments? (Is anyone even reading this?) I guess I'll be looking online for those tonight. If I find any to die for pictures and/or prices, I'll be sure to post them. No worries.

Well, off to google for some inspiration!

random happiness

Not much going on with the wedding right now since we're concentrating on moving. I'm moving from Hermitage to Clarksville, then Clarksville to Concord, NC. We move to Concord March 17th (Happy St Patrick's Day!). Yeah, to say this month will be busy is an understatement.

In the mean time, I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite websites for when you're feeling bored or need a good laugh.

1- http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/
This is HILARIOUS! It's amazing what people will go in and dress like at Walmart. I mean, I'm not saying put on your Sunday best, but, spandex? when you're 300 pounds? come on now. This website features all of the hilarious websites that will insure hours of laughter.

2- http://www.postsecret.com/
If you're feeling alone or just need to know that your life could be worse, this is the website for you. People from all over the country mail in anonymous secrets and they are posted on this website. Check back every Sunday for updated secrets.

Well that's all for now. On to home repairs and cleaning.... great....

invites are done!!!!!!

I got my proof from Swoozies today :) I am SOOOO excited to get these printed up!

To let you all know about my big discounts and deals: I registered as a bride and attended their bridal event so I got my engagement pass that saves me 15% on customized printing through the end of March. So, even though I'm getting married in October, I am printing the invitations now to save the money. AND I went into the store to finalize some stuff on Monday (President's Day) and the entire store was 25% off. I was able to get envelopes (we're not doing inner envelopes to save on money), invitations (ivory paper with chocolate ink mounted on chocolate paper), and RSVP post cards for a grand total of just under $350, for 200 invitations. My break down before postage costs is $1.70 per invitation. Since we're using standard size cards and postcards for RSVP's, it will be under $1 for postage. $2.70 for the entire invitation- in the mail. How exciting is that????

Swoozies does a lot of discount offers around holiday weekends (I'm pretty sure they did 25% off right before Valentine's Day this year, too. I know they did one at Labor Day weekend last year because I bought some of my Christmas gifts). It never hurts to go in and check it out if you get a chance.

I have been so pleased with everything from Swoozies!!! Meg and all of the staff members there are wonderful. I could not ask for better customer service or selection. PLEASE check out some of the unique items they have available: http://www.swoozies.com/

invitation wording

I had originally wanted to include our parents names on the invitations, but, due to some recent "happenins" I am changing it. I am so thankful that my mom never called Swoozies back to send them to the printer. Now, we'll be able to have our new address in Charlotte on the invitations, AND I can change the verbage. I had NO idea how many options were out there for wedding invitations. Some are cheezy, some are simple... I googled and searched and found this website for help: http://www.invitationconsultants.com/sw-wedding.aspx

It's got some awesome ideas and gives some inspiration as well. Hope this helps you out!

back to reality...

well, we are back in town after an awesome trip to charlotte. while i was gone, my mom found some awesome deals on craiglist for reception decor. unfortunately, i didn't get her email in time and now everything has been sold. i've looked on craigslist for photographers, venues, etc, but never even thought of using them for decor!

off to search for a new job in concord or charlotte... wish me luck!

and off we go!

well, our bags are packed, and even with the snow on the ground here in clarksville, we are headed to charlotte, nc for a few days. a small break from wedding planning and family never hurt anyone, right? ;) this should be a good trip that will answer some questions we've had. hopefully. please keep your fingers crossed for us!

ahhh...

well, my mother and i went out today to do some price comparisons and finalizations (don't know if that's a word, but for blogging-sake, it is now). wow. it was a long day.... don't get me wrong, i love wedding planning, especially for my wedding- however, my head was killing me from this weather front moving in, my fiance and i are going out of town for four days, so i was trying to get everything mentally ready, and it was frigid cold... now, not really a lot to bitch about considering everything we accomplished.

flowers: import flowers. Lou, you are such an awesome help. he talked to us about spring blooms vs. fall blooms. (did you know that certain branches are seasonal? i had no idea!) he is going to email his "branch people" and let me know what is available for october. AND it's all at wholesale prices :)

invitations: ordered and payed for at swoozies. can i tell you how much i love them???? 200 invitations, reply cards, and envelopes ordered with thermography for UNDER $375!!!!!! SWEET! Meg is so awesome and please go in and ask for her!

venue: well, kiosks cannot be moved OR covered per the factory at franklin. SOOOO, our "plan of action" has flipped as far as where we were going to do our vows, have dance floor, etc. everything will still be beautiful, and there is no way i'd change the place (it's going to look AWESOME completed), so it was just a minor snag in the plan.

dinner: can i tell you how much i love my fiance and his daughters? one of them came over for dinner tonight and it was so nice to just relax with "the fam" after a kinda stressful day :) love you all so much!!!

well, i need to pack for our trip now. i'll post more later :)

The dress

So, Scott and I were planning on looking at rings Sunday morning, but I was off work Saturday night and I wanted to go check out some dresses to see what I wanted. The plan was: go to David's Bridal, try on different types of dresses, find one at a resale/consignment shop. What happened? I went in and told them what I had pictured in my mind. They brought over a dozen dresses for me to try on in so many different styles. I put on the first dress... yep. that was it. I knew it. It was two sized too small (and a very funny sight), but I didn't want to take it off! My mom made me go in and take it off so I could try on the other dresses. One came close, but it just wasn't MY dress. MY dress was the one I put on and couldn't breathe in! Only, obviously, it would be ordered in a larger size. That night we left with my dress on order and the veil in my hands. Wow. That happened fast, but, of course, so has everything else.

I THINK my salesperson's name was Pat. She was so polite and very patient. She was wonderful at making recommendations for the veil and ddin't get offended at all when I told her I hated something, lol. She is at the David's Bridal in Madison and please go see her!

And no, I won't be putting any details about my dress on here in case my fiance were to look this up. He doesn't want to know ANY details about the dress, or the garter, or my shoes. :)

Click, Click

After looking around, and around, and around, all of the photographers I found were CRAZY expensive and made you order prints through them as part of a package. My father works for wolf camera and is also a photographer by hobby and hire, so he can get professional prints done through mpix or ritzpics for us- we didn't need a photographer to print them out...

I honestly can't remember exactly how I found Rachel's website, but I am so glad I did! I knew I wanted a photojournalistic approach for the wedding pictures, but I didn't want to go without the formal shots. After looking at her website and blog, I was so happy. Her pricing is wonderful! We played email tag for a few weeks and finally met up Monday. She is SUPER sweet! I can't wait to work with her. Check out her blog and website to see what I'm talking about.

http://www.rachelwilliamsonphotography.com/
http://www.rachelwilliamsonphotography.blogspot.com/

Where y'at?

When we first got engaged, I really wanted to have the ceremony and reception at the Cannery Ballroom. It took close to a week to get ahold of their booking manager, only for her to tell me it was booked (very poor customer service to wait that long to contact someone in my opinion). I started looking for something that would have that same rustic/vintage/retro feel to it. My parents suggested The Mill in Lebanon. It was a beautiful venue, but, a little out of our price range for what we were going to get, and it was also booked. This made me think of The Factory at Franklin. Tammi was awesome at returning my call within 24 hours. The price was great, we could use our own caterers, and bring in our own bar. I HIGHLY suggest them!!!!!!!!!

http://www.factoryatfranklin.com/

How we met

The restaurant I work at was opening a new location, so I went over there to help them out before they officially opened. Wearing my regular black pants and standard uniform shirt, I wasn't expecting to catch anyone's eye. Scott got to work and noticed me immediately. He made excuses to come over and talk to me so he could get to know me. After a few minutes, he got my first and last name out of me so he could find me on facebook. I left for the day thinking about the tall geeky manager that kept talking to me, and Scott was asking all of the other managers for more information about that girl from the other store that took his breath away.

I went into eat at the restaurant that night with hopes of talking to Scott a little more, but he was too shy to come over. "Maybe I read his signals wrong", so I passed it off as innocent friendship.

Sunday, Scott tried to strike up a conversation through Facebook. By Wednesday, we were talking for hours at a time. Thursday night, he finally asked for my number.

Saturday morning, we met for breakfast and sparks were there. I went into work and he came in hours later. After five hours of flirting, I left for the night to go out with coworkers with plans to meet up when he got off work. 2am came and he was off work. We stayed up talking until 5:30 in the morning. We laughed, we talked, we shared stories, we fell in love. After a few hours of sleep, we woke back up at 7 to talk and laugh again. After embracing in a hug, we looked at eachother and knew that love was in the air...

Nothing else to do...

So, I'm planning my "dream" wedding, but I have a very small budget to work on. I told my fiance it's a champagne taste on a tap water budget, but if I do it right, it will look like sparkling cider in the end. I decided to start a blog because I don't have anything that I HAVE to do every day (like get up for work- I lost my full time job on January 14th). Hopefully, I can give ideas to brides that might be in the same situation.

I hope you enjoy! If you have any questions or comments, please let me know!