Gettin' Hitched

Need a Ride??

2009-09-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

So, let me start off by saying almost everything is complete and ready to go for the big day Saturday!!! Can you believe it??? It's almost time?? (was that distracting enough??)

So -- in a few days we've had two slight travel mishaps that must be relayed. Being the good friend that I am, my vehicle is the designated dress hauling vehicle for the event. Mainly b/c it's big enough not to have to fold the dress over while transporting it . . .

Grace, Ms. Diane (I learned that from Melissa!) and I were heading to Kansas City for the bridal portrait this past Saturday. Now, this is not the photographer that is doing the actual wedding, but rather a session that was free with purchase of her gown. Nonetheless, we were very excited to get going and practice getting our girl ready for the big event. Before we left for the day - we had to stop by and have Sara do Gracie's hair for the big picture. It was kind of our "practice" run on the hair so this coming Saturday we'd know what direction we were headed. Let's just say, in terms of how much product was in her hair . . . that Sara told her to "comb it out before she wet her head" . . . that's a LOT of product. Her hair was so big that later that day when we went to On the Border, we had to get a table for 4, me, Ms. Diane, Gracie, and her hair . . . (insert drum shot). It was VERY Steel Magnolias . . .

So, we head to KC to pick up the dress and all is well at Nolte's (where the dress is) and then, something happens. Somehow the GPS satellites, Nav software, Grace's iPhone, and all reality are morphed when we try to get directions to get from Nolte's to the photographers . . . (I think it was interference from the fumes from all the product in her hair) . . . and we end up driving in a large -- LARGE -- loop that turned what should have been a 5 min trip in a straight line into a 30 min journey around Southern KC . . . all hyperventilating aside -- the photos went very well. Grace's summation was we went from our palm all the way around our elbow to get to our thumb . . . I would like to notate that in NO WAY was I at fault in this scenario -- it was the iPhone . . . (this is very important to remember)

NOW . . . cut to yesterday when I (remember how good of a friend I am??) leave Topeka to head to the KC airport to pick up the Matron of Honor and her hubby. Things go well -- I'm on time (which is RARELY the case), I know where I'm headed (again -- RARE), and I'm awake in the morning (remember -- I work nights). So, feeling ever so confident I am about a mile from the airport when Melissa calls to let me know they are taxi-ing (is that a word??) to the gate. SWEET! Timed it perfectly . . . damn I'm good!

We get Brett and Melissa in the car with their luggage and off we go to leave the airport. Now is probably a good time to mention this is the FIRST time I've ever driven to KCI Airport. As soon as Melissa is in the vehicle -- she informs me that she needs Chick-fil-a - cuz girl is HUNGRY. No problem . . . I pull out the old iPhone (b/c there is an app for that) and look up where the closest one is.

Hmmmmmm . . . not really one on the way home, but no big deal. I can manage this. Melissa informs me that she really doesn't want me to go out of my way and that we can stop somewhere along the way - she'd let me know. I ask her if she's sure and she was . . . so I was like -- cool. Brett didn't really care b/c he was half asleep anyway since he'd been up the whole night so off we went.

Did I mention how good of a friend I am??? I'm a really good friend . . .

We see an Arby's along the road, and stop. Brett orders (and that is entertainment ALL on it's own) and we pick up some grub and hit the road again. Melissa and I are just chatting away (after all - this is the first time we've met) and Brett is enteraining himself with every single app on my iPhone and then it hits me . . .

I think I missed a turn somewhere . . . let's see . . .

It's currently after 11am, I picked up Melissa and Brett at 10 am, we've been driving for 45 min (minus the Arbys pitstop) and Topeka is only an hour away . . . yet NOTHING looks familiar. Remaining very calm, I ask Brett for the iPhone -- because after all there is an app for that -- and look up where we currently are in comparison to where we need to be.

Hmmmm . . .

We're almost in . . . NEBRASKA!!!! Seriously -- I drove us an hour north of Kansas City and was almost in freaking Nebraska before I realized it! OMG!!! WTF?!?!??!

Ummmm . . . oops? To give you a graphic representation, look at the image below . . . the green dot is the airport, the blue dot is Topeka, and the red dot is where we were at when I realized what had happened . . .

So -- need a ride?? I can't promise we'll make it to the wedding on time . . . but I can promise I'll show you the midwest! Thank goodness I was smart enough to get a limo for the Bachelorette party this Thursday . . .

Take care!! joe:)

Finishing Touches

2009-08-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

My how the time has flown. As I type this, we are nearly 5 weeks away from THE day! And, I must say that Cory and I couldn't be happier! We are not nervous (yet), but we are very excited.

At this point in the wedding planning process there is, naturally, a lot of little details that must be addressed. As you can probably imagine, Joe and I have spent the last few weekends working on the finishing touches for the main event. Last weekend was all about the ceremony programs. In one day my extraordinarily talented best friend, Joe, managed to put together the most beautiful wedding programs you have ever seen. We spent the day sitting at my dining room table with our laptops open jamming out to the amazing wedding play list and he put together EXACTLY what I had envisioned.

The weekend before was the first dress fitting! I was lucky enough to get my wonderful future mother-in-law to accompany me for this and we had a fantastic time! We enjoyed some girl time and gushed over the dress and the beautiful things in the dress shop. She also took some fabulous pictures, but I can't show that you right now of course! You'll have to wait until October 3rd for that.

And the weekend before, Joe and I sat at our usual spot at my dining room table and worked on the play list for the dinner and dance following the wedding. It was so much fun! We sipped White Merlot and danced around the room when we found a great song.

And, so this weekend we're at it again. Joe and I will have lot of posts and updates after this weekend. And, my future hubby is out of town for the weekend at a friend's bachelor party so I'll have time to provide more updates.

I also have pictures to accompany these posts, but I need some time to get them off my camera.

Check back later in the weekend for some fun posts.

love,
the Bride ;)

It's in the mail . . .

2009-07-22T01:38:00.000-07:00

Start checking your mail boxes! The invitations are in the mail!!! Don't forget to RSVP via the postcard by September 3rd because Gracie has to get the final count to the Woodward.

So, don't fret -- our day of work and errands has once again been captured on film to share with everyone out there in internet land about how the final touches are going on the wedding. Let's start in the beginning . . .

The Divas are in the Volvo and ready to start their fantastic voyage. Our first stop is . . . well . . . okay it's lunch at Panera. Like THAT was a surprise to anyone. But then we head to Payless b/c Ms. New Job wants to check out the shoes for her dress since we have the dress fitting coming up.

Side note -- there are a bunch of cute shoes there! So, Ms. Thang models a pair that, well, are very . . . . um . . . "seductive". See the pics below . . .

Comfort beat out "seductive" (can't write sexy b/c Momma Brown and Momma Mitchell are reading this) and she went with a cute little peep toe that we're gonna have died "French Vanilla" to match the dress.

Then, we swing by Hobby Lobby to pick up some vellum paper for the invitations. We're not sure why we need to buy it, but it definitely was the last touch for the invites and we are both quite proud of ourselves for the idea. While there . . . well . . . we play around with the camera again.

For some unknown reason, Gracie heads to the "tacky wedding aisle" at Hobby Lobby and I just can't resist the rose bouquet . . . and Gracie couldn't resist the blue feather (for those that have seen "Sex and the City" movie - you'll get that reference) . . . Not everything in the aisle is tacky but that's just what I call it Momma Brown. :)

She looks really thrilled with me for sticking the blue feather in her hair. She's soooooooo gonna have a feather to wear for the bachelorette party . . . I wanna find one of those colored ostrich plumes that you always see on the Three Musketeers . . .

Finally, we get back to her home and we get to work, seriously! You'll see the fruits of our labor in the mail shortly. We're the most excited that we were able to print directly onto the envelopes - which made a nice finishing touch.

Just to show you that we were really working -- we documented it below!

Even Cory got in on the act . . . sort of . . . I think he was playin Mafia Wars on Facebook (or as I call it, Crackbook). He did have the bestest idea that we take a break and go to Fiesta Mexicana and eat some Mexican Food. Trust me . . . the tostadas are freaking AWESOME!

And no comments on how the glasses of wine Gracie and I have . . . I swear it didn't last very long . . . and it was gooooood!

Can you believe we're less than three months to the wedding???? See y'all soon!

Just Dance -- It'll Be Okay

2009-06-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

I almost feel bad about putting another post on here b/c it knocks those awesome engagement photos down a notch . . . but life must go on! I don't know about y'all but I can't wait to see the wedding pics the photographer is going to take!! This post is INTERACTIVE - which means we are looking for your comments! See below . . .

So -- Gracie and I are working on our last minute touch ups to the this's and that's of the wedding - which is still scheduled to be THE event of the year -- and well -- this is where we need your help! We'd (okay, more specifically I) would like to know what songs you'd like to hear at the wedding. We already have quite an extensive list of music, but we're still lookin' for more.

Being the "dj" so to speak - I want to make sure our basis is covered. We have everything from the traditional like "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, to pop diva Lady GaGa's "Poker Face" -- so it's safe to say nothing is off the table.

Here's the INTERACTIVE part -- leave us a comment with a song that you'd like to hear. Whether it's a dedication to the soon to be couple (110 days and counting!!!), a reminder of a wonderful memory, or just a good song to dance too - let us know! We will be able to download any song at the ceremony (The Woodward has WiFi) - but just tryin' to get prepared!

Start getting your outfits ready . . .
jj:)

Engagement Photos

2009-05-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hello family and friends!

It has been a while since I have posted anything, but it's not from lack of something to do! In fact, we've been hard at work putting the finishing touches on things like flowers, cakes, and photos. Speaking of photos, I have some very important photos to share with you. Two weeks ago Cory and I met with our fabulous photographer, Amber, to shoot our engagement photos and she did not disappoint. She did a fantastic job and we had a great time, too! In fact, what Cory hoped would be only a 45 minute shoot, turned into a 2 hour session that even he had fun shooting. The following are our end results.

Are you one of those brides that needs everything?

2009-04-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hello my pretties! Bet you thought we'd forgotten about our little corner of the internet where we blog about how things are going in the land of wedding planning. Well, you were wrong! Granted, there was a pause, or hiatus if you will. Keep in mind, I was "out of pocket" for a month due to my lap band surgery, so Gracie and I planned a little siesta on the wedding planning business.

However . . . we were back in FULL FORCE today (or technically yesterday - but you get the idea). Seriously -- I don't think we could have been more productive than we were. The day started with me texting Gracie that I was blind. Yeah, seriously, I sent that to her. The funny part is that she was worried for about 5 minutes and then was like "how can you read this?" -- yeah, I'm a bit twisted . . . needless to say the hilarity did NOT end there. Sit back and enjoy, this is both long, informative, full of pictures, and sprinkled with sarcasm. Enjoy . . . (and where's my damn popcorn??)

So, to the right here we have Ms. Thang making a list and checking on all of the things that we need to make sure are done . . . one main problem here . . . the look on her face. Doesn't she look like the most mischevious thing ever?? Being the planners we are -- we HAVE to have a list to make sure we don't forget anything. We lost the list 15 minutes later while running from the overzealous salesmen at RadioShack that tried to sell us 30 batteries, 3 iPhone skins, and God knows what else. All I need (and got) was a cord for my Zune player to hook it up to the stereo at The Woodward.

The look to the left is me glaring at Gracie and calling her a retard. Seriously, you should have heard the notes coming out of her mouth!! They aren't even found in NATURE!! ANYWAY -- we have our list in hand (remember, haven't been to RS yet) and we head off to the most important task facing us at the moment.

I MUST have a pair of sunglasses in order to properly ensure the safety of our bride to be. We stop at "The big boy store" as I call it and buy a rather banging pair of shades for me, with approval, for a nominal fee (like 12 bucks). So, now that I'm ensured that I won't really go blind by the sun, we head off to David's Bridal. Of course that would actually mean that we need to get in the car first.

This would prove to be a bit difficult for me. These new fangled devices called KEYS are used to unlock the door, and yeah, I kinda forgot about that. Might not be funny to you, but we laughed - a lot. So once we figured out how to get into the car, we headed to the jewlry store to pick up the engagement ring that was resized and Cory's band.

Once at said jewelry store, something that I hadn't really noticed before surfaced. See - I'm not sure if you knew that Gracie got an iPhone. She might have mentioned it to me in passing (like 300 times) but I wasn't really aware of the device, or that it was like giving crack cocaine to junkie. Yeah, it made many appearances throughout the day. Now that she'll kill me for that . . . we can move on to the bands. See, earlier in the day - a one Ms. Divalicious showed off that since her engagment ring was being "sized" that she was wearing her wedding bands (note plural) . . . then, when she received "said" resized band, she wore all of them. It was bedazzling but it was also an affirmation of what a hot mess she is . . . Cory's band was all cleaned up and fixed too.

Next, we headed to David's Bridal. There, we asked some questions about bride's maid dress issues and tuxedo vests, and then dart 'quickly' to RadioShack for a cord for the MP3 player. As stated above, we were somewhat acosted by the obnoxious sales people there and had to quickly dash for the exit. Upon our hasty departure, someone (who's initials are Grace Leigh Brown) lost the LIST. Evidently, the trauma of the experience was sooooo much, that Ms. iPhone couldn't remember what car I drove, and tried to break into someone else's!

Once I got her all corralled into the correct vehicle, it was off to the Woodward. It was time to figure out for certain if we could use my mp3 player (aka my Zune) or not. {side note, I'm anti-apple anything . . . } Elizabeth, the fantabulous owner/hostess of the Woodward just SWORE that her equipment was really way to old for us to play music on. Being the natural born "tinkerer" that I am, I sweet talked her into letting us have a bit of a look see. Besides, after the acosting we got at the hands of the crazed RadioShack rabid salesmen, I had to try and validate the trip so the torture was worth it.

First, we check behind the dvd player and vcr - problem was we couldn't get the sound to divert from the vcr to the stereo - so that ended up being a dead end. Since she TOTALLY loves us she said she would allow us to take a look see behind her stereo system (which is tightly compacted behind the blue curtains next to very breakable glasses) to see if we could plug something in. The reason for the persistence is that this would mean the difference between being able to fulfill virtually any music request or having to burn TONS of cd's from my music collection to have a variety of tunes. As luck would have it, we figured it out. I told Elizabeth she could keep the cord so that anyone after us could also use their Zunes (and other idevices) to play music. She was again, very thankful, and so were we -- we had to boogie a bit.

Tired yet?? We're only halfway done . . . Now we're dashing to Daddy Cakes -- a fantabulous little bakery in the middle of Gage Center. Seriously -- this place is practically sinful -- it's that good. We find out that we have to make an appt to taste the cakes, so Gracie does (I think Cory's going too - and believe me - it's a treat!) and then I notice something . . . FROSTING!!! They are SELLING FROSTING!!! Just what two hyper ADD people need . . . liquid sugar . . . I think the look on my face really tells it all . . . I'm sure if you look hard enough you can see the crazy coming out of me . . .

Now, I'm not quite sure what you think you should drink to wash down pure heaven (aka FROSTING, which btw was mint chocolate flavored) but Gracie and I knew what we needed . . . STARBUCKS!!! The caffene in the coffee should really take the edge off the sugar rush . . . (aren't I supposed to be eating better??) So - off we go to stop by our local drive thru Starbucks and we have to experience the "recorded greeting." If you haven't been to a Starbucks in awhile, you will notice that the drive thru has a pre-recorded greeting that is really nice, but then there's no telling what will come next. In our case, it was an angry sounding gruff man that hollered "What do you want?!" If it wasn't the only Starbucks in town, we'd have gone on . . . but Gracie did manage to capture me looking rather dapper in my shades after ordering . . .

Next was the mall -- well after a scraped off all the whipcream they put on my Carmel LIGHT Frappuccino . . . whip cream doesn't go on the LIGHT one . . . anyway . . . we were looking for literally a multitude of things like shoes (found a cute pair for like 20 bucks, but not EXACTLY what she wants), a hair clippy thing for the wedding (prolly need to go to KC for that), some New Balance Shoes for Gracie (for work, not really wedding related), and china patterns (ick - not much selection here - again going to Oak Park for that). But, leave it to us to have a few misadventures along the way . . . like the inappropriate sign advertisement below left or finding the tux I'm going to wear to the wedding below right . . .

So - believe it or not our (mis)adventure is coming to an end . . . and we are at Dilliard's looking at China patterns. I'm drawn to the Mikasa crystal area to gander at a fantastic vase that Gracie registered for . . . but I didn't know it. I pick it up and she comments that the vase was like $100 . . . well . . . it WAS $100, but it's now $33 . . . it's being discontinued. So . . . I buy Cory and Gracie their wedding gift . . . b/c it really is a beautiful vase and I don't want my girl to be disappointed (yeah, I spoil my hag) . . .

Now if you haven't noticed . . . at this point in the day Gracie is kind of monopolizing the camera - and has made me her model. Except she is now suddenly, and without warning, completely infatuated with her left hand . . . so much so that she decides that she is going to take a picture of it . . . as you can see below - she seems to have mistaken my fantastic shoes (their Born mules btw) for her left hand . . . yeah . . . I agree . . . the sugar and caffene have started to effect her brain . . .
Needless to say, I intervene and I believe the results speak for themselves . . .
To quote the jealous frumpy sales lady behind the register, "Are you one of those brides that needs everything??" I can't tell you what I thought, but I can tell you that jealousy did NOT look good on her face. I leave you with two words . . . "BA DOW!"

Wedding Registry Madness: Round II - Target

2009-03-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, so continuing part II of our registry saga...

About two weeks after the Macy's experience, we decide to go to Target to set up a second gift registry. Of course I am again excited because I love to shop, plus I LOVE to shop at Target. He seems in good spirits too, so I'm actually going into the store thinking that this will be even more fun than Macy's.

We arrive at Target mid-morning that Friday after our second pre-marital counseling session (I'll save that for another blog entry) and the setup process is a breeze. The team members are super nice and informative and have us signed up, with scan gun in hand, in 5 minutes flat. So, off we go with our cart and our goodies and our checklist of items to remember.

So, we begin in the housewares section. I immediately begin looking at some lamps for our bedroom, none of which he is a fan of so, I decide no go on the lamps. Then, we look through some artwork for our living room. None of which we can both seem to agree on so, after going 0-2 we decide to by-pass the home decor altogether. The logic being that our house is pretty well furnished already and therefore it makes more sense to move on to small appliances. Now, let me pause here and fill in some needed information. At this point in the trip, I am still holding the scan gun we had received at customer service (partially because the guy handed it to me, but more because I had not yet forgotten what happened at Macy's), and therefore he is pushing our shopping cart with all of our stuff in it.

Okay, so on to small appliances... I take off toward the coffee pots and he heads toward the mini-beer dispenser. Let me repeat: MINI-BEER DISPENSER. Notice the problem yet? Because I have the scanner, I begin scanning away at coffee makers and panini presses all while he is looking at some huge water cooler that looks like it should be in a office somewhere and a mini beer dispenser that he is convinced would go perfectly in our living room. I am not impressed, and so what do I do? I just keep walking and scan everything in sight that I like. About this time, he realizes that I'm now 3 aisles down looking at plates and he has yet to add the beer dispenser to our registry.

As he comes to find me, I avoid beer dispenser conversation by asking him about a meat tenderizer, which I knew he wanted anyway. He says, "oh yeah" and starts looking for one. Whew! Crisis averted. We pick out some gadgets and spices and plates and bowls and after some time in the cookware section he tells me that he is ready to go home. Now, we've probably been there all of 30 minutes and I think this is crazy talk. I mean, I could spend hours in Target and he's telling me after a half an hour that he's ready to leave?! I try very patiently and lovingly to explain that we need more items on our registry. So, he says "well I need a cigarette so I'll be back." Okay, second crisis averted. He's going to have a cigarete, which makes him happy, and I get to keep shopping, which makes me happy.

Cory goes and returns from the cigarette break and we head over to bedding which he is somewhat excited about because he wants new sheets. Good! Wer'e agreeing on something so we hurry over to the sheets and what does it immediately pick up? A black duvet cover that he is insistent we need because it would be COOL. I am shocked and appauled because our bedroom is dark blue with rich cherry wood furniture. I cannot have a black duvet cover on the bed. So, I try to ask him sweetly about the identical white or blue one instead. No, the black one is the cool one and he's not taking no for an answer... and, I think you all know what happens next: Bridezilla emerges. That's right, the girl that has been pretty even tempered up until now looses in the middle of Target. I begin to tell him that it would clash therefore we will not put it on the registry and that furthermore I don't understand why he feels the need to turn our home into some sort of fraternity house with a black duvet cover and a mini beer dispenser! Immediately after saying all of this, I feel like crap because I know it was mean plus the look on his face made me feel horrible. He is officially done with me and the Target registry.

So, I spend the rest of the day feeling awful about yelling at him in Target and for being so controlling. When we get in the car I apologize profusely and assure him that not only can we add more stuff online, but that we'll also add stuff when we're at the store next time and that we will definitely add some of the things that I by-passed during the first trip. He seems good with this and we decide to head home to relax and get a bite to eat.

I guess we (me especially) are still learning how to compromise and live life together. I've been told by many happily married couples that this is the hardest part of getting married. I'm beginning to believe it. Regardless though, I love him with all my heart and can't imagine my life without him. And, it is because of this fact that I have vowed to tame the Bridezilla in me. Let's hope it works... :)

Wedding Registry Madness: Round I - Macy's

2009-02-27T16:55:00.000-08:00

Where do I begin on this one? I'm not too sure how to put it, so I'll just say that I am glad our registries are somewhat complete because I'm beginning to wonder if our relationship (let alone our future marriage) can take much more of trying to figure out what gifts we both want, let alone who gets to hold the scan gun. :)

The madness all begins on the night of Thursday, February 12th. Picture if you will, about a week prior, me telling Cory that we had received an invitation from theKnot.com to attend a registry event at Macy's in Kansas City, which I thought would be fun for the both of us. The evening would involve wine and hors d'oeuvres, as well as other couples and registry experts. I thought it would be a fun date night since we would have the next day off. Little did I know what awaited us...

So, on the evening of February 12th Cory and I left Topeka around 5:15 pm, when he got home from work, on our way to Overland Park which for those of you who aren't familiar is right outside of Kansas City. He seemed in good spirits (considering we were going to a shopping mall), and I was particularly pumped about the night's activities (as I LOVE shopping malls). So, we arrive an hour later to wine, food, very happy and cheerful Macy's employees, lots of fun housewares, china patterns, and bedding as well as a string quartet serenading us. Needless to say I was in heaven and Cory... well we all know he was in the complete opposite.

This is where the comedy begins. To start out our registry extravaganza, we are split into groups of couples and are escorted by a salesperson to the bedding section where we meet the VP of marketing, or something like that. He begins talking to us about what kind of thread count we want when looking for bedding and then passes around samples for us to feel and look at. Now let me pause and remind you that there is both wine and food at this event, but our salesperson forgot to stop by that table first and therefore Cory is not interested at all in what this guy is talking about and is staring, longingly at the food and beverages that await us. So, the guy quits telling us about bedding and says that we are free to begin scanning items at which point Cory bee-lines it for the wine and food.

I quickly follow him to pick up a glass of White Zinfandel for myself to find that he is already sipping on a Merlot and is now in line for food. Now, let me remind you that Macy's is serving only hors d'oeuvres and it is 6:45 pm and Cory has not had dinner yet. So, I'm sipping my drink and looking at crystal vases when I look up to find Cory with a Mount Rushmore-size mountain of food atop the very small desert-like plates that are available to eat off of. He is so busy cramming as much food on his plate as he can that he is unaware of the food falling off the side of the plate and back into the serving bowls they just came from.

After my hubby-to-be is finished stuffing his face, we both head for another glass of wine and then off to begin scanning gifts. He takes the scan gun (logically) and I head straight for the bedding to begin putting together an ensemble of sheets, duvet covers, pillow shams, etc. Now, about 30 seconds into this ordeal, I begin to realize that we are not as well planned and methodical as I believed us to be. You see, we had already put together a list of items that we wanted to include on the registry. Immediately, he begins scanning every bar code he comes across, without me even seeing half of what is going on our list. Before I can turn around to ask him to scan a beautiful tan and cream duvet cover, I realize that he is already half way across the home furnishings department in search of a meat tenderizer. I am in stitches laughing at us and the entire situation. So, I quickly catch up and try to take on his "Mission Impossible" mentality squeezing in a few "scan this and scan that" before he darts off again.

So, an hour and a half, 3 glass of wine (per each of us) and about 100 scanned items later our first wedding registry is complete. And, I believe that we both would consider the evening a success. Now, in leaving that night, I figured that since we had successfully navigated our first registry that the rest would be a piece of cake. Little did I know the next registry expedition would be equally as eventful. Tune back in later in the week for Round II of the Wedding Registry Madness, which took place at Target. I'll give you a hint on this: Bridezilla came out in aisle 1 of the the Housewares Department :)

xoxo,
glb

Open

2009-02-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if Grace (or Leigh as she's known in the great state of North Carolina) has ever read the poem below. I do tend to have a romantic, serious side ~ I just don't share it very often.

I remember when she first met Cory and how she felt. I also remember how he felt about her. I think the coolest thing is the only thing that has changed from that time to this time is that they've grown closer. I feel very privileged to have been a spectator on the sideline watching their love grow.

Anyway. . .I was moving blog entries from an old blog (on yahoo that I no longer use) to my current personal blog here on blogger, when I stumbled across this entry. I had COMPLETELY forgot about this poem I wrote, but thought I'd post it here. The time setup was this was shortly after Cory and her began dating. I remember how she felt, and how nervous she was to feel that way. This was originally written on July 23, 2007.

“Open”

Open your eyes to this chance of yours

to celebrate one of life’s lil’ adventures.

For someone to give themselves to you,

so completely, so utterly selfless and true,

My dear, don’t run away, but towards life.

My sweet, sweet friend, open your eyes.

Open your arms to the emotion and passion

enjoy all of it’s worth, even if it’s not lasting.

Maybe it’s too intense; maybe it’s too sudden,

so what if it’s too serious, so what if it’s abrupt?

Submit to your desires, to his charms,

My sweet, sweet friend, open your arms.

Open your mind to all the possibilities

that the path you’re on is leading you swiftly.

We’ll catch you if you trip, hold you if you fall.

Your fears, your hesitation, abandon them all.

Allow yourself to become intertwined,

My sweet, sweet friend, open your mind.

Open your heart to what is yet to be

to the happiness, to the pain, to the experience

No one said it would be perfect, or kind –

but without the risk, alone you would pine.

Love is asking you to play your part,

so my sweet, sweet friend, open your heart.

I can't even begin to say how cool it is that these two are . . . well . . .gettin' hitched!
With much love ~ jj:)

Dress Shopping: Is That Your Final Answer?

2009-01-31T22:20:00.001-08:00

This picture was completely accidental in that I didn't mean to capture the look on Grace's face. However, that look kind of sums up the final dress shopping trip. Keep in mind that these might be the last words I ever type as she will most assuredly kill me for putting this picture up on the blog . . . but that look is PUH-RICE-LUSS!!!

Our day (or mine) actually begins at the doctor's office. Nothing major, just a checkup. And it HAD to have been amateur day at the office because while trying to draw blood, I was stuck 5 times!! Twice in each arm before they finally decided to follow my advice from the beginning and use a vein in my hand. I'm in pain, and WAY behind schedule. "This day is going to go well" I sarcastically think as I dash to the parking lot to hurry over to Grace's.

No time for any sustenance, we high tail it to KC to make our first appt. I tell Grace we probably ought to call and let them know we're running a tad behind schedule. (For those of you that don't know, a 'tad' to Grace and I is like 45 minutes.) They are all too willing to go ahead and adjust our appt b/c as Grace puts it "Not like a ton of people are clamoring right now to drop some coin on a wedding dress." Well said.

We walk into what probably at one time was a nice house, but some old Jewish lady from Boca Raton bought it and redecorated it with tacky couches and leopard prints. I couldn't tell if she really meant to have the place give off a Moulin Rouge type of feel -- but it kinda did. I'd love to show you the pictures -- but I can't. You see, they don't allow any picture taking of any dress unless you buy the dress . . . hmmmmmm . . . we were warned about such places.

So, we've been assigned "Christina" . . . Now for those of you that haven't been through this process, let me summarize. It's kind of like having a personal shopper. They get to know your style, and then bring out choices that they think we might like. Christina was wearing white polka dot stockings. Maybe I didn't emphasize that enough -- WHITE POLKA DOT STOCKINGS. Seriously?? I couldn't decide what was worse, that or the magic marker she used for eye liner. This doesn't appear that it's going to be successful.

She brings out 7 dresses -- 2 unbelievable choices in a good way, some crap, and the EXACT same dress Grace loved from Nolte's. Well, that's exact except for their price. They are charging $500 more for the dress than Nolte's . . . and that's why they don't allow pictures. Too bad for them that we knew that dress front and back . . . Long story short -- we played a little dress up but then Christina kinda got on our nerves by demanding Grace try on dresses we don't like. The bitch came out of me a little bit as I state that we have another appt and need to wrap it up. We feign interest to be polite and then leave the bordello styled confines to go to a much more sophisticated, and suprisingly more cost effective, Nolte's.

We ask Ashley (side note -- LOVE HER!!) to dazzle Grace with some choices and bring out THE DRESS. Grace just wanted to be 100% sure, and she was sitting on 99% . . . Nolte's is fantastic, but also kind of fun. The pic above is Grace being crammed into a dress that I'm convinced is made for Romanian gymnists not older than 15. It's the only one they have and it's been discontinued so the one she's trying on would need to be altered. No need . . .

Then comes what I deem a Miss America dress from the late 1990's. You know the ones with the shiny beading and crazy patterns underneath the beading?? What was funny was that while trying the dress on, Grace hollers "I'm stuck!" And then at some point later Ashley states "There's a lot of stuff under there." Um . . . I'm not sure what was going on but needless to say World Peace was set aside . . .

We immediately bypassed the 1970's organza disaster and Grace tries on a beautiful blush gown that was very 1940's . . . It was fantastic but it wasn't IT.

And then comes THE DRESS . . . this is now the THIRD time this dress has been tried on, and it still gives us both goose bumps. It's the one . . . and she's 100% sure. We get to play around a bit with accessories like hair things and veils -- and I even book a hair appt for Grace with my stylist. In the end, THE DRESS is purchased.

To quote Grace "Damn! I put down all that money and all I have to show for it is this piece of paper! I can't try on this piece of paper!"

To quote Joe "Can we PLEASE get something to eat??"

I can't wait for everyone to see it!!! You'll have to wait until October 3rd . . . but trust me, it'll be worth it! The dress is in two words -- BUH-DOW! (That's good, by the way)

(I hope she doesn't kill me for that picture . . . )

A few flowers... or something like that

2009-01-27T13:19:00.001-08:00

With some quick thinking from Joe during our latest lunch date, as well as a helpful hint from a friend, our next Wedding expedition happened somewhat unplanned.

After a bite to eat, Joe and I were off to find the perfect floral arrangement for my boutique. I had a couple of leads from talking to friends and thinking back on my own experiences with various florists in the area. Our first trip was to a florist that I knew did good work because I had received roses from this florist before. After just a moment's confusion (as the location had changed), we were quickly redirected to the new store where a funny story emerges.

Picture Joe and I walking in together and me telling the florist that I am getting married on October 3rd and I would like to look at possible flower choices for the wedding. The florist quickly directs us to a photo album of work he has done in the past and says that when he is finished was a customer he will be with us to discuss options. So, Joe and I sit and of course make fun of people bumping around the shop and laugh at a wreath that Joe has found and now believes he will wear on his head during the wedding. A few minutes later, the florist sits down with us to take some notes. He begins by asking my name and date and location of the wedding. Then he turns and looks at Joe and asks his name, which he promptly writes down next to mine. Now when Joe sees this he belts out a laugh so loud the entire store turns to look at us. I suddenly realize that the florist believes Joe and I are getting married!! Oh my.... I'm not even going there. We quickly inform him that my fiance's name is Cory and that Joe is helping me plan the wedding. From there we are very impressed with his work and price and leave the shop satisfied with what we saw.

Next, we travel down the road to our second and final florist of the day. Again, picture Joe and I walking into a sea of roses, balloons, cards, and flowers to find 2 very excited (a little too excited) gay florists and, what Joe believes to be is, their hag. As we approach the counter I tell the florist that I would like to look at floral options for my wedding. Without batting an eye, he begins to tell me that he only sets up appointments and begins to ask me what time would work. Before I can even think how to respond he is rambling on about delivery schedules and wanting to be able to give me his undivided attention. Then, before Joe or I know it he is laughing about some joke on how the only thing that could take him away from me during the appointment is if someone comes in wanting to discuss flowers for a funeral because "they never call." At this point, I am scared and running out the door with Joe right behind me. As we get outside Joe turns to me and says, "Eww... scary, creepy florist guy is not doing flowers for your wedding." My sentiments exactly.

So, we were 1 for 2 on Friday. Not completely set on the florist we did like, Joe and I will continue our quest for the perfect flowers this Friday when we are also planning another dress shopping expedition to Kansas City! This Friday might be the day I purchase THE DRESS. So excited! Check back on Friday for possible new developments!

xoxo,
the bride

A Little Design Snafu . . .

2009-01-17T22:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the picture to the right is a bit odd -- but I wanted to tell this story and without it -- it's just not as funny.

Here's the backstory -- Grace and I were having our usual gossip filled people watching lunch date at Hu-Hot (a mongolian grill), when she turned to me and said "I want you to do my invitations." I was flattered. Then scared . . . very, very, very, very scared. I know Grace . . . (she's so gonna kill me for that . . . hahahaha)

So -- I've gone through a few Save-The-Date designs and y'all will be seeing them shortly. :) However . . . now I've moved on to working on the invitations. Now -- Grace has given me the only direction of "Classic -- with a twist." Not a lot to go on there . . .

Then, we sent out on our first wedding dress foray - and also visited the Woodward (my first time there). That's where my inspirations started to come from. Based on where the wedding was going to be, and the dress that Grace was drawn too -- I had an idea for a design.

I set to it . . . looking to amaze and wow my gal pal . . . and well -- here lies the complication. I'm color blind. I often will miss identify colors, and what I think looks fantastic and inspirational in reality kinda looks like a hot freakin' mess.

I proudly send Grace an email to let her know I've got something I want to show her. (See the picture) I am just SURE that she's going to love this design. Then . . . I get the following message . . .

"I think I could like it. I really am having a hard time getting past the colors though."

OUCH! Not exactly a resounding support of my work. How could she not like the colors?? They were her original selections -- chocolate, light blue, and a gold. What's up with that???

Um, no. The colors were green, light purple, and yellow. And that's NASTY!!! Oh well. Good news is the proof that I'm finalizing now is doesn't really contain any of those colors and the design is completely different. And . . . I got the following message . . .

"You continue to amaze me!"

I think she likes the final designs! :) Check your mail boxes in a few weeks - as your Save-The-Dates will be mailed next month.

Big Hugz!!
jj:)

Dress Shopping: So It Begins

2009-01-05T23:11:00.000-08:00

Leave it to us to drag out our first dress shopping foray . . . I'm not going to share ALL the pictures, and I've been told that THE dress (whenever that decision is made) will remain top secret until the day. I'm not even sure I'll know before the day!

But - I jump ahead. Let's start at the beginning of the day. We went to breakfast (Grace, Cory, and me) at Panera. Kind of a re-do from Sunday. Then, Grace and I ran by David's Bridal to get a warm up going -- not too impressed with the service but the lady that waited on us was pleasant. Then, we went to the Wedding site -- The Woodward. (feel free to visit the site at http://www.thewoodward.com/)

I only have two words to say when I walked in -- DA-YUM!! The site is unbelievable. It's a fantastic 20's Gothic Tudor Mansion that has been elegantly restored and decorated. It has a warm, cozy feel that will take your breath away with the details. Here's a picture of the room where the wedding will be taking place.

Well -- minus the blue tables of course! So -- this style of the mansion had definitely influenced Ms. Brown with the design influence for her gown and other items. Think "Old Hollywood" . . . I mean, we're not digging out flapper dresses and zoot suits or anything like that -- but it's definitely going to be an influence on the final style.

Speaking of style . . . I did manage to steal a picture of the FANTABULASTIC Ms. Brown in a heavenly dream of cotton candy pink . . . yes ladies and gents . . . I got the ol' girl in a PINK wedding dress. Not for seriousness -- but definitely for some giggles (think Mariah Carey and Glitter). Trust us . . . it's funny!

Now -- if we can just find that bird that SJP wears in the "Sex & the City" movie and we'll be set . . . HAHAHAHA!!! And don't forget the Swavorski Crystals . . .

Much love and more later . . . Hugz!
jj:)

Dress Shopping: Installment I

2009-01-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

So, today was the day. Joe and I were going dress shopping for the first time to look at potential dresses for The Day. Of course I changed our plans a dozen times before we actually made it out the door. Finally, we decided that we would move our first shopping expedition from Monday to today because Cory and I unexpectedly got the rest of the week off work and my hubbie-to-be (like most men) became extraordinarily needy and did not want to let me out of his sight for even a few hours. So, what do I do? Like a good little future wifie I move our shopping day. Two words: big mistake. Who knew Bridal Boutiques aren't open on Sundays?!

Therefore, no updates on wedding dresses as of yet. However, check back after tomorrow and there is a good possibility that we might have some wedding dress news... or at least some good trash to talk on all the ugly people we see while we're out :)

xoxo,
the Bridezilla

Welcome to the Wedding Blog!!!

2009-01-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!! Grace and I were talking about wedding stuff and we thought that it'd be neat to be able to share the planning fun with everyone. We're going for her initial foray into wedding dress shopping . . . so more to follow!!