Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sorry I've been away...

Wow, things do get crazy while planning a wedding. No one told me that I'd almost lose my toe though! Actually it had nothing to do with wedding planning, but I hurt my toe at work - stitches, no nail, the whole shebang - so I haven't been in much of a blogging mood. However, I'm going to suck it up & start writing again!

So here's what has happened since I've stopped writing:

1. My wedding dress arrived to the store. Yes, it's here. My precious is here. I cannot wait to try her on again & get her tailored. You don't know much about the dress because I want to it be a surprise, but I will get to the story of how I found "the one" soon. I promise!

2. Ryan & I are getting our engagement pictures done on Tuesday, September 28th. I am so excited! We originally were going to get them taken in Chicago, but without transportation it seemed like it was going to be a bit hectic. We've decided to get them taken in Rockford, IL. I would loooove to get them taken at Khlem Arboretum, but I have to find out if we're allowed to or not. Who knows - maybe we'll be rebels & just go ahead without asking!

3. I've picked out the fabric & color of the bridesmaid dresses. My sister, Catherine, is the Maid of Honor & will be wearing a yellow shangtung silk dress while the other bridesmaids will wear navy blue cotton dresses. We're going to order them from Aria Dresses & everyone gets to pick their own style. I'm so excited for them. I'm waiting for Ryan's sister, Megan, to get back from Ireland (lucky girl!) to order the dresses, but come December I'm having all the bridesmaids over for a little measuring, ordering, and mimosa party.

4. I've found the flowergirl dress on Etsy. So adorable & so wonderfully priced. I want a yellow ribbon instead of the blue one pictured below.

Precious, right?!

5. I've contacted the Gailey family's friend to see if he can possibly do our flowers for the wedding. I'm waiting to hear back from him, so I can't wait to see if he'll help make our day even more beautiful! I also can't wait to talk about centerpieces, boutiques, boutonnieres, etc. Ahhh, so fun!

Alright, I think we're up to speed now. Phew - a lot has happened, huh? Don't worry - each point will get their own entry further down the road :D

Friday, September 10, 2010

Now That We've Got That Outta the Way....

Woohoo! Now we can move onto the fun parts of the planning process. So I have a confession: I began planning our wedding way before he proposed. I honestly knew right away that he was it - he was my person.He made me laugh, he took me out for my favorite food - pizza!, took me for a cocktail on the top floor of the Hancock building, and I beat him in beer pong the first night we hung out (a game I am generally quite terrible at).

While researching colors for a wedding on a lake I began drooling over navy, yellow, and white. So refreshing, so crisp, so classy, so perfect!



Tell me what you think!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Where We're Gonna Get Down!!

After the big I Do & blessing of a new chapter in both of our lives, I know we'll want to have one hell of party to celebrate & that's exactly what we plan to do at Big Foot Country Club! Big Foot is a beautiful, private country club that has a gorgeous golf course (7 ponds on one course, what?!) & an even lovelier clubhouse. However, a main reason we decided on Big Foot is because we will be the 3rd generation in my family to get married in Fontana & host their reception at Big Foot. In fact, my uncle Jerry & aunt Susan got married in Fontana on the exact same day 23 years ago. We couldn't be more excited to share this special day!

We plan to have our cocktail hour outside on the patio (please hold out weather!) & am still trying to decide how I want to decorate it. I'm thinking some flowers, but possibly incorporating twinkle lights & some DIY garlands. I'll save that for another post. Here's just part of the view from the patio
A little fun fact for our wedding guests: We have enough time before & after the ceremony for pictures that we will be attending our cocktail hour! I'm very excited to be able to be with friends & family during this relaxed, fun part of the reception.

We will be eating in the main dining room that has floor to ceiling windows facing the course & dancing in a separate room. Don't worry, there are doors that open between the two rooms so guests will be able to see my Dad's sweet moves from the dining room & bar.