Our November Wedding: Timeless & Lovely

How I've been waiting for this moment! There's so much to say about our wedding...so many things that have me still struggling for the perfect words to explain all that it meant to me. The easiest way I can explain it is to say this: it was filled with so much pure joy that I, literally, jumped up and down at the alter when we were announced. I got to hug every, single guest. There were a lot of (serious) jitters, laughter, tears and moments that are burned into the deepest parts of my heart forever that I almost didn't need to see photos to relive it. But...we have photos. Amazing photos taken by the two most unbelievably caring, passionate, professional real people I've ever had the chance to know. Photos that caught every tear, cheer and kiss (and there were lot of those.) I will feel forever indebted to our wedding "photo ninjas" (because that's what everyone called you!) Christa and Dan and Kitty, we love you guys. Thank you for understanding us so well that you managed to crawl inside our heads and hearts and know just the perfect photos to take. You're amazing. 

So, without further ado...our photos. Though I tried to show a bit of everything (the handmade things, all those fussy details you know I love so much), but there are many more that I chose to leave out. The ones that are just too personal, too intimate. I hope you understand my exclusivity. This wasn't a photo shoot for us, after all. It was one of the most special moments we have together and some things are best kept private. 

Thanks for understanding! xo, eve

{*print weddings}

P.S. Kitty was kind enough to let me use the online proofs for this post. She didn't want me to have to wait any longer to post them on here, either! So please, keep in mind that these are just the proofs and (in her words) aren't the best quality. Just disregard the copyright notice and all that good stuff! There's no way in a million years Kitty would present these photos to us for display, of course, but you smart folks already figured that out, didn't you? :)

Breast Exams, Happy Shopping & Wedding Photos...oh my!

Today's a double-post kinda day. Sorry, Hamalayaa. Bollywood Dance Workout is just going to have to wait.

So. Today I'm going to talk about something pretty personal. It involves a lump in my boob. (Sorry, why pretty it up? That's what it is.) Actually, that lump as been there for a few...years. I found it during my monthly breast self-exam (which every woman over 20 should be doing.) It freaked me out, this lump, but it's amazing what denial can do to calm your fears. Me: "Why make a mountain out of a marble-sized lump in your breast? Pshaw. Who needs modern medicine and clean health screenings? Let's just ignore it and see what happens."

And yes. I'm an epic idiot.

Granted, the excuses I used for not having it checked right away were not having health insurance (Yay! Crappy jobs out of college are the best!) and that I am a big coward and thought that if I ignored it, it would go away. (I know that's totally insane and potentially life-threatening, but it is what it is.) Well, it didn't go away.

And then I got married AND got health insurance. (Have I mentioned lately how much I love my husband? He's playing a major role in helping me keep alive & kicking. Both pretty important in my book. You know, they just don't make cards for that.)

After years + years + years at a OB/GYN I was decidedly unhappy with, I asked some trusted women in my life for recommendations. Wouldn't you know it? I went with one of the recs, made an appointment, showed up, did the thing and now, officially, have a new OB/GYN. It was so easy, why did I wait so long, opting to stay with a doctor who made me feel like a number, less-than-pleasant staff and having to wait 6 months or more to get an appointment (P.S. No reminder calls or emails. If you missed your appointment for any reason, good luck trying to get in before the year's out.) Did I mention that nearly every woman in my family goes to this doctor and no one is happy? Trust me. It's unpleasant enough to go, but if you have to jump through hoops to be listened to, not be rushed out of the office and/or make appointments, don't stay for another annual. You and your health deserve better.(Getting off the soapbox now...)

Now onto the fun part, where I get to have my boob ultrasounded (is that a word?) I've never been pregnant or have had any other need for an ultrasound, so the science geek in me was a little fascinated. The goop, the machine, it all looks like what you see in the movies, only I was alone, not pregnant and it was on one of The Girls. And we're watching the screen...seeing layers of skin and fat and all of a sudden...there's a big black spot on the screen. Yup. That's the lump. It's solid and not a cyst like I'd convinced myself it was. I allowed myself to get just a tad nervous, until both the tech and the doctor confirm their suspicions that the lump is a fibroadenoma -- a benign (noncancerous) tumor very common in young women under 30. Actually, they said that they see them every day, that there's no known cause and that fibroadenomas do not increase chances of cancer. (I started breathing again at that point.) The doctor opted to watch it over time, with another ultrasound in 6 months, rather than do a biopsy because it had been there for years without growth or changes. So, that's that.

Post-goopy boob ultrasound, I met up with Mom, had a really delish lunch (bacon, steak and bourbon glaze really is as fabulous as it sounds. Everything is better with bacon.) and caught up on all the latest fun stuff (she had the coolest lunch/cooking course with a nutritionist at a Powell Women's Club meeting. Fun!)

The rest of the day only got better!

First, I had a crazy-good day shopping for supplies for Hello Magpie, received my One Line a Day: A Five Year Memory Book in the mail (Thanks Barnes & Noble for not being sold out like everyone else!) AND...the biggie....We got the email that our wedding photos were finally uploaded!
 
AHHHHH!!!!!

Bubs and I spend at least an hour looking through the almost 700 online photos before dinner. He looked at least 3 times yesterday. They are the most perfect wedding photos I've ever seen. I'm fairly certain everyone says that, but really. Some of them look like magazine ads. And how did Christa + Dan make us look so fabulous, even at the end of the day, when I knew I was a hot mess? Nothing short of brilliant camera trickery. The other thing I noticed about the photos? Bubs and I are kissing in at least 200 of them. And we're so happy. The kind of happy you can't fake and the kind of happy I didn't think a camera could ever capture. Yesterday, looking through that slide show, we felt like we were just married all over again and it was magical.

I'd post them, but I don't have permission yet! Once I work that out, I'll post them or post a link or both. You can bet on it! Me? Talk about our wedding and gush over detail shots of the rings, our freaking awesome cake and band and programs and stationery and jewelry and flowers and stuff? Oh yes. It's going to happen, I promise.

Happy weekend!

xo, eve

We're Back!

7 Mile Beach sand & a CSA horseshoe for good luck :)

It's official...we're back from our honeymoon in Negril, Jamaica safe and sound! There's so much to say, so many stories and photos, it's hard to know where to begin! The weather, the people, the ocean...every, single moment was amazing. And hot! Whew! Humidity like I've never felt, but trust me. It's nothing a dip in the crystal clear water and a few piña coladas couldn't fix :) The folks at Couples Swept Away stopped at nothing to make our honeymoon unforgettable. Shout outs go to Akeem, Skippy, O'Niel, Clover, Kaydean, Joy, Ultimate Chocolate and all the bartenders at Aura Lounge. You guys are the BEST!

Today has gone by so quickly...unpacking, laundry and a great lunch at the Morgan House with my mom and aunt (and lots of vacation recap!) I'm exhausted and itchy (I have at least 5 million mosquito bites, oh joy) but happy to be home. Mr. M was kind enough to pop in every few days to make sure Wink was alive. He now has a strong belief that she's the meanest cat alive. Sorry, Mr. M. We tried to warn you!

This week is going to be spent getting the house back in order, repacking and gearing up for Germany/Czech Republic. Time is going to FLY and then we're off flying to a much colder part of the world. Lucky ducks!

But for now, this week on the blog is dedicated to my favorite bits of "Honeymoon Negril". So when holiday shopping, work and hectic schedules have you worn out, put on a little Bob Marley, crack open a Red Stripe and pop over each day for a new story and lots of photos and get you feelin' a little irie.

Yeh mon, no problem!

Red Balloons+Green Shoes+Holey Jeans=Bliss

5 red balloons, my favie holey jeans and my lucky green shoes. They make for fun photos, don't you agree? These shots are part of a collection taken by our friend as the super-top-secret half of the wedding gift for my groom. The entire shoot was a blast and Bubs loved the complete boxed set of photographs taken that day. (P.S. The other half were ah-maze-ing black vintage typewriter key cufflinks with an 'E' and a 'D' by etsy seller HauteKeys. The perfect gift for my graphic-designing-computer-loving husband!)

After the shoot, I gave the balloons to a little girl waiting for a bus on High Street, just so the happiness could continue. Trust me, if you want to brighten someone's day, give them a balloon. Her mother nearly cried. Powerful moment disguised as a random act of kindness.


P.S. Those green shoes make an appearance in our engagement photos, too. Which, coincidentally, turned into the silhouette for the cover of our wedding programs. Go go green shoes! Yay!

Countdown Jamaica: 1 Week To Go!

West End Road, Negril (aka Paradise)
{source}

Let's just talk a moment about how freaking ready I am for Jamaica! The whole time leading up to the wedding (and even a day or two after), I couldn't understand why anyone would want to take their honeymoon immediately after the wedding. Gosh, just the stress alone of having to pack everything up and fly the next day or two gives me butterflies!

It wasn't until a few days ago that I truly understand and appreciate the escape a honeymoon really is...and what a difference a week makes! Now, the Mr. and I...there's no difference in us. We're sickeningly blushy gushy newlyweds and loving every ridiculous moment. But waiting a couple of weeks to take our honeymoon was so...practical of us. We completed a registry, started thank you notes, made sure everyone was paid and had letters of recommendation written, started to put our house back together, did laundry and got back to work. We also had an amazing tailgate the day after our wedding, have had 3 family dinners, visited with friends, watched OSU beat Michigan, will celebrate Thanksgiving and have 0% stress packing for our trip. But...

{source}

Oh, how nice it would be to be destressing on the beaches of Negril, with my handsome husband and a refreshing rum drink in hand? Really, folks, that can't come soon enough! I need a break! And sunshine! Lots of sunshine! And have I mentioned how excited I am to eat jerk chicken? I could sit on the beach eating jerk chicken, drinking Red Stripe for a week and be the happiest girl on the planet. Good times, they are a-comin' :)

3 Dives Restaurant & Cliff Bar is a MUST!

{source}

Where To Begin?

There's a billion things that I want to gush over about our wedding, but it's so hard to do without the proper visual aides that professional photos offer. I love the few non-pro pics we have in our possession, but I don't want to blab about all the details now...just to have to share the photos in (hopefully) January and have everyone sick of wedding talk. So...would you mind waiting a bit more for the juicy wedding talk until then?

Honestly, it may help me to recollect my thoughts and relive the entire experience in the coming new year. As of this moment, I'm not entirely sure it's all had the time to really sink in. With TWO huge trips on the horizon (more on that shortly...), thank you notes to write and Thanksgiving just a week away, I may have to lean toward the non-wedding related posts for a bit longer.

The problem is...what to talk about? The wedding really consumed us all there for awhile and I'm not sure where to begin not talking about it! So, I'll leave it to you...what would you like to read about? I have quite a few new projects on the horizon that I'd love to share with you, pre-honeymoon discussion and lots of fun newlywed nesting tidbits. How does that sound? Anything else? I'm all ears eyes :)

Please let me introduce....

The NEW Mr. and Mrs. R :)

Oh wow. Wowie wow WOW. It's official. We're MARRIED!

Gosh, it's so hard to know where to begin, I've had so many days of absolutely overwhelming emotion. I have a feeling it's going to have to come in stages, as I remember little bits here and there that I know, at this very moment, are all swimming around inside my heart. I feel a little like I have to be patient, bait the hook and fish them out one by one.

First. Can I just gush about the most amazing people we have in our lives? Seriously. Every, single person who has touched our lives are priceless to me. Whether able to attend or not, every priceless moment was gilded with the deepest love from all whom hold us so dear. How do you begin to thank so many for caring for us both so much? Oh. Words just cannot do it justice. It was one of the things that my most amazing husband and I couldn't believe. After the wedding, we sat on the floor of our living room and we couldn't stop talking, crying and smiling about the love we felt for one another, for everyone and from everyone. Love was a huge, very real, very tangible, living thing during our rehearsal, our ceremony, our reception and at every turn before and after.

I wish I could spend every waking moment reveling in the details, sharing every moment with everyone the whole world over, but some things I just know can't be explained. The emotion. The tears. The excitement. The anxiety. The purest joy I've ever felt in my whole life. It was perfect, even in it's imperfection. Perfect for us. It was so...us. Who knew I'd nearly faint in the bridal room, waiting for my turn to walk down the aisle? That was unexpected, but I really almost was a goner. And then, again, at the altar. I nearly fainted again! I don't know why...the nerves, the tight underthings keeping me in my dress, being a bit hungry? Who knows. At that moment, it didn't even matter. I held onto my Mr.'s hand like a lifesaver, closed my eyes and melted into the moment. I listened to the peace in my heart, the words of our minister and felt the support of the people around us. It worked and turned it into magic.

There were other moments, too. Like when our minister says to me, "Evelyn, do you take..." And I said, "I do!" Whoops. That was a little early. Then I giggled. Then I repeated my vows, staring into the eyes of my beloved and cried the happiest tears I've ever been blessed enough to cry. My love manifested itself and never before or probably after will I ever have another moment that pure of love, honesty and joy. I'll never forget it for the rest of my life.

Then. Oh. Then, when I knew we were married, really knew, I started to bounce because I was so happy and excited that I couldn't contain myself. Then we kissed the best kiss ever in the history of kisses. And we were introduced, and I jumped up and down. Really. I did a happy dance at the altar, in front of God and everyone. And everyone laughed. It was perfect.

You know, everyone says that you float. That it goes by so quickly. Having just done it, I can agree a certain amount, but not completely. I floated down the aisle. It was surreal. But I knew I was shaking and smiling like a crazy person, telling myself to walk slowly, keep smiling and don't faint. I looked into the eyes of our guests. Of my husband. Of my mom, sister, aunts, uncles, friends. That was very real and I was present for it...very there. And it does go by so quickly. But also so slowly, all at the same time. We both can't believe it's over. But we couldn't wait to kiss and be introduced. What a strange balance we felt.

So, without further ado, here are a couple of my fave photos so far (with many thanks to Mr. M and our friends Mary & Jeff, who were true historians of the evening!) I promise, lots more will be shared. No detail will be missed!

I love you all. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts, hearts, minds and prayers on Friday the 13th. It was truly the luckiest day of my life.

In Four Days...

I'm getting married in 4 days. This year has gone by so quickly, but what a great and busy year it has been. Like Emily Dickenson said, "To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else."

Only a few lingering tasks await me these next few days. Family and friends have begun to arrive and emotions are running high for all involved. Me? I'm a bit of a roller coaster, actually, but fairing pretty well. If anything, I wish I didn't feel guilty that I didn't work out every day like I promised myself I would. Guilt's a hard emotion for me to shake, too. Oh well. Multivitamin, lowfat yogurt and big glass of water, here I come! (And really...if that's the worst emotion I feel, I'll find a way to push through. Ha!)

I wish I could find a way to put into words everything I'm feeling, but I can't. Or maybe it's that I won't? For me, this is a time for reflection, introspection, goodbyes, hellos, truth, love and promises. It isn't a party. It isn't about the money spent (or saved). It isn't about the decor, the flowers, the dress. It's a marriage. A powerful and true covenant between two people willing to go in front of God and everyone to commit ourselves to one another forever. These last few days, that's where my thoughts have been. How do you thank someone for loving so deeply in you that they make this commitment to you? That's love to me, pure and simple. We believe in one another that pledge of faith and friendship. We know things won't always be perfect -- they never have been, why would it change now? But we know that we can work through anything. We can apologize (*though one of us is better than the other, but I'm learning.) We can forgive. We can laugh, dream, work hard, work together, love, respect and honor one another. Though, technically, "the rest of our lives together" began years ago, I'm looking forward to the new, the unexpected, the unplanned and also the mundane, the routine and the constant our future together holds.

I feel like standing at the top of the tallest tree and shouting to the world and to God, "Thank you!" Every day, everything looks a bit richer somehow, colors more vibrant. I think my heart is smiling.

Sorry If I'm MIA...

{autumn splendor in the smokies}

Dearest Oh My Word! readers,

My posting is going to be very sporadic for the next, oh, month or so. I had a mini meltdown yesterday over the daunting task of finalizing everything. As much as I LOVE you, my dears, I want to be mellow and need to take the time I spend blogging and be more diligent with getting wedding things done (because I'm, admittedly, procrastinating on a few things.) I hope you understand. With that said, I do promise to make it up to you with lots of photos and some updates :)

Also, I'm not checking out entirely...just can't promise updates on the daily. Let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the ol' blog! I'd love some other folks to chime in with their loveliness, if they're so inclined, while I'm off doing the wedding and honeymoon thing. Thoughts? Any takers? Email me if you're interested!

Big Checks: 18 Days til I Do!

If you can believe it? We're nearly finished with wedding planning. The tuxes are ordered, the dress is (still) being altered, the reception planned, the vows reviewed, the readings chosen. I'm considering my 'something borrowed' options, have 2 pairs of shoes (just in case) and my final florist meeting is at noon today!

Honestly, everything is coming along brilliantly and I'm not stressed nearly as much as I thought I'd be, though the bad wedding dreams are still happening. (Last night, I dreamt that absolutely nothing went well at our wedding. I was very upset, to say the least!)

In my heart of hearts, I know that the stuff doesn't matter, but putting everything together for our wedding has been therapeutic for me and hopefully will be a beautiful, complimentary addition to the evening itself. At this point, it's safe to say that it has been a process, frustrating at times, too. Really, I made a ton of stuff. A. Ton. Of. Stuff. But I love every, single thing (but especially love the seat covers I made for D. and me. Oh joy! Can't wait to share pics of those!)

All of this hard work is paying off because everything is getting done, we're not arguing over petty things (or anything, for that matter), we're laughing, enjoying these days and trying to get our minds off of any worries or nervousness we feel. Because it's scary. And real. And we're nervous. Not in a bad way, just in a "holy-crap-this-is-really-happening" sort of way. I'm trying to embrace every feeling because those moments in our lives are few and far-between.

P.S. We had so much fun together over the weekend. Although cold and rainy, the Pumpkin Fest was such fun! En route from parking spot to festival, I fell in love with this house. Oh what I wouldn't give to live in a 19th century house like this! What a beaut. Circleville is chock full o' historic beauty.

{It's FOR SALE!}

42 Days Away From Paradise

Just when wedding stresses start to get to me, I remember something. Jamaica is just around the corner. Bring on the fruity umbrella drinks, please!

This SO doesn't suck.

The Ohio Statehouse

We had a little bit of stress about where to have our wedding photos taken. The sun will be setting around 5:15pm. Our ceremony starts at 5:30pm. We're traditional and didn't want to do a reveal prior to the walk down the aisle. (Actually, it was one of the few things D. was very set upon. He didn't want to see me until I was walking down the aisle. Sounds good to me!)

So that brings me back to the picture pickle we found ourselves in...where can we go that will provide enough light AND work with our aesthetic preferences? We asked friends, message boards, our photographer and colleagues. We came up with a few really good ideas and some decent backup plans, but it wasn't until Dan made a particular suggestion that everything felt right...And that suggestion was the Ohio Statehouse. Who knew for $50 and an application, you can get specially-granted access for your wedding photos at this stunning, historical site? I AM SO EXCITED I COULD BURST!

Snow Schmo. Rain? No tears here. No sunlight? No problem. We've got the beautiful Statehouse as our backdrop. Seriously... gorgeous. At nearly 150 years old, I can't think of a more appropriate place. Thank you, my love, and thank you, Ohio!

{1 courtesy: discover ohio}

{2 & 3 courtesy: Ohiochannel.org}

The Big Reveal: Invitations

We've officially hit the 1-month mark 'til we say our vows. It's a powerful thought and I find myself a bundle of emotions. Happy, nervous, anxious, loving, thoughtful and even a little sad. It's weird. You'd think after nearly 12 years with someone, you wouldn't feel anything but total bliss, but, as I've discovered over the last year, it's so much more than I had anticipated. For me, it's been almost a rite of passage. Never have I ever felt more independent, ready and committed. It's a very grown up, serious feeling. Blissful, joyous, exuberant, yes, but serious. It's hard for me to articulate exactly how I feel, but I think you get the gist. I'm already mentally working on trying not to cry through the entire thing. Yeah. I might fail miserably, but that's what waterproof makeup is for, right? :)

With that being said, it's time to reveal the glory that is our wedding invitation suite. It was my true labor of love and one obsession. Really, I cared more about the invitations than the flowers and *almost* the dress. I'm very pleased with the way they turned out and proud of my work. Enjoy!

The details:

· Design for all pieces: me
· Printing: letterpress (invitations), digital 4-color (RSVPs) by Mercurio Brothers
· Paper stock for invitations & RSVPs: Somerset Soft White 300 gm Velvet
· Inner & outer envelopes: Strathmore square flap 80lb Wove in Natural White
· Calligraphy: Future MIL!
· Paper stock for maps/insert: Paper Source (printed at home on the Canon i560)
· RSVP envelopes: Paper Source
· RSVP labels: designed & printed at home on Canon i560, Avery labels
· Custom embosser/return address: Three Designing Women

{In addition to what you see, there were 5x5 double-sided custom maps and directions cards, a 1.5" brown card stock belly band with an 1/8" wide double-wrapped satin ribbon to hold all of the pieces together. *note: I got the color as close as possible, but isn't quite right. It's more a muted warm yellow, rather than a bright yellow as in the foreground of image 1.}

{Please do not copy images without my consent!}

Keeping It Together

Keep it secret. Keep it safe.
{Translucent Expanding File Carrier, The Container Store}

With a little over a month to go, we are certainly nearing the wedding finish line. With a solid year of planning, scheming, organizing and collecting inspiration behind me, there is one thing I couldn't have lived without. That, my friends, is my accordion file folder. Well, technically, both of my accordion file folders.

Once we were engaged, it was one of the first things I bought. A cute pink-edged heavy-duty plastic expanding file with designated tabs for dresses, flowers, cake, entertainment, ceremony, favors...you name it, it has a tab. After the initial planning stages, when contracts came in and final plans and ideas came to fruition, I cleaned out the file and removed all of the ideas not worth hanging onto and made room for the important things - copies of paid checks, contracts, vendor contact information and so on. This thing came with me to every meeting with every vendor and it made getting (and staying) organized a snap.

So, for all you brides currently planning -- or for you hopeful gals out there who are not yet engaged -- a bit of advice. If you don't have something to help you keep it together from now until the big day, invest in a binder or expanding folder! You'll be so happy you did. Oh...and one more thing. Make it something cute, that you love to look at and carry with you. After all, it is your wedding it's holding!

If money is no object.
{Audrey Expanding Five-file Tote, Russell+Hazel}

Make work fun again.
{Expandable file, Amy Butler}

Put together nicely.
{Semikolon Accordion File, See Jane Work}

Going to the Probate Court and...

Gonna get a marriage license! (queue The Dixie Cups backing track.)

Today's a big day for wedding-related happiness. We are venturing off to Probate Court with documents in-hand to get our official marriage license. One huge ginormous check off of The List. Then, later this afternoon, we get to meet with our minister to go over the ceremony, vows and details. *squee!*

Oh yeah...and did I mention that yesterday, I had both my hair and makeup trials? Both HUGE, MAJOR successes? My. veil. is. perfect. Want to post photos so badly it hurts, but I just can't ruin the surprise. Soon, very soon! /happydance

There is only one teensy problem with the make-up. Hello, M·A·C. Why on Earth do you cost so much? It caused physical pain when I saw how much my dream face was going to cost me, but we axed all but the essentials. I'm going to take an assessment of my brushes and see if I can make do. I think when it's all said and done, it will be about $200 spent on makeup and a couple brushes. Right then, I'm fairly certain I threw up in my mouth a little. I'm thrifty. I have never in my life bought a face-full of high-quality make-up, as I generally opt for the "make do with makeup on the cheap" philosophy. Let's just say that cheap beauty products are not always kind to a 30-year-old face. And into my life walks M·A·C Cosmetics...

Ladies. OH MY WORD. I don't care what I have to do to get this M·A·C makeup. Fo riz. I wore it all night. Over night. Just to "test". The eyeshadow smudged a little. That's it. As featherlight as the foundation/powder combo was (with amazing coverage), I had to scrub to get it all off. Skin never looked better. Not a single blemish and I have crazy oily skin. Let me just mention the sales rep/makeup genius Angela was completely fantastic. She deserves a Starbucks on me for the magic she worked, I'm telling you what. I'm 100% sold.

M·A·C was recommended to me highly from an old colleague of mine who was married over the summer. She had gone to the M·A·C counter, was all dolled up for free and bought everything they used, taught her how to put it on and everything. My bridesmaid/future cousin-in-law swears by it, too, and has my FMIL send it to her in England. That says something, people!

I had been toying with the idea of airbrush makeup, which was recommended on my local board on The Knot. I checked out the top recommended airbrush makeup artist in my area and her services cost $120 for bride day-of-wedding makeup application. That's just silly to me. Sure, wedding=markup, but if you charge $50 for the bridal party makeup application, how do you justify the bride's face costing 140% more? Nonsense. Justifying spending so much on makeup at all is hard enough for me...but if I'm dropping serious cash, I'd at least like to have it for my honeymoon and the holidays! Merry early Christmas. This year, I'm giving myself the gift of beauty and confidence. Who knew it would only cost $200?

Sorry my "happy marriage license day" post morphed into "blab about makeup" post, but I'm telling you. M·A·C Cosmetics must be that good to trump my marriage license! Ha! With that said, I'm going to get in my Shred for the day, make a hazelnut iced coffee, get cleaned up and get started on our day. If I don't pop in later, enjoy your weekend :)

Is it Any Less Personal Because it's Traditional?

So I'm going to give the closest thing to a rant that I've ever done thus far on this blog.

Perhaps it's just me being sensitive, but I'm starting to wonder...when did the non-traditional wedding become the standard to which all weddings should be measured and judged? Am I alone here in thinking there is something sacred with being married in a church, something awe-inspiring about brides in white, crispy linens on the tables, sit-down dinners and dancing the night away to your favorite songs? The question begs to be asked: At what point, exactly, did traditional become cliché? Is a wedding any less personal when it's traditional?

Stay with me for a second...because I'm confused and would like to work this out.

It seems to me that more often than not, wedding-related sites and blogs out there are giving the impression that they celebrate the individuality and personality behind the wedding, cheering on the "non-conformists" for making some kind of stand against the WIC via their wedding and, by doing so, have found the new formula to a happy wedding. Well, sorry, but I think that's a bunch of B.S.

This really should go without saying, but I feel like I need to give a kind reminder that it isn't the tchotchkes on the tables, wedding fashion choices, invitation selection, flowers, venue, music, cake or any of that other stuff (or lack thereof) that makes a wedding personal. That stuff doesn't define you; it merely reflects your personal taste. It didn't make your wedding special. Perhaps it made it memorable, but not special. There's no magic in stuff. The part that made your heart sing, your guests cry and onlookers wonder with delight came from the non-tangibles -- the unadulterated bliss in seeing your love at the other end of the aisle, the sadness in hugging your parents, a baby crying through the vows, tripping on your dress's train, dropping the rings, giggling during the blessing, eating well and drinking enough to dance on a chair (sorry, Mary!) -- these things are it. These very real things make the magic of a wedding and make it a fiercely personal experience. The practicality lies in your perspective, knowing that the stuff doesn't ever make or break you.

I'd hope that everyone getting married wants to celebrate in a personal way, in a way that reflects who they are, what they represent as a couple and what makes them truly happy. Otherwise, maybe they shouldn't be getting married in the first place...but that's another post entirely. My point is this: who are we to judge the wedding-related choices that another couple makes based on our own personal preferences? Should we look down upon a bride who dreams of a black-tie wedding at St. Patrick's and reception at the Ritz, wearing a white Monique Lhuillier gown and sipping champagne on the arm of her handsome bridegroom, listening to the sounds of an 18-piece band? Do we somehow feel that the antagonist bride & groom have a better chance at a successful, loving marriage because they opted for being married in an art gallery, with her in a bright yellow dress and he in Chucks, with a doughnut and PBR reception, complete with local underground DJ and an after party? Is their version that much more "real"? Are we guilty of privately (or publicly) shaming those people who spend exorbitant amounts of money on their (stress: THEIR) dream wedding or those who let go all preconceived notions of a wedding and got married in the back yard? Are we jealous, maybe? Jealous of the money spent on one side of the coin and freedom spent on the other? Perhaps we will always think the grass is always greener? Maybe we're completely insatiable creatures. Who knows.

For me, the magic behind any happy wedding (and marriage) is the love, respect and friendship people share, with their dearest people encouraging and supporting those same feelings. It has very little to do with the stuff. The trick in planning YOUR perfect wedding is to not give a hoot what other people think about the choices you're making, but be unwavering in your choices made together. Don't let anything distract you from what works best for your budget (whether it's $500, $5,000 or $50,000), what is a natural choice for you as a couple (because that's where the magic really starts) and what you'll be happy remembering forever (because it really should be forever.)

So. With that said, I'm going to say this: though maybe the wedding we've planned for ourselves may appear too traditional for some, it's what works for us. Every choice we made was thoughtful and deeply personal. Nothing went unnoticed, nothing made arbitrary. It will be a complete celebration of who we are and what we're all about. This is OUR wedding and our version, like many others, involves a church, a white dress, black tuxes, a sit-down dinner and a band. It also involves a fourteen-year friendship, an eleven year relationship, our shared values, our memories together and separate, our creativity, what we love and who we love -- best friends and family who came from all over the globe to witness and be in the presence of our joy.

And it is that, my friends, is what it's all about. For us, anyway.

I'm STILL Wishing DIY Meant "Did It Yesterday"...

Last week was a productive wedding prep week. I managed to fashion together all of our pew wreaths (24 in total, phew!), made a puffy bow for the programs basket, had FMIL cut the circle for the cake stand, started working on the grab bags for out-of-towners and began working on my special chair back covers for our own personalized bride & groom reception chairs. I would've finished the chair back covers entirely, but it didn't begin well...wrong size template and yarn weight. Fear not! I'll get it worked out and they should look smashing :)

Here are the remaining DIY projects:

- print & assemble programs
- print menus
- print & assemble escort "cards"
- finish chair back covers
- finish cake stand
- make veil

There are so many more non-crafty things that need to be done, too (such as...getting our wedding license and making final payments to nearly everyone, nobigdeal.) October is shaping up to be a busy month, but I'm confident that we'll get it all completed, despite being down one key member of Team E+D...Sissy (aka the MoH) is moving away at the end of the month! ACK =( I'm very sad. But she'll be coming back for the wedding and staying nearly a week. We're all very excited for her, but she's my Gibraltar. It's going to be an interesting adjustment for me, maintaining my sanity without her close by. My excitement and hope for her success is getting me through, though! Poor D. He's going to have to bear the whole weight of my wedding stress now. Well, there's always my momma. She's always good for a chat or twelve :)

Now, back to the DIY projects. Because we are delaying our honeymoon departure until the first week in December, I'd like to make us new luggage tag sets sometime before then. D. has requested red ones to match the black luggage I bought him a few years ago and I plan to go with some bright, cheery pattern to match the navy/white Diane von Furstenberg luggage he bought me for my birthday (hurray!)

{source}

While snooping the interwebs for a freebie pattern (one less thing I have to figure out myself through trial & error is a good thing, at this point), I came across this completely great quickie luggage tag tutorial. Aren't they darling? I think I'll fashion ours much the same way, though I am going to attempt to sew on a bit of clear plastic to hold our contact information. Being ever so thrifty, I hold onto all of those vinyl bags that new sheets and such come in and I think that vinyl weight will hold together nicely. Rather than sew 3 sides to form a sleeve for the information card to slide into, I may just sew all 4 sides to keep it from falling out. We won't be moving for awhile, anyway :)

Redefining Tradition

In the earliest stages of wedding planning, the question I was most asked is "What kind of wedding will you have?"

With a decade of memories, trends and friends behind us, Mr. and I sat down and put our heads together about what we pictured for ourselves. It was important to me that decisions be mutual and not "bride exclusive" for what is to be our special day (though I did have to rein myself in when it came to flowers, cake design and DIY details a few times. I forget that gentlemen, generally, aren't so bothered. Sorry, darling.)

In my designer's mind over the years, I had planned several altogether different styles of weddings for us, from a nautical theme on Lake Erie to eloping to Europe. Europe only narrowly lost. But those variations didn't answer the question for me. "What kind of wedding will we have?" A happy yet serious one, surrounded by our very closest people . That was our priority. I couldn't stop picturing in my mind's eye -- walking down the church aisle to my love, my best friend. There was just one small problem. We didn't belong to a church and I wasn't interested in borrowing a church for the day. That just seemed strange; that we could enter this holy bond but never go back to the church for the other celebrations life has to offer? So we began what I snarkily refer to as" church shopping".

I know, I know. It sounds terrible, but really. You're going to try one more than one pair of shoes before you buy them, to make sure they're the right fit, right? Well, Mr. and I have varying degrees of faith and our beliefs come from different foundations, so it made it trickier finding a place we both felt was a church home. Can you imagine that we found it after 3 Sunday service visits? First Community Church. Amazing people. I love them. I feel happy when I'm there. I feel light of spirit after a service there. I feel community there. Becoming a member of a church, having never been such previously, was a big step for us both, but one of the best decisions I personally have ever made. After a little time, I knew in my heart that the dress, flowers, and all that other wedding stuff didn't truly matter. I was coming down that aisle in whatever I had and we were getting married in a happy place no matter what. Talk about feeling liberated from the Wedding Industrial Complex!

Once we knew where and how we'd be married, that's when the research began. Though the details of our wedding wouldn't effect our marriage, details are my thing. I'm a fussy britches designer; I simply can't help myself! Wedding blogs and magazines were a great help in keeping my creativity keyed up, but that was about it. To me, the most important thing was that our wedding be a reflection of who we are and that wasn't going to be found in any magazine. The idea that floated around me was how we would go about redefining tradition, learning from the past to create our personal version of holy matrimony. Classic. Honest. Elegant. A modern take on a vintage wedding, chock full o' love, laughter, food and memories. Yep. THAT is the kind of wedding we would have.

Back to the more than ten years we've spent together up to this point. You can imagine what many folks said when we announced our engagement to marry. "It's about time!" was a resounding anthem last year, but it was the very last thing I ever wanted to hear. We did what many people don't before they marry. We grew up. We just happened to grow up together. We gave ourselves time to figure it all out. Turns out, we kinda like one another! I don't want our wedding to be a countdown, something everyone has been waiting around for...those "it's about time" folks. I want it to be a celebration of our time together, our love for one another and dedication to one another. I want to focus on what it means to us to do this because marriage is pretty serious stuff, isn't it? It's all about the real. That's my new motto.

Now that the invitations are out and all those fun details are coming along beautifully (having the luck and grace of finding brilliant vendors certainly helps), we're approaching the 2-month mark with more excitement than we can contain. My darling Mister keeps wishing time would hurry up. Last month, I was nervous about getting projects done. Now? Who really needs them?! I wouldn't mind if time hurried up just a little bit myself.

Perhaps someone gave you words of wisdom that worked well for you or you've come upon learning something yourself...To all brides, old and new, what is the best piece of marital advice you would be kind enough to share?

Soul Food

{Litlnemo's Grandma's Pumpkin Pie Recipe}

I come from a long line of soul foodies -- grandmas, grandpas, parents, aunts, uncles and a sister who cook not merely to feed your belly, they cook to feed your soul. I have early memories of both of my grandmothers cooking for Sissy and me. To this day, I still will have "bites" of my mom's food, right off of her plate, because I swear it tastes better than if I had my own. I remember Sissy growing her own radishes when she was about 5 and having to scoot a chair to the sink to wash them. I have more food memories than time to retell them. Food is more than food to me. When it comes from my family, it's true soul food.

Now, it's no secret that I don't cook much. I love LOVE to bake, but I just don't cook - partly from semi-rational kitchen fire fears and partly because I don't understand the basics. My mom and sister are what you'd call "garbage cooks". They can whip up a 5-course gourmet meal from whatever they have on hand. It is completely amazing to witness and even better to sample. Me? I need a recipe.

But what happens when I have a recipe is nothing short of magic. I'm fearless. I get it. I just need scientific precision in the kitchen or I'm not tempted to try (though you'll be proud to know I didn't measure my spices for Beef Burgandy...that was all pinches and dashes. Very proud.)

The one part that I played in the orchestration of my bridal shower was to ask each lady invited to share their favorite recipe with me, to become part of my first, my own family recipe album. Not only did so many dear ladies contribute, but many recipes came from overseas. The ones that really got me, though, were the photocopies of recipes from my grandmother's and my great aunt's kitchens, written in their hand. They were the ones that made me cry. Who knew a recipe for fish fry breading could be charged with so much emotion?

Now, thanks to the completely amazing women in my life, I am armed with my more than 2-dozen recipes and am determined to learn to cook for the soul, too. With a gift like that, who needs presents?

OMGOMGOMG

Ninja post while at work...I HAD to post. It's a moral imperative!

Our wedding invitations arrived late yesterday and they are PERFECT!

OMGOMGOMG

So excited!!