Wedding. Design. Home. Inspiration. Life.

Some Holga Pictures

2010-02-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

I bought a Holga for the wedding. I handed it over to two college students and said go crazy. I thought I’d share a few of the better pictures with you.

Tutorial: Place Cards

2010-02-08T14:44:00.000-05:00

For our place cards we used library cards in handmade pockets with people’s names on them. They were cute and whimsical. I got the pocket template from Creature Comforts I believe.

You start by tracing out the pattern on whatever paper you want to use. I used various colors of orange and gold cardstock.

Then you cut them out, fold them, and glue them together.

The last thing you do is put the name on the card (I did the calligraphy) and then stuff them in. It’s pretty easy, et voila!

*all photos are mine.

Photobooth

2010-01-21T07:47:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite non-professional photos that was taken at our reception. We set up a little fake photo booth in an alcove beside the dining room. I love this photo because Jonathon looks like “ yeah I’m the man.”

The orange back drop is a sari that I got in India my senior year of college. It’s a beautiful sari. I never get to wear it, but it’s so wonderful.

I took a few photos in the photo booth, but they are on the disposable cameras. So, I haven’t seen half of them yet, but I can’t wait. I just need to get by a photo developing unit.

But here are a few of the best photos from the photo booth so far.

** All photos taken by guests.

Recaps: Reception

2010-01-20T19:36:00.001-05:00

I’m moving on to the reception today. I know the pictures are still completely on hold, but I have seen a slideshow preview of our photos and I am BLOWN AWAY. I can’t wait to show them to you. It’ll be a few weeks before I get my photos (on disc) back from my photographer. But, I wanted to recap with words so that I could move on to finish tutorials and then just focus on pictures.

Our reception was really wonderful. We had Christmas music in the background. We had all our friends at one table and our family in front and behind us. We got to sit down and talk and eat our wonderful pizza (seriously, if you are ever in the area hit me up… sailor pizza is where it’s at). We got to talk to every single guest at least once. We mingled, we smashed cake in our faces.

Even though, to be honest… there was a ton of things we didn’t do. We staged garter and bouquet tosses. There was no first dance. None of that. We cut the groom’s cake instead.

The grooms cake… Neyland stadium of course. Jonathon, had really wanted a Neyland stadium cake. So, Marsheena and I conspired to get one secretly.

Our “real” cake? White chocolate and peppermint fudge in orange and white! It was delicious and unique. Although, it was really beautiful I didn’t even get to try it until 2 days later at a family gathering. But it was wonderful and perfect.

Then, Jonathon disappeared for awhile and took his dad to see his bookstore (Jonathon runs the one on campus) and Nikki and I took some fashion shots.

We did do something fun. Our (I can say that now) Nanny Gail decided we needed to kiss whenever someone tinged the glass and we kissed… a lot. And laughed. And the apple pie we cooked ourselves… yeah, we put WAY to much apple jack in it. It was strong… and so punk rock.

And just like that it was over. We were loading up the car and heading home to the after party. Which turned into taking pictures with the photographer and then Amy falling asleep in the recliner, but it was still a blast.

Confession

2010-01-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

I want to talk about something difficult today. I want to start by saying that it doesn’t reflect anyone but me and I want to make it clear that it was still wonderful.

I didn’t love my wedding as a whole. I loved certain parts of our wedding. I loved the ceremony. I loved the reception. I loved being with Jonathon. I loved our photographer and all the pieces and parts I worked so incredibly hard on. I loved all the details. I loved our vows and our pastor. I loved the library and I love my husband very much. I love being married to him.

But I don’t like the way I felt leading up to the wedding. I felt very stressed (not about things getting done or not done… but in general). I lost about 5 lbs in the 3 days leading up to the wedding (which I needed to do and was excited about) but not how or why I lost them. I think I was in a mild state of panic attack… constantly. Most of it stems from internal problems (and some externals like the weather… etc), but I was not a peace until the whole shebang was over and I was so exhausted at the end of the wedding I practically crashed at the after party and slept the whole next day.

If I could do it over again (I wouldn’t), I would have scheduled a wedding party yoga class for the morning of and became zen. I would have kept my booking for a massage. I would have done anything to stop feeling so completely and utterly lost. I was so confused there were a thousand things going on and I just felt surreal. Not in a good surreal.

True, it all faded as I walked down the aisle and I tripped on the hem of my dress and I laughed and it was okay. That’s when I calmed down. I hated to say this. I felt bad. I was beating myself up for not feeling the way I should have felt. But apparently, it doesn’t show in the guests photos that I have been getting back. I was really worried I would be frowning in all my images, but apparently not as much as I thought.

Also, I spoke with the librarian who lent us the space to get dressed and to take our first look photos and she told me she had no idea anything was wrong other than the weather. She said that she thought I looked pretty much like a normally do. She said that she couldn’t tell what I was feeling.

Honestly, it feels very liberating to say that the way I felt leading up to my wedding made me feel like I didn’t love it. Yes, I liked my wedding. Yes, I adore my husband. But it is okay that I wasn’t feeling 100% bliss. It is okay that I wish I could have not felt that. It is okay that I felt rushed. It is okay. I don’t have to love every part of everything to think that our wedding day was a pretty good day. In the scheme of things… everything was wonderful. And who cares how I felt before the wedding. Who cares? It is how I feel now about my marriage and how I felt seeing his face the moment we said our vows. That’s the important part.

No more shame, no more guilt.

Thank you Meg for reminding me that it is okay. (Meg has posted two posts on this subject recently. You can read them here and here.)

A Practical Wedding: Not Loving Your Wedding

Personal Reflections: Ceremony

2010-01-11T11:59:00.001-05:00

I was in an extreme hurry to get our ceremony started. It could be because I was worried about all of our guests that had to drive home in the horrible winter storm, the fact that I was barefoot on the cold stone floor, or nerves. Either way, I couldn’t wait to get started.

And the moment I walked through the door and saw our guests and Jonathon standing at the alter … I smiled. I almost tripped going up, but I just laughed it off.

Then, the moment I took Jonathon’s hand nothing else mattered. Nothing. I looked in his eyes, we talked quietly, we smiled, we wept a little. And we laughed. Laughed at our mistakes (it’s hard for the perfectionist in me to do that) and we improvised. It was the most present I felt. It was also the most surreal I had felt.

Leading up to the ceremony, I think I mostly in out of body, freaked out and worried because of the weather (it really was that bad) and other things that I wasn’t completely focused.

However, it was incredibly nice to just see the look on Jonathon’s face. I almost kissed him during the candle light ceremony and he giggled and said that we couldn’t. I laughed and looked over at our guests holding their candles.. it was overwhelming.

Ceremony Script

2010-01-07T16:55:00.001-05:00

Before I share my ceremony script with you... you MUST go read this post at A Practical Wedding.

We started working on a ceremony script from day one almost. We culled through thousands of readings, vows, religious texts, etc to come up with a ceremony we loved. Then, we changed it. Then, we got married civilly before the wedding and had to change it again. The end result was a ceremony that reflected Jonathon and I.

He stumbled through the first "repeat after me section" and then after that Dr. Roberts decided to only have us repeat a few words at a time. The result was us laughing and smiling and having a great time with it. With a few tears in between.

Announcement

5:09 – Please be seated. *Pause* If we could all first partake in the time honored ceremony of turning off all electronic devices. *Pause* Amalauna and Jonathon have requested that you remain seated for photography after the ceremony.

Opening Thoughts/ Welcome
5:12 - Dear friends on this ~~chilly~~ rainy December evening, our fondness for these two people draws us here that we might bear witness to the light of love that illuminates their lives. I know many of you came a long way to be here, but short or long, your efforts and your presence honor Jonathon and Amalauna, and they thank you for being here.

Amalauna and Jonathon have been married by the law of the state of North Carolina, and they have made a solemn contract with each other. Now, in faith, they come before the witness of the Church to declare their marriage covenant and to acknowledge God’s good news for their lives.

Prayer
5:15 - Let us pray.

Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, giver of all grace: bless and sanctify with your Holy Spirit Jonathon and Amalauna, who come now asking for your blessing upon their marriage. Grant that they may reaffirm their vows to each other in the strength of your steadfast love. Enable them to grow in love and peace with you and each other all their days, that they may reach out in concern and service to the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Declaration of Intent to Marry
5:20 – Amalauna and Jonathon, you have came here today to seek the blessings of God and of the Church upon your marriage.
Jonathon you have taken Amalauna to be your lawful husband. Now you wish to declare, before God and this congregation, your desire that your married life should be according to God’s will.
Jonathon, do you take Amalauna as your wife, your friend, and your life partner? Do you promise to love her more than UT football, take care of her, laugh with her, and hold her?
(Jonathon presumably says I do.)

Amalauna you have taken Jonathon to be your lawful husband. Now you wish to declare, before God and this congregation, your desire that your married life should be according to God’s will.
Amalauna, do you take Jonathon as your husband, your friend, and your life partner? Do you promise to love him during football AND baseball seasons, take care of him, encourage him, and laugh with him?
(Amalauna presumably says I do.)

Jonathon and Amalauna will you accept one another as equal partners in your marriage? Will you continue to love and respect each other and to communicate fully and fearlessly with each other? Will you always strive to support, encourage, and inspire one another? Together will you create a home that is filled with culture, good food, and laugher?
(Presumably we both say together, we will.)

If you will both repeat after me.
I promise to encourage your individuality, because that is what makes you unique.
I promise to nurture your dreams, because through them your soul shines.
I promise to help shoulder our challenges for there is nothing we cannot overcome if we stand together.
I promise to share the joys with you in life because with you they are much sweeter.
Lastly, I promise to you unconditional love and complete trust for one lifetime with you could never be enough.

Reading One – read by Hope
5:30 – "To My Valentine" by Ogden Nash
More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That's how much I love you.

I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.

As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That's how much you I love.

I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.

I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oathes,
That's how you're loved by me.

Friends and Family Responses
5:35 – As these two people are joined, so are their friends and families united through them. Their lives will be strengthened and enriched by your support and love. They ask for your blessing. Please signify your blessing by answering, "I will."

Loved ones, I ask you today if you will support Amalauna and Jonathon in their marriage. Will you rejoice in their union and pray God’s blessing upon them?
Friends: I will.

Reading Two read by Jane
5:37 – Excerpt from "The Last Five Years" by Jason Robert Brown
Will you share your life with me
For the next ten lifetimes?
For a million summers
Till the world explodes
Till there's no one left who has ever known us apart
There are so many dreams I need to see with you...
There are so many years I need to be with you...
I will never be complete
I will never be alive
I will never change the world
Until I do

Candle Light Ceremony
5:39 – All of you are points of light in the lives of Amalauna and Jonathon. Each of you have led or guided them at some point. Your light has lit their souls and kept them on the right path. Tonight, they recognize this with a candle light ceremony. If you would stand and light your candle as the flame is passed around. We will all illuminate this winter night with our spirit. Jonathon and Amalauna are also lighting candles to recognize the lights of the people in their lives that they have loved and are past. (Jonathan Roach will start playing Feels Like Home and then Kristen can hit the lights. Amalauna and Jonathon will light their candles. The lighters will come to the stage and light their candles. Then, they will light the grandparents and the end of the rows. It will work like any other candle light ceremony.)

Traditional Vows
5:47 – During their civil ceremony, Amalauna and Jonathon made vows to each other in the faith of their love. They would like to share them with you and reaffirm those vows as well.

Amalauna repeat after me. I, Amalauna, take thee Jonathon to be my husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish, till death do us part, and thereto I pledge thee my faith.

Jonathon repeat after me. I, Jonathon, take thee Amalauna to be my wife to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish, till death do us part, and thereto I pledge thee my faith.

Blessing of Rings
5:52 – Bless, O Lord, the wearing of these rings that they who wear them may live in your peace all the days of their lives. Amen.

Pronouncement
5: 54 – You have declared your consent and vows before God and this congregation. May God confirm your covenant and fill you both with grace.

Jonathon and Amalauna you are husband and wife according to the witness of Christ’s universal church, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those, whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen.

5:56 – An ancient belief proclaims that when a couple in love kisses, a little bit of each other's soul is transported to abide in the other. And what better time than now to share your souls and a kiss?

Closing Blessing
5:58 – Dr. Roberts may say a prayer or blessing of his choice here.

Presentation of Couple
6:03 –Dr. Roberts you can present us however you like just use Jonathon and Amy Brock as our names.
May your bodies always be the dwelling place of the love and joy that you feel today, as hand in hand, you look fearlessly towards your future together.

Recessional

Recaps: Tutorials - Programs

2010-01-06T10:30:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share a few things that I DIYed for the wedding. I thought I would start with the programs since we are talking about the ceremony.

First off, excuse my messy table. I bought heavy card stock from the paper store in town and then borrowed the cutter from my husband’s book store. Then, I trimmed off about 2 inches.

I had printed the programs out (about 5.5 x 5.5 inches) and then I had to trim them.

Then, I used a single hole punch (actually I went through 3 of them because of the thickness of the cardstock with the 12 pages of program) to punch out two holes. Then, I took a length of ribbon and tied to two together.

After, I got the ribbon in. I glued on an envelope (the same ones we used with our Save the Dates and our inner envelope of the invitations) to the other side of the inside cover. I then used our paisley stamp we used on all our paper stuff and stamped orange metallic ink over the envelope flap. Then, I tri folded 3 kleenex squares and put in the envelope.

After that I put in the bookmarks I made (I used the left over cardstock, printed a couple sheet of a bookmark design I whipped up, punched a hole in the top and then tied it with ribbon). Then, I added to the front cover a design I made, printed, and cut. I attached it with scrapbook black photo corners and was done.

There’s a better image of the bookmark. It was so much fun (and time consuming) making these programs. But I’m not going to lie. I don’t think I ever want to do that again.

*All photos are author’s own collection.

Music

2010-01-04T17:21:00.001-05:00

Since, I am still waiting for our first look pictures. I'm going to move on to the ceremony. However, I'm going to save the story of the ceremony until I get the pictures back. But I thought we could at least talk about the music. I put a ton of time and thought into the music. And I got quite a few compliments on the music.

Prelude Playlist
I Will Come to You (Acapella) x Hanson
Wayne Brady x Beautiful (Jonathon played this for me when we first started dating and said it reminded him of me.)
Smother Me x The Used
Everything x Lifehouse
The Luckiest x Ben Folds Five
So Much x The Spill Canvas
You x Amy Lee (unreleased)
Collide x Howie Day
The Way I Am x Ingrid Michaelson
First Day of my Life x Bright Eyes
Grow Old With Me x Postal Service
Ice Cream x Sarah McLachlan
Sunsets & Car Crashes x The Spill Canvas
Halo x Beyonce
Lullaby x Dixie Chicks (which if you haven't heard... you must!)
Ava Maria x Beyonce

Ceremony Music
Jonathon & Wedding Attendant's Entrance
String Quartet x What A Catch, Donnie (Fall Out Boy)

My Entrance
String Quartet x Grand Theft Autumn (Fall Out Boy)

Reception Playlist
I won't post it here, but it was various Christmas songs (spanning oldies, christian, punk, rock, pop). Some examples: Street Drum Corps with Bert McCraken from The Used x Happy Christmas (War is Over), Britney Spears x My Only Wish, Elvis' x Blue Christmas.

Morning of…

2009-12-31T10:06:00.001-05:00

I woke up the morning of the wedding to the sound of rain. I was okay with that. It would pass or it would stay. Jonathon and I laid in bed and talked awhile. Then, we got up, had left over BBQ (I tried to anyway) and he showered. Then, while my mom and I showered… he played Call of Duty.

I hoped the shower would call me down, but it didn’t. So, after the shower I started doing my mom’s makeup and that did calm me down some. I really stopped stressing out when Kristen came over to do our hair.

By the time my hair was done, all the girls had gotten there and we started putting on makeup and things. Marsheena ended up doing most people’s makeup. And we talked and laughed. I started to slowly calm down and it was nice. But the rain, steadily got harder and harder as we approached 1 pm. So, I called my photographer and told her to skip the meeting at the house we would meet her at the library.

So, I finished up my makeup and headed out of the house, dress in tow with everyone following to the reception space where the flowers were waiting to be put in vases. The flowers were so wrong and I don’t think it would have mattered so much if I wasn’t freaked out by a phone call I got right before I noticed the yellow and peach flowers. My photographer had called and they were being hindered by a snowstorm. So, I had no way of knowing if they would get there on time. I felt completely helpless and I had no idea where Jonathon was. I’m pretty sure his presence could have calmed me down. As it was he and the maid of honor went to chew out the florist.

So, I took a deep breath. We moved to the library to start getting ready in the 24 hour study room. I’ll tell you more about that and my first look later.

I may be a few days behind coming up. Mostly because I am waiting on our professional and semi-professional shots. So, I may skip some stories (like the first look) until I get those pictures and filter in other stories. (The pictures so far have been taken by friends on my camera or theirs.)

Also, after the wedding recaps (and starting tomorrow) I will be blogging at xoxoamyb.blogspot.com. So, if you would like to keep up with me, you may do so there. But I will post all the recaps right here!

Rehearsal and Dinner

2009-12-29T14:34:00.000-05:00

The day of the rehearsal was beautiful. It was a little cold, but the weather was nice. It was sunny and there was excitement in the air. I went with my mom to the space early to start setting up for tomorrow, but I didn’t get the candles for the candlelight ceremony set up. In truth, they never got set up but no one noticed. We had two larger candles that we lit instead (I’m getting ahead of myself!) I changed into my dress in the chapel.

As I was changing everyone started arriving. When they all got there we got started. We ran through the ceremony twice (without all the vows) and tried to get the tech stuff down. Our pastor was taking care of his sick mother and wasn’t there, but that was okay. We laughed and had fun.

Then, we headed to the reception space and had BBQ. It was delicious, but I was too nervous to eat. To be honest, I didn’t really eat for 3 days. Then, Jane and Marsheena starting setting everything up. They set up all the tables and all of the centerpieces. They wouldn’t let me help with anything. Which was very sweet of them. So, I hung out and we set up as much as we could. Then, we packed up and left.

Jonathon and I ended up having BBQ for breakfast the morning of the wedding. To be honest, I was a complete wreck leading up to the wedding morning. I had expected it to be calm, but it wasn’t. Mom wanted to change the ceremony (I put my foot down.) It is was mass chaos and I wasn’t prepared for that, but it was still nice.

I did end up breaking two nails at the rehearsal though falling out of the car. It was kind of humorous and hurt like hell. But I ended up peeling those nails off the day after the wedding. LOL.

After the rehearsal everyone came over and hung our until about midnight playing xbox games and talking and just hanging out. It was nice to spend some time with my friends. I started to calm down then.

Recaps: Vendor Reviews

2009-12-28T10:06:00.001-05:00

I wanted to take a moment to mention my vendors. I loved working with almost all of them. So, I wanted to say some kind things about them so that if anyone out there reading this is planning their own wedding they can consider using these guys.

1. Venues and Catering – Since we used to campus we both work on as our venue locations (and you probably won’t) I won’t say much about our venues other than this: They are beautiful and wonderful. I loved the historic old chapel and the dining room. We had several people catering the events.

The rehearsal dinner was catered by Smoke Rings (hosted on the campus) in Hiawassee, GA. Smoke Rings is an incredible BBQ spot that makes their own sauce (delicious) and smokes the meat in a special way to create what they call “smoke rings”. Anyway, if you are ever in the area stop by and get a chopped pork sandwich. You won’t regret it.

The actual reception was catered by 2 places. The first was by Jennifer Lunde. Who is an incredibly wonderful gal. She really cared so much about us and our wedding and worked super hard to make it perfect. She listened to my endless rambles, set up a beautiful room, and made us feel completely special. She dealt with all our emergencies, problems, and issues so efficiently. I would recommend her to anyone! Plus, the food was spectacular.

The second caterer was Big Al’s Pizza. (Yes, we served pizza and I got some great compliments on it.) The pizza was incredible. First off if you are in Hiawassee stop by and try the “sailor” pizza. There was none of this left. Not a slice to be had. It’s that good. All the pizza was incredible. They gave me a great deal, worked with my main caterer and took care of us right.

2. Our florist (I won’t mention the name, but if you want to know you can message me.) was awful. She got the flowers wrong, lied to me, messed up my bouquet, refused to fix the problem or refund our money, was rude to my husband and maid of honor (actually she made my maid of honor so mad that her blood pressure spiked and she got really sick and had to leave the reception) and the was snotty to me. It was a bad experience that day. They also never answer emails, are rude when you call, and completely the worst florist EVER hands down. So, if you do live in the area ask me for their name and save yourself the heartache.

3. Our stationer was Peculiar Pair Press and we loved them. I have mentioned them several times, but I just wanted to say it once more. They are worth every dime.

4. We used Love at First Invite for the design of our “guestbook” marriage certificate and it was absolutely beautiful. You should call Cathy if you want a gorgeous, but cost effective design.

5. My dresses were made my different people and I want to show those to you when I get some pictures back of them so. I will tell you about the dresses later.

6. Our photographer was Nikki Sanders and I want to wait on her as well until I can show you pictures. However, let me say to you right now… call her. She isn’t booking the rest of the year until Spring I think, but she is AMAZING. Call her. I swear she is worth it.

That’s it. Minus the cake which I am not even going to mention the vendor until I upload the pictures for you!

The less than perfect

2009-12-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

I want to get this out of the way so I don’t have to dwell on it.

1. The weather! – It was our luck that a massive rain/snow storm blew through NC on the day of our wedding. It poured! I mean POURED. So, I ditched my wonderful sexy heels (so not to die) and made us rethink some things. (Like we got dressed in the library for the first look shoot. Which in a way was funny because the ITECH guys walked in on us changing.) But the snow almost prevented my photographer from being there. BUT it didn’t!! She had to follow a snow plow to get to us!! That is dedication. I loved Nikki. (More on Nikki later.)

2. The weather causing other problems. Like we had to hurry to get to the venues and change there, but we ended up leaving things and having to scramble around. Very few people could actually make it with the weather and the rock slide on 64.

3. The flowers! – They were completely wrong, but still beautiful. So, we went with it. Although, NEVER use this florist. She was completely rude and refused to fix the problem. She also was unresponsive and never replied to emails. So, if you want a name of a florist to NOT use in North GA … send me a message.

4. My reaction to stress – I wasn’t allowed to do anything (help with the decoration or anything) so I couldn’t get my mind off things or feel useful. (Which in the best woman and my maid of honor’s defense they were trying to help me and were doing a wonderful job!!! I couldn’t have made it through the wedding without them.) So, I basically just freaked out and stressed out and couldn’t focus (until the ceremony!!!).

But really all things considered it was minor and I really did enjoy the wedding.

Recaps soon

2009-12-21T19:30:00.001-05:00

The wedding is over.

I really can’t even begin to describe it yet. I will say that yes, many things went wrong (a snow storm, heavy rain, a stuck photographer [who did make it on time], and many other tiny details) and yes I got stressed out and a little miffed. I wish I could change the way I handled the stress (I wasn’t a complete bridezilla, but I was completely helpless and that really annoys me. So, I wish I could go back and not be stressed out. But it was fun.)

HOWEVER, I will say that the day was perfectly flawed. It was wonderful. Every bad thing vanished the moment that we started saying our vows.

And Jonathon said he almost cried when he saw me the first time.

I don’t have any pictures to share yet. Heck, I’m not even sure where everything is yet!

We are at home (in TN) until after Christmas and Jonathon is getting his wisdom teeth cut out tomorrow, but I promise you recaps and images shortly.

A note on our wedding

2009-12-17T11:03:00.002-05:00

I had been intending to post this for a weeks now, but I wanted to post this closer to our wedding day as a note on our wedding. I do hope you will forgive me for fibbing a bit on my last post being the last before the wedding. I wrote this several weeks ago and as I go into my wedding tomorrow with the most uncommon peace. I hope you will take a moment to reflect on what it means to be married, to get married, to live your life with a single person by your side. It's bliss. So, I will see you in a few weeks with recaps galore, but for now... enjoy the post.

Our wedding didn't start out being an exhibition in our personal style. It also didn't really have theme.

Our wedding has evolved from an elaborate Marie Antoinette inspired affair that had a snowy winter feel to it to what it is at this moment. We were going with shocking white, silver, and navy as our main color scheme. Then we started hunting for venues and every where we looked was cream and gold. So, I decided that we would revise our color scheme to be cream, gold, and another color. I wasn't sure what color.

Then, we saw an orange, gold, and cream tie and I fell in love. We bought the tie and then based our color scheme. I really got into this. I adore the color orange and Jonathon is a huge UT Vols fan. So, it seemed appropriate. Immediately the plans didn't change so much. It was still going to be this massive Marie Antoinette affair.

Then, slowly over the course of planning we added things that we love. A pair of UT K-Swiss shoes, an orange and white Wai-Ching dress, a UT tie, a sari I got in India, our favorite books, our favorite band, pizza from our favorite mom and pop Italian place, and our homemade apple pie.

And somehow our wedding has evolved into being us. It's a wedding that you can obviously tell that we planned… TOGETHER. That we loving put the work and effort into. Our centerpieces won't be sculpted flower masterpieces (and probably not magazine worthy) but they will be put together by our family and friends. Our ceremony won't be kitchy and you won't see us dancing down the aisle to Chris Brown (we despise Chris Brown and his wife beating ways) or catch our video on youtube. What you will get is the love that we feel for each other, our family and friends. Our wedding is a reflection of us. Not the us that wedding magazines and the wedding world wants us to be… but I have peace that our wedding reflects the Amy and Jonathon you would get if you stopped by our apartment in NC on any random day and had a good home cooked dinner with us.

Anyone up for some homemade spinach lasagna with Parmesan Reggiano and some down south sweet tea?

A side note: at this moment I am so vested in this wedding. Every thing that we love is included, pieces of our souls, us as a couple, and the life we lead together and want to in the future is laid bare. It's tremendous, bigger than us, encompassing our love, and hopes. From our ceremony script to the music, the flowers to the dress have all been picked out lovingly, with care and precision. That said.. some things are not perfect. They are part of my f it moment. Like the seed packets are cute, but not perfect. The calligraphy I practiced on the invitations aren't perfect, but I did each one with love with Jonathon's help. Planning this wedding has taken so much of us. So much that we carefully put into it.

We hope that all of our guests enjoy themselves. We hope that people will walk away from our wedding never doubting the love that is inside our hearts. We are truly two people invested not just in a wedding, but in our love, our commitment to each other, our new (and old families) and the awesome power that has melded us into two separate but perfectly balanced people who are trying to be better for the other. I hope that all we put into this truly shows those things. Our love, our happiness, and our dreams.

See you on the other side.

2009-12-07T11:04:00.002-05:00

It's a week and a half before the wedding and I have so much to do I'm not sure how to get it all done. We scrapped one project and added 3 more at the last minute. The other 3 won't take a ton of time and effort, but I still think they will be best.

So, with that in mind (and the fact that we so have to clean our house and finish rearranging the furniture) I will not be posting any more updates until after the wedding.

After the wedding, I will give you a few days of recap. I know that it will be a while before we get back our professional shots, but I will do the best I can.

So, stayed tuned on the 20th or so for recaps.

See you on the other side.

Guest Lists and Disappointment

2009-12-03T11:20:00.004-05:00

I want to talk a bit about why our RSVP status had disappointed me so much a first. The first thing Jonathon and I did when we started planning this shindig was to start with the people we wanted there, those that we were indifferent on but had to be there, those that wanted to be there but we didn't know if we could fit them in, etc.

We made LISTS. We made 7 different guest lists. We made lists of everyone who had to be there and those that we would love to be there. At one point, we had a guest list of 400. Seriously.

When it all spiralled out of control, we changed our reception venue to smaller dining room on the campus where we will be married. The chapel could hold 40 or 200 it didn't matter. But the reception venue was important.

So, the smaller venue hold 55 at the most. So, we took out the list and made revisions. We put the people that had to be there first (attendants, parents, grandparents, selected family members, etc) and then we asked ourselves:

Can we have a wedding without this person?

If the answer was no, they got invited. If the answer was yes, they didn't. It was hard because we love our family and friends dearly and in the end a huge cut was made. Then, we still had about 100 people. We cut out everyone who was extended family. We hacked away at this list and ended up with 65 people.

We knew a few people would say no, but we reworked tables in the venue to squeeze them all in. And then we sent out invitations... and the nos came in (and the yes's too) and I started to get disappointed. People who we thought would be there.. wouldn't. Attendant's flaked out on us.. etc.

We knew it was a week before Christmas, we knew it was a 2 hour drive through the cold December mountains, we knew it was asking a lot from the people we loved... but goal.. our dearest hope was pure.

We wanted to share our life here with all of them.

But what we got were sometimes selfish complaints (It's too far, you should have considered my schedule/life/needs first, etc) and sometimes reasonable objections (class/family Christmas schedules/work [and in this economy I get it]). But what bothered me the most were these people who were supposed to love and support us bombarding us with negativity (see the selfish complaints). It hurt.

So, in the end I needed a pep talk. (Refer to yesterday's post.) I got it and in the end.. all will be well. I am at peace with the choices we have made. We did them for the right reasons with love in our hearts. It will not be me that has to answer for all the negativity that people put forth in the world.

I can only be responsible for my actions and for the energies I inject into society. I would like to think that 90% of the time it is positive life affirming energy full of love and compassion. But I get busy and frustrated and I'm not perfect. I have made mistakes and done things I am not proud of in my life. But the key is that I try to live my life in an unselfish manner to benefit mankind. Selfish people turn my stomach, but I do not live for them (or their life) so I cannot be the judge and jury. They must all come to terms with themselves.

That said, I have gotten past my disappointment. Mostly because while some fun people have said no.. we still have our best friends, parents, and some crazy kids we couldn't imagine the after party without.

Rainy Day

2009-12-02T14:22:00.004-05:00

It's raining today and my feet are soaked all the way through the socks and it's cold and dreary. It's winter.

I feel like.. whether I like it or not.. our wedding is coming together. The ball is rolling out of control downhill. I am content to watch it roll, to do what I can to help it roll correctly down the path, but if it goes slightly off course... well then it does.

The other day while stressing out, Jonathon looks at me says:

Amy, will I be there?
Yeah.
Will you be there?
Yeah.
Will Dr. Roberts (our officiant) be there?
Yeah.
Then nothing else matters.
Ummm true but I might have to go naked.
Well, that's okay, we can start the honeymoon early.

I love him because he does calm me. Because his arms are my home and haven. Because even when I am throwing a small tantrum he laughs at me and tells me I'm cute and because when I cry he pulls me in my arms and helps me cope.

The other morning I told him I felt like a tug boat lost in the Pacific Ocean. He said it was okay, he found me and pulled me in his arm.

And he is the reason why I am doing this. He is the reason I get up every morning, put on clothes and become Superwoman.

He's the best. Really. If this isn't why you marry someone... I am lost.

Today is Dec 1.. 17 days

2009-12-01T13:14:00.004-05:00

Today, I am exhausted. I have spent the last 4 hours in a car. We took my dress (yes, early this morning and I know I am pushing it close) to the saemstress to be altered slightly. The bust is slightly too large and needs to be taken in a bit. I also got to try on my rehearsal dress since it has been taken in. It looks stunning.

I have a ton of things I am working on right now. I printed out the "guts" of my programs. I have cut them and cut the program cover. I have designed the cover design. I haven't printed or cut those yet, but I have to had punch out and tie the programs and that is taking awhile. I also have to hand glue in the envelopes and put in the tissues. It's really labor intensive, but I hope to finish them this weekend.

I wasn't going to do favors, but the thick paper that we cut for the program cover were the perfect size for... bookmarks! So I have designed them and I am looking forward to printing those out as well to work on this weekend.

I did wrap the attendants gifts and I almost have the reception playlist aced. Jane and Marsheena and Sam are planning my girl's night and Nate is planning JRock's bachelor party. All in all I suspect the last 17 days will be a mess.

Today...

2009-11-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

I am having a f*** it moment.

Bridezilla... or Cryzilla?

2009-11-19T15:38:00.003-05:00

Planning a wedding is stressful, but I have had almost 22 months. It shouldn't be that bad... right?

Through out the last 21 months I have tried to stay calm... transcendent if you will. Nothing really bothered me. I would let small issues roll off my back.. it will fix itself I would think. And most of the time it did. I was laid back, calm, the complete opposite of a bridezilla.

But now with less than a month to go, I feel myself cracking under the strain. This week especially. I have felt like everything that could go wrong has and time is running out. What's went wrong? My dress needs a few tweaks and the undergarments I ordered 2 months ago and they shipped me the wrong size.. still don't have... so I was running out of time. It has to be to the seamstress... tomorrow. Half of the wedding party do not have thier dresses. The programs are behind because of the edits to the ceremony. I don't have the wedding music together. Etc. Etc.

Oh, and did I mention a rock slide is going to force ALL of my guests to detour... some of them hours to come to my wedding so I am freaked that they won't come. I'm also freaked that I will look hideous or something.

So, I have to admit... even I can be rattled by wedding planning. However, I sat down and made a list (not just wedding related) of things that could go wrong... and the (FUNNY and in no way serious) upside to them.

Worst That Can Happen
1. The venues burn down.
UPSIDE: We don’t have to pay for them.

2. The dress is too big in the boobs.
UPSIDE: I don’t have freakishly big juggs.

3. I’m on my period.
UPSIDE: I’m not preggers!!

4. My dress is ruined.
UPSIDE: I never have to wear it again.

5. No one shows
UPSIDE: We have hundreds and party with J2, Jane, Marsheena, Bruce, and Kristen

6. The flowers are wrong.
UPSIDE: They’re real.

7. My hair looks like poo.
UPSIDE: I’m getting it cut!!!!

8. We lose everything in a fire.
UPSIDE: We have less stuff to move when we move.

9. The Holga gets stolen.
UPSIDE: It was $30.

10. We go broke.
UPSIDE: Bankruptcy clears all our debt. (I'm not promoting this.. it was just to make me laugh.)

11. I look horrible.
UPSIDE: JRock can’t back out!!

12. I don’t get the programs done.
UPSIDE: I don’t have to pay for them!!

13. We’re late.
UPSIDE: They’ll wait.

15. Nikki gives birth. (Our photographer. Which fyi I'm really not worried about.. I'm just trying to think of the worst things.)
UPSIDE: We have a cool story.

I am a girl

2009-11-18T16:08:00.001-05:00

I am a girl and there is nothing wrong with that.
I am and am not a feminist and there is nothing wrong with that.
I love women and men … equally.
And I will say that all the crap about I'm feminist and therefore I am more awesome than all you non-feminist crap… is well, crap.
Who cares?
If you want to stay at home and be a mom, love the color pink, love weddings (big frothy white a pink affairs or more unconventional types), love puppies and babies, and want to feel loved and protected by a man… GOOD.
If you want to be strong, and shun conventional, not change your name after your wedding, and never want kids… GOOD.

I will never tell someone the way they live their life is wrong, because it is not my life to live. I will never tell you to get or not get an abortion or take plan b or love your husband. I will never tell you that you should do this or that…. Because it is your life to live.

Who cares if you want to call yourself a feminist and go home and clean up after your husband (maybe he would just destroy the house) or cook for him (maybe he burns boiled water). It's not up to anyone to tell you that is wrong.

Who cares if you aren't perfect or normal or wonderful? You just need to be you.

That applies to your wedding, your life, your married life, your career, your kids, your whole world. Be who you are, but don't be dogmatic with other people or force yourself into doing something you hate because it's what is expected of you.

Let me tell you what the world expects: Be your beautiful, wonderful, happiest self. The end.

Almost there

2009-11-16T13:11:00.001-05:00

I can’t believe how fast the time is flying and how quickly all the planning will be over. It’s bittersweet.

BUT I have to be honest with you. I am ready for a break. I am ready to not think about weddings and to do lists and worry solely about my hubbie and to do normal married things like clean house, cook dinner, and just hang out.

Last weekend, we went home to taste test our main treat at the reception that we are doing instead of a cake. I would love to tell you about it right now, but I can’t.

Mostly, because there is some question about whether or not it will be put in the local papers. Apparently, my seemingly innocent request was incredibly unique and there is some buzz going around. Let’s just say it is exciting.

The taste test went well and I am excited about the whole thing. I can’t wait to tell you. I’m horrible at secrets!!!

Holga

2009-11-12T15:53:00.002-05:00

One of the things that I have really gotten into with the wedding planning has been ... photography. I have looked at blogs, magazines (including fashion) etc to make sure that I know what I want for my wedding photography.

I also researched photographers for 6 months before deciding to go with Nikki Sanders. I loved her high fashion edge and she took some stunning pictures of this one groom that tipped me over the edge. She was in my price range (one of 3 that I looked at that was), she had the photographic style I liked... oh and she's awesome. We emailed almost daily, talked and I decided.. yes. Yes, I wanted to have Nikki share our wedding with us.

But I loved the Holga images I kept seeing on Tara's website (Tara from Dixie Pixel) and I really wanted some of that as well. So I bought a 120N Holga and I was thrilled until I realized how expensive film was and developing said film would be (the camera was not expensive). So, I sent back the 120 and I am going to purchase a different 35mm version later (I will surprise you with that soon.). I've done so much research and I love the look of the film. So I can't wait to purchase my new one soon.

Also, I'm still in tatters about having 3 photographers. Well, theoretically I will have 4. We will have Nikki and her 2 assistants and Kristen following us around with lo-fi disposable cameras and the Holga.

Obviously, this is important to me. I'm really getting excited that our wedding is about a month away. It's a month and 6 days to be exact.

Want to see pictures... try searching holga wedding in google images. Or you can always go to Tara's website and check out the Holga goodness.

One Month Funk and Good News

2009-11-10T09:26:00.002-05:00

Our wedding is next month. I'm excited, happy, thrilled that it will soon all come to a close. However, I am also in a funk. There are still many things that need to be accomplished and I can't bring myself to do them. I need to make my headband, get my dress altered (this one is more serious, but I am waiting for my undergarments to arrive), taste test the main dessert, completely do our programs (also waiting for our officiant to approve the ceremony) and do all these little things. I'm not sure why I can't bring myself to do them right now.

BUT there is good news!!!

I sent my photographer a packet of things (timelines, pictures I had been drooling over since the beginning... etc) and she emailed me back.... and she is bringing a THIRD photographer with her. I'm really excited about this prospect. I'll tell you more about it later.

Marriage Myth

2009-11-05T09:20:00.004-05:00

We get married for quite a few reasons. For us lucky ones (like me and Jonathon) we get married because we fall in love. But it's not always for love that we get married. Sometimes people marry for money or power, sometimes for escape or need, maybe for fear or lust. Marriage hasn't always been about love.

The Indians by and large have always and still marry based on parental choices and hopefully love will come with time. (A great showing of this is in the Bollywood movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.)

Monarchs have historically married for political or monetary gain. (One exception was Henry VIII and we see how that turned out.)

But today the great majority of us have the will and ability to marry the person we love. We are raised from birth to know that one day we will find a man (or woman for the guys) to love and who will complete us (however, much I disagree with this statement... although... no that's another topic) and we will fall in love, have a big wedding, and live happily ever after. (As a side note I wonder about happily ever after... I mean, I want to be apart of the first year that Cinderella and Prince Charming were married.... I mean did she mind he was also married to Sleeping Beauty? And did they fight alot? Did she cry at night when no one was looking because she was now basically his servant? And did she think that maybe this was a big mistake? Did she have growing pains? My boss told me once that the first year of marriage is the hardest. And I believe that. The first year here living with Jonathon was hard and required adjusting, but I love it and him and I wouldn't change it.)

But I am saddened that even though we live in a society that touts equality and peace and harmony... my friends who are GLBT can't marry the one they love. They can't go to their religious leader or court house and get married. It's wrong on so many levels. Separate but equal was abolished for the good of everyone. And yet... we are still a separate people.. still convinced our own small minded views are correct... still threatened by a perceived notion.

So, my rallying cry is this... GO GET MARRIED. Girls go marry your girlfriends and boys go marry your man! Do it! I don't care if it is legal or not. Defy the artificial and arbitrary boundaries that someone who doesn't know you and has no right to judge your life has set up. Screw them and do what makes you happy. Run toward your bliss!

A Month and a half!!

2009-11-02T15:21:00.003-05:00

WOW.

I can't believe it's so close. It seems like 6 months ago I was still planning hard. Now, everything is planned and needs to be done. Yesterday, I had a mini panic moment.

See, I had send back the corset that I was supposed to wear under my dress today because it was WAY to big. And I need to get my dress altered still. *cringe* Maybe I'll have to get it fitted without it. I'm not sure.

I have yet to finalize the ceremony with our officiant. And that means my programs are still floating in needs to be done states.

We haven't gotten all the attendant's gifts.. which is hard because half our wedding guests are in it. Let alone wrapped... seriously.

Oh, and half our maids and men will be naked as they haven't gotten their attire yet. Yep.

So, I had a mini moment. (Oh yeah and I just took a pause to call my caterer [at least one section of our catering and got a very giggly high school girl].)

So, I am breathing, just worked out and listening to happy music. This is supposed to help.... right?

Weekend Recap... umm...

2009-10-27T14:29:00.001-04:00

last weekend.

I really wanted to post this last week, but it was crazy here with kids streaming in to be advised for next semester and drop classes and then... we got flu shots and swine flu vaccines and basically, for the rest of the week... we felt like poo. So, here is last week's recap of the weekend before that!

We had a wonderful weekend. It was full of quirks and interesting moments that made me smile. I thought I would share a few of them.

Friday afternoon we went to the post office to mail off our beautiful invitations. We walked in and were standing patiently in line. And then, I heard it… Our song was playing in the background. It was like fate, providence, and affirmation all in one.

Saturday right before our shower… I heard our song again. (I also heard it at the dentist office which all this was odd considering our song is still popular, but not played as often on the radio anymore since it has passed rotation's sell by date.)

Otherwise, we had a blast seeing our friends and family.

Suit Hunting is OVER!

2009-10-20T11:29:00.001-04:00

I loved the idea of going hunting for a suit for Jonathon. But I also knew that it was just one more thing (actually a few more) to add to my already overloaded to do list.

I assumed (and wrongly) that it would take weeks and several shopping excursions to find a suit. Really. I thought that. I've never bought a suit before and not for a wedding. So, I did a ton of research (thank you GQ.. seriously) and prepared myself to determine fit, form, function, and mostly beauty. I wanted to make sure we had a high quality suit that didn't cost an arm and leg. It also had to look nice, be altered to fit Jonathon perfectly, and it had to last him for not just our wedding but to work functions as well.

So, we go to a store in Jonathon's home town over the weekend that sells suits, knows him personally, and is a locally owned establishment. (We like to support our local resources as much as possible.) Let me say I was stunned. I stopped at a rack of black suits. Jonathon lagged behind at the UT apparel. I picked up a jacket that looked to be approximately the right size. He tried it on. The fit was a bit off in the shoulder. I handed him another.

I looked at him from behind, the sides, the front for about 20 minutes. I couldn't find a single flaw in the whole thing. I made him lift his arms, asked him if he was comfortable, etc. The jacket was PERFECT! Even the sales clerk/tailor was blown at how well it fit.

Then, he put on the pants that went with them. Uh-oh. Far too long! (I was thinking man we are going to have to order this suit, wait for it to come in, and then I'm going to have to take it to the tailor, let him hem them and take in the "break" so they aren't baggy, then find time to drive 2 hours back up here and pick it up.) BUT!! The man (tailor) says I can hem those up for you by Monday if you like.

Immediately my mind pauses: I don't have to order it? I don't have to take it someone else to be fixed? I don't have to do anything? Seriously?

Turns out they don't have to order they have enough stock to sell off the rack as it were, they have a tailor in store who fit the suit to perfection and altered for $20! And the suit? It cost less than renting for one day the tux we had looked at.

How does it look? Well, let's just say my man will look as good as I do on our wedding day in no ill fitting rented generic tux.

*PS. Yesterday, he tried the whole shabang on for me. He looked incredibly handsome (and so very much like himself!!) that I almost burst in happiness. He looked like the guy I have loved since we met... a goofy, UT Vols obsessed guy... who just happened to be in a swank suit.

cloudy with a chance of wedding showers

2009-10-15T11:23:00.001-04:00

We have a busy weekend ahead of us. We have to drive to TN tomorrow afternoon as soon as we get off work. Then my weekend looks like this.

Friday
Go to Tennessee
Get car insurance (long story about Honda and Farm Bureau not cooperating)
See our parents
Mail out our invitations

Saturday
Makeup trial
Go order treats for our reception
Meet with our officiant to finalize the ceremony details.
Go to a shower my sister in law and Marsheena are throwing us
Pack up the car
Go look at bridesmaid dresses with Sheena and Sam (ie play with baby Sophie)
Possible make over at Sephora?
Go to the Young Alumni dinner at our college
Give everyone information they will need for the wedding at this point

Sunday
Go see our friend Nate
Church and breakfast with Jonathon's grandma
See our parents

Monday (still in TN)
Get up early and go to the dentist for fillings (ouch)
Drive back to NC
Work a half day
Go home, watch OTH and collapse

Dressing Up My Man

2009-10-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

This weekend is round one of the search for the perfect suit for Jonathon. I admit, I did NOT go look at dresses for myself per say. I went to a (single) bridal salon. It was not upscale. It was going out of business and we were looking for a good deal on bridesmaid dresses. (My sister in law did get her dress there.) I tried on 2 dresses, just for the novelty of it.

Why? I already had my dress ordered from Wai-Ching. The dress is lovely and perfect and the dress. But it made me even more glad that I had ordered my dress Chrissy.

But this weekend we go on a search for the perfect suit. We had decided on white tuxes, but then decided that we didn't want to make our groomsmen pay the $150 for the tux. So, we thought black tuxes. But to be honest.. I don't think either of us were sold on the whole tux debate.

So, we sat down with GQ magazine and decided that we wanted to get Jonathon a classic black tux. We wanted it to be tailored to fit his body perfectly, and we wanted it to be timeless.

The groomsmen? We decided that they could wear black slacks, a white shirt, black belt/shoes/socks combo and we would provide the ties. Simple, lovely, elegant, and comfortable.

Isn't that what matters? Especially, for the after party. We want to rock out then.

Sacrifice to the Wedding Gods/DIY Recycle of Glass Candle Jars

2009-10-07T12:16:00.001-04:00

Theatre is one of my true loves. My director for most of the plays that I was a part of through college and high school was an incredible lady. She never thought that a play would be a success unless by some accident (never on purpose) blood was shed to the theatre gods. Sometimes it was the tech team, the makeup crew, the actors, or the set builders (mostly) that gave their blood sacrifice.

Well, Monday, I gave my sacrifice to the wedding gods.

See, I have been saving old glass candle jars after we use them and recycling them to use outside the chapel to light the dark winter night. (And because I believe in reusing and recycling, so reusing the glass jars sounded pretty smart.)

So, here's a DIY tip for doing this. If you would like to reuse a pretty jar that has a candle in it (but the candle has burned away so much that it no longer stays lit):

1. Let it cool over night or about 12 hours.
2. Put it in the freezer for a couple of days.
3. Take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few hours (to a few days or months.. whenever you have time)
4. Take a butter knife (you can use any moderately sharp object, but this has been the best for me) and crack the wax so that it comes up from the bottom. (This can be done in one go if you are lucky. Normally, I find myself digging out pieces.)
5. Dump out the old wax.
6. Let it soak in hot water for a few minutes. Wash. Dry. Done.

It was the digging out part that ruined me. I was apparently pressing far too hard on the candle in question with my little butter knife and stabbed through the glass and into my hand, shattering the glass.

The cut isn't large and no major shards of glass were in my hands. I'm thankful it wasn't as bad as it could have been. But as it was I bled to the wedding gods.

Fall

2009-10-06T10:22:00.001-04:00

This image from the Pottery Barn really makes me long for Halloween.

It's soon. Halloween and once Halloween rolls around my wedding is not far off. I'm not sure exactly how everything will get done between now and then, but I'm sure we can make it work.

This week all of my Advising colleagues are gone to a conference in San Antonio and I have been holding down the fort. It's been fun, but I can't wait for them to get back so that my life will be less busy….well at least for a few days. Then, we start advising for the Spring semester.

Has the year really passed so fast?

Rattan Pumpkins Pottery Barn
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/rattan-pumpkins/?pkey=challoween-decor-accessories Via http://thejewelboxhome.blogspot.com/

Hair Trial

2009-09-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

Friday, I had my first hair appointment. I know it’s early, but I do things that way and I was DYING to cut my hair and my boy wouldn’t let me on the orders of our stylist.

So fed up, I went to see why I had to wait. And I got it. My hair looked girly sweet ( though I’m not sure about the ribbon yet) and I felt pretty despite my frown in this picture!

I got it done at the spa. They are seriously lovely there. The prices were reasonable ($35 for the trial) and the lady was so nice.

I really loved the atmosphere and I am dying to go back and book a massage with the hottie who I saw roaming the halls. LOL!

I look forward to getting my hair done that day and perhaps establishing a long relationship with this place.

Grooms are rockin’ too!

2009-09-28T06:10:00.000-04:00

I love my honey! And I bet you love yours too or you wouldn't be marrying him. Seriously.

So, why in all the hoopla of wedding planning do most brides neglect their honeys and focus on their dress, their hair, their accessories and shoes and underwear…

And then go straight into planning what the girls will wear.. Which dress on which girl? Matching dresses? Mismatched? What color? What shoes? What hair, makeup, jewelry?

But when it comes to that lovable duffer sitting on the couch beside you, nothing. Until right before the wedding when you drag them all into a tux shop and then randomly point at one, they get measured and done.

I HATE this. I am the kind of girl that wants my man to look just as hot as I do. I read GQ, help him pick out posh hair cuts and new styles. (I keep trying to get him into super slim suit pants to no effect.) And he wants to look good. I groom him almost as much as I do myself and sometime more so.

So, I have been putting thought into his outfit and the guys. I want them to look good too. Seriously.

I have been contemplating since the day we started thinking about a wedding what color he would wear, how he should wear his hair, boutonnieres or not (a definite not), cufflinks, suspenders or no? (no), a fedora (maybe?) what shoes, what tie, what undies and socks for my man.

Because I WILL look gorgeous on my wedding day… but so will he.

Why is your dress orange?

2009-09-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

I took my dress back home to TN with me for the shower. I tried it on for the first time. I love the dress. However, while most people in my family like my dress and think it is beautiful, I could also see the look on their faces for a brief moment. The look said:

"Why is your dress orange?"

My dress is partially orange. It has a beautiful orange silk trim, 2 gorgeous orange ties in the back and orange and a champagne-y grape light color stitching.

My dress is a one of a kind, COUTURE, completely hand made silk (Panderetta) number designed by Chrissy Wai-Ching.

So, I thought I might mention why my dress is orange.

My dress is orange because… the color orange makes me feel alive.
Not because orange is one of our wedding colors. (That's just convenient.)
My dress is orange because… orange is beautiful, vibrant and happy.
Not because Jonathon is a Vols fan.
My dress is orange because… orange is my favorite color.
Not because I am bucking the system.
My dress is orange because… I wanted to wear orange.

I love my dress because it is unique and fun and sassy and couture and delicious. I know I don't look like the frothy white garbed bridal diva in my dress. BUT I feel like a bridal diva in my dress. I feel like the most gorgeous creature to walk on the earth in this dress. I feel sexy, sassy, slim, and mostly lovely.

My dress is orange. But man, I look good in it.

Shoes

2009-09-23T15:13:00.000-04:00

Walking around in my wedding shoes has made me glad that I’ve started adjusting to them now. I used to wear heels every single day, but lately I haven’t worn heels since sometime my first year of college. Plus, I’ve never been fond of stilettos.

So, acclimating my ankles and feet to the shoes and molding them to my feet will be a process that I will enjoy greatly. Mostly because I know that I am saving myself mucho pain later.

I also think I am going to invest in the high heel gel inserts. Yes, I believe I will.

The wait…

2009-09-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

I am dying for our wedding to get here. Friday afternoon, Jonathon and I took our invitations to the post office to be weighed. We got lucky because they only required one stamp. But I hated breaking up the sweet king and queen set.

Jonathon came up with the idea of putting the king stamp on his family and friend’s invitations and the queen on mine. It was a cute idea I admit.

So, while he drove to Wal-Mart, I neatly stamped the invitations. I want to wait to mail them (I have plenty of time.) until the rain lets up a bit. I may take them back to TN to be mailed when we go home in a few weeks. Maybe October will be less rainy. Maybe.

Just a few more months. Hurry already!!!

Elle Decor

2009-09-21T08:02:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I love Elle Decor? Non? I adore it. I spent the weekend catching up with the past 3 issues with cups of pumpkin coffee while the rain poured down in sheets.

J’adore automne!

Petit Trianon

2009-09-20T11:47:00.001-04:00

When we first moved to our small town in North Carolina, we were certified city kids who resented the lack of Taco Bell, Target (until last month there wasn’t even a Wal-Mart that was less than 45 minutes away let alone Target!), malls, or well anything. We did appreciate the mountains and the lakes (I’d say the book Cold Mountain was set close to here.) though and loved the scenery.

Our first year here was somewhat boring and lazy. We tried local restaurants (and fell in love with them and eat there often, our reception menu was based and is being catered by one of them), went to a few of the local mom and pop shops (there are 3 awesome book stores – 2 of them have vintage books), and watched a lot of baseball.

And we learnt to cook… and fast or we would have starved. So, I have been trying new recipes since we moved here and crafts and things. My grandmother loves it. I believe my new found self reliance, cook ability, yearning to make preserves this summer and all around kitchen skills makes me her favorite granddaughter. Or at least the one she is most proud of.. I may be biased.

Anyway, this morning is one morning where I love our own little Petit Trianon. I feel like Marie Antoinette at her country chateau. This morning I made scrumptious pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, coffee with pumpkin creamer, and I put chili in the crock pot to slow cook all day for supper.

Yesterday I made pumpkin cheesecake. I think I know why we have gained 10 pounds since we moved here. But it’s heaven watching the rain fall in heavy sheets while the fog rolls down off higher cliffs on the mountain and Jonathon snores away in bed. Yes, I have found my own little happy place. My Petit Trianon in North Carolina.

*image from here.

DIY Projects Galore

2009-09-17T09:54:00.003-04:00

There are still many DIY projects that we are working on. We have done quite a few already (Save the Dates, RSVPS and other components of our invitation suite, etc), but like any bride I am still work on quite a few of them.

the cards I am doing instead of a bouquet toss for the single ladies
place settings (calligraphy cards and pockets)
wreaths (2 evergreen with elegant bows, 2 golden christmas wreaths)
bridesmaids carrying books
makeup
photobooth
packets (material and ribbon) for our exit toss
the jars/vases for candles outside the venue
cards to help people understand the formal photography after the ceremony
calligraphy signs for everything
pew decorations
programs
thank you cards
second reception invitations
food (not all of it just desserts)
seating chart poster
pedicure (mom got me a certificate for the mani)
decorating the chapel and dining room
flowers (just for the centerpieces)

I really am drowning in projects. We have dropped quite a few projects from our radar (the digital scrapbook as the guestbook for example) because of lack of time. It seems like these will be doable. I can probably wrap up the signs, cards, and place settings in the next few weekends. Then, the books and wreaths will come next with the aid of my mother. The pew decor will be easy. So.... we will see if they all get done or we have an f*** it moment closer to time.

3 months tomorrow!!

Shower

2009-09-15T11:02:00.004-04:00

We went to TN this weekend for a shower that my mom and matron of honor threw for us. We had a blast on Saturday, but ended up so worn out from it we fell asleep for most of the second half of the Vols game. (They lost anyway... sad day.)

We ended up getting lots of really nice presents. Some of our favorites: a tall, rolling, rubbermaid laundry hamper, a vintage book from my old grammar school, gorgeous dishes, and turquoise Paula Dean pots and pans! Love.

My mother asked everyone to bring their favorite book as well for us to have. We got some interesting titles. It will be fun to read them. I really loved the Skinny Bitch in the Kitchen cookbook and Sophie's World.

Although the sweetest and most heart felt present was from my aunt Charlotte (who is the front office secretary at my old elementary school) who managed to rescue some books from the old school (they remodeled when I was in 4th grade) and gave us one of those! It's a lovely children's book called Peppermint Lane and I can't wait to share it with our kids someday!!

Our favorite part was seeing old friends (my best friend from high school and my best friend from college both came!) and family (my dad came!). We talked and laughed the afternoon away.

*image from author's private collection, taken by Ricky Moore.

My dress and 100 days

2009-09-09T09:34:00.002-04:00

It is officially, today, 100 days until our wedding.

I am excited beyond measure. Most it comes from the fact that I feel like a bride today. I got my dress yesterday in the mail from the wonderful Chrissy Wai-Ching!!

I know I told you yesterday I got my dress. Some of you will want to be surprised. So, if you do... I'd suggest not clicking on the link. However, if you don't give a crap about surprises...

you can see pictures of the dress.. (not on me)
here.

Dress!!!

2009-09-08T17:59:00.001-04:00

I got my dress today!!! It’s so perfect.

More later, pictures this weekend!

Blog Anniversary

2009-09-02T07:38:00.000-04:00

I knew it was coming soon, but I didn't know the date. But my little blog is now a year old!!

Happy Birthday!

Random bits of thoughts

2009-09-02T03:51:00.000-04:00

I love fall and I am ready for the change of seasons for many reasons. I love the crisp cool air, the rain that never seems to end here, the changing colors on the trees, the sickly sweet smell of decay (dead leaves) in the air, the foods (soups/chilies/warm), football, and mostly the start of school and Halloween (my favorite holiday).

But after fall, comes winter and with winter… our wedding day. Which the closer it looms the more I am looking forward to and the more I have to do. I know that there are so many things that I am doing early and maybe out of sequence. But it’s the way that feels natural to us. Yes, I would like to have my hair trial at the end of September. Why? I don’t know. I just do. I think it comes with the territory that right now I am hating my long locks (my stylist and Jonathon refuse to let me cut it until December 19th at the earliest) and if I see something tangible I won’t want to cut it so badly.

With my to do list seemingly to shrink (thank heavens) and more time can be devoted to enjoying friends, family and the process. Our first shower is next weekend. I am looking forward to the shower, and not for the gifts. I can’t wait to see some people that I know will be there. Friends and family members I haven’t gotten to see in the past few months.

I guess what I’m saying is… enjoy the process… no matter how early you are doing things, or in what order.. the point is… the process of planning a wedding is a preparation for you (and your boy) to find bliss. Engagements shouldn’t be tangled webs of problems. Don’t feel bad or think you are wrong or strange if you do something out of The Knot’s sequence of events or Martha’s master plan. You are not Martha!

Cool Dress Idea.

2009-09-01T16:31:00.000-04:00

I wish I had thought of this! I love my dress (which I still haven't seen yet!), but I wanted a short dress as well. This would have been a great idea.

from Rock and Roll Bride.

Love is…

2009-08-24T07:47:00.001-04:00

… always getting his back. Even if that just means covering it up at 4 o’clock in the morning when he’s cold and doesn’t realize it. Or taking his side in an argument. Because you are a team and the more you remember that the happier you will be as a couple. Plus, he’ll get your back later. I promise you that.

*image found on rock and roll bride.

His smile

2009-08-19T08:46:00.003-04:00

It's been a rough week and it's only Wednesday. Jonathon has had a rougher week in the bookstore. I suppose you know you love someone by the actions you take even when you are going through a rough time too. He stood by me during the possible unemployment issue. So this morning, I got up and made him cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I also burnt him a get pumped up CD to listen to on the way to work. He smiled and laughed the whole way to work and that is what makes it real for me. His smile.

PS. My guilty pleasure during trying times? Starbucks frappuccino in the glass bottle.. which I am drinking right now at my desk.

Hope you have a good day!

Busy Week

2009-08-16T11:52:00.002-04:00

I've had a busy few weeks over here. First off, I applied for graduate school. Then, we ordered a new laptop for said graduate school. Then, on Monday we headed to TN in the midst of a busy week at work to buy a new Honda Civic (which hasn't been named yet). The last student orientation program was this weekend on top of registration and check-in for old students. It was a mass of long hours, lots of talking to students and parents. PLUS, finding out I have a more permanent job was incredibly helpful.

However, life has gotten in the way of wedding plans which I am actually grateful for. I have been tired of being boring and talking nonstop about our wedding. It's about 4 months out now and people are getting excited, showers are being planned, invitations are being prepared, dresses should be arriving soon, diy projects are becoming more important, and the details are all starting to flow through the mix.

Everything seems to be moving so fast. Fall is fast approaching (thank god! I am ready for fall and cool air, changing leaves, fall tv, and football!) and it couldn't be more welcomed. I am so excited and full of life right now... if just a bit tired.

Our new baby

2009-08-12T19:23:00.001-04:00

The past few days have been long and mildly traumatic, but this sweet little ride is now mine and Jonathon’s new baby. Isn’t he beautiful?

I love the new ride even though I will miss the truck. It was a good truck and there were many memories in the truck. I fell in love with Jonathon in that truck.

Style Circle

2009-08-08T22:40:00.001-04:00

I am having fun playing with the tools over at Style Me Pretty’s Style Circle. While it’s not open to the general public yet, and I am just testing it.. I thought I’d share a lovely inspiration board with you.

I made this inspiration board.

La Dolce Vita

2009-08-07T13:19:00.001-04:00

I love my life. I have been blessed on so many levels. Today, I found out that I have a job! My job would have ended next week, but they offered me a permanent position. I am so thankful for all of the blessings I have received.

To top off my good news, I had a 2 large heirloom tomatoes and amazing mozzarella in a lovely Caprese salad. And finished it with a few squares of hazelnut chocolates. Yum.

And we are getting a new laptop. It should be here in a few hours.

Life is good.

2009-08-02T11:57:00.000-04:00

These days I’m sifting through ideas left and right. Things that are small that have been put off until a later date and that later date is now. We have about 4 months (okay and a half) left to go before the wedding and I am picking up ideas and putting them down like shirts at Macy’s looking for the right ones. There are many ideas that we have held onto and will take them with us when we check out, but others that we liked have been replaced with ruffle tops we like better.

Ideas we looked at and put back on the shelf:
1. Digital scrapbook/guestbook – we loved the idea of this, but I just don’t have the time to devote to it and make it wonderful right now with all the other diy projects we have going on, my job, life, planning my sister in law’s wedding, and grad school.

2. Wishes jars or similar – I didn’t want to overwhelm my guests with hoops they had to jump through. I really wanted our reception to be a laid back, family dinner. I wanted to be able to see my guests, talk to each of them, get pictures with them, and be able to spend time with the people we love.

3. How we know everyone chart – I liked the idea, but I wasn’t sure how to display it. Although, now I am reconsidering this and putting it in the program. Okay, maybe, but only if I have time.

4.Games – for the guests to play… see my answer for 2.

5.Traditional Wedding stuff – no unity candle, that didn’t resonate true to either of us instead we have opted for a candle light ceremony. No ultra cheesy heard a thousand times songs (ie: Bless the Broken Road!). In fact, my entrance song is so unique… I’m waiting until after the wedding to tell you. No real bouquet or garter toss. Instead we are giving those items (or something similar) to friends that we know should have something special. No punch!

Ideas we loved and kept to wear on that day:
1. DIY photobooth – We work on a college campus and JRock runs the bookstore. So he has college kids working for him. One of my favorite employees of his is a blast to be around. She’s fun, spunky, crazy awesome. She is doing the camera manning for pizza. Seriously a great deal and it will be fun to see those pictures of our family and friends.

2.Quaker style marriage certificate – We really wanted something special for our marriage certificate that was beautiful, one of a kind, meaningful, and had some sort of resonance for our guests and us. It lets them know that we are accountable for this marriage. They know we have said we would go through the trenches to make this marriage last and not be a statistic and says to them… we know you know and you have to be our support community and help us through all the trials. It really meant quite a bit to us.

3. Knowing our officiant – JRock and I both had our officiant in class. He was my work study advisor. He really connected with me and he is someone we both know, love, and admire. We were glad that he accepted our request. He really is a great man.

4. Good food we LIKE – We went with foods we already know we love. Regional favorites that make our mouth water. True northern Italian pizza from a local pizzeria, desserts made by the hands of our family, true comfort lasagna, handmade breadsticks, cookies and milk. It’s not fancy, but it sure tastes good.

5.Small guest list – we have a max of 60 and we like it that way. It means we get to spend time with our guest rather than smiling across the crowded room at them. Plus, we are having a big reception in our home town for our family and friends who couldn’t come and that is pot luck and wonderful.

6. Cultural Elements - Menhdi, UT football (it is cultural in the South), books, and things. It is a truly unique and personal wedding.

Invitation Suite

2009-07-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

I am putting the finishing touches on our invitation suite. I was torn. I really wanted to diy our invitations, but I really wanted letterpress. So to save money and compromise…. I ordered our main invitation and envelope in letterpress. You have seen them.

Then, I made our hotel and area information sheet, the RSVP, the RSVP instruction card, the photo upload information card, our rehearsal dinner invitation, and finally our after party invitation.

It’s taken me months and I’m still not done. Everything is done but the RSVP which is taking forever since they each have to be hand typed. Our RSVP mimics out Save the Dates.

I have had a blast doing them, but I seriously want to warn brides. If you do not have the time or patience to print, design, cut, and man handle all your invitation pieces…. get the set.

Sorry for the horrible quality of the picture. I’m waiting to let Nikki get the best picture of all of this madness.

Cleanup

2009-07-30T14:44:00.000-04:00

I also wanted to give you a list of things I have been working on the past few weeks.

- We went to look at tuxes. We found some that we liked. I think Jonathon will get it even though it is about $160. We think that we will put the boys in classic black suits (except Jonathon) who will wear ivory.

- I have taken care of my videography problem. Jonathon’s family friend is going to do it for us. It won’t be professional, but we can get it edited later.

- We are ordering a Quaker style marriage certificate. I am having it made, but I’m not sure by whom yet.

- I set out some feeler emails to some henna artists. I just have to find one that I like now.

- I have all of my wedding jewelry. I have my earrings, my necklace, my bracelets, and all that jazz. I still need to find lingerie, gloves, and hose.

- My wedding dress should be here in a few weeks. I am pretty excited about that. And my rehearsal dress should be here next week. I’m pretty excited about all of that.

Wedding earrings

2009-07-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

These beautiful little orange and white cameo earrings are my wedding earrings. I got them from etsy for $4! Quite a bargain. I wanted to mimic the cameo in my necklace with my earrings and I wanted them to be dainty.

Plus, they are so cute? Ne sais pas?

My garter

2009-07-28T14:13:00.000-04:00

My mother got my garter for me for my birthday. And I love it.

I don’t think I have showed it to you yet. It was on sale at One Kings Lane a couple of months ago. I really didn’t want to invest too much into a garter. But I did want one that was nice and not flimsy. It needed to be pretty and make me feel sexy, but not be strange. I saw this one and I had to have it. I’m glad I got it. Thanks mom!

Rehearsal Dress

2009-07-27T14:15:00.000-04:00

Cindy from lookylu clothing is making my rehearsal dress as you know. And this was some of the options. I have opted for no trim around the bottom, just a normal white trim and the plain orange ribbon in the ruffle. There were actually many more options, but I just wanted to get the whole dress and the ruffle I like on it.

Cindy is incredible to work with. She listens to exactly what you need, works fast, asks for feedback and is all around awesome. If you want a sexy, flirty, fun and completely custom dress made…. go to etsy and lookylu.

Sorry

2009-07-26T11:48:00.001-04:00

I have been a bad blogger lately. In my defense, I have been very sick. I got taken out by a peace lily. I did not know I was allergic to Sasquatch when we brought her home. She took me down with a massive sinus infection that involved swelling lymph nodes and other icky stuff. I am better now. The past few days have been busy on the wedding front and I thought I would share a few things with you.

If you will stick with me this week, you will be in for some wedding overload.

I should also mention that I am now planning another wedding as well. This other wedding is my soon to be sister in law, Kourtney. Her wedding is the complete opposite of mine. It’s going to be fun.

150

2009-07-21T14:00:00.001-04:00

Today is

150 days

until our wedding!

Necklace

2009-07-14T10:01:00.001-04:00

I am in love with my wedding necklace. I really am. I love the blue. I love the baroque nature of it. I love how it reminds me of my great- grandmother. Thus I thought I would share few pictures of it with you.

In sickness and in health

2009-07-14T09:44:00.001-04:00

It seems like since our move to NC, Jonathon and I have been sick quite a bit. He had an appendectomy and strep throat. The stress from SACS work caused me to have shingles and I have just got over…. well the doctor wasn’t sure what I had but she gave me some antibiotics and a steroid shot yesterday.

I’m gonna be honest the last two days I asked Jonathon if I was going to die. I have over 103 degree temps and I could barely breath, my heart rate was 133 and my blood pressure low. It was not pretty. However, I went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me a shot and some of the strongest antibiotics (and most expensive on average $14 a pill!!) zithromax since I’m allergic to penicillin.

Today, I feel at about 75%. I don’t feel like I’m going to die, my pulse is stable, blood pressure is good and my temp is 98.2.

I think a lot of our problems stems from the fact that we are work whores. I worked 6 days last week and almost 50 hours. Jonathon routinely does that, but we work with college kids who can’t help that they are constantly germy. Added to that is not having friends our own age here. Most of the residents in this area are retired. Then the college kids are 17-19. So, no one in the mid 20’s range for us to hang out with.

Anyway. I hope everyone is well.

Epiphany

2009-07-02T22:38:00.004-04:00

Wedding aside, I love Jonathon. I love that right now we have a ton of things to accomplish before going home to Tennessee to see our family, my bridesmaids, and all the people I care about for the fourth... I love that with my migraine from heck and all my being worn out from work, he came in and massaged my head and neck to try to get rid of my headache.

This is why you get married. To have someone who cares about you enough to massage away your migraine (which he always does for me) and to cuddle you when you feel like crying and to give you a squeeze when you are nervous and eat lunch with you and steal your blankets at night and to hold you when you have a nightmare and vice versa. Marriage isn't about anything other than letting one person know that you love them and have such a stake in their life that you would like to share the small things and the big things and cry and laugh and hold hands when you walk to the mailbox and watch stupid movies and play mini golf and look forward to see the new Harry Potter movie together. You want to be able to wake up and go to sleep knowing that someone is there to get your back, fight your battles, and sometimes just admit defeat with you.

I need Jonathon in my life like an alcoholic needs booze. He's amazing and smart and he listens and takes care of me and I try to do the same for him. We make a great team. So... even though I am giddy at the thought of seeing my dress.... I am more giddy because that man of my dreams will be standing at the altar and smiling at me like I am the most beautiful woman in the world... because he truly believes that... and because he is the guy I want to stand beside forever. And he makes mean naan.

Dress Update!

2009-07-02T20:41:00.001-04:00

I am so excited today! I emailed Chrissy about my dress since I was checking in with my lovely wedding fairies. And she got back to me and said that my dress is gorgeous and she should be ready to ship it at the end of the month! *squee*

For those who don’t remember this is my dress and it is being made by the fabulous Chrissy Wai-Ching!

She is also making my veil! I can’t wait to see them.

Anniversary

2009-06-23T21:15:00.001-04:00

Today, is an anniversary of sorts for Jonathon and I. We celebrated in style. We had great Italian food at a nice little cafe. We shopped (but didn’t buy anything) at expensive antique stores, went to see Year One, and played mini-golf.

Today was a day away from my normal life. My life that has been depressing me lately. No job as of yet. I didn’t get the job I interviewed for. They went with someone who had more experience and I haven’t heard anything back from the latest resume I turned it. Depressing job market … especially in the middle of nowhere, but today was good.

Here’s a sneak peak of what is coming in future blog posts when I finish my temp job (which is surprisingly hectic).

My something blue. My choker. Pretty.

My mood

2009-06-22T09:42:00.001-04:00

Today, the only words I have to say are:

"Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically. The cataclysm has happened, we are among the ruins, we start to build up new little habitats, to have new little hopes. It is rather hard work: there is now no smooth road into the future: but we go round, or scramble over the obstacles. We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen."
D.H. Lawrence

Personal

2009-06-15T08:25:00.001-04:00

As most of you know, I lost my job earlier in the year due to budget cuts. However, I have been working still with a different department (actually any department) part time. I had applied for another position as well. I did not get that position. However, the head of the department was apparently impressed by me and really wanted to find a spot for me in her budget. She has been working on that. She told me 2 weeks ago that arrangements had been made for me to work part time with her office. However, that fell through. So, I am back to being unemployed come the end of summer.

I am going for a job interview today. I would really love this job. I am praying for a miracle and that I can get this job. When the job first came open I didn’t apply since I thought I had secured a job. It was when I was keeping up with candidates for positions in the school. I know there were more than 50 applicants then. When I asked about it I was told that they had made an offer. That fell through and I was allowed to apply.

Jonathon and I really need this job. Otherwise, our whole financial future is completely uncertain. It’s scary. I’ve been going through periods of hope and period of depression. My psyche is taking a beating. It’s been a rough year for us so far. I am hoping for the best, but expecting the worst.

Nice Things

2009-06-07T14:44:00.001-04:00

I’ve been busy on the wedding front in many ways. Jonathon and I went back to our hometown a few weekends ago. We met with our officiant (Dr. Roberts) and took our flower girl and my future sister in law to lunch. (We also got new cell phones, but that’s aside from the point.)

Hannah, my sweet flower girl, is Jonathon’s cousin. She’s 11, smart, precocious, and fun to be around. She actually said to me “I’m glad you’re marrying Jonathon.” Which made my day. I love Hannah. She’s sweet.

I have also worked on other little things, but my mom got me part of my wedding jewelry for my birthday and my garter. I have to share these two things with you.

My garter mom got on sale. It’s a Mindy Weiss set.

I really wanted a nice garter, but nothing really fancy. We aren’t doing a traditional toss, but we are doing a toss. Basically, Jonathon only has one single guy friend and he is going to give the garter to him instead of tossing it.

The necklace, my mom got from an Indie website called Shana Logic.

I really wanted my something blue (a light blue ribbon choker) to not be wasted or hidden. I happen to love blue and orange together so I opted not to hide it. Instead, I found this lovely cameo (which I love cameos… I have since I was a little girl going through my great- grandmother’s cameos.) So, as another tribute to her and to accentuate my lovely choker I am going to use this. I’ll take it off the blue and put it on my choker. Sigh. So lovely.

So, how are your wedding plans going?

Orange Swatch!!

2009-06-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

I got a swatch of the orange material from my dress from Chrissy!!

I thought you’d like to see it.

It’s a bit brighter than you see there. But it’s so soft and so wonderful and so sigh!

The Dress

2009-06-01T16:56:00.000-04:00

So, annoyed with searching for a beautiful, cute, but not hundreds of dollars dress… I looked at the one place you ask and shall receive. Etsy!

I placed an order on Alchemy and got several bids. Then, a home town – St. Louis fashionista offered to make a dress. She showed me one that she thought would work.

I agreed! And for $58 you can’t beat it.

Here’s the dress. It will be made in white eyelet with orange ruffles and an orange band around the bottom.

I am so smitten with my dress.

LookyLuClothing on Etsy is making it. I’m so smitten.

The Reason

2009-05-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

I think it’s important to remember why you are getting married. Tonight, I am remembering why. Jonathon drew me a hot bubble bath with all the thoughtful extras… including candlelight. Then, he cleaned house while I relaxed away. After a long soak… he brought me hot towels from the dryer.

*sigh*

I have it all. I am the luckiest.

Rehearsal Dress Part 1

2009-05-28T16:09:00.000-04:00

I was getting antsy about my rehearsal dinner/after party dress. I knew what I wanted, but I wasn’t finding anything fabulous. I’m going to show you some of the things I had in mind before I show you my dress and how I found it.

The first dress is from sarah seven, second: I’m not sure, third from here, fourth from here, fifth from etsy and I’m not sure where… please let me know if you know the seller of this pretty thing.

Of course, the lovely Holly Stadler’s “fairest” dress and the Claire Pettibone “breeze” dresses were also in my head.

Calligraphy

2009-05-27T13:53:00.000-04:00

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was working on my calligraphy. I started working on them over the long weekend. It’s a process. I have horrible handwriting anyway. I like them, but I also think that it still looks like a child wrote these. Jonathon and my mother (who love me and are biased) ay that they look amazing.

It’s a process. Jonathon draws a straight line in light pencil for me. Then, I address them practicing each word at a time. Then, going with it. I think I’ll get faster the more I do. Since it’s taking an hour to do each one.

Our envelope with the stamps.

My practice notebook. I don’t want to violate privacy sorry, no addresses!

Stamps: invitations

2009-05-25T14:40:00.000-04:00

These stamps are perfect for our invitations. I saw them and was smitten. I went ahead and ordered 100 of them today. They are perfect.

It plays on the “Queen” and “King” thing that we have going. It says love and it’s got orange in it.

Plus it works with our invitations.

YAY

2009-05-24T21:37:00.001-04:00

We finished addressing our invitations this weekend!!!!

I feel incredible, because one time consuming task is out of the way. I had fun. Jonathon helped me keep all the lines straight and we worked our way through our whole list. It probably took about 40 hours this weekend, but it’s done!!

I’ll upload pictures sometime in the near future. I already have a week of blogs lined up for you. A ton of good wedding things happened this weekend. So, be prepared!

Inspiring + Innovative = Classic

2009-05-22T13:30:00.001-04:00

This beautiful idea from Twig and Thistle. Sigh. I had to repeat the same things you see in so many blogs, but I’ve only seen this twice… and oh my it’s lovely. I’m smitten with paper and I wish I could do this!

Wedding Music

2009-05-19T21:05:00.001-04:00

I’m actually rather excited about some progress that was made this weekend. I had Jonathon held captive on the treadmill and I grabbed my laptop and pinned him down to work on our ceremony music. And it’s done! Four months of trying to pick 3 songs has came to a head.

It’s going to sound strange, but we put so much thought into the music. We hadn’t heard the perfect song for the parents/grandparents, and rest of the bridal party to enter to… until a few weeks ago. There are many great songs that we considered (“Lullaby” by the Dixie Chicks, “Sunsets and Car Crashes” by the Spill Canvas and many others) but in the end we chose…. “1,2,3,4” by Plain White T’s.

Then, the entrance song for me was a bit more difficult. When I was younger I wanted it to be “Everything” by Lifehouse. However, while it is still a beautiful song… it’s not the right pick for us or this wedding. So, I picked a string quartet version of “Grand Theft Autumn” by Fall Out Boy. (PS. If you haven’t heard this and you love FOB… run to your nearest record store and listen to this.) It’s dramatic, significant to us, and beautiful.

Then, our exit song (by this time Jonathon was getting tired of listening to songs that were slow while trying to run) is “All I Want Is You” by Barry Louis Polisar.

Thus, we have picked our ceremony music. I have made a final (okay as final as it can be at this point in lieu of any new wonderful music I might hear) playlist for our prelude music.

Reception music is my next challenge. However, we have decided that during dinner various songs from Harry Potter soundtracks should be played. Thus, a magical evening will transpire. After dinner… who knows for now. And the after party… oh someone will ALWAYS take control of the ipod.

LCL

2009-05-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

“Ours is essentially a tragic age, so we refuse to take it tragically. The cataclysm has happened, we are among the ruins, we start to build up new little habitats, to have new little hopes. It is rather hard work: there is now no smooth road into the future: but we go round, or scramble over the obstacles. We've got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.”

I think D.H Lawrence said it best. This is how I am feeling right now. There has been no tragedy per say. I have been blessed with nothing but good things, great friends, a wonderful mother, and Jonathon.

But this is my favorite you can make it quote and I needed it today. I hope you enjoyed as well.

Sweet Surprise

2009-05-14T12:20:00.004-04:00

Flowers from my boy. The pictures I took of them. So lovely.

Wedding Blahs

2009-05-13T08:20:00.000-04:00

I don’t know about you, but today I am tired of wedding plans. I am tired of weddings. This could be because of family crap, and maybe I will vent about it later. However, today I want to talk about something inspiring.

1. Korres Sage and Thyme face wash. It makes my oily skin feel soft and clean. It’s completely natural, made in Greece and makes me happy.

2. Jonathon, the love of my life who isn’t afraid of my tears, who pulls me close when my heart is breaking and make me feel safe and calm and alive.

3. The Black Dahlia book, which is engrossing, intriguing, shocking, and all out good.

4. Rain, because now the lake looks much better.

Table Names

2009-05-12T10:06:00.000-04:00

Jonathon and I debated on table names for many days. We thought about naming them after places we love, places that are meaningful to us, people we admire, things we have done together, favorite books, places in Harry Potter, people in Harry Potter.

Finally, we decided when we found out that we would have 7 tables to name them after Harry Potter books.

Why? Harry Potter could define us. When I first starting hanging out with Jonathon I knew we both loved Harry Potter. But we went to my aunt’s pool one hot June day and talked about Harry Potter for hours. We’d text each other tricky questions, watch the movies, discuss theories of the last 2 books, and basically just be Harry Potter kids.

So, with Harry being such a big part of our lives we knew we had to include it somewhere. The table names are perfect. We have them all set out and named now. I was wondering how to do the table names. I decided I’d print out the book covers on a heavy cardstock and put up. Then, in the book themed tablescape anyway I’d put that book somewhere.

*Image found on google image search. ** Goblet of Fire is my favorite.

May’s To Do List

2009-05-11T12:49:00.000-04:00

May	Design RSVP
May	Plan Vow Renewal Ceremony
May	Reserve New Zion for VR
May	Get paper for Vow Renewal invitations
May	Get paper for programs invitations
May	Decide how to deal with the videography problem
May	Talk to all re: help (Sandy, Missy, Allison)
May	Work on vows
May	Finish guestbook
May	Make rehearsal invites
May	Make VR Invitations
May	Print RSVP
May	Work on wedding playlists
May	Finish program design
May	Make a list of assignments for all attendants
May	Update guest list spreadsheet as needed
May	Give shower list to hostesses
May	Make a list of must have shots
May	Make a photo dossier for Nikki (people, places)
May	Get disposable cameras for VR
May	Make a list of people to do certain things

Something Old

2009-05-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

This isn’t the best picture of my something old. However, it is the only one I’ve taken. Let me introduce you to my something old.

This broach was my great grandmothers. I loved her very much, and we were very close. She passed away in 2001. I have this of hers. I thought I would have my mother pin it to my bouquet. It’s so gorgeous, truly vintage, and reminds me of playing in her jewelry box as a kid (my favorite activity at her house). And it means I get to have a piece of her with me on that day.

So here’s a list of my things so far: Something old – my great grandma’s broach, Something new – my dress and all that jazz, something blue – my choker, something borrowed – ???.

Cultural Traditions

2009-05-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

Wedding traditions are completely cultural. In America, white dresses are completely common. However, in India the most common color is red. There are many differences (as I bet we all already know) between wedding traditions. Most traditions regarding attire are based on what makes the bride feel beautiful and happy in that culture.

In college, I spent a summer in India. I fell in love with the amazing culture, the people, the religion, and the customs. I got henna when I was in Mumbai. I loved the way it looked on me. The sienna color on my skin is stunning.

It was one thing that I knew I would want at my own wedding. I knew I would want henna. Jonathon wasn’t sold. He is a traditionalist (and a democrat which is odd I know) and he didn’t want me too. However, when he saw how important it was to me he relented. I’m glad because henna does make me feel beautiful. Although, the condition is I must wear gloves at the ceremony.

It’s also traditional to have the groom’s name hidden in the design. Then, he tries to find it. I think I want to incorporate this into our first time seeing each other pictures. I think I’ll be behind the door of the chapel and I’ll stick my hand out for him to find his name and when he does, I’ll let him pull me out from behind the door. Cute? Mais non?

*Top image from Style Me Pretty. The middle images are my own.

Saturday mornings

2009-05-07T18:42:00.000-04:00

I love Saturday mornings. Normally, they are slow and easy. I get to lay in bed and wake up cuddling in Jonathon’s warm arms. It’s so wonderful and comfortable and heavenly. Saturday mornings start with cuddling and forehead kisses. Sweet forehead kisses and sweet kisses melting into warm and sunshine and happiness. I can’t even explain how wonderful it feels in that moment wrapped up with him. It’s one of the times of the day that Jonathon is completely with me and not off thinking about buyback, baseball, or books.

Wedding blogs are great for inspiration. I don’t down them. I have many of them in my Google reader. But they don’t tell you much about marriage. About after the wedding. I once worried about what I would do after the wedding, but as wedding planning has slowed. I know what I will do after the wedding.

I will wake up slowly with my husband on Saturday mornings. I will live my life. I will not fill it up with meaninglessness. I will take pleasure in the warmth of his arms and the sweetness of his kisses. I will write the book I am working on. I will go get my MA and Ph.D. And I will think back on what a beautiful day our wedding was and our wonderful marriage .

Star Wars

2009-05-06T11:25:00.000-04:00

Ummm I’m pretty sure my boy would love to have this?

From Rock and Roll Bride.

Love Songs

2009-05-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

This is a rough draft of my prelude music.

Boys will be boys

2009-05-05T16:56:00.000-04:00

My friend Marsheena has been helping me look around at tux prices. I really like these from Kiss the Groom. Jonathon does as well. But they would have to be in cream. I’m not a big fan of vests or cummerbunds. I really wanted something laid back and chic for the boys.

This is seriously the only picture I’ve found of groom looks that I actually adore. It’d be perfect with their orange ties, pocket squares, and the UT shoes. Seriously.

Marsheena, however, told me that white tuxes usually start at $100. Wow. I knew they would be pricey, but I didn’t know $100. Of course, I did budget for it.

It’s not really time for us to go look at tuxes yet. That will come soon. But I think I like this chic suit more than a tux. Oh, I wish it was here already. Jonathon looks hot in everything!

Oh! I lied. Suspenders?From Green Wedding Shoes.

Rehearsal Dinner Dress

2009-05-04T16:26:00.000-04:00

I am now looking for my rehearsal dinner dress.

Did I tell you my second dress fell through the cracks of a horrible seamstress and I gave up on it?

But the problem with my search for a rehearsal dress is that I love short bubble hem dresses (like the ones to the left.. OMG how cute are they?! I wish I knew who made them. I also wish I remember where I found this picture.) However, my wedding is December in the mountains of NC. Do you know how cold it is here in December? Yeah, it snows in October. Seriously. It’s cold. Now, admittedly the places we will be at are heated, but the trek to the truck may be chilly.

I really want a short dress though. It’s a style matter. I can’t decide if it’s better to suffer for fashion or be warm?

Work and Other non-wedding topics

2009-05-03T19:18:00.001-04:00

This was supposed to be my last week of work. However, I am fortunate that another department has asked me to stay on and help them part time until July 1. I’m happy about this. It gives me more time to find another job and I’m not unemployed yet. However, I have been helping so many people with so much stuff that I haven’t had much time for anything. Plus, this is the 2 weeks where Jonathon and I are on campus until 7 pm every night. So, yeah.

On that thought. I also have been slacking in the wedding department. I have been preoccupied to say the least and so much is done that the only thing left are the small details. I know. Slacking.

However, I have found a nifty feature on my Windows Live Writer. I can write a post when I have time and it will publish it on a set date. This handy feature I plan to put to use sometime soon.

Also, one of my bridesmaid is days if not hours from having her baby. Another one is about to graduate from college. So, we are preparing to go to her graduation. Then, there’s my life is general. It’s so crazy.

Forgive my lack of posts. I am trying to be a better blogger. (Did I mention I am writing a book?)

I’ve got a secret…

2009-04-28T18:38:00.001-04:00

Shh. Come closer and I’ll tell you.

*looks around* I’ve been practicing calligraphy for my invitations.

Yes, me I have been. Me with the horrible chicken scratch writing. People have told me I’d make a great doctor based on my handwriting. So why am I practicing calligraphy? See, it started one night while I was laying awake listening to my boy sawing down an entire rainforest. I often find myself thinking about how to do wedding things different, cheaper, better, still look expensive. This was after I had received my lovely invitations from Peculiar Pair Press and I knew that a label would be a disaster on those stunning envelopes. So, I was pondering how to get the calligraphy part without paying the price.

And it hit me! Okay it was actually Jonathon’s arm sailing into my face at warp speed, but I really did have a great idea. I could pawn it off on my family. I loved this idea for many days. But then again, laying awake listening to the melodious rapture of buzz saws that this probably wouldn’t work considering my family is 2 hours away and the times I am with my family we are always doing stuff. And it hit me (again, yes it was Jonathon’s leg this time… he is a tough person to sleep with) that I should do it.

I thought about much I suck at handwriting, but over many more forests died and limbs flew I thought I would pick a script that I really liked and thought over time I could at least start to make look similar. I chose the freebooter script. (It’s also the script in my header.)

I started practicing with a regular pen. It wasn’t hard really. Jonathon was surprised that I made it so similar. I finally found an orange calligraphy marker tip pen. I bought 3. (They were $2 each!) I got them yesterday and I started practicing. I love it. I don’t think I could ever do and charge, but I would encourage other brides to try it.

I’ll show you a sample after I print out my first invitation.

8 Things

2009-04-22T15:23:00.001-04:00

I wanted to mention 8 things that I love and life would suck without. I know it’s completely off topic, and not even about weddings. However, life is not all about weddings.

Jonathon, my family and friends. Enough said.
Sephora and by sephora I mean makeup. For me, makeup is art therapy on my face.
magazines, anything from Elle Decor to Self to domino (sad face) to GQ (yes GQ in theory I get in for Jonathon… but I’m the one that reads it.)
Books. (I read at least a chapter in a book every day… Jonathon and I read together in bed before we go to sleep.)
America’s next Top Model, Chuck, One Tree Hill, Tudors – the only TV I watch all week.
the color orange
Aussi Moist Shampoo. It is the only thing that tames the beast on my head.
My to do lists… I make them for everything. I checked one off today already. I have one for work, for home, for the wedding. I like to make to do lists.

UT Engagement Session

2009-04-20T20:28:00.002-04:00

My surprise… if you haven’t figured it out… is our second engagement session at UT on the field at Neyland Stadium. I managed to finagle (don’t ask how) it for Jonathon. It was just us and the power T and the 50 yard line and Lane Kiffin for awhile.

Did you know you could hula hoop through the crosswalk at UT?

A sneak peak

2009-04-19T15:07:00.001-04:00

… at my surprise.

I’ll post more of this second engagement set soon. I promise. Yes, that’s right Jonathon and I got to go to Neyland Stadium and have our pictures taken on the field with no one there… except Lane Kiffin and the camera crew for the interview he was doing.

My Top Tips for Planning a Wedding (So Far)

2009-04-16T13:27:00.002-04:00

1. Always include your fiancé. It’s his day too. As a couple, it is your day. Think of his ideas, needs, wants, preferences. Sometimes, this is will not be helpful or you will hate it. But sometimes he will come up with great ideas. (Like say no to the groomsmen in chicken suits unless that’s your thing, but yes to a really cool alternative processional idea.) Men can think outside the box when it comes to weddings. They don’t know and don’t care to know the rules, so they have no qualms about breaking them.

2. Keep an open mind. Not about everything, but most things.

3. You don’t have to visit 15 florists. If someone you know and trust says that so and so is amazing, go see their work. If you like it, why bother going anywhere else? Do you really have that much time or need that much more stress? Seriously?

4. Make the focal point of your wedding the ceremony. I know planners say no focus your energy on the reception because that’s what counts. Seriously? No, what counts is expressing your love for each other. People are coming to see you GET MARRIED not eat, dance, or whatever other reception plans you have. Yes, the party is important, but NOTHING… NOTHING… NOTHING is as important as your vows. Remembering this takes you back you what this day is really all about.

5. Good photography will last you forever.

6. Keep it simple. Do you need to try 45 different cake combos? No. Do you need to see every linen in the building? No. Do you need to see 5 people about a tiara? Do you even need a tiara?

7. Think about your choices. Ask yourself if they reflect you and your man. If not, why the hell is it in your wedding? Because someone somewhere once said you had to do it?

8. The world won’t end if you buck some traditions, but pay close attention to your manners. It’s important to do things correctly. For example, you can address your outer envelopes to Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith or Mr. and Mrs. Smith or The Smiths or Jane and Jon. It doesn’t matter. However, please for the love of god consider people’s feelings. Yes, it is your day, but other people count. Just do what you would normally do in a situation where you need good manners. Heck I get mail now address to Mr. and Mrs. B. And we aren’t married yet.

9. If something small doesn’t go your way, like your bridesmaids are clueless and unhelpful. Shrug it off if it’s not major (major is not showing up to your wedding or other important event without letting you know… minor is not calling you back about ribbon colors) because believe it or not they have lives to and I bet they don’t revolve around you. Does your life revolve around them? Shrug off the small things. You will love your life so much more.

10. Music is sentimental and important. Pick music that feels right to you. Even if it is the Ramones. But for the love of god.. LISTEN TO THE WHOLE SONG! If it’s clearly got a breakup or inappropriate theme (like you are in a church I’m not sure if the Apple Bottom Jeans song is quite the pick for you). Also, unless it was your song and you are dead set on it… please don’t play the same song you’ve heard at every wedding you have been to this year. Example: Bless the Broken Road has been played at EVERY wedding I have been to the last 2 years. We refuse to play it.

Logic Games

2009-04-15T11:42:00.002-04:00

Logic games for the LSAT usually don’t have many complicated rules. Planning your reception seating chart usually sounds like a LSAT logic game.

Aunt Ida won’t sit next to Aunt Paula.

Jessie and Jeremy don’t like Nathan.

Brad and Maggie will only sit next to Becky.

Becky refuses to sit near Bob.

So on and so forth. Or if you are like Jonathon and I, our mothers and fathers hate each other. Nasty divorces and years of resentment have left both parties hating each other. So my mom won’t sit near my dad and Missy and Mike feel the same way. Let’s just say planning a seating arrangement was something I wanted to start early and work on to get just right. Mostly to save the peace. However, I did make some interesting pairings that Jonathon thought were great ideas. I have several “problem” guests who are invited and either is negative about Jonathon or myself but are either friends or family… or mainly one of Jonathon’s groomsmen’s wife hates me. Why? I have no clue. Not a one. So… yeah.

After probably 3 months of finagling¸ I have finally managed to work out my seating chart based on the projected invitees should we have 100% positive RSVPs. That’s a little screen shot of it up there. (Have I mentioned I love using Excel…. for everything? I use it for all my wedding plans. It’s a great tool.) You will also notice I marked out the table names. That's because those are a surprise.

Bow to the Orange

2009-04-14T21:58:00.002-04:00

Let me preface this by saying that is so not me and Jonathon. I’m not that tiny and Jonathon isn’t that bold. LOL.

But every time I tell someone our color scheme (I shy away from “wedding colors” like I do “themes”. I’ll explain more in a bit.) is orange, ivory, and gold I tend to get one of two comments.

1. Oh you must be Vols fans!! (Jonathon is yes, but I picked the color scheme because orange is my favorite color.)

2. A weird fixed (read: dismay, shock, and disapproval) face and nod.

I will say, it’s kind of amusing. Mostly, because sure it is a December wedding and most people would assume I’d say “Oh, red and white, of course!” or “navy and silver” or “ruby and emerald” or some other holiday color scheme. But I love the color orange! And gold and cream with hints of orange is so stunning to me.

I mention this because I notice a ton of people talking about themes or “our colors". And there is nothing wrong with themes or colors. But I think it limits creativity or options. I hesitate when talking about themes because a theme could unify a whole thing… like no color but a carnival theme. I guess, what I am trying to impress upon you is that if you do have a theme make it one that describes BOTH of you as a couple. (Like if Jonathon and I had a theme it would be something like “an orange Indian fairytale book nerd winter ray of sunshine” or some other impossibility. ) Or if you have colors both parties should agree… like if your man hates pink… stay away from pink and pick colors you can agree upon.

*first image from here. second image from …. please let me know. I googled this ages ago and well I didn’t save where it was from.

T minus 5 days

2009-04-14T09:11:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty excited. Yesterday, I confirmed that Jonathon and I could go and take photos at our second engagement location. That is the surprise part. I know I promised a surprise like ages ago, but I had to wait until the right time. The time is this weekend. We are going on Friday to take our second set of engagement pictures. I’m terribly excited. Even though we are just shooting with a couple of friends to save money, it’s still going to be great just because of the location. So, this weekend (Sunday) at the earliest and next week at the latest you will get the surprise. I can’t wait.

My surprise for you was also a surprise for Jonathon. I really wanted to get him something special that would be a lasting memory more than just a material possession. It’s something nice for him. I can’t wait to show you!

I Know That I Am, I am, I am the Luckiest

2009-04-10T11:11:00.001-04:00

I’m sitting here listening through my prelude playlist. I considered every song on my iTunes. I have a 3 hour playlist for the prelude. Same for my postlude. Oops. So I am trying to cull through a lifetime of words that make me think of my fiancé. I truly know that I am the luckiest girl ever. I have a boy who adores me for all that I am and even for things I am not. Good god, that boy is amazing. So, it’s hard to cut back on the songs. And I don’t want to be sappy or play something that has been played a 100 times before.

I do know that I will play some of our songs. We have whole CDs that is “ours”. Heck we might even have a boxed set. So, it’s hard to bring a boxed set into 2 CDS. Plus, music is so important to me and my friends. Music is something we live and breathe. How do you pick?