Sunday, January 15, 2012

Wedded Bliss

It has been FOREVER since I blogged. Sorry! You can't be mad though because I warned you I would be bad at this from the very beginning.  ;)

Since the last time I blogged I started back to school. It, again, has consumed my life. I am dreading this semester. I should actually be studying right now, but I'd rather blog. We are starting with cardiac and I have no desire whatsoever in the subject. I pray that I can stay focused during the next four months so I can cruise through to graduation. I have absolutely zero motivation and the majority of the time would rather be planning my wedding...

Speaking of! Last weekend I went to a bridal expo in Effingham with my mom, sister, and best friend. We had so much fun! I got tons of brochures and business cards and learned so much about what needs to be done for a wedding. Afterwards we made an impulse trip to The Giving Tree, a bridal gown shop in E-ham. While we were there I tried on probably six or seven gowns. Two of which I really liked. One of them had a fitted, beaded top and the bottom had a lace pattern (similar to what I imagined I would wear). I wasn't crazy about the top or the sash and everyone said that you shouldn't try and convince yourself to love it. The other dress was completely satin (nothing like I had imagined wearing) with flower appliques all over the bust and also around the bottom of the dress/train. I couldn't make a decision on either one and felt like I should try on more dresses. We left empty handed.

Not only did I not have a dress... I didn't have anything needed for a wedding. No venue, no DJ, no photographer, no caterer, no minister, and the list goes on and on. Really, I didn't have anything but ideas. Today we went to look at a venue. I booked it. We went and tried on dresses. I bought one. We laughed, we cried. We talked about decorations and ministers. I have a photographer in mind that I am ready to book. I looked up vows and wedding traditions. I am so excited to finally be planning this shindig! It is one thing to be engaged, but it is totally another to be planning the wedding. And although I JUST got started, it feels so good. I cannot wait to marry Derek Jo.

Mark your calendars!
September 1, 2012 at the Castle Finn Winery, Marshall, IL. Let's get ready to party!  :) :) :)

Oh, you're probably dying to know about the dress. Once again, I fell in love with two. One dress made me feel like an absolute princess. The other made me feel sexy/comfortable/fun. I cried in the big ball gown but could tell it wasn't my mom OR sister's favorite. So after walking around in it for a while I decided to try the other back on. I came out and didn't feel much... I couldn't figure out why I wasn't crying? I loved it before. What was going on?! My consultant took me back to the 3-way mirror so I could see it from every angle. After staring at myself for a couple minutes it hit me. The neckline wasn't right. I look so much prettier with a sweetheart neckline. So I dipped the top down a little... THAT WAS IT! Why would I want a princess dress? The fit-and-flare was SO me. I felt so comfortable in it. I walked back out to the main room and told my mom and sister the good news. In David's Bridal tradition they have you touch your veil, ring a bell, and make a wish about your future with the Mr. when you find "the" dress. Let me just say I needed a kleenex at that point! Here is a little preview. Designer, Oleg Cassini. It is strapless, empire waist, fit-and-flare (mermaid), chapel train, lace all over, with beading and flower detail on the bust and hips. It fit like a glove in the store and doesn't even need alterations. I am however having them change the bust. The neckline is straight across and I would like a sweetheart neckline. Can't wait to put it on again. Pictures don't do it justice. You'll have to come and see me walk down the aisle!